Month: May 2020
10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19 #WIW or #OOTD A-line Midi Dress
There’s a lot of life lessons to be learned from COVID-19. This was an unexpected lifestyle change and we had to adjust immediately!
My thought pattern always goes back to, “What did I learn from every situation?” It’s critical to always do self-evaluation and allow the opportunity for personal growth.
Throughout it all, I have tried to be thankful for the small blessings and keep a positive mindset.
10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19:
- Manage your time wisely and create system blocks.
- Meal planning is critical towards your budget and home organization.
- Cleanliness can be as easy as washing your hands, mopping your floors, and wiping down the countertops.
- Mom Tip-kids require (balanced) structure daily. Allow them to have free space but yet implement structure/disciplined activities.
- First, shop your wardrobe and then seek outside pieces. Do not overspend during this time.
- Your home is your haven. Make it a place of peace and joy! That might include gardening or rearranging decor.
- We can manage our own hair and nails. At least until it is safe to venture outside of our comfort zones.
- Take care of yourself: get exercise, take a multi-vitamin, and pick-up a new hobby.
- Journaling can create a still voice for relaxation and provide mental clarity.
- Avoid clutter at all costs. Get rid of unnecessary items!
What I Wore or Outfit of The Day-
A-line Mid Dress & Clear Slip-On Heel: Amazon
Style and Beauty Expert Brittney Levine Breaking Down The Best Swimwear
Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Style expert Brittney Levine. You may know her as a regular contributor on QVC, the Today Show, Wendy Williams, E! News, EXTRA & Inside Edition.
Ok, summer isn’t going to go as planned as nearly half of Americans have canceled their summer vacations or tweaked their plans. But you can still make the most of the warm weather months, even if you can’t hit the beach! Celebrating the season on a budget is still possible and versatility is key.
Whether you’re soaking up some sun around a backyard pool, gardening, or strolling around the neighborhood, this season’s swimwear and cover-ups are not only stylish, but doing double duty to keep you comfortable.
In honor of Lands’ End International Swimsuit Day (May 19th,) style and beauty expert, Brittney Levine will prove not all swimwear is created equal and breaking down the best swimwear for all your summer activities.
ESSENCE ANNOUNCES THE ESSENCE ESSENTIAL HEROES AWARDS HONORING ESSENTIAL WORKERS ON THE FRONTLINE OF COVID-19 #myessentialheroes
WHAT: As the fight against COVID-19 rages on, government and public health officials work to provide recommendations for reopening America. However, there is a heated debate as to whether these guidelines can do more harm than good—especially for the many essential workers who continue to be on the frontlines helping to ensure the nation’s health, safety, and essential needs are met. Whether working in the nation’s hospitals, grocery stores, restaurants, delivery, and transportation services more, these are the brave women and men risking their lives to ensure that others can stay home safely.
ESSENCE is committed to honoring these workers with its first-ever ESSENCE Essential Heroes Awards program. This three-part, the year-long franchise will highlight those in our community who, despite systematic disparities, have risen to become Essential Heroes during this pandemic. ESSENCE will invite its audience to submit and vote on the essential heroes in their lives and communities for a chance to be featured.
In addition, the 50 ESSENCE Essential Heroes selected will be honored during the virtual ESSENCE Festival of Culture on July 4th, which will be streamed live via ESSENCE Studios.
Share your story and nominate an essential working using the hashtag #myessentialheroes.
WHEN: Submission deadline extended to Tuesday, May 19th via #myessentialheroes
Saks Fifth Avenue Reopens Birmingham
On Tuesday, May 12, Saks Fifth Avenue will continue its phased approach to reopening stores with its location in Birmingham. The store will reopen with enhanced health and safety protocols and modified services to ensure the safest and most comfortable shopping experience for our customers.
“The health and well-being of our associates and customers remain our top priority and the driving force behind our strategy for reopening. Saks has the opportunity to set the standard for offering a safe, easy and personalized shopping experience once stores reopen,” said Marc Metrick, President, Saks Fifth Avenue. “We will continue to evaluate store openings based on our own analyses, which take into account the expertise of local government and health officials, economics, and community sentiment. We truly look forward to welcoming customers back to Saks Fifth Avenue.”
