Tag: fashion

Celebrity /

ESSENCE’S “YES, GIRL!” PODCAST TALKS TO ROBYN CRAWFORD: TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH WHITNEY HOUSTON

In the latest episode of ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! podcast, hosts Cori Murray and Charli Penn talk to Whitney Houston’s confidante Robyn Crawford—who reveals a side of the iconic singer that only ESSENCE can share.

While at the height of a whirlwind tour promoting her book, A Song For You: My Life With Whitney Houston, Crawford shares her own truth with the Yes, Girl! team on life with Houston—weighing in on everything from their bond, the first time they met, their friendship after Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown came on the scene and more. She shares with ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! (time codes included):

  • ON WHAT WHITNEY WOULD WANT [12:09-12:35]: “…I asked myself that question, what would Whitney want? What would Whitney want? So my intent is to raise my friend’s legacy, honor our friendship because that’s what she deserves. That’s how I feel…”

  • ON BEING YOUNG, FEARLESS AND FREE WITH WHITNEY [15:06-15:36]: “…We were young, fearless, and ready, and I was a believer. It was happening. Everything she said was happening. She didn’t talk like, ‘I’m going to have a hit record and we’re going to…’ It was none of that. It was like, ‘I’m a singer. I sing. I’m going to get a recording contract, and stick with me and I’ll take you all around the world.’ And that’s exactly what happened…” 
  • ON THE FIRST TIME THEY MET [17:20-17:50]: “…It all happened at that first meeting when I walked in and we met that day. It just clicked, something happened, and it was just a friendship that developed and it kept growing and growing. And it was deep because we were open, we were bare, we were naked. And when I mean naked, with our feelings and we didn’t think about what we were saying, we just said it…”

  • ON ROBYN’S BOND WITH WHITNEY [26:52 – 27:46]: “It was the bond, and the deepness, and the connection that we had. And it was beautiful. Those moments…I know I am very free when I express it in the book. And that’s because that’s what that moment felt like. Whitney used to always say, if you want a friend, you have to be one. If you love me, love me unconditionally. And that was something else for me to strive for, understanding what the word unconditional meant. And the love that I had for her was really deep. And that love she had for me was the same…”
  • ON HER FRIENDSHIP WITH WHITNEY AFTER SHE MARRIED BOBBY [35:42 – 38:04]: “…I did not know Bobby before the wedding. We never really got a chance to know each other. And, when they became a couple, I still really didn’t get to spend any quality time with both of them. But, while I will say about Bobby is she told me she loved him. And his behavior and the way I saw him treat her… let’s just say this about Bobby, Bobby’s behaviors played out in the press. And he and I were not squaring off in Everlast shorts and boxing gloves. That never happened. I was still in the same spot that Whitney always wanted me to be. Bobby never approached me personally and said anything to me about the rumors of our relationship. Not once. But I watched him make a mess of her trail. Bobby was funny. He had a way of shifting the attention to him anywhere, any place, at any time. That was Bobby’s talent….But I wasn’t competing for anything. I had her friendship. I was her friend. And he could have been a better friend too…”

Subscribe to ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! podcast today, available for streaming and download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartMedia and Google. For more details visit ESSENCE.com.

Accessories /

Fashion-Forward Fall with Influencer and Fashionista Stacee Michelle

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Wardrobe Stylist, Stacee Michelle.  Cooler mornings and dropping daytime temperatures are a sure sign that brisk Fall weather is on its way, meaning it’s time to swap out lightweight summer clothes for the cozy textures of Fall.

For fashionistas, there’s no better way to start this fresh new season than with a Fall wardrobe refresh. And for those women who love to stay on-trend, knowing what’s hot as we swing into cooler weather is a must. Here’s a sneak peek into this Fall’s Fashion Forecast:

  • Go wild! Animal prints are this season’s neutral – you’re going to see them everywhere! From leopard print to smooth snakeskin, coordinate with new prints inspired by the jungle. A bold animal print can elevate a knee-high statement boot or the perfect belt bag. 
  • Go powerful! Take a break from relaxed athleisure and power up on all things tailored. From structured blazers to polished, tapered pants, these are classics that will be staples in your closet for years to come. Reimagine the classic button-down and add plaids or pinstripes to complete the look.
  • Go modern! Infuse every inch of your wardrobe with contemporary autumnal palettes led by colorful textures – think deep plums, golden yellows, burnt oranges and emerald greens in your favorite silhouettes.

Social media influencer and fashionista, Stacee Michelle, who’s got her finger firmly on the pulse of Fall fashion. She’ll help you shop for the latest trendy seasonal looks from your local department store, and explain how a few carefully selected pieces can refresh your entire wardrobe.

Interview courtesy: Belk

Accessories /

SHOP THE LIST: LIKEtoKNOW.it Releases the Top Shopped Items of 2019

On behalf of LIKEtoKNOW.it – the first app to provide 100% shoppable inspiration letting users shop real looks from influencers and tastemakers – has announced their curated, data-backed list of the top influencer-driven products of 2019.

Just in time for the holidays, LIKEtoKNOW.it’s Most Loved Products list reviewed billions of products shopped by over 14M users to determine the top shopped products from their favorite influencers from fashion, home, beauty, lifestyle, and family categories.

