The "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" Wrap Up (with My In-Laws)

Well, that's it people! The month of February has come and gone.

[the photo]
With March being the month of my wedding anniversary, what better way to wrap things up than with this picture of a stylish couple which also happens to be my in-laws.

They were photographed at a party in the late 1960s. Dad looks so put together (which is still the case to this very day) and Mom looks stunning in her floral suit.  Due to fashion's continual reference to the past, it is no surprise that floral suit remains relevant today. With Spring approaching and floral being a huge trend this year, there are many who would wear that jacket with a tee and jeans or that shift dress with a solid colored blazer or cardigan.

No one knew then that a few years later they would give birth to my future husband. But aren't we glad they did? *smile*

[the wrap up]
Thanks to everyone that submitted photos this year for the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" series. From the candid shots (like here and here) to the sartorial glimpses back into time (like here), I am grateful for those who decided to share a piece of their history with my readers. Because at the end of the day, it's about honoring those who helped us get to where we are today, personally and fashionably.

To view all of the photos (past and present), click HERE and enjoy!

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion: Two Peas in a Stylish Pod

This adorable photo was submitted by my girl (and queen of satire), Kim aka @AGirlAboutStyle.

Read her quick trip down memory lane:

This picture of my cousin Marc and me (age 3) was taken by my cousin Delilah (Marc's mom). 

Marc's pose and smile reminds me of a catalog model.  I always enjoyed going to visit my cousins, they spoiled me and there weren't as many rules at their house. The Soul Sister blacklight painting used to scare me and I remember there were orange and amber beads hanging in the doorway to the living room that I loved running through. This photo makes me smile, I look like I'm on the verge of cracking up. I love the nostalgia. The seventies are so well represented here. Can you dig it? 

We certainly dig it, Kim! Her love affair with style clearly began at a young age. And Marc? That white belt and popped collar shows that his cool sense of style was far beyond his years.   

Two peas in a stylish pod!


P.S. I have officially added that Soul Sister poster to my wishlist.


Click here to view more "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" submissions.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion: The Phi Beta Sigma Ball

This photo was submitted by Attorney Andrea Harvey of Harvey Law Office and dates back to 1974. 

Here is Andrea's description of this definitive moment in time:

This photo was taken of my parents when they were in college. In the Fall of 1974, the chapter of Phi Beta Sigma at Albany State University (then College) campus had a 'ball.' My father, being a Sigma and the coordinator of the event, invited my mother the Freshman, as his date. My mother was so excited- she sewed her own dress. She has always been a seamstress at heart and enjoyed sewing for events such as this. They were so innocent...going to their first formal event together. That next year in June they got married! Since they didn't have a wedding, this is the only "dressed up" photo of them as a couple from that time. 

 

I think it's true "vintage." I mean, come on. My dad has a FLY (literally) bow tie and my mom's hair is reminiscent of Diana Ross and the Supremes. It has always been my favorite photo of them.

Although this image is unrestored, the pertinent details shine through: mom's soft bob hairstyle and colorblocked dress as well as dad's ruffle collar AND cuffs.

So young yet so sharp.

Thanks for sharing this family photo, Andrea!


Click here to view more "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" submissions.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion: Matchy Matchy

I absolutely adore these photos submitted by my Twitter buddy, Tiffany!

Both pictures date back to the early 1970s and feature Tiffany's parents before heading out for one of their many date nights.

From dad's insane sideburns, velvet blazer and patterned ties to mom's plaid bell bottoms and halter dress, I'm not sure what I love most.  Needless to say, they are an extremely handsome couple who obviously likes to color coordinate and dress to the nines.

Now, I only have one question. Can I please get those specs that dad is wearing on the left?!
  

Click here to view more "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" submissions.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion: House Party Hosting

 

This retro photo was submitted by my fellow fashion and music junkie, Lenora.

