I was out today-- to the dentist (my god it was horrible), visiting my sister, out to lunch, and running errands-- and thought I'd do an outfit of the day. My sister and I found this pretty little spot right outside our dentist and took a few pics :) xx
Top: Kohls
Shorts: Ross
Shoes: Converse
A very simple outfit today, and quite cheap actually. I got my sheer, cream, button down top from Kohls (a small department store) for around $10. I got the loose, black and floral shorts from Ross (a discount department store) a year or two ago for around $8. My chucks I got off of ebay (but for around the same price as you can get them at Converse.com) for about $50. I hope you all enjoyed! I will definitely be doing more of these soon!! xx
For years I have fought with and struggled to tame my unruly curly hair. Being mixed (black and white) also didn't help because my mother had no idea what to do with it either. But a few years ago I decided that enough was enough and took my hair issues into my own hands. My beloved hair stylist suggested that I get it relaxed, but I also didn't want to lose my curls--it felt like losing a part of me. So I went for the next best thing--texlaxed! Texlaxed is different from relaxed, it means that although your hair is chemically treated, the chemicals aren't strong enough to completely straighten your hair. Getting your hair texlaxed simply means its relaxed, but still curly, just not as curly as before. And now I have concoted a list of my most beloved products, accessories and tools for my sometimes unruly hair. And all of these products are under $10 (good for me because I'm a poor teenager)! xx
I started using this conditioner a few months before I got my hair relaxed and have been using it ever since! Or at least this conditioner's sister, Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural Conditioner for Women of Color (its name literally makes me cringe, but its a great product nonetheless). Both of these conditioners are absolutely wonderful (and literally are the same product with a different bottle). They will give your dry hair just the right amount of moisture it needs and it smells like coconuts! :) Tip: if you have extremely, extremely dry hair like I do, don't completely rinse out this conditioner in the shower--it'll keep your moisture in all day!
Look its my conditioners best friend! This shampoo I've been using since the conditioner, and it works very well. I only shampoo once or twice a week (don't freak out my hair stylist told me to), but it works fabulously every time! And its definitely a bargain for its quality.
3. ISO Tamer Foam Smoother Hair Styling Serum
$9 on Amazon
I absolutely love this stuff! I have repurchased over and over again, it is so amazing. This serum has the look and feel of a mousse product, but doesn't leave your hair sticky or crunchy. It gets the frizz and fluff out, but leaves it soft and smooth all day long! I recommend this to everyone, not just those with curly hair. This is definitely on my top 10 list of best products I've EVER used!
4. Cantu Conditioning She Butter Cream
$6 at Walmart ($10 on Amazon for a pack of 2)
This is by far the best leave in conditioner I've ever used, and I've tried quite a few. It super thick and creamy and will keep your hair soft and frizz-free even without a gel or mousse. It smells amazing and also doubles as a deep conditioner. This is definitely one of the best conditioning treatments I've ever used. Anyone who's hair needs a good moisture treatment needs this product!
If you're thinking that this is a strange product to find on a curly girl's list of best products, you are absolutely right. But I have good reason for loving this product! Whenever I get my hair touched up no matter what I tell my stylist ("It was too straight last time, can you please, please do a formula that's a bit lighter?) I walk out of the hair salon with completely flat hair. And I. Hate. Flat. Hair. So for the next month or two when I'm trying to give my flat roots some life, this product is my best friend! If you need a little a volume definitely check this out!
This is definitely my favorite deep conditioner, and it smells ah-ma-zing (like fresh oranges!). This product is very creamy and works wonders! I leave it on with a shower cap overnight and wake up in the morning to perfectly soft and supple strands, its like my hair had never been damaged at all! But this can sometimes be tricky to find, but what else isn't when the ethnic hair care aisle in Walmart is approximately 3 feet long? If you really want to try this (and I suggest you do), but can't find it at Walmart, Amazon also has it for around $8.
7. Garnier Fructis Style Extra Strong Curl Construct Mousse
$3 at Walmart
Although I'm not a huge fan of mousse, this is by far the best I've tried. I like how lightweight it is, and doesn't make me feel like I put 10 pounds of product in my hair like a lot of other mousses do. It also really cheap which my bank account thanks me for, anyone in search of a nice and reliable lightweight mousse--look no further!
8. Scunci No-Slip Grip Flat Soft Hairbands
$3 for a pack of 3 at Walmart
Another strange occurrence on this list, but I'm telling you this headband is like a godsend. If you ever feel like your hair is everywhere, in your face or just kind of blah, these will be your savior. They're a lot thicker and more durable than other elastic headbands. They are also smaller, so they don't stretch out easily or feel lose. I am absolutely in love with these headbands and where them around the house almost everyday.
9. Diane Ionic Extra Wide Comb With Handle
$3.50 on Amazon
I've had this comb for most of my life and this is the top of my list of "Things Jordan Absolutely Can Not Live Without." This is a must for not only curly-haired girls, but every girl. You're actually supposed to use a wide tooth comb on your hair rather than a hair brush when your hair is wet. If you are tired of nasty split ends or ripping your hair out, try investing in a wide tooth comb.