Accessories /

Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger Lexy Silverstein Creative Halloween Costumes from Goodwill Industries

Halloween costumes can be scary expensive–but don’t have to be. Fortune reports people spend on average about $70 on their getups, which is terrifying on their own.  The trick is finding the right place to shop. The treat is Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake offering spooktacular savings on all your outfitting needs at all of our retail stores in the region.

We challenged fashion and lifestyle blogger Lexy Silverstein to put together creative and affordable costumes from our inventory. What she discovered will make you the ghost-with-the-most. Among her finds:

  • $10 Brand New Costumes: Midnight Vampire, Pirate, Clown, etc.

  • $2.50 Rosie the Riveter (DIY)

  • $3.99 pet costumes

You may only think of Goodwill as the place to drop off your old clothes and household items. But we repurpose and resell those donations at a fraction of their original costs. The money raised goes back to the people of Baltimore and the Eastern Shore in the form of job training and career services, ex-prisoner programs, and aid for underrepresented people in the community.

Not only can you be fashionably fierce by shopping at Goodwill, but you are also helping us make a difference. So find your costume’s missing link, or discover that statement piece you’ve been searching for. In short, mix and match donated items can make one-of-a-kind ensembles. If a DIY costume sounds daunting to you, have no fear. We get pounds of brand new, never worn, costumes donated each season.

In addition: decorate your home for the holidays with our inexpensive and gently used decor items. At Goodwill you have choices. You can make spine-chilling DIY crafts like a creepy candelabra, or a candy bowl wrapped in cobwebs. Or, you can purchase Halloween-party-ready decor for a small price.

Spend as much as you would on ONE Halloween costume, on decor and costumes for the entire family. Just like a zombie…It’s a no brainer!

Celebrity /

ESSENCE ANNOUNCES ITS 3RD ANNUAL “WOKE 100 LIST” SALUTING WOMEN OF COLOR WHO ARE CHANGE AGENTS AND INFLUENCERS IMPACTING COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD

ESSENCE, the number one media, technology and commerce company serving Black women, announces the 3rd annual Woke 100 List—its salute to women of color challenging the status quo. Featured in its November “Woke” issue, this year’s list features 100 women who exemplify the true meaning of being change agents and power players and are inspiring communities around the world. ESSENCE’s Woke 100 List showcases visionaries working in areas from social justice, politics, sports, business, activism, entertainment and more, including Simone Biles; Gayle King; Lizzo; Niecy Nash; Bethann Hardison; Beverly Bond; Aunjanue Ellis; Jada Pinkett Smith/Willow Smith/Adrienne Norris; Ava DuVernay; dream hampton; Mayor Lori Lightfoot; Congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Jahana Hayes and Rashida Talib; and many more. For the full list of honorees, visit ESSENCE.com.

ESSENCE’s entire “Woke Issue” is dedicated to stories reflecting activism, political reform, human rights, and social justice. Articles include Free at Last, which features interviews with Cyntoia Brown and Alice Marie Johnson; both released from prison after public outcry and now on a mission to reform the criminal justice system. In addition, ESSENCE’s cover story Enchanting features Queen & Slim star Jodie Turner-Smith—who delivers a powerful performance in a timely tale about the community’s fraught interaction with law enforcement.

“ESSENCE’s November issue demonstrates our commitment to showcasing the incredible strides that Black women are making globally,” said MoAna Luu, ESSENCE Chief Content & Creative Officer. “Each year, ESSENCE’s Woke 100 list highlights the movers and shakers who are taking a stand and making a difference where they are. Whether on the national stage, the boardroom, political arena or the classroom, we applaud their continuous efforts to not only inspire others but also to affect change.”

Accessories /

Game Day Style: Turning The Security Line Into A Runway

No one likes waiting in long lines and sporting events are notorious for them, especially when thousands of fans are moving at a snail’s pace to enter a stadium before a game.

There’s a good reason for that  — heightened security, which includes stadium officials checking the insides of purses and backpacks. While that’s a comfort for fans, the human logjam can also create quite an inconvenience. For Deni Sciano, an avid sports fan stuck in line for hours when a playoff game started, it created an opportunity to speed up the security process— as well as a stylish new way for women to show support for their favorite teams.

Sciano’s clear handbags, called the Game Day Clear Collection (www.scoregamedaybag.com), are her solution. These sporty purses of passion and fashion meet stadium security requirements for NFL, NCAA, and high school stadiums, allow for a much quicker security look and are available in all major and college team colors.

Key features of the Game Day Clear Collection handbags are:

* Machine-stitched seams — not heat-sealed — for strength and durability.

* A sturdy, 45-inch cross-body chain and D-RIngs on either side for dangles and keys.

* The bags are garnished with rhinestones and featuring Sciano’s signature style that blends polka dots with team colors.

* A matching, slim interior-privacy pouch for sunglasses and credit cards, along with the convenience of a clear event-ticket pocket for quick scanning at the event.

*Quality metal hardware on every bag, which is built to last by being crafted with the thickest polyurethane.

Fashion /

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 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 /

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!