To ensure a safe and comfortable in-store shopping experience, Saks has implemented a number of measures upon reopening, including adding enhanced cleaning protocols, regularly sanitizing high-touch areas, such as fitting rooms and point-of-sale areas, and implementing social distancing measures. Associates will also be required to wear face coverings and undergo health screenings. Stores will continue to serve our customers digitally with virtual shopping appointments available to book through saks.com.
Stores will operate with reduced hours Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m and Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m. Moreover, Saks Fifth Avenue is offering curbside pickup and returns at most locations for those who prefer a contactless shopping experience, and an adjusted return policy whereby any purchase made after February 15, 2020, can be returned to Saks Fifth Avenue stores within 30 days of reopening.
Details about specific store reopenings and adjusted hours can be found through the store locator on saks.com.
ABOUT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE (@saks) As a leading shopping destination for the all-channel luxury experience, Saks Fifth Avenue is renowned for its coveted edit of American and international designer collections as well as its storied history of creating breakthrough, experiential environments. Its exemplary client service has made Saks a global authority in the category, a focus since the brand’s inception in 1924. As part of the HBC brand portfolio, Saks operates in 43 cities across the globe, its online experience―saks.com, and its mobile experience―Saks App.
For more information, kindly visit saks.com, Instagram.com/saks, Facebook.com/saks, Snapchat.com/saks_official, and Twitter.com/saks.
ESSENCE Studios Stream National HBCU Commencement Celebration Live
Like most academic institutions around the country, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been forced to cancel or postpone graduation ceremonies due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To celebrate the achievements of more than 27,000 students, Black leaders and 78 schools are joining forces virtually during the “Show Me Your Walk HBCU Edition” commencement event presented by Chase on May 16 at 2:00 pm ET.
President Barack Obama will share a special message during the event. Hosted by Kevin Hart, guest appearances for the 2-hour event will include Steve Harvey, Chase Consumer Banking CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett, Ariel Investments Co-CEO and President Mellody Hobson, National Urban League president, Marc Morial, and academic leaders from participating HBCUs. Other participants include 10-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul, 8-time NBA All-Star Vince Carter, Debbie Allen, and Vivica Fox.
The virtual commencement will also include performances by Anthony Hamilton, Wyclef Jean, Omari Hardwick, and other musical guests—as well as a drumline mash-up featuring Doug E. Fresh.
The 2-hour event will be live-streamed on Chase’s YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn channels, as well as HBCU Connect’s Facebook page and Essence Studios. More information is available on chase.com/hbcustudent, including a list of participating schools.
During the event, HBCUs will showcase and highlight past and current graduates, including Class of 2020 students from Howard University, Delaware State, Paul Quinn College, Florida Memorial College, and Texas Southern Law Center.
“Every student graduating in the Class of 2020 deserves to celebrate this moment—they earned it, even more so during a challenging year for our country and the world. We are showing up for them because we recognize they are our now and our future, and the way forward is full of opportunity,” said Duckett.
The idea for hosting a virtual commencement ceremony for HBCU students was conceived by Dr. Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College (PQC), and member of the ABP Advisory Council. Additional organizers for the event include Howard University, The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the National Basketball Association (NBA.) Essence is supporting the event as a live streaming partner.
“As a result of COVID-19, our students have been robbed of a moment that they and their families have earned,” Sorrell said. “I am so grateful that this coalition of partners stepped up to answer the call of the HBCU community and stand in the gap for our students and their families.”
JPMorgan Chase is supporting “Show Me Your Walk HBCU Edition” through its Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) initiative, created to help black communities close historical achievement gaps in three key areas: wealth creation, educational outcomes, and career success. Support for HBCUs is a core focus for JPMorgan Chase because of the vital role they continue to play in helping African Americans forge pathways to long-term success. The first HBCUs were founded before the Civil War, and these institutions educated generations of African Americans during a period when other colleges and universities would not.
Today, HBCUs produce 70% of African American doctors and dentists1, 50% of black lawyers and 80% of black judges.2 HBCU graduates can also expect work-life earnings of $130 billion—an additional $927,000 per graduate, 56 percent more than they could expect to earn without their HBCU degrees or certificates, according to UNCF.
