Fashion – Page 2 – The Recap Report

Fitness Guru and Creative Designer Melissa Dufour Shows Sweating is Sexy with New Affordable Athleisure Brand

Written by Deja on June 15, 2022. Posted in Business, Fashion, Lifestyle.

“Working out and what you wear is a form of self-care.” – Melissa Dufour, Founder and Creative Director of Sexy Sweats.

A great fitness guru once said “looking good is important, but feeling great is key!” What if we told you that you can both look and feel good while exercising? That’s the mission of the Athleisure Brand “Sexy Sweats” that hit the market in 2018. Founded by Melissa Dufour, the brand is highlighting the sexiness of staying fit. With true fitness background and overcoming her own health obstacle, this fitness guru is helping others transform their lives one outfit at a time.

The Vice City native is a first-generation, Haitian-American and the oldest of two siblings. Her love for fitness was stamped in her childhood as she watched her father playing soccer. She even participated in many sports herself including track & field, flag football, and boxing, and was even on the girl’s weight lifting team. With a strong athletic background, it is no surprise that it would be the segway to her successful ventures in the future. Melissa later went on to obtain her B.A. in Healthcare and found herself facing adversity shortly after.

At only 25, she was diagnosed with severe arthritis. The experience was a painful one for Melissa. She says “there were times it was hard to walk and after multiple doctor visits, tests and diagnoses, nothing seemed to add up.” This motivated her to change her diet and routine.

After battling arthritis, Melissa gained a new appreciation for looking and feeling good and went on to create a new fitness routine that would balance the two. She notes, “Although it wasn’t the easiest routine for me to follow, I experienced real success in finding balance for them all. I’ve created a schedule to incorporate working out five days a week. I usually find myself in fitness apparel and sneakers on my days off, even if I am not in the gym.” These aspects would become the driving force behind Sexy Sweats.

Sexy Sweats is new a bold and attractive imprint proving that sweating is indeed sexy. It is described as an athleisure brand made to shape a woman’s natural features, not hide them. It’s the athleisure line for the bold and daring and embodies the unique creative vision for bodaciously curvy women. Sexy Sweats is so attractive in its daring designs, vibrant colors, and intricate stitching with a slimming illusion. The brand was created because Melissa wanted to help women feel their best while working out, which is something she felt was missing.

The brand separates itself through exclusive designs and prints. It’s more than clothing, It’s a movement for women to showcase their confidence, sex appeal, and athletic lifestyle. Dufour states, “Sexy Sweats’s distinctive style and colors are unmatched. It’s an outward symbol that confidence and feeling sexy shouldn’t be hidden, and we are here to embrace it. Everything down to the stitching was given immense amounts of attention.”

Creating the brand was a no-brainer as she states, “I love a good challenge. My goal is to influence the fashion industry with our exclusive pieces, build a lifestyle brand and motivate women to work for their results and proudly show them off.” With prices ranging from $18 to $82 dollars, it’s something every woman can get her hands on.

When speaking about the creation of the debut, “She Is” Collection, Melissa says it was created with personality and style in mind. I designed each piece intricately, intending to make head-turning clothes. I also added stitching with slimming illusions to enhance one’s silhouette. I want to provide each customer with comfortable, form-fitting pieces that provide much-needed support while in the gym. Sexy Sweats has your favorite athleisure pieces, no matter what size or shape.

Serving both as founder and creative designer is no chore for Melissa as she loves to get in touch with her creativity and bring her visions to life. As the brand grows, the heat is being turned up. “As the founder, I am still in the building phase, learning so much from the business’s administrative side, which can be extremely challenging.” When asked her favorite things about her double role, she says Everything! “ Melissa watches the growth of her brand, and it excites her as she crushes her goals every day. I’m far from the goals I want to achieve but way ahead from when I first started.

“The final results always make the process look like a piece of cake but finding a good balance is the key to business.”

Melissa and Sexy Sweats plan to continue highlighting the sexy of every woman stating “as Sexy Sweats continues to grow, the public can expect a lot of heat. Sexy, daring, new prints and colors all summer long and beyond.” It’s sure to give A Lot of Heat. Sexy, Daring, New prints and colors, dropping this Summer 2022. She also hopes to collaborate with top-of-the-line athleisure brands, athletes, and have other fitness gurus join the movement of fashionable fitness.

You can keep up with Sexy Sweats’s innovative styles on their social media at @sexysweatswear. Join in by tagging and using the #sexysweatssquad. Shop the She Is Collection now available at https://sexysweatswear.com/

CJ The Visionary Brings His Unique Style to the Music and Fashion Industries

Written by Melissa Elias on May 7, 2022. Posted in Business, Entertainment, Fashion.

