My Hair Growth Plan: All the tears and products.

I am that girl at the hair salon.

The one cringing in her seat while the stylist, who is most likely annoyed beyond words, trims off just the slightest measurement from my dead, fried strands. I can’t help it. My mother had long, lustrous locks of which she wore like a badge of honor through much of her late teens and early 20’s. It was a legacy I was more than happy to uphold, until, well, I didn’t. I think it was the 6th or 7th grade where I finally let the scissors cut into the thick, warm brown strands which had grown un-touched for close to 5 years.

The result was less-than desirable. What was once long, thick and wavy, was now short, puffy and shapeless. It was then that I also discovered my hair had (No, God!) TEXTURE! The battle had begun. Now please insert years of heat torture, dye, bleach, ombre and that one Summer I tried to look like a Kardashian and you have a head of hair with quite a lengthy history. I learned a lot about my hair over the years, most of all that I was happiest when it was long. So, on my last hair appointment, my stylist and I came up with a plan- you guessed it!- a hair growth plan.

Step 1: A dusting every 6-8 weeks.

Getting a “dusting” is industry lingo for ‘literally’ cutting off just the ends. This may seem anti-productive, however it ensures that the length you do have will look neat and healthy. Having long, stringy hair is not a good look on anybody. Schedule them ahead of time to take the guess work out, best part is, these types of cuts are usually inexpensive, in some cases you can request a dry cut and save on the wash/ blow-dry fee.

 

Step 2: Wash 2-3 times a week

Yes, I know, nothing in this world feels better than having freshly washed hair. The problem is, most of our natural oils are stripped away each and every time we lather up. To prevent damage, try washing your hair 2-3 times a week based on how oily you hair tends to get. You will probably be Pinning messy bun tutorials by day 3, but the end result is so worth it.

 

Step 3: Dry with a soft T-shirt

Finally, a use for that balled up t-shirt in the back of your underwear drawer. Standard towels tend to be made up of fabric that can be harsh on your sensitive strands, leaving them frayed and delicate. A towel absorbs all the extra moisture without the damage.

 

 

Step 4: Satin pillow case

 

Satin (or silk) pillow cases allow your hair to slip and slide all night rather than being tugged or damaged with friction.

Pick up a pair at Bed Bath and Beyond

 

Step 5: Weekly hair masks

At least once a week you want to make sure you’re giving your hair a little extra boost of hydration with a hair mask, whether you followed a recipe or stopped by a drug store, there is an option for everyone. Some of my recommendations include Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask and Aussie Most 3 Minute Miracle conditioner, the second is light enough to use daily, both are under $10!

Step 6: Vitamins

Taking a daily multivitamin is always suggested, however, adding other supplements such as Biotin to your regime can have a significant effect on your hair and nail health . Keep in mind, vitamins work best when your daily diet is healthy as well. So maybe switch that hamburger for a kale salad once and a while.

 

I’m only a few weeks in and already I’m seeing a noticeable difference in my hair’s texture and overall appearance. Like all good things, the length will come in time. Please share your hair story in the comments!

Happy Growing!

Xx

 

 

R.I.P LBD

For decades, possibly even centuries, women have gone straight to the LBD for all of their fancy schmancy events, and while I’d still fall to my knees with gratitude for Coco Chanel, can we please not all succumb to a life of only one option? There are so many affordable alternatives that will make you a welcomed stand out in a sea of black dresses, more than one of which was probably worn to an elderly Aunts funeral, lets be honest.

Here are four options I adore!

The Cool Girl

The jumpsuit is arguably the most feared article of clothing currently in existence. It is a common misconception that only tall, lanky women can get away with this kind of silhouette, that, like most fashion horror stories, is completely false. The biggest issue most women have is using the toilet, it requires a full-nude scene and quite frankly, I think we all need to get over it. A jumpsuit is a Chic step in the right direction for someone looking to collect a few envious glances without being too distracting.

This cut-out black jumpsuit is best paired with a bold accessory.

Forever 21 $29.90

The POP O’ COLOR

There is not one human being on planet earth that does not look good in bright colors, there has to be some Harvard study out there that proves it. This Canary yellow, long-sleeved number is the perfect option for a Spring or Summer shin-dig. It comes in black too, but how can anyone deny the mood enhancing qualities of this stand-out hue.

