Influenster Holiday Voxbox 2012

I received my Holiday Voxbox from Influenster right after Christmas. Take a look at what was inside:

Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal (Not pictured): I received a cup of the cherry pistachio + flavor. I ended up taking it to work to eat for breakfast before even thinking about snapping a picture of it. I'm not an oatmeal eater--I tried it once as a child and didn't like it--but I really enjoyed this oatmeal because it had real cherry chunks and  pieces of nuts (pistachios and almonds) which added texture and flavor. It was tasty and super easy to make (I added water and put it in the microwave but you could just add hot water to make it without the microwave).

EBOOST Natural Energy Effervescent Powder: I tend to steer clear of energy products so I will give this product to a friend to try and report back with their results.

Sole Society $25 Coupon: This coupon made me happy! I've been a member of Sole Society for months but had not made a purchase yet. They have a huge selection of trendy styles and have a number of shoes and boots made of genuine leather and suede at a reasonable price point. I used my coupon to make my first order and my shoes are on the way! If you are not a member, sign up here. Oh and FYI, they have a winter BOGO free sale going on right now!

Goody Quikstyle Paddle Brush: This brush features microfiber bristles that are supposed to help dry your hair while styling. Since I've been natural, I have retired my brushes in favor or finger detangling and wide tooth combs. With that being said, I can't give a full review of this brush but  I did use it briefly to smooth my freshly washed hair up into a ponytail/puff.  I touched the microfiber bristles afterwards and could feel that they were wet, but because I only used the brush on the perimeter of my head I can't say that it removed a great amount of water from my hair. For natural beauties, I would recommend just using a microfiber towel (or a turbie twist) to remove excess water from your hair before styling instead of taking the risk of brushing wet hair to accomplish the same goal.

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine in "Nude York City": I actually already own this gloss and it is one of my everyday go to lip glosses that I keep in my purse. It's a basic pink-ish nude shade that is cheap, works well with my skin tone, and doesn't dry my lips out.

Kiss Nail Dress Nail Strips in BabyDoll:  I love the design of these strips, and they come in over 20 different shades some of which (including the ones I rece'ved) include jewels in the design. I applied these last night, and will post pics and a full review after a couple of days! Here's a sneak peek:

*Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary via Influenster. The opinions expressed in this post are my own, and are in no way influenced by Influenster or the brands mentioned.

OOTD: Statement Tee

Tee: Etsy / Bodycon Dress (worn as skirt): Asos / Boots: SM New York (similar) / Coat: Old Navy / Hat: Target (old) 

This T-shirt is so perfect! When I found it on Etsy I hit "Add to cart" without a second thought or a glance at the price. With the shirt making such a (true) statement, I chose to keep the rest of the look simple for this casual look.

Another Reason To Love Elle Varner...

source

We all know that singer Elle Varner is ridiculously talented, creative, gorgeous, and has an enviable mane of perfectly imperfect curls (that she apparently inherited from her father). But is Elle Varner also a bargain shopper?

Ladi Look Back: Year End Review

2012 is soon coming to an end. 2012 was a little rocky, but I can honestly say that I have grown so much as an blogger, aspiring fashionista, and overall as a person.  I have already coined 2013 as the Year of NO Excuses so the seeds I planted in 2012 will blossom in 2013 as I work harder, take risks, and open my life to possibility and change.

My style has definitely improved this year, largely due to me stepping out of my comfort zone and becoming more accepting of my body. Joining the Big Fat Summer Challenge was one of the best decisions I've ever made style wise, and a close second would be planning my look by season (helps soo much with shopping!). 2013 I will continue refine my style and take a few fashion risks (like print mixing, wearing bold accessories, and adding more body con skirts/dresses).  Below are some of my favorite looks of 2012:  

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In the beginning of 2012, I set a hair goal to grow and retain 4 inches. I spent a few months wearing protective styles like sew-ins, buns, and wigs (even made my own!). I perfected my twist-out technique, tried to  improve my wash-n-gos, and tested new products to help with growth. I can't do an official length check yet because I'm still wearing a sew-in, but I'm sure that I've achieved some good growth this year! Hoping for Bra Strap Length (or at least fully covering my tattoo) in 2013!  Check out a few of my favorite hair moments from the past year:

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Thank you all for reading my little blog and sharing in my journey this past year! I appreciate you all, and hope you all are riding with me for another year!

A Shiny New Year! NYE Look Ideas: Baroque

Baroque style is reminiscent of European art of centuries past. With its ornate elements and intricate patterns, baroque is the epitome of luxury and class. When creating your perfect New Year's Eve look, allow your baroque piece to make an impact by keeping everything else minimal. As for hair, a simple updo or pulled back chignon would make a great complement to your sophisticated and chic ensemble!

More Dorothy Perkins...

For additional inspiration, check out my post on sequins, metallics, and  last year's NYE post!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! May your day be filled with happiness!

Ladi Likes: $3 Red Lip

While finishing up my Christmas shopping at Target, I (of course) ended up browsing the beauty aisle. I discovered the E.L.F. matte lipstick/pencil and decided to give the rich red color a try.

I must say, for $3 I am totally impressed with this product. I love the jumbo sized pencil, twist up applicator, and the rich color payoff. Oh and the lip color is also very moisturizing! If you are in the market for a red lippie, consider giving this one a whirl!

A Shiny New Year! NYE Look Ideas: Metallics

Words like bronze, golden, and shimmer aren't only for make-up and jewelry. Metallic tones achieve a level of sophistication and sex appeal that is unmatched. Those of us with warm skin tones truly shine when dressed in  gold and bronze, whereas cool skin tones are accented by shades of silver.  As you can see from some of the options below, metallics can be combined with popular trends like peplum, mesh, and leather. This New Year's Eve, why not trade in your little black dress for a little bronze one?

More Asos...

Be on the lookout for more posts on NYE Ideas!

For additional inspiration, check out last year's NYE post!

Christmas Wish List

Clutches
Scarves & Wraps

Leather Jacket. Every girl needs a fab moto-style leather jacket. I love this Kenneth Cole option because of the added details on the shoulder and the stand-out hardware.


Leather Skater Skirt. I am completely sold on the leather trend. This two-toned faux leather skater skirt from Asos is super cute!


Urban Decay Naked Palette. I may be one of the only beauty lovers that do not have this palette. Instead of testing a bunch of different brands with hit or miss results, it's time to finally time to get this palette which has rave reviews.

Infinity Scarf. I don't like wearing big, bulky coats so I usually opt for accessories like scarves and gloves to keep me warm. A nice, chunky infinity scarf would be the perfect addition to my winter wardrobe.

Watch. I want a new watch in a gorgeous rose gold tone, like the Fossil Stella watch pictured above.

Facial Brush. Facial brushes can provide a deeper clean than a wash cloth alone so I definitely need one in my beauty arsenal! I've seen much praise over the Clairsonic brush, but paying over $100 for a beauty item is not in my budget.

Queen of the Jungle Necklace. I've been wanting this Melody Ehsani necklace for months now. It is an edgy piece that can spice up a classic outfit, or be the perfect complement to a rock chic Rihanna inspired look.

Leopard Clutch. I love animal print accessories to elevate what would be an otherwise boring look. I have a leopard belt, bracelet, and leopard shoes, so now I want a leopard clutch!

What's on your wish list?

A Shiny New Year! NYE Look Ideas: Sequins

My mother has had a red sequin dress hanging in her closet for (at least) the past 20 years that she refuses to get rid of.  Growing up I jokingly referring to this as the "Tina Turner Dress", but with age comes wisdom and I now realize that sequins made for more than just the stage!


We are only two and a half weeks away from the year 2013, so it's time to start preparing for the last "hoorah" of the year known as New Year's Eve. Whether your plans involve hosting a party, dinner with loved ones, or releasing your inner ratchet wild child at the club, one thing is for sure--you want to look your best!

