Black-Owned Businesses to Support

Fashion Lifestyle

2020 has been a weird year for us all, but the past few days have been truly revolutionary. It’s been so beautiful seeing everyone come together to stand up for what is right. We won’t be perfect, and we won’t understand completely, but how we show up is what matters the most.

Even if you aren’t out there protesting yourself, donating to the right causes and sharing resources with your family and friends to help educate them are some of the small ways you can take action. Even where you spend your money matters and buying from black-owned businesses is one of the best ways you can support the community right now. Black businesses are especially suffering now more than ever due to closures from COVID-19 earlier this year. It’s also harder for black business owners to get approved for loans to help support their businesses during this time – only 12% of black and Latino business owners who applied for the Paycheck Protection Program reported receiving what they asked for.

I want to do my part as a self-proclaimed fashion person to diversify the brands I follow and buy. There are so many amazing black-owned businesses and brands that have been flying under the radar all this time and deserve recognition now more than ever.

Do your part to become a better ally. Below are some black-owned brands you can support now and always.

CLOTHING

Sami Miro Vintage

View this post on Instagram

KIM in our faux denim Sylvester blazer & skirt 🔥

A post shared by SAMI MIRO VINTAGE (@samimirovintage) on

Cushnie
Oma the Label
Elia Vintage
Cold Laundry

View this post on Instagram

Redemption.

A post shared by Cold Laundry Store (@coldlaundry) on

Brother Vellies

View this post on Instagram

A bride 🤎🦢 @elainewelteroth in Ivory Olivia Pumps

A post shared by BROTHER VELLIES (@brothervellies) on

Pyer Moss
Jade Swim
Dreu Beckemberg

 

 

JEWELRY

SOKO
1929 Galore
Third Crown

View this post on Instagram

Bodega run in the PRIZM DROP EARRINGS ✨

A post shared by THIRD CROWN (@thirdcrown) on

 

 

ACCESSORIES

Telfar
Monrowe
Mifland

 

 

BEAUTY

Klur.co
Gilded
Briogeo
Mented Cosmetics

 

 

HOME

Harlem Candle Co.

View this post on Instagram

For those who like the holiday spirit all year round…. ⁣ ⠀⠀⁣ Enjoy our best selling Holiday scent in the "A Night Club Map of Harlem" collector's edition green matte glass with gold design. 💚✨ ⁣ ⠀⠀⁣ Strong and full-bodied, yet fragile and dreamy… just like Lady Day. Sets a beautiful mood for holiday time and all year round. ⁣ ⠀⠀⁣ #billieholiday #harlem #harlemnyc #newyork #nyc #manhattan #harlemrenaissance #photooftheday #instagood #happy #candles #design #interiordesign #interior4you #luxury #modernluxury #classy #classicluxury #elegance #glamour #interiorlovers #candlelovers #candlelight #customcandles #scentedcandles #harlemcandlecompany #candle #candlemaking

A post shared by Harlem Candle Co. (@harlemcandlecompany) on

The Folklore
Lolly Lolly Ceramics
Marche Rue Dix
Continue Reading

Summer 2019 Bikini Style Guide

Fashion

Bikini season is well underway, and what better way to celebrate our summer bodies than with a bikini round-up? Whether you’re heading to the beach or the pool this holiday weekend, there are styles in here for every body!

2019 brings with it a lot of retro vibes, which is why you will see a lot of high-cut bottoms and tube bandeaus this season. You can never go wrong with some leopard print in your life and throwing a belt on top always makes things just a little better. Check out the list below for some of the most on-trend bikinis on the market right now.

High-Rise Bottoms

Out with the thong bikini and in with the high-rise! This style is flattering on anyone, which is why you’ll be seeing it everywhere this summer. This cut gives you legs for days and who wouldn’t want that?!