The multitalented artist and shoe designer CJ The Visionary is a creative based in Central Florida. From an early age, CJ The Visionary knew he would be a performer being influenced by some of the greatest names in music including Michael Jackson, Prince, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and Teddy Pendergrass. He later gained popularity from his 2021 debut single “Fall Back.” CJ is already creating a stamp in the music realm as he has already been featured as one of the Artist Picks of the Year by Hollywood Digest. He is also well known for his high-quality shoes made from genuine leather and as the co-creator of the On Repeat Music Video Channel. The serial visionary spoke with The Recap Report to give us a glimpse into his world.

CJ’s passion for music began at 12 years old after witnessing Michael Jackson performing at the Grammys. His childhood consisted of being involved in music and performing. He was involved in the “Concert Chorus” in high school and participated in choir at his church. His musical influences can best be described as a mash-up of the elements of R&B, soul, and hip hop. Established artists such as Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Jacquees, and Jamie Foxx inspire his music today. These influences have helped him craft music that is new and nostalgic which is demonstrated in his newest single release on Valentine’s Day called “Freaky Things.” His purpose with this song was to emulate two people who have created this intimacy and feel that they are the only two that exist in each other’s world.

“Freaky Things” is available on all major streaming music platforms.

Outside of his music, CJ The Visionary holds a true fashion sense which led him to begin designing shoes. His brand Fiya Brand Shoes was born to stand out. His goal was to differentiate from other brands and create something that highlighted his sense of style. He loves fashion and putting colors together which makes this brand the best of both worlds.

The most memorable accomplishment since starting in the music industry has been CJ’s recognition of being named a Top Artist Pick of the Year by Hollywood Digest. When asked about his upcoming goals for 2022, CJ stated his plans are “to perform live and collaborate with fellow talented artists.”

To keep up with CJ The Visionary’s nostalgic sound you can find him on Instagram at @cjvisionary and on United Masters. Check out his latest kicks by visiting on @fiyabrandshoes Instagram.

Met Gala 2022: Gilded Glamour

Written by Gabriela on May 4, 2022. Posted in Entertainment, Fashion, Lifestyle.

The most coveted night of the Fashion year, the Met Gala. The theme for this year was Gilded Glamour but what does that mean? Let’s break that down!

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word Gilded means to be covered thinly with gold lead or paint. While some celebrities adhered to this interpretation most chose to reference the Gilded Age, the time period after the Civil War, roughly between the 1870s to early 1900s.

We’re talking about a time of excess and extravagance. New York City was taking shape into the city we think of today. Picture Grand Central Station and The Statue of Liberty being erected.

Advancements in technology were taking place left and right. Women of the upper class were able to play around with different textiles as more was available to them. “Women’s dresses often featured a combination of many textiles, like satin, silk, velvet, and fringe, all adorned with over-the-top textures like lace, bows, frills, and ruffles,” Vogue writes

Of course, the night wasn’t complete without a little bit of drama! While the stars hit the red carpet, many on social media were first to call out the underwhelming looks of the evening.

Now, let’s get into some of the looks!

Jamie McCarthy / Staff / Getty Images
**Billie Eilish**

Jamie McCarthy Getty Images
**Blake Lively**

Jamie McCarthy Getty Images **Megan Thee Stallion**

David Fisher/Shutterstock
**Taylor Hill**

PanamaDaPrince: Fashion, Music and Passion

Written by Gabriela on December 21, 2021. Posted in Entertainment, Fashion.

Hailing from New York City, PanamaDaPrince always knew he wanted to be in the entertainment industry. He started his music career at the young age of sixteen and never looked back. His parents were a big influence in his passion for the arts.

Today, his operating titles today include artist, fashion designer and creative director.

PanamaDaPrince received major opportunities early on that most artists only dream of. He was able to be the opening act for notable artists. He served as a vital show opener for Hip-Hop pioneers, Wu-Tang Clan & D-Block at Webster Hall in 2013. In addition to opening for G-Unit rapper Lloyd Banks at Stage 48 the following year.

Always having a passion for fashion ,Panama launched his ALPHA clothing brand in 2016. He merged his two passions, fashion and music. “Transcend every obstacle” & “lead the pack” quickly converted into the clothing brands mantra. Some of the stars that have worn his brand include Swizz Beats, Teyana Taylor and Ashley Graham.

