OUR BLOG
Honoring Martin Luther King
This holiday, let's pay tribute to Martin Luther King by honoring his service to our country and by giving back what we can to our community.
HBCU Sororities Founding Days
Of the four sororities established in HBCUs, three of these organizations were founded from January 13 to January 16. To commemorate this monumental time, we'd like to learn more about these groups and show our HBCU pride with BD sorority bags.
New Year New Bag
It's a phrase that you've probably heard more than once this week: New Year, New Me! As we welcome 2019, it's time to start fresh and give the new year our best shot to make it great. When you hit the books this January, kick off the new year with some new gear from 1954. There's no better way to start of the year focused on your #SquadGoals!
Travel Proud in 2019
5 Trips Every Black Woman Should Take Next Year
While black girl magic allows us to watch after our children, care for our loved ones and hold down our careers like a #LadyBoss, maintaining a hectic schedule can leave you feeling stressed and overworked. In 2019, we encourage you to take charge of your adventure in the New Year ahead. Check out five trips trip ideas for 2019 that will have you blazing ahead like the strong woman you are.
1. Brazil
With it's beautiful beaches, clear waters and streets full of locals and visitors alike with a variety of melanin tones, you can feel right at home when traveling to Brazil. Often referred to as the "body of America and the soul of Africa", this country has one of the largest African populations outside of Africa. It's diverse population has created a rich native cuisine, musical style and culture. Brazilians take their #BlackGirlMagic seriously, creating a movement for women to embrace their natural hair. They even hold a natural hair empowerment parade every year, known as the "Marcha do Empoderamento Crespo"!
2. South Africa
Our next pick is South Africa. Filled with sun, sand, scenic safaris and outstanding restaurants, this destination is bound to impress. South Africa is particularly relevant for both black women and men, bearing in mind that the country implemented institutionalized racial segregation, or apartheid, until 1994. While the country is no longer suffering under this system, meeting and interacting with those who have lived under this oppression will be an eye-opening experience for travelers. Be sure to check out Johannesburg’s official Apartheid Museum, where you learn about people such as Nelson & Winnie Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Walter Sisulu.
3. France
A perfect self care getaway, there's a reason why it's common to hear travelers say that "Paris is always a good idea". France is the ideal destination for a sister to indulge herself with world-class wines and cuisines. Take this indulgent getaway as an excuse to forget your worries and responsibilities back home, whether it be sipping on a coffee at a cafe in Paris or doing some shopping.
4. Thailand
Between Thailand's breath-taking seascapes and awe-inspiring architecture, this destination is bound to inspire any traveler. However, be forewarned: beauty and skin care products suited for a sister will be a rare find while traveling in Thailand. We recommend checking out The Black Travel Box, a lifesaving product created by founder Orion Brown. This black-owned business aims to create products for black women that like to glow while on the go. The Black Travel Box includes TSA friendly beauty and hygiene products that are made from natural ingredients to help protect your melanin glow in a foreign land.
5. Barbados
The birthplace of the #BlackGirlMagic that is Rhianna, Barbados is the perfect tropical getaway for any woman that needs a break from chasing their #SquadGoals. Crystal clear water, fresh seafood dishes and small roadside markets create a sense of community that simply can't be compared to other islands in the Caribbean. Not to mention, Barbados is also the birthplace of rum, with more varieties and flavors than your heart could desire!
Get Inspired, Sister!
Taking off on a solo getaway to a foreign land can be equal parts exciting and intimidating. We recommend checking out Sisters Traveling Solo, an online community that fosters the encouragement and empowerment of black women to step out of their comfort zone and start exploring. Sisters Traveling Solo also works to aid those facing financial hardships with a desire to travel with a monthly passport giveaway program for those in need.
Another go-to source of travel inspiration is award-winning travel blogger Oneika the Traveller. Oneika utilizes her platform to inspire, encourage and empower people and women of color to travel around the world. She has traveled over over 100 countries on six different continents, working to demystify travel for marginalized groups. Oneika is also a host for a host for Travel Channel web series including "Big City, Little Budget" and "One Bag and You're Out".
Take a page from pro-traveler Oneika, pack one bag and get out there! Finding the perfect travel bag can be tough, but BD has got you covered. Our travel bags are ready for the road, made of high-grade waterproof fabric that is durable and water-resistant. Travel bags are also equipped with a sturdy portable belt, durable luggage tags and a comfortable shoulder strap that makes toting your luggage through even the most crowded airport a breeze.
Shop Travel Bags Now!
Home for the Holidays
Between the crowds and the stress of the season, we've compiled some of our best holiday travel tips to stay jolly while traveling this season.
Give the Gift of Confidence This Season
This holiday season, you have the power to give your child what they really want: confidence and empowerment. When searching out gifts for you little ones this holiday, it's important to remain mindful of how different products can represent and empower your tots.
The Importance of Buying Black this Holiday Season
It's hard to imagine something more satisfying than watching a loved one's face light up as they open a gift they truly love, but there actually is. What's better that? Finding the perfect gift for the ones you love, while also supporting your community. Here is exactly why you should #BuyBlack this season.
