The Gap Collaboration That Never Was

Kanye West’s announcement of his upcoming partnership with Gap led many to wonder about the company’s previously announced collaboration with the brand Telfar. Much to their disappointment, Gap officially confirmed that Yeezy Gap will actually occur in place of the originally planned Telfar x Gap. Gap has clarified that Telfar will be financially compensated for the cancellation, but the schedule change is a missed opportunity all the same.

Interestingly, many have applauded Nigerian-British designer Mowalola Ogunlesi becoming design director of Yeezy Gap as a victory for black creatives. Telfar is also a black-owned brand, a fact that opens itself to speculation about whether or not the same praise would be elicited from the public if the partnership with Gap had actually transpired. This conjecture is further substantiated by the brand’s fan base’s anticipation for the prospective collaboration and eventual letdown when it did not come into fruition. Nonetheless, the possibility of a future partnership with Telfar has not been completely eliminated, as design samples for the intended unification are still in Gap’s possession. More importantly, Gap continuing to ally with black-owned brands will bring black creatives the mainstream prominence that they deserve.

Photo credit:

https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/news-analysis/kayne-west-yeezy-gap-collab-telfar http://www.telfar.net/collections/SS2018/lookbook/4

Report: Nia Hunt

Sustainable Y/Project

The cancellation of the Paris Spring/Summer 2021 menswear shows has not stopped the Parisian high-fashion label Y/Project from continuing to innovate. A brand already lauded for its inversion of gender norms, Y/Project is now making the revolutionary shift towards more sustainable products. Y/Project’s “Evergreen Collection” is a recreation of its most famous looks, each of them constructed entirely of environmentally-friendly materials such as organic and recycled fabrics. Additionally, the brand plans to use a percentage of the collection’s proceeds for ecological philanthropy.

Moving forward, the Evergreen collection will be sold each season with new pieces added monthly. The eco-friendly ensemble has already been featured in Y/Project’s SS21 collection overall, and it will be sold in stores and on the brand’s website later this year. The mastermind behind these changes is none other than Y/Project creative director Glenn Martens, who has been revitalizing the brand since 2013. His eccentric deconstructions of masculinity and femininity in his works have earned Y/Project a multitude of accolades, including the coveted 2017 ANDAM Grand Prize. Now he has expanded his horizons toward sustainability, declaring, “We have the luxury of time to think, which entitles us a responsibility. Y/Project wants to take part in the change, building a better future.”

Photo credit: https://www.yproject.fr/page/about

Report: Nia Hunt

Black Girl in a White World

For years now black women have had to begin adapting to the white culture being young in school and in the workplace. In the black culture, we’re used to having our own jokes and ways of speaking with certain slangs. Typically this is considered unprofessional or “ghetto” to white people.

This causes a black woman to have two different sides of her personality. She develops a persona that is acceptable or tolerable to her white peers in her place of employment. Typically in a corporate setting where black people, in general, make up a small percentage. Some black people have learned to adapt to their white surroundings at a young age and make it part of who they are to give off the “oreo” impression meaning white on the inside, black on the outside. This is how some black people climb the corporate ladder.

For those that don’t believe in conforming to the racially appropriate norms that have been created for them out of expectation this causes a negative effect on a black woman’s mental state. It creates an irritation that leads to some depression, anger, or stress because they feel they are discouraged from speaking their mind without being accused of being aggressive or hostile.

White women have a top tier ranking over black women. Society and the labor market have always had a negative view of black women which has given them a disadvantage in the workforce including negative results in employment practices.

Black women have become mentally defeated in being themselves. This has also lead to more black women becoming entrepreneurs and embracing their own identity of being black without being a threat. Many black women have chosen the path of owning their own business. For the women who don’t choose this path in life, it is important to know how to dominate your personality respectfully in the workplace. Act with authority and demand the proper treatment as you would anywhere else.

Black women must take their power by force, by any means necessary. To respect a black woman is to respect any other human being. The level of respect and fair treatment should not depend on how black a woman is. The black woman will be accepted.

Report: Josephine Coiscou

Take Your Nails On Vacation

Hair Done, But not your nails. Do you love going to get your nails done? But every time you go to the nail salon you can’t find a nice color. The nail salon colors just look dull. Look no further I have just the right duo color for this summer. This is in reality about Nails Inc, the British nail bar chain. Begun in 1999 by a youngster named Thea Green, Nails Inc is currently a major player in the tipsy universe of nails with two stores in London, fifty-odd outlets in retail establishments dissipated all through the nation, and as of late propelled concessions in the US and Canada. Consistently, more than 30,000 shines are sold worldwide and Nails Inc see more than 10,000 ladies for nail treatments. This new nail duo is packaged with nutrient C alongside other crucial oils to guarantee nails get a similar sparkle as your skin. Two completely pigmented delicious shades, one orange scented the other pink watermelon scented intended to fulfill the faculties. Both can be applied effectively to make an impeccable wrap up, the protected brush selective to Nails.INC, ergonomically intended to work with the state of the nail and limit the quantity of strokes required. Check out this brightly colored duo this summer if you want your nails to shine and pop.

Photo Credits: Nails Inc London

Report: Tykaia Rose

Sparkle on, Worries Gone

Going out this Friday night? You look in your purse can find your favorite lip gloss. You can’t even find your chapstick. What a bummer. Need something some new glosses or natural lip oil then check this product out. Nearly as celebrated as its blusher, Nars Laguna is another smash hit and one of the most notable bronzers available. NARS Cosmetics is a French beautifiers and healthy skin organization established by make-up craftsman and picture taker François Nars in 1994. The beauty care products line started with twelve lipsticks sold at Barneys New York, at that point, NARS has made different multi-use magnificence items and now is an auxiliary of Shiseido. This new product from NARS is called NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tint. This new lip product is a smooth, sensorial, and wonderful this constrained version that immerses lips in dampness and an overpowering trace of shading. The sumptuous, gel-oil surface coasts on easily with a non-oily feel, while conveying a sheer wash of shading and dazzling sparkle. It's accessible in four shades. With these three key-ingredients which are Pomegranate Extract, Raspberry Seed Oil, and Vitamin E and A this product will sure hydrate and keep a long-lasting shine on your lips for the long night ahead. This new lip tint will quickly become your new go too lipstick this summer.

Photo Credits: NARS Cosmetics

Report: Tykaia Rose

The Evolution of Athlete Social Justice Protests

At one time, it was rare that a professional athlete would speak up about anything regarding social justice. Deciding to go against that meant that ridicule would be sure to follow. This was true for Muhammad Ali, track and field stars Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who infamously stood on the awards podium with raised fists during the national anthem at the 1968 Olympic Games, Peter Norman, who was the third man on that podium with Smith and Carlos, Lebron James, and Colin Kaepernick.

In the late 1960s, boxing legend Ali decided not to enter the draft to fight in the Vietnam War. Ali was a firm believer of the Muslim principles, which is what led to his decision. With segregation still a very big part of America’s culture, many African Americans were uncomfortable with the idea of fighting for a country that did not value people that looked like them.

Following his decision to not enter the military draft, Ali sat down with some of sport’s biggest athletes to discuss his decision, which was later known as the “Ali Summit”. With the understanding that their careers would be at jeopardy, these athletes still chose to support Ali.

Carlos and Smith raising their fists to the national anthem would become one of the biggest moments in sports history. But for Peter Norman of Australia, that monumental moment would cost him his career. After expressing support for the Olympic Project for Human Rights, Australia shamed him and never selected him to be a part of another Olympic team.

Recently, many athletes have decided to participate in protests and use their platforms to address racial issues that have plagued our country for far too long. NBA players Dwight Howard and Kyrie Irving have been encouraging their fellow colleagues to sit out the rest of the season as a protest against police brutality and racial injustice.

“There will be no more sweeping harsh realities under the rug or putting band-aids on the scars just to rip them off down the line. It’s time we hold everybody accountable… Justice is demanded. Sustainable change is necessary”, says Washington Wizards player Bradley Beal.

The Washington Mystics and Wizards recently organized a protest to symbolize unity. An Instagram post made by the Washington Wizards read, “Together we stand. Our actions must speak louder than our words.” As of late, there have been several WNBA players that have decided to sit out their 2020 season to focus on social justice reform.

