Retro Vibes and an Uncomfortable Truth

From wide legged pants to bell sleeves, the 70s are definitely heavily inspiring this season’s fashion trends. Here’s my take on a retro look that could be straight out of Soul Train.

 

I’ve been wearing this off the shoulder bell sleeved top almost weekly ever since purchasing it at Harlem Fashion Row from black female designer Sammy B. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and pair it with an asymmetrical mini skirt, ankle boots, and a leather choker. Guess I mixed the 90s with the 70s!

Now for my uncomfortable truth. I came REALLY close to not posting any of these pictures, because I am very unhappy with the current state of my body. As someone who not only played sports in high school, but also held the school’s 100m hurdle record at one point, being physically and cardiovascularly fit has always been a priority. Somehow in the past year, I TOTALLY fell off with exercise, so much so to the point that I couldn’t jog the several blocks from my apartment to the train (since I’m always late, African problems).

I could have just allowed myself to continue further down the path of weight gain, but wanting to incorporate more fashion posts + wedding planning has snapped me back into action. I just joined a bootcamp class in Jersey City, and since it costs more money than I am comfortable wasting, I plan on going 3-4 times a week from now until April. My goal is not to lose weight, but to get back into shape such that I don’t have any bulges when I get dressed either for the blog or the big day. I also want to look REALLY really good naked on my wedding night! Like Teyana Taylor good. Except with much less boobage because mine are fickle.

I can’t wait to re-rent this skirt from Rent the Runway in a few months and rock it with smooth lines – don’t be surprised if you see a better version of this outfit in a few months!

Photography: Taylor Carment