Eye Spy: New Products from Shea Moisture and Scope

Well, they're new to me. So yesterday while I was out, I saw something new from Shea Moisture:

According to my Google search, this product was a limited release back in late August to participating Target stores. Fast forward to October and my Walgreens had one, count it, ONE single solitary jar. I should have bought it but I wasn't there for hair products. I'm very good at not impulse buying...sometimes. But back to the souffle. As usual, the new Shea Moisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curling Souffle is certified organic. Unfortunately, that's where the excitement ends. From what I've seen on Youtube, the curly girls aren't liking this new offering from Shea Moisture. Initially it was compared to Kinky Curly Curling Custard (which I hated) but that isn't saying much IMO. The largest complaints about the new SM curling souffle is that it's oily (due to the glycerin perhaps), it takes forever to dry and it doesn't do anything. I'm glad I didn't buy it.


Here are a few videos from a few curly girls with different curl types:











The first review is the shortest and the last one is pretty funny. I'm passing on this product.



What I did buy was the new Scope Dual Blast mouthwash.
This new offering from Scope claims to kill germs caused by bacteria (in lab tests) and eliminate strong food odors. I love the Scope Outlast mouthwash and have been using it for I don't know how many months, so I thought I'd try the new one out. Here is one of the official commercials and some on camera reactions from a release event Scope had. I haven't tried it yet because I still have about two more mouthfuls of the regular Scope Outlast, but I'll do a follow up post once I try it.



So what new products have you all spied or tried? Any verdicts? Let me know.

Brand New Day, Brand New Chance

So for many, today is the beginning of the new year. I acknowledge this simply because I live in America and we use the Gregorian calender. Unlike most I know, my new season doesn't begin until March 20, 2011, which is the day of the Vernal Equinox (first day of Spring in the northern Hemisphere). Spring is the season for rebirth/regeneration, thus, the perfect time for my season of new beginnings. So, though I have not made any resolutions for January 1st (never have and never will), I have goals that I am working towards accomplishing. When those goals are accomplished, I will set new goals and so on and so forth. Along with goals set and awaiting accomplishment, I have daily affirmations and monthly projects I work on. The most important thing I can do for my Self, is to be Self-approved. The body isn't much without a strong mind and spirit so I am constantly working to improve on the triad. One of the aids I'm using is Iyanla VanZant's book "Until Today". I bought this book sometime last year but never started it. Since the first chapter coincides with "the new year", I figured I'd go ahead and start it. Has anyone else read this book? Is anyone currently reading this book? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Today while blog surfing, I came across a wonderful blog post by Sally McGraw of Already Pretty that mirrors many of my daily affirmations. Sally's post titled "The big Secret", reminded me that in our daily lives (especially with being constantly subjected to damaging messages from mass media) we may have many seeds of Self-doubt planted in our psyches. A good way to combat this is to be Self-approved and the best way to accomplish this (IMO) is to use affirmations. To some it may seem hokey and lame, but for me it is the equivalent of a having a suit of shining armor, a shield and a sword. I can protect my Self from the flaming arrows aimed at my psyche and I can cut through all the BS that advertisers, etc. try to feed me about my Self image.But no matter how you do, take the time to honor the divine in your Self. Remember that you are exactly where you need to be and you are doing exactly what needs to be done. Everything will be just fine....now smile :-)

Wish List Wednesday: Goo Gobs of Gadgets!

I don't know about anyone else, but I LOVE gadgets! be they for the kitchen, office or car I have a serious jones for them. Now when technology combines with health/wellness/beauty to create a gadget for cosemetic upkeep....well let's just say I have beautygasm, lol. Here's a list of beauty gadgets I'm lusting after...

Lots of natural beauties and relaxed cuties are all agog over the Huetiful Hair Steamer. Per the website, the Huetiful Hair Steamer has the following benefits:

• Restores moisture to your dry hair 5x better than deep conditioners or hair treatments alone.
• Opens up your hair cuticle to allow your conditioners and hair treatments to work more effectively.
• Bathes your hair follicle with warm, ionized mist to replenish moisture lost from chemical or heat treatments.
• Reduces future breakage and split ends caused by dry hair.
• In colder months, keeps weather-dried hair moisturized and strong.

Testimonial vids...






I have a feeling my locs are going to love this thing :-)






Despite my age, I still suffer from occasional acne breakouts. The Zeno Hot Spot  claims to use heat to destroy the bacteria that causes acne. I'm all for trying a gadget that will rid me of party pooping pimples.

More Zeno...

Though I keep hearing how painful epilators are, I am not in the least allowing that to deter me from weeks worth of smooth legs and underarms. I HATE shaving with a passion and would never do it again, but I don't want to look like a Sasquatch...gooney goo goo! Emjoi it is.

