Category: Accessories

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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:

  1. Manage your time wisely and create system blocks.
  2. Meal planning is critical towards your budget and home organization.
  3. Cleanliness can be as easy as washing your hands, mopping your floors, and wiping down the countertops.
  4. Mom Tip-kids require (balanced) structure daily.  Allow them to have free space but yet implement structure/disciplined activities.
  5. First, shop your wardrobe and then seek outside pieces.  Do not overspend during this time.
  6. Your home is your haven.  Make it a place of peace and joy!  That might include gardening or rearranging decor.
  7. We can manage our own hair and nails.  At least until it is safe to venture outside of our comfort zones.
  8. Take care of yourself:  get exercise, take a multi-vitamin, and pick-up a new hobby.
  9. Journaling can create a still voice for relaxation and provide mental clarity.
  10. 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
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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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Mother’s Day 2020 Roundup For The Fitness Lover, Shopping Addict or Green Thumb

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, take a look at a few considerations for the special woman in your life!

 

Featured Photo from Men’s Health

 

For the fitness lover:
  • Everlast – The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910 and the world’s leading manufacturer and licensor of boxing, MMA, and fitness equipment, Everlast can provide the fitness buff the equipment they need. Everlast has boxing gear from training gloves to the HydroStrike heavy bag and fitness equipment from the Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope to the Flex Slam Ball that can help mom stick to her new year’s resolutions of staying in the gym and continuing her fitness journey.
  • FitTrack – Help mom stay on track of her fitness journey with FitTrack, creators of the most accurate Wi-Fi smart scale (Dara), and the fitness smartwatch (Atria). FitTrack products are a simple and effective solution to stay motivated on her wellness journey, at a remarkably low price. With 17 detailed metrics that measure, track, and trend her health data over time, FitTrack can help mom better understand her progress with the informative insights needed to be the best version of herself.
For the organization lovers:
  • MakeSpace – MakeSpace offers storage without the struggle — picking up, hauling, and storing your stuff, then delivering it back to you when you need it. Their goal is to make storage convenient and easy so that you never have to visit a storage facility again. To help stressed-out moms manage cluttered homes and stressful lifestyles, give them the gift of space this Mother’s Day.
For the shopping addict:
  • Jane – Jane is a boutique e-commerce marketplace with daily deals on hundreds of products from women’s fashion and accessories to home decor and tech gear – there truly is something for everyone! Give the special woman in your life the perfect Mother’s Day gift to brighten up her day with something personalized or something comfy to help her relax while staying at home.
For the green thumb: 
  • Rachio – The world’s first smart sprinkler company delivering easy-to-use technologies to control your outdoor sprinkler system from the palm of your hand. Their latest product expansion includes the Rachio 3e Smart Sprinkler Controller, a budget-friendly version of Rachio’s renowned and first-ever smart sprinkler, the Rachio 3 Smart Watering System. With it’s lower pricing, the R3e makes saving the planet a bit more affordable for everyone, while still boasting a myriad of features such as weather intelligence based on historical weather data from 30,000 weather stations, dual-band wi-fi with Alexa compatibility, full control, and monitoring with the Rachio app, and more.
For the mom who brightens your life: 
  • Nanoleaf – A smart lighting pioneer, Nanoleaf’s range of light panels allow users to create beautiful, customizable designs with the flexibility to change-up the scene and layouts for any season or occasion. Whether mom is looking to decorate her home office, spruce up the house for family photos, or create the perfect welcome home entrance, Nanoleaf is a fun, low-maintenance way to personalize your space.
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High-Tech Fashion Accessory: The Complete List of the Best AirPods Accessories Available in 2020

Apple AirPods took up 71% of wireless headphone revenue in 2019, making them the most popular brand.

It’s easy to see why. With their handy portable charging case and decent battery life, they’re great quality earphones.

