Accessories /

The Female Founded Inclusive Brand Using Sustainable Practices From Start to Finish

Every element of this female founded collection- from the fabrics and finishings used to construct the garment, to the packaging used to deliver it to your door- was thoughtfully sourced with the customer and planet in mind. The brand has on ongoing partnering with 1% for the Planet, where 1% of all profits are invested in environmental causes AND is donating 10% of proceed to Fashion Revolution this week in honor of Earth Week.

Manufactured here in the USA, Akala is thoughtfully designed to flatter every beautiful body, creating pieces for all silhouettes in extended sizing.

The upcoming collection (launching in May) will go up to 4X! You can purchase Akala for under $300 on their website here!

Essence Festival /

FAMED UCLA GYMNASTS ON ESSENCE GIRLS UNITED APRIL DIGITAL COVER

ESSENCE Girls United’s April digital cover features famed University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) gymnasts Chae Campbell, Nia Dennis, Margzetta Frazier and Sekai Wright who are bringing a whole new wave of Black girl magic (and are looking stunning doing it!) In the cover story Flipping the Culture, writer D’Shonda Brown talks to these collegiate superstars who are the embodiment of Black excellence and Black representation in athleticism as they soar to chart-topping scores with cultural playlists, rhythmic floor routines and Black Lives Matter activism. The athletes talk to ESSENCE Girls United about their love for the sport, representation, elevating the culture…and even getting Janet Jackson’s attention!:
  • Margzetta Frazier, 21: [EXCERPTED]: Who else can say they woke up to a nod from their inspiration, Janet Jackson, after using choreography inspired by her hit “If” and “Nasty” music videos? That’s what happened to the three-time uneven bars All-American and 2021 Pac-12 champion after her floor routine went viral. She states: “Being in a sport like this and seeing women of color rock the world really is a dream come true. Gymnastics has consumed so much of our lives with the concept of flipping and being perfect…But being recognized by ESSENCE for bringing so much more to the table than just athletics truly is an honor…”
  • Chae Campbell, 19: “Growing up in the sport of gymnastics, I didn’t see a lot of Black people…I was the only one in my group that looked how I looked. Having more representation and seeing people thrive, not just Black gymnasts, but also other races and ethnicities, is really encouraging for the young girls out there…”
  • Nia Dennis, 22: “My main goal was to inspire people to do what they love and to have fun and be their most authentic self. So if we have done that in any way, then I would definitely say that the goal has been accomplished…”
  • Sekai Wright, 20: “We do our best to stay positive because we know what we’re representing…As young Black women, it’s so satisfying that we can express and elevate our culture through our gymnastics.”
Uncategorized /

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Jewelry Expert Weighs In Top 5 Gifts for Mother’s Day From Alexandra Marks Jewelry

In a year that’s been filled with so much gloom and doom a little sparkle goes a long way.  Chicago-based brand Alexandra Marks Jewelry has an impressive array of Mother’s Day gift options, all of which are sure to make Mom smile.

Specializing in “the look of real,” the AMJ collection is made from ethically-sourced sterling silver and cubic zirconia (the brand’s fine jewelry is made with solid 14k yellow, white & rose gold + conflict-free diamonds.)

From dramatic to dainty, basic to blingy, AMJ has something for every Mom – and every price point.  Owner and Mom to daughter Izzy, Alexandra Marks offers some recommendations for Mother’s Day gifts:

Pearl Dot Hoop Earrings ($56)

A modern take on the classic hoop!

Measuring 28mm, these earrings are made with White Fresh Water Pearls and are available in Rhodium-Plated or 18k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver.

Gardenia Stud Earrings ($88)

Way better than any bouquet!

Measuring 16mm in size, these stunning earrings are available in Rhodium-Plated or 18k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver.

Bold Blue Evil Eye Necklace

The Evil Eye is not only an ancient symbol of protection but it’s a huge trend for Spring/Summer 2021! The symbol is said to ward off negative energy and bring luck to whoever wears it.

