How To Own The Room This Season, No Matter The Party Or Event
It's that time of year again, when the casual chic energy of too-hot summers takes a backseat to the deliberate effortlessly sexy, cool that segues with the brisk front of autumn and winter. The glitz and glamour that events like weddings, countless holiday parties, themed dinners and friendsgivings, and ringing in the new year calls for an extra dose of regality. Thus, it's high time to step your style game up. After all, fashion may fade but style is forever.
This year and every year, radiating "fabulous" energy should be a forever mood, no matter the event or occasion.
For "The Perfect Guest" Styled Shoot, Atlanta-based vendors came together to create magic that told a story and will hopefully inspire you to make a statement regardless of what room you happen to enter as a guest while also giving you pointers on how to throw the get-together of a lifetime as a host. Styled by Jasmene Bowdry of SHIFT StyleHouse, we were invited to journey through three parties at the W Hotel Atlanta - Midtown: a resort chic party, a girls' night party, and black tie affair.
Taking cues from the attire and venues, Michelle Gainey of Lemiga Events designed three very distinct celebrations that are beautiful and adapt easy to details. Photographed by Mecca Gamble McConnell, she captures models Amer Woods, Eric Ryles, Russell Wendell, Maya Elious, Kimberly Cherrell, and Quiana and Anthony Watson in this impeccable styled shoot. Let's elevate and turn up!
Resort Chic
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Resort chic style is casual and breezy, but plenty chic.
WET at W Atlanta - Midtown is a rooftop pool with views of the Atlanta skyline, private cabanas and chaise lounges. Being inspired by the outdoors and clear blue pool, Michelle designed this space using greens, whites, and golds with pops of blues.
The party continued into the Living Room's Forbidden Garden where the luxe space seamlessly transitions from inside to the patio with a unique wrap around bar.
"We created a backdrop using white and gold balloons with monstera leaves for guests to snap photos in between fresh cocktails and delicious light fare," says Michelle. This resort chic party would be perfect for an afternoon with friends that's equal parts swank and relaxing.
"I attend and shoot a lot of parties and events in the summer and fall seasons and noticed that the guests enjoy getting dressed up just as much as the hosts! I love seeing the attendees enjoy the venue's ambience and interact with any Instagrammable backgrounds and any fun props, food or activities included at the event. They always make for fun and authentic event photos," says photographer, Mecca Gamble McConnell. Always remember to clean your phone's camera of fingerprints and take the time to find good light and the best angle. Don't be afraid to practice in the mirror at home.
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Girls' Night Cocktail Party
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
There's nothing like a night out with your girls, dressed up with your favorite pair of heels. The goal was to design the ultimate girls' night cocktail party with exciting colors, plenty of patterns, and unique accessories.
The setting of the W Atlanta - Midtown's Living Room provided the perfect bohemian backdrop and for event planner Michelle, it was exactly what the doctor ordered. "Plush velvet seating in an intimate setting surrounded by collections of art, animals, and books gave plenty of eye candy," she shared. "My favorite element was the Hidden Lounge where we created a vibrant balloon display in shades of pink with pops of gold. I love creating surprises for guests at our events, which make for unforgettable memories."
Based on the setting of choice, the stylist of the shoot Jasmene Bowdry felt like themes that echoed versatility, class, and femininity were in order. She revealed, "Living coral, the pantone color of the year, is vibrant and embraces warmth and comfort. The caped jumpsuit look is perfect for events where you may have to showcase the 'boss chick' vibe while still retaining a little sexiness. Finally, green is a perfect color for late summer/ fall parties where you want to stand out like a gem and be seen!"
Makeup artist Robin Hill, who did the makeup for the models in both the Resort Chic shoot and the Cocktail Night shoot, believes the key to a bomb makeup look is timelessness and staying power. "My favorite go-to products for the perfect glow and long-wearing foundation is Estée Lauder's Double Wear Foundation, Skin Glass by Noorface, and I can't forget my favorite nude, Velvet by MAC Cosmetic."
