Category: Beauty and Fashion

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Beauty and Fashion

Welcome To The Rich Life

I had the amazing opportunity to model for my best friend’s new clothing line. Doesn’t it feel so good to have someone support you and you support them back?! Hell Yea, here’s a little background on the owner of the RichestBrand.

T. has been a delightful soul to have in my life for over a decade. Two words I’ve always used to describe her are “resilient” and “loyal”. From a young age, she has been interested in fashion and makeup. I was that friend that never cared how I looked, probably in some leggings or loungewear because I loved to be comfortable. I am proud to be promoting her new brand today after witnessing this drive and interest in fashion from a young person. I use the word resilient because this is not her first venture into selling clothing. She originally had a boutique, but what happens when you have more ideas and a brilliant eye for how you want to be represented? Rebranding is the answer for everyone. I have witnessed a one-woman army go from designing, to creating a website, to marketing all on her own! … Is there anything a black woman can not accomplish? Nope, because we are the blueprint.

I asked T why the Richestbrand, what does that mean to you? Here was her response:

“The word “rich” doesn’t mean the amount of money you have , the amount of designer clothes you have, the foreign cars you drive, the vacations you take, or the fancy dinners you have. Being rich has everything to do with yourself and your self-worth (rich). Being rich is taking pride in one’s actions; taking pride in who you are as a person and not allowing anyone else’s opinion to affect who you are. It took me a long time to understand what being rich truly meant. Well, at least in my definition. I’ve grown accustomed to foreign cars, designer handbags, and never hearing the word “No .” People wanted to hang out all the time because of the money and persona I had on Instagram. People did not really see me for me. They just saw the surface display, which to the general public would be considered rich in finance.

“I know there are others out there exactly like me, wishing they could go back in time and be their true self. The true version of themselves that only they are aware of, the one who sits in the dark for 7 hours wondering if anyone will ever understand them. The person who goes above and beyond for others, fakes smiles and laughter, hoping that someone will notice. The real you that’s so scared to really be yourself because you’re afraid of judgment! I just hope one day we’ll all be able to feel it from within, where it really matters.”- T

I came to understand that the richest brand is not about worldly possessions or bank accounts. It has to do with the depth that we give to ourselves over the course of our life. Do you appreciate your identity? Can you really be happy in life if you are not being who you really are? Stop trying to live up to expectations or pressure to be something you’re not. Be you! Adore yourself !  Love You! At the end of the day, wealth will result in success. You need to be nourished and in harmony internally if you want abundance.

Take a look at the new Richestbrand Drop!!

https://www.therichestbrand.com/

Categories
Beauty and Fashion

Coach Is Going To Be Just Fine…

If there’s anything I’ve learned and continued to stick to, it is to remain true to yourself. Although this isn’t an easy practice or just something that clicks overnight. Staying true to yourself is not only about knowing yourself, but loving yourself and trusting yourself.

I always struggled when it came to fitting in. Growing up in a predominately white area, the only thing I wished as a child was to fit in. Though I longed for acceptance, I enjoyed other things that didn’t seem “cool” or “fun” due to my curiosity. Art being one of them, when it came to my eye for fashion, I always wanted to know more. I paid attention to what was cool or what the ‘popular girls’ were wearing, hoping to find something similar and hope that people would like me as well.

Going into middle school in September of 2010, I noticed something. My dad had bought me the suede pumas that may have been able to cut it in the South Bronx, but this wasn’t the South Bronx.

Monogrammed ‘C’ print, neon colored patent leather, and colorful prints. The new fad were Coach sneakers, and every girl was wearing them. I ran home that day, pleading with my parents that I absolutely needed this pair of sneakers. The sneakers back in 2010 retailed for $89, and while that may not be as expensive as today, $89 for a pair of sneakers for a twelve-year-old that’ll be running through recess in them is wild.

After months of pleading, my parents surprised me with my first pair. I can recall the joy and excitement on my face as I remember being anxious to wear them to school the next day. My father noticed how much I enjoyed the sneakers, and being the frugal man he is, he was fortunate enough to score a lot of nice Coach sneakers on sale at Lord & Taylor when they were still around. Coach was not only my first designer item, but it also allowed me to pursue my interest in fashion over the years.

Coach started as a family-run workshop located in a loft in the streets of New York. A couple named Miles Cahn and Lillian Cahn took over the company by 1950. During the early years, Cahn noticed the distinctive properties and qualities of the leather used to make baseball gloves. With wear and use, the leather in a glove becomes softer and suppler. Attempting to mimic this process, he devised a way of processing the leather to make it stronger, softer, and more flexible. Since the leather absorbed dye very well, this process also created a richer, deeper color in the leather. Soon after developing this process, his wife suggested adding women’s leather handbags as inventory to the business. The cowhide bags were an immediate hit, which resulted in their buying out the company in 1961. Just like any brand, there are rises and falls. While Coach was at its prime in the early 2000’s, the end of the decade was when the brand seemed to flop. I remember clearly being in Lord & Taylor viewing the Coach display and honestly being confused.

Logomania took the world by storm in the early 2000’s and originated from Harlem’s very own American fashion designer and haberdasher, Dapper Dan. “Logomania is a trend where obvious branding is strewn all over one’s clothes. Rather than a brand name hidden away in a shirt on a tag, a fashion house’s logo is now worn to be seen. While logomania was more common in houses such as Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc., more contemporary brands such as Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Coach, or Kate Spade needed to play catch-up when it came to these trends in order to keep customers. Contemporary brands such as Michael Kors branded their signature MK everywhere, while Coach figured out the same with their iconic ‘C’ monogram. Although these two brands had the girls in a chokehold, customers would agree the monogram look became tiresome after seeing it just about everywhere. 

It had been a chilly spring day when I had decided I wanted to take a stroll throughout the mall. The cool wind hit my face as I stepped through the east entrance to Garden State Plaza. I usually walked past the actual Coach store (since I usually snagged my stuff on sale), but I decided that day I was going to go inside and check out the new collection. Within 20 minutes of me walking inside, I was in deep conversation with a sales representative that kindly educated me on the background of Coach. She shared information with me on how Coach was actually known for their leather goods and how the maker of the brand was inspired by the making of a baseball glove. The month before I walked into that store, Coach released their 1941 Collection, which consisted of not only handbags but ready-to-wear clothes and accessories. Coach 1941 stands for the established date, and while the collection may be updated, modern, and relevant, it also successfully honors the craftsmanship, creativity, and leather quality of the traditional Coach brand.

I’ve heard through the grapevine that Coach was “back” and on the “up and up,” but taking a look into Coach Resort 23 shows me exactly where Coach is supposed to be. Mixing playful prints of plaid, velvets, and leather, Coach has not only returned to what they know, but they stuck with it. The brand, being known for leather, played with a lot of varsity jackets in this collection, mixing furs such as shearling. Not only did they kill it with the “Back to School” theme, but their approach to handbags since they introduced the Tabby 26 has been very laid back and seems to focus more on the fabric at hand than the leather.

Through society and through the media, it can be super easy to fall into trends. While trends are dope, it’s always important to return to what feels right to you. Instead of following the crowd, be like Coach and set the trend.

What are your thoughts on this seasons collection for Coach? Leave us a comment!

Categories
Beauty and Fashion Wellness and Sex

Sultry Summer : The Guide to Sun-Kissed Skin

In my last post, I shared what was hot on the streets in the swim department. While I’m glad you enjoyed the read, I can’t help but notice… that I didn’t help my girls with the skin prep! Personally, I have never been very attentive when it came to taking care of my skin until I realized the dangers of neglecting it! 

I think around the age of twelve or so, was when I started to open my eyes to things I hadn’t necessarily paid attention to before. This, of course, comes with the territory of puberty and, of course, is when curiosity fills my brain. Why did my hair grow here? Where did this body odor come from? Why is my chest a little tender? I am so confused.

One day, I remember I had gone to an end-of-the-year pool party that was hosted by my middle school for all of the students. To sum up the experience, I had come home crying, pleading with my mom to allow me to shave my legs. The answer was still no. Thirty swift minutes later, and I was attempting to shave every single piece of hair off of my shins and calves with my father’s razor to save myself the embarrassment at school tomorrow.

The next morning, before school, red marks from scratches swelled up my legs. Hives raised and increased on my pre-teen skin that very next day as my mother realized I had been scratching my bare skin all night. All I wanted was smooth hairless skin, yet I ended up with even worse legs as I accidentally broke the skin from the irritation. I share this incredibly embarrassing story because, to tell you the truth, there are probably a lot of us out there that don’t know how to properly shave, exfoliate, and moisturize. Being the queen of trial and error that I am, I feel it’s important for me to share my experience and help other black women.

