Lesa Lakin
This year give the gift of peace and love with the cozy beanies we found at the GAP. Affordable and practical these hats make for great gifts. I LOVE the LOVE hat!
Also we found sweaters on sale now. Have you checked out the GAP lately? There seems to be a sale every time I blink. They’ve got great things right now, so don’t miss out. Here are a few of our finds….
Lesa Lakin
This holiday season, awaken the force with Star Wars-themed gifts. Star Wars opens midnight December 17th, so why not give the gift of Galactic-themed products.
I remember loving Star Wars back in the day. My mom took my sister and I, and it was more than magical. Admittedly, I went kicking and screaming and had no interest in seeing the film, but by the time we got to the parking lot when it was over, I was begging to see it again and acting out every part I could remember. No doubt all generations will love Episode VII.
We’ve found a few items that the child and sci-fi fanatic in all of us might enjoy.
STAR WARS THE BLACK SERIES 6 INCH FINN (JAKKU) $14.95
Lesa Lakin Jo Malone is known for its unique fragrances for bath, body and home. Jo Malone’s origins are often told to have began when founder Jo Malone first blended oils in her kitchen.
Her first scent was nutmeg and ginger – created as a bath oil gift for a small group of skin care clients. The response was overwhelming.
Today, Jo Malone is a global luxury lifestyle brand. It’s always a safe bet during this holiday season.
Lesa Lakin Superdry is an exciting brand that offers high-quality products that fuse vintage Americana and Japanese-inspired graphics with a British style.
The pieces are unique, fun and super comfy. Here are a couple of gift picks for him.
Lesa Lakin
This holiday season, why not do some good and purchase (RED) products. (RED) was founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 with a simple mission to fight AIDS and an ultimate goal of an AIDS-free generation. Through the years, companies have partnered with (RED) to offer great products. When we buy these products, 100% of the money goes directly to work in the fight against AIDS.
Throughout the past decade, (RED) has raised $320 million… but more can be raised and hopefully an AIDS-free generation is coming… This year why not give the gift that helps save a life.
SUGA (RED) LIP TREATMENT SPF 22.50
Gimme some suga! A limited-edition Sugar Lip Treatment wrapped in red to support the fight against AIDS. Can’t think of a better stocking stuffer.
(L to R) Dawn Wilson-Clark of Detroit who plays Kuddles the Clown works at painting the face of Ramiyah Johnson, 5 of Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015. (Photo: Eric Seals Detroit Free Press)
Three dozen Detroit kids with a parent in prison got a special day of their own Saturday, as members of a local chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority presented them with gifts and goodies arranged through a national group that focuses on redemption and healing for offenders and their families.
For the fifth year, the women of the Redford-based Tau Alpha Omega chapter of AKA hosted a Christmas celebration for children, complete with visits with Santa Claus and Paws, the Detroit Tigers mascot. Kuddles the Clown painted faces and made balloon animals for the kids.
Sorority members also purchased gifts for the children, working with their caregivers to determine what clothing and toys each child wanted most. The gifts, which the children and their families take home to open on Christmas, come with a message from the incarcerated parent. It’s a way for the children to know they’ve not been forgotten by that parent and are loved.
Doris Pickett brought two grandchildren to the party, Raekwon Mitchell, 9, and Ramiya Johnson, 5.
“They look forward to it every year,” Pickett said as the kids made crafts together before lunch and Santa’s arrival. “We’re just trying to make sure the kids have a good time.”
Asked what his favorite part of the day was, Raekwon couldn’t pick just one. “I like everything,” he said.
The sorority arranges the party and gifts through the Angel Tree program of the Prison Fellowship, a Virginia-based nonprofit that provides assistance for the families of prisoners nationwide. The group estimates there are 2.7 million children in the U.S. with an incarcerated parent.
The festive atmosphere Saturday in a banquet room at the Hotel St. Regis in the New Center area — including a meal of hot dogs, chips, cookies and other goodies — is meant to give the children an afternoon of joy. They’re given Christmas-themed pages to color with markers and colored pens, plus crafts to make gingerbread men and other decorations.
