Another DIY Protective styling Project: Braids!

Dear Fashionistas,
Let me start this blog off by apologizing for my absence.  Sometimes life calls but that is no reason to abandon my Style post!

Now that that's out of the way....on to my current DIY protective styling project.  As you know I have been very active these days and Atlanta is pretty humid so keeping my hair looking decent and avoiding the need to touch it everyday is key in my life right now! I have been really enjoying a round of protective styles.  This time I decided to go with braids.  I have been avoiding it for a while because of the time one has to commit to doing their own braids.  However, I know the payoff is worth it! Below are the results and different styling techniques I created with my braids.

This style is a simple bun with a front section of braids wrapped around the bun

This is just a quick, messy bun - a ponytail twisted in two strand and wrapped into a bun

This is a quick, messy bun with half the braids down in the back

Here I braided half the braids and let the back hang

This is an elegant bun, it took a little effort to get it flow this why by pinning the braids in sections

So, it took me forever to do these braids! I started on Friday night and completed about 25% of them that night.  I did not start on them again until after lunch the next day and kept at it, off and on, until about midnight or so.  My fingers were killing me! I used 3 different colors and two different brands of hair...the main brand I used was a new one that was made for dipping the ends in hot water.  The other brand was a cheap brand I bought a long time ago.  Even though the cheaper brand worked out fine...as time moved on, I can tell a different with the cheaper hair.  It started to feel a little rough at the ends, whereas the other brand held up better.  I did not burn the hair at the ends as we did back in the 90's, instead I dipped the ends in hot water and that helped to seal the ends.  I also parted my hair in funky little geometric shapes in the front.

Yes, it took a long time...but I love them and it was worth it! I would definitely do them again.

Ta-Ta for now my lovelies,
e

My New Hair Obsession: Loc Extensions

I don't ever do professionally done braids or twists.  As a matter of fact, I had some braids done about a little over a year ago for the first time and I am 100% sure I would never do that again. I have nothing against braids.  I do have something against women thinking that they have to have their braids or twists done tight so that they last.  I was even more disgusted that when I had my braids done, many of my friends were saying that the pain I felt was normal and offered some home remedies....NO HAIRSTYLE IS WORTH PAIN AND ANGUISH!  You should never allow a hairdresser to style your hair in a style that could cause damage and pain. This should be common sense but....it's not. 

I also decided to never allow someone to braid my hair (with extensions) because no matter how much I told the hairdresser to loosen up, she just claimed she knew what was best.  I can't stand this quality in a hairdresser which is why I hardly ever go to one and when I do, it is only one lady. 

So, I started to do some research on Pinterest and YouTube on protective styling as I wanted to give my hair a break for a while and my exercise routine was killing my hairstyles.  I soon decided on loc extensions. I always loved dread locs but maybe not the permanence of it all...Below are pictures of my first attempt of doing my own loc extensions.

So to begin this hairstyle, I started with Marley Twists completed with Marley braid hair.  The two brands I used were Freetress and Femi.  The brand does not matter though. I pre-wash the hair to get any residue off the hair and to soften the hair. I do this by allowing the hair to sit in a sink full of warm water and mild shampoo.  I then allow it to dry overnight.  Also you may have noticed that I have some red tips in some of the pictures.  This is because I used a red hair for the marley twists and allowed some of of the red hair to peek out.  The ladies I watched on YouTube were Alex Elle of the Good Hair Blog, Tammyluvslyfe, and Cassandra Becai.  Just search for them and you should be able to find these ladies. 

I plan on doing this style again very soon with some purple highlights...yes I said purple. I can't wait to see the results.  Also, I had some pretty rad styling on my locs. I promise to write a blog on styling them. I also received sooo many compliments on this hairstyle from other women and men.  Most times, I could not believe the attention I got with this hairstyle. 

The silver beads in my hair I purchased eons ago from a beauty supply store in the 90's when braids were really popular. For the life of me, I cannot find anything like them now and I recently lost one so I am down to just 3.

By the way...please follow me on Pinterest! Linking up is a beautiful thing! 
One luv,
e

Vegan Cupcakes from Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe

Every since I realized that I am highly allergic to dairy, it has been such a battle when it comes to eating out.  At first, I would tell the waiters at restaurants that I was vegan to avoid dairy.  This did not work because most waiters I encountered could care less about what I "chose" not to eat. Finally I just tell people that I am highly allergic and they serve me with more caution.  

I have been a semi-vegetarian for years.  I eat fish and eggs every now and then when I am out but for the most part I am completely vegetarian at home.  I also avoided milk because I simply HATED the taste.  I had no idea that dairy was causing the unexplained allergic reactions I was having.  My doctors would keep me supplied with an arsenal of harsh medications to combat the reactions.  All this makes me think that perhaps I should be vegan...it's much kinder to my body.  More to come on that note as I am cutting more and more things out of my diet all the time...

Now that I know I am allergic to dairy...now comes the realization of the things I can never eat again (the non-vegan variety that is) like sour cream, macaroni and cheese and my favorite...strawberry cupcakes.

One day I decided to Google for vegan bakeries in Atlanta.  I know I can trust vegan establishments.  That's when I came across Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe.  I read the website and was excited but it was not until I liked their page on Facebook that I became highly excited.  The pictures of the food and baked goods made me take a trip to Kirkwood to see if I can once again have my beloved strawberry cupcake!

Vegan Cupcakes: Banana Fig, Strawberry and Banana Split

I decided to buy two others to try. I love figs so I tried the banana fig cupcake and I got a discount on the banana split cupcake simply because it was 1 day old...and then of course, THE STRAWBERRY CUPCAKE! It was actually a vanilla cake with strawberries baked inside and strawberry frosting. All three cupcakes were delicious! I have a new place to get cupcakes. Sorry A Piece of Cake, no shade...but Dulce is where it is at for me! I ate all three cupcakes and is still reaction free!

I also plan to try the food and lattes served at Dulce as well. I think it would be a great place to venture out with a girlfriend or date...

Vegan baked goods are totally in!

Until next time my fashion lovelies,
e

DIY "Take Me Home" Baby Set

I can't wait to have my own child(ren) someday so that I can make clothes and accessories such as this one for my own.  I would have my own mini model!  Years ago, I developed a few patterns and put them all together to create a "Take Me Home" baby set.  This set was created to be a baby shower gift.  The intent is for the mother to have something precious in which to bring the baby home.  I was elated when finally a mother shared photos of her new baby girl in the clothes I created!

I usually use Bernat Baby yarn for this set.  Yes, the buttons are a pain to add but are so worth the extra mile. The booties have a chain stitch created drawstring which ties into a bow.  The set includes a baby beanie, onesie and booties.

Please let me know your thoughts on this "Take Me Home" baby set.  Who says mommy is the only one styling?! Baby has to come home in style too!

Forgive the watermarks on the photos...I just had to share my work! Photos provided by Our365.

Until next time my fashion lovelies....
e

McCalls Jumper Pattern Review

Today I am reviewing another out of print pattern.  It seems that jumpers and rompers have made their way back in style now! 

Pattern: McCalls 8584 (Out of Print)

Description: Slim fitting dress or jumpsuit - I made view D pictured above

Fabric Used: Light weight cotton I think...

Sizing: The pattern I bought was for sizes 4,6 and 8. I think I cut a size 4 on top and then a size 6 on the bottom.

Instructions: Easy to follow

Changes: I made no changes at all

Level of Difficulty: Basic sewing skills should be fine for this one...

Timing: This can totally be completed in a couple of hours or less

Again, I love jumpers or rompers.  I love the fact that they are back in style even more! Another thing about this pattern that I love is the empire waist.  Empire waist and high waist is very flattering on me and many other women as well.

Until next time....

e

Vintage Out Of Print Simplicity 7705 Pattern Review

Dear DIY Stylists,
OK, first let me start off by apologizing for not having a full length photo of this dress.  Yes, I know it is a sin to post this without proper photography and I don't even have the dress anymore to re-take the photo.  I made this dress a long time ago but I think I want to re-make this one out of a different type of fabric.  I really wanted to post this one because I want everyone to know that you can look great for very little money and sometimes little time!

I bought this pattern at...you guessed it...A THRIFT STORE!!! It was 10 cents! The thrift store is my favorite place to go to shop for vintage sewing patterns.  You take a risk in that the pattern may not have all the pieces included but I can risk a dime! I also saved on the fabric which I purchased at Walmart for about $4!

Pattern: Simplicity 7705 (Out of Print/Vintage)

Description: Wrap dress in 2 lengths - I made this one in the knew length version

Fabric Used: Light weight print - I honestly can't remember what type of fiber...sorry but this is best for light weight cottons, wool and knits.  I think I will try this in a light weight knit next time.

Sizing: The pattern I bought was a size 10; however, this is a wrap dress so you can wrap to fit if you are smaller than the size you find!

Instructions: Easy to follow

Changes: I made no changes at all

Level of Difficulty: Basic sewing skills should be fine for this one...

Timing: This can totally be completed in a couple of hours or less

I received lots of compliments when I first made it.  I love wrap dresses! Thank goodness for DVF for coming up with such a beautiful creation.  I often wore this dress to work with some pumps and I even wore this dress in a family portrait!

I am still amazed that I made this dress for $4.10 a hour of time or so!

Ta Ta for now my lovelies!  I will be back with another DIY style creation...
Much luv
e

THE SUNSHINE AND SHINE ON AWARD...I've been nominated and so I pay it forward

Hello My Lovelies!


I am totally honored that fellow blogger Missy May of Missy May's World nominated me for the Sunshine and Shine On Awards. Many thanks, Missy!  Glad to have you in my corner!Hopefully this sort of thing will encourage other bloggers to uplift each other and appreciate our fellow bloggers.  We are all unique and offer a different perspectives on blogging!First some administrative work....

Rules for the Shine Award:

• Use the logo below in the post
• Link to whoever nominated you.
• Write ten pieces of information about yourself.
• Nominate ten fellow bloggers "who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogsphere."

Rules for the Shine On Award:

• Display the award logo on your blog
• Show appreciation by acknowledging the blogger who nominated you and link back to them in your post.
• Share 7 random facts about yourself.
• Nominate 15 bloggers you admire and happily pass on this award, making sure to link their blog into your post.
• Contact your chosen bloggers and let them know. 

SUNSHINE AWARD: 10 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

1. I'm an Aquarius and I most certainly behave as such!
2. I am also a writer. Check out my other blog: Lyric, Literature and Prose.
3. As a kid, I wanted to be a fashion designer. Nothing changed there!
4. I have only been horseback riding once and I am fine with that.
5. I LUV rice...any way you cook it, I will eat it.
6. I studied Spanish and International Business in college.
7. I speak Spanish.
8. I am also an artist.  Check out my 3rd blog: SMH Studios.
9. I luv to travel.
10. I think the word weirdo is a compliment.

SHINE ON AWARD: 7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

1. I laugh...ALL THE TIME
2. I come across as shy or quiet in person but really I am deep in my own head. In my mind I am trying to save the world.
3. I speak a little German at times...LOL I listen to German soul music (favorite artists: Xavier Naidoo and Joy Denalane)
4. I lived in Toronto, Canada.
5. I lived in Cordoba, Argentina.
6. I am currently obsessed with Portland even though I never been there! I think I would "belong" there.
7. I love science fiction.

The Bloggers I would love to nominate for inspiring me are:

1. Makeup Guru Beauty by Lee
2. The first blog I followed that inspires me to be good to my body RawFitMama
3. My all day inspiration Mimi G Style
4. Fellow naturalista Natural Belle
5. Another naturalista that I check out, Alex of The Good Hair Blog
6. A southern vegan whose recipes are to die for, Bianca of Vegan Crunk
7. A fellow hooker (as in crochet hook!)  Wool Crochet
8. I just love the style featured on Style Pantry
9. A fellow blogger that is inspiring and encouraging, Kendra at FashionOnTheTrend
10. This blogger shares recipes for tasty treats here MissPlacedLadyBug
11. Another HOOKer like me CrochetCrazy
12. Another Fashionista blog I check out, AFashionCrowd
13. And yet more fashion via DinaBella
14. I don't have a pooch but this is a cute blog! PoshPoochDesigns
15. And yet more crochet greatness at MoonHouse

There you have it my people...may you be just as inspired as I am by these awesome bloggers!

Wishing you all the love and sunshine in the world,
Erica