Let's talk about that job sis...
Today it's not uncommon to hear conversations around mental health. Black women have become advocates for therapy, healing from past traumas and childhood wounds, and adopting self-care as a normal routine. But when it comes to our wellness in the workplace, we've been slow to remove our superwoman capes.
Inspired by the recent xoNecole article, "I Took A Two-Month Leave From Work For My Mental Health", the Happy Hour squad shares the story of an Entertainment Director who was forced to take a two month stress leave from work. And she's not the only one who put her mental wellness on the backburner. In this episode, the ladies share their different encounters with anxiety while on the clock. From Necole feeling burned out from the acquisition and expansion of xoNecole and Sheriden becoming a slave to her inbox, to Amer working in a no-days-off environment with tough management to match, each story is a reminder of the importance of putting yourself first. And thanks to advice from clinical psychologist Dr. Ayanna Abrams, you'll learn how to fill your cup instead of your to-do list.
Show Notes
Listen and subscribe to xoNecole Happy Hour on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
xoNecole Happy Hour
Things you will learn in this episode:
- How Dr. Ayanna Abrams suggests we create boundaries at work
- How the Happy Hour hosts have navigated anxiety and panic attacks
- What FMLA is and how it protects you while taking time off from your job for mental health reasons
- How to verify your FMLA with a doctor
- What exactly happens in our bodies during moments of panic and anxiety
- Mindfulness exercises to practice
- The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 exercise for slowing down your body
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Ayanna Abrams' contact information
- Practice: https://ascensionbehavioralhealth.com/
- Instagram: @dr_ayanna_a
xoNecole article(s) mentioned:
Tune in every Wednesday for your midweek refill! You can connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @xohappyhour and use the tag #xohappyhour to join the social convos.
Leave us a voice message on xohappyhour.com to share your story with us or ask a question for a chance to be featured on the show!
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As we transition from summer to fall, there’s no need to spend too many coins curating a brand new seasonal wardrobe, especially in this economy. Instead of shopping targeted ads, we interviewed fashion-forward influencers to spark our imagination and gather insight on what they’re already wearing leading into the upcoming season. Keep scrolling to get the scoop on essential items these fashion-forward women are looking forward to wearing this fall.
Helecia Williams, Houston
Comfort
Helecia’s style in three words: “Structured, bold, and explorative.”
Helecia’s outfit inspiration: “I am most interested in comfort as a trend. I am truly enjoying the mix of flats with elevated outfits and the incorporation of street-style elements into the looks. I have seen so much juxtaposition that makes the outfits interesting and intriguing. I love the pairing of fitted caps with [suits] and ballet flats. That mashup is impeccable, and we saw some of that peeking through last fall, and now it's taken on a life of its own.
"As a sneaker lover and comfort sneakers, bringing back flats is just a reimagination of past trends with a fresh twist.”
What color(s) is on Helecia’s fall mood board: “Hands down, red! It's such a bold and bossy color. Now, we see it becoming much more accessible in fashion and realize how easy it is to style and incorporate into a look for that extra pop. It also pairs well with so many other shades and tones. Some of my favorite combos are red and burgundy, red and yellow, and red and brown. Even if you aren't fully convinced that it's the color of the season and still have reservations about it, you can go classic and incorporate it in an accessory or makeup like a red lip.”
Are you bringing anything back from your 2023 fall wardrobe? “I will be returning and recycling all of my 2023 fall wardrobe and just styling it differently or giving it new life. Despite my love for trends, I've curated a wardrobe that I love so I will mix the old in with the new. And not to toot my own horn but a lot of my fashion moments are ahead of the times and still very relevant for this upcoming fall. Expect to see tons of texture, juxtaposition, unexpected color combos, and street style.”
How Helecia is accessorizing this season: “I hate to admit it, but the one trend that has me in a chokehold this fall is bold jewelry, particularly in gold. I've realized that accessories can do wonders, and the Schiaparelli era has me shook. I am a ‘Stan’ of Shop Khoi, a Black-owned jewelry brand that creates some of the most amazing, high-quality fashion jewelry. It just sets off any outfit no matter how simple it may be and easily becomes a conversation piece.”
Courtney Blackwell, New York City
Courtney’s style in three words: “Vintage, oversize, and sexy.”
Courtney’s most anticipated fall fashion items: “The fashion item I am anticipating wearing is vintage leather in all colors!”
Courtney's color picks for fall: “Cherry reds, forest greens, and different shades of gray.”
The trend that has Courtney in a chokehold this season: “Skirts! I’ve never been a skirt girly, well mini skirts girly, but I think I’m going to step it up with the minis this fall.”
Shaniqua Jordan, New York City
Timeless
Shaniqua’s personal styling tip for fall: “I hate to admit it, but the one trend that has me in a chokehold this fall is any oversized outerwear piece, especially oversized blazers. And as basic as it may sound, I can't get enough of them. They instantly elevate any look, and they're so versatile, whether I'm going for a polished vibe or something more casual. Plus, they are perfect for layering as the weather cools down.
"I know most people wouldn't typically opt for suede, but if you've been following my style, you know I'm all about my outerwear. I love adding texture to my looks, even if it's subtle, and a good suede jacket does that for me. The soft texture and rich hues of suede add that cherry on top for any fall look. Whether I'm rocking a bomber style in a jewel tone or a tailored trench in a neutral shade, a suede jacket is one piece I'm looking forward to wearing to elevate my fall wardrobe.”
