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As the winter flows through its final days, we encounter Pisces Season with a warm yet passionate embrace. Tapping into our innermost thoughts and emotions, we’re never really in the present, either reminiscing on the past or romanticizing our future. From our complex imaginations to concrete realities, those born as this particular water sign have a way of knowing exactly what we want and how we choose to represent ourselves, especially when it comes to fashion.
Like our hearts, we wear our emotions on our sleeves, opting for clothing and accessories based solely on how we feel from the inside out. Independent by nature, we all have a distinct stylish approach to the world which cannot be defined or confirmed by anything other than how we decide to reveal ourselves to those around us.
Known for our dreamy disposition and outgoing personalities, Pisces tend to gravitate towards statement pieces with bold feminine attributes, never failing to possess main character energy. No matter one’s mood, you can always count on us to have fun, opting for colorful tones, design details, and carefully selected accessories we’ve collected over the years.
Most notable Piscean style icons such as Rihanna, Lupita Nyong’o, and Erykah Badu are all known for dramatic style, while confidently taking risks oftentimes in uniquely oversized garments with bodacious prints and artistic silhouettes. Never failing to make a look of one's own, now is when Pisces thrive most, even when it feels like the season of most resistance.
As we continue to pace ourselves throughout this sentimental time of year, keep scrolling as we’ve gathered a few Pisces-inspired looks for those celebrating another year around the sun this season or who simply want to embody the dreamy aspects of this one-of-a-kind sign.
What To Wear to Your Birthday Dinner
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Hate it or love it but the birthday dinner is the most convenient way to gather our loved ones in the same building as we don’t care for organizing events. It’s not often we experience all of our closest friends at the same time so we take this moment each year to celebrate those who have stuck beside us in our highest of highs and dramatic lows.
To lessen the traumatic stress that comes along with planning a birthday, a classic little black dress is all we need. With a pop of skin and form-fitted detail, this ruched Norma Kamali halter dress is perfect for the thirty-something-year-old maturing Pisces. Paired chunky gold necklace, gold heel, and classic clutch, this is a timeless look you’ll love forever.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
What To Wear on a Wine Tour
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
As one that loves adventure, wine tasting is the perfect excursion for a spontaneous Pisces. For a daytime look within Napa Valley or caravaning throughout Malibu Hills, a beige trouser and lime green fitted vest may be more of a perfect pairing than the wine and cheese platter. A sign who loves taking risks, off-white wide-leg pants just feel perfect for the moment, regardless of the potential for deep red wine.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
What To Wear on Your Solo Date
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Never afraid of solitude, we love to celebrate a special day by enjoying our own company. Independent, passionate, and sensitive to both creative expressions of the imagination, the perfect birthday consists of doing whatever we want on our own terms. A day at the museum would be top of the list, as we have a tendency to be led by good taste in visual arts. Accessorize a lightweight co-ord set paired with a sneaker, minimal gold jewelry, and an oversized statement coat to embody Pisces energy while living your best life.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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The Barbie Pink Era Is Ushering In A New Hue With The Help Of This Sultry Shade
There’s something about the whimsicalness of February fashion month that’s different from its sister month in the fall. Kicking off with haute couture week in Paris, the spring ready-to-wear shows always inject new life into the fashion cycle every year - and this year was no different. The collections this season were all about longer hemlines, sexy draping, and neutral palettes, all without sacrificing glamour and opulence.
There was a sense of grown and sexy that exuded from the runways, with many designers doubling down on the looks that could be replicated effortlessly off the runway as well. Unlike previous years, a sense of renewal surrounded this fashion month, a nod to the continued democratization of the current fashion industry. Now, trends are curated and popularized by the people as much (if not in some cases more) than the designers.
Across the different cities, designers presented topical, holistic collections that screamed “quiet luxury” while staying loyal to their brand mission. Brandon Maxwell was rooted in abundant joy, consistency, and confidence; LaQuan Smith showcased evening suiting with a hint of retro-glamour and a suit-dress combo that was just insanely divine. Carolina Herrera expertly and beautifully combined the fantastical elements of fashion with realistic and stunning silhouettes to present a collection that wowed. Bruce Glen experimented with color and prints in an innovative way that is both chic and trendy.
For the majority of designers, 2023 is the year of letting go of forced trends and embracing the elements of style and fashion through their own lens.
