How To Wear Black in a More Interesting Way
Nikita Shirokov, UnsplashBlack 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, UnsplashWho 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, UnsplashJewellery 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, UnsplashWhile 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, UnsplashIf 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!
Shopping Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
A Wall Of A Statement
Picture Source: Adapted from Unsplash.comHome is where we will be for the next while and if that is where we are going to be we might as well make the most of it. And with it being spring which is usually the season to spruce up our homes. There is no better time than now to inject happy and positive color and playful patterns into our homes. And not forgetting that we are on a bit of a tight budget we have a quick, affordable and easy way for you to brighten your living room and bedroom.
Picture Source: Unsplash.comCreate An Accent Wall
We all know what it feels like when you feel boxed in and all you can see around you is four white walls. Aagh!! That alone will drive you bananas. So, the solution, create an accent wall. You can, of course, paint your accent wall but there are more fun and creative ways to make a statement. And here are two of my favorites that will create interest and add texture in your living room or bedroom.
Dress it with a piece of your favorite fabric. This works the same as hanging wallpaper and using fabric with a large floral pattern will add color and added texture to your room.
Picture Source: Unsplash.comYou will need:
● Textile fabric
● Scissors
● Drop cloths
● Stepladder
● Laundry starch
● Paint roller with low-nap roller cover
● Paint tray
● Wallpaper smoothing tool
● Metal straightedge
● Sharp utility knife
Instructions:
Prepare the Fabric and the Walls. Opt for fabric with a large pattern like floral's and make sure that you have enough fabric to cover your chosen wall. Make sure the fabric is clean and dry. If you want to be sustainable have a look through your old flatbed sheets.
Cut the lengths of fabric to fit the wall, allowing about 2 inches of extra fabric at the top and the bottom, and along wall edges. Wash the wall down and dry it before you begin, and remove everything from the wall.
Apply Starch - You can use starch to attach the fabric to the wall. This will not damage the wall or the fabric and will allow for easy removal Cover your wall to avoid too much mess.
Apply the starch to the wall using a paint roller as this is less messy and faster than using a brush or dipping the fabric into a container of starch. Make sure to cover all of the wall surfaces completely.
Hang the Fabric - This will take patience, but it is not difficult. Apply the fabric while the starch is still damp, beginning in one corner and moving across the wall. Get the kids to help to make sure that everything goes on straight. Have a helper stand back from the wall to ensure the pattern remains properly aligned and that they match at the edges. Use a wallpaper smoothing tool to flatten the fabric against the wall.
Now, roll more starch over the fabric and let it dry
Trim the Fabric - Trim off the excess when the starch and fabric are dry to the touch, use a straightedge and sharp utility knife. Just be careful with the sharp blade
After Care:
You can keep it looking fresh clean by simply cleaning it with a sponge and some dish-washing detergent. When it comes time to remove the fabric, use a wet sponge and soak the corners until they come away from the walls. The fabric should peel right off.
Picture Source: Pexels.comThis is a brilliant idea for small spaces with boring white walls. Follow the step by step instruction Emily’s Blog Everything Emily Blog, on how to use black washi tape to create a repeat pattern.
An oldie but always a goodie is a Gallery wall. Gather all the old frames that you have laying around the house and fill it with new wall art.

Picture Source: Pexels.com