

Most girls love custom dresses for their special occasions but I love custom lingerie for my day-to-day.
Now don't get things misconstrued, there is nothing like that custom freakum dress to celebrate a special occasion but there is something special about custom lingerie that uplifts my spirits. I know what you might be thinking, I'm single, What's the purpose? or My partner takes me as I am, but you too can switch the narrative and wear lingerie for yourself and no one else. The most essential perk in investing in custom lingerie is that it is made especially for your body and no one else's.
I'll never forget trying on my first custom lingerie set designed and sewn by Sarah Dawson (Sada by Sarah Designs) and feeling like a new woman. My lingerie immediately put a smile on my face and had me feeling myself in all kinds of ways. I set my Beyoncé playlist and danced the night away. I even wore my lingerie set to Curl Fest and had the time of my life. All of my high spirits and colorfulness were intensified making custom lingerie my latest obsession. The feeling was exhilarating.
Check out the list below for 5 reasons why you should get yourself some custom lingerie. Black-owned and fully loaded!
1.The Design Experience
Photography by @photogduck
Lingerie by @sadabysarah
Together, you and the designer determine the design and cuts that will be best for you based on your measurements. This is your opportunity to get creative and collaborate with the designer to make a lingerie piece that best suits you and/or your partner's desires. Whether it's a simple bra and panty set or an exotic bodysuit; you have all of the options beyond your imagine.
2.Lingerie Meant To Fit Your Body
Photography by @photogduck
Lingerie by @sadabysarah
Creative Direction @eye_van02
Sada by Sarah specifically makes lingerie based on your measurements. All you have to do is follow the measurement directions and send in your design style of choice. The goal of custom lingerie is to give clients the awareness of their power; you can wear the piece to make yourself feel good in your own private space, or wear it to engage with your spouse. Set the mood in the right way.
3.One Of A Kind Pieces That Are Timelessly Sexy
Photography by @bryantaylorjohnson
Lingerie by @sadabysarah
Custom lingerie pieces are timelessly sexy. You can keep them forever and wear them as many times as you want and they will never look dated. Let's face it. You see the work. There is literally nothing like it.
4.The Versatility To Wear It Whenever, Wherever
Waist Cincher and Bra by @sadabysarah
Dress by @pretttylittlething
The Sada by Sarah designs are versatile. You have the option of wearing her pieces to either set the mood and wear as outerwear. Especially if you decide to purchase a fabulous waist cincher to accentuate your curves or add flair to your dress. Wear it out and mix it with your everyday clothing. The power is yours.
5.You Can Enhance The Parts Of Your Body You Love Most
Photography by @sequoyahdaniel
Lingerie by @sadabysarah
Whether skinny, curvy, tall, or short, custom lingerie is made to not only fit you but to enhance the parts of your body that you love. Or to conceal the parts you don't like as much. Let's be real, we love our bodies but there can be parts that we don't like as much. We got options!
There are women that spend their entire lives without taking the time to get comfortable with their sexuality. Now is the time to get acquainted with your definition of beauty internally and externally. Designing lingerie for yourself, whether it's basic textures, sexy, or colorful, could be your first step. Wearing Sada by Sarah allows you to create a piece that suits your personality and gives you the freedom to accentuate your favorite body parts. Get out that measuring tape and get ready to explore a new and divine you.
Give yourself time to embrace your sexuality and do it for you sis. Okay!
All lingerie looks by Sada By Sarah. Click here to visit their website for more. Featured image by Sequoyah Daniel.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Calling All Lovers: October London, Tamar Braxton & Ro James Deliver A Soulful Serenade
If there was ever a night to pull out your best leather jacket, call up an old flame, and lean into your soft, sultry era, The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour was it.
Presented by Black Promoters Collective, the show brought an evening of lush vocals, smooth grooves, and unapologetic grown-folks business to Atlanta—with Ro James, Tamar Braxton, and the man of the hour, October London, leading the charge. The energy? Sensual. The vibe? Intoxicating (literally and figuratively—more on that in a minute).
Ro James kicked off the night with his signature raspy vocals and a cool confidence that immediately set the tone. While “Permission” was the undeniable crowd favorite (with couples slow-dancing in their seats and people swaying with their phones in the air), he also dug deeper into his catalog, delivering seductive mid-tempos and moody ballads that reminded us he’s not a one-hit wonder—he’s a whole vibe.
Next up, Tamar Braxton took the stage with diva energy and vocal acrobatics that had the crowd on their feet. Her set was a perfect mix of emotion and edge—songs like “My Man,” “All the Way Home,” and “Love & War” hit every heartstring, but she didn’t stop there.
Tamar tapped into her earlier work, showing her full vocal range and reminding everyone that she’s one of the most powerful voices of her generation. Between tracks, she got personal with the audience, sharing laughs and stories like we were all cousins at the family reunion.
Oh—and in case you missed it: “Braxtons are coming back.” 👀 Consider that a soft launch if we’ve ever heard one.
Then came the velvet king himself: October London.
From the moment he stepped on stage, it felt like time slowed down. Backed by a silky live band and powerhouse background vocalists The Shindellas — Kaso, Stacy, and Tam, October’s set was pure R&B indulgence.
He opened with songs like “She Keeps Calling” and “Make Me Wanna,” blending retro soul with modern sensuality. Every note was intentional, every lyric soaked in emotion.
“Touch On Me” and “3rd Shift” had the crowd in a trance, while “Lovers Interlude” and “You Look Better” brought things to a tender, candlelit close.
And because this is October London we’re talking about—of course, he came with the charm. “If I come down there and sing with you,” he teased one woman in the front row, “you gon’ get pregnant.” The entire room screamed.
He also took a moment to introduce his newest venture—a signature whiskey that he’s currently promoting on tour. Smooth music, smooth vocals, smooth whiskey? A trifecta for the grown and sexy.
To top off the night, there was even a surprise pop-up from Tyrese, sending the crowd into full nostalgic overload.
By the end of the night, it was clear: this wasn’t just a concert—it was a love letter to R&B. The October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour captured the essence of grown-up intimacy, storytelling, and soul. No gimmicks. Just real voices, real feelings, and really good music.
If October London is the future of modern soul, we’re all in.
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Feature image by Geoffrey Clowes/ Shutterstock