JoJo x DSW: DSW Teams Up with JoJo Fletcher for Curated Capsule

Excited to share that DSW launched a new curated capsule collection with JoJo Fletcher, The JoJo x DSW Collection, on their ecommerce site and in all 500 stores, today!

DSW tapped TV Host and season 12 Bachelorette star, JoJo Fletcher, to curate her favorite footwear styles for the ultimate spring refresh. The JoJo x DSW Collection is a multi-designer curated capsule of elevated casual styles and will be sure to get everyone ready to re-emerge this season.  JoJo captures the essence of DSW through her elevated casual style. She values comfort and fashion that can keep up with her busy schedule which is reflected in her must-have DSW picks.

“DSW is a one-stop-shop for all of my most loved shoe brands, I wanted to select shoes that were great everyday staples that can be styled in a number of ways.  As we transition into Spring weather and the world starts to open back up, sandals and heels will be making their way back on to everyone’s feet and will be great summer pieces” says Fletcher.

Styles include on-trend sneakers, sandals, block heels, that transition easily from day to night.  In addition to the feminine mix of light, fresh, neutral colors, metallic sheens and textural details, JoJo made sure to include fun pops of color that really make an outfit stand out.

“My best style tip is to find pieces that give you the look you want, without sacrificing your comfort.  I always find that if I’m comfortable in what I’m wearing, I have a better time!” says Fletcher.

Franco Sarto Birch Slide sandal

“If I can find a cute, comfortable sandal AND it gives me that extra height, I’m ALL about it. These are the perfect platform sandal that is great paired with jeans, shorts or a dress.” Says Fletcher

Marc Fisher Casara Slide sandal

  “White is so fresh for the Spring/Summer seasons so these slides will be the perfect addition to your closet.  I love to throw these on with my favorite sundress.” Says Fletcher

Top 3 Sexiest Short Prom Dress Styles for 2021

Are you having a prom this year? If so–congratulations! If not, you should still attend the prom and see all your friends looking gorgeous in their prom clothes.

Sexiness and Lingerie are the two most important traits in a modern woman’s life, which were improvised further by Sisters The Label at Miss Runway Boutique. A girl should always look sexy, whether she will work or just hang out with friends. It was kind of hard for me to choose the best three styles for my collection because there were so many great styles this year.

One Shoulder Styles

The one-shoulder trend is a versatile style that can be worn with jeans or evening outfits. While you may think that wearing one piece of clothing on your shoulder is incorrect, just remember that all trends begin as an experiment and sometimes don’t work out for the best. In this case, the trend has definitely stood the test of time and wearable fashion.

Even as the age of the two-tone prom dress comes to a close, one-shoulder dresses are already beginning to emerge as a prom fashion staple for 2021. While this style looks just as stunning on some women as the lovely A-line dress with a skirt, it’s having its moment in the limelight this year because society has deemed it trendy enough to warrant a spot on any prom-wearing senior’s checklist.

The Bubble Hem

The bubble hem prom dress is back and better than ever. One of the main components to any prom outfit is by far the dress, so you must choose the right one to make you look glamorous and give you all kinds of confidence, but not too much that it would risk ruining your night! Your dress needs to be fabulous enough for the opening night event at Tony’s Place.  This year, spice up your night by donning a bubble hem prom dress this season that will make everyone else turn their heads at your fabulous outfit.

The ’80s called, and they want the bubble hem back. How do I know? I get people asking about it all the time. Perhaps it’s their fascination with retro fashion that brought about this resurgence, but one thing is for certain: the bubble hem prom dress is back and better than ever.

The Strapless Dress

So, you’re in the market for a strapless gown to wear to that special occasion in your life but aren’t sure which styles will flatter? From poofy to poufy, the strapless dress is one trend that never goes out of style. But how will you know what styles are best for you? There’s a reason the strapless dress never dies — because it’s so versatile. This trend was reinvented over and over again, from different necklines to form-fitting silhouettes.

