On My Radar - Winter Basics

I've been a bit preoccupied lately with family and getting my new business started. My apologies for being MIA. I'm working on finding a balance for all of my fashion loves. Please bear with me. Today, I thought I'd share some of my favorite winter basics. I own a few of these and others are on my "must buy" list.

Over the last year I've found that my style is definitely evolving. I used to go for lots of sequins and printed stand out tops. Now, most days I start with some basics for my foundation and add great jackets, jewelry, and accessories. I've noticed that on casual days I reach for my jeans (loving my burgundy NYDJ pair) and a t-shirt or thin sweater. For work, I'm going for solid or printed pants and a solid top (blouse, sweater, or top). Adding eye catching jewelry and a statement bag is a must for me. I adore heels but this winter oxfords and classic boots have been my go-to shoes. They are comfortable for my RA and they keep my feet warm. They definitely aren't as sexy as heels but I've decided that if flats are going to be my staples that I will own great flats.

• Black Wrap Coat - I already own a tan wrap coat but it's long. I keep wishing for a black version and I love the collar on this one from Tahari but sadly, it looks like it's out of stock in my size. I guess I will be on the hunt for another one.
• Layered Silver Necklace - I love silver and this necklace is a new favorite, by Stella and Dot. It also comes in a gold and quartz version. You can wear the chains separately or together! Three looks in one. 
• Custom Engravable Cuff Bracelet - This bracelet is a fun take on a traditional monogram. You can get up to 14 characters and lots of different configurations. It also comes in gold and it's by Stella and Dot. The phrase on it is part of one of my favorite movie lines (from Terminator 2) and a personal philosophy. "The future's not set. There's no fate but what we make for ourselves."  As much as I love great fashion, it's what we do in those clothes that really matters.
• Bright Bag - A bright colored bag can add just the right pop of color to a solid outfit. The cobalt blue version of the Paris Market Tote by Stella and Dot is on my wish list. The leather is buttery soft and the Stella and Dot bags are made by the same company that produces bags for Marc Jacobs. 
•  Black Ankle Boots - Originally I intended to get a pair of zip up ankle boots. They will replace a pair I've had for ages, that I've intended to replace for years. Unfortunately, I didn't purchase the ones I spied in the fall, fast enough and now they are gone. As luck would have it Zara is having their end of the season sale. I scored these beauties the other day, as well as a pair of black pointed toe loafers with gold detail.

 I'm composing outfits in my head, as I type this post. Hopefully, I will have some time soon to put up a few outfits post.

What are your go to winter basics?

Golden Globes 2015

I love the movies and television but my favorite part of awards season is the fashion and the red carpet. Last night Hollywood turned out for the Golden Globe awards. There was some amazing fashion. I couldn't possibly include it all, so I've just picked a few.

Diane Kruger in Emilia Wickstead

Julianne Moore in Givenchy Haute Couture

Kate Hudson in Versace

Jessica Chastain in Versace



Allison Williams in Armani Prive



Katherine Heigel in Zac Posen

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Robin Wright in Ralph Lauren

I have to admit, when I saw Allison Williams dress on TV I was not a fan. I couldn't understand why the E! hosts were raving. This photo gives me a completely different view. On TV this dress looked like it was ruffled tulle.  The crystals gave a distorted effect. Seeing this photo makes me love this dress. Katherine Heigel's dress isn't a show stopper but it fits her beautifully and I love the simplicity. I know many didn't like Emma Stone's pants. I love a great pants look. The top is incredible and I like the funky sash. I'm a huge fan of unexpected combinations at awards shows.The weather in LA has been on the chilly side for them this week and the ensemble that Robin Wright is wearing is great. She looks sophisticated, beautiful, and she stands apart from others. I know many folks don't agree with me but I love it!

What were your Golden Globes faves?

photo credits: all  Vogue.com

Curls with the KISS InstaWave - A Review

Unintentionally, this week is shaping up to be new product review week. New year, great new items to test out. I have to admit, one of my favorite parts of being a blogger is getting to try out new products before everyone else. Getting the chance to try a hair styling tool, heaven. I got the chance recently to test out the new KISS InstaWave Automatic Curler. I wasn't sure it would work well on my fine, shorter, hard to curl hair. I thought I'd give it a try and I was pleasantly surprised.

