Although I chose the eyewear life, the headwrap life chose me!

Besides the fact that I own a plethora of glasses, I own just as many headwraps, and I love it! My fascination began in 2014 while attending an International Festival with the kids and some close friends in Birmingham. While perusing through the vendors, I saw the most beautiful African fabric laying across a table. The vendor was crowning a patron’s head and I stood in admiration. I wanted to try it. I needed to try it.

The vendor noticed me and told me I was next. I turned my head to look for the person she was talking to, and I found myself standing there alone. She helped me pick out a fabric and began to tell me the history & cultural importance of head wraps. I began to tear up thinking of all the powerful women that came before me and the things each had to endure: the joys, the fears, the endurance, the dreams, the defeat, the achievements - it was so surreal. I quickly forgot how broken I had felt earlier that day. My carried burdens seemed small and irrelevant in comparison to those before me. Once she finished crowning me, I stood staring at myself in the mirror. The confidence I felt the moment I moved by feet - powerful!

Since that day, I researched and studied the importance of wraps. I learned of the different meanings, and the wrap techniques of different African regions. I won’t go into the details of that (do some research for yourself LOL), but I will discuss how easy it is to crown & how powerful it is to wear!

I have studied the variety of crowning techniques. I found that my wraps should reflect my energy for the day, I never wrap the fabric the same - ever! I’m often seen in a top knot or a large knot wrap. I feel the most confident in this type of wrap. The smaller & tighter the wrap means my attitude needed an adjustment - and quick. The bigger & looser the wrap says my confidence is on 200! I can be seen wearing a wrap on bad hair days, deep conditioning days & just for fun! Below are some of my favorite wraps.

THIS WEEK’S EYEWEAR:

FYI: Wraps can be worn ANYWHERE!

For fun: I love to pair wraps with maxi dresses and sneakers during any season. For the switch up in the fall/winter, a pair of booties and a blazer or cardigan can jazz it up. In the spring/summer, a part of short denim shorts, one of my husband’s button-downs and sandals or heels work perfect!

For the office or church: a solid wrap is better for color blocking and statement eye wear. A maxi dress or jeans with a fun top with a minimalist pair of glasses speaks volumes.

Keep in mind, the outfit statement piece is the wrap. Keeping it simple with a printed wrap helps make the wrap stand alone. A solid wrap works best for me when wearing statement eye wear.

All About Alberta:

That 9-5: Depends on the mood. I’ve probably worn these in office twice this year and that’s a lot. Although the oversized frame is fun, the bulkiness is a nuisance.

Girl’s Day Out: Yes, ma’am Pam!

BAE Night: No! My husband hates this pair.

Loungin’: No.

Overall, I give these glasses a 1 out of 5. The frames are fun and definitely a conversation starter but are not comfortable to wear. These frames are not an everyday pair for me. Simple as that!

In many African cultures, headwraps were considered symbols of socioeconomic status, marital status, family lineage, celebration, or mourning. For me, headwraps are crowns of celebration of life of the mothers of my culture and family that came before me. I physically feel more connected. I know I may cover up Justine after one of our many fights, but I think of it as if she’s re-centering me.

My wrapped crown exudes resilience, pride, and self-assurance. From the height, the colors, and prints: I just feel like that girl when wearing a wrap. I feel the same way about the right pair of glasses.

I hope you feel inspired to try a wrap, here’s my favorite shop to purchase and influencers I follow:

• www.wrapperdelights.com - Instagram: @wrapperdelights (You may see a familiar face here).

• www.wrapqueen.com - Instagram: @wrapqns

Until next week and daily on Instagram @_necessory_

Stay safe & wear your mask!

-Keirston