During this time, I'm gravitating toward more mini and maxi skirts, dresses, and even leather shorts as I prance into a range of summer to fall-like temperatures that vary from day to day in LA. What I love most about the calf boot is the range of looks you can complete with limitless options of colors and prints for every preference.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Living in Los Angeles, there are more sunny days than most regions, but we do our best when it comes to getting in our fall and winter outfits. Within these particular months of year, it's anyone's guess what the weather will be like on any given day, so it's always best to plan accordingly.
It doesn't matter if I'm on a daytime brunch with my girls or dressing up for a dinner date night, pairing a tall boot with a super chic look gives nothing less than a fashion forward look.
Keep scrolling for my go-to fall boots that will be in steady rotation for the rest of 2021 and beyond.
The Best Boots To Wear On Date Night
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Replace a strappy heel with a super sleek calf boot and see how many compliments you'll get in one night. That was my experience when pairing this multi-panel boot from N.Y.A.S, a brand catering to women with larger than average shoe sizes, and a strapless satin corset dress paired with an oversized cream blazer. Dining outside, I wanted to remain comfortable and warm, so I decided a boot was the perfect option when planning the night's look.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
What To Wear When Brunching With The Girls
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
One thing about people in LA, we take brunch very seriously. Opting for a purple cut-out blazer dress, I decided to go for my favorite white boots from the brand Smash Shoes. Wearing a size 12 in shoes, it's always difficult to find boots in my size. When shopping with this brand in particular, I'm always confident in a hassle-free experience to find a proper fit and stylish options. Adding texture to this bright weekend look, I paired a printed chain-strapped bag to complete a fun fashion moment.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
How To Style Fall Boots For The Everyday Slay
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Loving the latest release from N.Y.A.S, I couldn't wait to wear my new black faux leather boots with this abstract print satin maxi for a fun color combination complete with a pop of an orange mini bag. Obsessed with dresses as of late, I wanted to pair this look with my square-toe boots for a chic, modern, yet western vibe. Day or night, this is the fall look I've been waiting for.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
With men's suiting, there's only so many styles that are available. Mostly designed with classic silhouettes, this fall, I want to embrace more trendy and stylish pieces in line with the modern masculine twist that I love so much. Keep scrolling to check out these menswear-inspired looks that are all woman.
Peek-a-boo Blazer with a Twist
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The moment I saw this blazer, I knew I had to have it. Perfect to catch an evening drink with the girls or a night out with bae, this outfit is not only chic but incredibly comfortable as well. Beyond its super stylish twisted knot detail and trendy side cut-outs, it's the perfect color for fall.
Keeping it seasonally appropriate, I paired a slim black leather pant and matching mules for a professional yet sultry look. I couldn't forget my accessories, so I went with a two-toned gold linked chain necklace along with a tortoise print acrylic box bag to complete this look.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Cut-Out Button Down Dress
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Owning my fair share of classic white button downs, I went on the hunt to find a more feminine style that embodied my favorite 2021 trends. Opting for this dress because of its bold front cut-out, I loved that it's not your everyday outfit. Perfect for transitional weather, I wanted to go for a more subtle approach, opting for a brown square toe mule.
When worn during cooler weather or at night, this look can easily be worn with an oversized blazer and boots.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Wide Leg Trousers With Subtle Mixed Prints
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
First things first, a black wide leg trouser is a must-have in every woman's closet. To add more depth to such a dark look, I decided on the addition of prints with an abstract bodysuit layered underneath a men's oversized pinstripe jacket. Pairing a slim gold chain belt for a subtle pop of color along with a brown and black python print bag, this added the perfect minor details to this oversized look.
Feeling extremely chic and comfortable, my mission was accomplished.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
One of the ongoing trends of the year, two-piece matching sets made a major comeback this summer and are anticipated to continue indefinitely. From prints on prints to solid neutral tones, the ease of a pre-coordinated look is seriously unmatched. Personally, I'm not always in the mood to create an entire outfit, at times it's the lack of energy and creativity that leaves me questioning whether or not to leave the house. With a matching set, the work is already done, leaving the simple task of choosing which accessories to adorn for the day.
Keep scrolling to check out the effortless sets that I'm loving this fall.
