![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![Take Your Holiday Style To New Heights With These 6 Luxe Looks](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjE1Mjk0MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3OTYzNjUzNH0.4CivVnjvIxhN6lkXNuIWXsg7iVSL6DQU6cFG8k2otFk/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C1397%2C0%2C234)
Take Your Holiday Style To New Heights With These 6 Luxe Looks
We know you have probably received a slew of invitations, from work functions to Friendsmas to New Year's Eve. This year, we want to challenge you to go for luxe looks by wearing fabrics like velvet, sequin and metallic. These textures and colors are synonymous with luxury because they are timelessly royal. When it comes to holiday functions, whether it's professional or play, end the year strong in outfits that make you feel and look good.
Gentle reminder: it's time to carefully apply pressure. We have styled six looks to help you do just that. *in my best Billy Porter voice* The category is... LIVE, WERK, POSE!
The category is: Suited & Booted
Writer Joce Blake
Photography by: Charlie B Photography
They say, "You make plans and God laughs," and that often happens to me when I have a vision for an outfit, order pieces, and then they don't arrive for my event. Just call me the queen of remixing. Take this look, for example. I paired a sequin mini dress I copped from Zara with one of my favorite plaid suits. The chicness of the top makes it perfect for the holiday and the suit provides a clean aesthetic. You can easily take this look from day to night.
Shop This Look:
The category is: The Jumpsuit
Writer Joce Blake
Photography by: Charlie B Photography
By nature, jumpsuits create a polished silhouette. They are picture-perfect for curvy girls because they keep you snatched in all the right places. A jumpsuit is all you need to turn heads at the cocktail party. Velvet will never go out of style so whether you choose a jumpsuit or a dress, you're in good company.
I went for clear PVC heels because they are on trend but you should make sure you wear comfortable shoes in case you end up dancing the night away.
Shop This Look:
The category is: Sequin Realness
Writer Joce Blake
Photography by: Charlie B Photography
No holiday listicle is complete without sequin, so I made sure to give you tons of it. You can't get more festive than head to toe sparkles. This look is ideal for New Year's Eve – light up the night in the colorful crop top and contrasting skirt. When choosing accessories, I thought yellow tassel earrings would take the contrasting to another level.
If you're looking for a sparkly, multi-dimensional look, go with this number.
Shop This Look:
The category is: LBD x The Pop of Color
Writer Joce Blake
Photography by: Charlie B Photography
Little Black Dresses are the unsung heroes of the holiday season. The fashion staple never lets us down, no matter the occasion. Some refer to it as the Little Boring Dress but we know how to give it life. It's simple: add a pop of color with your accessories. If you hadn't noticed, popping pink is one of the colors you should be wearing this season.
This specific LBD also has some extra panache with the pronounced sequins and fringe at shoulders. I fell in love with the front ruching and its smoothing effect.
Shop This Look:
The category is: Hey Goldmember!
Writer Joce Blake
Photography by: Charlie B Photography
Popular opinion: slip dresses are lit. Dress it up with a tuxedo jacket and snakeskin boots to bring haute fashion to your soiree. You can transform the 90s-styled frock in many ways, from layering it with a structured top to keeping it simple with strappy sandals. And the alluring aspect of the slip dress is archetypal for the night out on the town.
It should come as no surprise that I rounded up three different trends – a slip dress, oversized blazer, and snakeskin boots. For some sauce, I even added a pearl hair pin on the lapel of the blazer. Issa lewk, sis.
Shop This Look:
The category is: Maximize the Maxi
Writer Joce Blake
Photography by: Charlie B Photography
Maxi dresses + over the knee boots + fur stoles = winter fun for the fashion fiend. Save the drama for your outfits by wearing a glamorous maxi dress. Cold weather doesn't equate to covering up so show some skin with a daring high-slit and neckline. The faux suede boots provide an elemental feature creating perfect balance with the dress and stole. If you're attending a fancy dinner, turn up the heat in this getup.
Shop This Look:
Boohoo Boutique Sequin Plunge Maxi Dress, $36
JustFab Mariam Heeled Over The Knee Boot, $33
Location: The Forum at Fitzsimons | Denver, CO
Photography by: Charlie B Photography
Did you know that xoNecole has a podcast? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to join us for weekly convos over cocktails (without the early morning hangover.)
