There are always fresh style ideas that earn the title of being the “new black” when they have the potential to become timeless, and for a good reason – black is, indeed, timeless in its simplicity, elegance, and sophistication. That is why people who love wearing all-black outfits will never look out of place or anything less than stylish.

Nikita Shirokov, Unsplash

Black remains the one and only hue that will never go out of style and that you can wear for practically any occasion – yup, even in wedding dresses, black sparks joy.

Add Some Sheen And Texture

Mike Palmowski, Unsplash

Black is one of the most versatile hues you can wear, but few people think of it as something that can come in different shades or versions. That said, you can make sure that your wardrobe isn’t brimming with exclusively one shade of black, and no texture at that. Plus, why not experiment with shimmer?

Seasonal Accessories To The Rescue

Lona, Unsplash

Who says you cannot look lovely during winter? In fact, the sheer selection of cozy accessories can add a new level of warmth to your look. Think: wool hats and scarves, gloves, ear warmers, all kinds of leg warmers, etc. You can spruce up your winter look with more than your black basics, so make sure that your add-ons are not just purposeful, but vibrant, too!

Bauble Up Your Black Look

Joshua Rondeau, Unsplash

Jewellery is by far the most creative outlet for giving your black outfits a more personal, authentic dimension. All the colorful bracelets, earrings, and layered necklaces make it a dream come true to diversify that all-black wardrobe of yours. However, unlike mass-produced accessories, only unique baubles can truly epitomize your personal look.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Najla Cam, Unsplash

While it’s true that most practical people pick black, brown leather, and gray as their go-to footwear colors because it’s simpler to combine that way – if you’d like to expand your palette and your options, then shoes will help you diversify your otherwise black look. An easy way around is to go for nude or beige shoes that are also easy to wear with pretty much anything, and yet they naturally add some contrast to your all-black combo.

However, for a more vibrant option, you can pick bright colors such as lilac, neon green or pink, or perhaps burgundy and emerald for a classier vibe. Even patterns on your shoes can be wonderful with your black look, so animal print shoes, polka dots, and stripes can look great!

Let Your Makeup Do The Talking

Andrey Zvyagintsev, Unsplash

If you take great care of your skin, then the glow of your complexion is probably more than enough to complement that black outfit of yours. However, you can always reach for a few simple, yet impactful makeup items in your beauty ensemble and elevate your look with a touch of color – but not too much. For instance, red lipstick goes stunningly well with anything and everything black, and the occasion doesn’t matter.

Then again, you can add a little black liner and mascara to emphasize your eyes, and a touch of shimmer in your natural skin tone to bring some brightness to your lids, and you’ll be good to go for a fabulous, glam event. If you’re playful by nature, even less conventional shades on your lips such as bright orange, pink, and even purple can work well with your black tones.

Minimalism in the shape of all-black tones still leaves plenty of wiggle room for creativity in details. A touch of shimmer or a silver necklace, and you’ll have an outfit that can be transformed into a true reflection of your personality. Have fun with all those little black dresses, pantsuits, and athleisure, and you’ll find that there’s nothing dull or monotonous about black – as long as you start exploring your look from new perspectives!

It’s difficult to imagine that it’s already been a year since the outbreak of the coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted virtually every aspect of our daily lives, from the way we perform our daily duties and commute to school and work to the way we shop for everything from groceries to clothes and other essentials.

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In the times when social distancing has become a norm and working remotely has become an alternative arrangement for a number of employees, it comes as no surprise that many people are doing their shopping online as a way of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Given the many advantages online shopping has over the traditional in-store shopping and the fact that it’s a much safer alternative in times like these, e-commerce is expected to only gain in popularity during the pandemic and beyond.

Below, everything you need to know about shopping online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What Are The Advantages Of Shopping Online?

 Laura Chouette Unsplash

First things first, there are many reasons why online shopping may be more beneficial for consumers compared to the conventional method, especially in times like these. For starters, shopping from the comfort of your home is far more convenient. You have more control over your spending, there’s no sales pressure, and there’s more variety – which is a big plus, especially if you’re shopping for clothes and want to get in on the latest trends.

You’re also able to get better deals this way, and you have the option to send gifts as well. There are no crowds which reduces the risk of catching COVID, and you can easily compare prices to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Which Product Categories Are In Demand?

Charles Deluvio Unsplash

With online purchases rising, it may be interesting to take a look at the product categories that are in demand. According to a survey, product categories that have experienced a 6-10% increase are electronics, household items, gardening, furniture, and cosmetics. While some websites choose to focus on only one or a couple of product categories, others are more general and sell products from multiple categories.