Black and White Matching Sets
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
For this black and white zebra print cropped satin set, I paired a faux leather blazer to complete this fall look. Not wanting to overdo it, I wore a simple black mule to keep it simple yet chic. Accessorized with a fun statement earring, this is a perfect look for a night out any time of year.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
From Summer to Fall
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
I bought this two-piece set this summer with hopes of transitioning this look into fall. Like matching sets, cutouts are another trend that is here to stay for 2021. While it's still sunny skies here in LA, for those experiencing slightly colder weather opt for an oversized cream blazer and matching boot to keep stylishly warm.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The Matching Midi Skirt
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
For the more subtle yet fashion forward women, this is the perfect look that keeps on giving. I love that this set is not only a match made in heaven but both pieces can be worn interchangeably with other items from my closet. The side laced skirt details along with the scrunch cropped top are two great pieces to add to have within my wardrobe with the potential of being worn multiple times in various ways.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
We all know Black doesn't crack but when reading up on beauty trends, many online experts suggest that every woman over 30 needs specific products to fight against fine lines and wrinkles. To maintain perfectly smooth glowing skin after a certain age, if it's not eye cream, then it's a specific product or procedure that could cost more than what I'm willing to pay for anti-aging effects. I decided to get the real tea on skincare needs for Black women over 30.
I spoke with beauty expert Eden Gilliam, an Esthetician with 11 years experience in the beauty industry and founder of EVE MILAN, a Black woman-owned skincare company based in New York City.
Courtesy of Eve Milan
"I like to stay away from adding a bunch of extra products into a person's skincare routine that they're not going to commit to. Too many steps ultimately leads to becoming so frustrated that you're not going to do much of anything." Eden states. "For example, the area around your eyes is more delicate of course, it's the thinnest skin you have so it may need more attention as you age. However, if you have a nice hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid that's already in your daily routine, then you can definitely get away with using that on your under eye skin. For people that like to keep it natural, using shea butter also keeps that area hydrated."
Her point? "Keep your routine simple."
After working hands-on with clients, Eden identified common skincare struggles which led her to create a line of products designed to restore confidence and a healthy glow no matter one's age. She explains, "There isn't anything that a three-step system can't solve." With age comes responsibility and a quick morning and night time routine is extremely effective when balancing healthy skin and a busy life. "It should only take 10 minutes of your time, knowing exactly what you're doing and feeling confident in your routine."
The Simplicity Set: 3-Step System
"When it comes to the products we offer, like our best-selling 'Simplicity Set,' it's a hydrating cleanser, gentle exfoliant in the form of pads and a serum."
1. Gentle Cleansing Gel No. 103
Courtesy of Eve Milan
Every routine starts off with a cleanser. Eden suggests tackling your skincare basics with a nourishing cleanser that balances oil production while delivering a deep clean.
2. Superfruit Enzyme Exfoliating Pads
Courtesy of Eve Milan
Recently introduced to the process of exfoliation, when speaking with Eden I learned how instrumental this process is for aging skin. "Exfoliating as you get older is going to be the foundation of any skincare routine. You have to exfoliate. As we age, our skin turn over rate starts to slow down and it's not renewing itself as fast as it used to. That's how you get clogged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, even dry skin. When exfoliating, that allows the remaining products you apply to be more effective."
When asked what's the difference between an exfoliant and a toner, Eden explains, "A toner completes the cleaning process which is why it's used after a cleanser but exfoliants dissolve the glue that holds your skin cells intact. You want these skin cells to regenerate like they used to."
"A chemical exfoliant, which I believe every Black woman should be using, not a scrub (physical exfoliant), penetrates into the skin and keeps working throughout the day. It also increases your skin turn over and helps with appearing how it was in your teens and 20's."
Another tip when using the enzyme exfoliating pads, you can use on your face, neck, chest, anywhere on your body, even your bikini area when suffering from ingrown hairs. Take care of all areas and achieve a head to toe glow by getting the most out of your products. Don't neglect the rest of your body by focusing solely on your face while other areas suffer from dry, cracked skin.
3. Reset Serum No. 422
Courtesy of Eve Milan
To complete the 3-step system, Eve Milan's Reset Serum is the perfect universal hydrating formula created for skin types. Doubling as a moisturizer, this is the final step to securing fresh and rejuvenated skin. Eden shares, "If you are going to invest money in anything skincare-wise, you'll want a serum." For a hydrating, vitamin-rich product, the Reset Serum soaks into the skin with healing ingredients like Gotu kola, niacinamide and ceramides which provide you with the anti-aging benefits. Whether oily or dry skin, this hydrating serum is for everyone.
"Asking whether a hydrating serum is for dry skin only is like asking if a person needs water. Your skin needs water, not oil. One of the main things that African-American women deal with is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which are brown spots resulting in the lack of hydration. No matter your skin type, you need products that add water to the skin and keep it in there."
Aside from the 3-step process, Eden also shares the importance of good health and probiotics when it comes to healthy skin. She adds, "One thing I tell my clients, we need to take vitamins. Skincare is what you are eating and the vitamins you are taking. Ask yourself what you are eating and drinking. Like caffeine, is it helping you or causing more problems?"
Without the use of harsh chemicals, Eve Milan's mission is getting customers to feel comfortable in their own skin. All the products are made free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, artificial color and fragrance to limit your exposure to toxins.
To get your beauty fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Beauty section here.
Featured image by Getty Images
