Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.

The bite in the midnight air says it all: the dog days of summer are indeed in short supply.
Blink and you might miss it: ever so slightly the shift begins, as the late summer breeze picks up speed—evermore so by the day—tempered only briefly by still-pleasant conditions in the midafternoon sun. As the sun descends, the crisp air drifts right on in and we find ourselves parting with barely-there numbers and reaching for the nearest knit instead. And, naturally, as we transition from the thick of summer to the cusp of its cooler counterpart around the corner, so too does the nature of our social calendar activities. And if hazy days spent traipsing from beach to barbeque and al fresco dinners is the cornerstone of July and August, than outdoor weddings are what September is truly made of.
If you ask me, a September wedding simply can’t be beat. With only a trace left of the humidity from months prior, we revel in delightful afternoons that warm us but don’t overwhelm. The stretch of extended daylight, albeit smaller, is still substantial enough for the expected outdoor wedding activities: bridal photo shoots, a garden or seaside ceremony, cocktails at sunset and the like fit right in without issue. And with the bulk of summer now behind us, calendars are greatly freed up, leaving guests feeling a bit more relaxed and primed for the off-season excitement that September weddings usher in.
Another trademark of a September wedding? Fickle temperatures and increasingly breezy nights. With temperatures flirting between balmy in late afternoon and downright brisk by dusk, selecting a dress airy enough for the day and insulated enough for keeping evening chills at bay is a delicate dance.
Where fabrication is concerned, aim for styles in crêpe, georgette or silk chiffon for effortless refinement that’s breathable and also ideal for cooler nights. Try a sleeveless plissé number that can be styled on its own for the afternoon and coordinated with a gauzy wrap for a more practical look by sundown. Or, perhaps pick up a long-sleeved fluid silk style that’s streamlined and sensible for when the evening breeze creeps in.
With a little forward thinking, any way you slice it, you’ll earn major points towards best dressed for the weekend. So, without further ado, take your pick of these 9 exceptionally chic wedding guest dresses and be on your merry way.









curation for your looks. content for your life.

Sartorially speaking, there is perhaps no better feeling than slipping into a favorite worn-in tee at the end of a long workday.
While today’s days (and weeks) may feel drastically different than their pre-quarantine predecessors, the term, ‘off-duty’ certainly has weight for those aiming to mentally separate work and play.
If you’re like me, then you’ve by all accounts pared down your wardrobe to consist of a few key ‘stay-at-home’ staples: leggings, pullovers, soft tees, and the like. And for those ever-important Zoom meetings, and the occasional interview, we can always rely on smart-casual pieces for extra polish.
But by and large, as of late, casual wear continues to reign supreme as we find ourselves spending more time at home. When it comes to refreshing a more simplified wardrobe, particularly for casual wear, you can’t go wrong with a thoughtfully designed linen button-up, or a statement-worthy tee, equally rich in function and in chic style. And, with small businesses in need now more than ever, what better way to find that unique quality than with a chic design from an up-and-coming designer? Here, 7 shirt styles you can shop to support small business, and find your new favorite off-duty look, to boot.






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What’s decidedly vintage, as comfortable as can be, and surprisingly stylish (if you look hard enough)? The answer is, of course, those high-waisted numbers that are Mom Jeans. Still tinged with their not-so-stylish reputation from decades past (for reasons beyond me!), Mom Jeans are often a point of contention in the fashion world. Outside of the fashion set, many shoppers still peg Mom Jeans as a piece that—as the name suggests—is exclusively worn by mothers who just can’t be bothered. But alas, the 80’s and 90’s are a distant memory, and while the era still has its hold over us (sartorially speaking), the dated takes of what we now affectionately call Mom Jeans are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
Over the years, we’ve seen numerous translations of the Mom Jean enter our realm of vision. Equal parts stylish and comfortable, this high-waisted, easy-fitting silhouette works wonders in elongating one’s figure and in accentuating one’s best assets. Today, shoppers are delighted to find versions that range from the light washed and distressed, to the lived-in All-Americana blue, to the streamlined dark and stormy wash (and beyond). But where to look, you may ask, to achieve that look that speaks to both vintage charm and contemporary cool? Your search is over, for the below roundup is all you need to channel that throwback off-duty vibe, wherever you may be.