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities remain a critical resource in educating our young people and putting them on a path to lasting and rewarding careers,” said Sekou Kaalund, the Head of ABP. “Here at JPMorgan Chase, we are firmly committed to supporting HBCUs and helping them continue a tradition of excellence that has helped generations of black people achieve academic and professional success.”
BADGLEY MISCHKA UNVEILS COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL SKETCHES TO SUPPORT FEEDING AMERICA AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Badgley Mischka, the iconic American design house that exemplifies timeless glamour, is pleased to announce the brand’s latest initiative. In response to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic and the uncertain, challenging times we are living in, Badgley Mischka is turning to the creativity and artistic talent of its founders and head designers, Mark Badgley and James Mischka to send messages of love, support, and solidarity through art.
Mark Badgley has created 35 one-of-a-kind sketches, conceived of and created while he and James Mischka are isolating at home in Palm Beach, Florida. Each sketch represents an emotion, mood, thought, or feeling brought on by the worldwide health crisis and each is individually titled to reflect its unique concept.
As part of the sketch initiative, Badgley Mischka is pleased to be partnering with Feeding America in an effort to give back to those that are doing so much to help people in need. All 35 of Mark’s sketches will be available on www.badgleymischka.com as part of an online auction through Ebay for Charity. Beginning today (Monday, May 11), bidding will be open for one week and 100% of the purchase price of each sketch will go directly to Feeding America. The funds raised will help Feeding America provide support to their network of food banks across the country to provide food assistance to everyone facing hunger. In addition, every sketch sold will be personalized for each winner and will be framed and shipped at no cost.
“We have been isolating in Palm Beach, Florida for eight weeks now,” said Mark Badgley. “We decided to use this time creatively by working through some of our feelings with art,” he continued.
“After posting some of Mark’s sketches on Instagram, we had an overwhelming response and requests to purchase them,” James Mischka explained. “We wanted to use that opportunity to benefit people in need.”
“In the face of enormous challenges, Feeding America food banks are responding with extraordinary efforts to make sure no one goes hungry during the pandemic,” said Mark. “We were supporters of Feeding America before the pandemic, and their mission is even more critical now,” added James. “Badgley Mischka is honored to be assisting in their efforts through the artistry of fashion design.”
All 35 original sketches can be seen HERE.
About Badgley Mischka
Over the past thirty years, Badgley Mischka has flourished into a true lifestyle brand recognizable worldwide. To date, the Badgley Mischka brand includes multiple product categories such as Eveningwear, Day Dresses, Sportswear, Outerwear, Bridal, Swimwear, Footwear, Handbags, Eyewear, Timepieces, and Jewelry. Mark Badgley and James Mischka’ s timeless designs appeal to a wide range of fashionable women including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Carrie Underwood. Badgley Mischka is sold in the most prestigious stores in the world including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Harrods and Harvey Nichols in addition to the Badgley Mischka flagship boutique in Los Angeles. For additional information, please visit www.badgleymischka.com.
About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, the organization provides meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people they serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org.
Make The First Impression Count: How To Dress For An Interview
First impressions really do count. Recent research carried out by 4 of America’s leading personality psychologists clearly demonstrated this. Their study showed that most people automatically decide what type of person you are within seconds of meeting you. This judgment is largely based on how you look. So, dressing well for an interview really is important.
Most of us know that we need to turn up for the interview looking smart. But, that is not enough. You need to pay attention to the little details and get them right. Below, we share some of the things most candidates still get wrong when deciding what to wear for a job interview.
Featured Photo Lulus.com
Consider buying new glasses
For those of us who need eyewear to be able to see clearly, choosing suitable glasses is important (see classic browline glasses by clicking the link). Some people own more than one set of frames. Something fun for the weekends and a more reserved pair that they can wear for interviews or while in the workplace.
Wearing scratched lenses, or eyewear that does not sit straight on your face is bound to make a bad impression. So, take a critical look at your glasses and replace them if necessary. Also, make sure that they are spotlessly clean.
