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Accessories /

What To Wear To A Wedding In 2018 – Choose The Ideal Outfit

When you have a wedding to go to, it is easy to go into a sheer panic over what to wear. You have to think about all sorts of factors such as how comfortable you will, what the weather will be like, whether there is any color theme in place, and more. Considering you may be at the wedding for the best part of the day, it is important to select your outfit carefully so you benefit from a combination of comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Featured Photo from Glamour

If you are struggling to decide what to wear, there are a few tips that can help. First off, make sure you find out whether the happy couple has put any sort of dress code or color scheme in place, as the last thing you want is to turn up in a canary-yellow dress when the dress code is lilac or pink! Once you have this information, you can then start shopping for a suitable outfit for the big day.

Trends and Options to Help You Choose the Ideal Outfit

 

Choosing the perfect wedding outfit doesn’t need to be a challenge as long as you keep some key points in mind and you look at some of the latest trends. From stylish tailored dresses and trouser suits through to stunning evening gowns by Marchesa Notte, there is something for every taste and preference.

One thing to remember is that you should never buy an outfit that will upstage the bride’s dress otherwise you could find yourself in hot water with the happy couple! Elegance and style are, of course, important but you also need to make sure you are comfortable in the outfit. This is especially important if you will be wearing the same outfit all day.

So, let’s take a look at some of the latest trends when it comes to wedding outfits:

Embroidered dresses

 

 

If you want to ooze elegance when you attend the wedding, opting for an embroidered dress is a great idea. When you choose an embroidered gown, you can really look the part for the wedding with a look that is timeless and classy. The bride and bridesmaids will probably have embroidery on their dresses too, which means your dress will fit in perfectly with the wedding theme.

Glitzy metallic dresses

 

 

A wedding is a happy event so a little glitz and glamour won’t go amiss. You can inject your own glitz by opting for a stylish metallic dress. Metallic materials are very trendy these days, so you can show off your fashion sense while enjoying a combination of style, elegance, and class. Metallic dresses that incorporate patterns and prints are particularly effective and will add a unique touch to your overall look.

Chiffon and lace

 

 

Do you want to embrace the romance of the big day? If so, you can reflect this in your outfit by going for a stunning chiffon and lace dress. These dresses hang and flow beautifully, so you can enjoy looking really elegant. They also look elegant, romantic, and timeless, which makes them ideal for a wedding. If you are attending a summer wedding, you can even enjoy increased comfort because you will feel much cooler in this type of material.

Tailored dress

 

 

If you want something a little more conservative but still elegant and stylish, a tailored knee-length dress coupled with kitten heels is an excellent choice. You can opt for a single color or choose a two-tone dress in a variety of shades. You can also find tailored dresses in floral prints, which can add an extra touch of elegance to your outfit.

Step Out in Style

 

With these great dress options, you can step out in style when you head to your next wedding. You will enjoy looking stylish, elegant, and classy while feeling comfortable and confident.

 

Collaborative Dress

Entertainment /

OVER HALF A MILLION ATTENDEES CONVENE FOR THE 2018 ESSENCE FESTIVAL SPONSORED BY COCA-COLA

The 2018 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola® attracted more than 510,0000 attendees to New Orleans this Fourth of July weekend, marking one of the largest gatherings in the event’s 24-year history.   For the first time, all three nights of the ESSENCE Festival concert series at the Louisiana Superdome sold out.  The extraordinary turnout underscores ESSENCE’s engagement of Black women around community, culture, and content – which was brought to life in innovative ways at the annual celebration.

“This extraordinary gathering of nearly half a million attendees–on the eve of the ESSENCE Festival’s 25th anniversary–speaks to the unmatched convening power of our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications.  “As one of the country’s largest curated live experiences, the ESSENCE Festival engages Black women globally—through a truly unique celebration of culture, connection to community and access to content that inspires and empowers.”

The annual 4-day Festival, which took place July 5-8, features entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and a state-of-the-art concert series with the world’s best performers each night to comprise a one-of-a-kind curated content experience:

    • Over 100 performing artists across the Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Miguel and others performed at the event’s nighttime concerts and dozens of others across ESSENCE’s Center Stage and 10thAnniversary All-Star Gospel Tribute honoring Dottie Peoples.

 

    • More than 100 influencers, leaders, creators, and celebrities participated in the Festival’s daytime experience – rebranded as ‘Conference & Expos’ with programming across eight tracks spanning Beauty & Style to Business & Entrepreneurship. Powerhouse speakers included Lena Waithe, Lester Holt, and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell as well as favorites Rev. Al Sharpton, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Iyanla Vanzant, among others.

 

    • First-time, simultaneous live streams of the daytime experience on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; an ESSENCE Snapchat Live special and millions of #EssenceFest social media posts generating trending status on Twitter.

 

    • Expanded consumer Expos such as the ‘Beauty Carnival” and ‘Entertainment All-Access’ drew crowds of thousands each day to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.   Elevated VIP events and programs for attendees included the launch of the ‘ESSENCE House’ at the Ace Hotel, as well as the debut of the ‘E-Suite’ with exclusive access to career and business programming.

 

    • Community give-back and volunteerism at the Festival’s traditional ‘Day of Service’ focused on the theme “Adopt-a-Neighborhood – Central City” to encompass youth center beautification projects, as well as empowerment and entrepreneurship workshops for women & girls.  ESSSENCE ‘Day of Service’ also presented the inaugural Excellence Awards honoring local change-agents in the community.

 

For a full recap of all the exciting moments from the 2018 ESSENCE Festival, visit ESSENCE.com and log in to the ESSENCE Festival News Center for photo and footage highlights.  Images of Janet Jackson can be requested via Getty Images.

The 2018 ESSENCE Festival is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc. (ECI), and produced by Solomon Group. GeChar is the executive producer of the 2018 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience.

Sponsors of the 2018 ESSENCE Festival include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&T, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.

Beauty /

2018 ESSENCE FESTIVAL® EXPANDS BRAND EXPERIENCES

The 2018 Essence Festival® presented by Coca-Cola today debuts expanded brand experiences within its daytime programming—offering new consumer activations curated by partners Coca-Cola, AT&T, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart that take place from July 6-July 8 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

The Festival’s daytime programming features a diverse slate of curated content across eight “Conference & Expos” tracks: Community & Culture, Beauty & Style, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Tech, Wealth, Wellness & Spirituality, and Shopping.  Plus, celebrity meet-and-greets, musical performances, interactive panel discussions and over 50 engaging consumer activations round out the weekend event.

Download the 2018 ESSENCE Festival® app for updates and to customize a schedule of Festival highlights, which include:

  • ESSENCE Beauty & Style featuring the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival. Tutorials and seminars with celebrity beauty experts and icons, and fashion presentations with style trendsetters, complimentary style consultations, mini makeovers, giveaways and more with partners: Walmart, the Official Beauty Expo Retailer; My Black Is Beautiful; Unilever; Aveeno; Maui Moisture; Creme of Nature; Palmer’s; Shea Moisture; Carol’s Daughter; Cover Girl; Gold Bond; Strength of Nature; and our Beauty Bungalow sponsor, Cantu.
  • ESSENCE Entertainment All Access. An exclusive first look at the hottest movies and TV shows and participation in cast talk-backs and appearances at Center Stage, the Fan Zone and the Screening Room with partners Disney, 20th Century Fox, Annapurna, BET, HBO, Paramount, Showtime, Starz, TNT, as well as the film titled, She Did That sponsored by Walmart.
  • ESSENCE Empowerment Experience. Keynotes and panels featuring today’s most prominent leaders, creators, and influencers, such as Lena Waithe, Mary J. Blige, Iyanla Vanzant, Reverend Al Sharpton, Angela Rye and many more, covering topics spanning inspiration to activism and more.
  • ESSENCE Path to Power. Free and open to the public, the Path To Power will offer daily general sessions, 40+ workshop style intensives and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and business professionals at all career levels. Programming partners include AT&T, State Farm, J.P. Morgan Chase, US Army, New Voices Fund, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), National Urban League, United States Black Chamber, YWCA, and Accenture.
  • ESSENCE Lifestyle Experience. ESSENCE’s lifestyle editors and industry experts showcase the best in health and wellness and encourage living a healthier and happier life with partners AARP, American Airlines, Susan G. Komen, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation and the State of Louisiana.
  • ESSENCE All-Star Gospel Tribute. Inspirational performances by top gospel artists, including Marvin Sapp, Smokie Norful, George Potts Young & the Church Friends Band and more in tribute to Dottie Peoples sponsored by Walmart.
  • ESSENCE Eats. A taste of local cuisine, fellowship and celebrity chefs preparing their specialty dishes with partners Walmart, Diageo and Gold Peak.

