Month: July 2019

5 Self-Care Tips for Fashionistas

Self Care is defined as any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. I can’t say when, but within the last 5 years we’ve all become obsessed with self-care. Although it’s become synonymous with spa days and mimosas for some, the practice of caring for oneself is something to be cherished. In a world where anxiety is higher than ever and women are dying at alarming rates from heart disease, we all need to prioritize ourselves. While there’s a plethora of information about self-care practices online, I thought I’d try offer something for my fellow stylish ladies. Here are five self-care tips for fashionistas.

1. Donate Your Clothing

We all know that you can earn a pretty penny by reselling your preowned clothing and accessories online. Ebay, Poshmark, and consignment shops are awesome when you want to boost your bank account. But you know what’s equally awesome? Helping a woman who can’t repay you. Now don’t trip, I know this is a “self” care list but being a blessing to someone else is sowing seed that will produce a good harvest. Trust me, be a blessing and watch God bless you in return.

2. Stay True to Size

Wearing properly fitting clothes is totally a form of self-care. You honor your body when you treat her with respect… which includes honest sizing. Fashion is not a numbers game. Don’t get hung up on the number on the tag. Every woman knows her weight fluctuates depending on the time of month, lifestyle, etc. So be kind to yourself and stay true to size.

3. Dress to Express

Remember when you were a kid having fun playing dress up? Get back to that place! The business of adulting can sometimes stifle your creativity if you let it. Go ahead, wear your favorite color. Colors have the power to shift moods and evoke emotion. Feeling playful? Try that new trend you’ve secretly been afraid to wear. Don’t let your fear of others opinions keep you in fashion bondage.

4. Ditch the heels

Believe it or not, it’s okay not to wear stilettos every day. You only have two feet and they’re pretty necessary. Show your tootsies some love by taking care of them. Wearing flats is not corny (pun intended) or reserved for little girls and elderly women. There are tons of fabulous flats and sneakers out there waiting to be styled. By all means be comfortable, but make it fashion.

5. Treat Yo Self

A true fashionista knows how to look fabulous whether her budget is one hundred dollars or one million. Why? Because she knows that style isn’t about labels but about execution. I used to be a fan of “retail therapy” until I realized I was actually just impulse buying. Spending money unwisely is never a fashion do. However, treating yourself to something on your wishlist can be self-care. Buy the one of a kind purse or those red bottoms. Just don’t drain your savings.

Top//H&M , Pants//Ross , Shoes//Wild Diva , Earrings//Aldo

Gold High-Low Dress

After wearing headwraps every day for two weeks I felt the need to switch it up… and do the most. This new “Game Changer” lace wig from the Sensationnel Curls Kinks & Co line is just that, a game changer!! The texture is bomb but the volume is what won me over. I’m in a big hair mood and this is as big as it gets. Its synthetic and can easily be washed and air dried. What do you wear with a wig like this? A dress that’s equally as eye catching; something like this gold pleated swing dress.

For as long as I can remember I was opposed to wearing anything high-low. Being a 5’3 petite woman I’ve never liked the way I look in that style of dress. However, when you find a metallic gold dress that’s lightweight and perfectly pleated, all bets are off. While this dress is at least four years old, it’s still one of my go-to’s for a steamy summer day.

It was 100 degrees during this shoot so I kept my accessories simple by pairing this dress with a matching metallic mule. These high heel mules are by Zara, but I found them at Marshall’s for only $13. Yes hunny, THIRTEEN BUCKS!! I chose a simple black tassel earring and black clutch to complete the look. It’s not my normal practice to play down my accessories but this year I’m trying to vary my approach.

Get used to this wig because you’ll be seeing it all summer. It’s the perfect no fuss protective style for my every day. I make sure I keep my hair moisturized and braided underneath. How about you? What’s your go-to protective style for summer?

Dress//H&M , Shoes//Zara , Purse//H&M

Green Maxi + Headwrap

“Summer time and the living is easy…” Ella Fitzgerald had it right with this classic opening verse. Summer is in full swing right now and Philly is in the midst of our third heatwave. You already know I have wigs on deck until summer leaves. I’m not a summer baby at all. I prefer the fall when I’m not sweating my life away! To combat the humidity I’ve been adding more headwraps and turbans to my every day ensembles. Today’s look features this cotton green maxi dress and colorful headwrap.

A while back I ordered quite a few dresses from Boohoo. Cotton, sleeveless, brightly colored, and down to the floor – these dresses were perfect for those smoldering summer days when you just need to be comfy. I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived and were super soft and fit like a glove. However, this was two years ago. Before my weight gain and my myomectomy surgery (I’ll go into more detail about this in a future post). I’ve been apprehensive about wearing them now.

In recent weeks I’ve become more comfortable with where I am physically, so the maxi dresses have come out of retirement. Now I will be needing some spanx of course but I’m no longer apprehensive about wearing them. I grabbed this one for a recent photoshoot. Looking at the finished work, biker shorts were not the best choice underneath. A body shaper would’ve been best, but such is life. I’m allowed to make fashion mistakes.

The printed headwrap is actually apart of a skirt set. It can be worn as a bandeau top as well. I love garments that have multiple use, so this is right up my alley. I shot six looks in one day in 90+ degree weather. This was one of them and wearing a headwrap was a great decision lol. I finished the look with a small bucket bag and black wedges. Silver accessories make the colors pop and an orange lip adds some fun. I’m all about keeping cool in these high temps. What do you wear during a Heatwave? Let me know in the comments below!

Dress//Boohoo, Headwrap//Cici’s Boutique, Shoes//Aldo, Bag//Forever 21


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