From the time that Ali spoke on America’s prejudices to present day, not much has changed. Athletes need to be vocal about social issues. If not, some people will act like they don’t exist.

Photo Credits:

Olympic/Black Power photo- history.com

Ali Summit photo- cleveland.com

Together We Stand photo- wjla.com

Report: Brionna Thompson

Seas the Day!

Starting to travel again. Need something quick to cover up your blemishes. You start by cleaning out your makeup collection. Then, you start looking for something new online and store and having trouble look no further. I have just the product from Tarte comes travel size but totally worth it. Tarte Cosmetics is an American beautifiers organization headquartered in New York City. It was established by Maureen Kelly in 1999; her first item was a cheek stain that was utilized the next year for the front of Self magazine. Likewise, in 2000, Tarte Cosmetics appeared its first request at Henri Bendel. It was a craving to utilize unadulterated, sound beautifiers that were both lovely and ground-breaking, that lead Maureen Kelly to make Tarte. " The brand offers mercilessness free beautifying agents that are planned with ground-breaking, skin-profiting fixings. This new Tarte product is called SEA Mini Hydrocealer Concealer. This new concealer is made to move with your skin to cover defects and hydrate for as long as 12 hours. This concealer is made up of three key ingredients which are Marine Plant Extracts, Vitamin B3 Niacinamine and Caffeine. These ingredients will help with puffiness, pores and fine lines. This new product has just come just in time for the summer and this product is prefect for traveling because of the mini size.

Photo Credits: Tarte Cosmetics

Report: Tykaia Rose

Natural Hair Care While Quarantined

As a natural girl, something I have been struggling with throughout the quarantine is ways of caring for my hair. I couldn’t decide what routine would be best at preserving my curls even if I had nowhere to go. Many women like myself were forced to learn to style and treat their natural hair without regular trips to the salon. I went on a search to see what other natural girls were going through during this time and found some great advice from natural hair professionals. After struggling for a long couple of months have gathered some tips and trick in getting the most out of natural hair while still in quarantine.

Firstly and most importantly let your hair breathe. This is a phrase natural girls use a lot. Usually referring to the one or two day period before we go into the salon for our next style. Now is the perfect time to just allow your natural hair to be free. Instead of trying to force your hair into styles that might cause stress and breakage. Although our hair is technically protected in our “protective styles”, they can still cause damage or breakage due to constant manipulation.

One thing I noticed that if I don’t have to go outside I tend to neglect my hair. Leaving it in top knots or pony tails until my hair is to knotted to move. Do not do this! During this “breathing period” focus on bringing moisture to your hair. Use these extended periods at home to try DIY hair treatments and figure out what works best for your hair.

Try styles that require less effort and cause less stress to your hair. Styles like braid and twist outs have been my favorite. I have even been rocking the “Pop Smoke” braids just so I can make sure I keep my scalp moisturized and simulated in between washes. I learned from researching at-home hair treatments to get into the habit of misting your hair, the same way you would a plant. This helps restore moisture and allows you to better manipulate or add product. And when all else fails, a satin scarf can be used in many styles that are not only fashionable but a great way to to protect your hair when it gets near the time to restyle.

Photo Credit: @the_africanunicorn

Report: Lauren Tucker

TJX Plans to Stay True to Hands-On Shopping Post COVID-19

TJX, the parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Home Goods, claims it doesn’t need to rely on e-commerce. In regard to the company’s plans post-coronavirus, CEO Ernie Herrman was quoted in Forbes magazine, saying, “Strategically, nothing will change. We will not look to e-commerce as our major leverage point to get us through Covid and out the other side.”

Both before the COVID-19 pandemic and now, it is clear that TJX does not see e-commerce as a worthwhile path to pursue. Before the pandemic, TJX’s online revenue accounted for just 2% of their total sales. Compared to other retail stores whose online sales averaged closer to 15%, it’s clear that TJX stores present considerable strength in their brick and mortar settings. In fact, TJX’s websites were actually shut down for two weeks at the end of March, while it seemed every other retailer was scrambling to get their online sales up amid physical store closures. Even now, TJ Maxx’s website limits the number of orders placed per day in order to “get back up and running.”

