These Are The Micro Trends To Get You Through Summer
Summer is finally here and we're seeing the latest in this season's biggest trends exploding everywhere. Excitedly exiting the cold and gloomy winter months, fashion girls everywhere are taking advantage of the coolest new and re-emerging styles for the warm weather season. With there being much anticipation to finally be outside after a year and a half, I've seen so many new and refreshing styles to add to my closet in anticipation of a stylish summer like never before.
Breaking free from oversized knits and sweatpants, I'm longing to engage in wild prints, bright colors and enticing looks as I just want to have fun with my outfits again.
From psychedelic prints to wide leg denim jeans, this summer is all about breaking out and going bold even if it's an occasion that calls for a cute yet casual moment. With there being so many styles worth talking about, scroll to find both classic and trendy items worth adding to your summer wardrobe below.
1.The Designer Shoulder Bag
Every stylish girl needs a designer shoulder bag in her life and Coach is the perfect starter brand. As the company makes a major comeback, their newly released styles are modern with a vintage flair. For a designer bag with an affordable price tag, this Coach pillow bag is a go-to bag for summer.
2."Boy" Shorts
Oversized shorts made their first appearance early last year during the first round of quarantine but now that we're back outside, pair them with chunky socks, sneakers and a cute crop top and you've got a comfy cool girl look for a casual summer day. For an easy on the go look, add a dainty hoop earring along with stackable rings and layered necklaces for a feminine touch.
3.The 90’s Jean
High-waist denim is a classic style that is here to stay but it's the wide leg trend that is making its way back into our lives this summer. The wider the leg, the more stylish the silhouette. From white to blue denim, add a variety of washes to your closet this season.
4.The Updated Maxi
A maxi dress should be on top of every wish list this summer but it's the style of dress that matters most. This year's asymmetrical trend is adding major appeal to all types of clothing styles and this dress is one of my faves so far! Casually paired with a flat or high-heeled sandal, this is a perfect look to compliment a beautiful warm sunny day.
5.The Oversized Button Down
Always essential no matter the season, an oversized button down is a stylishly lightweight addition everyone needs in our wardrobe. Easily tossed over a casual look, a classic white button down is a girl's best friend. What I love about a button down is the variety of colors, prints and lengths to add to your wardrobe mix.
6.Oversized Blazer
Another must-have in your closet is an oversized blazer. For summer, I strongly suggest a lightweight soft light pastel or brightly colored option paired with a stylish crop top. A blazer is a must-have every season, but it's the color that matters most this time of year.
7.A Matching Set
One of my favorite trends this season, big bold prints are the micro trend we never knew we needed. There's something about this head to toe print-heavy look that genuinely makes me happy. Keep an eye on matching sets in different colors, prints and materials for a variety of looks to choose from.
8.Abstract Prints
Transitioning from tie dye to water colors, this season's newest color mix is the abstract multicolored print. There's no question when adding a standout swim piece to your wardrobe this summer created but when in a retro-inspired multicolored print, it's a match made in paradise. Playful prints are huge this summer, so adding a few pieces to your wardrobe this season for a modern yet vintage is a psychedelic trip you won't regret.
9.Colorful Sunglasses
Colorful frames are having a major comeback this season. It's been a while since I've had the urge to match my sunglasses with my outfit but I'm on the hunt for a range of vibrant shades that will effortlessly brighten up my everyday life. We're adding color to our wardrobes from our head to our toes this season.
10.Platform Slides
My favorite shoe style for summer, the platform thong sandal is the chicest look of them all. I can't get enough of the elevated look, and how it takes an everyday casual look to new heights. With a variety of colors to choose from, these sandals can be worn with pretty much anything.
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image via @aniyamorinia/Instagram
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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How To Tell If You're Disciplining Your Child Or Seeking Revenge
When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images