H&M $59.95

The Tree Hugging Hippie

Floor length dresses are not only reserved for black tie events. A long, floral, flowing halter, is guaranteed to give you princess-like feels throughout the night. Plus, the forgiving silhouette will give you free-range over the dessert table. Perfect for a beach wedding or garden party.

Nordstrom $158

You Gotta Keep-em Separated

Working with separates is a great way to mix and match prints/colors/ textures while still making the most out of your wardrobe. Invest in a few different cropped tops and skirts and you could have an endless array of outfit options. I particularly love this pairing from Nastygal.

Nastygal $168

Hope you enjoyed!

Xx

Etta and Otto and Russell and James

I’ve gone. I’ve never seen the water, so I’ve gone there. I will try to remember to come back.

It’s important to note that I started reading Etta and Otto and Russell and James as a last stitch effort at salvaging some sanity after what is proving to be a very long, and arguably miserable Winter. The result was a delightful mix of magical realism and down right charm. Time has no boundaries and there is never any clear dialogue, yet somehow Hooper bonds you so close to her characters that they have remained on my mind nearly a week after turning the last page.

Turning the last page. Actually, this was the first “real” book I have read in ages. I have been a devoted e-reader groupie ever since purchasing my first device almost 5 years ago. And while I can still preach the benefits of downloading a book in seconds, there was something extra special about reading this particular book off a paper page.

Etta was a school teacher haunted by tragedy who falls in different kinds of love with best friends, Otto and Russell. Time moves back and forth from their youth to present day, where all are now in their eighties. Etta, with the goal of seeing the ocean for the first time, sets off on a journey to walk across Canada. On her way, she meets up with James, a mysterious coyote who both protects and encourages Etta. My only complaint was the severe dive in character development when it comes to Russell, a once integral part of the plot is all but dropped after he goes off on his own. The story is ultimately focused on Etta and Otto’s profound connection and love. It’s best to approach this as a adult fairy-tale of sorts. It doesn’t always make sense, but really, does everything always need to make sense??

Buy the “real” book, have a cup of tea ready and spend a chilly Sunday morning with Etta and Otto and Russell and James.

Buy the book here!

Happy Reading!

Xx

I love you, Bill Cunningham.

New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham has been at it for years, specifically when it comes to his famed street style images. Here he examines the never-ending gladiator sandal trend, and how the fashion of this Summer differed from the years prior.

Xx

For more from Bill Cunningham visit the NYT’s YouTube channel here

Fall beauty products I’m obsessed with.

According to this 80+ degree weather, we have not quite made it to Fall yet. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a full beauty regime in place and ready to go should mother nature decided to change her mind. These 7 products will have you looking and feeling your best by the time the leaves start changing.

Renpure Rosemary Mint Cleansing Conditioner

Renpure Solutions Rosemary Mint Cleansing Conditioner can remedy even the most damaged Summer hair. The non-sulfate formula keeps your follicles moisturized and soft to the touch. Not to mention that killer price. You could probably go away for the weekend with the money you save on shampoo and conditioner.

Rosemary Mint Cleansing Conditioner

Target 6.99

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil

Of all the brow pencils I’ve ever tried, this by far gives you the most natural results. The creamy formula effortlessly blends into your brows, and the built-in brush spreads the product for an even application. The most experienced eye brow filler will be impressed by this user friendly product.
Please be warned , you will never leave your house without it on.

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil at Sephora 20.00

MAC Studio Fix Power Plus Foundation

The Summer is for the dewy completion, but the rest of the year, go matte. This two-in-one miracle covers imperfections with no added shine.

Mac Cosmetics 27.00

Sephora Collection Classic Red

Time to put the pinks and nudes away, the bold lip comes back with vengeance the first sign of cooler weather. This color of all vixens is a must for any woman wanting to make her presence know this season. Or just wear it to bed? Either way, this cream lipstick is beyond.

Sephora 12.50

Essie Skirting the Issue

One of my all time favorite Essie colors. Skirting the Issue is the perfect everyday dark mauvey/red/brownish color available. If I could only choose one nail polish for the rest of my life, this would be it.