- Holiday Party Outfit Idea 2019: Dress Like Michelle Yeoh ›
- 9 kid-approved holiday outfits that are stylish and practical ›
- Holiday & Christmas Outfits | Nordstrom ›
- Stylish Outfits For Holiday Travel ›
- 9 stylish black dresses that will turn heads this holiday season ›
- 7 stylish outfits to wear to your office holiday party ›
- 7 Chic Christmas Party Outfits 2019 - Cute Holiday Party Dress Ideas ›
- Stylish Holiday Outfit Ideas (That Are Comfy Too) | Who What Wear ›
- Best Christmas Party Outfits 2019 - What to Wear to Holiday Parties ›
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Blair Underwood Initially Turned Down 'Sex And The City' Because 'It Was About How Samantha Was Fascinated By Dating A Black Man’
Actor and heartthrob Blair Underwood is opening up about why he turned down Sex and the City the first time he was offered a role. Many fans of the HBO series may recall Blair's time on the show in which his character was dating Miranda (Cynthia Nixon). However, he was previously offered another role where his character would date Samantha (Kim Cattrall).
During his interview with AV Club, the Set It Off star revealed that he was uncomfortable with the initial offer due to the character's fascination with him being a Black man.
“I actually did say ‘no’ the first time,” he said. “The first time they had offered the role, to be honest with you, it was about how Samantha was fascinated by dating a Black man and wanted to know if, uh, all of the rumors were true about our anatomy! And I said, ‘Listen, I’m honored, thank you, but I just don’t want to play a character based on race, on curiosity about a Black man.'”
But that didn't stop them from reaching out again. This time he was offered to play Dr. Robert Leeds, the love interest to Miranda and he decided to go for it. "So they were nice enough to call about a year later, and I said, 'Well, is it gonna be about race?' And they said, 'No, no, no, we’re not even gonna mention race!' And I think it really did only come up maybe once," he recalled.
"It did five episodes, and I think Samantha mentioned it once, saying something about 'a Black doctor' that Miranda was dating. And that’s really been a consistent thing in my career: not wanting to be boxed as 'the Black guy.'
"I’ve had that conversation with many producers along the way, and they were so great. They said, 'No, he’s just a doctor who Miranda meets in the elevator, and they have a nice little fling.' And it was amazing."
Blair has had a wide-ranging career playing everything from a lawyer on L.A. Law to playing Madame CJ Walker's husband on Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madame CJ Walker. And during his interview, he revealed another role that he initially turned down, Set It Off. The movie, which is considered a classic in Black culture, stars Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise. Blair's character, Keith, played a banker and love interest to Jada's character, Stony.
He explained why he said no at first and eventually accepted the offer. "I had initially said “no” to that. Because I was playing this historic, iconic African-American historical figure in Jackie Robinson, and the time, y’know, there was Boyz N The Hood, and Menace II Society was out there, and I’d finished playing this noble Negro… [Laughs]," he said.
"And I’m reading the script, and there’s a scene where Jada Pinkett’s character—Jada Pinkett-Smith now—was going to sell her body so she could make some money to send her brother to college. And I remember, honestly, I threw the script across the room. I was, like, “I don’t want to do this. I want to do something uplifting for the Black culture and Black characters, and I don’t know if I want to see this.”
After a conversation with the movie's director F. Gary Gray and the actor's manager encouraging him to finish reading the script, Blair had a change of heart. What he first thought about the movie turned out to be totally different.
"So I finished the script, and I saw that the character they were asking me to play was really the love story in the midst of all of this turmoil of all of these characters, the four ladies: Queen Latifah, Vivica Fox, Kimberly Elise, and Jada," he explained.
"It was so well-written, it was such a great platform for them. And to be able to play the love story and the storyline that gave Jada’s character a leg up and a way out of this world, something to hope for, to wish for, someone to love her… I said, 'You know what? I’d like to be a part of that.'
"And I’m so glad I did, because that film resonates to this day. People all the time come up to me and say that they love that movie. So I’m glad that I did it."