Shopping

Diva’s Quick Tips: Shopping Luxury Smartly

Published on April 18, 2023 by joslynrichardsLeave a comment

There are several popular movements on social media among Black women and one, in particular, pertains to luxury. For many years, Black people as a whole have been excluded from the luxury world. The finer things in life have been associated with the Black elite such as athletes, musicians, and the demographic’s top earners. Now that more people are climbing the wealth ladder, more “common folk” have access to luxury goods. However, from what I’ve seen, many people are buying what’s popular amongst their favorite celebrities or on social media without considering if it’s practical for their everyday lives. Then they don’t get their cost per wear from the item and that’s money wasted. As with anything, we must shop smart! Here are a few tips on how to shop for luxury goods the smart way

1. Ask Yourself Why You Want the Item

Does this purchase fill a gap in your wardrobe? Does it serve a function? Do you like it for yourself?

2. Stick to Your Style

If you do not normally wear heels, will you wear a pair of designer heels more? The answer is likely not. Take what you currently wear and elevate it. For example, I don’t wear sneakers often. If an occasion calls for a flat, I usually choose a chic flat or loafer. So I will upgrade to a designer flat or loafer. That way the item still fits my aesthetic.

3. How Many Ways Can You Wear It?

Is this a one-time wear item or can you fit this into many outfits? Think about the cost per wear when shopping, especially luxury goods. Interchangeability adds versatility.

I hope these three quick tips helped! Try thinking of building a timeless wardrobe with pieces that can be worn interchangeably for years to come.

My Top 7 Picks From the Brandon Blackwood Fall 2022 Collection

Published on October 18, 2022October 18, 2022 by joslynrichardsLeave a comment

New York City based handbag designer, Brandon Blackwood, has released his catalog for the Fall 2022 collection under his eponymous handbag label and it is good! I mean really good! A girl can dream and imagine spending a month’s worth of bill money on several bags, but we are being responsible adults, right? So let’s make a list instead! Over the past few weeks, the BB team has been hitting us hard with clever marketing showcasing several of the new bags. Here are my top picks!

Lisa Shoulder Bag

Shoulder bags offer a classic silhouette that never goes out of style. This will serve well as an everyday work bag, especially for those of you who work in a corporate environment. Do not fret, the hardware comes in gold as well in brown and black cracked leather as well as mink fur options.

2. Vanity Purse

$550 (Python Only)
*Image Credit: Brandon Blackwood*

It was this bag that took my breath away. I had been looking for a box-like bag for a while and none were wowing me until the Vanity Purse hit my timeline. This version is made with python skin and 24K gold plated hardware. The black and brown leather versions are just as fabulous and retail for $350.

Did I mention the mirror? This is likely how the bag got its name. It is the full length of the bag and not one of those mirrors where you can only see one eye at a time.

3. Acrylic Basket Bag

Let’s have a moment of silence for this color…

Can you even?! There are several structural bags in this collection and the Brandon Blackwood team understood the assignment. They gave what needed to be gave. This bag reminds me of a modern take on the vintage lucite bags of the 1950’s. See what I mean here. This here is a showstopper!

4. Acrylic Duplex Purse

Not to be outdone by her single level cousin, the Acrylic Duplex purse in blue wants us to know she is THAT GIRL and I am not getting in the middle of that fight. To keep things fair, let’s also have a moment of silence for my good sis…

Because she said she WILL NOT MISS! She rings in at the same price as the one above so it is up to you which route you will choose, both are stunning.

5. Kuei Bag

If you don’t carry your entire life in a bag like I do, the the original Kuei is for you. I personally have the medium in black and brown and that is the smallest I can go for my lifestyle. I love the structure of the Kueis and the overall style of the bag, I just think it is so unique.

The front zipper feature is functional and you can unzip the flaps if you need more space. I think it give the purse a more casual look this way and a more formal appearance zipped up. It also comes with a crossbody strap and is offered in 22 colorways.