What I love about strapless dresses is that they can be functional, fashionable, and beautiful. They give you the option of wearing them for any special occasion, including weddings, parties, dates, or regular workdays.

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New Habits: Should They Be Left In Lockdown?

We had a lot of time to learn and perfect new habits over the last year, and many people are keen to continue taking the time to do them even as life goes back to normal. Of course, there may be some habits that are better left, but there have been many great habits people have formed that have really made a difference in their lives and allowed them to find a new passion in life. However, just what are these, why are they worth keeping onto, and could it provide you with inspiration to try it yourself? Keep reading to find out more.

Featured Photo from Vuelio

The Lockdown Kitchen

It was prime time to start getting creative in the kitchen. With so much time at home, people uncovered a love for cooking and baking in the kitchen. From having different themes to using new ingredients and learning new skills, many felt inspired by television shows such as The Great British Bake Off or Masterchef, while others may have been gifted the present of time and were finally able to start testing out recipes from a forgotten cookbook. Not only was there more time for cooking, but everyone had longer to take a moment to plan out a week of eating. To the foodies who never had enough time, this was heaven.

Not only were people more likely to use their stock in the cupboards (because of the essential-only shopping trips), but they had a knock-on effect of a better quality and healthier diet. Overall, this habit should definitely be taken out of lockdown and carried on into post-lockdown life.

The Lockdown Garden

Many were lucky enough in lockdown to have a space, big or small, outside of their four walls in the form of a garden. With so much time spent out there, it got many people thinking more creatively and making the most of their time outside. A survey from Squire Garden Centres concluded that 77% of people did more gardening during lockdown than they would normally do.

From gardening, the same respondents of the survey said it gave them a sense of achievement but also an outlet for stress and a source of much-needed happiness. This kind of positivity should be taken with everyone who found comfort in it from lockdown.

The Lockdown Knitting

Knitting may not have appealed to the masses, to begin with, but once gifted with time, many tried their hand at the skill, and so lockdown provided a lifeline for many wool stores in London. Knitting, obviously, creates a beautiful piece of art, a wooly hat or a newborns’ first blanket, but it has the added bonus of stimulating the mind. Knitting has proven to mimic the rhythmic repetition of mediation, thereby calming those who ‘practice’ the skill and is well worth continuing long after lockdown. You find all your essentials online from wool stores and take guidance from online resources.

The Lockdown Decorating

Interestingly, homeware brand Habitat announced that what consumers watched (or binged) on the television influenced the decoration of their homes. This is a dangerous game, as what could be deemed as stylish in the 1900s period drama may not sit so nicely in a modern home.

This trend should definitely be used sparingly. Otherwise, the front room may look like the set studio for a production company!

Throughout the global pandemic, everyone needed to seek comfort in their home, whether that meant small home improvement projects, getting your fingers green, smelling out the kitchen with delicious cooking or baking, or getting stuck into a challenging skill like knitting, They all brought a sense of calmness and relaxation. As a society, these skills should be taken back into reality, where new skills can flourish in classes, groups, or even to show off your new dish at a dinner party.

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The Female Founded Inclusive Brand Using Sustainable Practices From Start to Finish

Every element of this female founded collection- from the fabrics and finishings used to construct the garment, to the packaging used to deliver it to your door- was thoughtfully sourced with the customer and planet in mind. The brand has on ongoing partnering with 1% for the Planet, where 1% of all profits are invested in environmental causes AND is donating 10% of proceed to Fashion Revolution this week in honor of Earth Week.

Manufactured here in the USA, Akala is thoughtfully designed to flatter every beautiful body, creating pieces for all silhouettes in extended sizing.

The upcoming collection (launching in May) will go up to 4X! You can purchase Akala for under $300 on their website here!

