Beauty /

GLOBAL FASHION AND BEAUTY FOUNDER RIHANNA AND RENOWNED ARTIST LORNA SIMPSON COLLABORATE FOR ESSENCE’S JANUARY+FEBRUARY 2021: THE ISSUE CELEBRATES VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT KAMALA HARRIS’ HISTORIC WIN

ESSENCE, the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women, kicks off 2021 with a stunning January + February cover art exclusive. Legendary artist Lorna Simpson collaborates with global fashion and beauty founder Robyn Rihanna Fenty (who recently launched Fenty Skin globally in stores in the U.S. and the U.K.) to reinterpret the narrative of modern-day beauty in the gorgeous photographic cover collage, Of Earth & Sky, and in images comprising a 12-page portfolio feature inside the January + February issue. Over the past 15 years of her acclaimed three-decade career, Simpson has created collages that recontextualize images of Black women from vintage pages of Ebony and Jet magazines. Like all of Simpson’s celebrated works, these original pieces are more than what meets the eye.

Simpson channels Rihanna as her muse throughout the spectacular artistic rendering—reimagining the artist in a way that has neverbeenseen before. Rihanna looks ethereal in designer piecesincluding from her signature Savage X Fenty line as well as Prada, Givenchy, Hood by Air, Thelma West, Rick Owens and more.Simpson states:“…I needed to create images of Rihanna to place within the environments of source materials from my archive. For the project to have the same kind of dramatic visual intensity as my collage work to date, I had to consider the atmosphere and lighting of specific source materials before arriving to set. Knowing Rihanna’s charisma and commanding presence, my effort was then to be as present and prepared as possible to capture her exquisite performance for the camera…”

The package also features the piece, Anthems of Possibility, written by Simpson’s daughter, writer and actor Zora Simpson Casebere. She weighs in on how Rihanna helped shape her womanhood at an early age and how serving as a stand-in model on set for her mother was a full-circle moment. She muses:“…At 13, I was deeply grateful that at a formative time in my life, it was Rihanna’s voice and art that became my portals to so many questions about sexuality, sexual exploration and sexual autonomy. Now, on set, I assisted my mother as a model as she explored how she might later place Rihanna within the visual contexts she’d selected from vintage Ebony magazines, old Associated Press photographs and 19th-century lithographs of mineral specimens. When Rihanna arrived at the set—my first time seeing her in real life—I was mesmerized. She was the very definition of grace, charisma and influence. Wearing a magnificent Maximilian black headdress, she requested the song ‘Thick’ by DJ Chose, then met the camera with power and possibility—power in how she moved her body through space, and possibility in how she dismantled and moved beyond institutional boundaries…”

The gorgeous issue will also pay homage to Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris’ historic win with reflections by five influential Black women: Donna Brazile, Leah Daughtry, Karen Finney, Star Jones and Minyon Moore. In addition, the issue features an interview with Barack Obama talking about his new book and journey as the nation’s first Black president. Plus, iconic actress Cicely Tyson shares an eye-opening excerpt from her new memoir.

For more on this issue, visit ESSENCE.com or pick up the January + February 2021 issue on newsstands next week. (Photographic Collages, Lorna Simpson)

Accessories /

Let’s Chat: Madam Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris and Vogue Cover

If you haven’t seen the recent cover of the Vogue digital issue featuring Madam Vice President-elect Kamala Harris then you’re in for a special treat!

This was the first cover released and has sparked controversial reviews.  Some readers adore the feature, showcasing the Madam VP as relatable, down to earth, and truly for the people of the United States.

Others, would’ve preferred to have seen her styled in a designer gown and no sneakers, grazing the cover like a woman of power!

Vogue critics have even gone as far to say that she did not receive the same level of prestige as the previous covers and argue that it is disrespectful.

Either way, we must not take away from the fact that Madam Vice President-elect Kamala Harris has blazed a new trail that will be left in history books!

It’s stated in the article that set designer Julia Wagner selected the salmon pink and apple green brocade backdrop to pay homage to her beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

What are your thoughts of the Vogue Kamala Harris cover?  Share them in the comments section or on the SLF Facebook page.