The Divine Top, Same Swim, $100

The Divine High Rise Bottom, Same Swim, $100

Double Back Lace Bandeau, Victoria’s Secret, $48

High-Leg High-Waist Bottom, Victoria’s Secret, $32

Como Scrunch Bikini Top, Onia x WeWoreWhat, $95

Riviera High Waist Bikini Bottom, Onia x WeWoreWhat, $95

One Shoulder Bandage Buckle Bikini Top, PrettyLittleThing, $28

Super High Leg Bandage Buckle Waist Bikini Bottom, PrettyLittleThing, $28

 

Leopard

The only bikini to go hand-in-hand with your leopard silk skirt. This print is so versatile now, it’s basically a neutral. Get in touch with your wild side with one of these trendy and affordable styles below!

Ribbed Bralette Bikini Top, Xhilaration, $18

Ribbed Bikini Bottom, Xhilaration, $18

Dalia Printed Pique Top, Onia, $95

Ashley Printed Pique Bottom, Onia, $95

Low Scoop Bikini Top, PrettyLittleThing, $22

Bikini Bottom, PrettyLittleThing, $22

Back Mesh Insert Bandeau, Tori Praver Swimwear, $89

Low Rise Hipster, Tori Praver Swimwear, $79

 

Belted

Basically the most flattering trend to hit a bikini. Opt in for a style that already comes with a belt, or jazz up the bikinis you already own with this belt or this belt. If you like it then you better put a belt on it.

Crinkle Bikini Top, Topshop at Nordstrom, $26

Belted Bikini Bottoms, Topshop at Nordstrom, $30

Tie Bikini Bandeau Top, & Other Stories, $39

Belted High Waisted Bikini Bottoms, & Other Stories, $29

Ace Bikini Top, Onia x WeWoreWhat, $72

Emily Bikini Bottom, Onia x WeWoreWhat, $72

Rachel Bikini Top, Solid & Striped, $40

Rachel Belted Bikini Briefs, Solid & Striped, $40

 

Tube Bandeau

Tube tops are always a good idea, especially for those long days spent on the beach! Minimize those pesky tan lines by opting in for one of these styles. Best part is, they’re so easy to mix and match – pair a solid top with a printed bottom or vice versa for a whole new look!

Abigail Bandeau Bikini Top, Mara Hoffman, $115

Goldie Tie-Front Bikini Briefs, Mara Hoffman, $140

Bandeau Bikini Top, PrettyLittleThing, $10

String Bikini Bottom, PrettyLittleThing, $10

Asymmetric Stripe Bandeau, Onia, $66

High-Leg V-Cut Bottom, Onia, $66

Violet Bandeau Bikini Top, Solid & Striped, $84

Violet High Waist Bikini Bottoms, Solid & Striped, $84

Continue Reading

5 Shades of (Pantone) Pink

Fashion

On June 23rd, we wear pink (yes I had to do it). Happy National Pink Day! To celebrate, throw on your best pink garb and crack open a bottle of ice-cold rosé. Raise your rose-colored glasses to all the things we know and love that are pink.

If you don’t own any pink (like me) or if you’re just in the mood to shop, I’ve rounded up five items you can cop now in the best shades of Pantone pink!

 

  1. Pantone 2446 C

Long Slip Dress, Zara, $49.90

I love a good dusty rose and Zara managed to nail it on the head with this one! This throw-on and go dress is so versatile and can be worn casually on the Amalfi Coast with a pair of flat sandals or dressed up for date night with some metallic heels.

 

2. Pantone 191 C

Printed Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, Versace, $350

This shirt just screams, “Look at me!” If all you want is attention, buy this shirt now and rock it with a chic leather skirt.

 

3. Pantone 705 C

Patricia Satchel in Grained Leather, MCM, $765

I love this bag because this shade of pink is so light you have to do a double take to actually realize it’s pink. The best part is it’s on sale right now for MCM’s summer sale! I have this bag in black and it’s such a great size.

 

4. Pantone 706 C

Oversized Linen Blend Blazer, & Other Stories, $129

I love all my blazers oversized, and this one would be fun to play around with! I’d love to see this paired with a white crop top and a pair of biker shorts in a similar shade.

