SPECIAL EDITION: Happy 1 Year Anniversary Brownstone!

Happy Birthday Brownstone! Today marks our 1 year blogaversary. I can’t believe that a year has gone by already! My baby is growing up so fast...lol. We’re accomplished so much this year. I don’t think you understand how much hard work has gone into this blog! So much planning (a year and a half) went into the actual launch of the site. It’s amazing to see how much Brownstone has grown and to see it slowly maturing into such an amazing resource for you our readers.

Her Story. In my very first post, I introduced Brownstone as a new blog that would empower young African-American girls of color. After growing up with magazines like Teen People and Seventeen that I loved reading, but couldn’t really see myself in; I had a dream to create an outlet that not only represented the interests of black teens but would also serve as voice for your generation. Like our tagline says, it’s about your story, the journey you are taking into womanhood, and the legacy you are creating.

From hair to beauty to relationships, we understand that as girls we may go through the same issues, but as young black women our struggles are different. And rather than ignore that, we choose to acknowledge it! In addition, we strive to highlight the successes of black women. There are so many negative stereotypes in the media regarding black women that we want to empower young girls with positive images and stories of what black woman really can do!

Hopefully by now you have an understanding of my story and why Brownstone is so important. I hope that you will be inspired to share your story with us too, so that we can help each other along our journeys.

Her Journey. Many times, I’ve heard the saying “It's about the journey, not the destination.” I think that I finally get it now that I’ve been actively working on Brownstone for 2 years. Creating and managing a blog is not easy! But when you think about it...nothing worth having is. A lot of time has gone into recruiting writers and thinking of content that is appealing to you girls. Some days have been great and others not so much. But rather than focusing on the long term goals for this project, which is to ultimately turn Brownstone into an online magazine, I’m learning to take the growth of Brownstone day by day. It’s very crucial that we do this right! I’ve seen so many black publications (with similar goals to Brownstone) come and go. Brownstone is here for the long run, so I don’t mind taking my time if that means being known nationally in the future. At the end of the day I’m thankful to say that we’re still here! I’m so proud of what our little blog is becoming :)

In year one, I’ve been most excited about our Brownstone Women’s Spotlight (BWS) that is featured at the end of each month. We introduced BWS back in February as we honored Black History Month. Our goal has been to feature everyday women to show that you don’t have to be a celebrity to be successful. We’ve highlighted some pretty amazing women from Kristin Jones, the White House intern to Nicole Gray, an up and coming sheriff. In addition, recently we’ve had several jr correspondents from Berkeley High School report on popular youth trends in fashion. I’m so excited to see teens interested in writing for Brownstone and hope that more will follow.

Her Legacy. Brownstone is just a piece of the legacy that I want to leave behind. We hope that you have enjoyed the stories we’re shared so far and we look forward to what is to come. Brownstone was created for you, so we definitely want to hear more from our readers in the future. Don’t be afraid to share with us what you like and dislike. Believe me our feelings won’t be hurt! We have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming year: more jr correspondent reporting, exciting features and a NEW website. As Brownstone continues to grow, I hope that a brighter light will shine on the stories of our journeys that will one day become our legacy.

Special Thanks. I personally would like to thank my team of writers: Kyle, Martine, Brittany, and Rebecca. You ladies have been a tremendous help to me over the past year! A special shout out to guest bloggers Nyvia and Chevonne, who have both added a unique point of view to the site. And of course, I would like to acknowledge our other guest bloggers and jr correspondents who have stepped in to make this dream of mine a reality. Thanks to my friends and family who have offered their support and advice. A special thanks to Myshell Tabu who designed the Brownstone logo. Stay tuned...the best is yet to come!

Cheers to Brownstone and many more years of telling “Her Story. Her Journey. Her Legacy.”

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team

Rock Any Trend This Season!