The fact that there are plenty of online eyewear retailers means that this is no longer expensive to do so. Most people can easily afford to own more than one pair. You just need to choose your frames, send in your prescription, and wait a week or so for your new glasses to arrive.
Wear good footwear
Shoes and boots are expensive, so, understandably, few people are willing to buy a new pair for an interview. Provided your footwear is in good condition and fits in properly with the rest of your outfit this is not a problem. But, again, you need to take an honest and critical look at the shoes or boots you are planning to wear. If they look old-fashioned or worn, replace them.
Just be sure to wear them before the interview. You do not want to hobble into the room. Or, have to complete appraisal tasks while suffering from aching feet.
Check how your outfit looks from behind
Well before you are due to attend your interview, try on your entire outfit. Make sure everything fits and be sure to look at the back as well as the front. The easiest way to do this is to use your camera and a full-length mirror, like this.
Make sure you are not a victim of the weather
When putting together your interview outfit make sure you think about protecting yourself from the elements. You do not want to arrive dripping wet or feeling overheated.
If you would like to learn more about how the way you look impacts your ability to land a job, just click here. When you do, you will be taken to the result
Collaborative Post
#JetOff 6 Fun (And Unusual) Things to Do in Singapore: Travel Attractions
Millions of people make their way to Singapore each year to see the sights and have some fun.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Singapore, but you need some ideas, we are here to help! After all, there are plenty of activities, events, and other fun happenings that you don’t want to miss.
Continue reading this article to learn the best things to do in Singapore.
1. Universal Studios
Singapore’s version of Universal Studios is a great place to visit. They have a mix of attractions that make it a good spot for families with kids young and old.
The Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey in Far Far Away is a good ride to check out for younger kids and for those of you that want to do something more excited you should head to the Battlestar Galactica.
2. Butterfly Park
If you love butterflies and you’re looking for an educational experience, the butterfly park is the perfect place for you.
You can book a guided tour for the educational experience, or you can walk around the park yourself and look at the different types of exotic insects and butterflies.
3. Singapore Flyer
The massive Ferris wheel overlooking the water at Marina Bay is one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels. Looking at the Ferris wheel from the ground is an especially beautiful sight at night with all of the lights.
The ride on the Singapore Flyer takes 30 minutes and lets you take in the amazing sights of the city slowly from up above.
4. Visit Chinatown
Chinatown is filled with plenty of souvenir shops if you’re looking for something to take home. There are also lots of places to get a massage or to grab a bite to eat. Don’t forget the temples you’ll see as you continue walking through Chinatown.
5. National Museum of Singapore
If you want to learn more about the history of Singapore, head over to the National Museum of Singapore. You’ll be able to get a true feel of the history and feel like you were there to experience it with the unique and interesting exhibits.
Living Galleries are especially interesting and will allow you to learn more about Singapore fashion, food, photography, and more.
6. Marina Bay Sands
While this might not be an unknown thing to see while in Singapore, it is one you must see. You’ll be able to shop at the trendiest stores, stay at the hotel and swim in the fantastic pool at the top of the hotel.
Enjoying the Fun Things to Do In Singapore
Now you know more about Singapore and you can start planning some fun things to do in Singapore. Planning your trip well before you go can help you keep from missing some of the coolest things you might have otherwise overlooked.
Do you want to know more about what to do in Singapore and other areas? Our site is full of articles to help you as you’re planning your travels.
Browse through our travel articles, pick some that look good to you, and drop a bookmark to come back a
Collaborative Post
Iconic Supermodel Naomi Campbell Graces Essence 50th Anniversary Issue
For months, ESSENCE – the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women and communities – had planned an impressive schedule of activities and celebrations to launch in May 2020 in honor of its 50th anniversary. Then, the COVID-19 global pandemic hit – with Black communities being most disproportionately impacted in the United States. Still, demonstrating how it has been able to thrive for five decades, ESSENCE has continued with a relentless commitment and innovation in service to its community – providing critical content, digital and virtual offerings, a new streaming platform, and more to inform, empower and inspire during these times.
