Beautiful! I Just Want You to Know: I’m loving LAMIK

 

Putting the U in Beauty…

I recently visited New York’s Crowne Plaza with a few other bloggers for an intimate introduction to LAMIK Beauty and its founder, Kim Roxie. As I sat and listened to Kim speak about what’s in a lot of the products in my makeup bag- especially my lip gloss (but not in LAMIK), I got tempted to overhaul most of my collection (until reality set in and I remembered a new makeup wardrobe isn’t in the budget). As a licensed aesthetician, she’s made it a point to learn about the ingredient lists for the products she’s used- and applied that knowledge to excluding harmful chemicals and comedogenic additives (parabens, talc, etc.) from LAMIK.

What interested me most about the presentation, though, was her explanation of the LAMIK way. Rule #1: Beauty is revealed, not applied. Alluding to the natural beauty we each possess, the belief system behind the brand indicates that you should work to accentuate the natural features rather than simply applying a bunch of product. Rule #2: No rubbing- always blot or pat. Whether you’re applying foundation, eye shadow or lipstick, do not rub the product in… simply blot or pat it on so that you can have full control of the amount you’re putting on. She put her words into action, and “revealed” my inner sex pot with an “Ostrich Green” smoky eye. (She even brought my non-existent brows to life using the LAMIK Celebrity Brow Kit.)

 

Oh… here’s another cool tidbit about LAMIK- If happen to drop and break an eye shadow, you no longer have to throw it away or put it into a mini plastic bag (to keep it from getting on EVERYTHING). Now, you can simply bring it into a store, and they’ll turn it into a loose powder shadow for you (and put it into their patented no-break packaging). Plus, if you have a lipstick or gloss shade that’s being discontinued… or simply want the color without the crummy ingredients, bring or ship it to them, and they’ll re-create it for you (and it’ll only cost you $21).

Technorati Tags: Beauty Products,LAMIK,makeup tips

Between the Sheets: Jones Magazine’s “Your Best Summer” Issue

 

Er’body Jones! *Capo voice*

Jones Magazine’s recently released summer issue celebrates the hot (haute) season in living color (not just neon nails & bright clothes, but also multicultural models and designers). In addition to making a call for more diversity in the fashion industry, the mag’s editors also scoured various beauty counters to find the best products and consulted with Net-A-Porter’s fashion director, Holli Rogers to find this season’s style requirements. My favorite part, though, is Marquita Harris’ ode to icons of color (was a bit surprised to see Lisa Bonet amongst the ranks of Grace Jones, Diana Ross and Dorothy Dandridge, but…). I never believe any magazine can tell me how to have my “best summer” (or any season). However, I will say that I had a fun few minutes reading it and lusting over the shoes, etc. Now I’m all haute & bothered. Excuse me while I go check my fresh.

Technorati Tags: Jones Magazine,summer fashion,magazines

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might: Luis Morais Small Locket Om Necklace

 

On My Om…

I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. I’m a freelancer/ self employed individual, and business has been a little slow. As any creative will tell you, such lulls can lead to all types of sour moods. That’s why it’s imperative to have a few guardian angels in your corner who will wrestle you out of your slump. My most recent relief came in the form of a treat to a week of Bikram Yoga. Last night was my first session; an hour and a half of smelly, strenuous, splendid self exploration. I survived! (Apparently, I did pretty darn good for a newbie, too.) Now that I’m feeling all triumphant, and centered, I think I need a memento to help me find my chi should it wander back into the abyss of financial/ social woes. This Luis Morais Small Locket Om Necklace makes the perfect such trinket, no? Open what looks like a simple little gold box on a chain to reveal an “Om” symbol (that calming, meditative sound that assists many in finding inner peace and harmony). You can even put a tiny picture in there of something else calming… like… shoes. The reason I don’t already have it: the $1,470 price tag. For many, that’s not much. For me, though, well just refer to the beginning of this post. However, I do have a birthday quickly approaching, and I’d be incredibly happy if some benevolent soul saw fit to hit Aloha Rag make this mine.

