Thursday, July 25, 2013

Summer Trend Review

The summer is slowly ending...before you know it we'll be in UGGs and Coats. Here's a little review of my favorite trends this summer.

High Buns: 

From messy to slick, buns can go with any look. Most commonly seen with Braids, these buns are so versatile and I'm almost certain this trend may carryover to fall/winter season.

Eye Wear:

My personal favorite! Sunglasses-- rather its sunny or cloudy, they will do you justice. Most recent styles are vintage inspired, giving you a lil' Marilyn Monroe Cat Eye!

Lip Color:

Riri Woo!!!! Red lips have been all over the magazines and red carpets. This particular lip shade been doing wonders for every skin tone, it almost never looks bad.

Over-sized bags:

Who doesn't like a bag you can put EVERYTHING in. I do! Clutch bags, Cross- body, Totes... the list goes on, they are certainly carrying over to Fall Season.

Single sole Pumps: 

I have a post on single soles. They are so cute and can be dressed up or down. They come open toe, T-strap, and closed toe.

These trends have been seen everywhere and are still in stock in most retail stores.

Tell me your favorite summer trends. 

xoxo,
Jill 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

New Arrivals

Love Struck Boutique has New Arrivals. 

Check out the new items now.  GET 10% OFF USING CODE SBJ10! 

Tell Them I Sent YOU.  ;)

HAPPY Shopping! 

XOXO,
Jill

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Trending: Overalls

 Yes, they are back! Overalls are making most ADULT women have the best of both worlds. Remember as a child, the only reason you wore overalls was to play outside and sometimes for school. Now women are wearing them for Fashion's Sake. I personally like the idea of overalls with a chic modern twist. Add a pair of pumps, a blouse and a handbag, and you'll look all grown up again :)!
  

 Sneaker wedges and bralette's look great with overalls. It gives the look a traditional 80's feel with a modern twist.  
 
If you notice any fashion guru will always pair overalls and single sole pumps. It's like pairing heels with sweats. You'll will never think they'll go together, but it works! Sort of like Apples and peanut butter...lol!


I love this trend it's so cute and sassy. Overalls can play as a blank canvas and if your daring enough, you'll put just about anything with it and make a remarkable OOTD!

xoxo,
Jill

Friday, July 19, 2013

The Perfect Lips

You want soft kissable lips.. Sure you do, in fact everybody does.
Well here is a D.I.Y lip mask that's tasty and sure to leave your lips nice and sweet.

You'll need:

2 Tbs of Sugar
1 Tbs of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
1 Tbs of Honey
1 Tsp of Lemon (my little secret)

This recipe works wonders, leave the mask on for about 10-15 minutes and wipe off with a hot rag (as hot as you can stand it). Follow up with your favorite chap stick.  Your lips will be soft and chap free.

xoxo,
Jill

Thursday, July 18, 2013

The Perfect Brows


Having the perfect eyebrows is becoming the most important thing in the beauty industry. If you want perfect brows here's how to get them.


Step 1: Brush your brow into a neat shape. Pluck away any stray hairs or clip them.

Step 2: Fill in the first third (top of tear duct) with a lighter shade brow pencil. Use the darker shade to fill in the middle and tail of the brow.

Step 3: Blend shading with your eyebrow brush

Step 4: Use your edge brush to apply concealer to clean up the harsh edges around the brow on top and bottom.

*Tip: Your brows will NEVER look EXACTLY the same. They are like twins, something will always be different about them.

Watch this video Perfect Eyebrow Tutorial  by the Natural Sistas, Carmen has the best eyebrows ever!!!

Hope these steps will help!

xoxo,
Jill

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Natural Hair Maintainence

If you have been following my blog,  you know I just had my 1 year natural anniversary,  but it's only been 8 months since my Big Chop (BC).

Being Natural is more work than maintaining permed or heat pressed hair.  You have to constantly tend to your hair daily which can stress your strands.

Especially extremely coiled/kinky hair -- this hair type needs the most maintenance no doubt about it, but don't get caught up in the hair typing trend. This because no hair is the same. 