 

5. Pantone 3519 C

Princetown Leather Slipper, Gucci, $695

This is hands-down my favorite item on the list and I may be a bit biased because I own these in white and would like to have them in every single shade possible. These slippers are definitely a great investment piece and this shade of pink is simply gorgeous!

How are you celebrating National Pink Day? Let me know in the comments below!

Continue Reading

Buttoned Up

Fashion

Buttons and micro-bags are having a major moment right now so what better way to create a look than by putting them both together? This linen midi dress is so perfect and the buttons only make it *that* much better. I love wearing this to work for a chic and easy look or for a relaxing Sunday brunch. The icing on the cake? I scored it at the Zara summer sale for just $40! It’s sold out now, unless you’re lucky and can snag one in store, but I’ve linked a very similar style (sans buttons) for $70 below.

I still don’t know how to feel about the micro-bag trend, but I just love this bag so much and haven’t used it in nearly 10 years (does that make it vintage?!). The only reason is because I’m so used to carrying everything around with me, and with this bag I can only tote the essentials. Luckily it’s roomy enough to hold my phone, wallet and keys, which is all I really need!

If you’re looking for a good Chanel slingback dupe, this pair from Zara is to die for. They’re not an exact replica and the vinyl makes them truly their own. They’re surprisingly comfy, and for $50 they’re a fraction of the price point and way more practical for walking around those city streets.

Top off the look with any delicate gold jewelry. I’m loving all the rings right now and this Starburst Signet from Mejuri is everything. It fits perfectly and always reminds me to keep my pinky up.

Petite Malle Monogram at Louis Vuitton, $5,200

Striped Tunic at Zara, $70

Starburst Signet at Mejuri, $59

Heeled Vinyl Slingbacks at Zara, $60

Continue Reading

The Hiatus is Over

Fashion

Took a much needed hiatus from social media the past few weeks, but now I’m officially back in business! I just got back from a relaxing trip to Florida, but now that I’m back in the city, I’m ready to hit the ground running. I’m ready for some huge changes the second half of 2018, so from here on out it’s werk, werk, werk, werk, werk. Stay tuned.

This bag from the Shayne Oliver x Longchamp collab is perfect for a mini getaway. There’s two zip compartments and it’s just big enough to hold all the essentials and then some. Most of this collection is sold out (it launched back in April with a special pop up in Soho to go with it), but I’ve linked my favorite travel picks still available below.

“Realness” Backpack, $750

“Hiatus” Travel Bag, $450

“Realness” Garment Bag, $695

“Realness” Expandable Travel Bag, $550

Continue Reading

Red, White & Boo

Fashion

Happy Independence Day! Today’s the day to pull out your best red, white and blue. And while you’ve probably been saving that *beloved* American flag bikini or your ‘MURICA graphic tee for this day, it’s time to retire all of the above. For good. Great news, you can still celebrate in style and you don’t even need to break the bank to do it.

I’ve worn this jumpsuit for many different occasions, but I’ve specifically repurposed it with white and red accessories for today. I’m obsessing over all-white everything for the summer, so my trusty Nico Giani tote (scored from the NET-A-PORTER sale) and my Gucci loafers were perfect for this outfit. I topped off the look with red fringe earrings from Topshop for the perfect pop of color. Side note: I’m only wearing one earring because I lost the other running after the subway last week. *oops*

This was definitely the most relaxing Fourth I’ve had in a very long time. I slept in (which was much needed) and only got dressed to hop over to the local diner for a super late breakfast. It’s so weird having this holiday in the middle of the week; not nearly enough time to get a way for a quick holiday jaunt. I’m going to continue taking it easy today and hopefully will be able to catch the annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks from my new rooftop!

