Fashion / October 10, 2019

Get Moving This Fall With All New Activewear From D’IYANU

Activewear in the 1980s brought us neon leotards, the 1990s bestowed us with nylon puffy pants, and the 2000s are marked by the popularity of yoga pants. But for Nigerian-born entrepreneur Addie Elabor and her fashion line D’IYANU, activewear is more than just a set of passing trends – it is a form of expression throughout everyday life.

In their boldest move yet, D’IYANU’s first-ever Activewear Collection is set to launch on November 8th with pieces ranging from $29.99-69.99.

For the African-inspired collection, Elabor and her team have explored innovative designs using jersey knits and nylon to create electric and eye-catching pieces.

From jersey shirts to hoodie sets and matching bra/legging sets to windbreaker jackets, the versatile collection will seamlessly add color and comfort to everyday looks.

Accessories / October 8, 2019

October Fab Finds Checklist: Logo Tote Bag, Shirt Dress, Tracksuit, and Colored Blazer

Temperatures are finally cooling down. Especially in the hot southern region! That means it’s time to select warm clothing textures and beautiful fall tones.

It’s easy to settle into wearing staple pieces but why not incorporate a vibrant tracksuit?

Whether you’re tailgating at a game or traveling overseas let the outfits below inspire your fashion efforts.

Logo Tote Bag

Jewel Hair Clips

Long Sleeve Shirt Dress

 
Colored Tracksuit

The images featured are from Instagram.

Accessories / October 4, 2019

David Yurman Renaissance Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham

Saks Fifth Avenue is known for hosting a jewelry showcase at the Birmingham location. The store featured David Yurman’s Renaissance Collection.

The designer is known for his timeless bracelets but this particular collection showcased mixed metals, colored stones, and interchangeable accents.

One of the associates at Saks explained the history behind David Yurman’s designs and inspiration. She stated that certain pieces from his collection are inspiration from his wife and their travels. I found that to be fascinating due to the detailing in those particular pieces.

David Yurman’s jewelry collection offers a variety of pieces that can be incorporated in any wardrobe!

Fashion / October 2, 2019

Fall 2019 Trends: Trench Coats Are The Perfect Transitional Coat

Fall could be a very confusing season. You don’t know whether you should stick to your nice shorts, trousers, and T-shirts or to wear something with more wool inside. Nevertheless, it is always a great idea to get ready for the cold days. After all, it is going to get colder once winter arrives.

If there is something we love about this season, it is that it gives one the opportunity to experiment with so many coat options. It’s not winter so you can wear your thinnest coats and slick sweaters and still feel perfectly fine and fashionable.

Featured Photo from More

Every year, we see different trends when it comes to coats for fall. We have seen fall seasons characterized by skinny jeans, leggings, and skinny everything wearable. Now, we are back to oversized puffers, sweaters, blazers, and even oversized pants. These oversized clothes are not made by mistake. They were carefully designed to look very baggy, beautiful, and stylish. Most people like these oversized clothes because they look absolutely fashionable.

This year, our love for all things oversized means that trench coats are back in trend and we are loving it. What makes them perfect for the fall is because they are the perfect transitional coat. Surprisingly, a lot of people have what you could describe as an unhealthy obsession with these oversized coats. When you see a good trench coat-lover, you could find her wardrobe filled with different types of these coats.

Top Reasons Why People Love Trench Coats

Easy To Wear With Anything You Already Own

Do you want to wear them with your blue skinny jeans or oversized trousers? Go ahead! You will look absolutely fashionable. This is why most people love these fashionable oversized coats. It can practically go with anything you have in your closet right now.

Not Strictly Seasonal

Like we already mentioned above, these oversized coats are transitional coats. This means they are not purely seasonal clothes. Thus, you can wear them without feeling out-of-place or uncomfortable.

Very Versatile

When you own one of these coats, you don’t have to worry whether you should wear sneakers with them or your heels. These coats are versatile. They can go with sneakers or heels – your choice.

Top 3 Trench Coats You Should Consider Buying This Fall

Cream Long single-breasted Trench Coat

Do you want to stay unique but beautiful? This beautiful beige ladies’ trench coat is all you need to make it happen. It is made with water-resistant fabric and comes in long length. You can wear your trench with its belt tied or loose. Whatever you decide, you will look fashionable in this.

Navy Blue classic Trench Coat

Do you love looking classy and elegant? We recommend this medium-length trench coat for you. It is slim-waisted, double-breasted, and comes with typical details such as sleeve ribbons or shoulder epaulets. This trench coat will give you the classy-look you’ve always desired.

