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Posts tagged as “Lesa Lakin”

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.

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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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE GOODS: For Her – Holiday Gift Ideas – GBN

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.
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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

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:
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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

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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

FASHION: Olivier Rousteing's "Balmain x" Collection for H&M in Stores Tomorrow

Balmain H&M
Lesa Lakin GBN Lifestyle
Lesa Lakin
GBN Lifestyle

#HMBALMAINATION
It’s here! Starting tomorrow, November 5th, Balmain x hits 258 H&M stores worldwide. Arguably one of H&M’s coolest collaborations yet, Balmain x already has people lining up for first crack at these highly-anticipated pieces. Creative director Olivier Rousteing and the Balmain/H&M design teams offer a strong collection featuring women’s & menswear and a few limited edition pieces. Get ready to competitive shop because I’ve seen the pieces, and they are amazing! Personally, I’m looking to score that black and gold limited edition dress.
Check it out the collection online: http://www.hm.com/us/

George Clinton, Sheila E. Headline Nightshift Labor Day Music Festival Benefitting Low-Income Communities in CA

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Lesa Lakin, GBN Lifestyle
Lesa Lakin, GBN Lifestyle

This Labor Day (September 7, 2015) Working Californians will hold Los Angeles’ fourth annual Nightshift concert featuring Godfather of Funk and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend George Clinton with Parliament Funkadelic, Grammy-nominated singer and percussionist Sheila E., Jamaican reggae stars The Wailers, and the James Andrews New Orleans All Star Band.
Over 20 Southern California labor organizations, including IATSE, SEIU and Teamsters, will gather at L.A. Coliseum’s Exposition Park to celebrate and commemorate both the history and future of Labor Day. This concert will celebrate working families and labor victories made in the past year in the city of Los Angeles.
Concert performances will benefit Working Californians’ non-profit, which fosters social innovation and invests in improving low-income communities in Southern California.
Nightshift Labor Day Music Festival 2015
Exposition Park (Doors Open at 12:30pm) 700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Tickets on-sale here: http://www.axs.com/events/280744/labor-day-music-festival-tickets
For more information about WCA : workingcalifornians.org.