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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You've Never Seen Luke James In A Role Quite Like This
Over the years, we've watched Luke James play countless characters we'd deem sex symbols, movie stars, and even his complicated character in Lena Waithe's The Chi. For the first time in his career, the New Orleans-born actor has taken on a role where his signature good looks take a backseat as he transforms into Edmund in Them: The Scare—a mentally deranged character in the second installment of the horror anthology series that you won't be able to take your eyes off.
Trust us, Edmund will literally make you do a double take.
xoNecole sat down with Luke James to talk about his latest series and all the complexity surrounding it—from the challenges taking on this out-of-the-box role to the show's depiction of the perplexing history of the relationship between Black Americans and police. When describing the opportunity to bring Edmund's character to life, Luke was overjoyed to show the audience yet another level of his masterful acting talents.
"It was like bathing in the sun," he said. "I was like, thank you! Another opportunity for me to be great—for me to expand my territory. I'm just elated to be a part of it and to see myself in a different light, something I didn't think I could do." He continued, "There are parts of you that says, 'Go for it because this is what you do.' But then also that's why it's a challenge because you're like, 'um, I don't know if I'm as free as I need to be to be able to do this.' Little Marvin just created such a safe space for me to be able to do this, and I'm grateful for everything I've been able to do to lead to this."
Courtesy
Them: The Scare, like the first season, shines a light on the plight of Black Americans in the United States. This time, the story is taking place in the 1990s, at the height of the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. While the series presents many underlying themes, one that stands out is Black people and the complicated relationship with the police. "For the audience, I think it sets the tone for the era that we're in and the amount of chaos that's in the air in Los Angeles and around the country from this heinous incident. And I say it just sets the tone of the anxiety and anxiousness that everybody is feeling in their own households."
James has been a longtime advocate against police brutality himself. He has even featured Elijah McClain, the 23-year-old Colorado man who died after being forcibly detained by officers, as his Instagram avatar for the past five years. So, as you can imagine, this script was close to his heart. "Elijah was a soft-loving oddball. Different than anyone but loving and a musical genius. He was just open and wanted to be loved and seen."
Getty Images
Luke continued, "His life was taken from him. I resonate with his spirit and his words...through all the struggle and the pain he still found it in him to say, 'I love you and I forgive you.' And that's who we are as people—to our own detriment sometimes. He's someone I don't want people to forget. I have yet to remove his face from my world because I have yet to let go of his voice, let go of that being [because] there's so many people we have lost in our history that so often get forgotten."
He concluded, "I think that's the importance of such artwork that moves us to think and talk about it. Yes, it's entertaining. We get to come together and be spooked together. But then we come together and we think, 'Damn, Edmund needed someone to talk to. Edmund needed help... a lot [of] things could have been different. Edmund could have been saved.'
Check out the full interview below.
Luke James Talks Ditching Sex Symbol Status For "Them: The Scare", Elijah McClain, & Morewww.youtube.com
Featured image by Getty Images