10 Black Bloggers to Follow on Instagram

February 3, 2018


The blogging game has changed considerably since I started mine ten years ago in 2007.  Since then, the rise of “the street style blogger,” has disrupted the fashion industry.  Many of these bloggers have gone on to make millions of dollars thanks to partnerships with fashion houses, beauty brands, automobile companies and online boutiques.  Often times we see these bloggers on press trips, starring in influencer campaigns and getting spreads in some of your favorite fashion magazines.  The only problem though is that a majority of these bloggers featured are white.

With the denouncement of discrimination and lack of representation of people of color in mainstream media – movies, runways, fashion spreads, and awards shows – it’s worth noting that major fashion brands have neglected women of color in their conversations.  Press trips and campaigns are so white cast that it has caused me to take my money elsewhere.  As a blogger, it can oftentimes be discouraging when I see brands pass me over in favor of white influencers.  With that said, I still continue to create content that interests me regardless of whether I get these same opportunities for exposure or not.

I would be biased if I didn’t’ mention the fact that I’ve been slacking when it comes to highlighting and featuring more African American fashion and beauty brands in my posts.  In the next coming weeks, I will be reinventing my blog and redesigning it to align with my grown self.  There will be more curated content centering around my personal style, likes and dislikes instead of what I’ve normally covered here, which has been fashion news and trend reports.

With that said, I want to support my fellow influencers of color, and highlight ten of my favorites.  These Glamazons truly inspire me with their sartorial choices, give me wanderlust and inspire my every day life.


10 GLAMAZONS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM


1. Kahlana Barfield

Kahlana has an enviable closet and as InStyle magazine’s Fashion and Beauty-at-Large editor, her access to designer threads gives me closet envy.  You’re going to gag when you see her glamorous red carpet style and her lust worthy off-duty look.

When you’re missing bae. #StBarths #VillaOUS @wimcovillas

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2. Courtney Quinn

Courtney is not afraid of color, especially living in a city where black is the official dress code. Her Instagram is so vibrant with so much color. It always inspires me to spruce up my look with a dose of color, even on dreary winter days.  I also love her beauty tips and advice on blogging.

 

???? Colorful, bold & unapologetically different ???? these three things totally describe me (do you agree?) and this sweet blood @tocca orange scent that @sephora sent me!!! I’m obsessed ????!!! I’m all about giving my girls great #galentinesday, starting with my long time friend miss @Oliviajeanette_ ???? She’s smart, spicy, stylish & a total super mom ???????????????????? so I picked out a powerful & feminine scent that compliments her personality perfectly ???????? tune in to her feed tomorrow to see! ’Till then, challenging YOU to describe your bff in three words (or emojis) in the comments below ????‍♀️ …  be sure to tag her so she can do you too ???? I can’t wait to read them & meet your besties ☺ I’m kicking things off in the comments for ya, READY GO! #NotFlowers #Ad #tocca #galentines #valentinesday #orange #acolorstory // http://liketk.it/2uuul #liketkit @liketoknow.it

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3. Folake Huntoon

I’ve been obsessed with Folake’s style for over seven years now.  She’s one of the first African bloggers I discovered when I got serious about blogging.  Her style is by far one that is attainable yet modern. I simply love her choice of silhouettes and the accessible pieces she picks.  She also has her own collection, which she often wears as well.

 

Plunging Neckline Shirt Dress. Link in bio for ‘fit details.

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4. Claire Sulmers

Claire is an OG in the blogging world, having created the Fashion Bomb Daily as a voice for the urban fashionista.  Her blog brought red carpet looks to the masses and gave readers options for looks for less.  She has taken her online voice on the road with her Cocktails with Claire series and showcases both established and emerging designers.  Her enviable closet is chockfull of designer pieces that you’ll want to covet.

 

5. Paola Mathé

I discovered Paola when a friend of mind sent me an Instagram clip from her wedding.  I got hooked right away with her soulful and well curated pictures.  She’s so creative and inspires my beauty looks.  Her love of color and headdresses keeps me going back to her page daily.

6. Raye Boyce

I actually started following Raye because of her beauty tutorials on YouTube.  She is such a breath of fresh air and her authentic voice makes this beauty vlogger a must watch.  She breaks down beauty looks to make it easy for the novice to replicate. Her IG feed will make you beauty addict.

Another Day Another Slay ???? Photo by ????: @jveloz @socialebs

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7. Kelly Augustine

I absolutely adore Kelly! She’s one of my favorite plus size fashion bloggers.  She is unapologetically fierce and is a force in the body positive movement.  It doesn’t hurt that she’s also one of the nicest girls I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.  Her IG feed gives me access new designers who have embraced the plus size community and shows off trends that look good on all body types.

8. Monroe Steele

Monroe is one of my favorite fashionistas. Sure she has incredible style but what keeps me hooked to her Instagram feed and her blog are her travel guides and advice on the business of blogging.  She’s also a natural hair blogger and always inspires me to do something different with my hair.  Follow Monroe on all her fabulous adventures, most recently to Morocco, but her trips to Paris and Cuba will inspire you to get away.

9. Jessica Andrews

I’ve known Jessica for a few years now and though we both have blogs with the name “Glamazon” in them, we’ve become friends who party together.  Jessica is such an inspiration because she is an editor at Teen Vogue, creating socially consicous and inclusive fashion and beauty content that women of color can relate to.  Her feed is such an inspiration for those looking to break into the fashion editorial space.

10. Cipriana Quann and Nikisha Brunson

These two girls have been a favorite of mine since I went natural with may hair.  They’re enviable locks and eclectic style is infectious.  They’re also socially conscious!

Knowing who you are and stepping into a world that may not be ready to embrace your differences is not always the easiest but for your self worth it is always the most rewarding. Never be afraid to do you. ▫▫▫ We’ve (@ciprianaquann & @tk_wonder) collaborated with @puma for #doyoustories Read our “Do You” story. • Photo ????: @terrygates ••• Breaking stereotypes and narrowed minded views of what beauty looks like in the world has always been something we’ve strongly addressed. Endeavoring to change the dynamic of beauty for girls and women who are made to feel that the beauty of their skin color, the texture of their hair, their body, their size, their voice or beliefs are not embraced in a world that neglects the beauty of diversity. We’ve had our own experiences amongst those that did not see the texture of our hair as beautiful. We’ve had experiences amongst those that did not see the color of our skin as “marketable” when it came to brands that marketed themselves to everyone. We’ve had experiences speaking about diversity on those who have deaf ears to the topic. We know that many have been witness to the ugliness in a world that is unaccepting of the beautiful differences amongst us. It is through our experiences we know that those who negate the beauty of diversity, those who deny that our differences are what makes us beautiful, do not understand the true meaning of beauty and therefore have no place or say in the representation of it. ▫▫▫ Share your own ‘Do You’ story. 10 contestants will win an exclusive experience with Cara Delevingne and Puma. To enter you can do the below: •Post a photo or video of your own #DoYouStories •Include #DoYouStories and #Contest in the caption of your post •Tag @caradelevingne @puma @pumawomen on your photo •Make sure your profile is public! ▫▫▫ #quannsisters #ad ▫▫▫

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