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Memorial Day Weekend is just around the bend. Soon you’ll be having fun in 80 degree weather (if you’re not already), trying hard to mask sweat stains and stay cool. In the meantime, before you find yourself trotting in the aisles of your nearest drug store, take note of the latest in this year’s spring into summer beauty trends!

Via Twitter

From BlackVoices

This is seriously getting ridiculous. Just yesterday we wrote about Pakistani designer Aamna Aqeel’s “Be My Slave” photo shoot, which showed a white model being waited on by a small black boy, and now we’ve just learned that the store Zara apparently thinks slavery is trendy too.

Huff Post blogger and culture critic/DJ/visual artist, Amanda Seales, brought our attention to a Zara necklace adorned with both gold faces and dark black faces with bright red lips that closely resemble slave and other historically racial-insensitive figures.

Read more at BlackVoices.com

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I’m so excited to launch the newest business column on Madame Noire: “Work It!” Every month we’ll dive into emerging trends, the future of work, and the innovative ways businesswomen are updating how they do business. The nature of work is changing at a rapid pace. Follow “Work It” to get a head start on what the future holds and shake up business as usual to take on this new era.

To establish the “Work It” circle of trust, I’m giving up one my most guarded, secret business weapons: JWTIntelligence. The think tank of one the world’s best-known marketing communications brands, JWTIntelligence’s gift for predicting trends would make Dionne’s psychic friends gag with envy. JWT has released 100 things to watch in 2013. We’re counting down the top ten trends you should be thinking about.

Any style connoisseur will tell you that it’s really not a great idea to invest and squander your salary on fashion trends, and for good reason. As quickly as they make their ways into your hearts and closets, they’re put out to pasture via the donation box. Yes, trends come and go. But sometimes there are a few trends that are really strong and have true lasting power—and worth a little splurge. Check out a few of our favorite trends that are worth investing in…For now!

Leather
We’ve been wearing leather for years, and this season it continues to be a strong trend in fashion. It’s always fun and interesting to add elements of texture to a look, especially during the fall and winter season. From bold jackets, to sleek pants and cute skirts—when it comes in leather it makes wearing them that much more fun.

ZARA Leather Effect Leggings $59.99

Polyvore.com

This fall’s major color is a deep, rich burgundy. Some call it wine in its shades with more undertones of bright red; some Chianti when it is a wee bit darker than wine; some refer to it as a classic Oxblood, a shade that looks almost purple; but no matter what it’s being called, it is definitely a color du jour for this fall. You can either dip your toes in the pool, or take the full-on plunge. Wondering how? Here are a few ways for you to get started.

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Source: Amazon

Universally flattering, peplum is the silhouette heard around the world. Plenty of dresses have them and are better for it. Skirts are automatically placed in the “adorable” category when blessed with the extra fabric. Now, it’s the tops turn to receive the peplum treatment.

We’ve done the light lifting for you – so to speak – and pulled together some of our favorite peplum tops that will transition seamlessly into fall. Confused on what to wear with these dainty blouses? No worries! Just remember to keep the rest of your outfit streamlined and be sure to take note of the outfit suggestions provided. Go on! Put some peplum in your step!

(Purchase top pictured above here)

As we begin to say goodbye to long, hot days filled with fun in the sun, so must we also part with many of our favorite summer trends. If you’re super creative, you may be able to get away with layering some of these items for fall, or you may want to substitute them for new favored trends. Either way, consider this roundup the last call for some of your most worn seasonal pieces to be able to stand on their own.

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Net-a-Porter.com

Trends are such a tricky thing: we get all attached to a particular style, only to have it be out of vogue the following season! Luckily, there are some trends that make the cut year after year. Dying to know if that spiked pump you bought last fall will still be hot this year? Check out some of these fierce footwear picks from the shoe trends that will be returning for fall, and see if your favorite makes the cut.

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It’s about to be summertime next week, and if you didn’t get the memo, it’s time to put the dark Fall-inspired bags back in the closet, and reach for something more season-appropriate. While in most cases that’s anything bright and bold, or something with a crossbody strap, a big trend is to buy straw bags and purses. They’re fun, funky, and if you pick up a colorful one, you won’t go wrong. After doing some online shopping, I found a few I thought I’d share with you. Enjoy!

Cappelli Straw World Toyo Tote Bag – $28

So you want to try a straw bag, but you want it to have a little kick? This giraffe printed straw tote is exactly what you need, and as you can see, it’s for a very reasonable price. The beaded details around the handle and the straw handles are also very charming, and the size is big enough for trips the the beach (pull out the sandals and towel), or just good for meeting friends for lunch.

Source: Neiman Marcus

Tory Burch Straw Small Tote – $195

Looking to splurge and get some color on your straw bag? Tory Burch has got something that will catch your eye! Peep this small straw tote that comes in a vibrant red or orange and is just screaming for your cutest pair of shorts, diva sunglasses and espadrille heels. The ornate inside straw detailing and contrasting black piping and color is fab as well.

Source: Megan Metallic Straw Mini Crossbody

Bebe’s ‘Megan’ Metallic Straw Mini Crossbody – $69

What about something a little smaller? Crossbody bags are all the rage during the summertime! They’re convenient, cute and chic (the three important Cs…). Try this metallic straw mini crossbody by Bebe with its chain-link strap and boxy body and hit the streets. Just perfect for festival hopping when you need your hands free for scarfing down jerk chicken and mango smoothies.

Source: Topshop

Topshop Straw Basket Bag – $60

Don’t have $200 to spend on a Marc Jacobs straw bag for a few months? How about dropping $60 instead on this identical and adorable straw and neon basket bag from the popular line, Topshop? The plastic handles will keep the bag from falling apart if you’re a little more rough on your purses than others, and the size and stature makes it a durable pick to hold everybody’s keys, flip flops, wallets and more as you kick it with homies or try and direct your big and easily distracted family. Perfect for the mom on the go trying to keep fashionable and fancy.

Source: Anthropologie

Anthropologie ‘Mayumi’ Clutch – $48

For the life of the party, a clutch is always your best bet, but don’t sleep on a straw choice. This Anthropologie ‘Mayumi’ clutch purse is fun and fierce. The added oomph comes from the eclectic colors all over the small bag. The hard flap closure is also a plus when you drop it a little too low and you don’t want to lose your house keys and your last $20 in the process.

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It’s so easy for things to go out of style and for others to be in denial about it. In the entertainment business, what’s hot one minute can go out of style with the quickness the next. And while most viewers or consumers might express that they’re tired of seeing something, as long as it makes somebody a few dollars, it’s sure to be around for a while–whether you like it or not. But it never hurts to b***h about it, right? That’s what I’m here for…

Source: thejasminebrand.com

People With Little to No Talent on My TV

And they’re making mad money! Call me jealous (I am…just a bit) about it all, but with all the talented people I see on the trains alone in NYC trying to get some attention and a few dollars, it makes me somewhat irritated that folks who can’t hold a note, act for s**t, or do something other than act a fool in Louboutins on reality TV are making all the money and taking all the jobs. Who needs to be talented when you can writhe around on the floor butt naked in an unimaginative music video while singing/yelling/yodeling and go platinum because of it? Right?