STYLE SKINNY

Gym Hair = Bad Hair?

Exercising and Hair in general just don't seem to mix very well.  Whether you have coily natural hair (not chemically processed) or bone straight...theres something about the mixture of excessive movement, sweat, and a possible ponytail holder that may work well for a moment or two, but leaves an after nastiness that I personally am getting tired of dealing with.

And get this... I've only just recently joined a gym and may have worked out a good 3.5 times, and I already feel like shaving my head...   (the .5 was a result of me not finishing completely and racing home to catch the season premier of Brad Meltzer's DECODED.)

Sigh. What are your best practices for having amazing hair at the gym and directly after? ... and what do you do if you're like me, and wouldn't shower at the gym even if the faucet spit out vintage Chanel bags. Share your favorite gels, dry shampoos, super special ponytail styles, ultimate braid-outs, or even weaves...HELP! hehe.

xoxo SBG

Tracee, from KeepItSimpleSista.blogspot.com, shows off her gym hair look

 

Lace/Neutrals

Photos from Droptokyo.com [street style]

10 Words I Try to Avoid (Remembering Your First Love)

I started off this post about to type what many bloggers write at least once in their lives,

"I know I haven't posted in a long time but... "  

We generally like to say this on the start of a post, when we haven't blogged in a while.  Its sort of like an explanation of sorts. A way of saying we're sorry we left our readers without anything for X amount of time, but now "we're back and at it again!"...and we "promise we wont have too many more long moments between posts!..."

Anyway, I wrote this infamous line...and then I deleted it.  Then I typed it again, and deleted it again. And while I do pride myself in being a super duper fast typer, to save myself from having to type it any additional times, I just Command C'd it, prepping for a possible Command V.  

It clearly never came... so instead of explaining my whereabouts, I became frustrated.   Why do I... well, people in general, blog in clumps... and then leave there readers waiting for those ten words. Do we just get tired of writing, or tired of our subject? ...Do our personal lives intervene leaving us little time to blog? ...Could be it all of the above?

While speaking with my favorite aunt, former UCONN English Professor and all around knower of all things, on the topic of "What makes a good novel"...or a "blog post" even, she shared something so simple but so fitting.  A novel tends to be a good read when the author has a deep love or interest in the topic he or she is writing about.  ...Whether it be a personal experience or the migration of sea otters due to global warming...if the writer is completely enthralled in the topic, the outcome has a high chance of success to some market.

As I thought about this concept I realized how we as bloggers blog, because its fun. Plain and simple.  We are in love with our topics and we like to talk about them, write about them, and share them with others in hopes that they will enjoy them too.  

I once read an article detailing the top 10 'Blogging Don'ts" of which number one read, "Never Blog about your Cat."  It was there, written in bold, and underlined none-the-less... and needless to say I was already about a year into StyleSkinny, where I created a tiny cartoon version of my lovely cat Amani, who made a monthly Wheres Waldo appearance in my header, amongst other sections. I absolutely love blogging about my cat. Had I broken the cardinal blogging rule?  Such a ridiculous thought.  But I was reminded again that although there may be blogging "tips", no one should listen to someones rigid set of blogging rules.  We should be blogging about and in the style that bests suits us whether 100 people use the same format, or just two.  We should be expressing our love for our topics in our own creative way! 

If you are a writer or blogger, I challenge you today to remember why you began writing in the first place.  Think about your interest and love for the subject you blog about.  Know that someone is just as interested in your topic as you are and would love to read what you have to say.  Remember that blogging is fun, adhere to your own rules, and you'll rarely, if ever, be forced to apologize for leaving your readers empty for so long!

 xoxo-SBG

The Geffen Contemporary at Moca for the Art in the Streets Graffiti exhibit!

I have to say, I wasn't all that excited to take my latest week long work trip to LA... mainly, because as I've stated... it was a work trip. Not that I mind working at all, in fact Im one of the rare folks that actually do like it, yet being in such a beautiful state...palm trees everywhere... I wanted to bust out of each meeting with urgency! Not even continual bottles of water, coffee, and batches of baked oatmeal cookies could make me disinterested in the wonderful world of LA!  The Hollywood hills were calling me!

