Hey gang! I hope everyone’s safe, happy, and surrounded by people they love. In the states we’ve slowed down a bit to do what we do best, eat, shop, and repeat!!! This post is all about shopping, small, local (if possible) and oh yeah BLACK!!! It is BLACK Friday after all, it’s kind of a no brainer in my opinion but I digress. I’m wearing the Kazuno sweater dress from Souk & Sepia in the photos below; a black-owned, online boutique. They have a huge sale going on right now, up to 45% (on select items) which is huge for a boutique shop. Side-bar, this photo was taken at Longwood Gardens. Longwood gardens puts Hillwood Gardens (a local D.C. garden and museum) to shame; visit both and then we can debate it.

BLACKITY BLACK FRIDAY SALES
These are a few of my favorite things
I’m not Oprah but I’m sharing a list of a few of my favorite places things and places to shop. All these retailers are either women-run, black and/or minority owned. This list is intentional, I want you all to be intentional, when and if you shop today and the days after. So many small businesses are hanging on by a thread, every little bit helps. So again, I encourage you to shop, small, black, and/or women-run, not necessarily in that order. If you touch just one of those groups, you’re a winner in my book.
1. For the entertainers…
Wow your guest with yummy scents and colorful stemware. Visit Sonshine Bath for the yummiest candle scents and more. The Oh Baby candle is a best seller and a must if you like a clean, fresh, but fruity scents, you’ll never want to blow this candle out. If you love color like me, Estelle’s hand-blown glassware is for you. Estelle glassware doesn’t just stop at stemware, they do cake stands, decanters, rock glasses, the selection continues to grow with their popularity.


2. For my fast fashion friends…
Obviously shop Souk & Sepia. If you like edgy, on trend, unique pieces, this is the online boutique for you. Another option is Oh So Beautiful Boutique– OSB. If you like a mix of sassy, casual, chic and affordable, OSB is for you. I’m a little bias when it comes to this shop, it’s a family business, my cousin photographed below, is the owner and operator of the boutique. Prepare yourselves you’ll see a lot more from this brand in the days to come.
Other note worthy boutiques are SM Style Loft and Meow and Barks Boutique. The have the cutest, coziest, casual pieces at a price point you can’t beat.
Meow and Barks Boutique Sm Style Loft Tie Dye Mini Dress
3. For my high fashion friends…
Hanifa is by far one of my new favorites this year. I’ve shot in this designers pieces several times during the summer, here and here. But when SJP (Sarah Jessica Parker) rocks your signature cardigan, the Miya, you have arrived and arrived they have. The Miya sweater comes in a number of bold, bright, and beautiful colors, there’s literally a color for everyone.

Hanifa Pink Label Hanifa Maxi Dress Hanfia body suit and Pink Label Skirt Hanifa Maxi Hanifa Pink Label Top
My other new luxury fave, is the Fenol. I’ve yet to purchase any of their pieces, but I’m eyeing a few so stay tuned. Fenoel is our forever first ladies (Michelle Obama) designer of choice along with a host of other celebrities. They’re obviously on the higher-end of the fashion scale, so proceed with caution. A purchase from this designer would definitely be a splurge.

4. Last but certainly not least here’s a little something for my people who like to accessorize…
You’ve seen them before you’ll see them again, Ocessories, my go to arm candy, I love me a busy wrist. And if you’re anything like me you’ll enjoy the versatility of these bracelets as well as the price point.

Gifts from Virgo offers the most affordable on trend jewelry and accessories you’ll find. Their Lagos Hoops are my absolute favorite earrings to date, can you tell how much I love them. These earrings are giving David Yurman without the David Yurman price tag.
Small Lagos Hoops Large Lagos Hoops, Conscious Kingdom T-Shirt YRAA Press-on nails and distressed hat
Other notable mentions 3 Shades Chic, YRAA The Brand and the Conscious Kingdom. You’re welcome and until next time gang…
XOXO
-Andrea
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