How To Boost Your Productivity and Attitude With Clothing When Working At Home

What has been the norm for businesses and employees in the past has transitioned into full work-from-home chaos due to the coronavirus. None of us fully prepared for maintaining our work life at home for what could be more than two months. Many of you who worked in an office and wished to work from home are experiencing the pros and cons of working remotely, with the biggest struggle staying proactive and completing work. It’s easy to get lazy, become unmotivated, and decide to watch TV or take a “quick” nap.

For a quick solution to this problem, we offer you the advice of dressing for work at home. We can imagine your response: “Why should I waste clean clothes to sit in the living room and work?” It’s important to look past your wash load and realize how it can boost your personal morale. Getting dressed in the morning often motivates you to accomplish work. If you opt to wear sweats or stay in your pajamas, these casual clothing pieces can make your mood for the day lackadaisical and unmotivated. Taking the time to shower, put on your favorite top and pants, styling your hair, and applying makeup can boost your confidence, make you feel ready to take on the day, and embrace your inner boss.

After reading this article, start small by wearing jeans or pants instead of sweatpants. Taking inspiration from the runway, Max Mara is our favorite with simplistic, but statement workwear pieces. Wear a wide leg pant with a simple top. It gives semi-casual vibes combining professional and fashionable. The second day, plan your outfit the night before giving focus and emphasis on wearing something attractive to boost your mood. Because the weather changes, a camel tone is perfect for a dull or bright day. Day by day, add more focus to how you get dressed. Not only will it make a difference in your attitude, but, also, your productivity for the day. Photo Credit: Filippo Fior/ gorunway.com

Report: Necole Jackson

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Retail Therapy - The Myth Has Become Reality

As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, some of our favorite beauty brands and retailers are temporarily closing their stores to help prevent the virus from spreading. While in-store shopping is no longer available, many brands are still offering online services, as it is virtually impossible for the virus to survive throughout transit. If you suffer from anxiety and depression, experiencing higher levels during these challenging times is common. As it turns out, a little retail therapy is a proven way to help combat these issues.

According to Psychology Today, online shopping can provide a sense of relaxation and escape, as it is a mindless and calming activity. Another study from the Journal of Consumer Psychology notes that retail therapy can be beneficial in providing a sense of control and stability when you feel like you have no control over your environment. A handful of brands are even offering incentives to stay safe and socially distanced during these times such as free shipping. Many department stores, including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, closed their stores and are continuing with online services, and are still providing their employees with benefits and regular pay. Also, many beauty brands such as Glossier, Kiehl’s, Benefit Cosmetics, and many others are implementing the same policies. When engaging in retail therapy, supporting companies that ensured the health, safety, and security of their employees can help them to lead by example of what it means to protect employees during the current unforeseen circumstances the world is facing, and also for the future.

Report: Libby Ayers

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Virtual Fashion in a Pandemic

The coronavirus and the consequential quarantine measures have significantly impacted industries worldwide, and the fashion world is no exception. Mandatory social distancing naturally limits engagement with fashion products to online spaces, but the dilemma faced by retailers and consumers is more complex than it appears. Smaller fashion labels share the fear of their businesses not surviving the pandemic. While online shopping has not completely halted, established name-brands receive the bulk of profits while lesser-known companies struggle to retain financial stability.

Fashion businesses have attempted to combat the decline in revenue by offering discounts on their products. Online clothing stores’ coupons come in the form of codes, many of them aptly named such things as “STAYHEALTHY” and “STAYHOME15”. The imperativeness of supporting smaller fashion businesses cannot be overstated, especially those donating a percentage of their proceeds to various charities. For example, street fashion label John Elliott is donating $10,000 as well as 10% of their sales to the UCLA Health Fund to aid the medical personnel working endlessly during this pandemic. Footwear label Mia Becar takes the much more direct approach of donating all proceeds to the California Community Foundation COVID-19 L.A. Response Fund. The shopping habits of consumers seems even more uncertain, with the current suspension of wages and fashion tastes possibly changing due to a number of factors.