FAMED UCLA GYMNASTS ON ESSENCE GIRLS UNITED APRIL DIGITAL COVER

ESSENCE Girls United’s April digital cover features famed University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) gymnasts Chae Campbell, Nia Dennis, Margzetta Frazier and Sekai Wright who are bringing a whole new wave of Black girl magic (and are looking stunning doing it!) In the cover story Flipping the Culture, writer D’Shonda Brown talks to these collegiate superstars who are the embodiment of Black excellence and Black representation in athleticism as they soar to chart-topping scores with cultural playlists, rhythmic floor routines and Black Lives Matter activism. The athletes talk to ESSENCE Girls United about their love for the sport, representation, elevating the culture…and even getting Janet Jackson’s attention!:
  • Margzetta Frazier, 21: [EXCERPTED]: Who else can say they woke up to a nod from their inspiration, Janet Jackson, after using choreography inspired by her hit “If” and “Nasty” music videos? That’s what happened to the three-time uneven bars All-American and 2021 Pac-12 champion after her floor routine went viral. She states: “Being in a sport like this and seeing women of color rock the world really is a dream come true. Gymnastics has consumed so much of our lives with the concept of flipping and being perfect…But being recognized by ESSENCE for bringing so much more to the table than just athletics truly is an honor…”
  • Chae Campbell, 19: “Growing up in the sport of gymnastics, I didn’t see a lot of Black people…I was the only one in my group that looked how I looked. Having more representation and seeing people thrive, not just Black gymnasts, but also other races and ethnicities, is really encouraging for the young girls out there…”
  • Nia Dennis, 22: “My main goal was to inspire people to do what they love and to have fun and be their most authentic self. So if we have done that in any way, then I would definitely say that the goal has been accomplished…”
  • Sekai Wright, 20: “We do our best to stay positive because we know what we’re representing…As young Black women, it’s so satisfying that we can express and elevate our culture through our gymnastics.”

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Jewelry Expert Weighs In Top 5 Gifts for Mother’s Day From Alexandra Marks Jewelry

In a year that’s been filled with so much gloom and doom a little sparkle goes a long way.  Chicago-based brand Alexandra Marks Jewelry has an impressive array of Mother’s Day gift options, all of which are sure to make Mom smile.

Specializing in “the look of real,” the AMJ collection is made from ethically-sourced sterling silver and cubic zirconia (the brand’s fine jewelry is made with solid 14k yellow, white & rose gold + conflict-free diamonds.)

From dramatic to dainty, basic to blingy, AMJ has something for every Mom – and every price point.  Owner and Mom to daughter Izzy, Alexandra Marks offers some recommendations for Mother’s Day gifts:

Pearl Dot Hoop Earrings ($56)

A modern take on the classic hoop!

Measuring 28mm, these earrings are made with White Fresh Water Pearls and are available in Rhodium-Plated or 18k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver.

Gardenia Stud Earrings ($88)

Way better than any bouquet!

Measuring 16mm in size, these stunning earrings are available in Rhodium-Plated or 18k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver.

Bold Blue Evil Eye Necklace

The Evil Eye is not only an ancient symbol of protection but it’s a huge trend for Spring/Summer 2021! The symbol is said to ward off negative energy and bring luck to whoever wears it.

Measuring 32mm x 20mm, this vibrantly colored piece is made with Round Brilliant Cubic Zirconia and Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver.

Free Form Gemstone Opalite Stud Earrings ($84)

These studs are casual with a tiny touch of glam – perfect for the Mom who doesn’t want anything too sparkly but wants something more than a basic stud.  The color of the center stone go from a milky white color to a light blue depending on the lighting.

Measuring 10mm in size these post-backed earrings are available in Rhodium-Plated or 18k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver.

Butterfly Necklace ($112)

Butterflies are a symbol of change, new beginnings and fresh starts – a lovely sentiment for any woman beginning the journey of motherhood.

Measuring 20mm x 18mm, this necklace is available in Rhodium-Plated or 18k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver.

These pieces – along with countless others – can be purchased online at www.alexandramarksjewelry.com and shipped anywhere in the country.

Jessica Alba Wears Vagabond Shoemakers and Victoria Emerson Jewelry!