That same sense of purpose compelled ESSENCE to shift its 50th anniversary strategy amidst the pandemic and launch its Golden Anniversary Collector’s Edition issue entirely remotely for the first time — paying homage to the incredible legacy of its community, while also capturing the current realities brought on by a global pandemic. In honor of ESSENCE’s milestone year, iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell partnered with ESSENCE to grace the magazine’s first self-shot and styled cover. In Campbell’s cover story, At Home With Naomi Campbell, the supermodel prepares to celebrate her own milestone 50th birthday later this month and takes readers inside her life with an intimate self-portrait during COVID-19 social isolation. Using an iPhone, Campbell shot and styled all the photos herself — marking the first time she has ever photographed herself for a cover.
ESSENCE’s special Golden Anniversary issue also takes a look at some of the joys, pains, laughter, triumphs, and stories that have impacted the Black community over the past half-century—including the novel coronavirus and its effects on the lives of Black women and the community-at-large today. Throughout this special edition, readers will be able to travel through time for some of the most inspiring, stirring, and significant moments shaping and shaped by Black culture throughout ESSENCE’s 50 years—as well as look to what’s ahead, particularly post-COVID-19. ESSENCE is also inviting its community into the coverage and conversation by sharing their own COVID-19 stories for ESSENCE.com. Click here for details.
“Our nation and our world are enduring a crisis at a scale that our generation has never seen, but this time also reminds us of the power of our resilience, innovation, and community – which have sustained ESSENCE for 50 years and will help ensure it thrives for the next 50 advancing global Black culture, economic inclusion, and ownership,” said Richelieu Dennis, founder, and chair of Essence Ventures, the parent company of ESSENCE. “We could not be more excited to mark the 50th Anniversary of ESSENCE as a 100% Black-owned business that has not only revolutionized the publishing and media industries, but that has also become a cultural institution and home for Black women and communities globally. Since its inaugural issue in May 1970, ESSENCE has expanded beyond the pages of a ground-breaking flagship magazine to multi-platform stages, experiences, and digital and brand extensions including the unparalleled ESSENCE Festival of Culture, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE.com, ESSENCE Studios, industry-recognized podcasts, television specials, books and more. We have been able to do this because of our uncompromising focus on the evolving needs of our community and our community’s unyielding support of us. While we have shifted the majority of the ESSENCE 50th Anniversary activities and engagements to 2021, this incredible special collector’s edition issue marks the beginning of our milestone celebration of Black culture, community, achievement, progress, and the work that remains to be done.”
Additional 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition editorial packages include:
- COVID-19 Essay Feature: ESSENCE editors share their personal journeys of adjusting to the new reality of social isolation in these challenging times. Despite differing experiences, the essays have a common thread of what ESSENCE staff and the world are looking for hope.
- ESSENCE Uncovered: 50 Years: ESSENCE compiles its most iconic covers along with an essay/timeline on its evolution over the last five decades. The package illustrates ESSENCE’s impact, as well as the impact of those whose stories graced its pages.
- Power—State of Black Women: By the Numbers: ESSENCE takes a deep dive into how Black women are doing and how their lives have changed over the last five decades across its key verticals—Fashion, Beauty, Culture, Power (News + Wealth) and Thrive (Lifestyle, Wellness + Love).
- Ageless Beauties: #ThisIs50: In this fan-favorite feature, ESSENCE invites eight readers from across the nation who, like ESSENCE, is turning 50 this year for an exclusive photoshoot and beauty spread.
“For 50 years ESSENCE has showcased the brilliance, beauty, power, and resilience of Black women, and now more than ever, in these unprecedented times, that is on display,” said MoAna Luu, ESSENCE Chief Content & Creative Officer. “In our Golden Anniversary issue, we are taking the best of the past, bringing it to the present and showing what our future looks like beyond the pages. By creating a meaningful multi-channel ecosystem that entertains with impact, we continue to reimagine ourselves to reach Black women everywhere and provide a seamless content experience across mobile, tablet, desktop, and of course, our signature magazine. At ESSENCE, our approach to what we do and how we serve is timeless – reflecting and celebrating our culture and telling the truth with open hearts and open minds.”
For more on the 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition/May-June issue, visit ESSENCE.com.
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