Category: Uncategorized

Accessories /

Ready to Wed? What To Know About Buying The Ring

If you are ready to get engaged, then you should be looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring. Perhaps you’re not looking for a diamond at all, but you’d like to use another gem of a different color that will stand out for your fiance. If you’re ready to get married, then this part is going to be one of the most memorable parts of the equation because buying a ring, getting down on one knee, and asking somebody to marry you is a big deal.

Featured Photo from Brides

There is so much that you’ll need to know about buying a ring, from this diamond clarity chart explained to the four C’s of diamond quality. You’ll also need to know about metal characteristics and the setting styles of the rings. Below, we’ve put together a list of what you need to know about buying the right ring for the right person at the right time in their lives.

Image source: Pexels

  1. Understand those forces in depth. You need to know the color of the diamond, the clarity, the cut of the diamond, and the weight of the carat. The color is graded on a D to Z scale, which means that the D is completely colorless and Z means that the diamond has a brown or a light yellow color. The diamonds with less color are rarer than the others. Our diamond clarity chart will explain this to you in more detail.

  2. Get to know the cut. When you start shopping for an engagement ring, you should understand what the differences are between a diamond shape and its cutting style. The shape describes the outline of the diamond when it’s viewed face up, but most people choose a round diamond. But there are other shapes such as the marquise, the pear, or the Oval to consider.

  3. Check out the diamond under different lighting. Daylight and spotlight are very different, which means that diamonds look different under various lighting conditions. Think about when you are planning to propose and what the lighting will be on that day, and then you can determine how your diamond is going to perform under that lighting. Fluorescent lighting brings out the brightness of a diamond but incandescent light brings out that fire on the inside.

  4. Choose your metal. Of course, you know that you have the classics with gold and silver but engagement rings also come in platinum and white gold, too. Choosing the right metal is important because you really want this ring to stand out. Gold and platinum jewelry have different characteristics and their colors are going to be different as well.

  5. Pick the right setting. With jewelry, diamonds are held in place by their setting, and there are different types when it comes to an engagement ring. A diamond can be held in place with four to six prongs, which is one of the types of settings, or the bezel, which is the most protective setting.

No matter what you do, this engagement ring is going to be beautiful.

Accessories /

Jovani Makes 2023 NYFW Debut

 Jovani, the formalwear brand known for glamour, elegance, and craftsmanship, made its New York Fashion Week debut with a runway show last night, Friday, September 8, 2023. The iconic show starred models Haley Kalil, Taylor Hale, Jen Selter, Jenn Lee, Camille Kostek, Jenna Bandy, Carson Roney, Xenia Tchoumi, Ari Chambers, Abby Baffoe, Sydney Zmrzel, Alison Bowles, and Ella Halikas.

Real Housewives’ Luanne de Lesseps, Rachel Fuda, Sutton Stracke & Cynthia Bailey were “Feeling Jovani” in the front row. Additional VIP guests included model Brooks Nader, dancers Allison Holker Boss, Kalani Hilliker, & Asia Monet Ray, Drew Afualo, The Bachelors’ Rachel Recchia, Indi Star, Victoria Garrick Browne, Carmella Rose, Baskin Champion, and more!

About Jovani: Jovani is a family-run company celebrating its 40th year in business. The brand synonymous with glamour, elegance, and craftsmanship creates works of art to empower women in their most magical moments. The brand has gained its fame through beloved celebrity fans, as a trusted brand to contestants and winners of Miss USA and Miss America pageants, and as a trusted brand for bridal, homecoming, prom, and more. Jovani’s trusted brand is now expanding further debuting their ready-to-wear and couture lines during their NYFW runway show.

Website: https://www.jovani.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanifashions/

Media Contact: Jovani@michelemariepr.com
Accessories /

Simple Tips For Perfecting Accessories

Whether you consider yourself a fashionista or just treat clothes as a practical matter, looking and feeling your best is likely always on your radar when you’re rummaging through your wardrobe. After all, the ideal outfit can boost your confidence, comfort, and happiness throughout the day. But, what if we were to tell you that you’re also missing out on a crucial style factor that could make just as much of a difference?

Accessories are an often-forgotten fashion focus, but these little additions can make or break even the most functional outfits. From making things fun and sassy to helping you feel glam on even comfy days, accessories are a transformative power for fashion good, and they’re a style subsect well worth delving into.

Unfortunately, while most of us mess around with accessories at some point, a lot of us either forget or simply don’t care to wear accessories daily. And that’s a significant waste of style potential! 