Celebrity /

Celebrity Chef Tanya Holland Announces Season Two of “Tanya’s Table” Podcast w/ Guests Ayesha Curry, Danny Glover, Bonnie Raitt and Many More

Celebrity chef/restaurateur/cookbook author Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen (Oakland, Calif.) announces today with producing partner MuddHouse Media the official launch of Season Two of her critically-acclaimed new podcast, “Tanya’s Table.” Season Two follows Holland’s debut as a TV host on the Oprah Winfrey Network with her new show “Tanya’s Kitchen Table” (LINK; November – December 2020). Launching on January 19, 2021, the podcast’s Season Two features Holland in riveting conversations with many of today’s leading innovators and tastemakers: Ayesha Curry, Danny Glover, Bonnie Raitt, Phil Rosenthal, Lars Ulrich, Ericka Huggins, Alicia Garza, Elizabeth Falkner, Jonny Moseley, Lizz Wright, Festus Ezeli, Maneet Chauhan, Edouardo Jordan, and Karen Akunowicz. Episodes of “Tanya’s Table” will air once a week (every Tuesday) on all major podcast platforms through April 20, 2021.

Holland is an international icon and the leading African-American woman chef in the modern culinary arena. She’s wowed audiences with her incredibly charismatic persona on a plethora of national TV shows (Tanya’s Kitchen Table, Selena + Chef, Top Chef, MasterChef, NBC’s Today Show, CBS This Morning, The Talk, Food Network) and has been lauded by critics for her distinct California-inspired renditions of soul food classics. On the Board of Trustees at the James Beard Foundation and a U.S. State Department culinary diplomat, Holland takes listeners on a 45-minute adventure each episode of “Tanya’s Table” by offering both a behind-the-scenes look at her guests’ intriguing lives as well as bringing forth vital issues facing the world.

“Tanya’s Table” spotlights Holland and her guests discussing food, culture, and diverse foodways as podcast listeners peer through the window to experience their candid, and often hilarious, conversations. While food is the center of attention, Holland explores other lifestyle topics such as travel, social awareness, self-help and work/life balance, challenges and triumphs, discovering off-the-radar gems, music, the role of mentors, and more. Episodes further delve into each guest’s individual identity through their sense of taste (with food, design, style, etc.) and discovering foods of their heritage.

Holland is at the vanguard of contemporary California cuisine with decades of accolades to her credit. “Tanya’s Table” offers a critical platform for Holland to connect with influential figures for real-talk conversations. Teeming with idiosyncratic charm and hospitality, Holland is the voice of 2021 that podcast-devotees are destined to love.

For detailed information regarding Tanya Holland and the featured guests for Season Two of “Tanya’s Table,” please download the Tanya’s Table Celebrity Guest Bios one sheet (LINK).

The episode schedule for Season Two of “Tanya’s Table” is as follows:

Ayesha Curry (January 19), Danny Glover (January 26), Bonnie Raitt (February 2), Phil Rosenthal (February 9), Alicia Garza (February 16), Elizabeth Falkner (February 23), Lars Ulrich (March 2), Jonny Moseley (March 9), Maneet Chauhan (March 16), Ericka Huggins (March 23), Lizz Wright (March 30), Festus Ezeli (April 6), Edouardo Jordan (April 13), and Karen Akunowicz (April 20).

Accessories /

Talk of Alabama Style Segment: Dressing for Virtual Meetings and Events #WFH

Before the new year began, I hosted a television segment on ABC 3340 Talk of Alabama discussing how to dress for virtual meetings and events.

The work environment has changed and there are new office, fashion guidelines.

It’s tempting to wear cozy pajamas to zoom meetings but the reality is that we must maintain a professional appearance.

Let’s get ready to SHOW UP in 2021.  It’s time to put away those sweatpants and slippers!  Click on the link below to watch the segment clip:

Accessories /

Get Grounded with Athletic Wear for Comfort and Sustainable Living

If you’re the type that lives in yoga pants, look no further than DHVANI. The innovative brand has taken its commitment to design premium athletic apparel and blended it with their Earth-conscious mission, creating an all-around collection that consumers feel good wearing and owning.

The staple of most athletic apparel – sports bras, yoga pants – is now elevated to focus on quality and sustainability. The brand uses custom sustainable fabrics like Aranya (bamboo) and ReNu (recycled plastic bottles) to make a difference in its clothing line. They’re passionate about active lifestyles that care for the planet and give back to the community.  Together, everyone can make a measurable impact on the health of our planet—for ourselves, our families, and our future. Join them on their mission.

