Think In Color With Vibrant Looks From These Black-Owned Clothing Brands
Now that we are well into the summer solstice, it's time to really experiment with your wardrobe. Each summer, we dust off bold neons and traditional florals to revamp and elevate our style. While the fashion gods seemingly oversaturated the 2020 runways with summer trends, there's one way to effortlessly embrace summer: monochromatic, bold colors.
Before you exit off, hear me out. Incorporating color into your wardrobe is a tricky beast, but it doesn't have to be. By doing some research, exploring what colors you feel beautiful in, and finding silhouettes that flatter your shape; wearing color will feel as effortless as your trusted neutral. So, say goodbye to your cream sweats and loose tees! Here are 4 looks, full of color and from women of color, to aid in your summer slay.
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Barbie Pink
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C'mon, who doesn't absolutely love a Barbie moment in 2020? Even if pink hues aren't your style, there's no denying that the pink aesthetic is taking over the world - online and off. One way to exude femininity this season is a monochromatic pink look, with hints of silver or gold to break it up. The Kyle Midi is the perfect length and fabric for summer days that lead into summer nights. Along with this show-stopping dress, Eclectic Bella is a go-to for effortless street style and comfort. Each collection is curated with quality and price in mind.
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Lemonade Yellow
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If you've been dying to recreate a look similar to Beyonce's Lemonade, look no further. The Naya Robe and Ekon Pants from Andrea Iyamah scream 'summertime fine!'. The super long pants help to elongate your legs, with a waist tie to give you more control. Whether you have a smaller waist, fuller hips, or a longer torso; these pants accentuate any body shape. The chiffon robe with exaggerated sleeves elevates this luxurious look.
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Money Green
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While I gravitate towards any hue of green, this green is perfect for the summer season. Lively and energetic, this dress from Lilly's Kloset hugs every curve perfectly. The draped neckline is ideal for any size bust. The asymmetrical hemline and mid-section ruching help to create the most delicious silhouette. The lightweight fabric is ideal for summer, with a flirty slip underneath to facilitate the beautiful draping.
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Romantic Red
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Oh, hello hunty! Red is the color of romance and we all need something extra for summer nights. Getting date-night ready is easy with this adorable look from Cushnie. The plunging neckline and low back create a romantic and flirty vibe; the high slit exudes sexiness and a bit of mystery. Located in Targets across the country, Cushnie constantly has the cutest and most size-inclusive dresses.
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
The Reality Of Living With Severe Asthma – As Told by 2 Women On Their Disease Journey
This post is in partnership with Amgen.
The seemingly simple task of taking a breath is something most of us don’t think twice about. But for people who live with severe asthma, breathing does not always come easily. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs, affects millions of people worldwide – 5-10% of which live with severe asthma. Severe asthma is a chronic and lifelong condition that is unpredictable and can be difficult to manage. Though often invisible to the rest of the world, severe asthma is a not-so-silent companion for those who live with it, often interrupting schedules and impacting day-to-day life.
Among the many individuals who battle severe asthma, Black women face a unique set of challenges. It's not uncommon for us to go years without a proper diagnosis, and finding the right treatment often requires some trial and error. Thankfully, all hope is not lost for those who may be fighting to get their severe asthma under control. We spoke with Juanita Brown Ingram, Esq. and Jania Watson, two inspiring Black women who have been living with severe asthma and have found strength, resilience, and a sense of purpose in their journeys.
Juanita Brown Ingram, Esq.
Juanita Ingram has a resume that would make anyone’s jaw drop. On top of being recently crowned Mrs. Universe, she’s also an accomplished attorney, filmmaker, and philanthropist. From the outside, it seems there’s nothing this talented woman won’t try, and likely succeed at. In her everyday life, however, Juanita exercises a lot more caution. From a young age, Juanita has struggled with severe asthma. Her symptoms were always exacerbated by common illnesses like a cold or flu. “I've heard these stories of my breathing struggles, but I remember distinctly when I was younger not being able to breathe every time I got a virus,” says Ingram. “I remember missing a lot of school and crying a lot because asthma is painful. I [was taken] to see my doctor often if I got sick with anything so I was hypervigilant as a child, and I still am.”
Today, Juanita says her symptoms are best managed when she’s working closely with her care team, avoiding getting sick and staying ahead of any symptoms. Ingram said she’s been blessed with skilled doctors who are just as vigilant of her symptoms as she is. While competing in the Mrs. Universe competition, Juanita took extra care to stay clear of other competitors to ensure she didn’t catch a cold or virus that would trigger her severe asthma. “I would stand off to the side and sometimes that could be taken as ‘oh, she thinks she's better than everybody else.’ But if I get sick during a pageant, I'm done. I had to compete with that in mind because my sickness doesn't look like everybody else's sickness.”
Even when her symptoms are under control, living with severe asthma still presents challenges. Juanita relies on her strong support system to overcome the hurdles caused by a lack of understanding from the public, “I think that there's a lot of lack of awareness about how serious severe asthma is. I would [also] tell women to advocate and to trust their intuition and not to allow someone to dismiss what you're experiencing.”
Jania Watson
Jania, a content creator from Atlanta, Georgia, has been living with severe asthma for many years. Thanks to early testing by asthma specialists, Jania was diagnosed with severe asthma as a child after experiencing frequent flare-ups and challenges in her day-to-day life. “I specifically remember, I was starting school, and we were moving into a new house. One of the triggers for me and my younger sister at the time were certain types of carpets. We had just moved into this new house and within weeks of us being there, my parents literally had to pay for all new carpet in the house.”
