Everyday Outfits My Style

Leopard Faux Fur Coat

Leopard Faux Fur Coat {ZARA Leopard Faux Fur Coat (soldout online, but TONS of other options below) and Brocade Leggings (old), ALDO Faux Fur Muff Bag (old, but LOVE this one} and Suede Ankle Boots (also available here), H&M Wool Fedora, UNIQLO Cashmere Turtleneck}

A leopard faux fur jacket like this has been on the top of my wishlist for a while now, and I finally lucked out. It’s such a fun piece to toss on when it’s chilly outside. I’ve worn it to run weekend errands and have also thrown it over an LBD for a romantic date night with my husband. This particular version from Zara is sold out online, but I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites above. I especially like this one with a detachable contrasting pink collar. And if you’re up for a splurge, this option from Coach is absolutely divine (and on sale for 50% off!).

Since this coat gives me vintage glam vibes, I decided to dig out my faux fur clutch that doubles as a hand warmer. I got this purse on a whim two years back, and at the time I didn’t even notice the slip-through pocket in the front. I found one just like it in a gorgeous burgundy color here, and you can also try your luck on eBay or Etsy for even more options.

Leopard Faux Fur Coat, NYC Fashion Blogger Leopard Faux Fur Coat, NYC Fashion Blogger

Tips & Tricks Video

How to Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals {My 2017 New Year’s Resolutions}

On this first day of 2017, I have a little confession to make…

I used to HATE setting New Year’s Resolutions! They just always seemed so contrived, and I’d usually abandon them before the month of January was even out. In any case, I must be getting soft in my old age because I’ve recently had a change of heart and have decided to make a few resolutions for the first time in many years.

In this video, I share with you my Top 4 New Year’s Resolutions, plus my action plan for making them happen. I’m applying the philosophy of S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting which stands for Smart, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Timely. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, relax and learn more about how to set your own S.M.A.R.T. goals and kick@$$ in 2017!

 

Beauty Product Reviews

No-Heat Stretched Curls {Featuring Head & Shoulders}

This post is brought to you in partnership with Head & Shoulders. All views and opinions expressed are my own. Thanks so much for supporting the brand that make this blog possible!

Instead of winding down for the year, December has turned out to be one of my busiest months ever. Between finishing up last-minute client projects and prepping for the holidays, I have almost ZERO downtime for personal maintenance. That means that the few moments I do have to spare on my beauty routine have to be spent wisely. You guys know that I’m generally no-fuss, no-muss when it comes to styling my natural tresses, so I just wanted to share my one of my easy styling methods – that I picked up from my Granny – in this quick tutorial. And I also want to share my review of Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo.

My hair is prone to dryness, so I use a sulfate-free shampoo about 80% of the time. But recently, I’ve started a new exercise regimen which means a lot more sweating that can at times lead to a dry itchy scalp. So for those times when I need a little extra sudsing power, or when my scalp feels like it needs some extra TLC, I’ll sometimes reach for my hubby’s Head & Shoulders. For the 11+ years that we’ve been married, this is the only shampoo I’ve ever seen him use. He swears by the Original version, so I was pretty stoked to test out the Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo for a change.

If you ever use Head & Shoulders, the first thing you’ll notice is the mild tingly sensation in your scalp. This comes from their proprietary 1 percent pyrithione zinc technology, combined with fresh scent of green apple. Afterwards, my scalp felt refreshed, and my hair was clean but didn’t have that stripped feeling that some shampoos can leave you with. I followed up with a 15-minute deep condition and wrapped my hair in a microfiber towel after rinsing.

After my towel soaked up most of the moisture from my hair, and my strands were no longer sopping wet, I reached for my trusty satin rollers. These have been a staple in my beauty arsenal for the past 30 years. Back when I was a little girl, one of my favorite things to do was spend the weekend at my grandmother’s house. On Saturday morning, we’d take a trip to the beauty parlor to get our hair done. And at night, she set my hair satin-covered sponge rollers and dress me in one of her old nightgowns before bed. In the morning, we’d wake up and take my rollers out before getting dressed up for church. So everytime, I wear my hair like this I have sweet memories of the time we shared together.

By the time I woke up in the morning, my hair was completely dried. After taking my rollers out, I then applied a bit of hair oil to the palms of my hands and lightly rubbed my fingers through my hair and scalp to help break up the curls. My hair was soft, bouncy and free from product-buildup after using the Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo the night before. And my scalp still felt great and not at all tight, itchy or flaky.

After breaking up the curls, I then brush my hair up towards the crown of my head and secure it in place with an elastic headband that I cut open in the center and wrap around my head to make a ponytail. I like using the elastic headbands as opposed to regular hair-ties because it gives my hair a fuller look and is way less tension on my edges. Sometimes when my hair has extra slips, I secure the band in place with 2 or 3 bobby pins as well.

This style is a lifesaver because of the time it saves me. Just 10-15 minutes to put my hair in rollers the night before, and another 3-5 minutes of styling in the morning. And because the curls were set while my hair was still damp, this style will easily last 3-4 days just by wrapping in a satin scarf or bonnet overnight. It doesn’t get any better than that!

You can find the Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo and many more Head & Shoulders products on Amazon! Having your hair products shipped to your home is a huge time-saver.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Head & Shoulders. The opinions and text are all mine.