White After Labor Day - A Fashion Do!

I am not usually one to wear white after Labor Day, but times have changed. When I was younger, you would get clowned for wearing white after the summer was considered over, but with a little imagination and fashion sense, white can be carried well into the winter months. Just remember, heavier fabrics still rule so leave the linen pants in the closet.

Here are some tips from LimeLife*:

* Wear white pants with a nice sturdy boot and a dark-colored blazer or sweater for the perfect autumn look.
* Again - Just make sure those white pants aren't linen. Linen pants should not be worn after summer, no matter their color.
* Wear a pretty white coat, but make sure you pair it with a pair of darker pants and darker accessories (hat, gloves, shoes, etc.).
* Wear white accessories like winter hats, gloves, and scarves with a darker jacket.

Please stay away from white shoes! I know the first pic shows them, but that is the runway. Boots are o.k, but for me, white pumps and flats are a fashion don't whatever the season!

Happy Fashion!

Today's Scripture

Now Faith Is

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"(Hebrews 11:1, KJV)

What are you hoping for in your life today? The Bible says that faith gives substance to the things you hope for. Notice this verse starts by saying, "Now faith…" It's not "later" faith or "one day" faith. We have to have faith for today, right now.
So, what does it mean to have "now" faith? The Bible tells us that faith is simply believing in God's goodness and knowing that He rewards the people who seek after Him. It's believing that His Word is true–right now. Can you believe that God wants to move in your life, today? Do you believe He can provide for your need, today? Do you believe He can heal your relationship, today? Do you believe He can give you that promotion, today?
Whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working on your behalf, right now. Dare to believe that God will come through for you, today. Stand strong and declare that the victory is yours! As you water your faith with your words, you'll receive His strength and power and see God's hand moving in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I choose to believe that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust that You have a good plan for me and that You are leading and guiding my every step. Help me stand strong in You, today. In Jesus' Name. Amen. "

My Resale Store Finds

Vintage Christian Dior Cashmere Swing Coat
Back View

J. Crew Wool Blazer

J. Crew Wool Blazer

Cache Beaded Skirt

Beaded Detail Up Close

Grey Wool Skirt w/Bow Detail

For those of you who love to look fashionable but you have to watch your spending, there is a way to snag designer duds at Target prices. Resale shops have long been a fashionista's favorite, but I recently became re-acquainted with one in my hometown.

I found these great pieces at a resale shop in Clayton, Mo. called the Scholarshop. All of the proceeds from sales at this shop benefit college students by awarding them with large scholarships. I felt great that not only did I get some goodies, but I contributed to the education of another.

It is also good to go to shops that are located in the more affluent areas because the selection will be more lucrative. I believe this is because people with money shop more, therefore they have more to give away. Also, a person with money usually won't think twice about giving away an item because they can always buy another. And usually, those items will be designer or very fashionable (hopefully). The J.Crew Blazers retail at$238, but I purchased both for $40. They are in great condition! As a matter of fact, they don't even look like anyone has worn them. I'll take them.

I also snagged a Christian Dior Cashmere Coat that retails for about $3,ooo. I purchased this vintage design for only $40. It looked like new also. The only thing-a button was missing, but I will have my tailor fix that small problem for about $2.

The beaded skirt is by Cache and I was told by an associate of the store that the skirt retailed for $190 back in 2007. I purchased mine for $20.00.

And last, but not least, the little grey skirt was $15.00. It did not have a tag in it to show who it is by, but the design was cute and it looked good on me. I will pair it with a nice off the shoulder sweater, some grey tights and a pair of cute boots (long or bootie).

For all of the items pictured, I spent a total of $115. If I would have purchased these items retail I would have spent somewhere around $4,000.

So I saved $3, 885!

Now that's what I call bargain shopping!

Happy Resale Shopping!

Product Review - Elasta QP Conditioners

I am always looking for a great conditioner. My hair craves moisture and can be very dry at times. Also, since I am transitioning and I still have some relaxed ends (which are about 80% gone after Friday's trip to my stylist for a good trim), I cannot have a lot of oil in my hair daily because it makes my hair really weighed down. I decided to try the Elasta QP DPR-11 conditioner since I read rave reviews about it on curlynikki.com. While I was purchasing that treatment, I ran across another one that had good ingredients and it is the Elasta QP Intense Recovery Conditioning Treatment.

Let me tell you, my hair loved it. I actually used both products the first time to really give my strands some much needed moisturizing. I applied both products and put on a plastic cap. I let the mixture site on my hair for 3 hours. Let me say I overdosed my hair with moisture and it responded very well. I did not have a lot of shedding and my hair was very moist throughout the week. It also helped with detangling.

I applied my Cantu Shea Butter and Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme probably twice last week instead of everyday like usual.

Next time, I will probably use one or the other, but I am pleased with both products.

