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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The West is in the building! From music to entertainment, beauty, and bolder-than-bold content creators. Whether she moved to the West to chase her dreams or came from the soil, these women treat the West as their playground. They’re not just chasing dreams, they’re walking it like they talk it, all while ensuring our beloved West’s commitment to progress and preservation.
Read about five of our ItGirls here, but be sure to check out the full ItGirl 100 List.
Char & Lani Edwards
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Sisters, Char and Lanie Edwards launched Black on the Block as a premier monthly celebration of Black-owned excellence in California. Their goal was to elevate the festival experience and showcase a carefully curated selection of over 100 Black-owned businesses spanning diverse industries and offering attendees an unforgettable experience that focuses on community.
DJ Red Corvette
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Red Corvette is a DJ, Music Director, and co-creator of the women empowerment platform Women Sound Off. With a 10-year journey as a thriving DJ, she is the epitome of a multi-format DJ with real-time troubleshooting skills as she has cultivated an unforgettable musical experience.
Ivy Coco Maurice
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Ivy Coco Maurice is a stylist and community organizer. She serves as the vice president and creative director of WalkGoodLA, a family-driven nonprofit uniting diverse communities to pursue racial equity through wellness.
Kaylin Cotton
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Kaylin Cotton is the Head of Operations and Strategy at HOORAE. Previously, she worked at Shondaland, building out the company’s brand guidelines and events. Her career focuses on creative leadership strategies and advancing organizations with a contemporary and inclusive approach.
Storm Debarge
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Storm has been dancing since she was a baby and has always aspired to be a leader in the dance industry. Storm worked with some of the largest brands in the world including Nike, Pandora, Snapchat, Red Bull, BET, NFL, and Def Jam. Storm has also worked with award-winning artists including Ciara, Blxst, Busta Rhymes, and Megan Thee Stallion.