2020 has definitely been a bag of challenges but we believe that it's not over, and there is still space to add flair to your life. It could come by way of a new handbag. Accessories are the unsung heroes of outfits – they elevate your look like no other. Handbags are especially essential because they speak louder than words. They say you can't buy happiness but buying a handbag is real close, sis.
With Big Rona still out here, we wanted to arm you with some fly handbags that are sure to be showstoppers no matter the show.
The Bamboo Purse
Curated by Charlie Photography/xoNecole
Two years ago, my mom surprised me with this bamboo purse and it has been in heavy rotation ever since. This specific bag is all about structure. You might have seen the famous Cult Gaia wooden bags that usually cost a pretty penny. You can find similar looks on good ol' Amazon. My motto: Shop smart, not hard.
When styling and profiling in this bag, you have many options. I opted for a slip dress and slides because I was going for an easy yet alluring look. This getup would be perfect for a socially distanced date in the park or on a patio.
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The Shop Crossbody Bag
Curated by Charlie Photography/xoNecole
Shop in the name of love! See what I did there? Well, I am obsessed with this bag. Mostly because of the wordplay but also because a red bag always makes a statement. You could duplicate this top, wrap skirt and strappy heels combo for a drive-thru birthday or graduation. Don't feel like you have to oversimplify your style because life has become a paradox of simplification and fascination. We challenge you to get all dolled up at least once a week to keep that style muscle in motion.
The PVC Bag
Curated by Charlie Photography/xoNecole
PVC bags are all the rage these days. They are nostalgic and transparent, kinda like the 90's. I decided to wear this 'fit to the grocery store since this bag resembled a high-fashion grocery bag and I love to serve up a look to the clerks at my local market. I paired the Forever 21 PVC bag with a black bandeau top and high-waist flared pants because...comfort.
Rocking this bag takes boldness because you are revealing the contents of your bag to the world. This is for the woman who isn't afraid to take risks.
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The Basketball Satchel
Curated by Charlie Photography/xoNecole
I just added this beauty to my arsenal during my 'binge shopping in quarantine phase.' My new basketball bag lives at the intersection of style and sports. I am not a sports buff by any means; I can barely keep up with the a basketball game. But you can't deny the outright dopeness of this bag. I wore it out to run errands and I received so many compliments. Because I was going for a sporty chic look, I donned my favorite black tee, comfy biking shorts and Jordans to really play the part.
The Straw Bag
Curated by Charlie Photography/xoNecole
Grab a straw bag, for the picnic in the park. I love this bag because it is reminiscent of vacationing on beaches and drinking tropical drinks with my friends. I can't do those things right now so rocking this bag gives me some solace. I was so happy to throw on this tribal co-ord set to liven up my weekend. Summer is the perfect time to rock a straw bag with its festival-like vibe. You can go oversized like me or go small for a classic touch.
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Featured image by Joce Blake for xoNecole / All Photography by Curated by Charlie Photography
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
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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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
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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Feature image screenshot/YouTube