

Fashion trends are not a one-size-fits-all category. While fashion experts lend their personal opinions on what's hot or not for the season, there are always styles that look cool in theory but are daunting to imagine wearing ourselves. The hesitation of trying the latest trends can stem from a fear of a "fashion fail" or simply looking out of place; however, taking fashion risks can lead to more positive benefits in one's life than negatives.
A risk taker is someone willing to take a leap and willing to fail. A risk taker is a rule breaker, change maker, and disruptor. An early adopter and one who isn't afraid to try new things before everyone else. The status quo is not good enough, so they lean into individuality and creativity. Confidence is what a risk-taker leans into the most, allowing one to break away from the mundane, keeping things fresh and exciting.
To gain insight on how to experiment with your style, I’ve compiled nine fashion trends risk-takers aren’t afraid to wear this fall/winter. From edgy, high-glamour looks to playful day-to-night outfits, these are the fail-proof styles I recommend adding to your wardrobe to step out of your comfort zone this season.
1.The Island of Capris
Capris are making a strong case for fall this year, and they don’t seem to be letting up any time soon. With a vintage flair with a modern undertone, there are plenty of ways to style this fashion throwback. Perfect for both a tropical getaway or business casual look, pair these with a feminine crop top and chain belt with heels, or wear them to the office with an oversized blazer layered over a button-up for a professional take. The opportunities are endless if you dare.
2.Bubble Skirts
After years of repressed fashion and closet essentials, it's only right that the latest silhouettes are becoming more extravagant and more interesting to look at. The bubble skirt is just that, a bubble silhouette. Instead of a flat hem like most other skirts and dresses, the bubble skirt's hem is tucked under, with a more voluminous look, whipped texture, and potential for major movement.
Style a fluffy white mini skirt with a leather jacket and tall boots or pointed heels for a fashion-forward fall moment.
3.For the Love of Fold-over Boots
The emergence of fold-over boots has re-ignited a spark in my love of fall footwear. The epitome of street chic, the exaggerated boot shaft can elevate an everyday boot collection with a new addition one could never get tired of wearing. Style with an oversized fall look with a classic bomber, black tee, and motocross pants for a forward approach to streetwear fashion.
4.All Flats
As a millennial, I’ve spent a fair share of my younger years in flats, which is why I’ll be happily watching this footwear trend from the sidelines. Nostalgic at best, the recurrence of the ballet flat can be fashionably subjective depending on who you ask. While personally refraining, I’m enjoying how wearers of all ages are creatively pairing this classic staple with a more fashion-forward approach with designer brand renditions such as Maison Margiela, Miu Miu, and Prada, just to name a few.
5.Black Tie
Once again, women are crashing the men’s section to adhere to this gender-bending addition to ready-to-wear fashion. For women, neckties are a fun yet ultra-chic accessory that elevates everyday casual, work, or even cocktail attire. Notable celebrities who never let a good tie go unworn include Tracee Ellis Ross, Zendaya, Janet Jackson, and Zoe Saldaña, just to name a few.
6.Moto Sunglasses
One of the most popular eyewear trends we’ve seen this year involves wide, chunky frames that balance both over-the-top fashion and functionality. Moto sunglasses are the perfect addition when paired with a maximal or minimal look because, either way, they are the statement. The oversized design adds an effortless high fashion element that exudes power and confidence.
7.Layering Hems
The midi skirt over pants combination can be either intriguing or intimidating. Mastering the art of layers, forward fashionistas around the globe have taken part in this unisex trend that proves that these days, fashion has no gender. A flowing draped effect paired with flowing trousers or structured denim can be styled to perfection with the proper proportions. Keep the layers casual this fall with a pointed-toe pump for a softer, quieter, luxe approach.
8.Hooded Dresses
Straight from the runways, hooded dresses are back on the fashion scene. The breakout trend of the season with recent interpretations from Versace, Saint Laurent, and Alaïa, in which we can also trace their hooded dress back to the 1980’s. Whether with sheer fabrics, draped backs, asymmetrical silhouettes, and bold cutouts, the latest dress trend has been declared a fashion favorite by celebrities and influencers alike. Adding a dose of luxury and mysteriousness to an overall look, hooded dresses have been worn throughout generations, from cultural to religious use.
