Spring Cleaning for a Fashionista

Spring is officially here so goodbye winter. With spring comes a new wardrobe....not really. It's time to pack those dark winter threads and add bright colors and prints. For most of us it'snot  a matter of  buying new clothes for the spring but switching out the cozy winter threads. 

1. Music, music, and more music is the only way to get through this wardrobe overhaul, so make a playlist.

2. Pull out everything and separate into 3 piles: Dump, Donate, Keep.

3. Follow the 1-year rule. If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it!

4. Organize 

5. Call a friend (have wine ready)!

Is Waist Training Safe?

Every year there seems to be a new weight loss craze; anything from diets, workout routines, body sharpers, or diet pills. This year is no different. Waist trainers have taken the market by storm, but how safe are waist trainers?  There is no scientific evidence to support waist trainers are a safe tool to use for weight loss, although the physical result may show otherwise.  Waist trainers can cause constipation, fainting, acid reflux, and even high blood pressure. A simple workout routine and clean eating can achieve the same results!

Mini or Midi?

Spring time is the perfect time to wear a skirt. We all know there is nothing sexier than a mini skirt, however it's still a little cold. This season  try to wearing a midi skirt. Wearing a midi skirt will give you a stylish look and a sense of elegance. We found  a few inspirational outfit ideas.Take a look at the pictures and choose how you will style your midi skirt this spring.

How to: Maintain Curly Extensions

There are two main reasons why curly hair becomes fuzzy. Either too much handling (touching, combing, brushing or lack of moisture. Curls are delicate and excessive styling is the fastest way to make them fall apart. Keep touching of the hair to a minimum.If you're pressed for time and need to dry it fast use a blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment. This way your curls won't frizz or flatten.
There are even proper ways to hydrate your curly locks. The shape of the curls will only form if they're bathed in the right amount of moisture and sealed with the right amount of "product". Use the right leave-in conditioners designed for curls (natural or extensions). Make sure that before you sleep at night you put a silk or satin scarf over your hair because the cotton pillow WILL dry out your hair and destroy your curls.  

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day  tends to one of those fun holidays. However, the story of Patrick's journey is quite different. He was kidnapped and worked as a slave for years until he escaped a few years later.  During his enslavement, Patrick formed a relationship with God. Once freed, Patrick became a priest and is said to have used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Saint Patrick died on March 17th, making this more of a memorial day. Interesting right!!!

We heart: Ombre'

It's almost that time of year to lighten up your locks. Go ombre' this year! Ombre’ is one the hottest hair color trends and there are so many options! You can be bold and add color or a little more reserved with a slight variation in color. Once you go ombre', you’ll never go back! Dare to be different.

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Blackheads

Blackheads are open pores clogged with dead skin and oil; which are most common in teens and pre-menstrual women.  These irritating blemishes occur most often on and around the nose putting them dead center in the middle of the face where they are most noticeable.  So of course, we want to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Here are a few of the best and fastest all-natural remedies for banishing those annoying little blackheads.

1.     Oatmeal soothes irritation, removes dead skin cells, and soaks up excess oil to help clarify the complexion.

·         Using distilled water (free of contaminants), cook enough oatmeal to cover your blackheads.

·         Cool oats to room temperature before applying to affected areas.

·         Leave on for ten to twenty minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.

2.     Cinnamon is an anti-bacterial spice that can be used to make an aromatic face mask for removal of blackheads.

·         Mix one part organic cinnamon with two parts honey to form a paste.

·         Apply a thin layer over blackheads.

·         Leave on for at least fifteen minutes.

·         Wash off with your favorite all-natural cleanser, then follow up with a moisturizer.

3.     Honey is both anti-bacterial and antiseptic, making it another great choice for those with acne-related blackheads.

·         Heat about a tablespoon of pure raw honey in a small jar until it is warm to the touch.  (A good way to do this is    by placing the jar into a bowl of very hot water.)

·         Dab warm honey onto blackheads and let it soak in for about ten minutes.

·         Remove with a warm, damp cloth.

·         This treatment can also be left on overnight.  Repeat daily for best results.

Hair Brush:101

Most of us tend to use our hair brushes until they break or are no longer functional. Well that's okay as long as you are cleaning your brushes. However, most of us aren't! We also get stuck in the routine rut. We replace our old broken brushes with the same brush. Guess what? Depending on the style you are trying to achieve there is probably a brush specifically for that. Take a look at the proper way to clean your brushes and the best brush to use hair styling!

1. Remove as much hair as possible the brush.

2. Run under warm water with an even spread of shampoo, massaging with your hand.

3. Rinse brush clean of shampoo.

4. Set on towel to dry.

Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Fashion

The Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards have become one of the most distinguished events in Hollywood. Celebrating the years' standout performances and behind the scenes accomplishments. These iconic and trailblazing African-American women are reshaping the television landscape. Not only that, they're doing it in fashion! Check out a few ladies that caught our eye.