Hello dolls! My name is Ashanti Smith, better known as “The Black Bradshaw” a name I created for my brand as a writer. As you can see from the “Bradshaw” my brand was inspired by my love for Sex and the City‘s Carrie Bradshaw. Just like Carrie, I am a lower-class journalist with a high-class sense of style. The Black Bradshaw will always be my brand, but today I am writing to you as a first time Style Guru for CollegeFashionista! I am currently a junior journalism major and marketing minor studying at the illustrious Hampton University. Although I currently reside in Hampton, Virginia for the next two years, I will always be a city girl. I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland but my heart belongs to the Big Apple.
Being from the city has had the greatest impact on my mentality and dreams but mostly, my style. My style pretty much speaks for itself, with inspirations from my favorite fashion icons and trendsetters like Rihanna and Solange. While Rihanna and Solange may be my muse, I use incorporations of the two create an even better look. I’m pretty easy going when it comes to my style; I am thrift shop kind of girl. Oversized sweaters and windbreakers are my favorite. I love to wear looks inspired by my favorite decade, the ’90s of course. From high-waist distressed denim to chokers and burgundy lipstick, I love the ’90s. Besides my obvious obsession over Sex and the City and the ’90s, I also enjoy new hairstyles. From long and red, curly and purple, to short and pink, you name it, I’ve had it all. My hair has become my signature trademark. What can I say, it has a mind of its own.
My life is pretty much all things fashion (and Rihanna). Since I was 15, I’ve worked in the retail industry. I started as a sales associate for Rue 21, however, my time with the company was short-lived. I now work as a visual merchandiser at the notable Forever 21. Being promoted to visual within my six months with Forever 21 has awakened my inner passion for styling. Let’s just say, my mannequins are my very own life-size Barbie’s. Working at Forever 21 on weekends and studying during weekdays “She grinds from Monday to Friday, works from Friday to Sunday.” I believe that with my passion for writing and fashion, one day I will be editor-in-chief at one of the world’s biggest magazine companies, but until then if you love fashion, the city and beauty as much as myself, this summer be sure to check out my articles for fashion and beauty tips from your favorite Style Guru.
Love my look? I am strutting customized Forever 21 black jeans, customized graphic tee and Steve Madden booties.