... But such changed when I and my team were given the opportunity to take a planned tour of one of the Geffen museum sites.  In a rugged almost dirty location sat a raw yet peaceful building, housing works from some of THEE most talented and amazing artists of our time. ...and huddled into a sweet little corner were the works of the great Lady Pink.  Now, if you were a former viewer of my personal blog (back in the day), "thatskinnybrowngirl2.blogspot.com" You'll remember when I was in my grafitti days.  I discovered Lady Pink and 5 minutes later I purchased my first pack of markers and simultaneously drove home while attempting to quickly develop a TAG.  Needless to say, Although I pride myself in being a pretty nifty graphic designer, I lack pretty much all skills in the art of grafitti.  That however doesn't stop me from indulging in the crazy pen strokes of others, and sokeing up each feeling and thought from marker to paper.  This exhibit was WILD.  Check out my photos below, and if you ever get a chance, check it out. xo-SBG

 
 

 

This is how I feel right now.

photo via style by kling

This is Beautiful. Would you agree?

Postcards From Italy from andrew+carissa on Vimeo.

 

 

40 and Over Favorites! (Read this one, Mom)

I love my mother very much, and therefore this post is long long lonnggggg overdue.  She keeps asking me,  "When are you going to post something for the women of my age? All of my friends are waiting!" So I think I may start a mini series just on topics concerning age appropriate styles.  I'll see how it goes. :) But, for now, lets get right into todays post... According to an article I read on Oprah.com...

 

'Lloyd Boston, author of Before You Put That On, says the number one mistake women make is shopping by size, not by fit. "They're married to an 8 but the 10 starts fitting a little better," he says. "Go ahead and get the 10 and cut the number out. Get the clothes that fit, not the number you want to be and your clothes will look so much sexier.'

 

 Now, any person can benefit from this advice, but as we age, our bodies naturally change shape.  I mean, I turned 27 in April and I already feel like I may have to change my pen name to thatSometimesSkinnyBrownGirl. ...My BCBG powerskirts are all splitting up the side hems, my tailored pants are becoming stretch, and lets just say I may be hitting the gym for more than just health reasons. haha.  We are women... our bodies change... you may not always be a size 6, but THATS OK.  Pop on that size 8 and exhale!  Im not at all against weight maintanance and such, but if you want to look great and feel great, it is truly imperative that your clothes fit well.  No one knows what number you're wearing anyway, they're just checking you out to see if you look good or not, and if you're comfortable and everything fits properly, it will definitely show both on the inside and outside! ;)  

Below I've listed 3 of my favorite needs for women over 40.  If you have any questions on where to purchase the below listed, feel free to comment below or shoot me an email. 

1. Great Denim.  Lets face it. Jeans are one of the most easy pieces to throw on, match a shirt with, and run out the house to the grocery store or whatever errands you have for the day.  Every woman over 40 needs a great pair of jeans and the brand, "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" are my personal pick.

Style Tip from Tim Gunn of BRAVO TV's Project Runway: Try to avoid, "Capri-length pants and low-rise jeans.".  

 NeimanMarcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom... pretty much all major department stores carry this line, and you can even order them off of Amazon.  The great thing about Not Your Daughter's Jeans is their lift/tuck technology that helps smooth everything out and lift you in those important places ;).  Check the brand out by clicking each Store link above, or go to their official website, HERE. 

 

2. The Perfect (Summer) Jacket.  My mother always says, "I just need something to throw over my shoulders..."  So, my suggestion is to seek out a great thin weight jacket style or summer sweater.  Choose a fabric that can be worn in warm weather, cover your shoulders, but not cause you to overheat. Stick to lighter neutral colors so you can wear it with many options...and avoid at all costs, double breasted jackets, which tend to make one look boxy and less shapely.  Show your feminine curves ladies!

J.Jill Utility Jacket, Drawstring for Waist Shaping, Need this? Click --->HERE.

J.Jill Textured Sweater, Layering piece. Need this? Click --->HERE.

 

3. A Touch of the Tribal Trend

Its ok if you're not all that into trends...No matter what your age is, I hate when people go trend crazy and overdo a certain look... However, it doesn't hurt to have one piece that draws a particular trend in.  For the summer, currently Tribal pieces are extremely popular.  Add an interesting oversized tribal necklace to a plain dress... or a silky printed scarf w/ fringes to enhance any everyday look.

Theodora and Callum, Blue maya linen biarritz Tote. Need this? Click --->HERE

Nordstrom, Accessory Street 'Tribal Animal' Scarf. Need this? Click --->HERE

 

 

BCBGMAXAZRIA, Amara Printed Maxi Dress. Need this? Click --->HERE .  

While BCBGMAXAZRIA does offer a variety of styles in Petite sizes, this particular dress only comes in "Missy".  You may need a good taylor to hem or take-up this dress. :) ...Remember... Its all about the FIT!