TJX prides itself on being a bargain-hunting style of retail, where loyal customers explain the experience of excitedly searching through items and finding the best deal as central to the TJX brand. When stores reopened earlier this month, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s had lines out of their doors of eager shoppers looking to feel that sweet high of a major discount after months spent in quarantine. This “treasure-hunt experience” is why TJX executives are leaning away from rather than into the growing land of e-commerce.

While some experts say TJX’s decision to mostly steer clear of online sales will come back around to hurt them later, some say the opposite. The company’s sales are skyrocketing after their grand re-opening. It seems there is a built-up demand for lower priced items as many people try for financial caution during a time of economic crisis.

Photo Credits:

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2019/11/27/t-j-maxx-homegoods-marshalls-sold-products-after-recalls-were-announced/4317120002/

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4073764-buy-tjx-companies-discount-price

https://www.heraldcourier.com/news/large-crowd-greets-marshalls-grand-opening-this-morning/article_4e555208-c8b7-11e4-a459-f3d74e9b807c.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevendennis/2019/10/08/late-to-the-e-commerce-party-what-marshalls-at-home-and-others-got-wrong/#49615d812470

Report: Grace Carlos

Gucci and Prada Will Show Their New Collections Virtually

Milan’s governing body for fashion, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, has announced the schedule of designers that will be presenting their latest collections as part of a digital fashion week in July, as a replacement for the traditional fashion shows that have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The schedule includes some of the most heavyweight Italian labels: Prada, Gucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Missoni, and Salvatore Ferragamo are among the brands who are confirmed to present. Some brands will present Spring/Summer 2021 collections, while others will focus on Cruise and pre-collections.

However, many of Milan’s most revered names are also notably absent. At the time of writing, Marni, Fendi, and Giorgio Armani are absent, while labels including Bottega Veneta typically opt out of the men’s Summer shows in favour of presenting in September.

Since lockdowns were enforced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the major fashion capitals have been forced to find new ways of allowing designers to present. London Fashion Week was replaced by a digital portal which was met with a lukewarm response from press and buyers, though some designers did find ways to create excitement.

The Paris menswear shows, which should have taken place last week, will be replaced by a virtual event titled Whispers of Paris, due to take place from July 9-13. As of yet, the list of participating designers has not been confirmed. The Milan shows run from July 14-17, with the Prada show taking place at 14:00pm CEST on July 14 and the Gucci presentation at 14:00pm CEST on July 17. The full schedule can be viewed at the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana website.

Y/Project is the most recent brand to share its SS21 collection, alongside its plans to pivot to a more sustainable approach.

Report: Amanda T Lou

Justice for Elijah McClain

Elijah Mclain is a young boy who was murdered by police and is now trending on all social media platforms due to his innocent cause of death. In August 2019, police officers in Aurora, Colorado, approached the 23-year-old Elijah McClain while he was walking home from a store near his home. Later that night, the Aurora Police Department said that an anonymous 911 caller had reported a “suspicious person” in a ski mask. When the officers confronted McClain who was not armed and had not committed a crime, they stated that he “resisted arrest.” In the 15 minutes that followed, the officers threw McClain to the ground, put him in a carotid hold, and called first responders, who injected him with ketamine. He had a heart attack on the way to the hospital and died days later after he was declared brain dead.

McClain’s family maintains that law enforcement’s use of excessive force led to his death. However, video of the incident has gone viral on all social media platforms regardless of the fact that it happened a year ago. In the video, it is very evident that Elijah McClain not resisting but was in fact pleading with the officers to release him. The officers were consequently cleared of wrongdoing on the basis of the body-camera footage and an inconclusive autopsy. McClain’s case has attracted people amid national protests against systemic racism and police brutality against Black people.

Photo Credits: @buttonslives @myskincolorisnotacrime @claratheprince

Report: Soila Douce (@soila.xx)

Food for Your DNA

"Everyone is different." We've all heard this saying at least once in our lives, and it's true we are all different all the way down to our taste buds. Have you ever wondered why you think something tastes amazing while your friend absolutely hates the exact same thing? That's because depending on our DNA, things can taste differently. How does your genetic make-up influence your taste buds?

1. Bitter blindness: Some people have what's called Bitter Blindness which basically means their taste buds are immune to things that are more bitter. These people usually have a better time eating vegetables, because most vegetables are loaded in PTC (phenylthiocarbamide), which is what makes vegetables bitter. Those who can't taste it have bitter blindness.

2. Hypersensitive, sensitive, and tolerant: Not only are our taste buds different, but depending on your DNA, some people have more or less taste buds than someone else. You can have anywhere from 500-11,000 taste buds. Those who have more taste buds are considered hypersensitive tasters. Anything too bitter or too overpowering will be too much for a hypersensitive taster. People who have less taste buds are tolerant tasters, as there aren't many things that a tolerant taster can't eat.

3. Anxiety & depression: There are some physical side effects to anxiety and depression that can affect your taste buds. Someone dealing with anxiety or depression can eat the most flavorful food on the planet, but it could taste like cardboard to them. Essentially, the brain's chemicals are in control of what you taste so when their levels are a bit abnormal, your ability to enjoy a food's distinctive flavor suffers.

4. Carrier of the OR6A2 Gene: Have you ever heard someone say they think Cilantro tastes like soap? That's because they have the OR6A2 gene. Approximately 14 percent of the population carries this gene, which actually makes cilantro taste like soap, while others are just tasting cilantro.

5. The Womb Experience: Depending on what your mother ate while you were in her womb can determine what you have a taste for once you're born. Once a baby is born, the baby will already know what the people in his or her culture eat and have a preference for these foods. That doesn't mean you can't acquire your own love for different kinds of food later on, though.

Report: Alycia Williams

The Bare Minimum is No Longer Accepted

After the honeymoon phase, a partner’s true colors will start to show in a relationship. They will stop trying to hide their flaws as you grow deeper feelings for one another as time progresses. The challenge is being able to remain objective while having your feelings attached in certain situations.

In the beginning, it can seem easy to let a lot of little things slide because you feel so happy and in love; but when does that change? This is what’s meant by falling in love with potential. There’s a difference between having a typical relationship quarrel and having negative energy constantly thrown at you.

A toxic relationship is one that has you constantly feeling drained, sad, mad, worried, or uneasy about things your partner says or does. This continues if there’s no healthy balance of trust, communication, respect, empathy, or support.

There are ways over time to be able to tell which one you have. Take notice of how your partner acts around you and in certain situations, then take notice of how they react to your reaction. A lot of times they will find a way to justify they’re actions or responses over how it affects you emotionally. To understand your partner’s true character pay attention to their instant reaction. Do they want to help you out of a difficult situation by pointing you in the direction of a helpful website like Huddle Men's Health, or do they ignore you or tell you you’re overreacting, for example?

Each time you express any emotional pain you feel it can seem simple enough to accept an apology; however, its important to remember that an apology loses its meaning if there’s no changed behavior. If you find yourself constantly trying to be heard and get ignored, its time for a change.

Many common feelings that occur include asking for certain boundaries that are never met, broken promises to try and do better, and constantly hearing about someone else. You begin to question whether or not you’re serving a purpose or if you’re just a place holder until another option comes along. Once you begin having these thoughts, if they are continually ignored they start to take a toll on your mental health and physical well being.

It is important to remember that no amount of love you have for your partner should be more than what you have for yourself. Don’t trade off the potential of lasting love for how you feel. You are worth all the love, respect, and balance you are looking for.

You are not needy for wanting basic standards of compassion. As human beings, we have a natural desire for love and affection as well as support and respect. Consistency is required for the basic stability of love and support.

Photo Credit:

Report: Josephine Coiscou

MLB Finally Has a Plan to Play Baseball in 2020, but its Future Looks Very Dim

Of all the professional sports leagues that were trying to implement a plan that would allow them to resume playing games amid the COVID-19 pandemic, MLB may have had the brightest and harshest spotlight. A bitter negotiation process between the players and owners was seemingly going nowhere; players wanted to ensure their health and safety were the highest priority and that they would be paid a fair portion of their contracts, while billionaire owners cried poor that they were losing money due to the lack of games and kept lowballing players who would be putting their well-being on the line to play baseball. Yet somehow a deal was finally reached.

