Monday, July 30, 2012

Wash-n-Go Maintenance Regimen


When I was packing boxes to prepare for my move, I found a ton of barely-used hair products collecting dust under the sink.  Between deciding what to toss, give away, or keep, I started testing out products and stumbled across a new regimen to maintain my wash-n-gos!  

I love the quickness of a wash-n-go, but not the tangles and single strand knots I get from them. Also, I am rarely able to get "second day hair" without re-wetting my hair or applying a heavy gel that creates crunchy hair (and contributes to even more tangles!)..that is, until now.  After a cute wash-n-go, I follow these steps at night:
  
  • Spray hair with a mix of water, glycerin, and Aphogee pro vitamin leave-in conditioner. I realized that my hair must have been lacking protein because  after washing my hair and using the protein-based Aphogee leave-in, my curls do not break/snap as easily.  I added the leave-in to my homemade hair mix to balance moisture and protein of my hair.  
  • Apply SheaMoisture curl enhancing smoothie for moisture.
  • Smooth IC hair polisher styling gel onto the hair. I love this gel because it smooths my edges, but is also water-based and can be used on my whole head to define and clump my curls with no crunchiness or any residue at all by the end of the day.
  • Apply Creme of Nature Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Polisher as a sealant.  
  • Set the hair into 2 large twists to sleep
  • Fluff and separate curls in the AM.
With this combo of products, my hair stayed moisturized and soft to the touch while maintaining the texture and definition of my original wash-n-go.  I was able to do this same process for a week with the same results and with no visible product build-up!



Second day hair 


Saturday, July 28, 2012

Finishing the Big Fat Summer Challenge!


Long time no post! I have been so busy packing and moving into my new home that I've had no time to blog, and really haven't done anything with my hair or worn anything besides t-shirts and leggings.  The first chance I got to go out and put on "real" clothes I decided to dress up and fulfill the "wear something that's Hi-Lo" challenge:

Monday, July 16, 2012

BFSC: Something I Normally Wouldn't Wear

When I started the Big Fat Summer Challenge, I had no idea what I would put together for the "wear something you normally wouldn't wear" task- especially given the fact that so many of the other tasks were thins I wouldn't normally wear anyway ; )   

Taking a cue from other bloggers, I decided to shop my closet to hopefully uncover some items I had forgotten I purchased, or things that were too small, that I can fit again!  Well lo and behold, I found this sheer top (new with tags) that I bought on a whim from Charlotte Russe. I NEVER wear anything sheer, and I am a camisole queen, so it is especially rare for me to wear this top with no camisole!



Oh and colored jeans? Wouldn't normally wear those either! LOL


Top: Charlotte Russe / Jeans: NY & Company / Heels: DSW / Clutch: Steve Madden / Neckace: World Market / Earrings: Avon / Bangles: JCPenney


To see my past BFSC looks, click the "Big Fat Summer Challenge" link in the right column, or click here

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Asos Haul + BFSC Bodycon Outfit

After months of "window shopping" at Asos.com, I finally made my first purchase. I bought three dresses on sale for $50 total, and I've worn two of them already this week!

The first one is a white shirt-dress that kept me cool in the 100-degree temperature this past weekend.
Dress: Asos / Belt: JC Penney / Flats: Red Camel (Purchased from Belks) / Earrings: Body Shop / Sunglasses: TJ Maxx


The next is a striped bodycon dress that fits into the BFSC challenge!
Dress: Asos / Sandals: Madden Girl / Sunglasses: JCPenney 


To see my past BFSC looks, click the "Big Fat Summer Challenge" link in the right column, or click here


Monday, July 9, 2012

BFSC: High Waisted Bottom



Another week, another BFSC look! 6 down, only 4 more to go!


I fell in love with these colored shorts when I saw them in JCPenney and had to stop myself from picking them up in every color. The rise on the shorts are not super-duper high, but it is high enough to cover my belly button (although they have gotten a little loose and slip down a little since I started doing Insanity workouts LOL).  



Tank, Belt: Old Navy / Shorts: JCPenney / Necklace: Sears / Sandals, Purse: Nine West



Thursday, July 5, 2012

Inspired: Go-To Color Combination

While catching up on my blog reading, I came across a post on Economy of Style where blogger Psyche highlighted some of her favorite summer color looks.  The pic below really stood out to me for a number of reasons. 

Source: Economy of Style

One, I looked down at what I was wearing and I was actually wearing the same color combination; Secondly I remembered that this isn't the first time that I thought to pair shades of orange and pink:
Go To Color Combinations: Orange & Pink
Left- March 2012; Right- July 2012
I love the look of these two colors together, and I often find myself choosing to highlight my orange and coral clothing with pops of pink instead of going for neutrals.  

Do you have a favorite color palette? What's your go-to color combination when you want to look your best? 

Share in the comments!

Monday, July 2, 2012

BFSC: Cropped Top


So I'm proud to say I can cross out the cropped top on the BFSC challenge list! This was one of the challenges I was most worried about, but as hot as it has been lately, I almost want to walk around with the belly out! (j/k!) I originally bought this cropped cardigan to wear over spaghetti-strapped dresses to make them more work appropriate, but in playing around in my closet I figured out it looks good with a maxi skirt!






 
Cropped Cardigan: Old Navy / Maxi Skirt: Belk's / Sandals: Seychelles / Necklace: Sears / Bracelet: World Market