In addition, the Marketplace will host more than 150 entrepreneurs from across the globe. Also taking place throughout the weekend will be brand-sponsored events and engagements that include:

  • Coca-Cola: Share a Coke® at ESSENCE Festival

Share a Coke with your girlfriends at the 2018 ESSENCE Festival®! Join Coca-Cola® at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and experience a world of endless refreshment, uplifting music, dancing, interactive programming, photo experiences and much more! #CokeEssenceFest

  • AT&T: Dream In Black with AT&T

When you dream in black you power the possibilities. AT&T is serving up celebrity meet-and-greets, musical guests, and prize giveaways. Drop by with your squad and Dream in Black with us for an unforgettable Festival experience.

  • Ford: Celebration and Sisterhood: Our 10th ESSENCE Festival

For our 10th year running, Ford is proud to celebrate sisterhood at Essence Fest! Visit our space to learn how Ford continues striving to empower women to Go Further. Plus, register for a chance to win a brand-new Ford vehicle!

  • McDonald’s: McDonald’s Black Forward Experience

McDonald’s® returns to celebrate you and all that you do to move Black culture forward! Join us at the Black Forward Experience for live performances, giveaways, and endless inspiration. For more info, visit 365Black.com, and download the McDonald’s App for additional exclusives.

  1. State Farm: State Farm® Color Full Lives

State Farm® has the financial tips and tools you need to live your most Color Full Life! Stop by our space to envision your future and achieve your dreams. State Farm is here to help you #LiveColorFull.

  • Walmart: Rule On Your Time

Reign over your household with grace and ease. With Walmart’s Grocery Pickup you can order groceries online and pick up, for free, on your time. Get your rule on, learn more at Walmart.com. #ReignOn

Join the Festival community by following us on Twitter, @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2018 ESSENCE Festival® on Facebook. For more information about ticket sales and accommodations and for the latest news about the ESSENCE Festival®, visit www.essencefestival.com.

The ESSENCE Festival® is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc., and is produced by Solomon Group. Sponsors of the 2018 ESSENCE Festival® in New Orleans include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&T, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.

 

Accessories /

Festive Chic Looks From Ann Taylor Just in Time For 4th of July

With the 4th of July just around the corner, it’s time to check out new festive chic looks. Wherever you are celebrating Independence Day – the beach, a rooftop, or a park – Ann Taylor has it all.

Ann Taylor can provide you with any look you desire with endless options of red, white, and blue will help you rival the fireworks. Please see below for some brand product suggestions and curated looks featuring summer trends such as wide-legged flowy pants, bright hues, and simple sundresses.

Beauty /

COVERGIRL Launch: The Infinite – A Tribute to COVERGIRL’s Product Inspiration

This morning COVERGIRL launched their biggest campaign of the year – The Infinite – which showcases COVERGIRL’s inspiration behind this product: YOU.

This campaign is a tribute to everyone who spoke up and said what they want and need from a foundation – not just an extensive shade range (but of course we have that!), but specific formula additions that cater to their unique skin needs. COVERGIRL listened, and COVERGIRL heard you, so this foundation was created specifically for each and every one of you.

COVERGIRL’s TruBlend Matte Made Foundation’s 40 shade-range delivers a long-wearing matte finish while delivering the key factors most asked for by consumers:

  • Flexible wear and comfort feel – a flexi-hold technology creates a strong, yet flexible film that’s comfortable on the skin. It responds to facial movements and is lightweight on the skin.
  • Transfer-Proof – Flexible film helps formula stay in place all day – will not transfer
  • Pore-Blurring – Light-scattering technology blurs pores and minimizes imperfections on skin
  • Oil-Absorption – Oil-absorbing powders can hold 2X their weight in oils

 

Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator /

Summer Debris and Laundry with Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator

Has anyone ever noticed how the summer months can wreak havoc on your family’s clothing?  I will answer this question and gently raise my hand.

Between playdates, swim lessons, and hanging out at the park all of this outdoor activity can be harsh on fabrics.  Of course, we don’t want to let a little debris get in the way of enjoying life but laundry day can be a dreaded event.

Featured Photo from The Container Store.com

From my experience, it’s vital to have the right products when treating your clothing.  I have committed to reading labels and searching for detergents that enhance the color and remove harsh stains.