After players rejected the fourth deal the owners put in front of them, the owners unanimously agreed to proceed with a 60-game season under the terms of a deal made with the MLB Player’s Association back on March 26. While there are still many kinks to work out, MLB has finally joined every other professional sports league in at least having a plan to resume games.

As is the case with every other league, the unconventional season structure raises questions in terms of the sport. How legitimate will the World Series champion be if it only had to play 60 games under unprecedented circumstances? It is much easier to bat .400, a feat no one has accomplished in nearly 80 years, in a 60-game season than the usual 162 games. If a player accomplishes that feat or any similar ones will they be considered legitimate? What makes MLB unique among other sports is how much of a marathon the regular season is. Plenty of teams have played well in their first 60 games only for things to fall apart over the next 102, which means we could see some very unusual playoff contenders.

This is of course assuming that the league actually resumes play. We have seen coronavirus cases not only spike up in many states across the country, but in clubhouses for every sport as well. We are beginning to see players opt out of the season due to the risks involved, including Ian Desmond of the Colorado Rockies, Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross of the defending champion Washington Nationals and Mike Leake of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It’s becoming increasingly likely that we will not see professional sports played again in 2020. While this would be devastating to every player, fan and owner, MLB has the bleakest future of any North American professional sports league. The discussions of how to safely and fairly play baseball during a pandemic have expanded the rift between players and owners, all before the collective bargaining agreement is set to expire at the end of 2021. It may be a very long time before we see MLB games again, even after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

Report: Michael Rosen

Chloe x Halle Show Us How Stylish a Virtual Performance Can Be in Reflective Fabric

Chloe x Halle performed at the 2020 BET Awards in not one but two expertly crafted outfits constructed by their stylist Zerina Akers. Zerina tapped TLZ L'Femme for some white reflective fabric that seemed to be her favorite out of the two polar-opposite looks.

The girls started the performance singing "Forgive Me" in black latex and fishnet stockings (Chloe in a cutout minidress and Halle in high-waisted shorts, a bralette, and blazer), but "Do It" brought out the low-slung cargos and crop tops with sashes swinging every which way. The mood was very early 2000s for the latter ensemble. Even though these looks were different by design, Chloe x Halle accessorised with sparkling jewels in both scenarios — chunky silver hoops in scene one and crystal-encrusted combat boots in scene two.

"The Girls Next Door vs. The Girls Around The Way. I've been dying to use this 3M reflective fabric in a look," Akers wrote on Instagram, thanking Derek Milton for his expertise in directing the virtual snippet, which was rather flawless from an aesthetic perspective.

Report: Amanda T Lou

Charcuterie-July 4th Edition

Hello, hello! I’m baaack, but this time I have a special edition Charcuterie Board. Drumroll please…it’s time for the 4th of July Dessert Board! Um, YES it’s dessert time! Almost every dessert you can imagine has made its way on this board, and trust me, it is definitely a crowd pleaser.

Look how pretty she is! I had so much fun with this board, but if I’m being honest, dessert boards may be a tad more stressful then your typical charcuterie. The careful placement of each dessert may get your heart to race, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. I mean, just look at her!

The Breakdown!

Let’s start from the top left and work our way down to the bottom right.

First Up: Smores Dip

What’s 4th of July without smores? I don’t know, and I don’t want to know! This classic had to be a part of our “America Board”. With just two ingredients, Hershey’s chocolate and mini marshmallows, you can make any party guest smile. I threw it in the oven at 350 F and let it turn golden brown. That’s it!

Next In Line: Chocolate Pretzels, Brownies, Oreos, & Rice Krispies

Four easy desserts that turn your board into the beautiful masterpiece that it has the potential to be. You can buy them or make them yourself, whatever works for you! Remember what I said, charcuteries are all about being creative, and you can’t go wrong!

Moving Our Way to: Mini Cupcakes

When dealing with delicate food, such as a delicious vanilla cupcake, you have to know where you want to place them. The icing can easily be destroyed, and we want our boards looking their best! Splitting my board in half with the cupcakes was definitely planned out, but the rest was purely a game-time decision.

