

A Curated Guide Of The 9 Trends You Need In Rotation This Winter
With endless options and styles to sort through when shopping online, it's easy to feel anxious and overwhelmed searching for the perfect additions to complete your winter wardrobe. What's helpful when on the hunt for new pieces is knowing what you want and where to find it. While fashion is all about comfort and versatility these days, stylish must-haves that can be mixed and matched for a well-balanced look is high on the list of priorities.
For effortless style this winter, there are a handful of trends that are easy to rotate all-season long. As we are turning towards all things versatile in nature these days, below you'll find a range of classic pieces to be easily styled as a blank canvas to build on a unique personal and signature look.
Keep scrolling to find a curated list of head-to-toe essentials you'll absolutely need to get through the winter.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are slowly on the rise taking over the coveted chunky dad sneaker we've grown so accustomed to when scrolling through our Instagram feeds. Super casual and lightweight, these sleek active sneakers are perfect to transition from morning workout to afternoon errands with ease. Pair with leggings and chunky socks for an effortlessly chic retro active look.
Colored Leggings
Every fall I stock up on my favorite high-waist cotton leggings, except this year I'm prioritizing more variety shopping for colors other than my black and light gray go-to's. I love finding creative ways to keep it casual, mixing and matching these cold weather basics as comfort continues to be a major priority within our daily lives. Investing in quality leggings for full coverage and support in all the right areas will be your best purchase of the year.
Matching Knits
Matching sets have been in high-demand since the beginning of the on-again off-again stay-at-home orders. While I never gave much thought to my at-home style prior to the recent pandemic, it's refreshing to see chic and cozy attire that makes us feel good even if binge-watching Netflix from the couch. Pair this set with cozy slippers and a cup of hot cocoa for a comfy night in.
Puffer Coat
My favorite throwback trend from the 90's, the puffer coat is a must-have for everyone. Super comfortable, soft and oversized, it's the closest we'll get to staying in bed all day while we accomplish what needs to be done in the outside world. Perfect as an everyday coat, make it high fashion with a cute and casual cold weather look.
Active Sets
While uncertainty remains and our gym memberships are on hold, activewearis still on our radar for must-haves this season. With so many styles and colors to shop, active sets are more stylish than ever before. Whether working out at home or appearing as though you did, this top to bottom set is fit to wear all day long.
Chunky Boots
We've all acquired our fair share of boots over the years but of course there's always room for more. Platform soles not only elevate to new heights but this trend also adds a high fashion element to a classic combat boot style. If you are looking to step your shoe game up this season, a chunky boot hits different.
Vest
The chances of you already owning a vest may be slim in 2020, however, I am convinced this is one of the best layering pieces to add to your wardrobe this fall no matter your personal style. As there are a ton of options from knit to leather vest on trend this time of year, pair with weather appropriate bottoms and a long-sleeve button-up for an effortless cozy chic look.
Tote Bag
A classic bag that stands the test of time, tote bags are seeing a major resurgence within the fashion world. Whether micro, medium or large, there is a bag for everyone's needs or lack thereof. For a stylish designer option, Brandon Blackwood is known for functionality, practicality and styles that make a statement. Dress this tote up or down for a casual stroll or girls night out.
Long-Sleeve Button-Down
White button-downs are essential to every woman's wardrobe. Standing alone or the foundation of a layered look, this classic top is effortlessly stylish and extremely versatile. Styled numerous ways and paired flawlessly with just about anything, this is one wardrobe staple not to be slept on.
Are you a member of our insiders squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured image by Shutterstock
- 11 2000s Style Trends Making A Comeback - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
- Fall Winter 2020 Jewelry Trends - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love ... ›
- The Only 2020 Boot Trends I'm Wearing This Fall ›
- The Fall/Winter 2020 Coat Trends We're Finally Wearing This Year ›
- All The Style Trends That Will Dominate In 2020 - xoNecole ... ›
Exclusive: Gabrielle Union On Radical Transparency, Being Diagnosed With Perimenopause And Embracing What’s Next
Whenever Gabrielle Union graces the movie screen, she immediately commands attention. From her unforgettable scenes in films like Bring It On and Two Can Play That Game to her most recent film, in which she stars and produces Netflix’s The Perfect Find, there’s no denying that she is that girl.
Off-screen, she uses that power for good by sharing her trials and tribulations with other women in hopes of helping those who may be going through the same things or preventing them from experiencing them altogether. Recently, the Flawless by Gabrielle Union founder partnered with Clearblue to speak at the launch of their Menopause Stage Indicator, where she also shared her experience with being perimenopausal.
In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint: she’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
I didn’t think much could get better about the blissful high that comes with oral. That was until I came across the Kivin Method.
As someone who was never a huge fan of oral sex and could largely take it or leave it, I must admit that I have started to come around in recent years. With my head thrown back, hands gripping sheets and hair, and toes curling from the intense sensations of the work my partner is putting in at my center, I now give myself over to the pleasurable act wholly and unapologetically.
When I came across a way to maximize the pleasure I receive from cunnilingus (already), I had no choice but to tap in. Who knew the key to taking oral sex to new heights was giving it a sideways twist? For those of you who might also be interested in ways to spice up the way you do oral, experience faster and stronger orgasms, or simply want to indulge in something new with your partner, the Kivin Method could definitely be the oral sex technique for you, too.
Keep reading to learn about the method that is sure to have you writhing in ecstasy in no time at all.
What Is The Kivin Method?
For the uninitiated, the Kivin Method is an oral sex technique that focuses on stimulating the clitoris from a different angle. Dubbed “sideways oral” by some, this method involves the action of giving head from a side-to-side movement as opposed to the up-and-down motion that people typically perform when giving head. (If you need a visual, this illustration is helpful.)
The difference in approach as you’re receiving head can be a game-changer in how you receive pleasure. Not only does the giving partner have access to the clitoris, but they can also access more easily the vulva and the labia, which are objectively a bigger focus in this version of cunnilingus. More access means wider coverage, and that, plus the new sensation of oral from a different angle, can heighten the way you experience oral sex that much more.
Where more pleasure flows, intense orgasms are sure to follow.
Getty Images
How To Do The Kivin Method
If you want to know how to do the Kivin Method, it’s actually pretty straightforward. The receiver lays on their back while the giver positions themselves perpendicular to the receiver. Their head will be facing the vulva, but instead of vertical, their face will be horizontal to the vulva.
From there, the giver can get to business, ensuring that they keep their head perpendicular to the receiver’s vulva while working on their craft. Because this technique can be more intense for some receivers, start slowly by stroking the vulva and clitoris sideways with the tongue, and allow sensations and communication from the receiver to be a guide of what you need more or less of with the Kivin Method.
Ultimately, the Kivin Method allows experimentation and unlocking what pressure, rhythm, and tricks work best for the giver and the receiver. Try implementing a finger or two, or adding a sex toy to the mix to intensify the act even further.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Delmaine Donson/Getty Images