Holiday 2020 Gift Guide
The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner and now is the time to find the best gifts for your family and friends. Even though we have been through a wild ride of a year, we shouldn’t let that stop us from celebrating the holidays and treating your loved ones (or yourself) to some amazing gifts. Check out some of our favorite brands to shop this holiday season!
The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner and now is the time to find the best gifts for your family and friends. Even though we have been through a wild ride of a year, we shouldn’t let that stop us from celebrating the holidays and treating your loved ones (or yourself) to some amazing gifts. Check out some of our favorite brands to shop this holiday season!
Brand: SBShades/ Stevie Boi
What do they sell?: Luxury eyewear and accessories
Price range: $60 - $600
Known for: Designed eyewear for celebrities such as Madonna, Beyonce and Kesha
Website: https://www.stevieboi.com/
Brand: Lovello Elizabeth
What do they sell?: Unisex leisurewear
Price range: $34 - $140
Known for: Featured in Essence Magazine & FashionBomb Daily
Website: https://lovelloelizabeth.com/
Brand: Yowie
What do they sell?: Small curated collection of home and lifestyle gifts.
Price range: $2 - $230
Known for: Yowie has been featured in Teen Vogue, House Beautiful and Philadelphia Magazine
Website: https://www.shopyowie.com/
Brand: Common Ground
What do they sell?: Footwear, streetwear and vintage
Price range: Prices varies depending on item
Known for: Been featured on Philadelphia Magazine for “Best of Philly”
Website: https://commonground12.com/
Brand: Black Soul Vintage
What do they sell?: Vintage books, artwork and collectibles from black history
Price range: Prices varies depending on item
Known for: Been featured on billypenn.com
Website: https://www.blacksoulvintage.com/
Brand: Flourishing Beauty and Wellness
What do they sell?: Beauty, skincare and wellness products
Price range: $13- $32
Known for: Been featured on Visit Philadelphia
Website: https://flourishingbeautyandwellness.com/
Brand: Haus of Khendar
What do they sell?: fashion apparel and accessories
Price range: $25 - $200 (custom handmade pieces rates vary depending on project)
Known for: Featured in Paper Magazine and LadyGunn Magazine. Worn by Kelly Rowland, Azealia Banks and Melli.
Website: https://www.hausofkhendar.com/
Brand: Stylaga
What do they sell?: Crystal bluetooth earrings
Price range: $60 -$160
Known for: Seen on Amazon and Walmart
Website: https://www.stylaga.com/
Purses For Every Occasion
This purse collection is the perfect purse for the summer/spring to add to your accessories collection.
If you love purses as much as I do listen up. A very important Italian designer has caught my attention. While looking through a magazine I came across this emerald purse sketch. This Italian designer has a brand-new collection of purses just in time for the summer. Bottega Veneta was set up in 1966 in Vicenza, Italy by business visionaries Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. The organization built up a particular cowhide weave configuration, called intrecciato, that was utilized on the outside of a significant number of its items, and turned out to be generally connected with the Bottega Veneta brand. This unique look has carried on for years for a new modern look. This modern look consists of a crossbody sack in a twofold face maxi weave. It is made a with wide twofold face Nappa strips in a symmetrical weave. The interior is indistinguishable from outside; fitted with a zipped pocket with a magnetic closure. One last thing it has an adjustable shoulder lash overlap inside the pack to convey as a grasp. It comes in hustling green, black, light orange, mortar, custard, orange, caramel and fondente. This purse collection is the perfect purse for the summer/spring to add to your accessories collection.
Photo Credits: Bottega Veneta
Report: Tykaia Rose
The Iconic Victoria’s Secret Will Shutter 250 of its Stores
The coronavirus pandemic has effected business worldwide forcing them to make tough calls that can either impact them now or in the future. Victoria Secret along with its parent company, L Brands are facing a major dilemma resulting in store closures.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced countless businesses to file for bankruptcy. Many are struggling to make ends meet and keep up with finances, resulting in drops in sales, leaving them hopeless with nowhere to turn.
