Author: Kimberly West

Style+Life+Fashion is the brainchild of Kimberly West, a consultant, and on-air lifestyle expert. Although Kim started blogging as a hobby due to her love for Fashion, she quickly gained a loyal following as a respected industry expert and contributor for numerous fashion websites. She seeks to provide the latest trends as well as educate consumers about all aspects of fashion. Kim has hosted television segments as a fashion and lifestyle expert with ABC 33/40, WBRC Fox6, ABC2 News, Fox 45 WBFF, The List Baltimore, and WBAL News. Her fashion interviews include well-known industry experts such as Tai Beauchamp, Tomima Edmark, Julie Weiss, Clinton Kelly, Gianni Rich, Darius Gibbs, Dean Banowetz, and Lilliana Vazquez. In addition, she’s interviewed reality star Queensly Felix and R&B Artist, Keyshia Cole. She has also collaborated with online features for Glamour Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Macy’s, and worked to stream digital content and video for New York Fashion Week 2010.
Lifestyle /

MMCA PARTNERS WITH STARZ AND NABJ TO HOST INAUGURAL MEDIA DIVERSITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECEPTION #TakeTheLead

The Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA) is pleased to partner with STARZ and National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) to host the inaugural Media Diversity Excellence Awards Reception on Thursday, August 19 from 6:00 -7:00 pm EST (3:00 -4:00 pm PST) during NABJ’s signature annual convention.  In keeping with MMCA’s other signature events including their Multicultural Media and Correspondents Dinner (MMCDTM) and inaugural Sheroes in Media Awards Gala, this reception is designed to honor Black media excellence and highlight the need for increased media diversity.  Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s gathering will again be hosted in a virtual setting.

This year’s honorees for the inaugural Media Diversity Excellence Awards Reception include “Newsmaker” Award recipient Karine Jean-Pierre (White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary) and “Impact Journalist” Award recipient Trymaine Lee (Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award Winning Journalist, MSNBC Columnist “Into America,” Podcast Host).

In addition to the presentation of the “Newsmaker” and “Impact Journalist” Awards, the reception will feature a moderated discussion with STARZ talent regarding the network’s #TakeTheLead initiative.

“Partnering with NABJ and MMCA to honor this year’s Media Diversity Excellence Award recipients and discuss our #TakeTheLead initiative aligns with our commitment to promote representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the organization,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of STARZ.  “Collaborations like this one are an important way for us to engage with impactful and diverse voices that are leading change.”

The conversation will be moderated by Kelley L. Carter (Host of ‘Another Act’ for ESPN’s – The Undefeated) with featured talent from several popular Starz series: Patina Miller (Raising Kanan), Hailey Kilgore (Raising Kanan), Amber Stevens West (Run The World), Corbin Reid (Run The World), Ajiona Alexus (BMF), and Michole Briana White (BMF).

The event will also incorporate a fun interactive cocktail mixing session courtesy of Beam Suntory led by Corbin Reid from STARZ hit series “Run The World,” who serves as celebrity mixologist.

“We are thrilled to partner with STARZ and NABJ for this inaugural Media Diversity Excellence Awards Reception during the signature annual gathering for Black Journalist and media professionals.  MMCA’s vision to create a collective, inclusive and sustained effort to honor BIPOC media excellence and to increase diversity in media ownership and control is more critical than ever.  By joining with STARZ and NABJ, we continue to raise awareness of our collective efforts and pay tribute to those who are leading the fight for media diversity,” said David Morgan, MMCA President.

MMCA’s event partners include: STARZ, NABJ, and Beam Suntory.

Beauty /

Milani Cosmetics® Launches the #Milani Makers Campaign

In honor of 20 years of creativity, individuality and attainability, Milani Cosmetics® is proud to announce the Milani Makers™ Campaign, celebrating the community that has inspired the brand since its inception. The campaign illustrates the spirit of Milani through its brand advocates, the Milani Makers, who are innovators, creators, culture shakers, risk takers, equality seekers and boundary breakers. They strive to bring beauty into the world and leave it better than they found it.