Measuring 32mm x 20mm, this vibrantly colored piece is made with Round Brilliant Cubic Zirconia and Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver.

Free Form Gemstone Opalite Stud Earrings ($84)

These studs are casual with a tiny touch of glam – perfect for the Mom who doesn’t want anything too sparkly but wants something more than a basic stud.  The color of the center stone go from a milky white color to a light blue depending on the lighting.

Measuring 10mm in size these post-backed earrings are available in Rhodium-Plated or 18k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver.

Butterfly Necklace ($112)

Butterflies are a symbol of change, new beginnings and fresh starts – a lovely sentiment for any woman beginning the journey of motherhood.

Measuring 20mm x 18mm, this necklace is available in Rhodium-Plated or 18k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver.

These pieces – along with countless others – can be purchased online at www.alexandramarksjewelry.com and shipped anywhere in the country.

Accessories /

Jessica Alba Wears Vagabond Shoemakers and Victoria Emerson Jewelry!

Jessica Alba was photographed wearing a chic look in Los Angeles complete with accessories from Vagabond Shoemakers and Victoria Emerson! The seasoned actress and mom kept her look casual with Vagabond Shoemakers’ Judy Sneakers ($140; www.vagabond.com/us) and added a touch of sparkle with Victoria Emerson‘s Paperclip Style Gold Necklace ($39, similar styles available on www.VictoriaEmerson.com).

Beauty /

Juvia’s Place Launches Two New Eye Products

Black-Owned cosmetics brand, Juvia’s Place, just released two new eye products: Juvia’s Place Nubian Pencil Liner, and the I Prep I Prime Eyeshadow Primer.

THE NUBIAN PENCIL LINER-$10

The Nubians Pencil Liner is a long-wearing eyeliner that glides seamlessly to define and fill in the eyelids or the waterline. It is perfect for use with any Juvia’s Place eyeshadows.

Juvia’s Place I Prep I Prime Eyeshadow Primers

The Nubian Pencil liner comes in four unique shades:

  • Kajal (An intense black)
  • Cocoa (A deep chocolatey brown)
  • Midnight Blue (A deep dark blue)
  • Royal (A royal electric blue)

THE I PREP I PRIME EYESHADOW PRIMERS-$12

The I Prep I Prime Eyeshadow Primers are a must for long-wearing eyeshadows. The primers comes in three creamy, long-wearing shades to help create a weightless and seamless base for eyeshadow application.

Key Qualities:
–          Long Wearing
–          Cancels out Pigmentation or discoloration
–          Creates a smooth base
–          Zero Crease, Zero Clumps, Zero Oils
–          Intensifies colors

Works on:
–          Metallics
–          Mattes
–          Glitters
–          Shimmers

Shades:
–          Shade 1- Milky White Shade
–          Shade 2- A Medium Shade
–          Shade 3- A Dark Shade

See here for a video demonstration.

Accessories /

New Forever 21 x Juicy Couture Collection

Forever 21 launched their Juicy Couture collection! The iconic duo collaborated on exclusive pieces that tap into the season’s throw-back craze.

The Forever 21 x Juicy Couture collaboration comes at the perfect time, with Forever 21 customers current love for Y2k fashion combined with their need for loungewear. As the lockdowns and stay at home lifestyles come to an end, Forever 21 customers will still want to be comfortable, but after nearly a year at home, they’ll also want to have fun with what they are wearing. Now, more than ever, our customers want comfortable clothes that are fashionable, and that make them feel happy and confident.

The collection is perfect for the transitioning cool-to-warm weather season featuring a mix of hoodies, jogger sets, bodysuits, swimsuits, and rompers, as well as accessories like slides, bucket hats, hair pins, handbags, scrunchies, and doggy jackets. Pieces will be available for Women and Juniors, with prices ranging from $17.99 to $39.99.