Technorati Tags: jewelry,yoga,aloha rag,Luis Marais

The Oooh Weee: This Draped Across Dress from Nasty Gal has Me Feenin’

 

Draped up & Hipped Out…

When you “got an a$$ that can swallow a g-string, and up top, uhn, two bee stings,” it can be a bit tough to find dresses that complement both the undergarment grubber AND the barely there boobies. I’m kinda sorta part of that club, and let me tell you how hard it is to find dresses that are a happy medium between hoochie and humdrum. The fashion gods seem to have heard my laments, so they sent Saint NASTY GAL to the rescue, armed with the Draped Across dress. Though the top is actually more voluminous than the bottom, it hangs in such a way that makes my lack of cleavage chic. The bottom portion is semi fitted, so I’d suggest going a size up to make sure it caresses your lady lumps instead of squeezing them. Oh… and who doesn’t love a dress with pockets??? It’s available in all types of punchy colors, but I’m sure I’ve mentioned numerous times that fuchsia is my favorite. (My birthday is in less than a month… HINT! I’ll take a medium. It’s only $58 dollars… Thanks!)

Technorati Tags: style,dresses,dresses for pear shapes,women's fashion,Nasty Gal,shopping,affordable fashion

Beautiful! I Just Want You to Know: Jane Carter Solution Review

 

Hair’s the Deal…

I’ve been having hair woes since November (when a large load of family stress plopped itself onto my back). Somewhere around that time, a sizeable amount of my already-shine resistant, un-relaxed (but color treated) hair decided we needed to part ways. Very quickly I went from a nice sized wild fro to something way too tame for my liking. PLUS it still didn’t wanna shine. (The one in the red chair was taken in June, the other was taken less than a month ago. See the difference in the size of my fro? I’m about to cry looking at the comparison.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, I lamented the loss of my beloved locks and the lackluster attitude of what remained to a friend and fellow diva. Poof! A box of complimentary samples arrived on my doorstep from Jane Carter Solution.

The package included Moisture Nourishing Shampoo, Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo, Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner, Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner, Wrap & Roll setting lotion, Condition & Sculpt liquid gel, Curl Defining Cream, Nourish and Shine hair butter, Hair Nourishing Cream, Scalp Nourishing Serum and Hair Nourishing Serum.

I liked the results of the Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo, Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner and Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner. After washing, my hair didn’t feel stripped and dry the way it has with some other shampoos. Plus it’s sulphate free, and I love the tingly feeling from the peppermint in it. Conditioning left my hair soft, and I didn’t notice much breakage in my comb (always a good sign, right?).

Then I applied the Curl Defining Cream (because if I don’t use something my hair will look like some kind of shapeless cotton ball). Unfortunately, this product may work TOO well, my coils became a little too tight for my liking (but my hair is ‘funny acting’, so I may have to give it another try).

So far, the Hair Nourishing Serum and Hair Nourishing Cream are keeping my hair moisturized but not greasy (YES, I need BOTH, and the serum smells pretty fresh), and I like the Scalp Nourishing Serum, too (ylang ylang and cedar, anyone?). However, the STAR of this product show is the Nourish and Shine. It’s not sticky or greasy, but it leaves a nice luster.

All in all, I’m pleased with the kit. I’m not sure that I’ll convert totally to the brand but a few of the products will surely be added to my regimen (I think you know which ones). I’m hoping now my hair will be happy enough with me to grow back. I really don’t wanna go back to tracks on tracks on tracks *Roscoe Dash voice*.

Technorati Tags: Product Review,Natural Hair,Jane Carter Solution,Hair Care,Beauty Products,African American Hair

The Oooh Weee: This Pat Field Original Pumps Beach Towel Has Me Feenin’

 

High & Dry

You may not be able to tell from the crazy weather patterns on the east coast, but the calendar says summer’s fast approaching. It’s almost time for partying poolside and lounging on the beach. I haven’t even started the process of bathing suit shopping for the year (Gasp! Cringe! *sucks stomach in*), but I’ve already spotted my first must-have beach towel. EVERYONE knows StyleScrybe is a shoe geek, so imagine the delight I felt when I spied a picture of the Patricia Field Original Pumps Beach Towel in my inbox.