“We don’t want it to be a handout,” said Tau Alpha Omega chapter president Starlett Burrell of Southfield. “We want it to be a celebration.”
Lesa Lakin
It’s Day 7 and today we bring you rings for her. These picks are pure fun. Personally, I got into the jewelry game when a co-worker rolled into work after recovering from a reaction to her stronger-than-usual, recent facial peel. I know, I know… you’re rolling your eyes. But let’s not judge… she looked really great after she finally healed. She just had no idea her recovery time would take her into actual workdays.
So there she was peeling and with barely any make-up on, but with a big necklace, earrings and a conversation-starting ring. When I commented on her ring, she gave me a smile and simply said, “Thank you. I tried.” It is still a moment that tickles me. We found a couple of conversation starters…
GUS & Al SILVER ‘SMILE’ RING $150.00
Lately I have been really liking that the magazine business has gotten into bringing us their direct picks, shopping guides and quick links via email and apps. I was roaming through Harper Bazaar’s finds and couldn’t resist the iconic smiley face in a ring.
Can’t go wrong with a personalized band ring. Comes in sterling silver or 14k gold plated sterling silver (for an additional 10.00) http://www.baublebar.com/band-ring-gold.html #GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #baublebar #women’srings
Lesa Lakin
Today we have men’s graphic t-shirts to recommend. Yes, T-shirts can sometimes be just an “easy” gift… so if you’re giving one, why not make it special?
Here are a couple of picks that may just make him smile.
Rag & Bone does a spin on the classic ringer tee and we love it. True to size, this shirt is cut slim for a perfect fit. The texture and design make for a not so expected basic T-shirt. He’ll love it. #GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #rag&bone #men’s graphic T
Lesa Lakin*
It’s Day 5 of our holiday selects. Today we’ve got choices that are SO GOOD. Alexander Wang’s secondary line T by Alexander Wang offers affordable designer picks.
It’s holiday party season and either of these picks can be dressed up or down. I’ve got the dress in black and I’ll be getting the grey.
The fabrics are soft and lightweight enough to pack if you’re headed on a holiday this holiday season. Check out this easy dress and must-have top.
T by Alexander Wang STRAPPY STRETCH MIDI DRESS, HEATHER GREY $145.00
*Lesa is wearing T by Alexander Wang (dress in black) & an old hat her mother found during her travels. #GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #TbyAlexanderWang
Lesa Lakin
It’s Day 4 of our Holiday Gift picks, and today we bring you streetwear for him with a few finds from Supreme New York.
With their limited editions and cool sensibility and amazing collaborations (musicians, artists, cool kids. etc), this brand takes risks while never really losing their O.G. sense of style and skate shop appeal. I’ve been a fan for years…
Many years ago on a trip East, my friend asked me to meet him at the NY Supreme store. I’d never been… and had no idea what it was. Since he was an “always late” type and it was cold outside, I ducked in without him. I took probably three steps inside and stopped in my tracks. I froze. There was a lot going on in the store. It wasn’t sensory overload or lack of interest or apathy that stopped me suddenly… it was something else. The sales person smiled and seemed to understand what was happening since my smile was ear-to-ear as I bopped to the music the more my head spun around to take it all in. That feeling I had I get rarely… my expectations were surpassed and the repressed art kid in me came out. I sighed. I knew I might need another suitcase because I was about to blow up my credit card.
I’d found everything I wanted to find in a store. Items I HAD to have or figure out how to get. They had everything I loved about the ease and coolness of streetwear. Yes, Supreme is NY skate culture heavy, and riddled with youthful creativity and amazing limited editions… but it also understands trends vs. THIS IS JUST WHO I AM. And it’s remarkably timeless. Bottom line… it’s wearable art. And if you’re lucky you can snag some. Items sell out fast (so fast that I’m sure as I’m writing items are getting snagged up) so check on-line and in stores.
Here are a few things we’re loving:
ARGYLE CREWNECK SWEATER $148.00, DOWNHILL BEANIE $32.00 UPTOWN DOWN PARKA $468, COMME DES GARCONS TIMBERLAND 6.1 INCH BOOTS $238.00
