DIY: French Manicure With A Twist

When these colors are together they are appealing to my eyes.  I like this color combination in clothing and I use it for makeup looks.  As you can see, this was really easy to do and I used inexpensive nail polish to achieve the look.

What I Used:
Silver - Sally Hansen Hard As Nails - Gunmetal (purchased at Walgreens)
Blue - Ruby Kisses - Caribbean (purchased at a beauty supply store)
Black - Kiss -Brush On Nail Art (purchased at a beauty supply store)

Thrifstore Fashion OOTD: Thrift Store Outfit Of The Day

Couldn't find my other shoe!

I love these shoes to pieces!

With the exception of one of my bracelets and my undergarments, this entire outfit is thrifted. Although the sheer shirt appears to be zebra print, it's not.  I paired it with a Zebra print bag, and those zebra print shoes. You can also give this outfit a whole different look by adding a bright colored bag for a pop of color.  I should have done that!

Sheer Zebra Print Blouse - Newport News - $3.00

Black Pencil Skirt - Laundry - $2.50

Zebra Print Bag - Guess - $3.00

Zebra Print Shoes - Colin Stuart - $3.50

Paying $12.00 to look thrifty fab - priceless!

Fashion Fun: Fall Fashion Accessories On My Radar

Winter/ Fall fashion is my absolute favorite!  I love layered clothing, and all of the fun fall accessories.  Here are a few of my fall favorites that made it onto my fashion radar.

Garter Socks

      

Knee socks

Love her whole outfit!

           Fingerless gloves

                              

                                               Elbow length gloves

Boy Hats

What's on your fall fashion radar?

Protective Hairstyle: Kinky Twists Are Just What The Doctor Ordered

I went from this...

To This

Low Side Bun

Up-Do

One of my favorite protective styles is the Senegalese Twist (also know as kinky twists).  I love this style because it is versatile and is very low maintenance.  Because I don't relax my hair, for me, winter months can sometimes be a battle.  With all of the rain and moisture in the air, I tend to mess with my hair more than I should, so this style is a big help.  I use to go to the shop and spend over $200 to get this done.  For several years now, I have been doing it myself to save a bit of money.  It is well worth it!  If you want to try this style yourself, I have an older tutorial here.

*Tips:

If you wear your hair in braided or twisted styles like this one, it's important that you still take care of your hair by doing the following: 

• Regular washing, conditioning and moisturizing is important. 
• Be careful not to braid or twist so tight that the scalp buckles or the hair is pulling.
• Be mindful of braiding the hairline to tightly to prevent a thinning or receding hairline.
• Keeping the hair braided for longer than 10 weeks isn't suggested.

Thrifstore Fashion: Outfit Of The Day

On my way out

Sorry for the blurry photos :(

I recently posted this jacket in one of my Thrifstore Fashion posts.  You can always get a better idea of what things look like when they are on, so since I wore some of my finds, I thought I'd share.

Volcom Jacket: $12.00 

High Waisted Velvet Suspender Skirt: $2.00

Boots: $4.00

Looking hot in an outfit that only cost $18.00: $Priceless!

$5 Five Dollar DIY French Manicure Twist

 The french manicure is one of my favorites and I'm always trying to find and think of ways to update it.  This is a yellow on yellow french manicure.  Okay, so yellow may not be your color, but I love yellow!  You can do this with any color that you like.  It looks really cool with just about any color and it's so easy.

I first applied a base coat and then 2 coats of "Lets Meet" and I painted the tips free hand with "Morning Breath". I think I really like the outcome.  what do you think?

What I used:

Sinful Colors(Let's Meet);Sinful Colors(Morning Breath)

purchased at Walgreen's Drugstore

Happy Thanksgiving; What are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving is a day that we set aside to show our gratitude for things that we are thankful for.  We meet up with family and friends and we share big meals and lots of laughs.  I enjoy this time of year and wish that we could have days like this more often.  We don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to express our gratitude for all of the things that we are thankful for and we should try to gather our family and friends as often as we can, because none of us is promised tomorrow.

With that being said, have you ever had the worse day ever and couldn't find a way out of your funk?  When I get this way I create what I call a "thankful chain".  A thankful chain is simply naming one thing that you are thankful for and linking it to other things that you are thankful for. Before you know it, your bad day turns into a better day.  For instance: I'm thankful that I opened my eyes this morning, that I have vision to do so, that I am in my right mind to appreciate this, that I can get up, with use of my legs, to make breakfast, I have food to do so, to hug my kids, whom are healthy, I'm going to work, because I have a job...I mean you can go on forever and ever and you still wouldn't run out of things to be thankful for.  We have to un-learn taking things for granted and understand just how delicate life is and appreciate all of the small things in life that are what make life worth it!

So, this Thanksgiving day, instead of only thinking of the things that we are immediately thankful for, lets think of how we can continue to have this feeling of gratitude throughout the year!  Happy Thanksgiving and love and blessings to all!

With Love, 

Vee

Product Review: Jane Carter Solutions Hair Care Products

Jane Carter Solution

I never even heard of Jane Carter Solution products until I attended Felicia Leatherwood's online Natural Haircare Workshop. Felicia couldn't say enough good things about this product line so I thought I'd give it a try.  Because my hair is really dry, I am always trying to find the next best conditioning product that will leave my hair moisturized without feeling oily. I've found it!!! I purchased the Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner and the Nourish & Shine, both at Target.  I have been using the leave-in daily, mainly on my ends and I have been using the Nourish and Shine to seal my ends and also with blow drying.  My hair has never felt so silky soft!  The natural healthy shine it gives my hair is an added bonus!  I will definitely be giving some of the other products on this line a try, because I am thoroughly impressed with the 2 that I've been using. 

Pros

• All natural ingredients
• No parabens
• Light and clean fragrance 
• Affordable
• Can be found at Target
• Products can be purchased in a "regimen" bundle

Cons

• I didn't find out about this sooner

If you've tried any of the Jane Carter products, please let me know what products you've tried and what you think about this line.

Skincare: My Top 5 Drugstore Facial Moisturizers

(love this photo)

I thought this was a great topic because a friend of mine is battling with dry facial skin.  She was concerned about using oil-free moisturizing products.  She said that she believed that they were not working well for her because they were oil-free and that her skin needs oil in order to feel and be moisturized.  I explained to her that products that are marked as oil-free are still great moisturizers for both oily and dry skin.  You just have to find a product that works for your skin type.  Additionally I let her know that if she prefers oils, there are lots of natural oils that can be applied to the face as a moisturizer.  Here are a few of my favorite moisturizers that keep my sensitive skin in check!  Feel free to add your favorites to the list.  I'm always willing to try something new!

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

Unrefined Shea Butter* (also use a shea and castor oil mixture)                                                                  

Oil Of Olay Daily Moisturizer

Phisoderm Daily Moisturizer

Cetaphyl Daily Moisturizer

I don't pay attention to whether or not the product says it's for day or night, because it's pretty much one in the same.  Sun protection is important to me so I look for products containing SPF30, however,  I will settle for a slightly lower SPF if I really love the product's moisturizing properties.  I apply moisturizer twice a day.  In the morning and at night and always on a clean face!

*shea butter is not really a drugstore item, but it works really well as moisturizer for my skin.  I used a small thin layer of it for my entire face.

Thriftstore Fashion: Latest Thrifstore Fashion Finds Trip 11-18-10

Volcom - Plaid Trench - $12.00
retails for $90

MIA - Chunky Heel Peekaboo Toe - $3.50
retails for $69.99

Aldo - Faux Fur Purse - $4.50
retail for similar purses $39.99 to $49.99

Check out what my latest thriftstore trip yielded!  Sooner or later, all non-thrifters will be converted!  I will continue to share some of my finds, so that you can see that you can purchase some nice fashion forward items and still keep your pocket book in check!

Makeup Look: Holiday Makeup Look-Glitz, Glam and Glitter

 Holiday Glitter                                                                                  

                 

When it gets close to the holidays, I love sparkling things up with glitter!  Although I kept the lips neutral, you can add a brighter color if you want to take the look from vroom to va va voom!

What I used:
88 color palette - slate gray, Lanimei - silver glitter, Maybeline creme liner - black, MAC blush - Ambering Rose, MAC lipstick - Ravishing

I applied the slate gray over my lower lid up to my crease.  I then applied silver glitter directly in my crease.     Using a small smudging brush, I lined my lower lash line with the slate gray.  I lined my upper lash line and water line with black creme liner.  Add blush and lipstick and you are done!  Instant holiday cheer!

*Tip:  If you're new to makeup and some of these terms are unfamiliar to you, here's a diagram that may help a bit.

Pink = inner corner
Blue = upper lash line
Orange = crease
Green = water line
Red = lower lashline
White = outer V
Lavender = Brow Highlight

Things You Should Know Before Dying Your Hair

I have been thinking of dying my hair lately just to change up my look a little.  I've had some really bad hair dye experiences in the past and also some very good ones.  Here are a few things your may want to consider if you are thinking about dying your tresses.