Milani Cosmetics is a market leader in the color cosmetics industry, creating prestige quality makeup at an affordable price. Milani was founded in 2001 by an art teacher in Los Angeles who fell in love with the culture and creativity of the community but was frustrated by a lack of diversity in the drugstore makeup aisles. Today, Milani is known for their iconic Baked Blush™, Make it Last™ Setting Sprays, and Conceal and Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer™.

“Our Milani Makers inspire us each day to continue to create products that make luxury accessible for all,” stated Mary van Praag, CEO of Milani Cosmetics. “On our 20th anniversary, it was important for us to recognize and support those who have always supported us. We are excited to elevate this dynamic group of innovative and passionate individuals.”

To kick off the campaign, the brand will make donations to seven non-profit organizations. Each organization was chosen by a Milani Maker and represents the brand’s mission to support causes that are changing the world. Milani Makers will continue to raise awareness of these causes via content on Instagram.

“I’m proud to be named a Milani Maker and to partner with a brand that has always been devoted to individuality and creating quality, cruelty-free makeup at an affordable price. Thanks to Milani, I am able to give back to The Blue Mountain Humane Society who is doing amazing things for the animals in my community,” said Rocio Soria (@rocioxsoria).

Throughout the year, Milani will continue to celebrate and highlight its many Milani Makers with social content and giveaways. To learn more or participate, simply use #MilaniMakers for a chance to be featured on the brand’s social channels. Visit www.milanicosmetics.com or @milanicosmetics on Instagram and TikTok.

About Milani Cosmetics 

Inspired by art, diversity and attainability, Los Angeles-based Milani Cosmetics® is a market leader within the color cosmetics industry, creating prestige quality makeup at an affordable price. The brand is dedicated to providing luxe for all – luxury that is inclusive, not exclusive. Milani® has amassed a devoted, multicultural following of artists, change-makers and forward-thinking creators, also known as Milani Makers™, and for over 20 years has been devoted their absolute individuality and freedom to express their authentic selves. All products are proudly cruelty-free and do not contain parabens, phthalates or formaldehyde.

We Are Milani, Luxe for All ™.

Accessories /

New Drip: Juicy Couture x Forever 21 Dropping

After a wildly successful capsule collection earlier this year, we’re excited to share that the new fall Forever 21 x Juicy Couture dropped on August 3 via the Forever 21 App and in-stores nationwide on August 12.

The exclusive collab takes you back in time to Y2K coolness, aka the days of velour tracksuits, scrunchies, glossy lips, and flip-phones.

Accessories /

Exciting New Wardrobe Trends & Essentials to Get on Your Radar

Whether you are looking for a pop of color, a wardrobe staple or new exciting trends, these brands have you covered.

Zuri Sculpts

Meet the Zutu by Zuri Sculpts. Worn around the waist, a Zutu accentuates curves, hides that muffin top, and adds a pop of color to any summer ensemble. It’s the newest fun accent that makes an ordinary outfit eye-catchingly bold. Pictured is a stunning piece from the Imani Collection in a gorgeous African print. It’s also perfect as a swimsuit cover-up!

Audra Style

The new fall collection from Audra Style is here.  Audra Style is a unique, fun and affordable line of accessories for women.  Their items are unlike anything else out there in the fashion world and make women feel excited about putting an outfit together.  Using bright, bold colors and patterns, the shapes are cut from faux leather and brass to mix and match the pieces and patterns in unexpected ways, creating unique accessories.  There are countless styles and designs to choose from but no two pairs will ever be just alike.  Their earrings are conversation starters and make women feel happy and confident no matter their age, style or budget.

The Elephant Organics Jumpsuit

The perfect throw-on-and-go outfit! Made in soft organic cotton for all-day comfort. 100% Organic Cotton. Super soft, extra smooth and stretchable lightweight interlock knit fabric.  This will be your wardrobe basic you will want to live in.  Throw on a jean jacket or boyfriend flannel–this jumpsuit can take you anywhere!

