Tag: fashion

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2020 Trends: The Fashion Forward Face Mask

Face masks are fast becoming the 2020 fashion trend. Lady Gaga appeared at the MTV VMA awards show early this week, wearing a different matching face mask with each wardrobe change (it’s Gaga, there were 7!). It’s a fashion movement borne of necessity rather than the advancement of trends. It’s reported that two-thirds of all US adults started to wear masks regularly between this past March and June. It will be a while before full-reopening; meanwhile as Americans venture out of their houses to enjoy socially distanced drinks, and the return of the drive-in movie, choice of face wear is now the thing to check for before leaving the house. Designers are taking notice, with new fashion-forward facial coverings on the high end going for $450.

Rakesh Tammabattula is the founder and CEO of QYK Brands, a manufacturing company of several beauty and wellness products that tapped into producing PPE surgical face masks, respirators, goggles, hand sanitizers, and more as the pandemic took a full swing.

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Author, Philanthropist, Multi-Millionaire Millennial Business Mogul, Nathalie Nicole Smith

In August 2020, author, philanthropist, and Multi-Millionaire Millennial business mogul, Nathalie Nicole Smith,  officially selected The epiMediaGroup, LLC, a global public relations conglomerate, to represent her brand and her associated affairs. Nathalie Nicole is the author of Amazon Best Seller “Becoming A Brand”, a celebrated business owner of multiple brands, a beauty and health enthusiast, an international speaker, founder of Women Who Boss (501C3) and a millionaire business coach.

A serial entrepreneur and Howard University graduate, Nathalie Nicole is no stranger to developing and growing new talent.  As one of the top earners in her Network Marketing Company, Total Life Changes, Nathalie Nicole has been able to coach hundreds of women into 6 figure earnings throughout her career.  Her ability to create dynamic and lasting brands has allowed her to successfully launch initiatives that capture high energy engagement from her following.  Nathalie and her companies have been recognized for outstanding national achievement.

In 2013, Nathalie Nicole was recognized as “Top 30 Under 30” for her work in the development of her Plush brand.  Due to her business savvy and her tenacity for success, Nathalie has reached the highest designation within her Network Marketing Company, Total Life Changes, and she is now a multi-millionaire at the age of 32.  But that’s just the beginning, Nathalie is an author of an Amazon Best Selling book “Becoming A Brand” and she is the founder of “Women Who Boss” which is a 501c3 organization to help women walk into their real purpose amidst their pain.

Nathalie Nicole has several high-profile projects currently under development under her “Becoming A Brand” moniker, her Plush enterprise, and her Women Who Boss foundation.  Nathalie is also currently developing more outreach opportunities for millennial women looking to elevate their lives via financial, health, and spiritual.

Nathalie Nicole has been featured in: Huffington Post, Thrive Global, & Business For Home.  Nathalie has spoken on international stages, most recently she was selected to speak at an Essence Women’s Empowerment Summit.

Nathalie Nicole is currently working on her second book, developing an international podcast, a million-dollar earning coaching program, women empowerment platforms, and a new apparel line.  Nathalie is also acquiring multiple real estate projects which will also allow her brand to continue to help up and coming moguls.  Nathalie is also slated to launch two Plush Rx boutiques by the end of 2020.
Nathalie Nicole’s upcoming project, The Relaunch of “Becoming A Brand” is slated for the end of September with some new and exciting additions to the book and brand.  Updates will be found on the official website:  https://www.natnicolesmith.com.  Stay up to date on all things Nathalie Nicole here.

Accessories /

Formé Is The First And Only Shoe Shaper That Safely Stretches Shoes

Formé is the first and only shoe shaper that safely stretches shoes up to half size, eliminating the pain that occurs when the toe box gets tight as the day wears on – awesome for women with different sized feet! Formé is made by women FOR WOMEN and can make every pair of shoes in your closet more comfortable and your feet healthier and happier!

You can customize the amount of stretch and they work in any shoes (heels, flats, boots, sandals, sneakers) of any material (leather, fabric, even synthetic). Or use this sleek, lightweight device simply to help shoes keep their shape when you’re not wearing them.

