These Accessories Crafted By Black Designers Are Absolute Summer Must-Haves
Summer travel is upon us, and that means we'll be looking for new items to add to our wardrobe. I know there are many fast fashion brands that keep us looking so fresh and so clean on a budget, but I started to think about purchasing investment pieces from black designers.
I hit the web and searched for accessories that will make stylish travel companions all summer 19' — while supporting black entrepreneurs.
Sunglasses x Coco and Breezy
Founded by twin sisters, Corianna and Brianna Dotson, Coco and Breezy have created quality handcrafted eyewear since 2009. You can find their designs at retailers nationwide and online.
Headwrap x The Wrap Life
I never travel without a headwrap from The Wrap Life. Their wraps make it easy to add a pop to any outfit and help me take a break from styling my hair on vacation.
A Woven Handbag x AAKS
If you're heading to an island or to a music festival, AAKS' handwoven bags (handcrafted in Ghana) make a great warm weather handbag to keep your most important items in tow.
Cover-Up x Andrea Iyamah
Andrea Iyamah is known for its stunning print swimwear. This black and white cover-up will complement a wealth of swimsuit options, and can also be paired with the line's high-waisted pants and cropped top.
Handmade Shoes x Brother Vellies
Not only are Brother Vellies' shoes handmade, but buying from this black-owned business means supporting the local economy and artisans in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco.
Go Strapless x Nubian Skin
Summer vacations usually mean you'll need a strapless bra to get some support under sleeveless tops. Thanks to Nubian Skin, you can find a strapless bra to match your skin tone— and you can rock it under a top or solo.
Make A Statement x Beads By Aree
Nothing sets off vacation attire like statement jewelry. From earrings to chokers, with Beads By Aree you'll find the perfect piece for your aesthetic.
Featured image by Smile/Getty Images
Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
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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ItGirl In Motion: DonYé Taylor Asked Herself This Question When Creating Her Brainchild
"Being an 'ItGirl' is all about being yourself and taking all of the elements that make you who you are and displaying them at your highest capability," creative brainiac DonYé Taylor says in the introduction of the limited video series, "ItGirl In Motion."
In partnership with Hyundai, xoNecole has unveiled the limited series in conjunction with our inaugural ItGirl 100 list. The list boasts 100 Black women who not only innovate and take up space when it comes to putting on for their cities, but also as the driving force behind brands that create impact for the culture. ItGirl DonYé Taylor is one of the 100 featured ladies who put her purpose into action.
ITGIRL IN MOTION with DONYE TAYLORwww.youtube.com
As a marketing consultant, content creator, and CEO, a driving force behind DonYé's ambitions has been to show others how she sees the world by "creating art and doing things that shift perspective." In founding her brainchild, Nüclei, which is coincidentally also home to the ever-so-chic chrome brain piggybank, DonYé briefly touched on the inspiration behind the brand. "I was like, 'What would it look like if I were to be of service to myself?' And that's what made me create Nuclei," she said.
Watch the video above to take a peek into the life of the LA-based ItGirl, the importance of Black women receiving our "flowers" while we're here, and the three things she believes are absolutely essential to any ItGirl.
See our ItGirl 100 list in full here. Click through the gallery below for some BTS moments of DonYé and our partnership with Hyundai.
CREDITS
Director: Mikkoh @mikkoh
Production Company: @30inthemorning
AD/Gimbal Op: @jeffreyrattanong
DP: @jucelandrin_
Editor: @30inthemorning
1st AC: Bonnie Delgado @bonniebellevue
2nd AC: Liz Robles @lizfatimarobles
FPV Drone Op: Kai Kevin Goh @kaivertigoh
Gaffer: Nelson Nguyen @nelson_ftw
Key Grip: Ames Hoang @mangothemaker
SLT: Jamon Tolbert @jamon.tolbert
Sound Mixer: Deyo Forteza @introducingdeyo
PA: Breyona Holt @exquisite_eye
PA: Aminah Muhammad @aminahmuhamm
BTS: Marika Belamarich @marikarosegold
Featured image by Marika Belamarich for xoNecole