Nothing Like New Purchases :)

Its no surprise that I've left blogging behind for the past few months. ...and honestly, my only excuse is lack of inspiration.  Every once in a while I run into a creativity block. For me, this is merely a sign that I've been doing TOO MUCH...   Each thing or project in my head seems to compete for space in my brain... there ends up being little space left just for my personal thoughts! ..although, sometimes they're one in the same...  

But either way, I'm back (and yes, my foot is pretty much healed and sandal ready!!) , and what better way to start off, than with a list?  I clearly love listing things... Best new websites, awesome hairstyles, latest cosmetics... the list goes on... (lol)  For this post, however I'll be listing just a few of my favorite new purchases.  Per usual, underneath I've linked you directly to where you can purchase the item.  If you have any questions shoot me an email. I love mail. lol

 

"Nicola"Dress, BCBGMAXAZRIA

Get it HERE. As soon as I saw this dress I wanted to order it... and so did like 4 of my friends. Smh.  Oh well, maybe I'll shorten it a tad...gotta be different!  I really like the navy stripes (anything w/ stripes right now Im all about)..and the belt comes with it too. Lizoveee... Don't think I'd wear flats w/ it though...hmmm.

 

 

Lexi Shirt, GUESS

 Get it HERE ...I've been looking for a chambray shirt for a little while, but all the ones I came across were just too baggy.  This shirt actually fits very well, has stretch, and breathes pretty nicely.  I usually tie the ends up right under my belly button ...kinda sorta like this... 

 

 

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave In

Target is my 'go to' for this product...  My hair type needs moisture moisture moisture especially in the summer! ...And I totally refuse to not apply a Leave-In Conditioner after doing any treatment to my hair, whether it be washing, cowashing, etc.  This bottle actually lasted me a pretty long time, as I substitute regularly with Humectress Luxe Ultimate Moisturizing Leave-In Spray (below) My favorite thing about the LTR however is the smell.  It smells soooo good! Fresh, Fruity and a little bit flowery...  Yum.

 

5185's Essentials in Black, CHANEL

Get them at Bloomingdale's or HERE.  Now, I absolutely am not the girl that spends hundreds of dollars every year on designer shades, however I have to admit... I was getting tired of buying cheap sunglasses and having them break within the month.  So I splurged a little, and coped these babies! lol. They're super chic and I feel my cool points go up about 20 when I put them on, haha. Plus, every girl needs at least one piece of Chanel -even though I think they license out their eyewear to Luxotica- but who cares... I love these. :)

 

 

 Misty Denim Leggings, True Religion

Get them HERE. I LOVE THESE JEANS. like period.  I really do.  Being a skinny girl, with curves has its pluses but its also very difficult to find a jean or pant in general that fits properly around my tiny knees and calves but also my thighs... which are small but still hold a definite shape.  I've tried Adriana Goldschmidt, Citizens of Humanity (some work great), Joe's etc... none of these brands really fit except for True Religion and J Brand.  J Brands are super plain however, so for my new pant purchase I chose these traditional skinny leggings with an interesting 'stingray' wash.

 

 

Sateen Skinny Ankle Pant, MadeWell

Get them HERE. Madewell is an obsession of mine.  I literally visit this store at the very least once a week...and I have to purchase at least one thing, even if its a tank top.  Its sad really. Im addicted!   These pants however are great to just throw on for everyday...very soft and thin to help you out in the summer heat.  

 

 

SBS Color Trak Crock Clips

These are my FAV clips to use when Im sectioning my hair to detangle or apply a deep conditioner.  When you pinch the clip it opens but bends even more in the middle for extra hair space.  My hair is ridiculously thick so these are some of the only clips that fit each section inside.

Another place I like to buy cute hair accessories that I can actually style my hair with is Youtube's Kimmaytube's online store, LUVNaturals

         

 

Sweet Almond Body Butter, the Body Shop

Get it HERE. If you dont know about the Body Butter from the Body Shop, you've been living under a rock. Thats all Im going to say about that! lol  No, but really, I dont like eating almonds, but I will buy products with the nut in them.  I especially like this body butter lotion, as well as straight almond oil, which I put in my hair to seal moisture in.  You can get plain sweet almond oil from your local Wholefoods Store.  

Websites I'm Currently Feeling ...

 Hair Obsession... MopTopMaven.com; Kimmaytube; and Fuckyeahcurlscurlscurls

 

 

Got a Question? Quora.com

 

 

XOXORandomphotos... WeHeartIt.com

 

 

Trends... Style.com
 

 

Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2011

...Just a few of my runway favorites. :) xo-SBG