NaturalAllure: Confessions of a Modern Day Natural : August 2013

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Product combo review

Last night I decided to twist my hair with curl enhancing smoothie and cashmere curl jelly. Ok for starters I am not a fan of using the curl enhancing smoothie by itself, it doesn't give my hair the hold I desire. So I wanted to see if mixing it with the cashmere curl jelly would make a difference. First impression: I am not thrilled with the hold, however because I never used the jelly before I didn't want to use that much. It definitely left my hair soft and I am not really disappointed with the way it turned out because I only twisted the top, not sure if I would love the results had I twisted my whole head. This is my first attempt to mix these products so I will be trying them again probably using more product. I do love that the jelly has no sulfate, silicones, parabens or mineral oil all of which try my hair out. I will be trying these products again, so this wasn't a total fail.

Friday, August 23, 2013

5 fab dresses, $50 and under series

A fashionista should have options, this is true. However no where in the rule book does it say you have to break the bank to look like a million bucks. I personally do not believe spending alot of money on clothes, shoes and handbags makes you fashionable. Style will always be relevant in fashion, because it can turn your $1000 outfit into a circus act if not styled correctly. Now don't get me wrong designers threads are nice to have, but they are not a must have to make you fashionista. I have decided to do a $50 or less series, were I will show you pieces that can add that special something to your wardrobe. I will start with dresses, because what fashionista doesn't love a fab dress. All of the dresses I have selected are $50 or less. I will also post shoes, handbags and accessories in this series. I will also post different looks of my own that are $50 and less.

I hope this will be helpful. And if you have fab dresses, handbags or shoes that you would like to share please feel free. I would also like to feature people on my instragram so follow me @natural_allure for your chance to be featured in your fashion for less.

OOTD: Island Marilyn

TGIF... I like to keep it as casual as possible on Fridays. I love the Marilyn Monroe shirt my sister bought me and decided to take her to Jamaica(Marilyn that is). Lol I love these creative recreations, initially I didn't because I was looking for a black pair. Everything happens for a reason, because they are my favorite pair of sneakers. I paired it with my Thrifted earrings and cute rings from Forever21 and Levi's from Jcpenneys. Fashion should be fun, never take it to serious. Oh and I didn't include the belt because I can not remember where I bought it.

Happy Friday!!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Real talk Wednesdays

Obstacles are not meant to break us, they are meant to make us stronger! There is nothing that is impossible, it just seems that way. Life is not suppose to be easy, we only wish it was that way. Regardless of how things seem, it will get better. Believe it or not positive thinking leads to positive actions, that will lead to positive outcomes. We have to believe that we can accomplish anything, not just say it. I challenge you to be positive and truly believe that any obstacle in life can be overcome!!!!!

Natural from the beginning....

So your going natural??? The truth of the matter we all started out natural, none of us were born with relaxed hair. However I am pretty sure none of us remember our natural days. I was 7 when I got my first perm and I do remember the day like it was yesterday. My mother couldn't handle me crying anymore(I am extremely tender headed) so she took me to the salon. Two jars of perm later and my hair was blowing in the wind. I am sure at the time my mother did what she felt was best. I am not here to say there is anything wrong with getting your hair relaxed, because I did for most of my life. What I can tell you is I started out with thicker than life hair and by the time I cut it off it was thinner than life..lol We live in society that is slowly embracing natural hair and our children are joining in the journey. My daughter's hair is exactly where mine was at her age and I can see why my mother relaxed it. Lol But I have made a promise to myself and my daughter not to relax her hair, and instead make hair fun for her. I am no professional, but I try new things on her and allow her to see all of the wonderful things you can do with natural hair. This weekend she will be attending her first natural hair event, so she can see that this hair is not just a HER thing. I encourage you to show your little ones the beauty in their hair so they learn to embrace, not run from it. We did a quick up do last night. It took less than 30 minutes. The products I used are pictured below.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

OOTD: Mommy can be stylish

I love a simple outfit. Especially being a single mother, mornings can be very hectic for me and my six year old. Being a mother is hard work and we tend to lose site of our own personal style. Well I am here to let you know, you can be a mom and still be stylish. Tips to make your mornings easier:

1. Pick out clothes at night.
2. If you wear makeup, have a look in mind to save time in the morning.
3. Pack lunches at night.
4. Set a bed time and stick too it.
5. Even if you don't want to, and you won't..lol get up when your alarm goes off. DO NOT SNOOZE!
6. Get your kids involved, if they are old enough, they can brush their teeth and put their clothes on by themselves... don't worry mommy they like the feeling of being independent.

Outfit details:
Sweater- Forever21
Tank- Wet Seal
Pants-Target
Purse- Jcpenney
Necklace- Jcpenney

Friday, August 16, 2013

Ladies night

Staying in with the girls for a little wine and girl talk? This comfy number will have you stylish and comfortable for a night in with the girls.......

