Your Comprehensive Guide To Spring Trends
I am transfixed with spring this year. It could be because we're on the heels of a rough 2020, or the longing desire to sip mimosas with my girlfriends on a patio until the wee hours of the afternoon. Or, it could be because, for the first time in a long time, it feels like fashion has awakened. We're seeing chic combinations of colors, textures, fabrics, and silhouettes that range from the mod-inspired 60s to the sportswear-centric, late 80s to the bubblegum-pop of the early 2000s. The runways of Balenciaga, Valentino, Balmain, Pyer Moss are all filled with ruffles, puffs, exaggerated silhouettes, and colors that make you believe that you were just transported to springtime in the South of France. It might seem impossible but through the bevy of predictable floral gowns and exceptionally tiny bags, there are several realistic trends to get excited about for spring.
As we get closer and closer to a truly newer normal, these spring trends will sweep you right into summer without guillotining your wallet.
Cushioned Shoes
Made famous by Bottega Veneta seasons back and inspired by the resurgence of the romanticized nostalgia, the puff shoe trend has saturated the spring runways and city streets. There is a sleek yet comfortable element that ascended this to cult status over the last few years. The oversized cushioned band elevates the simplicity, which allows it to blend beautifully with any outfit. The style's latest variation is in slingback form, instead of the coveted backless, accessorized with dainty anklets and adorned with small pendants for a luxurious touch. In all its many styles, the trend is evocative of a Marie Antoniette-era of dress when accessories were as scrumptious as her oversized cakes and pastel pastries.
Candy Colors
An assortment of delicious and candy-inspired colors are on display for the 2021 spring palette. Paying homage to the early 2000s when neon Juicy sweatsuits reigned supreme, there's a noticeable infusion of dynamic and eclectic colors in the spring collections. Hues of bubblegum pink, tennis court green and fresh tangerine are bound to be on the curated feeds of your favorite style icons and influencers alike.
Bucket Hats
One of the older trends on the list, the bucket hat is a perfect example of the impact that black culture has on the world of fashion. Primarily used by Irish fishermen in the early 1900s and then as military-issued hats in the mid 20th century, bucket hats skyrocketed to cultural prominence in the 80s - thanks solely to hip hop culture. With the help of industry icons like LL Cool J and Run DMC, this handmade accessory was a sign of a counter-culture movement and redefined what black fashion meant, especially to a white-washed industry. Due to the bucket hat's layered history, it is one of the easiest trends to style and acquire. You can simply throw a rock and find a luxury house, premium designer, or fast-fashion retailer that has produced their version of the trend.
Halter Neck Tops
The halter top is the season's most covetable neckline for a plethora of reasons, including but not limited to the extremely flattering silhouette it creates. Reminiscent of the early 2000s and acquiring immense popularity in the late 60s, the neckline beautifully and sensually highlights the decolletage while maintaining a shred of playfulness. One can easily style this trend as the hemline to a beautiful dress, like Zendaya's character in Malcolm & Marie; as the retro-fitted top accompanied with high-waisted denim for a quick brunch; or as a chic top to your bathing suit on your next beach soiree.
Anything but Skinny Denim
Without hesitation, whenever I think of baggy denim, the chorus of "Return of the Mack" plays in my head, over-filling me with joy. It took a global pandemic and a full calendar year of staying at home to dethrone the skinny jean, arguably the only relevant denim trend for the last decade. An extraordinary aspect of denim is the flexibility; any person can make the style personalized to their preference. The antiquatedly named 'boyfriend jean' has been reimagined in various forms, and upgraded in fit to complement the figure of a real woman. From cropped to sneaker-hugging, baggy denim is easy to style and forecasted to make waves through the fall and winter season.
See You On The Court
A prominent staple of classic Americana style, the tennis skirt is experiencing a vigorous comeback in 2021. Adorned only by athletic icons like Serena Williams, the tennis skirt has remained on the outskirts of mainstream fashion for decades. But with the rise of athleisure outside the home and the ongoing influence of black culture, it's quickly become the go-to skirt for sneakerheads and preppy girls alike. Since the skirt is simple and minimalist, you can expertly style it according to your exact preference.
Read all about fashion and style here.
Featured image courtesy of @astyledmind/@ashleygalleraniphotography
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
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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.
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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.
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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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