Review Time! Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding

Hello dolls! It's my first review!! *Cues applause* So, after reading raving reviews about this product, I decided to finally dish $22 for a small jar of Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding to see what all the hype was about.

Now, before I go on, I will explain my hair story to you all. Two years ago, I decided I was going to go natural after experiencing a bad perm that completely burned my edges off. So, when I decided to stop getting perms I also decided to stop going to the hair salon. Bad move! My hair began to fall out because it was used to being done professionally every two weeks. My hair was in utter shock. Aside from that problem, I had also undergone too many hair dyes. I bleached the front blonde, then died it black, then died it red, then died it black...all in about 6 months! My hair was falling out right before my eyes. Then I decided to get glue in weaves for a year. Well, this only made it worse. Finally in May 2011, I got my dead ends chopped off and decided I was going to do this transition the healthy way.

Even with all of this hair cut off, I still hadn't cut off the entire perm. My hair is a little past my shoulders now, but the ends are still permed because I am afraid to cut my hair anymore. I have been getting sew in weaves to keep my hair braided, hence the fast growth. So basically, I wanted to see if Miss Jessie's would make my hair curly. The top is already curly, but I needed the entire thing curly.

I washed and conditioned my hair with Aussie shampoo and Aussie 3 Minute conditioner. Then I towel dried my hair before applying a generous amount of Curly Pudding to my hair. Then, I let it air dry. My results? Puffy, curly roots and straight ends, the way my hair usually is.

Now, let me make something clear. I definitely do not regret buying this product. It smells heavenly and made my hair extremely soft. However, it is more for twist sets than just throwing in and going. Also, it is made for people who are completely natural to hold their curls. If you have no curls to define, it will not make curls for you. So if you are looking for that effect, mark this off of your list. However, I do think it is a good product to buy for anyone who has gone completely natural. It even made me want to do the "big chop" for a moment just to get the full effect. I won't cross this off of my list just yet, I'm just going to save it for when my hair is  completely natural (or whenever I decide to do a twist set). If you all have any other tips for the use of this product, leave a comment below and let us all know!

Style Spotlight: Raybin Dockery

Meet style icon Raybin Dockery, a sophomore broadcast Journalism major at Hampton University. She is from sin city; Las Vegas, Nevada but the only thing this princess is guilty of is a keen fashion sense and a strong work ethic. "People usually remember me for my goal driven attitude," Dockery said. She said she wanted to leave home and find something new, but being in Hampton has made her miss her city. She plans to go back there to live after graduating.

A few of Dockery's style icons include Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian, and most importantly her mother. "My mom was in college in the 70's so she had a retro, classic style," Dockery said. She describes her own style as versatile, chic, and classic.

Along with her fashion sense comes a plethora of other talents. She writes poetry and plays the clarinet, piano, saxophone, and bass. She also played soccer, but had to stop due to her asthma.

Dockery is not only a broadcast major, but also a criminal justice minor. After graduation, she hopes to become either a news reporter or a crime scene analyst. She also plans on getting laser eye surgery after she graduates so does not have to wear glasses anymore. Dockery said, "I hate wearing glasses. I have contacts but I hate putting them in." She also plans on traveling to Hawaii, Cape Cod, and numerous parts of Europe, specifically Paris.

When she feels down, one thing that can pick her up is good R&B music. Her favorites include the classics from Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and Maxwell. "Most of my favorite [artists] are old school artists," Dockery said.

YouTube Breeds Success

Most people who go on YouTube have their own personal favorites who they look up every time they're on. Whether it is a comedian, a make up guru, a singer, or any other category, YouTube has something for everyone. Even I have my favorite make up gurus and comedians who I have subscribed to and patiently await a new video from every week...okay, every day. You get used to them being a part of your everyday life and you want more from them. You want to hear more of what they have to say, more of their opinions on things that matter to you. They are like your friends, you know them. Or at least know what they share with you.

YouTube is becoming more than a place for people to express themselves and their interests. It is becoming a breeding ground for fame. From Justin Beiber's (the singer of course) worldwide fame to Michelle Phan's (make up guru) make up empire and magazine appearances, YouTube has brought recognition, fame, and success to thousands of people and continues to do so today. Michelle Phan was on YouTube for years doing make up because that was what she wanted to do. It was what she loved. Now, she has been invited to Fashion Week, has been offered deals from numerous make up companies, has had endorsements to try different products and review them, and more. Just Beiber is the ultimate YouTube story. His worldwide fame spiraled from his YouTube videos when he was younger. Now, he has millions of endorsements, a record deal, and multiple platinum records.

