Hey love, The Wardrobe Therapist here. Let’s have a real talk.
It’s no secret that the black-white wealth gap in America differs greatly. According to The Brookings Institute’s, Examining the Black-White Wealth Gap, “at $171,000, the net worth of a typical white family is nearly ten times greater than that of a Black family ($17,150) in 2016.” That was only four years ago so I can’t imagine there being improvement by leaps and bounds.
So I divided $17,150 by 12 months to determine the monthly income; $1,429.17. Wow. That’s. Nuts. Why?
Well, I took it a step further and entered this number into the Family Budget Planning Calculator at calculator.me. This budget calculator divides your income by percentages. Never mind the ridiculous $500 cap on housing. Skip ahead to the 2-7% being allocated to clothing. This means a black family has a $28.50 - $100.04 monthly allowance to shop for clothes, shoes and accessories.
Key word, family. At least two people are splitting this budget.
Now, while I am loving all of the Black business lists and articles that are encouraging us to buy Black, I couldn’t help but notice how inaccessible many of the fashion brands were. The pieces are stunning and enticing but even on the high end of a Black family’s budget, we are excluded.
So, I’ve compiled a growing list starting with 50 Black owned fashion boutiques and brands under $100. From babies to adults, footwear, accessories and more. I won’t lie, many of them were tee shirt companies so I did more digging to find more variety.
If there are any companies you’d like to add to this directory, submit it below for review. As The Wardrobe Therapist, I care about my recommendations. I will promote quality Black owned companies based on presentation, reputation and reviews.
Are we missing a brand? List it here.
My top is from Darly Armoire under TRENDY.
3rd Eye View
Fashion sunglasses. “You will find the perfect frame based off a combination of color, comfort and cost.”
Adorn New York
Handcrafted and custom jewelry made of leather, suede, metal and stones.
Beads Byaree
Innovative hand crafted jewelry line.
Bobbi Made It
Polymer clay earrings.
Bobbi Rose
Hand painted, genuine leather earrings.
Cee Cee’s Closet
West African printed head wraps and matching outfits. “Our accessories are designed by us and handmade by artisans in Nigeria.”
Civil Jewelry
Gold coated, sterling silver jewelry and watches with customizations available.
Edas
Handmade jewelry and handbags. “Feminine and staple accessories, accommodating the everyday, eclectic woman.”
Joanna Vanderpuije
Card holders, purses, totes and more. “A London based designer and brand specialized in screen-printed textiles and fashion.”
Lorraine West
Handmade jewelry from precious metals including gold, sterling silver, brass and copper.
My Meskel
Ethiopian inspired jewelry.
Third Crown
Geometrically shaped gold and silver plated brass statement jewelry.
30 & Gold
Fashion-forward athleisure and activewear.
Gym Tingz
“For individuals of all athletic abilities.”
Ofuure
“An award-winning African fashion label featuring beautiful and versatile pieces with vibrant prints and bold patterns for the every day Queen.”
*More than activewear
Zawadi
Athleisure and activewear “inspired by prints from various African countries such as Ghana,Nigeria, Mali, and Kenya.” Sizes XS-2X
Coco’Pie Clothing
Natural hair tees, backpacks and more for kids.
Little Muffincakes
Character based baby boutique promoting self esteem in black babies.
Kido
Children’s books, clothes, accessories and more. kido is a combination of our most clever and colorful ideas and the affirmations we give to our children every day.
Rah Love’s Boutique
Children's boutique that caters to children sizes 2T through 6T. We provide premium trendsetting clothing and accessories that allows your toddler to showcase their mini fashion sense.
Tippy Tot Shoes
Leather shoes for birth to 2 years old.
Yinibini Baby
Handmade, domestically sourced, organic cotton one-pieces, tees, pullovers and gowns.
tip: See sale sections
Courtney Noelle
Evening wear, cocktail and everyday attire, sizes large to 4x.
Daily Paper
Men, women and kids clothing “fueled by the rich heritage of African culture wrapped in contemporary designs.”
*European based.
Hanifa
“Hanifa is a contemporary Ready-to-Wear apparel line for Women Without Limits. Our collections in sizes 0-20 are feminine and chic.”
Sammy B. Designs
Women's ready-to-wear clothing line that is feminine with an eclectic edge.
Adorned by Chi
A black-girl anime character brand to show the softer side and break the “angry black woman” stereotype.
Baeless
No BAE? No problem, shop Baeless.
Briana Danyele
Custom activist tops.
Bricks & Wood
Our products are inspired by the everyday walks of life within South Central. Our standard is a high quality presentation of contemporary streetwear garments collaborated with everyday functional goods.
Can’t Buy Respect
Carrots by Anwar Carrots
Co/Lab
Caps by CO/LAB build a bond between multiple cities that normally would have no association with one another.
Commas & Sense
Black affirmation apparel.
God Is Dope
Shopaholic
Designed and handmade by stylist
Hadassador
A designer and brand. “I produce high fashion items that embody and promote texts, phrases, statements, symbols of feminism, racial/ethnic diversity, culture, self-love and more.”
More than swimwear.
Keva J.
Keva J Swimwear provides unconventional wear for every stylish trendsetter!
Matte Collection
Minimalist swimwear with intricate cuts at affordable prices. Available in sizes small - 2XL
Babes
Neutrals, minimalistic and sets sizes XS-3X and maternity. Tummy control infused gear. “A brand for all shapes and sizes.”
Darly Armoire
“Our fun and trendy shop features clothing that varies from sizes Small to 3XL.”
Diva Boutique
Miami based, bright, vacay vibes apparel in sizes Small-3X. Also includes matching mommy and me swimwear, shoes and accessories.
J. Bolin
A collection of show-stopping statement pieces, hand picked by celebrity stylist, J. Bolin. Sizes small to 3X.
Kai Collective
“A London-based womenswear brand of attainable clothing with luxury aesthetics founded by fashion and travel blogger, Fisayo Longe.” U.S. sizes 0-16.
Kiwi’s Closet
Chicago based boutique providing the “latest trends & chic wear complimented with a comfortable, cozy environment.”
Melanie Marie
Statement tops, bottoms, jewelry, accessories and more.
Sorella
Neutral, minimalist sizes XS-3X. “Representing strong women, working women, and independent women of all ages, colors, and sizes.”
The Goddiss Boutique
Elegant aesthetic from lounge wear to evening wear.
Touch Dolls
Trendiest and affordable finds by Miami based stylist Cindy V.
Elia Vintage