Is your hair healthy?

Before considering any type of chemical processing to your hair, make sure that you hair is in decent enough condition to receive chemical treatment. If you are unable to assess the health of your own hair, check with your own stylist or the salons in your area, because some will do a hair evaluation for free or for minimal cost.

Is dying my own hair advisable?

Depending on what you're trying to achieve, there are dying processes that are relatively safe to try at home. There are different types of hair coloring processes, which I will explain below.  The general rule is, if you are only going for a lift (lightening) no more than 2 shades, you should be okay. Additionally, if you are depositing (darkening) color to your hair, this process isn't as harsh as lifting and can be done at home too.  If you choose to try dying your hair at home, follow the instructions on the box. You may want to conduct a patch test to make sure that you have no allergies to the dye.

If you are lifting more than 2 shades, I suggest that you have it done professionally.  This doesn't guarantee that you will get the results that you want, but at least you have a better chance with a pro colorist. 

How do I choose the right shade for me?

I suggest that you try on a few wigs. If you don't have a wig shop in your area, some beauty supply stores carry them and will allow you try them on.  Don't just try on the color that you're thinking of dying your hair, but try on a few other colors.  You might be surprised by which color you end up selecting!

Types of hair coloring processes

• Color rinse - most gentle, for depositing color only, contains no ammonia or peroxide, adds shine and deepens colors, washes out within a few weeks. (generally DIY safe)
• Temporary  - no ammonia or peroxide, for depositing color only, washes out after with one shampoo (generally DIY safe)
• Semi-Permanent - last a bit longer than a rinse, deposits color, doesn't lighten dark colored hair well (generally DIY safe)
• Permanent - color is permanent (has to grow out or dyed another color), uses ammonia and peroxide to lift color (consult with a professional)

• Bleaching - achieves high lifts from very dark to very light, I suggest avoiding this process all together because it is extremely damaging to the hair, but if you must (consult with a professional)

As you can see, there are some processes that you can try at home, however, keep in mind that you if you have dark hair and want to go a lot lighter, many of the more gentle processes will not give you the lift that you are looking for because they are not designed to this.  Hair color can be a fun way to change up your look, but it's important that you do your research and do what's best for your hair type. If you are preggers,  check with your doctor to get information about some of the risks associating with dying your hair while pregnant. 

Happy hair dying ladies!

All About Lips: Fun Lipstick Colors To Give Your Lips Some Owwwwwwww!

Vibrant

Warm 

Sultry

If you're looking for a new lipstick color, here are a few more of my favorites that I've been playing with more often .  I didn't use any lip liner or gloss.  Don't let the first color scare you!  It's looks pretty bright, but is a really nice color.  The middle color is a bit bright so I applied just a little. The last color speaks for itself, oh la la!

From top to bottom: L.A. Colors - Matte Amethyst

                                MAC - Moorange

                                MAC - Lickable

*Tip:  For longer lasting lipstick, I sometimes apply a similar color lipstain or matte color before I apply my lipstick.  You can also use lip liner.  Just lightly shade your lips with a similar colors lip liner and apply your lipstick over it. After applying your lipstick , dabbing it a bit with a paper towel and then reapplying also works very well.

Fashion Fun: Handmade Bows By Intwinedbow.com

I won this handmade headband through artnhustle.com.  The bow was made by intwinedbows.com.

Usually when I wear a headband, it's more of a head wrap or a cloth headband.  I never really thought that this type of headband would look okay on me.  When I checked out the Intwinedbows website, I fell in love with all of their fun and flirty headbands and bows.  Their use of bold colors, patterns and hardware is what caught my eye.  If you're looking for that special, unique bow to set you apart from the rest, Intwinedbows should be your first stop!

*sidenote: my daughter says the hair bow makes me look like a dolly :)

Thrift Store Fashion: Tips To Thrift Store Shopping

                        Thrift Store Fashion

It's no secret that I am a thrifting maniac!  My closet is no place for the weak!  I have thrifting down to a science.  I find really cute items that I always get compliments on.  People always think that I spend tons of money on my clothes, when in fact a whole outfit usually costs me about $10 or so.  

The outfit in this picture cost me $4.00.  Both the sheer shirt and cargo pants were $2.00 each.  This is one of my more casual outfits, but I also find some super fab items that I will soon be sharing.

Thrifting isn't for everyone.  If you've never been, I suggest you give it a try.  Check with your local Thrift and Goodwill stores to find out sale dates.  My local Thrift Store has regular sales of 50% and 75% off of already extremely cheap items.  You never know what treasures you might find!

