Protective hairstyles are especially crucial during the winter months, according to hairstylists
Francine Kargbo, owner of The Hair Guru. Kargbo said winter weather can strip moisture
from one’s hair, causing dryness and even breakage.

“Protective hairstyles, like braids and twists, help lock in the moisture by reducing exposure to
the weather,” Kargbo said. One can choose from a range of protective hairstyles like braids, twists, locks, sew-ins, bantu knots, ponytails, and wigs.

Prettier Profiles owner and hair stylist Daijah Nabors said the two most important factors clients
should consider when choosing a protective style are their lifestyle and personal skill level when
styling their hair.

“K-tip [extensions], while they can be protective … there’s more maintenance you’re having to
do to your hair, “ Nabors said. “If you like to work out a lot and you sweat a lot from your head,
[K-tips] would not be conducive to your hair growth or protection.”
Kargbo said an important factor to consider when choosing a protective style is whether one’s
hair is heat-trained or not.

“One of my favorite protective hairstyles is sew-in leaveouts, which is your natural hair
is out at the top, and then the rest of your hair is covered … it’s braided down,” Kargbo said.
“You don’t want to do a leave out if … your natural hair is not heat-trained yet, because it
could cause heat damage.” For a client with basic hair skills, Nabors would recommend protective styles like braids, or, those more sensitive to head touch, and locks.

“I would recommend locks because your hair is completely put away. You get retwists every
month to two months, and you do not have to get your hair done often. You’re
simply just shampooing it and conditioning it, ” Nabors said.

Kargbo said her current favorite braid styles are bohemian braids and Fulani braids. She said
with boho braids and general protective styling, it is important to invest in one’s hair.
“The most important thing … investing in the quality of hair that you’re buying,” Kargbo said.
“For wigs, they’re way more pricey, because you have to make sure that you’re buying
quality wigs.”

Nabors said her favorite protective hairstyle is wigs because they provide complete coverage of
one’s hair and some allow for easier removal to moisturize one’s scalp and do other treatments.
Nabors said she recommends finding wigs from a hairstylist who creates custom ones for the
client.

Kargbo said when it comes to wig maintenance, she recommends the Wig Dealer melting spray
as a product when one’s lace begins to lift on their wig. Kargbo said common mistakes people make when implementing a protective hairstyle are over washing, excessive heat, and skipping moisturizing.

“It’s very easy to forget to moisturize your hair when you have a protective hairstyle in,” Kargbo
said. “Even though you have a protective hairstyle and you still have to care for your natural
hair, like oiling your scalp every night when you have your braids in.” Nabors said she recommends moisture for protective styles as well, specifically with a leave-in conditioner, and through shampooing and conditioning one’s natural hair.

“Whether that be a wig, braids, K-tips, a sew-in, you’re always going to want to make sure you’re
moisturizing your leave out if it’s a sew-in, your extensions, or the braid under your extensions
with a leave-in conditioner,” Nabor said. Nabors said water is the ultimate form of moisture.
“Water is the ultimate form of moisture, not just on your hair, but within your body,” Nabors said.
“So consuming enough water, taking your vitamins …what you put in your body comes out of
your body.

Many more trends are popping up this season, and it’s the perfect time to try out new styles to your heart’s content. This article gives you an idea of where to start when changing your wardrobe.  

The dainty triangle top fits so comfortably and compliments women with a variety of chest sizes while the bottoms offer slightly more coverage than other styles, while still having that naked feel.


Kulani Kinis

Australia-based swim and apparel company, Kulani Kinis was created after a failed attempt at ordering luxury swimwear online for a trip to Hawaii. The founders understand that quality should not come at such a high price and now create fun and vibrant swimwear that won’t break the bank. Offering bold prints that scream summer, Kulani Kinis is the place to shop for any upcoming trip or beach party. They also sell men’s suits, cover ups, sarongs, and a variety of accessories so customers can create a full look. Their sizes range from xs-3xl, making them the most inclusive of the bunch.

Top picks: Bralette Bikini Top and Y Cheeky Bikini Bottom (ribbed material)

The shape of these two pieces together is perfect for tanning and the ribbed material adds extra thickness so you still feel protected and secure.


Blackbough Swim

Another sustainably sourced swim and apparel company, Blackbough Swim offers suits in a variety of patterns, styles, and colors. Their latest drop is inspired by spring florals but there is so much more to explore on their site. Ranging in sizes from xs-2xl and offering coverages from ‘tease’ to ‘modest’ and even adjustable ones, Blackbough Swim covers all the bases and will surely have a suit that’s right for you.

Top picks: Fiona Underwire Top and Maui Classic Tease Bottoms

This top offers great support for my girls with bigger girls while still being super flattering on smaller chest girls like myself. It is so comfortable and the wire doesn’t dig in. The Maui bottoms are perfect for adding some cheekiness to your beach look while ensuring your front is fully covered and secure. Both styles come in a wide range of colors and fun prints too!