Of course, we’re not saying that you need to wear as many rings as Beyonce at the Grammys, but playing around with at least a few accessories could transform your look. So, how do you achieve an a* look with your accessories?

Find the right accessories for you

Most of us spend significant amounts of time tailoring our wardrobes. Yet, when it comes to accessories, we’re often guilty of opting for easy, costume-style choices. And, then we wonder why we’re not getting along with them down the line!

Accessories deserve every bit as much of your attention as your clothes themselves. To start getting accessories right at last, you certainly need to step away from cheap plastic pieces that turn your fingers or neck green!

Instead, focus on curating a high-quality wardrobe of accessories. Throw out all of those flimsy cheap rings and replace them with a 5 carat diamond ring in a shade that you know you’ll be able to pair easily. Replace all of those tangled cheap necklaces with one or two quality pieces that are sleek and likely to last you for a long time to come. 

Put accessories where you can see them

It can be tough to change a lifetime of treating accessories as a secondary consideration. As such, you need to train yourself in the habit of wearing accessories at last by displaying them where you can see them.

Instead of dooming your earrings to that dark, dirty bag that you never even think to look in, invest in some decent accessory holders that can display either around your bedroom or, better, in your bathroom. That way, even if you don’t spare a thought for accessories as you’re getting ready, you’ll inevitably see your new, sleek accessory collection when you’re giving yourself a last touch-up. And, when they’re this easy to hand, you might find yourself reaching for a bracelet or something similar to complement your outfit a lot more often. 

Take inspiration from the best

We often look to celebs and other figures in the public eye for style inspiration. But few of us think to pay attention to accessories in the same way. In reality, though, there’s a whole load of great accessory inspo at our fingertips when we’re ready to use it.

Figures like Miley Cyrus are perhaps most worth paying attention to right now. That’s because Miley loves to layer a load of accessories with her outfits, and she looks great doing it! Equally, Beyonce has a thing for personalized jewelry, while Kim Kardashian has even been snapped making vintage accessories cool again.

As soon as you start paying attention, it’ll be far easier to see how great accessories can be when they’re done well, and also how you could start on your own accessory journey. It just takes a little research and a basic idea of what kind of styling you’re looking out for!

Have fun styling

Accessories can be even more fun to style than our outfits. After all, the whole purpose of accessories is to contrast or complement the rest of our style choices. By having fun, and not being afraid to play around with what accessories have to offer, it’s possible to get stuck in a habit that you can’t get enough of. 

Whether you use apps like Stylebook to test out accessories with potential outfits, or just get stuck in with dressing up like you did when you were younger, you’re sure to settle on some great accessory combos that you’ll likely soon struggle to leave the house without. 

Accessories /

How To Elevate Your Look

Do you ever just get bored of your current look and want to do something different and fun? Elevating your look, aka – changing it up, doesn’t need to be expensive, and you don’t have to do anything too dramatic either. Style and beauty all come down to one thing – how it makes you feel. 

 

When you feel confident in what you wear, your hair and even your lip color, you will feel like you can take over the world. But if you’re feeling like your look is tired or just that you want to change what you are doing right now, here are a few tips to help you elevate your look. 

 

Photo by Tamara Bellis on Unsplash

Tailoring 

The first and most important person in your life when it comes to elevated fashion and style is a good tailor. A good tailor will be able to make almost anything you purchase look like it was made just for you. 

 

They can adjust sleeve length, improve shoulder seams and inseams, and move buttons to be more flattering; plus, many have the skills to make clothing too. 

 

Look for recommendations and reviews for your local tailor, but be prepared to travel and book for the really good ones. 

Salon

The difference between a good hair salon and a great one is the staff. Look for highly-skilled, innovative staff that have a wealth of knowledge. But perhaps more importantly, ideally, you want to have a choice of services too. 

 

Getting your hair done should be something you look forward to, but sometimes you don’t want a cut and color. Salons like thealchemysalon.com are the perfect example of skill, innovation and an excellent hair treatment list if you want a treatment or extensions. 

Beauty 

Many beauty salons are now offering some chemical and sculptural procedures. Face peeling for a refreshed skin look, sculpting of the jawline using botulinum solutions, as well as more typical options like brow shaping and lash lifts. 

 

The great thing about getting semi-permanent beauty treatments is that it gives us less to do. For example, with lash lifts and extensions, if you don’t have time or like the feel of mascara – no problem. If you find filling in your brows a long process, then microblading is for you. 

 

There are many options to elevate your look in beauty without a long-term commitment.