The iconic Victoria’s Secret is closing down 250 stores in shopping centers and other locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Victoria’s Secret is prestigious for its women’s lingerie, fragrance, body care, accessories and athletic and loungewear. The brand is also notorious for its celebrated Angels and fashion events. Victoria Secret’s products are sold in more than 1,600 stores worldwide and online at VictoriaSecret.com
The store has continuously seen a drop in sales amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Along with its stores closures, the brand’s parent company, L Brands, will eliminate 22% of the company’s 1,091 stores along with 1.26 million square feet of real estate, according to ABC News.
Victoria Secret’s CEO Stuart Burgdoefer has indicated that there will be additional store closures in the future saying: “We would expect to have a meaningful number of additional store closures beyond the 250 that we’re pursuing this year, meaning there will be more in 2021 and probably a bit more in 2022.”
Bath & Body Works, another brand under the mass retailer is also expected to close 50 stores nationwide and one in Canada.
Although Bath & Body Works climbed 20% in soap and sanitizer sales, L Brands dropped 37% in sales across its brands during its first quarter of business amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to ABC News.
Victoria Secret shoppers expressed their concerns and frustrations on Twitter with one user saying: “#VictoriaSecret I was rooting for you, we were ALL rooting for you.”
While another person tweeted: “that’s what I’m saying they want us to buy that shit where???? Walmart? #dobetter @vsactu @VSPINK @bathbodyworks like ok u want us roaming around smelling like that bootleg perfume from urban planet? Mhmh ok.
As you can see loyal customers are not too happy about the stores closures and their clearly not having it.
With the stores closures in effect, definitely expect to see MAJOR sales. STAY TUNED!!!
Report: Juana Norales Instagram: @juana.n_
Hanifa Used 3D Models to Launch Its Latest Collection on Instagram Live
The coronavirus pandemic is changing so many industries worldwide. One such change that is already taking place is the move to make fashion shows more accessible by using 3D digital models to launch new collections online.
The coronavirus pandemic is changing so many industries worldwide. One such change that is already taking place is the move to make fashion shows more accessible by using 3D digital models to launch new collections online.
In an interview with Teen Vogue, Hanifa's designer, Anifa Mvuemba, revealed that she already planned to launch her new collection, Pink Label Congo, online, but wondered if it was still the right move when the coronavirus pandemic changed everything. Mvuemba explained, "The news came out about how serious things were and I started to feel a bit anxious about everything going on. I started feeling like maybe it would be insensitive to create and share a new collection online while people were facing very difficult realities."
With her designs, Mvuemba wants to celebrate the beauty of Congo, while drawing attention to the issues faced by people in the locale such as illegal mining. Using 3D models is a natural next step for Mvuemba, who told Teen Vogue, "designing content using 3D models and now an entire collection has been a complete game changer for me." Making the launch entirely digital has only been positive for the brand, as the designer revealed, "My decision to keep going could impact our customers for the better in ways I never imagined. That’s when I knew it was time."
Instagram is also the great leveler when it comes to fashion, as Mvuemba explained, "We know that some people may never experience a fashion week or Hanifa showcase, so we wanted to show up for our audience where they show up for us on a daily basis. That’s when Instagram became the obvious choice."
Report: Amanda T Lou
Is Jeffree Star's New "Cremated" Collection Worth It?
Jeffree Star has recently released his new makeup collection called “Cremated.”
Jeffree Star has recently released his new makeup collection called “Cremated.” It consists of a palette with 24 new eyeshadow shades ranging from black and white to grey and brown. Some of the names of the colors are “Angel of Death,” “Death Certificate,” and “R.I.P.” This Palette allows for beauty lovers to create the perfect smokey eye. It retails for about $58 on his website. Alongside the Palette, he released new lip glosses, makeup bags, metal straws and a liquid lipstick. The collection sold out in the matter of minutes and I could understand why.
There has been a lot of talk about his new collection as it has caused controversies. People have mixed feelings about it as they felt it was insensitive or tone-deaf to name the collection “Cremated” during a pandemic. However, Star has spoken out about these comments saying that he has been working on this Palette before the COVID-19 outbreak. Producing makeup takes months to create. It’s not a quick and easy process. In a youtube video, Star said, “For me, this is art and I never come from a negative place, you guys.” Star has also said that if he kept pushing off the release the makeup would have expired.