Mainstream fashion was already becoming more minimalistic, so working from home would only further encourage a daily casual manner of dress. As proof, online sales of tracksuits have skyrocketed in the US and UK since January. On the other hand, the overexposure of casual wear may leave some longing to dress formally once more. Fortunately, consumers have less costly options to remain connected with the fashion industry. Countless online magazines and blogs still update regularly, and there are fashion documentaries available on cable and streaming services. In fact, consumers can even learn how to craft their own fashions. Online tutorials are widely accessible, and companies sell fabric and crochet materials for affordable prices. Historical events have always influenced fashion trends, even spawning new generations of designers.

Report: Nia Hunt

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Michelle Obama Catches Up with Ellen DeGenres Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently caught up with comedian and daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres! She told Ellen that she was happy to have her family home and safe amid the coronavirus outbreak. Her daughters are home taking online classes since universities and colleges have shut down. While her husband and former President Barack Obama is at home with her family.

The former First Lady said, “We can do with a lot less, and I think that's an important lesson that I want my kids to understand. Be grateful for what you have and be ready to share it when the time comes, because that's really what it's all about. We’re worried, now we’re just happy that we're together and everybody is healthy and safe — who cares about the other stuff?” Obama acknowledged the hardships that many Americans are experiencing because of the pandemic, which has affected tens of thousands of people in the world. She said, “I feel for all the folks who are going to suffer because of what's going to happen to the economy and we have to be mindful about what we're going to do to support those folks when this quarantine is over.” She admitted that it’s forced her and her family to sit down with each other to have real conversations without electronics. But she remained positive, "Be grateful for what you have and be ready to share it when the time comes. Because that's really what it's all about. Now, we're just happy that we're together and everybody is healthy and safe. Who cares about the other stuff?"

Report: Amanda Lou

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Glossier drops new Skywash, inspired by the Southwest landscape.

Glossier released Skywash, their new liquid to powder finish eye tints. There are 7 available colors, inspired by the Southwest landscapes. The eyeshadows are dermatologist tested, smudge- resistant, gluten- free, cruelty- free, and vegan. Skywash is their second eyeshadow product. Lidstar is their glistening eye glow, that comes in 6 different colors. Skywash is their first matte eyeshadow drop.

Colors from left to right: Lawn, Pebble, Valley, Pool, Terra, Echo, and Palm.

Pool is a cornflower blue.Pebble is a neutral taupe. Echo is a cocoa brown. Terra is a burnt sienna. Valley is a warm peach. Palm is a golden beige. Lawn is a fresh green.

The doe- foot applicator makes for easy use. The seven shades are great for a pop of color, great for a minimal look. Tap with your fingers or use a brush for a sheer finish for a step up in a fresh look. Skywash retails at $18 or the Skywash Duo retails for $30.

Report: Katie Mok

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Fast Fashion: The Trend That Has Overtaken The Retail World

Fast fashion is a term used to describe retailers who quickly produce inexpensive clothing to keep up with the runway’s latest trends. In theory, this process sounds flawless. You get to have the trendiest clothes as soon as styles come off the runway, without paying designer prices. Buying clothing from these stores is convenient, but it does come at a price. Fast fashion negatively impacts the environment in many ways, including carbon emissions, drying up water sources, and polluting rivers and streams. Also, according to business insider, “85% of all textiles go to the dump each year, and washing some types of clothes sends thousands of bits of plastic into the ocean.” Trends also change so quickly that consumers are buying more clothing than ever before, but only keeping the items for half as long. These kind of stores have taken over the fashion industry, making it almost impossible to buy affordable clothing from anywhere else.

That being said, you can help make a difference by taking steps to make your clothing last longer. One step to keep your clothes in their best condition is to keep them away from dust, heat, moisture, and light. This means storing them in your closet, and not in an attic or basement. You can also prolong your clothing by maintaining your closet’s cleanliness and keeping it free of dust. Another helpful, and probably the hardest step to abide by is to hang your clothing up carefully after taking it off instead of just tossing it on the floor. The final step is to get a little more wear out of your clothing before tossing it in the washing machine, as they can be quite damaging to the textiles used in producing these clothes. Fast fashion is a trend that has overtaken the retail world, but taking these steps to lengthen the lifespan of your clothing can help make a difference.

