Fashion /

Make The First Impression Count: How To Dress For An Interview

First impressions really do count. Recent research carried out by 4 of America’s leading personality psychologists clearly demonstrated this. Their study showed that most people automatically decide what type of person you are within seconds of meeting you. This judgment is largely based on how you look. So, dressing well for an interview really is important.

Most of us know that we need to turn up for the interview looking smart. But, that is not enough. You need to pay attention to the little details and get them right. Below, we share some of the things most candidates still get wrong when deciding what to wear for a job interview.

Featured Photo Lulus.com

Consider buying new glasses

For those of us who need eyewear to be able to see clearly, choosing suitable glasses is important (see classic browline glasses by clicking the link). Some people own more than one set of frames. Something fun for the weekends and a more reserved pair that they can wear for interviews or while in the workplace.

Wearing scratched lenses, or eyewear that does not sit straight on your face is bound to make a bad impression. So, take a critical look at your glasses and replace them if necessary. Also, make sure that they are spotlessly clean.

The fact that there are plenty of online eyewear retailers means that this is no longer expensive to do so. Most people can easily afford to own more than one pair. You just need to choose your frames, send in your prescription, and wait a week or so for your new glasses to arrive.

Wear good footwear

Shoes and boots are expensive, so, understandably, few people are willing to buy a new pair for an interview. Provided your footwear is in good condition and fits in properly with the rest of your outfit this is not a problem. But, again, you need to take an honest and critical look at the shoes or boots you are planning to wear. If they look old-fashioned or worn, replace them.

Just be sure to wear them before the interview. You do not want to hobble into the room. Or, have to complete appraisal tasks while suffering from aching feet.

Check how your outfit looks from behind

Well before you are due to attend your interview, try on your entire outfit. Make sure everything fits and be sure to look at the back as well as the front. The easiest way to do this is to use your camera and a full-length mirror, like this.

Make sure you are not a victim of the weather

When putting together your interview outfit make sure you think about protecting yourself from the elements. You do not want to arrive dripping wet or feeling overheated.

If you would like to learn more about how the way you look impacts your ability to land a job, just click here. When you do, you will be taken to the result

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Travel /

#JetOff 6 Fun (And Unusual) Things to Do in Singapore: Travel Attractions

Millions of people make their way to Singapore each year to see the sights and have some fun.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Singapore, but you need some ideas, we are here to help! After all, there are plenty of activities, events, and other fun happenings that you don’t want to miss.

Continue reading this article to learn the best things to do in Singapore.

1. Universal Studios

Singapore’s version of Universal Studios is a great place to visit. They have a mix of attractions that make it a good spot for families with kids young and old.

The Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey in Far Far Away is a good ride to check out for younger kids and for those of you that want to do something more excited you should head to the Battlestar Galactica.

2. Butterfly Park

If you love butterflies and you’re looking for an educational experience, the butterfly park is the perfect place for you.

You can book a guided tour for the educational experience, or you can walk around the park yourself and look at the different types of exotic insects and butterflies.

3. Singapore Flyer

The massive Ferris wheel overlooking the water at Marina Bay is one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels. Looking at the Ferris wheel from the ground is an especially beautiful sight at night with all of the lights.

The ride on the Singapore Flyer takes 30 minutes and lets you take in the amazing sights of the city slowly from up above.

4. Visit Chinatown

Chinatown is filled with plenty of souvenir shops if you’re looking for something to take home. There are also lots of places to get a massage or to grab a bite to eat. Don’t forget the temples you’ll see as you continue walking through Chinatown.

5. National Museum of Singapore

If you want to learn more about the history of Singapore, head over to the National Museum of Singapore. You’ll be able to get a true feel of the history and feel like you were there to experience it with the unique and interesting exhibits.

Living Galleries are especially interesting and will allow you to learn more about Singapore fashion, food, photography, and more.

6. Marina Bay Sands

While this might not be an unknown thing to see while in Singapore, it is one you must see. You’ll be able to shop at the trendiest stores, stay at the hotel and swim in the fantastic pool at the top of the hotel.

Enjoying the Fun Things to Do In Singapore

Now you know more about Singapore and you can start planning some fun things to do in Singapore. Planning your trip well before you go can help you keep from missing some of the coolest things you might have otherwise overlooked.

