Tag: fashion

Celebrity /

ESSENCE ANNOUNCES 2020 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE: UNSTOPPABLE VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA

ESSENCE, the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women and communities, today announced its 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture: Unstoppable Virtual Experience Presented by Coca-Cola. For the first time in the Festival’s 26-year history, the much-anticipated celebration – which annually draws more than 500,000 attendees and contributes almost $300 million in economic impact over July 4th weekend in New Orleans – will be produced as a fully virtual experience spanning two weekends of programming that entertain, empower, inspire, educate and mobilize. Taking place on June 25-28 and July 2-5 (Thursdays-Sundays) and streaming on ESSENCE Studios, the multi-day experience will extend to a global audience of viewers and feature virtual performances, summits, panels, and more including leading musical artists, influencers and experts from around the world. ESSENCE’s #BlackVotesMatter365 voting hub will also be a core element of the virtual Festival including quick access to helpful resources for Black women and communities to amplify their voices in local and national elections through voting. The Festival will also include a benefit initiative to raise funds to support the critical needs and sustainability of Black and Brown entrepreneurs, micro and small businesses, and organizations focused on racial equity across the U.S. For an up-to-date artist lineup and schedule, click here.

“Due to COVID-19, this was certainly not the year we planned for the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, but challenging times call for innovative measures,” said Richelieu Dennis, founder & chair, Essence Ventures (parent company of ESSENCE). “As we began to see the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our community, it became more important to us than ever to still create a Festival experience that delivered the community, love, laughter, fun, and empowerment that the Festival is known for—and to leave our audience feeling inspired and uplifted, especially during these times. “For 50 years, it has been ESSENCE’s mission to provide content that our community needs – when they need it, and we are thrilled that ESSENCE Studios has been the perfect platform to deliver our offline experiences, such as Festival, for the first time ever virtually. We are also appreciative of our partners for their support and vision as we continue to navigate this time together and provide quality programming, a stellar lineup of musical talent, leading experts and thought leaders, and the epicenter of global Black culture that the only ESSENCE can.”

The 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture will feature a global ensemble of performers, including Amanda Black, Andra Day, Bell Biv Devoe (“BBD”), Bruno Mars, Burna Boy, Common, D-Nice, Damian Marley, Diamond Platnumz, Doug E. Fresh, Elephant Man, Estelle, India. Arie, John Legend, Ledisi, NAS, Patti LaBelle, Raphael Saadiq, Rapsody, Sauti Sol, Shaggy, Swizz Beatz, and more, hosted by Loni Love. Leading a special tribute to the city of New Orleans will be Mayor LaToya Cantrell, PJ Morton, Big Freedia, Irma Thomas, Tank and The Bangas, and Big 6 Brass Band. Also, featured in the popular Sunday gospel Get Lifted celebration are Anita Wilson, Bri Babineaux, Erica Campbell, Fred Hammond, Greater Sound of Greater St. Stephen FGBC, Jonathan McReynolds, Kierra Sheard, Kirk Franklin, Koryn Hawthorne, Marvin Sapp, Tamela Mann, The Clark Sisters, The Walls Group, Tye Tribbett, and more, along with Sunday sermons from Bishop Paul S. Morton and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Other culture-leaders and influencers raising their voices to speak include Steph and Ayesha Curry; Rev. Al Sharpton; Ryan Michelle Bathe; Don Lemon; New Orleans, LA, Mayor LaToya Cantrell; Atlanta, GA, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms; Chicago, IL, Mayor Lori Lightfoot; Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser; Ferguson, MO, Mayor-Elect Ella Jones; San Francisco, CA, Mayor London Breed; Tamika Mallory; Lori Harvey; Teyana Taylor; Iman Shumpert; Ryan Destiny; Kirk and Tammy Franklin; Lexi Underwood; Egypt Sherrod; Lena Waithe; Lisa Nichols; Marc Morial; Master P; Naomi Campbell; Nia Long; Shaun T.; Tabitha Brown and more.

With an impressive slate of talent, the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture will deliver diverse programming within the following daily overviews:

THURSDAYS:

  • ESSENCE Wellness House [5 PM-9 PM (ET)]: Kickstart your path to recovery with meditation, conversations, workouts, and tutorials designed to boost your mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and financial wellbeing.

FRIDAYS:

  • ESSENCE Beauty Carnival [5 PM-9 PM (ET)]: Step inside a virtual beauty sphere with top brands, makeup artists, hairstylists, skincare experts, and more! Stream live tutorials and get expert tips for accentuating your own flawless beauty with products and brands that are making a splash across the globe.
  • ESSENCE After Dark [9 PM-10 PM (ET)]: Tune in for music brought to you by your favorite stars.

SATURDAYS:

  • Wealth & Power [2 PM-6 PM (ET)]: Get the tools you need to invest in yourself and make strides in entrepreneurship, career, and personal finance. Plus, get the latest on the 2020 candidates, the issues that matter most…and why your voice counts!
  • Entertainment All-Access [6 PM-7 PM (ET)]: Catch your Hollywood favorites in Q&As and be the first to see exclusive sneak peeks of the hottest upcoming releases.
  • Evening Concert Series [7 PM-10 PM (ET)]: Our explosive evening concert series goes digital! Catch the #ESSENCEFest all-star lineup in performances to benefit and celebrate our Essential Heroes, Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

SUNDAYS:

  • Get Lifted Gospel Sunday Celebration [11 AM-1 PM (ET)]: Tune in for Sunday worship featuring powerful words of praise and legendary Gospel performances.

In addition, as the fight against COVID-19 rages on in states across the country, many essential workers continue to be on the frontlines helping to ensure the nation’s health, safety, and essential needs are met. ESSENCE is honoring these workers with its first-ever ESSENCE Essential Heroes Awards program. This three-part, the year-long franchise will highlight those who, despite systematic disparities, have risen to become Essential Heroes in their communities during this pandemic. A ceremony recognizing the 50 ESSENCE Essential Heroes honorees will be streamed live via ESSENCE Studios during the virtual Festival experience on Saturday, July 4th.

The 2020 ESSENCE Festival is presented by Coca-Cola. Major sponsors include Ford, McDonald’s, Walmart, My Black is Beautiful, P&G.

For more information and to register, visit www.essencefestival.com. Join the conversation via social @EssenceFest.

 

*Artists and schedules are subject to change.

 

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC. 

Essence Communications, Inc. is the number one media, technology, and commerce company dedicated to Black women and communities and inspires a global audience of more than 31 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; and live events, including Black Women in Music™, Black Women in Hollywood™, Beauty Carnival™ and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™. Essence Communications is owned by 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.

ABOUT THE ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is the world’s largest cultural, music, entertainment, and empowerment experience and the global epicenter of Black culture. As a platform to advance global Black culture, economic ownership and inclusion, and community development, it has contributed more than $4 billion to the local New Orleans economy since its inception. It has also created a home for Black communities around the world and routinely attracts more than half a million international attendees over July 4th weekend. In 2019, the Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary–and annually contributes almost $300 million in economic impact to the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana.

Fashion /

Business 101: Understanding Efficiency and Sustainability in the Fashion Industry

From the earliest days of the industrial revolution, companies in all industries have sought after technology that would improve efficiency in the workplace. With the introduction of the power loom in the 1800s, the development of cotton gin, and the mechanized cotton spinning techniques the fashion industry saw technology improve their businesses.

Two centuries after the industrial revolutions, technology is revolutionizing how the world works in life-changing ways.

However, now that a pandemic has struck the world, the fashion industry will have to embrace sustainability to overcome these unprecedented challenges. Although sustainability is in danger, the companies that commit to it will be among the leaders of the renascent fashion industry as we reach the other side of the pandemic.

Featured Photo from HIGHSNOBIETY.com

Why is it Important for the Fashion Industry to be Efficient and Sustainable?

While traditional brands and retailers are struggling to manage inventory, overstock, and decrease consumer spending, some fashion brands are thriving in the corona crisis with sustainable designs.

Currently, sustainability and efficiency in fashion is a hot button topic. Fashion brands, both large and small, are trying to prove their green credentials. Nevertheless, the world’s desire for new attire makes the industry one of the largest polluters.

A significant amount of environmental resources go into making the clothing we wear. For instance, it requires nearly 20,000 liters of water to make just a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. This is almost the amount of water that a person will drink in 13 years.

Furthermore, harmful chemicals, non-biodegradable packaging, and global transport of goods add to the environmental cost.

However, consumers are more mindful. They want to know where and how their clothes are produced and demand ethical practices and responsible retailing. Also, technology is shaping the industry in unpredictable ways. It is undeniable that the fashion industry needs to adapt. Both manufacturers and retailers have to find innovative solutions like the few brands already doing so.

How Can You Improve Your Company’s Efficiency?

From social media apps to augmented reality, technology is changing the way people shop. Fashion brands are adapting to these changes to get their products in front of customers. Here are a few examples of technology that can significantly improve your fashion brand’s efficiency:

  • Invest in PLM software

Apparel chains are complex. Thus, maintaining control and the right level of communication between all the parties involved is highly essential. Using apparel product lifecycle management software, you will be able to coordinate and directly track every aspect of the brand, from product design to development, sourcing, and retail.

The record of end-to-end design, production, and retail process in a single place helps companies deliver accurate and transparent information to the consumers and, in turn, make smart decisions. The improved efficiency brought about through better communication and more predictable costs and timelines further leave a positive impact on suppliers.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) adds value to almost every part of the fashion industry. Leveraging AI and machine learning, fashion brands can improve the efficiency of the system through intelligent automation and improving sales processes using guided sales processes and predictive analytics. Additionally, the introduction of chatbots and voice assistant devices helps fashion brands gather data by asking customers questions to understand their needs and purchase patterns.

  • Inventory Management

Optimizing inventory management adds to the agility and overall performance of your organization. Moving inventory quickly through the supply chain prevents the need for huge discounts and unwanted inventory pile up.

Keeping track of your inventory will allow you to have a quicker inventory turn around, which will positively affect your company’s bottom line. Knowing what you have in stock and what you need to restock will help keep your inventory margins down, waste less, and keep costs down.

  • Training Employees

Training employees about sustainability helps them come up with new ideas that support the company’s sustainability goals. When each employee understands the seriousness of the matter and is ready to commit, it will become easier for the organization to set action plans and do things more sustainably.

You will also want to train your employees on inventory management to help your company waste less and remain sustainably responsible.

  • Online Stores Instead of Brick and Mortar

In the era of connectivity, secure payment experiences, digital wallets, and online shops, you can easily shop online and purchase something with the click of a button. Mobile-friendly shopping experiences effectively reduce search time by helping customers find products and shops all through their smartphones.

Online stores also create less waste and use fewer resources. Online stores don’t have to operate the same way as a brick and mortar store. You can cut down on electricity, take up less space, and avoid paying to rent a retail space.

How Can You Improve Your Sustainability?

As stated earlier, the fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to pollution. Customers, as well as brands, are inching towards sustainable fashion. Here are some vital benefits that sustainability in the fashion industry brings about:

  • Meet Consumers Demands

Primarily, sustainability helps meet the changing consumer demands. As people prefer greener alternatives, adopting sustainability will help your company ace the game.

  • Reduce Pollution

Sustainability in the fashion industry means a reduced rate of pollution. Sustainable products such as organic fabrics can be recycled and reused, thereby reducing waste in the environment.

  • Economic Balance

Fast fashion often leads to loss and overspending. Most importantly, it leads to the dumping of unsold and outdated products when new and trendy designs become popular. When companies make sustainable products more frequently, it will help them earn profit as well as strike an economic balance.

  • Social Awareness

Employees in fast fashion companies work extra hours and often get paid less due to the large number of new designs they need to produce in a short amount of time. On the other hand, sustainability will enable these employees to work regular hours since apparel will not have to create items in bulk.

  • Give Back To The Community

Sustainability in the fashion industry is also about giving back to society. Companies will often take the time to support sustainability by giving back to the community in different ways, such as distributing their profits to non-profit organizations, donating unsold items to people in need, and promoting sustainability.

How Can Technology Save the Fashion Industry and Make It More Sustainable?

  • With the rise of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials like alternative textiles, the fashion industry has considerably reduced waste and pollution. Natural fibers such as cotton are resource-intensive and synthetic materials like polyester, acrylic, and nylon degrade and slowly leave behind harmful chemicals. Turning to eco-friendly textile alternatives made from leaves and rinds better support sustainability.

  • The fashion industry is full of options, but repairing and redesigning happens to be the trendiest of them. Following the 5 R’s of fashion – Reduce, Repair, Recycle, Repurpose, and Reinvent –both brands and consumers are becoming more sustainable.

  • Low waste and eco-friendly packaging, labels, etc. are made from plant-based or fossil fuel materials. When you dispose of these materials, they will break down quickly and provide essential nutrients to the earth. Recyclable packaging can be reformed and used again.

  • Thanks to the inventory management technologies, fashion’s waste problem is slowly transforming. The massive amount of unsold and surplus clothes and materials are responsible for ten percent of the world’s carbon emissions. By adopting strict inventory management and guidelines, brands are cutting down excess merchandise, reducing the environmental impact.

  • Product and brand transparency allows customers to know whether their favorite brands are following sustainable and ethical practices when manufacturing clothes. Additionally, it also helps identify and protect vulnerable people and the planet.

Time to Become More Sustainable

As the world still tries to navigate its way through the pandemic, the road ahead is still unclear, and many questions remain. However, the most crucial lesson that COVID-19 teaches us is that health, safety, and prosperity are collective pursuits rather than individual ones.

