All The Fly Outerwear I Wore To New York Fashion Week
This February marks my 9th year attending New York Fashion Week. In the beginning, I was challenged with immense imposter syndrome as I felt I wasn’t worthy of being in certain fashion spaces. But as I’ve learned more about myself and how showing up authentically is my superpower, I have managed to find my stride and get in my bag. Truth be told, NYFW is not for the faint of heart because it calls for you to bring it each and every season which can be exciting and overwhelming. As a fashion lover, I challenge myself to raise the bar every time because it’s such a fascinating art. This go-round, I wanted to center all of my looks around my outerwear since wintertime in New York City is no joke.
Outerwear is such an essential staple during the colder months and they are a surefire way to make a statement without saying a word. In a world full of bland jackets and coats, I just want to stand out in the most unique pieces. Ahead, find the fly outerwear I donned during the fall/winter season of New York Fashion Week.
Coming In Hot
Courtesy of Joce Blake
When I read the product description for the Willa Red Vegan Fur Leather Coat from Finesse, I knew I had to have it: “Having the WILLA red will give you the diva card. She’ll be leaving her red lipstick kiss as a memory.” And all I ever want is to make a lasting impression at New York Fashion Week, so I coupled this fiery red coat with a blue-striped button-down top from Kahlana Barfield’s Target collaboration, maroon vinyl pants, and denim Air Jordan 1s.
To bring it all together, I switched the white laces out for red ones and grabbed my red puffer Telfar. It gave exactly what it was supposed to give especially as I started my morning with the Black in Fashion Council at Christie’s to celebrate the legacy of our superhero, Andre Leon Talley.
Solid Gold, Baby
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Since metallics are having a moment right now, I wanted to center an entire look around a gold trench coat. I looked to LBV. Official for their Metallic Vegan Leather Trench Coat, which was designed with pronounced shoulder pads, a classic waist belt, and adjustable wrist belts. For accessories, I copped a custom NY hat from Rebel P Customs embellished with gold applique and threw on my ever-so-stylish Brandon Blackwood bamboo tote.
All of the gold accents coordinated like a dream, especially since I selected gold cowboy boots to bring the look to completion.
I Can Buy Myself Flowers
Courtesy of Joce Blake
One thing about me, I am going to give myself flowers. That’s exactly what I did with this Neon Rose oversized belted padded jacket in the most gorgeous floral print. The aprés-ski aesthetic is prominent every winter, so I decided to pair it with leather lavender pants, a furry top, and white booties. The runways are proof that this winter trend is here to stay, as evidenced by designers like Miu Miu and Prada.
Keep It Collegiate
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Nothing is more essential for streetwear than a varsity jacket. Just call me captain of the bad bitches because this jacket had me feeling like I was leading my team in style with this black and green varsity jacket. I tapped Finnesse again for this piece because their products are just too good and this Bobby Black Varsity Jacket was no different.
Between the striking green lettering and the fun quotes like “Purrrr” embossed on the coat, it really speaks to the way the collegiate Americana style mixed with streetwear flair has infiltrated fashion trends.
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Featured image courtesy of Joce Blake
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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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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage