I've been looking for a key pendant for a long time, and this is exactly what I've been looking for! I love the one at KAY Jewelers, but refuse to pay $100 for it. A couple of days ago I ran across one in the Avon catalog for $19.99, marked down to $5.99! For that price I had to order it. Of course it's not of high quality compared to the $100 one, however I think it's beautiful and ridiculously affordable.Another Frugal Find...
I've been looking for a key pendant for a long time, and this is exactly what I've been looking for! I love the one at KAY Jewelers, but refuse to pay $100 for it. A couple of days ago I ran across one in the Avon catalog for $19.99, marked down to $5.99! For that price I had to order it. Of course it's not of high quality compared to the $100 one, however I think it's beautiful and ridiculously affordable.
Moptop Maven on Moisturizing Formulas
Hey guys! I came across this post on Moptop Maven for a moisturizing mist/leave in recipe and it sounds yummy. I plan to try this before the week is out, so I will keep you updated. Check out the recipe below, courtesy of Moptop Maven.
Check out the entire post here: http://moptopmaven.blogspot.com/2010/11/all-about-hair-do-you-experience-knots.html
Ingredients
4 ounces of Suave Almond & Shea Butter Conditioner [you can use your favorite condish]
1 vial of Fermodyl 619 [formulated for kinky, coarse hair]
2 teaspoons of Aloe Vera Juice
Enough water to make it a light, spray-able consistency
Directions
Add all ingredients to a spray bottle, and shake to mix well!
Lightly spray on hair nightly and cover with a satin bonnet. This dual purpose spritz will help hydrate your hair during the harsh winter months; and eliminate the knotting dilemma's by lubricating your strands and keeping your cuticles flat which means little to no tangling and/or matting. This formula is light enough not to weigh your hair down, and is suitable for nightly use.
UPDATE: Hi ladies! One of my readers brought something to my attention concerning the Fermodyl 619 used in this formula.....SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE:
This inexpensive detergent is commonly used in cosmetic cleansers, hair shampoos, bath and shower gels, bubble baths, etc. - It is probably the most dangerous ingredient used in skin and hair-care products. In the cleaning industry SLS is used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps, etc. It is very corrosive and readily attacks greasy surfaces.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is used throughout the world for clinical testing as a primary skin irritant. Laboratories use it to irritate skin on test animals and humans so that they may then test healing agents to see how effective they are on the irritated skin.May cause hair loss by attacking the follicle. Classified as a drug in bubble baths because it eats away skin protection and causes rashes and infection to occur.
Is potentially harmful to skin and hair. Cleans by corrosion. Dries skin by stripping the protective lipids from the surface so it can't effectively regulate moisture.
Another extremely serious problem is the connection of SLS with nitrate contamination. SLS reacts with many types of ingredients used in skin products and forms nitrosomines (nitrates). Nitrates are potential cancer-causing carcinogenics.
However, I noticed that only the Fermodyl 619 Extra Strength contains this ingredient. So ladies be careful if you plan on trying this. Please read the ingredients, examine the product, and make sure you get the regular formula, and not the extra strength[extra strength is printed very small in the left hand side of the package under the numbers 619].
Thanks Tinuke,
Britt
Lovin' These Looks...
I really enjoy Essence's street style galleries. Here are a couple of looks that caught my eye over the week.
photo source: http://www.essence.com/
Solange SPOOF "C.R.E.A.M.Y."
Ladies, check this out.....this video was too cute. This girl is super talented and her hair is fierce.
Here's the link if it doesn't work here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-P7RVN-Lck&feature=recentlik
The Golden Age by Leo Fuchs
I have an immense love for old photographs. Black and white photographs in particular. There is something lost in new age photography that these images seem to possess. In all the ease of snap,delete and touch-ups we have forgotten that beauty is in the mistakes.
Leo Fuchs was a special photographer. Unlike the barbaric behavior of modern day celebrity photographers, Fuchs was known to be a friend to the stars he snapped. This aided him in taking close-up, intimate photo's of his subjects without exploiting them.
