I Had A Luxury Picnic For My Birthday & Yes, You Need One
I love birthdays. Like, I really love birthdays. Life is so precious and I believe that it should be celebrated whenever possible. Now more than ever, I believe we should cherish the beauty of life. That's why I say it with my chest, birthdays still matter in 2020. This year, I wanted to do something fun, fresh and realistic considering all the things happening in the world. Then, the universe showed up like the boss she is and presented an opportunity I could not refuse. I got word that a local creative was starting a new venture – a luxury picnic experience.
Charlie B created Curated Luxe & Co with the intention of bringing luxury and good company together. The Denver-based company specializes in luxury pop-up picnics and other curated events, providing the perfect setting for any date night, birthday or celebration. Charlie told xoNecole, "When the pandemic hit, the whole world had to pause. Which included any celebrations, graduations, etc. We all had to figure out a way to pivot and navigate this new reality. Curated Luxe & Co created a new way to celebrate and keep everyone safe with intimate, elevated experiences."
For my birthday, I invited six of my closest friends to Colorado for a getaway in the mountains. Our fun-filled weekend had everything from bottomless brunch to horseback riding. I decided to end the weekend with a luxury picnic set in City Park, one of Denver's most scenic destinations. During quarantine, I have found that public recreational activities are a godsend because you can socially distance outside your home and actually do something fun.
Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
The moment I knew that the luxury picnic was happening, I knew I had to find a gorgeous getup. City Park was about to get all of the black girl magic, OK! I fell in love with this African printed gown by Chimzi Fashion, so I added it to the cart instantly. I then asked my girls to coordinate with my frock because... I was born extra. Because they love me, they agreed.
Curated Luxe & Co coordinated all the things for me. All I had to do was show up.
Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
Chef Lakiery curated a special menu for my celebration made up of mint watermelon lime fruit salad, cajun chicken salad, and turkey sandwiches. We also sipped on some Trulys like the sophista-ratchet divas we are. It was a good time!
Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
The setup was my favorite part. It was so eclectic and chic. Curated Luxe & Co creates a mini destination getaway anywhere. Whether in your backyard or at a park, they bring the destination to you with different themes and setups. The company prides itself on cultivating one of kind intimate experiences that you can't find anywhere else.
"Black women deserve to experience and celebrate in luxury. It is important for me as a black woman to provide that," Charlie explained. "We work so hard as black girls in school, in our jobs, as mothers, as business owners etc that most times we forget to treat ourselves."
Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
My tribe and I sat in the park in our best lewks playing games like For The Culture, Blebrity and Black Card Revoked. It was so black and so magical and I loved every minute of it. If you're looking for an inventive way to celebrate your born day, try a luxury picnic.
It was undoubtedly a perfect reflection of how I wanted to walk into 31.
Featured image by Joce Blake for xoNecole / 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.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Often imitated, never duplicated, The Midwest ItGirls hold a refreshingly raw essence, style, and cultural identity. These ItGirls are the living, breathing definition of rolling up your sleeves and chasing dreams. Trust us when we say, these Midwest ItGirls don’t just talk the talk, they walk it, holding fast to their values in everything they get their hands on.
Read about five of our ItGirls here, but be sure to check out the full ItGirl 100 List.
BREE SPECIFIC
Courtesy
Bree Specific is a media personality and entrepreneur. She gained recognition for her work in hosting events, moderating panels, and covering festivals. Off-air, Bree coordinates Music Relations for Whats The Word Media and serves as a Tech Producer at WVON 1690 AM.
Chelsey Carter Sanders
Courtesy
Chelsey Carter-Sanders is the founder and CEO of the Alex Carter brand, which focuses on creating everyday attire for extraordinary individuals. The brand is known for combining simplicity with an edge, appealing to those who are willing to take risks.
Jean Deaux
Courtesy
Jean Deaux's music spans R&B, rap, pop, house, and indie as she creates from the unique lens of a Black queer artist. Often described as a multi-hyphenate and 'modern renaissance woman,' she is a creative director, filmmaker, and songwriter.
Mari Copeny
Courtesy
Mari Copeny, also known as Little Miss Flint, is a youth activist who gained recognition for raising awareness about the Flint water crisis and her fundraising initiatives to support underprivileged children in her community and across the country.
Sky Jetta
Courtesy
Sky Jetta has worked with the likes of Rico Nasty, Charli XCX, Baby Tate, and Saweetie. Known for her unique fashion sense, she has been featured in global campaigns Nike x Serena Williams, Burberry x SSENSE, and Jordan Jumpman23. Jetta was also the featured opener for singer Neyo, DJ’d for luxury brands Balmain and Gucci, and just completed a tour as direct support for Zack Fox.