 

Activ(ist)Wear by DHVANI – Transforming Trash Into Treasure

 

The Naked Collection

  • A buttery-soft, second-skin feel that you’ll want to live in 
  • Find the perfect pair of matching bra and bottoms in an assortment of colors
  • Supportive sports bras in two styles
    • Athleisure bras and full support sports bras
  • Flattering, high-waisted bottoms in three lengths
    • Leggings, shorts, and capris

 

The Terra Collection

  • The best athletic wear on Earth
  • Constructed from ReNu, the brand’s proprietary fabric made from recycled plastic bottles
  • Leggings and bras in black, blue, and coral offerings

 

The DHVANI mask

  • 2 Layers of 100% Cotton
  • Adjustable Ear Loops to Fit All Faces

  • All Proceeds Go to Providing A Mask for Every American

 

Yemojá Microplastics Filtering Wash Bag

  • Prevent pilling, fading, and loss of stretch while preserving the life of your synthetic garments
  • Help to keep microplastics out of our waterways to protect oceans, rivers, and aquatic life
  • 30 inches x 20 inches
  • Made from 100% FDA approved food-grade polyamide

 

Buy One, Plant One:

DHVANI plants a tree with every purchase. The brand has partnered with One Tree Planted to help with the reforestation of Australia’s 8.8 million acres of bushfire destruction. The area is home to koala, wombat, and kangaroo habitats which desperately need to be restored and rehabilitated for years to come.

For more information, visit https://www.dhvani.com or contact thresa@teamchicexecs.com.

 

About DHVANI:

DHVANI’s mission is to create beautifully crafted and ethically manufactured Activ(ist)Wear while pioneering the most innovative and sustainable fabrics on earth. Follow them on Instagram @dhvaniwear.

 

Accessories /

5 Must-Have Sleeves for Your Wardrobe

Having a sleeve style for different types of dresses and tops is vital as it is a defining factor of how it will look on you. Therefore, as you buy different garbs, consider the sleeve since it can change how your clothes look on the body in a big way. Plus, if you want to improve how great your Instagram pictures look, then ensure you make complimentary and cool sleeve choices. Today, there are many sleeve styles in the cycles of fashion that are reintroduced, revisited, and reinvented. In this article, are five types of sleeves that you should have in your wardrobe.

  • The puff sleeve 

The puff sleeve is stylish and striking. It is also known as the peasant sleeve, and it is a favorite choice of high-class fashion designers. This sleeve is not just for the designer as it is popular in everyday styles as well. Many women try this puff sleeve style as it looks impressive, and it is the most enduring for women’s full sleeve tops and dresses. When you choose to wear a garment with this sleeve, it should stand out as the centerpiece. It is classic, pretty, striking and in most cases, exaggerated. Balance the other outfits by wearing classic bottoms in chic but unassuming colors. One way to style it is with a classic V-neck and accentuate your style by adding layered neck chains.

  • The bell sleeve 

The bell or flare sleeve is a dramatic and delicate style. It is a modern fashion trend, and it fits well on the shoulder areas and flares out towards the sleeve. It is common on runways and is available on high street markets too. A bell sleeve can be in your work shirt, sleek dresses, and also your ethnic wear. When your outfit has bell sleeves, it adds a unique dose of fashion, even for simple outfits. As you shop for your sleeve, choose the one that has flare and matches the level of style you feel comfortable in and with a touch of embellishments. To style with a bell sleeve, keep the rest of your look minimal.

  • The ruffle sleeve

If you want a girly, pretty, and unapologetically feminine sleeve, the ruffle sleeve is a perfect choice. Also known as the flounce sleeve, it gives a minimal statement without losing its flair. For such an elegant sleeve, you can choose a simple design with light flares to dramatic styles that have long flounces and make a statement in a quiet but confident way. Ruffle sleeves are for simple and casual styles. Thus, wear it tucked in a denim skirt or a pair of jeans for a girl next door look. Add a youthful spin with fun accessories, headbands, and wear a backpack as an accessory.

  • The raglan sleeve 

The sporty and chic raglan sleeve style is a variation of the drop sleeve but still maintains a tight silhouette. You can buy half or full sleeves in t-shirts. They are a sleeve style for activewear since their design helps with flexibility and easy movements. Style this sleeve style garbs with high waist trousers or a pair of chinos for a smart-casual look, if you want a raglan sleeve that goes beyond the usual fare of athleisure. Choose one that is made of interesting materials to get a super feminine look and one with embellishments to make it stand out. 

  • The off-shoulder sleeve 

Others know it as the cold shoulder sleeve. It is popular and eye-catching. It is among the most sophisticated sleeve styles available in the women’s wear category, and they are all the rage today. This trendy sleeve can be constructed in many silhouettes and can have a mix of other sleeve styles like the flouncy, bell, and ruffle. It is a summer favorite as it allows your shoulder and collar bone areas to be out naturally, and it gives a youthful charm to your overall ensemble. To style this sleeve, it is not for the faint-hearted. Although it is a favorite among the Gen-Z and millennials, it is not limited to them. One way to wear it is as a skirt combo in a single color for a bold look. 