  Thrifting Tips:

• Go prepared. Wear close fitting clothes so you can easily try items on.
• Go for name brands because generally they are better made.
• Check for stains, holes, snags, underarm stains, missing buttons and snap and zipper operation.
• If an item smells of cigarettes, depending on the fabric (usually leather)  it may be difficult to remove.
• Have an idea of something that you'd like to purchase ( I bring magazines with items circled) sometimes you can find a similar items for a fraction of the cost.
• Because it's easy to get carried away with spending, bring a specified amount to prevent over-spending.

Product Review: Reviewing Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Detangler

Kinky Curly Knot Today

I was hearing so much about the Kinky Curly line that I had to give there products a try.  I opted to try one of the less expensive items, which was the Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Detangler ($12.00).  Detangling my hair isn't a real issue, so I purchased the product to use it as leave in conditioner.  I am extremely pleased with this product.  My hair is extremely dry and needs daily moisturizing.  I am able to use this product daily without my hair feeling oily or heavy. I use it mostly on my ends because they tend to be extremely dry.  This product keep my ends feeling soft and silky.  This have become one of my staples and has been put into heavy rotation.  I also use it for twist and braid outs and I get wonderful results.

I have heard wonderful things about other products from this line.  In the near future I may be giving some of the other products a try to see if they are as impressive as this one.

Have you tried any of the Kinky Curly products?  If so, which ones and what is your opinion of them?

DIY: Easy DIY Manicure Using My New Favorite Color By Zoya

This is my first purchase from Zoya and I am so in love with the quality and the colors of this brand.  The colors are so true to what I saw on the site.  I only bought 2 colors and this is one of them.  I'm so in love with this deep blue.  It is everything I hoped it be!  I only designed one nail, but if you want, you can put this easy design on all of your nails.  You can even add stones or decals for more flare.

What I Used:
Zoya - Ibiza; Claires nail art brush - Silver

  

I used a base coat and applied 2 coats of Ibiza

Using the nail brush I applied a diagonal line

I filled in the the diagonal area using the same nail brush

Last, I added another diagonal line and added a clear topcoat.

Just Me: Sharing My Story; The Reason Why I Went Natural

I started wearing my hair natural over 10 years ago.  Now that I think about it, it has actually been about 12 years.  Once I decided to go natural, I have not since looked back, nor do I intend to.

Before I decided to go natural, my hair was relaxed just like every other young black girl that I knew.  I loved my relaxed hair!  If any sign of  "new growth" threatened to reveal itself, I would whip it back into place with one of my home relaxer kits that I kept stocked.  At this point in my life, I can admit that I was ashamed of my hair texture.  After all, it was nappy, kinky, curly, coily and simply not straight.

One day as I was feeling the roots of my hair that were in dire need of a re-touch, instead of being appalled by my hair texture, I was curiously pleased by the soft waves that were forming against my scalp.  As I stroked over my textured tresses, the seed began to plant.  I wondered "what if I just didn't relax my hair any more?"  I say the seed had been planted, because even at this point, I was not ready to give up relaxing my hair because I was too concerned with how I would be viewed.

Now, I can't remember where I was, but I do remember seeing a woman that had the most beautiful long, curly textured hair I'd ever seen up close.  I knew her hair was not relaxed, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out how she got her unrelaxed hair to wave and curl as it did.  It was at that point that I decided that I too wanted hair like hers and that I would no longer relax my hair.  I was ready to give up the fight so to speak.

My hair was already cut into a short style so I didn't have much transitioning to do.  I just stop relaxing and started wearing lots of braided hairstyles and weaves while my relaxer grew completely out.  At that time there was limited information resources about natural hair, so of course I was doing all of the wrong things and making most of the mistakes you could possibly make.  I over-processed with heat, neglected to moisturize, used all of the wrong products and basically just didn't take care of my hair.  I hadn't yet understood how to take care of my hair or even how to style it.  I was still determined to get those curls and coils I had seen that day on that beautiful young lady.

With years of experimentation and most recently,  an influx of tons of information and products for natural hair, I now understand my hair's needs and how to style it. I am still learning about new products, style techniques and length retention.  I am happy that I began to see wearing my natural hair as an option where before I simply didn't.

This story is not me, standing on a soap box trying to convert the non-naturals to natural,  I'm just sharing my story as to what prompted me to go natural, however,  I am hoping that my story or even my curls might allow me to be "that lady" that inspires and shows someone else, that wearing your natural hair is a beautiful option.