lovenwright

MIniTwists

2013-05-20T20:12:00.005-04:00

Hey there!!

So I've slowly gotten back to blogging via Instagram!! @LoveNWright < you know me! Same name everywhere!! I actually love it!! Its quite easy, capture, comment, post! But then there are certain things that only blogging allows.

The next couple of weeks for me are still going to be intensely busy. So I decided to twist up the mane for the next two weeks. I haven't worn my hair like this in ages. So we shall see how it turns out!! Intersted in getting your hair like this? Got three minutes to spare? Check out BackSyncFan version of her mini-twists and styling suggestions

Love It or Leave it??

Style Me Friday: Preppy with a POP of Red!

2013-02-01T18:42:00.005-05:00

So in my efforts to play around with the mere 50 pieces in my closet, I'm linking up with Eboni from Fashionista Next Door to play the game of Style Me Friday. You take an inspiration photo, pull pieces from your closet and wallah! Fashionably Fresh! This week's inspirational photo:

The leopard handbag immediately caught my eye! Rawr! Then I thought, okay maybe I could pull this off....this should be easy... Not the case with yours truly and her 50 piece wardrobe! I pulled out every red piece, every leopard piece, every jean piece I had, every passable, this could work, maybe, I think and finally just decided on this! Do you recognize that shirt??

LoveN it? or LeaveN it?

I can't say that I'm over the moon about this outfit, but for the purpose of mimicking the inspiration photo - it works. Possibly its the jean and the red that simply just dont match in my mind, but I think this is why I had such a hard time putting together an ensemble. I really wasn't inspired by it! So here's the deal with my lack-of-scenery-photo: My husband got a job in ATL and I am still in FL teaching. So, me and my lovely counter top make it happen! MAUH!

Blazer: Vintage

Shirt: Cotton

Belt: Vintage

Jeans: Cotton

Shoes: Rampage

Handbag: Vintage Dooney bag

Watch: Micheal Kors

Earrings: @MissHippieGirl

Necklace: Street Vendor, Thailand

Also thought to wear it with a denim scarf sanz the blazer!

Which rendition do you like better?

With love to last a lifetime, Kay!

My 50 piece Wardrobe...

2013-02-01T18:14:00.002-05:00

Yep...you read that correctly. A wardrobe consisting of 50 pieces... I mean seriously, how many pieces from your closet do you actually wear? You, like me, probably have so many items still with tags on them. Living overseas I realized that I could take one item and wear it a million and 50 different ways. Okay, so I've been known to exaggerate, but I'm looking to challenge myself. I've gone through my closet and pulled out all the shirts, skirts, pants and third-pieces that I could live without and held on to a 50-piece wardrobe. To be exact, that's 15 shirts, 10 skirts, 10 pants, 6 dresses and 9 sweaters/blazers.

Oh, the challenge that lies before me. I'm sure that it will take some tweaking and some trial and errors, but that's the beauty of going down to 50 pieces, I can figure out what is truly my style and stick with it! So far, here are the shirts:

Notice the price tags? I'm not sure that this will be the end of all the items in my closet, but it's certainly a start. If your interested in going through the items I'm planning to ditch: check em out here!! Zara, H&M, Mango, Banana Repulic, Gap - a few other names, too all priced between $5 - $20. Idk how this will work itself out, but we shall see!

Have you ever thought about reducing your wardrobe?

Facelift!!

2013-01-30T19:16:00.001-05:00

I've spent the past two days trying to figure out how to customize the blog and make it more pleasing to the eye. Whenever I visit other blogs, I'm always fascinated by how simple, chic and professional they look. I took a few ideas from here and there, kept the logo and glitzed the buttons!! I'm super pleased with how it turned out. I think this is my best blog header ever! There will be a few more tweaks along the way, but for the most part, this is the new view!

What do you think??

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

2013-01-28T18:46:00.002-05:00

So, I think I've finally figured out how to juggle everything! Well, let's be honest! I haven't, but you figure out how to keep everything going and make a way out of no way!! Life's Mantra: MAKE IT HAPPEN!! I have missed blogging and sharing about my hair experience so much - but when your reality doesn't include something, its totally fake and unauthentic to TRY to come up with things just to keep up conversation. Let's keep it real!

Hair is still important to me; I haven't cut it off yet! But, considering what all has transpired in the last year, things will be changing about the blog. I plan to blog about my wardrobe (or lack there of!), house hunting/decorating, parenting (no bun in the oven yet), hair of course and a few random things.

