Natural Hair vs. The Gym

Keep your heart rate up-0843So many black women, choose not to go to the gym for fear of messing up their hairstyle. It’s no secret we try to make a look last as long as we can. But when we are spending an hour sweating every other day that cute hairstyle may not last very long.

One question I get often is how I work out, without it affecting my hair. I think I’ve mastered the trick. But let’s be honest here. I do wear my hair natural more often than not. When my hair is straight, I am most likely not doing any heavy workouts (prob. just yoga lol).

My secret is… I do my hair twice a week. I wash or co-wash my hair on Sunday, do my style depending on what I am feeling that week. usually a twist-out. Then I go about my life. Every night I pineapple my hair, which means putting it into a really high ponytail. Then on Wednesday night I spray my hair with water and re-twist to get me through the rest of the week. This routine has been working for me for about a year. Sometimes that Wednesday refresh doesn’t happen and it is a bun for the rest of the week. Which is fine because I love a big curly bun. I think the major key is, to pineapple. I work out in a high ponytail and I sleep in it at night.

What are your tricks to help your hair last through your tough workouts? I would love to hear.

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The Ultimate Summer Look

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Today’s look screams summer! It actually reminds me of my childhood. A tank top, shorts, and sneakers were my summer uniform. Back in the good old days, I spent my summers riding bikes, playing tag, and making up obstacle courses. What were some of your best summer memories?

Shirt: Abercrombie similar here and here ~ Shorts: T.J. Maxx similar here and here ~ Shoes: Nike

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Staying Hydrated

Processed With DarkroomSo many people are chronically dehydrated. It is recommended that we each get at least 8, 8oz glasses of water a day. Or you can drink half your body weight in ounces. Whatever is manageable. All day I’m drinking water to try to stay hydrated.

I’ve discovered the best way to ensure you are drinking the recommended amount of water is to have an amazing cup you are excited to drink out of. My favorite of all favorites is they hydroflask. I bought my first one last November and I was hooked. I love how they don’t sweat when you have cold water in it. You can leave them in the car and your water will stay cool. They even come with interchangeable tops. Some days you may want a cup, others you may want a straw. Whatever you like it is customizable.

If you are looking for a way to get more water into your diet, try using this amazing water bottle and see if you are instantly hydrated.

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Minimalism and Fashion

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Last year I watched a documentary about minimalism. Ever since I’ve been fascinated with the topic. Something about living a more simpler life sounds so amazing. Imagine you won’t have to spend the entire day cleaning and wake up to an immaculate home. Sounds like a dream come true to me.

Those of you who love fashion and styling just like me, here are a few ways I like to keep my closet as minimal as I possibly can.

  1. Just buy what you need. Having a closet full of 8 v-neck black shirts is unnecessary. If you prefer a black v-neck, get a really good one that will last you through the season. 
  2. Know your style. I talk a lot about personal style here, but knowing your personal style will take you a long way when building a wardrobe. For example, I prefer a more basic color palette, so when I come across that neon green cardigan, I know it won’t work in my closet and therefore I need not buy it. No matter how cute it may be.
  3. Stick to basics. Basics will bring you a long way. Now, if you have to have that neon green cardigan, you could buy it because your basics will make a great backdrop to this cardigan.
  4. Don’t keep up with the Joneses. This is what minimalism is all about. Not being sucked into consumerism. You can have everything you need to style an outfit but not go overboard. You don’t need those Gucci slides in the summer just because everyone has them, the black sandals you already have are just as cute.
  5. Discard often. I like to get rid of things very often, simply because I shop a lot. It’s the one in one out principle of minimalism.

Overall, if you want to live a minimalist lifestyle you can, but you may just put your joy into your closet. Which is fine because you can do minimalism your way.

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How to Style Basics

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One of my favorite ways to put together an outfit is to pair basics and add a fun piece to bring it all home. In the styling world, it is called the third piece, or the finishing piece. Every outfit needs something to top it off, today I’m sharing five ways add the finishing touches on an outfit.

  1. Jacket or Vest – As shown here, I am wearing a vest over a pair of skinny jeans and a plain tee shirt. I also, like to do the same look with a jacket, but in the summer jackets are of course a bit to warm.
  2. Statement Jewelry – you can wear a big bold necklace, fun earrings, or a wrist full of bracelets. Whatever you decided to make sure you just pick one statement and let that be the focus.
  3. Shoes – I love making my shoes the main even in my outfit. Honestly, the shoes make the look so why not wear a pair of fun shoes. Imagine wearing an all-black outfit and metallic shoes, I’ve been loving that look this season.
  4. Bag – bold bags are great to make an outfit look very well styled, plus if you are anything like me, you like to have a lot more accessories and more classic pieces. An outfit will always pop when you accessories are fun.
  5. Let the basics be the look- wearing a monochromatic look is a statement in itself. My favorite is wearing all black or all white. I think it is such a chic look and that says a lot.

Shirt: Banana Republic Factory similar here ~ Jeans: Old Navy ~ Vest: Target ~ Shoes: Nike similar here and here

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Black Lace Cami & Weekend Travels

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Hi Friends,

I have been wanting a lace cami for some time now, I found this one from Abercrombie for only $14. I am excited about his shirt because I know it will work very well in the colder months under a cardigan or jacket, for now, we get to see the amazing details of this top.

I actually have this packed with me in my suitcase, this weekend Frank and I are going to a couples retreat offered by my church. I’m so excited, I love conferences and investing in my marriage is something Frank and I put at the top of our priority list. I will be sure to tell you all how it went.

Lace Trim Cami: Abercrombie ON SALE!  ~ Skrit Thrifted similar here, here, and here

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The White Button Down Dress

Abercrombie Button Down Dress-0738Abercrombie Button Down Dress-0668Abercrombie Button Down Dress-0693Abercrombie Button Down Dress-0743Abercrombie Button Down Dress-0670Abercrombie Button Down Dress-0692Abercrombie Button Down Dress-0680Abercrombie Button Down Dress-0700I found this dress a few weeks ago, and when I saw it I knew I would have gotten so much use out of it. Typically, I have a classic style and I know I’ve talked about my personal style on here before. It’s just so important to know what your personal style is. Finding your personal style will be the best thing for your wardrobe.

After you identify what your style is, you will be able to determine what stores suit your style best. It will help determine if certain items will go with other items in your closet. For example, I love almost everything from Free People, but it doesn’t typically fit into my style. Not to say, I may not have a few things from them, but those are the super cute wild cards.

After you determine what store will work best for your style, shopping will become a breeze. After you build your wardrobe you won’t HAVE to go shopping so often and you will be able to identify where you have gaps in your wardrobe.

Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch similar here and here ~ Belt: Thrifted similar here ~ Shoes (old) similar here and here

 

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Gingham Midi Dress & Utility Vest

Gingham Midi Dress with Utility Vest-1345Gingham Midi Dress with Utility Vest-1315Gingham Midi Dress with Utility Vest-1360Gingham Midi Dress with Utility Vest-1318Gingham Midi Dress with Utility Vest-1358Gingham Midi Dress with Utility Vest-1326Gingham Midi Dress with Utility Vest-1357Gingham Midi Dress with Utility Vest-1335Gingham Midi Dress with Utility Vest-1364I told you last week I’ve been loving the midi length. Here is another look I’ve been wearing lately. It was so hot here last week, and I reached for this dress almost daily because it is so easy and comfortable to just throw on. Now, I didn’t wear it every day, but I thought about it lol. It is the perfect dress if you want to look put together and still be comfortable in the crazy hot heat. I love the fact that it also looks good when you throw a jacket over it or even a vest like I have here.

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