I sincerely appreciate everyone that has sent in or responded with their knowledge/opinion of what cultural appropriation is. Most everyone had a different idea of what it means and how it applies to fashion, but overall, I am left with a better idea of how to avoid offending anyone with my own personal style. As an artist, I am going to try new things and learning about my heritage has inspired me to learn more about the cultures that I have ties to through my bloodlines. One thing in particular is my Native American heritage. I am understanding that Native American culture varies immensely and I would like to try and figure out specifically what kind of Native American culture my ancestors come from.

As a fashion blogger, I hope that if my outfits cross the thin line of what is and what is not cultural appropriation, that you (my followers) would approach me with kindness and reason. I understand the importance of educating myself on fashions that are symbolic to specific cultures, before wearing them. I also understand that because my skin is white, some people may not like the fact that I delve into the different cultures of my ancestors and express these cultures through my personal style. I feel that even though I may not live and breath the cultures that my ancestors come from, these cultures are still apart of who I am and where I come from, and that is why I feel it is important to learn about them and express them.

I use fashion to open the door way to conversation. When I want to wear things that directly represent the culture of my ancestors, its because I want to open that door way and have conversation about that culture and how I am connected to it.

Much love! Xoxoxo

-Elliott Alexzander