No one wants to be told what to do! Even as teenagers, we struggle with following authority. But yet and still we can accept the fact that someone, such as magazines and fashion blogs, are telling us what trends we should or shouldn’t wear. As teenagers we also already struggle with body image and confidence, so we really don’t need someone to tell us what we need to wear just because it’s in style. I’m not saying that trends are bad and that we shouldn’t keep up with this era’s fashion but we shouldn’t get too consumed with trends that we loose our own individuality. Yes, it feels good to know that you are wearing something that is stylish and is in for the season but it really should all come down to you. (what you like to wear, what makes you feel confident etc) So, this school year and fall season, let's focus on ourselves and developing our own style. And feel confident doing it, as well as incorporating some trends.

The hottest trend that will never go out of style is CONFIDENCE. When a person has confidence they can rock any style and trend and feel good wearing it too. This is something everyone should have and always keep because confidence will always and forever be “in” no matter what season or era it is. As young ladies, we always want to be in style and look good for each season but the most important element of style, besides confidence, is being an individual, as well as choosing clothes that fit our body type. The reason for this is there are trends out there that might be in that 1.) Don't fit your body type 2.) Don’t make you feel confident or 3.) Don’t make you feel comfortable. Therefore it's important to incorporate your own individual style. For example, what you personally like and what makes you feel good/comfortable in with trends that are in this season. So instead of throwing out your favorite t-shirt or old type dyed jeans, incorporate some seasonal trends with them. That way you can keep your favorite piece of clothing and style, while feeling confident as well as being stylish. This is a way for you to keep your individuality instead of getting lost in the cycle of trends. I think that everyone should find that piece of clothing or type of clothing that they like as well as make them feel confident.

Another element of style is to choose trends that you can rock year round. If you choose trends that go with what you already have in closet and you can wear them year round you are less likely to go out and buy trend after trend after trend. Because it’s a constant cycle, that would probably never stay the same. Here are some fall trends (yes, they follow all the style tips I included) that I believe every high school student or young adult should have:

1. Army - The army style is back this fall. I have noticed that a lot of high school students are rocking the army green style jackets as well the cargo pants in army green and cargo colors. This type of style can be worn year round. You can wear the army green with shorts or skirts for summer with sandals or flats, or with worn out jeans for winter. In the fall with boots, as well as spring floral for spring. There are even army style peacoats that can be worn through to fall, winter and spring seasons.

2. Oxfords - This old school trend is coming back these shoes can be worn with just about anything, from shorts to jeans and slacks. I definitely recommend these, they pull any outfit together. Get them in a neutral color such as black or camel colored, to fit right into your wardrobe.

3. Rugged Boots - This is definitely an optional style that not everyone may be comfortable wearing. But these are a transitional shoe that can be worn in the fall and winter with your summer dresses and shorts. These shoes are more casual and laid back even though they have a more edgier feel with them.

4. Scarves - Scarves come in all sorts of lengths, colors and sizes so there are ones out there for everyone’s style. These are always in season and can be worn with anything really and all year round also.

5. Destroyed Denim - This style is still in. If you don’t feel comfortable showing the bare skin that some jeans do show, you can wear nice patterned tights or leggings. This would also be good for the cold fall and winter season.

6. Lace - Lace has become huge in the last year or so, as well as floral. Being that the fall season is coming up lace tights would be more in than lace shirts. But you can make lace for any season. For the fall season you can take your summer shorts or dresses and wear them with lace tights and some sort of closed toe shoe like boots. If you don’t feel comfortable showing skin, which some tights or shirts or dresses do show, you can layer on a darker colored shirt or pair of plain tights underneath it creates a nice contrast also.

These are just some trends, I am quite sure that there are more. But in order to wear any trends we need to have confidence and make sure that we feel comfortable going out and wearing these trends. We should incorporate our own style with trends to make them into our own. So, this school year and this fall season ask yourself, "What do I like to wear? What style of clothing makes me feel confident? What’s going to make me stand out this school year?" Because the hottest trends of all are confidence and individuality. And these trends are always going to be around.