Check out these eight trends that are making a comeback in 2022: 

1. Statement sleeves

Puffy sleeves are becoming popular again, but they’re not what they used to be. While we can still look to Princess Diana for inspiration in this department, today’s puffy sleeves are a little more toned down. Instead of looking like giant marshmallows on brides’ shoulders, they’re often sheer and designed to hang off-the-shoulder. Still, treat them as statement pieces on your big day. 

2. Bows

The ’80s’ giant bows were admittedly a lot, but like the puffy sleeve, designed well, they can act as statement pieces. Big bows are once again being placed on the back of gowns, and smaller versions are being placed on sleeves, especially on off-the-shoulder gowns. They’re a tiny homage to the ’80s, without making people think, “the 80s called, and it wants its dress back.” 

3. Feathers

While feathers weren’t widespread on ’80s wedding dresses, they were in everyday style. Four decades later, they’re finding their way onto wedding gowns. Think small, elegant feather appliques scattered down the skirt and train. 

4. Layers

Feathers, bows, and puffy sleeves are undeniably  ’80s, but there are more subtle style details that are hot this spring, too, including layers. The ’80s wedding dresses were all about layered skirts and sleeves. Expect something similar in 2022: layered texture skirts, layered ruffle skirts, and layered ruffle sleeves.

5. Long Sleeves

Full-length lace sleeves were also popular in the ’80s, and while it’s a trend that has stuck around on and off since, 2022 is refining and simplifying the look. Expect to see sheer, fluted, off-the-shoulder, lace, and flowy sleeves this bridal season.

6. Lace

There were very few wedding dresses in the ’80s that didn’t have beaded lace appliques all over them. Lace has been back on the bridal radar for several years now. This year, expect full lace gowns, lace sleeves, lace necklines, and dramatic lace backs on dresses.  

7. High Necklines

High necklines were another staple on wedding dresses in the ’80s. They went off the radar for a while, but they’re coming back this year. In the  ’80s, dresses’ high necklines were often covered in beaded lace, but today, they’re simple and sophisticated, with halters and illusion necklines. 

8. Princess Style

Princess Diana made the princess-style wedding dress all the rage in the ’80s. Because of shows like “Bridgerton,” the princess-style gown is trending again. A timeless princess-style gown, with Victorian flair through soft and romantic elements like lace and layers, is hot this year. 

“John Boyega is a brave leader of a generation that’s speaking up for change, believing there’s a better way to treat each other and the planet. H&M is proud to team up with John for Edition by John Boyega, a contemporary, more sustainable collection for men,” says Ross Lydon, Head of Menswear Design at H&M.

Golden Globe winner John Boyega has earned recognition not only for his acting, but also for standing up for the changes he wants to see in the world. In June 2020, he seized the megaphone and gave a heartfelt speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in London. For Boyega, voicing your truth is one of the most powerful tools for driving empathy and change. Now he joins forces with H&M on the release of Edition by John Boyega, an uncompromising menswear collection that pushes for sustainability and celebrates the changemakers that try to do good for the world.

“I’m excited to collaborate with H&M on a collection that aligns my passions with purpose. Sustainability to me, means thinking about longevity for the benefit of those coming after us. This collaboration has already birthed opportunities for fresh dynamic creatives. Two birds with one stone,” says John Boyega. 

Edition by John Boyega fuses effortless workwear pieces with floral prints and tie-dye patterns. The collection is made using sustainable materials, which is in line with H&M’s commitment to move fashion into a more sustainable future. In the new menswear line, cotton is organic or recycled from textile-production waste or post-consumer waste, nylons and polyesters are recycled, and viscose fibers are from sustainable sources.

With each piece, Edition by John Boyega proves the season’s key pieces can be made in a more sustainable way. A chore jacket (Europe online exclusive) boasts a patchwork denim design constructed from collected denim garments remade into a contemporary style. A striking checked coat, partly made from premium Italian recycled wool, is sure to make an unforgettable impression. A timeless organic cotton striped shirt has a roomy cut, while a zip-off puffer jacket (online exclusive worldwide), crafted from the innovative material Vegea™, can be quickly transformed from jacket to vest. 

Ideal for the new season, shirts and trousers have a relaxed feel, as do a knitted green cardigan and a yellow rollneck, all with a roomy silhouette. A pink tie-dye sweatshirt and T-shirts are emblazoned with the hopeful reminder “A better present leads to a better future”, alongside a graphic of planet Earth in action. The collection is completed by a tote bag with these graphics, as well as a floral cap and pink tie-dye canvas trainers. 

John Boyega is a British-Nigerian actor and producer, known for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy films and, most recently, for his Golden Globe winning performance in the film series Small Axe. Off screen, Boyega is admired worldwide for serving fashion-forward styles, and for being a passionate advocate for racial justice.