By successfully weaving sustainability into your business strategy and by leveraging the latest technologies, not only can you make your fashion industry more environmentally friendly but also your business more successful.

Collaborative Post

Accessories /

Nuno Wearable Art Eco-Products

Nuno is a luxurious brand of wearable art that you can feel good about.

  • Nuno collaborates with up-and-coming artists ensuring each earth-loving piece is one-of-a-kind wearable art.
  • Plastic bottles are washed, shredded, and turned into small pellets. These pellets are then melted and spun into yarn. The yarn is then woven into this fabric with a luxurious feel, Neosilk™.
  • Unlike the silk robes and scarves that are dry clean only, Nuno’s NeoSilk fabric is machine washable and will still stay as soft as silk.
Accessories /

10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19 #WIW or #OOTD A-line Midi Dress

There’s a lot of life lessons to be learned from COVID-19.  This was an unexpected lifestyle change and we had to adjust immediately!

My thought pattern always goes back to, “What did I learn from every situation?”  It’s critical to always do self-evaluation and allow the opportunity for personal growth.

Throughout it all, I have tried to be thankful for the small blessings and keep a positive mindset.

10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19:

  1. Manage your time wisely and create system blocks.
  2. Meal planning is critical towards your budget and home organization.
  3. Cleanliness can be as easy as washing your hands, mopping your floors, and wiping down the countertops.
  4. Mom Tip-kids require (balanced) structure daily.  Allow them to have free space but yet implement structure/disciplined activities.
  5. First, shop your wardrobe and then seek outside pieces.  Do not overspend during this time.
  6. Your home is your haven.  Make it a place of peace and joy!  That might include gardening or rearranging decor.
  7. We can manage our own hair and nails.  At least until it is safe to venture outside of our comfort zones.
  8. Take care of yourself:  get exercise, take a multi-vitamin, and pick-up a new hobby.
  9. Journaling can create a still voice for relaxation and provide mental clarity.
  10. Avoid clutter at all costs.  Get rid of unnecessary items!

What I Wore or Outfit of The Day-

A-line Mid Dress & Clear Slip-On Heel:  Amazon
Accessories /

Style and Beauty Expert Brittney Levine Breaking Down The Best Swimwear

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Style expert Brittney Levine. You may know her as a regular contributor on QVC, the Today Show, Wendy Williams, E! News, EXTRA & Inside Edition.

Ok, summer isn’t going to go as planned as nearly half of Americans have canceled their summer vacations or tweaked their plans. But you can still make the most of the warm weather months, even if you can’t hit the beach! Celebrating the season on a budget is still possible and versatility is key.

Whether you’re soaking up some sun around a backyard pool, gardening, or strolling around the neighborhood, this season’s swimwear and cover-ups are not only stylish, but doing double duty to keep you comfortable.

In honor of Lands’ End International Swimsuit Day (May 19th,) style and beauty expert, Brittney Levine will prove not all swimwear is created equal and breaking down the best swimwear for all your summer activities.

Entertainment /

ESSENCE ANNOUNCES THE ESSENCE ESSENTIAL HEROES AWARDS HONORING ESSENTIAL WORKERS ON THE FRONTLINE OF COVID-19 #myessentialheroes

WHAT:                        As the fight against COVID-19 rages on, government and public health officials work to provide recommendations for reopening America. However, there is a heated debate as to whether these guidelines can do more harm than good—especially for the many essential workers who continue to be on the frontlines helping to ensure the nation’s health, safety, and essential needs are met. Whether working in the nation’s hospitals, grocery stores, restaurants, delivery, and transportation services more, these are the brave women and men risking their lives to ensure that others can stay home safely.

ESSENCE is committed to honoring these workers with its first-ever ESSENCE Essential Heroes Awards program. This three-part, the year-long franchise will highlight those in our community who, despite systematic disparities, have risen to become Essential Heroes during this pandemic. ESSENCE will invite its audience to submit and vote on the essential heroes in their lives and communities for a chance to be featured.

In addition, the 50 ESSENCE Essential Heroes selected will be honored during the virtual ESSENCE Festival of Culture on July 4th, which will be streamed live via ESSENCE Studios.

Share your story and nominate an essential working using the hashtag #myessentialheroes.

WHEN:                                      Submission deadline extended to Tuesday, May 19th via #myessentialheroes

 

Accessories /

Saks Fifth Avenue Reopens Birmingham

On Tuesday, May 12, Saks Fifth Avenue will continue its phased approach to reopening stores with its location in Birmingham. The store will reopen with enhanced health and safety protocols and modified services to ensure the safest and most comfortable shopping experience for our customers.