Essie 8.50

Lush Dark Angels

Use this coal black sugar scrub as a daily face wash or weekly mask. Either way, the unique formula exfoliates all the gunk and grime off you face leaving it baby soft. Coal has actually been proved to force out bacteria which may lead to acne.

Lush 31.95

Tanwise

I know you may be wondering what a tanning lotion is doing on a list of Fall beauty products, but before you huff and puff, please let me explain. My greatest loss every Fall is the natural Summer-time glow from those long days of Sunshine. Tanwise’s natural hue allows you to keep the charade going, if only for a little while longer. Put some on when you start to long for those marathon beach days.

Sally Beauty Supply 9.00

Happy (almost) Fall.

Xx

Spring 2015 | Rebecca Minkoff

Ethereal princess and upper east side prepsters rejoice, Rebecca Minkoff just supplied you with a closet filled with enviable pastels. There is little surprise when it comes to the beauty of this collection, Minkoff has been sending her romantic urban creations down the runway since 2009 with nothing but praise from the critics.

This collection is no exception. The classic white shirt is no stranger to this line-up of Hampton Chic dresses and endless Summer nights on Brooklyn rooftops. Rebecca is a bred New York designer, and all these looks fit seamlessly into the city she adores.

Here are some of my favorites. Share yours in the comments.

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Happy Fashion Week.

P.s. I took a week off of daily posts because I was a sickly mess who couldn’t bare to type. Happy to get back in the game this week.

Xx

In defense of Lena Dunham’s dress

I first became a fan of Miss Dunham after stumbling across her film Tiny Furniture on Netflix a few years back. The movie was a painfully relatable tale about a young woman adjusting to life after college, a subject which has been examined and retold close to 100 million times. In spite of that fact, the writing and character development was innovative and uniquely entertaining. Dunham managed to capture the anxieties of a generation without making us all dry heave.

Almost none of the romantic interests work out, welcome to real life, and her pre-grad friends no longer make the cut in a post collegiate world. My absolute favorite scene is when she tells her mother about a humiliating encounter, which involved a doggy-style sex act in an empty sewage pipe. Yes, you read the correctly. I guess what I really like about her is the willingness to take it to not-so-pretty places, and hey, guess what? Real life isn’t always so pretty. Sometimes you date 3 men in a row who don’t like you, and you still have to get up in the morning and pull it all together.

When Girls finally premiered I was pleasantly surprised to see that same humor and honesty which I had found so endearing. Love her or hate her, she is a revelation in comedy and a huge step forward for woman in the arts. She also sometimes make quirky outfit choices and has a normal-looking body which she has no shame in showing, and why should she? The fact that so much attention has been placed on her physical features speaks volumes about who we are as a society and how we value women.

Lena Dunham is too much like us, her stomach is too soft, her hair is too unkept, and sometimes she makes a fool of herself after drinking too much opium tea. That is why I will never fault her for wearing Giambattista Valli Couture, Hell, I would give a small toe to get in that insane gown. Normal people don’t go to award shows, but Lena does, and she made sure to be remembered for it.

Lena Dunham and Jack Antonoff

Be you, be happy.

Xx

One more Summer read: Wild

Let me first state, from a reading perspective, I’ve had a pretty disappointing Summer, ranking in at just 2 books from June to August 20. Two books. Which is one more than what most high school students are required to complete, and 5 less than what I accomplished last year. In spite of this hideous fact, the Summer wasn’t a complete literary wash out. One of the two books was Wild , you know, the one with the girl who goes camping for a really long time?

Of course there is much more to it than that, but for the longest time whenever someone would mention the book to me, the first thought that came to mind was usually “Oh, the nature book where she loses her boot”. Reading about Cheryl Strayed’s journey both on the Pacific Crest Trail and off really helped me get past some Summer blues and take greater appreciation for my own life.

The tragic death of her mother, the end of a young marriage, and a terrifying dip into drugs and promiscuity all led Cheryl to take those first few steps onto the trail. The trail which turned out to be a last stitch effort to re-contruct a soul torn down by the events of an unfortunate life. The boot falling off was the very least of her problems. This memoir is a testament to how wonderfully nature could cure almost anything, and how important it is that we preserve it.

Pick up a copy of Wild here

Check out the trailer for the upcoming movie starring Reese Witherspoon here.

Happy Reading.

