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THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts for Her – Rings – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 7, 2015
lesascarf062016
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

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.

https://shop.harpersbazaar.com/designers/g/gus–al/flat-smile-ring-6559.html
Oscar De La Renta Crystal Disc Ring, Pink

OSCAR DE LA RENTA CRYSTAL DISC RING, Pink $175.00

This gorgeous disc ring comes in 24k-karat yellow gold plated pewter with pink Swarovski crystals.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Oscar-de-la-Renta-Crystal-Disc-Ring- Pink/prod180020384_cat2650734__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat& rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat2650734%2526pageSize%253 D30%2526No%253D90%2526Ns%253DMAX_PROMO_PRICE%2526refinements% 253D&eItemId=prod180020384&cmCat=product

Bauble Bar Band Ring

BAUBLE BAR BAND RING $72.00

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 

THE GOODS: Holiday Gift Guide Day 6 – Graphic T-shirts for Men – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 6, 2015
Lesa Lakin
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 Nevermind T

RAG & BONE NEVER MIND GRAPHIC KNIT TEE $71.00

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Rag-Bone-Nevermind-Graphic-Knit-Tee- White/prod182630016___/p.prod?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fcategory.s ervice%253FNtt%253Drag%252B%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D30% 2526refinements%253D&grpId=prod182630016&eItemId=prod179960304&cmCa t=search&focusProductId=prod179960304
This shirt made me chuckle. Mostly because… well, it’s just funny.  But it’s also Rag & Bone, so it’s well made, fashionable and will last a while. This is one of my favorite brands. This shirt sold out on the Rag & Bone site, but I found this shirt a few other places. Neiman’s seems to have the most sizes still available. Get it before they are sold out too.
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RAG & BONE ‘JAXX’ RINGER TEE $95.00

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/rag-bone-jaxx-ringer-tee/4180215?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=2011

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

THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts for Her – T by Alexander Wang – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 5, 2015
Lesa Lakin*
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.
 

Midi Dress T by Alexander Wang

T by Alexander Wang
STRAPPY STRETCH MIDI DRESS, HEATHER GREY $145.00

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/T-by-Alexander-Wang-Strappy-Stretch-Midi- Dress-Heather-Gray-t-by-alexander- wang/prod114450010___/p.prod?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp %253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dt%252Bby%252Balexander%252Bwang%2526 _requestid%253D73990&eItemId=prod114450010&cmCat=search
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CIRCLE CUTOUT SHORT SLEEVE JERSEY TEE $185.00

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/t-by-alexander-wang-circle-cutout-short-sleeve- jersey-tee/4202302?origin=shoppingbag
This is on my “have to have it” list. It’s a great throw-on-and-go piece. Wear with just a bra for a peek of skin or a full camisole. Love it! Want it!

*Lesa is wearing T by Alexander Wang (dress in black) & an old hat her mother found during her travels.
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #TbyAlexanderWang

Viola Davis Covers InStyle Magazine for January; Here are 5 New Reasons To Love Her

By goodblacknews on December 5, 2015

Viola Davis on InStyle
Viola Davis is having the best year ever. The Emmy Award-winning actress will bring in the New Year as the cover model for the January 2016 issue of InStyle Magazine.
We love Viola’s transparency during her interview. She says that she’s nothing like her cutthroat character Annalise Keating on How To Get Away With Murder. Instead she enjoys going to Target, wearing her natural hair and “going to space” with her gorgeous 5 year old daughter Genesis.
Here are five new things we didn’t know about Viola:
1. Off screen her wardrobe isn’t glamorous:  “If I were to compare my style to Annalise Keating, I would say that I have absolutely no style,” she says with a laugh “Annalise Keating is an Alexander McQueen kinda Max Mara girl. That’s not me. I have a five year old!”
2. She’s about to get married for the third time! When she first wed fellow and actor-producer Julius Tennon 13 years ago, Viola wore a simple skirt from Express. A few years later they exchanged vows again, and she wore a more traditional dress. For their latest upcoming vow renewal, Davis is wearing a custom dress by Carmen Marc Valvo. 