Many beauty influencers went on to test the Palette and lip glosses for themselves. One YouTuber who reviewed it was NikkieTutorials, with over 4 million views on it. She made sure to give her honest opinion about how she felt about the collection despite the controversy. She agreed with the people saying the timing is a little off. However, she thinks this would have hurt people regardless of timing. Nikkie went on to say that “if you focus directly on the quality, it is golden.” I am not surprised because Jeffree Star is known for releasing eyeshadows with incredible pigment formulas.
It’s really up to you what you want to spend your money on. If you can get over the theme of it and focus solely on the collection, you won’t be disappointed. It is perfect for anyone who loves to play with grey tones. The collection is said to be back in stock, mid-June.
*Photo Credits to Jeffree Star’s Instagram*
Report: Anna Levitus
Good News Beauty Gurus...Sephora is Reopening!
Beauty lovers it is now your time to shine because Sephora is officially opening up its stores!
Finally, some positive news! Beauty lovers it is now your time to shine because Sephora is officially opening up its stores! Let’s discuss the info that really matters…the who, the when, and the where!
First up: The Who. Sephora is officially beginning its reopening phases since they were forced to shut down in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s been a long 3 months for beauty gurus, and I’m happy to share that we’re starting to see some form of normalcy! As states begin to get their groove back, Sephora is working on it too!
Next Up: The When. 70 stores will be reopening as of Friday May 22, 2020. New and improved safety procedures are being instilled into every Sephora. The, “Sephora Health and Hygiene Guidelines”, include almost fifty safety procedures as well as proper training for its employees. It may not be the average Sephora you were so used to before, but just remember, your safety is their highest priority! Line coordinators will be on guard, no testers allowed, social distance required, and a customer capacity will all be put into place for re-openings.
Lastly: The Where. States that are included in the first stage of reopening include: Colorado, Indiana, Idaho, Mississippi, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Georgia, Alaska, Arkansas, and Alabama. Don’t see your state? This is only the first step in reopening, so more states are sure to pop up in the future.
Sephora is keeping up with the daily heath procedures to ensure every persons safety. Deep cleaning throughout the store will take place every day. All customers and employees are required to wear face masks, and their employees will even have their temperature tested during their shifts. Hopefully I’ll be sharing more info on even more store openings soon!
Photo Credits:
https://community.sephora.com/t5/Customer-Support/As-we-start-to-reopen-some-stores-we-want-to-share-what-we-re/td-p/5369029
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
JCPenney Files for Chapter 11
JCPenney Files for Chapter 11
As America’s economy has continued to drop over the past 2 months due to the global pandemic, the future of our country is anything but clear. The governments decision to halt economic growth in order to save the lives of our country is a tough decision to understand, but also to make. With the amount of time passing where stores remain closed, we can foresee many businesses filing for bankruptcy.
JCPenney has officially filed for Chapter 11 as of Friday May 15 in order to bring down their astronomical amount of debt and restructure financially. Of course, filing for any form of bankruptcy seriously discredits a business, but if JCPenney wants to continue opening its doors, this was the only way to help it.
JCPenney’s plan of action includes a restructuring support agreement (RSA) that the court will continue to oversee between lenders who hold about 70% of JCPenney’s lien debt. Terms and agreements have been pre-arranged to allow a sense of relief during this process. As the debt is payed off, the financial restructuring will occur within the organization to ensure this never happens again. Even with a smart new plan, some stores are still expected to close for good.
JCPenney continues to support its customers throughout this time, and with new states opening every week, its stores will open when the timing is safe. JCPenney has been a major department store for years and has been shown a tremendous amount of support from its employees, customers, and vendors. JCPenney is doing everything they can to protect its loyal workers, and will continue to provide relief for its customers during these unprecedented times.
JCPenney is not the only nationwide department store to file for bankruptcy as Neiman Marcus has also filed for Chapter 11 in the recent weeks. The two department stores offer brands to different levels of cliental, but have both built a solid plan for future endeavors.