Report: Libby Ayers

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Alexandra Byrne, Historical Fashion Extraordinaire

Academy Award-winning costume designer Alexander Byrne has masterfully brought Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma to life in its current film adaptation. Naturally, the original source material was a significant source of inspiration for Byrne’s aesthetic choices. Since the text delves deeply into the eponymous protagonist’s perspective, Byrne strove to visualize this by creating a lavish, engaging setting that makes audiences feel as though they are part of Emma’s world.

Byrne also took Emma’s wealth and self-indulgence into consideration, and therefore had the character constantly change outfits throughout the film. Byrne’s artistic vision for Emma was further shaped by her reading the script and collaborating with director Autumn de Wilde. Ideas for costumes initially came not from historical accuracy, but instead from analyzing the characters in the script and planning their respective attire. When Byrne eventually did her research on the era of fashion in which the story takes place, she learned that fabric was more delicate and light and she delighted in the freedom to create a diverse array of costumes by bejeweling and embroidering the fabric.

Aiding her in this precision was de Wilde, who pleasantly surprised Byrne by sharing her flair for historical fashion. De Wilde provided Byrne with detailed reference images of pre-1900s garments and insisted upon the film being as colorful as it was to remain accurate to the time period. Byrne has designed costumes for films across various genres, but her most outstanding work is that which she has created for period films. Earlier in her career she designed costumes for Elizabeth: The Golden Age, for which she has won an Oscar. Queen Elizabeth I was renowned for her beauty and extravagant gowns, and as such Byrne created a memorable, albeit historically inaccurate, blue gown fit for such a queen. Byrne earned another Oscar nomination for Mary, Queen of Scots, in which she took the unique approach of building medieval costumes from altered denim to implicitly denote modernity. Overall, Alexandra believes that costume design should immerse viewers in a film’s environment and time period, which she has always executed impeccably.

Report: Nia Hunt

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Simon Porte Jacquemus: Growing up in the French Countryside

Born on January 16th, 1990 in Salon de Provence, France, Simon Porte Jacquemus was seven-years-old when he cut a skirt for his mother out of a linen curtain. Being the founder and designer of his very own label, Jacquemus, life wasn’t always as glamorous as what you see on the runway. Before his RTW collections, he moved out of his parents house at eighteen to Paris in order to pursue his dreams in the fashion industry. Simon was studying at a French school for fashion, when he already had thoughts about a collection he wanted to release. This was going to be a brand of his own and he set to release this at nineteen. Unfortunately, a month later, his mother passed away and left him in a state of confusion and where he would go on with his life from now. Simon told AnOther Magazine that, “My brand would be named after my mother’s maiden name, Jacquemus, and designed for the girl my mother was.” This was how the charming and playful French brand was born.

He launched his first collection. In order to get his clothes more coverage, he encouraged his friends to wear his collection during Vogue’s Fashion Night Out. He was walking through a flea market in Paris where he met a seamstress who offered to make him a skirt. He asked if she could make it for 100 and he was back with the materials, and fabric of how he envisioned a skirt for his first collection. His clothes consisted of simplistic fabrics and details that were not over the top with effortless prints and he has since continued this into his brand now.

He dedicated his Resort 2016 collection as well to his mother and has her name, Valérie, written on his moodboard for new pieces in order to capture her style and imagine her wearing these pieces. Jacquemus has taken the fashion world by storm and his brand has become synonymous with happiness, childhood memories, France, the beach, summertime, and sun. Simon Porte Jacquemus continues to lead his designer collections by leaving a story in everything he makes for his mother. This is all for Valérie.

(Photo sources: Pinterest, WMagazine, and Instagram)

Report: Pamela Valdez

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Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus Talk Staying Busy While Being Stuck At Home

This week, pop star Miley Cyrus has launched an Instagram Live Show called “Bright Minded: Live with Miley” which offers hope and escapism, optimism, and a way to stay connected while people are practicing social distance. The live chat will air on the singer's Instagram every day this week at 11:30 a.m. PT/2:30 p.m. ET.

