Now that we are well into the summer solstice, it's time to really experiment with your wardrobe. Each summer, we dust off bold neons and traditional florals to revamp and elevate our style. While the fashion gods seemingly oversaturated the 2020 runways with summer trends, there's one way to effortlessly embrace summer: monochromatic, bold colors.
Before you exit off, hear me out. Incorporating color into your wardrobe is a tricky beast, but it doesn't have to be. By doing some research, exploring what colors you feel beautiful in, and finding silhouettes that flatter your shape; wearing color will feel as effortless as your trusted neutral. So, say goodbye to your cream sweats and loose tees! Here are 4 looks, full of color and from women of color, to aid in your summer slay.
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Barbie Pink
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C'mon, who doesn't absolutely love a Barbie moment in 2020? Even if pink hues aren't your style, there's no denying that the pink aesthetic is taking over the world - online and off. One way to exude femininity this season is a monochromatic pink look, with hints of silver or gold to break it up. The Kyle Midi is the perfect length and fabric for summer days that lead into summer nights. Along with this show-stopping dress, Eclectic Bella is a go-to for effortless street style and comfort. Each collection is curated with quality and price in mind.
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@twfoltz/xoNecole
Lemonade Yellow
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If you've been dying to recreate a look similar to Beyonce's Lemonade, look no further. The Naya Robe and Ekon Pants from Andrea Iyamah scream 'summertime fine!'. The super long pants help to elongate your legs, with a waist tie to give you more control. Whether you have a smaller waist, fuller hips, or a longer torso; these pants accentuate any body shape. The chiffon robe with exaggerated sleeves elevates this luxurious look.
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@twfoltz/xoNecole
Money Green
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While I gravitate towards any hue of green, this green is perfect for the summer season. Lively and energetic, this dress from Lilly's Kloset hugs every curve perfectly. The draped neckline is ideal for any size bust. The asymmetrical hemline and mid-section ruching help to create the most delicious silhouette. The lightweight fabric is ideal for summer, with a flirty slip underneath to facilitate the beautiful draping.
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@twfoltz/xoNecole
Romantic Red
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Oh, hello hunty! Red is the color of romance and we all need something extra for summer nights. Getting date-night ready is easy with this adorable look from Cushnie. The plunging neckline and low back create a romantic and flirty vibe; the high slit exudes sexiness and a bit of mystery. Located in Targets across the country, Cushnie constantly has the cutest and most size-inclusive dresses.
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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