Continue Reading

Gucci Gang

Fashion

The Gucci slipper is my absolute favorite shoe for spring 2018. I’ll admit, they are a bit of a splurge (but totally worth it with my employee discount!). It’s been a hot minute since I’ve had a proper pedicure, so I’m opting for this loafer style over a sandal right now. They’re also perfect for the office, allowing you to look professional, yet chic at all times. They’re also a great alternative to white sneakers and will instantly elevate any outfit. I love wearing them with dresses, shorts, cutoff jeans, anything, you name it.

Shop below to see some more of my white loafer picks for this season. For me, it was actually a toss-up between Gucci and Nicholas Kirkwood (I was seriously back and forth with this decision for days). I love Nicholas’ pointed toe and clean, minimal design. In the end, Gucci won because Gucci.

If you’re not ready to splurge just yet, I’ve also included some similar styles from Steve Madden and Sam Edelman so you can still achieve the same look for less!

Gucci Leather Slippers, $695 at Gucci

Sam Edelman Woven Loafer, $90 at Nordstrom

Nicholas Kirkwood Leather Slippers, $425 at Net-a-Porter

Steve Madden Patent Flats, $60 at Steve Madden

Continue Reading

Spring Sprang Sprung

Fashion

Mr. Larkin crop top | Levi’s wedgie hi-rise jean | Dolce Vita sandals | Michael Kors bag

Spring has finally sprung! Well, kinda. It’s back to feeling like winter, but I’m just thankful it was nice out enough to leave my winter jacket at home and break out a crop top and sandals for the day. It was one of those days where you wanted to spend all hours outside in the sun. Hoping that was just a little taste of what’s to come this summer!

Crop tops used to be an every day staple for me back home – I mean what else are you going to wear when it’s 90 degrees and humid every single day? But now that I’m living up north, my stomach hasn’t seen the light of day in months. I was excited to finally style a spring outfit – I’m itching to switch out the clothes in my closet for some lighter pieces. I especially love this top from Danish brand Mr. Larkin – its oversized sleeves are so fun and look flattering on anyone and it pairs perfect with your favorite pair of denim. Click through the links above to shop this outfit!

Continue Reading

All the Denim

Fashion

Trading in my winter coat for this fun denim jacket! Warm weather is in the forecast for this weekend, meaning everyone will be out to play in New York City. An oversized, distressed coat like this is the perfect transitional piece into spring. You can throw it over anything for a casual, laid back look. Wear this to brunch or a stroll in Central Park, and even into the night for that dinner date you’ve been looking forward to all week.

I’ve had my jacket for nearly two years now and it’s a definite staple in my wardrobe. It’s so versatile too – you can even customize yourself with pins and patches for your own unique look. I love to pair it with black denim, such as in this look, or top off a flowy spring dress and some sneakers for the perfect daytime fit.

Check out some of the options below to add to your closet this season!

Moto Crop Denim Jacket, $79 at Topshop

Alexander Wang Cropped Denim Jacket, $395 at Net-a-Porter

Oversized Denim Jacket, $70 at Zara

Contrasted Seams Denim Jacket, $100 at Mango

Boxy Jean Jacket, $118 at Madewell

Denim Jacket, $20 at H&M

Continue Reading

Layered State of Mind

Fashion

Since it’s been so cold for ages, I’ve had to come up with new ways to switch up my daily outfits. Layering is the best option to stay warm and still look chic. I’m so sick of wearing the same thing every week, which usually consists of some kind of knit, a pair of pants and one of three jackets. I’ve also decided I’m not buying anymore winter gear this year unless it’s 1) a great sweater on sale or 2) a pair of snow boots on sale (only because next winter will be my third in the city and I have to accept the fact that I’m not a Floridian anymore). Lately, I’ve been obsessed with layering camis (even though this is actually a dress) over turtlenecks! It’s a great way to break out a summer staple a few seasons early. Shop the items below to get a similar look!

 

Knit Turtleneck, $25 at H&M

Vinyl Chain Belt, $38 at Topshop

Silk Camisole, $50 at J. Crew

Skinny Jeans, $128 at Madewell

Continue Reading
1 2 3 … 7