Ladies night by naturalallure featuring Karen Millen

Racer back maxi dress
boohoo.com

Fabrizio Chini brown flat
yoox.com

Brown purse
ustrendy.com

Stackable bangle
shopruche.com

Karen millen
karenmillen.com

Club Manhattan chain jewelry
$40 - welikefashion.com

OOTD: Red, White and Blue

I really wanted to rock my new thrifted scarf, I didn't know I was going to end up so patriotic. Lol But fashion knows no rules and neither do I! What so ever you feel, You rock!!!!!

Shirt: Jcpenney
Jeans: Old Navy
Purse: Target
Shoes: Target
Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory
Scarf: Thrifted

Thursday, August 15, 2013

OOTD: Casual Gold

Cardigan: Jcpenney
Cami: Forever21
Belt: Jcpenney
Pants: Old Navy
Shoes: Forever21

All accessories with exception of the clutch came from Forever21. Clutch is from Jcpenney, it comes with a detachable strap.

A little retail therapy.....

I know I am not alone in the world of retail therapy. There is something about picking up a couple new things that is so relaxing. I found these cute little pieces at forever 21 and I must stay gold accessories are life for me right now.lol All of the things were fairly inexpensive so I didn't feel like I broke the bank to get my mind right. If you are looking for a one stop shop that will add a little pizzazz to your collection, Forever 21 is were it's at.

Bracelet: $5.80
Necklace: $3.80
Earrings: $5.80
Ring: $4.80
Wallet: $12.80
Dress: $8.99

Monday, August 12, 2013

Real Talk

We cannot become so disconnected with the world that we forget what is important! In order to avoid pain or simply dealing with situations, we may dive deep in ourselves, so much so that we hurt the people closest to us. This life you are living is precious and dwelling on things that are out of your control will only leave you feeling empty and missing out on the things that matter. Emotions are a tough nut to crack, but trust me they will not go away just because you choose not to acknowledge them. Communicating is the key to any situation, so don't think that what your feeling isn't valid or worth talking about. If there is a situation in your life I challenge you to address it. You will find things aren't always what they seem and you could learn a thing or two about yourself. Growth is the key........IF YOUR NOT GROWING, YOUR NOT LIVING!!!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

How Do You Style Bird-Print Tops?

How Do You Style Bird-Print Tops? by naturalallure featuring real leather purses
So I decided to enter a contest on polyvore.com on "How do you style bird-print tops?" The red pants from Stella Mccartney complimented the blue bird top so well. I am a true believer in a pop of color will go a long way. You don't have to let your accessories do all the talking, pick bold colors in either your top or bottom and jazz it up with matching lipstick or nails. Keep in mind you don't want your colors to marry, if you have a red shirt, 9 times out of 10 you don't need a red lip. This site really allows me to explore so many designers and brands in one place, I love it. They run different contest all the time in different categories. This site can be matched against dailylook.com instead you put the outfits together yourself. Please be warned, prices range from $9.99 to $2000.00 so when searching make sure you stay within your budget. I didn't use a budget for this outfit only because it was for a contest.

Oasis frilly top
$54 - houseoffraser.co.uk

STELLA McCARTNEY skinny fit pants
matchesfashion.com

Christian Louboutin nude heel pumps
consignofthetimes.com

Proenza Schouler real leather purse
$815 - colette.fr

Liz Claiborne polish jewelry
jcpenney.com

Reeds Jewelers 14 karat white gold earrings
fashion.ebay.com

NARS Cosmetics gold lip gloss
beauty.com

Hello kitty fresh

Hello kitty fresh by naturalallure featuring print sneakers
Back to school is right around the corner and while parents are figuring out the budget, kids are figuring out what their style will be this year. With the goal of smart spending in mind I have constructed a savvy back to school outfit that can serve as the blueprint on what to look for this school year.

Monki crop top
$40 - monki.com

Vince Camuto boyfriend jeans
shoptheshoebox.com

Print sneaker
yoox.com

Hello Kitty chain bracelet
target.com

Charlotte Russe rhinestone bow earrings
charlotterusse.com

Hello Kitty Angry Face Skull Punk School Back Pack Loungefly Sanrio...
ebay.ca

Lady in red: City chic

Lady in red: City chic by naturalallure featuring birthstone jewelry

I am still currently working on a look for a clients birthday. I absolutely fell in love with these shoes from Calvin Klein, I thought that would be a great statement piece. She provided me with a specific look she wanted along with her own personal style. I always like to give my clients exactly what they want, but I also create several other looks for them so that they are able to see how diverse fashion can be. Needless to say she loves both looks I have put together for her so far and she will have a tough time deciding. That is the beautiful part to me, allowing someone to see outside the box and show them things that they may have otherwise overlooked. Individual style is what makes us unique, however sometimes it is always good to think outside the box, you never know what you will find!!