Several things can be stated about the Diary of a Stylish Buxom Beauty blog. I hope the majority of them are positive, but even if they aren’t, I believe one descriptor will be the word honest.

I think it is fair to say I don’t usually write opinion-based posts. I prefer to write in a manner that inspires the reader to ponder over the words and determine their opinion. But that is not happening today.

Over the years, I’ve been labeled as a fashionista. In all honesty, I have more clothes than I need. In most cases, if I see an article of clothing, shoes, a bag, or jewelry I like, I buy it. And one of these occurrences took place in March when I purchased a dress from Anthropologie.

I was drawn to the free-flowing design and bold multi-colored print of the dress. When I purchased it, I thought it would be great to wear to work on Fridays in the spring and early summer. Plus, I already had a pair of Jessica Simpson Pressa sandals that match the dress perfectly. But now the act of buying the dress is in my pile of regrets.

Needless to say, a lot has transpired in the world since March. A global pandemic and worldwide protests are just two topics that have had a huge impact on all of us in varying ways.

The outrage surrounding racial injustice in America has influenced some corporation/business leaders to express their views on the subject. And some organization heads were pressured into “speaking up,” one of those businesses was Anthropologie.

Last week, there was a lot of conversation surrounding the said business. The people behind the brand were accused of being prejudice toward certain ethnic groups. I was disappointed but not surprised when I learned this. I admit I wasn’t completely convinced they were earnestly concerned about making their brand inclusive regarding the plus-size consumer. I say this because plus-size clothing can only be purchased on their website. I inquired about the possibility of this changing twice, but no one has responded to me. But they did provide a “response” to the accusations of being racist.

This “explanation” was an epic fail. I admit I am numb from everything that is happening in this world, but this statement is everything but a statement. Where is the action plan? Where is the declaration that you will investigate the allegations? Do you plan to contact the customers and employees that said racial profiling took place in your stores? How are you supporting and standing with the black community? How are you committed to doing and being better? Furthermore, what does that look like? But more importantly, where is the apology to the customers and employees who expressed feelings of discontent due to unacceptable treatment in your stores?

I am glad I only purchased two of their overpriced garments, which brings me to my fashionista dilemma. It’s no secret that I like clothes and I enjoy shopping. I’m not a millionaire (yet) but I’m not doing too bad either. However, I am not gung-ho on the idea of wasting the money God blesses me with. So, what do I do with the two pieces I purchased from Anthropologie?

I wore the aforementioned dress a few days before the accusations surfaced. But now I don’t know what to do with it or the Anthropologie-labeled romper. I had flashbacks of images of burning Nike products following the Colin Kaepernick ads. But where is the logic in that? How will destroying the clothes hurt the brand? It won’t—they already got my dollars twice. I don’t believe Anthropologie is a brand that truly endorses inclusivity. I do not believe the leaders of the brand want me in their stores because I am a plus-size black woman. However, I do believe they would continue to accept my money, and it is for this reason that I will not purchase from the brand again.

As far as the items I possess, I have a few ideas in mind. I’m not too keen on the idea of donating them because I think the brand has a plus-line solely for increased revenue—and I’m not convinced its leaders aren’t racist. I don’t like the idea of making the clothing available again to someone else. I think I will locate an upcoming designer who could use them to create something unique. Or I could use them as cleaning rags.

Now I’m wondering if I need to stop shopping at Nordstrom…hmmm. I had to give you something to ponder.

Until the next time be you and more important—love you.

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

B.B. 💋