The show’s episode on March 17 featured an appearance from Demi Lovato, where they discussed how they’re keeping busy while at home and shared how they’re practicing self-care. Both singers enjoy using meditation apps like Headspace and Calm, while also enjoying quality time with their pets. Cyrus has been binge-watching “Love Island” while Lovato pledged to start knitting and do home workouts. Lovato practices breathing techniques and doing virtual therapy sessions with her therapist. She logs onto a guided prayer app daily, while maintaining her body with healthy foods and supplements. Lovato gave fans a tour of her “immunity table”, which included products like rubbing alcohol, Emergen-C, Manuka honey, apple cider vinegar gummies, vitamin C, CBD and probiotics. Lovato is also trying to use this time to be creative. Cyrus has been spending most of her alone time staying comfortable, she said, “I have not gotten of these sweatpants for five days and don’t plan on changing any time soon.”. She’s also working on the improving her skills with the guitar.

During the chat, they talked about why they rekindled their friendship. Lovato said, “It’s times like these to reconnect and realize what really matters. It’s important to stick together, especially being women in the industry. I feel like you've always been such a light and that's why we connected at 14.” Cyrus concluded their honest chat with an important for their fans to hear during the quarantine. Lovato said, “It's important not to beat ourselves up over getting nervous, over maybe not eating perfectly, not working out perfectly. These are different, very scary times. We've never been through anything like this in our lives. This is all new to everyone. Be gentle and take care of yourselves as much as possible."

Report: Amanda Lou

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Louis Vuitton Announced Its Next Collaboration With Nigo Named LV²

Since the last collaboration with streetwear brand Supreme, Louis Vuitton announced its next collaboration with Nigo named LV² and, most recently, shared its lookbook of the collection through Instagram. Virgil Abloh, Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear, and Nigo have been longtime friends spanning back to Nigo’s creation of A Bathing Ape and now most recent streetwear company, Human Made.

As both brands created by Nigo have been centered on streetwear consumers, the released collection with the fashion house is that but opposite than the brand’s basic aesthetic and Supreme collection. The collection features hints of original LV’s classic designs featuring its signature logo, patchworks, and classic camel and chocolate brown colors. With Nigo’s influence, Human Made fonts are featured on classic streetwear bomber jackets, “dripping” Louis Vuitton designs are on bags (backpacks, travel and carrying bags), fitted caps are featured, and crisp tailoring are focused on suits and casualwear.

This fresh take on a collaboration with a streetwear creator will be the influence needed in the fashion industry to put more emphasis in design and less on the placement of logos. The full collection can be found in Virgil's most recent interview with Vogue. The release date of the collection has yet to be announced.

Photo Credit: Vogue.com

Report: Necole Jackson

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Dyson Hair Has Launched The Dyson Corrale Straightener

Dyson recently launched a hair straightener – the Dyson Corrale. The straightener took 7 years to make. Their goal is to straighten and style hair by using 50% less heat than their competitors. Its name comes from its ability to gather hair together. The plates are coated with nickel and smooth titanium nitride, the titanium eliminates friction so the Dyson Corrale straightens the hair smoothly.

There are 3 calculated heat settings – 330, 366- and 410-degrees Fahrenheit – for a variety of style options. The max 410 degrees can completely straighten curls while 365 degrees can be used for touch ups. The tool features comes with flexing plates made from manganese copper alloy that evenly apply heat and tension, which will result in less heat damage and color fading. The device is also cordless. Founder James Dyson said in a statement, "Since we first started developing the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, we have continued to explore the science of style, seeking to understand what makes hair smooth, shiny and glossy, and what makes it dull, damaged and lifeless. We have been worried about the style results and heat damage from flat plate straighteners. Flat hair irons apply tension and heat only on the thickest part of the hair tress, the strands at the edges are not clamped, leaving them slack, unheated and leaving flyaways. It requires multiple passes on the same section of hair tress to give an even look, by which time excess heat may have caused reduced strength and less gloss," The Dyson Corrale is $500 and available now at www.dyson.com

Report: Amanda Lou

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Shea Moisture Transitional Hair Repair Routine

This year’s weather has been unpredictable with the increase of warmer temperatures and the sudden change back to colder climates. As this can disrupt our skin, it can also damage our hair texture. The sudden change back to cool weather can result in dehydrated ends and lackluster shine. While Shea Moisture’s products are developed in collections, one of the best ways to revitalize your hair is by using products from different collections together bringing your hair back to life. Thanks to Shea Moisture, we have the repair routine for the transitioning season.

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo

Start by giving your hair a deep, well-deserved cleanse with the African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo and Balancing Conditioner. Both help resolve dry scalps encouraging healthy hair. One new product to use next is the Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil Lush Length Lite Leave-In to detangle and nourish.

Shea Moisture Hemp Seed Oil Length Leave-In 8 Ounce Pump (237ml) (Pack of 2)

If looking for a silicone-free option, Shea Moisture’s Silicone Free Miracle Styler Leave-In Treatment uses Sugarcane Extract and Meadowfoam Seed to provide slip in place of silicones, which can weigh down fine hair. At the end of the week, treat your hair to the Purple Rice Water Strength + Color Care Masque. Formulated specifically for color-treated hair, this masque uses Purple Rice Water to strengthen strands and add shine while locking in color and preventing brassiness. By the time summer arrives, your hair will be thanking you for the much needed TLC. 

SheaMoisture Strength + Color Care Conditioner Purple Rice Water 13 oz

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Shop The Entire Routine Here!

Report: Necole Jackson.

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Zoë Kravitz's Cool 90's Style in Hulu's "High Fidelity"

A new, gender-reversed Hulu adaptation of Nick Hornby's 1995 novel “High Fidelity” was aired this February. The series is about a heartbroken record shop owner, determined to revisit her five all-time greatest heartbreaks in a journey of self-discovery, and to see what went wrong in each relationship. The main character, Rob, is played by none other than the amazing Zoë Kravitz, and her style in the show mimics her unique style in real life.

It influences it so much that Kravitz and the costume designer for the show, Colleen Atwood, actually went and shopped for the clothing at vintage stores together. Kravitz told indiewire that “a lot of the band T-shirts were [hers], too. [Also,] Colleen designed this great leather jacket that was kind of a homage to the jacket that [John] Cusack wears in the [first] film.” The costumes were a nostalgic take inspired by the 90’s, featuring high-waisted jeans, Hawaiian shirts, loose flowy pants, long jackets and sweaters, and combat boots. Band t-shirts were a big hit on the show. Kravitz was seen wearing a Bowie T-shirt, Beastie Boys, and a long Bob Marley shirt almost worn like a dress. Kravitz and Atwood paired some of these looks with high-waisted blue jeans, and a pair of loafers. The long leather trench coat was also worn frequently throughout the show, paired with a variety of different styles.

The most memorable was with a Hawaiian shirt worn as a dress, and completed with a pair of black chunky boots. The best, and most casual look from the show was Kravitz in a basic yellow shirt, high-waisted blue jeans, and again, the chunky black boots. She threw her braids in some pigtails and called it a day. High Fidelity is turning heads not only for people who love the production, but for music and fashion lovers as well. The styles in the show are not only affordable, but are also so easily achieved that you probably already have some of it in your closet.

Watch High Fidelity on Hulu today.

Words by Libby Ayers.

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Multiculturalism in the Philadelphia International Gem & Jewelry Show

The Philadelphia International Gem & Jewelry Show was held in the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center from March 6th to March 8th, 2020. The event was a vast showcase of diversity, not only in the types of gemstones used for the fashion jewelry but also in the cultural backgrounds of the vendors. Sellers incorporated elements and signifiers of their ethnicities into their products, thus having created truly remarkable works of art.

The most expansive and vibrant stand in the show was that of BJ Total Fashion, a jeweler that specializes in Indian and Buddhist creations. Amidst the gold bracelets and necklaces that encompassed various sections of the BJ Total Fashion vendor were Buddhist medallions and sculptures in the shape of the religious symbol kumkum bharani. Enhancing the aura of these golden treasures was the presence of bejeweled hair accessories, some of which were flowers built entirely out of gemstones. Several other merchants sold jewelry influenced by multiple regions across Asia. Like BJ Total Fashion, both Avaniee Jewels and Taj Mahal Gems’ jewelry is styled after that of India.