As Jania grew older, she was suffering from fewer flare-ups and thought her asthma was well under control. However, a trip back to her doctor during high school revealed that her severe asthma was affecting her more than she realized. “That was the first time in a long time I had to do a breathing test,” she describes. “The doctor had me take a deep breath in and blow into a machine to test my breathing. They told me to blow as hard as I could. And I was doing it. I was giving everything I got. [My dad and the doctor] were looking at me like ‘girl, stop playing.’ And at that point [it confirmed] I still have severe asthma because I've given it all I got. It doesn't really go away, but I just learned how to help manage it better.”
Jania recognizes that people who aren’t living with asthma, may not understand the disease and mistake it for something less serious. Or there could be others who think their symptoms are minor, and not worth bringing up. So, for Jania, communicating with others about her diagnosis is key. “Having severe asthma [flare-ups] in some cases looks very similar to being out of shape,” she said. “But this is a chronic illness that I was born with. This is just something that I live with that I've been dealing with. And I think it's important for people to know because that determines the next steps. [They might ask] ‘Do you need a bottle of water, or do you need an inhaler? Do you need to take a break, or do we need to take you to the hospital?’ So, I think letting the people around you know what's going on, just in case anything were to happen plays a lot into it as well.”
Like Juanita, Jania’s journey has been marked by ups and downs, but she remains an unwavering advocate for asthma awareness and support within the Black community. She hopes that her story can be an inspiration to other women with asthma who may not yet have their symptoms under control. “There's still life to be lived outside of having severe asthma. It is always going to be there, but it's not meant to stop you from living your life. That’s why learning how to manage it and also having that support system around you, is so important.”
By sharing their journeys, Juanita and Jania hope to encourage others to embrace their conditions, obtain a proper management plan from a doctor or asthma specialist like a pulmonologist or allergist, and contribute to the improvement of asthma awareness and support, not only within the Black community, but for all individuals living with severe asthma.
Read more stories from others like Juanita and Jania on Amgen.com, or visit Uncontrolled Asthma In Black Women | BREAK THE CYCLE to find support and resources.
Have you ever been told you're dating your "Twin Flame?" Doesn't that sound like a perfect match? You would automatically assume your relationship is passionate, fun, and filled with matched energy. Thus making your bond "Simpatico."
Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the concept of a twin flame isn't about love in the romantic sense. Pop culture has made the term popular over the years, making people romanticize the idea of having a twin flame. And to anyone who has experienced their twin flame journey, you understand it wasn't the joy ride you thought it would be.
What is a Twin Flame?
A twin flame is a spiritual mirror reflection of you. They will reflect the good and bad – your deepest insecurities, fears, strengths, and weaknesses. Every relationship teaches us something, but your twin flame relationship will teach you the most; therefore, whoever that individual is will shake up your life.
You two will push and challenge each other to grow.Your relationship will feel intense, and you both will feel like you've known each other forever, but once again, a twin flame isn't in your life for romance. They are there for soul evolution.
As stated earlier, pop culture has made the idea of twin flames something people want, not realizing what truly goes into dating your twin flame. So, here are six common misconceptions about twin flames.
Misconception 1: Everyone Does Not Have a Twin Flame
The first misconception is that everyone believes they have a twin flame, which isn’t true. Twin flames are rare, and some individuals can already be “whole.” In addition, any time you have a relationship that puts you through the wringer, it doesn’t mean they’re your twin flame. However, that relationship can be a karmic bond, leading to the second misconception.
Misconception 2: Your Twin Flame is NOT a Karmic Bond
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Twin flames and karmic bonds are different despite people using the terms interchangeably. Both relationships are passionate and draw people to each other, but karmic bonds are unhealthy and usually short-lived. Similar to our twin flame, karmic bonds are in our lives for a reason because they are there to teach us a lesson, but that is it. Sadly, we tend to ignore the lesson and be attracted to trauma in our relationships, eventually becoming attached. Hence, the addiction to the toxic relationship.
Misconception 3: Constant Bliss
Some assume that it is always sunny in a twin-flame relationship. In reality, these connections can be tumultuous and challenging. Twin flames often serve as mirrors to each other, reflecting both strengths and weaknesses. This mirroring process can lead to conflict and self-discovery. Believing that a twin flame connection shields individuals from difficulties undermines the growth potential inherent in such relationships.
Misconception 4: Immediate Recognition
Recognizing a twin flame isn't always instantaneous. While some might experience a deep sense of familiarity upon meeting their twin flame, others may take time to realize the depth of the connection.
Misconception 5: Inevitable Reunion in This Lifetime
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Not every individual will have the opportunity to meet their twin flame in the same lifetime. The timing of such reunions is complex and influenced by various factors, including individual growth and life circumstances.
Misconception 6: Twin Flame Relationships Will Be Together
This answer can be yes or no, but in my experience, I have never witnessed someone end up with their twin flame. Once again, your twin flame isn't in your life for romance; it catalyzes your growth. While dating them, you will be forced to do the necessary shadow work to heal and grow. And if you can, then you can end up with your twin flame. Remember, they reflect what you put out.
Twin flame relationships go beyond romanticized ideals, serving as a mirror for profound self-reflection and growth. And dismiss the misconceptions portrayed about twin flames. Instead, the focus is on transformative personal development, requiring individuals to confront their vulnerabilities. Adopting a realistic perspective enables a deeper understanding of these connections' unique and challenging nature.
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