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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You've Never Seen Luke James In A Role Quite Like This
Over the years, we've watched Luke James play countless characters we'd deem sex symbols, movie stars, and even his complicated character in Lena Waithe's The Chi. For the first time in his career, the New Orleans-born actor has taken on a role where his signature good looks take a backseat as he transforms into Edmund in Them: The Scare—a mentally deranged character in the second installment of the horror anthology series that you won't be able to take your eyes off.
Trust us, Edmund will literally make you do a double take.
xoNecole sat down with Luke James to talk about his latest series and all the complexity surrounding it—from the challenges taking on this out-of-the-box role to the show's depiction of the perplexing history of the relationship between Black Americans and police. When describing the opportunity to bring Edmund's character to life, Luke was overjoyed to show the audience yet another level of his masterful acting talents.
"It was like bathing in the sun," he said. "I was like, thank you! Another opportunity for me to be great—for me to expand my territory. I'm just elated to be a part of it and to see myself in a different light, something I didn't think I could do." He continued, "There are parts of you that says, 'Go for it because this is what you do.' But then also that's why it's a challenge because you're like, 'um, I don't know if I'm as free as I need to be to be able to do this.' Little Marvin just created such a safe space for me to be able to do this, and I'm grateful for everything I've been able to do to lead to this."
Courtesy
Them: The Scare, like the first season, shines a light on the plight of Black Americans in the United States. This time, the story is taking place in the 1990s, at the height of the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. While the series presents many underlying themes, one that stands out is Black people and the complicated relationship with the police. "For the audience, I think it sets the tone for the era that we're in and the amount of chaos that's in the air in Los Angeles and around the country from this heinous incident. And I say it just sets the tone of the anxiety and anxiousness that everybody is feeling in their own households."
James has been a longtime advocate against police brutality himself. He has even featured Elijah McClain, the 23-year-old Colorado man who died after being forcibly detained by officers, as his Instagram avatar for the past five years. So, as you can imagine, this script was close to his heart. "Elijah was a soft-loving oddball. Different than anyone but loving and a musical genius. He was just open and wanted to be loved and seen."
Getty Images
Luke continued, "His life was taken from him. I resonate with his spirit and his words...through all the struggle and the pain he still found it in him to say, 'I love you and I forgive you.' And that's who we are as people—to our own detriment sometimes. He's someone I don't want people to forget. I have yet to remove his face from my world because I have yet to let go of his voice, let go of that being [because] there's so many people we have lost in our history that so often get forgotten."
He concluded, "I think that's the importance of such artwork that moves us to think and talk about it. Yes, it's entertaining. We get to come together and be spooked together. But then we come together and we think, 'Damn, Edmund needed someone to talk to. Edmund needed help... a lot [of] things could have been different. Edmund could have been saved.'
Check out the full interview below.
Luke James Talks Ditching Sex Symbol Status For "Them: The Scare", Elijah McClain, & Morewww.youtube.com
Featured image by Getty Images