It’s also no wonder that they’ve become far more popular than Apple’s wired earphones. It’s very convenient to be able to walk away from your device and not find yourself attached to it by a very limiting 10-inch wire.

Although AirPods are awesome, AirPods accessories can really take them up a notch. If you’re looking to improve your earphone experience, these accessories are the ones to go for.

Featured Photo by Gavin Whitner

1. Catalyst’s Waterproof Case

Although the latest iPhone models are now waterproof, AirPods are not immune to water damage.

Therefore, if you’re out on a run and it starts pouring while you’re enjoying your music, you’re going to want to store your AirPods somewhere safe.

Catalyst has a waterproof case where they can be tucked away and saved from water getting into them.

After all, AirPods are not cheap. The last thing you want is to be forced to replace them because you didn’t consider the weather.

2. AirPod Skins Protective Wraps

If you want protection for the AirPods themselves, then protective wraps are the way to go.

Available on Amazon, they’ll protect your AirPods from the rough-and-tumble nature of everyday life.

It’s easy to accidentally scratch AirPods, or have the surface wear away due to constant use. These wraps will keep them looking new and shiny.

Plus, they add some style by providing a nice black contrast to the white earphones.

3. Spigen TEKA RA100 AirPods Strap

An Apple AirPods strap may be just what you need if you’re not ready to lose the wire altogether.

The downside of AirPods is that they can be easily lost due to them being very small and unconnected to anything. Luckily, you can buy a strap to keep them together whenever you feel like having the safety net of a wire.

It’s mostly handy when you aren’t using them, or want to be able to pop them in and out quickly. It hangs around your neck, putting them within easy reach.

4. Twelve South AirFly Pro: Wireless Transmitter For Planes

You might know how to pair AirPods with MacBook laptops and iPhones, but do you know how to pair them to an airplane?

Being stuck in the air for up to 15 hours can be torture. Planes usually provide in-flight entertainment for long hauls, but the earphones are bad quality and often uncomfortable.

Fortunately, you can now buy a Bluetooth transmitter for your AirPods which plugs into the 3.5mm jack at your seat.

The battery life on these is 16 hours, so there’s no reason for them not to last your whole flight. This is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive Apple AirPods accessories.

5. RHA Wireless Flight Adapter

This may seem like the same as the Twelve South AirFly Pro on first glance, but this has one additional bonus that you may want to take into account when deciding between them.

It works great on the Nintendo Switch.

If you love cuddling up on the couch with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or getting lost in the world of Breath of the Wild, this is the flight adapter to go for.

6. Keybudz Podskinz AirPod Case

If you need an AirPod case that’s easy for you to find when you need it, this is a great choice — it attaches to your keys!

Most people have their keys with them at all times. Whatever you forgot at home, it’s unlikely to have been your keys since you presumably needed them in-hand to lock the door!

It’s very handy for those who tend to rush out of the door and forget non-essential items such as their earphones.

7. Earbuddyz 2.0 Ear Hooks

Some people get lucky when they buy AirPods and they fit just fine.

Others don’t have the ear size Apple designed these earphones for — one size does not fit all, after all — and find that the earphones fall out all too easily.

When there’s no wire, this isn’t good — it won’t be long before they’re lost in the great outdoors.

Luckily, Ear Hooks are a thing! Attach these to your AirPods and feel them fit snugly in your ear.

It does get a little frustrating to have to take them off the AirPods every time they go back in the case, but it’ll be well worth it to ensure your earphones don’t fall out.

8. Morphie Wireless Charging Pad

Not only can you charge your iPhone on these, you can charge your AirPods!

Sit them down at the same time as your iPhone and watch both charge up.

The pad can charge AirPods through cases as thick as 3mm, so you may not even have to remove them from the case.

This is, by far, one of the most convenient charging methods. It also has a built-in safety feature so that it won’t overcharge, which can be extremely draining and damaging to electronics.