Xx

Lifestyle Showdown | Blake Vs. Gwyneth

In a Kill Bill inspired battle to the death, two leggy blonde queens will fight for the title of lifestyle guru.

Well, not really, but I must admit, the thought of these two going at it with custom Hattori Hanzo swords is enough to save me from a mid-week funk. It’s hard to imagine anyone having the ability to out shine Gwen at her own posh game, anyone except Blake Lively, who for all intensive purposes may be her genetic clone.

I took it upon myself to go through the arduous task of reviewing both sites in a head to head showdown. First up, her Lord and savior, the inventor of concious uncoupling and lover of $1200 jewelry boxes, Gwyneth Paltrow and her goop.

Web Design |

Goop wins major brownie points for it’s clean and accessible site. If you have been on the internet for more than 5 minutes at a time, you may have noticed that simplicity is all the rage, proving that sometimes trends are the way to go. The website feels effortless, allowing the content to be the primary source of interest.

Fashion |

It’s easy to get sidetracked by some of the ultra expensive clothing suggested on the site, although in the recent past there has been a shift with more reasonable brands such as J.Crew and Zara. Don’t get excited just yet, Paltrow hasn’t moved too far away from unattainable luxury items, such as a $245 Robot Sweatshirt that is only appropriate for a kindergartner. Still, I have to give credit where credit is due, the woman knows clothes, and it looks like somebody out there is buying this stuff because half of it is sold out- reveal yourselves!

Food |

White Pear Kimichi aside, the recipes featured on the site are not as absurd as one might expect. Sure, some of the ingredients may be a little out there ( I’m looking at you dandelion greens) but who can be mad at fried chicken? Overall the dishes are relatively easy to follow, even for the novice chef.

Commerce |

My goodness, the woman loves to monogram stuff. Before you ask yourself what one would do with a five-hundred dollar wooden longboard, please remember that this is goop, and while she will sometimes throw in a Zara coat, most of the items offered are pricey pricey. There is a reason the mere mention of it causes exaggerate eye movement.

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Next up, everybody’s favorite Gossip Girl, the envy of Teenagers everywhere, Blake Lively’s Preserve.

Web Design |

Preserve takes a different turn with a darker, moodier layout. It’s definitely a departure from the whitewashed websites that seems to be popping up everywhere, although I’m not sure if that is a benefit or a hindrance. There is a mystical new-age feel, which may or may not have been done on purpose, it’s hard to tell. I’m also perplexed as to why these people are wearing shoes in 3 inches of water?

Fashion |

Continuing on with the strange-ness, there is an entire post dedicated to why it’s ok to wear black during the day, black, as if this is a foreign concept. (Side note: Do people really need to be told this? Yes, wear black, it’s the best non-color color ever. Bury me in it.) Oh, you can buy an artisan apron for a hundred bucks. There doesn’t seem to be too much of an emphasis on clothing here, but that may also be because the site is fairly new.

Food |

The big difference between goop and Preserve is editorial, where Paltrow’s site is straight to the point, Preserve likes to tell a story. Which is the case with the donuts, oh, the donuts. Here contributor Ransom Weaver gives a peek inside of L.A.’s Donut Friend, where apparently magic is preformed with flour and sugar. The short story was adorable and the images, mouthwatering.

Commerce |

The prices in the Shop may vary, but they are a far cry from that $1200 jewelry box. Actually, that sold-out all natural hot fudge looks like something I could get behind. A $600 crystal bowl being the exception, most of the products offered are splurge items that won’t break the bank completely. Who needs to eat more than bread, and water, and Artisan hot fudge any way?

Winner |

I have to give this one to Gwyneth. Yes, she is pretentious and way too into herself, but the site is welcoming and easily navigated. That’s not to say Blake is far behind, with a little polish I’m sure we will be scoffing at the insanity of Artisan deodorant in no time. Until then, please enjoy both these sites in whatever way you see fit.

Happy Lifestylin.

Xx

*All images where grabbed from their respected sources.

Charity Rose Thielen #WCW

She adds sugary sweet vocals and fierce strings to The Head and the Heart, she also happens to be that special kind of beautiful. I saw Charity preform at Bonnaroo this past June, it made the 15 hr car ride there worth it.

Love Miss Charity Rose.