Hey there!! It’s BlackOut Day, a day of economic protest in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. The original idea behind BlackOut Day is that no person of color would spend any money — this is an economic element of protest. Recently, however, the definition of BlackOut Day has been expanded to also encourage BIPOC, and their allies to seek out and support Black-Owned businesses (if they are going to spend money at all that day.)
BlackOut Day July: Our Black-Owned Business Favorites
So. In honor of BlackOut Day, we’re encouraging all of our readers to shop from our Black-Owned Business Directory, a lineup we’re pretty darn excited about. And since many of us have already received a few of these products ourselves, here are a few reviews of our personal picks.
Also, if you are interested in learning more about BlackOut Day, check out BlackOut Day’s official site. And if you are looking for other ways to support Black-owned businesses, especially financial institutions….here’s a really cool interactive U.S. map of Black-owned banks, HBCUs, hotels and resorts.
My Black-Owned Business Favorites
OK, first of all, you’ve gotta check out Jade Swimwear. I don’t yet have a photo, but I just ordered this string bikini top and bottom in coral (and a few other pieces in yellow and that gorgeous nude, just to see). Am totally blown away by how beautiful this swimwear is.
Next up?
Nina Simone Top, Grant BLVD
First of all, if you didn’t already catch my post last week on this seriously cute, sustainable top by Grant BLVD, go check it out. Not only is Grant BLVD Black-owned and sustainably-minded, but the designs are so flirty and fun. I’m wearing the Nina Simone top (size M, but I could easily have sized down).
Tourist Dress, The Tiny Closet
So….The Tiny Closet (another sustainably minded business) has reached capacity, but it looks like she will be taking new orders on July 9th. I’ll remind you guys again when that day comes because I highly recommend the Tourist Dress. It’s cut for insane comfort (the fabric is soft and breezy), but it’s actually kind of sexy, too. Can’t recommend it enough.
ps. Am wearing The Lip Bar’s organic lip gloss in Miss Independent, thanks to Laura.
Mastermind tee, Jovan O’Conner
Still can’t get enough of this cheeky ‘Mastermind tee’. Jovan has a whole line of power tees, and they’re all so good. Everything from ‘Revolutionary’ to ‘Influencer’ to ‘Scholar’. Love.
Linzi’s Black-Owned Business Fav
Lace Straw Basket: This gorgeous basket is handcrafted in Northern Ghana. It’s a fabulous market bag, but also looks beautiful sitting out in the house –I’m using mine as the bottom-of-the-stairs-basket that holds all the stuff that needs to be transported upstairs. You can buy others similar in design and more beautiful pieces directly from Savanna Baskets.
Laura’s Black-Owned Business Favorite
This skirt, my friends. It’s from Kiya Tomlin and I adore it. I can’t even tell you how soft it is. It’s got a nice hold-you-in feel without being too restrictive. I’m wearing it high on my torso here, but could make it a midi skirt also. It’s just so good. Wearing a small. Also, loving this tee from The Sable Collective (that I did a little DIY on.) Sadly and happily for them, it’s sold out. But they have THE greatest collection of other tees, jewelry and more. Gah, that redone army jacket. I’ve been eyeing it for weeks now. They’re a new fav of mine, for sure.
Scotti’s Black-Owned Business Favorite
I’m no stranger to shopping for cosmetics online and it’s usually incredibly frustrating. I’m often doing a whole lot of Googling for swatches of different colors and trying to figure out what they’d look like on my skin. The Lip Bar has made it so easy, though…showing lip colors on multiple skin tones and even using videos to show what the texture of the product looks like (which is a HUGE help), as well as including a ton of tutorials. And choosing a foundation color online is always intimidating, but they’ve included two ways to find your perfect shade: by matching the current foundation you’re wearing or by shopping by complexion (complete with pictures, of course). I’m working on a review of their Fast Face Kits (which are awesome and have pretty much everything you’d need for a complete look,) but it’s their lip colors that have me swooning. Oh and their products are all vegan and cruelty-free.
Emily’s Black-Owned Business Favorite
This Venice Beach dress from Mrs. Jones should be arriving in the next couple of weeks, and I CANNOT wait. The whole line features everything I look for in dresses: a forgiving shape, easy styling with sneakers (these dresses were literally designed with kicks in mind) and — pockets! Each petite capsule collection is so thoughtfully designed — I can’t wait to see what designer Nichole Moss comes out with next.
Lex’s Black-Owned Business Favorite
OK, I’m putting a plug in today for Taylor Jay. I got four face masks from the Oakland-based, environmentally conscious company, (the polka dot one is my fave,) as well as that awesome cardigan wrap from the Black-Owned business sales roundup. I like that these masks give full coverage over nose and chin, and the fabric is really nice. I’ll probably stick with these and the ones from Tracey’s Faceys (those have the metal nose thingy and space for a filter, and she also sells kids’ masks). I did try on the Taylor Jay cardigan wrap, but nothing else about my person was selfie-ready today, so we are sans picture. I’ll get one on social soon. It’s pretty fantastic and sure to be a staple. I know a reader commented that it may not work for apple shapes, but I have to reassure you — the belt is not attached (which was kind of disappointing at first,) but it means you can tie the belt at whatever height you like — I choose higher, I like the empire-style effect.
Kat’s Black Owned Business Favorites
If you’ve been keeping up with me on Instagram, then you already know that I’m obsessed with Want Les Essentials, a shoe and accessory company founded by two Black brothers, Byron & Dexter. I absolutely adore my Ataturk leather slide sandals, and they’ve been my go-to elevated slides as of late. I recently learned that Byron & Dexter have moved on from that and started a new endeavor — an incredible home company called GOODEE. I’m already in love with their sustainable initiatives and seriously amazing products like this beautiful black and white rug!
I also recently snagged this gorgeous lounge set from Zelie For She, a brand Designed and Produced in Los Angeles by designer Elann Zelie (a total boss babe). And the best part? It’s all small-batch and limited-runs so your purchases feel much more custom. Elann has been killing the loungewear game but also designs gorgeous dresses like this one.
Cam’s Black-Owned Business Favorite
I keep thinking about this dress from Mie now! It’s called the Tahiti Dress…and wow. I would happily wear any of their dresses, tops, etc. What a beautiful brand. Right now this particular dress is pre-order, but if there was anything worth the wait…I’d say it’s this beautiful piece.
xo,
S (and the team)