Do you want to know more about what to do in Singapore and other areas? Our site is full of articles to help you as you’re planning your travels.

Browse through our travel articles, pick some that look good to you, and drop a bookmark to come back a

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Entertainment /

Iconic Supermodel Naomi Campbell Graces Essence 50th Anniversary Issue

For months, ESSENCE – the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women and communities – had planned an impressive schedule of activities and celebrations to launch in May 2020 in honor of its 50th anniversary.  Then, the COVID-19 global pandemic hit – with Black communities being most disproportionately impacted in the United States.  Still, demonstrating how it has been able to thrive for five decades, ESSENCE has continued with a relentless commitment and innovation in service to its community – providing critical content, digital and virtual offerings, a new streaming platform, and more to inform, empower and inspire during these times.

That same sense of purpose compelled ESSENCE to shift its 50th anniversary strategy amidst the pandemic and launch its Golden Anniversary Collector’s Edition issue entirely remotely for the first time — paying homage to the incredible legacy of its community, while also capturing the current realities brought on by a global pandemic.  In honor of ESSENCE’s milestone year, iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell partnered with ESSENCE to grace the magazine’s first self-shot and styled cover.  In Campbell’s cover story, At Home With Naomi Campbell, the supermodel prepares to celebrate her own milestone 50th birthday later this month and takes readers inside her life with an intimate self-portrait during COVID-19 social isolation.  Using an iPhone, Campbell shot and styled all the photos herself — marking the first time she has ever photographed herself for a cover.

ESSENCE’s special Golden Anniversary issue also takes a look at some of the joys, pains, laughter, triumphs, and stories that have impacted the Black community over the past half-century—including the novel coronavirus and its effects on the lives of Black women and the community-at-large today.  Throughout this special edition, readers will be able to travel through time for some of the most inspiring, stirring, and significant moments shaping and shaped by Black culture throughout ESSENCE’s 50 years—as well as look to what’s ahead, particularly post-COVID-19.  ESSENCE is also inviting its community into the coverage and conversation by sharing their own COVID-19 stories for ESSENCE.com.  Click here for details.

“Our nation and our world are enduring a crisis at a scale that our generation has never seen, but this time also reminds us of the power of our resilience, innovation, and community – which have sustained ESSENCE for 50 years and will help ensure it thrives for the next 50 advancing global Black culture, economic inclusion, and ownership,” said Richelieu Dennis, founder, and chair of Essence Ventures, the parent company of ESSENCE. “We could not be more excited to mark the 50th Anniversary of ESSENCE as a 100% Black-owned business that has not only revolutionized the publishing and media industries, but that has also become a cultural institution and home for Black women and communities globally.  Since its inaugural issue in May 1970, ESSENCE has expanded beyond the pages of a ground-breaking flagship magazine to multi-platform stages, experiences, and digital and brand extensions including the unparalleled ESSENCE Festival of Culture, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE.com, ESSENCE Studios, industry-recognized podcasts, television specials, books and more.  We have been able to do this because of our uncompromising focus on the evolving needs of our community and our community’s unyielding support of us.  While we have shifted the majority of the ESSENCE 50th Anniversary activities and engagements to 2021, this incredible special collector’s edition issue marks the beginning of our milestone celebration of Black culture, community, achievement, progress, and the work that remains to be done.”

 Additional 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition editorial packages include:

  • COVID-19 Essay Feature: ESSENCE editors share their personal journeys of adjusting to the new reality of social isolation in these challenging times.  Despite differing experiences, the essays have a common thread of what ESSENCE staff and the world are looking for hope.

  • ESSENCE Uncovered: 50 Years: ESSENCE compiles its most iconic covers along with an essay/timeline on its evolution over the last five decades. The package illustrates ESSENCE’s impact, as well as the impact of those whose stories graced its pages.

  • Power—State of Black Women: By the Numbers: ESSENCE takes a deep dive into how Black women are doing and how their lives have changed over the last five decades across its key verticals—Fashion, Beauty, Culture, Power (News + Wealth) and Thrive (Lifestyle, Wellness + Love).
  • Ageless Beauties: #ThisIs50: In this fan-favorite feature, ESSENCE invites eight readers from across the nation who, like ESSENCE, is turning 50 this year for an exclusive photoshoot and beauty spread.