For instance, if you visit shoppster.com and other similar sites, you’ll be able to find everything from homeware to clothing to electronic devices. Having everything in one place and just a couple of clicks away is less time-consuming, and websites like these can easily become your go-to place for practically everything you need. They’ll often offer loyalty programs which you can use to get various discounts and get the most bang for your buck. On the plus side, companies are working on enhancing their e-commerce experience, so shoppers may expect improvements in everything from delivery times, product descriptions, and product reviews and ratings.

How Are The Delivery Services Handling The Increase In Online Shopping?

Wynand van Poortvliet Unsplash

Aside from being a practical and efficient way to get everything you need in a hassle-free and stress-free way, shopping online is also the safest option at the moment. With the number of online orders increasing at a rapid pace, one can’t help but wonder how this increase in online shopping is affecting delivery services and the processing and packaging of online purchases.

Keeping up with the latest updates from the department of health and following all the guidelines is mandatory for delivery services. By taking precautions and enhancing safety measures, they’re able to keep the mail personnel healthy and prevent the spread of the virus. That being said, it might be best for customers to request the mail carriers to place the packages on the floor. That way, there’s no physical contact, which is much safer for delivery personnel, and the method is being increasingly applied for both fashion purchases and food delivery.

What Are The Precautions For Opening Boxed Shipments?

Bench Accounting Unsplash

Other than avoiding transmissions by hand, it’s best for customers to take additional safety steps to prevent the spread of the virus for their own peace of mind. This is especially important if you’re taking care of an elderly person or someone with a chronic condition, in which case it’s advisable to wear disposable gloves when handling packages and mail.

When it comes to online fashion purchases, your safest bet would be to wash any new clothes that have been delivered to you. Although spreading via fabric is not the main way the virus is transmitted, there’s no way of saying how long the virus can survive on fabrics, so taking an extra safety step before trying on new clothes is recommended.

Wrapping Up

An effective response to the public health crisis, shopping online helps you remain healthy and safe during these tumultuous times while also saving time and money in the process.

Now that you’re aware of the advantages of online shopping and all the health-related questions are answered, you can let go of any concerns you may have had about online purchases and shop safely and worry-free during the pandemic.

Fashions Finest has announced Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS as the new home for their event.

Image Source - Unspash

These days, if you’re not an influencer, chances are you have at least one in your life. It’s a pretty tempting and interesting hobby that can turn into a lucrative job. That’s why so many stylish people, people who love to travel, those who know how to write or are amazing makeup artists have turned their focus from something else and opted for a career change. So, if you want to show appreciation for the person who is always giving you fashion and lifestyle advice, give them something related to their job. If you’re feeling lost, that’s totally okay.

We’ve got you covered with the ultimate gift, so you never make a mistake again. After all, a bad gift is worse than no gift at all.

If You’re Feeling Generous

Image Source - Unspash

Those amazing photos they post don’t just come out of thin air. There is a lot of equipment and editing involved, so make sure to subtly enquire how happy the person is with their camera or lens. If they express dissatisfaction, do a little research and find the best camera for their needs and get it for them. You have no idea how much this will mean to them. Seriously, the camera is crucial for their job, and they will love you forever for this gift.

If You Want To Be Practical

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Influencers are constantly glued to their phones. They either post stories, IGTV videos and even Instagram posts. No wonder their phone’s battery life is so short and everywhere they go they look for a place to ‘plug in’. Well, if you want to lend your influencer a helping hand, you will get them the strongest power bank there is. This way, they can safely scroll, post, answer messages and check their comments without worrying about running out of ‘juice’. You will be seen as a real life-saver.

If You’re Not Fashion Or Beauty-savvy

Image Source - Unspash

It’s completely normal that you don’t know what the hottest bag or shoe or even makeup brand is this season. You’re not the one checking out every fashion show and following all the fashion Instagram accounts – you’re pardoned. Therefore, if you want to do something nice but are completely clueless, simply get your influencer a memorable prepaid Visa card. This way, you’re not giving them money per se, you’re giving a kind of a gift card, which has a lot more warmth to it. By doing this, you’re giving them the chance to buy what they have been craving and not something you randomly picked out. Don’t get us wrong, you may have great taste, but they are influencers for a reason; they are rarely impressed, but they definitely will be by this savvy move.

If You’re A Genius

Image Source - Unspash

You may not know this, or perhaps you even do, but influencers love a good #flatlay photo. They work very hard to set up each detail that will wind up on Instagram, so one of the things you can do is get them a yearly subscription to Vogue magazine. It doesn’t seem like the most creative gift, but trust us, sometimes a cover page of Vogue can save an entire pic. You will be the hero who saves #flatlay, and more than that, you will show that you are actually interested in what the person in your life does and loves.