10. A lace bow!
$2 at Forever 21
And last but not least a lace bow! Of course I couldn't complete this list without it. Though not quite the little lace bow you may have imagined because this bow is massive, but it is by far one of my most beloved hair accessories--along with all my other hair bows! :)
I think the most difficult question I've ever had to answer is "What kind of music do you listen to?" Uum do you have an entire day to sit down and discuss the origins of indie and classic rock? And since I don't want to bore whomever reads this with the equivalent of a dissertation, here are some of my top music picks this summer. Enjoy! xx
1. Concrete Wall- Zee Avi
Genre: Indie Rock
If you are just starting to dip your toes into indie music, Zee Avi is definitely the way to go. As far as indie/alternative music goes she is by far the safest (and she seems the most sane). "Concrete Wall" is very soothing and quite interesting to listen to, considering that Zee Avi is singing the background beat as well as the lyrics. Definitely check out her other music as well.
2. You & Me- Dave Matthews Band
Genre: Alternative Rock
Dave Matthews is definitely and old favorite. I've (involuntarily) listened to it all my life, and now I'm just starting to actually enjoy his music. "You & Me" is a rather new installment (2009) and is close to the sounds of John Mayer (who I absolutely love). Another one of my Dave Matthews Band favorites is "Ants Marching." And Dave Matthews Band has been around since before I was born and is still making music now, so plenty to listen to :)
3. Merry Happy- Kate Nash
Genre: Indie Pop/ Alternative
Kate Nash to me is a less defiant version of Lily Allen. Shes one of those singers that can put dirty words into her songs, but you wouldn't even notice because she sounds like an angel. I discovered "Merry Happy" a few years ago, but have now just rediscovered it and have fallen in love with it again.
4. Gone, Gone, Gone- Phillip Phillips
Genre: Pop rock
Ahh Phillip Phillips, although I fell off the American Idol band wagon, I have still happened to fall in love with Phillip Phillips--and his music. He has a very interesting voice as well, almost scratchy but still comforting. If you haven't listened to his music (which would be hard because they play it on the radio 24/7) you need to.
5. Landfill- Daughter
Genre: Indie Folk
This song is so beautiful, oh my gosh I literally can't talk about it enough. Elena Tonra has the most delicate and lovely voice. Its nearly as soothing as "Concrete Wall." And its not just a pretty girl with a pretty voice singing about whatever, this song has an underlying message.
6. Step- Vampire Weekend
Genre: Indie Rock
All of Vampire Weekend's songs literally speak for themselves. I could drone on about them for hours, or you could listen to their music. Because everyone should.
7. Sweater Weather- The Neighbourhood
Genre: Alternative Rock
I just discovered The Neighbourhood, and apparently everyone else has to. "Sweater Weather" got to #1 on Billboards alternative charts, so if that tells you anything..
8. Big Jet Plane, Yellow Brick Road- Angus & Julia Stone
Genre: Folk, acoustic
Angus & Julia Stone are and extremely underestimated duo. While they both seem to be more popular as soloists, together they are fantastic. All of their songs have a sort of mystical essence to them, and all of their songs are absolutely lovely. (So lovely that I couldn't pick just one song to put on this list)
"Big Jet Plane"
"Yellow Brick Road"
9. Young and Beautiful- Lana Del Rey
Genre: Alternative Rock
Lana Del Rey is hands-down my favorite artist. I'm absolutely obsessed with her, and when "Young and Beautiful" came out for the Great Gatsby movie I listened to it constantly. This song is absolutely beautiful and is one of those songs you can listen to a thousand times and will never get tired of it. I would also suggest "National Anthem", "Ride", and "Video Games" if you're interested in Lana. But be careful, some of her music is an acquired taste ;)
10. Sweet Sweet Melody- Katie Sky
Genre: Pop
This last song is just precious. I was actually introduced to it by Zoella (blogger and youtuber) when she used it in one of her videos. This song is just cutesy and sweet. It makes me feel like a little girl again and is definitely a pick-me-up kind of song. Katie Sky is also extremely underestimated--as in she doesn't even have a Wikipedia page and is still making YouTube videos with covers of songs-- but nonetheless she is nothing short of perfection.
And voila! A list of my most favorite songs so far this summer. Of course I've been listening to quite a few more, but alas putting 60 songs in one blog post seemed a bit excessive, but of course I don't want to leave anyone out so here is another list of a few of my favorite artists (sorry there are so many, and sorry for repeats!) :
alt-J, Angus Stone, Julia Stone, Daughter, Dave Matthews Band, Ed Sheeran, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, A Fine Frenzy, Grateful Dead, Imagine Dragons, John Mayer, Kate Nash, Katie Sky, Lana Del Rey, Marina and the Diamonds, The Neighbourhood, Phillip Phillips, Phoenix, Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars, Two Door Cinema Club, Vampire Weekend, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Zee Avi, Bon Iver, Capital Cities, Coldplay, Florence and the Machine, Keane, Kooks, Matisyahu, MGMT, Mumfor and Songs, Mika, Rusted Root, Walk the Moon, Wild Belle <3