Now, 60 years later the images have been bound and published. The book features Rock Hudson, Marlon Brando and my favorite Cary Grant among many others. The 240 page book published by Powerhouse even features an essay by the iconic photographer Bruce Weber.
Shampoo/DC Session
Hey guys! Hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving. I know I did. I celebrated my 24th b-day on turkey day, ate some delicious food, ignored my 15 grams of sugar intake and ate a few desserts, spent time with family and friends, watched my beloved New Orleans Saints kick some cowboy butt, and took advantage of a few Black Friday deals.......Whew! That's a lot.
A couple of days before Thanksgiving I washed and retwisted my hair. I washed and detangled in the shower with Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo [I have fallen out of love with this shampoo, it burns my eyes really bad], and deep conditioned with Queen Helene Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream. Here are my results:
A couple of days before Thanksgiving I washed and retwisted my hair. I washed and detangled in the shower with Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo [I have fallen out of love with this shampoo, it burns my eyes really bad], and deep conditioned with Queen Helene Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream. Here are my results:
Still Twisting
Have a blessed holiday
Blog Alert: Nerd Boyfriend
I'm a fan of the quirky and not-so-normal. These images may seem weird or odd now but in their day this is how they dressed. Their blog aptly titled 'Nerd Boyfriend' sets out to post all the zany looking characters of yesteryear that include Dustin Hoffman, John Lennon and Martin Short among so many others, while including the items of clothing that can get you to dress like them. Thanks to Narrylikes for this one. Go take a look over here.
FRIDAY FASHION FACE-OFF feat. PRINCE WILLIAM & MARISA TOMEI
MARISA TOMEI
Robyn: Marisa Tomei has always been charmingly beautiful. But whilst I never really thought she deserved the Oscar nod for My Cousin Vinnie in her sweeter days, I definitely think it was deserved for her more mature woman role in The Wrestler. And it is this more elegant and self-aware Marisa that we see in this tangerine Westwood creation. On trend. Beautifully fitted. Still loads of personality. Gorgeous.
Marco: She whined a lot in the nineties, but I always thought she was a good actress. The real-woman-next-door kind of gal. Normal, perhaps which in itself is rare in Hollywood. The tangerine is anything but sour, in fact I think this is perfectly age appropriate and sexy all at once. She seems quite comfortable in her mid-forties while looking easily ten years younger. Dina Lohan could take cues from this one.
PRINCE WILLIAM
Marco: I've always favored Harry and his scruffy look over Williams clean cut much-like-his-dad look. Still, the royal engagement really does put old Willy in a modern day fairy-tale. And when you have such a knock-out for a fiancé then who cares about a little receding hairline? Nothing like a little blue-blood in a blue suit to show them. Beautiful tie, beautiful tailoring. This is why less is more.
Robyn: You know I am totally on board with this Royal Wedding situation, right? I mean, we had the FIFA world cup this year, next year it is all wedding and this time we can dress up. But I almost think that one of the reasons why Will must take a wife is so that she can be the ‘star’ and he can quietly do his Royal thing largely unnoticed. He seems like a sweet bloke. Let’s leave it there.
The 'Face of Markham' named
A couple months back I was approached by the lovely people over at Markham. They asked if I would be interested in being on the panel for the Face of Markham competition alongside Neil Doveton and fashion photographer Caroline Mcclelland among others. After thousands of applicants and votes were cast they rounded the boys up to 10. This is where I came in.
Alexander Faizi Rawháni, The 24 year old who had my vote made it all the way through and took the top prize. What did he win exactly? Firstly he gets to be the face of Markham. Secondly he joins the love/hate world that is Blackberry land with a new Bold 9700 and gets to shop to the value of R10 000 at Markham stores nationwide. The last part of the prize promises the winner an 'amazing party experience' so as you can imagine Alexander must be pretty chuffed with himself about now. Congrats!
More Images From Gavin Rajah Menswear
Piero Puccini fronts the anticipated launch of Gavin Rajah's made to order menswear collection. Photographed by Jesse Leigh-Elfrod in this impressive but simple campaign concept. Come January 2011 Rajah will have a showing of this collection in Paris during the menswear shows. Are you excited to see it?
What to wear to a wedding
There are some tasks in life that are easy, like ordering chicken over fish on a menu or choosing a gift from a registry. It’s all fine and good when all you have to do is point. When it comes to wedding season however, it isn’t always so simple. Woman know this and therefore prepare well in advance for the occasion. There are themes and rules and sometimes stipulations on colour. Daunting I know, but completely achievable, I promise.
Lucky for you, all eyes will be on the bride and groom. Just don’t think you can slack off because nobody wants to be the weird guy in the mustard coloured suit at a black tie wedding.
Firstly, you may want to read the invitation. If you are unsure about the dress-code the invitation will be your first clue. Assuming it doesn’t tell you what to wear, look at the invite. Is it engraved and fancy, held at a swanky hotel or on a wine farm? Understandably the dress-code differs from location to location as well as the time of day.
Day Wedding: Semi-Formal/Formal
A day wedding can be divided into two obvious dress-codes; semi formal and formal. Let’s look at the latter first. A dark suit is most appropriate and works well with a beautiful pastel coloured shirt. Wearing a tie to a formal day wedding is imperative (alternatively yes, a bow-tie is fine too) but it’s colour/style depends on the shirt and your own preference and by softening the look, or rather adapting the suit to a day wedding through colour.
As for semi-formal, the rules are somewhat relaxed but I advise you to stay on a similar path to that of a formal dress-code. Linen suiting, light coloured suits, open collared shirts with dress pants and blazers and even more colourful shirts are all appropriate. Adding a pocket square may be the perfect replacement to a tie while keeping your look appropriate and trendy.
Evening Wedding
Your best bet would be to wear a dark suit to an evening wedding. If it’s a warm weather wedding try avoid a heavy woolen suit. You may even want to warm up the colours you wear to an evening wedding. The fancier the invite the chances are leaning towards a tuxedo, just never before 5 p.m! If need be make a quick call to the bride or groom to make sure.
Beach Wedding
Your sartorial tastes are more than likely going to thrive at a beach wedding over any other. The rules are relaxed and the options to look good are just about endless. A linen suit is most favored by the male beach wedding guest and for obvious reasons. Breathability. As for colour, you should avoid white because of simple wedding etiquette. This may however be the theme in which case, white it is.
Wearing a light blazer and shirt and paired with loafers is a good standard look. The tie is generally up to you but open collar works nicely with an added detail, a pocket square or tasteful flower buttonhole for example. To keep looking fashionable and suave you may even want to go for a preppy look or include the smallest nautical influence for flair. Getting cute is a bad move; I once attended a beach wedding and a guest wore a bow-tie, t-shirt and board shorts. He was soon after escorted out.
Black Tie/Optional Wedding
South African weddings are not commonly a part of this theme. In Cape Town even less so, I assure you. But you may be invited to a very formal wedding where going ‘Black tie’ is required. This will include a dinner jacket, dress shirt, cummerbund, highly polished or patent leather shoes (in black) and of course a bow-tie that matches the lapel facings. Thankfully, designers and suit-makers have caught onto the need for such occasions and slim fit/updated versions of that old penguin suit are available in higher-end stores.
Themed Wedding
Brace yourself, it happens. If you have been invited to a masquerade themed wedding or something equally ridiculous consider how you can apply the theme to your own attire. If it’s a strict costume ball then just go with it and have a good time. Just remember, there is almost always a bar!
RULES FOR THE WEDDING GUEST
- Absolutely no denim should be worn to a wedding. Of course, if you’re foolish enough to wear jeans to a Summer wedding then you will have both the sun and the bride to deal with. This rule includes cargo pants, sneakers (I shudder to imagine) and anything distressed or with holes.
- No white suits after 5p.m and no Tuxedo’s before 5p.m.
- A wedding is a joyous occasion and should be enjoyed by all. Taking special care to respect the bride and groom on their big day is very important. If you are at all uncertain about what is appropriate, make that phone-call.
