BeautyXchange

Monday, February 28, 2011

And the Oscar for Best Red Carpet Style Goes to.....

Camila Alves looked stunning in this black ball gown.  

This picture does not do Mila Kunis and her dress justice.  The lavendar Elie Saab dress that she wore coupled with her hair and make up were gorgeous on the red carpet. 

JHud wore a "tangerine orange" colored Versace dress.  But, what I loved about her look was her hair & makeup - FLAWLESS.  Wasn't too crazy about the halter top - her boobs looked out of sorts in some of her pictures.

Apparently this Armani Prive dress was custom made for Ms. Celine Dion. Love the color, sleeves, and neckline - just wished the dress flared out at the bottom instead of being straight.  Still love it though.

Halle Berry is so damn gorgeous! Ugh it's not fair! LOL She looked very pretty in this Marchesa tulle dress but for some reason I feel Ms. Berry has done this neutral look before.  Beautiful, nonetheless. 

I wish there was a better photo of Donald Trump's wife, Melania.  Her dress was GORGEOUS. Love the fit, the sparkles, and her makeup - good God. Do you see those smoldering eyes? Stunning.

Lady in red, Anne Hathaway looked beautiful in her vintage Valentino gown. 

She was red all over, lips, nails, dress.

Who were some of your favorites on the Red Carpet? Anyone you see here?

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Pretty Girls Rock at Essence Black Women in Hollywood

Love this matronly look on Gabrielle Union

Kimora looks so toned down and I love it. She looks so demure. But we know better - ha.

Simple but chic. More of a corporate look. Love the Louboutins.

Cute. Thumbs up for the animal print.

Love this little blue dress. Blue is my fave.

Kerry Washington gets it right in the nude. ah you know what I mean. ;)

Any favorites? 

Friday, February 25, 2011

Product Review: African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray

I recently got my hair twisted with extensions aka kinky twists.  Normally, I'm not a fan of braiding/twisting hair with extensions because of the time it takes to put them in and take them out.  





But, I had to do something. My hair was looking a HOT MESS after I had the baby and since I don't have the luxury right now to experiment with natural hairstyles this was the best thing for me to do.  





In order to keep these twists looking like I just got them done I've been using African Pride's Braid Sheen Spray. 

Product Description: 

• Soothes braid tightness and soreness

• Relieves itching and dryness

• Softens, adds extra shine, moisturizes & conditions

• Excellent for locks and twists

• Regular use dramatically reduces breakage, split ends and dryness.





My Experience: 

This was my first time using a braid spray so the product in general was very new to me.  Now, after I had these kinky twists installed (is that the right word to use?) I had the worst headache ever because those twists were so tight and my scalp was so sore.  





I could not even raise my eyebrows or squint for fear that one of those twist would snap like a rubber band (another reason why I don't like getting extensions). Anyway, I quickly went into the bathroom and pulled out the African Pride braid sheen spray and literally saturated my hair with it.





I did that for the following two days.  As I've said, I've never used braid spray before so I didn't know what to expect from this product but what I do know is that the tightness and soreness that I was feeling prior was significantly less after using it that same day.  





I had to Thank Jesus because had the tenderness and pain not subsided I would have gone back to the salon and had them take those bad boys out. (Trust me, I've done it before - LOL).  





The braid sheen spray has definitely been helpful in the dryness and itchiness department.  If any of you have worn artificial hair you know how it can get with the itchiness - you start to do the pat your weave dance. lol 





I have no clue if it has reduced breakage or split ends.  I think I'll be able to make that assessment when I take the twists down.





When I do remove the twists, my plan is to saturate my hair with the braid sheen spray to aid in the detangling process which in effect will mitigate the possiblity of hair loss (at least I hope so). 





The braid sheen spray is also relatively light on my scalp which is where I concentrate the most. If I see any signs of flakes I whip the spray out to combat them since I don't wash my hair as frequently with these twists.  





Since this product is enriched with Extra Virgin Olive Oil my scalp does actually feel conditioned when I use it.  I say this only because I notice the difference if I go a couple of days without using it.





Surprisingly (I didn't have high hopes) this product has actually been very handy throughout this whole kinky twists period especially with alleviating the soreness in the first few days and keeping the artificial hair from looking dull.





For those of you that wear any type of braids or twists on a consistent basis you may want to add this to your rotation to preserve the style while keeping it conditioned.

Price: $5-$6 at your local beauty supply

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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Jacey Python Peep-Toe by Ralph Lauren

While searching for leopard ballet flats on the Ralph Lauren website I came across these bad boys.  When I saw them I became breathless for a minute. I was experiencing a shoegasm if you will.   Check them out.

O M G!!

Yep, I'd certainly be committing shoe-icide with these.

 Aren't they lovely? 

