Black Business Haul And Everything Is At Target

I’ve been introduced to some amazing brands on Target trips. Many of my favorites are black-owned. In the spirit of the times, I thought it would be cool to share some of my must-have items in a black business haul today. That they’re each conveniently available at Target is a plus.

Black Business Haul
What I’m wearing:

Sweatshirt | Faux leather leggings | Boots (also here)

Kendra Scott earrings | Kendra Scott bracelet | Kendra Scott ring/ring

Black Business Haul

First up, my sweatshirt is by Well Worn, one of the featured black businesses in Target’s Black Beyond Measure campaign. This sweater had me at the super soft fabric in a beautiful shade of brown. And, that graphic on the front of a woman’s silhouette? Icing on the cake! It’s such a winner that I ordered the men’s version of the sweatshirt for my husband. I’m wearing the sweatshirt in a size small. It has an oversized fit, so if you like that look, you can order your usual size without sizing up.

Black Business Haul

By now, you’re familiar with The Honey Pot, a black-owned, feminine care brand that’s powered by plants. I’ve never trusted a feminine wash until now. It’s the all-natural ingredients for me. Real talk, my favorite products are the sensitive skin feminine wash and the herb-infused pantyliners. I’ve also used and loved the wipes, but I think there was a formula change because I haven’t liked them as much as I did the very first batch I bought.

Black Business Haul

I don’t know why I’d never tried The Lip Bar before, but now that I have, I’m a huge fan. I’d been searching for a red lipliner to replace a discontinued fave from Mac. Y’all, I grabbed The Lip Bar Vegan Lip Liner in Straight Face on a whim, and it’s the best product ever! You know how it can difficult to apply lip products when your lips are waxy from a lip balm? That condition is not a challenge for Lip Bar products. They apply so smoothly and stay put.

Black Business Haul

Shea Moisture hair products are always an easy choice for my haircare. My current favorite collection is the Jamaican Black Castor Oil, but I often rotate new collections into the mix.

My barber uses Design Essentials hair products, and when he curls my hair, it’s flawless. So, I decided to try his go-to styler, the Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse. It gives me a reliable finish every time and has officially earned a permanent place in my hair routine.

Black Business Haul

I was beyond thrilled to discover the Fresh Pawz line at Target. Nevis, my Havanese dog, is finally warming up to the idea of wearing clothes. These pieces are so edgy and cool. I had to buy the Adidog hoodie for my pup.

Bandages that match my skin tone? How could I not? Tru-Colour bandages have  a permanent place in the emergency pouch in my everyday tote. Those beige bandages are not it.

I’m excited to shop more pieces in the Black Beyond Measure campaign. My purchases so far are hits.

Stripes, Mud Cloth, and Blue Pants

Bright colors. Bold prints. These aren’t usually the basics recommended for building a wardrobe. For my wardrobe, though, bright colors and bold prints are holding it down. What can I say? Vibrant prints and colors make me happy. My willingness to try unusual print combinations allows me to make these standout pieces versatile. And, of course, versatility is important to me because I like to wear my clothing again and again and again.

I purchased the featured bright blue soft pants on sale in JCPenney. Who knew that blue pants could be a wardrobe staple? I’ve been wearing this pair everywhere, as effortlessly as I would wear black pants. See how I’ve worn them before in Soft Pants and High Heels With a Smile.

Top—Forever 21 (under $20)

Pants—MNG by Mango for jcp (on sale)

Clutch—℅ Chameleon Girl

Earrings—J.Crew (on sale)

Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Asian Flower” lipstickMac “Heroine” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

When I was invited to review a handbag from Chameleon Girl, a South African-based retailer specializing in handmade bags using African textiles and fabrics, the fold over mud cloth clutch was an easy choice. Its sophisticated design and striking mud cloth make this a clutch I reach for often. Doesn’t it look great paired with stripes?

Even my little Nevis blended right in today. Can you believe he’s almost 3 years old?