Have you heard of Biz detergent booster?  It’s the ultimate stain and odor eliminator.  I use a simple laundry process when incorporating Biz detergent booster into my routine:

  1. For tough stains such as makeup, coffee, or ketchup; pre-treat the surface with Biz Liquid.  Place a small amount on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
  2. On normal laundry days, add your load to the washer with the use of regular detergent and a cap of Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator.

The end result of either process was brighter, stain-free clothing with no lingering odors.  If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself!

Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator can be purchased at Publix, Piggly Wiggly, or Kroger.

Sponsored Post

Lifestyle Tips /

Political Commentator Symone Sanders, Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, Black Girls CODE CEO Kimberly Bryant Among Those to be Honored at 15th Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards in New Orleans July 8

WHAT: The 15th annual McDonald’s® 365Black® Awards is set to bring everyday heroes and celebrities from across the country to the Ritz Carlton, New Orleans. The dynamic event will take place during ESSENCE Festival® weekend and recognize exceptional leaders who make positive contributions to the African-American community. McDonald’s presence at the Essence Festival affirms the brand’s dedication to celebrating everyday people who are striving to make a positive difference in their communities and move Black culture forward.

2018 Honorees:

Symone Sanders is a champion for women, communities of color and those in need. Sanders is a go-to political commentator, a Spring 2018 Resident Fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics and the Strategist for Communications and Political Outreach at Priorities USA. Symone rose to prominence during her tenure as the National Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. At 25, Symone demonstrated an uncanny command of the issues earning her a place in history as the youngest presidential press secretary on record and a spot-on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of 16 young Americans shaping the 2016 election.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is an acclaimed veteran of film, television and the Broadway stage. Her award-winning work includes creating the role of Deena Jones in the legendary Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls” and earning Best Actress nods for Tony and Drama Desk Awards. No stranger to television, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s past TV credits include “It’s a Living,” “Designing Women,” “The District,” and “Moesha.” For the last three years, Sheryl was a lead on the hit Nickelodeon series “Instant Mom”. Ralph is also the creator of the Jamerican Film and Music Festival. Ralph has been one of Hollywood’s biggest voices in the fight on HIV/AIDS for over two decades with her Divas Simply Singing foundation.

HBCU Forward Scholarship award recipient:

Kimberly Bryant is the founder and CEO of Black Girls CODE, a non-profit organization dedicated to “changing the face of technology” by introducing girls of color (ages 7-17) to the field of technology and computer science with a concentration on entrepreneurial concepts. Bryant enjoyed a successful career in pharmaceutical and biotech industries for more than 20 years. She has helped Black Girls CODE grow from a local initiative to an international organization serving more than 7,000 students. She was named a White House Champion of Change and received a Social Progress award from the Smithsonian Institute for her national work in increasing opportunities for women and girls in technology.

Monique Vann-Brown is the owner of seven McDonald’s franchises in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area and managing partner of her parent’s two Detroit restaurants. Her career began at the age of 14 as a crew member at one of her parent’s McDonald’s locations. She transitioned into the automotive industry at 17 as an engineering intern. After several years in supply chain management, she pursued her dreams of entrepreneurship in the McDonald’s Corporation Registered Applicant & Next Generation Programs. She soon became Co-Chair of the National Black McDonald’s Operator’s Association. This committee produced events designed to serve as a forum for future leaders within the McDonald’s Owner-Operator community.

Tishauna Wilson is a rising junior majoring in computer science at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. She learned how to code in high school where she graduated at the top of her class. Earlier this year, Wilson revived the computer science research program at her university, where she is working on four Artificial Intelligence projects. The research projects consist of detecting fraud through conversations, identifying credit card fraud, as well as developing a voice-activated, self- driving drone and a basketball referee system. Wilson has hopes of pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science, founding an autonomous automotive manufacturing company, developing into a distinguished engineer and researcher and becoming a future CEO of a Fortune 500 technology company.

This year’s McDonald’s 365Black Awards will be hosted by acclaimed actress Essence Atkins. The luncheon will feature an all-star line-up of musical performances by R&B swooner Dave Hollister and gospel heavy-hitter Le’Andria Johnson.