9.Waist Belts
With lower waistlines creeping back into popular culture, so has the oversized waist belt. There's absolutely nothing subtle about the Y2K era belt trend, nor should it be. Wear a cropped or full-length top or knit sweater along with a denim maxi skirt, or keep it clean with a plain maxi dress if you want to try a softer take on the chunky accessory.
Finish off the look with neutral calf-high boots for an unforgettable vintage look.
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Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
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'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Why 'Seed Cycling' Might Be Just What Your Hormones Need Right Now
Okay, so I’m the kind of person who tries to avoid group texts as much as possible. The main reason is that folks in them can find themselves in conversations for what seems like ALL DAY LONG and those notifications, chile — uh-uh. LOL. There are a couple of warm spots who have gotten away with putting my number in one, though, including two women who, back in the day, were like little sisters to me — oh, but once you hit around 30-35, everyone is just good-and-grown at that point.
Anyway, one of them was recently expressing in the chat that, although, according to her doctor, her hormone levels seemed to be fine, she felt like certain perimenopause symptoms were telling her otherwise. She’s probably right because the reality is you can be in a state of perimenopause — the transitional phase that comes right before menopause — anywhere from 4-10 years (keep in mind that the average age for entering menopause is 51).
And so, after hearing about some of what she was experiencing and recommending things like evening primrose oil and raspberry leaf tea, it reminded me that I should also pen an article on seed cycling — a practice that is gaining more traction when it comes to all-natural ways of keeping certain hormones in balance.
If you’re curious about what seed cycling is all about, I’ve got a few details that may interest you — and might provide you with some perimenopausal relief — below.
What Is Seed Cycling and Why Is It Becoming More Popular?
Probably the easiest way to define seed cycling is it’s all about consuming certain seeds during certain times of the month in order to balance out your hormones — well, not only balance hormones but boost fertility and also decrease symptoms that are directly related to menopause.
The thought process of seed cycling is if you consume certain seeds during the first half of your menstrual cycle, it will help to balance out your estrogen levels; then if you consume certain seeds during the other half of your menstrual cycle, it will balance out your progesterone levels.
So, which seeds are you supposed to take?
Flax and pumpkin seeds during the first 14 days of your cycle and then sesame and sunflower seeds during the last 14 days. And what if your period isn’t on a 28-day cycle? Well, then what you would do is take flax and pumpkin seeds during your follicular phase (the first day that you start your period through the day that you ovulate) and sesame and sunflower seeds during your luteal phase (the time that happens right after your ovulate and ends once your period starts). And why these seeds in particular? Were they just pulled out of thin air? Nope.
Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogenswhich is a form of plant-based estrogen. Estrogen is low at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, so phytoestrogens can help your body build up your uterine lining. When you are going through the latter stages of perimenopause/menopause, estrogen levels can significantly decrease; phytoestrogens can help to bring your levels back up. That said, as far as periods are concerned, flaxseeds can help to regulate your cycle (which can also make it easier for you to conceive, if that is something that you are trying to do). As far as perimenopause and menopause are concerned, they can help to make their symptoms more bearable.
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium and manganese which help to ease PMS symptoms and reduce menstrual discomfort. When it comes to perimenopause and menopause, magnesium can reduce anxiety and depression and help you to sleep better which can reduce symptoms that are associated with both conditions. And manganese? Manganese helps to regulate blood levels and improve bone density. Pumpkin seeds also contain a considerable amount of zinc that helps to regulate hormones. Fertility-wise, pumpkin seeds can increase testosterone levels and they can help you to have a healthier pregnancy.
Sesame seeds also have phytoestrogens in them; however, the reason why sesame seeds are recommended for seed cycling is because the zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and fatty acids in them are what help to give your progesterone levels a boost during the second half of your menstrual cycle. Progesterone not only creates a healthy uterine lining, if an egg isn’t fertilized, but it also helps your body to shed the lining. When it comes to perimenopause/menopause, progesterone is needed because it can help reduce the impact of hot flashes and menopause-related insomnia. When it comes to conceiving, sesame seeds can help to reduce inflammation and boost your immunity — making it easier for your body to get pregnant.