Read why this is one of her most coveted photos:

So here is one of my most favorite pictures ever. It is of my Grandpa Leonard and Granny circa 1962 at one of the many house parties they would either throw or attend, which I understand was full of dancing and roaring good times. Love everything about this picture, namely how lovely and proud my grandparents looked.  It definitely takes me back to a time when men dressed like men and women dressed like ladies. My Grandpa looks so handsome smiling next to my Granny, who is just beautiful in her belted suit and pearls, so timeless. My Granny was always so glamorous and certainly my very first style icon. I have the fondest memories of playing in all her gorgeous minks and the stunning jewelry on her vanity, much of which I wear to this very day.


Look at Granny working that self-made peplum look! This photo definitely captures the couple's style and charismatic personalities. Oh, what I wouldn't give to a) attend one of those house parties and b) sift through Granny's accessories.

Thanks, Lenora, for sharing a piece of your personal history.

Click here to view more "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" submissions.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion: Candid Moment

 

This vintage photo was submitted by the lovely Aramide (aka Dee Dee) of The Sassy Peach.

Here are her personal thoughts on it:

The pic is of my mom and dad in the '70s when they were very young, newly engaged I believe. My dad, who absolutely loves taking pictures, snapped this one of them in the mirror. I love how it's so natural, not staged and that it seems he kinda caught my mom off guard. Everything about this pic screams vintage to me, my dad's glasses (that hipsters now fashionably wear), the camera and most of all those 'fros! My mom has sadly passed since, which makes this picture that much more important to me. They just look like two young kids playing around and in love! I love it!

And we love it too, Dee Dee! Your parents were indeed a cool couple.

And who said mirror pictures started with social media?



Click here to view more "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" submissions.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion: '70s Style Mavens

What better way to kick off this year's Celebrating Black History Through Fashion series than with a photo of my mom (on the far right) with her sisters!

From my mom's high collared dress to my aunt's pinstriped jumpsuit, the Taylor sisters are working it!!

This has always been one of my favorite photos. One, because my mom and aunts represent all shades of brown. And two, because, although they are color coordinated, each sister's individual style shines through. Of course my mom is wearing red - which is still her favorite color to this day.

This photo is also physical proof of where my love for a belted waist and puff sleeves originated.  Thanks, mom.

I absolutely love these women, not only for helping to shape my personal style but for being fabulous inside and out!

Click here to view more "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion". Feel free to submit your  own photos to blackhistory@chitownfashionista.com.

Submit Your Photos for the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" Series

my great grandfather (2nd from the right) and his brothers

 

With Black History Month approaching, it's that time of year when I ask that you pull out those old family photos for my Celebrating Black History Through Fashion series.

Instead of searching the web for vintage photos, I look to my readers to submit their own photos. The photos must showcase you or your loved ones exuding a distinct sense of style. Since we are celebrating Black History, try to find photos from the 1990s or earlier.

Once you've found that perfect picture, send it, along with a description, to blackhistory@chitownfashionista.com.  In the description, feel free to include either the story surrounding the photo or a tribute to the subject(s) in the photo (click HERE to see past features).

The deadline for submission is February 15, 2012. I can't wait to see what you all submit this year!

I have a couple of goodies up my own sleeve...

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - My final thoughts

Me, at age 4, sitting in the iconic wicker chair (a photography staple in the '80s)


And just like that *snapping fingers*, Black History Month 2011 is officially over. 

I want to give a BIG thanks to all that submitted photos for the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" blog series!!

I really enjoyed the switch this year to reader submissions.  It was an opportunity for all of us to share our favorite family photos and stories. It also allowed us to see how, when it comes to fashion, everything comes full circle - from nautical styles to jumpsuits to pussycat bow blouses. 

The history of black fashion is not necessarily much different from that of any other American demographic. For we are all influenced by the same trends. And that, my friends, is why I love the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" blog series (click HERE to view the entire series).  For it is our similarities that unites us as a people and as a country.

And remember: although Black History month only occurs once a year, you are free to celebrate Black history as well as your own family history 365 days a year.  So, continue to dig out those old photos, share them with family and learn the stories behind them. You will most certainly appreciate the knowledge and self-awareness that you obtain.

