Floral Sandals for Summer

Have you ever heard of Free People? As a wholesale line, the Free People brand has been cultivated into Urban Outfitters, Bulldog, Ecote, Anthropologie, and Cooperative. It's a brand and collection that embraces individuality and freedom in the clothes you wear. These floral sandals caught my attention.

Read the Free People story and check out their vintage line.

Denim Jewelry Stole the Show at Nappiology Fro Fest 2012

Ear Pleasure Indulge

Handcrafted Wearable Art by CC

Customization Available!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/earpleasureindulge

Hello ladies and gents! If you've read "Have the Denim Blues?" and "Denim Can Be Reborn", you know that I've been on the hunt for all things denim. I attended the Nappiology Fro Fest on June 16, 2012 and I enjoyed strolling past each vendor booth to capture a glimpse of unique hair products, accessories, and fashion jewelry. One booth stood out to me more than others because many of the items were made of... you guessed it! Denim! What I loved most was the fact that they were unique handcrafted fabric pieces. I already have a design in mind for a customized pair of earrings. It only takes one piece to make a statement. If you want to reach out to CC (that's her in the picture above), check her out on Etsy.

Natural Hair: Self-Discovery, Trend, or Revolution?

Natural hair is picking up momentum in the news, on the runway, and in communities nationwide. The Huffington Post, MSNBC, New York Times, Essence, and BET have posted articles and held round table discussions on natural hair and its impact on black women in the U.S. Natural hair care brands and products are launching in droves as natural hair gains popularity. Miss Jessie's, Jane Carter Solution, Shea Moisture, and Uncle Funky's Daughter are just a few power brands in the spotlight. Natural hair enthusiasts are popping up all over social media networks such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter capturing and sharing their experiences with natural hair. Some call it a journey; others say it's a revolution or a movement. Yet, others treat it as a trend or fad that's bound to pass as do the seasons.

Denim Can Be Reborn

Johanne Mills Pyrite and Citrine Detail Denim Hoop Earrings, Source: Elle

M. Haskell Brass Chain Detail Denim Bangle, Source: Elle

 

Trussardi Patchwork Denim Bag, Source: soFemininie.co.uk

Zoe Chicco Gold Plated Denim Cuff

Similar to lace, denim can be reborn. Reborn into a handbag, a shoe, or an accessory. If you have an undeniable passion for denim, try a denim clutch or a denim shoe to add some excitement to your wardrobe and turn boring into fab.

Have the Denim Blues?

Armani Jeans Denim Frill Denim Jacket, Dolce & Gabbana Large Denim Shopping Bag

It's almost impossible to get bored with denim. After all, its a staple piece in wardrobes around the globe. Who doesn't loves the ease, comfort and versatility of this fashion icon? Although many pairs of denim jeans from light to dark and whiskered to ripped line my closet, I always tend to gravitate towards the same three pair; the once in a lifetime pair that fit my curves and small frame perfectly and are the perfect length for heels.

With as much energy and time invested in finding the perfect fit, its surprising that even the perfect fit can become a little dull over time. So I set my sights on discovering and falling in love with denim all over again.

Quick Tip for Transitioning Hair and Working Out

Exquisite Tresses on Twitter asked, "Do you have any tips for transitioning hair and working out?" This is a common question as naturals and those transitioning to natural hair lean towards becoming more fit and healthy. Shrinkage and sweating out your twist out are legitimate concerns.

Sporty Afros, whose mission is to establish a social platform for fitness and effective hair care for black women, may offer a number of effective tips and I recommend checking them out at http://www.sportyafros.com. Before you pay them a visit, here is the best tip I can give for maintaining transitioning hair and working out:

As a 19 month transitioner, my tip is simple. Combine your hair care routine with your workout schedule. It may take some rearrangement of your calendar and daily activities, and you may need to beat the sun out of bed but this in my opinion is the best way to make fitness and natural hair work for you.

Take a Front Row Seat for the ABC's of Skin Care

If you've been wondering how to capture healthy flawless skin, come to school and take a front row seat for the ABC's of skin care.

A-Admire: Admire your skin and most of all admire yourself because flawless skin is possible

B-Balance: Balance health and fitness with your skin care for optimal results / Learn about pH balance and how it affects your skin

C-Cleanse: Cleanse your skin at least twice per day and twice each time; creamy cleanser for dry skin and gel cleanser for oily skin

Skin Care Series: What's Your Skin Type?

Knowing your skin type is the second step in your path to beautifully flawless skin. The first step is understanding the skin's function and why healthy skin is important. Although the foundation of the quality of your skin is genetically predetermined, your skin type will determine what products you'll use and which services your skin can handle. If you use the wrong products, your skin will quickly object. If the wrong services are rendered your skin will react negatively.

It is also important to note that skin types are different from skin conditions. Your skin type is what you are born with and is directly related to your pore size. Your pore size basically determines the amount of oil secreted. A skin condition is caused by external influences such as beauty products, weather, environment, stress, medications, hormones, and age. Your skin condition can be mistaken as your skin type so it is important to know the difference.

The five basic skin types are:

1. Normal: Not dry nor oily within 2 hours of cleansing
2. Normal to Dry: Dry, flaky, tight skin after cleansing
3. Normal to Oily: Oily within 2 hours of cleansing
4. Combination: oily usually in the t-zone (center of face from forehead to nose) area within 2 hours of cleansing and dry in the cheeks
5. Sensitive Skin: Irritated skin after cleansing

Skin conditions can include:

1. Sensitive skin
2. Dry/dehydrated skin (can be mistaken as dry skin type)
3. Aging skin
4. Acne (can also be considered a skin type due to genetic factors)
5. Eczema
6. Psoriasis
7. Rosacea
8. Dermatitis

Skin types and skin conditions can be interrelated but knowing and understanding your skin type is the first step to proper skin care. In future posts I will discuss each skin type.