

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, André 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.
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