6. Bamboo B Micro Tote

The Bamboo B Micro Tote has had the BB fans abuzz since we first spotted it earlier this summer. It is the perfect bag for a night on the town and even red carpet events as we recently saw with Queen Latifah. The bamboo trim is a nod to the girls from around the way who wore bamboo earrings (word to L.L. Cool J.).

7. Bamboo Tote with Silver Hardware

In keeping with the bamboo theme, the bamboo tote will now be available in silver trim. The original brown and black bamboo totes with gold trim will also be available.

Please note these are just my top picks based on my personal taste to give you an idea of what Brandon Blackwood has to offer. I love the brand. There are many more styles on the website from micro to back backpacks. There is something for everyone.

4 Upcoming Product Launches You Need to Have on Your Radar

Published on March 21, 2022March 20, 2022 by Southern DivaLeave a comment

Spring has officially begins and so have the product launches! Diva Chronicles is an advocate of supporting and shopping small businesses, especially Black or minority and/or woman owned businesses. Some of these brands have been reported here before and one is new. They all have their cult followings, so if you see anything you like, set your alarms and get ready!

1. @Glamaholic Lifestyle

Loyal supporters have been keep tabs on when Mia Ray, Glamaholic’s owner and founder, will release her signature “G” scarves and new wallet on a chain (WOC) purses. Well she announced that day is March 25, yes this Friday, so now they both can be yours! The launch happens at 3 pm EST so set your alarms and have your page ready to checkout if interested. Yes, it is that serious over there in Glamaholic land.

2. @BrandonBlackwood

Speaking of launches customers take seriously, is a Brandon Blackwood launch. He made a mark with his now discontinued ESR bags, but Brandon wants to remind all he is here to stay. On April 8, 2022 at 12 pm, EST, not only will the metallic Kuei bags return, but new styles will launch. In personally have my eye on that new top handle pea green beauty.

3. @HouseofRehab

Known for their “Everything” and “Almost Everything” bags, embossed with “Fashion Made Me Do It” on the front, House of Rehab has announced the re-release of their metallic Almost Everything bags in metallic silver and pink. I personally missed on the metallic drop last time and will now miss out in late April when they are re-released. No specific release date has been announced yet, follow the brand closely for more details.

4. @NLtheLabel

Nichole Lunch Box bags are a hit! While it is offered in black, denim, pink, the “diamond” and pink styles will be shipped out March 25- April 25, 2022 and May 5-30, 2022, respectively. The Lunch Box bag offers a different style from your everyday tote bag and is bound to stand out.

Diva’s Deal Report: These Mules Are the Perfect Brown Girl Nude

Published on March 20, 2022March 20, 2022 by Southern DivaLeave a comment

I’m sure we know by now the word “nude” represents a spectrum and is not beige, right? If you are on the darker brown end of the nude spectrum, a nude shoes isn’t as easy to find. They are more accessible as before, but still not as plentiful. So with that being said, when you see your shade of cocoa brown nude, you must jump of it! I headed to the mall to get some staples for spring and summer and while I had no intentions to get anything from Forever 21, I couldn’t leave these in the store. Dress them up or dress them down with shorts, the opportunities are endless. They also come in black (which I also got) and white.

Price: $24.99

Where: Forever 21

NL the Label’s SS 2022 Pink Collection

Published on February 12, 2022 by Southern DivaLeave a comment

Think pink! Also, think feathers, sequins, and lewks because that is what the Spring/Summer ’22 collection from NL the Label is giving. Check out the collection below and click the link if anything strikes your fancy!

Pretty Bird Feather Trim Hoodie

2. Dipped in Love Jumpsuit

3. Pop the Top Bucket Hat

4. Showin’ Out Sequin Trench Coat

Product Highlight: Nike Daybreak Golden Gals Sneaker

Published on November 29, 2021November 28, 2021 by Southern DivaLeave a comment

If you are like me and are not really into sneakers, but want an alternative to heels and flats that are also fashionable, then you know the struggle. Many sneakers are designed to be statements on their own, so when your outfit is the statement, what do you do? Enter Nike’s Daybreak Golden Gals Sneaker!

