

Sweatpants have become like a second skin for most of us during this quarantine. Whether working from home or running errands, comfort has become more essential to our every day needs. Even as we embrace our new lives, I am a firm believer in the fact that we don't have to compromise our style. In order to challenge that idea, I wore the same pair of sweats three times this week. Below are the looks I created!
Look 1
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
I decided on a 90's athleisure-inspired outfit by wearing a grey sweatshirt tied diagonally to create a matching set. This look is styled with a pale yellow knit crop top, the perfect pop of color for spring. Knit crops are a major trend at the moment. They maintain a lightweight comfortable feel while also adding a chic element to the full sweatsuit. Pair with slippers or white socks to complete this work from home look.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Look 2
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Today I'm running errands! Under normal circumstances I don't think twice about Target runs, however with quarantine forcing us inside most days, my wardrobe and I are getting cabin fever. I'm having fun wearing my black and white Nike sports bra, paired with my favorite oversized vintage royal blue blazer. In addition to the amazing color, the oversized blazer is perfect for cool temperatures and acts as a great alternative for a lightweight jacket. I suggest wearing a dad sneaker and all-black sunglasses to complete this outdoor look.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Look 3
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
The weekend is finally here and I'm winding down with a glass of my favorite wine. Fridays are my rest days and I love to lounge around binge-watching my favorite TV shows. I paired my favorite oversized men's button down with rolled sleeves for a relaxed and casual look. The lightweight fabric of this top is perfect for warm and breezy weather, creating the perfect balance of cool and comfort to my outfit. No shoes required to complete this look. I simply added my pair of vintage gold hoop earrings. My end of the week stay at home look couldn't be any more effortless chic.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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Featured image courtesy of Shahirah Ahmed
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
Gabrielle Union Dishes On Her Skincare Journey: 'It's Like Dating, You Just Keep Trying'
Gabrielle Union has always been known for her natural beauty. At 52 years old, she still holds the crown as one of Hollywood's most beautiful actresses and she's spilling her beauty secrets. During Vogue's Beauty Secrets series, the Riff Raff star shares her morning routine, which includes using multiple skincare devices for clear skin to lash serums.
Get all the deets below:
Cleanser
Gabrielle starts with a cleanser from U Beauty and follows that up with witch hazel (toner). "I was really lucky because I never really had crazy, problem skin," she said.
"Not until my hormones changed and it was like, 'is this acne? How do you get acne as a fully-grown ass woman?' But I found a way and I just had to start experimenting."
Exfoliator
Vogue's YouTube/ Screenshot
Next, she uses PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment for exfoliation. "When I lived in Miami, I was like an oil slick, but in California where it's dry heat--I've also gotten a little dry in my older age," she said. "So I have to switch up my routine based on where I'm at."
The Being Mary Jane star also gave advice to those looking to improve their skincare routine. "If you see someone's skin that you like, 'what are you doing? What are the products? Tell me the routine,'" she shared. "I hope that it works for you, and if it doesn't, it's like dating. You just keep trying."
Retinol
"Some people have very strong opinions about retinol in the daytime, mainly because of the sun. For me it's kinda interchangeable, because I'm psycho about protection from the sun," she explained.
Facial Wands
Vogue's YouTube/ Screenshot
Gabrielle talked about her love for skincare devices. She uses Therabody Theraface Depuffing Wand to help push down the swelling and inflammation around her eyes. She then follows that up with Shani Darden Skin Care Facial Sculpting Wand.
Moisturizer
For moisturizer, she returns to U Beauty. "I started using U Beauty in September. I've never gotten more compliments on my face," she said.
Serum
Vogue's YouTube/ Screenshot
Next is PCA Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum and U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate. "And with all the things I've used thus far, you have to commit to sunscreen because these products left without any protection from the sun will work against you," she said.
Lash Serums
"I don't know who else out there has a problem with TikTok Shop. I can't stop myself," she said. "The Babe Lash lash serum, the NuOrganic lash serum and I use one on one eye and the other on this one. And I just want to see which one is better."
Sunscreen
For sunscreen, she likes Allies of Skin The One SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel. "It just disappears right on my face," she said. Shen then ends her skincare routine with Winnie Harlow's Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30.
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Feature image Vogue's YouTube/ Screenshot