Sandals are a girls' best friend, especially in the heat of summer. With so many new shoe trends this year, there's one style that never ceases to be on top of every must-have list during warm weather months.
The wrap-around sandal has always been a top choice with endless color options and variations, however, during this climate the short block heel has become the hottest of them all. Although our calendars aren't as booked and busy as years prior, there are still opportunities to spice up our lives with comfort still being key. The short block heel is a great alternative for those not ready to step into the tallest of heels but live for a few extra inches when given the opportunity.
Take a look at how I styled my new wrap-around sandals for warm weather looks like no other.
A Night Out
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Even as we've been forced to make major adjustments to our social lives, there are ways to enjoy a cute night out and look comfy-chic while doing so. As businesses move outdoors in a number of states, what a perfect excuse to get dressed for a candle-lit dinner on the balcony of your favorite restaurant while enjoying the starlit sky. Pair a snake print wrap-around sandal with ultra-sleek leather shorts and a criss-cross crop top underneath an oversized button-down for an added layer of warmth for the night's cool breeze. Complete this look with a neutral-toned mini bag for an even better attempt at looking your comy-chic-est.
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Such a Vibrant Thing
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
If you don't already own an all-black wrap-around sandal, now is your chance to witness the power of chic simplicity. Paired with a vintage mini-skirt along with a lightweight hand tied button-up long sleeve, black is a satisfying contrast to this contemporary spin on a 70s-inspired look. When wearing solid-colored sandals, find a way to incorporate eye-catching prints for even more outfit fun.
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
For the Contemporary Woman
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Since my favorite aspect of every outfit is color, I decided to pair my white and black snakeskin wrap around block-heeled sandals with an unconventional color palette. Pale yellow trousers along with a brown DIY one shoulder top adorned by a silver chain belt is a summer look chic enough for the modern-day Khadijah James. Whether you're taken or living single, this conservative-yet-stylish look is one for the books.
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole
Join our xoTribe, an exclusive community dedicated to YOU and your stories and all things xoNecole. Be a part of a growing community of women from all over the world who come together to uplift, inspire, and inform each other on all things related to the glow up. We drop xoNecole events and special opportunities into our Tribe first.
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole.
RELATED
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.
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.
“I’m a different person, you know, now than I was January 19,” King shared. “Grief is a journey, you know? I understand that grief is love that has no place to go.”
“I know that it’s important for me to honor Ian in the totality of who he is, speak about him in the present because he is always with me and the joy and happiness that he gave all of us,” she added.
The Shirley star also added that it's vital to discuss the common misconception surrounding depression, noting that battles with mental health can manifest in diverse ways. “When it comes to depression, people expect it to look a certain way — they expect it to look heavy,” King told Robin Roberts.
“To have to experience this and not be able to have the time to just sit with Ian’s choice, which I respect and understand… He didn’t want to be here anymore, and that’s a hard thing for other people to receive because they did not live our experience, did not live Ian’s journey.”
Jeff Kravitz / Contributor/Getty Images
The Academy Award winner openly revealed that she was initially “so angry with God.”
“Why would that weight be given to Ian? Of all of the things that we had gone through — therapy, psychiatrists, programs — and Ian was like, ‘I’m tired of talking, Mom,' " she said.
With the memory of her son near to her, King said through tears, “My favorite thing about myself is being Ian’s mom and I can say that with a smile, with tears, with all of the emotion that comes with that. I can’t do that if I did not respect the journey.”
Anderson, 26, was a musician, DJ, and King’s only child. In 2019, Ian escorted his mother on the red carpet of the Golden Globes where she took home the award for "Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture."
He toldE! News at the time, "She's just a super mom. She doesn't really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. It's really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with."
Understanding that grief is shared by many others, King emphasizes the unique weight of her role as Ian's mother and acknowledges that the sadness will always be a part of her.
“Sometimes, a lot of guilt comes over me. When a parent loses a child, you still wonder, ‘What could I have done so that wouldn’t have happened?’ I know that I share this grief with everyone, but no one else is Ian’s mom, you know? Only me. So it’s mine. And the sadness will never go away. It will always be with me.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Shannon Finney / Stringer/Getty Images