Orchid Pearl Inc’s necklaces and rings were made from fine cultured Japanese Akoya pearls, and at the Imagine Bliss, Inc. vendor there was just as much jewelry as there were silk Chinese-style jewelry bags. One last culturally diverse seller was J&J Gems, which was devoted to Native American art. This vendor was particularly unique in that it primarily sold raw crystals rather than fashion jewelry. Seeing such gemstones as rose quartzes and rainbow jaspers in their pure form dazzled audiences with their distinct beauty. To complete J&J Gems’ striking aesthetic, dream catchers and stone and wooden bear statues ornamented the scene. The Philadelphia International Gem & Jewelry will return to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center on September 18, 2020, which undoubtedly will create more opportunities for the jewelers to further diversify culturally.

Words by Nia Hunt.

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Paris Fashion Week Spring 2020 Trend Recap

Alexander McQueen - Fall Ready To Wear 2020

Chanel - Fall Ready To Wear 2020

As Paris Fashion Week and Fall 2020 Ready-To-Wear collections wrapped up a week ago and the weather transitions to Spring, now is the time to consider pieces, styles, and colors to incorporate in your wardrobe for Fall. Fall 2020 Ready-To-Wear notes collections from renowned designers, including Chanel, Saint Laurent, Yeezy, Sacai, etc. Each has their own interpretation of what the modern millennial woman should be wearing, but as great minds think alike, there are trending looks you should be paying attention to. While there are many trends to follow, our favorite and affordable trend includes all-black pieces with red statement pops. While each was designed differently, all featured the predominant black outfit featuring a pop of true red showing a bold, boss woman ready to take on the world.

Alexander McQueen included a deep-necked black suit and patent leather heels. The suit, not average, featured a detailed, elaborate sleeve, which also is in trend, in red. Chanel followed with a different approach to the trend featuring a dramatic, black evening gown with red accessories, including belts and handbags. Stella McCartney’s collection proved to be a favorite with a black and red flannel pattern in a two-pieces sweater and skirt with cutouts. As we will transition into Fall in the coming months, we are sure to see this black and red statement trend made affordably in fast-fashion stores like Zara, H&M, and ASOS.

Stella McCartney - Fall Ready To Wear 2020

Words by Necole Jackson.
Photo Credits: Vogue.com, Gorunway.com, Isidore Montag, Alessandro Lucioni/ Filippo Fior.

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The Honey Pot Accused of Racism After Innocent Target Commercial Airs

A black owned feminine hygiene business, The Honey Pot, was accused of racism after an innocent Target commercial featuring the brand first aired in February. The commercial was released for Black History Month, and was highlighted to promote and encourage black female entrepreneurs. In the commercial, founder of the company Beatrice Dixon mentions wanting The Honey Pot to do well as an example for the next young black girl who has a great business idea, just like she did. Apparently some viewers missed the point, and interpreted the ad as “racist.” They began leaving her 1-star reviews online, claiming that Dixon was saying her products were meant only for black girls. Twitter caught wind of the dispute, and the controversy quickly went viral all over the internet. Many loyal customers came to Dixon’s and her company’s defense, countering the negative reviews. Users who saw the controversy and were supporting Dixon also said they now planned on buying her products, and they did exactly that.

According to Buzzfeed, “after a barrage of negative and racist reviews were posted on Trustpilot, Dixon said her company’s sales were up 40% to 50% higher than what they would be on a typical day.” Thankfully, the backlash from the commercial going viral ended up being a great promotional tool for the company, and the true message of the commercial was conveyed to many who are inspired by Dixon’s story. Dixon told CNN “she [also] hopes the attention will highlight the fact that only a tiny percentage of venture capital funding goes to businesses run by black women.” Help support the business by leaving a positive review, and shop The Honey Pot’s products now!

Words by Libby Ayers

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Review: Chloe Ready to Wear Fall Winter 2020

The Chloé Fall Winter 2020 Ready to Wear was filled with beige, brown, navy, and olive. The collection showed perfect it-girl fall: flowy skirts and pants, outerwear, and knit pieces. Chloé Creative Director, Natacha Ramsay-Levi channeled contemporary femininity into the collection. Ramsay- Levi worked with painter Rita Ackermann, bringing looks from her work to the runway.

Golden totems and pearl white floors were blessed by the models with their hair neatly slicked back. The looks were chic and tidy, yet soft and romantic. Each look was coupled with a belt at the hip or waist, showing off a great silhouette. The makeup worked to show off the model’s features and the facial expressions were at a strong neutral. The design ranges from modern graphics to soft, cozy patterns meant for the changing moods in the upcoming autumn. The jewelry was simple yet individualized. It completed the looks, making it look much more approachable to the common eye. Pins were worn together like an everyday person would. The collections overall sense was to highlight individuality and the collection was the perfect representation of Natacha Ramsay-Levi.

Words by Katie Mok.

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Look for BlackGirlSunscreen on Your Next Trip to Target!

BlackGirlSunscreen was created in 2016 for the “need of melanin women to have a sunscreen brand that caters exclusively to them.” Many people falsely believe that people and women of color don’t need the extra protection from the sun that sunscreen provides, but there is still a major risk for burns, sun damage, and skin cancer for people of all skin types.

The creator, Shontay Lundy, wanted to be able to go into a major retail store and find a sunscreen product made specifically for her, as well as other black and brown women. After years of dedication and hard work, BlackGirlSunscreen has now become the first black indie sun care brand to have full time placement in a major retailer. You can pick it up at your local Target today! The formula is cruelty free, vegan, reef safe, and contains a high SPF of 30. It is also infused with natural ingredients such as avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sun flower oil that make it perfect for everyday use. BlackGirlSunscreen provides protection from the sun while simultaneously moisturizing, and doesn’t leave the aggravating white residue on the skin that is common with most sunscreens.

Shop today to not only protect and nourish your skin, but to also support a black-owned beauty brand!

Report: Libby Ayers

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BCBGeneration Launches Makeup and Skin-Care Collection, Gen Beauty

BCBGeneration has just launched its first makeup and skincare collection, Gen Beauty. The brand was founded in 1989 by Max Azria, and over the years became a highly successful premiere American fashion brand called BCBGMAXAZRIA. In 2008 Azria created BCBGeneration, which made the brand more accessible and affordable for women of all generations.

After years of keeping up with the latest fashion trends, BCBG is now releasing their first ever makeup and skincare line, Gen Beauty. As of right now, there are 22 skincare products- ranging from collagen gel masks to coconut aloe facial mists, pore strips to cleansing brushes, and even day and night creams. The makeup selection features a series of highly pigmented eyeshadow palettes, mascaras, highlighters, lip glosses and balms, and much more.

BCBGeneration is known for their affordable prices, and stays loyal to this tradition with Gen Beauty. Everything in the collection is priced between $6 and $20. Ready to shop? All Gen Beauty products are available now at bcbgeneration.com

Words by Libby Ayers.

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Lady Gaga's Sixth Studio Album, Chromatica Is Coming Soon!

Lady Gaga’s anticipated upcoming new album finally has a release date and title. Her sixth studio album Chromatica is set to be released April 10 by Interscope Records. She has also launched a selection of new merchandise and an exclusive vinyl color at her website, ladygaga.com. Led by the dance bop "Stupid Love," the album will feature 16 tracks on the standard edition with two or three additional bonus tracks on the deluxe version. It will serve as the pop star’s first solo release since 2016's Joanne.

She discussed the record in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s Beats 1. When she discussed the album’s concept with Zane Lowe, Gaga said, “The symbol for Chromatica has a sine wave in it, which is the mathematical symbol for sound, and it’s from what all sound is made from, and, for me, sound is what healed me in my life period, and it healed me again making this record, and that is really what Chromatica is all about. It’s about healing and it’s about bravery as well and it’s really like, when we talk about love I think it’s so important to include the fact that it requires a ton of bravery to love someone.”

You can pre-order Lady Gaga's album Chromatica now

Words by Amanda Lou.

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