Basics 

The basics are the building blocks of your look, and if you don’t have them nailed, you’ll always need to fill those gaps. Basics include the right underwear (supportive and the correct fit) and staples like great jeans and good t-shirts. Remember that many of the basics are classics, too, and work well together or with additional items. 

Classics V Trends

Fashion is what you wear, and style is who you are – as the saying goes. This means that you shouldn’t feel pressured to hop on fashion trends. Instead, you can choose a key piece to play with but keep your style classic (or classic to you). Trends have a habit of making people feel uncomfortable, and when you aren’t comfortable, you aren’t confident either. 

 

Experimentation is great, but ultimately comfort and confidence will elevate any look. 

 

Lacking confidence from time to time happens, but to get yourself back on track, check out these tips: Style Tips to Boost Your Confidence: Grooming, Colors, and The Right Fit 



Beauty /

Celebrate these Beauty Brands this Juneteenth

As we approach Juneteenth, we wanted to make sure you knew about several black-owned brands that have continued to make a huge impact in the beauty and entrepreneurial spaces. From Black Girl Sunscreen to Glow by Daye, these award-winning brands are dedicated to providing quality products made with people of color in mind.

In 2016, Black Girl Sunscreen was created by Shontay Lundy. ​Today the brand has sold over 1 Million tubes of sunscreen and is at the forefront of spreading the importance of wearing sunscreen amongst people of color. They’re sold in retail stores nationwide and on Amazon.com.  

GLOW by DAYE This award-winning hair accessory brand has sold millions worth of products on the Amazon platform. Known for its high-quality silk bonnets and deep conditioning caps, the brand has grown tremendously adding beautiful printed charmeuse scarves, adjustable shower caps, and portable hooded dryers. 

Rucker Roots offers healthy ​hair care ​products ​with no parabens, sulfates, petroleum, or artificial colors. Rucker Roots products were designed for all hair types and derived from vegetable roots such as Carrot Root, Ginger Root, and Turnip Root (GTC). ​Their award-winning mousse ​works great in wash-n-go routines and especially appeals to those with finer hair textures (3B to 4A Hair).  

The Roots Naturelle With a combination of authentic African tradition and ever-evolving modern science, The Roots Naturelle prides itself on making products to promote hydrated and healthy hair. Products are made with responsibly-sourced natural ingredients and sold across the country. They have skin care products including shea butter too!  

Bold Hold is the #1 Lace Adhesive. Created by Celebrity Hair Stylist and Master Cosmetologist, Tamika Gibson, the brand offers a wide range of temporary and semi-permanent adhesives and protectants that meet the needs for wig and hair piece application and maintenance.

LOVINAH is a luxury and clean beauty brand inspired by ancient African remedies that address modern-day concerns like hyperpigmentation, hydration, and dullness – especially for people of color. The products are currently sold at Macy’s and their Dragon’s Blood Cleansing Oil is a best seller!

Beauty /

5 Essential Self-Care Practices to Thrive in Your 40s

As we age, it is important to prioritize our physical and mental well-being. Self-care in our 40s is essential for leading a healthy and balanced life. Taking the time to practice self-care can have many benefits, such as improved physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. It can also help reduce stress levels, improve relationships with others, and increase productivity. By taking the time to focus on ourselves in our 40s, we can ensure that we are living our best lives for years to come.

1. Eat Healthy Foods for Optimal Health

Eating healthy is essential for optimal health, especially in your 40s. As you age, the body’s nutritional needs change and it is important to ensure that you get the right balance of nutrients from your diet. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats will help to maintain energy levels and keep your body functioning at its best. Here are some tips for making smart, healthy choices:

– Strive for variety in your diet, eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

– Make sure that you are also getting more than the recommended minimum daily intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.

– Don’t rely on protein to make up most of your diet; it’s better to eat more whole grains high in fiber.

– Aim for at least half the amount of whole-grain food that you eat each day.

A good rule of thumb is to try and eat something made from whole grain every 3 or 4 hours during the day.

2. Create a Personalized Exercise Plan that Works Best For You

It’s never too late to start a fitness routine, especially if you’re over forty. With the right exercises and plan, you can become more physically fit and improve your overall health. But what are the best exercises for busy adults over forty? You do not have to slug it out in the gym every single day.

Make sure that whatever activity you choose, you get at least 20-40 minutes of exercising. Make it a routine and a habit in order to ensure that it helps you achieve your fitness goals. You can try activities such as swimming, biking, yoga, running, or even hiking. All of these will also help you get out in nature.