3. She and her daughter are actually astronauts:  “We go into space. We explore different planets,” Davis says of the game Genesis is most currently fond of. “This ship is in danger. We almost died at one point. We lost oxygen.”
4. She knows how to turn down and relax:  “I am addicted to spas,” she says. “If we go to a hotel, we’ll be the only people in that spa for hours. We’ll start at 5 in the morning sometimes.”
5. She’s empowered by her natural beauty: “What’s released me most from the fear of aging is self-awareness,” she says. “I’ve never determined my value based on my looks or anything physical. I’ve been through a lot in life, and what has gotten me through is strength of character and faith.”
article by Zon D’Amour via hellobeautiful.com

THE GOODS: Holiday Gift Ideas – Streetwear for Him – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 4, 2015
Lesa Lakin
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…
 
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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:
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ARGYLE CREWNECK SWEATER $148.00, DOWNHILL BEANIE $32.00
UPTOWN DOWN PARKA $468, COMME DES GARCONS TIMBERLAND 6.1 INCH BOOTS $238.00

Check out all the items: http://www.supremenewyork.com/shop/all
About Supreme: http://www.supremenewyork.com/about
#GBN #giftideas #goodblacknews.org #supremenewyork

THE GOODS: For All – Holiday Gift Ideas / Flannel – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 3, 2015
Lesa Lakin GBN/The Goods Lifestyle
Lesa Lakin*

Today we’ve got goods for all. Nothing beats a laid back flannel/plaid for an instant look that may not be as haphazardly casual as you think. I found that out when I slipped on this top (pictured) sort of in a panic.
One of my sisters was stopping by my house on one of those middle-of-the-week /middle-of-the-day “Why aren’t we at work?” days. Because she hassles me sometimes about my “house outfits,” I actually hustled and changed the minute I heard she was on her way. Admittedly, I can come up with some seriously “eclectic” house roaming outfits. My son calls them my “behind the scenes” looks. I laugh every time because I do know better, I just don’t really care all the time.
That day I was wearing an old school Batman & Robin T-shirt and some loud patterned sweatpants. Whatever… I was at home, but I certainly wasn’t in the mood to hear the light criticism only a sister can deliver. So I tried a little before she arrived. I grabbed my jeans and this H&M flannel. Besides, I had a lunch date that day, so I figured I’d try at least a little. I was shocked by the immediate compliment my sister gave me. In fact, she wanted one. Okay!
Then, as I was walking her out, my actress neighbor stopped to comment on my “super cute” look. Huh? It’s just a flannel shirt. It wasn’t like it was my Isabel Marant one, and I wasn’t even fully styled. This was my new, reasonably priced find I thought might be cute open with a rocker tee or tank underneath. But I  didn’t really do the whole styled look… just grabbed it and put it on. I get it… it was better than the sweats I’ve been shuffling around in on my off days. Yes, a flannel (if styled correctly) can be dressed up.
Now, I’m not talking the grunge look of yesterday… but the new “flannels” (I put them in quotes because we are really talking plaids and material). Yes, they are different, but for some reason people seem to think they are synonymous. They are not. My kids’ school uniforms were plaid (a pattern) – my pajamas are flannel (material).
The pattern is a classic and the colors can be fun. For today’s gift choices, I will call them all flannels (you get it). The price of these H&M finds & styles are certainly right and make for a gift that might just give a little more than the wearer expects. Lightweight & heavier weights available. unnamed-4

LONG FLANNEL SHIRT $24.99

http://www.hm.com/us/product/32030?article=32030-D&cm_vc=SEARCH

THE GOODS: For Her – Holiday Gift Ideas – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 2, 2015
Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin*

Today, as promised, goodblacknews.org (GBN) brings you more gift ideas for the holidays.
On Day 2 we turn to women’s rain boots. We found these practical-yet-stylish versions of the conventional boot great for her.
I haven’t had the chance to wear mine yet… but gotta say… I love them already. On sale now, the leopard is a great buy.
unnamed-1

CHELSEA LEOPARD RAIN BOOTS $49.99

https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/boots/PRD~B1329/B1329.jsp

ALSO AVAILABLE IN SOLID MATTE COLORS $68.00:
https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/boots/PRD~C2499/C2499.jsp?N brd=J
Check out entire J. Crew women’s gift guide:
https://www.jcrew.com/gift-guide/Womens.jsp

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RAG & BONE MOTO RAIN BOOT – BORDEAUX

A spin on the classic moto, this edgy/chic rain boot is offered in four colors. $160.00
http://www.rag-bone.com/sale/shoes/moto-rain-boot- 886353097429.html#start=1
*Lesa is wearing JCrew (vintage hat), Rag & Bone (jacket) Twelfth Street Cynthia Vincent (dress)
#GBN  #goodblacknews.org  #giftideas

THE GOODS: 31 Days of Holiday Gift Ideas – GBN

THE GOODS: 31 Days of Holiday Gift Ideas – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 1, 2015

Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin

This month on Goodblacknews.org, we’ve got 31 days of gift ideas, likes, wants and have to haves. We are easing into the holiday spirit, so here are a couple of items to get you started.
Let’s talk men’s sneaks. With a wink to the 80’s & 90’s, these picks provide a modern spin on some timeless classics. Here are a couple of everyday options for a stepped-up casual style:
newbalance-1