 

Formé shapers give new life to shoes 1) you love but don’t wear because they never fit quite right, 2) become uncomfortable after just a short time on the feet.  If you want to test them, all we need is your shoe size! Sold on www.formeconfomfort.com, amazon.com, and www.thegrommet.com

 

Accessories /

What Are COVID-Safe Nose Accessories? Look Stylish and Mask-Friendly

We talk a lot about makeup and masks as the fashion world is trying to get to grip with safety measures. If you were a heavy makeup wearer, you’ve probably realized that your face mask and foundation are not made to work together. As a result, many makeup artists have come up with alternative solutions, such as creating an exciting and bold display using your eyes only. A quick search for #maskmakeup on Instagram can give you plenty of inspiration to get started. 

Featured Photo from Harper’s Bazaar

However, your eyes are only one of the things you can play with. When you wear a mask, the upper third of half of your nose is exposed, depending on your mask’s size. In other words, there is plenty of room for a stylish nose accessory that is COVID-safe and mask-friendly. 

 

Glasses are a no-brainer

They sit comfortably on your nose bridge, enhancing your eyes while bringing all the attention to a small area between your eyebrows and the bridge of your nose. 

Two things every fashionista should remember about glasses during the pandemic: 

Number one: Glasses will keep your eyes protected from moisture droplets, which contact lenses can’t do. 

Number two: Glasses can be incredibly stylish. You can find designer pairs online that don’t break the bank and suit your face, as seen in a previous article on Style Life Fashion. It’s fair to say that contact lenses can’t compete with the fashion bonus you get from a quirky pair of glasses. The only thing you need to remember is to buy an antifog spray. The combination of face mask and eyewear can be unpleasant without the helpful spray! 

In short, glasses keep you safe and stylish! What more can you ask for? 

Get pierced just above your mask 

As mentioned, your mask reaches above your nostril. This leaves your nose bridge visible, so why not make the most of it? You can easily research bridge piercing, learn more from Urban Body Jewelry, to find out if it is a style for you. In essence, your nose bridge is the smallest part of your nose just between your eyes. This is where you would rest your glasses if you had a pair. Contrary to common belief, you can wear glasses with a nose bridge piercing. However, experts recommend switching to contact lenses during the healing period. 

Typically, a piercing in the area will show two small balls on each side of the bridge if you opt for a curved barbell item. But you can find other types of jewelry. Two shiny dots above your masks will turn a few heads! 

An elegant cuff

Are you not sure about a piercing? You can experiment with a bridge cuff while you make up your mind. A nose cuff is a fake ring you place on the nose bridge. With no piercing required, it’s a playful item that lets you try out a new style without commitment. The nose bridge is one of the most understated areas. When you’re wearing a mask, the nose bridge is the only place where you can wear an item of jewelry that would stand out. 

The advantage of a cuff is that you don’t have to worry about potential risks of infection. When you wear a mask, you create a warm pocket of air that makes a favorable terrain for skin bacteria spread. That’s what maskne is about! The nose bridge could get warm and sweaty, which would encourage rubbing or scratching. If you’re worried about touching your piercing with your fingers, a cuff is a safe option for now. 

Fake rings

Now is not the best time to get a nose ring. If you have to wear a mask for an extended period, your nose piercing would be underneath the cover. Maskne, as mentioned, is a risk to take seriously with a new piercing. You don’t want acne to develop in the area as it could slow down the healing process. However, if you want to add a nose ring to add an accent when you remove the mask, a fake ring is a hygienic alternative. 

Stay away from jewelry that extends beyond the mask

You might have been considering an intricate piercing project before the pandemic, such as a nose chain. A nose chain is typically a double piercing, nose, and ear, linked together with a chain. The chain could reduce the mask’s protection, causing the mask to be loose where the chain hangs. While risks are minimum, it’s best to stay on the safe side for now! 

In conclusion, while we’re going to be wearing masks for the foreseeable future – finger crosses: not for long ! – you can have fun with nose accessories that create a COVID-safe style. With plenty of mask-friendly accessories, you have a variety of options to create a new look while wearing a mask. 

 

Collaborative Post

Uncategorized /

NAOMI CAMPBELL RETURNS WITH AN EXCLUSIVE EPISODE WITH CYNTHIA ERIVO

International supermodel, activist, and philanthropist Naomi Campbell welcomes Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-Winning Actor, Singer, and Songwriter Cynthia Erivo to “No Filter with Naomi” – a limited-time series under her highly popular “Being Naomi” YouTube channel. The intimate, live-streamed series has invited fans to #stayhome and save lives during this critical time and has focused on in-depth, career-spanning conversations between Naomi and a close group of her friends including designers, musicians, actors, beauty gurus, and media personalities.

