"Spring" is here, not that you would be able to tell especially when it just snowed last night/this morning.
Sigh, living in the Midwest. Anyway despite the bipolar weather I've managed to squeeze in some "spring" friendly attire over the past two weeks.
I wore my hair out this week. It was fun playing in it, but I"m back to protective styles.
Sidenote: I've obviously been gone, but I'm definitely still alive just ultra busy. I'm not sure why I haven't posted most of these pictures, especially since I take them with enough time to upload. But I'll try and do better, I might revert back to my outfits of the week format.
I usually don't do this but...here's an impromptu outfit of the day. I think it's this hair, it makes me want to put a little more effort in. It wont last long though (the effects, not the hair).
Really simple look, it was a good opportunity for me to rock my new gold studded jacket.
Leather Jacket: F21 (recent)
Jean top: Walmart (a long time ago)
Disco Pants: American Apparel (I need a new pair of black ones, or a smaller rear)
Boots: Francesca's (recent, but last pair)
My hair was a combination of a curling wand (the bottom layer) and soft curlers (top layer).
So I decided to share one of my DC mixes with you guys. It's super easy and really moisturizing.
I've been using this for about as long as I've been natural.
I started using "Curly Girl" friendly products early on, not realizing that that was what I was doing. I steered clear of harsh chemicals and things that I couldn't pronounce in my hair products. I began using food and natural oils and what not instead. This deep conditioner is no different. Aside from the Sauve conditioner the other ingredients are natural.
Recipe
1 ripe avocado
coconut oil (melted)
cheap conditioner (for the base)
Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque (Raw Shea Butter)
other
any other oils or thicker conditioners that you want to add
You DO NOT have to use the same ingredients that I did. If you prefer olive oil or castor oil, you can add those or both etc. And if you don't have those conditioners just add whatever cheap conditioner you have around or a go to moisturizing one (like Tresemme Naturals).
Another thing is measurements are at your own discretion. I wanted the benefits of the avocado to outweigh the other ingredients so I added them accordingly.You do not need to do the same if that is not your intention.
Here is my tutorial. Enjoy.
Hope this helps.
Let me know if you try it out.
Found this video after I had issues saving mine. Very informative!
Deep Conditioning ~ What is it (What you need to know)
I thought I'd look back and make a list of some of my favorite things from 2012.
Some of these items jumped right out at me, and other I had to think about. You'll notice a couple repeat offenders, I am an addict, and also some more recent trends and addictions.
These are in no particular order, but I did organize them (or attempt to) by category.
Click on the links to read/see more about it.
Studs and spikes have had real staying power these last couple of seasons. And I love it, they really toughen up a look. You can stud pretty much anything, collars, shoes, shorts, you name it. Here's a tutorial on studding shorts.
My most frequent attempts at a monochromatic look usually involved all black, but this winter I want to try all whites and of course other colors, but especially white. This also applies to prints. I've been really into matching prints, like with suits. That's a really easy way to achieve the look too.
Beauty
Vampy lips (here, here and a majority of my OOTD)
Afro/curly hair (here, here and here)
Ombre hair (with or with out colored ends)
Revlon photo ready concealers
Mario Bedsecu Drying Lotion (here, review to come)
I LOVE dark vampy lips. It's become one of my go to looks no matter the occasion. I recently fell in love with Black Cherry by Revlon (see here) and I have a tutorial with it coming soon. Until then here's an ombre vampy lip.
Revlon's photo ready concealers (I'm a color 006) are amazing. This is one of the few concealers that actually match my skin and covers my dark marks and blemishes plus it's really affordable. I use it every time I put on make, or just by itself for a more natural look. I've started using a lighter color for under my eyes when I'm really getting glammed up. MB's drying lotion is amazing I just apply it to a new pimple at night and it has reduced in size by the next day and gone on the 2nd day. LOVE it!
Ombre hair
Other
Instagram (here)
iPad(s) (here)
blogs
2012 election
DIY fashion (anything DIY) (here, here, here and here)
Blogs have been a fabulous source of information and inspiration. I love networking and just meeting new people via blogs and who themselves blog. It is a great form of self expression. Here are some that I frequent (Circle of Squares, BGLH, Dulce Candy, Style Pantry and CurlyNikki, for a full list check out the blogs that I follow here or click on my profile).
This year was the first year I actually followed the election somewhat closely. I watched the debates, read up on the issues etc. I knew who I wanted to win, and who I'd vote for if I could (one day, SOON). Politics became interesting too, albeit stressing at times. But it's good to be informed, especially on the local and state level. Voting is not an every 4 year thing, you have governors, mayors, representatives etc. Make sure you guys are doing your part!
DIYs!! I love them. They are great ways to save money and an outfit. I think I'm more into DIYs now that I started sewing (which helps with some of the projects). But you guys should definitely check out places like YouTube and Pinterest for ideas.
Honorable mentions
The Mayans being wrong (Epic Fail)
Crop tops (here)
Stiletto nails
Avengers (the movie)
Glitter
I know I'm not the only one happy that the world didn't end the 21st. But the Mayans were smart, they predicted the world would end, but died before anyone could question them about it. Stiletto nails just look really cool to me, despite not appearing functional or practical, in my opinion. I'd never get them but I enjoy looking at them and seeing different nail design on them.
Hope you guys enjoyed this post, because I enjoyed writing it.
What were some of your favorites this past year? Any of them on this list?
Comment and let me know.
This is the outfit I wore to church yesterday. I love the richness of the blue and the studded detail on the collar. pair it with my platform leopard pumps and caramel dress pants.
My hair is a 7 day old twist out that was sprayed with water and sealed with coconut oil. Very little twist out definition left, but I love the volume and shape.
This is a new lipstick I picked up from Ulta Saturday, #477 Black Cherry by Revlon. I also picked up some metallic liquid liners by NYX. I'm currently wearing a blue one in Extreme Blue.