As a Black female founder — the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs today — I recognize my station in this realm to be a unique one.
Since 2007, the number of businesses owned by African-American women has grown by 164%. Out of all women-owned businesses in the United States, nearly half, or 44%, are controlled by minority women. That figure is up from 20% in 1997.
Now while the progress of Black entrepreneurs is palpable, the oppression still faced on the pathway to, and within self-employment itself, is just as potent.
In the U.S. alone, Black entrepreneurs receive just 1% of all venture capital (VC) funding from the over 1,000 VC firms that exist today. Black entrepreneurs are also twice as likely to be rejected for a bank loan than their White counterparts. And in Corporate America, BIPOC are routinely on the receiving end of implicitly bias behavior, like fewer interview callbacks, fewer promotions, and other discriminatory practices.
The truth is, these realities are a stark reminder of the systemic racism BIPOC must often contend with on the path to career-building. And for Black entrepreneurs, these injustices only compound the challenges that confront business owners — BIPOC or otherwise — face on a regular basis.
So how can we work to change the narrative? Let us, as individuals and communities, show up for Black-owned businesses in our purchasing decisions. Let us show up for Black-owned businesses in our advocacy efforts. Let us show up for Black-owned businesses as we listen, learn, and advance their talents (and their work). Ahead, 10 Black-owned brands to consider as we champion the Black community, now and always.
Shop Now at Ogo New York
Shop Now at BYCHARI
Shop Now at Madame de la Maison
Shop Now at Riot Swim
Shop Now at Harlem Candle Co.
Shop Now at McMullen
Shop Now at Bolé Road Textiles
Shop Now at Laurus
Shop Now at White Space Jewelry
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Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means for many of us, family reunions and friendly gatherings aplenty are the new normal from now until New Year’s. And for those of us also in a new relationship, we may find ourselves fraught with one occasion that is certainly much more daunting than convivial. That is, meeting the S.O.’s parents.
If it wasn’t difficult enough to exercise all of our charm and charisma in one fell swoop, meeting the S.O.’s parents also presents us with quite the sartorial challenge. Now while we wish the coveted stamp of approval could be won on the merits of our own shining personality, the reality is, our outfit can make or break that first impression.
Which leaves us wondering: can we achieve a look that perfectly encapsulates our sophistication without feeling contrived? One that is understated and effortless, all without sacrificing the hallmarks of everything that makes our individual style unique?
Without question, the answer is, a resounding yes.
Paying attention to fit and fabric, alongside our own body type and aesthetic, an outfit worthy of parental approval (and all the more) can become a tangible reality. Need proof? Simply look to these to 5 styling rules practically made for winning over the ‘rents this fall season.

If there ever was a time to embrace the practicality of an easy-fitting sweater or blouse, meeting the parents is certainly the occasion. Clean lines and a forgiving fit evoke a sense of understatement that ensures your personality is enhanced, and not overshadowed by your outfit. To create subtle definition, incorporate a french tuck into a midi skirt or a high-waisted pant.

Infuse interest and personality into an otherwise fluid outfit by mixing in a healthy dose of unexpected texture or color. Pair a strong belt with a knee-length pleated skirt, throw on a printed scarf in a coordinating tone, or opt for a sophisticated layer in an always-classic plaid or houndstooth pattern.

Show Mom and Dad your commitment to sensible styling by playing with knit-on-knit or mixed media in your first public ensemble. A sleeveless blazer over a cozy turtleneck is forever foolproof, as is layering a buttery-soft leather jacket over a cotton or silk blouse.

It goes without saying the stilettos can take a breather here. And while you don’t have to drift into kitten heel territory, a still-modest 3-4inch heel or ankle bootie can look the part, too. If flats are more your speed, try a slingback version for an ultra-modern update.

It’s all in the details. Fabrics like merino wool, cashmere, chiffon silk are beloved for their durability, polish, fit, and unmatched level of comfort. Aim to include at least one of these fabrics in your ensemble and you’ll elevate your look, instantly.
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If florals (yes, groundbreaking) are the picture of enduring spring style, then consider the turtleneck fall’s definitive holy grail.
Ask any fashionista and she (or he) will tell you: nine times out of ten, an A+ autumn look has the foolproof turtleneck to thank for all the praise—no questions asked.
The appeal is easy (and we think evangelists like Rachel Green would agree), turtlenecks are sleek by nature, professional yet still so feminine, and get along with nearly everything in our wardrobe—past, future and present. Put simply, it’s the wardrobe polish we need, and one that dares to never date.
Outliving the alternatives, refined fabrics like merino wool and cashmere elevate the silhouette exponentially, but wool blend or cotton numbers can look the part, too. And when they’re put into service by a few interesting style hacks? Well, let’s just say, gear up to turn heads by the dozens (and thank us a little later).

Knit-on-knit needs no explaining: it’s forever chic. Double the interest by pairing your turtleneck with a juxtaposing boatneck sweater (bonus points if it has a chic split back!)

Put those old graphic tees to good use. It’s off-duty, made easy.

Slip your knit under a silk number for ultra-cool contrast. Up the impact by adding a structured blazer on top.

Flattering, functional, and chic. What could be better?
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