As we know, being a Black girl in luxury is more than just putting our disposable income toward material goods. It’s about spoiling ourselves with the simple luxuries that make our lives more easeful and convenient. While the movement has since evolved from being a posterboard for expensive trips and Birkin bags, the need to reclaim the space in a more intentional way has led it back to what truly matters: practical comfort.
With all the challenges that Black women face on a day-to-day basis, sometimes we need a little care to absolve any angst. As the meaning behind Black Girls in Luxury (BGL) continues to evolve, one thing that will always remain true is that when we take care of ourselves, we’re not only better off for ourselves but all the spaces and people that require our attention and presence are better off for it too.
Simple Luxuries: 10 Ways To Add Luxury To Your Everyday Life
That is why when we’re talking about BGL today, we're not just referring to expensive possessions but also to a lifestyle that prioritizes comfort, ease, and personal development. And if you’ve been looking for ways to give your daily life an upgrade in the latter mentions, we’ve provided a list of luxury items and lifestyle additions that you won’t want to live without.
1.Try Monthly Housekeeping
Despite what the world tried to convince you of, you’re only one person. And sometimes, cleaning, laundry, and decluttering can slip through the cracks. That’s why investing in housekeeping can be the simple luxury your life deserves.
2.Upgrade To Luxury Sheets
Sleep is by far the most important part of our day, so why not turn your bedroom into a sanctuary? These silky-soft sateen weave duvet covers by ettitude are made to do just that.
3.Post-Shower Towel Warmer
Imagine stepping out of the shower and being embraced by the soothing warmth of your drying towels. The world is cold enough; your shower time shouldn’t be.
4.Splurge on Hand Cream
We know it’s just lotion, but there’s something about knowing that your dry skin moments won’t last too long after smearing a lavish cream on your hands. This Nourishing and Protective Shea Butter Hand Cream from L'Occitane has been all the rage online, and we’re sure your skin will thank you.
5.Shop In-Season at The Famer’s Market
When the seasons change, so does our access to fresh in-season veggies and fruits. But taking your Sunday morning trips to the farmer’s market will give you a first-hand look at what produce to add to your basket for the freshest options available.
6.Lock in On A Personal Trainer
Sometimes self-motivation to get to the gym just isn’t enough, but a personal trainer can be the extra push you need to meet your fitness goals. Not only can you rely on your trainer to create a workout plan that’s just for you, they can support you with your nutrition and root for you along the way.
7.Find Your Signature Scent
Don’t be fooled by #purfumtok. Not every fragrance is one-skin-fits-all. That’s why finding the scent that works best for you is not only an exciting moment of self-discovery but will be why you stand out in a crowd. Phlur has tons of scents to choose from and give their Discovery Set a try to see which fits you best.
8.Make a Ritual Out of Your Skincare Routine
Sometimes, removing our makeup at night can feel like a chore, but why not turn it into a moment of slow, soothing me-time? Spend a full minute washing the day away with your favorite cleanser, douse your face in the best toner and moisturizer, do a facial steamer, and even add a red light therapy session for an extra touch.
9.Get Mood Lighting
Nothing adds more warmth to your place than mood lighting. If you’re looking to give your harsh overhead lights a break, adding a lamp to a corner or nightstand can take your space’s ambiance to the next level.
10.Simply Ask for Help
If there’s one thing that many of us hyper-independent ladies can do better at, it’s asking for the help we need when we need it.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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