This Blogger Shows Us How To Rock Sequin Style Like A Pro
Admit it, you're in love with the sparkle.
I can't deny that sequins have at one point or another been a pivotal piece in my wardrobe. Whether it's sequined dresses, jackets, skirts, tops or another sparkly garment, there is a magnetic element of glamour that a girl seeks to indulge herself in when donning a sequined piece.
Karen "Britchick" Blanchard, Blogger
A few months ago, while I browsed for fashion inspiration for the new year, I came across dozens of girls that rocked sequin dresses in a fly way. Yet, I have to say that there was little diversity, with most looks encompassing the "sequin dress, high-heel" routine that we are so accustomed to. But when I landed on one of my favorite blogger's websites to see what she had to offer, I was amazed and browsed her gallery of sequin styles for over an hour, inspired by the many sequined garments, new and vintage, that she had acquired and in awe of the multiple ways she pulled them off on any day of the year.
Karen "Britchick" Blanchard is what I like to call a curator of cool and, specifically, a sequin goddess. Having had her personal and street style blog, Where Did U Get That, for close to seven years, it's safe to say she has amassed a wardrobe to make any girl salivate and within all of her belongings, she possesses dozens of dazzling pieces that truly make you go "where did she get that?!" I interviewed Karen who explained that she has always been drawn to sequins and their versatility. "To me they are too pretty to be considered party clothes. Plus, they come in so many styles that they just work with my way of thinking which is to experiment and have fun with your outfits."
Not only does she have fun, avant-garde pieces that peek one's curiosity, but she wears them all in the edgiest and unique ways. The blogger's style has been refined as a result of the surrounding culture which she thoughtfully embraces."I get inspired by everyone from around the streets. I shoot a lot and so I observe a lot of different styles which is really fascinating."
Karen provides endless inspiration on how to take your sequin, and personal, style to the next level. For those daring to test the waters she illustrates a simple style tip that works for all, "pairing sequins with an everyday piece like jeans is something anyone can do. They balance each other out. I say find a drapey oversized sequin t-shirt and you are done."
Whether you've chosen a sequin dress, skirt or anything in between, this sequin queen is sure to have a look that will open your mind and give you a fresh, original, and vivacious look.
Here are five ways Karen has rocked her sequins that we're loving.
Party Ready
Karen dons a dazzling pencil skirt with bright pink pumps and a crisp white shirt and blazer for a fresh look that is appropriate for any party. By selecting a neutral top, she has perfectly balanced out her bold, colorful skirt and avoided an overpowering look.
Girly and Sweet
Socks with heels are always a nod to the girly aesthetic, and Karen looks every bit dainty and sweet in her leopard pumps with calf socks, gold sequined skirt and fuzzy blue sweater. Color pops help to round out a feminine look and the blogger's bright pink lips and royal blue purse took the outfit up another notch.
Edgy and Cool
In one of my favorite looks from the blogger, Karen went full-force sequin in a glimmering skirt and vibrant, sequin jacket. By pairing the embellished pieces with casual Adidas and a blue fur accessory, she tones the look down while maintaining a unique edge. While she boldly combined two bright sequined pieces for her look, she was able to play down the shimmer with sneakers for a clean look.
Rocker Chic
Karen brings ultimate cool with a sequined top and skirt that provide a mixed-metal feel. Her jazzy look feels rocker with the help of leather boots and a bad-ass suede and shearling Acne coat.
Casual With a touch of Sparkle
Here, Karen's sparkling silver leggings feel natural for a casual day with her minimal black booties, powder-pink fluffy sweater and grey pea coat for a laid-back look.
Now that I've whet your palette, check out the gallery below to see some other cool ways to rock each of these looks!
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
Photo courtesy
My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
Photo courtesy
Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
Photo courtesy
The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
Photo Courtesy
The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
Photo courtesy
The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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