“For 50 years ESSENCE has showcased the brilliance, beauty, power, and resilience of Black women, and now more than ever, in these unprecedented times, that is on display,” said MoAna Luu, ESSENCE Chief Content & Creative Officer.  “In our Golden Anniversary issue, we are taking the best of the past, bringing it to the present and showing what our future looks like beyond the pages.  By creating a meaningful multi-channel ecosystem that entertains with impact, we continue to reimagine ourselves to reach Black women everywhere and provide a seamless content experience across mobile, tablet, desktop, and of course, our signature magazine.  At ESSENCE, our approach to what we do and how we serve is timeless – reflecting and celebrating our culture and telling the truth with open hearts and open minds.”

For more on the 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition/May-June issue, visit ESSENCE.com.

Accessories /

Mother’s Day 2020 Roundup For The Fitness Lover, Shopping Addict or Green Thumb

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, take a look at a few considerations for the special woman in your life!

 

Featured Photo from Men’s Health

 

For the fitness lover:
  • Everlast – The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910 and the world’s leading manufacturer and licensor of boxing, MMA, and fitness equipment, Everlast can provide the fitness buff the equipment they need. Everlast has boxing gear from training gloves to the HydroStrike heavy bag and fitness equipment from the Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope to the Flex Slam Ball that can help mom stick to her new year’s resolutions of staying in the gym and continuing her fitness journey.
  • FitTrack – Help mom stay on track of her fitness journey with FitTrack, creators of the most accurate Wi-Fi smart scale (Dara), and the fitness smartwatch (Atria). FitTrack products are a simple and effective solution to stay motivated on her wellness journey, at a remarkably low price. With 17 detailed metrics that measure, track, and trend her health data over time, FitTrack can help mom better understand her progress with the informative insights needed to be the best version of herself.
For the organization lovers:
  • MakeSpace – MakeSpace offers storage without the struggle — picking up, hauling, and storing your stuff, then delivering it back to you when you need it. Their goal is to make storage convenient and easy so that you never have to visit a storage facility again. To help stressed-out moms manage cluttered homes and stressful lifestyles, give them the gift of space this Mother’s Day.
For the shopping addict:
  • Jane – Jane is a boutique e-commerce marketplace with daily deals on hundreds of products from women’s fashion and accessories to home decor and tech gear – there truly is something for everyone! Give the special woman in your life the perfect Mother’s Day gift to brighten up her day with something personalized or something comfy to help her relax while staying at home.
For the green thumb: 
  • Rachio – The world’s first smart sprinkler company delivering easy-to-use technologies to control your outdoor sprinkler system from the palm of your hand. Their latest product expansion includes the Rachio 3e Smart Sprinkler Controller, a budget-friendly version of Rachio’s renowned and first-ever smart sprinkler, the Rachio 3 Smart Watering System. With it’s lower pricing, the R3e makes saving the planet a bit more affordable for everyone, while still boasting a myriad of features such as weather intelligence based on historical weather data from 30,000 weather stations, dual-band wi-fi with Alexa compatibility, full control, and monitoring with the Rachio app, and more.
For the mom who brightens your life: 
  • Nanoleaf – A smart lighting pioneer, Nanoleaf’s range of light panels allow users to create beautiful, customizable designs with the flexibility to change-up the scene and layouts for any season or occasion. Whether mom is looking to decorate her home office, spruce up the house for family photos, or create the perfect welcome home entrance, Nanoleaf is a fun, low-maintenance way to personalize your space.
Accessories /

High-Tech Fashion Accessory: The Complete List of the Best AirPods Accessories Available in 2020

Apple AirPods took up 71% of wireless headphone revenue in 2019, making them the most popular brand.

It’s easy to see why. With their handy portable charging case and decent battery life, they’re great quality earphones.

It’s also no wonder that they’ve become far more popular than Apple’s wired earphones. It’s very convenient to be able to walk away from your device and not find yourself attached to it by a very limiting 10-inch wire.

Although AirPods are awesome, AirPods accessories can really take them up a notch. If you’re looking to improve your earphone experience, these accessories are the ones to go for.