These colors are all over Shaniqua’s fall mood board: “The colors on my fall mood board are rich earth tones like deep browns and olive greens paired with classic neutrals like camel and cream. I'd like to throw in a pop of butter yellow. I know it might seem more spring-like, but I love how it pairs with deep browns, oxblood, and even grays. It's the perfect way to brighten up those cozy, moody fall vibes. I'm also loving pops of bold jewel tones like emerald and burgundy to add a bit of luxe to the season. These shades give that cozy yet elevated feel I'm always aiming for in my fall wardrobe.”
Shaniqua describes her fall wardrobe in three words: “If I describe my fall wardrobe in three words, they would be chic, layered, and timeless. I love combining unique pieces with a classic touch, creating looks that stand out without trying too hard. It's all about finding that perfect balance between staying true to timeless fashion and adding my own signature flair.”
Are you bringing anything back from your 2023 fall wardrobe? "I am definitely an outfit repeater, so not only will I bring back pieces from my 2023 fall wardrobe, but I also have so many oldies but goodies that I’ll be incorporating into my fall 2024 looks. I think that's what really helps convey my personal style; buying pieces I genuinely love and being able to work them into my style season after season. It's all about longevity and staying true to what I love."
Alasia Allen, Los Angeles
Provocative
Alasia describes her style in three words: “Opulent, sleek, provocative.”
The fashion item Alasia anticipates wearing the most this fall: “I’m really into gloves this season. Whether it’s biker style or long, sleek, leather gloves, they add an interesting take to a fall look.”
The fall colors catching Alasia’s eye: “I’m loving navy or a super deep purple this season so I’ll be adding those into my wardrobe. They’re both so sophisticated and a good alternative to black.”
The fall staple Alaisa plans to bring back from her 2023 wardrobe: “Every year, I wear a shearling coat. It’s timeless, it’s warm, it’s my thing. There’s something very elevating about shearlings that have drawn to me year after year, and that’s what makes them my favorite style of outwear.”
The accessory that has Alasia in a chokehold this season: “Boots. I love a good boot as my go-to accessory for the fall/winter season. My favorites are boots that have a little flair to them and an interesting shape.”
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In a sea of celebrity beauty brands, Wyn Beauty stands out with its 'Wyn Chartreuse' touches (a color that's signature to the brand and significant to Serena) and its commitment to high-performing formulas with staying power for 'active beauty.' Just ask the founder. "I created Wyn Beauty to be active beauty. Active doesn’t always mean sport. I think moms are very active, and everyday women are very active," Serena recently shared with Glossy.
Wyn Beauty made its debut in April, and to celebrate her iconic U.S. Open win 25 years ago, Serena has recently introduced two new collections: the Starting Line lip liners and Acceptance Speech lip glosses. Keep scrolling for more about the newly dropped products and some faves from the Wyn Beauty line.
Wyn Beauty Starting Line Peptide-Infused Lip Liner
Starting Line in "Excellence"
Level up your lip game with Wyn Beauty's latest line of liners. Introducing the Starting Line Peptide-Infused Lip Liner that is vying for a spot in your makeup rotation. Pigmented, soft, and creamy, these liners add depth and water-resistant color to any pout. It glides on smoothly, and the color lasts on your lips for up to 17 hours.
Wyn Beauty Acceptance Speech Shimmering Hydrating Lip Gloss
Acceptance Speech in "Trophy"
Feels like a non-sticky lip balm, and shimmers like a gloss, Acceptance Speech is serving high shine and long-lasting hydration with each application. Available in eight gorgeous shades, Wyn Beauty's new Acceptance Speech lip gloss delivers vibrant color while keeping your lips soft and nourished.
Wyn Beauty Featuring You Hydrating Skin Enhancing Tint SPF 30
Featuring You Hydrating Skin Enhancing Tint
A lightweight tinted moisturizer, the Featuring You Hydrating Skin Enhancing Tint goes on cool and enhances your skin by providing buildable coverage with SPF 30 and a hydrating effect that lasts days afterward. As one PopSugar editor puts about the product, "If you want an easy, wearable tint, you can't go wrong." Copping this is a no-brainer.
Wyn Beauty Nothing to See Soft Matte Creamy Concealer
Nothing to See Soft Matte Creamy Concealer in "Rise"
Nothing to See Soft Matte Creamy Concealer is a medium-coverage buildable creamy concealer that gives a soft-matte finish. The long wear formula lasts all day while conditioning the skin with hydration that lasts up to 72 hours. Available in 20 shades, it's the perfect complement to the brand's skin tint.
Wyn Beauty Word of Mouth Max Comfort Matte Lipstick
Word of Mouth in "Dare"
Super-pigmented color, matte finish, and 24-hour hydration? Say less. Word of Mouth Max Comfort is a matte lippie that wears all day without drying your lips. Its conditioning formula allows the lipstick to glide on smoothly and stays on all day without smudging or smearing.
Wyn Beauty Big Vision Lengthening & Defining Tubing Mascara
Big Vision Lengthening & Defining Tubing Mascara in "Focus Black"
Smudge-resistant and flake-resistant are just two of the winning attributes of this Wyn Beauty product. The Big Vision Lengthening & Defining Tubing Mascara is an award-winning mascara with tubing technology that packs maximum definition and maximum hydration for big lash energy.
Wyn Beauty Glideline Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Glideline Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in "Focus Black"
With a felt tip applicator built for ultra-precision and a formula that is "24-hour, waterproof, smudge-proof, and sweat-resistant wear," Glideline is that girl. And there's no question about it. In fact, one reviewer states about the product, "The ink is really deep and bold. The tip is precise and perfect."
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Featured image by Marc Piasecki/WireImage