Following After: Chocolate Pretzels, Brownies, Oreos, & Rice Krispies (Again)

Symmetry can be your BEST friend while making a detailed board. Don’t know where to place something? Try mirroring the same food on the opposite side and see where it takes you. Again, you can’t do a board wrong!

Finally: Chocolate Fondue With Strawberries

Like I previously said, mirroring your foods can be super beneficial while making a board, especially a large board. I knew having two dips would make it more pleasing to the eye, so I went for it. Plus, having some sort of fruit with your dessert automatically makes it healthy, right?

An Important Tip: Fillers

There will ALWAYS be gaps while making any type of board, and to make it as full as possible, always have your fillers prepared. The fillers I used to take this board from a B to an A are: Twizzlers, Sour Belts, Dove Chocolate, Raspberries, Flag Cookies, and Miniature Flags. Being over prepared with fillers is never a bad idea, and the key is to throw them around and see what makes you happy!

And that’s it ladies and gentleman. No matter who is coming over to celebrate America’s day, there will definitely be something everyone will love to eat while serving this.

Photo Credits: Kaitlin Gallagher

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

Struggling To Create An Instagram Feed? Start Here.

The most important element in creating traffic and engagement towards your Instagram is having a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing feed. To do so, many of the colors and aspects of your images need to align to create a flow and design that shows who you are as a company. While it may seem difficult and time consuming to create a feed that works for your company – many apps on the market are making it exorbitantly easy.

1) Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Lightroom may be the most popular app to create filters and designs. Lightroom comes with it’s own presets and filters on it, but also has an excess amount of tools for you to design your own. If you create a filter that you like you can save it and use it on all of your other photos as well – making it extremely easy for your images to look similar. Many creators and photographers also sell their own presets on Lightroom, so if you’re not great at design and color schemes there is help available! Just find an example of a feed you like and odds are there will be presets available for sale.

2) Tezza

Tezza is another app that is exploding in popularity. It has been featured in many TikToks as one of the best apps to have for filters. Similar to Lightroom you have tools to design your own color scheme, but their filters, specifically the Vintage filter, are the most popular! The vintage filter creates a brighter picture, with blue and orange undertones, that can be seen in many creators feeds at the moment.

3) VSCO

VSCO is its own form of social media. Similar to Instagram users can edit and post their photos, follow others, and “favorite” images. However unlike Instagram, users can not see how many “likes” images have received, and one can repost others images. VSCO has been a staple in photo editing, coming with many of its own filters and tools to edit them. Using VSCO you can create a cohesive feed that translates right to your Instagram account. Social media fluidity is extremely important so utilizing two forms to reach your end goal is very useful!

Many of the best social media experts utilize multiple apps and ideas to create the best possible feed. If you are looking to get started on upping your social media feed, the best suggestion is to find a filter, theme, or color you like, and apply it to all of your posts to make them visually pleasing to the user!

Photo Credits: Lightroom, Tezza, VSCO

Report: Jordyn Kelley

Tik Tok is the Emerging Platform for Beauty & Fashion Influencers

Tik Tok, the video-sharing service that has had millions download its app in recent years, provides an easy way to share creative videos with others. Essentially anyone can make a Tik Tok video, and the algorithm for the app can help garner views in just a few days. With the effect of Coronavirus on society and the quarantining that followed, influencers, specifically in beauty and fashion, had to find a way to engage with their audience while being confined to limited spaces. Since then, Tik Tok has emerged as a place for these influencers to interact with their followers easily and attain an even larger audience.

On Tik Tok, influencers have gotten very creative with the content they produce. For beauty influencers, one trend they have been doing is “draw a makeup look.” This trend has the influencer’s followers submit drawings of random makeup looks for them to recreate. Beauty influencers then select a few of them and create a compilation of first the drawing, then the actual look executed. Another beauty trend happening on Tik Tok is called, “my makeup if I were in different cliques.” To the tune of “Dirty Harry” by Gorillaz, the influencer will go through a series of looks that fit the theme of the video, making sure to change the look at the right beat. Similarly, fashion influencers have used this song for “outfits I’d wear as a cartoon character,” set up with the same music and beat drops, but this time with coordinating outfits. Popular with both beauty and fashion influencers is the “wipe it down challenge,” in which they approach a mirror, begin to wipe and clean it down, then during a certain part of the music a swipe reveals them completely done up head-to-toe, but reverts back to their normal selves after swiping back. The song that normally goes along with this challenge is, “Wipe It Down” by BMW KENNY.

