Looks We Love – Statement Sweatshirts

SLOUCHY, COMFORTABLE, EDGY AND CHIC – we are all about the sweatshirt as fashion statement right now. When done right, a unique sweatshirt adds nonchalant style and goes with everything from denim to leather, from shorts to maxi skirts. There are incredible high end sweatshirts to be purchased for a pretty penny – think Kenzo, or Alexander Wang. For something a bit more unique and unexpected, we recommend Etsy. The megasite for all things handmade has sweatshirts galore for sale – from screenprinted kittens, owls and penguins, to shirts that have been slashed, distressed, studded or appliquéd.

That’s where Quelly Rue Designs can be found. The popular Etsy store is known primarily for cool, Afrocentric jewelry and tote bags and now their Afro Woman Sweatshirts have become a best-selling item. The shirts are handstitched by New York based designer Racquel Dwomoh, and each shirt features the silhouette of a woman whose hair is the shape of the African continent. So much cooler than a kitten with glasses on or yet another owl-emblazoned statement sweatshirt, right?

Contributing Editor, Patrice Grell Yursik is the creator of Afrobella.com, one of the first blogs to celebrate the beauty of natural hair and ladies of all skin tones and sizes. Affectionately called the Godmother of Brown Beauty Blogging, Patrice takes her readers inside unique beauty, fashion and cultural experiences.