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How to Take Control of Your Life Once and For All

Taking control of your life might sound like a luxury with so much going on in the world. But if you take the time to change your approach for life and put yourself in the driver’s seat for a change, your life will improve in a variety of ways. There are many ways to do this and we’re about to touch on a range of different topics, so read on to find out more about getting this right.

Control Your Surroundings and Potential Distractions

If you’re going to take better control of your life, you first need to do what you can to take control of your surroundings. If you’re the kind of person who has their plans and intentions derailed by a lack of control and not really being able to commit to things, you should control your surroundings better. For example, working from home means having to cut out distractions and create surroundings that are conducive to work.

Featured Photo from Awed by Monica

Make a Habit of Thinking Before You Act, Not the Other Way Round

You should also do what you can to make a habit of thinking before you act. When you don’t think through your actions and decisions in life, you simply end up taking the wrong route and that’s obviously not what you want to habit. Make it the norm for you to stop and think before making any significant decision.

Become a Learner

If you want to get ahead in life and feel more like you’re in control of your own destiny, you should do what you can to become a better learner. If there are gaps in your knowledge in particular areas that are important to you or that might be important in your career going forward, make an effort to learn and better yourself.

Pay More Attention to Your Financial Life

Paying a little more attention to your finances will be a big part of taking back control for you. If you’re not able to control your finances, you’re going to struggle to get to where you want to be. A lot of people feel a loss of control in their lives because they aren’t in control of their money. Head to https://www.dtss.us/ to find out more about these issues.

Manage Your Emotions and Long-Held Beliefs

Managing your emotions is something that all of us should try to get better at doing. And sometimes you also need to question your emotions and your long-held beliefs. Be open to change and open to changing your mind. That’s what learning and improving in life should be all about after all. None of us get it all right.

There’s no reason why you can’t start feeling more in control of your life and destiny, and with the help of the advice above it’ll be a whole lot easier to achieve. Be sure to find ways in which these tips can be made to fit the needs and realities of your life; after all, everyone’s in a different place.

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How To Make More Ethical Fashion Choices

Ethics are important in all aspects of life, but they’re especially important when it comes to a form of consumer culture. Fashion could be considered through this lens, as it is ever-changing, and the industry makes use of materials that must ultimately be manufactured and handled.

Ethical fashion, thankfully, is becoming more and more of a fixture,  and not just a trend. Of course, that’s not always the case. Some still decide to wear furs, even though we all know that the cruelty to animals exhibited through these products is questionable at best. That being said, this post is not here to judge or point the finger at anyone. Like anything, you can be more effective in making a change when you focus it on yourself, and consider your own habits and practices. 

Featured Photo from Racked

So, how can you begin to make more ethical fashion choices? Moreover, how can these choices remain sustainable, and relevant, and part of your schedule? After all, ethics are not something you ‘grow out of’ or become bored by, but are a commitment you must make. With the following advice, you’ll see how and why:

Shop For Cruelty-Free Beauty Products

Shopping for cruelty-free makeup is a great place to start. As beauty is often the most fundamental aspect of designing your outfit for the day, it can be worthwhile to get this right. Do you know if these items are sustainable? Are they well-sourced? Are they vegan? If you can answer yes to those questions, then you’re quite literally supporting the business that can continue in a conscience free manner. You don’t have to pay the moral price for beauty in 2020, and that’s a fantastic thing.

Buy Used Clothing

Buy used clothing. You can find worthwhile older threads with vintage appeal through apps such as Depop. In some places, Instagram stores can connect you to small-time sellers hoping to push an aesthetic or style. This can help you make a new home for items you like the look of, and that helps it avoid being thrown out or given to landfill. In a way, this helps you continue the natural life cycle of items that deserve respect. It helps you celebrate the past of fashion by making it new. That’s a great place to start.


Check The Source

It can be extremely instructive to vet the source of your fashion purchases. What does this brand say about their values, and how transparent are their sources? Do they have controversies in the past? It could be that only sourcing your purchases through brands you can trust and that have spoken on their practices with full transparency will help you support those companies really do appreciate. After all, the strongest way to vote is with your wallet, and diverting those funds to practices you wish to see. Also, be vocal about your appreciation! Brands need to know the growing size of the ethics-based market.

