Five Ways To Incorporate Neon Into Your Wardrobe As You Ease Your Way Back Outside
We believe that neon is the perfect way to ease back outside and get your groove back. Shocks of the vibrant tones were seen across spring-summer runways like Christopher John Rodgers and Chromat this past season which means it's time for us to activate neon pieces in our wardrobe. Since the 1980s, neon has reigned supreme as a youthful staple.
This time around, the neon trend life cycle is all about bright green. I have curated five special outfits for y'all that will make your transition outside easy like Sunday morning. What matches a hot summer day better than a neon lewk?
Neon Dress + Kimono + White Accessories
Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
Bold hues in the form of a ruched dress is what the summer calls for this year. Ruched dresses hug all body types like your favorite auntie. They are welcoming of curves and provide a clean silhouette. Adding a colorful kimono always incites style and beauty, so don't be afraid to use your imagination. To complete the getup, I accessorized with white earrings, a white purse and white kitten heels for major contrast. Don't sleep on kitten heels, sis, they are one of the trendiest pairs of shoes you can don. I wore this on a socially distanced date and my potential bae kept complimenting my style.
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Neon Sweater Co-ord Set
Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
I felt so sexy in this short sweater set I wanted to start the 'Hot Girl Summer Reloaded' campaign. I am also starting the 'Make Real Bodies a Thing Again' campaign but we can talk about that later. The bright tone of the coordinate set pairs well with melanin skin but then again we look good in every color. For footwear, I opted for PVC shoes because they are all the rage and they partnered flawlessly with this outfit. The chrome and gold circle handle bag gave it more personality.
Neon Tee + Flared Jeans
Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
A simple tee can go along way when styled the correctly. Take this look for example. I couldn't wait to throw on this neon GOD IS DOPE tee, so I coupled it with my favorite flared jeans and a bamboo bag. It's perfectly fun and flirty with the loose fit of the top and the shapely fit of the jeans. The vibe is 70s, but the mood is forever.
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Tie Dye Matching Set
Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
One time for the undefeated matching set – between dependability and versatility they make my life easier. Then there's the tie-dye trend that may have replaced our obsession with florals. Some call it a comeback trend but we call it a happy pattern that will never go out of style. Over quarantine, it has become a rainbow sherbert dream if you will. Much like my number, it is perfect for lounging sets. You can also find it styles like dresses, purses, shoes and more. For me, tie dye is reminiscent of simpler times and makes me feel like a kid again. Shop the top and bottoms I'm wearing in the photo, here and here.
Neon Sports Bra + Neon-Lined Leggings
Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
Living in Colorado has forced me to level up my workout gear. I found this set at Walmart and I fell in love with the colorway instantly. Big Rona also made workout gear more appealing now that my living room also serves as a gym. Try adding some color to your gear with your top, leggings and even your sneakers. You will turn heads on your daily run or even as you walk past your mirror.
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Featured image by Joce Blake for xoNecole / All Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
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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How A Stay At Switzerland's Luxurious 7132 Hotel Reminded Me To Live The Life I Deserve
Sometimes, as women—especially as single Black women—we simply need to be reminded that we are deserving of living a life we dream of. Even if that means creating it for ourselves. I recently set out on a weeklong trip to Switzerland, a trip I’ve been wanting to take for years, and near the end of my visit, I had an epiphany.
“DeAnna, this is the life you deserve,” I thought to myself as I took in the gorgeous bathroom in my suite at the famous 7132 Hotel and Thermal Spa. It was one of the most luxurious hotels (and bathrooms) I had ever stayed in—and that’s saying a lot for someone who often travels for work.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
Courtesy
I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
Courtesy
That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
Courtesy
So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
Courtesy
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