Pocket Full of Leather

Blazer: Old Navy / T-shirt: Dorothy Perkins / Jeans: Old Navy / Shoes: Onitsuka Tiger by Asics / Necklace & Earrings: Asos / Watch: NY&Company

Work It (OOTD)

Blazer: JCPenney / Dress: Old / Tights: Hue / Heels: Sole Society "Alison"

God morning! I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering from the holidays and trying to get back into the groove of 40-hour workweeks. Starting on January 1st, my job implemented a new office dress code so I'm adjusting to those changes as well. With the new dress code, I can no longer dress in jeans everyday (Friday only) so during the Christmas sales I had to buy some slacks, skirts, and other work appropriate items.  This look was actually created with clothes already in my closet-- except for my new pumps from Sole Society! They are so cute and comfortable!

In the future, I will be posting more of my work looks on the blog.  Hope you enjoy!

OOTD: Comfy Casual

When I'm just running errands or having a lazy Saturday, I opt for a super casual look--minimal makeup, sneakers, 5min hair, and definitely something oversized! I fell in love with this printed sweater from JCPenney and I have paired it with everything from leggings, a pair of shorts and tights, and even a dress. This time I threw it on over a basic white tee and some skinnies. 

Sweater: i Jeans by Buffalo / Tee: Target / Jeans: Old Navy / Shoes: Onitsuka Tiger by Asics / Necklace: Asos

A Ladi's Tresses: Bantu Knot Out Attempt

It's a new year, so I decided to try something new with my hair. I've seen many natural hair bloggers/vloggers create cute, curly styles by creating bantu knots.  After watching a handful of YouTube tutorials, I attempted a set.  

I started by lightly spritzing the ends of  hair with a water bottle to make it slightly damp. 

Next, I pulled random sections of hair and applied  Beautiful Textures Curl Control Defining Pudding to each section.

Taking one section in my hand, I began to twirl the hair around itself; as the hair becomes twisted, it starts to curl around itself to begin forming the bantu knot. When I got to the end of my hair, I took the last inch or so and wrapped it around the knot and tucked the end to secure the knot.  Some naturals begin by creating a two-strand twist and then wrapping it around itself to form a knot, but I chose not to because I wanted to see what kind of curl pattern the bantu know would create on it's own.

After completing my whole head section by section, I ended up with 10 knots.

I kept the bantu knots in overnight to set the curls. The next morning, I sprayed my hair with
Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Elixir Spray and took aloose each knot.  I was happy with the curl pattern produced by the knots, but as I started separating and fluffing my hair I realize that my sections were too big, and I may have used too much product. At some places, the curl at the root was much looser than at the ends, and the hair at the back of my head  was still damp so the curls hardly set at all. I ended up just smoothing my hair into a curly ponytail.

I will definitely be trying this style again in the future, probably using about 20-25 knots.

What do you think? Have you ever tried a bantu knot out? 

Spring 2013: Duro Olowu for JCPenney

In 2012, JCPenney completely overhauled it's image to transition from your mother's favorite store of yesteryear to the modern, trendy retailer offering the latest styles at great prices. The retailer faced some challenges and outright backlash behind changes to their pricing strategy and even their advertisements, but I have a feeling that 2013 is going to be a better year!

For Spring 2013, JCPenney is stepping it up in the fashion department by offering an exclusive collection from London designer Duro Olowu! Born in Nigeria, Olowu creates magic by fusing African prints, impeccable, and feminine detailing to create colorful, jaw-dropping pieces. This entire line for JCPenney--which includes clothing, accessories (shoes, handbags, jewelry), and housewares--is droolworthy! The best part? Everything is under $100 with most clothes items under $50! Take a look at some of my favorite looks:

Are you loving this collection as much as I am?!?

*All photos from JCP Media Room.