I opened the box and read all of the instructions. It seemed super easy. I loved the idea of getting curls without worrying that my fingers would end up burned and blistered. Since my hair is above my shoulders, finger burns happen more often than I'd like.

The Features:

• KISS InstaWave is a fully automatic tangle-free curler that instantly creates beautiful curls
• Easy for anyone to use, from any angle, with any hand
• Features a Curl Dial with left/right curl directions
• Automatically shuts off after 90 minutes
• 2 heat settings with a low/high switch with maximum temperature of 420

There are two heat settings. I found the lower setting can be best for my fine hair. The indicator light comes on when the InstaWave is ready.

I started by pulling out a small section of my hair.

Hold the KISS Instawave Automatic Curler vertical to your head and just place the hair in the tines of the spindle. You just lay it across.

Then you hit the toggle button in the direction you want the barrel to turn.

Hold the InstaWave Automatic Curler in place for 5 to 10 seconds. Then pull the curler straight down. There was a little bit of a learning curve with my shorter hair and I found using a clip to hold my uncurled hair back was helpful.

Here is a video demo. (Be kind this is my very first video.)




My hair after I finished my full head. My curl lasts all day and still looks good.

PROS

• Easy to use right out of the box but since it was different than a standard iron, it took some time getting used to the motions.
• Heats up quickly.
• Didn't tangle.
• Auto shut-off (after 90 seconds), a plus for forgetful people like me.
• Creates lasting curls, even on my fine hair.

CONS

• Curling was one handed but use was not. I needed both hands to set the hair in place in the curler.
• It will take some time using it before I'm as fast as I am with a standard curling iron. To be fair, I've been using a standard iron since I was 12.
• It makes some noise (see video above). If you do your hair early in the morning while your spouse is sleeping (like I do) be aware that it's not silent.
• On the higher end of curling iron price points (retail: $59.99)

Note: I received my KISS InstaWave Automatic Curler in exchange for my review. My opinions are my own.

Hydrating Argan Oil - My Hair Mask Review

I'm a confessed product junkie. I try all sorts of products but I always feel better when I fall for products that are made using natural and organic ingredients. Recently, I've been trying out some products by InstaNatural. I've been using their Argan Oil Hair Mask, Argan Oil, and Advanced Formula Vitamin C Serum.

As I've gotten older hydrating my skin and hair has been more and more important. The medication that I take for my Rheumatoid Arthritis also weakens and dries out my hair. Using a deep conditioning treatment regularly has been crucial to keep it from breaking and looking dull. I have read great things about the hydrating properties of Argan Oil. InstaNatural's Super Hydration Argan Oil Hair Mask can be used as a deep conditioner or a daily conditioner. I tried it both ways. I noticed a positive change in my hair when I used it as a daily conditioner but the real impact came when I used it as a deep conditioner. My hair was incredibly silky. I was surprised that it didn't weigh my hair down. I was even able to wait several days between washing. I've been using the Hair Mask for a couple weeks now and I've barely made a dent in the container. A little goes a long way.

The pure Argan Oil has been a good winter hydrator. I've used it on my rough elbows and heels. I'm really loving the Vitamin C Serum. It's been fantastic for my skin. I am already a fan of serums. I've been using it daily and my skin is smoother. It's hydrating without feeling greasy and has a pleasant scent.

If you're looking for products that are natural and organic, InstaNatural's products are a great option. I highly recommend them.


Note: I was provided the products from InstaNatural in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.

AVON Butler Bag WINNER!

Congratulations to the winner of the AVON Butler bag!!

CONGRATULATIONS Tekisha!!

I will be in touch about getting your bag sent out to you. Thanks again to my dear friend Kevin Seiger-Cottoms, AVON Representative, for providing this fantastic bag for me to giveaway!