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Lifestyle /

5 Lifestyle Tips That Help with Sleep Loss

Enough sleep is essential for everyone. On average, an adult requires around 8 hours of sleep every night. It is vital for the normal biological functions of the body. It is also a time when the body repairs itself from the wears and tears. However, several factors may lead to loss of sleep. It may be a result of unchecked sleeping habits, lifestyle, or health-related issues. Lack of sleep for as little as 24 hours will always lead to problems such as lack of concentration, puffy eyes, low level of alertness, irritability, and fatigue. Beyond this, you can suffer from anxiety, hallucination, severe inflammation, and many other disorders. Since you desire to enjoy sufficient sleep when you lie down in the comfort of your mattress firm. Below are lifestyle tips to help with sleep loss.

Featured Photo from Essence.com

  1. Create time for a workout 

 Physical exercise will not only make you physically fit to face your daily duties but will also make you feel slightly worn out at night. It is helpful for sleep. A half an hour exercise is often ideal. Do not overwork yourself. At the same time, do not work out too late at night. It may interfere with your sleep, for it can cause your brain to be alert. So, hit the gym, or you can try to do home workouts. Home workout programs are usually available online. Regular exercise will always help in treating loss of sleep.

  1. Develop a relaxing bedtime program 

The human mind and body adapt to routine over a given time. A consistent schedule will help the mind and body get ready for sleep. It is advisable to employ the use of activities that help unwind. Bedtime reading relaxes the mind and soothes you to sleep. Reflecting on the day as you lie down may also be of great help. You can do simple stretches to relax the muscles after a busy day. Also, a warm shower works wonders in relaxing the body and mind for a good night’s sleep.

  1. Keep away from foods that take longer to process 

The different types of food you consume do not take a similar amount of time. Some take a longer time to digest. For you to avoid being kept awake by the digestive process, it is wise to shun certain foods before going to bed. Spicy meals, fatty meat, fried food, or food with a high level of acidity take time to digest. It is therefore wise you eat a snack or something light when hit by pangs of hunger just before bedtime. It will help you to avoid loss of sleep.

  1. Avoid drinks with caffeine before going to sleep

 Caffeine is a natural substance found and extracted from plants. It usually stimulates the body’s nervous system. It increases your alertness within a few minutes can last for up to 6 hours. It will disrupt your sleep schedule and total sleep time. As a result, you suffer from loss of sleep. Since the effect of caffeine can take up to 6 hours, you should be careful not to interfere with your sleep clock.

  1. Create a pleasing sleep surrounding

It is a common saying that the bedroom is said to be the most treasured room in a home. It is, therefore, necessary to make your bedroom comfortable and relaxing. It helps in making the environment conducive for sleep. First of all, use a comfortable mattress and a soft pillow. Secondly, keep the room temperature optimum. Lastly, take care of sounds in the bedroom and make it quiet by switching off the electronic appliances and any other source of noise.

To conclude, it is easy to recover from the loss of sleep. The loss of sleep is a result of various things. However, it is the change of lifestyle that is most significant. The lifestyle changes discussed above goes a long way in enhancing your sleep. It entails creating time for a workout, developing a bedtime relaxing program, keeping away from foods that interfere with sleep, avoiding drinks with caffeine before sleep, and creating a pleasing sleep surrounding. When your lifestyle changes positively, the quality of your sleep improves.

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Beauty /

This At-Home Peel Delivers New Year Worthy Skin

Mid-winter skin looking dull/drab? We all want our skin to be in tip top shape right now because, let’s be honest, who wants to wear full foundation during lockdown?

Here’s a 2 minute fix that delivers instant results:

 

Apply Theraderm® NuPeel® Natural Enzyme Peel to dry skin, wait 60 seconds and gently rub skin with dry fingers or a cleansing brush. You’ll immediately feel dead skin cells beading up and sloughing off as you massage the area. The gratification is instant and so is the glow.

Formulated with papaya enzymes to naturally exfoliate the skin, and botanical extracts like aloe, pineapple, grape seed, green tea leaf and cucumber to soothe it, NuPeel will help smooth out your complexion and have your skin shining bright in minutes.

NuPeel is non-abrasive, non-irritating and will help you achieve that coveted post-peel glow – with none of the pain or peeling/drying side effects.

It even works wonders on elbows, feet, knees and other notoriously dry areas to soften skin!

Celebrity /

ESSENCE.COM’S DIGITAL COVER FEATURES “SYLVIE’S LOVE” STARS TESSA THOMPSON + NNAMDI ASOMUGHA!