--Jamiah Lashay (Berkeley High School, Age 16)

Jr Correspondent

Back to School Fashion for the Fall

So the new school year has kicked off and you want to look brand new. So of course you go shopping, but for what? Here are some things that you can use to help you complete the style that you are trying to go for. Whether it’s the boho, vintage, edgy, or preppy look you’re going for, these trends will be sure to help you complete it.

CARDIGANS: These will help you create whatever look you're going for. Fill your closet up with these because when you feel like you have nothing to wear you can throw on some skinny jeans a white tank and a solid color cardigan for a simple and cute look. If you want to look a bit more edgy look for cardigans with prints on them. For example, I have a cheetah cardigan I wear when I want to look more edgy. Or maybe you can try a cardigan with zebra stripes. Speaking of stripes any cardigan with stripes can help create a preppy look, especially if you pair it with a button up shirt. If you want to go for the vintage look then you should look for cardigans that are looser on you, and that don’t stop at your hip. Look for them to maybe stop around your thighs.

Solid colored cardis + plain shirts

Cheetah = edgy

Boho look

Preppy or vintage

JEANS: People underestimate what a good pair of jeans can do to an outfit. Today most people are really getting into bleached jeans. These type of jeans are really cute, but be careful not to do too much with it by pairing it up with a really glamorous shirt. You should probably wear these type of jeans with a shirt with a simple pattern on them. A V-neck always works as well as the classic striped shirts. These types of jeans really work out well if you’re going for the edgy look. If you want to appear more vintage you can try really waitsed jeans, these look cute when you wear a cropped shirt, which are also getting really popular. You can also put on a pair of ripped jeans and converse shoes when you feel like you’re going for comfort, because as plain as it sounds, it’s cute and trendy.

JEAN JACKETS: these are wonderful for any style; they go with anything you wear. Dresses, jeans, skirts ANYTHING!! And depending on what you wear it with or what shade of color it is you can make wear for any style.

Urban

Girly

Boho

Bleached Jeans

ACCESSORIES: Girls love their accessories! Why? Because they make the outfit. For all who want to go for the boho look, a head band around your head is the way to go. Today there are all type of head bands with patterns on them. A cute new way to wear them is by putting them over your bangs. However if you trying to reach the preppy look, you can push the head band all the way back. Hats are always cute and best worn when having a bad hair day. Earrings with feathers are in today. Peacock feathers have been a big thing these days. When you wear them with a cardigan or loose shorts you can achieve the boho look.

Headbands

Peacock Feathers

Hats

SHOES: Today many girls are wearing sandals and that is perfect if you want to look more girly. If you want to achieve the boho look, you should look for sandals that are brown or tan, instead of really bright sandals because that would give you a more edgier look or you can try some bright converse, or black boots. Moccasins are the way to go if you want to look more preppy or if you want to look more boho. Shoes at Urban Outfitters have a really good selection of sandals and two toned shoes, as well as oxfords which are getting really popular to wear. Especially if you want to look more edgy.

Converses = girly or edgy (depending on color)

Sandals = edgy or girly

Mocassins = preppy

Here is basically what you need to look more….PREPPY: A colored striped shirt, button down. Make it loose so that you don’t look so uptight. A bright solid color button down, like blue or pink. A fitted, plaid shirt. Look for shirts that have print but not too much like small floral or vertical stripes. Plain skinny jeans, like white or grey and blue. Oxfords, or simple sandals for shoes, and as for accessories you should go with simple pieces like hoop earrings or gold studs.

BOHO: Flowers, fill your closet up with floral, dresses, shirts, skirts. A cute outfit is to tuck in a floral shirt into some khaki shorts or high waisted jeans. You should have the shirt be a little baggy so that it flows over a little. Bleached jeans are always cute with a flowy top Load up with accessories, gold bangles, BIG earrings with feathers on them like the peacock feathers.