With this advice, we’re certain you can make much more ethical fashion choices.

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Accessories /

ROAM Customizable Premium Luggage: Design Your Own Piece

I am excited to share some big news…ROAM (the world’s first and only color-customizable premium luggage company) is diving into the world of fashion with a gorgeous new color palette.

The new colors are super on-trend and just right for the season. Every detail is customizable…from the front and back panels…to the stitching…to the wheels, so you can create the perfect mix of hues that is completely your own. (There are over a million possible colorways.)

Founded by former Tumi execs, this is high-quality luggage that offers protection against the elements and features ultra-smooth-rolling wheels that take you over even the roughest cobblestones with ease…and chic aplomb!

Every item is handcrafted, made-to-order, at ROAM’s U.S. production workshop. The company also offers a 100-day risk-free trial, which is super rare for any custom item. The team at ROAM truly stands behind the craftsmanship and quality of our product. (ROAM’s CEO, Larry Lein, was TUMI’s longtime EVP.)

Colors /

Corridor Partners with Pantone To Create Sustainable Digital Creation Process

Pantone LLC, the global authority on color and provider of professional color tools for designers, announced its partnership with menswear brand, Corridor, to streamline it’s color and design process with Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors (FHI) integrated design solution. Corridor, an independent menswear brand, focuses on contemporary American clothing, natural fibers, and responsible design and tailoring. Corridor leveraged Pantone’s FHI tools to create a portable, global design ecosystem in response to the accelerated need for designers to adapt to a new workflow amidst COVID-19.
The evolution of the manufacturing process in design has increasingly become more digital as calls for a more sustainable process – i.e. cutting down on waste and carbon emissions traditionally generated in the sampling process, has become a major priority in the fashion and home furnishings industries as a whole. In addition, the pandemic has shifted the way people work and communicate in design, limiting travel, and enforcing communication digitally. As a result, designers have had to fill in the gaps of communication for color and creation through a seamlessly integrated process leveraging physical and digital design tools.
Dan Snyder, the creator of Corridor, wanted to remain committed to the brand’s focus on “making beautiful things” despite these new shifts and needed a mobile color development process that would allow him to convert the beauty he saw while in nature into something that could be communicated with his global suppliers. Snyder was able to create his own portable design ecosystem that adapted to his design needs using Pantone’s Fashion, Home + Interiors product suite. Snyder began his process by using the Pantone Connect mobile app, which provides digital access to all the Pantone libraries, to capture his inspirations, creates the perfect color harmonies, and translates them into Pantone colors. Additionally, Snyder needed to communicate these colors to his global suppliers and did so by using the Pantone FHI Cotton Planner and Cotton Swatch Card standards. With this integrated design solution, Dan was not only able to convert his inspiration from nature into fashion, but also create major cost savings and waste reduction as a result.
“Using the Pantone FHI system has doubled the speed of our design process and cut costs significantly. Normally, we would need 4-5 strike-offs/dyes in order to hit our color. With Pantone, we typically achieve the color we need in the first dye lot. Additionally, using the Pantone Connect app in combination with swatch cards, we are able to clearly communicate with our dye house/factory on the agreed color and as a result, have been able to reduce waste and carbon emissions by not shipping fabrics across the world. We are extremely excited to be working with Pantone and feel equipped to handle our increasingly digital workflow,” says Dan Snyder, Corridor.
With color accuracy being at the forefront of Pantone’s capabilities, Pantone’s Fashion, Home, + Interiors design tools offer:
  • Over 3,000 colors curated specially for the Fashion, Home + Interiors market ensuring market relevance. The Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors color standards are available in multiple formats, including cotton, polyester, nylon, paint-on-paper, and metallic.
  • A wide range of color and design solutions meet evolving design needs. Whether it’s designing a new fashion collection from the kitchen counter or a limited-edition footwear line with a business partner 500 miles away, Pantone has the tools to fit every designer’s needs. The Pantone Fashion, Home + Interior product line offers color tools for working from home, the studio, and even the production floor. Not only are the FHI tools equipped to support unique physical workspaces, but also each tool includes digital complements to connect your designs and your teams globally.
  • New design technologies that enable new color innovations. Having digital access to each of Pantone’s entire collection of colors enables designers to seamlessly streamline digital and physical workflows. Spectral data support ensures fast turnaround and accurate, on-schedule production.
“While digital transformation has continually been a discussion, the industry needed to adapt faster than anticipated to provide a more efficient and sustainable process for the way we work today. Pantone is dedicated to creating an environment where designers can have integrated solutions that will enable them to easily shift between physical and digital design whenever and wherever needed. With Pantone being the global language and translator of color, we are excited to continue to innovate alongside our fellow designers and be the go-to partner for all creatives at every step of their process – from inspiration to creation,” says Shantel Sullivan (Pantone FHI Product Manager)
To provide designers with color tools and understanding to cope with the evolution of the creation process in design, Pantone will also be introducing a spotlight series on the Future of Work in design through additional designer partnerships, workshops, and conversations with the design community to discuss the tension points in their process, how the color and design process has evolved, as well as trends that have emerged in this new age and the best way to communicate color as a result.
About Pantone
Pantone provides a universal language of color that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers. More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate and control color from inspiration to realization – leveraging advanced X-Rite technology to achieve color consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, fashion, and product design. Pantone Standards feature digital and physical color specification and workflow tools. The Pantone Color Institute™ provides customized color standards, brand identity and product color consulting as well as trend forecasting inclusive of Pantone Color of the Year, Fashion Runway Color Trend Reports, color psychology and more. Pantone B2B Licensing incorporates the Pantone Color System into different products and services, enabling licensees to communicate and reproduce approved Pantone values and improve efficiencies for their users. Pantone Lifestyle brings color and design together across apparel, home, and accessories. Connect with Pantone on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
About X-Rite
Founded in 1958, X-Rite Incorporated is a global leader in the science and technology of color and appearance. With Pantone, X-Rite employs more than 800 people in 11 countries. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Grand Rapids, Mich., with regional headquarters in Europe and Asia and service centers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. X-Rite offers a full range of solutions used by manufacturers, retailers, printers, photographers, and graphic design houses to achieve precise management and communication of color and appearance throughout their processes. X-Rite products and services are recognized standards in the printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, and medical industries. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com. For the latest news, information, connect with X-Rite on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Accessories /