Wings Hawaii

Whether worn as a jacket, beach cover up or paired with leggings in the winter, there is always a good time for an over-sized button-up with lace detail! These boyfriend flannels are an easy go-to addition to any outfit, making them a closet staple. These shirts are truly one of a kind and come with a mermaid seal of approval! Rooted in mindfulness, eco-consciousness, and radical kindness. All Wings Hawaii items are handmade in their workshop on Maui’s North Shore by local artisans using sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo fibers, non-toxic dyes, and reclaimed metals and fabric.

GATHERALL has just released the wardrobe essential to uplift and support today’s lifestyles, adding confidence to wardrobe choices with a bra expertly crafted by women.  No matter what the breast size may be or the style of top they’re wearing, the GATHERALL bra makes it easy for women to be comfortable in their own skin. Women supporting women is what this brand is all about. This medical-grade adhesive silicone bra gives wearers strapless, backless, wireless, seamless, washable, reusable, and flexible support.  The revolutionary patent-pending bra has a smooth velvet finish mimicking second skin. Unlike many sticky bras that are too thick and unsupportive, GATHERALL bras solve all the issues you have experienced with other brands on the market.

ABC /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Outdoor Must-Haves

I hosted a Lifestyle Segment on Monday, July 12th on ABC 33/40 Talk of Alabama. During the segment, I shared summer must-haves while hosting an outdoor event.

The products showcased were meant to assist with helping everyone enjoy their guests!

PROTECT YOUR PARTY GUESTS FROM MOSQUITOS – 15-20FT RADIUS OF PROTECTION

Thermacell | E55 Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller (An Amazon Best Seller) – provides 20ft of protection ($39.99 on Amazon / Thermacell / Home Depot, Loews, Walmart etc.)

Thermacell | Patio Shield Metal Edition in Rose Gold provides 15ft of protection ($34.99 on Amazon / Thermacell / Home Depot, Loews, Walmart etc.)

Protect Your Skin with IBKÜL’s (IB-Cool) IceFil UPF 50+ Tops Available For The Whole Family

IBKÜL | Mens Womens & Children Tops ($19 – $99 depending on style) – Available on ibkul.com and Amazon. 

Make Your Eyes Pop Even With A Mask On with Easy-To-Use Magnetic Lashes

Lola’s Lashes | Easy To Use And Glamorous Lashes best selling magnetic Lashes in the UK | $28 – $65 at lolaslashes.com

Protect Your Pets & Kids From Ticks While You Enjoy A Beautiful Outdoor Memorial Day Weekend Backyard BBQ.

Thermacell | Tick Control Tubes (6 pack for $24.99 @Thermacell)

Click on the link to view the segment: Talk of Alabama | Summer Must-Haves | Kimberly West

Watch this segment: ABC TALK OF ALABAMA – MOSQUITO PREVENTION

Accessories /

Summer Sparkle: DSW Taps Chrishell Stause For Fun, Flirty Capsule

DSW is teaming up with actor, realtor and Selling Sunset star, Chrishell Stause on a curated capsule of footwear and accessories that will bring back high wattage glamour in a big way this summer. Launching today, June 17th, the Chrishell x DSW Collection features a selection of strappy heels, flats, metallics, whites and bold colors and tie dye accessories from various brands and designers, including Marc Fisher, Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson and more!
Known for her feminine, fun and flirty style, Chrishell ensured her collection was fashionable without sacrificing function, offering trendy as well as timeless options and a touch of her signature sparkle.
“I am thrilled to partner with DSW so I can show people how to get that designer look without the designer price tag. Shoes don’t need to break the bank to be amazing! As we get into the summer season, it’s time to start getting dressed up and back out in the world. “ says Stause. “Of course, you want to look great, but you also need to feel great to pull off the look! Even on casual days, wear at least one thing that makes you happy.”
The Chrishell x DSW Collection is available at DSW.com and all 500 store locations, the 10 piece shoe and accessories collection is all under $100 and ranges in price from $35 to $75.
Accessories /