These bad boys retail for $895

But, in case any of you are feeling mighty generous my birthday is next month ;-)

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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

How to Live Like a Lady

A couple of weeks ago I was at Anthropologie looking for a fragrance that Julia from All About the Pretty recommended.  I was so disappointed that they didn't have it.  But, I ended up picking up another fragrance but I'll have to do a separate post on it. Just know that it smells divine.  Anywho, while I was there I spotted this cute little book called "How to Live Like a Lady, Lessons in Life, Manners, and Style".  

This book is basically about etiquette, which I'm finding out each day is a lost art form.  One of my biggest pet peeves is lack of tact, decorum, etiquette, whatever you want to call it.  It's like the old saying "chivalry is dead".  Back in the day, girls from privileged families would go to finishing etiquette school to learn how to act - basically.  

Most of us (my self included) did not come from a privileged background but still I was brought up to have certain principles that applied to my gender especially when it came to running a household, for example how to set the table, how to sit properly when wearing a skirt/dress, etc.  

Now some people may think that being lady-like is a no-brainer but I beg to differ.  None of us were born with the innate ability to know these things, we were taught by our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and the traditions would pass on down from generation to generation.  Well, not any more - it seems.  

Anyway I'm saying all that to say even if you don't have someone to show you or tell you the proper ways to handle yourself in certain situations, there's a book out there for you.  If anything, it makes a great coffee table book.  :) 

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Sunday, February 20, 2011

High Hopes Low Notes - Carol's Daughter Body Jelly

Have you ever purchased a product with the hopes that it would be great but then you use it and it's not what you expected at all?  Such was the case with Carol's Daughter Body Jelly for me.  This purchase was my first from the Carol's Daughter line and I was excited to try some of their stuff especially since I'm a fan of Lisa Price, the woman behind the brand.  Anyway, while at Sephora one day  I picked up the Body Jelly along with Kizzi Stay Put Hair Pomade.  I had specifically purchased the Body Jelly to relieve me of the itchiness and dryness that I was experiencing while pregnant.    Needless to say I was not happy with the product.  Here's the product information:

Ingredients: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Beeswax, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil 


Product Description:  100% Natural, 0% Petroleum, Fragrance-free Moisturizer ; a fatty acid and protein-rich alternative to petroleum jelly

Has Jojoba Oil to prevent water loss and improve suppleness

Protects from harsh weather conditions

Soothes sun damage

Has Sweet Almond Oil to soothe dry, irritated or itchy skin

Has Soy Oil to replenish and improve skin's texture and glow

Is gentle enough for your baby's skin!

PLUS, it has NO Parabens, Petroleum, Mineral Oil or artificial color

Despite the ingredients which are good, this product was pretty much a jar of oil, which wouldn't be a problem if it was described as a body oil. I guess I expected it to be a bit more solid or closer to jelly as the product describes.  But, that's not even the deal breaker for me, this was - the body jelly was not moisturizing on my skin at all.  Actually I felt like it just sat on my skin without really penetrating the skin so that I could benefit from the ingredients.  Anyway, to make a long story short I ended up returning it as well as the hair pomade that I mentioned above.  Why did I return the pomade? Because I was not happy with that either.  Letting out a sigh of disappointment. But get this I'm dying to try their loc butter once I remove these extensions.  

Have any of you tried Carol's Daughter Body Jelly? What were your thoughts?  How about the loc butter? 

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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Naeem Khan Fall 2011 Collection - Gorgeous!

So NY Fashion Week has come and gone and I'm still catching up to the runway looks from the designer collections.  One collection that I've fallen in love with is from Naeem Khan.  Check out some of my favorite looks from his collection, they are beautiful to say the least in my opinion.

This is definitely a red carpet dress!

I love love love this dress.

For some reason I imagine Penelope Cruz wearing this at the Oscars.

I love this little number as well.

To view Naeem Khan's entire Fall collection, click here.

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Massage Your Scalp to Keep it Happy & Healthy

I'm reading this amazing book right now titled Absolute Beauty and its about how to take care of your skin and body with the use of Ayurvedic principles.  I've come across some great information in the book and I'll share some with you as I come across them.  The first one is with regards to scalp massages and their benefits: 

Do you massage your scalp?

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Dolce Vita for Target Spring 2011 Shoe Collection

The Dolce vita for Target collection is an affordable line of cute wedges starting at $24.99.  The wedges in the collection appear to be super comfortable for those that may be concerned with the height of the platform.  The colors are on the neutral side which is great for mixing and matching your look with no problems.  

What do you think of the collection?

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2011 Grammy Red Carpet Looks

Did you all watch the Grammys last night?  What did you think?  Honestly, I thought it wasn't that great.  A great award show to me is one where the performances are memorable.  There were no show stoppers.  IAnyway, these are some of the looks that I really liked from the Grammy red carpet.  

Drake looked so debonair.  I thought he was one of the best dressed males.  Rob Kardashian looked great too but I could not find a pic of him at all :(

Selena Gomez looked so pretty and age appropriate.