ESSENCE‘s newest digital cover features Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha, the stars of the movie, Sylvie’s Love. The two portray Sylvie and Robert–an aspiring producer and successful saxophonist in the 1960’s whose deep love never seems to be perfectly timed. The beautiful and sensual homage to Hollywood’s golden era by writer-director Eugene Ashe–set against the backdrop of both the civil rights and women’s rights movements–will begin streaming on Amazon Prime Video on December 23. In the ESSENCE digital cover story, Falling In (Sylvie’s) Love, Asomugha (who’s married to Kerry Washington) and Thompson talk to writer Joi-Marie McKenzie about:
  • NNAMDI ON SYLVIE AND ROBERT’S LOVE CHALLENGES: “None of it is simple. None of it is one-sided. Love and life are complex, no matter which lens you’re looking at it through…” 
  • TESSA ON WHY THE TIMING OF “SYLVIE’S LOVE” COULDN’T BE SWEETER: “At a time when we’re talking about the value and dignity of Black life…it’s really great to have a [love] story that offers some escapism for audiences, and that feels sweeping and beautiful and hopeful about love. We really need those kinds of narratives…” 
  • NNAMDI ON SHOWCASING BLACK MALE VULNERABILITY: “That was important for us to show, especially during that time when there was a hypermasculinity that said, ‘I’m immovable…'”
  • TESSA ON HOW SHE’S SIMILAR TO SYLVIE: “Certainly women like Sylvie existed during the time, but those stories aren’t told…I’m in a period in my career, personally, where I’m launching my own production company. I’m working as a producer, and I… stand on the shoulders of women like Sylvie who came before me—career women who were [pioneers] in a time when it was hard enough to be that as a woman, never mind as a Black woman…” 
  • WRITER-DIRECTOR EUGENE ASHE ON SYLVIE+ROBERT’S LIFE-CHANGING LOVE: “Even Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. still had a bunch of babies and fell in love…It’s really important to show that we existed in the past [beyond] the ‘struggle culture’—that Black folks were still falling in love. I think not showing that is a way of erasing us…”  
In addition, ESSENCE will kick off its “Behind the Scenes Look on Sylvie’s Love” this Monday, 12/14, on ESSENCE STUDIOS. Join us for a series of conversations with the cast and crew of this incredible film throughout the week. For more on this digital cover story, visit ESSENCE.com. (Cover attached, photo credit, J.D. Barnes.)
Beauty /

5 Types of Makeup Brushes That Will Change the Game

In the world of beauty, if you want to master the art of makeup you must possess the right tools. The basic and most important makeup tools are makeup brushes. But as there are so many makeup brushes out there, so it is hard for the users to decide which set of brushes is right for them. Consider the five make up brushes that we have listed below. They will change the makeup game for you!

1.   Blender or Foundation Brush

This blender brush is highly compatible with both liquid-based foundations and sticks. You can also use this brush for other liquid-based products like highlighters and tints. It can give you an airbrushed look. Most importantly, you can use this brush into your bag of tricks, and enjoy its capabilities to the fullest. From smoky eyes to chiselled cheeks; this brush will take your blending and building game to another level.

2.   Powder Makeup Brush

The powder makeup brush is available in both small and large sizes. You should add this in your makeup brush kit as it helps in dusting off the loose compact powder. If you have applied the foundation, dust of the compact powder and give your face that smooth satin touch. It is big enough and you can use it on your body too. The smaller version of this brush is ideal for applying blush to cheeks and nose.

3.   Synthetic Kabuki Brush

This synthetic Kabuki brush is ideal for application of pigmented or mineral powders. You can look for synthetic Kabuki brush at Synergie Skin. They apply mineral powders perfectly without making them settle down into the skin. Moreover, you can easily use a kabuki brush for application of blush, highlighters and bronzers, and enjoy the natural effect they give.

4.   Eyeliner Brush

Here we are, presenting you a brush that can work numerous jobs for the price of one. You must know that applying liquid liner is very tricky. You have to grip the right tool as if it is a pencil; hold it closer to the base rather than the bristles. Moreover, this technique will take practice, but it will give you a cleaner line.

5.   Double-Ended Shadow Brush

As an endless abundance of varieties double-ended Shadow Brush is available in the market, so finding the perfect brush can be a tough task! If you love to invest in makeup tools and keep hauling new product now and then, you may get your hands on the perfect double-ended shadow brush quickly. For the everyday eye shadow application, one multi-purpose brush is more than enough. Most importantly, this multi-purpose tool is small for blending the shadows. It is a double-duty brush with flat ends to pick up the shadow powder. To use the brush in the right way, sweep the shadow over the lid, start from the inner corner working outwards, blend and buff the powder lightly. You are ready to go!

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