Time to Load up on Those AirPods Accessories

AirPods are awesome. They’re convenient, allow you to move around while listening to music or chatting on the phone, and are easy to charge through their handy little case.

Whatever problems or pitfalls they have can be fixed by AirPods accessories. Whether it’s them not fitting in your ear properly, getting scratched up when you use them, or being unprotected when you get caught in the rain — there’s something to improve them in every area.

Next time you’re on a plane and struggling with the low-quality earphones or sighing as your brand new AirPods tumble out of your ear, you might just be tempted to invest in these.

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Women’s Summer Fashion Guide: Stay Up-To-Date on The Latest Trends

As a woman, you are probably wondering what you are going to wear this summer to stay up-to-date with all of the latest trends. It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with the rapidly changing world of fashion. This is especially true if you are like most women nowadays and have to work full-time. That’s why we put together this great list of summer fashion trends for 2020.

Featured Photo from The Fashion Spot

Summer Fashion Basics

When you are trying to predict what the next big trends are going to be, there are a few places you are going to need to look. You can look at what the latest runway shows have displayed, you can look at what has been popular in current fashion magazines, and you can look at online boutiques and stores to get ideas. For example, if you are looking for dresses for women, you can search hypeach.com to get some fashionable ideas. You will be able to find clothing to keep you in style all through the hot summer months.

This year, there has been a strong trend towards some new styles that haven’t been seen for a long time. Let’s get to it and go over what the top trends will be this summer.

Women’s Summer Fashion Trends For This Year

This year’s trends are a little different from last year, but many of them will carry over. We have seen a few reintroductions from nearly one hundred years ago with some styles making a come back that were popular in the 30s and 40s. There are also a few trends that appear to be fairly unique and maybe appearing on the scene for the first time ever. Here are five of the biggest trends that will be seen this year in women’s fashion over the summer.

Puffy Sleeves 

This is an exciting sight to see. A fashion trend that was originally popular in the 1930s has been making headways among the women of the nation this year. Although it is not new on the scene and has been popular for a little while, it is still trendy and should continue to be so throughout the majority of the summer. It would be a safe move to purchase a few new tops that have the puffy sleeves look.

Professional Summer Wear

Professional summer wear is going to be one of the biggest trends this summer. This is the type of clothing that is going to help you look your best, but people will still take you seriously. One of the biggest trendsetters in this area has been the introduction of some new and absolutely fabulous sports-type jackets. These jackets will have you looking absolutely sharp but also intelligent and respectable.

Stylish Sunglasses 

A throwback to the 80s, stylish sunglasses, such as Arabians, have been making a huge comeback in recent months. This bodes well for the fashion trend this summer as people are starting to gear up for some time outside under the sun and will definitely need to protect their eyes while looking stylish. Why not go ahead and get yourself a pair of sunglasses and make a fashion statement out of it by getting a pair that matches the rest of your outfit?

Genuine Snakeskin 

According to Marie Claire, one of the most shocking introductions on the scene in terms of women’s summer fashion trends is the recent fascination of snakeskin apparel. This is not faux snakeskin, but the real genuine snakeskin. Women are starting to wear boots and other footwear that is made of snakeskin and even carry handbags that have been made with this unique type of leather. This is something fairly new and it is actually pretty exciting. You can match it with some of your other leather clothing or mix it up and do something totally random. The choice is yours.

Trendy Trenchcoats 

Finally, the last big fashion trend for the summer has been all of the stylish and trendy trenchcoats that you have been seeing while you are out and about. You are going to need to be careful while selecting a trenchcoat for the summertime. Make sure you buy one that is breathable and easy to wear. Make sure that it is going to be comfortable to wear during the heat of the day before you make a final purchase decision.

These are just a few ideas for the summer of 2020. Watch people who know how to put different styles together and follow their example.

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Homebound Survival Tips: Snakeskin Trendy Accessories #WIW or #OOTD

The last few weeks have been interesting.  Our nation was called to a state of an emergency due to the Coronavirus.  None of us anticipated being in our homes 24 Hours straight; let alone unable to shop for ordinary household items.

