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 LISTÂ 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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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images