If It’s Staring You In The Face

Image Source - Unspash

Let’s face it, every influencer loves a designer something. It can be a wallet, a bag, a belt with the brand’s logo or even a pair of shoes. When it comes to designer goods, especially accessories, there is essentially no way you can do it wrong. A Gucci or a Carolina Herrera belt will make her scream with happiness, and if your budget allows you, check out some of the trendiest bags of the season and snag one of them. She will literally be the happiest girl on the planet. We promise you this.

Everything Newest

Image Source - Unspash

In order to get this one, you would have to be obsessed with makeup, and you’re probably not. That is why we are here.

You see, influencers are supposed to have all the new makeup launches first, and if yours isn’t already on PR lists, she has to snag them herself. This is where you come in. One of the newest things all beauty gurus are buzzing about is the Cherry collection by Urban Decay. This is a great gift, especially for fall and winter as all the colors are very warm and season-appropriate. Then, there are tons of new releases from one of the hottest brands of the day – Fenty Beauty. You can get her the new Gloss Bomb in shimmering pearl, one of the new Stunna lip paints and the Diamond Bomb highlighter. She has to show off her look using only the newest products, so surprise her with the knowledge you have on makeup and grab these goodies. Don’t worry, we won’t tell we gave you the skinny.

Shopping for an influencer can be difficult, but that’s why you have us. Hopefully, we have you covered for the next couple of birthdays and important anniversaries. Good luck, shop smart!

 Photo courtesy of DM Jewelry Designs

It's not a secret that women love jewellery. Receiving it makes them feel and look special. ELENA Earrings by DM Jewellery Designs will make an unforgettable gift for someone who appreciates high quality, artisan products and timeless chic. Made with imported Black Onyx which beautifully accents the sterling silver filigree beads and finished with sterling silver earring findings, this beautiful piece of jewellery is an accessory staple in every woman's wardrobe like the LBD. "The best part of gifting jewellery is that whatever it costs, once gifted it becomes a piece on which you simply can’t put a price tag. It works like a photograph, the memory associated with the gift will carry through with the person for life," says Urban Cocktail and we couldn't agree more.

About

Based out of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, DM Jewellery Designs was established as a result of a life-long enchantment of manifesting visions of radiant jewellery including custom bridal designs. Their mission is to create exquisite pieces of jewellery that celebrates every aspect of a woman. Debora Ann Malouf, owner and creative designer of DM Jewellery Designs, explains, “I will design and re-design a piece until it perfectly captures not only my vision, but also the vision of the client who is involved in the entire custom design process. I refuse to finalize a piece until each one of us experiences what I term as the “WOW” factor.” She continues to state, “Nothing excites me more than manifesting the visions of designs that capture the essence of a woman.”


Photo courtesy of Claycult Cambodia

Bring back those holiday memories and a carefree beach mood with a limited edition of Rudraksha Seed and Ceramic necklace. This stunning long, slightly chunky style necklace, uses three silver capped Nepali seed beads in combination with the specialty ceramic beads. This unique item of jewellery, featuring a beautiful palette of earthy colours, makes a memorable gift which will be treasured for years.

About

Claycult Cambodia brings the culture of the Khmer people and the colours of Cambodia into their designs. The brand offers a range of exquisite necklaces, bracelets and earrings in addition to ceramic beads. All items are handcrafted at their studio / workshop in Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat and the great Angkor temples.

They employ mostly women and adapt the workplace to their lives as much as possible, outsourcing to those who are unable to come to the workshop because of family commitments. Claycult Cambodia encourages education and their staff is paid a fair wage, many of them being the sole supporter of an extended family.


Photo courtesy of LaBante London

Red is officially l y the hot test colour for Fall /Winter 2017. This gorgeous handbag by LaBante London, a Peta-Approved Vegan Brand, will brighten up gloomy winter days and add a touch of glamour to even the most simple outfit.

This elegant and compact bag is perfect for a day (wear it with a casual jacket or coat) or evening out (as a striking addition to an all-black ensemble). Finished with a bow detail to give an extra twist of femininity, it comes with two handy inner compartments to help you stay organised. The shoulder strap can be detached so that the bag can be used as a hand held clutch. Two in one, how smart!

About

Established in 2009, LaBante London designs and produces accessories with an ethos of 'Fashion With Respect.' What do they mean by that? Their bags and jewellery are not only covetable but also vegan, environmentally friendly, and ethically produced. The brands want to give consumers the experience of luxury, of the finest craftsmanship, of a timeless aesthetic, while respecting the world we live in.

Happy holidays! :)

You are welcome to join us at our Aw18 event during London Fashion Week 17- 18 Feb 2018.

Here at Fashions Finest we are looking for companies in the following areas of fashion, beauty, magazines, #bloggers, influencers, TV, radio. 

Each- and- every new year we wow to do better and take on new challenges, promising ourselves that this year we are going to do better than the year before. But come mid-year, and we start to take stock of all our set out intentions to move forward and out of our comfort zones. We realise that we have not achieved half of it. So, the question remains, how do we go about achieving our set out intentions? Personally, I believe that the key to that is Confidence.

Read on to discover my personal tips on achieving New Year Confidence.

Take care of yourself

It is amazing how much of a difference a new hair colour or smelling beautiful and glowing skin can have on your self-confidence. Looking good and feeling great is a fantastic boost to your self-image. So, take the time to take care of yourself indulge in those small things like a new lipstick or trying a new eye-make look. It will turn your mood around from feeling glum and grey to bright and sparkling.

Dress nicely

You cannot look all pretty and not be dressed nicely, if you dress nicely, you’ll feel good about yourself. A nice dress or a pants suits will make you feel successful, presentable and ready to tackle whatever the day hold and brings. Invest in good quality items and build your capsule wardrobe with pieces that will make you feel confident when going for that all important meeting or interview.

Re-brand your self-image

Our mental picture of who and what we are, so often determines our confidence. If we feel good or negative about ourselves, we reflect that outwards. In the way, we carry ourselves and how we allow others to interact with us. Let 2017 be the year where you make the choice to re-brand your self-image. Make small changes, like having a mantra, my favourite is, I AM BEAUTIFUL, I AM WORTHY, I AM CONFIDENT, I AM CAPABLE, I AM NOT LESS THEN OR BETTER THEN THOSE AROUND ME, repeat this every morning in front of the mirror and with time you will start to carry yourself in that manner and not allow yourself and others to make you feel small and worthless. Remember, who you want to be and how others perceive you, is your choice. So, choose to show you true worth.



Think positive

This is an important part of re-branding your self- image and building self-confidence. Positive thinking can open- up new opportunities. It is all about the energy you bring into a situation, so if your energy is positive you will be more open to feel good about yourself and to become the best version of yourself.

Smile

A smile lights up your face and will instantly make you feel better and it will help you to be kinder to yourself and those around you. A small but beautiful thing that can have a wonderful chain reaction. Your smile is one of your best assets so use it well this new year.

Stand tall

Good posture will make you feel taller and more confident. If you stand tall and walk with confidence into any room people around you will take notice. Stand straight and pull your shoulders back and stand tall and walk talk and be proud and have confident in yourself, your beauty and that gorgeous smile.

Have a wonderful 2017 and may you achieve at least one of your set out intentions for this new year.

It's been a few years now since I've been a contributor to Fashions Finest blog; and I've been privileged to share my views on a blog platform that is growing and constantly evolving. As a designer (Keji Victoria), I chose to write alongside my craft and share personal views of the industry? Why? While this may be a pretty simple equation, giving that fashion bloggers are poised to also be stylists and trend and design experts, it's good to reflect on real perks of fashion blogging....

(Photo from Instagram)

1. You are connected to what is trendy and relevant

When it comes to writing you really need to stay relevant. I learnt this the hard way- spending so much time digging in to find material, but not always completing the last research stage- is it relevant to my viewers? Years of writing has definitely helped me appreciate the value of of the viewers' interests and needs. It makes writing worthwhile!

2. You are encouraged to share unique opinions and views

While staying relevant is crucial, my blog page isn't the only one that exists to be relevant, and neither is yours. People are always looking for something unique and refreshingly different, it's a battle of the fittest (so to say). I remember some years back, I shared a post on my favorite ways of using a wrap to cover the hair (as seen on Solange); I remember my house mate at the time came to me saying how much she enjoyed reading my FF post and how she sat down attempting the differenthe wrap styles. At that point, I realised that people are definitely interested in what I have to say- useful, relevant, yet unique. Although simple, my research on head wrap styles was a unique compilation.

3. You appreciate the work and accomplishments of others

Since being part of the FF blog family, I have had several opportunities to attend Fashion shows; participate in media and blogger events; and the likes! That is definitely a perk of working with a great platform. The journey has put me in the company of people whose views and styles are as different to my norm, as they could be. When you are set the task of covering a show or collection, you move from simply admiring the work to appreciating the hard work behind it.

4. You step out of your own comfort zone and work

The parallel work of designing (Keji Victoria) and writing constantly keeps me on the edge of my seat: designing keeps you locked in your own world and writing brings you out of it- not to talk of mastering the skills that go behind blog-style writing. I'm never short of inspiration!

Happy new year fashion bugs!

Thanks so much for stopping by my page!Keji Ewuosho X