Here's what I do for my kinky hair.

When Washing

• On dry hair,  finger part hair into manageable sections.

•Finger detangle,  removing knots and shed hair.

•Apply conditioner or shampoo (if clarifying)

•I rinse out my product in the shower, it easier to rinse out using a downward motion. 

When Styling

On dry or wet hair,  section hair off with clips, apply product and style.

Maintaining

At night I oil or spritz water on my hair and wrap a silk scarf around my head or wear a silk bonnet.  These 2 products will keep the moisture in your hair. 

*Some people sleep on silk pillowcases

Products

Carol's Daughter
Shea Moisture
ORS olive oil products
ORGANIC coconut oil
Shea Butter
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Mane n' Tail Conditioner

Protective Styling can help with breakage and growth. However you still have to moisturize and spritz with water. 

Try out these tips and products and tell me how they work for you. 

xoxo,
Jill

Monday, July 15, 2013

Top 5 Fashion Tips and Tricks

Being a woman comes with a number of situations we can or cannot control. However, the way we dress is certainly something we can manage. Here are my top 5 FAVORITE Fashion Tips and Tricks.

1. Never buy the Wrong Coat

The fall/winter season will be here in no time, don't wait til the last minute to get the perfect coat. I was surfing the web and came across this tip from instyle.com.  Having the perfect coat is VERY...VERY....VEEEERRRRYYY IMPORTANT! During this season what's the first thing everybody will see?....your coat. What ever your city's climate is your coat can still be Awesome.

To save a buck, shop smart--- Try websites like Alloy, dELIA*S, Forever 21, and H&M for trendy outerwear. 

2. Pair loose with tight

This tip is great for every body type, but it really serves a purpose for Apple and Pair Shaped women. Wearing a loose top with tight bottoms will balance out the shape of your body as well as the look itself. Being a Pear shaped female myself, I love to wear leggings but to make my look ---look its best... I have to wear a top that does not cling to my mid-section (problem section). 

3. The ultimate Scarf trick

When I was employed at TJ Maxx I love to work in the Jewelry/Accessories Dpt. If you don't know where to purchase a beautiful scarf from TJ's is the place besides DSW. They have awesome prices for designer scarfs or shawls. While working there I noticed we were receiving circle scarfs during the fall season and I fell in love with this style, but I already had a bunch of regular straight scarfs. When I shared this with a co worker, she gave me a little secret.

Take the two ends of the scarf and tie them into a neat knot, when you want to wear it, double loop the scarf around your neck and it will fall just the way the like it. (Also, if you want to make it permanent, sew the ends together with a sewing machine or by hand)

 4. Don't Be Afraid of color

If you look in your closet and notice black, brown, white, gray...boring! It's time you went out and purchased a bold bright color to lighten up your wardrobe. Don't be afraid to play with color and prints, if you don't want to go all the way...try accenting your calm outfits with a bright pop color. For example, if your wearing all black (for some reason...lol jk) try popping a bright pink handbag or chunky necklace to add a focal point to your look.
5. Don't buy it if your unsure

When we go shopping, we pick up just about everything we think we like or might fit--- and 8 out of 10 times we don't need it or it's not really our size. Now this might not apply to everyone, but this was certainly me a few months back. Before you go shopping to add pieces in your wardrobe, check your closet like you would the fridge before grocery shopping. See what you need first before you buy a bunch of things you don't need. Make a list of those items with a desired budget, give your self a little grace period no more than $5 extra. This will help you shop smart and save $$$$.... Oh yea and don't forget to try on items before you purchase them. It's nothing worse than buying an item you really like and can't fit it when you get home.


I hope these tips and tricks will help you and Tell me your favorite tips.

xoxo,
Jill

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Calling All Bloggers: Let's Work Together.


 Hello to all my Bloggers out there!

 Love Struck Boutique is looking to collaborate with another fashion and or Beauty Blogger. I am on the hunt for an awesome collabee [my made up word. lol], Any who, we are looking for someone who is willing to generate ideas that will benefit both parties.

If your interested contact me via email jillynnreese@gmail.com

Click here to view Love Struck blog.
www.shoplovestruck.com

xoxo,
Jill  

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Headwraps and turbans

Being a fan of almost every major YouTube Naturalist,  I try just about every hairstyle or headwrap I see.  On that note,  I have completely fell in love with turbans.  They are so many styles and ways to wear them. 
It's the best thing for me when my twist outs get old and frizzy. These headwraps are chic and trendy, I absolutely love them. It's way better than just throwing on a baseball cap and heading out the door.
Because my hair is big and curly,  I braided it into two flat twist and secured the ends with Bobby pins.  I used a new scarf I purchased at Forever 21 and wrapped it from the back to the front. 
Some people twist the knot until it rolls up on it's own first — but before it do that I tie and Rubberband around it to keep it tight, then proceed to twisting. 
This is a very easy to do trend.  Try it out and tell me what you think.
xoxo,
JILL

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Trend Alert: Single Soles

I'm sure you've noticed, everywhere has single sole pumps. I remember when my mom used to where shoes like these and I hated them as a kid. Now they are consuming my closet.

Single sole pumps have come a long way but still has the traditional vintage look. Most single sole pumps are buckled around the ankle and can be open or closed toe.

These chic and dainty shoes can be dressed up or down.







Love Struck's Mavis Black Pump goes great with a pair of skinny blue jeans paired with a vibrant lime green peplum and neon yellow clutch bag. This look is great for day time shopping and brunch with friends.

This single sole pump also looks great with this Hot red sweetheart dress and White Over sized Clutch from Love Struck boutique as well.

Single sole pumps have definitely made a come back in today's retail stores.


You can purchase the Mavis Black pump and White over sized clutch at www.shoplovestruck.com and get 10% off by using Code SBJ10. 

Tell me what you think. 

xoxo,
Jill 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Summer Footwear + DISCOUNT

Working for Love Struck comes with a few perks — discounts,  meeting new people,  working with people who don't live in the same country as me........ Did I say discounts already  :).
However the one thing I love the most is giving you guys deals you can resist. 
Whenever you shop at LS and your ready to checkout... Don't fret you can get 10% off your entire purchase by using a Special Code
SBJ10 gets you 10% off of anything
Like a pair of sandals
Ava Sandal $21.90
www.shoplovestruck.com
Don't forget the discount code SBJ10
XOXO,
Jill

Monday, July 8, 2013

Perfect Skin - Healthy Body

Hey guys,

I have a little insider and secret that I want to share. :) Just kidding people all over the US, are getting down with the homemade green smoothie. Now, don't judge the book by it's cover, this beverage is AWESOME, and the taste is even better. Similar to the "Naked" Green Machine Juice which it almost $4 for a simple 8oz, you can make twice as much, better yet triple the amount. 

I usually keep fruit around my house so I don't have to always buy everything at once at the market. This drink is great blended or Juiced. When blended you get all the nutrients from the skin of the fruits and veggies, but when juiced your only getting the juice of the ingredients. Now either way is healthy and you will get the same results, it just depends on your personal taste.

Benefits....

Clear soft skin
Increases Metabolism
Increased energy
Regular digesting
Softer hair (naturals you'll love it)
Brighter eyes 

When you make this drink for the first time you'll determine what you like more or less in your smoothie but once you try it, you'll love it!

xoxo,
Jill

Classic and Chic

There is nothing more easier to wear then the classics. You've got your favorite jean (levi's for me) and your boyfriend's all white button down shirt. The best thing about this OOTD is that you can accessorize with just about anything.

In this Casual Day Time OOTD I've accessorized with a few items from shoplovestruck.com (YAY!!!)

Reggie Black and Orange Pumps- $43.80
Royal Blue Over-sized Clutch (w/ strap)- $33.90

Try this OOTD for a day out with the girls!

Get 10% off the LS items (www.shoplovestruck.com)
CODE: SBJ10

xoxo,
Jill

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