MOVEMBER - SHOW US YOUR 'TASCHE & WIN WITH L'OREAL
It's Movember baby, and you know what that means. Countless encounters with awkward looking men with furry upper-lips in the name of a good cause. Prostate cancer is a serious disease and for 11 years men from all over the globe have itched their way to a fully grown mustache for the month of November every year.
Movember is almost over so by now I imagine you have accumulated quite the mustache! If you have then we have some good news for you. Sylvie Hurford, official make-up artist and spokesperson for L'oreal (the gentle-lady with the Dali 'tache) and Man of the Cloth invite you to send in your photographs.
Up for grabs is a fantastic R1000 hamper from L'oreal filled with grooming products for men. Even better is that 10 runners up will receive a L'oreal aftershave balm, so your excuses mean nothing to me. Send in your pictures!
We will be donating the same hamper to 'Look Good, Feel Good', an initiative that helps men and women 'Smile through cancer'.
TO ENTER:
- Snap a picture of your mustache
- Send it with your full name to manoftheclothblog@yahoo.com with the subject field 'MOVEMBER'
- Follow Sylvie Hurford on Twitter (sylvieloreal) and Man of the Cloth (manofclothblog) on Twitter or Facebook.
Tip of the Day
When is the best time of day to ask for a pay raise?
5 p.m. The end of the work day is often a time when your boss is not rushed and has time to listen. Many supervisors say late afternoon is when they’re in the best mood because they know they’re going home soon. What’s more, your elevated body temperature in the late afternoon usually makes you more alert at that time and perhaps in a better position to make your case. If you work in a newspaper newsroom, a fast-food restaurant or in another place that’s hectic during the late afternoon, avoid that time. Instead, monitor your boss’s daily habits to determine the best, most low-key time for him or her.
-MDV
Twisting Challenge - Starting Length
I took these photos on November 11, 2010 before washing and twisting my hair. My hair was stretched here, using a blow dryer, and chunky twists. I'm going to use this length as my current and starting length of this challenge since it was just last week. By April 1, 2011 my goal is to be chin length in the front and APL [arm pit length] in the back. And of course progress updates will be posted daily.
Natural Hair Inspiration-Blow Out Edition
I love this girl's hair, channel and her videos. Her blow outs are fierce too.
Here's the link for this video, if it doesn't work here:
FRIDAY FASHION FACE-OFF feat. KIM KARDASHIAN AND RYAN GOSLING
KIM KARDASHIAN
Robyn: Yikes. I never thought I would feature a Kardashian. But I know this frock got quite a bit of 'Marmite' coverage this week (either you love it or hate it) and I thought that I would pitch in. I think it is pretty and striking and actually quite suited to the KK. I like the neckline very much. Mostly because building in the neckpiece is like a two-for-one sale. Bargain.
Marco: A Kardashian? Robyn I'm shocked. I can't tell, is it a bib? Is she getting her hair cut? I kid, but the neckpiece loses something in this pale blue dress. Wouldn't it be more striking with say, coral? I don't know, I'm a bit bored with it, really. I'm a marmite man, but this dress gets a no from me... Hungry now.
RYAN GOSLING
Marco: The Gos used to irritate me back when he was a teenage star. It was the hair mostly. No one is naturally that white-blonde after 5, right? Now I'm all for him. He's rugged and sensitive and dresses impeccably. Just look at this double-breasted beaut. On trend, perfect fit and just the right length. He wears it with an ease that makes you question if he hires a stylist.
Robyn: Yikes. I never thought I would feature a Kardashian. But I know this frock got quite a bit of 'Marmite' coverage this week (either you love it or hate it) and I thought that I would pitch in. I think it is pretty and striking and actually quite suited to the KK. I like the neckline very much. Mostly because building in the neckpiece is like a two-for-one sale. Bargain.