So, now that you know the statistics, get started yourself! Figure out what your interest is and don't be afraid to show your personality through your videos. The most memorable people on YouTube are the ones who show the most personality. Yes, you watch their videos because you share the same interests, but you grow to love their personalities and that is what draws you back. So be yourself, personality is key. Now, here's a video on how to get started. Who knows? You could be the next Michelle Phan or Justin Beiber.

Spotlight on Mila Kunis

Mark my words: One day I will interview Mila Kunis. She's one of my favorite actresses! Aside from the fact that she's absolutely gorgeous, she's an amazing actress both on screen and animated (hellooo Meg from Family Guy). Mila Kunis is a different from other hollywood actresses because she does not focuse on her physical appearance, but more on enjoying life and not taking herself too seriously. This characteristic is what lands her in comedies. In all of her interviews, she's sarcastic and has an awesome sense of humor.

Mila Kunis began acting classes at age nine and performed her first guest role on one episode of Days of Our Lives. She is most known for her role as Jackie in That 70's show, however her biggest breakthrough as an actress was her role as Lily in Black Swan (2010). She won Best Young Actor/Actress at the Venice Film Festival  and was nominated for a Golden Globe for best supporting actress for this role.

Kunis' most recent film is Friends with Benefits with Justin Timberlake, which will premier this Friday. You get to see her sense of humor on the touchy subject of men and women crossing the thin line between friendship and intimacy. She and Justin Timberlake display the perks and downfalls of this subject in their own charming, comical way.

Amy Winehouse: A Legend without Credentials

After watching her True Hollywood story and going back over her pictures and songs, I realized that  Amy Winehouse was truly great. She had a voice that could be identified by most and an attitude to match. It is almost hard to believe that she's gone because she was always kind of...gone. Amy Winehouse was always in her own world, so she was always here but not here. However, she was one of those people you either loved or hated, there was nothing in between because she was such a bold person.

Now, I believe she was great because she never did anything outside of who she was. If she was mad, she never pretended she was not. Whatever she felt was shown to everyone. She never let the media or other people's opinions change who she was, and that is something that everyone wishes they could do. Not necessarily to the extent that she did, but most of us (especially college students) wish we could be ourselves completely and express ourselves the way we want without the worries of judgement, insecurities, or the worse thing in the world...not getting hired! So, although I do not agree with a lot of her choices, I love that she never cared who may judge her. She always set her own rules! So what I took from Amy Winehouse's time here was to always stay true to myself and never allow outside judgements to deter me from my goals. What influence did she have on your lives?

The Woman with the Unforgivable Dress

J Lo met the royal family in style on their visit to California this month. She decided on a forest green gown by Emilio Pucci to wear to the event. This dress caused plenty of debate by fashion magazines, tabloids, blogs, etc. Most believed it was inappropriate to wear when meeting royalty. My opinion? I think J Lo looked amazing in this dress, because the material is unforgiving, meaning it will show every roll, pudge, and anything else unflattering on your body. For a woman in her mid-forties, Jennifer Lopez has a body that someone my age would even die for! Yes, maybe for the event she could have worn something a bit more classy. However, she's giving the royal couple a dose of reality, they are in America now, Hollywood at that. Therefore, they were able to see the raunchy reality of our fashion.

Also, I guess no one has noticed that J Lo has been trying to go back to her more "youthful" days a lot recently. Let's not forget the little silver dress she decided to wear to the Grammy's this year...

 

....yeah. So I don't understand why everyone is so surprised. I'm not sure what trend J Lo is trying to pull off, but my opinion is this: as long as her body looks the way it does, she can work almost any look. 



Insecurities Trigger Addiction

Like everyone else, you have probably looked in the mirror before and said "Hey, I don't like my [insert facial feature here], I wish I could change it. Yes, it happens to the best of us. For example, I absolutely HATE my nose (everyone swears I'm the only one but so what?). So I said to my bestfriend, "I believe that if you don't like something, there is nothing wrong with changing it". Yes, I was talking about plastic surgery, botox, and other procedures available out there to "enhance" those insecurities we all have. Why not? I believe that as long as you don't go overboard with it, what's so wrong with the simple change?

His answer was a bit different. His belief is that when you change one thing, you start changing everything else just because you can. Or maybe because the one change you made triggered another problem. Either way, this struck up the conversation of a simple change transforming into a terrible addiction.

