In today’s weekly roundup, I’m featuring things I love from black women-owned brands. Some I’ve mentioned before. Others are new to me. Being a small business owner myself, I always love supporting small brands. It was so fun doing research and discovering new fashion and beauty products. My wallet wasn’t happy. But my heart was.
5 THINGS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW
#1: handcrafted bags
I am seriously in love with every single bag by AAKS. It was hard to choose just one to order! The designer, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, creates handbags all handcrafted in Ghana. Some are neutrals. Some are vibrant colors. And all ignite sustainable jobs in Africa. I ended up ordering the neutral tote but this colorful basket bag was a close runner-up.
AAKS TIA BASKET, £160
#2: Chic painting
My friend Nicole Gibbons launched Clare right after I did my home renovations. Had I not just finished, my entire home would have been in Clare paints. I know my next one will. It is the most genius idea ever!
The paint collection is curated colors hand picked by interior designers. So you don’t have to look through a zillion swatches at the hardware store. Once you select your fave colors (all of which have adorable names!) you’re mailed paint decals. That’s right, you don’t have to deal with paint chips. You just stick the square on your wall and look at it until you finalize your color. Then you order your paint and it’s delivered to your door. I told you, absolutely genius!
CLARE
#3: feminine glamour
Growing up in Miami, I’ve always been drawn to effortless fashion that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. That’s the vibe I got when browsing through Fe Noel’s collections. From breezy pants, to vibrant prints and linen fabrics, every piece makes me count down the days until I can travel again. I especially love this feminine take on the classic white button up, that cinches your waist with a wrap style design.
FE NOEL BUTTON UP WRAP TOP, $148
#4: soft skin
My friend An introduced me to Bouquette. It’s a beauty brand created by blogger Taliah Ferguson. She was having trouble finding non-toxic beauty products for her dry skin so she created her own! Her collection is full of French inspired beauty products that are ultra hydrating. I love that the lavender body butter doubles as aroma therapy.
BOUQUETTE FRENCH LAVENDER WHIPPED BODY BUTTER, $13
#5: charitable bags
I found F&W Style through Instagram. Alexandria and I became friendly after commenting on each other’s fashion posts. She has such great energy and it’s reflected in her brand: She has a Purse for Philanthropy program that allows you to pick a charity to donate 20% of each sale to charity.
I’m all about clear accessories for summer so I ordered this clear handbag. I also think her birthday boxes are an adorable gift idea if you have any summer birthdays you’re shopping for.
F&W STYLE CRYSTAL CLEAR BAG, $98
WANT MORE FINDS? CHECK OUT MY FAVE…
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