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12 Investment Staple Pieces To Base Your Wardrobe Around
I like to put my money right where I can see it: in my closet. While I try to be intentional about how I spend my money, I also feel like there are certain pieces I must have in my wardrobe that make a statement. From time to time, that statement is considered an investment. Thee Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter once said, "I don't like to gamble, but if there's one thing I'm willing to bet on, it's myself." Well ladies, if you're looking to rebuild your wardrobe with some investment pieces, it's time to bet on yourself by snagging some statement items that will transcend trends and time.
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Topshop Cowl Back Satin Slipdress
Nordstrom
If you're a woman over 21, you need a slip dress. Yes sis, I am talking to you! Slip dresses are so sexy and classic. No matter the outing or occasion, you can throw on sneakers or pumps and slay the scene.
BLANKNYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket
Nordstrom Rack
The perfect addition to any simple outfit, the moto jacket is truly a wardrobe essential. Tap into your inner bad gal with faux leather moto jacket by BLANKNYC that is the true definition of edgy meets chic. You can cop the look with another option here.
PAUL GREEN Diana Kiltie Fringe Pointed Toe Loafer
Nordstrom
You may have PTSD from your mom forcing your feet into loafers for church or school but we want to empower you to let that go so you can step into your next-level wardrobe. We want to challenge you to pair these loafers with your go-to suit the next time you're getting dolled up.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Slip
When it comes to a classic casual sneaker, you can't get any better than Converse. Whether high or low, Converse Chuck Taylors embody effortless and authentic street style, and can turn any casual OOTD up a notch on a stylistic note.
OFF-WHITE Jitney 2.8 Turn to Open Leather Bag
Nordstrom
Time to secure the bag! Say hello to your new structured satchel sure to turn all the heads. It features the new signature OFF-WHITE "ARROWS" motif with unique, trendy sayings. We can see you pairing this bag with a fun t-shirt dress and your favorite shoes. For a cheaper alternative, shop here.
SCHUTZ Lou Pointed Toe Pump Women
Nordstrom
Every girl needs a pair of pumps that make her feel closer to God and closer to her dreams. These SCHUTZ beauties have a slender pointy toe with a tapered heel which is what makes the style of a pump a masterpiece.
Linen Wrapover Blouse
H&M
What's a wardrobe without a white top? We love this linen number for its breathability and versatility. You could rock this to the office with a midi skirt or couple it with jeans for a picnic in the park.
Women's Organic Cotton Box-Cut T-Shirt by Everlane in White
Everlane
Speaking of white top, a good plain white t-shirt is a wardrobe must-have, especially when it comes to creating blank canvases for staples to pop against. When it comes to basics, Everlane is the truth and their Organic Cotton Box-Cut T-Shirt is an icon all on its own when it comes to basic tees.
Women's Mixed-Media Bow Blouse by White House Black Market, Ecru
What's a blouse without drama? With this Mixed-Media Bow Blouse by White House Black Market, the proof is in the pudding in terms of how much a bow can add instant flair. From the exagerrated sleeves to the undeniable shade of ecru, this blouse is the ultimate drip inside of the workplace and out.
Women's Topshop Leather Wrap Pencil Skirt
Topshop
We live for a wrap-style silhoutte because of the way it flatters every shape and embraces every curve. This waist-cinching pencil skirt is a chic take on the professional staple, and due to its leather material can translate well in a work landscape or a night out, depending on if you wish to dress it up or down.
Old Navy Women's Mid-Rise Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans
Old Navy
Denim is the greatest of all time and you need all the styles, washes and shades but starting off with these mid-rise skinnies is a "jean come true". With its riveted scoop pockets and soft medium-wash, we are more than here for it! Fun fact, these jeans are available in both regular, tall, petite and plus sizes.
Gathered-Sleeve Jacket
H&M
Blazers are quintessential to a woman's wardrobe. Whether you have your own business, attend school or work a 9 to 5, you need a blazer. This staple from H&M will quickly pull any look together. You could even stylize it with biker shorts after a long day at your computer.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Blair Underwood Initially Turned Down 'Sex And The City' Because 'It Was About How Samantha Was Fascinated By Dating A Black Man’
Actor and heartthrob Blair Underwood is opening up about why he turned down Sex and the City the first time he was offered a role. Many fans of the HBO series may recall Blair's time on the show in which his character was dating Miranda (Cynthia Nixon). However, he was previously offered another role where his character would date Samantha (Kim Cattrall).
During his interview with AV Club, the Set It Off star revealed that he was uncomfortable with the initial offer due to the character's fascination with him being a Black man.
“I actually did say ‘no’ the first time,” he said. “The first time they had offered the role, to be honest with you, it was about how Samantha was fascinated by dating a Black man and wanted to know if, uh, all of the rumors were true about our anatomy! And I said, ‘Listen, I’m honored, thank you, but I just don’t want to play a character based on race, on curiosity about a Black man.'”
But that didn't stop them from reaching out again. This time he was offered to play Dr. Robert Leeds, the love interest to Miranda and he decided to go for it. "So they were nice enough to call about a year later, and I said, 'Well, is it gonna be about race?' And they said, 'No, no, no, we’re not even gonna mention race!' And I think it really did only come up maybe once," he recalled.
"It did five episodes, and I think Samantha mentioned it once, saying something about 'a Black doctor' that Miranda was dating. And that’s really been a consistent thing in my career: not wanting to be boxed as 'the Black guy.'
"I’ve had that conversation with many producers along the way, and they were so great. They said, 'No, he’s just a doctor who Miranda meets in the elevator, and they have a nice little fling.' And it was amazing."
Blair has had a wide-ranging career playing everything from a lawyer on L.A. Law to playing Madame CJ Walker's husband on Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madame CJ Walker. And during his interview, he revealed another role that he initially turned down, Set It Off. The movie, which is considered a classic in Black culture, stars Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise. Blair's character, Keith, played a banker and love interest to Jada's character, Stony.
He explained why he said no at first and eventually accepted the offer. "I had initially said “no” to that. Because I was playing this historic, iconic African-American historical figure in Jackie Robinson, and the time, y’know, there was Boyz N The Hood, and Menace II Society was out there, and I’d finished playing this noble Negro… [Laughs]," he said.
"And I’m reading the script, and there’s a scene where Jada Pinkett’s character—Jada Pinkett-Smith now—was going to sell her body so she could make some money to send her brother to college. And I remember, honestly, I threw the script across the room. I was, like, “I don’t want to do this. I want to do something uplifting for the Black culture and Black characters, and I don’t know if I want to see this.”
After a conversation with the movie's director F. Gary Gray and the actor's manager encouraging him to finish reading the script, Blair had a change of heart. What he first thought about the movie turned out to be totally different.
"So I finished the script, and I saw that the character they were asking me to play was really the love story in the midst of all of this turmoil of all of these characters, the four ladies: Queen Latifah, Vivica Fox, Kimberly Elise, and Jada," he explained.
"It was so well-written, it was such a great platform for them. And to be able to play the love story and the storyline that gave Jada’s character a leg up and a way out of this world, something to hope for, to wish for, someone to love her… I said, 'You know what? I’d like to be a part of that.'
"And I’m so glad I did, because that film resonates to this day. People all the time come up to me and say that they love that movie. So I’m glad that I did it."