Summer Madness

Bathing Suit: Target, Sunglasses: Zara, Photographer: Gary Jupiter

Twas the end of summer approached... I'd taken time to assess my life as of now. This summer has been quite the transition for me; learning so much about myself and how I relate to those around me. I've challenged myself creatively and have pushed myself to limits that I was once afraid to reach. I can physically feel the growth, the maturity, the lessons being learned. This summer I turned 28 (June 23rd). When I was younger I saw things so differently for where I'd be at 28 years old. I saw marriage, children, career in full effect... I saw my life being together and settled. In real life, I couldn't imagine having all of those things in order right now. I used to fear that I wouldn't be the woman I was meant to be by this point in my life. But what I've learned is that I am EXACTLY the woman that I'm meant to be right now. I don't have everything together, I'm not married with children, I don't have my life in order.. But that's okay. I'm enjoying ME and taking life as it comes and quite frankly it feels fucking amazing! In the past I was never the spontaneous adventurous girl. I would never have tried the things I've tried, or put myself out there to meet the awesome people that I've met. And I've come to this realization in a matter of three months. Summers are typically for vacations and relaxation, flings and temporary circumstances. But for me this summer was full of beautiful madness: Nonsense made sensible having my brain draped smoothly over sharp edges of my life. It was a compilation of random, unexpected, fulfilling experiences that have all prepared me for the greatness to come. Risks are to be taken. Changes are to be made. My life is about to get mad crazy and I couldn't be more excited. The goals I have set for myself are now at arms reach and I'm now ready to grab them. May this wild journey continue...             

Independence

Scarf & Shoes: Thrifted by way of Goodwill, Earrings & Bracelet: Aldo, Dress: Buffalo Exchange , Photographed by: Dawn Jefferson (IG: dawniemarie)

in·de·pend·ent [ˌindəˈpendənt] adj. free from outside control; not depending on another's authority.

I am an independent woman. This does not mean that I am anti-male or don't need companionship [men aren't so bad]. It's not because I have natural hair, melanin in my skin, and am quick to voice my personal beliefs [no neck roll needed]. It has no relation to the fact that I prefer to carry my own luggage and open my own doors [I happen to believe chivalry is alive and well]. 

I am an independent woman because I take ownership of my own thoughts and feelings and embrace the power of my femininity. I do not decide what is "in" based on what I'm told or what I see. I don't keep my mouth shut because society expects me to. I make my own judgments. I create my own opportunities. If I were not able to exercise my rights as a black woman in America, then I wouldn't be Christine Marie Hamilton, daughter of Gwen and Leo, spunk by way of Mattie and Myrtle [grandmothers], sass queen supreme, free-spirited, full-hearted, fun-loving lady. This woman is SEEN and HEARD. She keeps the mystery, but leaves little room for interpretation. She's one of a kind, a queen in her own right. She is ME. I know who I am. I love who I am. I own my independence.          

Bubble. Pop. Electric.

Sweater: Missguided, Skirt: Forever XXI, Shoes: DSW, Photographed by Clint Blane (Ig: @clintblane)

Be playful! Be fun! Be bold! 

As an artist I'm naturally attracted to color: 

Colorful people, colorful attitudes, colorful food, colorful colors... 

Certain colors can influence certain moods and thoughts. 

They can bring you back to a special time in your life,

Make you smile, calm you down, or even excite you.

It's fun experimenting with color in your wardrobe.

A pop of color can take a look to the next level and beyond.

Find your inner artist.

Sprinkle your closet with some fun colored pieces. 

Blue leather, red fur, green shoes, purple hat, yellow blouse

Next time you shop, pick a garment in color you rarely wear. 

Live outside the box.  

My favorite colors that pop: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue

*Click here for inquiries about personal shopping/styling rates.

Angelic Rebel

Wardrobe by way of  Blonde. Roots Vintage (Ig: @blonde.roots), Photography by: Arielle Bobb-Willis (@relbw)

“She is free in her wildness, she is a wanderess, a drop of free water. She knows nothing of borders and cares nothing for rules or customs. ‘Time’ for her isn’t something to fight against. Her life flows clean, with passion, like fresh water.”

    As a child, I was quiet. I was shy, kept to myself, and didn’t get into trouble (much). I was afraid of EVERYTHING: roller coasters, dogs, scary movies, roaches (still terrified), etc. I cried at the drop of a hat. My feelings hurt so easily, if you even looked at me funny I'd start tearing up. I’m not sure when it began, but part of me started breaking through those fears, building up that backbone, and going against the grain. You get to a point in life where enough is enough. I wouldn't say that I'm a rebel, but I'm known to be outspoken. I have a tongue as sharp as knives and am always down for a healthy debate. I've taken many risks, dared to be challenged, jumped several leaps of faith...Though deep down, I'm still that timid little girl. There are parts of me that are still so sensitive and soft; Reserved and afraid. But the bigger part of me is like "Girl, just be yourself and LIVE". I have much more to experience, more hurdles to leap, more boundaries to cross. Sometimes, you gotta take a deep breathe, step back, and let The Universe guide you. I'm not saying I'm about to go sky diving or anything, but I do wanna try parasailing. I still don't do roller coasters though...baby steps.

*Click here for inquiries about personal shopping/styling rates.