Now, when I say there is nothing wrong with changing what you don't like I'm not talking Lil Kim, Heidi Montag extremes. I just believe that a person should be able to change that small thing that may make them feel a bit too insecure. And of course a simple change should be natural, not plastic looking. At the same time, Lil Kim's extreme could have started with that one simple change, so maybe addiction is not too far off.

When you watch people like Ashley Simpson or the housewives of orange county, who only make subtle changes, what do you think? Do you find them to be crazed addicts for making a small improvement?? I don't. However, when I see a celebrity going from having a botox appointment once every couple years to six times a year, yes that is a problem. That's addiction.

So of course this debate was never settled, although I'm a bit on the fence. Since I've never experienced the change, I do not know if it would become addicting after the first try. I do believe different people are on different levels, so what may be an addiction for one person may be a one time deal for another. I guess it all depends on who you are and how much confidence you have in yourself. Even the most confident person in the world has insecurities, they just aren't surfaced and the person may not want to change them. So what do you all think?

Are Jumpsuits Replacing Rompers?

Remember when people were walking around all last year with the halter-and-shorts rompers? Well I have been seeing less of those this year and more of these pants-and-sleeve jumpsuits. It may be because it has not been too hot here, but people used to get extremely anxious to break out those rompers once the weather hit 70. It may also be because the people I am around (as well as myself of course) are maturing. These jumpsuits definitely scream "I'm 20 and over" more than the short shorts embedded in those rompers. Not that I have anything against rompers, I still have mine in my closet and every now and then I think about wearing it. However, I am more drawn to my loose pants jumpsuit. Call it a mature decision. Whatever you prefer, go for it. But I would suggest that you get one of these for one of those days you want to be sexy, but not so...exposed.

The Maxi Dress: A Trend Again

The Maxi Dress made its mark on both Summer 2009 and Summer 2010 and now it's back again to take on Summer 2011. If you have not gotten one (or five) of these fabulous, comfortable dresses yet, I suggest you run out and get a few right now. Seriously, drop everything and go buy one now. Most maxi dresses come extremely long because most models are of course 5'9 and above. However, there are plenty made for us short women as well. Yes, we have not been left out girls!

These dresses come in both solid colors and prints. However, I have been seeing more solid color maxi dresses this year, contrary to last year's trend. Personally, I like both and would wear both throughout the season. After all, who's to say the same prints from last year aren't in this year.

Currently, I am a bit obsessed with these dresses. However, I am waiting until it gets a bit warmer here before I break mine out. Even my mother loves these dresses (first clothing item we've ever agreed on at the same time!) I'll be buying a few on payday, I want one with brown and orange mixed in.

These dresses are also very versatile. You can dress it up with your favorite heels and fancy clutch bag or dress it down with flip flops and a beach bag. Either way, the maxi dress has proven that it is here to stay!

Trend Report: Mix Fall with Summer Fashion

   
Photos (left to right) courtesy of dulcecandy.com and lookbook.nu


It may be heating up, but don't put away your leather jackets, oversized sweaters, and booties. Fall fashion is here to stay, paired up with some daisy dukes of course. After all, you can't be all the way covered up it's summer! But for those breezy days, an oversize sweater is a nice touch (as seen above). And while its still pretty cold, you can pull of a leather jacket with your shorts for edgy look (as seen above). Either way you do it, it's a cute touch. Try it out for yourself!

Men and the Hair Dye Trend

            
 Photos: Google Images

What is this new trend with males experimenting with hair dye? And bright colors? I never thought I would see the day. Now, for the most part this trend isn't spreading like wildfire like most of them do after a few days of celebs sporting them. Instead it is a half and half deal. There are some people who think it is a cool trend and I have even seen it on one or two guys heads. However, most of the guys I have asked about this trend have frowned upon it, ruling that a guy should not go anywhere near any colored hair dye unless he's trying to disguise a massive amount of gray hair.

Chris Brown revealed his new look early February and Wiz Khalifa early April. Chris Brown has recently died his hair back black, but Wiz Khalifa continues to sport his new look. Now, most of the fellas think that the hair dye thing is a bit feminine, but I'm a bit curious to know what the ladies think. Males and hair dye: Yay or Nay?

Are You Simply Living the Trend?

So, if you're anything like me Starbucks can make your horrible, crappy day into the greatest day ever. However, if you're like me you also started drinking Starbucks after you saw a few celebrities and successful individuals basically living for Starbucks. Yes, I admit it, I fell for the hype and became an addict. I drink Starbucks everytime I feel even a tiny bit drained at work. I absolutely live for a Starbucks Double Shot or a Frappuccino. The question is have you fallen for the hype?