Cream classic Trench Coat

This is another classy trench coat women over the world love with passion. It is medium-length and made with water-resistant material. This trench coat has a very special design with no belt. You will definitely love this coat if you are not looking to emphasize your waist.

Collaborative Post

Birmingham / October 1, 2019

Diner en Blanc Table Essentials and Supplies: Easy Go-To Guide

Le Diner en Blanc Birmingham is this weekend! All of the guests are eagerly gathering supplies and preparing for a magical night.

One important factor surrounding this exclusive picnic includes bringing the right supplies. The keyword to remember is white (or blanc).

But, don’t worry we have you covered by sharing the basics:

DIY Le Diner en Blanc Tips:

1. Purchase your table in the right dimensions and place a beautiful white tablecloth over the top.

2. If you can’t find white chairs, spray paint traditional metal chairs.

3. Don’t forget your luggage cart for carrying items.

4. Create a beautiful centerpiece from stores such as Michaels Arts and Crafts.

Le Diner en Blanc Table Essentials:

1. White Dinner Napkins

2. White Plates

3. Table Decor

4. White Tablecloth

5. Flameless Candles

6. Glassware

7. Bottle Opener

8. Trash Bag

9. Water

10. Umbrella

Let this blog post be your checklist for packing items. For those that have previously attended, do you have suggestions?

Leave them in the comment box.

If you like this post, click here: DINER en BLANC EXCLUSIVE EVENT: GUIDE TO THE OFFICIAL DRESS CODE

Accessories / September 30, 2019

Paris Fashion Week: ALIANNA LIU Runway Show Spring Summer 2020 Collection

The designer’s cats inspired Alianna Liu’s SS2020 collection. This time, she explains to the world by using her way of inspiration. The silhouette is the key between the collection and the female body. It has given the audience the sensation to represent a confident and independent woman image, as the brand identity described. By combining luxurious soft fabric with a touch of transparency, this collection is trying to bring out the natural beauty of modern femininity, a certain softness, and grace, or an ambitious and inspirational figure.

Recognizing the emotional impact that the right colors can have in design work, the color was enriched by the intensity of rainbow senses, leading to a more balanced and vibrant feeling. The embroidery technique and hand drew prints connected directly to the personal aspect of the collection. The ruffles are everywhere, communicate a romantic attitude that highlighted each attire.

Every piece from the SS 2020 collection is designed particularly to stand out from the crowd. The shapes of the pieces perfect for striking a look that people will notice and appreciate. Each detail gives the audiences for femininity sophistication, elevating them to the status of luxury fashion, that is a belief from the brand designer.

Beauty / September 26, 2019

Neutrogena® Launches New Bright Boost Collection to Address a Leading Skin Issue for Millennial Women: Dull, Uneven Skin

According to a recent Neutrogena® survey* conducted online by The Harris Poll among over 1,100 U.S. women age 18+, nearly two–thirds (66%) of U.S. millennial women age 23-38, have noticed a shift in their skin’s brightness. Neutrogena, the #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, announced today the launch of a new collection, Neutrogena Bright Boost™, to help women fight dull skin.

Neutrogena has cultivated a skin-first approach to science and innovation, which is based on technological advances, expert research and most importantly a deep understanding of women. This approach includes addressing the concerns of millennials seeking new options for bright and radiant skin.

“We uncovered that the majority of millennial women (84%) believe that healthy skin is glowing skin, and nearly 4 in 5 (78%) wish there were more products on the market that gently exfoliate skin,” said Kerry Sullivan, Vice President of Neutrogena, U.S. Skin Health at Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. “The Bright Boost line is the perfect opportunity to deliver on this unmet need. We tapped into our global network of the brightest young female scientists at Neutrogena to develop a breakthrough solution, leveraging the power of resurfacing ingredients like Neoglucosamine® technology to boost the skin’s natural renewal process. The result is our powerhouse new offering for brighter, more even skin tone.”

Anna Rose, Carine Hardy, Anna Trondoli and Diyana Sudarsono, four Neutrogena talented millennial scientists paired their firsthand personal skincare experiences with their scientific expertise to develop the four-part collection for brighter skin.

Anna Rose, Principal Scientist, R&D Skin Health, Johnson & Johnson, explains, “We as women know what women need, so we designed these products with those needs in mind. To counteract the ‘skin sins’ of our 20s, like late nights, lack of proper sunscreen use, poor food choices and even dehydration, we needed to look beyond simple formulations.”

After rounds of prototyping each formula, communicating across different time zones, and coming together for two weeks in the lab, the team of millennial scientists brought Bright Boost to life. The scientists merged Johnson & Johnson research with premium ingredients known to resurface and retexturize to develop a line that would deliver radiant, healthy–looking skin.

NEW Neutrogena Bright Boost™

The new Bright Boost collection is made up of four key products including A Resurfacing Micro Polish, an Illuminating Serum, a Gel Cream, and a Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30. The Neutrogena Bright Boost daily regimen can reveal brighter, wide-awake skin in just one week.

Three of the products are powered by Neoglucosamine technology, a gentle, non-acid amino sugar exfoliant. It helps boost surface cell turnover, which slows over time, and works in harmony with other powerful skin-brightening ingredients, resulting in brighter, more even–looking skin. This multi-tasking collection also features other efficacious ingredients such as Mandelic Acid and Glycolic Acid to brighten skin. Additionally, Neoglucosamine can help minimize the appearance of fine lines.

The collection is available now at mass merchandisers nationwide. Learn more about Neutrogena Bright Boost and our powerful skin brightener, Neoglucosamine by visiting www.neutrogena.com/bright-boost.

About Neutrogena®

Neutrogena®, #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand, has brought groundbreaking skincare solutions to consumers for more than 60 years. Today the brand offers more than 650 products worldwide in the face, body, acne, sun protection, makeup, men’s care, and anti-wrinkle categories. By creating, innovating and rethinking what is possible, Neutrogena® products consistently deliver real results without compromises. www.neutrogena.com

Survey Method:

*This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Neutrogena from September 5-9, 2019 among 1,107 U.S. women ages 18 and older, among whom 347 are Millennials ages 23-38. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Tasia Langston / Laura Quinones.

Fashion / September 25, 2019

Under $100 : The Perfect Comfy Jacket For Fall From Marstè Fashion

Fall is in the air and it’s officially transitioning into Sweater Weather. We have the perfect high-quality hoodie and it’s flattering on all body types. The Seattle High-Lo Sweater by size-inclusive brand Marstè is the perfect fall staple, comes in 4 beautiful colors, and is available for under $100 on MarsteFashion.com (Retail Price: $90)

This cowl neck jacket makes a sophisticated top layer for an ultimate chic look. It comes in Marstè’s 4 signature colors: Mystique (Black), Mystique (Deep Teal), Bloom (Blush Lavender), and Flourish (Olive Green)

This sweater is available in Small, Medium, and Large and offers a flattering look for multiple figures, and consumers are able to shop with different models to see the look.

Beauty / September 24, 2019

ESSENCE FULL CIRCLE FESTIVAL LAUNCHES IN SUPPORT OF CULTURAL OWNERSHIP AND ECONOMIC COLLABORATION IN AFRICA AND BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN AFRICANS ON THE CONTINENT AND IN THE DIASPORA

Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned consumer technology company merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color and the parent company of Essence Communications, Inc., today announced that it has partnered with Full Circle Festival, LLC to create the ESSENCE Full Circle Festival. The ESSENCE Full Circle Festival partnership will focus on a three-part mission: (1) supporting cultural ownership and economic collaboration among Africans on the continent and people of African descent in the Diaspora; (2) connecting Black communities globally for the exchange of ideas and shared objectives that leads to cultural monetization and community reinvestment; and (3) facilitating the learning and discovery of the many facets of Africa’s beauty, excellence and opportunity globally. In addition, the annual ESSENCE Full Circle Festival experience will focus on showcasing African nations increasingly as global destinations by highlighting their critical roles as ancestral, spiritual, cultural and commercial epicenters.

“As someone born and raised in West Africa and who has spent adulthood in the U.S., there is no greater joy than forging partnerships with a purpose rooted in the elevation and the promise of the people of the African continent and the Diaspora,” said Richelieu Dennis, founder, and chair of Essence Ventures. “My family and I spent three decades building a global beauty business and business model that empower, among others, women Shea butter processors in Northern Ghana – women just like my grandmother. We believe economic inclusion is a human right, and now with ESSENCE Full Circle Festival, our continued goal is to be catalysts and connectors for long-term economic empowerment, growth and cross-sector job creation in Black communities globally through increased engagement, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.”

The 2019 ESSENCE Full Circle Festival will take place in Accra in December and complete the Year of Return commemoration – marking 400 years since the first slave ships left Ghanaian coasts for the transatlantic slave trade. This specially-curated, week-long immersion will enable engagement between U.S.-based cultural influencers and business executives with Ghanaian and regional leaders and communities, including explorations of history, cuisine, music, fashion, beaches, nightlife, commerce and more.

