This stopped me in my tracks. Awesome.

- Barbie (Toy Story 3, 2010)

Naomi Ruth Sims (March 30, 1948 – August 1, 2009) was a Black American model, businesswoman and author, and was the first Black-American model to appear on the cover of Ladies' Home Journal, in November 1968. She is said to be the first Black-American supermodel. After a somewhat tumultuous childhood, Naomi was enrolled in foster care in Pittsburgh, PA, where she attended school and was bullied for her height of 5’10” at Westinghouse High School. Sims attended college after winning a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She studied textiles and management and took classes in psychology at NYU in 1966. She had a hard time getting modeling work through established agencies because of racial prejudice. Some agencies told her that her skin was too dark for modeling. She eventually signed with Wilhemina Models agency and appeared on the cover of the October 17, 1969, issue of Life magazine, the first black model to achieve this distinction. #thewholeclosetboutique #womenshistorymonth #styleinspo #beauty #lifestylephotography #vintagefashion #blackblogger #fashion #modelstyle #pamelascloset https://www.instagram.com/p/CMc0XmmgnON/?igshid=z0pb88y3p7ch

Born on July 11,1988 in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, model Joan Smalls-Rodriguez is an Afro-Latina dynamo who became the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder cosmetics and become one of the highest-paid models ever, in addition to winning Model of the year in 2012. In 2013, she entered Forbes magazine's "World's Highest-Paid Models" list for the first time, ranking at number eight with over $3 million in earnings. Joan has been on several covers of Vogue around the world; August 2014 is her sole US Vogue cover. This 5'10 model has also appeared on runways for top brands, including Fendi, Victoria’s Secret, Givenchy, Burberry, and Diane von Furstenberg. Joan is the daughter of an Afro-Irish father and a Puerto Rican mother, and with South Asian, Taino and Spanish ancestry, she's always been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. "The fashion industry has become more open to inclusivity – and to not having just one girl of color or a minority on the runway,” she says. “I remember when I started out, I was [often] the only one that fitted that quota, or there’d be two, or none. Now the industry’s more accepting. I want to see a continuation of it and for it not to be just a phase, like, ‘It’s all about inclusivity, the world wants to be better represented so let’s be on the bandwagon,’ you know? I want it to be because it’s the right thing to do.” This fiercely driven model isn't afraid to speak out and speak her truth and she seems to be well on her way to making even greater changes in the world of fashion. #thewholeclosetboutique #fashionblogger #modelstyle #styleinspo #instafashionblogger #clotheslover #follow #women'shistorymonth #diversity #bipoc #stylecloset #modernfashion #pamelascloset #classic #elegant #leatherpants (at Delaware County, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMTf7cJgXFV/?igshid=g6ew5ype4xkv

https://thewholecloset.company.site/Under-Your-Spell-jumpsuit-p308344061 https://www.instagram.com/p/CMPaMM4giv-/?igshid=qx0r6uyl93mc

Lately I've been absolutely obsessed with Phyllis Hyman. Growing up with her music through the 70's to the 90's, I was always aware that she was a consummate vocalist, but I recently realized her fashion sense was stunning as well. She was known for flamboyant outfits with large shoulder pads, low cut necklines and many kinds of hats. It is said that Queen Latifah borrowed some of her styles. Phyllis Linda Hyman was born on July 6, 1949 in Philadelphia, PA. (My birthday is July 9th, which led to my obsession with her life and career, along with some other commonalities.) Her musical career spanned decades and she was a member of various jazz and R&B groups, before she finally found her groove in a solo musical career. She also excelled as a songwriter and actress, with a leading role on Broadway, in "Sophisticated Ladies" a musical about the music of Duke Ellington, for which she received a Tony Award nomination, and she starred in several other movie roles. She never reached the level of stardom she so desperately wanted, however, although she was much more talented than many other top billed female singers of the time. Sadly, Phyllis Hyman took her own life the afternoon of June 30th, 1995, right before she was to perform at the Apollo theater that evening. Succumbing to a lethal drug overdose, she was 45 years old. Ms. Hyman was always said to have been extremely lonely, and self professed unlucky in love. She also suffered from bipolar disorder. Her suicide is said to have been a result of a combination of her mental disorder and drug and alcohol abuse, neither of which she was ever able to overcome. She left a musical legacy unsurpassed by most, and possessed one of the most beautiful alto tones I've ever heard. Let's take a look at some of the iconic looks this amazing lady showcased on her 6 foot 1 inch frame, and admire her incredible beauty, style and grace. ❤️ #icon #styleinspo #fashionblog #music #vintagefashion #70s #80s #90s #womenofcolor #womensupportingwomen #blackownedbusiness #womenshistorymonth #thewholeclosetboutique (at Delaware County, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMIPhM3AVFw/?igshid=sdl3b3zexr09

