Starting My Summer Lookbook: Maxi Skirt & White Tee

Normally I loathe seeing fashion 1-2 seasons ahead. I mean I'm sitting here in my infinity scarf and space heater on typing this...I ain't trying to see strapless dresses and sandals right now :).

But when I noticed this, I thought...hmmm, this is a look I'd rock.

Jill Sanders SS11 collection

I'm all about a maxi skirt or dress, so I know I would feel super comfortable and cute. And what would summer be with a crisp white Tee?!?! I might even rock a bolder lip with it...

I am beginning to stockpile a few looks that I hope to wear this summer, so I guess I shouldn't fuss too badly for the spring/summer looks that are hitting the runways and magazines right now.

Any spring/summer trends you plan to add to your wardrobe?

Going Back to My Roots: Baggying!

When I first started my healthy hair journey in December, 2007, one of the first things I embraced was "baggying." Essentially it is a technique to keep the ends of your hair moisturized throughout the day while you either wear a bun or a phony pony.

Since the ends of your hair are the "oldest" parts of your hair, it is fragile and prone to damage and breakage. The potential damage and breakage is increased if the ends of your hair are dry. That's why anyone worth their weight on YouTube and blogosphere states that moisturizing and caring for ends is a major part of any hair care regimen.

It seems over the years, that many have abandoned this method of keeping ends moisturized. I will say it's not for everyone and you have to continue to pay close attention to how your hair responds to all-day moisture. But for me, it was a key part to my length retention while relaxed.

Since being natural, I haven't baggied as much as I used to. But now that it's winter, I am going to go back to this process since it worked well for me while relaxed.

I decided to wear a phony pony this morning, so it is a perfect opportunity to baggy!

For more information and pictorial guide to baggying, click here!

The Perfect Transition or Long-Term Stretch Hairstyle: The Rollerset

Over the last few weeks I've been approached by at least six people inquiring about my natural hair journey. They love my hair and the next words out of their mouths are "I could never do that." My response usually is "Of course you can." I've recently begun asking, "Why not?" The only way to help influence someone to seriously consider this decision is to help address their concerns or objections. More often than not, their number one concern is the transitioning process and blending the two textures.

While I transitioned, the primary and best way for me to do that was by rocking a rollerset. A rollerset does two things

• Stretches the new growth texture
• Blends the natural and relaxed textures

The style, versatility and low manipulation of rollersets allows you to transition or stretch your relaxers longer while still maintaining a style. We risk heat damage or not having a curly texture because we are applying heat to our hair daily. I have nothing against straight styles as a form of transitioning or stretching. But if you are on a healthy hair journey, low manipulation and low heat are fundamental principles of that regimen.

One rollerset can yield a plethora of styles for you. I rollerset 1-2 times a week (I loved a fresh rollerset). But I would be able to keep it for 3-4 days (if I took care of it).

Obviously it can rock it curly

You can rock a wrap

I loved rocking a curly updo (wore this to a wedding)

As the roller set gets older, you can rock other styles

If you are creative with your rolling direction and a brush, you can even wear a flip

You can maintain your curls by rolling as needed or pincurling it. I used both methods and they both worked well.

Whether you are transitioning to natural hair or would just like to stretch your relaxers longer, consider rollersets for the versatility and low manipulation.

Tying Up Loose Ends: My Take on the Turban Trend

I've been shunning and rebuffing the latest Turban Trend. Not because I'm a self-loathing, influenced by mainstream society, Barbie wanna-be who is not in touch with my "roots." But because of this...

"Stylist" June Ambrose has made this look so "costumey" in my opinion. I understand she may have been inspired by this...

But even notice the difference between how this is styled versus the bathrobe June is wearing...I mean c'mon lady!

I will also say I have issues with June. Wrote a list about them. Wanna hear it? hear it goes (reference video follows the list LOL):

• She can't spell (spelled sequins "sequence" and quesadillas "casadillas") on Twitter
• She made a crazy remark about plus-sized women on Twitter
• I just don't find her a real role model for our younger women (I like her hustle, but she needs some education)

But I digress, this is supposed to be a style-related post.

Approximately 10 years ago I rocked turbans, more out of necessity (to cover up bad hair days), than fashion. It is definitely a style I embrace and appreciate when done in a "non-spa" fashion.

I have seen several turban styles that I like and will duplicate. Including these...

The blogger over at Natural Belle really has this style down and is definitely wearable without looking like you're ready for Halloween.



This one is a little more "Rosie the Riveter"

Nik from Mezzo Fashionisto

Now this sista hands down has the coldest turban tutorial I've seen: