I Switched Up My Heels For Sneakers & This Is What Happened
During my teen years, I was obsessed with buying sneakers throughout high school and, at 15 years old, I got my first part-time job to fund my sneaker habit. As a tall girl, I didn't have the average women's shoe size that would give me the option of cute sandals and shoes like every other girl, so I decided to collect men's basketball shoes to create fly looks instead. During college, my shoe collection dwindled as my obsession subsided but I always kept an eye out for a dope pair of sneakers with a fly outfit to match.
Today, sneakers have taken a new role when it comes to women's ready to wear styles and have once again become a core staple in my forever evolving wardrobe. As high heels have taken a position at the back of my closet these days, sneakers worn with statement pieces such as dresses, skirts and women's suits have inspired a wider range of stylish possibilities.
I'm always impressed by feminine looks paired with a dope tennis shoe. With both comfort and style being a major priority, especially as we age, sneakers are a creative alternative to completing a high fashion look. With celebrities such as Tracee Ellis Ross and Zendaya showing us how to slay in their Jumpmans, I decided to swap my heels for cushioned soles to create eye-catching outfits with a sneaker to match.
The Power Suit
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
If you've been following my posts, you know I love an oversized blazer. With the matching trousers, this vibrant power suit was created for these royal blue and green high top Jordan 1 sneakers. Paired with a coordinating aqua blue halter neck one piece for a dramatic effect, this is a colorful combination look to kickstart a vibrant summer. This sneaker compliments this look effortlessly highlighting the versatility of both the shoe and this must-have suit.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
What I'm Wearing:
Suit: Zara
One piece: Riot Swim
Sneaker: Jumpan 23
A Modest Take
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
I've never been into wearing dresses other than special occasions but this summer, I want to explore my classy yet chic feminine side starting with this lightweight sand-colored overcoat. Worn as a belted dress, I paired a light brown sunnie with a matching tan Telfar bag for a transitional spring to summer look. With rolled sleeves to keep my cool, I'm living for this look worn with a black, white and gold high top Jumpman sneaker.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
What I'm Wearing:
Vintage overcoat: Dainty World Collective
Mini Bag: Telfar
Sunglasses: Zara (similar)
Shoes: Jumpan 23
On Trend
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
As a new downtown resident, I find sneakers are way more practical when running my weekly errands around my neighborhood. While I love dressing up when the spirit moves me, I still reach for practical yet stylish accessories that assist me in getting things done while making me look good. I'm loving the asymmetrical trend so I paired a mid-length slit skirt with a mint green silk crop top and Telfar bag to match my low top Jordans. What I love most about this look, it's easy to transition from day to night with a quick change of shoe.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
What I'm Wearing:
Top: Zara (old)
Skirt: Zara
Bag: Telfar
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
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage