Maya Angelou: Legend, Author, Activist

Maya Angelou passes at age of 86 and leaves behind a life full of inspirational quotes, poems, and books. A big staple in the black community and black women. From Why the Caged Bird Sings to Phenomenal Woman. This Renaissance woman has led the empowerment of black woman and encouraged black people to rise above the stereotypes and to love ourselves and one another for the way we are. I could go on and on about all the accomplishments and what she has done for our community. Maya Angelou maybe gone today, but her voice will forever live.

Kim K Does It Again

I know all weekend all the blogs have been talking about the big wedding between Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. But can we take a second to talk about her dress!

There were many speculations about what this dress may look like. And a couple of wishes for what people would like to see her in. Well the secretive wait was well deserving. I absolutely LOVE her wedding dress. I think it was very elegant and sexy in the right places. Kim being known for showing off her assets, found the perfect way to display and cover up all of her assets. Can we say chic, couture, and FABULOUS!

Back to Basics

Recently I decided I was going to go back to my basic hair regimen. A regimen that included going to back to black. So Sunday I dyed my hair back to black and used Flexi Rods to try to achieve heat less curls. Let's just say it was another FAIL. For some reasoning I cannot get my roots to smooth onto the rods. I'll be trying to figure that out soon, but I had to use some creative thinking use one of Mackenzie's head bands (completely too big for her head).

Reasoning for dying my hair: My hair seems to thrive when its black. In most of my older pics, my black hair was always rich, stayed moisturized, and was so healthy. Crazy thing is, black is not my natural hair color. I have a sandy brown mix and it does my hair no justice. Peep my old but new look below:

The LWD

Forget the Little Black Dress! This spring and summer its all about the Little White Dress. Find the best way to express yourself and break those pesky all white rules and choose a great look to collab with a perfect white dress. I love neutral colors, but sometimes I need to break out of my own way and use some great color. For me patterns are a definite yes! Here are 3 of my LWD styles:

Alexander McQueen white mini dress / Sophia Webster lace up shoes / J W Anderson red leather purse / ALDO stud earring set / Anne Klein charm jewelry 

Helmut Lang mini dress / Zara shoes / Gypsy05 coin purse / La Mer coral jewelry / Zarah Voigt gold earrings, $82 / Lime Crime lipstick / Matte lipstick / Marc Jacobs fragrance

Miss Selfridge cutout bodycon dress / Alexander Wang leather sandals / What Goes Around Comes Around handbag / Black diamond jewellery / Diamond jewelry, $42 / Lips makeup

Balancing Relationships and Me time

Often in relationships we tend to become very consumed with our significant other. From relationships ups and personal conflicts, we forget about the other important aspects in our life. Signs you may be caught up could come from complaining girlfriends to loss of interest in your own hobbies.  It may be time to catch up on some “me” time.

Go to the Spa.

Nothing says you’re enjoying some me time by planning a day at the spa. All girls like to get pampered. Call up one of your friends and set date. This is a great time to release some of those stressors you’ve been

carrying and catch up on some girl talk.

Pick up a Hobby.

If you’re left wondering what you like doing without your boo; try new things. Maybe there was something you really enjoyed doing before this relationship and you haven’t done it in a while. If you’re looking for some new things, check out sites like Groupon or LivingSocial. Sites like these always have new things in your area for a discounted price. Hey nothing beats a deal!

Create a Workout Regimen.

Working out has been proven to not just improve your health, but improve your mood. Create a workout regimen during the week and stick to it. It’ll lighten your mood and give you some much needed personal time to think and your clear your head.

Create a Girl’s Night.

Try leaving out one night a week that works for you and your friends and do something different. If you’re not a big club person (like me), find something that you all will enjoy doing. Go to the movies, to dinner, or maybe just create a night that’s at a different friend’s house each week.

Hair Care.

Don’t forget that “me” time also includes caring for your hair. Try a new hairstyle or maybe new products. Decide whether the current regimen you are using is working and if not try something else. Maybe it’s time for a trim. Make sure that you are picking at least one day to take care of your hair needs.

Remember, all things need balance. The time spent with your significant other, your friends, and time spent with yourself is important. But without balance, someone’s missing out.

Finger Coil Fail

So I've tried to put finger coils in my hair twice now. And each time has been an Epic Fail. Luckily, I was able to fix it with an impromptu updo for the day. 

Once I have figured out a regimen for achieving the finger coil without my roots shrinking under the coil, I'll post the results of that. 

In the meantime, I think I may have to use Rods for my heatless curls.

10 Fashion Trends for This Summer

 Now that spring has officially sprung, summer is just right around the corner. I think it’s safe to say that we have now entered the 90’s…again.  There are a lot of styles coming back that just a couple years ago probably would have thought twice about wearing again.  But that’s not the only thing making its round again. We still have our beloved Boho Chic styles and some definite must haves for our closets.

Top and Bottom at  Topshop

1. Matching Tops and Bottoms

This style has definitely made its way back around looking better than before. With prints to die for and colors that could still go with anyone’s sense of style. You might see a lot more of these walking the streets.

Clean Slate Blazer at NastyGal

                 

2. Long Blazers

Blazers of course are always in style, but we may see them hang just a bit lower than the normal waist or hip blazers. This can paired with pretty much anything. A great pair of distressed denims or a great pair of shorts to take your day look to an evening style.

All Torn Up Boyfriend Jeans at NastyGal

3. Boyfriend Jeans

I love a good pair of boyfriend jeans. With them being so versatile, you can pair them with some relaxed shoes, white chucks are also a must for this summer. They can also be paired with a cute pair of ballet flats or some heels for a more girly look.

A-line Print Mini at Topshop

4. Bright Prints

Bright and colorful prints are also a must have this summer and a great way to brighten any look.

Picture Courtesy of WhoWhatWear

5. Mixed Prints

Mixing prints and different patterns were once a Fashion Taboo. If you haven’t already, you may see more this as we no longer need to abide by this rule. I mean rules are meant to be broken…right?

Tropical V Bralet at TopShop

6. Crop Tops

Another must have, Crop Tops will definitely be one of the biggest trends this summer. Crop Tops can be paired with almost anything. And if you don’t have washboard flat abs, don’t worry high waisted shorts or skorts (yes I said skorts) and a blazer will allow you to wear this style without worrying about the presence of stomach.

Lace Shorts at H&M

7. Lace Shorts

Lace is here for the summer. Great for festivals or out for the day looks. This speaks to my inner Bohemian Heart and can be worn with pretty much anything.

Tall Gladiator Sandals at ShoeDazzle

8. Tall Gladiator Sandals

Trending this summer are Tall Gladiator Sandals, you may even seem some Gladiator Heels. Wear this style with anything mini to make a statement with this shoe.

Birkenstocks

9. Birkenstocks

Not known as being a very fashionable shoe, you will definitely see this a lot this summer. I always say, sometimes you just need a hint of something not so cute to make an outfit complete.

White Chucks

10. White Chucks

Last  but not least, a Summer Necessity (I thought I told y’all already)! You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of chucks. Need I say more?

Product Review: Aussie Moist Conditioner

So I'm sure there are plenty of reviews on Aussie Moist Conditioner, but I don't care I'm just gonna give you another one lol. Oh by the way, I've changed my washngo regimen thanks to Bianca Alexa. She's been the only person I've been able to find with a similar curl pattern. Check out her YouTube video on her washngo routine. 

So I decided I wanted to use a different conditioner. I've been really hung up on using a Natural Hair product but it's kinda hurting my pockets so I needed a change. Besides I did some research on the ingredients in some products and compared them, they pretty much have the same ingredients minus maybe a different type of oil extract used. Nonetheless, I bought Aussies Moist Conditioner (I wanted Tressemes Natural Conditioner). 

Monday morning I did my washngo routine. I was pleases with the slip of the conditioner which helped detangle. Overall my hair came out pretty good except for the crunchy curls I was left with. 

A friend of mine suggested using an oil after my hair has dried to see if my curls get soft. And she was correct. My hair feels and looks awesome on Day 2 ( I like day 2 hair anyway). Look at the results.

Question: What's your washngo regimen and how do you get pillow soft curls without the Ms. Jessie's price?