OUR SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES #BLACKLIVESMATTER
Full edit: Below (fifth paragraph including this blog post title, regular post resumes below) was the original introduction and flow of this post but in light of the recent tragedies in the U.S. where two black men ( #ALTONSTERLING in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and #PHILANDOCASTILE in Minesotta) lost their lives under the hands, guns and authority of policemen in full and graphic display all over social media, we pause to reflect on these horrific acts of violence and how humanity, in the 21st century, has failed as time and time again.
As we strongly believe that all lives matter, we also support and understand the political and social campaign that is #BLACKLIVESMATTER. As a person of colour, as a minority and as an immigrant to our beloved country, I have been a witness to and at times, been subjected to structural racism. Though it is not in any way the same gravity as others have experience, I know too well the reality of bias, prejudice and bigotry.
RIP #ALTONSTERLING AND #PHILANDOCASTILE – #BLACKLIVESMATTER
While we do not normally publish our political views here, certain circumstances compels us to take a moment and not only reflect on issues that are affecting us today. Personally, to say that I was shocked when I saw these videos and not just in terms of its disturbing and graphic nature is an understatement. It was terrifying to see how easy and fast it is to extinguish a human life – just like that. It was also heartbreaking to realize that those who have sworn to protect and serve are the very same people who killed someone’s son, someone’s father, brother, husband or friend.
Violence begets violence and as we’ve seen in Dallas, more people lost their lives. If we ever think that this in America, this is an isolated incident and this does not affect us in Canada, then we think wrong. It affects us all – black, white, Asians, men, women, children, their issue is our issue. Racism knows no border and while reflection is a must, speaking up is n longer voluntary but mandatory. For silence is compliance. And we do NOT comply when we safety and lives are at stake. #ALLLIVESMATTER #BLACKLIVESMATTER
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK? NON… BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK
As it has admittedly been scorching HOT in the capital this summer (thank you Loooord!), it makes sense to go for outfits with the least amount of heavy and fabric and in the lighter end of the colour spectrum. Which means… black is out.
ONCE YOU GO BLACK… LITTLE BLACK DRESS THAT IS
But to some of us with a relatively black heavy closet, I mean how could you not when black has been proven to be slimming (fact!), tossing out the window during the summer is a NO NO! When all others would say ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, White is the New Black or Insert ANY COLOUR is the New Black, I say nay nay! Black, ladies and gentleman, is the new black!
Photoshoot for KROWD MAGAZINE, Landsdowne Park, Ottawa
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ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK – ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH THIS NETFLIX ORIGINAL?
Though I agree… Black may feel a little severe at times. Speaking of which, have you seen the new season of ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK in Netflix yet?
I have not.
But like many things I fall in love with, I have developed a love and hate relationship with ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, especially from last season’s debatable story line and new character additions. Like many of you, I feel a roller coaster of emotions when it comes to some key characters but one thing is for sure… Piper Chapman is now on my permanent black list!
Little Black Dress- RW&Co., Shoes and Purse, c/o ALDO, Earrings c/o PARK LANE JEWELRY
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Hopefully, the widely anticipated new season will surprise everyone with a comeback so worth the many a sleepless nights spent on ORANGE IS THE NEW BACK marathons. Whether #OITNB will continue to be Netflix’s top shows remains to be seen.
HOW TO WEAR BLACK IN THE SUMMERTIME
One thing is for sure – black isn’t going anywhere this summer. As long as you balance it with lighter fabrics and easy breezy shoes and accessories, you can pull an all-black outfit without looking like Morticia Adams having a heat stroke. With this outfit worn during my photoshoot with Krowd Magazine’s July issue aptly names “ADRENALINE,” I opted for another neutral, this brown structured purse from ALDO and these seriously rockin’ black and white heels that are also from ALDO.
2016 #GGPAA Photos – courtesy of MASHAELL PHOTOGRAPHY
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I know pops of colours are always a go-to colour combination when wearing black but I try to avoid such extreme colour contrast like pairing orange and black to not look like I’m ready for Halloween or yellow and black to not look like a bumblebee.
But then again, nothing wrong with a cute bumblebee!
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