Since I’ve covered almost every iteration of coziest things to wear while stuck at home, this week I wanted to get into how this is the perfect time to experiment and spice up your aesthetic. With most of our time spent indoors, we have a rare chance to play around with our closet, mix the old with the new and really dress with only ourselves in mind. It’s super easy to get caught up in the pressure to always present as perfect so I love the safety net of messing up in private. Whether it’s trying a new hairstyle you’ve been iffy about or diving into a DIY project, quarantine is your oyster and the safest space for any and all trial and errors. Below are some of the new new I’ve been getting into this quarantine and what I look forward to trying!

GRAPHIC LINER + BOLD LIPS

When it comes to makeup, I’m very much team #dotheleast but I’ve alway been in awe of graphic liner looks and bold lips. After several occasions of me leaving the house in a bold lip and wiping it off as soon as I got to my destination, I figured there was no time like the present to get more comfortable going bold and actually leaving it on. From my play time, I’ve learned that a brown liner makes every color feel less jarring and to finish with a light smudge around the edges to better complement my lip shape. My graphic liner game is still a work in progress and filled with heavy sighs but this is where we’re at so far. Below are the goodies I used for the above eye and lip looks:

ALL BLACK EVERYTHING

A lot of brands showed their behinds last June so it motivated me more than ever to be more conscious of where my Black dollars are spent. These looks feature some of my favorite panny spends with Black-owned brands. My Black Fashion Directory is also newly updated with more Black-owned brands that cater to your fashion needs (i.e. streetwear, jewelry, swim, menswear, etc.)

SCARF TOPS

As an avid crop top enthusiast, I have been eyeing scarf tops FOREVER, but have always been nervous to try because it looks like a pending wardrobe malfunction. However, alone, in my apartment there was nothing but room for error without consequences. I knew what I wanted the final result to look like and that I would need a bandeau or strapless bra underneath to actually feel secure. After many tries, I finally found a technique that felt comfortable and like I wouldn’t risk it all wearing it outside (tutorial here.) I’m still working on more scarf top outfit ideas but it will absolutely be making an appearance at the first day party when it’s safe.

BLONDE AMBITION

During quarantine, I finally tackled the most daunting task of them all aka finding an edge control that actually works on my hair. I could’ve deep-dived into YouTube videos but instead, I just googled interviews with Issa Rae’s hairstylist, Felicia Leatherwood, because sis is the queen of a LAIDT edge. I copped whatever she name-dropped and the star products were Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Paste (first edge control I’ve ever loved, light to medium hold, doesn’t flake or feel hard, great for winter, but probs won’t hold up in summer heat) and Fonex Gummy Hair Gel Maximum Hold (strong hold, light flakes depending on what’s layered underneath, can withstand the outside elements/sweating.) However, I’m about due for a cute, protective style and I’m fully swooning over blonde braids. I’ve never seriously considered blonde but after seeing how beyond Sylvia and Scottie looked with them, it seems like the right time to take the plunge. And since, nothing kills my vibe quite like disliking my hair, I love the safety net of knowing no one has to see it if I don’t love it.

Let me know in the comments something new you want to try while we’re still inside!

xx,

Cherise