I'm a huge fan of statement tees because they add a little sass to an otherwise straightforward outfit, but they can also broadcast a good message if you're willing to showcase your beliefs on your chest.
Anyone who knows me knows I am one thousand percent supportive of human rights. I believe that it doesn't matter who you are, who you love or what you believe in, a person is still a person no matter what and should be treated as such. I hope that one day gay marriage will be as common and accepted as interracial marriage and that another day not too far behind, they will both just be called 'marriages', without a need to specify who. That's why I was psyched when I found this American Apparel tank at Buffalo Exchange this week while probing the thrift scene.
My favorite thing about this shirt is the fact that it was originally sold at American Apparel. This casual clothing company has been around since 1989 when it was created by Dov Charney, a t-shirt specialist and an American culture aficionado. Now, the vender has since won "Retailer of the Year"at the 15th Annual Michael Awards for the Fashion Industry along with many other prestigious awards, and continues to be one of the fastest growing companies in the world. Not to mention that the company's target (young adults) is infatuated with the company because of the status AA has created for themselves. Companies like AA delivering social messages through their products (gay rights, immigration reform) tell teenagers who have not yet made up their minds about hot button issues that it's cool to support them. Status in the fashion world is HUGE and gives so much power to the people who hold it. I only wish more companies would use their influence like American Apparel does to help convince more people of what they, as humans, should be standing for. We're all here for the same reason, why make it harder for someone else on your team?
necklace: claire's
pants: bebe @ buffalo exchange
denim shirt: american eagle outfitters
sneakers: no name
hat: scoutmob.com
Easily paired casually or a little more sophisticated, this shirt is sure to make a pop not only with the words printed on it but also with the bright color of it.
shirt: reckless @ pac sun
shorts: sans soucy @ marshall's
boots: sm @ sear's
tights: t.j.maxx
bandana: michael's
Take the extra step of support and throw on a pair of heart printed leggings or tights to drive home the message of honest love.
skirt: forever xxi
cardigan: piazzitalia
moccasins: target
Express yourselves and your beliefs and think before you speak. You may not be able to change the world (or the government) but having an opinion matters. If your opinion is against someone's rights as a human, you're entitled to that, but reconsider before calling something 'gay' because you don't like it. If 'straight' were used a negative connotation, you wouldn't be too happy, so don't rain on someone else's parade just because they were born different from you. And for all you supporters out there, even if you just buy a t-shirt that says 'legalize gay' or get more educated on how far gay rights have come, it matters. Keep learning, and teach others around you about what they might not know. When it comes down to it, we're all in this together and I can't wait for the day that everyone realizes it.
- nali xo
