Easy Loose Waves
I've also found myself blow drying my hair more and more over the last several month. Since my ancient hair dryer broke in August I've been using the Fromm 1907 Lighweight dryer, and I'm kind of obsessed. It has 3 different heat settings, a low and high setting and a cool blast. Don't let the ultra light, quiet dryer fool you, it packs a mean punch and gets the job done fast.
One of my go to styles of late is definitely embracing my curls in the form of a loose wave. It's super simple to recreate and takes minimal timing so you can spend more time on the things that matter, like more coffee and maybe the right outfit.
Get The Look:
Post shower, lightly towel dry the excess dampness from your hair. With your fingers apply a blow dry protectant cream through your hair. I used: Macadamia Professional Blow Dry Lotion and a spritz or two of Kérastase Elixir Ultime.
Next, with the Fromm Hot Paddle Brush I blow out my hair starting with my bangs. I found what works best if brushing them from side to side dries and styles them the quickest. You can touch them up later.
For extra volume and loose waves I used the Fromm Square Thermal Round Brush. I touched up any flat pieces with a 1.5" ceramic styling wand. Spritz with Kérastase Elixir Ultime and go!
Sweater Dress
I'll admit I've been obsessed with cozy midi length sweater dresses with just the right amount of texture. They're perfect with over the knee boots, like this pair from Report (on sale!), heels and sneakers. I even found the perfect jacket to make this sweater and boot outfit just pop. Who else needs a printed shearling jacket in their life? (It also comes in white and is on sale)
Sweater Chicwish, Boots Report, Jacket Newchic, Bag Fossil
Bedroom Makeover Sneak Peek
If there's one room in our apartment that hasn't even come close to being finished (let alone, started) in the last three years of living in it, it's definitely our bedroom. While, I'm all for simplicity and keeping it simple I've struggled with the awkwardly sized space. Don't get my wrong, I love it but we're literally just getting motivated to get it to a place where we feel 'settled' and cozy. I recently swapped out my clothes racks for something a little more structured, these Brimnes wardrobes from Ikea. They hold a ton and actually help brighten the room, though those handles need an upgrade. Maybe something a little more bohemian to match our aesthetics.
We ditched our almost sheer curtains for something a little more structured from Designer Living. We got the Madison Park Emilia Window Curtain in 108". I am in love the knot detail. David loves that they are sturdy and not sheer. They have a great thickness to them and were reasonably priced.
Now, I just need to find some more color in the shape of a comforter and accessories and we might be good to go. Maybe a juju hat for above the bed? Stay tuned, I'll be sharing more as we make some progress.
If you're doing some home and gift shopping this weekend, Designer Living is having a huge Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale (up to 80% off) on selected items, or pick your own deals and get an extra 25% off. Code will be on Designer Living from 11/22-12/4. Free shopping on 11/25, 11/28, 11/29 & 11/30. Check it out. Pssst. Tfdiaries readers get 15% off with promo code "Frugal15".
Poncho layering
I'm all about a good poncho when it comes to layering. It's just one of those pieces you throw on over jeans, dresses and even jackets. Somehow it just works. I particularly love this grey color block style from The Style Theory Collective. It's super soft and goes flawlessly with these boots. It makes me want to cozy up and get hot chocolate.
Poncho c/o The Style Theory Collective, Boots Report, Dress Boohoo, Sunnies Karen Walker
Holiday Hair Essentials with Remington® Thermaluxe™
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Remington®. The opinions and text are all mine.
Who else has tried Remington Thermaluxe products? Get more inspiration @remingtonready.
I'm constantly changing my hair routine and trying new styling products and tools to find the right fit for my fine, easily tangled, wavy hair. Usually products easily remedy my sometimes frizzy situation, but when it comes to styling tools, it's a little harder to find one that doesn't fry my hair on first touch. So, a few weeks back when Remington asked me to head over to Target and pick out a couple of tools to help create a look, I was eager to try them out. I found the products in the hair appliance aisle in the beauty department. After all, I've only heard good things about their Thermaluxe™ products and I had to put them to the test and see for myself.
Since it was about time to replace my trusty old hairdryer, I figured no time was better than now to buy a new one and try the Remington T|Studio Theramaluxe Ceramic Ion AC Professional Hair Dryer($34.99 at Target). The packaging with all the bells and whistles seemed promising, so I added it to my cart and headed over to check out more of the Remington Thermaluxe tools. Initially I thought another styling wand was what I needed, but after checking out the Remington T|Studio TheramaluxeSetter ($34.99 at Target), I knew it would be a better addition.
First things first, the dryer. Everyone, no matter your hair type or texture needs a blow dryer. It's an essential. While, I don't necessarily think you absolutely have to invest a couple of hundred dollars on the perfect dryer, I absolutely think you should make sure it has certain functions, settings, and technology. For instance, the Thermaluxe dryer has Ceramic tech for more consistent heat styling and less damage (ie: frizz and dry, crunchy hair). It's super lightweight, and actually cut my styling time in half (with the 1875 watt max power). For someone who has fine hair, I have a lot of it and it takes FOREVER to dry. So this is a major plus, at least in my book. It has 3 heat settings, 2 speeds, and a cool shot button. The tangle free fabric(!) cord makes for an irritation free clean up and the two attachments, the concentrator and diffuser help switch up styles when needed. The dryer has a removable air filter and bonus, a 4-year warranty.
The verdict: It definitely left my hair smooth and shiny as promised and cut down my styling time by a lot. It's absolutely worth the $35 price tag. I LOVE the fabric cord, who knew it would make styling and storing so much easier. Note: I highly recommend you continue to use heat protection styling products when using any kind of heat on your hair.
