Black Owned

Alright y’all! Ya girl loves to shop. And she loves to shop local. Today I’m featuring some Black owned businesses if you’re looking to do some good while you’re spending your monies!

Clothing

Thrilling: This is a Black owned store that curates vintage pieces from all over the US. So not only are you supporting Black women, you’re shopping sustainable! Yes please!

Chelsea Bravo: Known for her graphic lines and contemporary aesthetic, designer Chelsea Bravo makes simple yet bold pieces that are made to order, so there’s no additional waste.

Riot Swim: Full of standout yet classic swimsuits this line is amazing for curves!

Come Back As A Flower: This is another sustainable brand famous for hand dyed pieces, which are obviously all the rage right now. I’m obsessed with the comfortable cotton styles and one of a kind patterns.

Accessories

Humans Before Handles: Gorgeous jewelry with some of my favorite statement pieces in the game. Shockingly everything is under $50!

Valerie Madison: I love simple, classic well made gold jewelry. Her ready to ship line is right up my alley and affordable to boot.

Jam + Rico: Beautifully made, one of a kind statement jewelry with lots of color and an island vibe. Summer staples that will last years.

Art

Cortney Herron: Cortney and I went to college together and she’s got the best style. She’s also an incredible artist and a woman who celebrates the power of Black women.

Lovely Earthlings: Bold prints, cute cards and everything in between. Huge fan of the colorful style and simplicity of the pieces.

Home

M ktub Studios: Everyone needs candles at home, especially in COVID times. These handmade candles are gorgeously packaged and can burn for up to 50 hours.

Jungalow: Born out of designer Justina Blakeney's blog of the same name, Jungalow offers colorful home accessories that reflect her bold and plant-filled style. 

Sheila Bridges: Designer Sheila Bridges created her Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern as a riff on traditional French fabrics, incorporating scenes of contemporary African American life. The pattern is now in The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum's permanent wallpaper collection. On Bridges's website, you can purchase it as fabric, wallpaper, or an assortment of accessories, like these umbrellas

Alcohol

Uncle Nearest: Under the leadership of Fawn Weaver, this Tennessee whiskey brand takes its name from Nathan “Nearest” Green, an enslaved man who distilled whiskey in the 1850s and taught young Jack Daniel the craft.

McBride Sisters Wine: This wine brand was born from two sisters with a passion for wine who spent time n both Monterey and New Zealand’s wine region.

Abbey Creek Vineyard: Oregon’s first Black vineyard owner and winemaker, Bertony Faustin began crafting his wines in 2008.

Darjean Jones Wines: Owner/Winemaker Dawna Darjean Jones, Ph.D. is behind this California label that sources from well-known vineyards in Napa and Sonoma.

HH Bespoke Spirits: Bespoke is a term used for custom-tailored clothing, and it describes some of the goods at the uptown New York boutique Harlem Haberdashery and its parent company, 5001 Flavors. Sharene and Guy Wood, who run the company with family members and other partners, have also used the term for their new line of spirits

Other ways to support Black owned businesses:

• Yelp now identifies local Black owned restaurants

• Etsy is also identifying Black owned businesses on their website

• Buy from your Black friends who have their own businesses

• Do some research in your area to find out what shops and restaurants are owned by your Black community members

Happy shopping friends! And don’t forget, Black Lives Matter!

Take all my Monies

If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent a lot of unnecessary money on Amazon during quarantine. From yoga pants to building my at home gym to plants — I’ve bought it all. And I’d like to share my favorite finds with you!

Let’s get down to business!

Clothes

Yoga Pants: All I wear right now are yoga pants. I’m either working, working out or going on walks with my dog so if you think I’m going to wear real pants, you are insane. These pants are honestly similar to Lululemon Align and are 1/3 of the price! I’ve bought 4 pairs and am absolutely obsessed! Buy now, they sell fast!

Joggers: The same brand of those amazing yoga pants makes joggers! I love these because I have a booty and most joggers can look really frumpy on me. These are tight enough to be flattering in all the right places and again the fabric mimics the align collection from Lululemon

Fitness

Fitness Bands: I love fitness bands but can never find any that last long or are heavy enough. Recently discovered these and won’t go back! They’re heavy, sturdy and while I’ve only had them a week — I really think they’ll last!

Kettle-bell: I love kettle-bells. They’re so versatile. I own a 20lb and will probably buy one that’s a little heavier.

Beauty

Acne Patches: I read about these from an influencer and have had some hormonal acne so I was quick to hit buy. I can definitely see a difference with these overnight!

Dr. Jart Face Masks: I am obsessed with Dr. Jart products. My skin cannot get enough of these. I love this pack of 6 specifically because they’re many options. Whatever your skin needs, it’s got you covered!

Plants

Fox & Fern Stand: This mid century modern stand and pot are a little expensive for my taste but I’m so in love with the quality and look that I went for it anyways. I am new to the plant game so realistically I didn’t know how expensive things were.

Fox & Fern Pot: The stand and pot come separately and if you buy them both at once you can get 10% off. It’s still going to run you close to $80 but the quality is worth it. I end up buying plants at Home Depot or a local nursery for really good prices to offset the stand/pot.

What are yall buying on Amazon right now? Share your secret must haves please!

Style Me Pretty

I am 99.9% certain Style Me Pretty is a brand or an influencer or something in the fashion world I am not educated on. Truth is, I am no fashionista. But I am into looking and feeling good. Even as a more casual classic styled woman, I like to get dressed up, I love a good sparkle or pop of color, and I live for a good shoe.

By no means is this a blog about fashion. I hardly qualify in that regard and quite frankly, I’m not interested in it. However, I am now in my 30’s, making good money, and interested in investing in pieces that last and that fit me correctly.

Gone are the days of Forever 21 (LOL but really its bankrupt) and hello are the days of a classic Madewell T. In a nutshell, I like to be comfortable. My style is very classic with random moments of a funky color/sequin/tutu but affordable and whatever makes me look and feel my best.

I am not a brand girl. You won’t catch me spending thousands on a bag or hundreds on a pair of jeans. I want quality but I need it at an affordable price. And rarely do I ever buy anything that’s not on sale. The hunt for a bargain is a thrill that is difficult to replace.

So where am I shopping right now?

Thrift Stores

Still in the thrift store game. Pick cities in an affluent zip code or nearby one. Dedicate yourself to spending time hunting down the good pieces. I have a $10 silk, fully lined, fully body hugging gown that I have worn for two black tie events. It cost more to dry clean the dress than actually purchase it. The point is, find pieces that can be staples or even a funky beaded sweater that’s in good shape or can be easily dry cleaned back to life. If it doesn’t fit quite right, BUY IT - paying to tailor these pieces can often give you an incredible wardrobe staple for under $50.

TJ Maxx

Do not sleep on TJ Maxx and stay out of the juniors section. TJ Maxx carries a lot of surprisingly high end names if you’re willing to look. I’ve purchased Stuart Weitzman, Betsey Johnson (love a good funky Betsey piece), and even Rebecca Minkoff here. And for 1/3 of the price of what you’d pay at Nordstrom. Again, it’s not promised you’ll find a gem every time, but find a wealthier area and hit up their TJ Maxx.

Amazon

Wild right? I’m telling you some of my best shoe finds have been on Amazon. Lucky brand open toe booties for $15, Cole Haan for $30, I even found some gorgeous Steve Madden flats for $12. The trick is to find styles you like and add them to your cart in your size. Then continue to check your list every other day, weekly, whatever works for you and follow the price. Some items I love never lower enough for me to buy, but a lot of the time I’m able to snag shoes for practically free. I haven’t bought a ton of clothes on Amazon yet, but If you follow Colette Prime, she’s got all the info you need for buying the best clothes. Plus, she’s a body positive, woman positive, everything positive world traveling phenomenal human.

Where are you shopping as you get older? We all have the go to Nordstrom Rack but where else should I be looking for my next deal?

Buy Good

I love shopping. I love shoes and clothes and all the things. But the older I get, and the more I see how wasteful human beings are, the more I want to shop responsibly and consume less.

I don’t need all the things. But I do love all the things. And I don’t have to give up my passion for shopping if I want to commit to be more environmentally friendly.

How do you “buy good” when it comes to consumption?