Marco: A Kardashian? Robyn I'm shocked. I can't tell, is it a bib? Is she getting her hair cut? I kid, but the neckpiece loses something in this pale blue dress. Wouldn't it be more striking with say, coral? I don't know, I'm a bit bored with it, really. I'm a marmite man, but this dress gets a no from me... Hungry now.
RYAN GOSLING
Marco: The Gos used to irritate me back when he was a teenage star. It was the hair mostly. No one is naturally that white-blonde after 5, right? Now I'm all for him. He's rugged and sensitive and dresses impeccably. Just look at this double-breasted beaut. On trend, perfect fit and just the right length. He wears it with an ease that makes you question if he hires a stylist.
Robyn: I imagine he does have a stylist for this sort of thing. And didn't the stylist do well? I think it is just weird enough for the guy who played the lead in Lars and the Real Girl, but also super-sharp. Great find, Marco, old chap.
Winter Regimen! It's Looking Like a Winter of Twists
Plan of ActionTwists: I love twists and love how they look on me....so I plan to rock twists during the cold and winter months. No puffs, no twistouts, no blowouts[except for mini-twists], till April 1, 2011.
RegimenI started this regimen on November 11, 2010, doing my first set of twists for this challenge. The twists you see in this post are 1 week old today. I pretty much plan to cleanse, condition/detangle, deep condition, twist and moisturize daily. Right now it takes me 5 minutes to do my hair in mornings before heading out, so that's a plus!
Products I Plan to Use Top two products I plan to use are Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel and my homemade Shea Mix. For shine, I'm really diggin the olive oil and coconut rub right now.
What's Your Winter Regimen? Is it Similar to mine for the Cold and Winter Months?
Sharing the Love: Shea Mix
I love this creation, and wanted to share. I melted down my shea butter using the double broiler method. I then added in all my ingredients mixing with a hand mixer......I used no exact measurements. I usually place the liquid shea mix in the freezer for no more then two hours, or let it sit at room temperature over night till it becomes solid again.
[double broiler]What I Used:
- shea butter
- coconut oil
- vegetable glycerin
- aloe vera gel
- water
- cream based moisturizer [hair butter, conditioner (regular or leave-in), Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm is great, any kind of hair milk.
This is great for twisting and slicking back edges for puffs. I also use it for refreshing a twist out.
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ROLLERBOY SPIKES
Christian Louboutin is a clever and talented man. We know this because his shoes are beautiful and their red soles are an icon already. What puzzles me is how few options there are for men. The market is most certainly big enough now, is it still a matter of money? Or is Louboutin still maintaining his focus on women?
Every so often he releases a new shoe and this week we got a look at the latest Rollerboy from his collection. You remember the spiked Rollerboys in black? Well now the super popular shoes are available in denim. What do you think? Would you like to see newer styles available from Christian Louboutin? Would you pay $1245 for a pair?
Head Over Heels in Love with this Look!
I love the look, very simple and classy. I love the texture, the thickness, the lusciousness, and the color of the hair...I love black colored hair.
Tip of the Day
Which is the best month to look for a job?
December. Surprised? While it’s true that some companies postpone hiring toward the end of the year to pad their bottom lines before the year ends, many more want to spend their current-year personnel budgets so they won’t have to fight so hard to justify asking for the same amount in the future. Also, hiring managers are well aware of their coming-year budgets and want to get a head start on hiring for jobs that start in January. The fact that so many job seekers assume hiring slows to a crawl after Thanksgiving means there is less competition for jobs being filled at the end of the year. The next best month? September. Workers sometimes spend summer vacation time interviewing for other jobs, creating openings in the late summer that companies end up filling in early fall.
-MDV
Tip of the Day
When is the best time of the day to take your car in for an oil change?
Shortly before closing time. This is especially true of those national chain oil-change businesses, which may lure you in with a good price and then pressure you into having additional repairs done. This is called “upselling,” and it can be very annoying. If you arrive at the business early in the day, the technicians and mechanics have more time to look over your vehicle and suggest repairs. If you just want your oil changed, get there in the late afternoon, when the mechanics often are tired and not interested in generating more work for themselves at a time of day when they just want to call it quits.
-MDV
