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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