At the end of the day, all things girly, all things loved!

WIth love to last a lifetime,
Kay!

I miss you! #Natural Hair

2012-03-19T07:19:00.000-04:00

Dear Readers,

I-yi-yi! I dont know where to begin to express how much I miss being a part of the natural hair community, hosting dicussions, attending meet -ups...and all that other #NaturalHair jazz! Life has been crazy busy: planning a wedding, planning for school, assignments for Grad School, finding time to just be me and maintaining friendshps around the world! But I'm doing it...and smiling the whole time..

So, as promised...here's a hair update and a few photos of where I've been!!

Sadly, I don't have many photos of the last 6 months! You must understand that my hair has been tucked away unders turbans and scarves and I rarely wore it loose. Additionally, I haven't had a trim since August and my ends are a horrid mess. However, I just don't trust a new person with my hair and will continue to wear protective styles until I return home in July! I'll be eager to see the progress I've made without trimming my ends for a whole year.

So on to the photos that I do have...

This is my typical get up, roll out of bed, wash my face, head to school attire!Yep, a turban and a nicely ironed dress.
Take a look at all the features in this photos as well. Study it for a minute! Enjoy

November 11th, I know the specific date because I had just come from a wedding and took my hair out of my normal 4 braids to wear it pinned up. Bigger and bigger

Another style I wore under my turbans

My trip to Egypt!

In December I had my hair straightened. Planned to run into the hair salon, but didn't get there.

In December, I headed to Thailand, Malaysia and India. Decided to let the beast out of the cage!

This is in India, at the Taj Mahal. It was extremely foggy and thus I decided to wear it up.

Crazy street in Bangkok Thailand...This is BANG-KOK street!

Headed to a club in Abu Dhabi during the month of January, went with pin up!

I have no clue as to why this picture will not turn! Nonetheless, I wore my hair in braids from January up until last week this time. Tomorrow I will post picture of my hair for March! Exciting!!

With love to last a lifetime,
Kay

#7

2011-12-10T11:46:00.001-05:00

#7 by lovenwright featuring bangles jewelry

Mint Velvet white cotton t shirt
£29 - houseoffraser.co.uk

TIBI tuxedo jacket
$505 - stylebop.com

MOTHER skinny fit jeans
€259 - jades24.com

Dolce Vita stilettos pumps
$130 - zappos.com

Roar flat pumps
£52 - office.co.uk

Ambre Babzoe sequin handbag
$199 - calypsostbarth.com

Aurélie Bidermann safety pin necklace
$2,080 - kirnazabete.com

Button earrings
$940 - stylebop.com

Forever21 bangles jewelry
$8.80 - forever21.com

Bobbi Brown 'Pink Ribbon' Lip Set
$44 - nordstrom.com

Movie Night!

2011-11-25T04:38:00.001-05:00

Movie Night! by lovenwright featuring buckle belts

Soaked in Luxury long sleeve blouse
€70 - welikefashion.com

Wide jeans
£85 - johnlewis.com

Tory Burch slip on shoes
£108 - theoutnet.com

Forever21 leopard handbag
$20 - forever21.com

Rosanne Pugliese gold jewelry
$2,375 - barneys.com

Marie Hélène de Taillac 18 karat gold jewelry
£2,260 - brownsfashion.com

Gold jewelry
$940 - stylebop.com

Forever21 lacquer jewelry
$8.80 - forever21.com

Epice pink shawl
$267 - otteny.com

CO OP Barneys New York buckle belt
$95 - barneys.com

Simple n Sweet

2011-11-23T09:17:00.001-05:00

Simple n Sweet by lovenwright featuring leopard print handbags

The Row jersey tank top
$225 - net-a-porter.com

D G white jacket
$465 - stylebop.com

MOTHER low rise jeans
€259 - jades24.com

True Religion platform wedge heels
$130 - dsw.com

Maje clutch handbag
$295 - net-a-porter.com

Forever21 leopard print handbag
$15 - forever21.com

Etro fringe necklace
$610 - stylebop.com

Hoop earrings
£90 - flannelsfashion.com

Fusion Beauty Lipfusion Infatuation Liquid Shine Multi-Action Lip...
$29 - zappos.com