Sequins are a festive way to add glamour, sparkle, and a little fun to your wardrobe--qualities that are perfect for crafting your head-turning New Year's Eve look! If you really want to make a statement, choose a bold sequined dress.  If you are not quite ready to scream "Here I Am", opt for a sequin skirt or tank/corset toned down with a blazer, or even save the sequins for your accessories (like this fab clutch and necklace!)

More Asos...

Be on the lookout for more posts on NYE Ideas where I feature metallic and baroque styles!
For additional inspiration, check out last year's NYE post!

OOTD: A Touch of Gold

Blazer: The Limited (similar 1, similar 2) / Tee: Old Navy / Jeans: Old Navy / Boots: Michael Antonio / Bag: The Limited (similar)  / Earrings: Target

The weather has been crazy lately. Who knew it would be 70+ degrees in NC in December? No matter how warm it gets, I just can't bring myself to wear short sleeves, it just doesn't feel right! I threw on a three-quarter sleeved blazer just to keep my mind at ease while keeping cool. I adore this blazer because of its fab gold trim--you can never go wrong with a pop of color!

Throwback Thursday (#TBT): Relaxed Hair Journey (and decision to transition!)

Sometime during my junior year of college (2008) I got really into haircare. I followed countless blogs, created a regimen, and seriously started focusing on healthy hair practices and growing long, beautiful hair. I was still relaxed back then, but I started stretching my relaxers, switched from direct heat to roller sets, and experimented with protective styles (even though I didn't have a name for them back then!). I was active on a few healthy hair social networks including Hairlista.com.  I kinda forgot about the site after I went natural, but today I got a random email saying that I had a new friend request waiting so I logged on just for kicks...Aah, old memories!

I found my old pics from my relaxed hair journey, and a short blog post I did when I was thinking about transitioning!

Take a look:

It is amazing how far I've come from the nervous girl who was scared to commit to transitioning  to being almost 2.5 years fully natural (almost 3.5 years post- my last relaxer)! The best part is that my hair is now longer than it was when I was relaxed!

OOTD: Denim On Denim

For this look I took notes from the Kanye West style book. Mr West is no stranger to the denim on denim look, also known as the "denim tuxedo."  I paired my denim top (one of the most worn items in my wardrobe!) and paired it with some dark gray jeans. I also channeled 'Ye by completing my look with a fresh pair of sneakers...wedge sneakers of course!

Top:  / Jeans: Old Navy / Belt: Old Navy Outlet / Wedge Sneakers: Steve Madden / Earrings: won from Curvy Southerner

Keep Your Lips Soft This Winter: 3 Easy Ways!

Since I've started playing around with lipstick, I've definitely realized the importance of having smooth, soft lips! Cold weather has a funny way causing peeling and cracking that no amount of hydration or lip chap (Side note: What happened to Saaphyri?) can fix. But don't worry, there are a few ways to get your lips kissably soft just in time for meetings under the mistletoe, that magical New Year's Eve smooch, and special time with your Valentine!

The Buy Way
Purchase an exfoliating lip scrub to buff away the dry, dead skin off of your lips to reveal the soft skin underneath.  I have used the Two-Step Satin Lips set from Mary Kay with good results. It comes with a lip mask to exfoliate your skin and a lip balm to provide moisture.  If you are feeling fancy, check out the Bliss Fabulips treatment kit.  This four-piece system includes a lip cleanser (a product I didn't know even existed), an exfoliating lip scrub, a lip balm, and a lip plumper to get your lips in tip top shape.

The DIY Way
I am a kitchen beautician who probably spends more time in the kitchen whipping up hair and beauty mixes than preparing meals. If you are anything like me, you should try creating your own lip scrub using basic items in your kitchen. All you really need is a little honey and a little brown sugar--the honey provides moisture and anti-bacterial properties while the grittiness of the brown sugar works as an exfoliant. After rubbing your DIY scrub onto your lips, you can just like the sweet mix off! (Although, lip licking dries out your lips--I guess that's why LL Cool J did it so often!)


