Perfectly Coiffed

[Source: Aminah]

I am on a quest to achieve the perfect the curly fro. I am getting increasingly bored with my hair, and want something a bit bigger than what my braid outs and twist outs give me. This week I plan to experiment with jumbo perm rods, and jumbo flexi rods in hopes that something fab comes out of it. Until then, looking at pics of others rocking their fierce fro's will have to do.

[Sidebar] I think the cut of their hair has a ton to do with the way the fro looks, as it looks like it was "shaped" in it's naturally curly state to achieve a certain balanced look. After looking at these pics, getting my hair shaped is starting to look more and more appealing.

Recession Friendly Pampering: The Korean Day Spa

[I will take her skin & hair. Source: Aminah]

Sometimes we women get so caught up in the day to day that we don't stop to pamper ourselves. We are chef's, nurturers, taxi drivers, mothers, girlfriends, and many times the rock of our household. It is difficult to stop and enjoy ourselves in between carrying out our assigned "gender roles". 

One of my New Years resolutions was to do more things for me, take better care of myself. I deserve it right? My body is my temple, and I was only blessed with one of them. For the past few days, I have seriously considered going to a Korean Day Spa! The only deterrent for me is that you have to strip down to your birthday suit. Everyone, with the exception of the Korean women performing the services is naked.

For a girl like me, prancing around from the steam room, to the shower, and back again around a group strangers doesn't sound like my idea of R&R. To be fair though, nobody is concerned with looking at your lady parts. From what I understand, the air of the Korean Day Spa is pretty laid back.

As the days pass, my inner voice is telling me to get over it, and experience detoxification and relaxation the Korean way.

I think it was the 40 minute body scrub for $45 that got me hook line and sinker, as their prices are definitely recession friendly. You can also get an hour long facial for $70 which is almost unheard of here in Los Angeles. It's a no frills day spa so don't expect cucumber water, and towels scented with the calming properties of lavender essential oil, instead you get thorough procedures with unlimited use of the spa's amenities such as the hot/cold bath, wet/dry sauna and shower stalls. -

If you are in the L.A area [If you aren't, you can also check Korea Town in your area], check out these Korean Day Spa's, did I mention that they are all open 24 Hours?

• - Wilshire Spa
• - Olympic Spa
• - Hankook Sauna

Objects In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear

It was definitely one of those days yesterday. My twist out was a disaster [note to self, 8 big twists will not work], and had to be salvaged and fashioned into some sort of pony-puff hybrid. To add insult to injury, I didn't really see too many complete outfits that I liked at Zara's.  Did I also mention I have a 9 page paper due today on Socrates?

Sometimes items on the hanger look completely different once you try them on, I got affirmation of that last night. I must say though, I am loving the nautical and resort wear look that will be hot this spring/summer. I saw lots of red and white striped shirts, dresses, red jackets, blue jackets, and a ton of white ensembles.

Those suede blue pumps didn't make it back home with me [and I am kicking myself now], as they were only about $80 bucks.

I love these pink shoes!! They had a rattan-like texture $109

Muted tones like grays and pinks are finally making their way into stores. I saw a lot of that on the runways last year. 

This outfit was just ok, definitely a dissapointment, not to mention the nude shoes were super uncomfortable. I think nude pumps are classic, and come in handy when you can't find shoes for an outfit. You can almost wear them with anything. 

Riding style pants are also making their way into a lot of stores. I love that look, it is has a very clean, tailored aesthetic.

I found a really cool leather utilitarian-esque belt. This linen top was very cool as well, I could see it with riding pants, and camel color riding boots. 

These Are Kind of A Big Deal - My [not so] Secret Store

 

 [Gucci Silk Rope & Leather Tie Up Heels - $199 Originally $575]

I received a few emails about where I get some of my pieces, and I wanted to do a special post on one of my FAVORITE stores. For all of you that don't live in L.A don't fret, they ship and they offer hassle free returns. Rodeo Drive Resale is a small little resale shop, they stock authentic high end items sold by stylists, celebs, and even have limited quality of new overstock items. I love their collection of designer shoes and purses [all at deep discounts], and they even have layaway! 

You may want to bookmark their site! I have purchased Manolo Blahnik's, Fendi's, & Chanel all for under $100 a piece! Keep in mind that most of these items are gently used, however they are GUARANTEED authentic. Rodeo Drive Resale is definitely a reputable consignment boutique, and I have been going there for years!  

 

Get 'Kini Ready With Kettlebells

If you are anything like me, then you loathe going to the gym! Because I am not very fond of working out, I tend to like workout plans that are pretty much a one-stop-shop, meaning a total fitness workout. Kettlebells are just that, you get cardio and strength training rolled into one exercise session. This is hands down one of the best exercises to boost your metabolism, promote rapid weight loss, and achieve a lean, toned physique.

I usually do Kettlebell (with a 10lb kettlebell) training two times a week for about an hour with 30 second rest sessions in between each rep. Yes, you feel like death warmed over during, and afterwards [warning you now], but the results are amazing.

Check out this interesting article for more technical info about Kettlebells, and pick some up this weekend!

Teyana Taylor, Give Me That Hair

I am in LOVE with Teyana Taylor's hair! And you know what? It matters very little to me if it's hers, or if she purchased it from the local BSS. I would love to rock my hair like this in the coming months. A girl could dream right? 

