LOLA fashion

Back in April, entrepreneur Shirley Vernae Williams, 39, went viral on TikTok after revealing that she had spent $10,000 (approx £7,400) on a dating coach to enhance her love life. “The total amount I spent on a dating coach in the end was $12,000 (around £9000). I started with a program called ‘Get Your Guy’, which helped me get clear on my patterns, rewire how I date, and build a stronger relationship with myself,” she said to Unbothered. A few months later, Williams, based in New York, joined another program called ‘Get Your Ring’, which comprised a more intimate group container that was focused on partnership. Between those two programs, Williams had personalised coaching, voice note access, and real-time support — all of which she hoped would enhance her dating life. read more

We’re also finally seeing Black women lead shows in genres where we’ve long been underrepresented in the UK, like fantasy and superhero. Earlier last year, BBC Three introduced us to Domino Day, a witch-drama about a Black witch who must feed off other people’s energy to stay alive. Created by Lauren Sequeira and starring Siena Kelly, I loved how the show kept the authenticity of Britishness, brought the fun elements of American teen supernatural shows such as Vampire Diaries and Witches of East End, while still managing to be inherently Black (a Black witch, a Black coven of witches whose sisterhood I really admired, and a Black writer). Then came Netflix’s Supacell, a show that I had long been waiting for as someone who loves the superhero genre. read more

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
I grew up always feeling comfortable, but I knew we weren’t rich. I thought we were pretty well off until I moved to London and realised how the other half actually live! My parents split when I was in my early teens and money became a lot tighter. We stopped going on holidays, downsized into a rental and myself and my brother took on more responsibilities. My mum has always drilled into me the importance of having my own money and encouraged me to save something every month that I didn’t touch, whether it was £20 or £200. Looking back, I really didn’t appreciate how tough it must have been financially (and mentally) for her to start all over again in her 40s with two teenage children, especially as a woman from a traditional culture who lived in a dual-income household from the age of 21. She has always been my biggest money motivation. read more

Per the instructions, I applied a few pumps onto clean skin in the morning. (You can either apply it to slightly damp skin post-cleanser or after your toner or essence step.) It really melts in the skin, with a refreshing, thirst-quenching feel. I followed it up with my daytime moisturiser and sunscreen and immediately noticed a healthy gleam. (The brand even suggests using a liberal amount as a flash hydrating mask to prep your skin for makeup.) After a few weeks of use, I’m already seeing bouncier, softer skin. I tend to treat my skin with kid gloves (keeping actives to a minimum and not overdoing it with retinol), so my barrier was already in a good place before introducing this serum. However, if you’re looking to get your skin back on track, something like this — or my other go-to barrier serum, The Ordinary’s Soothing & Barrier Support Serum — would be an excellent addition to any routine. read more

The vibe: utilitarian and low-key. These totes, crafted from nylon and canvas, are the ultimate anything-and-everything schleppers. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist option, a playful print, or a custom style with cheeky embroidery or a timeless monogram, these are the sturdy go-tos for work, grocery hauls, the beach, travel — wherever! read more