Jessica Alba was photographed wearing a chic look in Los Angeles complete with accessories from Vagabond Shoemakers and Victoria Emerson! The seasoned actress and mom kept her look casual with Vagabond Shoemakers’ Judy Sneakers ($140; www.vagabond.com/us) and added a touch of sparkle with Victoria Emerson‘s Paperclip Style Gold Necklace ($39, similar styles available on www.VictoriaEmerson.com).

Juvia’s Place Launches Two New Eye Products

Black-Owned cosmetics brand, Juvia’s Place, just released two new eye products: Juvia’s Place Nubian Pencil Liner, and the I Prep I Prime Eyeshadow Primer.

THE NUBIAN PENCIL LINER-$10

The Nubians Pencil Liner is a long-wearing eyeliner that glides seamlessly to define and fill in the eyelids or the waterline. It is perfect for use with any Juvia’s Place eyeshadows.

Juvia’s Place I Prep I Prime Eyeshadow Primers

The Nubian Pencil liner comes in four unique shades:

  • Kajal (An intense black)
  • Cocoa (A deep chocolatey brown)
  • Midnight Blue (A deep dark blue)
  • Royal (A royal electric blue)

THE I PREP I PRIME EYESHADOW PRIMERS-$12

The I Prep I Prime Eyeshadow Primers are a must for long-wearing eyeshadows. The primers comes in three creamy, long-wearing shades to help create a weightless and seamless base for eyeshadow application.

Key Qualities:
–          Long Wearing
–          Cancels out Pigmentation or discoloration
–          Creates a smooth base
–          Zero Crease, Zero Clumps, Zero Oils
–          Intensifies colors

Works on:
–          Metallics
–          Mattes
–          Glitters
–          Shimmers

Shades:
–          Shade 1- Milky White Shade
–          Shade 2- A Medium Shade
–          Shade 3- A Dark Shade

See here for a video demonstration.

New Forever 21 x Juicy Couture Collection

Forever 21 launched their Juicy Couture collection! The iconic duo collaborated on exclusive pieces that tap into the season’s throw-back craze.

The Forever 21 x Juicy Couture collaboration comes at the perfect time, with Forever 21 customers current love for Y2k fashion combined with their need for loungewear. As the lockdowns and stay at home lifestyles come to an end, Forever 21 customers will still want to be comfortable, but after nearly a year at home, they’ll also want to have fun with what they are wearing. Now, more than ever, our customers want comfortable clothes that are fashionable, and that make them feel happy and confident.

The collection is perfect for the transitioning cool-to-warm weather season featuring a mix of hoodies, jogger sets, bodysuits, swimsuits, and rompers, as well as accessories like slides, bucket hats, hair pins, handbags, scrunchies, and doggy jackets. Pieces will be available for Women and Juniors, with prices ranging from $17.99 to $39.99.

Juicy Couture was an iconic part of early 2000’s fashion. During its peak, the brand’s bedazzled velour tracksuits were everything and everywhere. Instantly recognizable, Juicy was colorful, fun and combined luxury and comfort in a new way. The silhouette of what would become Juicy’s signature tracksuit is what made the brand stand out, as it was both innocent and sexy. In the early 2000s when our love for celebrity culture and reality tv was first taking off, you couldn’t pick up a tabloid without seeing one of the candy-colored velour sets on Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez or Lindsay Lohan. Juicy was the symbol of casual luxury. Today, it is the symbol of Y2K coolness, as the appeal reaches across generations, sparking childhood memories for millennials while also capturing Gen Z’s obsession with all things vintage and the Y2k aesthetic.

“We felt it was only natural to merge our brands for a collection that is comfortable and fashion-forward. Juicy Couture is a nostalgic phenomenon for many and a novelty for a new generation, I am thrilled to  see these pieces become a part of their must-have wardrobe staples,” said Alexandra Taylor, SVP, Marketing at Authentic Brands Group, owner of Forever 21 and Juicy Couture.