Today's Scripture

"Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life…"(Psalm 23:6, AMP)

God has a plan to take every adversity, every hardship you go through and use it–not to beat you down and make your life miserable. No, God's dream is to take that difficulty and supernaturally turn it around and use it to bring you good. He will use those tough times to bring you out stronger, more mature, and prepared for promotion! Goodness, mercy, and unfailing love are God's plan for you!
You may not understand everything that's going on in your life right now, but I encourage you to keep your head held high. Know that God is working in your life. Keep being faithful. Keep doing the right thing knowing that in the end God is going to turn things around in your favor. If God is for you, who can be against you? No one. Greater is the One who is in you than anyone who can be against you. No matter what's going on around you today, you can put your shoulders back and put a smile on your face because God has good things in store for your future!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for all You've done for me in my past and for what You are preparing for my future. Help me keep my eyes on You. Help me stand strong in You and look for Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Rachel Roy's New Affordable Line

As I have stated before, I love fashion! I also love getting a good deal. I don't always buy cheap because sometimes, cheap means cheaply made. I like to purchase items that are good quality and fun to wear. If I can get both qualities at a reasonable price, then I am a happy shopper. I was looking on another blog site I follow http://www.divinelifecollection.blogspot.com/ (great fashion site) and it highlighted Rachel Roy's line from New York Fashion Week. Her designs are so sweet, but the runway line is ultra expensive.

She now has a more affordable line called Rachel Rachel Roy and prices range from around $30 - $300 at http://www.rachelroy.com/

All of the pieces shown, including tops, bottoms, all accessories and shoes, are available at the site.

Above are just a few pieces that caught my eye. Ultra chic!

Happy Fashion!

Tory Burch

I am really feeling the Tory Burch line. Her fashions are so simple and classy, but yet very detailed and fashionable.

I purchased a pair of ballerina flats that are sooo comfortable and a wallet/clutch that I just adore. Here are some of my favorites for this fall. I am on a strict budget for the rest of this year so I may not buy any of them, but a girl can dream.

Today's Scripture

"He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]"(Isaiah 40:29, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD
In the Bible, Joseph went through seasons of difficulty. He was rejected by his family, sold into slavery, lied about, mistreated, abandoned, falsely accused, and thrown in jail. But through it all, Joseph never gave up. He kept pressing through and doing the right thing even though the wrong thing kept happening. The Bible says in Psalm 105 verse 18, as Joseph laid in prison in those chains of iron, his soul entered into that iron. In other words, as Joseph just kept on fighting life through, his soul became as strong as that steel. God developed a supernatural strength in him that no one could take away.
If you are going through difficulty today, God wants to increase your strength. He wants to increase your power to overcome. He wants to make your inner man as strong as steel. When you keep standing, keep believing, keep doing the right thing, you are opening yourself to God's supernatural strength. That's when you know you are growing in Him. Be strong today. Keep pressing forward because God is at work increasing strength in you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I surrender every difficulty to You. I release the questions, hurts, and frustrations. I choose to trust You and do the right thing. Increase Your strength in me so that I can live in the victory You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Another Trendy Tee!

Here is another beautiful design by Trendy Teez! So fab!

www.trendyteez.blogspot.com

Bleached Jeans

O.K. At first I really wasn't feeling this look because I wore it when I was 15 (26 years ago) and it was not that great then. But as I began to look around, I noticed that this is not the same look as before. Now they are being rocked with tees and sexy jackets along with high sexy heels and booties (things we did not wear when I was 15) and the look has taken on a much more sexy, edgier role.

I'm not sure if I would purchase jeans bleached, but I will definitely make my own. (I still know how)

Do you like them?

Happy Fashion!

Tips For Transitioners

Hello Ladies!



Since I am going natural, I am always looking for tips to keep this process smooth. I want to share some tips I received from the Kinky-Curly website http://kinky-curly.com/ that I think are very helpful. These tips are also on http://www.curlynikki.com/ throughout the site, but I thought I would put them all right here for you. (Especially you Sweet T-bits!)



TRANSITIONER'S TIPS
Are you ready to go natural? Not ready to do the ‘BIG CHOP’ and cut off all of your relaxed hair just yet? Here are some tips to help you make the transition from relaxed hair to a full head of beautiful, healthy, natural hair without cutting it all off right away!*



Remember, you cannot wash a relaxer out. The structure of your hair has been chemically altered and no amount of shampoo or vinegar can remove a relaxer from your hair. You must either grow it out or cut it off.*



The line of demarcation is the area where your new growth meets your relaxed hair, which is very weak and prone to breakage. It is important to keep your hair moisturized and detangled in order to avoid breakage. Always use a wide-tooth comb and good detangling conditioner such as KNOT TODAY TM.*



Do not use heated styling tools during your transition. A blow dryer with a comb attachment can stretch and break the hair. A flat iron or pressing comb used regularly or even just once at too high a temperature can burn the cuticle layer and damage the natural hair that is growing in. High temperatures from heated styling tools can break the sulfide bonds of our hair which can cause your hair to straighten out resulting in many different textures on your head. *



Opt for styles that will blend the two different textures of hair such as roller sets, straw sets or two-strand twist sets. Use of a good styling serum such as SPIRAL SPRITZ TM will ensure a longer lasting frizz free style. Other style such as braids, flat twists or individual twists also work well to protect the hair and blend the two textures *