Even though they are a ton of trends on Tik Tok, the platform is still relatively new and will continue to be a database for emerging trends for the next few years. It has already proven to be a ground for some of the creative content-creating people out there, so one should be excited for the trends it produces in years to come.

Photo Credit: License Global, Youtube,

Report: Charlene Piccio

The Kelly Initiative

The eruption of protests against racist police brutality across the world has incited changes within various industries to become more inclusive of black talent. One such institution, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, has attempted to rectify the rampant racism in the fashion industry through a new series of mandates. These efforts include mentorships and internships, as well as another in-house program dedicated to employing exceptional black creatives to esteemed brands. Black designers, however, feel that these changes are too little, too late.

Thus, 250 black creatives signed the Kelly Initiative, a petition that would effect greater change than the proposals of the CFDA. Named after black fashion legend Patrick Kelly, the initiative demands that CFDA affiliates report the racial makeup of their staff, managers enroll in racial sensitivity training, and CFDA members sign a pledge that assures career opportunities for black creatives. The Kelly Initiative was the creation of editor Jason Campbell, creative director Henrietta Gallina, and writer Kibwe Chase-Marshall, and it has since been signed by such industrial authorities as designer Martine Rose and fashion publicist Kevin McIntosh, Jr. Now it is the CFDA’s responsibility to heed the words of an underrepresented section of fashion professionals and implement the proper changes to build a more inclusive industry. As stated by the Kelly Initiative itself, "There is no time to waste much work to be done. We assert that engaging dedicated Black fashion professionals in its architecting will ensure its enduring impact for Black talent pursuing newly equitable access to bright professional futures.”

Report: Nia Hunt

Maintaining Mental Wellbeing When Running A Business

It can be deeply enjoyable and satisfying to run your own company, but it’s by no means relaxing. With all that weight on your shoulders, it’s normal to feel stress from time to time. And indeed, a little bit of stress is no bad thing. It can push you to work harder and better. But there’s an upper limit to how much stress you should feel; if it’s beginning to have a negative impact on your overall well being, then you’ll want to make some changes. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some key tips for staying mentally sound when you’re running a business.

Life Balance

There’s always the temptation to work longer than you really should when you’re the boss. After all, you’re desperate for your business to succeed, and it’s easy to think that the more you work, the more success you have. This is true, but only up to a point. In order to work at your best, then it’s important that you have the right work/life balance. That means stopping working and taking the time to relax and have fun. This will help to keep you mentally healthy, and also allow you to avoid burnout.

Minimize the Stress

You might love what your company does, but that only accounts for a percentage of your responsibilities. You may have to spend more time than you’d like taking care of the paperwork and other admin duties. If you find this difficult, then it won’t be long before you’re feeling stressed. Instead of wrestling with these complex tasks, look at making them more straightforward. There are plenty of tools that can help you. To stay on top of your receipts, you use a service such as filecenterdms.com. Payroll, legal matters, and marketing can be outsourced to other companies, too. It’s all about reducing the amount of time you spend on stressful tasks and spending more time on the tasks that you actually enjoy.

Working With Others

You may have started your business as a one-person operation, but it doesn’t have to stay that way on a long-term basis. At some point, you might find that it’s beneficial to work with others. You can do this by hiring employees or by outsourcing certain tasks, like the ones we mentioned above. As well as freeing up your time, working with others can also help reduce any lonely feelings you experience when you’re running your company -- it’ll feel like you’re part of a team, of which you’re in charge.

Look After Yourself

Finally, be sure to look after yourself. You might start your business with a relaxed attitude, but over time, you could find that you’re feeling more stressed than ever before. You can get around this issue by taking steps to push your mental wellbeing in the right direction. This will involve doing things like eating well, exercising, spending time in the outdoors, and keeping up with your hobbies and friends; things that help us to feel good, basically.