RED LIPS FOR THE WIN

This lady is in desperate need of a vacay, this is not happening anytime soon, with work, school and the pageant this weekend in full effects so, I’ll just have to dress like I’m on vacation until further notice. Now you know I had to get some shots of me in this super cute Ankara print dress and matching head wrap. If you don’t already know, I’m obsessed with prints, colors and everything that not practical enough to wear to work or a formal event. I can literally count the number of black clothing pieces I own. My closet is bursting with colors that don’t even have names to them. By the way, big shout out to my sister in-law for grabbing this matching Ankara set for my birthday at the most randomest flea market in Fayetteville, NC. She’s the real MVP. Don’t you just love those random shops in the middle of nowhere. It’s always a surprise, you never know what you’re gonna get and you for sure won’t get anything that’s a duplicate. It’s guaranteed to be a one of kind type item that’ll you’ll never see again. I gotta jet because I’m up to my knees in homework and my final project for the end of the semester, also getting some last-minute stuff done for my trip to New Jersey for this pageant on Saturday. Literally wasn’t lying about being up to my knees in adulting and other priorities but, before I go, wanted to share the deets on my sparkly pink heels and lip gloss.

If you’ve been following along lately, you know I’m so digging the OuiFresh lipglosses in stock right now. I’m wearing the Lava Lamp lip gloss in these pics and topped it off with the prettiest, shines shoes from DSW by Betsey Johnson, click here to shop them. FYI, they come in two other colors if you’re not digging the pink .

Anyway, I’ll check in with you once I hit the big apple. Yes, I said it, me and the bestie, Nat, are taking Manhattan next week. She’s in NY for med school so we figured, why not. Catch you on the flip side.

Sincerely,

Deidra Marie


2 PRODUCT WASH N GO

Lately, my wash n go’s have been the bees knees.  As some of my kinky-coily curlfriends may know, mastering the wash n go takes time. I use to be so concerned with shrinkage, but healthy hair and curl definition are the name of the game these days. I’m using more clean products that are sulfate free and paraben free and my kinks and coils just love me for it. Below, I’m sharing a few of my wash n go tips to help you achieve a great wash n go with just two products.

SO FRESH SO CLEAN

Always start on freshly washed and conditioned hair. I find my best wash n go’s start off with a squeaky clean scalp and hair. For extra shine and  to combat the dryness from the shampoo, add a thin layer of avocado oil to moisturize and smooth your strands out.

DEEP CONDITION

A good foundation is key. I find my wash go’s are full and voluminous when I’ve deep conditioned and taken that extra step to achieve maximum moisture levels. My wash n gos also last longer when I’ve deep conditioned. Don’t have time to deep condition, use a creamy leave in condish instead, beware though, make sure your styling products blend well with the conditioner so you’re not left with product residue on your hair that often looks white or flaky.

SOAK IT UP

Light hold gels and creamy styling custards work best for my wash n gos. Couple these types of products with soaking wet hair and my kinks and coils just pop. I often apply my styling products in the shower, that way, my hair gets the moisture from the water and the steam during styling time. The two products I’ve been coupling together to create my bomb wash n gos are by Botanical Bliss.

Caribbean Moisturizing Hair Lotion and the Lemon Meringue Curl Defining Custard. Shop these products and other BB products at: http://www.botanicalblissshop.com

.

.

.

Keep scrolling for my last two tips and a little gift for you! 🙂

BLOT

Mixing all the products together can leave a little white film on my strands so after styling I usually towel blot the affected areas being careful not to disrupt the curl pattern and create unwanted frizz. You can opt to use a microfiber towel or t-shirt too. I find the t-shirt does a great job of soaking up moisture without causing frizz the best.

HAIR DRYER/DIFFUSER

My hair is extremely dense so I use two different styling tools to get my fro dry. I first sit under the hair dryer for a bout 20 minutes to get the top part of my hair dry and diffuse the inner and back parts of my hair with my trusty dusty hair diffuser. Of course, if you have less dense hair you won’t have to take these extra measures to get it dry, but for me, this is the only way I can make out the door in a reasonable amount of time.

Hope this tips help you achieve your best wash n go this spring and summer. Loving my results? Well, use code DEIDRA10 to receive 10% off your Botanical Bliss purchase.

Till next time.

Deidra Marie


IN A CHARTREUSE KIND OF MOOD

We all know I’m no stranger to color, I wear it with everything. I hardly own any black or neutrals and it makes dressing for work a bit difficult as I don’t own practical stuff. When I do have to buy it for that rare occasion I get sad and dread the thought of owning anything that doesn’t have a little flair to it. Lately, I’ve been digging the color Chartreuse. It’s been the color of the spring season, but has been one of my fav colors since I was a kid. It’s a mix of my two fav colors, green and yellow. Doesn’t get any happier than that, huh? I often get the question of how to wear Chartreuse, what to match it with and where to go out wearing that color. Not gonna lie, it’s a hard color to wear. Skin tone and hair color make all the difference with this color but, I think just about anyone can rock, you just gotta do it right. I’ve listed a few ways to mix and match this color for an effortless look. Hope this helps.

PAIR WITH PURPLE

As you can see, purple and Chartreuse belong together, if you’re feeling more airy and springy, do a lighter, lavender type purple, it’s a great color combo for a spring or summer wedding or for a night out.

ROCK IT WITH CORAL

That seems so strange to pair two very “look at me” colors together, but it’s really a great combo for spring. They are bold, they are bright, and remind me of a good time at somebody’s yacht party. Maybe that’s just me, but a girl can dream.

ALL OVER CHARTREUSE

Don’t know how to mix and match it, the trend these days has been all over one solid color, Chartreuse is not excluded from this look. I’d rock it with a white booties or some pink heels, something to break it up a little, but still very much a trend I’d consider. Sounds a little bold, but with fashion, I think anything goes, right?

.

.

.

PAIR IT WITH BLACK OR WHITE

Okay, while I don’t do these color combos often because I barely own any black, I still highly suggested. It’s definitely more on the sophisticated side. More wear work appropriate and practical for an everyday look. It’s a safe color combo that anyone can pretty much pull off. If you’re just stepping into the wonderful world of Chartreuse, this color combo is the way to go. It’s a great start to ease yourself into a this fun, funky, bold color.

RED AND CHARTREUSE

This is one of my all-time fav color combos. It’s so unexpected and when paired with gold jewelry you have a winning look. I first I thought, ugh, this is so Christmas, but it’s really not. With the yellow undertones of the Chartreuse, it’s a winning combo for sure.

Hope after reading these tips you start experimenting with this fun color. Here’s to the Chartreuse glow-up.

By the way, of course my lippy is by OuiFresh. It’s Love Fool. Shop this and other ultra moisturizing lipglosses here. Chartreuse pants by ASOS. They no longer sell them but keep an eye out for similar looks as they get in new stuff all the time. My dope vintage top is by The Cru Look

Till next time,

Sincerely,

Deidra Marie