Revamp Your Spring Style With Strappy Lace-Up Shoes

Strappy lace-up shoes are about to blow up, and we’re loving the effortlessly chic finish they put on any look. Whether you opt for a pair of lace-up flats, pumps, or heeled sandals, it’ll look amazing with midi dresses and baggy jeans alike. To get your hands on this conversation-starting piece, start with our picks below from @shopofficialbee – so many of them are already selling out fast.

Christie Heel – Blue

$54.99 USD

  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • Diamond Detailed Strap and Ankle Laces
  • Slip-On Entry
  • Pointed Toe Detailing
  • Wrap Around Ankle Laces w/ Buckle
  • Blue Pointed Heel

Corie Heel – White Hologram Snake

$41.99 USD

  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • Clear Strap
  • Slip-On Entry
  • Hologram Snake Material 
  • Wrap Around Ankle Laces
  • White Hologram Snake Heel

Corie Heel – Yellow Hologram Snake

$41.99 USD

  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • Clear Strap
  • Slip-On Entry
  • Hologram Snake Material 
  • Wrap Around Ankle Laces
  • Yellow Hologram Snake Heel
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Jessica Heel – Mint

$56.99 USD

  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • Faux-Fur Detailed Strap
  • Suede Material
  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • Wrap Around Ankle Laces
  • Mint Fur Heel

Naomi Sandal – Nude

$38.99 USD

  • Wrap Around Ankle Laces
  • Thong Strap
  • Multi-Rhinestone Straps
  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • Slip-On Entry
  • Nude Sandal 

Vanessa Midi Heel – Light Blue

$44.99 USD

  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • Slip-On Entry
  • Toe Stopper Ring
  • Quilted Detailing
  • Wrap Around Ankle Laces
  • Square Toe Detailing
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Breelynn Heel – Tiger

$42.99 USD

  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • PU Material Insole
  • Around the Ankle Laces 
  • Pointed Toe Detailing
  • Velvet Material
  • Tiger Pointed Chunky Heel

Audrina Heel – Black

$48.99 USD

  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • Clear Strap 
  • Slip-On Entry
  • Diamond Wrap Around Ankle Buckle 
  • Pointed Toe Detailing
  • Black Heel

Amy Midi Heel – Black

$39.99 USD

  • Lightly Padded Insole
  • Slip-On Entry
  • Faux Fur Strap
  • Wrap Around Ankle Laces
  • Chunky Heel

Photo via @durranipopal

5 Cheap Spring Basics That Will Make You Look Chicer

It’s somewhat of an urban legend nowadays that you need to spend a lot of money to be considered chic. In the past decade, the high-low trend has emerged, vintage shopping has reached peak popularity, and gushing to your friends about the cheap thrill you just scored is no longer considered low-brow. It’s said cheap thrills that can make your entire outfit feel more on-trend and expensive.

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Whether it’s the addition of a fun jewelry style or a cool third piece, sometimes cheap basics are what end up standing out most in your outfit (and nobody would ever guess was affordable). There are a few cheap basics that almost always fall into this category—from the sweater style that makes your jeans-and–a-T-shirt outfit stands out to the one It piece of jewelry to own this spring. Below are the five cheap Fashion Nova spring basics that look anything but and will make your whole outfit chicer.

FLAT SLIP-ON SANDALS

Flat sandals are one of those items that don’t require a large price tag to be of good quality. You can usually find quality leather slip-on sandals for well under $100. I’ve found from my personal sleuthing that neutral-colored flat sandals also tend to look more expensive as well—think camel, nude, and beige.

SHRUNKEN CARDIGANS

The cardigan trend has been huge for a few seasons now, and this spring is going to be all about shrunken styles. Whether they’re tied around your shoulders or worn the traditional way, shrunken cardigans are one of those magical third pieces that you can throw on over basic jeans and a tee, and all of a sudden your outfit looks thoughtful. 

ASYMMETRICAL BODYSUITS

By now, everyone has probably jumped on the bodysuit bandwagon (if you haven’t, they take all the legwork out of tucking your top in), but this spring it’s the asymmetrical style specifically fashion girls will be clamoring for. Luckily for us, Fashion Nova has our back, and the single shoulder detail just makes the bodysuit feel like a step up from your average. 