How To: Shop Your Closet and Create Instant Outfits

Would you believe that I have not been in the mood to shop?  That’s because I’ve been practicing social distancing and focusing on virtual events.  But, there’s always a solution to every problem.

One perspective is that I have always been an advocate for shopping in your closet.  There are so many wonderful pieces in there that you have probably forgotten about.  From accessories to midi dresses, I can guarantee that you’re closets are filled with instant outfits.

A suggestion that I share with my Personal Style clients is to create outfits (in your spare time.)  The worst time to figure out a hot look is right before any event.  Life is a lot easier when you have something to wear!

The outfit shown below is an example of just that.  I was leaving out the door for a lunch date and needed to put on pieces that exuded my personal style.

Cape Blazer:  Amazon | Cami & Jeans:  Express | Strappy Heels:  Target similar | Crossbody:  Louis Vuitton similar

 

Beauty /

TOPICALS SEEKS TO TRANSFORM THE WAY GEN Z FEELS ABOUT SKIN

Today marks the launch of Topicals (MyTopicals.com), a revolutionary new skincare company that seeks to transform the way consumers feel about their skin by making the treatment of stigmatized skin conditions synonymous with the luxury and fun of self-care. Available online, Topicals products are also featured now through October at Pop-In@Nordstrom inside select Nordstrom locations and online at Nordstrom.com.

Founded by two dynamic young women of color, 23-year-olds Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng, Topicals was born out of necessity. One in four Americans live with chronic skin conditions. Costly doctor visits and prescriptions are often avoided because one just “learns to live with it.” As women of color who lived conditions like severe eczema and post-barbae folliculitis, both Olamide and Claudia grew up settling for products that didn’t really serve them or represent how the condition appeared on their skin. They joined together to create effective and luxurious products that are carefully formulated to tackle skin conditions like eczema, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, and more — but don’t break the bank.