Trim hair regularly during the transition phase as your natural hair grows in cutting off a bit of relaxed ends each time.*



Heal your scalp to prevent 'scab hair'. After years of applying chemical relaxers to our scalp our follicles may become damaged. The shape of the follicle determines the texture of our hair and as new hair grows in through a damaged follicle the result can be dry, rough hair also known as scab hair. A healing scalp tonic enriched with aloe vera can prevent or minimize this. *



When your hair has reached a length that you are comfortable with you can now cut off the remainder of the relaxed hair. You can now enjoy the versatility of having natural hair. Some of the styles you used to transition with can still be used now that you are 100% natural. You can roller set on large rollers for a straight/wavy look or twist or braid set for a crinkly look. And best of all you can now sport a wash and go look using CURLING CUSTARD TM Apply to wet hair out of the shower, air dry or use a diffuser and go.



Happy Transitioning!

Hot Teez!

If you are looking for some great t-shirts to show off your natural beauty, you must visit my friend Dymesha at Trendy Teez. I highlighted her creations on an earlier blog and I must say I receive so many compliments on the tees when I wear them. I have both the Afro Diva Tank and Tee in black. The beading and design is fabulous!


Here is another beautiful addition to her collection and I must say, not only are they classy, original, great quality and fly, they are also very affordable. They wash very well and hold their shape too. I love t-shirts and usually, it is very hard to find tees that represent who I am and are quality pieces as well. And don't think they are only for summer. You can rock her tees with a blazer or casual jacket, some jeans and a pair of fly boots. You can also pair them under a suit for a differnet kind of fly flavor. I did that with an Obama t-shirt and it rocked.


If you are like me and love to be original, try out Trendy Teez at http://www.trendyteez.blogspot.com/



You will love the product, trust me!

Today's Scripture

Preparing for Promotion

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world"(John 16:33 NIV)
Are you going through a season of difficulty? Does it seem like for every step you take forward, you take two steps back? The Bible tells us that hard times and difficulty will come in this life, but we can rejoice because God promises us victory!
Whatever you may be facing today, make the decision that you are going to shake off negative thinking and trust that God is working behind the scenes. The more we trust Him and exercise our faith in Him, the more we are preparing ourselves for promotion. Focus on the fact that brighter days are just ahead. Weeping may endure for a night, but when you fight the good fight of faith, God promises that joy is coming in the morning! If you'll work with God, He'll take that adversity, turn it around, and use it for your good. It may be uncomfortable at times, but you've got to know that you are growing. God is maturing you. He is building character in you, and he is preparing you for the promotion and increase He has in store for your future!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I release all of my cares on You. I choose to focus on the blessings that You have given me. Search my heart today and remove anything that is displeasing to You. I bless You and honor You alone. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Product Review

My new best friends are Kinky-Curly Knot Today and Kinky Curly Spiral Spritz. I read about this line on a blog I follow and I must say it is great! Not only did my tangles melt away, but my curl definition was more pronounced and my curls seemed larger and much tighter.

I purchased my bottles from Whole Foods.

The Spiral Spritz made my hair feel weird when I applied it to my hair, so I applied the Knot Today first, then I applied the Spiral Spritz to my ends only. Then I applied shea butter to my ends an rolled my hair on small, yellow, magnetic rollers.

I'm thinking about trying the Kinky-Curly system which consists of the Come Clean Shampoo (sulfate free), Knot Today and Curly Custard in that order, but I think I will wait until I have removed all of the relaxed ends from my do. I think this line works best for wash-n-wear hair.

If you are looking for a great leave-in and some easy help with tangles, then the Knot Today leave-in just may be the answer. It is for me!

Has anyone else used this product? If so, tell me what you think.

Girl's Night Out Shopping Event

http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/stlouis/fall2009/default.asp?rf=FA09_STL_RFT_E1

Check out the attached link for a fun time! It is a great event and hopefully it is coming to your city!

Fall Fashion Checklist - Coats

Another great item for fall is a great coat! No more plain Jane styles because color is hitting the runways. I like coats with puffy sleeves and some type of detail in the bodice. Here are a few I found very cute and fashionable.

I like these styles because they are colorful, but still classy. I am not into fads and I think these styles will carry you from year to year without missing a fashionable beat!

Happy Fashion!

Chicago Natural

Hello Divas!

I had the pleasure of spending 5 wonderful days in Chicago with my honey and friends this past week. The weather was great (a little rain, but it did not hinder my adventures) and I got some great shopping in for fall. I also ate way more than I am accustomed to, so I will definitely be hitting the gym overtime for the next few weeks. (Gotta stay slim to fit in all the cute deals I bought)

I also met a wonderful woman by the name of Rebeca who I just had to stop and ask her about her beautiful head of natural curls. She stated she has been natural all of her life and she uses Miss Jessie Products and Moroccanoil Products. I have highlighted the Miss Jessie website in the past and the website for Moroccanoil is www.moroccanoil.com

I am going to try the product line. Rebeca stated it works wonders on dry hair.

I will give a review at a later date.

Check out these beautiful curls!




Thanks a million Rebeca for the info and it was a pleasure talking with you!