SLIP SKIRTS

Behold the magical power of a slip skirt. Regardless of its price tag, a solid or printed midi slip skirt just feels expensive. Its sleek silhouette pairs well with virtually anything and has an air of effortlessness about it. 

CHAIN NECKLACES

If there’s one jewelry style that’s going to be everywhere for spring 2021, it’s the chunky chain necklace. It seems retailers everywhere have gotten the same memo because affordable favorites Fashion Nova have beautiful versions that ring in right around $15 right now. Throw it on with even a plain T-shirt and suddenly your outfit feels elevated.

Discover and shop the Spring wardrobe that was listed in this post below.

Arms Around Me Short Sleeve Bodysuit – Mocha, Black, Lime

$17.99 USD

Cut The Antics Sweater Bodysuit – Black, Olive

$34.99 USD

Demoree Cardigan Sweater – Teal, Sand

$24.99 USD

Always Cozy Cardigan Sweater – Black, Taupe

$24.99 USD

Wild For You Satin Midi Skirt – Black/White

$19.99 USD

In Your Dreams Chain Necklace – Gold

$12.99 USD

Sweet Moments Flat Sandals – Nude, Black, Ivory

$19.99 USD

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Photo: @JulissaBermudez

5 Easy Zoom-Ready Hairstyles for Black Women

Don’t get me wrong: work from home life has been great. Working in my pajamas or sweats, eating all day long, and best of all, no bra! Yes, I’ll throw one on for a Zoom meeting here or there along with a work-approved top, but the outfit isn’t the only thing that has to be camera-ready. Let’s be honest: if I’m not leaving the house, my bonnet usually doesn’t leave my head. 

Sure, a lot of women just throw their hair up in a ponytail and keep it moving, but for Black women, it’s a whole process that requires proper planning. If my hair is natural, am I going to do a whole wash and go for a 30-minute meeting? Do I need to have my frontal baby hairs laid to the gods every day? 

One of the most significant benefits of this quarantine is that my hair has grown so much due to the low-maintenance styles I’ve been rocking, and just because I have a Zoom meeting doesn’t mean I’m going to mess that up. Here’s how:

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1. Braids/Twists/Faux Locs

Let’s start with the obvious. The OG protective styles: braids, twists, faux locs, etc. The first few months of quarantine, I kept my hair in knotless box braids because with all the stress of dealing with a pandemic, the last thing I wanted to do was my hair. I loved the ease of being camera-ready in literal seconds with no daily styling needed. 

2. Wigs

Yes, wigs can be high maintenance, but hear me out. Make or buy a good quality human hair closure or frontal wig that will last. Style it and keep it on a wig head ready to go. Braid or flat twist your natural hair and rock that when bumming it on the couch. Zoom call in 5 minutes? No problem—grab that wig, slap it on, and boom, you’re ready to go. 

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3. Individual Twists

Taking the time to do neat individual twists after washing your hair will pay off in the long run. Twists are no longer a style that is only meant to be taken out. From chunky twists to tiny twists, the style is super cute, protective, and lasts at least a week until wash day. Bonus: consider this a two-in-one style if you choose to wear it as a twist out near the end of the week. 

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4. Flat Twist Up-do

Part down the middle for two twists pinned up or do a side part with a couple on each side. The options are endless when it comes to this easy hairstyle. I love that this style is easy and good for your hair while also looking somewhat elegant because it’s an updo. Pair with baby hairs, cute earrings, and Fenty Gloss Bomb lip gloss for the finishing touch. 

5. Classic Puff 

I can’t make a list of easy hairstyles without including the classic go-to: The Puff. I usually like to do this style the day after a lazy wash day where all I did was let my curls air dry without any styling. If your curls are already defined, just grab a spray bottle along with your favorite gel and slick them up (or back, depending on your mood). Don’t forget to tie your edges with a scarf to really slay this look. *chef’s kiss*

Featured Photo: @seraya

11 Tricks to Looking More Photogenic

Every time I open up Instagram, I see a perfectly positioned model or influencer showing off their outfit. Without fail, I assume the seemingly perfect photo was effortless to capture. I always take it for granted that the person in the photo is naturally photogenic (and that if I’m not naturally photogenic, I’d never been able to pull off the same photo). But guess what: That couldn’t be further from the truth. Anyone who frequently has their photo taken just knows what works for them, mostly from trial and error.

