It's Quite Clear I'm a Feminist

“A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.” ― Gloria Steinem

It's quite clear that i'm a Feminist. I post about it often enough and debate on the radio long enough to be classified as one. However, i think that many people have misconceptions about what feminism actually is and who feminists really are. When people post on the Internet calling feminists crazy or unnecessary, i feel deeply hurt. I don't think that society truly realizes the importance of this empowering movement and how it's beneficial.

First off, being a feminist does not make you a man hater. This is just the same as saying that being white makes you racist or being Islamic makes you a terrorist. Generalizing a group based on the behaviour of a smaller set doesn't speak to the full picture.  In every group there will be a radical few who take things out of proportion, but that should not define them. I identify myself as a feminist and i don't go around scorning men and nitpicking every thing that they do crying 'sexism'. That doesn't make anything better. Feminism is about seeking equality. It is about women having the ability to live as freely as men do without restriction and without scorn. Equality is the key word, and if you are seeking equality, you cannot promote hatred.

Secondly, feminist don't all look a certain way. When persons think of a feminist, their mind usually paints up a picture of a masculine woman who doesn't wear make-up and rants all the time. Quite frankly, if this was the face of feminism, it would not fully reflect the persons the movement represented. The housewife can be a feminist, the Muslim girl with a hi-jab can be a feminist, the Caribbean girl in her mass costume can be a feminist, the model on the runway can be a feminist, the video vixen can be a feminist, the sex-worker, the girl next door, even the boy around the corner. Weaved, Natural, Bare, or made-up... any man or woman can be a feminist.  Not including these persons greatly limits what the movement stands for. Wearing make-up doesn't make you less of a supporter of equality than the next person... so why does this happen. EQUAL rights for women, that is what this movement is about, and all women from every spectrum should be able to identify with it. 

Thirdly, feminism is not about female domination. Whoever told you that isn't a feminist. Female domination totally negates the purpose of the movement which is equality. It will not promote any positive change as it fosters injustice on the other end of the spectrum. The vox populi of many persons when they think of feminism is female dominance... this isn't the case. We're just looking for equal rights, opportunities, and representation. Female domination would not fix the problem... Feminism is about equality for both males and females, none with more socio-political and economic influence/dominance than the other. Both sexes being able to co-exists freely without friction, hate, and submission to the other.

Persons who state that feminism has not done any good need to re-evaluate everything. Women who aren't feminists should re-evaluate themselves. The fact that I can go to school and have the education to type this post is due to feminism. The fact that my friend can be a female-pastor is due to feminism. The fact that I can give my opinion without being killed is due to feminism. My ability to chose not to be married off at 14 is due to feminism. The fact that i have the ability to vote is due to feminism. The fact that i can work to provide for myself and have the money to buy my own make-up and not depend on a man is due to feminism. The fact that my brother thinks its okay to cry without feeling 'emasculated' is due to feminism. The fact that i can see both male and female nurses is due to feminism. So much progress has been brought about by this movement and it has the capacity to do so much more.

It's quite clear that i'm a feminist and if everyone was a feminist the world would be a slightly better place.

PRABAL GURUNG - Autumn/Winter 15-16

Even though i am unable to afford anything from this collection, i must admit that i am in love with it. The Autumn/Winter 2015-2016 collection from Prabal Gurung is one of light colours and attractive symmetry. I love the designs, i love the fit... i just love the collection. The patterns just scream Autumn/Winter and the style is also fitting for that time of the year. The execution on the catwalk was wonderful and the style just makes you want to steal the clothes off the models. The mixture of a light wintry palette with warm earthy tones adds to the overall attractiveness of the collection. I must say that the designs were well done on the part of Gurung and I look forward to seeing his spring collection when it debuts. The models also wore really great shoes!! Here is a peep at the collection :)

A/AU - Autumn/Winter Campaign

Loud, vibrant patterns seem to be a staple in the A/Au campaigns and the Autumn/Winter collection is by no means an exception. Asiyami Gold, one of my favorite lifestyle bloggers and instagrammers, is also the designer of her own line A/Au (periodic symbol for gold, isn't she smart :)  )  Her collection is stylish, tasteful and unique. She incorporates an array of earthy visuals in her campaigns as well as African prints that bring out the wild side of any fashion forward woman. Her mixture of loud prints and neutral tones also serve as eye catchers for her clothing. I really adore this collection and as a result decided to share it on my blog. So, Here you go ...

 

Articles from the Asiyami Gold Autumn/Winter Collection can be purchased here.

 

 

Now Listening: Hard Work - Justin Nation + CYN

I identify myself as a cool person, and being a cool person, I've come to know a lot of people who can be deemed just as cool as I am. In 2013, I had the wonderful opportunity to befriend Antiguan musician and visual artist Justin Nation via Instagram. He's such a passionate person and is greatly invested in his art. His debut album, which he has been working on for about far years now, has marinated to perfection and his release party is set to be held soon. One of the singles spinning off of his upcoming album is the song Hard Work. The song talks about the extensive effort that Caribbean locals have to put in to get what they want in life. The music video show cases indigenous scenery and real hard working persons trying to make in the Antigua. The song itself is inspirational and the video only adds to its exceptional message. Have a Listen :)

 




Makai Antigua

Living on an island has its many perks. Beaches, great weather, and even better selections for swim-wear. I've been following Makai Antigua on instagram for a little over a year now, and their wander-filled, beach loving feed is perfect for promoting their brand. Located at #46 Heritage Quay, St. Johns, Antigua, the store offers a lot more than just 'cheeky bikinis' and cover-ups... it truly is a haven and sanctuary for all those who love the beach. Makai is actually Hawaiian meaning "towards the ocean", and i truly believe in the philosophy behind that name. Being an island girl, i am constantly drifting 'towards the ocean' and have a deep rooted love of the sea.

The store sells a wide and unique variety of swim-wear and is a must visit for both tourists and locals alike. You can always guarantee that you'll find a lovely swimsuit that fits your style and makes you look and feel great. They sell quality swim-wear, so you know that you are getting your money's worth when you make a purchase. You can even mix and match tops and bottoms to fit your quirky style. Also, being beach oriented, the store's photos not only focus on the product but the island as well making them a real market engine for Antiguan tourism, as well as showing off the gorgeous beaches and their travels.

Check out Makai Antigua, a boutique featuring swim-wear, cover-ups, jewelry and more for those who belong near the ocean. #46 Heritage Quay, St. Johns, Antigua (268)562-8392

BAKING SODA - Why I Regret Putting It In My Hair

 

Every time I see a blog post about the wonders of baking soda for your hair, I get upset. I thoroughly regret my decision to ever put that powder anywhere near my wonderful fro. I read a post saying that using baking soda cleans your hair and promotes softness as well as moisture. It also advised me to leave it in for a long period of time. How stupid I feel now! Even though my natural hair journey is supposed to be a learning experience based on trial and error, i could have gone without this error. My hair which was thick and luscious,  now feels brittle and weak. This was after 1 use. From afar you may not be able to tell the damage, but my hair is rough to the touch and retains limited moisture.

 

My hair doesn't even shrink as much as it used to, and i welcome shrinkage... So, I'm going to start the process of rebuilding my hair. I will be more careful this time to stay far away from things that most people rave about. Of course I'm not starting again from scratch, but i will repair what i have and do better. I will start with oil washes and deep conditioners to rebuild the protein and moisture of my hair strands... I will post a photo of my baking soda damaged hair and document my progress. If anyone has recommended baking soda to you, turn them down and warn them of the damage that is being done to their hair.