Beauty /

Define Your Summer Look with Rimmel London

With the summer sun creating perfect lighting all day long, using selfie-proof makeup is more important than ever. Rimmel London has you covered with the Insta Duo Contour Stick and Wonder Wing Eyeliner. This dynamic duo contours your face and your eyes for a more defined look that will take you from day to night!
Insta Duo Contour Stick
Price: $6.99
Availability: Mass drugstores nationwide
Portable and ultra-smooth, Insta Duo Contour Stick will keep your cheekbones defined and highlight sublime. Comprised of a dual-sided applicator, just swipe and blend this selfie approved the formula for a look that showcases all your best features. Available in three duos work with your skin tone – light, medium, and dark.
Wonder Wing Eyeliner Stamp
Price: $6.99
Availability: Mass drugstores nationwide
Accessories /

8 Ways to Spice Up Your Work Wardrobe from HOUSE OF TERRANCE

Women really want to know how to spice up their work wardrobes. We say adding on-trend accessories is the easiest, most cost-effective way to spice it up at work!

1. Shoot Some Hoops — Earrings are always an easy way to add some style to your look. This season the hoop game is strong! Check out these 3 very different styles which can easily be paired with basic work outfits to add a little spice.
Gold Triple Circle Hoop Earrings
Large Colorful Bead Hoop Earrings
Modernist Gold Oval Hoops
2. Draw Straw  — The little straw bag is having a moment like I haven’t seen since the 90s! Adding one to your look can really take your style cred up a notch. This season there are so many cute affordable ones to choose from in addition to the culty Cult Gaia bag every fashion girl has been carrying around for a couple of seasons.
Urban Outfitters Crossbody Straw Bag
Catch tote from Anthropologie
Rebecca Minkoff Straw Crossbody Bag
3. Get Cuffed — Nothing adds a more stylish touch to an outfit than a bold cuff. And you double the effect when you sport matching ones. These beauties from H*O*T are just the thing!
Basketweave Gold Tone Cuff
Abalone Shell Stretch Cuff
Carved Floral Gold Tone Cuff
4. Buy Belts — Finally belts are back in the spotlight where they belong! I’ve always loved this particular accessary and found it to be such an easy way to add color, structure and style to an outfit. This summer we’re seeing a wide range of belt styles and one of them is bound to appeal. I’ve included 3 top belt styles; the western belt, the handy belt bag and the logo belt.
B-Low the Belt Bri Bri Belt
Zara Belt Bag
Tory Burch Logo Belt
5. Stylize Your ID — Practical yet immensely stylish, Fashion Ids truly illustrate the saying ‘necessity is the mother of invention’!  Some years back when I still worked in a large Ad Agency I was unhappy wearing my work ID on an ugly lanyard. So good friend and colleague Mark Fina and I created FASHIONids, the perfect way to express your style while keeping an ID at hand. Handmade with vintage jewelry pieces and found objects, they’re an excellent way to add personality to your work wardrobe no matter what that consists of. Here are 3 favorites:
Copper Chain with Black Wood Leaves FASHIONid
This Pearl is a Star FASHIONid
Golden Charms FASHIONid
6. Tie One On — A couple of weeks ago I recounted how impressed I was with French Womens’ ability to wear a scarf, when I first landed in Paris to live and still today. And I know why. It’s because it’s the one accessory that makes every outfit look better! Here are 3 that will uplift your most basic work ensemble.
 
& Other Stories Peony Scarf 
Zara Pleated Polka Dot Scarf
Ferragamo Scarf
7. Lighten Up — Ok I know you’re thinking that there’s no way you’re getting stylish and comfortable in one shoe but I promise you it’s possible. These are 3 pairs that I have recent experience with and couldn’t be happier. The Everlane Day shoe blew me away, so cute and comfortable! Although I’m not a fan of the brand’s overly basic basics they’ve really nailed the great looking comfort shoe. Cole Haan with zerogrand technology is like walking on a cloud. And finally go for Allbirds if you want to join the cool kids comfort shoe club 🙂 I promise you won’t take them off.

Everlane Day Heel
Cole Haan ZEROGRAND Oxford
Allbirds Tree Runners
8. Artify Your Phone — Yes phone cases are style accessories too! I bet you’re never without yours and it should be as fashionable as you are. That’s easy with the 3 examples below, all products of our H*O*T artist collaborations with Pauline de Rousy de Sales and Patrick-Earl Barnes.
Red Pants Woman iPhone Case by Pauline de Roussy de Sales
Moncler Dog iPhone Case by Pauline de Roussy de Sales
Woman Red Dress on Blue by Patrick-Earl Barnes

Learn more at HOUSE OF TERRANCE