OnTheContrary

2011-11-21T10:46:00.001-05:00

OnTheContrary by lovenwright featuring black shoes

Dries Van Noten cap sleeve top
£705 - brownsfashion.com

Stella McCartney scoop neck tank
£45 - net-a-porter.com

Denim skinny jeans
$76 - topshop.com

Mrkt black shoes
$110 - dsw.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors clutch handbag
£220 - flannelsfashion.com

Kenneth Jay Lane link jewelry
$90 - maxandchloe.com

Braided jewelry
€22 - shopfriiscompany.com

Butter London 3 Free Lacquer Nail Polish
$14 - zappos.com

DeepSeaDiving

2011-11-21T09:53:00.001-05:00

DeepSeaDiving by lovenwright featuring crystal jewelry

Top
€50 - veryeickhoff.com

Melissa Odabash caftan tunic
$255 - stylebop.com

Ksubi jeans
£130 - farfetch.com

Forever21
$1.50 - forever21.com

Steve Madden wedge boots
$142 - heels.com

Emilio Pucci party bag
€1.998 - jades24.com

Mathias Chaize gold plated jewelry
$220 - net-a-porter.com

Lanvin crystal jewelry
$2,975 - barneys.com

Kenneth jay lane jewelry
$180 - maxandchloe.com

Rosanne Pugliese hammered earrings
$2,375 - barneys.com

Rectangle sunglasses
£195 - flannelsfashion.com

Just4Kicks

2011-11-12T06:30:00.001-05:00

Just4Kicks by lovenwright featuring platform high heels

WKSHP crop top
$40 - lespommettes.com

Current/Elliott skinny fit jeans
$221 - boutique1.com

Messeca platform high heels
$170 - solestruck.com

ASOS leather clutch
$59 - asos.com

LK Designs stud earrings
€135 - pret-a-beaute.com

River Island yellow gold bangle
$18 - asos.com

Matthew Williamson gold ring
£9.60 - debenhams.com

All good things...

2011-11-11T03:04:00.000-05:00

must be put on hold...I've never been one to give up on things...in fact, there are tears in my eyes as I type this message because I feel guilty in so many ways...I truly thought that I'd be able to maintain this blog as I did back home. However, I've taken on working on my Master's degree and the amount of time I spend researching topics for my reports takes away from my ability to research topics for the blog. If you are a consistent reader, you know I am big on presenting researched topics and not just opinions and ideas of my own; unless justified through research. Unfortunately, I wont be able to provide this service in this medium if I am to give 110% to my graduate studies.

A few years back, my line sister made the comment: "Your perspective changes as things in your life change..." This is ever so true in my current life. I don't manipulate my hair as often and so I've found it quite difficult to blog about my hair, which is the basis of this blog. Instead, I spend a lot of time journaling about my experience teaching in the UAE. I don't mean to make excuses for not blogging, but I am humble enough to admit that I cannot keep up with all of the things on my plate. Instead of trying to fake the funky and do so poorly, I am placing this blog on hiatus mode. Instead, I am going to continue to peruse the many blogs on my Love list and keep in contact with those fabulous people. As things occur with my hair, I will be sure to document them for all to see! I'm on a two year protective style challenge, only straightening when returning to the states for the purpose of a trim.

If you have any questions or want to check up on me, I'll be on twitter @LoveNWright, email me lovenwright@gmail.com or follow me on http://www.tosogreenwich.blogspot.com/

With love to last a lifetime...
Kay!

Its a Wrap: Part 2

2011-10-22T09:33:00.000-04:00

G.Y.M.U. :: DIY Projects

2011-10-21T10:30:00.000-04:00

In the past 10 years, the term DIY has been plastered on every magazine, website and tv channel. Women, and men alike, have begun to take control of their home decorating, personal hygiene and wedding planning versus relying on the professionals. DIY simply means doing it yourself! Its an opportunity to use your creative juices and save a few extra pennies in the process; remember they do add up! But sometimes, knowing such a project exists or how-to do the project can be quite daunting. Here are a few diy project that are relatively easy and inexpensive.

