Pajamas & Lipstick Is The Girls’ Night In Experience We Didn't Know We Needed
What do you get when you mix pajamas, lipstick, and the company of an epic girl gang? Well, xoNecole's inaugural Pajamas & Lipstick event of course!
Planned by It's Your Party, the event took place on Friday, December 21 in Buckhead Atlanta, and offered everything a lit girls' night in could ask for. We had desserts by Good-N-Sweet Treats on deck, signature cocktails, tee pees, and a spicy card game that would truly act as the grand finale of our incredible night together.
Although I loved the attention to detail, the accents of pink and xoNecole blue that dripped throughout the intimate setting, what I loved most was the tribe of women xoNecole's Editor-In-Chief Necole Kane helped cultivate by bringing this idea to fruition. A room full of strangers and writers quickly evolved into an unbreakable bond as we shared dating tales and the moment when we found our self-worth.
The highlight of the night was a custom card game called Pajamas & Lipstick that was inspired by xoNecole's hottest topics on dating, relationships, sex and womanhood. Each attendee pulled a colored paper from a fish bowl to see which color card we'd get to pick from the pile. What happened next was nothing short of amazing.
Mecca Gamble
The event ended up being the girls night we didn't know we needed. A circle of support, unity, and transparency, one that echoed and embodied the site, mirroring our core messaging of empowerment and uplifting all multifaceted woman. We were able to completely let our guards down and be open to share our experiences in a non-judgement atmosphere while also receiving the experiences of others.
As a result, for a lot if not all of us, walked away from the girls' night in experience with an undeniable feeling of empowerment, our heads held high, and crowns unmoved.
Mecca Gamble
Check out the slideshow below for more moments from our first ever Pajamas & Lipstick event:
For more information on upcoming Pajamas & Lipstick events, follow us on Instagram. All photography is by Mecca Gamble.
Meet The Designer Behind This Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" Video Look
When Megan Thee Stallion dropped “Hiss,” a shift happened. From the audacious lyrics to the striking visuals, there was no doubt that the song and video would go viral. The opening of the video shows the H-town hottie rocking a barely there Shibari red dress, showing off her voluptuous frame. It was a sexy moment created by Timeekah Murphy of Alani Taylor. The designer exclusively tells us how the opportunity came about and what it was like seeing her design on Megan for the first time.
Timeekah Murphy
Photo courtesy
xoNecole: How did the opportunity to create such an iconic look for Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss" video come about?
Timeekah Murphy: The opportunity came from a DM from celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. She asked for a unique Shibari piece for Megan, and I needed to get it done in two days. So, of course, I did everything in my power to make it happen. I've always wanted to design for Megan, so this was an awesome opportunity for me.
xoN: What was that initial feeling of seeing the dress on her for the first time?
TM: I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
xoN: Did you meet her? If so, how was that moment?
TM: I didn't meet Megan during the shoot, but during my time in LA, I got the opportunity to meet her at LA Pride with Tiffany Haddish, Common, and EJ King (stylist). Megan is such an amazing person, so it made it even better to know that my designs were going to be worn by her. I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
"I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her."
Photo courtesy
xoN: Walk us through the creation of the dress. How did you come up with the look, and how long did it take to make it?
TM: I was the co-designer for a brand called Deviant in 2018-2020, and we used to make custom Shibari pieces. That's how Zerina knew me. So I'm very familiar with making these types of pieces. We made plenty for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish, Tyra Banks, and so many others. So Zerina knew exactly what she wanted.
To get it done, it took me a day and a half. It's very intricate and time-consuming, so I spent about six hours making it then I sent an image of it to Zerina, and she didn't approve the first one, so I had to start from scratch again after getting my guidance and understanding of what was needed. The next day, I went to The Lab and created another version, and she approved it. I had to get it shipped overnight so that she would get it in time and fast forward to seeing it on the big screen.
xoN: What's next for you?
TM: Everything. The sky is not my limit, so the Alani Taylor brand is expanding into so many different avenues. We are getting involved in the community more, offering sewing classes to the youth. I've opened up a store for my brand in Atlanta and now preparing for fall/winter Fashion Week.
Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" video/ YouTube
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There are so many words to describe Usher Raymond: musician, superstar, legend. But to many of his female fans, he’s our #MCE. Take me, for instance. I’m 32 and grew up listening to his music, watching his music videos and interviews, and, of course, I had posters of him on my wall. He was my first celebrity crush, and why wouldn’t he be? He had and still has the full package: handsome features and an amazing voice that will make you melt. I remember seeing him in concert for the first time. It was his Truth tour, you know, the tour that he went on after dropping the mind-blowing, highly successful Confessions album. It was my second concert ever, following the Scream Tour, and I was LIVING! (Shoutout to my middle school friend for the hookup.)
It wasn’t until I was an adult that I got to watch him in concert again. Yes, I’m talking about his Las Vegas residency. It’s one of the most talked about residencies for a reason. From the selection of songs to the flash and pizzazz that Vegas is known for, combined with Usher’s unique flair, it was truly a night to remember. I swooned the whole time and sang my little heart out with each song. It took me back to being that little girl who was crushing on who they call U-S-H-E-R, and now, as a grown woman, I can honestly say not much has changed.
Usher was hot! 🔥🔥🔥
Going from a teenage heartthrob to a 45-year-old father of four with nine no. 1 songs on the Billboard charts and too many awards to count, including eight Grammys, he has conquered another feat, performing at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show of the city that helped sparked his resurgence. The show, just like his Vegas residency was a reminder that, when he touches the mic, the “Burn” singer is nothing to play with and he’s only getting better with time.
If it’s not his talent that will hook you, it’s undoubtedly his charm that will reel you in. There’s not many celebrities who started young in the entertainment industry and kept a high standard of professionalism and humility, proving why Usher is the epitome of a class act on and off the stage. His swag, his talent, his good looks–I can go on and on, and no matter what, he will always be our boo.
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Feature image by Steph Chambers/Getty Images