For campaign images, click here.
For campaign video, click here.
For still life images, click here.
For creative still life images, click here.

For further information and interview requests, please contact:
Mediarelations.us@hm.com

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on Nasdaq Stockholm. H&M’s business idea is to offer fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way. In addition to H&M, the group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, & Other Stories, H&M HOME and ARKET as well as Afound. The H&M group has 53 online markets and approximately 4,950 stores in 74 markets including franchise markets. In 2020, net sales were SEK 187 billion. The number of employees amounts to approximately 153,000. For further information, visit hmgroup.com.

SOURCE H&M

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“Make the clothes fit you” is a very good mantra to say when shopping for something to wear. Clothing that fits well will look the best on you.   Most of us have purchased an item that didn’t quite fit and needed a bit of tailoring. We’ve had things hemmed, taken in, let out and some have even had things custom made. Custom made clothing is often preferred with certain items of clothing. It allows you to control the style and fit. If you have a hard time finding clothes that flatter you, or just want something that is high quality and one of a kind then consider having it tailor made. 

Custom or tailored made is not to be confused with Haute Couture. Haute Couture is a term that literally means “high sewing”. It is a “protected name” that it only used by design houses that meet certain very well defined standards. Haute Couture is virtually made by hand for an exclusive clientele. 

As mentioned, there are a number of individuals that have a difficult time finding clothes that fit them properly. Pants are always too short, too long or too big in the waist and tight on the hips. The clothing looks great on the mannequin but not so great on you. It can be discouraging but it’s not you, it’s the clothes. Having something custom made can ease the anxiety and make your shopping experience more comfortable.

 Having and item custom made may sound a bit intimidating, but it’s actually a very personable and comfortable experience.  If you want a custom made suit, think about the type of suit you want and the material. If it’s warm you may want seer sucker or a cotton and linen blend.  If it’s cold you will want wool. A reputable tailor will take your measurements and know what style compliments your body type.

You can also look in magazines for trends that are in style and tell your tailor what you like. This allows you to pay for the quality of a well made suit without paying for the brand name. Prices of custom made suits vary and can range from $500.00 to $6000.00.

Custom made jeans are also popular. Everyone loves wearing a great fitting pair of designer jeans but for some a good fit is hard to find.  This is especially true for women. You have to account for your hips, waist, backside and so on.  It can be a nightmare.  Luckily there are websites like makeyourownjeans.com and mejeams.com that offer numerous selections to flatter any shape for both women and men. 

On Mejeans.com you can choose from an array of styles like, boot cut, cargo fit, carpenter jean, classic and flare. You also select your fabric, rinse, number of pockets and trim. For around $120.00 you’ve designed your own fabulous looking pair of jeans that actually fit your body. The true beauty of custom made is that you are in control!

Speaking of personal style or one’s sense of fashion. What is yours? Does your style reflect that of a costume from the past or an up-to-date trendy attire?  If you need help with developing your style or just polishing it up a tad, Raleigh is full of fashion designers and personal stylist to help you look your best.

For brides to be, Raleigh has a growing list of top bridal designers here at your fingertips. You can say yes to dress with designers here from Raleigh or get a dress that looks like it just came off the runway. Designers who have national acclaim are right here in Raleigh. Designers like Marie Cordella, who has headlined Charleston Fashion Week and featured on Lifetime television.

Local designer, Ricky Moore, the creator of Nyla Elise has everyone from locals to Hollywood a-listers wearing his creations. His Film is my Ammo, can be seen by such celebrities as George Lopez, and Leon. You may even see Kevin Hart wearing a Nyla Elise jacket.

Another company pioneering themselves in the Raleigh fashion arena is Raleigh Denim Workshop. Situated in downtown Raleigh, the workshop is run by husband and wife team Victor Lytvinenko and Sarah Yarborough. Through careful, crafted learning of the history and techniques of traditional jeans making, the workshop’s jeans, collection and accessories are all produced in the US only with a fine focus on design, process and material. People can visit their workshop and experience the jeans making process in action as well as shop their jeans, accessories and jewelry in the curatory, which is located in front of their workshop. Raleigh isn’t their only location; they also have a New York City flagship store.

Vestique, a women’s clothing boutique on Oberlin Road in Raleigh, has had major success and went on to open other locations including several throughout North and South Carolina. With trendy, modern and chic clothing and accessories, the store also holds events such as “Wine Down Wednesday” which is held the first Wednesday of every month. The store provides complimentary wine, while customers shop and receive 10% off their purchase.  They also do “Medical Monday”, which is the second Monday of each month, which allows nurses, doctors and anyone working in the medical field can show their badge to receive 10% off their entire purchase.

Style, innovation and community involvement helps make these companies and so many others in the area thrive in the beauty and fashion world.

For more information, please visit: www.nylaelise.com, www.raleighworkshop.com and www.vestique.com.