The paparazzi snaps pictures of these A list celebrities carrying things normal people can obtain (i.e. Starbucks) are simply marketing strategies to make people like you and I buy more of the product. It's modern day scamming, but it's been a strategy used for centuries. The plain folk persuasive strategy has been modified to make it seem as though the paparazzi randomly spotted and shot action photos of celebs in their everyday lives. However, it is all set up. Brands like Starbucks pay celebrities to secretly endorse their products. And although there are definitely celebs as well as real people who live for Starbucks, reality is it is simply a business. So do you sincerely love the product or are you simply falling for the trend?

Addicted to Mint

Photo: Google Images

How addictive is this color?? I am absolutely loving it. In fact, I have it on as I am typing this (Revlon #85 minted to be exact). This is the nail color of the season. If you want attention grabbing nails, I suggest you run and grab this as fast as you can. You can find this color in most nail polish brands, including OPI, China Glaze, Mabelline, and of course my favorite Revlon. Be sure to go for a matte finish in this color, the shimmer mint polish doesn't give off a "just manicured" effect, but more of a teeny bopper effect. Nobody wants that right? I know I don't.

Also, natural nails are back in! Know what that means, no more spending 20 or so dollars every two weeks for acrylic nails. I'm certainly relieved of that! The only problem is dealing with chipping. To ensure that your manicure does not chip so fast, use a base coat, two coats of color polish, and a top coat polish. Then be sure to put a clear coat on nails every other day to preserve your color.

What's Hot Now: Thrifting

Photo: Google Images

For years, thrifting has been a way for fashionistas to create an outfit that no one else could duplicate. It is a lot more popular now with the recent recession and the high demand for people to create a style that is like no other. With the vintage material and one-of-a-kind patterns of the clothes, it is impossible for two people to come out with the same outfit. Pairing oversized button ups, sweaters, blazers, and more with your own bottoms, shoes, and purse will complete your look. You will walk out the door looking like you have your own personal stylist.

Thrifting can be very overwhelming with all of the things there. They try to keep the clothes organized, but sometimes it's hard to keep up with. For the most part, thrift stores have the clothing separated by bottoms, tops, and jackets, sometimes by color, and sometimes by size. This makes it easier for you to find what you are looking for. When thrifting, it is important to go in with an open mind. Unlike regular clothing stores, you cannot go in, find what you're looking for, and be done. You are going to find things that you would never imagine wearing, patterns you would otherwise look past, and oversized clothing you wouldn't think to put on. Just keep an open mind; if you feel yourself looking at an item more than once, that's the item you want to go for.

Many people shutter at the thought of wearing someone else's used clothes. With thrifting comes sanitary rules. To ensure you are staying clean with your purchases, be sure to: 1) Only purchase tops and jackets/blazers from thrift stores. Try not to purchase bottoms, leggings, underclothes, bathing suits, or any other personal items that could transfer bacteria. 2) Take the clothes to the cleaners before you wear them. This will ensure that the clothes are clean and the material isn't ruined. 3) Inspect the clothing thoroughly before buying them to be sure there are no unusual stains and/or spots.

So now that you know the basics, happy thrifting!

Victoria Beckham and the Royal Wedding

                                 
Photo: Google Images

Okay, I know I'm a bit late but I just had to comment on singer/actress/fashion designer/all around super star Victoria Beckham at the Royal Wedding. First and foremost, let me inform you that if you do not know who Victoria Beckham is you have simply been hiding under a rock. If you did not know her for being Posh Spice of the Spice Girls, you had to know she was one of the biggest clothing designers of our time. And if you knew nothing of those two titles, you had to know her as the successful designer David Beckham's wife.

Anywho, as if Victoria's gorgeous hat did not draw enough positive attention to anyone with a keen fashion sense and appreciation for England's fashionable hat trend, the fact that sported a baby bump and Christian Louboutin shoes that seemed to stretch above 12 inches should have definitely grabbed your attention. She's such a boss! The diva strutted to the wedding alongside her husband David Beckham (as seen above) in a navy blue dress she designed herself (of course, why spend money on a dress you could design yourself?) and a matching navy blue hat made by Phillip Treacy.

I absolutely love it! As if she was not fabulous enough, she defeated the odds and pulled off those high heels with her baby bump as elegant as the future queen herself. It was as if nothing was different. The snide on her face showed no pain or discomfort. In a nutshell, she was fabulous and I commend her for going all out with the shoes and kicking any critic's butt who had the smallest thought that she couldn't pull it off. Nice work Posh!