After achieving success with his music and clothing brand, Panama was determined to give back to his community. In the wake of the protest for the police killing of an unarmed George Floyd in 2020 he donated the profits from his sales to support protesters’ legal fees. Tired of being a victim, PanamaDaPrince utilizes his platform to bring awareness to these constant social injustices and to spark a positive change.

Post-pandemic Panama, released the highly anticipated record, “Mase Flow”. The song & music video featured hip-hop star Fatman Scoop. The song was a an online success with nearly 30,000 views.

Panama continues to elevate in his entrepreneurial success. The notoriety of his influence has allowed him to collaborate with mainstream brands such as G-Shock.

On the horizon of 2022, he is currently working on his album, If Only You Knew dropping in the near future.

To keep up with PanamaDaPrince follow him @panamadaprince on Instagram

A Holiday Roundup!

Written by Gabriela on December 14, 2021. Posted in Entertainment, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Lifestyle, Top 10.

We all know how busy life can get during the holiday season. No need to fret on what to get loved ones this season! Here you’ll find a list of gifts for everyone in your family (including Fido).

Foria’s Quickie Kit

If you’re looking for a gift for your partner, this just might be perfect for you! The “Quickie Set” includes the Awaken Arousal Oil, the Sex Oil and 2 intimate suppositories. These products are all natural, organic and infused with CBD for a fun time for under $50!

To purchase click here

Life of God’s Rouge Event Coat

This coat will have all eyes on you. Lined with silk and made of fox fur, nothing will make you feel more luxurious than this coat. Made from ethically sourced fur, you can feel good about wearing it too.

To purchase click here

Becoming a Superhero

Need a good educational bedtime book? We’ve got the perfect one for you!Becoming a Superhero is a fun and innovative way to encourage kids to eat healthily and exercise to fight childhood obesity.

To purchase click here

Glow Recipe Glossy Skin Spell Kit

Here’s one for the skincare junkies! This hydrating and brightening watermelon duo,packed with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid will leave you glowing in this winter weather. As an added bonus, the Niacinamide Dew Drops can be used as a primer or highlighter! Who doesn’t want that?

To purchase click here

Ninja Air Fryer

This is perfect for a person always on the go. The air fryer quickly and deliciously makes meals that anyone can make. From the novice cook to the experienced chef, this is a great addition to your kitchen.

To purchase click here

Dyson Complete Styler

Dyson’s complete styler is great for most hair types and styles. Their innovative technology minimizes heat damage and leaves you looking like you just stepped out of a salon!

To purchase click here

Gillette Labs Bugatti Heated Razor

If you want every morning to feel like a spa day, this is perfect for you.The warming bar heats up in less than a second and distributes warmth to the skin for a luxurious shave. It comes with 5 blades so you know you’re getting a smooth shave.

To purchase click here

Emu Australia Mayberry Tri 1 Slippers

Everyone needs a pair of slippers! This fun and fuzzy gift is not only useful but stylish. Who doesn’t want a pair of these tie-dye slippers?

To purchase click here

PhoneSoap 3 UV Cell Phone Sanitizer and Dual Universal Cell Phone Charger

Our cell phones touch everything. We clean our hands, why not our phones? This UV sanitizing device comes with a built in charger so you know your phone is clean and also ready to use.

To purchase click here

Maps International Scratch The World Map

Have a loved one who is an avid traveler? This gift is perfect for them! The map makes a unique gift allowing travelers to scratch off the places they’ve visited while also doubling as wall art.

To purchase click here

10 Influencers Who Are Keeping Instagrammers and TikTokers on Their Toes

Written by Kelsey on December 14, 2021. Posted in Entertainment, Fashion, Health and Beauty, Top 10.

It comes as no shock that we’ve seen a huge shift of influence come from social media over the last few years. That influence has come from the music we’ve come across, the reviews of our favorite binge-worthy shows, and most importantly…the people. You might not even realize that the people you watch across various social media platforms have had such a great influence on you. However, these influencers, as they are widely known, have made that impact on us to a point where many of us now seek out what they find “in style” or “worthy” of attention. Some might consider it good or even bad, but it’s safe to say these influencers have helped shape the world in which we live. Over the past year, amid the pandemic and with more of us having time to scroll our timelines, influencers have had even more opportunity to partake in the growing of their brands and even more chances to capture our attention. Here are 10 influencers I believe have helped shake things up and should be on your radar!

