Artfully Done: How to Buy Your First Piece of Fine Art

Art & Culture, B+ For Subscribers, Lifestyle

Black woman standing in front of a beautiful piece of modern art in a gallery | How to Buy Fine Art | Bon Vie magazine

The art world can appear intimidating - especially for new collectors. If you're ready to acquire your first conversation piece, read on.

You've done it, sis. You've climbed the ladder and are ready to celebrate and treat yourself. It's time. If you're a fan of art, this is the perfect moment to start your collection.

Today, fine art is more accessible to the new collector than ever. Galleries, agents, and artists are all vying for the attentions of the buying public.

Use this list of quick tips to guide you as you prepare to purchase your first piece. Whether you’re drawn to classic oil paintings, contemporary sculptures, or vibrant digital art, you can navigate the art world with confidence.

Discover What You Like

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by Bon Vie

A Legacy in Stride: Honoring the Rich, Black History of the Kentucky Derby

Art & Culture, B+ For Subscribers, Lifestyle

Racism drove Black people out of the Kentucky Derby. It's time to reclaim the sport. Bon Vie magazine

It's that time of year again. Derby is coming! The iconic 150th Run for the Roses is set to take place at Churchill Downs this year. Though crowds will descend on Louisville from all over, Black attendance at the event will likely be minimal.

We've figured out why.

Over the course of the last one-and-a-half centuries, equestrian sports - particularly horse racing, have been whitewashed to a point where they no longer resemble the competitions our ancestors witnessed.

Few Black people realize just how rich and storied our history in the Kentucky Derby actually is. Allow us to enlighten you.

The Derby been #BlackAF.

Read on to look back at the past, see how Black owners and trainers are reclaiming Derby in the present, and why you should enjoy "the greatest two minutes in sports" in the future.

A Black Past: When African-Americans Dominated Horse Racing

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by Bon Vie

Crafting Effortless Elegance: How to Create the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe for Traveling

B+ For Subscribers, Lifestyle, Travel

How to Build the Perfect Travel Capsule Wardrobe...and Skip Baggage Claim

EARLY ACCESS: This article appears in the Spring 2024 issue of Bon Vie.

Travel is not just about the destinations we explore; it's also an opportunity to inject daily life with an extra dose of sophistication. A great wardrobe seamlessly combines versatility, elegance, and practicality, and a well-curated collection shines all the more when traveling.

If you're anything like our team, you try to avoid checking a bag whenever possible. Paring your travel ensembles down to a set of well-selected essentials makes getting to your destination stress-free one step easier.

In this guide, we share expert tips on creating the perfect capsule wardrobe for jet-setting adventurers who refuse to compromise on style.

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by Bon Vie

The Magic of Magnesium: Why This Humble Supplement is Taking the Community by Storm

B+ For Subscribers, Well & Good

Wealthy African-American black woman in kitchen taking vitamin | Bon Vie magazine

If you're active on any social media, you've probably heard about the latest supplement craze. According to health gurus of all shapes and sizes, we’re all woefully deficient in magnesium. Truth is, they may be right.

In case you’re not up to speed on all its benefits, let’s do a quick rundown.

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by Bon Vie

A Journey Worth Taking: A Globetrotter’s Retrospective on 50,000 Miles of Non-Stop Travel

B+ For Subscribers, Travel

The Editor-in-Chief of Bon Vie magazine shares her reflections on more than 50,000 miles of non-stop travel.

A Journey Worth Taking:
A Globetrotter’s Retrospective on 50,000 Miles of Non-Stop Travel

I've gone trekking up mountains with strangers and broken bread with men who had never met an American. Every single experience has been worth it, and made me more myself.

Issue: Winter 2024 | Author: Ilena Banks | Photography: Ilena Banks

What a world.

After 7 months of full time exploration, a few lessons have stuck with me. I've gone trekking up mountains with strangers and broken bread with men who had never met an American. I've found solidarity with my fellow countrymen abroad, and been saddened by anti-black sentiment. Every single experience has been worth it, and made me more myself.

Now, I didn’t set off on my travels because of a bad breakup or my life falling apart - this isn’t Eat, Pray, Love. I’m the girl who’d always wanted to lose myself in a “foreign” land. My dream was hopping from place to place and making friends along the way.

If you dream of faraway lands and spiritual experiences a million miles from home, all those dreams are possible for you. In the meantime, read on to discover seven life lessons I’ve learned as a long-term traveler.

Savor every moment.

We all like to believe we “live in the moment” and are present for the things that matter. The truth is, life is what happens while we’re making other plans. We spend so much time preoccupied with what’s wrong - and what’s to come - that the magic of the present moment passes us by.

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by Lena Banks

Artfully Done: How to Buy Your First Piece of Fine Art

The art world can appear intimidating - especially for new collectors. If you're ready to acquire your first conversation piece, read on.

Discover What You Like

This is subscriber-only content. Join Bon Vie+ for immediate access.

Learn More

Already have an account? Log In

This is subscriber-only content. Join Bon Vie+ for immediate access.

A Legacy in Stride: Honoring the Rich, Black History of the Kentucky Derby