Featured Photo by Gavin Whitner

1. Catalyst’s Waterproof Case

Although the latest iPhone models are now waterproof, AirPods are not immune to water damage.

Therefore, if you’re out on a run and it starts pouring while you’re enjoying your music, you’re going to want to store your AirPods somewhere safe.

Catalyst has a waterproof case where they can be tucked away and saved from water getting into them.

After all, AirPods are not cheap. The last thing you want is to be forced to replace them because you didn’t consider the weather.

2. AirPod Skins Protective Wraps

If you want protection for the AirPods themselves, then protective wraps are the way to go.

Available on Amazon, they’ll protect your AirPods from the rough-and-tumble nature of everyday life.

It’s easy to accidentally scratch AirPods, or have the surface wear away due to constant use. These wraps will keep them looking new and shiny.

Plus, they add some style by providing a nice black contrast to the white earphones.

3. Spigen TEKA RA100 AirPods Strap

An Apple AirPods strap may be just what you need if you’re not ready to lose the wire altogether.

The downside of AirPods is that they can be easily lost due to them being very small and unconnected to anything. Luckily, you can buy a strap to keep them together whenever you feel like having the safety net of a wire.

It’s mostly handy when you aren’t using them, or want to be able to pop them in and out quickly. It hangs around your neck, putting them within easy reach.

4. Twelve South AirFly Pro: Wireless Transmitter For Planes

You might know how to pair AirPods with MacBook laptops and iPhones, but do you know how to pair them to an airplane?

Being stuck in the air for up to 15 hours can be torture. Planes usually provide in-flight entertainment for long hauls, but the earphones are bad quality and often uncomfortable.

Fortunately, you can now buy a Bluetooth transmitter for your AirPods which plugs into the 3.5mm jack at your seat.

The battery life on these is 16 hours, so there’s no reason for them not to last your whole flight. This is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive Apple AirPods accessories.

5. RHA Wireless Flight Adapter

This may seem like the same as the Twelve South AirFly Pro on first glance, but this has one additional bonus that you may want to take into account when deciding between them.

It works great on the Nintendo Switch.

If you love cuddling up on the couch with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or getting lost in the world of Breath of the Wild, this is the flight adapter to go for.

6. Keybudz Podskinz AirPod Case

If you need an AirPod case that’s easy for you to find when you need it, this is a great choice — it attaches to your keys!

Most people have their keys with them at all times. Whatever you forgot at home, it’s unlikely to have been your keys since you presumably needed them in-hand to lock the door!

It’s very handy for those who tend to rush out of the door and forget non-essential items such as their earphones.

7. Earbuddyz 2.0 Ear Hooks

Some people get lucky when they buy AirPods and they fit just fine.

Others don’t have the ear size Apple designed these earphones for — one size does not fit all, after all — and find that the earphones fall out all too easily.

When there’s no wire, this isn’t good — it won’t be long before they’re lost in the great outdoors.

Luckily, Ear Hooks are a thing! Attach these to your AirPods and feel them fit snugly in your ear.

It does get a little frustrating to have to take them off the AirPods every time they go back in the case, but it’ll be well worth it to ensure your earphones don’t fall out.

8. Morphie Wireless Charging Pad

Not only can you charge your iPhone on these, you can charge your AirPods!

Sit them down at the same time as your iPhone and watch both charge up.

The pad can charge AirPods through cases as thick as 3mm, so you may not even have to remove them from the case.

This is, by far, one of the most convenient charging methods. It also has a built-in safety feature so that it won’t overcharge, which can be extremely draining and damaging to electronics.

Time to Load up on Those AirPods Accessories

AirPods are awesome. They’re convenient, allow you to move around while listening to music or chatting on the phone, and are easy to charge through their handy little case.

Whatever problems or pitfalls they have can be fixed by AirPods accessories. Whether it’s them not fitting in your ear properly, getting scratched up when you use them, or being unprotected when you get caught in the rain — there’s something to improve them in every area.

Next time you’re on a plane and struggling with the low-quality earphones or sighing as your brand new AirPods tumble out of your ear, you might just be tempted to invest in these.

