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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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage