Lifestyle /

The Midday Boost Every Mompreneur Deserves: Review of Naked Nutrition’s New Naked Sparkling Energy Drinks

Running a business while raising a family requires a unique kind of strength.  The kind that blends determination, resilience, and a whole lot of grace. As mompreneurs, our days start early, end late, and demand that we bring our very best to both our clients and our children. And somewhere between the emails, the brand planning, the school pickups, and the dinner routine… whew. We need a boost that actually supports our bodies, not one that sends us crashing later.

That’s why I was excited to try Naked Nutrition’s new Naked Sparkling Energy drinks; a clean, no-nonsense energy option designed for people who care about what they put into their bodies. If you’re juggling Zoom calls, content creation, and snack-time negotiations, this might just become your new favorite pick-me-up.

Why I Tried Naked Energy

As someone who values wellness but lives in reality, I needed something:

Clean

Effective

Not overloaded with sugar

Naked Sparkling Energy checks all of those boxes. Their formula focuses on transparency; no artificial colors, no fillers, and no mystery ingredients. Just intentional energy.

Finished drafting the newsletter.

Midday Mompreneur Test: Does It Deliver?

Let’s be real: the midday slump for a mompreneur hits hard. That 1:30–3:00 p.m. window? If you know, you know.

So I tested Naked Energy right at the moment I typically feel my brain slowing down.

My experience:

  • Within 15–20 minutes, I felt alert and not jittery
  • I could think clearly
  • My energy felt steady, not spiky
  • I finished my client tasks without feeling drained afterward

This is the kind of boost that helps you go from “I’ll do it later” to “Let’s knock this out right now.”

Leaving the grocery store.

Evening Routine Bonus: The Gentle Glide Into ‘Mom Mode’

Here’s what surprised me most: the energy didn’t linger into the evening or keep me wired.

Around 5 p.m., I was able to shift gears into family time with presence…not exhaustion. And by bedtime? No crash, no restlessness. Just my usual wind-down routine.

If you’re a mompreneur who has to balance professional productivity and family presence, this alone is a huge plus.

Flavor Profile & Mixability

Depending on the flavor you choose, Naked Sparkling Energy has:

  • A clean, slightly tangy taste
  • No syrupy sweetness
  • A smooth mix that dissolves quickly in water

It’s not a candy-sweet drink but it’s more wellness-forward. Think: crisp, refreshing, intentional.  Interested in trying the various flavors and getting a smooth energy boost to finish your task list, click here:  Sparkling Energy

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From Alabama A&M to NYFW: Kim West Elevates Southern Voices in Fashion

Kim West, fashion influencer, dynamic speaker, and founder/publicist of The Kimberly West Agency, proudly attended New York Fashion Week as a media representative for her renowned digital platform, Style + Life + Fashion Blog.

In addition to covering the week’s most notable runway shows, presentations, and style moments, West represented her PR agency at exclusive fashion events, further cementing her role as a bridge between brand storytelling, fashion journalism, and public relations.

A proud graduate of Alabama A&M University’s Apparel Merchandising and Design Department—holding both undergraduate and graduate degrees—West has built a career at the intersection of style, culture, and communications. Her unique perspective as both a fashion professional and media strategist allows her to amplify designers, brands, and creative voices with authenticity and impact.

“Attending New York Fashion Week is always an inspiring experience. It’s an opportunity not only to highlight the artistry of global designers but also to represent the innovation and creativity coming from the South—especially from my alma mater, Alabama A&M University,” said West.

Through her work with Style + Life + Fashion Blog, West continues to deliver insider coverage of the latest industry trends while championing diversity, entrepreneurship, and accessible fashion. Meanwhile, as founder of The Kimberly West Agency, she leverages her expertise in PR and brand strategy to help lifestyle and fashion brands expand their reach and visibility.

About Kim West

Kim West is a fashion influencer, speaker, publicist, and founder of The Kimberly West Agency. She is also the creator of Style + Life + Fashion Blog, a leading digital platform for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle coverage. With academic training in apparel merchandising and design from Alabama A&M University, West has built a career at the forefront of fashion media and public relations. 

Follow Kim on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok 

Accessories /

Event Recap: Celebs and Fashionistas Attend Paris Laundry x The Webster Event in Atlanta Last Week

Based in New York and created in 2021 by Guy Samuel, Paris Laundry is a menswear brand that focuses on creating bespoke pieces with most things being made in very limited quantities (many 1/1, 1/2 and 1/3 pieces). On Thursday, guests viewed a showcase of their Fall/Winter 2025 Collection: “Sole Prototypes,” a One of One Upcycled Capsule Exclusive to the Webster (which averages $850 to $7,000).

The brand imports fabrics and materials from Japan and Italy as well upcycle vintage garments, accessories and fabrics.  Everything is hand-made in their New York studio.

