Fall Fashion Checklist - Cardigans

For me, grey will be my new black for fall. Also, cardigans will be my new go to piece for fall to replace always grabbing a blazer to complete my business looks. Below are just a few ideas to spruce things up in the cardigan department. These are not your normal, plain cardigans but they are spruced up with great detail and style. These looks can be found at Nordstrom, Macy's, and even TJ Max (I found one just like the last pic at TJ Max for $39.)

Happy Fashion!

Today's Scripture

Power Over Fear
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline"(II Timothy 1:7, NLT)
God's desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher heights and go to new levels. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He'll bring thoughts like, "What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You don't have what it takes." He'll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are.
The Bible says that fear is a spirit. It plays on our emotions and holds us back. But the good news is that we have power over fear! The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. When we receive God's perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. I've heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Understand that fear is a lie. Today, choose to believe God's Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the good life He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for giving me power, love, and a sound mind. I open my heart to You and receive Your perfect love. Fill me with Your confidence and assurance to embrace everything You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Wonderful Information

I know a lot of my friends and followers are still relaxing, so I don't want to leave you out when it comes to healthy hair information. I was surfing the web and found a great video and her growth amazed me. This is a great example of what commitment and patience will give you in return with regards to taking care of your hair. To see more and get some great tips, go to

http://von-nique.blogsopt.com


Happy Hair!

Conditioning Treatments

I thought it would be a great idea to share conditioning routines. I have run into a lot of sistas who are baffled at how to manage their natural hair and keep it soft and tamed. I was once one of them and curlynikki's sight helped me, so I hope this will help someone else.

My routine is as follows:

1. I co-wash once a week with either Herbal Essence Hello Hydration or Totally Twisted, Garnier Fructis, or Pantene Nature Fusion conditioners. (I do not use shampoo at home because I still see my stylist once/twice a month and she uses a non-sulfate shampoo - I am looking for a clarifying shampoo though to remove the buildup from co-washing) I run my fingers through my hair to remove tangles, then I use a wide toothed comb to distribute the conditioner.

(Use a lot of conditioner and water)

2. After I rinse thoroughly, I apply Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie and Aveda's Dry Hair Remedy Hair Mask (both) and I don a plastic cap for about two to three hours.

3. I rinse, then apply a little Mixed Chicks conditioner or a little Hello Hydration to my hair and I rod set or twist. (I am now using either the Cantu Shea Butter or Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey on my ends before roding or twisting.)

This gives me soft but manageable hair for one week and combats breakage at the new growth line!

This may not work for everyone, but I am sure it will help someone.

Please share your routine! I am always looking for new ideas!

Also, if you are not natural but have a great routine, still share because a great routine will work for any hair texture as long as it moisturizes.

Happy Hair!

My Favorite Accessory

I am so happy leggings have come back into style. Not only are they comfortable and easy to wear, but they also flatter your legs and tush. I love wearing basic black or smoke grey leggings with a flowing top and heels or a chunky sweater and boots. This year, leggings will be the great go to outfit to pair with a cute top and a bangin bootie.

I also like the leather looking leggings from American Apparel.

They are great for a night out on the town and they look sexy while still remaining classy.

(See Rhianna and Ms. Olsen below).

This is one staple from the 80's that I will gladly take back and embrace.

Happy Fashion!

Product Review

I read about this product called Cantu Shea Butter and I thought I would try it. Well, I love it! It is great for my ends and it smells wonderful. Also at $3.99 a jar, it is very affordable.

Here are the claims:

Cantu Break Cure Strengthening Treatment is made with pure shea butter and essential oils to replace vital oil in your hair leaving it stronger and healthier with a natural shine.

Cantu Break Cure Strengthening Treatment prevents breakage before it starts by penetrating and moisturizing hair from the roots to the tips.

Cantu Shea Butter Break Cure Strengthening Treatment helps stop breakage before it starts.
It moisturizes dry brittle hair with deep penetrating oil and emollients and nourishes

dry damaged hair.

I have been using it for a week and I think it will stay in my collection of go to hair products.

Oh, by the way, I am also using the Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey for my ends too. It is too thick for my hair, but great as a sealant for the ends when rod setting. I may not buy the Mimosa product again, but I will not waste this jar. Sorry ladies, but maybe later I will have something to give away at a later date. As a matter of fact, I'm sure I will!

Happy Hair!

Today's Scripture

Walk Through

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me…"(Psalm 23:4, NKJ)
In the Bible, David went through some dark times in his life. But notice in this verse that he didn´t say, “I’m going to sit in this dark, challenging place, this shadow of death, and have myself a pity party." No he said, "I´m not staying here! I´m going to walk right through this situation because God is with me!" Are you going through a dark time right now? If you´ll make up your mind and be determined to walk through, knowing that God is with you, you will see things turn around in your favor.
Oftentimes, those difficult situations don´t make sense. We can have a lot of questions. Sometimes those questions get answered, and sometimes they don´t. But that´s when we have to be willing to trust God and know that He is with us. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us, especially in the dark times. So be encouraged today because God is on your side and by your side. He is your light in dark places. As you trust in Him, He will lead and guide you into the wonderful place of blessing He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in Heaven, today I choose to follow You, knowing that you make Your Word a lamp to my feet and a light upon my path. I will be bold and not afraid, knowing that You are always with me even when it´s difficult for me to see. Thank you for the courage to keep walking even through the darkest times. I thank You for Your comfort and presence to guide me into the life of abundant blessing and victory you have for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen."

Michelle Obama

A great example of what a great cardigan can do for an outfit!

Happy Fashion!

Kimora & Family

How cute! I just love the girls hair! Curls galore!

Fall Boots

Another item on my list. This is the J.Crew Nottingham Tall Boot and it is around $300.

At least this one more affordable than the Fendi Mary Jane.(But that shoe is fierce)

Why the heck are boots so darn expensive now?

I feel boots are worth a splurge because for me, they have to be good quality. Usually, the better quality means more expensive. I am hard on shoes so a cheaply made one will not last through the winter!

In the fall and winter, I am a boot fiend. When I lived in L.A., I wore boots in the summer.

Right now I own 16 pair and I am still adding to the collection. Some of them I have had for over 10 years (hence the need to buy better quality - worth the money because they last longer thus saving me money and saving me from the need to buy boots every year).

This boot is a great color because you can rock it with anything. Throw them on with Jeans, a short skirt or a little dress and a hat and finish the look with a big, bad bag of the same color or in the same color scheme (contrast is good), and you are hot! My honey loves when I rock dresses with boots. He says it it so sexy, but understated at the same time. Go figure!

I love boots and it is the only thing about winter I look forward to.

What is your favorite winter wardrobe item?

Happy Fashion!

Shoe Fetish

Ladies, here is another shoe that is calling my name. It is the Fendi Suede Platform Mary Jane. This shoe would be great for fall with a tweed suit or a sexy dress.

Unfortunately, I am on a mission to save this year and not go over my budget for only one item. Maybe this one will be on sale soon!

Nevertheless, it is a hot shoe! What do you think?

Happy Fashion!

Progress Report

Hi Beauties! I just wanted to share with you my progress. My curl pattern is becoming much pronounced. I had a lot of the ends cut off last week. As you can see, the first picture shows a bunch of straight, stringy, relaxed pieces. Now, the strands are thicker and curlier.

Yeah, the relaxer is almost out of here!

July - After co-wash (No product left in - just water)
August - After co-wash (no product left in - just water)

Happy Hair!