“This is an industry that has not evolved and has used many of the same formulations over the last 30 years,” says Olamide Olowe, Topicals CEO and Co-founder. “Having lived with a serious skin condition myself, I found there were limited treatment options available, and none of the brands looked like me. I could use an over-the-counter product that didn’t address my specific needs as a Black woman with darker skin, or spend thousands on pricey prescriptions. With all of the amazing beauty products out there, I still didn’t find one that helped me with my flare-ups. I knew we could do better.”

“With my background in clinical research and dermatology, I saw firsthand the lack of access to care that existed for these types of skin conditions,” says Claudia Teng, Topicals Chief Product Officer, and Co-founder. “For me, I knew there was a serious opportunity to create something affordable, and that not only educated a broad amount of people but also made their treatment experience more enjoyable. Our mission is to make chronic skincare management synonymous with the fun and luxury of self-care, taking the focus off of perfect skin and helping our community have funner flare-ups.”

The founders of Topicals are focused on creating an inclusive community around real, positive, and authentic discussions about their skin. And since chronic skin conditions often lead to serious mental health issues because of the stigma, shame, and embarrassment often felt by those with them, Topicals is donating 1% of profits to various mental health organizations. Prior to launch, Topicals donated over $10,000 to and partnered with Sad Girls Club, Therapy for Black Girls, and Fearless Femme 100, and are partnering with the JED Foundation at launch.

Among the supporters and investors in Topicals are several high-profile Black women, including Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John, entrepreneur and DJ Hannah Bronfman, and the Emmy-nominated stars of the hit show “Insecure” Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji. The initial investment round, led by Lerer Hippeau, also saw participation from Humble Lukanga and Mucker Capital as well as the CEOs of Warby Parker, Allbirds, Casper, Harry’s, Bombas, and Red Antler.

Topicals is launching with two signature products: Like Butter, a hydrating mask for dry, distressed, and eczema-prone skin, and Faded, a serum for discoloration and dark spots. Each and every ingredient is clinically backed, and the power-packed formulas have been tested on all skin tones. In addition, Topicals products are vegan, fragrance-free, made for all shades in mind, and carefully crafted to be eco-friendly with recyclable tubes and packaging.

Like Butter (1.7 oz) – $32

A whipped, hydrating mask that moisturizes and soothes sensitive, dry, stressed out, and eczema-prone skin.

Key ingredients:

  • Camellia Sinensis Leaf: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory; reduces itch and redness
  • Madecassoside (Centella Asiatica): accelerates wound healing, fortifies skin barrier through collagen and fibronectin production, anti-inflammatory
  • Colloidal Oatmeal: helps to soothe itch and irritation
  • Chinese Rhubarb Root: decreases levels of hyperactive immune cells, antimicrobial
  • Ginseng Root: anti-inflammatory; reduces itching, inflammation, and swelling
  • Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, shortens wound-healing time, improves collagen deposition

Faded (1.7 oz) – $36

A gel serum that combats dark spots and discoloration from sun damage, scarring, and inflammation.

Key ingredients:

  • Tranexamic Acid: prevents melanocyte tyrosinase activation, and excess vascular development (which can cause melasma)
  • Kojic Acid: inhibits melanocyte tyrosinase function
  • Azelaic Acid: prevents tyrosine conversion to melanin; scavenges free radicals
  • Licorice Root: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, melanin-degrading, and tyrosinase-inhibiting capability
  • Centella Asiatica: anti-inflammatory, scavenges free radicals
  • Niacinamide: limits melanocyte stimulation, scavenges free radicals
  • Melatonin: anti-inflammatory, inhibits melanocyte activity

Beauty /

LALA ANTHONY STUNS ON ESSENCE SEPT/OCT COVER

In the September-October issue of ESSENCE, La La Anthony — best-selling author, actress, designer, producer, and multihyphenate maven — graces the cover and provides perspective on the often-discussed issue of Black women and identity. In the cover story, Finding Success on Her Own Terms, Anthony talks candidly with ESSENCE Deputy Editor Allison McGevna about everything from co-parenting, raising and protecting her Black son in America, celebrating her Afro-Latina identity and the importance of telling Cyntoia Brown’s story.