This has definitely a time period to reflect upon your priorities and not take simple things for granted.

How are we all surviving?  Some of us are keeping a positive mindset while others are missing the days of careless walks down the street.

Either way, there are moments in our life when we may have to stay home for extended periods of time.

When you have a baby, the doctor might prescribe being home consistently for a week.  When we’re suffering from an illness, depending on the severity, there could be much-needed time at home.

Take a look at the tips for surviving the highs and lows of being homebound.  If you can think of anything else, please share it with this site.

Homebound Survival Tips:

  1. Order groceries online from stores such as Amazon, Aldi, or Publix.
  2. Create menus for your family.  The reality is that we have to eat!
  3. Schedule time periods to watch the news; either morning or night.
  4. Video chat, text, or start a group communication channel.
  5. Gift little kids’ toys during peak time periods when they may become restless.
  6. Cut-back on normal portion sizes on items.  For example, if you would normally use 2 tbsp of coffee grinds use 1 tbsp.
  7. Find unconventional ways to use items.  An egg carton could hold craft paint or beads.
  8. Read inspirational books and incorporate prayer into your daily routine.
What I Wore or Outfit of The Day

In the photo below, I’m returning to my desk after a meeting.  This was taken weeks before we were quarantined to be in our homes!

I want to encourage fashionista’s to mix trendy accessories with your classic wardrobe.  This is a simple way to refresh your outfits and get a new look!

Snakeskin Booties:  JCPenney | Belt:  Express | Blazer:  H&M

If you like this post click here:  QUARANTINED BEAUTY ROUTINE: HOW TO REMOVE DIPPING POWDER OR GEL POLISH

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Faux Fur Jacket and Seamless Fleece Leggings: #WIW or #OOTD College Alumni Mixer Event

There’s something about getting a bit older that makes you become sentimental.  You began to reminisce about the carefree days of hanging out with your best college crew!

Those days involved hitting the laundry mat, unsolicited dating advice, and last-minute cramming.  To help us stay better connected the alumni group hosted a pop-up event.  As always, I didn’t know what to wear because I was getting over a cold and had a busy consulting week.

The Furget Me Not Jacket I’m seen in is from Zeal Boutique; it was purchased while attending another event.  Don’t be misguided, it’s actually one of the warmest jackets in my wardrobe!  The texture is soft like a blanket and the outer fridge adds a touch of style.

Again, the goal was to stay warm, so I ordered a pair of fleece-lined leggings, draped camisole, and wore my snakeskin booties.

We had a great night and my outfit was fashionable and functional.  Yes, I have several maroon pieces because it’s the colors of my alma mater.

Faux Fur Jacket:  similar | Cami Top:  Amazon | Seamless Fleece Leggings:  Amazon | Snakeskin Booties:  similar

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Hadiya Williams Handcrafted Graphics, Designs, & Jewelry Rooted In Bold African Diaspora

Hadiya Williams – emerging artist and owner of Black Pepper Paperie Co., – a Washington, DC-based mix-media art + design studio and lifestyle brand that focuses on creating globally inspired, one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces to include wearable ceramic art, home decor, paper goods, and apparel. These ancestral modern pieces are rooted in memory and cultural influences from across the African diaspora, and I am sure they’d be of interest to your readers!

Additionally, Hadiya Williams’s graphic design work received national attention as she recently partnered with Best Buy for their Black History Month campaign “Write the Next Chapter.” It ran for the month of February.

In addition to her mixed media and graphic design work, Hadiya has done work with non-profit organizations in the Greater Washington, DC area serving families in marginalized communities throughout the city for the past 15 years. In her free time, she has also functioned as an art director & designer for special events, weddings, and small gatherings. Her ultimate goal is to create work that transforms spaces and helps people celebrate life’s most important moments. Her style is bold and all her own.