One of my least favorite parts about going to the beach is the fact that I have to be in flats (heels in the sand seldom work out quite right). With this towel, at least I’ll be able to lounge on a few pairs even if I can’t walk in them. The website doesn’t provide exact measurements (maybe Miss Pat should hire StyleScrybe to do product descriptions), but it looks pretty big in the pictures. I’d say it’s worth the $25 (pending a trip to the Pat Field fashion playground to cop a feel for softness).

 

 

Technorati Tags: Patricia Field,Summer fashion,beach towels,vacation style,shoes

The Oooh Weee: This Famous Nobody Shoe Snob Tee Has me Feenin’

 

High Soleciety

Have I told you lately that I love shoes? Well, not only do I love them, but I’ve got pretty discerning taste in them, too. Granted, it’s not always about the price or the brand (though there are certain brands I REFUSE to wear, no matter how cute the shoes are). Usually, it’s a shoe’s ability to stand out from the masses. The shoes I love most aren’t only eye catching… they’re the ones few would dare to wear. I’ve been told it makes me a shoe snob of sorts. As such, wearing this “Shoe Snob” tee by Famous Nobody will keep me from having to explain the stank face I give certain shoes. Apparently Rihanna’s in love with this tee, too… and rightfully so (mama’s shoe game is on a hunnid, thousand, trillion). Want an idea of the shoes that tickle my fancy? Click around Shoes N Booze for a bit.

 

Technorati Tags: fashion,style,Independent fashion,Famous Nobody

The Oooh Weee: This JuJuLee “Diamond” Pendant Has Me Feenin’

 

Diamonds on My Neck (Di-diamonds on my neck…)

I’m pretty over the whole “iced out chain” thing, but I can still dig a well-placed bit o’ bling. (Over the word “bling,” too, but it rhymes, so…) This “Diamond” pendant from Jujulee’s Etsy store, with its is iridescent acrylic shards, shines just enough for me. It’s a perfect post-recession (*eye roll* lots of people I know STILL can’t find a job) chic accent when pearls don’t suffice. Oooh… wait… I think I’ll wear mine WITH pearls. Yeah… that’s it. It’s only $9.95, so maybe I’ll get a few and layer them or something. Who knows. Either way, I think this little “Diamond” might be my new best friend (I mean, it’s DEFINITELY conflict free, so there’s no guilt involved).

Technorati Tags: jewelry,accessories,diamonds,etsy

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might (I’ll get Massimo Dogana’s FU Shoes When My Pockets Get Right)

 

This Goes Out to You… And You… *B.I.G. Voice*

 

It’s funny how the UNIVERSE works. I hopped up out the beddddd with a mean mug today- inspired by a recent realization that certain people really have no place in StyleScrybeopolis. Then, I got a call from one of my favorite folks on the planet, who, after telling me my heart is way too big, informed me that I need a “F*ck You” t-shirt for every day of the week. (Apparently I’m to sweet to give folks the boot any other way.) Granted, I’d already started writing a post for my shoe blog (Shoes N Booze) about the Massimo Dogana “F U” shoes Ashanti work to the BCBG Max Azria show (Ohhh… yeah… I’ll talk about NY Fashion Week stuff in another post, but in the meantime, check out the pic of Ashanti in the shoes on Fug Girls). *Light Bulb* (Stay with me… it’s about to all come together) In addition to putting a claim out to the UNIVERSE that I’ll one day own these shoes ($995 for the sandals & $1095 for the booties on Gregorysshoes.com), I’m dubbing today “Eff You” Day. If your intentions toward me are anything less than honorable or positive, you can get the finger… the middle *Kriss Kross voice.*

And now… some mood music…

And a throwback… LOL!

Note To Self: You Are NOT Your Past

 

It happens to the best of us; those moments when we get so caught up in what we didn’t/ couldn’t do last year, last week… even 5 minutes ago. Then we beat ourselves up to the point of neglecting whatever task is at hand. Sometimes I even let it paralyze me… leading me to have another moment in 5 minutes, a week… a year. At the end of the day, though, those moments (which at times become hours or even days) are only harmful and cycle-forming. And when you’re self employed in a fast-paced industry like mine, they can be costly in more ways than one. (Notice how long ago my last post was?) So, here’s to dusting yourself off, moving on and remaining in the moment. And thanks to Not Salmon for the reminder! (Poster via HERE)

Technorati Tags: Self Help,encouragement

Retail Therapy: Altruette’s Charitable Charms

 

There’s a special feeling of happiness one experiences after purchasing an adored item, and it’s magnified by 10 when you know proceeds from that purchase are going to a good cause. (No… I don’t have scientific evidence to back that statement up. I’m just going by my own heart.) It’s therapeutic.

Charms Cool

I’m hoping you’ve figured out by now that I fancy myself a writer (and a few other people agree… that’s why they write me checks). You may or may not, however, be privy to my love for notebooks. I almost always have one in my purse (even though I can take notes on my phone), and I have at least 5 in rotation at any given time.

I also dig jewelry, and I’m sentimental, so I swoon over small, meaningful danglies. See where I’m going with the recycled silver Notebook Charm that’s plated in gold and pictured to the left? Here’s the creamy center in all of this goodness, though: Altruette, the company behind it, will donate 50% of the its net proceeds to Girls Write Now. As a matter of fact, they make quite a few different pieces of jewelry, and they’re all tied to charities. This particular charm costs $155, but knowing that a sizeable chunk of that will go toward developing the next generation of writer chicks makes it worth it. Go check them out… whether you’re into animals, tech causes or global initiatives, there’s a piece of jewelry there for you.

Technorati Tags: jewelry,charity,fashion for charity,fashion,accessories,Altruette

In Celebration Of: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

 

Sinng, Celebrate! (Sing sing celebrate!)

During the LilScrybe days, I could recite most of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s biography from memory (I also knew most of Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X’s stories, but today is about Dr. King). Even at that early age, I realized the importance of his sacrifices, risks and resistance to violence. I was barely into my big girl britches when his birthday became a holiday, and as such, I was raised during a time when the echo of the Civil Rights movement still rang out through the ‘hood, not just in rap rhetoric or twitter streams, but in the way families instilled values of education, appreciated our right to vote… (etc. etc.).

Now that the POTUS is a man of African Descent, and there are probably more wealthy and upper middle class Black Americans than there have ever been, many of us feel the dream has been realized. (I mean, look at all the Black folks we have on TV and in movies now, right?) However, There are many parts of Dr. King’s dream and of the Civil Rights movement that we’ve let slip. We enjoy the wealth, the comfort, and freedom but we seem to have lost a lot of the togetherness, collective work and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. This weekend, my Facebook and twitter timelines were filled with quotes and of individual reflections of those quotes, and that’s awesome. Still, as we share quotes from Dr. King’s speeches, enjoy a day away from our offices I hope that we can all take a few moments to consider how we can revive our communities, re-energize our youth toward positivity and reshape some of the new and negative images of what it means to be an African American.

I’m not going to pretend I’ve been in the trenches or that I don’t enjoy luxuries. However, now, I’m asking… how can I help? How can we all help? And while you ponder that… remember these?

Technorati Tags: MLK,history,Civil Rights

The Oooh Weee: Screw the Zodiac Change, these Leo-inspired Pieces Have me Feenin’

 

Rawr! Rawr! Like a…

We’re fabulous, generous, passionate and often creative. We’re also a bit dogmatic, a scoche bossy (I prefer “inclined to lead”) and allegedly interfering. Nonetheless, Leo women are easy to love (ask anyone who knows me).  A bunch of news reports, twitter chatter and Facebook updates are reporting that the planets have shifted over the last 3000 years, and many of us don’t really belong to the zodiac signs we thought we did. Well, to the folks who got us all up in a stir… I don’t believe you. You need more people. I’m pretty much the poster child for Leos, and your claims that I’m actually a Cancer won’t change that… because I said so. Anyway, here are a couple of Leoriffic pieces I’m contemplating to celebrate my sign.