As Aristotle said, "knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom".

True indeed, Aristotle. True indeed.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - The Pussycat Bow Blouse

With pussycat bow blouses making a serious comeback (I mean, I had one on just yesterday), I was excited when I received this photo submission from local knit designer, Andrea of LadieLoops!

It is a photo of her mom circa 1979.

Even better than the photo is Andrea's words about her mom:

"Looking at it, you're not able tell. But at the time, my mom was a single mother of five children (ages: nine, eight, six, five, and two). Having five young children limited the places and things that my mom was able to do. So, hardly ever did she go many places. She was not able to tell me exactly where she was going here but, I'd hope that it was some where super fancy, as her pussycat bow blouse and blazer wasn't an everyday ensemble in our household.

I'm proud to say that my mom went on to college and earned three degrees - becoming a successful and inspirational woman."

Thanks, Andrea, for sharing this photo. And kudos to you AND your mom for being amazing women!

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Retro Class Photo

This photo was submitted by personal trainer, Renisha James, of Renewed Fitness. It features her mom, Renee, and dates back to the early 1970s.

I absolutely love the simplicity of her style.  She's a classic beauty.  The neckerchief adds the right amount of color and is the perfect accent to that flawlessly coiffed afro!  She surely would've given my mom a run for her money.


Here's what Renisha had to say about her mom's photo:

"As you can see, she was a total fox back in the day and this is my most favorite picture of her, EVER! Her afro says it all and she always tells me that it took her at least 20 minutes in the morning each day to get it "just right". I really like that she chose a bright pink scarf to accessorize her look. A little mascara on her lashes and some pink lipstick and she was ready for her pictures. Everytime I look at this pic, I'm proud to call her my mom. She was a senior in high school, so she was about 18 years old, which would make this around 1972. "


Thanks for the photo, Renisha!

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Church Fashion

Church has always been the place where we dress to perfection...

This set of photos was provided by fellow blogger and shopaholic, Chandra of MoMoMod.com.



The beautiful couple hugged up in the first picture (dated in the late 1980s) are Chandra's parents. Dad is looking suave in his bow tie but her mom is stealing the show! I simply adore the lace gloves and pillbox hat. Now, I see who is responsible for inspiring Chandra's love for hats and fascinators.

The picture on the left shows Chandra (on the right) with her parents and sister. I love how the girls are wearing nautical-inspired dresses. With nautical being popular in fashion right now, it's pretty amazing to see how trends come full circle every few years.

Clearly the ever popular phrase "You can't know where you are going, unless you know where you have been" applies to life AND fashion. What do you think?




You still have time to submit your family photos for the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" series. Click HERE for details.


Click HERE to see past entries.

*Please note, copyright of images included in the Celebrating Black History Through Fashion blog series belong to the individual that submitted them, unless otherwise stated. Images are not to be used without written permission.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Vintage Love (The Johnson Family)

This set of photos was provided by the lovely Tayo of Tembis Boutique. She starts off by saying, "Of course, being a vintage lover, I love these pics..."



The top two photos show Tayo's mom, Momma Johnson, who's hanging out at a concert on the left and posing at an art gallery on the right. Tayo adds, "So everyone asks how/why I love vintage clothing? Simply put, I get it from my momma." Besides the gorgeous fur and funky afro puffs, I love the emotion her mom is evoking in the first photo. She's clearly having a great time. And that pantsuit on the right?! Lovely.

The bottom two photos show Tayo's grandmother, Granny Johnson. Tayo explains that Granny Johnson "loved wearing hats and pantsuits and showed me how to mix my colors". Don't you just love how she's cocked the hat to the side? She clearly had flair. Go 'head, Granny!

Thanks, Tayo, for submitting such amazing photos.


You still have time to submit your family photos for the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" series. Click HERE for details.


Click HERE to see past entries.

*Please note, copyright of images included in the Celebrating Black History Through Fashion blog series belong to the individual that submitted them, unless otherwise stated. Images are not to be used without written permission.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Swagger (The Estes Brothers)

 

I've decided to kick off this year's "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" blog series with a picture I discovered last year.