Juicy Couture was an iconic part of early 2000’s fashion. During its peak, the brand’s bedazzled velour tracksuits were everything and everywhere. Instantly recognizable, Juicy was colorful, fun and combined luxury and comfort in a new way. The silhouette of what would become Juicy’s signature tracksuit is what made the brand stand out, as it was both innocent and sexy. In the early 2000s when our love for celebrity culture and reality tv was first taking off, you couldn’t pick up a tabloid without seeing one of the candy-colored velour sets on Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez or Lindsay Lohan. Juicy was the symbol of casual luxury. Today, it is the symbol of Y2K coolness, as the appeal reaches across generations, sparking childhood memories for millennials while also capturing Gen Z’s obsession with all things vintage and the Y2k aesthetic.

“We felt it was only natural to merge our brands for a collection that is comfortable and fashion-forward. Juicy Couture is a nostalgic phenomenon for many and a novelty for a new generation, I am thrilled to  see these pieces become a part of their must-have wardrobe staples,” said Alexandra Taylor, SVP, Marketing at Authentic Brands Group, owner of Forever 21 and Juicy Couture.

Celebrity /

14TH ANNUAL ESSENCE BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD AWARDS AND 2ND ANNUAL ESSENCE HOLLYWOOD HOUSE

Building on its years of providing platforms to ensure Black creatives “receive their flowers” for their contributions to Hollywood and global culture, ESSENCE, the leading and only 100% Black-owned media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities, today announced the honorees for its highly-anticipated 14th annual Black Women in Hollywood and feature programming for its 2nd annual Hollywood House. As the yearly can’t-miss event for Black Hollywood taking place during Oscars Week since 2008, the Black Women in Hollywood experience spotlights some of the most renowned and accomplished women leading at the forefront of the film, television and creative industry and has now honored 65 Black actresses, directors, producers, writers, costume designers and more. This year’s stellar roster of honorees include EGOT winner, producer and entrepreneur Whoopi Goldberg (The View, The Stand); GRAMMY, EMMY and TONY Award-winning and OSCAR-nominated actress, singer and producer Cynthia Erivo  (Genius: Aretha, Harriet); EMMY Award-winning actress/producer Zendaya (Malcolm and Marie, Euphoria); writer, actress and showrunner Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You); and Golden Globe winner, Oscar-nominated actress and GRAMMY-nominated singer Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday), who will also perform. The event will be hosted by actress and producer Laverne Cox (Promising Young Woman and Disclosure). Presenters will be announced at a later date.

Previously produced as an invite-only luncheon, this year’s ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood will be streamed as a virtual experience for the first time and will air Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 7-10 P.M. (ET) on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com. The theme, “Mastering Our Stories,” will focus on the resiliency of Black women in Hollywood through the years—including during the unprecedented pandemic.

“ESSENCE has demonstrated our commitment to highlighting the power and resiliency of Black women for 50 years, and part of that has included creating opportunities to uplift and recognize each other when no one else would,” said Latraviette D. Smith-Wilson, ESSENCE Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer. “In a world where finally the needs and contributions of Black women are increasingly – though not always sustainably – being acknowledged in new ways, ESSENCE’s platforms such as Black Women in Hollywood remain unparalleled cultural forums that uniquely convene us in celebration and encouragement of each other and in recognition of the perseverance, fortitude, grace and innovation that have been required on our journeys. ESSENCE is incredibly proud to celebrate all our Black Women in Hollywood honorees for their immense talent and achievements, as well as for being a voice for Black women everywhere in ways that may not always be apparent and in rooms where we may not always be present. We see you. We hear you. We honor you.”

“Every year, we start our planning for ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood with one important question: What stories amplified Black women’s experiences?” said Cori Murray, ESSENCE Deputy Editor and co-producer of Black Women in Hollywood since its inception. “This year’s honorees and their individual projects have helped reframe and expand the narrative of Black women’s joy, pain, challenges and triumphs on screen that have allowed so many of us to see pieces of our own lives within. With the added layer of the pandemic, these master storytellers have kept us sane and more importantly, seen.”

