The It List: LA’s Most Stylish Women Are Buying These Items This Summer
Summer is here and I'm excited to have finally returned to living in some sense of normalcy. Now that we've fully resumed our everyday lives, there's so many places to be this summer which means so many looks to come up with. With such a joyous occasion as outside being fully open, my excitement fades when facing the reality of also having absolutely nothing fun to wear. As we reunite with the world, I want my outfits to match my energy with each look giving everything it's supposed to give.
I'm eager to fill in the gaps of the missing pieces needed to complete my feel-good outfits. Whether basics or statements, I'm on the hunt for effortless pieces to take my summer style to the next level.
I decided to get word from the most stylish women I know to dish out what items are worthy of attention this year. Whether dressed up or casually, these fashion forward women are not only wearing the hottest looks but know how to make each piece her own. Sharing their must-have summer items, scroll to check out what these LA "It Girls" are adding to their looks this season.
1. Bold & Colorful Accessories
Chanise (@chanise.chanise)
Courtesy of Chanise
Boutique Owner of The Style Animal
Courtesy of Chanise
"My must-have items currently for the summer are bold and colorful accessories."
Known as "candy rings," colorful acrylic jewels are stacked everywhere. Reminiscent of the early 2000's, big bold statement rings are making a strong comeback. This quirky style created with a bubble looking effect is a fun trend I'm definitely adding to cart. Keep the color going by adding bold yet complementary pieces to your look with the full set to match.
Shop the Look:
Candy Rings: The Style Animal
Bag: GCDS
Leggings (similar): Farfetch
2. The Satin Dress
You can never go wrong with a satin mini dress. With unlimited colors and prints, it's only a matter of finding the one that speaks to you. Paired with a sandal or a sneaker, You can't go wrong with this classic summer dress.
Shop the Look:
Dress: Macy's
3. Colored Sunglasses
Courtesy of Amira
Celebrity Stylist
Colorful sunglasses are back on the most-wanted list this season but how do you know which will stand the test of time? While it's tempting to get an assortment of colored frames, it's about style and strategy when avoiding buyer's remorse during the next big eyewear trend. Stylist Amira Vee suggests a classical red squared designer frame as a chic must-have designer eyewear for everyone.
Shop the Look:
Sunglasses: Farfetch
4. Asymmetrical Everything
Victoria (@v.styl)
Courtesy of Victoria
Celebrity Stylist
If you haven't hopped on the asymmetrical trend by now, you have a lot of catching up to do. Super modern and chic, asymmetrical designs can take a basic piece to all new heights. One of the most stylish trends for summer, this look is universally complementary on all body types.
Shop the Look:
Top: Line by K
Skirt: Zara
5. A Portable Fan
Sandra Jay (@sandra_jay)
Courtesy of Sandra
Professional Fashionista
"Besides the Tom Ford Disco Platform Silver heels that cost an arm and three legs, a must-have summer item for me would be a portable fan," Sandra Jay explained. "LA summers can get hot, and what better way to be a Hot Girl while in these streets with a portable fan. I literally can't leave my house without my FanC fan paired with a cute pair of shades."
Shop the Look:
Portable Fan: FanC
6. Sky High Platforms
BT (@btmarie)
Courtesy of BT
Celebrity Stylist
Wardrobe Stylist, BT, names sky high platforms as the summer 2021 trend she's excited to wear. The major height and sleek style of these modern day slides are a fashion girl's dream. With a colorful assortment of styles and heights, there are so many fashionable options to slip into this season.
Shop the Look:
Platforms: Simon Miller
7. Nike Air Force 1’s
Genevive
Courtesy of Genevive
"This is my first time wearing Air Force 1's as an adult. I was geeked to start rocking them for the summer."
Stylist
Air Force 1's are a classic that should be in everyone's closet. Paired with just about anything this summer, this is the ultimate must have sneaker.
Shop the Look:
Shoes: Nordstrom
8. Babydoll Dress
Londyn (@londyndouglas)
Courtesy of Londyn
Wardrobe Stylist
This year, Target is collaborating with emerging design brands and the Christopher John Rogers collection is by far a favorite. This super chic babydoll dress is the perfect dose of fashion and femininity we all need this summer. The black chunky sandals adorned with emerald stones is a naturally stylish touch to accentuate this warm weather look.