The series debuted on April 6th and has since featured guests Cindy Crawford, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Richie, Ashley Graham, Pierpaolo Piccoli, Lee Daniels, Christy Turlington, Adut Akech, Sharon Stone, Paris Hilton, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams, Karlie Kloss, Anna Wintour, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Jackie Aina. 

The “No Filter with Naomi” series returned after hiatus on June 23rd and featured a select group of episodes focused on impactful conversations dedicated to #BlackLivesMatter, social justice issues, racial and human inequalities. These critical conversations, reflective of our times, included featured guests: Opal Tometi, Rev. Al Sharpton, Alphonso Reed, Cleo Wade, Bethann Hardison, Tyler Mitchell, Indya Moore, Chase Strangio and Tori Cooper.

WHO: International Supermodel, Activist, and Philanthropist, Naomi Campbell

WHAT: YouTube exclusive series- “No Filter With Naomi” featuring guest, Cynthia Erivo.

WHEN: August 18th, LIVE at 3 pm EST

WHERE: Streaming live on Naomi Campbell’s YouTube Channel. View all “No Filter with Naomi” episodes here. 

Accessories /

How To Make More Ethical Fashion Choices

Ethics are important in all aspects of life, but they’re especially important when it comes to a form of consumer culture. Fashion could be considered through this lens, as it is ever-changing, and the industry makes use of materials that must ultimately be manufactured and handled.

Ethical fashion, thankfully, is becoming more and more of a fixture,  and not just a trend. Of course, that’s not always the case. Some still decide to wear furs, even though we all know that the cruelty to animals exhibited through these products is questionable at best. That being said, this post is not here to judge or point the finger at anyone. Like anything, you can be more effective in making a change when you focus it on yourself, and consider your own habits and practices. 

Featured Photo from Racked

So, how can you begin to make more ethical fashion choices? Moreover, how can these choices remain sustainable, and relevant, and part of your schedule? After all, ethics are not something you ‘grow out of’ or become bored by, but are a commitment you must make. With the following advice, you’ll see how and why:

Shop For Cruelty-Free Beauty Products

Shopping for cruelty-free makeup is a great place to start. As beauty is often the most fundamental aspect of designing your outfit for the day, it can be worthwhile to get this right. Do you know if these items are sustainable? Are they well-sourced? Are they vegan? If you can answer yes to those questions, then you’re quite literally supporting the business that can continue in a conscience free manner. You don’t have to pay the moral price for beauty in 2020, and that’s a fantastic thing.

Buy Used Clothing

Buy used clothing. You can find worthwhile older threads with vintage appeal through apps such as Depop. In some places, Instagram stores can connect you to small-time sellers hoping to push an aesthetic or style. This can help you make a new home for items you like the look of, and that helps it avoid being thrown out or given to landfill. In a way, this helps you continue the natural life cycle of items that deserve respect. It helps you celebrate the past of fashion by making it new. That’s a great place to start.


Check The Source

It can be extremely instructive to vet the source of your fashion purchases. What does this brand say about their values, and how transparent are their sources? Do they have controversies in the past? It could be that only sourcing your purchases through brands you can trust and that have spoken on their practices with full transparency will help you support those companies really do appreciate. After all, the strongest way to vote is with your wallet, and diverting those funds to practices you wish to see. Also, be vocal about your appreciation! Brands need to know the growing size of the ethics-based market.

With this advice, we’re certain you can make much more ethical fashion choices.

Collaborative Post

Accessories /

ROAM Customizable Premium Luggage: Design Your Own Piece

I am excited to share some big news…ROAM (the world’s first and only color-customizable premium luggage company) is diving into the world of fashion with a gorgeous new color palette.

The new colors are super on-trend and just right for the season. Every detail is customizable…from the front and back panels…to the stitching…to the wheels, so you can create the perfect mix of hues that is completely your own. (There are over a million possible colorways.)

Founded by former Tumi execs, this is high-quality luggage that offers protection against the elements and features ultra-smooth-rolling wheels that take you over even the roughest cobblestones with ease…and chic aplomb!

Every item is handcrafted, made-to-order, at ROAM’s U.S. production workshop. The company also offers a 100-day risk-free trial, which is super rare for any custom item. The team at ROAM truly stands behind the craftsmanship and quality of our product. (ROAM’s CEO, Larry Lein, was TUMI’s longtime EVP.)

Colors /

Corridor Partners with Pantone To Create Sustainable Digital Creation Process

Pantone LLC, the global authority on color and provider of professional color tools for designers, announced its partnership with menswear brand, Corridor, to streamline it’s color and design process with Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors (FHI) integrated design solution. Corridor, an independent menswear brand, focuses on contemporary American clothing, natural fibers, and responsible design and tailoring. Corridor leveraged Pantone’s FHI tools to create a portable, global design ecosystem in response to the accelerated need for designers to adapt to a new workflow amidst COVID-19.
The evolution of the manufacturing process in design has increasingly become more digital as calls for a more sustainable process – i.e. cutting down on waste and carbon emissions traditionally generated in the sampling process, has become a major priority in the fashion and home furnishings industries as a whole. In addition, the pandemic has shifted the way people work and communicate in design, limiting travel, and enforcing communication digitally. As a result, designers have had to fill in the gaps of communication for color and creation through a seamlessly integrated process leveraging physical and digital design tools.
Dan Snyder, the creator of Corridor, wanted to remain committed to the brand’s focus on “making beautiful things” despite these new shifts and needed a mobile color development process that would allow him to convert the beauty he saw while in nature into something that could be communicated with his global suppliers. Snyder was able to create his own portable design ecosystem that adapted to his design needs using Pantone’s Fashion, Home + Interiors product suite. Snyder began his process by using the Pantone Connect mobile app, which provides digital access to all the Pantone libraries, to capture his inspirations, creates the perfect color harmonies, and translates them into Pantone colors. Additionally, Snyder needed to communicate these colors to his global suppliers and did so by using the Pantone FHI Cotton Planner and Cotton Swatch Card standards. With this integrated design solution, Dan was not only able to convert his inspiration from nature into fashion, but also create major cost savings and waste reduction as a result.
“Using the Pantone FHI system has doubled the speed of our design process and cut costs significantly. Normally, we would need 4-5 strike-offs/dyes in order to hit our color. With Pantone, we typically achieve the color we need in the first dye lot. Additionally, using the Pantone Connect app in combination with swatch cards, we are able to clearly communicate with our dye house/factory on the agreed color and as a result, have been able to reduce waste and carbon emissions by not shipping fabrics across the world. We are extremely excited to be working with Pantone and feel equipped to handle our increasingly digital workflow,” says Dan Snyder, Corridor.
With color accuracy being at the forefront of Pantone’s capabilities, Pantone’s Fashion, Home, + Interiors design tools offer:
  • Over 3,000 colors curated specially for the Fashion, Home + Interiors market ensuring market relevance. The Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors color standards are available in multiple formats, including cotton, polyester, nylon, paint-on-paper, and metallic.
  • A wide range of color and design solutions meet evolving design needs. Whether it’s designing a new fashion collection from the kitchen counter or a limited-edition footwear line with a business partner 500 miles away, Pantone has the tools to fit every designer’s needs. The Pantone Fashion, Home + Interior product line offers color tools for working from home, the studio, and even the production floor. Not only are the FHI tools equipped to support unique physical workspaces, but also each tool includes digital complements to connect your designs and your teams globally.
  • New design technologies that enable new color innovations. Having digital access to each of Pantone’s entire collection of colors enables designers to seamlessly streamline digital and physical workflows. Spectral data support ensures fast turnaround and accurate, on-schedule production.
“While digital transformation has continually been a discussion, the industry needed to adapt faster than anticipated to provide a more efficient and sustainable process for the way we work today. Pantone is dedicated to creating an environment where designers can have integrated solutions that will enable them to easily shift between physical and digital design whenever and wherever needed. With Pantone being the global language and translator of color, we are excited to continue to innovate alongside our fellow designers and be the go-to partner for all creatives at every step of their process – from inspiration to creation,” says Shantel Sullivan (Pantone FHI Product Manager)
To provide designers with color tools and understanding to cope with the evolution of the creation process in design, Pantone will also be introducing a spotlight series on the Future of Work in design through additional designer partnerships, workshops, and conversations with the design community to discuss the tension points in their process, how the color and design process has evolved, as well as trends that have emerged in this new age and the best way to communicate color as a result.
About Pantone
Pantone provides a universal language of color that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers. More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate and control color from inspiration to realization – leveraging advanced X-Rite technology to achieve color consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, fashion, and product design. Pantone Standards feature digital and physical color specification and workflow tools. The Pantone Color Institute™ provides customized color standards, brand identity and product color consulting as well as trend forecasting inclusive of Pantone Color of the Year, Fashion Runway Color Trend Reports, color psychology and more. Pantone B2B Licensing incorporates the Pantone Color System into different products and services, enabling licensees to communicate and reproduce approved Pantone values and improve efficiencies for their users. Pantone Lifestyle brings color and design together across apparel, home, and accessories. Connect with Pantone on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
About X-Rite
Founded in 1958, X-Rite Incorporated is a global leader in the science and technology of color and appearance. With Pantone, X-Rite employs more than 800 people in 11 countries. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Grand Rapids, Mich., with regional headquarters in Europe and Asia and service centers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. X-Rite offers a full range of solutions used by manufacturers, retailers, printers, photographers, and graphic design houses to achieve precise management and communication of color and appearance throughout their processes. X-Rite products and services are recognized standards in the printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, and medical industries. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com. For the latest news, information, connect with X-Rite on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Accessories /

