Dark-Skinned Girls Rock!: AJ

Hey Everyone!

Hope you all are doing lovely and feeling great! Its Monday, so you know its time for another DGR feature!

Today we're featuring the lovely AJ of My African Closet. I came across AJ's blog a while back and I just love her style! I love the beautiful prints she wears...and shes never afraid to rock her clothes with pride!! You can see how great her confidence is by looking through her pictures. AJ also is a fab designer. You can check out some of her designs here at her online store.

 

AJ Taylor

Everybody meet AJ, a 22 year old shop owner, designer, and blogger from London, UK!

 

Describe yourself in 3 words: Eccentric, Determined, and Smiley.

  Tell us about your personal style.

My personal style is very reflective of my roots, how I was brought up, and who I am as a woman. Its very African ethnicity meets old glamour meets modern British quirkiness.

Who are your style icons?

I don't really have any specific style icons but I love old hollywood glamour. I think dressing up in that era was very feminine and classy. I also love British prep and I'm very inspired by that. And of course, I love power dressing.

 

Have you ever struggled with self-identity issues because of your complexion? If so what are some things you did to accept yourself for who you are and love yourself?

Growing up in Africa, every one looked like me so complexion was never really an issue. In fact, being a little darker than most others gave me some sort of advantage. Everyone around me loved my skin. I have been in positions where my color has led to some negativity but I already love the color of my skin so I can't say its ever been an issue.

Do you have any advice for other dark-skinned women that are struggling with accepting themselves because of the color of their skin?
Learn to love who you are because there is a beauty and a purpose to that person. I believe that there is a reason why God made me the way I am and the first step to discovering that purpose is embracing myself. Looking for approval from others will leave you in a bad place. Its not going to be easy but learn to find the beauty in who you are and work on your self from the inside.

 

 What do you like most about being dark-skinned?

Everything looks good against black, so what's not to like?? Moreover, my very African family members always tell me that my dark skin and pink lips are very attractive and should drastically increase my chances of landing a husband. I don't necessarily agree with them but I find it amusing.

See, I told you guys AJ is one confident lady! And I love the way she rocks a red lip! I really like how she said that "looking for approval from others will only leave you in a bad place." We shouldn't care what people think about us. Their opinions should be a non-factor in how we think of ourselves. I too find it amusing that your family members think that you dark skin and pink lips will increase your chances of getting a husband! Lol you gotta love family!   

Don't forget to check out AJ's blog, My African Closet and her online store CJAJ09. You can also catch her tweeting @myafricancloset.

If you're interested in being featured in the DGR! series, email me, cherrie.amore@gmail.com! Dont be shy :)!

EMBRACE YOUR BEAUTY!