3. Get Quality Sleep Every Night

Quality sleep is essential for adults over forty to stay healthy and energized. Not getting enough sleep can lead to serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. It also affects our mental health, causing us to feel anxious and depressed. To get quality sleep every night, it’s important for adults over forty to follow certain sleeping habits and tips that will help them get better rest each night.

Do not use any electronics at least one hour prior to when you are supposed to sleep. Use your bedroom only for sleeping and not for other activities such as work and eating food. Try to establish a bedtime routine that consists of taking a shower, doing some skincare, and reading a book in order to get in bed.

4. Get Checked Regularly

As we age, our health can start to decline. That’s why it’s so important to get regular checkups in your 40s and beyond. Getting checked regularly is key for identifying any potential health issues before they become serious and can help you stay healthy and active as you get older.

A woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with age, which is why they should get checked every 6 months.

As for men, testosterone replacement therapy and aging are directly related since testosterone levels in men decline with age. Low testosterone can lead to fatigue, depression, weight gain, and decreased libido. By getting regular checkups, you can make sure that your testosterone levels are within normal range and take action if they are not. Regular checkups also help identify other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to low testosterone levels.

5. Take Time to Relax and Recharge

For adults over forty, taking the time to relax and recharge is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As we age, our bodies and minds are more prone to stress, which can lead to physical and mental health issues. To combat this, it’s important to take the time to de-stress and unwind after a stressful day. Try to take out time for yourself that is away from work and personal commitments. Strive to give yourself a break at least once a week so that you do not burn out. Try to develop some hobbies that make you happy and keep you busy.

It is important to take good care of yourself in your 40s so that you age well. Use this list to help you figure out the areas you have been lacking in to help you improve your quality of life.

Accessories /

Wardrobe Essentials: Must-Have Clothes for Every Occasion

Your wardrobe reflects your style and can make or break your first impression. Whether heading to work, a night out with friends, or a formal event, having the right clothes for every occasion is essential. But with so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. That’s where this guide comes in.

Featured Photo from Instyle.com

We’ve compiled a list of must-have wardrobe essentials that will cover you for any occasion, from casual to formal. So whether you’re a fashionista or just starting to build your wardrobe, read on to discover the key pieces every woman needs in her closet.

1.   The Classic White Tee

It is a fashion staple that has been around for decades. It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, making it an essential item in any wardrobe. When choosing a white tee, choose a high-quality fabric that fits well and feels comfortable against your skin.

The simplicity of the white tee also makes it a perfect canvas for accessorizing with statement jewelry, scarves, or belts. And it’s a practical choice for layering under jackets, cardigans, or overalls. With its timeless appeal, the classic white tee is a must-have for anyone looking for a simple yet stylish look.

2.   Maxi Dress

These dresses are popular in women’s fashion, especially during the warmer months. They offer a comfortable and versatile option for any occasion, whether a casual day out or a formal event. Usually, women’s maxi dresses come in various styles, from flowy and bohemian to fitted and elegant. They also come in multiple fabrics, such as cotton, chiffon, and silk. That is why several online retailers are selling this apparel. But ensure you buy after reading product descriptions carefully and check the sizing chart to ensure a proper fit.

Dresses pair well with sandals, wedges, and statement jewelry when accessorizing. They also make an excellent option for layering with a denim jacket or cardigan.

3.   High-Waisted Jeans

These jeans are a timeless fashion staple that has come back in recent years. They offer a flattering and comfortable option for any body type, as they elongate the legs and accentuate the waistline.

They come in various styles, such as skinny, straight-leg, and flared, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. They pair well with crop tops, blouses, and sweaters and can be worn with sneakers, heels, or ankle boots. When shopping for high-waisted jeans, choosing a pair that fits well and flatters your body shape is essential.

4.   A Cozy Sweater

It is an essential piece of clothing for the year’s cooler months. It offers warmth and comfort while also being stylish and versatile. Sweaters come in various materials, such as wool, cashmere, and cotton, and can be found in multiple styles, from oversized and chunky to fitted and sleek. They pair well with jeans, leggings, and skirts and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

When shopping for a cozy sweater, it’s essential to choose a high-quality material that feels soft and comfortable on your skin. With its timeless appeal and practicality, a cozy sweater is a must-have addition to any wardrobe.

The Last Lines

Having a wardrobe filled with essential pieces can save you time and money. These apparels mentioned above are must-haves in any woman’s wardrobe.

They can be mixed and matched to create different outfits for various occasions. Remember to choose high-quality pieces that fit you well and are appropriate for the event.