Black America defined the 90's with music, dance, hip-hop culture, girl groups, mainstream Black shows, and more. Television shows represented Black America in a big way because of its reach to so many viewers. Shows like Martin, The Cosby Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, A Different World, Sister-Sister and Girlfriends gave viewers a fashion smorgasbord along with the important lessons they imparted each week. In one prime time evening, we could see Black family units from across the nation, from Philadelphia to L.A., and see what it was like to be Black in each of those places. We were able to tune in every week and see Black success and prosperity which gave us hope at that time. The clothing that the characters wore each week helped to tell the story of who they were, and what they were going through. The music of the 90's also gave us beautiful and unique sights and sounds that were unlike anything we had seen and heard before. The outfits that were worn also told a story or sent a message, such as the condoms that the group TLC wore throughout their clothing to send the message of safe sex during the middle of the AIDS epidemic. Black female groups were very popular at this time and their many styles began to be emulated in street styles. Women began wearing crop tops, hip hugging jeans, fitted dresses, sheer fabrics, intricate detailing and denim in styles. Black women's flair showed the awareness of their sexuality and allowed them to show their femininity in brand new ways. The average woman began to emulate their favorite tv stars or music artist's fashions, and began to tell their own stories through their wardrobes. But the garments did more than tell a story, they showed that Black people are complex, diverse and as multi-layered as anyone from any other ethnic group, which is a powerful statement indeed. Black women throughout the decades have created their own path and carved out their own unique fashion niche. It's been my goal throughout Black History Month to show you a little bit of this fascinating piece of our history. I hope I've accomplished that goal. #fashionblog #thewholeclosetboutique #vintageaesthetic (at Delaware County, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL2wF2LAVp3/?igshid=1au26izdmwnqz

1900's The fashion for black women depended on both geographic location as well as socioeconomic status.The clothing of the time featured ruffles, full sleeves, long feather style skirts, brimmed hats and formal collars, particularly for women in the South. #1900sfashion #the1900s #blackvintagefashion #vintageblack #blackhistory #styleinspo #thewholeclosetboutique #blacksmallbusiness (at Delaware County, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZvStjAPk0/?igshid=19j6l1d86vdn1

1910 By the beginning of 1910, women had begun leaving behind the tight corseted looks, and gravitating toward a more straight line look. The ruffles and flounce were gone, and hobble skirts started to become the "in thing". They were wearing more tailored garments, ankle length shirts and dresses and fitted blouses and jackets. There also began to be a shift toward more masculine looks as the woman's suffrage movement was beginning and women were demanding equality. #the1900s #vintageaesthetic #vintageshopping #blacksmallbusinessowner #thewholeclosetboutique #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth2021 https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZvdIOgCjX/?igshid=eu5uacv8mlnu

Here are some modern pieces that I carry, which are inspired by the 1900's. They feature ruffled, high neck designs with puffy sleeves and lace accents, as well as wide brim hats that were also popular in that era. https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZv1CTg6b-/?igshid=18u4ux3mmk0eu

Here are some 2021 pieces reminiscent of 1910. Notice the black and white color story and the menswear inspiration. Which styles do you like? What would you wear?

(By the way, I can get anything you see in my posts.) #1910sfashion #vintagefashions #vintagedressesforsale #vintageblackglamour #thewholeclosetboutique #styleınspo

1920's At beginning of the 1920's, Black people found themselves thrust into a unique place. While they were being exposed to art, media, music and politics, most of them were still not really free to immerse themselves in society. One of the only places they were able to express themselves was in New York, during what was called the Harlem Renaissance. This was a time where middle class Black people were experiencing a fashion identity for the very first time. They were able to obtain luxurious clothing made from silk, satin, fine lace, feathers and fur and put them together in unique and fabulous ways. They put aside the dark clothing they were wearing for bright, colorful pieces, feathered headbands and velvet collars. It was a time of liberation and self pride in Black American fashion. #the1920s #styleinspo #vintagefashions #vintageblackglamour #vintageblackwomen #thewholeclosetboutique #blackhistorymonth (at Delaware County, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZwg2NA4fA/?igshid=1erov14ejmxf5

1920's

Here are some inspired clothing and accessories I can source for you. The Harlem Renaissance and The Great Gatsby are a huge inspiration in modern fashion.#thewholeclosetboutique #the1920slounge #blackhistorymonth2021 #blackbusinesswomen #blacksmallbusiness #blacksmallbusinessowner #styleınspo

Good morning, All!

Today, let's talk about an often forgotten decade in Black American fashion, the 1930's.

This era began with the great Stock Market Crash of 1929. The Great Depression followed, and fashion changed from the high glamour of the 20's, to understated, simple looks so as not to appear wealthy. This was evidenced in the appearance of soft below the knee dresses, often with flowers and prints, thin belts, and small ruffles and bows.

For Black people this was also a time of extreme racial inequalities, with lynchings quadrupled in the span of one year, and the KKK showing record memberships. Black men were targeted, and more Black women were required to work, which affected their style. They wore uniforms and work attire during the week, but arrived in their Sunday best for church. #1930s #vintagefashion #blackownedbusiness #blacksmallbusiness #thegreatdepression #thewholeclosetboutique #stockmarketcrash #blackhistorymonth #styleinspo

1930's Here are some 1930's inspired dresses that I can source for you and will have on my website for purchase. #the1930s #fashion #vintageinspired #blackvintagefashion #thewholeclosetboutique #blackhistory month #shop #follow (at Delaware County, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZxdoFA8z-/?igshid=xif8ulstkaj8

1940's

When you think of the most glamorous periods for fashion, the 1940's don't automatically spring to mind. During most of the decade “the world” was at war, or recovering from the impact of the war on both the population and the economy. Life was a challenge to say the least for the average American family.

World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. During the war, women did not have the luxury of heading out to the shops every time they wanted a new outfit. The attitude was “make do and mend” and clothes were repaired, mended and altered as a matter of course as there was just not the fabric available to make new. Clothes were rationed during the war times and much of the clothing which was available was drab and boring. In the post-War period, glamour came back with a vengeance, and Christian Dior’s “New Look” of 1947 was all about small waists, full skirts, and longer hem lines. #the1940s #thewholeclosetboutique #styleinspo #blackfashion #blackvintage #blacksmallbusiness #styleinfluencer