xoGift Guide 2019: Gifts For The Fashion Fiend
As a self-diagnosed fashion fiend, I must say that I have an obsession with crafting a perfect ensemble. It brings me joy to put a look together that shows my creativity and personality. The quintessential value remains in versatile pieces. Fear not, the holiday season presents an opportunity to help out your resident style boss by throwing some items in your cart as a way to show your appreciation.
Wondering what to get your fashion fiend? Read on for a list of fashion staples we are sure they will gush over. You can't go wrong with any of them.
Shop Caribbean Girl Cowgirl Plaid Harem Hants
Get into these high waist oversized pleated pants because they are life-changing. You can pair these with a dramatic blouse like Lanatria or you can rock a graphic tee with some bold accessories. Whether it's work or play, this fashion staple will make the wearer a street style hero.
Oyemwen Custom-Made Camouflage Print Orchid Skirt
'Tis the season to be extra, and this is how you do it! Pair it with a turtleneck and over-the-knee boots and you've got yourself a jaw-dropping getup. Oyemwen's custom-made camouflage print orchid skirt is a fashion dream.
And I Get Dressed "Got Dressed" Crew
Sweatshirts can be styled up or down for your pleasure. This special piece of merch from one of our favorite fashion killas, Kellie B, will be clutch for running errands in style or casual Fridays. It's warm and cozy, so you'll be snuggly for the next few months.
OlaYemii Signature "Show-Stopper" Bag
Go for the tribal bag when contemplating what to get the fashion fiend in your life. It's a bold and chic way to do it for the culture. Olayemii, meaning "I am worthy of wealth", is an authentic Nigerian shop comprised of custom made Ankara print handbags and apparel.
AVNU GUPF Boyfriend Crop
We all know that black girls are the original trendsetters. It's impossible not to love this top because it states straight facts, "Ghetto Until Proven Fashionable". Ya'll know that the world doesn't deem anything fashionable until the Kardashians rock it. The best part about ShopAVNU's top is that you can make a statement while serving it up for the people.
Hanifa Reese Pull Over Crop Gold
Hanifa is one of the hottest designers in the world. Copping some items from them is a must. Not only because the self-taught designer Anifa Mvuemba is popping, but because the clothes are simply amazing. During an exclusive interview with xoNecole, Anifa said, "I always started with a woman's body. I admire curves. That's even more of a reason for me to push that for this space; for women who feel unheard."
PS - To make the outfit complete, you can cop the matching Rylee Flared Knit Pants here.
Shop Jolie Nia Front Neon Pink Fringe Jeans
This is for the girl who loves denim. With a skinny leg fit and high waist, this pair of jeans will look flattering on all body types. Keep it simple by coupling the fringed out bottoms with a tee and pumps.
FE NOELChosen Lucid Jersey
If one thing is for certain, this is the 2020 jersey you need in your life. It's elevated sporty, chic attire and we all need a dose of it. Supporting Fe Noel means you're supporting a womenswear brand that encourages women to live their lives in style.
Rent the Runway Gift Card
Rent the Runway is the key to winning over a fashion aficionado. RTR is an online service that provides designer dress and accessory rentals to take the stress out of getting dressed. The subscription service has plans starting at $69.
UO Flat Brim Felt Fedora Hat
Allow me to introduce you to the fedora hat that will boost your accessory game. You can get shady with this beautiful hat made perfect with an elongated brim and dimpled crown in soft felt. No matter the occasion, donning a hat is an ultra-stylish way to make bad hair days not so bad.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Megan Thee Stallion Shares Her Transformative Approach To Health And Wellness
Megan Thee Stallion is back and better than ever — both physically and mentally.
ForWomen’s Health May/June 2024 cover, the 29-year-old rapper bared all, opening up about her healing journey following the aftermath of the July 2020 shooting incident by rapper Tory Lanez.
“A lot of people didn’t treat me like I was human for a long time,” she told the publication. “I feel like everybody was always used to me being the fun and happy party girl. I watched people build me up, tear me down, and be confused about their expectations of me.”
She continued, “As a Black woman, as a darker Black woman, I also feel like people expect me to take the punches, take the beating, take the lashings, and handle it with grace. But I’m human.”
While the “Savage” artist exudes confidence through her stage presence and boisterous lyrics, behind the scenes, Megan was experiencing a silent battle with her mental health. “Before I went onstage, I would be crying half the time because I didn’t want to [perform], but I also didn’t want to upset my fans,” she says.
With pressures from the outside world piling up, Megan experienced “dark times,” that caused her to isolate from the public eye.
“I didn’t want to get [out] from under the covers,” she recalls. “I stayed in my room. I would not turn the lights on. I had blackout curtains. I didn’t want to see the sun. I knew I wasn’t myself. It took me a while to acknowledge that I was depressed. But once I started talking to a therapist, I was able to be truthful with myself.”
The “Wanna Be” rapper also details her current workout slip and diet that work hand in hand, giving her the mental clarity and stamina to perform at her highest level. For four to five days a week, Megan is locked in with one of her two trainers, Emory “Joc” Bernard and Tim Boutte, doing a variety of workouts like Pilates, running up and down sand hills at the beach, or hitting the StairMaster or elliptical for upwards of 40 minutes.
Best known for her “Megan knees,” leg day is a must — with hip thrusts, goblet squats, leg extensions, and “stallion kicks,” being included in her circuits.
With a combination of therapy, stepping away from imbalanced relationships, and daily movement, the Houston Hottie has since been able to reconnect with herself on a deeper level; putting her happiness before the opinions of others. “Working on myself made me get into working out because I needed to focus my energy somewhere else,” she shares. “I used working out to escape and to get happy.”
“I’m in a space where I feel good mentally, so I want to look as good as I feel.”
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Featured image by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images