How To: Shop Your Closet and Create Instant Outfits

Would you believe that I have not been in the mood to shop?  That’s because I’ve been practicing social distancing and focusing on virtual events.  But, there’s always a solution to every problem.

One perspective is that I have always been an advocate for shopping in your closet.  There are so many wonderful pieces in there that you have probably forgotten about.  From accessories to midi dresses, I can guarantee that you’re closets are filled with instant outfits.

A suggestion that I share with my Personal Style clients is to create outfits (in your spare time.)  The worst time to figure out a hot look is right before any event.  Life is a lot easier when you have something to wear!

The outfit shown below is an example of just that.  I was leaving out the door for a lunch date and needed to put on pieces that exuded my personal style.

Cape Blazer:  Amazon | Cami & Jeans:  Express | Strappy Heels:  Target similar | Crossbody:  Louis Vuitton similar

 

Beauty /

LALA ANTHONY STUNS ON ESSENCE SEPT/OCT COVER

In the September-October issue of ESSENCE, La La Anthony — best-selling author, actress, designer, producer, and multihyphenate maven — graces the cover and provides perspective on the often-discussed issue of Black women and identity. In the cover story, Finding Success on Her Own Terms, Anthony talks candidly with ESSENCE Deputy Editor Allison McGevna about everything from co-parenting, raising and protecting her Black son in America, celebrating her Afro-Latina identity and the importance of telling Cyntoia Brown’s story.

 

She shares with ESSENCE:

  • ON PROUDLY BEING AFRO-LATINA: “I’m Afro-Latina: I’m Black, I’m Puerto Rican, I’m all of it. I’m proud of it.’ But no one really understood that. They were like, ‘You’re one or the other, and that’s it…”
  • RAISING A BLACK SON IN AMERICA: “I always talk to him about how he needs to deal with police. It’s sad that these are the conversations we have to have with our children, but this is the world we live in. I make sure he knows that and understands the seriousness of it. I’m not trying to scare him in any way, but I want him to live in reality.”
  • HER APPROACH TO CO-PARENTING WITH CARMELO ANTHONY: “My son is at the center of everything… he is watching us, so if we’re out here being reckless or not leading with love, then what kind of example are we setting for him about how he should treat women or how people treat and love each other? … A lot of times, people forget that, and I understand, because you get emotional when you’re going through different things in relationships. But I always want my son to be able to say, ‘No matter what, my parents loved each other. My parents loved me.”
  • ON BRINGING CYNTOIA BROWN’S STORY TO THE SCREEN: “For her to trust me with this story, after everything she’s been through, it’s not something I take lightly.”

Timed with its cover launch, also ESSENCE announces the newly launched online hub titled “Protect Black Women and Girls.” As the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women and their communities for 50 years, the hub was created to help provide more persistent visibility of systemic racism, racial inequities, and police misconduct today with particular attention to justice yet seen for the Black women of the movement like Breonna Taylor and Toyin Salau. The hub includes a series of essays and op-eds from Black women activists, academics, and thought-leaders including Tarana Burke, Kimberlé Crenshaw, LaTosha Brown, and more. As Kimberle Crenshaw says in her original essay for the hub, “If we are ever to truly protect young Black women like Toyin Salau or Breonna Taylor, we must first tell their stories.”  For more on ESSENCE’s Protect Black Women and Girls Hub, visit ESSENCE.com.

The September-October issue of ESSENCE hits newsstands on Tuesday, August 25. For more on this month’s issue, visit ESSENCE.com.