This is in including their focused retail partnerships – as the brand has successfully partnered with The Webster for five seasons. This event introduced them to Atlanta (the Webster opened in Atlanta in 2024).

The event was attended by: Kelli Ferrell (Real Housewives of Atlanta), social media influencer, Alonzo Arnold, R&B singer, Austin Rogers, WBS-TV reporter, Audrey Washington, actor Dennis White, and reality TV personality, Elsie K. 

Ferrell wore a diamond-encrusted denim jacket by Paris Laundry, pairing it with a Skims bodysuit, leggings by Naked Wardrobe, shoes from Tom Ford, and a Chanel bag.

Guests enjoyed complimentary cocktails by: Casamigos, Belaire, McQueen & The Violet Fog, and The Deacon – and grooved to the sounds of DJ Jordan Rock.

Accessories /

NBA Star Cade Cunningham Hosts Exclusive Balmain Fashion Week Reception

On September 15, 2025, Fashion Week in New York gained a bold new highlight as NBA star Cade Cunningham partnered with MBG360, founded by Tiffany James, to host an exclusive cocktail reception at the Balmain New York flagship. The event placed athletes at the center of the global fashion conversation, cementing the role of sport as one of today’s most powerful cultural forces.  Cunningham, known for his sharp sense of style and influence beyond the court, welcomed an elite crowd of fashion insiders, athletes, and cultural leaders. Guests included WNBA stars Rickea Jackson and Te’a Cooper, further underscoring the growing intersection of women’s sports, luxury fashion, and cultural influence.

“This wasn’t just a party—it was a statement,” said Tiffany James, Founder of MBG360. “I started in fashion, and I’ve always seen how deeply it’s tied to culture. Today, athletes are not only icons on the court but also leaders shaping trends, business, and influence worldwide. Fashion needs culture, culture thrives through sport, and athletes are at the center of it all.”

The collaboration spotlighted a larger movement: athletes as modern tastemakers redefining luxury and celebrity. With Cunningham as host, Balmain became the stage for a conversation bigger than Fashion Week—where high fashion, cultural identity, and athletic excellence intersect.

About MBG360
MBG360, evolved from the groundbreaking ModernBlkGirl platform, is a global community empowering women through financial literacy and wealth education. With a mission that has already helped women across Europe, the Americas, and Africa generate hundreds of millions in wealth, MBG360 has expanded into culture, sport, and fashion—bridging money, influence, and innovation.

About Balmain
Founded in 1945, Balmain is one of the world’s most iconic luxury fashion houses. With a bold vision, craftsmanship, and groundbreaking collaborations, Balmain continues to shape global culture through design and influence.

About Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham, NBA star and cultural leader, represents the new era of athletes redefining their influence beyond the game. With a passion for fashion, culture, and community, Cunningham embodies the modern athlete as a global tastemaker and leader.

 

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NYFW Packing Guide: How to Look Stylish Without Overpacking

New York Fashion Week isn’t just about what’s happening on the runway—it’s about how you show up. From the shows to the street style photographers waiting outside, every detail matters. But let’s be real: overpacking or throwing random outfits into your suitcase is a quick way to stress yourself out.

Here’s your complete guide to packing smart, staying comfortable, and serving looks all week long.

Featured Photo from E News

Start with a Packing Strategy

Think capsule wardrobe mode: a few statement pieces balanced with versatile basics. You want enough options to mix and match without dragging half your closet across state lines.

The Essentials to Pack

Statement Outfits (3–4 Looks)

These are your bold, eye-catching moments:

  • A strong blazer + tailored pants.
  • A chic modest dress with stand-out shoes.
  • A fashion-forward co-ord or skirt-and-blouse combo.
  • One “fun” or edgy look for street-style photos.

Basics for Mixing

  • A crisp white button-down.
  • A classic black turtleneck.
  • Neutral wide-leg trousers or jeans.
  • A versatile slip skirt.

Layering Essentials

  • Lightweight trench or leather jacket.
  • Oversized knit sweater (NYC nights can surprise you).

Shoes (Choose Wisely)

  • Comfortable block heels or ankle boots.
  • Chic sneakers for running between venues.
  • Dressy heels for evening events.

Accessories = Street Style Gold

  • A statement handbag (crossbody or top handle).
  • Minimalist jewelry that layers well.
  • Sunglasses + scarf for instant polish.

Beauty & Extras

  • A mini steamer (wrinkles are not invited).
  • Portable charger (because your phone will live in your hand).
  • Reusable water bottle (hydration = glow).

Faith-Friendly Touch

Want to stand out while honoring your values?

  • Add modest layering pieces to runway-inspired looks.
  • Pack scripture cards or a devotional—you’ll appreciate a quick moment of spiritual refreshment between shows.

Smart Packing Tips

  • Use packing cubes to separate “day,” “evening,” and “casual” looks.
  • Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.
  • Keep a show-day emergency kit: safety pins, blotting sheets, lip gloss, and mints.
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Unique Ways to Accessorize Your Outfits in 2025

If you are keen to improve the way you look in 2025, there are so many things that you might want to think about. One of the elements to working on your style that is always important is accessorizing. If you are able to do this effectively, it’s the kind of thing that you are going to find really important to consider, and you’ll find that you are much more likely to be able to look your best. Here are some of the unique ways to accessorize your outfits in 2025 and beyond that you may want to consider.

Image – CCO License

Cowboy Chaps As A Statement Layer

No longer simply confined to ranch life, cowboy chaps are currently being reimagined in all sorts of ways: from suede pastels to vegan leather, and even the occasional holographic finish. Worn open over wide-leg trousers or a sleek jumpsuit, they can add a little drama and a lot of dimension to an otherwise two-dimensional look. You might even pair them with a blazer to keep things more polished, but it’s up to you. The key here is contrast, with a rugged Western vibe playing against some modern tailoring.

Smart Scarves

You may not have come across these just yet, but there are entire ranges of smart scarves out there now that double as tech hubs, and this is a particularly contemporary way to accessorize that you are certainly going to find worthwhile. Scarves with embedded micro-heating elements and Bluetooth earbuds are a great way to go, and will allow you to multitask with ease. What’s more, they look chic and they keep you warm and comfortable, also enabling you to take calls on the go. There is plenty to love about these scarves, and a lot of ways to use them in your look.

Image – CCO License

Holster Bags With Sculptural Design

For a while, the crossbody bag seemed to disappear, or at least diminish, but they now seem to be coming back up, and for the most part with something of a Western-meets-cyberpunk makeover. Think leather harness straps with minimal geometric pouches attached, and you’ve got a sense of how to frame your torso like wearable art. This also keeps your hands free, so it’s a great one for walking, drinking coffee and scrolling, should that be part of your aesthetic – and in 2025, it probably is.

Modular Boots

In 2025, footwear is largely about being adaptable. Boots with removable shafts, swappable heel shapes and toe caps that are customizable – these are no longer imaginings, but real everyday things. This gives you the freedom to switch from day to night without swapping shoes, and it means you can feel more ready for pretty much any situation you might find yourself in. All in all, making use of modular boots could be one of the most powerful and simplest ways to improve your look and accessorize more effectively in 2025 and beyond.

Celebrity /

A Historic First: Ciara Receives Benin Citizenship During Rolling Stone Africa Milestone Visit

In a powerful and emotional moment that marks a milestone in global cultural diplomacy, Grammy Award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Ciara Wilson made history by becoming the first person in the world to receive Beninese citizenship under the Republic of Benin’s new nationality initiative.

The citizenship was granted during a two-day visit to the West African nation co-organized by Rolling Stone Africa and Benin Tourisme. The trip was planned in celebration of Ciara’s historic double cover with Rolling Stone Africa, where she became the first American to ever grace the magazine’s cover and the first person to feature on the inaugural French-language edition of the iconic publication.

The citizenship ceremony, held on the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, was led by top dignitaries and government representatives. Ciara was presented with the certificate of nationality in the presence of cultural leaders, international press, and the team that helped orchestrate this landmark visit: Gwen Madiba, Editor in Chief of RollingStone Africa, Sindé CHEKETE, CEO of the Benin Tourism Agency, and Jean-Wilfried KEMAJOU, Country Brand Manager for the Republic of Benin.

“I truly feel so thankful, and my heart is full of so much gratitude during this special moment,” Ciara shared during the ceremony. “I feel incredibly proud to be a Benin citizen. This is more than symbolic; this is deeply personal, and I cannot wait to go home and show my family this beautiful certificate. The significance of this moment is so powerful. My daughters will see their mother honored in this way, and so will my sons and husband. I won’t take this lightly.”

This unprecedented moment was hailed by David Romuald Bellegarde Smeralda, CEO of Rolling Stone Africa and the MWANKOM Group, who has been leading efforts to create meaningful cultural exchanges between Africa and the African diaspora through media, art, and storytelling.

“This moment is a powerful reflection of everything we stand for at Rolling Stone Africa and MWANKOM Group. With my team and our Editor-in-Chief, we’ve worked to build bridges between Africa and its diaspora by unifying Afro-descendants through music, culture, and storytelling. To see Ciara receive Benin citizenship during this historic celebration is deeply meaningful, it shows what’s possible when we amplify African voices at the highest level and reclaim our narratives through a platform that is truly by us, for us“, said Smeralda.

Sindé CHEKETE, CEO of the Benin Tourism Agency, noted: “It has been a true honor for Benin Tourism to facilitate Ciara’s return to her roots, a historic moment that allowed her to reconnect with her heritage and cultural history. This return has been an opportunity to highlight Benin, a country with a soul that leaves no one indifferent, and that invites its children from the diaspora to come and discover it.”