 

She shares with ESSENCE:

  • ON PROUDLY BEING AFRO-LATINA: “I’m Afro-Latina: I’m Black, I’m Puerto Rican, I’m all of it. I’m proud of it.’ But no one really understood that. They were like, ‘You’re one or the other, and that’s it…”
  • RAISING A BLACK SON IN AMERICA: “I always talk to him about how he needs to deal with police. It’s sad that these are the conversations we have to have with our children, but this is the world we live in. I make sure he knows that and understands the seriousness of it. I’m not trying to scare him in any way, but I want him to live in reality.”
  • HER APPROACH TO CO-PARENTING WITH CARMELO ANTHONY: “My son is at the center of everything… he is watching us, so if we’re out here being reckless or not leading with love, then what kind of example are we setting for him about how he should treat women or how people treat and love each other? … A lot of times, people forget that, and I understand, because you get emotional when you’re going through different things in relationships. But I always want my son to be able to say, ‘No matter what, my parents loved each other. My parents loved me.”
  • ON BRINGING CYNTOIA BROWN’S STORY TO THE SCREEN: “For her to trust me with this story, after everything she’s been through, it’s not something I take lightly.”

Timed with its cover launch, also ESSENCE announces the newly launched online hub titled “Protect Black Women and Girls.” As the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women and their communities for 50 years, the hub was created to help provide more persistent visibility of systemic racism, racial inequities, and police misconduct today with particular attention to justice yet seen for the Black women of the movement like Breonna Taylor and Toyin Salau. The hub includes a series of essays and op-eds from Black women activists, academics, and thought-leaders including Tarana Burke, Kimberlé Crenshaw, LaTosha Brown, and more. As Kimberle Crenshaw says in her original essay for the hub, “If we are ever to truly protect young Black women like Toyin Salau or Breonna Taylor, we must first tell their stories.”  For more on ESSENCE’s Protect Black Women and Girls Hub, visit ESSENCE.com.

The September-October issue of ESSENCE hits newsstands on Tuesday, August 25. For more on this month’s issue, visit ESSENCE.com.

Accessories /

Choosing A Stylish Pair Of Glasses: Online Shopping

If you take a look on the internet you will see that there is a wealth of different eyeglasses online for you to purchase. Nevertheless, you should never merely go for the first nice pair you find. You want to make sure your cash is spent well! In order to buy the best glasses frames online, you need to consider several different factors. This blog post aims to give a helping hand with that by revealing a checklist of important eyeglass qualities you should be looking out for. By the time you have finished reading you should have no trouble finding the best glasses online for you.

Popular trends 

Of course, the main reason for purchasing glasses online from the likes of eyeglasses.com is because they are needed to improve your vision. However, they are also considered a stylish fashion accessory too. In fact, there are a lot of people who wear glasses without lenses nowadays merely for style purposes! Therefore, when buying glasses frames online you should consider the trendy styles on offer.

Featured Photo from Style Caster

Remember; when buying eyeglasses it is important to go for something that is stylish now and is still likely to be stylish several years down the line. You don’t want to have to buy a new pair of glasses every time a new season comes along!

Aviators are extremely stylish at the moment, especially when it comes to men’s eyeglasses. They have a classic feel to them, meaning they are unlikely to ever be viewed as outdated. In addition to this, small rectangular and oval frames are always going to be popular and well-liked. They are smart and sophisticated and suit most people. Nonetheless, the most popular style of eyeglasses at present is undoubtedly wayfarers. These are cool and quirky, and look as equally good on men as they do women.

Deciding on the right colour for your frames 

A lot of people opt for black when purchasing glasses. However, there is an array of different options available. The colour you go for can, of course, be picked via personal preference. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you take your skin tone, eye colour and hair colour into account. In other words, do you have a warm or cool complexion?

Warm complexions – If you have a warm complexion then purchasing eyeglasses online in any of the following colours are recommended: copper, gold, khaki, letterbox red, off-white, and coral.

Cool complexions – If you have a cool complexion then any of the following colours are advised: plum, dark tortoise, black, silver, jade and blue.