1. Cafe a la home

I looovve to eat! Well, anything that smells good, but then there is a slight contradiction: chiltlins don't smell good! Ha! Nevertheless, eating out can become quite expensive! Even eating at Micky D's can add up over the week, especially when meals are in the range of $5 and $10.00. So why not, take it to the house? Marie over at Merely Marie does a fab job of explaining the process of making delicious food with photos to match! For sure, if she puts out a recipe book, I'm buying! {HINT, HINT!}

Mushroom, Spinach and Feta Cheese Lasagna

Heavenly Sweet Potato

2. Tips&Toes
I believe it was the summer before last that I began to keep my nails painted on a weekly basis! In fact, now I feel a bit lame if they are bare...(I'm starting to look at lipstick in the same manner) But running to Jessica every week for a mani and pedi was an additional $200 expense! Okay, you say the cheaper route of a polish change...it was still $60! And one time I recall wanting a cheetah design and she told me she only knew how to do the zebra design. What's a girl to do? Do it yourself! Unbeknowst at the time, there are so many sites and ytvids that show you how to paint your nails, give design inspiration and show you how to take better care of your nails. Let's just say, I quickly got over spending extra money and mastered the left hand-right hand paint job!

Step by Step directions from MopTopMaven: Chic Tribal Nail Design

Definitely learned something new from Jenny: leave a visible nail line!

3. Home Decor
In most cases home decorating is about putting together a pallet of colors and pieces that blend well to make the perfect overall feel to a room. Granted, you may have sought out the pieces and placed them in the perfect location, this doesn't parallel the idea of doing it yourself! However, if you found a chair and repurposed it, painted a hutch to the color of your suiting or purchased an amoire from IKEA and used that special screw to assemble it; then you my friend Did It Yourself! Check out Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere, she has several home improvement projects that I'm looking to try once I'm living in the states again!

She took these 70's gold chairs to brocade beauties

A floating vase that makes you think twice about throwing away old spaghetti sauce jars!

Are you a DIYer?? What are some things that you would rather do yourself?

Getting Ready And....Yikes!

2011-10-19T13:44:00.000-04:00

Speaking of uninvited guests...

*sigh* Exactly 3 months after my "other side of my 20's" bday...I find a gray hair...
Seemingly...it's been there for a while...its 3 inches long...and the end is slightly blond...
And I'm not quite sure how to respond...

In case you need a closer look...

But my twist looks deeeee-lish! Ignore the particles...that's sand! LOL..I live in the desert!
As for the strand...I'll keep it! I want to see how long it grows! HAHAHA! Typical!

Lady Klaar: On Second Thought...

2011-10-18T11:25:00.000-04:00

This whole living alone thing is mind boggling. No, seriously...I can't seem to make my mind up about anything! Do I want peach paint or do I want blue paint? Dark wood or light wood? Office or extra bedroom? Mafi mallum (I dont know) I've been told I like being in control, but dag nabit, I sure do miss having the second opinion of others! And even though Mr. Wright would say, "whatever you like, babe.." I could usually gauge which one he was leaning towards! *sigh*

So here's the dilemma...Initially I was interested in purchasing a tan/beige couch. But, in all aspects of my life, I am trying to incorporate color. So then, I was left to decide between a plum purple or a robin's egg/baby blue. Why these two colors?IDK, something different...a bit exotic...random...eclectic...I'm exploring here! In two days the couch will be delivered...and I'm having second thoughts! If I had wood floors, I would have stuck with the beige couch, but the floors are beiged tiles.. Ha! No I'm not marrying the couch, but I am getting cold feet! I'm not certain how well it will blend with the ZEBRA rug I just knew I had to have! And also, its not so much the color but the weird shape that is ever-so-present here in couch selection!

But this is where I'm heading...do chime in!

This is the girly version of what I want!

I think this is rather masculine..but...trade the red for purple...add some lace to soften..

Again...feminine

Country...but...weirdly..I like it!

I like the contrast of the dark, blue and green! Other than that...keep it!

So...I'm thinking...purple...green...gold...and pops of orange...we shall see!

Its a bedroom, but the colors

Uninvited Guests

2011-10-17T07:25:00.001-04:00

{Source}

Okay...so, how scarey is this! Several of the students at my school have louses! Yes, that's what you just read....head lice! Mmhmm...that lil insect that burrows in your scalp and sucks your blood, how fitting for the month of October, but their existence is just disgusting and annoying! In speaking to another teacher she told me that I was not likely to "catch" this cantagious scalp creature as I use oils on my hair. They prefer an environement that is sebum-free, which will allow them to embed their nits (eggs) into the hair shaft and keep them warm. So, techinically this little yellow/brown/tan/white creature loves hair, but afro texture hair is just not a favorable environment for them to recreate! Works for me!