Shop the Look:
Dress: McMullen (similar), Zara (similar)
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image courtesy of Taylor
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Meet The Designer Behind This Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" Video Look
When Megan Thee Stallion dropped “Hiss,” a shift happened. From the audacious lyrics to the striking visuals, there was no doubt that the song and video would go viral. The opening of the video shows the H-town hottie rocking a barely there Shibari red dress, showing off her voluptuous frame. It was a sexy moment created by Timeekah Murphy of Alani Taylor. The designer exclusively tells us how the opportunity came about and what it was like seeing her design on Megan for the first time.
Timeekah Murphy
Photo courtesy
xoNecole: How did the opportunity to create such an iconic look for Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss" video come about?
Timeekah Murphy: The opportunity came from a DM from celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. She asked for a unique Shibari piece for Megan, and I needed to get it done in two days. So, of course, I did everything in my power to make it happen. I've always wanted to design for Megan, so this was an awesome opportunity for me.
xoN: What was that initial feeling of seeing the dress on her for the first time?
TM: I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
xoN: Did you meet her? If so, how was that moment?
TM: I didn't meet Megan during the shoot, but during my time in LA, I got the opportunity to meet her at LA Pride with Tiffany Haddish, Common, and EJ King (stylist). Megan is such an amazing person, so it made it even better to know that my designs were going to be worn by her. I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
"I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her."
Photo courtesy
xoN: Walk us through the creation of the dress. How did you come up with the look, and how long did it take to make it?
TM: I was the co-designer for a brand called Deviant in 2018-2020, and we used to make custom Shibari pieces. That's how Zerina knew me. So I'm very familiar with making these types of pieces. We made plenty for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish, Tyra Banks, and so many others. So Zerina knew exactly what she wanted.
To get it done, it took me a day and a half. It's very intricate and time-consuming, so I spent about six hours making it then I sent an image of it to Zerina, and she didn't approve the first one, so I had to start from scratch again after getting my guidance and understanding of what was needed. The next day, I went to The Lab and created another version, and she approved it. I had to get it shipped overnight so that she would get it in time and fast forward to seeing it on the big screen.
xoN: What's next for you?
TM: Everything. The sky is not my limit, so the Alani Taylor brand is expanding into so many different avenues. We are getting involved in the community more, offering sewing classes to the youth. I've opened up a store for my brand in Atlanta and now preparing for fall/winter Fashion Week.
Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" video/ YouTube
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There are so many words to describe Usher Raymond: musician, superstar, legend. But to many of his female fans, he’s our #MCE. Take me, for instance. I’m 32 and grew up listening to his music, watching his music videos and interviews, and, of course, I had posters of him on my wall. He was my first celebrity crush, and why wouldn’t he be? He had and still has the full package: handsome features and an amazing voice that will make you melt. I remember seeing him in concert for the first time. It was his Truth tour, you know, the tour that he went on after dropping the mind-blowing, highly successful Confessions album. It was my second concert ever, following the Scream Tour, and I was LIVING! (Shoutout to my middle school friend for the hookup.)
It wasn’t until I was an adult that I got to watch him in concert again. Yes, I’m talking about his Las Vegas residency. It’s one of the most talked about residencies for a reason. From the selection of songs to the flash and pizzazz that Vegas is known for, combined with Usher’s unique flair, it was truly a night to remember. I swooned the whole time and sang my little heart out with each song. It took me back to being that little girl who was crushing on who they call U-S-H-E-R, and now, as a grown woman, I can honestly say not much has changed.
Usher was hot! 🔥🔥🔥
Going from a teenage heartthrob to a 45-year-old father of four with nine no. 1 songs on the Billboard charts and too many awards to count, including eight Grammys, he has conquered another feat, performing at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show of the city that helped sparked his resurgence. The show, just like his Vegas residency was a reminder that, when he touches the mic, the “Burn” singer is nothing to play with and he’s only getting better with time.
If it’s not his talent that will hook you, it’s undoubtedly his charm that will reel you in. There’s not many celebrities who started young in the entertainment industry and kept a high standard of professionalism and humility, proving why Usher is the epitome of a class act on and off the stage. His swag, his talent, his good looks–I can go on and on, and no matter what, he will always be our boo.
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Feature image by Steph Chambers/Getty Images