As our summer soirees are limited mostly to the outdoors this year, there are still places to go and people to see and looking chic while doing so. Statement tops are a must-have no matter the season but even as we are recovering from a worldwide pandemic, we can still wear the eye-catching styles we love in the best way we know how, comfortably. This summer, statement tops can be easily paired with a range of denim jeans to tone down the drama in the most subtle way possible.
Whether inside or out attending everything from game nights to girl time, casual chic is always a major win.
A Subtle Statement
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Crisp and refreshing, fun white tops are one of my summer go-to's, even more so when designed with subtle yet distinct details. My favorite aspect of this particular top is its criss-cross cut-outs along with the wide button-down sleeves. The lightweight material makes it perfect to pair with jeans for a casual and contemporary look on a warm summer day.
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Attention Seeker
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
For a casual yet bold summer slay, find a statement top with a pop of color and plenty of shoulder drama. Worn with your best-fitting mom jeans, this look will definitely be a highlight for the fashion archives. Make the top your own by adding a sneaker or sandal depending on the mood.
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Fit For A Princess
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Fashion's most coveted trends in one, this top is more than Instagram-worthy. Ruche details along with puff sleeves leaves way for a magical combination, fit for a princess. Soft and stretchy, finding a comfortable statement top is a summer essential.
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole.
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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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To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
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I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
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That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
Courtesy
So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
Courtesy
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