Yellow There!

There was a time in my life when you couldn’t pay me to wear yellow. I thought my skin was too dark for such a bright color and always felt very unattractive, uncomfortable and insecure wearing it.

I specifically remember an instance in middle school when my dance team picked out new uniforms for a special performance. Each member of the team wore a different color top and when I was told I would have to wear yellow, I cried. Correction: I BAWLED! It had a lot to do with the fact that I was the only Black girl on my dance team—and my entire school—and I felt that I would not only stand out (even more), but that I would stick out as the “ugly one.” My frail middle school self-esteem and extreme cultural isolation made the color yellow my mortal enemy.

But I’m happy to report that is no longer the case!

Photo credit: Hallie Duesenberg

When I saw this gorgeous yellow top from AKIRA, I couldn’t get my hands on it fast enough. It combines all of my favorite things—drama, edge, and spunk! The puff sleeves, off the shoulder cut and long tie really make the top a showstopper. I’m also pretty obsessed with these distressed jeans from Topshop. The fit is amazing! Note: They run pretty small. I’m generally a size 24, but bought a 26 in these. So make sure you size up.

Now, can we talk about this headpiece?! I found it at a gift shop in Playa del Carmen on my recent trip to Fairmont Mayakoba. I originally just planned to use it for a few shots because it was so much fun and complemented my outfit so well, but I fell head over heels in love with in and decided to buy it. I’m not sure when I’ll get the chance to wear it again, but there was just no way I was leaving this beautiful piece of art behind. Not only is the headpiece one of my favorite vacation finds, but this picture is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE OF ALL TIME!!! Special thanks to the talented Hallie Duesenberg!

Needless to say, I’m extremely happy I got over my fear of the color yellow. It’s a gorgeous color that looks amazing on brown skin. I mean, it’s basically the unofficial team color of Team #BlackGirlMagic.

Shop This Look:

Off the Shoulder Wrap – AKIRA (sold out) | Jeans – Topshop | Shoes c/o JustFab | Bag – Patricia Nash | Choker – ALDO