If you are a supporter of either of these two businesses, please consider supporting them throughout this crisis.
Photo Credits:
https://www.dailywire.com/news/jcpenney-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy
https://abc11.com/jc-penney-has-filed-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-protection-a-report-said-friday/6186759/
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
Big Pore, Little Pore, then Unclog Pores!
Have you been struggling with acne since your teenage years and it has only gotten worse over the years interfering into adulthood?
Have you been struggling with acne since your teenage years and it has only gotten worse over the years interfering into adulthood? Well just to let you know you are not alone. I been struggling with acne since middle school and it has only gotten worst over the years until I decided to go to the dermatologist. The dermatologist helped me out with getting me the right treatment which was a topical acne cream for my face. I recently been trying to figure out a safe way to unclog my pores by not causing a breakout. Pores are little openings in the skin that discharge sweat and oils. Pores can be really painful and disgusting. Just note that you can never get rid of pores but there are ways to diminish them. I would still go talk to a dermatologist, but this should get you started. If you want clean and unclog pores just check out this product! “Owned by Kao Corporation based in Tokyo, Japan. It’s a chemical and cosmetics company. It was founded by Tomiro Nagase”.He needed to make moderate healthy skin items which he did that by purchasing Biore in the earlies 1880s. Biore Blue Agave Deep Cleansing Pore Strips is the newest and latest skincare product from Biore. This product is guaranteed to remove undesirable pores from your nose in a safe way.
Lastly, always wash your hands first before touching your face. Remember I am no expert, but you can never get rid of pores, but finding a way to diminish them is a great way to start.
Photo Credits: Biore
Report: Tykaia Rose
Five Indie Skincare Brands You Won't Want to Miss!
Want to #slay that skin for the summer? Check out our list of the top five indie skincare brands you won't want to miss!
With all the new indie brands emerging, it is easier than ever to find quality skincare with all-natural ingredients. So if you want to stay hydrated, blemish-free, glowy this summer, you just might want to check out some of these products!
Photo Credit: Herla Beauty
Founded by a grandmother-granddaughter team, Herla Beauty uses local beauty secrets from around the world to create all-natural, responsibly-sourced products. The brand even employs a primarily-female staff. With skincare friendly to all ages, one of Herla Beauty’s most popular products is the nourishing Damask Rose face cream.
Photo Credit: Urban Skin RX
Urban Skin RX was founded to create corrective skincare for diverse skin tones and skin types. Its inclusive, lab-researched products cover skincare concerns from eye creams to serums, and the brand’s best-selling product, the Even Tone Cleansing Bar, touts the Essence Best in Black Beauty Award.
Photo Credit: La Flore
La Flore uses groundbreaking probiotic technology to decrease redness and acne by neutralizing harmful bacteria on skin. The all-natural, clinically-tested products increase elastin production and collagen. Its best-selling Probiotic Cleanser gently exfoliates skin and is suitable for all skin types.
Photo Credit: Kopari Beauty
Focused on being natural and toxin-free, Kopari Beauty products are made from organic coconut oil sustainably sourced in the Philippines. The brand has coconut products for every skin care need, but its best-seller is a Vitamin E infused Coconut Melt that can deep condition hair, moisturize skin, or remove makeup.
Photo Credit: Biossance
Biossance employs biotechnology to create skincare without harming animals or the earth. Pioneering sustainable beauty, the brand vows to use trustworthy, natural ingredients to create products that it ships with carbon neutral shipping. Its popular Squalane and Vitamin C Rose Oil is firming, brightening, and environmentally friendly.
Report: Rachel Attar
KylieSkin’s Newest Launch: Baby Pink Slides
It’s official, the KarJenners are at it again, but this time in foot wear.
It’s official, the KarJenners are at it again, but this time in foot wear. Kylie Jenner has just recently announced her newest launch, KylieSkin x APL slides.