Fashion month can be overwhelming with all the new trends burgeoning but it can also give you that boost of inspiration you need to refresh your personal style. Based on the forecasting from the month of shows, here are 4 of the biggest trends to rotate into your wardrobe this year.
A Dose Of Reality (vs Dopamine Dressing)
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Last year our timelines were saturated with dopamine dressing, directly opposing the previous two years of athleisure. And while there’s always a reason to dress for the moment, an injection of dressing for the real world took over the streets and runways of fashion month.
With the emergence of “quiet luxury,” an under-the-radar approach to purchasing and styling luxury items, designers leaned in and presented classic tailoring, simple silhouettes, and overall very wearable staples compared to seasons past. This includes statement wide-leg trousers, deconstructed blazers, and modernized suiting with dynamic draping.
Long(er) Lines (vs Barely-There-Mini)
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
With the rise of low-rise waistlines last fall came a correlated rise in sole-sweeping hemlines; a trend ever so present on the spring runways. From denim skirts to sheer trousers, hemlines were sweeping the ground and proving that the ultra-mini isn’t your only option. These trends will be particularly big in the fall with the addition of cooler temperatures and cascading layers.
Luscious Red (vs Barbiecore)
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
Make no mistake, Barbie Pink has planted her flag sternly for 2023, thanks to the 2022 Barbiecore trend. But a new color has entered the chat this season, Luscious Red, and is on trend to be a major player in 2023. You couldn’t throw an invite without hitting a designer that highlighted dynamic hues of red throughout their collection. Whether it was an accessory, woven into the stitching of an item, or several looks styled head to toe (which was the case for many designers), designers embraced this color in a sexy, modern, and shockingly wearable way.
Cool Metallics (vs Eye-Catching Neons)
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A direct influence from the Y2K nostalgia bandwagon, the cool metallics of years past are making a dedicated comeback in 2023. There were inklings of this trend present last year, on red carpets and with fashion trendsetters as they dabbled in metallic accessories. There was an explosion of monochromatic metallic looks from golden hues to rosy reds this year. The trend dominated street style and several runways of fashion month, an indication that this trend will be here for the foreseeable future.
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Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Is The 'Mary Phillips Technique' The New Standard In Makeup Application?
Mary Phillips is the makeup artist behind the "soft glam" makeup look often seen on celebrities like Hailey Beiber and Jennifer Lopez. Phillips has taken over our TikTok “For You” pages with her viral tutorial on how to achieve the same look at home. The technique uses Phillips' version of "underpainting," which is a method of makeup application where contour and highlight are applied to the skin as the base prior to applying foundation.
Mary gave us her secret sauce, and I’m breaking it down step by step so you too can master this effortless glam. Keep reading to learn how to achieve this soft glam makeup technique.
Step 1: Apply bronzer.
The first step is bronzer and highlight which Phillips refers to as “laying down the bones under the skin.” Take a bronzer shade of your choice and apply it to the following parts of the face:
The cheekbones:
Jorine Dorcelus
The forehead:
Jorine Dorcelus
The brow bone:
Jorine Dorcelus
The jawline:
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Down the nose:
Jorine Dorcelus
The completed bronzer placement should look like this:
Jorine Dorcelus
The blended result should look like this:
Jorine Dorcelus
Step 2: Apply highlight.
Now for the highlight. For the highlight in the Mary Phillips technique, you can use a lighter shade of concealer as I did, or use a shade closer to your skin tone.
The placement for highlight starts right under the bronzer on your cheekbones:
Jorine Dorcelus
Under the eyes:
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Down the bridge of the nose:
Jorine Dorcelus
Blend for a result that looks similar to this:
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Step 3: Apply foundation.
Jorine Dorcelus
Use one pump of foundation and a fluffy brush to blend everything together with a light hand. The key is making sure you don't cover the base you just created.
Jorine Dorcelus
Step 4: Add blush.
Jorine Dorcelus
I apply blush by using my finger and tapping the blush into the high points of my cheeks and over my nose.
Jorine Dorcelus
Step 5: Complete the look with the optional addition of mascara and lipgloss.
Jorine Dorcelus
Mary Phillips' technique blew me away the first time I tried it! I wasn't expecting the amount of dimension while maintaining a soft, glowy, and effortless look. It is a new standard in my routine.
If you are a fan of “no makeup” makeup, you need to try this!