There is a huge summer sale on the J.Crew site today. Shout out to my homegirl over at That Hayet Rida for alerting me this morning. There are sale items, including Elsie pumps, now available at an additional 75% off! I purchased the printed leather Elsie pumps for $40 (orig. $275). That’s the best deal I’ve ever gotten on a pair of these. Move quickly if interested because sizes are selling out fast. And, don’t forget to enter the code “SummerSale” to get the additional discount.

This Chameleon Girl clutch is sold out. If interested, let Jill, the designer, know that you want it back.

I’m also wearing the J.Crew beaded rope earrings, now $15 using the “SummerSale” code online. J.Crew describes them as nautical-inspired, but the beading and threading screams African-inspired to me. The earrings were the perfect choice, then, for this print-mixed look with mud cloth.

 

Shop the featured look:

Travel Style

Swingy top. Ponte knit pants. Comfy flats. That’s pretty much my formula for traveling fashionably. I’m off to NYC today to attend a friend’s wedding. From the moment I touch down in the big city, I hit the ground running. It’s important, then, that I’m dressed comfortably. But, who says comfy can’t be stylish too?

Top—Anthropologie
Pants—Tahari | similar
Sandals—Steve Madden “Donddi”
Bag—Rebecca Minkoff | similar
Earrings—House of Harlow
Necklace—J.Crew metallic bell necklace | option
Rings—Gorjana Teagan ringJ.Crew sliced ringJ.Crew orb ring

Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Flat Out Fabulous” lipstickMac “Heroine” lip pencil
Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

Sizing? I’m wearing the swing top in an XS. 

The Steve Madden Donddi sandal is the most comfortable sandal ever! You wouldn’t believe where I found this pair? Burlington Coat Factory, y’all.

Shopping for a chambray peplum top? Check out these styles:

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Block Party: Orange and Blue

There’s another block party today. In the first one, Block Party: Purple and Navy, I wore my favorite navy pairing—purple and navy. In today’s post, I’m colorblocking again to create a brand new look for my orange shift dress (see it worn before in Working the Bright Shift). Orange is definitely one of my favorite colors to wear and mix with other hues. For today, my orange is partying with the blues.

My cobalt blue pumps and an ombre beaded necklace in colors of the ocean provide the perfect pops of blue to make my shift dress look brand new.

Nevis insisted on joining me on this shoot.

Location: Moto Wall @ Grand Center, Saint Louis

Dress—Madewell (on sale)

Bag—Kate Spade | option

Shoes—Joe’s Jeans | similar

Necklace—Anthropologie (on sale)

Earrings—J.Crew

Watch—Michael Kors | similar

Lip—Mac ‘Flat Out Fabulous’ lipstickMac “Magenta” lip pencil

Stylish, Soulful, Affordable Jewelry

I was recently introduced to Karma Mantra, a jewelry line that celebrates individuality by fusing modern details with ancient influences. Karma Mantra designer, Romell Bhaala, uses hand-selected gems acquired on his global travels to create soulful works of art.

I was immediately attracted to the line because of its use of natural gemstones like black onyx, which is said to deliver stress relief. I was also drawn to designs like the Japa Malas, a necklace style often used to support the practice of meditation. Given the line’s commitment to creating masterful pieces, the affordable price point (most pieces under $35) was a welcomed surprise.

This summer, I’m trying to live in the moment and remain focused. I believe my Japa Mala necklaces will help me do so.

Tee—Gap Outlet | similar

Jeans—Nine West | similarsimilar

Shoes—J.Crew

Tote—DSW gift w/purchase

Onyx/Coral necklace—℅ Karma Mantra

Onyx/Turquoise necklace—℅ Karma Mantra

Bracelet—℅ Karma Mantra
Ring—St. John Collection (gifted by Neiman Marcus STL)

Watch—Michael Kors | similar (on sale)

Sunglasses—Kate Spade

Lip—Mac ‘Midnight Mambo’ lipstickMac “Heroine” lip pencil