Who is APL? Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL), have been a long time fan of the KarJenners as they have sported their sneakers for years. Their sneakers are practical for the gym with their light weight and serious comfort, I should know, I own a pair or two! Not a fan of the gym, but still want to look like you flawlessly worked out? Well, you’re in luck because their style can’t be beat. The clean modern look they showcase with their on trend color schemes allow you to look your best, but also be that athletic self you want to show off. ;)
So, what do these slides have that make them worth buying? First off, slides are a major trend this year, so if you buy them you’re already winning. But, the legendary blush pink that KylieSkin promotes could very well be their main attraction, and not to mention, they also have the comfort and style that APL is known for. Their strap is soft and flexible, and they even have “antimicrobial mesh footbeds” which literally massage your feet while you’re going for a stroll. Maximum comfort much? There definitely doesn’t seem to be a downside to these cute, yet casual baby pink slides.
They retail at $100, I know a bit expensive, but why not splurge for self care? You can find these babies on KylieSkin’s website: KylieSkin . Go ahead…click the link, I know you want them!
Photo Credits: Kylie Skin
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
Flower Anarchy
Salute, a Hong-Kong based brand, just recently dropped their spring/summer collection on April 18th.
Now that summer is just around the corner, Salute, a Hong-Kong based brand, just recently dropped their spring/summer collection on April 18th. A$AP Rocky and many other fashion lovers are seen showing Salute’s unique jewelry off. Salute’s sense of individuality is high and they know how to create a line that's different from others, this is what draws my eyes in.
This jewelry collection is also pretty budget-friendly, coming in at about $50 for the bracelet and $70 for the necklace. Building on its traditional theme, the bracelet and necklace are primarily based on the expression “Flower Anarchy”. The name resonates with the design of the jewelry perfectly, while creating a name to draw customers like me in.
The accessories include eye-catching charms and pearls accompanied by silver accents. The charms are the best part, they include daisies, rainbow flowers with peace signs, smiley face daisies, and pearls. The necklace is split up by small beads and long silver rods. Each charm is uniquely arranged and appealing to the eye, the different sizes of the pearls give the necklace and bracelet a more detailed and complex look. I love a brand that creates a style of their own, one that doesn’t copy trends, but one that makes trends. That’s why Salute is a good place to spend your money whether it be on clothing or jewelry. Either way, you're paying a good price for what your'e receiving!
Report: Emily Andrews
The Beauty Industry After CoVID-19
Despite the growing convenience of online shopping, consumers still prefer to try before they buy when it comes to their makeup. Yet, retail beauty is on an indefinite hiatus, with stores like Sephora and Ulta closed for the shelter-in-place period.
There’s no amount of internet research on undertones, swatches, or ingredients that can compare to just trying a foundation on your face. The same can be said for serums, or eyeliner, or lipstick; there’s just an unmatched security in test-driving a product before you buy it. You can see for yourself whether the shade suits you, how it wears throughout the day, and how it reacts with your skin, all before committing to the purchase! This is one of the greatest allures of brick-and-mortar cosmetics.
For the average makeup consumer, places like Sephora are the easiest way to try a multitude of products at once. In fact, e-commerce contributes to 15% of all US retail in 2008 but only accounts for 5% in the health and beauty sector. Despite the growing convenience of online shopping, consumers still prefer to try before they buy when it comes to their makeup. Yet, retail beauty is on an indefinite hiatus, with stores like Sephora and Ulta closed for the shelter-in-place period. Launches have been delayed, with data showing that customers are simply not interested in new products right now. Brands with e-commerce infrastructures have quickly announced sales and free shipping, and social media has become even more pivotal to marketing makeup. As non-essential businesses reopen, the hygiene concerns of beauty retail mean that the industry may recover much slower than other retail sectors.
CoVID-19 will catalyze a rapid shift to digital services and technology in the beauty industry. Currently, the industry is rapidly adapting to remote work, with service providers like hair stylists and makeup artists offering online classes and consultations in lieu of direct contact. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality will also continue to play a huge role. Sephora’s Virtual Artist is an app feature that leverages AI and AR to allow shoppers to try on products with surprising accuracy from the comfort of their home. Combined with other features that help you through your skin type or style, Sephora has done a phenomenal job of approximating their retail experience online and sets an example for how the rest of beauty retail will adapt. Although these virtual services aren’t quite the same as hitting up your local Sephora, it can come pretty close.