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Entertainment /

ESSENCE WILL STREAM NATIONAL HBCU COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis that has forced colleges and universities across the nation to postpone their commencement celebrations, a coalition of HBCU leaders, advocacy organizations, and corporate partners have come together to host the National HBCU Commencement Celebration.  The virtual event, the brainchild of Paul Quinn College president Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, will be streamed live internationally on ESSENCE Studios (www.essencestudios.com) thanks to a partnership with ESSENCE – the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women and communities for 50 years.

The celebration will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2020, and will feature celebrity hosts, motivational speakers, musical performances, and the profiles of HBCU valedictorians and other graduates. In addition to highlighting this year’s graduates and their institutions, the event will raise funds for participating HBCUs and their students.

“As the result of COVID-19, our students have been robbed of a moment that they and their families have earned,” said Sorrell. “I am so grateful that this coalition of partners stepped up to answer the call of the HBCU community and stand in the gap for our students and their families.”

In addition to Paul Quinn College, the celebration is being organized by Howard University, The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), Thurgood Marshal College Fund (TMCF), and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The event is being supported by several partners, including ESSENCE, JPMorgan Chase, and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

“We are excited that graduates from our member-schools will receive the public recognition that they earned and deserved,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President, and CEO of TMCF, which represents 47-member schools. “This celebratory event is an effort to lift up all of our students and to let them know that we are proud of their hard work and perseverance, especially during these difficult times.”

Dr. Michael Lomax, President, and CEO of UNCF praised the event and said that the celebration will reinforce the importance and history of HBCUs.

“For 76 years, UNCF has helped more than half a million students graduate from college, and our mission remains the same even as we grapple with the impact of COVID-19,” said Lomax. “Students who receive a UNCF scholarship have a 70% graduation rate. I hope this program inspires viewers to support students to become college graduates.”

Funds raised during the event will go into an emergency fund to support HBCU students and will be distributed by TMCF and UNCF.  These dollars will go a long way in helping students who have been impacted by COVID-19.

“NAFEO is excited to join Dr. Michael Sorrell in realizing his vision and the dream of giving back to HBCU seniors, perhaps the most unfathomable aspect of their abrupt exile—the canceling of the commencement ceremonies,” said Lezli Baskerville, President, and CEO of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. “Denying the seniors and their families the opportunity to participate in the ceremonial walk down the aisle to higher ground and the receipt of a ticket to greater economic security, greater independence, opportunities for service, and leadership is a celebration we would not permit for our sons and daughters and their families to miss.”

Added Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University: “Every HBCU in the country has been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic due to interruptions to our academic year and the challenging transition to online learning,” said Frederick. “However, the loss that our seniors are experiencing with the abrupt end to their final semester and subsequent cancellation of the commencement convocation is the most heartbreaking part of this crisis. Hopefully this opportunity to come together as an HBCU community and celebrate these exceptional students will express our sincere gratitude to these scholars for their individual contributions to their respective institutions.”

JPMorgan Chase is supporting this effort through its Advancing Black Pathways initiative, which is committed to helping the black community achieve meaningful gains in three areas: educational achievement, career success, and wealth creation.

“Graduating from college is a sacred moment in a student’s life, and we are honored to support HBCUs, students and their families as we navigate one of the most unique and challenging periods in our nation’s history,” said Sekou Kaalund, the Head of Advancing Black Pathways. “Education is core to our mission of creating opportunity, and we are committed to helping black college students and graduates navigate this difficult environment and get on a path to lasting and rewarding careers.”

“These deserving students have earned the right to commemorate and celebrate the tremendous accomplishment of receiving their diploma and launching the next phase of their lives,” said Oris Stuart, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer for the NBA. “The NBA is proud to support HBCUs and honor their graduates during this momentous occasion.”

“HBCUs have served as educational, social, and legacy pillars in the Black community for generations and continue to be an invaluable treasure to the nation,” said Richelieu Dennis, Founder, and Chair, Essence Ventures, the parent company of ESSENCE.  “For more than 180 years, these institutions have equipped students with the critical tools needed to create pathways to success and have cultivated generations of vanguards, trailblazers, and leaders.  As we come together to develop innovative solutions for these unprecedented times, we are excited to utilize our ESSENCE Studios platform to provide thousands of 2020 HBCU graduates and their loved ones from around the world with the special commencement experience and celebration they deserve.”

