

We may have canceled our 2020 summer travel plans but the staycation is the latest leisure trend perfect for enjoying rest and relaxation in our everyday lives. Defined as a period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within driving distance, a staycation also means those pre-planned vacation-ready outfits will not go to waste after all.
As the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are anxiously awaiting moments to reunite with family and friends over backyard BBQs, summer cocktails, picnics, and community events, spending stress-free quality time with those we've missed so dearly. But, what is a summer escape without looking the part?
In the comfort of your own home or outside, here are 3 stylish looks that will help you channel those vacation vibes.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The Ribbed Dress
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
For a lightweight and comfortable feel perfect for warm summer weather, the bodycon ribbed dress hugs curves in all the proper ways. All-white is a favorite summer go-to, adding a crisp and refreshing element for an evening outdoors. In this look, I paired it with a bright wrap-around sandal for an extra pop of color. This dress is the perfect basic, easy to accessorize while making it your own. Add a one of a kind wooden bag to complete your comfortably chic staycation-ready vibe.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Linen Pants
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Summer cannot officially begin without owning a pair of white wide leg linen pants. Casual and extremely versatile, linen is a closet staple and much-needed to create a chic staycation look, period. Dress up your pants by adding a linen blazer as well as a chain print scarf top to elevate your at-home look. Whether serving guests or serving looks, your outfit too will be delicious at the next backyard BBQ.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The Casual Statement
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
With summer's extreme heat, the most important quality of an outfit should be comfort, however that shouldn't mean sacrificing style. A knit maxi skirt is another staycation staple that allows more room to experiment with exotic statement tops and accessories, allowing room for bolder choices to pair with this basic style. Pair with a satin bamboo handle bag to create your own stylish tropical staycation paradise.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Roscoe Dash joined xoMan host Kiara Walker to share the journey of his personal and spiritual evolution—from the party anthems that made him famous to a deeper life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. This episode offers an honest look at how the artist has grown beyond early fame, addressing fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and healing.
Dash opened up about the internal transformation that has guided him away from chasing the spotlight and toward seeking peace. “Faith and fear can’t occupy the same space,” he said, underscoring his shift toward a more spiritually grounded life. Throughout the interview, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection:
“The most important conversations to me, honestly, outside of the ones you have with God, is the ones you have with yourself in the mirror.”
Dash is focused on the man he’s become. “I’m not the accolades I’ve achieved—I’m the person who achieved them,” he added, pointing to a broader understanding of identity and worth. A large part of that growth has come through fatherhood, especially raising daughters, which he said has deepened his understanding of love. “Love is unconditional and love loves to love no matter what,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and its impact on creativity. “Chasing fame can kill your creativity as a musician,” he warns. Instead, his advice to other artists is simple but clear: “Keep your focus on your art form, whatever that may be, and stay passionate.”
The conversation also touches on gender dynamics and emotional safety in relationships. “Safe men make soft women. If she feels safe, she’ll melt like butter,” he said, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Roscoe also offers wisdom on discernment and spiritual testing: “Sometimes the devil will give you what looks better than your blessing.”
Ultimately, Dash has learned to embrace peace over chaos. “All I can do is control what I can control. And that's how I respond to things and what I'm giving out,” he said. It’s a thoughtful, soulful side of Roscoe Dash that many may not expect—but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube