Make a Fashion Statement, Rock a Hat!

If you tuned into the Royal Wedding for even five minutes, you may have seen some classic and even, ridiculous hats worn by female guests of the wedding held in London.

Hats have also been a huge tradition among many black churches, too. I still remember my grandmothers rockin’ the hats when they went to service on Sundays. I’ve always loved hats and on occasion, you can catch me in a Kangol. I don’t wear hats as much as I did in the past, but seeing the royal guests and women dressed for Easter this year has given me a new fashion inspiration. Bring on the hats!

Here’s a few celebs who show original style with hats:

Unique & Outrageous: Lady Gaga

Fedoras: Ne-yo, Usher, Alicia Keys, Michael Jackson (he may be gone, but his style lives on)

Baseball//Sports caps: Weezy (Lil’ Wayne), Jay-Z, Fabolous

Kangol: LL Cool J, Sam Jackson

As you can see from the list, there are not many ladies on the list. Where my ladies at? Let’s represent a different style with hats!

Check out my pic below with a hat. I hope today’s post will encourage you to take some fashion risks.

Have a great weekend,

Jen:)

You Can Be a Princess, too & I Was Born This Way

Tomorrow is the wedding of Prince William and future princess, Kate Middleton. It will be a very extravagant affair that will be broadcast by news stations across the globe. From the time we were little girls, we’ve read about being a princess. You may not have millions to spend on a royal wedding, but there are ways that you can be a princess, too. Grab your girls and have one of your own “Princess” parties:

Pink Princess Party
You and your friends can get together and have a pink-themed party with a few close friends. Buy different nail polishes, cotton balls, nail files and clippers, if you don’t have them already. For an extra touch, pick up some feather boas and crowns from Party City, Target, Duane Reade or other discount stores. For crafty girls, use cardboard, colored paper and glitter to make your own princess crown. Make some pink cupcakes or buy store bought ones.

Celeb Princess Tea Party
Tea is very big in England and has gained a lot of popularity in the U.S. in recent years. You can select your own tea, which buy from your local grocery store for as little as $1 per box. There are many different types of teas like black, green, white, herbal and one of my faves, rooibus. You and your girls can sample different ones or choose one for your party. Make some little sandwiches and add treats like cookies. You can make it fun and less stuffy by dressing up as your favorite celebs like Lady Gaga, Rihanna or Kim Kardashian.

Be creative and enjoy your time as a princess!

Jen

P.S. Be sure to check out today’s post about Lady Gaga’s song, I Was Born This Way posted by DD blogger, Vonnah. It celebrates girls loving who they are:)

"I Was Born This Way"

            Any Gleeks? I am a major Gleek.  For those not familiar, Gleeks are big fans of Glee.  Did you check out this week’s episode of Glee? If not, the theme was “I Was Born This Way” and I’m sure you all know it’s a popular song by Lady Gaga, but more importantly, it’s telling you to be yourself. Everyone was born differently and we all need to embrace that. More and more every day everyone wants to live like celebrities, but my question is why? What is so fascinating about them? Is it the way they dress, their hair, their make-up, their money? That’s all material. It’s what is on the inside that matters. I know, so cliché, but it wouldn’t be if it wasn’t true.  Blending in is so Y2K, lol. If you believe changing up who you are, is going to make people accept you more, you’re wrong.  No one wants to surround themselves around a “fake.” So be true to you. Being YOURSELF is what separates you from the rest and makes you different. Don’t waste away your life trying to be someone else.  Believe me, you stand out as long as you are true to yourself because, hey, we are all different and unique as long as we stay real.  Who wants to become a carbon copy? Booooring.
Lavonnah.

Wednesday Skincare Blogs: Jewelry Tips for Fashionistas & Healthy Food for Skin

Hi there,

We have some great blogs that will help the fashionista in you and keep your skin healthy. The first blogs discusses the best jewelry to wear in preventing skin irritations from metals. If you’re like me, you can’t pass up some cute earrings or bracelets. Well, sometimes, you may need to because they may contain nickel, which could be irritating your skin. Like our blogger, Yolanda, I’ve seen my ears turn red or start to itch, so check out her list of metals, which do not contain that itchy metal, nickel.

There are other ways to take care of your skin, too. We hear this phrase all this time, “You are what you eat.” We all know that water, fruits and vegetables help us to keep our skin healthy, but it’s important for us to make it a habit so we can show off our beautiful, glowing skin. Summer is right around the corner, so let’s get started now! Read the blog post on healthy food for skin.

Peace,

Jen

Does Your Jewelry Make You Itch?

Believe it or not: It’s possible to be allergic to some jewelry. I’m definitely allergic to most!
The itch comes from an allergic reaction to some metals such as nickel. One out of every seven people is likely to suffer from a nickel allergy. The nickel found in many types of jewelry is; therefore, the cause of most forms of dermatitis (skin inflammation). More women than men tend to suffer from nickel allergies, perhaps because, women tend to wear more jewelry than men.

If your jewelry is making you itch perhaps you are allergic to the “Nickel” or some other metal. This means, you’ll have to search for jewelry that doesn’t contain metals you will react to.

Which jewelry metals do not contain Nickel?

1) Gold
Rarely will jewelry made from 14K yellow gold cause an allergic reaction. However, white gold may irritate those with sensitive skin because white gold contains nickel and other “white” metals to produce its silver coloring.

2) Gold-filled or jewelry deemed “GF.”
Gold-filled jewelry is made by heat-bonding a layer of gold around a base metal. Gold-filled jewelry has a layer of gold that is 75 to 200 times thicker than most gold-plated jewelry.

3) Fine Silver or Sterling Silver
Fine Silver is 100% pure silver. Sterling Silver is 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper. Sterling Silver is a perfect alternative for people with nickel allergies.

4) Copper
Almost all copper jewelry is made from 100% copper and is not mixed with any other metal.

5) Platinum
Platinum contains 95% Platinum and 5% Iridium. Platinum is a great alternative for those with skin allergies.

6) Stainless Steel
As much as 8 to 12% nickel is used to make stainless steel jewelry. Caution should be taken when considering stainless steel jewelry if you have skin allergies.

7) Titanium
Titanium is both hypo-allergenic (having a low tendency to cause an allergic reaction) and durable. It’s one of the best metals for those who suffer from nickel allergies.

8) Plastic
Beads and fishnet thread. No metal in it at all thus no allergic reaction.

Do a little research on the jewelry you wear and ask the right questions when you purchase it. You’ll be able to wear fashionable jewelry without risking an allergic reaction.

Yolanda-Lin

7 Tips: EAT YOUR WAY TO HEALTHIER SKIN


http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19816.htm

Trust me: What you put in your body can be seen from the outside! So take care of your body by eating HEALTHY. It’s not only good for your overall health, but its great for your skin. People who want to have flawless skin (well almost flawless) need to start paying attention to the types of foods they put into their bodies.

Here’s a list of some foods that are wonderful for your skin and body:

1) Water
Flushes out toxins from your body.

2) Green Tea
Many different health benefits.

3) Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes
Rich in antioxidants.

4) Broccoli, Spinach, Carrots
All contain Vitamin A, a vitamin that is wonderful at improving the turnover of cells in the skin. This means your skin gets renewed faster and the freshest skin is on top.

5) Grape fruit, oranges, peas, brussel sprouts
These are really rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C delays or reduces wrinkles.

6) Whole wheat
Selenium is really good for your skin, and is contained in whole wheat cereals, breads and baked goods. This improves the skin at a cellular level and keeps you looking beautiful.

7) Iron
Foods rich in iron help your skin become healthier.

Try adding a few of the above to your diet for a healthier body and healthy skin.

P.S. If you are trying to get rid of acne, foods that are rich in zinc or vitamin A are ideal choices.

Yolanda-Lin M

Paid Summer Jobs in NYC!

If you want have some cash and to gain career experience, apply to the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). It gives youth ages 14-24 real-world experience in companies that include government agencies, hospitals, summer camps, non-profits, small businesses, law firms, museums, sports enterprises and retail companies. The SYEP is a great way to learn about different industries and can add value to a college or technical school application, by demonstrating that you’ve had some work experience. Act fast, the application is due in a few weeks!

Click on the underlined links, to find out more info about the SYEP program and fill out a paper or online application.


Program Dates: July 5-August 20, 2011

Application Deadline: May 27, 2011

Beyonce’s New Song, Yoga, Nail Fashion & Beauty Basket

Happy Monday!

If you haven’t heard, your girl, Bey has a new song, Run the World (Girls) to empower girls. Beyonce’s song is a great way to start the week on a high note and keep you hyped all week long. I’m sure the video is coming soon, so get ready to learn some new dance moves.

Our bloggers are busy bringing you the best of what’s new and hot. Ariam included a great post about a fab yoga experience and Yolanda gives you nail fashion tips and shares what’s in her beauty basket. 


Have a great week,
Jen:)

What’s in your beauty basket?

Every girl has a small stash somewhere of beauty prods. I wonder what’s in your beauty basket? It’s nice to go through the baskets of friends and family, it not only tells you about their “beauty values” but you get to learn about “new prods” – “stuff you need” – “stuff you don’t need” – “stuff that works” and “stuff that doesn’t work” or at least you may realise, your basket needs a make-over!

After digging in my Beauty basket this is what I found-

1) Mary Kay Eye Makeup remover (love it)
2) Mary Kay mineral powder foundation (love it)
3) Vivi(venus) oil-free cream foundation (Doesn’t work for me)
4) Nail kit (love it)
5) Ped Egg Professional ( Works like a charm)
6) Essence nail polish ( quick drying but not long lasting)
7) Maybelline Water shine lipstick (love it but only just use a dab)
8) Bourjois Paris Liner Stylo eye liner (works great not as dark as liquid EL)
9) Essence Volume Mascara (I really didnt see the volume change)
10) Bourjois Paris Mascara (Wow it has a comb-brush effect-luvit)
11) Essence lip gloss (always leaking-unstable lid)
12) Essence multi-effect mascara (works great- messy during afterwash)
13) Miss Helen lipstick (Not shiny, always needs a dab of gloss)
14) Essence eyebrow designer (Love it)

Well this is quite embarassing – I definitely need a basket makeover. Perhaps actually decide on the BRAND I want to use (MARY KAY may win this one). You’re probably wondering where the cleansers, moisturizers,exfoliants,toners, hand creams,masks,concealers,etc etc are? Well like I said I may need a basket makeover however finding the perfect “skin routine” is always a tough journey and i’m still hunting.(At the moment keeping it au naturelle). Perhaps after digging through afew baskets from friends and family I may find something.

Take a look at your own baskets and see what you need, what you don’t need and definitely take a quick raid of what other’s have?

P.S NEVER SPEND TOO MUCH ON PRODUCTS THAT DON’T ADD VALUE TO YOUR GENERAL APPEARANCE.
KEEP IT SIMPLE YET BEAUTIFUL.

Yolanda-Lin

NAIL TALK

Just like “Fashion” shows your personality- so do your “Nails” – you can get creative with colours, tints, layers, patterns: JUST TO EXPRESS, the person you are!
It’s fabulous being unique – and it’s more than fabulous- BEING YOU!!
However its also important to look after them by keeping them clean.Cleaning your fingernails isn’t just about looking good but it can affect your health.

So let’s talk about nail care! A big plus, to completing a beautiful you!

1) KEEP NAILS CLEAN
Fingernails can carry bacteria and germs beneath them.When washing your hands, be sure to use soap and massage lightly into the areas around your nails and cuticles. Always rinse well.

OR

Once a day, soak your nails in soapy water for about 3-5minutes. Then lightly scrub the surface and undersides of your nails with a soft-bristled nail brush.

Remember to use warm water and soap, to loosen grime and grease!

2) PROTECT YOUR NAILS
Wear gloves when you garden or when doing dirty work around the house.

3) Moisturize
Rub moisturizer onto your hands, rubbing a little around your nails and into your cuticles.

4) DON’TS
*Never dig beneath your nails with a sharp or pointed instrument to remove dirt.
*Don’t bite your nails. Biting nails weakens them and makes them look less attractive.

P.S: Don’t forget about your toe nails, they also need love:
Keep them trimmed and always wear socks with sneakers.

When your nails are clean: Finish off the look with a neat coat of your chosen polish. Add a little personality to their “shine”

Yolanda-Lin