Do we have a new Fashion Bomb Couple on the horizon?
Chloe Bailey and Burna Boy were spied holding hands in Lagos, Nigeria with Chloe in a cover up by Matte Collection and Burna Boy in a vintage Alexander McQueen sweater:
The two got cozy in the club, with Chloe even trying Burna’s necklace on for size.
In recent months, the retail world has buzzed with the news of Saks Fifth Avenue and Amazon coming together to acquire Neiman Marcus for $2.65 billion. This potential merger is particularly intriguing as it involves two retail giants, both of which have faced their own challenges in the evolving luxury market. The question on many minds is how these two seemingly struggling retailers can merge their operations to create a successful synergy that could redefine luxury shopping.
The collaboration between Saks and Amazon could leverage their respective strengths to address the challenges faced by Neiman Marcus. Saks has a strong heritage in luxury retail, with an established customer base and a reputation for high-quality products and exceptional service. On the other hand, Amazon brings unparalleled e-commerce expertise, advanced logistics, and a vast online marketplace. By combining these capabilities, they can create a more seamless omnichannel experience for consumers, allowing them to shop both online and in-store with ease.
To make this merger successful, it will be essential for the companies to focus on integrating their brand identities while maintaining the unique appeal of Neiman Marcus. This could involve enhancing the customer experience through personalized services, improved product offerings, and exclusive collaborations that resonate with luxury shoppers.
Additionally, investing in technology and data analytics will be crucial in understanding consumer behavior and preferences, enabling the retailers to tailor their approach effectively As they move forward, Saks and Amazon must also address the operational challenges that come with merging two distinct corporate cultures. Clear communication and a shared vision will be vital in aligning their strategies and ensuring a cohesive brand experience for customers.
If executed thoughtfully, this merger has the potential to not only revitalize Neiman Marcus but also set a new standard for luxury retail in the digital age.
Switching to an eco-friendly beauty kit isn’t just a trend—it’s a meaningful step toward protecting our planet. As seasons change, our skin and hair needs shift too, making it the perfect opportunity to rethink our beauty essentials. By choosing sustainable products like a vegan shampoo, we can reduce waste and support brands that prioritize the environment without compromising quality.
From reusable tools to biodegradable packaging, building a green beauty routine is simpler than ever. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reducing single-use plastics significantly cuts down on pollution, making our choices matter more than we realize. Let’s explore how we can create a versatile, eco-conscious beauty kit that works year-round while staying kind to the Earth.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Beauty Products
Opting for eco-friendly beauty products supports a sustainable lifestyle and reduces our footprint on the planet. These products not only benefit the environment but also enhance personal well-being.
Benefits For The Environment
Eco-friendly beauty products minimize environmental harm through sustainable ingredients and packaging. Using items with biodegradable materials and refillable containers significantly reduces plastic waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reducing single-use plastics can lower pollution levels in oceans and landfills.
Switching to solid conditioner products helps cut down water use in production, as these options are concentrated and often come in plastic-free packaging. By supporting brands prioritizing sustainable practices, we drive demand for environmentally conscious beauty solutions, encouraging industry-wide change.
Advantages For Your Skin And Health
Many eco-friendly beauty products avoid harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which can irritate skin and harm overall health. Instead, they incorporate natural, organic ingredients that are gentle and nourishing.
Products like solid conditioners often feature plant-based formulas rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which promote healthier hair and scalp. Vegan shampoos cater to sensitive skin types and avoid using animal-derived ingredients, ensuring cruelty-free benefits while reducing the risk of allergic reactions. By choosing sustainable beauty, we prioritize both our health and ethical values.
Essentials For A Sustainable Beauty Kit
Photo by Shawnee Wilborn on Unsplash
Building a sustainable beauty kit requires thoughtful choices that align with eco-conscious values. Prioritizing reusable materials, natural products, and biodegradable options helps minimize environmental impact.
Reusable And Refillable Containers
Incorporating reusable and refillable containers reduces waste significantly. Opt for glass jars, stainless steel tins, or refillable makeup palettes. Many brands, like Kjaer Weis and ILIA, offer refill systems for products, making it easy to replenish without discarding packaging. For liquid products such as serums or body lotions, choose refillable bottles with pumps.
Purchasing products from brands with take-back or recycling programs, such as Lush or MAC Cosmetics, ensures packaging waste is managed sustainably. Creating a habit of reusing containers for travel or DIY beauty items can also enhance your kit’s eco-friendliness.
Organic And Natural Formulations
Choosing organic and natural beauty products ensures safety for both skin and the environment. Look for certifications such as USDA Organic or ECOCERT to verify authenticity. Vegan shampoos and skincare items made with plant-based, cruelty-free ingredients contribute to ethical consumption.
Avoid synthetic chemicals, such as parabens or phthalates, that may harm ecosystems when washed off. Solid conditioners are compact alternatives to liquid options, using fewer resources during production. Brands like Ethique or Seed Phytonutrients provide quality formulations in zero-waste packaging.
Biodegradable Tools And Accessories
Switching to biodegradable tools limits non-recyclable waste. Items like bamboo makeup brushes, reusable cotton rounds, and compostable sponges replace single-use plastics effectively. For haircare, bamboo or wooden combs and brushes offer durable, eco-friendly alternatives.
Include products like konjac sponges or natural loofahs, which biodegrade naturally. Brands such as EcoTools and The Green Brush focus on sustainable designs without sacrificing performance. Ensuring tools decompose easily after their lifecycle ends aligns with the principles of green beauty.
Seasonal Must-Haves For Your Eco-Friendly Kit
Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash
Adapting your beauty routine to each season ensures your skin stays healthy, while making sustainable choices reduces waste year-round. Here’s a guide to eco-friendly essentials for every season.
Spring: Refresh And Renew
Spring calls for lightweight, natural products to refresh the skin after winter’s dryness. Gentle exfoliators with biodegradable beads and natural scrubs help clear dead skin. Use shampoo with plant-based ingredients to eliminate toxins from hair and scalp care. Incorporate a solid conditioner to minimize environmental impact while hydrating strands.
Reusable bamboo cleansing pads paired with organic cleansers provide an eco-conscious way to remove makeup and impurities. Lightweight, reef-safe sunscreen completes your spring kit, protecting against UV rays without damaging ocean ecosystems.
Summer: Sun Protection And Hydration
Sustain your skin in the heat with eco-conscious, hydrating products. Opt for mineral-based SPF with non-toxic formulas that safeguard marine life. Lightweight moisturizers with aloe vera offer hydration without clogging pores. Solid cleansers with organic compositions simplify travel and reduce packaging waste. Include a compact, refillable face mist for refreshing relief on hot days. For hair, vegan shampoo bars ensure effective cleansing while saving water in production. Pair these with a compact, biodegradable comb for on-the-go detangling.
Fall: Nourishment And Repair
As temperatures drop, switch to nutrient-dense formulas that replenish and repair. Include face serums with antioxidants like Vitamin C for skin elasticity and renewal. A conditioner with nourishing oils such as argan or coconut helps restore moisture to summer-damaged hair. Lip balms with compostable packaging protect lips from chapping, while gentle exfoliators made from natural ingredients keep skin smooth. Reusable containers for balmy cleansers or body butters reduce plastic waste and align with sustainable storage needs.
Winter: Deep Moisture And Care
Intense hydration becomes essential in cold, dry months. Rich body creams with sustainable packaging provide deep moisturization for dry skin. Shampoo and conditioner bars with shea butter protect hair from harsh winter air and snow damage. Organic oils like jojoba, stored in glass dropper bottles, effectively target dry patches. Eco-friendly lip scrubs using natural sugar avoid microplastics while leaving lips soft. For nighttime, refillable sleep masks deliver repair and nourishment, reducing single-use product waste.
Tips For Transitioning To Sustainable Beauty
Switching to sustainable beauty can feel rewarding when approached step by step. By focusing on ethical research, gradual changes, and mindful organization, we can easily create a more eco-friendly routine.
Researching Ethical Brands
Identifying ethical beauty brands simplifies transitioning to a sustainable kit. Look for companies that prioritize refillable packaging, biodegradable materials, and vegan or cruelty-free formulas. Trustworthy certifications like Leaping Bunny for cruelty-free products and ECOCERT for organic formulations help validate claims.
Brands like ILIA and Lush lead with eco-conscious innovations, offering vegan shampoo or waste-free solutions. Exploring their product lines can introduce refill systems or packaging-free alternatives. By supporting companies that value ethical practices, we contribute to reducing plastic and encouraging greener beauty standards.
Decluttering Non-Eco-Friendly Products
Decluttering helps eliminate unsustainable items to make space for eco-friendly choices. Items with excessive plastic or synthetic chemicals harm the environment and are worth swapping. For example, replace plastic-filled liquid shampoos with compact options.
Recycle or donate usable items wherever possible. Many brands, such as MAC and Kjaer Weis, have take-back programs to recycle packaging. Minimizing non-eco-friendly products aligns better with sustainable living and encourages conscious replacements.
Building Your Kit Gradually
Creating an eco-friendly beauty kit happens best with gradual adjustments. Begin by replacing one finished product, such as swapping a traditional shampoo for a vegan shampoo or introducing a refillable foundation compact. These small changes have a lasting impact over time.
Prioritize multipurpose items or solid, package-free options to save resources. Solid conditioners are versatile substitutions for minimizing waste. By taking a step-by-step approach, it’s possible to build a sustainable kit without overwhelming financial or practical challenges.
The way you choose to wear your engagement and wedding rings is a deeply personal decision, often reflecting your unique style and your relationship as a couple. While traditional customs exist, there’s a growing trend towards more unconventional and creative approaches.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular and unique ways to wear your engagement and wedding rings in a way that balances tradition, comfort, and personal style.
Traditional approach: Stacking on the left hand
The classic method involves stacking your engagement and wedding rings on the fourth finger of your left hand. Although this arrangement remains popular in many Western cultures, lots of couples are now opting for more personalized arrangements that stray from the norm.
Alternative options: Right hand or different fingers
Breaking away from tradition, some couples choose to wear their rings on their right hand. This can be a bold statement, symbolizing a unique and independent relationship.
Alternatively, you might consider wearing your rings on different fingers, such as the middle or index finger. You could even separate your rings and wear one of the left hand with the second placed on the right.
These style choices can create an eye-catching and unconventional look that suits couples who want to showcase their distinctive personal flair.
Special designs: Curved or custom bands
Modern jewelry design offers a plethora of options for unique ring combinations that go beyond simple, traditional wedding and engagement bands.
Curved bands, for instance, can be stacked with a solitaire engagement ring to create a flowing and elegant look while ensuring complete comfort when worn.
Custom-designed bands can also be tailored to your specific preferences, incorporating gems, engravings, or other personalized elements.
Non-traditional styles: Rings on a necklace or separate use
Although this may seem unusual to some, you don’t have to feel pressured to wear your engagement or wedding rings on your hands at all. In fact, there are many reasons why couples may choose to showcase their prized possessions in a non-traditional fashion.
If you have a vintage engagement ring with intricate details, wearing it on a separate finger or even on a necklace can help protect its delicate structure. This approach allows you to showcase the ring’s beauty while preserving its integrity.
Another truly unique way you could wear your rings is to choose matching bracelets and adorn your wedding or engagement bands on them. You could opt for delicate gold or silver chains with additional charms that are personal to you both to complement them.
We have had our eyes out for a boutique wedding fashion brand, Kochhouse, all the way in Nigeria breaking bounds internationally for a while now and we featured the brand in our Brands You Should Know section last year.
They are primarily focused on portraying the rich and regal culture of the black people and African roots with their latest collection paying homage to the vibrant Nigerian cultural heritage, skillfully reinterpreted through the theme of silhouettes. Combining the iconic Igbo isiagu fabric and the Yoruba agbada, rendered in luxurious raw silk and custom velvet, the collection becomes a seamless blend of tradition and contemporary design.
Cultural Storytelling Through Fabric
The isiagu, traditionally associated with royalty and prestige for the igbos, brings an unmistakable richness to the designs. Its bold patterns are reimagined to highlight the structure and movement of the silhouettes, balancing cultural significance with modern aesthetics. Drapes and conventional men suiting silhouettes patterned with the rich printed velvet fabric. Meanwhile, the agbada, typically known for its voluminous grandeur, is transformed through raw silk into a lightweight yet impactful expression of Yoruba sartorial elegance.
Design Highlights
Tailored Isiagu-Patterned Jackets: These pieces take the symbolic fabric into a new realm, with structured shoulders and sleek cuts that exude contemporary sophistication.
Raw Silk Agbada-Inspired Garment: Simplified yet majestic, these pieces embrace the fluid drapery of agbada while allowing for versatile styling.
Fusion Pieces: Some designs blend isiagu panels with agbada-inspired silhouettes, showcasing a harmonious dialogue between the two cultural elements.
Hand embroidered Loose Pieces: Aside Culture and tradition some of the looks from this collection also show the attempt of the brand at mastering couture level pieces with hand finished embroidery pants and fully adorned Jackets.
A Celebration of Silhouettes
KochHouse cleverly uses these traditional fabrics and colors to emphasize the interplay of form and texture. The structured tailoring of isiagu pieces contrasts with the soft drape of agbada-inspired designs, creating a dynamic collection that speaks to both cultural heritage and innovation with modern appeal.
Final Impression
KochHouse has created a collection that is as much about honouring Nigerian culture as it is about pushing the boundaries of design in the international fashion space. The thoughtful integration of the isiagu fabric, raw silk and damask print into modern silhouettes makes this collection a celebration of identity, craftsmanship, and artistry.
Check out some more looks from the runway at the just concluded London Fashion Day show.
Rihanna is known to make a fashion statement whether on the red carpet or chowing down at Giorgio Baldi’s, and on Thursday she served a cozy look at the Boys & Girls club in Harlem.
The Barbadian princess and founder of Fenty Beauty showed her philanthropy side alongside her beau A$AP Rocky as they handed out free Puma gear to children in his hometown.
Wearing a grey $1,200 wool and cashmere Patou hoodie, with the matching $1,200 peplum skirt, RiRi looked relaxed and casual, yet stylishly chic.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the Patou brand, it’s a fashion house that was founded by Jean Patou in 1914 and is revolutionizing the fashion industry as a lifestyle brand. From couture and RTW, to swimwear, accessories and perfume, it has become a one-stop destination.
Retailing for $1,415,her Amina Muaddi’s ‘Veneda’ boots featured a sock-like fit and are characterized with the brand’s signature fluted heels.
Instagram reader @ravey_baby shared, “Love love love this entire look👏🏾,” while @teopatra simply wrote, “Our modest queen.”
Rihanna undoubtedly showcased her modesty and humility at the Boys & Girls club as she passed out Puma goodies to children in need.
It’s great to see her and A$AP Rocky using their platform and resources to give back to the community. When you get to the level that they’re at, it’s only right to pay it forward.
It should cost a billion to look this good and based on how amazing Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Blue Ivy looked at the Disney Mufasa Premiere Monday night, it’s evident who has the keys to the safe.
The Knowles-Carter family made a surprising yet well suspected debut at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in support of Bey and Blue who star in the musical drama film directed by Barry Jenkins.
The film that releases in theaters on Dec 20th, will feature the ‘Alien Superstar’ playing Queen Nala, and Blue Ivy narrating the voice of Queen Nala’s daughter ‘Kiara.’
Blue Ivy was the shining star of the evening, making a statement on the red carpet in a glamorous gold Christian Siriano dress. Strapless with draping at the heart-shape bodice, and an exaggerated train, it’s clear to see that the 12-year old is coming into her teenage years.
“My gorgeous baby girl. This is your night. You worked hard and you did such a beautiful job as the voice of Kiara. Your family could not be prouder. Keep shining,” shared Beyonce in a caption posted to her Instagram page.
In addition to Blue wearing the color gold, Beyoncé mirrored her daughter in a studded dress from the Balmain X Lion King collection that had a deep U-neckline and was sizzling haute.
Contrary to gold, Mama Tina Knowles bet on black in an off the shoulder black top and trouser combo that was complimented with a statement embellished belt. Her leather gloves layered with gold rings gave her look an iconic feel.
Jay-Z, who is in the midst of fighting allegations made against the ‘Can’t Knock the Hustle’ rapper, appeared to be unfazed by the assassination attempt made earlier in the week. He stood tall in a chocolate brown Fendi suit with black Oxford shoes, styled by June Ambrose.
It was great to see the Knowles-Carter family stand strong, and most importantly united while celebrating their first born daughter. With two extraordinary and talented parents, Blue Ivy is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
Styled by Kollin Carter, who learned under the apprenticeship of fashion icon Law Roach, Carter did a wonderful job at making Cardi look effortlessly stylish.
In addition to Cardi’s sterling coat and transparent bodysuit, her blue $363 Y/Project jeans were futuristic and innovative with a wrap belt that she allowed to hang down.
Instagram user, @yo_fine_azz_auntee wrote, “Her casual looks always Eat!!,” while @charis.smith98 shared, “@Kollincarter another hit sir!️🔥️🔥️🔥.”
When it came down to her shoe candy, her $993 Acne Studios denim lace up boots were sensational. With fading, whiskering, and distressing throughout, her blue calf-high denim boots were appeasing to look at.
We adored Cardi B in this casual yet fashionable look, and if you would like to add her brown Alaia sterling jacket to your wardrobe, you can CLICK HERE!
If looking fine is a crime, then Morris Chestnut pleads guilty.
The actor who has over 3-decades in the entertainment industry made a special debut on CBS Morning on Monday to unveil the Golden Globes nominations in 10 respective categories.
Dressed in a rich maroon colored suit by a brand called Gregoire by Paris, the legendary star looked handsome and dapper as he stood confidently in his own skin. Perhaps chocolate never looked better, but we’ll save that conversation for another day.
The designer Paris Gregoire is known for his excellent craftsmanship and spectacular tailoring. According to Gregoire’s website, the three foundational pillars of his line are grace, class and distinction, and based off his exceptional designs, he hasn’t fallen short of the glory.
Stylist extraordinaire, J.Bolin is responsible for this look, and we love that he opted for a dark brown Oxford shoe to complete Morris monochromatic suit.
We have to admit that if anyone can pull off a suit, and leave the girls drooling, it’s undeniably Morris Chestnut.