Tawny Tribal

As many of you may know, I enjoy acting. Often times we are required to show up dressed for the scene that we are in. We may be required to pull off a formal, casual, or business look. At other times, we may have to dress for a certain time period or region of the world. In these instances, we usually accomplish these looks with costume wardrobe and maybe even a little character makeup. On nearly every set that I've been privileged to be a part of, I've always come hair, wardrobe, and makeup ready - usually impressing the crew members as well as my fellow actors. Through conversation, I've realized that some of the crew members of these various departments, as well as the other actors, seem typically amazed that I own such clothing and that I am able to pull off such looks through my ability to do my own hair an makeup. As a result, I have been encouraged by many of these actors and members of the hair makeup, and wardrobe departments to share my story of how I achieve such looks...especially on such a small budget.

This particular look was inspired by a role in which I had to play a Somalian on a television series on a major network channel. Although I didn't choose this particular outfit for that scene, I still feel that it would have fit perfectly with the setting. Instead, I created my own setting for you guys! First of all, I had to put on my Oscar-winning performance to mask the fact that it was under 30 degrees outside and there I was standing barefoot on a slab of concrete with such a thin piece of material with high slits barely covering me. You can only imagine the looks that I got from people passing by. However, my facial expression had to reflect a warm, sunny day as the photos give that illusion.

For this look, I chose a long tawny dashiki with an embroidered neckline, sleeves, and high side slits that I purchased on sale at the Goodwill for $2.98. Yes, the Goodwill have sales! I added a wooden belt that was given to me to accentuate my high waistline. Around my right ankle, I wore an African shell/rope anklet to go along with the theme. My earrings, that I purchased on clearance from H&M for $3, were shoulder-length with brown and white gazelle stripes and . Of course, it wouldn't be me if I didn't cram numerous bracelets of various styles on both arms. (Believe it or not, I actually have a story for every bracelet that I wear). On my left hand, I wore a wooden ring that I got from Wet Seal years ago and on my right a golden bar ring that I purchased as a set from Forever 21 for $5. On some photos, you will notice that I used a brown oversized scarf that I purchased on sale at Charming Charlie's for $2.99 a couple of years back to accent the metal beams that were used in my background as my scenery.

As for my hair, I sloppily pushed my curly twist-out on top of my head and secured it with a hair band. My makeup was rushed, as I added the accent touch-ups while in the car. I elongated my inner corners of my eyes with white character paint as well as brushed a little turquoise and orange shadow underneath my lower lashes. I mixed approximately three - four shades of red, orange, brown, even yellow lipstick to achieve my lip color. I then accented my cupid's bow with an azul blue line of lipstick. Using the same white character paint, I brushed two white vertical parallel lines on both sides of the center of my top and bottom lips. This gave my look a more tribal feel as well as brought more attention to my pout.

After I made it through this cold and windy day, I really appreciated this photo session. Even though it was a bit challenging due to the weather, it was still fun. Plus it lined up with my passion of dressing in costume and remaining in character. I really felt like a gazelle in it's unnatural habitat. When looking at gazelles (or any other animal for that matter) in pictures, you can ever tell how the weather is affecting them. If I must say so, I put on a pretty decent performance!

YcraM into character...because I can!!!

Photo credit: Tangie Renee Photography