Jean-Wilfried KEMAJOU, Country Brand Manager for the Republic of Benin, added: “Ciara’s presence in Benin marks a significant milestone in our efforts to position the country on the international stage. This visit highlights Benin as a nation that celebrates its history embraces its future, and is eager to deepen its connection with the diaspora in a more meaningful and impactful way.”

This trip, full of deep emotion, history, and vision, marks a new era for international cultural exchange. It symbolizes a future where identity, ancestry, and belonging are honored across borders.

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Important Considerations Before Getting Married

Photo Credit:  Pexels

One of the happiest days of your life will be your wedding day. However, there’s a lot that goes into the process before you are ready to stand up at the altar.

If you are in love and have been having serious talks about what your future together looks like, then an engagement is likely on the horizon. It’s in your best interest to think and plan ahead in this case so you’re prepared for this major change and transition. Here you can review some important considerations to take into account before getting married. 

The Ring & Proposal

You’re going to be wearing your engagement ring for the rest of your life in most cases. Therefore, it’s a vital decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Now is a good time to start ring shopping and getting a better idea of what styles and cuts you like best. Discuss your preferences with your partner so that you’re on the same page. If you want something stunning but also classic, then consider researching solitaire lab diamond rings. These are timeless rings and styles that will bring beauty and brilliance to your finger. While you want to be surprised when it’s time for the proposal, you also don’t want to be caught off guard.

The Style of Dress

Another important consideration before getting married is the style of the wedding dress. You want something elegant and that fits you right. It’s important to not only look beautiful but to feel comfortable in your dress. Start researching possible cuts and figuring out what details you want on your dress. It is a good idea to begin shopping in person and trying dresses on to narrow it down. It will help if you determine a budget for your dress so you know what’s in your price range and what you can afford. 

Venue & Reception Details

Another important consideration before getting married is the wedding venue options and reception details. Think about how large of a wedding you want to have and how many guests you might invite based on your budget and venue size. You want your venue to fit the theme or style of your wedding and be unique and personal to you and your partner. As far as the reception goes, you’ll want to start brainstorming possible menu ideas, researching photographers and florists, and determining if you want a live band or DJ. 

Finances & Your Future Together

When you get engaged and married, you’re making a commitment to each other for the rest of your lives. Therefore, there are some tough conversations you’ll want to have before getting married. For example, open up about your personal finances and make sure you’re on the same page about spending habits and debts you are both bringing into the marriage. Now is a good time to start discussing if you want to have kids, how many, and where you might want to live. 

Conclusion

These are some important considerations to contemplate before getting married. This is a big step for you and your partner, and you want to make sure you’re properly prepared. The more you do and think about upfront, the easier time you’ll have planning the wedding and ensuring you and your partner are in agreement on what the future looks like.

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Bloom in Grace: 7 Budget Modest Outfits for Summer 2025

1.

Soft Pastel Maxi + Lightweight Cardigan

Layering is everything! Think flowy pastel maxi skirts or dresses paired with a breathable cardigan or denim jacket. This combo evokes cottage‑core charm (hello, summer florals!), stays comfy in church, and suits relaxed weekend plans. Add a woven straw tote, and you’re brunch-ready.

Featured Photo from Southern Living 

2.

High-Neck Blouse + Barrel Jeans

High neckline tops (ruffle or silk-look) are trending in quiet‑luxury modest fashion. Elevate comfort by tucking into barrel-leg or wide-leg jeans — budget versions available everywhere, under $40–$60.

3.

Tailored Trousers + Breezy Button‑Up

Comfort meets chic: flowy, marine‑inspired wide-leg trousers with a crisp button‑up or linen shirt. Minimalist flip-flops or simple loafers complete the look.

4.

Cape Dress (Modern Modest Staple)

The cape dress offers coverage and drama. Try budget-friendly dupes in cotton or linen. It’s church-appropriate, versatile for dressing up or down, and perfect for layering since spring evenings can still feel crisp.

5.

Sheer Overlay Skirt + Slip

Sheer fabrics are having a spring moment—layer a chiffon or voile overlay skirt over a midi slip. You stay covered yet stylish with a feminine touch. Pair with a tucked-in tee or fitted knit.

6.

Modest Jumpsuit + Blazer

A wide-leg, high-neck jumpsuit is modest and on trend. Top it with an oversized blazer for a smart, quiet‑luxury-style ensemble. Knit flats or mules add feminine polish without breaking the bank.

7.

Statement Necklaces & Pastel Accessories

Big necklaces and pastel boho touches (gingham, pastel hues, floral belts) are in style. Even simple outfits feel intentional and on-trend with budget-friendly accessories that reflect your faith and personality.