NEW BALANCE® FOR J.CREW MESH 1400 SNEAKERS

A remix of the iconic 1400 sneaks is the creative result of the collaboration between New Balance and J. Crew. Check out the cool custom combos of color available. $170.00
https://www.jcrew.com/gift- guide/Mens/PRDOVR~46482/46482.jsp?color_name=cranberry

shoeday2

MEN’S NIKE® INTERNATIONALIST MID SNEAKERS

These original runners were brought back with added, updated style. Loving that they kept the waffle bottoms. $100.00
https://www.jcrew.com/gift-guide/Mens/PRDOVR~E3928/E3928.jsp?color_name=grey

Check out J.Crew’s full gift guide:
https://www.jcrew.com/gift-guide/Mens.jsp?intcmp=m1_giftguide
*Lesa is wearing Uniqlo (jacket), Pretty Persuasion (hat) & Rag & Bone (t-shirt).
#GBN  #goodblacknews.org  #giftideas

Super-Model Maria Borges Smashes Beauty Standards by Rocking Afro During VS Fashion Show

By goodblacknews on November 13, 2015

Maria Borges
Angolan Supermodel Maria Borges (Source: Getty / Getty)

Model Maria Borges strutted her teeny-weeny-afro down the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show and we were here for every second of it!  This was a huge moment for kinky curls, and Borges relished in the spotlight.
“For me, it is huge! I’m glad I’m doing it, you know? And they chose me to make history. I have no words to explain. It’s so good for me, and to be able to inspire the other girls everywhere as well!” she revealed in an exclusive interview with XONecole.
It’s a big moment, since tight curled tresses have always been under scrutiny for not complying with Euro-centric beauty standards. Borges working the main stage in one of the sexiest, most watched televised fashion shows, definitely gives natural hair the attention it deserves.
This isn’t the first VS show for Borges who has previously rocked the runway in fabulous weave-a-licious looks, but there was something special about taking the stage in her mama-made glory.
‘Starting February of this year, I cut my hair and I’ve been wearing it like this since. Before, I was using my natural hair mixed with extensions. Black is beautiful! I have to embrace my worth and that’s it! For me, I think I look more beautiful with short hair. I feel sexy, beautiful and powerful. All the good things!’ the Angolan beauty gushed.
article by Keyaira Kelly via hellobeautiful.com

LeBron James is Wearing Shorter Shorts to Be a Better Role Model for Kids

By goodblacknews on November 8, 2015

LeBron James in shorter shorts as compared to last season (photo via twitter.com)
LeBron James in shorter shorts as compared to last season (photo via twitter.com)

These days Cleveland Cavaliers’ superstar LeBron James is sporting smaller game shorts and a tighter-fitting jersey as a way to help shape the future.
The four-time MVP has done some self-reflecting in recent years. He’s observed the changes in the NBA, which led to questioning himself: Am I doing all that I can? Am I truly leaving my imprint on not only the game, but also the league?
“I’m always thinking about ways I can be of help,” James told cleveland.com. “That’s what it’s about, making sure you’re doing your part.”
James has proven to be more than just an athlete, as he’s the most socially conscious athlete of this generation with his willingness to voice his opinion on issues of the day.
His personal objective is making a difference, on the court or off of it.
This season he trimmed his uniform shorts by a couple inches, and had his jersey made snugger than in years past. He had expressed to those close to him he wants to leave the baggy look behind and place a renewed emphasis on professional appearance when it comes to the size of his uniform as well as his pregame and postgame attire.
When he arrives for work at The Q, he typically wears a sportcoat. It’s his way of reaffirming that it’s a business atmosphere. Professionalism and conduct were a main focus of the Cavaliers’ pre-regular-season team meeting in late October.
As James is the biggest name in the league and arguably in all of sports, he feels an obligation to shift the minds of kids on what is considered fashionable and acceptable. The kids who will play in the NBA in the future look to today’s players as role models.
When it’s all said and done, if James goes down as the best basketball player of all-time and that’s the extent of it, he’d consider that a failure of a career.
Growing up in Akron, he has seen the effects of poverty and a lack of education. He’s witnessed how senseless murders affect families for generations and he’s seen the effects of people who could have had an influence doing nothing to put a stop to it.
“I have a calling, man,” James told cleveland.com. “Everything I do is for the people I love. I was just brought up that way.”
James can’t force change, but he can force people to think and take notice. It’s pretty cool to dress professionally, and he wants everyone to know that.
article by Chris Haynes via cleveland.com