In addition, ESSENCE’s Oscar week activities will culminate with its second annual ESSENCE Hollywood House, which will be held on Friday, April 23rd. Hosted by actress Storm Reid (A Wrinkle in Time, The Invisible Man), ESSENCE Hollywood House was developed to provide compelling and engaging live content aimed at sparking meaningful conversation and action to drive more inclusion in Hollywood, as well as to provide an opportunity for Black creatives – aspiring and established – to educate, collaborate and empower one another with a purpose. The experience features thought leaders, industry stakeholders and members of the creative community including actors, directors, writers, showrunners, studio heads and others who will lead a curated schedule of interactive conversations, virtual panels, masterclasses, fireside chats and more. (Reid will also host the Black Women in Hollywood red carpet pre-show.) Presenters will be announced at a later date. To register or for more details, visit ESSENCE.com.

ESSENCE’s upcoming May/June 2021 issue (on newsstands in April) will feature its annual Black Women in Hollywood package highlighting each honoree. Stay tuned to ESSENCE.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes access to the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards and ESSENCE Hollywood House. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @essence #BlackWomeninHollywood. Join in the discussion on Facebook.

ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and ESSENCE Hollywood House are presented by Ford and sponsored by L’Oréal Paris.

For more details on the 2021 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, visit ESSENCE.com/BWIH. ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and ESSENCE Hollywood House are produced by ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

DIY /

Egg-cellent Easter Decor Tips from TheSoul Publishing

The Easter Bunny is on his way! Easter is just over a week away (Sunday, April 4), but it’s not too late to decorate for the holiday or craft a special Easter basket for young ones.

TheSoul Publishing – the company behind some of YouTube’s most-watched channels – has put together several fun and easy tips to decorate for Easter this year.

  • Hand towel bunnies! Simply twist a brightly-colored hand towel into one long piece, and secure the bottom third with a rubber band. Add googly eyes, a puff ball nose, and wrap a ribbon around the rubber band to create a simple and adorable bunny – perfect for mantle decoration! (Full instructions here)
  • Naturally dyed Easter eggs: If you’re looking to avoid harsh chemicals for your Easter egg dye, or just don’t have time to buy prepackaged kits at the store, you can use household items to achieve the same result. Try turmeric, beets, purple cabbage, and more! (Full instructions here)
  • Adorable seasonal place settings: Are you hosting Easter brunch this year? Make a holiday-appropriate place setting with a bunny napkin, complete with an Easter egg face! (Full instructions here)
  • Egg-celent Herb Garden: Get your chives, parsley, and cilantro ready for Easter by planting them in egg shells to keep the soil fertile and add a nice holiday touch to your kitchen window. (Full instructions here)
Amazon /

Vice President Kamala Harris inspires in First Trailer for ‘VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS: CHASE THE DREAM’

Legacy Distribution is proud to present Vice President Kamala Harris: Chase The Dream, a revealing feature-length biography that traces the tenacious and trailblazing prosecutor from Oakland, California, to the White House.
Executive Produced by Dana Webber (Michelle Obama: Life After The White House) and Brian Aebech, this new documentary brings to light the pivotal events in Harris’ life which fueled her journey to the highest-ranking office of any female in U.S. history.
Featured Photo:  USNews.com
Vice President Kamala Harris: Chase The Dream is now available on Amazon Prime. Link Here.
Chase The Dream captures the issues, the debates, the political deftness, and the campaign-winning smile, which helped lead Kamala Harris to the White House. On January 21, 2021, at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, Kamala Harris took her place in history, not only realizing one of her dreams, but inspiring generations ahead to chase theirs.
Accessories /

Forever 21 launches #ForeverLA Collection

Forever 21 has just announced its #ForeverLA collection featuring NBA licensed Lakers merch! The exclusive collection features masks, crew socks, shorts, embroidered tanks, tees, and joggers for men & women. While the collection naturally dons the team’s signature purple and gold colors, it also features tie dyes, white and black color blocking, prints, and more. The collection ranges from $9.99 – 39.99.