Grab Your Holiday Gear ASAP!
It may be hard to believe, but the holiday season is upon us! With less than a month to go until the major gift-giving season, it's time to get serious about your holiday shopping. Show how you can #BeDifferent and achieve your #SquadGoals with products from Blended Designs. Check out some of our favorite picks with your 1954 gift ideas, and don't forget how important it is to #BuyBlack this holiday season!
Blended Designs in Essence Gift Guide
Official Gift Guide 2018 Top Pick
Blended Designs was featured in this month's Essence Magazine for top gift buying picks with a Lil Bougie Travel Bag and 1954 Backpacks! Get yours now in time for Christmas!
The History of Black Friday + Specials
All You Need to Know About Black Friday!
As we all know, Thanksgiving is a time for exactly that: giving thanks for our loved ones and for the lives that we live. It's a time to gather with those close to us, to spend time together over a well-cooked meal and to reflect on what we have to cherish from the last year. It's a time to kick back, enjoy some time off of work and get geared up for the remainder of the holiday season. After the turkey and stuffing has been put away this holiday, it's time to start tackling your holiday shopping! Following Thanksgiving Day each year is Black Friday, a retail sale bonanza and the perfect way to check off everyone on your "nice" list this season.
History of Black Friday
So when did this national retail extravaganza begin? There is some debate surrounding the official origins of the holiday. The term "Black Friday" was first used to describe a financial crisis in the United States, all the way back in 1869. This term was used to describe the crash of the U.S. gold market, spurred by Wall Street financiers Jay Gould and Jim Fisk. The duo worked to buy up as much American gold as they could in hopes to drive up prices and increase profits from the good. In reality, the market crashed on September 24, 1869, as prices fell over 20 percent and commodity prices plummeted 50 percent.
Another source for the naming of the holiday comes from the heart of downtown Philadelphia. Back in the 1960's, Philly police began referring to the day following Thanksgiving as "Black Friday" to describe the chaos of the holiday. Motorists and pedestrians would fill the streets of the city, to sightsee, for shopping and in preparation of the city's annual Army-Navy football game. Policemen and women would be forced to work extra long hours this day each year to control crowds and shoplifters, coining the iconic term.
Modern Day Black Friday
After observing the outpouring of shoppers following Thanksgiving Day, retailers realized that they could capitalize on this by offering discounts to draw customers. Traditionally, businesses found that after operating at a loss or "in the red" for the year, that their business would earn a profit following Thanksgiving, or went "in the black". This is another cited source for the coining of the term "Black Friday". By 1985, the retail holiday of Black Friday became nationally recognized.
In modern day, Black Friday has transformed into a multiple day event, including Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday is day created by American Express in 2010, dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. This is the perfect opportunity to support locally owned businesses, as well as minority owned businesses. Cyber Monday was created in 2005, by the National Retail Federation as a way to give online retailers a piece of the Black Friday shopping frenzy.
Time to Get Shopping!
The National Retail Federation created a poll that found that some 135.8 million Americans plan to take advantage of Black Friday deals this season, and with good reason! This event, alongside Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, is the perfect time to get the bulk of your holiday shopping taken care of this season!
Here at Blended Designs, we will be offering some incredible discounts, including 10% off the entire online store! These deals begin 11/23 at midnight and conclude 11/24 at 11:59 p.m.
Take 10% off 1954 Backpacks, Lunch Boxes & Pencil Cases While Supplies Last!
Take 10% off of Travel Bags!
Take 10% off of HBCU Swag While Supplies Last!
Take 10% off Apparel & More!
Blended Families in America
There is now a wider range of skin tones in our American society than ever before experience in history. This is a result of a rise in the forming of multiracial families in America.
It's Travel Season at Blended Designs
Find Your Perfect Travel Bag for the Holiday Season!
With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us will be planning to travel both near and far to spend time with family and loved ones this fall. No matter where your holiday travels take you, BD has you covered. With a wide array of different colors and styles to fit your personal preferences, you can #BeDifferent everywhere you go, expressing yourself while remembering that #RepresenationMatters. Check out some of our favorites for holiday travel bags below!
A Lil Bougie
Show a little sass this fall with our "A Lil Bougie" line. With bags to match a wide array of melanin skin tones and colors, you can showcase your love for your color easily this season. Having convenient travel bags like these that can showcase the importance of representation is just one reason to be thankful this fall!
Soul Sister
Another favorite collection this fall is our "Soul Sisters" collection. These Soul Sisters travel bags are made of high-grade waterproof fabric and are durable and water-resistant. With a sturdy portable belt, durable luggage tag and comfortable shoulder strap, these travel bags can endure any weather your travels may bring you through!
HBCU Travel Bags
Represent your home state this holiday season with our HBCU Inspired Collection! You can find your own HBCU searching by state in the link listed above. There's nothing like showing how #RepresentationMatters while also showing love to your alma mater while away from home.
Not only are our travel bags a great way to #BeDifferent this holiday season, our backpack selection provides some extra added space for storage while on the go.