Ok, I was really excited to try this one out. Honestly I can't think of the last time that I used hot rollers, and was looking forward to trying them because, let's be real: the styling wand is super time consuming, no matter how great of an invention it is. So, why not go back to the classic route and see if these save a little bit of time and effort?
First off, I love that the case and rollers don't take up a ton of space, they're actually quite compact and fit easily in my already overflowing cabinet. The set comes with 20 ceramic rollers in 2 different sizes, 1 1/4" and 1", so you're not stuck with one type of curl. It takes about 90 seconds to heat up and then you're on your way to curls. The roller and the clips are actually really easy to use. The exclusively designed clip has a great hold and is more or less crease free. It's takes about 5 minutes to create the curls so you can move around however you please while you wait, and not be attached to a cord. Like the dryer, it also comes with a 4-year warranty.
The verdict: Yes, yes, and yes. Now, I get what all the fuss is about when setting tools. These are actually really awesome. One, it's hard to miss a spot because you'll immediately spot the stray hair hanging down and two, maneuverability while styling your hair. Obviously the most tedious part was application, but it honestly didn't take more than 10 minutes to cover my head with all of the rollers. The clips were easily removed and didn't tangle in my hair.
Before:
3 Winter Beauty Essentials To Try This Season
With winter just around the corner I’ve found myself on the hunt for beauty products that are going to help me, my skin, and my hair through the coming months. One of my biggest problems when it becomes full-on layers-and-jacket weather is keeping moisturized. My hair goes flat and tends to get a little dry while my skin immediately goes into dehydration and flaky mode. I’m sure most of you feel my pain or at least have been there, especially if you’re anywhere north of Florida. So this month as I’m teaming up with Redbook to check out some beauty essentials in their Red Beauty Box. Turns out they had my winter woes in mind when it came to the products in the box. Hello, SkinFix Hand Repair Cream, Dove Dry Oil Body Wash, and Ogx Bamboo Root Boost Spray.
Naturally, I put them straight to the test, you know, with winter just weeks away I had to get ahead of the game...
SkinFix Hand Repair Cream
This is one of those instances where big things come in small packages. I’m all for this fragrance, paraben, soy, steriod, cruelty and phthalate free repair cream. It’s allergy tested and pH balanced so it’s safe to use on even my overly sensitive skin. The medicinal hand cream is formulated with 1% colloidal oatmeal and natural active ingredients like aloe, shea butter and beeswax. I found that a little bit goes a long way with the ultra rich formula, but it’s not overly greasy. The 3oz. packaging is small enough for purse storage and on-the-go applications. *Clinically proven to treat dry, cracked skin and eczema.
Dove Dry Oil Moisture Nourishing Body Wash
If you love oil-infused products, you’re going to LOVE this Moroccan Argan Oil body wash. It’s not overly greasy, doesn’t leave a thick film on your skin after rinsing, and doesn’t strip your skin like other cleansers tend to do. The dry oil moisture nourishing body wash is a specially designed formula with a blend of Moroccan Argan Oil beads leaving dry skin softer and smoother in just one wash. I immediately noticed the difference and have a feeling this will become an everyday winter requirement. The formula is super mild, using Sodium Lauroyl Glycinate for cleansing, NutriumMoisture technology for lipid and protein protection, as well as stearic acid for nourishing the skin.
As soon as temperatures drop below 50 degrees my hair immediately goes flat and my natural curls disappear. Hot styling tools help but when your hair is already fighting the dryness from the elements, heat is not ideal. If you’ve never used Bamboo products on your hair you’re in for a treat. A big, texas hair treat. It’s best used on damp hair before blowing your hair out but can also be used on dry hair throughout the day for touchups. A little bit goes a long way, so lightly mist directly onto your roots. You can thank the bamboo fibers and soy proteins for your big, fabulous hair this winter.
What are your winter beauty essentials?
This post is sponsored by Redbook. All opinions are my own.
{Giftable} Holiday Beauty Essentials under $40
First off, I can't believe it's officially the holiday season, with Thanksgiving and black Friday just next week I'm starting to realize it about time for me to get my act together and start sharing holiday favorites and essentials. This week, we're kicking things off with beauty and a little help from Katy Perry's new scent, Mad Love (I'm giving one away below, go enter!).
Mad Love does not disappoint. As a gal about super flirty feminine scents this fragrance basically does it for me. I'm all for the playfully addictive floriental fruity fragrance of Lady of Apple Sorbet, Mara Strawberry and Pink Grapefruit with middle notes of Peony Petal, sun-kissed Jasmine and the Bleeding heart flower. Warm up with indulgent coconut wood, skin musk and sandalwood. Love a girly, fruity scent? This is for you. The soft pink bottle and marbleized cap packaging makes it super gift-able, hello perfect fit for a stocking stuffer idea, you can easily find it at Walgreens. With a price tag under $30 I don't feel guilting treating myself to a bottle as well.
A spritz of Mad Love is the perfect finishing touch to any holiday beauty look. I personally loved it paired with a soft nude lip, a warm neutral smokey eye, bold lashes and glowing skin (grab my essentials below).
As the season moves into holiday we start to think about adding just a touch more glamour to our beauty routine and I'm sharing just a few of my Holiday Beauty Essentials. Gift to the beauty mavens in your life or treat yourself to something pretty this holiday season, you won't be disappointed...
(psst. they're all $40 or less!)
bareMinerals Gen Nude Buttercream lip gloss in Forbidden (light nude pink), $18
Katy Perry's Mad Love, $19.99 (On Sale!)
Want to try out a bottle of your own, on me? Simply comment below about your favorite beauty essential and I'll pick a winner at random next Friday, November 25th.
Sponsored by Single Edition Media.
