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THE GOODS: Party Season with Banana Republic – Gift Ideas – GBN

Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin

It’s holiday party season and we found a few reasonably-priced items from a store I hadn’t been in for quite some time. No reason in particular… Banana Republic has just never really been my speed (a little conservative – or so I thought). But when I walked in, I was surprised by how far Banana Republic had come.
Full disclosure – I was in there trying to exchange a birthday gift. And after my no-nonsense return haggle… I really looked around and boy, was I pleasantly impressed. Yes, you can still find and always will find classic and conservative pieces, but there are also edgier, fun pieces throughout the store.
First, I have to commend Banana Republic on the store lighting. It looked great in there. Good enough for the woman “on day five” of her facial peel to take her glasses off and sit next to me to try on shoes. She’d made the assumption I was staring at her face. I wasn’t – I was looking at the shoes in her hand – but I was happy she was comfortable enough to sit with me and explain what the big black spots on her cheeks were. Banana Republic actually felt very warm and friendly.
I was shown the following pieces and I gotta say… I bought myself a few things. Sales are going on now and there are some serious on-line and in-store bargains to be had:
Braided Chain Line Bracelet - Banana Republic

BRAIDED CHAIN LINE BRACELET $58.00

Not everyone is a jewelry person… but here’s an easy piece even jewelry lovers may want. It’s a great bracelet to spark up any outfit.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=13896&vid=1&pid=175220002
Faux-Fur Trim Open Sweater Vest - Banana Republic

FAUX-FUR TRIM OPEN SWEATER VEST $78.00

A young saleswoman looked at me and in whisper tones she said, “I have something you will appreciate. Not everyone gets it, but I know you will.” Even if it was a hustle, I bought it. She had me because she liked my style. She was right… I got it and I like it! Look, sometimes I like to save my faux fur for my Vegas trips… but other days I’m in my faux fur, T-shirts and jeans and shopping at Whole Foods. This piece isn’t your average vest… it’s different and special!
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=724045002
Daphne Lace-Up Bootie - Banana Republic

DAPHNE LACE-UP BOOTIE $148.00 (Check in-store I got these for 60% off)

While these camo booties may not be the most practical choice, they are certainly a fun wardrobe addition. I have no idea where or when I am wearing them, but I know it will be a good fashion moment.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=33942&vid=1&pid=722248012
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #holidaygiftideas #women’sfashion #bananarepublic

THE GOODS – Holiday Gifts GAP for Kids – GIRLS – GBN

Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin

Today we are going back to the GAP in search of the perfect gift for GIRLS. There is just so much to choose from, and so many deals to be had. We’ve found some good ones.
Take it from me, it’s not always easy to pick for a girl with her own very distinct sense of style… but cute is cute… PERIOD. We’ve taken a stab at finding some things she may enjoy.
Here are a few of our affordable finds…

Happy face pom-pom beanie - The Gap

HAPPY FACE POM-POM BEANIE $13.56 (on sale)

It’s cheeky, fun, and we LOVE it. It’s the fun-colored beanie for the youngster that likes a smile.

Embellished love sweater dress  - The Gap

EMBELLISHED LOVE SWEATER DRESS $35.96 (on sale)

This cute message dress has just the right combination of comfort and fun.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=684340002
Shine long tie-belt puffer - The Gap

SHINE LONG TIE-BELT PUFFER $73.99 (on sale)

I want one! This classic puffer has a sophisticated feel, but it is still kid friendly enough to make a statement. Comes in a matte putty color as well.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1039255&vid=1&pid=678112002

LIFESTYLE: 5 Healthy Holiday Hacks to Jump-Start Your New Year

2015 flew by, and 2016 will be making its debut very soon. So if you want to make this final month of the year a December to remember, then these holiday hacks are just for you. Get ready to attend every holiday party with a stress-free RSVP, all while jump-starting your New Year’s resolution with these quick and easy tips:
Adjust Your Diet
Multi Generation Family Enjoying Christmas Meal At Home
Temptations are high, and the holidays only come once a year, so while it may be tempting to jump-start your resolution with a holiday diet, a more manageable and realistic goal would be to indulge without binging. By forbidding all things peppermint, gingerbread, eggnog, etc., you’re actually welcoming more cravings and food fixations. However, by allowing yourself portion-controlled holiday treats, you’ll be giving yourself the gift of self-control, and that’s certainly a gift that keeps on giving. So I suggest having a “Sweet Saturday” or “Flavorful Friday” once a week. In fact, research shows that indulging in reasonably sized treats encourages you to find pleasure in mealtime again—and that pleasure will help ensure that you don’t feel the need to go overboard in the future.
Remake the Flavors
smoothie_drinker