The Free Way
If you don't want to spend any money or time mixing up a new beauty product, try brushing your lips with a wet toothbrush.  I read about lip brushing years ago in an old Teen magazine and it was described as a way to make your lips plump and red...while your lips may look a little more full immediately after you do it, the main benefit is that the toothbrush gently exfoliates your lips, ridding them of the dead skin that peels and makes your lipstick look yucky.  Using a moist washcloth to rub your lips would also do the trick!

How do you keep your lips soft and supple? Share your best tips in the comments!

OOTD: Black (and Rust) Friday

Hey! Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving and a safe Black Friday shopping excursion! I was out and about at midnight, came home for a quick nap and headed back out at about 7am to shop some more! Needless to say, I've been in the house sleeping, eating, and watching Netflix all day. In the spirit of Black Friday, I wanted to share a simple black and rust look I wore out recently for drinks with friends.

Did you catch any good deals today? Are you still in a food coma from Thursday? Feel free to share!

Outfit details: Blazer, Jeans: Old Navy / Blouse: Forever 21 / Clutch: Asos / Boots: Steve Madden Luxe / Earrings: Target

OOTD: Ain't Nothin But A Hound's Tooth

Blazer: Old Navy / Top: Dorothy Perkins (similar 1) (similar 2) / Jeans: Old Navy / Boots: Steve Madden / Bag: Steve Madden

Lately I've really gotten into hounds tooth print. I bought this cute sheer top from Dorothy Perkins that transitions from a houndstooth print in the front to a bird print in the back. I also bought an amazing hounds tooth blazer that will definitely be making an appearance on the blog in the near future!

As you can see, I got another long, curly sew-in.  This is the same as the hair I had over the summer (Halley's Curl Creole Wavy) but this time in 12" and 14" lengths.  I also sealed the wefts this time before the install, so hopefully there is minimal shedding and I can wear this hair until after New Year's.

Side Note: See all these leaves? There is a yard under there, but what's funny is that this is how it looks less than 2 weeks after using a leaf blower...and there are a lot more leaves ready to fall...No more yard work until after the holidays lol!

Act Like A Ladi...Dress Like A Diva: Slightly Retro

When I wore this outfit I was told that my blouse and  wedge heeled boots were reminiscent of the 1970s, hence the title of this post.  

Blouse: JCPenney (similar)  / Jeans: Old Navy / Boots: NYLA / Bag: Steve Madden

This blouse from JCPenney has a slightly boxy fit with a high-low hem, but I chose to tuck it in for a more fitted look. My hair is styled in a flat twist-out, and it is the last twist-out I'll be doing for a while since I just got a new sew-in! I'll post pics soon! 

Ladi Like PSA: The Limited 50% Off Sale

There has been a lot of mixed opinions about Black Friday, and some retailers' decision to turn Thanksgiving day into "Black Thursday." Some retailers are trying to get ahead of the game by offering sales and discounts as early as this weekend.  The Limited is getting into the action by offering 50% original priced items Saturday before 2PM.  Don't worry if you miss the 2pm deadline because after 2 they are still offering 40% off!

Act Like A Ladi...Dress Like A Diva: Fall Florals

Recently I got my hands on a pair of floral leggings. Large prints are usually outside of my comfort zone--especially wearing them on the bottom--but I actually kinda love these. They are so comfortable and can be dressed up, or down.

 Dressed Up

Blazer: Target (similar) / Shirt: Old Navy / Leggings: Dorothy Perkins (similar) / Boots: Michael Antonio / Necklace: Sears / Clutch: Asos (similar)

Dressed Down 

Cardigan: JC Penney / Tee: Old Navy / Leggings: Dorothy Perkins (similar) / Boots: Steve Madden / Necklace: JCPenney / Bracelet: DIY