{Source}

Frankly, I wasn't alarmed to begin with. Recall that I wear a turban everyday, seldom do I exposed my hair, so the chances of them hoping on to me is slim. But I was still intrigued and interested to know more when the nurse pulled out atleast 5 kids from every class who had lice! IIIII knoooww! Here it's not a major thing; back home, school would have been shut down! Granted they aren't dangeourous and don't carry diseases, they are super contagious and all it takes it one! The nurse instructed us to look for students scratching their heads, this irritation develops due to the reaction to the lice's saliva. Additionally, you may not see lice as you would looking for ticks on a dog, instead you have to look for the nits using a find tooth comb. Directly behind the ears and along the nape of the neck. They are also hard to find if you have light colored hair!

If undiagnosed and untreated, head lice can lead to severe irritation and the worst case, bacterial infection. So much so, that the scalp begins to ooze and crust and your lymph glands become swollen. Gross, I know; but treatable. If caught in the premature stage, shampoos, hair drops and even a deep conditioning treatment with oils will send those puppies wailing. But for the worst case scenarios, one must see a doctor to recieve a perscription for antibiotics.

Again, afro textured hair is not a favorable enivornment, but it doesn't exclude you from being a victim. Those of you who wash your hair often, visits a multi-racial hair salon or babysit occasionally, be ware. You never know when uninvited guest will move in!

Goodies for my #NaturalHair

2011-10-16T07:25:00.000-04:00

In a matter of 20 minutes my hair will be saying: "ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" In preparation to teach overseas, I had researched a few methods to use in order to prevent my hair from drying out and becoming brittle and downright unhealthy. However, my assumption that this country would sell Aloe Vera Gel subject my hair to brutal days and moisture-less nights. Let's just say I got lucky.

A friend of mine returned to the states due to a death in the family and brought back goodies! There is a weight limit on your checked bag and so I tried to keep my order to a minimum. Far from surprising, I ordered beauty items! I requested my infamous AVG and she was so sweet to bring me a 16 oz bottle! This alone had me about to do cartwheels! I also ordered another container of SMCES, I'm due to run out in the next month and I also put in for some mascara. Granted I can find that here, the price is just some where near ridiculous! I'm talking 25 US dollars! Exxxxxactly!

And seeing as how my hair has been in protective styles since I've been here, I was interested to see how long the strands had gotten in 2 1/2 months! (yes...it's been that long!) Brother dear, brother dear! I can't wait to see it straight in December!

Remember...unofficial...so...note where my shoulders are! HAHAHA

G.Y.M.U.: The Urge to Splurge

2011-10-12T12:49:00.001-04:00

If you've ever taken the time to peruse TheOtherSideOfGreenwich, then you know that I live in an area that is secluded from civilization. Perhaps you haven't? Well, the closest town from my front doors is 90 miles away. Meaning, it takes me nearly an hour (the speed limit is 86) to reach a real grocery store, a movie theater, a swimming pool, an American fast food restuarants or even a shopping mall! Yes, I know...remember I am the one who lives here! So this means, whenever I go in to town, I must combat the urge to splurge!

Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi

The plus side to living in this remote area, I don't spend as much money! It is extremely easy to follow a budget because the places where I would spend my money aren't accessible. However, once I'm back in the big city, the options are endless! In Abu Dhabi alone there are at least 20 mall; literally right around the corner from each other! These people believe in spending money and the stores here include Zara, BeBe, TopShop, as well as a few other European names that have the cutest clothes.

So, with the overabundance of places to shop, this makes it easy to achieve one of my goals while here: Establishing my signature style. But with so many options and at reasonable prices, a girl can get lost and buy everything fashionable and trendy. Which is not the plan! Here are a few things I am planning to do to keep myself focused on my 30~flirty sig style:

After some review, I realized that my wardrobe was very dark and dismal: gray, black, brown, white; in essence it lacked a bit of punch and pizzazz. I don't think my wardrobe fits my personality; infact, I've allowed my profession to dictate the pieces I purchased in the past. Very modest and controlled; not that I'm looking to let it all hang loose! But, I want the new pieces I purchase to be geared towards my personal wardrobe!

As mentioned previously, my profession has controlled my shopping experience for some time. The darker colors were selected because when I am sitting on the carpet with students, my clothes are destroyed! Recently I asked a few ladies which colors would they advise...and in the last few months I've played around with these colors and have decided on a few signatures.