Speaking of indulging in moderation, one way to enjoy the season’s flavors sans guilt is to blend it in. Literally. I have been putting my Omega blender to some serious work this holiday season, and you can, too. My favorite way to sip the season is to remake my pre- and post-workout protein shakes.
For instance, I’ll throw a crushed peppermint candy cane in my strawberry shake for a minty treat, or I’ll substitute a light eggnog for my typical almond milk in my vanilla shake for a festive holiday smoothie. Or, my all-time favorite is bananas, vanilla milk alternative (soy, almond, cashew, etc.) and a scoop of the vanilla chai Vega One Nutritional Shake. This plant-based protein powder is so tasty, you will definitely forget that it’s healthy.
Be Merry and Sweaty
radholiday
Robbie Ann Darby (photo via theroot.com)
Well, now that you’re sipping the season, it’s time to keep it merry and sweaty with fun and effective workouts. However, ’tis not the time to be sweating on autopilot. Those low-intensity workouts are not the business this time of year, when you’re trying to maintain and not gain, so do yourself a solid and hit up some HIIT training. Short for “high-intensity interval training,” this approach to sweat is all the craze simply because not only does it rev up your metabolism, if done correctly, but it can also cut your workouts in half. That’s right, less time and more results.
The key, however, is to go hard (think breathless) for short bursts and immediately chase those moments with a short rest. Any split ratio is welcomed, so go all out for, say, 40 seconds and then rest for 20. Repeat this as many times as you can without compromising your form, and the afterburn is guaranteed. Basically, you’ll be burning calories well after you leave the gym. Think to the tune of at least 24 hours after. So yeah, that holiday party Saturday deserves an HIIT session Friday.

THE GOODS: Festive Affordable Holiday Gift Picks – GAP – GBN

Lesa Lakin
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….
Word Logo Pom-Pom Beanie

WORD LOGO POM-POM BEANIE $24.95

No one can argue that we don’t need a little more peace and love in our lives. These beanies make for great gifts.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=721218032
Floral jacquard pullover sweater

FLORAL JACQUARD PULLOVER SWEATER $29.97

On sale now, this 100% cotton floral sweater is a great buy.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1026493&vid=1&pid=529088002
Slim cropped pants  (in garnet)

SLIM CROPPED PANTS  (IN GARNET) $41.96

These stretch double weave pants in garnet are perfect for any festive occasion.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1011765&vid=1&pid=112329052
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #gap
 

"School of Thought" Clothing Line Imagines Black Leaders as University Namesakes

Models in clothing in a photo Philadelphia Printworks’ “School of Thought” lookbook, provided to Colorlines by Philadelphia Printworks on December 11, 2015.  (Photo: Mark Ryan/birchxbirch.com)
Those of you dismayed by the backlash against university activism might wish that you’d attended an institution named after your favorite Black thinker, inventor or writer. Now, a new apparel line gives you the next best thing.
Philadelphia-based screen printing company Philadelphia Printworks just released the “School of Thought” collection, which features sweatshirts from fictional universities bearing the names of Black leaders. The company describes the inspiration behind the collection on their Facebook page:

The “School of Thought” collection, designed by Mars Five and Philadelphia Printworks, imagines a different world where colleges and institutions have been established based on the philosophies of Marcus Garvey, Audre Lorde, Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver and James Baldwin. The collection represents the double consciousness experienced by African diaspora in America and creates a safe space for the praxis of liberation.

Designer Mars Five, whose real name is Donte Neal, elaborated in a statement emailed to Colorlines:

From a graphic design perspective, I’ve always appreciated the visual aesthetics of universities, colleges and similar institutions. I believe we all apply and belong to our own particular schools of thought. Though sometimes multiple, conflicting or harmonious, these theoretical institutions are where we take responsibility for our own educations. Where we craft our social, political and economical morals and values. In collaboration with Philadelphia Printworks, my goal was to give these schools a manifested and wearable pride.

The company’s other products explore similar progessive and anti-racist themes, with shirts reading “Assata is Welcome Here” and “No Justice No Peace.” Check out the “School of Thought” lookbook here.
article by Sameer Rao via colorlines.com

THE GOODS: Holiday Gift Ideas – Star Wars Themed – GBN

Lesa Lakin
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)

STAR WARS THE BLACK SERIES 6 INCH FINN (JAKKU) $14.95

This Finn figure is sure to be a hit. Finn is described to be a trained warrior escaping his past. His adventures drive him down an heroic yet dangerous path.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SD8I0SK/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_sfg_r0_1_t? pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search- 4&pf_rd_r=1EPPRYKCS8E2DDKVS677&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2328311462&pf_rd_i =9059017011
 

LEGO® Star Wars Millennium Falcon

LEGO® STAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON $149.99

Aim for the stars with the Millennium Falcon, featuring streamlined design, detachable cockpit, spring-loaded shooter, holo-chess board and lots more.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=54946986&cp=&parentPage=search

Hot Wheels R/C Star Wars Darth Vader Vehicle

HOT WHEELS R/C STAR WARS DARTH VADER VEHICLE $27.14

Star Wars and Hot Wheels team up for the galaxy’s most powerful villain in vehicle form.

#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #StarWars

THE GOODS: Fragrant Holiday Gifts- SMELL SO GOOD – GBN

Lesa Lakin
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.

Jo Malone Bath & Body Collection
BATH & BODY COLLECTION $65.00

http://www.jomalone.com/product/12032/38351/Gifts/Gift-Sets/Bath-Body- Collection

THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts for Him – Superdry – GBN

Lesa Lakin
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.
 

GEL TARP LAPTOP BAG USD $69.50

http://www.superdry.com/us/mens/bags/details/57246/gel-tarp-laptop-bag
Check out the entire online selection here:
http://www.superdry.com/us/
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #superdry

THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts That Do Some Good – (RED) – GBN

Lesa Lakin
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.

unnamed-1

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.
Gap X (RED) T

GAP X (RED) WORD CREW TEE $29. 95

Mens:
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=1997410020002&cid=1046545
Women’s:
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=199742002
For all (RED) products click here: https://red.org/products/
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #(RED) #TheGap #Suga(RED)LipTreatment

THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts for Her – Rings – GBN

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.

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