Shaving

Flamingo | @flamingo

Shaving can be a pain in the ass if not done correctly. If you’re a black woman reading this like me, you’re more than likely aware of how easily prone our skin can be to razor bumps. The difference between whether you’re left with bumps or smooth-ass skin comes down to one very important tool: your razor. Did you know women’s razors typically have 3 blades as opposed to men’s having 5? Men’s razors can also be easier to use, as they’re meant to navigate the contours of the face. It’ll glide perfectly around the bikini area.

When it comes to shaving, the blade is not only important, but the motion and direction in which you’re shaving is helpful when reducing irritation. Your pubic hair is thicker than the hair on the rest of your body, and the skin in that area is ultra-delicate, so you want to shave in the same direction as your natural hair growth to avoid any bumps and irritation.

Exfoliation

Frank Body | @frankbody

When you hear the word exfoliate, you immediately think of smooth and soft skin. So naturally, exfoliating is essential when it comes to shaving. It’s always recommended to do so before shaving to avoid any hair follicles curling back up into your pores.

Exfoliating buffs away the product buildup, oil, and dead skin cells that are sitting on the surface of your skin—if you don’t get rid of that layer, those dead skin cells can clog your hair follicles and trap your hair under the skin, which results in ingrown hairs. Removing dead skin first through a process of exfoliation will not only ensure the hair follicle is in the best condition for hair removal, but will also help allow for normal growth post-shave.

Moisturizer

Lady Suite Beauty | @ladysuitebeauty

Now that we have an understanding of the importance of properly shaving and maintenance such as exfoliating, it’s time to show off that summer glow. Sharing my story about my irritated skin was to highlight how sensitive our skin is post-shaving. The skin can be raw coming out of the shower due to not only the shaving but also the heat from the steam of the shower. Not only do I slab my body with a thick-based lubricant post shower, but I also use an in-shower body lotion to coat my skin while it’s still wet. This added pomade seals and locks in any additional moisture to keep your skin calm.

What are your ways to implement healthy skin this summer? Leave us a comment down below or feel free to message us!

Categories
Beauty and Fashion

Cool by The Pool: Swimwear Trends Dominating 2022

Bring out your melanin-friendly sunblock and grab a drink. We’re laying out by the pool!

As the weather continues to warm up on the east coast, there’s only one question on my mind: What are the girls wearing to the water? In fact, what are the girls wearing at all? I don’t know about you, but I haven’t restocked much of my summer wardrobe since the pre-pandemic summer of 2019, let alone swimwear!

With that being said, not only has time gone by, but trends have come and gone. Let’s take a look at the most popular styles to spot while you’re having fun in the sun.

Dainty & Delicate Print Fabric

Recently, supermodel Gigi Hadid debuted her collaboration with Frankie’s Bikinis, which consisted of a curated line of swimwear and loungewear inspired by Gigi’s countryside aesthetic. Though this collaboration was intended for Gigi, it may have paved the way for a new trend; very Little House on the Prairie (Lord, forgive me). The line’s fabrics consist of soft cottons and linens, as well as dainty prints throughout the fabric.

Fun & Funky Bikini Tops

This trend has truly grown by the minute. This summer, we’re not wearing just your average triangle bikini top; we’re pushing the limits and being creative. I’ve been trying to understand where and why this trend feels so familiar, and I remembered it simply reminded me of Roxy’s bathing suits, the surfer shirts! 

Metallic Swim

Ever since I learned that hack about adding highlighter to your baby oil in the summertime, I haven’t looked back. Picture this: You’re out laying by the pool (or beach), reading your latest spread of Vogue Italia (because only God knows what Miss Wintour is up to); the sun is beaming down on not only your dewy highlighted skin, but the majestic metallic glow from your body. 

Cut-out One Piece

For some odd reason, the media loves to depict and reserve one-piece bathing suits for women who are “hiding their figures” or “elderly”. In reality, one-pieces can be not only form-fitting but sexy. HBO’s Original Series Euphoria, in my opinion, popularized the cut-out fabric fit. Fast fashion brands such as Fashion Nova and Pretty Little Thing may have made it a bit mainstream, but the trend is certainly helping in the one-piece bathing suit department. 

Vintage Florals

If you’re all about prints, you’re in for a treat. Lately, I’ve been noticing a shift within the fashion world, and it may have to do with color. Designers have been opting for bold and vibrant prints as opposed to your standard colors of fabric. Honestly, it’s about damn time. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good basic black bikini. However, something about these floral prints against golden skin makes my brain excited.

Pinterest: @BillieJeansPost

What are you wearing this summer? We’d love to see you. Use the hashtag  #thenakedfashion on Instagram.