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For Instagram’s director of fashion partnerships, Eva Chen, it’s her baby giraffe pose, while the Barbie feet pose is a favorite among celebs and models everywhere. It’s no big secret how to produce an amazing outfit photo; it just comes down to knowing your angles.

Everyone has a different angle that works best for them, but try the following tips and you’ll realize that the perfect outfit photo is just a matter of strategy. From paying attention to camera angles to strategically positioning your body, we’re sharing our top tricks to never worrying about how to look more photogenic again. If you’re ready to up your Instagram game, look no further.

Avoid a Low Angle

Lower angles, while sometimes a cool option, are typically harder to execute well. Position your camera slightly above your eye line. Generally speaking, the higher the camera angle, the better the photo.

Put Your Hand on Your Hip

PHOTO: @AIMEESONG

Any time your arm is slightly away from the rest of your body, it adds interest to the pose.

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Sit Up or Stand Up Straight

Paying attention to your posture when taking pictures can make the world of a difference. Hunched shoulders and slumped spines will not elongate your figure. Instead, push your shoulders back stick your back end out slightly. It might seem silly to dramatize good posture, but we promise it will come across well on camera.

Avoid Bulky Clothing

Obviously, you should wear whatever you like and show off your unique style in photos, but bulky clothing tends to distract from the best part of the photo: you! Lightweight, thin fabrics, like silk, are great options for photos.  

Slightly Twist Your Body to the Side

PHOTO: @BADGALRARA_

Again, posing in a unique way adds interest to the photo. Fully to the side or even at an angle both work.

Wear Dark Clothing

PHOTO: @CHRISSYFORD

You don’t have to wear bright colors to make your photo stand out. Case in point: Chrissy Rutherford’s dark-wash denim jumpsuit and black booties.

Add a Filter

PHOTO: @NNENNAECHEM

Going for a darker Instagram filter, like X-Pro II or Mayfair, and adjusting the exposure and light filters can make for a more photogenic image.

Keep Your Chin Up and Out

This trick will elongate your neck and help to avoid any unflattering chin angles. 

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Pull Your Shoulders Back

Not only will this accentuate your collarbone, but it will also make you look more polished and put-together (if that’s what you’re going for).

Don’t Tightly Press Your Arms to Your Body

Keep your arms slightly away from your body for a better shot. Either put your hand on your hip, brush your hand through your hair, or try keeping your elbow slightly out.

Experiment With Selfies to Find Your Best Angle

PHOTO: @FONGMINLIAO

No shame here—it’s all about finding what looks best for you. A little trial and error will help you find your best angle in photos so you know exactly how to stand to create the best image.

Shop the photogenic wardrobe essentials our editors are loving right now from Fashion Nova:

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Leandra Ruched Mini Dress – Lavender, $59.99 USD

You really can’t go wrong with a dress.

Painting Pictures PU Leather Skirtall – Black, $24.99 USD

This skirt is the perfect length.

Charge It Rhinestone Blazer – Black, $69.99 USD

The word “hourglass” is what describes this stylish blazer. Need we say more?

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It’s On Deck Bodysuit – Black, $29.99 USD

Square necklines are basically a frame for your collarbones.

Ciao Bella Crossbody Bag – Black, $24.99 USD $16.98 USD

This will make wearing black feel anything but boring.

On My Side Midi Dress – Burgundy, $54.99 USD

Try any silhouette that’s belted to highlight your figure.

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Victoria High Waisted Dress Pant- Pinstripe – Black/White, $34.99 USD

Vertical stripes are pretty much guaranteed to garner likes.

Party For Two Contrast Jeans – Black/Blue, $49.99 USD

Always invest in black jeans.

Vivi Maxi Wrap Dress – Mauve, $39.99 USD

There’s a reason wrap dresses have been a classic for decades now—they look so darn good on everyone.

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Two Of A Kind Layered Jacket – Medium Blue Wash, $34.99 USD

A cropped jacket is so versatile.

Essential Faux Leather Moto Jacket – Tan, $39.99 USD $31.99 USD

Again with the belt.

Wine And Dine Velvet Corset Top – Black, $19.99 USD

Throw this on with jeans and sandals in the warmer months, and layer with a blazer in the colder seasons.

Comment below if you would enjoy a Try-On Haul and with what brand! ( Tag them)

Feature Photo: @Saweetie