

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
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Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed for xoNecole.
After Decades-Long Career, Terri J. Vaughn Is Finally The Main Character: Exclusive
Terri J. Vaughn first captured our attention in the late ‘90s as Lovita Alizay Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show. Decades later, she is starring in her very own series, She The People, which is now available to stream on Netflix.
The political sitcom, which she co-created with Niya Palmer and later teamed up with Tyler Perry Studios, is about a Black woman named Antoinette Dunkerson who runs for lieutenant governor of Mississippi. She wins and becomes the state’s first Black lieutenant governor. Now, she’s forced to balance working with a racist and sexist governor while also trying to keep her family from running amok.
According to the beloved actress, this project was a long time coming. “I’ve been trying to get my own television series for like 20 years, pounding the pavement, meeting with people, getting clothes, being lied to, just a whole bunch of stuff,” she says in an exclusive interview with xoNecole.
“But just keep going, because this is what I do. This is what I love, and I know how important it is for us to continue to show up and make sure that we are seen, make sure that our voices are heard. For several reasons. I just never give up. So here I am, 20 years later, finally sold my show.”
She The People is inspired by the true story of London Breed, who became the first Black female mayor of San Francisco, Terri’s hometown. And to help make the show more authentic, the Cherish the Day actress tapped former Atlanta mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms to come on as a producer.'“I’ve been trying to get my own television series for like 20 years, pounding the pavement, meeting with people, getting clothes, being lied to, just a whole bunch of stuff."
After bringing the former mayor aboard, it was time to pitch again. And this time, the companies were pitching them. Ultimately, Terri decided to work with Tyler Perry on the series.
“We decided to do it with Tyler for several reasons. I love that. Well, most of the companies we met with were Black-owned companies, but he was the only studio,” she explains. “Tyler is like Walt Disney. That's literally what he is. He has the studio, he has the content. He operates just like Walt Disney.”
And thanks to the cast, the show is nothing short of laughs. The series also stars social media creator Jade Novah as Antoinette’s crazy cousin/ assistant, Shamika, Family Mattersstar Jo Marie Payton as Anotinette’s mom, Cleo, and Terri’s husband, Karon Riley, who plays Michael, her driver and love interest.
While we’ve watched Terri’s career blossom in various ways. From directing to producing, and playing diverse characters, the mom of two says her The Steve Harvey Show character will always be her favorite.
“Well, Lovita was definitely my favorite, especially for my time, the age and everything that I was. Now as a grown ass woman over 50, Antoinette Dunkerson is everything that I've wanted to play. She's everything. She's a mother of two teenagers. She's divorced, so she's co-parenting with her ex-husband. She has to wrangle in a very eclectic family,” she says.
“So I like playing characters that are really flawed and trying to figure it out and doing their best to try to figure it. And she's very flawed and she is trying to figure it out, and she fucks up sometimes. But her heart and what she's trying to do and what her vision is and purpose, it's all for the people. I mean, she the people. She’s for the people, she is the people.”
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Feature image by Jamie Lamor Thompson/ Shutterstock
Victoria Monét Talks Dating Stormzy, Hints They Are No Longer Together
Victoria Monét finally confirmed the Stormzy dating rumors. The "On My Mama" artist and Stormzy had the internet buzzing when a photo of them together went viral in October. During her sit-down with Keke Palmer for her podcast, Baby, this is Keke Palmer, she opened up about their relationship.
“Yeah, he’s a really special guy,” she said. “I have so much respect for him, and I got to learn more about him by dating him.” The mom of one revealed that her and the British rapper weren't together yet when the photo went viral, however, she “fell deeply, so deeply” for him.
“The first time that you saw us in that viral picture, that was the first time of us really hanging out hard in his city, so I was like, ‘Oh my god, it’s everywhere before we’re even starting,'” she said. “So that was interesting to navigate … We would have wanted to announce on our own time, when everything was official. But that was just the beginning.”
While things were heating up between the two of them, it seems that their relationship is now a thing of the past. “We had a blast together, we had such a great time,” she said. “I think there’s mutual respect there and support, no bad blood. Always love.”
Victoria and Stormzy’s photo surfaced a month after she announced her separation from John Gaines, the father of her four-year-old daughter, Hazel. In a statement, she revealed that she and the fitness trainer had actually broken up ten months prior to making the news public.
Victoria has also been linked to fellow singer Kehlani.
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Feature image by Featureflash Photo Agency/ Fred Duval/ Shutterstock