Be Resourceful

• Buy reusable bags and stop purchasing bags from stores. Don’t even use the produce bags, but your ow produce bags made out of recycled material.

• Shop for what you need. Be mindful of the waste you’re creating. Buy in bulk if you can. Limit the wasteful packaging and limit the food you buy so that you’re not throwing it away.

• Grow your own food. If you’ve got the time and ability, there are a lot of fruits and vegetables that are easy to grow. I’ve always wanted to have a garden. The food is fresher and amazing for mother nature!

• Hit up a farmer’s market. I live in California, we have really good produce everywhere. Farmer’s markets have endless options for the best fruits and vegetables. It’s also supporting small business in your community!

Shop Sustainable

• Find brands that offer eco friendly sustainable fashion. Yes, it’s more expensive. But the pieces usually last longer and better yet, the process of making them is environmentally friendly. Recommended brands: Levi’s, Alternative apparel, Pact, H&M Conscious, Eileen Fisher, Reformation, Patagonia, Columbia, Athleta

• Shop vintage/thrift store. Buy clothing that has already been used. Personally, I love the quality of pieces that were made 10-20 years ago and if they’re in good shape, dry cleaning makes them good as new. I’m also a big fan of a good deal! Recommended Shops: Poshmark, eBay, Goodwill, etc.

• Clothes share! Host a swap! A lot of us have clothes that don’t fit, styles we are over, or pieces we just don’t wear and never did. Share with your friends! Get together and exchange what you’re not wearing.

Be a Leader

• Be a resource. Do your research. Teach your kids about sustainability. Be a champion for Mother Nature. Help guide the next generation to take care of the world.

Sustainability and being environmentally friendly is no longer just for hippies. It’s our job to start taking better care of the world around us. We are losing valuable resources we will never get back. Climate change is real. Animals are dying. The rain-forest is depleted. It’s really cool, and really important to buy good.

Happy Shopping Sequins!

Investment

Ok, not that kind of investment. Certainly by 30 you should be well on your way to financial security with a diverse portfolio and a 401K, but this blog, it’s not about that. This blog is about investing in your wardrobe.

I am a self proclaimed discount shopper. I won’t pay full price for anything. But I’m also a grown up. And I understand that at my age, I need to be mindful of the pieces I’m purchasing. It’s time to invest in well made staples that I can build a foundation with.

How do you build a wardrobe that lasts and is also mindful of current style trends? Let me tell you, I’m no style expert. I tend to live in leggings more often that not. So you can trust me when I say this blog is for the everyday woman. Who lives for comfort but also wants to look put together.

1. Find your style

   What’s your style? I don’t believe in fitting any one mold or having to stick to a style but I do think its important to understand what your style is so that you’re not forcing yourself into a trend because it’s cool. Invest in figuring out what works for your body type. What accentuates your frame? Don’t spend money on clothes and accessories just because you like them. Figure out what looks and feels good or it’s a complete waste of your time and money.

2. Spend on Staples

   Spend a little more for well made, long lasting, classic pieces. Clothes you should be investing extra money in are jeans, t-shirts, jackets, shoes - pieces you wear often and that you can pair with different accessories to look different. For example, a good pair of jeans can be paired with a million different tops and shoes so repeating isn’t an issue.

3. Save on Trends

   If you’re buying trendy items, go to places like H&M who make them for cheap. That way when they’re out of style or you’re over them, you didn’t spend a huge amount for nothing. If it’s a piece for a big event or special occasion and you’re not going to wear it again, opt for a more inexpensive option of the piece you’re coveting in a magazine.

4. Spend Smart Regardless

   I won’t pay full price for just about anything. If I’m buying an expensive item, I’m looking where I can find the best quality for the best bargain. I own two gorgeous leather bags that I bought in Italy. The same leather that’s used for big names like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. But because I bought it in Italy, without the designer label on it (it’s just classic black good leather), I paid $300 instead of $3,000. You can also get good quality shoes and clothing at places like Nordstrom Rack that are on sale but well made.

This sounds silly, but create a list of staple pieces. The French often do this to build out a minimalist wardrobe with well made pieces. For example, jeans, t-shirts, blazers, riding boots, little black dress, etc. You know the things you need to have last the stand of time, invest in those. Slowly build up a wardrobe that caters to that.