More Emjoi...

After a day of stomping down catwalks in 4 inch heels (or stalking the cement streets of any major city), a nice massaging foot spa is just what the podiatrist ordered. I'm loving this Dr. Scholls Massaging Bubble Foot Bath. Mix in some sea salt, Epsom Salts, Lavender, Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oils and your feet will kiss the ground you walk on...literally.

Although this last (but not least) gadget won't improve my skin or hair, it is quite lust worthy. I have been stalking this particular gadget for months now and it looks like soon I'll be able to get my home manicured fingers on it. May I introduce you to the fabulous Adam by Notion Ink!




Don't be deceived or turned off by the geek speak, accents and non-fruit logo bearing device you see, this thing is frigging AWESOME! Get familiar...you'll thank me later.


And that my dears, concludes my wish list for this Wednesday. What's on your wish list? Do share! Until next time, peace and power!

The Oily Skin Chronicles: Tales from L'Bri

Here's a video review I did on L'Bri Pure n' Natural Cosmetics oily skin trio.

Eye Love Her Channel!

From hauls to makeup tutorials to OOTD vlogs, Rachelle does it all with a salt of the earth every day woman vibe. Check her out!

Wang, Prorsum, Kors...oh my!

Though these pictures are old, I can't stop ogling them and I must share. I'm sure you've seen it all before...

Credit

Alexander Wang can do no wrong in my book. He can go kick ass edgy and frilly and fem in the shake of a rose scented hankey. This here is straight up, down, across and all up in my alley! Mmm, all black everything, gotta love him!

Credit

When I think of Burberry I always think of those Virginia Slims cig ads because Burberry has come a loooong way. When I first became aware of Burberry, I wasn't very impressed. All plaid everything, stiff looking boring designs...those were my thoughts. Now I drool over their runway pictures. Sumptuous shearlings/furs/leathers, velvet, lace, feminine and edgy looks...Burberry has won me over.

Credit

How can one not love Michael Kors? His designs are fit for every woman (even if the price tags are not). Since I'm chameleonic (yes, I just made that awesome word up) in my tastes, I love that he is also chameleonic with his designs. I'm partial to edgy looks but I also like classical fem details. A sheath dress dress with cage platforms and pearls? I'd rock that, lol.

Just thought I'd share a couple of my current obsessions because sharing is caring :-)

Which designers/looks are you obsessing over right now? Share!

Party for a cause!

J.T. over at Chic Therapy Online recently sent me the press release for Ribbon Rouge #5, a fabulous and fun music, fashion and art exhibition that has been raising money for HIV relief in Africa for the past 5 years. Please check out the deets below and pass the word on. Thanks a bajillion loves!





Ribbon Rouge #5 is a Fashion and Art exhibition with a silent auction which has over the past 5 years raised and donated approximately $10,000 towards HIV relief in Africa.

This year's show will be held on the 11th of December at 20 Grovsenor Street Toronto. Guests will be treated to a tasteful mixer in the company of classy "fashionistas", enjoy free delectable hors d’oeuvres, listen to the soulful renditions of The Jonathan Blaak Jazz Trio, The Recipe (2009 Canadian festival of spoken word champions), and be entertained by dance sensations Sapphire dance productions and African Dance Festival

Our guests will win several gifts (Including a spa package, Dining gift cards, Free purses, discounts off bespoke clothing and discounts off portraits). In addition, guests will have the opportunity to buy fabulous fashions and art, which are awesome Christmas gifts, from our silent auction.

ALL proceeds go to UNAIDS in support of HIV survivors.

Music by DJ. Nijero
Fashion and Art by Arewa

tickets at 6475003163 or www.arewa.ca
$5 students (with valid student I.D), $10 general, $15 at the doors

Lights. Camera. Action!


Morenike Olaosebikan
mo@arewa.ca

Wish List Wednesday: All Leopard Everything!

For as long as I can remember (certainly longer than the current trend) I have loved animal prints. My top faves are Zebra and Leopard. In my opinion, Zebra and Leopard print are the new neutral. You can pair these prints with absolutely any color and if you're brave, other prints. Floral, paisley, stripes, you name it. In celebration of my fetish today's wish list is dedicated to the lovely Leopard!

Let's start with head gear. I love a cute hat, but the thickness of my locs won't allow for many chapeaus. This cute stretchy beanie is perfect though...





For those really cold and casual days, I'm loving this Leopard trapper hat. Perfect for Chicago winters...




Nothing moves me more than when two of my faves come together. This Leopard print infinity scarf is just what my neckline needs...