To conclude, glasses are undoubtedly purchased to help people improve their vision, but this does not mean that the style of them should not be considered. After all, doesn’t everyone want to look good?

You can ensure that your glasses are an accessory that makes a style statement by taking advantage of the tips provided in this article for purchasing glasses online. Consider the latest trends and your complexion to benefit from the best pair of eyeglasses for you specifically!

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Beauty /

AJ Crimson Beauty, Black-Owned Inclusive Pro Luxury Cosmetics Collection

Excited to announce AJ Crimson Beauty, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free luxury cosmetic line made with every woman in mind.

 

AJ Crimson, a self-taught makeup artist and beauty expert is one of the most trusted names in the industry with a roster of clients including Angela Bassett, Regina King, Fergie, Missy, Hilary Duff and more! His products have been used on the TV series American Horror Story, Empire, The Real, and the box office smash The Hunger Games.

 

The AJ Crimson Beauty cosmetics line was born out of necessity,  “I wanted to create a product inclusive of women of all ethnicities, a product all women could find ownership in and believe in. So often, makeup has been designed with a one size fits all mentality, and with black women and women of color my cosmetic line contains shades for women of every ethnic background and skin tone.”

 

AJ is available for any beauty expert commentary needed and is also available for Match Me Perfect virtual consultations where AJ will recommend your foundation, concealer, and lip color suggestions.

 

The pro luxury cosmetic brand includes foundations, powders, lipsticks/glosses in best-selling items like Ruby Who? And Ex-Factor lipsticks, Number 8, and AJC Universal Finishing powder ranging in pricing from $20 – $150 available now at https://ajcrimson.com/.
Accessories /

While Grandstands Lack Fans, SCORE! Handbags Show A Fan’s True Colors

Sports are coming back but fans are not – at least not yet in the grandstands of most stadiums and arenas. Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League all are returning to play after shutting down in March, but the continuing COVID-19 pandemic prevents fans from attending those games.

Fans undoubtedly long for the day they can again, in person, voice their love for their favorite teams. Until then, whenever they can get out and safely social distance, fans will be likely to show their team spirit in their attire and fashion accessories, just as they proudly did before the pandemic at stadiums, restaurants, bars, and shopping malls. Perhaps now, given the enforced silence of stadiums and arenas, their team colors worn in public will speak even louder, adding to the human connection sports often provide.

These days, avid sports fans literally can be covered from head to toe with their favorite team’s outfitting. But a few years ago, Deni Sciano, an entrepreneur and sports fan, noticed something was missing from women’s game-day apparel.

Attending a Dallas Mavericks-San Antonio Spurs NBA game, she was stuck in the long security line as every handbag was searched. Like many, she missed the start of the game.

“Then it hit me,” Sciano says. “An idea to manufacture clear bags, which could be checked quicker by security officials than traditional-style purses or handbags.

“At the same time, a clear bag could also be a fashion statement and a sign of team loyalty, as well as a convenient way to help move along the security line.”

The result of Sciano’s “A-ha!” moment is SCORE!: The Official Game Day Bag (www.scoregamedaybag.com). Sciano, whose product line is sold in all 50 states, has designed 12 styles with up to 44 color options. The purses feature six stadium-compliant styles, machine stitching, rhinestone bling, and durable metal hardware.

More than ever, women are making their sports passion part of their fashion. Studies show that over 40% of the fan base for the National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, and NASCAR are women. As a result, the leagues are making more team apparel and related items for women.

Sciano wanted fashionable designer quality, style, and vibrant colors to reflect the team spirit so synonymous with sports. And her innovation turned out to be ahead of the game; in recent years, many sports stadiums/arenas have enacted clear-bag policies, as have movie theatres, concert venues, golf resorts, theme parks, and many workplace environments and other entities. Sciano expanded her product line to include totes, satchels, and backpacks.

“Many women wear their team colors proudly at work, when shopping or dining, traveling or running errands,” she says. “While times are different now and we don’t know when fans can safely be back in the stands at higher capacities, one thing about sports fans and loyalty hasn’t changed: fashion and team passion go hand-in-hand.”