Beauty /

DIY Beauty Projects from Los Angeles-based TV personality, Budget Travel and Lifestyle Expert: Lindsay Myers

Who doesn’t love getting pampered? But with this lockdown, we have had to figure it out ourselves! It’s always a great feeling to know that you can do it all if you have to! Here are some of Lindsay’s favorite DIY beauty projects:

Featured Photo from Domino Sugar

Natural Lip Scrub– I sometimes grab a pack of sugar and quickly exfoliate if I am in a time crunch. and need to apply some lipstick. But this is my new favorite natural way to get my lips super smooth!

Supplies:

1 TSP of Brown Sugar
1 TSP of White Sugar
1 TSP of Honey
1/2 TSP of Olive Oil

Directions: Just mix all the above in a small container. You can store and keep this for a while, but trust me after about 20 seconds your lips will feel amazing.

 

Bath Salts- I love a good bath, who doesn’t! This is really easy to make and a great way to unwind and get some self-care.

Supplies:

Coarse Salt

Epsom Salt

Baking Soda

Essential oil

Directions: Just take 6 part coarse sea salt and 3 part Epsom salt,1 part baking soda, and just a few drops of essential oil of your choice. That is it! This combo helps soothe the muscles, helps with skin irritation, and softens the skin.

 

Ombre Nail Manicure-I never go really big or bold with my manicure. But I have the time to figure out how to do it myself, why not!

Supplies:

2 different nail polish colors, and clear topcoat

Any sponge (you just need a bit, cut off a section from a larger sponge)

Plastic wrap

toothpick

Directions: Paint your nails with the lightest color. Let it dry. On the plastic pour our a little of each color right beside each other so they touch. Take the toothpick and swirl/blend just in the area where the two colors meet. Next, take your sponge and dab it directly over this mixture and then dab the sponge directly on your nail. Keep going on all the nails. If you want to go back over the nails to make the color stronger just make sure the first coat is dry first. Finish with a clear topcoat.

 

Hair Mask– It is SO easy to make a simple hair mask with everyday things in our kitchen. Why don’t we do it more? Maybe now we will!

2 hair mask options:

  1. All hair types:

Supplies:

Avocado

Honey

Directions: Simply scoop out half an avocado and mix it with a tbsp honey and apply it to hair. Leave this on for 20 mins. Rinse in the shower.

  1. Dry Hair Mask:

Supplies:

Eggs

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions: Mix 2 eggs with 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and apply to hair. Leave this on for 20 mins. Rinse in shower.

 

Facial: I have grown to love my facials, but they are expensive and now we just can’t get them. Why not learn how to do it yourself?

Supplies:

Chamomile Tea

Honey

Nutritional Yeast

Directions: Brew one cup of the tea with 2 tea bags. Let cool. Stir together 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tsp of nutritional yeast. Add just enough of the tea to the bowl to make a paste. You want to be able to spread it on your face, but not be watery. Let sit for 20 mins. This is calm and restores your skin.

 

 

Accessories /

Women’s Summer Fashion Guide: Stay Up-To-Date on The Latest Trends

As a woman, you are probably wondering what you are going to wear this summer to stay up-to-date with all of the latest trends. It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with the rapidly changing world of fashion. This is especially true if you are like most women nowadays and have to work full-time. That’s why we put together this great list of summer fashion trends for 2020.

Featured Photo from The Fashion Spot

Summer Fashion Basics

When you are trying to predict what the next big trends are going to be, there are a few places you are going to need to look. You can look at what the latest runway shows have displayed, you can look at what has been popular in current fashion magazines, and you can look at online boutiques and stores to get ideas. For example, if you are looking for dresses for women, you can search hypeach.com to get some fashionable ideas. You will be able to find clothing to keep you in style all through the hot summer months.

This year, there has been a strong trend towards some new styles that haven’t been seen for a long time. Let’s get to it and go over what the top trends will be this summer.

Women’s Summer Fashion Trends For This Year

This year’s trends are a little different from last year, but many of them will carry over. We have seen a few reintroductions from nearly one hundred years ago with some styles making a come back that were popular in the 30s and 40s. There are also a few trends that appear to be fairly unique and maybe appearing on the scene for the first time ever. Here are five of the biggest trends that will be seen this year in women’s fashion over the summer.