“The health and well-being of our associates and customers remain our top priority and the driving force behind our strategy for reopening. Saks has the opportunity to set the standard for offering a safe, easy and personalized shopping experience once stores reopen,” said Marc Metrick, President, Saks Fifth Avenue. “We will continue to evaluate store openings based on our own analyses, which take into account the expertise of local government and health officials, economics, and community sentiment. We truly look forward to welcoming customers back to Saks Fifth Avenue.”

To ensure a safe and comfortable in-store shopping experience, Saks has implemented a number of measures upon reopening, including adding enhanced cleaning protocols, regularly sanitizing high-touch areas, such as fitting rooms and point-of-sale areas, and implementing social distancing measures. Associates will also be required to wear face coverings and undergo health screenings. Stores will continue to serve our customers digitally with virtual shopping appointments available to book through saks.com.

Stores will operate with reduced hours Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m and Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m. Moreover, Saks Fifth Avenue is offering curbside pickup and returns at most locations for those who prefer a contactless shopping experience, and an adjusted return policy whereby any purchase made after February 15, 2020, can be returned to Saks Fifth Avenue stores within 30 days of reopening.

Details about specific store reopenings and adjusted hours can be found through the store locator on saks.com. 

ABOUT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE (@saks) As a leading shopping destination for the all-channel luxury experience, Saks Fifth Avenue is renowned for its coveted edit of American and international designer collections as well as its storied history of creating breakthrough, experiential environments. Its exemplary client service has made Saks a global authority in the category, a focus since the brand’s inception in 1924. As part of the HBC brand portfolio, Saks operates in 43 cities across the globe, its online experience―saks.com, and its mobile experience―Saks App.

For more information, kindly visit saks.com, Instagram.com/saks, Facebook.com/saks, Snapchat.com/saks_official, and Twitter.com/saks.

 

Accessories /

BADGLEY MISCHKA UNVEILS COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL SKETCHES TO SUPPORT FEEDING AMERICA AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Badgley Mischka, the iconic American design house that exemplifies timeless glamour, is pleased to announce the brand’s latest initiative. In response to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic and the uncertain, challenging times we are living in, Badgley Mischka is turning to the creativity and artistic talent of its founders and head designers, Mark Badgley and James Mischka to send messages of love, support, and solidarity through art.

Mark Badgley has created 35 one-of-a-kind sketches, conceived of and created while he and James Mischka are isolating at home in Palm Beach, Florida. Each sketch represents an emotion, mood, thought, or feeling brought on by the worldwide health crisis and each is individually titled to reflect its unique concept.

As part of the sketch initiative, Badgley Mischka is pleased to be partnering with Feeding America in an effort to give back to those that are doing so much to help people in need. All 35 of Mark’s sketches will be available on www.badgleymischka.com as part of an online auction through Ebay for Charity. Beginning today (Monday, May 11), bidding will be open for one week and 100% of the purchase price of each sketch will go directly to Feeding America. The funds raised will help Feeding America provide support to their network of food banks across the country to provide food assistance to everyone facing hunger. In addition, every sketch sold will be personalized for each winner and will be framed and shipped at no cost.

“We have been isolating in Palm Beach, Florida for eight weeks now,” said Mark Badgley.  “We decided to use this time creatively by working through some of our feelings with art,” he continued.

“After posting some of Mark’s sketches on Instagram, we had an overwhelming response and requests to purchase them,” James Mischka explained.  “We wanted to use that opportunity to benefit people in need.”

“In the face of enormous challenges, Feeding America food banks are responding with extraordinary efforts to make sure no one goes hungry during the pandemic,” said Mark. “We were supporters of Feeding America before the pandemic, and their mission is even more critical now,” added James. “Badgley Mischka is honored to be assisting in their efforts through the artistry of fashion design.”

All 35 original sketches can be seen HERE.

About Badgley Mischka

Over the past thirty years, Badgley Mischka has flourished into a true lifestyle brand recognizable worldwide. To date, the Badgley Mischka brand includes multiple product categories such as Eveningwear, Day Dresses, Sportswear, Outerwear, Bridal, Swimwear, Footwear, Handbags, Eyewear, Timepieces, and Jewelry. Mark Badgley and James Mischka’ s timeless designs appeal to a wide range of fashionable women including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Carrie Underwood. Badgley Mischka is sold in the most prestigious stores in the world including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Harrods and Harvey Nichols in addition to the Badgley Mischka flagship boutique in Los Angeles. For additional information, please visit www.badgleymischka.com.

 

About Feeding America

 

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, the organization provides meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people they serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org.

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

Collaborative Post

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.