The African headwrap has become an exotic symbol and fashion statement probably at it's conception. Each headwrap gives the wearer a chance to express Africa and African fashion in their own unique way. However there is much more to the headwrap then the beautiful colors and fascinating style. There is a rich cultural history.
The headwrap originated in sub sahara Africa. It represents spirituality, prosperity and humility. Even men in Africa wear headwraps to symbolize wealth and social status. Headwrapping is literally a way that Africans for centuries have been able to non verbally communicate their place in life. Head wraps also serve as a practical function protecting the head from the rays of the sun. In West Africa headwraps are called Gele in Yoruba, Ichafu in Ibo and turbans in the Middle East. I hope that I have inspired you to go look up some of the other symbols and meanings of this exotic fashion statement.
The ankh is a symbol that is usually associated with Egypt but it was honored throughout Africa. It represents life itself. Signifying wisdom and insight on the highest levels. Fertility is also associated with this sacred symbol. When used as a fertility symbol it represents the union of the masculine and feminine energy which in turn creates life on the physical plane. If we were not fertile we would not be able to create the lives that we live. So fertility can be viewed in many different ways much like the Ankh. On the mental plane it represents the union of the left and right brain or the union of Heaven and Earth. There have been many books written about the Ankh so go out and read about all the interesting things that this beloved African symbol means!
Do you like to shop but need to keep it under control? Well I don’t think your are alone in this love/hate relationship with keeping your wardrobe fly. I have put together 4 basic rules that I follow and want to share with you. Below is my list.
Give yourself a clothing and accessories allowance. You should use 5-10% of your take home pay for your personal and professional wardrobe. Put the money aside each time you get paid. You could even shop every other month that way you will be able to spend more in one go.
Invest in versatile pieces. Look for staples that you can wear to work, at night and on weekends. Like a pair of beige pumps or statement necklace. The key is to look for classic and eccentric pieces that flatter your signature style.
Treat yourself to small luxuries. Little things like lipstick will make you less tempted to splurge on something big outside of your budget. It will still keep your everyday look refreshed and exciting.
Keep track of your progress. Write down where your money is going every month and keep the list somewhere you can see everyday. I actually downloaded an app from the app store earlier this year that I use to budget my family’s monthly bills. It has been a big help since using it my life has been much easier. I included my own personal budget for shopping. It may sound unbelievable but I have been able to shop more this year than I have in the past three years. And it is all because I am budgeting. I hope this inspires you!
I have always been an accessories lover. Some of my high school classmates can share with you how I always loved to have on jewelry and paired them with my outfits each and everyday. As I have moved through many experiences in my life one thing that I definately know about my personal style is that simple outfits work great for me. I pop on a bright colored shirt, jeans or shoes and layer the jewelry. It is so much fun to create from a blank canvas each day. A canvas that is totally my own and it is very liberating. I am sharing this because almost everyone loves African jewelry and clothes but there are still a tiny group who are attracted to it but cannot figure out how to wear it and feel comfortable. If you start creating the look with a simple outfit I am sure that you will come up with some outfits that you like. Remember it's about how you feel, how you want to project your personal style and being at peace with yourself from the inside out.
Jessie Broome modeling Fish Vertabrea & Coral Necklace
From the loving heart and hands of Artist Sheinata Carn-Hall.
Spring is here and since we have just gone thru our spiritual rebirth it's time for us to do the same with our jewelry and wardrobe collection. Fashion is something else but style is something else. It is the distinct way that we speak, act, socialize and dress. It's just a matter of deciding what works best for you? What makes you feel good from the inside out? The idea that I am sharing with you is that the Spring cleaning of the closet is so much deeper than just getting rid of old clothes and jewelry. It's about us consciously releasing things that no longer serve us. My challenge to everyone of you all is to stay connected as closely as you can while you are in the act of it and you will learn a lot about yourselves. Do you purchase things that nurture your inner well-being or do you purchase because it was on the cover of Lucky Magazine? I am a jewelry and clothes designer that specializes in one of a kind African Art Jewelry & Clothes. All of my creations are made with love and the excitement to create. Not to mention I work with all natural and recycled elements. So what I design goes much deeper than looking good for that Spring event. It actually nurtures the mind, body, spirit and emotions. And I promise you that in all the 17 years of creating and selling my designs no one has ever got rid of my jewelry in a Spring cleaning. The reason why is because they heal as well as adorn.
Sheinata Carn-Hall Owner/African Art Jewelry & Clothes Designer @reflectionsafricanjewelryllc
Hi everyone I hope that you are all doing well. It has been awhile since I dropped a blog post. I guess you can say I finally slowed down enuff to smell the roses. The first thing that I want to share is that after 16 years of operating my business at The Charleston City Market I have closed my doors at that location. You can still purchase my work here online at the website and visit my events calendar to see where my pop up shops will be located locally. If you have been one of my long time customers from out of town if visiting Charleston I will be happy to set up a pick up point to hand deliver my African Art to you. My children are growing and I want to be there to experience it. Not to mention spending more time with my husband and mom. Life is such an adventure and we must take time to fully experience it. The Charleston City Market was a great learning environment and all of my wonderful customers everyday made it so much fun. For that I am grateful. Now I am embarking on another journey of evolution and we will see where I end up. I will continue to make new pieces and sell them at www.reflectionsafricanjewelryllc.com. An events category will be added to the site soon so you will be able to see where I am located whenever I do a pop up shop. There are a few other ideas that I have been playing around with in my head. When the time is right I will speak about them. By now I am sure you know that I have added another talent. Sewing. I will be coming out with a few new pieces for Fall/Winter 2016. They will probably be up for sale around Thanksgiving. Pillows and handbags will be added to my collection Spring/Summer 2017 which will be available by March 2017. It's going to be exciting to see what I come up with. Sometimes I surprise myself. Creativity is so liberating! See you soon.