Gotta love a necklace that says “If you mess with me, I might bite your head off. “The Lioness Necklace” from Lulus.com does just that, except it’s still cute and dainty in a way. It’s only $17.99, too. See, not EVERYTHING has to be extravagant for a Leo to love it. (Especially if it’s some kind of self-acknowledging accessory.)

 

 

 

 

Leos are also fans of sparkly-yet-not-obnoxious things (OK most of us like sparkly things in general, but we know how to rock them properly). That must be why I’m such a fan of this Leo Zodiac Cuff by Jessica Kagan Cushman (via Vivre.com for $85)

 

 

The moment I saw these dangly “I Ain’t Lion” earrings, I was in love. Lions? Check! Odd detail? Check! Dope with a fro? CHECK! In stock? Nope. Still, I had to share them… maybe they’ll be back at ModCloth soon. (Gotta love a restock notification list. *blink*)

 

 

 

 

Know of other leotastic accessories I should be eyeballing? Let me know!

Technorati Tags: fashion,jewelry,accessories,Zodiac change,Leo

The Oooh Weee: This Urban Outfitters Gangsta Rap Tee has me Feenin’

 

Because the “Debil” Was Busy…

So… I try to stay on Karma’s good side and keep my inner ratchet-ness at bay. However, occasionally, I act up a little. Previously, I’d say “Blame it on the al-al-al-al…” or “When the Remy’s in the system…” However, Thanks to Urban Outfitters I have an even better cop out: Gangsta Rap! Blamed for various social ills from disregard for the law to middle American white teen angst, gangsta rap might be the best scapegoat ever. And now I’m jumping on the bandwagon (granted… I do have my opinions about the effects of entertainment on society, but that’s for a different conversation). So, if you happen to see me cuss someone out, kiss a guy in public or even don a pair of fifty-four-elevens, remember… Gangsta Rap Made Me DO IT. I promise to only say it when I’m wearing the tee shirt, though.

Technorati Tags: fashion,style,urban outfitters,tee shirts

The Oooh Wee: Zara’s Sweater Coat Has Me Feenin

 

Caught by the Collar

Earlier in the season I wished for a really cute sweater with a big furry collar (don’t worry, it’s faux. I don’t want no prah-lems prah-lems with PETA… at least not over a sweater). I saw a few in various stores, but they didn’t have the cozy-but-fly look I had in mind. I must have wished upon the right star, because thanks to Slice of Style, I just realized that Zara has the EXACT sweater I want. (Wondering where that particular wish-granting star was last night when the Mega Millions drawing occurred.) The double breast and shawl collar give it that fresh from granny’s closet look I’m loving at the moment. Plus it’s only $60. I wish Zara would hurry up and get their e-commerce game tight so I could just order it online. I can’t wait to get it (and I’m praying I’ll be able to find it in stores… especially now that I’m sharing it before buying it). I’ve already got various looks floating in my head. Think leggings, boots and a belt or slim jeans and casual shoes, or… you know what… just wait and see.

Technorati Tags: fashion,style,Zara,Sweater dress,faux fur

Note to Self: You Kick Ass

 

Bad Boots On… *Beyonce Voice*

Indie life can be so tough. People pay you late (playing with my money is like playing with my emotions), nickel and dime you and generally look for various ways to SON a ninja. I’m a fairly nice and accommodating person, but as my business grows (PR consulting, copywriting & content, in case you forgot), I’ve learned to diplomatically and verbally put the smack down when necessary. I know what my talents and services are worth, and I politely demand that people act accordingly. (#Rockstarmindset) I think this poster by Erin Smith pretty much sums it up…

*Found on UncommonGoods.com

Wondering where “Bad boots on..” is from (sounds so familiar, but unless you’re a Beyonce STAN, you prob can’t quite remember why…) Here's the source:

 

Technorati Tags: wall art,encouragement,Beyonce,Uncommon Goods