Puffy Sleeves 

This is an exciting sight to see. A fashion trend that was originally popular in the 1930s has been making headways among the women of the nation this year. Although it is not new on the scene and has been popular for a little while, it is still trendy and should continue to be so throughout the majority of the summer. It would be a safe move to purchase a few new tops that have the puffy sleeves look.

Professional Summer Wear

Professional summer wear is going to be one of the biggest trends this summer. This is the type of clothing that is going to help you look your best, but people will still take you seriously. One of the biggest trendsetters in this area has been the introduction of some new and absolutely fabulous sports-type jackets. These jackets will have you looking absolutely sharp but also intelligent and respectable.

Stylish Sunglasses 

A throwback to the 80s, stylish sunglasses, such as Arabians, have been making a huge comeback in recent months. This bodes well for the fashion trend this summer as people are starting to gear up for some time outside under the sun and will definitely need to protect their eyes while looking stylish. Why not go ahead and get yourself a pair of sunglasses and make a fashion statement out of it by getting a pair that matches the rest of your outfit?

Genuine Snakeskin 

According to Marie Claire, one of the most shocking introductions on the scene in terms of women’s summer fashion trends is the recent fascination of snakeskin apparel. This is not faux snakeskin, but the real genuine snakeskin. Women are starting to wear boots and other footwear that is made of snakeskin and even carry handbags that have been made with this unique type of leather. This is something fairly new and it is actually pretty exciting. You can match it with some of your other leather clothing or mix it up and do something totally random. The choice is yours.

Trendy Trenchcoats 

Finally, the last big fashion trend for the summer has been all of the stylish and trendy trenchcoats that you have been seeing while you are out and about. You are going to need to be careful while selecting a trenchcoat for the summertime. Make sure you buy one that is breathable and easy to wear. Make sure that it is going to be comfortable to wear during the heat of the day before you make a final purchase decision.

These are just a few ideas for the summer of 2020. Watch people who know how to put different styles together and follow their example.

Collaborative Post

Beauty /

ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Virtual Summit and New Voices + Target Accelerators $100K Pitch Competition

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread across the nation and the world, Black communities are being impacted at drastically disproportionate rates. However, while the impact of COVID-19 shines a spotlight on the already fragile health and economic ecosystems of Black communities and Black-owned small businesses, economic recovery efforts – such as the quickly-depleted initial $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program in the CARES Act – are not effectively reaching many of the entrepreneurs and businesses most in need. To help address this, ESSENCE, the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women, today announced the creation of the ESSENCE Benefit Seriesä to Fight COVID-19 to assist Black-owned small businesses and organizations across the country impacted by the pandemic.

The ESSENCE Benefit Series to Fight COVID-19 kicks off with the first-ever ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Virtual Summit and New Voices + Target Accelerators $100K Pitch Competition – which will be streamed live on ESSENCE Studios on Friday, April 24th, from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET. The Entrepreneur Virtual Summit will equip Black business owners with valuable tools needed to navigate this unprecedented time, including access to capital, practical insights, and critical resources. The Summit will also include the New Voices + Target Accelerators $100K Pitch Competition, featuring 10 women entrepreneurs pitching their businesses to receive critical funding combined with coaching, mentoring, and personalized business skills development.

The Entrepreneur Virtual Summit will feature informative sessions with some of the most influential business leaders across industries, covering topics including Navigating Coronavirus Relief; Raising Capital Right Now; Adapting During Crisis; Managing the New Normal; Developing A Winning Playbook: Now & Post-COVID and more. Speakers include Robert F. Smith, Chairman, Vista Equity Partners, LLC; Caroline Wanga, Chief Diversity, and Inclusion Officer and Vice President of Human Resources, Target Corporation; Bozoma Saint John, Chief Marketing Officer, Endeavor; Marcus Samuelsson, Chef and Restaurateur; Melissa Butler, CEO, The Lip Bar; Elisa Shankle, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert; Nicole Valentine, Chief Executive Officer, Synergy Business Development; Robin McBride, Co-founder, McBride Sisters Wine Collection; and more.