Report: Emily Hui
M.A.C x Selena Quintanilla La Reina Collection
M.A.C Cosmetics has released a new Selena Quintanilla inspired collection. Her token red lips and studded bra inspired the sequel to the M.A.C x Selena La Reina collection.
M.A.C Cosmetics has released a new Selena Quintanilla inspired collection. Selena Quintanilla, an iconic singer who suffered a tragic death 25 years ago, is well known for more than just her voice and dance moves. Her token red lips and studded bra inspired the sequel to the M.A.C x Selena La Reina collection.
Queen of Cumbia, a rich red lipstick featured in the line is exactly what is needed for those trying to recreate Selena’s look. Other lipsticks include, Inolvidable, Selena Vive, and La Reina, which are more neutral tones. Selena is also known for her incredible glow which inspires the gold Extra Dimension Skinfinish.
What would a M.A.C Collection be without a eyeshadow palette. This palette is named after the iconic line in the Selena movie that Jennifer Lopez who plays the singer says, “Me Siento ...Muy Excited.” This eight color pallete is a mix of pinks, reds, and sparkly neutrals. The collection also carries three lip glosses that are holographic and sparkly, one being named “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” one of the singers hit songs.
The sparkly studded bra is one of Selena’s main stamps and this collection includes a shiny black makeup bag that emulates the silhouette of the singer’s studded bra.
This collection is made to have a bright, fun, and memorable face just like Selena Quintanilla. Check out MAC Cosmetics website to shop from the M.A.C x Selena Quintanilla La Reina Collection. (Photo sources: Official M.A.C Cosmetics Website)
Report: Alycia Williams
Spend Quarantine Creating a Streamlined Closet You Feel Good About
Let's face it, we are stuck at home for the next however many weeks. We can twiddle our thumbs, make banana bread, and binge watch Tiger King and Little Fires Everywhere: done, done and done. But we could also be tackling our cluttered and outdated closet that we would organize and purge "if only we had the time"; and we may never be granted with this considerable amount of time again.
Let's face it, we are stuck at home for the next however many weeks. We can twiddle our thumbs, make banana bread, and binge watch Tiger King and Little Fires Everywhere: done, done and done. But we could also be tackling our cluttered and outdated closet that we would organize and purge "if only we had the time"; and we may never be granted with this considerable amount of time again.
Having a messy closet creates a messy mind. Taking the time to go through items you no longer need will only make it easier to find the items that you truly love. Why keep a piece of clothing you feel average wearing? Imagine having a closet featuring only items that make you feel confident and self-assured when you put them on. Creating a streamlined closet can also make your mornings less stressful, allowing you to use your energy on something other than deciding what to wear. Just look to Steve Jobs and what all he accomplished by simply eliminating the conflict of choosing an outfit.
One approach to condensing your closet could be to build a capsule wardrobe. This is a trending practice although the world’s idea of the capsule wardrobe has strayed far from its original design when fast fashion came walking down the runway in the early 2000’s. Susie Faux is known as the first to conjure up this simple idea in London in the 1970’s and a decade later was made popular in the United States by Donna Karan’s Seven Easy Pieces. If the capsule wardrobe is such a simple concept, why is it so challenging to put into practice? For starters, purging cherished items can be overwhelming. The simplicity of a minimalistic life remains only a concept for many when they are faced with the reality of what it actually entails; parting with some of our “old favorite’s”, “nostalgic pieces”, and of course our “I-might-wear-that-someday”’s.
So maybe you won’t have Susie Faux’s 12 piece closet, but taking advantage of this time to arrange your closet in a way that makes YOU feel good could be just as beneficial. Admit to yourself you will never again wear those ill-fitting jeans or that itchy sweater, or even that t-shirt that WAS your favorite back in 2016. You might soon realize that less is truly more. I know it can be difficult to part with clothes that hold so much sentimental value, but if you can unearth some inspiration during this time of quarantine, you may find yourself walking out of this mess, well, in less of one. I suggest bagging these items up and setting them aside and when the world opens up again consider donating these once loved items to someone who will love them once again.
Photo Credit: Vogue.com
Report: Emily Casey
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.