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Featured image by Jorine Dorcelus/xoNecole
The world does not progress without Black creativity, and that’s nowhere more apparent than in the fashion industry. Throughout history, Black men and women played pivotal roles in creating and advancing technical aspects within the fashion industry, while simultaneously demonstrating previously unseen innovation. Despite mainstream acceptance or acclaim, there isn’t a sector of this industry that a Black person hasn’t significantly impacted.
From couturier Ann Lowe - who created the wedding gown that Jackie Kennedy wore to marry JFK in 1953 - to global icon André Leon Talley - the first Back male creative director at VOGUE; the past several decades are saturated with intriguing and brilliant Black creatives.
With the first fashion season of the year in full swing, it proved to be the perfect time to highlight the impact of Black creativity in fashion. From editorial to show production to styling, the business of fashion is complex and requires departments to perfectly align in order to deliver an exceptional product.
Keep reading to learn about 7 Black creatives that are making moves in the industry while constantly creating spaces for others to flourish.
Shelby Ivey Christie
For years, Shelby Ivey Christie has been a staple in the social discourse, especially the intersection of fashion and race. As a fashion and costume historian, Shelby was recognized by Forbes' ‘30 Under 30’ and an honoree for the VOGUE Business 100 Innovator. On Twitter and Instagram, one can find Shelby delivering insightful and thoughtful commentary in a hilarious and digestible way.
From incredible deep dives into Black fashion history to hilarious takes on fashion’s breaking news, Shelby delivers insightful and thoughtful commentary in a digestible way, which has helped to solidify her status as a powerful emerging player in the fashion industry.
Ivy Coco
At this point, what can’t Ivy Coco not do? As the founder of the clothing line ‘House of Ivy’ and the newest stylist for her mother Sheryl Lee Ralph, Ivy Coco is an emerging force in the fashion industry. But, she doesn’t just serve looks, she also serves her community. For years, Ivy has been the creative director for WalkGood LA, an organization dedicated to bringing people together from all walks of life to fight for racial equity. Because of her work, Ivy was recently named in the CCNYC’s 2023 Creative Class, which celebrates Black culture-shifters across a variety of disciplines.
Aïssata Diallo
Dubbed the Internet’s “Mother Nature,” Aïssata Diallo is a dynamic content creator and model with close to 1M followers across her social platforms. Aïssata focuses on modest dressing, incorporating extraordinary shapes and textures to achieve style icon status. Aside from showcasing exceptional outfits and looks, Aïssata utilizes her platform to bring awareness to places and issues close to her heart.
Gabby Prescod
A veteran in the fashion industry at this point, Gabby Prescod is a fashion editor with a strong presence across all social media platforms, for both her fearless looks and equally witty commentary. Rising through the ranks of the editorial world, Gabby is currently working as the fashion director at large for Blanc Magazine. And if you still can’t get enough, be sure to watch her debut season on the Bravo hit show Summer House, airing now!
Jessica Cruel
Another veteran in the editorial industry, Jessica Cruel is the current Editor-In-Chief for Allure magazine and had a huge impact in creating diversity and inclusivity at one of the biggest magazines in fashion. When she’s not updating her audience on the latest fashion news, she’s dishing out advice on home ownership and home renovations, aptly named #LandlordLesssons by her following.
Sandrina Charles
With over 14 years of expertise specializing in fashion and lifestyle communications, Sandrine started her own business in 2016, Sandrine Charles Consulting. While building a business that centers on championing emerging brands, Sandrine saw a lack of opportunities for Black creatives in fashion and decided to help. In 2020, she co-founded Black In Fashion Council with Lindsay Peoples, to represent and secure the advancement of Black individuals in the fashion and beauty industry.
Toronto Shay
If there’s one person who understands the importance of representation in fashion, it’s content creator-turned-entrepreneur, Shannae Ingleton-Smith - better known as @TorontoShay to her loyal followers. After building a community of engaged fashion enthusiasts and dominating the industry for years, Shannae saw a huge gap in the marketing world for Black and brown creatives. This is the idea that led to the creation of Kensington Grey Agency, a boutique influencer agency rooted in diversity.
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Feature image by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for Allure
The second month of 2023 is flying by, and I hope it's not taking your hair goals with it. As I move into the fourth year of my natural hair journey, I’m reminded of all my past New Year’s resolutions. I was always convinced the current year was the year my hair would hit waist length. Only for the year to come and go without taking any real action toward the resolution. I’m sure all my natural hair besties can relate!
Although I didn’t hit my length goals, my flop era was fruitful in other ways. It taught me how to maintain the natural hair I had been dreaming of all those years. The game changer was simple: it’s consistency.
Regardless of the simplicity, being consistent is a real challenge. No one wants to hear that healthy hair is on the other side of doing 52 wash days for the year. However, it's highly effective and I want to share the simple 3-step routine that has kept me consistent on my journey!
Step 1: Shampoo
Courtesy of Jorine Dorcelus
Wash your hair at least once a week. Our hair needs a clean environment to support optimal hydration, and we receive hydration through the shampooing process.
Step 2: Deep Condition
Courtesy of Jorine Dorcelus
Along with your once-a-week minimum for shampooing and effectively cleansing the scalp, work in a deep conditioning treatment. It can help prevent breakage and allows moisture to penetrate the hair shaft while maintaining overall hair health.
Step 3: Style
Courtesy of Jorine Dorcelus
The third step is styling. To maintain your hair health, opt for a protective style or a low-manipulation style to ease the tension off of your strands. I chose wash-and-go’s, however, any tension-free/low-manipulation style you can wear often works for this step.
It’s a new year, this is the perfect time to make your natural hair care easy and commit to a simple wash day routine that will allow your hair health to flourish.
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Featured image courtesy of Jorine Dorcelus
This February marks my 9th year attending New York Fashion Week. In the beginning, I was challenged with immense imposter syndrome as I felt I wasn’t worthy of being in certain fashion spaces. But as I’ve learned more about myself and how showing up authentically is my superpower, I have managed to find my stride and get in my bag. Truth be told, NYFW is not for the faint of heart because it calls for you to bring it each and every season which can be exciting and overwhelming. As a fashion lover, I challenge myself to raise the bar every time because it’s such a fascinating art. This go-round, I wanted to center all of my looks around my outerwear since wintertime in New York City is no joke.
Outerwear is such an essential staple during the colder months and they are a surefire way to make a statement without saying a word. In a world full of bland jackets and coats, I just want to stand out in the most unique pieces. Ahead, find the fly outerwear I donned during the fall/winter season of New York Fashion Week.
Coming In Hot
Courtesy of Joce Blake
When I read the product description for the Willa Red Vegan Fur Leather Coat from Finesse, I knew I had to have it: “Having the WILLA red will give you the diva card. She’ll be leaving her red lipstick kiss as a memory.” And all I ever want is to make a lasting impression at New York Fashion Week, so I coupled this fiery red coat with a blue-striped button-down top from Kahlana Barfield’s Target collaboration, maroon vinyl pants, and denim Air Jordan 1s.
To bring it all together, I switched the white laces out for red ones and grabbed my red puffer Telfar. It gave exactly what it was supposed to give especially as I started my morning with the Black in Fashion Council at Christie’s to celebrate the legacy of our superhero, Andre Leon Talley.
Solid Gold, Baby
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Since metallics are having a moment right now, I wanted to center an entire look around a gold trench coat. I looked to LBV. Official for their Metallic Vegan Leather Trench Coat, which was designed with pronounced shoulder pads, a classic waist belt, and adjustable wrist belts. For accessories, I copped a custom NY hat from Rebel P Customs embellished with gold applique and threw on my ever-so-stylish Brandon Blackwood bamboo tote.
All of the gold accents coordinated like a dream, especially since I selected gold cowboy boots to bring the look to completion.
I Can Buy Myself Flowers
Courtesy of Joce Blake
One thing about me, I am going to give myself flowers. That’s exactly what I did with this Neon Rose oversized belted padded jacket in the most gorgeous floral print. The aprés-ski aesthetic is prominent every winter, so I decided to pair it with leather lavender pants, a furry top, and white booties. The runways are proof that this winter trend is here to stay, as evidenced by designers like Miu Miu and Prada.
Keep It Collegiate
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Nothing is more essential for streetwear than a varsity jacket. Just call me captain of the bad bitches because this jacket had me feeling like I was leading my team in style with this black and green varsity jacket. I tapped Finnesse again for this piece because their products are just too good and this Bobby Black Varsity Jacket was no different.
Between the striking green lettering and the fun quotes like “Purrrr” embossed on the coat, it really speaks to the way the collegiate Americana style mixed with streetwear flair has infiltrated fashion trends.
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Featured image courtesy of Joce Blake