Today's Scripture

I Am

"God replied to Moses, ‘I Am Who I Am…’"(Exodus 3:14, NLT)
In the Bible, God has many names that describe His character and attributes. In the same way that someone named “Joe” might also be called “father” or “husband” or “the boss,” God has names that describe Him and His relationship to His people.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew name for “God” was considered so holy that the people wouldn’t even say it. So, when God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and sent Him to lead the Israelites out of captivity, Moses asked God, “Who should I say sent me?” After all, He couldn’t breathe the name of God in public. God replied by saying, “Moses, my name is I Am.” In other words, “I am anything and everything you need. I am your joy. I am your peace. I am your strength. I am your victory. I am your way of escape. I am whatever you need.”Today, God is saying the same thing to us! What is it that you need? The Great I Am, the Almighty God is on your side. He is ready to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Open your heart of faith to Him today and receive all the blessings He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, today I call on You—the Great I Am. I surrender myself to You - spirit, soul, and body. I ask that You direct my steps and supply every one of my needs as I move forward in obedience to Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Do You Like It?

Now I like everything fashionable, but I have heard mixed reviews on the new Disney Collection by Samantha Thevasa (whoever she is - if someone knows, please let me know)

I don't understand Solange's shoes, but I am feeling both looks, especially Beyonce's dress.

I just love Solange's new do! It makes her look so fierce and confident! She has the right head for it. (Once again, unfortunately I don't - I will stop harping on that from this point on)

Let me know what you think.

Happy Fashion! (Maybe)

Fall Fashion - The Bootie

I am really feeling the bootie for fall.

I remember wearing them about 15-20 years ago, but the new styles are much more flattering.

I like the open toe style, but I don't know how that will work in St. Louis.

I guess as long as the snow stays away, everything will be o.k.

Gucci Velvet Bootie

Gucci Killer Platform Bootie

Christian Louboutin Fringe Bootie

Happy Fashion!

Shi Salon on Style Network

Hola!

My stylist, Marie Simone of Shi Salon, was featured on the season premiere of Split Ends. If you missed the episode, here are some clips that made the show and did not make the show. Just a little something to represent for St. Louis.

Also, if you have the Style Network Channel, the show will air again at the times listed:

Wednesday, Aug 12 9:00am
Thursday, Aug 13 2:00am
Thursday, Aug 13 2:00am
Saturday, Aug 15 2:00am
Sunday, Aug 16 12:00am

Understand - the footage you are about to see was made for television so it was amusing.

MIMOSA HAIR HONEY

One of my fellow bloggers suggested that I try this wonderful smelling concoction. Well, I did try it last night and it was o.k.

I feel my hair is too thin for this product, but I think it would be great for sistas who are locking or twisting on a regular. The scent was fresh but the product is thick. I did use it with my rod set so I will try it once I do a twist out. Hopefully it will work better and not weigh my hair down too much.

If anyone has tried it let me know your thoughts and help me find uses for it or I will be giving it away.

Happy Hair!

From Curly To Straight

I had my curly twa going on for a while, so I decided to get it flat ironed this weekend to change things up a bit. (Change is good every once and awhile) Also, this allows me the opportunity to see my growth.

Me chillin at the winery!
Me chillin with the straight, feathered bob!

I don't like this side as much as the other - It has a mind of its own!

My stylist achieved this look by blow drying my hair semi-straight, then she used a flat iron to straighten and curl my hair. Everything was then combed back then raked forward with her hands. A little holding spray and off I go! I don't like to straighten too much, but I do like the change every now and then. This look last about 3 to four days depending on how much sweating I do in my head.

Also don't forget - too much heat is not a good thing!

I only do this once a month - sometimes every other month depending on my mood or certain events!

Happy Hair!

Natural Hair Questions Answered

My Weekend Hot Buys!

Hello beautiful sistas! I hope your weekend was enjoyable.

This weekend was "tax free" weekend in St. Louis. Since fall is around the corner (boooo) I jumped up on Saturday and started on my journey to get some great deals on items to add to my fall wardrobe.

I have had my eye on a few pieces from J.Crew.

I just love J. Crew and all of their wonderful styles. I am really into classic but stylish pieces and J. Crew clothing is great for work and for play.

Well, I did snag some cute items, but they were not "tax free". I found out that was only on certain items, especially items for children. I also had to purchase my items through the catalog because the store did not have my size or the colors I was looking for, but I did save on shipping.(Yipee)

Check them out!

Merino ethereal ruffle cardigan in Indigo

Will look great with the shoes below and a pencil skirt or jeans.