Sunflower seeds are loaded with vitamin Eand that alone makes them great when it comes to your menstrual cycle and dealing with perimenopause and menopause-related symptoms. That’s because vitamin E helps to reduce period discomfort and, if you happen to have heavy cycles, it can help to decrease the amount of blood that you lose during your cycle as well. For those dealing with perimenopause and menopause, vitamin E helps to bring relief to symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Sunflower seeds can also aid in fertility, thanks to the fatty acids in them that can make it easier to conceive.
So, as you can see, there is a method to the madness when it comes to the seeds that are selected for seed cycling. Okay, but how do you actually incorporate seed cycling into your lifestyle? Good question.
How to Do Seed Cycling in Order to Receive the Most Optimal Results
If you want to try seed cycling in order to see if it helps you and your hormones out, this is what you will need to do:
During days 1-14 (again, your follicular phase), you will need to take one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds and one tablespoon of ground pumpkin seeds.
During days 15-28 (again, your luteal phase), you will need to take one tablespoon of ground sesame seeds and one tablespoon of ground sunflower seeds.
The strategy here is if you do this consistently for 3-4 months, you should start to see an improvement when it comes to the imbalance of your hormones. It should also go on record that some health experts recommend adding 1200-1500 mg EPA/DHA to the follicular phase of seed cycling and evening primrose oil to the luteal phase. That’s because EPA/DHA are fatty acids that help to reduce bodily inflammation and evening primrose oil helps to decrease PMS symptoms as well as hot flashes.
As far as side effects go, there currently aren’t any drastic ones that have been reported. The main thing to keep in mind is that you may experience some gas, bloating, or changes in your bowel movement patterns for a moment. That’s because certain seeds are filled with fiber.
How These Seeds Will Benefit Your Health Regardless
Now that you know more of what seed cycling is all about, you might be wondering if it’s truly worth your while. The truth is that research is still being conducted which means that there are articles out in cyberspace that tend to Elmo shrug seed cycling more than anything else. My two cents? I mean, the fact that the four seeds listed have other health benefits, if you’re someone who prefers to take all-natural approaches to your health, it can’t hurt to up your intake of flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds anyway. Here are a few (additional) reasons why.
Flaxseeds. Aside from the fact that flaxseeds are a beneficial source of fiber and protein, they are also good for you because they are rich in omega-3s (which reduce inflammation and decrease cholesterol levels), they can help to keep your blood sugar levels in check, they are good at assisting with weight management and they can strengthen your digestive system.
Pumpkin seeds. If you’re currently trying to eat less meat yet you don’t want to do it at the sacrifice of your daily protein needs, pumpkin seeds are the answer to your prayers. They are off-the-charts when it comes to how much protein is in them (almost nine grams per serving), plus they contain a solid amount of copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and antioxidants. If you want to improve your bladder health, pumpkin seeds can help to make that happen. If you want a stronger heart, pumpkin seeds offer support in that department.
Something else to keep in mind is, that since pumpkin seeds have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-ulcerative properties in them, they can also help your body to heal from minor issues and wounds faster — which is always a good thing.
Sesame seeds. If you are looking to get more fiber and protein in, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, keep your bones in good shape, uptick your vitamin B intake, and/or strengthen your immune system, these are the areas where sesame seeds can be of great assistance. Something else that’s cool about sesame seeds is they have a reputation for helping to keep your liver and kidneys in peak condition as well.
Sunflower seeds. As far as snacking goes, probably the most popular seeds (on this list, anyway) are sunflower seeds. If they are something that you enjoy indulging in, you can feel good about that since they contain properties that fight cancer, help to regulate your thyroid, assist with preventing muscle cramps, provide you an energy boost, reduce your blood sugar levels, and make your gut (where 80 percent of your immunity resides) healthier.
Hmph. Looks to me that if you take these seeds in, your health is only going to improve — if that includes when it comes to your hormones, then that is just a bonus.
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Now that you know more about seed cycling, of course, it is totally up to you if you want to give it a shot. Again, though — since all of these seeds are good for you, what do you have to lose in trying it?
I don’t see one damn thing, y’all. Not one.
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