Top 5 BFFs (Black Femme Fetishes) of the Summer

Dear BFDiary,

Seeing as how we’ve had some scorching hot days, Will Smith’s “Summertime” has been in rotation for a couple weeks now (not to mention our cousins have started using the weather forecast as an excuse to walk the streets in video-girl gear, but that’s a different post for a different time), but this week officially marks the beginning of summer. For so many of us PYTs the summer is a time of transition and movement. One of my line sisters just made the move from Wisconsin to Cali. My neos are traveling around Europe (if you haven’t been outside of the country for more than 14 consecutive days, put it on your to-do list). And I’ve moved from a college-town in the middle of New York to one just 45-minutes away from Motown—man did I miss the Midwest—in preparation for what will probably be the hardest mental experience of my lifetime (any Ph.D. program is about 2 steps below rocket science).
Every time of transition in our lives requires a tool kit to make it to the next level. Whether you’re a high school, college or grad school grad, looking for a new job, in a new relationship, or just at a new age here’s a guide to getting the top 5 BFFs (Black Femme Fetishes) that will sustain you and me both along this summer’s journey.

5. NAIL YOUR LOOK with a bold new summer color for your hands and feet. I’m an OPI girl myself, but I haven’t known Revlon to disappoint. My fav new color (Hot N’ Spicy, OPI) is just the divatude I need to put a little extra pep in my step. Even if you get a regular mani/pedi, you should still own a few colors so that you can reapply when polish starts to chip. It’s also a good idea to take your own bottle to the nail shop, as the polishes in-house are often diluted.
*Note: Flashy colors are fun, not professional. Let’s commit to not being the girl who gets stereotyped because of her inner sassy side. While at work, or attempting to get there, embrace your inner mogul in neutral shades.

4. CATCH THE BREEZE in a breathable summer dress that fits your body and your budget. One of the best things about this season is the accessibility of style options that will effortlessly take you from early afternoon lunch to evening rendez-vous. A staple dress that you can dress up or down will carry you through to September. Hit stores like Loehmann’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and outlets for this year’s styles at last years prices. I found my fav summer dress at a Calvin Klein Outlet for $30.

3. GO AU NATURAL before the sunshine fades by claiming a cute outdoor space in your city. Spending my lunch hours at Bryant Park last summer taught me never to let September come without having embraced the beauty of God’s creation at it’s most invigorating time. Whether you commit to the open-air festival scene, or, opt for a table at an outdoor eatery, you’ve got to take the time to get some sun. (Campus Martius was named one of the best urban parks, so don’t believe the bad hype about Detroit).

2. RELIVE THE READING RAINBOW. Now that you’re going to be spending more time outside, you’ll need something to do. I suggest reading at least 3 different books that will enhance your life in 3 different ways.

Spirituality: If you’re living in the same world I am, then you can agree that we have to stay spiritually balanced for survival. I’m reading a serious paperback my father suggested, The Three Battlegrounds, by Francis Frangipane. Rick Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life and Juanita Bynum’s No More Sheets are must-reads for all black femmes.

Intellectual/Professional: In times of transition, preparation is essential. Learn the tools you need to be a better student, professional, or financial steward. I suggest You're So Money: Live Rich, Even When You're Not by Farnoosh Torabi for budget help. I plan on completing for scholarly info in my research field.

Entertainment/Pop Culture: Even if you aren’t the racy romance novel type (you’re lying to yourself) you can pick up something juicy from the fiction shelf so you know what the rest of us are talking about. I just finished Eric Jerome Dickey’s Between Lovers and didn’t put it down once.

Head to the library or amazon.com to save tons of money on your summer reads.

Don’t think you have time for books? Pick up a few new magazines like Bloomberg Businessweek, Essence, and Ms. for great articles that offer tidbits of great info to enhance your life.

1. GET A REALITY CHECK up. If you haven’t been to the doctor’s office or gotten tested for HIV/STIs in the past 6 months, it’s time. If you need ladies-only care but don’t have insurance, head to a Planned Parenthood. Don’t forget that GYN visits aren’t enough. We must be sure to visit a general care physician to maintain health above the belt. I’ll be making an appointment with my new primary care physician this month.