A skinny Leopard print belt is a wardrobe essential...your closet isn't complete without it. This belt can be paired with just about anything and make you look mahhhhhvahlous dahhhhling! Yes, I did just say that out loud the way Billy Crystal used to, lol.




I am imagining a beautiful red wool coat (any length) and these lovelies right here...smashing!




The Leopard print sheath dress can do no wrong IMO. This dress can be worn on its own, tucked in a skirt and worn as a top, covered with a cardi/blazer or topped...with a top and worn as a skirt. Oh the things you can do with a Leopard sheath. Loves it...




Though pricier, I'm also loving this make/model...



That's an awesome option for going out.


Another must have, IMO, is the little Leopard print faux fur jacket. Again, this paired with a red dress (I love red and Leopard print together) or any color combo is sure to give any girl the warm fuzzies (pun intended). I couldn't find this particular jacket on ShopStyle so just click the word jacket and you'll see my pick.



And that does it for this week's edition of Wish List Wednesday. What's on your wish list? Do you like animal prints? Are you lusting after Leopard like me?


XOXO

Best.Idea.Ever.

I don't know about anyone else out there in personal style land, but being tall and somewhat slender, I have the hardest time finding cute quality jeans that hit my ankle and coats/jackets/long sleeved shirts that hit my wrist. I've had this problem since I started high school and it hasn't gotten that much easier in my wonder years. I have extremely long arms (27 inches to be exact) and a 36 inch inseam (mama long legs is one of my many monikers). That being said, imagine my delight when I came across a website called Make Your Own Jeans. *







Make Your Own Jeans allows you to customize your jeans from the rooter to the tooter. Whether you're sky high tall or prettily petite, Make Your Own Jeans tailor makes your jeans to fit you like a glove. The best thing about this company/website, is that they also deliver up custom made leather jackets. Can you freaking believe that!?! I cannot tell you how many times I have left a store disappointed because the cute leather jackets I eyed and tried didn't fit me right. Now with my discovery, I can have a jacket made to fit my long lean arms right to the wrist. I am squealing right now because I am so freaking happy, lol.

Another great thing (as if you need more) is the customization process itself. When customizing your jeans, you can choose a jegging fit, loose fit, bootcut fit, etc. You can choose premium or regular denim, there are loads of washes and whiskering effects to choose from and you can even have custom pocket embroidering, studs and other bells and whistles. You can even have a pair of your own jeans cloned! Seriously, if you live in the United States, Make your Own Jeans will pay the shipping costs to ship your jeans to them so they can make replica jeans! Just imagine the possibilities. I am so amped...can you tell, lol. I'm already designing my first leather jacket and planning on designing at least 5 pairs of jeans...a girl can never have too many pairs of jeans after all, lol. So whether you're tall, small anywhere else in the fit spectrum, check out Make Your Own Jeans...you'll be glad you did. I know I am :-)







*The opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am not receiving free products in exchange for this blog post. I am an affiliate of makeyourownjeans.com and will receive a small sales commission from referral links.

Wish List Wednesday

The Universe conspires with your energy/thoughts/words/deeds to either kill your dreams/wishes or bring them to fruition. What you think about, you bring about. Make sure you do your part to make your wishes/dreams come true by thinking positively and acting courageously. Many thanks to Paulo Coelho and his book "The Alchemist". I read it years ago and it inspires me still.

In lieu of cutting up my fave magazines, I'm going to blog my wish list. None of my wish list items are so far out of reach that I can't attain them, and therein lies the joy of my wish list Wednesday. What do you wish for? Is it attainable? What are you doing to make your wishes come true? Sharing is caring ;-)



I'm loving everything asymmetrical and rough edged right about now and this Helmut Lang is both of those.

More Helmut Lang...

Fall in Chicago calls for sweaters and I just happen to love all kinds! Sweater capes, sweater coats, sweater cardis, etc. Whether printed or solid, a cute sweater is a must have, and I must have this!



Nothing says glamour and fun times quite like a sequined dress. I must have several in many different colors but I'll start with this one...





I love stripes...of all kinds. Whether horizontal, diagonal, vertical, it really doesn't matter. I love stripes on tops, scarves, coats and especially this dress...






Kaylee Tankus' designs are right up my alley. Edgy, drapey, asymmetrical...what's not to love?




Though I'm 5'9" and a half, I love platform shoes/boots like I like to breathe. They're easier and more comfy to walk in and they make anyone look amazing. These Sam Edleman's are high up on my style priority list.



Nothing makes an Autumn/Winter statement like a signature coat, and with the cute ruffled hem on this sweetheart, nothing more needs to be said.





That about does it for this first edition of my Wish List Wednesday. Perhaps next week I'll have some sort of theme. Until then....


XOXO