TARAJI P. HENSON, NAOMI CAMPBELL, AND MARSAI MARTIN ROCK THE 2021 BET AWARDS IN LOS ANGELES, CA WEARING UPGRADE BOUTIQUE

Official host of the 2021 BET Awards and actress, Taraji P.  Henson, rocked the occasion last night wearing custom wigs by Upgrade Boutique throughout the evening styled by Tym Wallace. Model, Naomi Campbell, and actress, Marsai Martin, both styled by  Alexander Armand, also stole the show wearing extensions by Upgrade Boutique. The evening was filled with flawless looks from powerful women including Queen Latifa, Lauren London, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Maxine Waters, Ciara, Chloe Bailey, Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lenox, Zendaya,  H.E.R., The City Girls and many more.

Celebrity /

ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA ANNOUNCES 2021 VIRTUAL DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME LINE-UP

ESSENCE, the leading and only 100% Black-owned media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities, announces its daytime and nighttime schedule for its virtual 2021 ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola—the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience. With the theme “Live Loud,” ESSENCE curated an invaluable hybrid experience that offers the best of in-person and virtual worlds via a celebration of the resilience, power and achievement of Black communities and the omnipresence of our culture. Under strict adherence to guidance from local health agencies, ESSENCE produced live-to-tape activations in early June available only to New Orleans and Louisiana residents honoring essential workers and first responders. As a result, the entire Festival will present a “taste of New Orleans” with a full schedule of can’t-miss content centered around culture, equity and celebration—and a tribute to the city that the Festival has always called home.

It will be broadcast on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com–Friday-Sunday over two weekends, June 25-27 and July 2-4. In addition, for the first time, this year’s Festival will host a live Verzuz battle to remember on Thursday, July 1, with soon to be announced guests. For more details, visit ESSENCE.com.

The Festival’s virtual programming will include powerful daytime interactive sessions and star-studded evening concerts and connections. The star-studded lineup will feature performances by: Jazmine Sullivan, DJ Khaled & Friends, Ne-Yo, Amerie, Tank, Kirk Franklin, Davido, Lucky Daye, Carl Thomas, D-Nice and more. The Festival’s powerful interactive sessions will also showcase leading voices throughout the two weekends including: Mary J. Blige, Angela Yee, Michelle Williams, Adrienne Bailon, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Tracy G., Tiana Major9, Big Freedia, Miss Lawrence, Supacent, Shantrelle P. Lewis, Jesseca Dupart and more. See below for highlights across the two weekends: 

THURSDAY, JULY 1: 

  • ESSENCE Dear Black Men (6 PM-8 PM): ESSENCE Studios presents Dear Black Men—an all-male summit that salutes the contributions of our brothers who speak vulnerably about their respective experiences as family men, community advocates and leaders of this generation.  
  • ESSENCE Festival Verzuz Battle (LIVE at 8 PM-10 PM) 

FRIDAYS: 

  • PITCH, Please! New Voices Pitch Competition (3 PM-4 PM EST): Tune in to PITCH PLEASE!, powered by Pull Up for Change’s Impact Fund and the New Voices Foundation to watch up-and-coming Black women-owned beauty brands make their pitch to change the beauty business game! During this pitch competition, eight Black women founders will compete for cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, plus valuable business coaching to launch and execute or grow and scale their beautiful entrepreneurial dreams.
  • Coca-Cola Juke Joint Kick Off with D-Nice (6/25 ONLY 5:30pm-6pm EST) : D-Nice kicks off the party with a set of our favorite songs from New Orleans at the historic Howling Wolf Venue.
  • ESSENCE Beauty Carnival [6 PM-10 PM (ET)]: Enjoy presentations from industry insiders and top brands on makeup, skin, body, and hair care that provide a fresh perspective on caring for and embracing the hair and skin you’re in. Speakers include: Adrienne Houghton, Melyssa Ford, Claudia Jordan, LisaRaye, Supacent, Miss Lawrence, Big Freedia, Demetria Lucas, India.Arie, Tina Knowles and more.
  • ESSENCE GU After Dark [10PM-11 PM (ET)]: Tune in for music curated by ESSENCE’s Girls United brought to you by your favorite rising stars. Featuring performances by Raiche, Tayla Parx & Makenzie and also a world premiere music video by MuMu Fresh.