This photo is dated in either the late 1920s or early 1930s and features four distinguished and dapper gentlemen. And the best part of it all? They're family! My great grandfather, "Papa Jacob" (second from the right), and his brothers define confidence and  true swagger. Although I never had the opportunity to meet any of them, this picture gives me a strong sense of pride and appreciation to be a descendant of such great men. 

No wonder I'm so into fashion. Clearly, it's in my genes...





You still have time to submit your family photos for the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" series. Click HERE for details.


Click HERE to see past entries.

*Please note, copyright of images included in the Celebrating Black History Through Fashion blog series belong to the individual that submitted them, unless otherwise stated. Images are not to be used without written permission.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion: Reader Participation Requested

Hello all!!

Black History Month is fast approaching and due to the overwhelmingly positive response last year, I've decided to bring back the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" series.   Last year, I scoured the internet to find amazing vintage pictures of blacks showcasing incredible style and swagger. This year, I want YOU, my readers, to participate by sending in photos of your loved ones (check out my parents' prom picture I posted last year).

It's a great opportunity to celebrate Black History Month and honor your loved ones at the same time!

Are you with me?!

If that's a resounding "YES", please email a photo and brief description* to blackhistory@chitownfashionista.com.  The subject(s) in the photo should exude a distinct sense of style.  In the description, feel free to include either the details surrounding the photo or a tribute to the subject(s) in the photo.  The deadline for submission is February 15, 2011.


*Please note that the description will be subject to a final edit by yours truly.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Finale (My Parents & Final Thoughts)

For my final post in this series, I wanted to post a photo of my parents. When I saw this prom picture, I knew this would be the one. They're so very fabulous! Talk about color coordination...LOL! Mom is workin' it with the classic pearl studs to match the pearl trim on her dress. And dad has serious swagger with his textured jacket. I just need to understand why my mom's afro is SO tight!!!


I can't believe February went by so fast!! I've really enjoyed presenting the "Celebrating Black History Through Fashion" series (click here to view all of the posts). When the concept came to me, I never thought it would receive such a huge positive response from my readers...but I'm so glad it did. This series has resulted in an increase in exposure as well as opportunities for ChiTown Fashionista and I have my fashionably fabulous readers to thank for spreading the word.

There are many more photos that I'd love to share but I'll save those for February 2011. Then again, I may post some periodically throughout the year because Black History should be celebrated every month!! Wouldn't you agree?

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Part 11 (Minnie Riperton)

Recent trends: fur vests, floral prints and tie dye.

1970s Minnie Riperton: Been there. Done that.

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Part 10 (Coretta Scott King)

This photo of Coretta Scott King was taken in 1964 while she talked with a fellow parishioner at Ebenezer Baptist Church. All I can say is...

Simply. Beautiful.

*photo courtesy of corbisimages.com

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Part 9 (Bronzeville Ladies)

This is yet another Russell Lee photo - as you can see, I love his work. These women are waiting outside a Bronzeville Episcopal church in 1941. I really do love everything about them. The hats, brooches, gloves and clutch bags scream Sunday-morning glamour. The dress on the woman in the middle, with the puffy shoulders and belted waist, is giving me life!! The suits worn by the other two have such lovely collars. The wide collar on the right is perfect for the oversized flower pin and the fur collar on the left is a lovely frame for the metal brooch worn at the neckline. Looking at this picture, something tells me they KNEW they looked chic. You know how we get when we think we're cute. ;-)






*photo courtesy of bvikkivintage

Celebrating Black History Through Fashion - Part 8 (Fashion Fair Spread)

This Fashion Fair Spread entitled "Fluffy and Feminine" is from the April 1968 issue of Ebony Magazine. I would wear practically everything in this spread today. The tiered dress is perfection. The scalloped detail and puffy sleeves on the hooded dress on the top right are adorable. And how could you not love the dresses on the bottom right?! The neckline, sleeve and shape on both are tres chic!

Which one is your favorite?




*photos courtesy of google books