EDGY: Printed tees, V-necks, black skinny jeans and ripped jeans is basically all you need to create an edgy look. You could put on hats like beanies or fadoras to look more urban and edgy. Fancy prints like cheetah or zebra cardigans make a big statement, pair it up with a darker colored V-neck (not black) like burgundy, or mustard yellow. Cardigans with stripes also look cute, not just to look edgy but for any style.

So now that you have these essentials you can mix and match whatever style you want to make your look you want for the school year.




-- Shakti Lewis (Berkeley High, Age 16)
Jr Correspondent

Home, Sweet Dorm Room

Moving into a dorm for the first time means you’ll be starting with a clean slate. Granted, it’s a pretty small cube-shaped clean slate, but it’ll be your home away from home for a while, so make it your own. Here are some tips and ideas for decorating your dorm room:

For starters, you’ll need storage, storage, storage. Like I said, your dorm room won’t be all that grand, and you’ll likely be sharing the space with another person and all of your things. Having enough storage for your stuff will be important.

Blue storage ottoman -$19.99 also at Bed Bath & Beyond

Each piece in the Fushia closet storage set - $9.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Plastic Sterilite Cart - $38.99 at Target

Shelving is also a good idea for storing books, DVDs, picture frames, snacks, etc.

5-Shelf bookshelf - $29.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Blue cube storage unit - $19.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Blue shelf tote - $14.99 each at Target

Green shelf tote - $14.99 each at Target

There are endless options for sheets and comforter combinations for your bed. Just be sure to get the extra-long twin sized sheets + comforter and you’re good to go. The full “bed in a bag” may be a good option if you want to just get it all knocked out with one purchase.

Jasmine Bed in a Bag - $59.99 at Target

Purple Bed in a Bag - $79.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

You can also mix and match with separates and accessories.

2 Brown throw pillows - $19.99 for both at Target

Floral blanket - $29.99 at Target

Orange body pillow - $9.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Wamsutta X-Long twin sheet sets - $29.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Rugs also add a nice accent to your dorm room. You may want to go with something a bit more neutral in color so it has more chance of matching both you and your roommate’s styles.

Cream rug - $19.99 at Target

Checkered rug - $39.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Floor lamps are a good way to get brighter or softer lighting (since the actual light in the dorms can sometimes be strong fluorescents, or either too dim). Also, desk lamps are a good idea for the late night study sessions (which will happen. Get ready!).

Black & White Table Lamp - $16.99 at Target

2-head Floor Lamp - $19.99 at Target

5-head Pink Floor Lamp - $34.99 at Target

Yellow Desk Lamp - $9.99 at Target

Comfortable chairs for when you want to watch TV or have company. Butterfly chairs are a good option because they can easily be folded and put away when you don’t necessarily need them.

Black round butterfly chair - $29.99 at Target

Pink butterfly chair - $29.99 at Target

Curtains are always great to add warmth color to the décor. [Just be sure to check your college or university's policies on what you can use on the dorm walls. Some don’t allow nails or screws (or even tape) so that the wall damage is left to a minimum. Be sure you know what you can and can’t use before you mount anything.]

Turquoise clear curtains - $19.99 at Target

Crimson curtains - $24.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Zebra print curtains - $16.99 at Target

And, lastly, here are some miscellaneous decoration and organization ideas.

You may not have a full-length mirror in your room, so a door mirror is a good option.

Door mirror - $14.99 at Target

French Memo Boards are awesome to post up pictures, post cards, mail, and whatever else tickles your fancy. It’s a bit more sophisticated than a corkboard, but serves the same purpose.

French Memo Board - $14.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Door Beads add a little flair to your entryway.

Door beads - $19.99 at Target

Always convenient are the 3M Command hooks. I used them all through college in dorms and off-campus apartments. Those hooks must have about ten million different uses. Keep ‘em handy.

3M Command hooks - $3.49 at Target

I hope this post gave you all some ideas on decorating and organizing your dorm rooms. Have an awesome school year!

-- Chevonne Collins
Guest Blogger