“This partnership recognizes Ghana’s role as a beacon for people of African descent in this Year of Return,” said Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo. “The Year of Return, Ghana 2019, is a conscious effort to cement our pan-African legacy. Throughout the Year, the Tourism Authority has worked with several partner organizations to welcome home our brothers and sisters from the Diaspora. The Essence Full Circle Festival is a welcome addition to the activities and will hopefully become one of the legacies of the year which celebrates African resilience.”

The inaugural Full Circle Festival also included the participation of President Akufo-Addo and took place in Accra on December 2018, led by Full Circle Festival, LLC partners Boris Kodjoe, Patrick Kodjoe, Bozoma Saint John – all of Ghanaian descent – and Nicole Ari Parker. More than 120 invited guests including business executives, influencers, and celebrities from the United States traveled to Ghana for cultural engagement and ancestral reconnection, resulting in nearly 10,000 positive social media posts and half a billion media and social impressions, as well as an estimated economic impact of more than $70 million in tourism revenue.

The 2019 ESSENCE Full Circle Festival will include the first ESSENCE Global Black Economic Forum: Africa, which will convene entrepreneurs, executives, entertainers and government officials to discuss how new opportunities for economic development and cultural exchange can be created. This inaugural international Global Black Economic Forum will explore topics including connectivity within the African diaspora, environment and sustainability, post-colonialism, contemporary racial dynamics, entertainment and fashion industry growth, and other themes via a series of panel discussions, keynotes, and interactive sessions. A solution-driven dialogue will be at the core of this event, which will include ESSENCE Full Circle Festival guests as well as local and regional participants.

“In furthering our mission to serve Black women deeply across the globe, ESSENCE is honored to answer the call to ‘Return’ with the creation of the ESSENCE Full Circle Festival, beginning with Ghana and subsequently extending across the continent,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications, Inc. “We are grateful to be able to use the power of our platforms and the influence of our networks to positively impact narratives about Africa, as well as positively impact the people of Africa and the Diaspora through cultural and economic exchange. We are thrilled to celebrate the Year of Return and our African ancestry, culture, and achievement in the vibrant country of Ghana as we reconnect over our heritage, connect over new experiences and co-create viable opportunities for the future.”

To capture the diversity of images and narratives that truly reflect the country and culture, ESSENCE Full Circle Festival participants are encouraged to share their first-hand experiences via their social and digital platforms. In addition, select events will be live-streamed for broader community participation, engagement, and input. Lastly, with the goal to inspire, encourage and assist as many people of African descent to visit the continent as possible, ESSENCE Full Circle travel packages will become available to the public in 2020.

“It’s so important that as people of African descent, we see and feel the beauty of the continent and the majesty of our people for ourselves,” said Full Circle Festival, LLC co-founder Boris Kodjoe. “There isn’t a more transformative and empowering experience than to honor the Year of Return and its 400-year history while in Ghana reconnecting with our cultural heritage, celebrating our ancestry and co-creating our future with our brothers and sisters on the continent. I hope that our ESSENCE Full Circle Festival partnership will ultimately encourage more people to visit nations across Africa, as well as serve as an example of the impact that can be made when we join in the spirit of collective purpose and progress.”

About Essence Ventures

Essence Ventures is an independent Black-owned consumer technology company merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color. The company began in 2017 and is chaired by its founder – entrepreneur, investor and social impact innovator Richelieu Dennis.

About Essence Communications Inc.

Essence Communications is the number one media company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of almost 25 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.

Accessories / September 24, 2019

Creating The Perfect Wardrobe According To Your Lifestyle

The purpose of my Instagram account is to share affordable outfits for the everyday woman. I am a firm believer that the way you dress communicates your mood, profession, and outlook on life.

Although I have my favorite designer brands, I believe that anyone can look fabulous at any price-point. If you follow my page, then you already know I shop everywhere! Thrifting is one of my favorite hobbies while I adore the beauty of visual displays at Saks Fifth Avenue.

One shopping tip that I always give is that fashionistas should create a wardrobe according to their lifestyle. For example, a stay at home mom should have a variety of classic pieces while the workout diva could select on-trend Athleisure.

Some of my personal outfits are shared based on civic meetings, church service attendance, mom events, clients meetings, etc. Remember, when working with a personal stylist, it’s important to create the best lookbook or closet cleanout according to your individual interests. For this to be done, you must discuss your weekly activities!

If you have style questions, feel free to email me at kim@stylelifefashion.com or schedule a Personal Style Session.