Accessories /

Valentine’s Day With Mac Duggal: The Perfect Dresses

The infamous day of love, the date night of all date nights – Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. While chocolates and flowers normally symbolize the holiday, the true treat of Valentine’s is getting dressed up.
In a romantic relationship? Don’t have a boo? Prioritizing self-love? Mac Duggal has the perfect dresses, ready to fit any Valentine’s aesthetic.
‘Soft girl era’ unlocked with elegant dusty pinks and nude accents:
‘Barbiecore’ dreams come true with hot pinks and sleek black dresses:
Last but definitely not least, the classic ‘Lovecore’ reds, cut-outs, and bows (to remind them: who’s the gift):
Birmingham /

Civitas Celebrates First Anniversary with Free Event

Cheers to one year! Civitas restaurant and bar is marking its first anniversary with an evening of incredible wine and food Tonight, February 1st, from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Enjoy top-notch wines from Rush Wines out of Irondale and delicious light bites from Civitas’ Chef Jamahl Payne. The event is free to attend, and guests are encouraged to continue the celebration with an intimate dinner, for which reservations are available from 5:00 pm.

Opened in February of 2022, Civitas was started by Tonya Jones and her husband, Bryan Combs, hoping to unite the community through the power of food. Civitas means ‘for the citizens’ and provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere for Birmingham residents to enjoy.

Birmingham /

Access205 Magic City Classic Entertainment Guide 2022

The Magic City Classic is the largest historically black college and university (HBCU) football game in the country.

Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University play in the game annually at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, and the winner could potentially earn a spot in the SWAC.

It’s not too late to purchase tickets (click on the images) and view the guide below.

Access205 Entertainment Guide:

1.  BBQ and Blues Festival with The Manhattans
Sunday, October 23th from 12 pm – 4 pm

2.  Stop The Violence featuring Master P
Tuesday, October 25th starting at 6 pm

3.  Alumni Block Party
Wednesday, October 26th, 7 pm – 10 pm

4.  2022 IGNITE Empowerment Summit (click on the image)
Tuesday, October 25th from 8 am – 3 pm

5.  Stokley Magic City Classic Tailgate Festival
Thursday, October 27th; Gates Open at 4 pm | Event Starts at 6 pm

6.  Magic City Classic Giveaway Wednesdays
** Online **

7.  The Ultimate King of Pop Experience
Thursday, October 27th Doors Open at 6 pm | Starts at 7 pm

8.  Magic City Classic Afrobeats Party by AfroLuzionz (click on the image)
Saturday, October 29th at 10:30 p.m. – Sunday, October 30th at 4 pm

9.  Magic City Classic Weekend “5th Annual” Friday Night Soiree at The Harbert (click on the image)
Friday, October 28th at 9 pm – Saturday, October 29th at 2:30 am

10.  Rickey Smiley Morning Show Live
Thursday, October 27th from 5 am – 9 am

11.  Welcome to Birmingham The Opening Ceremony (click on the image)
Thursday, October 27th from 8:30 pm to 12 am

12.  Thursday Night Live Karaoke Showcase (click on the image)
Thursday, October 27th from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

13. The Classic Kid Capri Party (click on the image)
Friday, October 28th from 9 pm – 2 am

14.  Sunshine and Wine
Friday, October 28th, 2 pm – 7 pm

15.  11th Annual Battle of The Choirs
Wednesday, 26th Doors Open at 6 pm

16.  Stardome Featuring:  Rod Man (click on the image)
Friday, October 28 – Saturday, October 30 | Doors Open at 5:45 pm, Show Starts at 7 pm

17.  Behind The Mask
Wednesday, October 26th Doors Open at 5 pm | Show Starts at 6 pm

18.  Magic City Classic Post-Game Concert
Saturday, October 29th

19.  McDonald’s MAGIC CITY CLASSIC 2022 (click on the image)
Tailgate starts at 10 am – 2 pm | Game begins at 2:30 pm

Additional Events for The Season:

Music Fest:  Turkey Day Classic 2022
Wednesday, November 23rd
Doors Open at 7 pm | Showtime at 8 pm

Access205, LLC. is a social media advertising and email blast company that specializes in designing and managing e-mail blast campaigns for events and businesses in Bham, AL. With our email blast campaigns and flyer distribution, your business and/ or events will receive great exposure and experience an increase among current customers and potential customers.

Kimberly West Agency™ is a boutique public relations firm specializing in brand design, image consulting, influencer marketing, media relations, social media planning, and special events planning.

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