California Redwood Birding Trail

Posts Tagged ‘Black Women’

Hip hop culture is the product of African-Americans incorporating a distinct taste of break-dance, music, graffiti art, beatbox and fashion. In a world that admits to the existence of a thin line that undervalues women and more so, black women, hip hop became their salvation. It has been their self expression, a face they wear with dominating and contagious vibrancy.

What has probably been the most catching with hip hop among the women is their fashion. Aside from the upbeat grooves of their dance, the soul stirring feel of their music, the passion of their graffiti writing and what more there is to the signature homie, the fashion is what really made them distinct. Oversized clothes, baggie jeans, bulky sneakers and flashy urban accessories are quite acceptable for men to wear. But these women fashion accessories has been embraced due to the unique look and hot and sexy appearance it brings.

Hip hop women clothing accessories are identified with a slick, relaxed manly style. The key to this women fashion accessory is not just the funky trainers or trucker caps nor to the hoodies or polo shirts that make them look masculine. It is always the attitude of wearing it. The urban accessories can only imitate a tough and rugged look but the feel of hip hop is how girls bring that impression.

Fashion for women has always been restricted to the prim and proper, the slim cuts, the somehow reserved, the cute, petite and even ranges to the complex, luxurious and extravagant. What hip hop women fashion accessories brought was a new way to present and express the manly them. It generally defies the common gentle and sophisticated nature of women clothing accessories and introduced a more nonchalant parade.

Urban accessories have also changed to fit the more sturdy appearance of women. What is probably the most popular among hip hop women clothing accessories are fitted caps which differ from the usual designs in baseball. It has no elastic or Velcro. They were meant to fit all sizes. Fashion also requires the right footwear which of this trend are sneakers with bright colors and intricate details. Old school foot gear is also preferable with its simple pattern and a sort of grubby look.

Bling-bling are so in with women fashion accessories. The flashy earrings ornament the head along with proud hairdo or a necessary hairpiece. Oversized pendants and elaborate jewelry also a must with women clothing accessories. Loosely fit large-faced watches are also a popular choice as well as the big sunglasses which have really caught on for a long time now.

Hip hop women fashion accessories are the pure impression of the African American culture. It is the shadow of the longing for impartiality. It does not hide under the guise of strength but brings out beauty through the sturdy attitude of the one wearing it. The fashion combined with the music, the dance and the art truly make up the hip hop women.

Throughout the decades, the social significance of black hairstyles has remained a relevant part of black history. Unlike other American cultural trends, black hairstyles represent a significant history and pride amongst black women. Where else does one’s self worth and self image play such a high role in society? When black women enter the salon for a new hairdo, many times they must look at the “whole picture”; considering the social message that they will be sending when walking out of the salon and into black society.

Since the 1400′s, when slaves were brought to the “New World,” they were made to change their hairstyles to more traditional European standards. This included the use of herbs and botanicals that relaxed their coarse hair, giving the appearance of finer hair. Throughout slave times, black women grown accustomed to their European counterparts wore their hair straightened, combed, and parted. Since that time, black women have often been ridiculed for their choices regarding their hair.

In modern day times, black women must choose to conform to Western society and their hairstyles or go for the more natural look. During the late sixties, the “Afro” and more traditional ways of wearing one’s hair made a debut. The image of freedom and pride led the movement for the El Natural look. But it was just that, a trend, that came and went; and in the near future; will most likely come again. However, since that time, more black women have opted for hairstyles that are “Americanized” and project the societal views of beautiful hair. Nothing is more evident of this trend than the huge amounts of money spent yearly on black hairstyles at various salons.

Today, a black woman may spend hundreds of dollars at a salon every week, striving to achieve that perfect hairstyle. Even in the poorest of neighborhoods, hair salons and barbershops that cater to black hair are still thriving. So are these black women abandoning their cultural history and giving into the white man’s ways? Most black women say “no”, it’s not a matter of history or culture, but a matter of looking good and feeling good about one’s self.