Charlie ruffled suede platform Mary Janes

Cute Shoe - It is in Indigo and it looks better in person than on this pic.

Velvet Eden blazer

Great fit!

It looks great with dark jeans and a tee or a pencil skirt, a simple tee, and some bad copper/brown pumps.


Happy Fall Fashion!

Today's Scripture

Hope Against Hope
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him…"
(Romans 4:18, NIV)
Do you feel like you are in a hopeless situation today? Is there no sign of change in the natural? Remember, we serve a supernatural God. What looks impossible with man is possible with God.
In the Bible, God told Abraham he would be the father of many nations. But in the natural, this looked impossible. Both he and his wife were beyond child-bearing years. They had no reason to hope or believe it would happen. They had nothing to go on in the natural. But one translation of this verse says, "Hoping in spite of hopeless circumstances, he believed." And you probably know the story. Abraham finally had a son, Isaac and his son, Jacob had 12 sons—the twelve original tribes of Israel with descendants outnumbering the grains of sand on the shore!

Today, I encourage you to do what Abraham did and go against all the odds; hope on in faith anyway. Keep believing. Keep praying. Keep moving forward. Don’t focus on the impossible circumstances, focus on the God who makes the impossible possible! Keep looking through your eyes of faith because He has blessing and victory in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I choose to hope in You even when everything around me looks hopeless. I invite You to breathe Your life into the impossible circumstances around me. Have Your way in and through me as I dedicate every part of my heart and mind to You. In Jesus´ Name, Amen.

Let's Talk Fashion - My Shoe Fetish

I have a serious shoe fetish! I just adore cute, sexy shoes. I like flats for comfort, but a serious, sexy, 3inch or higher stiletto just does something to me. Now I find myself loving the bright, bold colors and the wild styles I am seeing on blogs and in fashion magazines.

Check out the two looks I have my eye right on right now:

Great Looks!

Happy Fashion!

Tried something new!

O.k. Now I am very lazy when it comes to doing my hair. I was accustomed to visiting my stylist once, every week. Now, I have decided to start a relationship with my hair and do it myself more often. With that being said, I usually go to my favorite and easiest hairstyle, the rod set. I was looking at curly nikki's site and she talked about the pros and cons of different types of rollers when used for a twist out. When she stated the magnetic rollers were easier to use, I agreed whole hearted. So I thought I would try it out myself and see what happens. Now, my hair is half 100% natural (the back) and the front has relaxed ends with about 3-4 inches of natural new growth. I am going to let my hair grow out and gradually cut off the relaxer as I have repeatedly mentioned before. (I think I am trying to convince myself this is the right thing to do) With that being said, I figured my front would take well to the magnetic rollers, but my back would be another story. I co-washed with Pantene Naturals and Herbal Essence Totally Twisted and used the conditioner as a sealant for my set. I used magnetic rollers in the front and rods on the back. The curl pattern turned out very cool.

For all of the long-term transitioners out there, this is always a winner for me. I went to the gym today and my hair just got curlier as my head began to sweat. This hairstyle also holds up in humidity and I like the ease of the magnetic rollers. Funny thing is the back of my hair up to the curve of my head is totally natural because I got all of it shaved off two years ago for a short bob. I have not relaxed for 2 years and my hair seems straighter in the back than in the front where the relaxer is still evident on the ends. Go figure! I should bc because I love my curl pattern, but I am chicken. Maybe one day!

Happy Hair!

My Fav Products.......

I am a certified product junkie!

Right now I am working on toning it down a bit because I have too many products.

I thought it would be fun to list 3 of my my favorite products every month I am using at the moment.

Feel free to post your favorite indulgences with me!

1. Carol's Daughter Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle - This is great for dry skin and the smell is so delightful.

2. Carol's Daughter Pearls Perfume - It really goes well with the Shea souffle and it is a must have if you like to smell sweet enough to eat.

3. Christian Dior Dior Show Mascara - Goes on great without clumping and is really dark, but subtle. This mascara makes my eyes pop and I only use it and some lip gloss and off I go.