SATURDAYS:

  • Wealth & Power [1 PM-5 PM (ET)]: Discover how to be an agent of change during this virtual town hall. Topics include tools for investing, business, entrepreneurship, policy, voting and more. Speakers include: June Ambrose, Jemele Hill, Tamika Mallory, New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, Angela Yee, D-Nice and others.  In addition, watch a  special segment featuring our Black Female Mayors.
  • Entertainment All-Access [5 PM-7 PM (ET)]: Catch your Hollywood faves in Q&A’s and be the first to watch exclusive sneak peeks of the hottest upcoming releases! With appearances by: Gina Torres, Lil Rel, Yvonne Orji, Yandy Smith, Mary J. Blige and more.
  • Evening Concert Series [7 PM-10:30 PM (ET)]: ESSENCE® is giving you Saturday Night Vibes with our legendary evening concert series with a must-see lineup (*scroll down for talent line-up.)

SUNDAYS:

  • ESSENCE Wellness House [10 AM-1 PM (ET)]: A multi-faceted collective of self-care resources for you! Through our curated sessions, you will walk away equipped with the resources to prioritize your nutrition, spirit, relationships, and more.
  • Get Lifted Gospel Sunday Celebration [1 PM-3 PM (ET)]: Get your spirits lifted as the annual all-star Gospel tribute hits your screen for two Sundays back to back! Tune in for powerful words of praise by your favorite spiritual leaders and music by your favorite gospel artists. Performances by Kirk Franklin & Friends, Israel Houghton and more.

WEEK 1 (Saturday Evening Concert Line-up): 

SATURDAY, 6/26: 

  • Ha Sizzle 
  • Teedra Moses 
  • KES 
  • Lucky Daye 
  • Tank 
  • Jazmine Sullivan 

WEEK 2 (Saturday Evening Concert Line-up): 

SATURDAY, 7/3: 

  • Case 
  • Carl Thomas 
  • D-Nice, Ne-Yo and Amerie 
  • Davido 
  • DJ Khaled and Friends 

*Artists and schedules are subject to change. 

For more information, pick up the July/August “ESSENCE Festival of Culture” split-cover issue, featuring headliner Jazmine Sullivan on the cover. To register or for a full line-up, visit www.essencefestival.com. Join the conversation via social @EssenceFest. The ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola® is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc. Sponsors of the 2021 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors Estée Lauder, Ford, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Walmart as well as premium sponsors AT&T, Disney and UnitedHealthcare.

Amazon /

essence Makeup’s NEW Lash Princess Mascara; Lash Princess Curl

We are thrilled to share that essence makeup officially welcomes their newest Lash Princess formula – Lash Princess Curl – available NOW for $4.99 at essencemakeup.com, Ulta.com and Amazon.com!

essence is widely known for its best-selling Lash Princess Mascara – which is the #1 mascara on Amazon with nearly 150K rave reviews plus a true cult-following. At the request of Lash Princess lovers, the brand is excited to welcome the long-awaited addition to the coveted mascara lineup – Lash Princess Curl. Created with a curling formula and peanut-shaped fiber brush, Lash Princess Curl lifts coats and holds lashes for a dramatic wide-open look!

 $4.99 –available at essencemakeup.com, Ulta.com and Amazon.com and in select Ulta locations beginning in July.  

    • Long awaited and finally available: Lash Princess now has a curl formula!
    • Peanut shaped fiber brush allows for easy application that provides maximum volume and curl – 2 main must-have mascara effects combined in one mascara
  • This Vegan formula is totally paraben-free, with no micro plastic particles added