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Girls' Cocktail Night Models:
Black Tie Affair
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
A Black Tie event always means the ultimate level of sophistication. The Overlook Foyer with W Atlanta Midtown's statement gold cages as a backdrop created a whole mood for the tablescape.
They designed a dramatic estate table with a luxe black lace linen, ivory gold rim chargers, and lush white flowers. Deep shades of emerald extended from the table to the stunning guest, Quiana Watson, who was adorned in Charbel Zoe Couture from Elite Pour La Vie.
Black Tie is usually reserved for special occasions but it's nice to have a reason to go all out every once in awhile.
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Photography by Mecca Gamble McConnell
Black Tie Affair Models:
Anthony Watson (husband)
Credits:
- Photography: Mecca Gamble McConnell
- Planning + Design: Lemiga Events
- Venue, Catering + Cocktails: W Atlanta Midtown
- Styling: Jasmene Bowdry of SHIFT StyleHouse
- Floral Design: Akeem Clayton
- Balloons: MomsKloset
- Rentals: Georgia Party Rentals
- Linen: I Do Linens
- Men's Attire: The Modern Gent
- Black Tie Gown: Elite Pour La Vie
- Makeup (Resort & Cocktail): Robin Hill
- Makeup (Black Tie): Kiara Harris
- Hair: Lauren Jacobs
- Jewelry & Accessories: Out The Box and Love Peridot
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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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I think we all can agree that social media really is a double-edged sword. What I mean by that is there is just as much bad that can come out of it as good. At the end of the day, it really is about 1) having your own mind, 2) finding balance when it comes to how much time you spend online, and 3) doing your own research instead of taking random people’s opinions as the gospel (i.e., facts).
Gee, I wish more folks did all of this when it comes to if a man needs to have a large penis to sexually satisfy a woman (he does not) and if a woman who has had multiple sex partners will ultimately end up with a vagina that is too large for smaller penises to please her (a lie).
Science totally has my back on debunking both of those things (more on that in a bit). Know what else does? A particular type of sex method that is becoming more popular by the day. One that just might convince you to, as they used to say back in the day, focus less on the “size of the wave” and ride out the “motion of the ocean” instead.
It’s called shallowing. Here’s what it’s all about.
What Is Shallowing?
GiphyIf there’s one thing that I wish folks would say more thoroughly when it comes to women and orgasms, it’s that when it comes to75 percent of women not being able to orgasm from only intercourse, the accurate statement is they struggle with achieving a vaginal orgasm without the assistance of some type of clitoral stimulation. Yeah, we’ve really got to remember that very few things in this life are a complete monolith — orgasms included (check out “U-Spot Orgasm, Fantasy Orgasm & 6 Other Orgasms You Should Try Tonight”).
In fact, it was while I was reading up on pairing — a word that is used for when clitoral stimulation transpires during penetration — that I decided to do some deep-diving into shallowing (because it was mentioned inone of the articles that I read).And what is it? Shallowing is when a penis, finger, tongue, or sex toy of some sort is used in order to ever so slightly penetrate the vaginal opening of a woman.
And why is shallowing not just a current sex trend but something that every woman on this planet should try? It’s because of what I’ve said, more than once, on this platform: it focuses on the most sensitive part of a woman’s vagina, which isthe first two inches of her vaginal opening.
When the emphasis is placed there, not only does it increase your chances of experiencing “the big O,” but it can also build up anticipation, which can intensify your orgasms too — yes, shallowing can also be seen as a form of edging.
Another thing that’s cool about shallowing is — and it really and truly can’t be said enough — something that makes vaginal and blended orgasms easier to achieve for some women really has little to do with the size of a man’s package or even his technique; it’s straight up anatomy. Yep, the closer that a woman’s clitoris is to her vaginal opening, the easier it is for a penis to stimulate both. So, science makes it possible for vaginal orgasms to be easier for some women than others.