Women’s Daybreak 'Golden Gals' Release Date — *Image Credit: Nike*

Product Description:

Inspired by the golden glitz and glam of today’s most creative makeup trends, this Daybreak knows how to make heads turn. A gold flake leather overlay is crafty, luxurious, and most of all, it’s ready to shine for all-day wear with the Daybreak’s elevated construction. Its foam midsole is plush and has an aged feel while the black rubber outsole, inspired by the ’79 original, adds traction and functional style (Nike)

This gold and glitzy style of the Daybreak will retail for $110 and will be available on 12/09/21 at 9 AM on the Nike SNKRS app.

Fashion News: John Legend Partners with Sperry

Published on October 6, 2021October 3, 2021 by Southern DivaLeave a comment

Fun Fact: I went through a major Sperry boat shoe and New York and Company button-down phase my freshman year of college. I would pair them with jeans or shorts and that was my uniform. #Memories

Rhythm and blues crooner, John Legend, has partnered with the iconic boat shoes turned lifestyle brand for a men’s shoe collection. Styles include classic boat shoes and boots.

Sperry x John Legend Signature PLUSHWAVE Boat Shoe, Sand, dynamic — John Legend wearing Sperry Signature PLUSHWAVE boat shoe,$199.95 (available in 4 colors).
Image Credit: Sperry

Sperry x John Legend Authentic Original Vibram Lug Boot, Black, dynamic — John Legend wearing Sperry Authentic Orginal Vibram Lug Boot, $249.95 (available in 2 colors).
Image Credit: Sperry

See the collection in motion below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sperry (@sperry)

Video Credit Sperry

Product Highlight: The Big Bad Palette by Megan Thee Stallion x Revlon

Published on October 5, 2021October 3, 2021 by Southern DivaLeave a comment

Last year, rapper Megan the Stallion announced her partnership with beauty giant Revlon and it seems things are moving full steam ahead. The latest product from the collab is the Big Bad palette, which is currently on sale at Ulta Beauty for $8.99. The ten-pan palette includes eye shadows hand-picked by Megan herself and features shade names such as Up In Flames, a black sparkly shade, Burning Up, a bright tangerine with subtle sparkle, and metallic cobalt appropriately named Cobalt (People). Users can enjoy a variety of finishes such as matte, metallic, and shimmer with chosen hues designed to fit a variety of complexions. The Big Bad palette has two prominent shades, Heat Wave and Bring the Heat that can serve double duty as both eyeshadow and highlighters.

Revlon x Megan Thee Stallion Big Bad Face & Eyeshadow Palette, 10 Blendable Shimmer, Matte, & Metallic Colors, 001, 0.37 oz — *Image Credit: Walmart*

Snag the Big Bad palette while it is on sale now at Ulta.com The normal retail price is $14.99.

Product Highlight: Kate Spade Rubix Colorblocked Medium Crossbody

Published on September 9, 2021 by joslynrichardsLeave a comment

I’ve always been a purse girl. My friends who just helped me pack them up can attest to that (Thanks, ladies!). Handbags, purses, pocketbooks, bags, whatever you call them, are an easy way to play with color, texture and shapes, in my opinion. When you can find them on sale, it is even better (and trouble for me). Kate Spade is one of my favorite brands that is relatively affordable that offers handbags in quality materials, fun shapes and colors. I wasn’t even browsing the site when I saw the Rubix Colorblocked Medium Crossbody in an ad and it caught my eye. It is just the type of bag I would add to my closet. The shape is unique, the various neutral colors add interest, and the nappa leather adds quality. I just may add this to my wish list. Get a closer look below.