Jada Pinkett's dress is gorgeous and so are the shoes. Her entire look was fierce.

No one does GLAM like Kim K and JLo.  

Did you have any red carpet favorites?

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Saturday, February 12, 2011

Jason Wu Fall 2011 Collection

Fashion Week started last week and the shows have been in full effect in New York.  I've been keeping up with the shows via The Fashion Bomb, The Style and Beauty Doctor and others.  So far Jason Wu's Fall 2011 Collection is giving me life.  Check out some of his looks below.  

I absolutely love this dress! So much crystal detailing.

This gown is simple but the color & gold accents definitely makes a statement.

I love anything with lace. This is such a dramatic & elegant gown.

Jason Wu definitely knows how to design a dress, remember Michelle Obama's inaugural gown?  What do you think of the gowns in his collection? 

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Friday, February 11, 2011

Beauty Stereotypes - What are some that you've heard?

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Celebrity Look - Leona Lewis - Like it or Loathe it?

Leona Lewis looks really sleek and tone these days...makes me wonder if she has a new album coming out.  You know how these celebrities do it - they change up their look after being on hiatus in preparation for a new album to drop.  In any case, what do you think of her overall look? I'm not feeling her top at all but I am loving those pumps.

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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Kimora Lee Simmons Closet Confessions

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

FREE Blowouts at ULTA Salon - Courtesy of PHYTO & Sedu

Ladies you may want to take advantage of this promotion.  I've used PHYTO products and still do.  The products that I've used from their line are of good quality.  They should be especially for the price.  Anyway, in conjuction with their new Phytolisse collection they are offering complimentary blowouts at Ulta stores nationwide.  Here are the details:

Receive a FREE blow out using amazing products 
      and tools from Phyto and Sedu.

February 16th, 3pm-8pm

    February 17th, 1pm-4pm
The PHYTO Botanical Blowout Day is nationwide and open to all consumers. 

Appointments may be made in advance by calling an ULTA store near you.

I recently got my hair braided twisted with extensions, if not I would be all over this. 

    
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Monday, February 7, 2011

Celebrity Girl Crush - Do you have one?

Mine are the two ladies below Sanaa Lathan and Nia Long. These ladies have been in the business for a while yet year after year they look better than ever.  Yeah, I'm sure money and access to the best certainly play a role but you can't knock the good genes either.

I have a few more celebrity girl crushes but these are just two for now.  

I'm curious to know who are your female celebrity crushes? 

Perhaps we have some in common or some I need to add to my mental list.

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photos

Friday, February 4, 2011

Friday's Fly Fashionista: Tamara

Tamara is kicking off our 1st Fashionista Friday series of 2011 - check her out.

Bio
I'm a 26 year old, communication coordinator by day, makeup artist by night, Philadelphia native living in Charlotte, NC. 

How would you describe your style?  My style is sophisticated, with a little trend and comfortable. My wardrobe choices for the day really reflect my mood, so it changes... a lot LOL. I love ultra feminine pieces like pencil skirts and silk blouses but I also love edgy pieces like motorcycle jackets and riding boots. 

Who/What are some of your inspirations when it comes to your personal style?  June Ambrose is one of my style inspirations. Her style is sophisticated yet she injects little hints of trend into her wardrobe seamlessly. Her style is classic. I also love Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. 

5 wardrobe essentials & accessories that every woman should have in her closet?

Perfect fitting dark wash blue jeans

~ jeans can easily be takes from day to night if they are the correct fit. 

Little Black Dress

~ you can be ready for any professional/social event at a moments notice with the perfect LBD.

Classic Trench

~ A staple piece that would work with just about any outfit. 

Statement Jewelry

~ easy way to amp up any outfit. 

Black pumps

~ you can never go wrong with a black pump and the confidence to pull it all together. 

What are some tips for women that want to look fly on a limited budget? 

Thrifting! Fifty dollars can take you a long way in a thrift store and you will come out with unique pieces that no one else has. Also keep an open mind when shopping in thrift stores, small alterations will give a dress or blazer new life. I would also advise in investing in timeless piece. Things that can take you from season-to-season, year-to-year, and try not to get too caught up in trends. 

Random fact about yourself......
I used to be obsessed with the Notorious BIG and I wanted to be a rapper (no I don't have any flow lol). That dream died when he did :( 

What beauty items are in your makeup bag at all times?  I actually do not carry a makeup bag. I never reapply makeup throughout the day, on a good day I might reapply my lip gloss. I make sure I use a face and eyeshadow primer to keep my makeup in place throughout the day.

What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is an unconditional, unapologetic love for oneself. Beauty is humble and kind. Beauty is knowing that its not what you wear that matters but what's in your heart.

You may remember seeing Tamara here before.  Not only is she a stylish fashionista she's also a naturalista as well.  Click here for her natural hair feature.  To catch up with Tamara and her makeup/style/etc - check out The Collective Musings of Tamara.