This could be a killer go-to style for any of you that are looking for some protective styling options, just make sure you moisturize YOUR hair, and do so often. I can only think of one brand of hair that would give you similar results, and that is the Curly Kinky Afro Weave from Real Hair Exclusive. The texture of this hair is perfect for giving you that full, wild, look. You could also do a twist out on the hair for more defined curls, for extra ummphh factor get the hair layered so that you get EXTRA fullness around your face, and the crown sections.

[Source: Last FM, Real Hair Exclusive]

Calling All Transitioners - Transition Friendly Products

There are two things that every girl must remember as she is transitioning; (1) Protein and (2) Moisture. Having a harmonious moisture/protein balance is critical in the transitioning process.

Protein is very important because as you receive chemical services [such as relaxers], it breaks down the protein bonds in your hair and reduces the amount of elasticity causing it to be susceptible to breakage. I want to also point out that services such as color, and improper thermal treatments [pressing, flat-ironing, curling etc], can also result in the damage of protein bonds [and the damage from these treatments can mirror those of damage from a relaxer]. Protein is key in helping to minimize, and even prevent breakage at the line of demarcation [the area where your new growth, meets chemically treated hair].

Moisture is equally as important for growth retention, and to prevent breakage from the amount of protein you are using on your hair. Too much protein and not enough moisture is a surefire way to get a free room at heartbreak hotel. I would suggest alternating between a moisturizing conditioner and a protein conditioner weekly. 

Here are some of my fav products that are great for transitioners, people with color damaged hair, and even heat damaged hair. I love these because they actaually live up to their claims!

• Lanza Leave-In Protector - Product Claims: An advanced protein-rich formula specifically designed to build and maintain strength in hair that has been weakened from over-exposure to the elements or chemicallt or thermally damaged. Quickly absorbed, super light moisturizing conditioner and protective lotion. 

• Dudley's Hair Rebuilder - Product Claims: Rebuilds badly damaged hair. This deep penetrating conditioner detangles, builds body, softens and reduces static.

• Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment - Product Claims: Our intensive weekly treatment deeply penetrates to help repair, seal and smooth even the most damaged hair. Using the power of pure plant oils and quinoa protein, it restores health, silkiness and shine. Helps strengthen hair weakened by chemical processes, heat styling and environmental exposure. Quinoa protein penetrates the hair shaft, working from inside to help strengthen and repair. Castor, jojoba and meadowfoam seed oils smooth hair's surface.

• Goldwell Kerasilk Conditioning Treatment - Product Claims: Formulated with natural silk proteins and wheat lipids, the Kerasilk Rich Care formulas (formerly Care & Smoothness) gently cleanses and conditions damaged, dry, porous or curly hair. Rich Care Treatment, Goldwell's bestseller, now works even better, offering unsurpassed conditioning, strengthening and protects hair from future stress.
  

• Sebastian 2+1 Treatment - Product Claims: Hair, like the body, needs moisture and protein to stay healthy and conditioned. Sebastian invented 2+1 Treatment, an original recipe of 2 parts moisture and 1 part protein, to give the hair what it needs - deep intensive hydration, combined with the power of a protein pack. Normal or damaged hair feels conditioned, silky, moisturized and healthy. At Sebastian, 2+1 equals fabulous!

• Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream - Product Claims: This thick, rich formula leaves extra dry, coarse hair supple for days! Recommended #1for transitioning naturals by Clutch Magazine.

• Qhemet Burdock Root Butter Cream - Product Claims: Our Burdock Root Butter Cream is a light, water based leave-in for fine haired naturals, straight styles and those looking for a light penetrating moisturizer. It conditions and softens while nourishing the scalp. Leaves hair healthy, soft and supple!

• Keracare Super Reconstructor - Product Claims: extensively repairs weak, damaged hair due to shedding, breakage and severe cuticle and fiber degradation due to chemical, thermal, mechanical or sun damage. Penetrates deep within the cortex to fortify fractured, shredded fibers. Forms a fibrillar network around the hair shaft to lock in moisture. Restores natural porosity to hair.

Sweetest Hangover

Sorry for posting so late, I am super exhausted! Last night Lo and I had the honor to be in the presence of some of the most influential entertainers of our time for the We Are The World 25th Anniversary for Haiti. Watching Barbara Streisand, Carlos Santana, Nancy Wilson, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, and the likes come together with new entertainers such as Brandy, Lil Wayne, Snoop, Faith, Mary Mary, Keri Hilson, Tyrese, Jordin Sparks, and India Arie was absolutely amazing. I was, and still am completely enamored. - Just being in an environment with so many creative minds gave me a renewed sense of purpose, and a burst of energy. Enjoy the pics!! I am off to get some much needed rest!

California Dreamin'

It was one of those storybook days; warm but not too hot, breezy but not too windy, and not to mention an ethereal light that followed Lo and I everywhere we went. We met up at our usual location and ate good food all whilst hashing out the details of a few projects.

My hair was somewhat of a disaster, so much so that I don't think I will ever attempt another wash and go [at least not until I try another product] again. I didn't have anymore Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding, so I used Long Aid Curl Activator - lets just say I was less than pleased with the results. My hair was a mass of curly-frizz, the very back shriveled up to about neck length, and the curls weren't so stellar. Nevertheless, we took advantage of all of the rich colors, rugged textures, and managed to get a few hours of shooting in.

[sunnies: ray-bans, blouse: bcbg, tights: american apparel, skirt: thrift, shoes: calvin klein]