During this Summit and each to follow in the Benefit Series – as well as throughout this crisis, virtual attendees will have an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses that are in critical need of access to funding and resources by donating to the New Voices Foundation. The New Voices Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization driven by its PACE (Purpose.Access.Capital.Expertise) model and founded by serial entrepreneur and social impact investor Richelieu Dennis, is committed to creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem and currently has 13,000+ women of color entrepreneurs on its platform. Offering leadership development, flexible funding, skills-building and networking opportunities to build, grow and scale their businesses with purpose, the Foundation operates with a multi-pronged approach and services that entrepreneurs can access free of charge, including mobile accelerators, coaching and mentoring, pitch competitions, online masterclasses, and more.

Upcoming virtual experiences in the ESSENCE Benefit Series to Fight COVID-19 include the first-ever ESSENCE Festival of Culture: The Virtual Edition (July 4th weekend), as well as other summits, focused on entertainment, personal finance, technology, essential heroes and more.

 “We have long known about the systemic healthcare and economic inequities that are causing Black communities and businesses to fare worse than others during the COVID-19 global pandemic, but we also now see that we are in danger of losing critical progress as a community unless urgent and meaningful actions are taken,” said Dennis, also founder & chair of Essence Ventures, the parent company of ESSENCE. “Black-owned businesses serve as economic engines in our communities across the nation, and entrepreneurship and ownership remain the most viable paths to bridging the abysmal wealth gap and creating generational wealth. Yet, as critical initial stimulus funding ran out without reaching many of those who need it most and with new funding not guaranteed to reach these same businesses, not enough is being done to help ensure their post-pandemic financial survival and the long-term health of our communities.”

Dennis continued, “The ESSENCE Benefit Series to Fight COVID-19 and each of its virtual summits are a direct response to this dire need. While ESSENCE has used its platform over the past 50 years to support entrepreneurs and provide commerce opportunities for Black-owned businesses, we have accelerated these efforts – particularly with investments in digital and technology innovation – since returning the brand to 100% Black ownership in 2018. Now, operating under our Community Commerce purpose-driven model of elevating communities by providing access and opportunities that lead to sustainable economic empowerment, this is how ESSENCE will continue to serve our community in this crisis and beyond. We’ve always been able to count on each other – and that is more important now than ever.”

ESSENCE’s cultivation of entrepreneurship and commerce within Black communities has previously included supporting more than 3,000 small businesses at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture Marketplace; featuring more than 100 small businesses on the Shop ESSENCE platform; engaging hundreds of small business owners in Louisiana to participate in the Pipeline Initiative to grow entrepreneurship and technical career opportunities; and more.

At the outset of the global pandemic designation in March, ESSENCE created the ESSENCE of the Matter: COVID-19’s Impact on Black America digital platform to provide Black women and communities with the tools, information, resources, solutions, inspiration, and empowerment needed to address the multitude of issues arising from the novel coronavirus crisis. The ESSENCE Benefit Series to Fight COVID-19 will now become a central part of this effort, which to date has included the first-ever virtual ESSENCE Wellness Houseä and ESSENCE CARES Act information sessions. In addition, the ESSENCE editorial team produces daily content on a dedicated page to educate the community on the coronavirus, its impact, and how to survive and thrive in this time.

The ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Virtual Summit is powered by Microsoft and brought to you by SheaMoisture and Advancing Black Pathways by JPMorgan Chase. To register for the ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Virtual Summit or for more details, visit ESSENCE.com.

About Essence Communications Inc.

Essence Communications is the number one media, technology, and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 20.2 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned consumer technology company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

Beauty /

The No Makeup Look: Top Picks for Tinted Moisturizers and BB Creams

Although we’re coping with the COVID-19 pandemic inside of our homes, the weather is constantly changing.  One day it’s chilly and the next moment it’s hot!  That means it’s time for a new foundation in our make-up bags.

One of my personal favorites for the warmer months is the use of Tinted Moisturizers (or BB creams).  They hydrate the skin while giving a natural glow.  Basically, it’s a light foundation coverage and skin care moisturizer combined in one application.

Tinted moisturizers (and BB creams) are an easy way to even the skin without the use of heavy products.

Apply this product to the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose!

Listed below are top picks for Tinted Moisturizers and BB Creams:
  1. NYX Bare With Me
  2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
  3. Neutrogena SPF 20 in Medium to Dark
  4. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
  5. Black Radiance BB Cream