Pantone Fall 2011 colors are playful and vibrant

Isn't it a lovely resource? It's amazing what you can find on the web; positive and negative. For a while I thought I would be a slave to Arabic TV; thought I'd miss BasketBallWiveLA! But thanks to handy, dandy google and yahoo, luck has it I can stay connected. Not only can I get back tv shows and the juicy gossip of American Celebs, I can also stay up to date with the latest fashion! I know, style vs. fashion, however, there are a few stylish pieces that just happen to be fashionable and I want them all!

Found an uber interesting article (actually 3 part series) on developing your signature style! This is a definitely a must read!

Love this look! However, I would need to flip the pattern to the top!

In efforts to stick with a budget, I can't go into the mall and say I want to purchase it all! I mean, I could, but I would sincerely regret it come tomorrow morning! Small steps lead to giant leaps! So with that, I'll identify up to 5 pieces that I need to shop for! Believe me it will be hard not to snag those black, gray, brown clearanced tops, but if I truly want to be TRUE to myself, I'll make it happen!

Things I'll be looking for: loud colors, bold prints, and chunky accessories

Just4Kicks by lovenwright featuring leather clutches

Lady Klaar: Independent Woman

2011-10-10T12:35:00.000-04:00

Inspiration Room!

Here I am approaching my thirties and it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I could add lived alone to my list of life's accomplishments. Why did it take so long? The pieces of my puzzle just always seemed to fall into place when it came to living with family, or a close friend, or a significant other. One day it was convenient and the next it was less expensive. But with teaching abroad, the cost of living is of no relevance to me as my housing is provided. And so with that, for the first time in my life I am living alone.
I can't say I love it. I won't say I hate it. However, oddly enough I am enjoying getting to know myself and see how I truly operate as an independent woman. I am currently re-evaluating who I am as a person and who I will become. Either way, I'm excited to see what this new phase in my life will bring and how it will alter my perspective on the world. I live by the saying, all things happen for a reason. I am sure that God planted this experience in my life to ensure I had a solid hold of who I am without the influences of my comfort zone.

It matters not how old or young you are, whether you live alone or with family, a roomate or a significant other, calling yourself an independent woman is being deeply rooted in who you are as an individual. Considering independent means doing something alone and the word individual is that one person, allow the words to be used interchangeably. Its loving yourself, flaws and all, lack there of and over abundance of, crooked teeth, blemishes and scars. Additionally, it's having goals in life and living to fulfil those goals. It's accepting that settling is unacceptable; that mediocre is non-existent; and that excellency is required.

With this God-given time, there are a few things I am planning to fine tune about myself! I love my personality: I'm witty, sarcastic, compassionate and frank! Therefore, nothing there will be changed! Sorry, darlings! However, I'd like to figure out my 30~flirty~signature~style and my purpose in life! A good friend told me that fashion is here today and gone tomorrow; whereas style is forever...A 60 year old in fishnet is not cute...so..instead of filling my closet with fashionable pieces I'll seek out more stylish items! My purpose in life...that can't be summed up in a one liner, more like a few HUNDRED posts!

When's the last time you re-evaluated who you are? What were your revelations?

It's a wrap!

2011-10-09T09:28:00.001-04:00

I think I will be on a permanent protective style challenge as long as I live here!

My hair has suffered tremendously from the brutal water and unforgiving sun. Lucky for me, wearing a turban to work is the norm and various designs can be found at just about every store! For that reason alone I've worn headwraps each and every day for the past two weeks. Underneath, my hair is simply braided in 4 cornrows topped with a silk scarf. Nothing fancy; in every way protective. Every day I moisturize with my rosewater/coconut oil spritzer and head to bed! When I do wash my hair, I do so when my hair is braided and with bottled water, focusing on my scalp! Additionally, wearing a turban to work makes the deep conditioning process a whole lot easier!

Currently there are 10 scarves in my collection! Seeking a Royal Blue next!
What other colors am I missing? Yellow...Zebra print...

I'll be honest...I don't think its the most becoming style, I mean its cute once and a while, but everyday?! Okay, I'll just go ahead and say it: I miss wearing my hair loose.

Wanna see a few funky turban styles:

Solange's entire look screams retro to me! A woman of my own heart!
Although I wouldn't wear this outfit, I'm diggin the plum lip!
And she's in need of a clutch!

