Dressember

"Clothes aren't going to change the world, the women who wear them will."

- Anne Klein

As we prepare to dive into the month of December and the exciting chaos that comes with the holidays, I have decided to partake in something very exciting this year! As some of you may know, I am very passionate about bringing light to the issue of sex trafficking. This topic gets a fire going in my heart, I want to help in whatever way I can as well as bring awareness to this tragic issue. That is why when I heard about Dressember, something that involves fashion as well as advocating to STOP sex trafficking, I had to get involved immediately. 

So take a moment to read this message from the the lovely Jessica Uhler.

"It has been said that women dress for each other; to impress, to belong. But what if we turned that paradigm on it's head? What if we used something as simple as a dress as a way to help women find dignity and freedom from oppression?

Dressember is a collaborative, worldwide movement to advocate for women who've been exploited for their femininity. Poverty and sexual trafficking affect women and girls worldwide, and participating or supporting Dressember is a way to support the abolition of modern-day slavery.

Can something as simple as pledging to wear a dress for every day in December really do anything? Yes! Dressember is aligned with human rights organization International Justice Mission, which works to rescue victims of sexual slavery, exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. The funds raised will go toward furthering this work.

Watch this TED talk (http://www.dressember.org/thestory/) by the founder of Dressember to learn more. Check out the website for some inspiration and answers to FAQs(http://www.dressember.org/faq/).

HOW CAN I HELP?

Glad you asked- Join our team! We want as many girls and women as possible to join us, using the dress as our flag. We want to make our collective voice as loud as we can and pool our resources and ideas.

You can join us by clicking the link (http://www.dressember.org/participatex/) and signing up under our team, Beauty and Dignity

Let's have fun while making a difference! Xoxo"

So, commit to wearing a dress every day (or even just several days) for the month of December! I know it's cold but that is why I of course have some advice for you ladies on how we can make it bearable. For this blog shoot, I wore a simple, tightly fitted black dress and paired it with a giant cozy scarf from Forever 21, and jean jacket, simple, cozy, keeps you warm, and supports the cause!

Even if you can't commit to wearing a dress everyday for the month of December, then support this movement by donating through this link: https://support.dressemberfoundation.org/fundraise?fcid=562923 to the group I am a part of, Beauty and Dignity, to further this good work.

P.C. Ike&Tash 

Her Success Is Not My Failure

"You can tell who the strong women are. They are the ones you see building one another up instead of tearing each other down." 

- Author Unknown

One of my greatest passions is building up and encouraging other young women. To be real, girls can just be plain nasty sometimes. We're moody, dramatic, and not to mention our monthly gift from Mother Nature does NOT help the situation. As if already having insecurities as young women wasn't enough, we bash on each other, bring each other down, talk behind each other's backs etc. And not only that, but we compare ourselves to one another. Whether it's thinking that "she's a better blogger, a better singer, has prettier hair, better clothes..." the list goes on and on. BUT, we have to know that we all have our own individual purpose, specifically designed for us. HER SUCCESS IS NOT MY FAILURE. When someone in our life succeeds where we do not, that doesn't mean we have failed! It means we should be cheering our sister along, knowing that if she wins, we win too.

I love this whole ideology, and that is why I was so excited to partner up with Latasha Haynes (from Ike&Tash) to support her and join in on this movement; Her Success Is Not My Failure. So instead of only worrying about ourselves and being consumed with our own personal achievements, let's build one another up and support each other in every industry out there.

Join in on this movement with me ladies! Follow @becausehersuccess on Instagram and send me an email at thechicchameleon@gmail.com or message me on Instagram to order and purchase your own t-shirt.   

P.C. Ike&Tash

Blink Conference '15

I think it's safe to say that every attendee to Blink Conference had an unforgettable experience. From the incredible speakers to the talented photographers, we couldn't of asked for a better outcome. As I sit here at the airport reflecting back on this past week/weekend's ventures, I can't help but be thankful that I was able to be a part of this experience.

I am a lucky duck and actually get to fly home with the owner/host of Blink Conference, Latasha Haynes, and guess what? She agreed to give an insider's interview as to how she felt Blink went, what she enjoyed most and what she is looking forward to for next year. So, "ya'll" (yes I picked up on that southern lingo), better hit that subscribe tab and put your email address in so you can get updated when the interview comes out along with photos from the Blink shoots some gorgeous girls and I got to partake in.

I hope ya'll (there it is again), enjoy some of these BTS (behind the scenes) pictures and stay tuned for more to come in the near future.

P.C.

Latasha Haynes - Katelyn James - Amanda Diaz - Spanki Mills - Silver Lane - Jenny Storment