Arnell Armon

When it comes to beauty and fashion, Arnell Armon is that girl! She’s an Instagram influencer who dabbles in the various topics of makeup, hair, fashion, and lifestyle. With over 600,000 followers it’s quite clear many have taken a liking to what she has shown. Many of her followers look forward to each post just to keep up with her skincare routine alone. You can check out her Instagram by following @arnell.armon

Hailie Jade

You may or may not be aware of the fact that Hailie Jade is the daughter of rap star, Eminem. Well shockingly, I had no clue. I was drawn in by her cool layout and her pictures that made me instantly think she was a model. However, once I found out, it made me even more intrigued to keep her on my radar. That’s why I recommend her to be on your radar as well. You can follow her @hailiejade

Bronnie

As a blogger, Bronnie has the influence of many fashion-forward followers. Her outfits are dazzling with a hint of streetwear. She has the ability to make even the simplest outfit look like it came right off the runway. I admire her sense of style as well as her simplicity to make it look so easy to put together. With an Instagram following inching closer to 300,000, she’s definitely one influencer to keep on your radar. You can keep up with her by following @bronnniee

Tamu McPherson

Not only does Tamu McPherson hold a title of influencer, but she’s also founder and creator of All the Pretty Birds, an online magazine-blog-type community for a multiethnic and multicultural audience. Tamu’s style and grace shed light on that very existence of the multicultural aspects of street style and overall beauty. You can find her on Instagram by following @tamumcpherson

Kara Roselle Smith

Afro-indigenous model and writer, Kara Roselle Smith, is probably one of my favorite influencers out of this year. As a writer and activist, she’s able to bring beauty and brains together and make it work in a way that seems effortless. It’s very admirable especially in a society that can sometimes make it seem that the two cannot coexist. She’s high on my radar for sure, so I encourage you to check her out by following her Instagram, @kararoselles

Freedom At The Mat

For all the women out there who need that everyday moment of simply being able to take care of your mind, body, and soul’s well-being, this is the Instagram page for you to follow (@freedomatthemat). By following, you’ll be able to receive tips and other ideas of aid when it comes to self-care. It’s important to keep up with what is happening around you, but even more important to focus on what matters the most…and that’s your mind, body, and soul.

Jordan Airiyah

Jordan Airiyah, also known as @jordanfromvegaz, has to be one of my absolute favorite TikTok influencers. Her videos are always amusing and straight to the point…and might I add super relatable. She’s climbing to almost 700,000 followers and it comes as no shock to me. I’ve even made a couple of videos myself using sound from her own original videos. If you’re looking for content to keep you laughing and also that you can relate to, follow her.

Grant Khanbalinov (heyellianafamily)

I know TikTok is very popular for many of its comedic influencers…you’ve seen who I have enjoyed so far above. However, one of my favorite influencers happens to be the family of Grant Khanbalinov. He often uploads videos of him and his wife’s children, who very recently this year created several videos paying homage to the movie Matilda and popular Netflix show Stranger Things. I found the videos to be so adorable with their daughter playing the parts of the respective characters in each movie. Give @heyellianafamily a follow to see how they capture their family moments.

Amiracle Williams

Known as @heartofcreations on TikTok, Amiracle Williams defines herself as a “goofy multitalented chick”. Each video she uploads shows her comedic side, as well the deliverance of that everyday friend who you look to when you’re in search of a good laugh. She brings beauty with a touch of great comedic timing.

Cassie Stephens

Tennessee art teacher Cassie Stephens reminds us all of that elementary art teacher we had that we always viewed as super cool and so kind. Her TikTok account (@cassie_stephens) brings those exact thoughts to life, which is what makes her so interesting to keep on your radar. She’s relatable and funny with her artsy outfits that take you back to your childhood days.

Art of Fashion: From Creative Hobby To Blogging Business Venture

Written by Kelsey on December 7, 2021. Posted in Business, Fashion.

For many of us, clothes and shoes are just items we wear to prevent us from walking around with exposed bodies. But for some, like Jared Perry, clothes and shoes are an opportunity to express one’s personality and also their sense of style. Many of us have heard it before, “clothes make the man”. While it can be interpreted in many ways, for Jared, it adds that certain swag and creation of confidence we all on some level search for. Those exact thoughts are what led to Art of Fashion.

Art of Fashion is an up and coming fashion blog that officially came to life on April 11, 2021. The blog caters to both men and women who are more into that athletic look with a nice dose of fresh swag. Shoes have always been a big part of Jared’s own swag, so it was important that he made sure to incorporate them into each look. Recently, Jared was able to attend Sneaker Con in Boston, Massachusetts. This is the premier sneaker event in which many popular sneakers are put on display. You can think of it as the Oscars of the sneaker world. The event was able to give Jared an even clearer vision he has for Art of Fashion. “Attending the Sneaker Con was something I was really looking forward to just because it helped me decide how I can expand my blog and even what my followers would probably appreciate that I add on.”

Jared Perry, Art of Fashion Founder & CEO

Not only has Jared’s Art of Fashion blog provided a look at his own take on fashion, but it has become a platform for other up and coming fashion bloggers as well. “It’s nice to be able to show off my own personal style with my blog, but I also like the idea of being able to show love and appreciation to my fellow peers and friends.” Art of Fashion even currently offers free promotion for other fashion enthusiasts and bloggers. When asked if this free promotion would remain in the future, Jared answered, “I don’t want to say yes and I don’t want to say no. Right now, I’m playing it by ear because Art of Fashion is still growing. But I will say that I’ll help and show love to fellow upcoming bloggers as much as I can. A win for one of us, is a win for all.”

Although still new to the blogger game, Jared also opened up about the future of Art to Fashion and what current followers and current followers can expect. “The Art of Fashion blog is on the road to becoming one of the hottest fashion blogs on Instagram…and eventually on the Internet as a whole.” Followers can look forward to exclusive content such as outfit of the day, outfit of the week, release days for sneakers, and sneaker talk videos.

When asked for any advice he would offer for those thinking of creating a blog themselves, Jared says, “Go for it. The more you think about it, the more you’re probably going to try and convince yourself not to do it. If it’s something you’re passionate about, people will support it. Believe in your vision and yourself.”

You can keep up with Art of Fashion by following @artoffashionn_ on Instagram.

Creating with Kheumani: Meet the Transformation Queen

Written by Deja on November 12, 2021. Posted in Fashion, Lifestyle.

Self-taught seamstress and social media influencer Kheumani Stevenson has been taking over social media with her DIY fashion creation for several years and is not letting up. She has made a variety of clothing and accessories which has landed her over 294,000 supporters on Youtube, 138,000 on Instagram, and 101,000 on TikTok.

Kheumani’s sewing journey began as a college freshman looking to stretch her thin budget. She states, “as a full-time student, full-time athlete, and part-time employee, I didn’t really have extra money to buy clothes; so I decided to buy a sewing machine and try to make my own clothes.” Her most viral moment to date is her three-piece lounge set inspired by Kim Kardashians’ Skims brand. A set that would have cost an average of $250 only cost her $25 from a plush blanket purchased at Walmart. The experience was “overwhelming,” as many news outlets and blogs decided to cover her recreation.

From children’s clothing to camping tents, Kheumani has a creative eye allowing her to turn anything into another stylish creation in her wardrobe. When asked how she does it, Kheumani says, “I usually have things I want to recreate saved in my phone, then I’ll go to Walmart walking around thinking ‘what’s the weirdest thing I can use to make my creations?’” To date, her favorite creation is her pink bubble coat & matching hat set as her mini book

In addition to being a seamstress and influencer, Kheumani is also an entrepreneur with her imprint, Shop Kheumani– an online clothing store where consumers can purchase anything from clothing and accessories. Currently, she is rebranding to incorporate exclusive pieces into her brand. Kheumani wants the brand “to be more authentic to what she does and would like to design her clothing.” While there is no date on the relaunch, her supporters can expect unique merchandise.

(One of Kheumani Transformations. @Kheumani on Instagram)

In 2020, Kheumani collaborated with a fellow YouTube personality, Glamazontay, for her birthday and she recently did a segment on Access Hollywood where she was tasked to turn a sleeping bag a pool float, a lawn chair, and leggings into fashionable pieces. While she has only had a few collaborations, she has enjoyed her current partnerships and is open to more in the future. Brands such as Target and Nike are on her wishlist, but say she is open to anyone that wants to work with her.

Kheumani is a “one-woman band” as she creates, records, and edits her content by herself. She says that her planner keeps her organized but is looking to expand her team so her process is more efficient. Her advice to beginners at sewing is to “invest in good supplies,” Kheumani says “you don’t have to invest in a good sewing machine, you can get $50 machines,” some of which she still uses. She also says YouTube and sewing books are great resources to use as a beginner.

In the future, Kheumani is looking to relaunch her brand and hopes to gain campaign partnerships with big companies. She also says she wouldn’t mind being on a show like Project Runway. One thing for sure is that Kheumani and her creations are here to stay. To keep up with Kheumani and her creations follow her on Instagram and Twitter @Kheumani, Youtube- Kheumani Stevenson, and TikTik @Kheumani0.

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