The only downside to wearing a headwrap: your face has to be on point!
Now that it's the focal point and not your hair, brows must be arched!

Love it! Buuuuttt, this is where you draw the line between norm and abnormal!
Cute, but not professional! Save it for the weekend please!

My day to day urban wrap! Soft and subtle

2011-09-03T03:16:00.001-04:00

It's been 2 months...time to revamp the blog!! I think I'm going back to the original format..out of the 6 i've tried...the original layout calls my name!! Say my name..Say my name...btw Happy Birthday Bey!

I might just get a weave...

2011-08-31T02:57:00.000-04:00

I've never been a fan of rocking a weave as a protective style. In total, I've only worn a weave three times. To me, it looks rather, hmm..how do you say unnatural! However, I've began to contemplate the idea due to the strain of the immense heat and direct sun on my tresses. Now that I am 7000 miles away from the states, finding a beauty supply store is like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, it gives me time to begin researching the different types of weaves and the look I am going for.

This is Devon, she is going to get me all caught up on the weave world! I want my hair like this actually! But 1 pack

Devon is my weave-o-logist in the UAE. She is well-versed in how to select, install, and maintain a weave. She is transitioning and knows someone who lived by weaves in order to transition. Although I am not transitioning, I think it serves the same purpose: less manipulation and protection! So I am looking for the best bang for my buck! Here are my requirements:

JuJu 100% Virgin Indian Natual Curl

1. Curly vs. Straight: I prefer curly, this way I wont need to apply heat to my hair

2. 100% Human hair: I want to make one purchase and be able to wash and reuse the hair several times

3. 1 pack or 2?: Probably 1...I have a rather small face and I don't need a lot of hair! Just a lil bit will do!

4. Enclosed vs. Part: Definitely a part. Even considering just braiding the back half as this will be less strain on my edges!

Now I need to find the brand that fits my description! I'm no weave goddes, so I haven't the clue of where to begin! For sure I will be asking her! I am accepting that I will spend at least 200 on hair! That's fine with me because it will be money well spent considering I will be able to reuse the hair several times!

Inspiration Photos

Brazilian Weave - not so set on the pencil curls

Lovely, but a tad too big!

hairAddict Virgin Indian Curly

My Middle Eastern Hair Reg

2011-08-29T07:06:00.001-04:00

Prior to making the adventure over I had been warned that the water here had adverese affects on your hair. This sparked my interest in finding hair products and methods that would help to keep my hair as healthy as possible. The first week of living in Abu Dhabi, I didn't use water on my hair because it was straightened. However, I did notice that my hair was extremely dry. As to be expected; the daily temperature is usually 100 degrees!

And then I washed my hair...the first day I didn't notice a big change, but then as I began to manipulate my hair into a style, I noticed how strawlike it was. Mind you, I washed with my Giovanni smooth and silk and conditioned with HEHH, my mistake was rinsing out my conditioner! HUGE no, no!

So, I believe that's the trick! Unfortunately, I have to begin using shampoo on my hair weekly instead of monthly and leaving in my conditioner instead of rinsing it out. I've been sealing in my moisture with a shea butter mix and once I move into my apartment I plan to stock up on the goodies that can be found in the UAE. For the past month, I've been using protective styles and spritz/sealing each and every day! I know this isn't the purpose of why Muslim women cover their hair, but it sure helps to protects your tresses from the brutal sun and heat combo!

Could I use Rose Water in place on Aloe Vera Juice? (they don't have avj here :/)

How have I been combating the heat?

Ends trimmed and evened up before my big move!!

Nooo, I don't have to cover up! But it was extremely
humid that night and I didn't want to run the risk of
my hair frizzing up! So, I threw on a Shela! Its just a scarf!

As my hair started to dry out, I had to apply Almond oi
which weighed my hair down. So I started wearing it half
up and half down. My curl ended up dropping! LOL

After hanging at the pool, I decided to braid my hair up. I had to use a
camera because, well that's all I had. Make it happen!

It took my nearly 2 hours because I didn't have the right utensil

I wore my hair this way for a week and a half.

It seemed braids/flat twists were the best option to protect
and moisturize. So, I flat twisted my hair back in to a bun.

Around my edges I did braids to help with securing the hair and keeping a
freshly braided look. this lasted about one week.