At the same time, shallowing can make it possible for more women who want to see what a vaginal orgasm actually feels like (because it’s easier for the head of the penis to stimulate the opening of the vagina while the shaft can rub up against your clitoris; based on the position that you are in, of course — the missionary with some pillows propped under the lower part of your back is ideal for this).
Now that you see what shallowing actually is, do you get why I said that penis size doesn’t matter when it comes to doing it — and getting the kind of orgasms that you want? Contrary to popular belief, your vagina is only around four inches. In fact, some health experts say that it ranges between 2-4”. Anything larger, your body literally has to stretch out to accommodate; this includes penises and babies. So, if your vagina is “making room” for more than four inches, why in the world do you think you need a 10-inch man? Yeah…exactly. It really is time to get over the silliness. The average penis continues to be 5.5”. Makes sense when you take it all in (no pun intended).
Aight, so now that you know what shallowing is all about, let me try and hard sell you on why it’s a sex technique that you should try as soon as tonight (if you possibly can).
1. It takes the pressure off of you and your partner.
I’ve been working with couples for almost 20 years at this point. This means that the topic of sex comes up quite a bit. And if there’s one thing that continues to be an issue is inconsistent orgasms (check out “Why Do Orgasms So Often Seem Like A ‘Hit-Or-Miss’ Experience For Women?”).
Listen, no matter how many articles you read or sex positions you try, if you’re anxious, stressed out, or overthinking, it’s gonna get in the way of you experiencing high peaks of pleasure on a consistent basis. Since shallowing is something that can easily be done even in foreplay (via fingering and/ororal sex) if you get that first “release” off, that makes it easier to just sit back and enjoy the ones that (hopefully) are to follow.
2. It teaches you more about your vagina.
A part of the reason why I keep repeating certain facts about vaginas in these articles is that it’s amazing how little certain things are discussed en masse — like the size of the vaginal tube. And since shallowing helps you to stimulate the nerve endings at the entrance of your va-jay-jay along with your G-spot (which is housed a little ways from your opening), shallowing is a great way to explore that area of your body as you figure out what truly works for you and…what doesn’t.
3. It’s the perfect merging of foreplay and intercourse.
When you really stop to think about it, shallowing is like the bridge between foreplay and intercourse because you can use so many different things to do it. So, if you want to experiment with a new sex toy or you want a bit more time to “warm up the engine” before full-on penetration begins, shallowing is one of the most sexually arousing compromises there is.
4. It can help to increase your partner’s stamina.
A few years back, I penned an article for the site entitled, “We’ve Got Some All-Natural Ways To Increase Stamina & Sensitivity.” Listen, even though I onceread a GQ article that said that over 60 percent of the people they polled were fine with intercourse lasting no longer than 5-10 minutes — that poll doesn’t speak for all of us, chile.
So, if you would like your man to build up to going longer, shallowing can help to make that happen. Since he’s barely putting beyond the tip in, he can learn how to be in you for longer periods of time without being, well, in you.
5. It helps you to appreciate whatever “package” he has.
Again — and it really can’t be said enough — if shallowing is all about exploring the mere entrance of your vagina, you don’t need a man with BDE (check out “BDE: Please Let The 'It Needs To Be Huge' Myth Go”) or honestly, even anything close to it.
I mean, even though, reportedly, the size that the average woman says gives her the most orgasms is eight inches — I bet those women have never really tried shallowing before. 10”, 8”, or the average 5.5” can certainly get the job done. And well.
6. It feels A-MAZ-ING.
Okay,so now that you know about shallowing, I promise that if you put the word into your favorite search engine, you’re either gonna see articles on golfing (LOL) or sex, especially as of late. That’s because more couples are trying it out and getting mind-blowing results from it. So, if you’re looking for something new to try, give shallowing a shot.
Hey, anything that’s designed to stimulate your most intense vaginal nerve endings has got to be something for the record books. I mean, how could it not be? Lawd.
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Featured image by Juan Moyano/Getty Images