SEWINGSTARDOM.COM

2012-02-07T18:01:00.002-05:00

UNDER CONSTRUCTION! PLEASE EXCUSE THE APPEARANCE

Sewing Stardom is undergoing some big changes! As You can see the URL is now .Com and no longer ".blogspot.com"

Warning all old posts will be deleted soon!

Stay tuned for updates!!!

Beauty: All about Deep Conditioning

2011-12-21T17:02:00.008-05:00

What is Deep Conditioning?

Simply put, it's a fast way to restore moisture to your hair using some form of conditioner(organic or store bought).

Here are a few examples...

Organic Conditioners: Honey, Mayonnaise and Olive Oil

Store Bought : Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayo(this is what I use)

How do you do it?

Using your conditioner(organic, store bought or a mixture of both) apply it to freshly washed hair and applied a plastic cap for 30-60 minutes.

Rinse and Repeat as needed.

That's it!

Here's my routine:

After detangling/cowashing I apply a large amount of ORS Hair Mayo to my soaking wet hair working in 4 sections.

Once each section is coated from roots to tips I apply EVOO to my scalp and my ends

Then I put a plastic cap on my head for about an hour.

I rinse with cold waster and repeat weekly!

Benefits of Deep Conditioning Weekly

- Helps prevents and repair heat damaged hair

- Eliminates frizz that is caused by dry ends

-Makes hair softer, shiny and bouncy

-Prevents Breakage

-Healthier hair and longer hair

Overall, I've been doing this since 07 and I think this is plays a major role in why I haven't experienced any damage from color or heat (used sparingly of course).

Why You should Deep Condition your Hair

Whether you are natural, permed or transitioning moisture plays a very vital role in length and the health of your hair. Restoring moisture weekly is a great way to keep your hair growing strong and beautiful!

Hair: Teyana Taylor Inspired Curls

2011-12-19T16:24:00.009-05:00

The Beautiful Teyana Taylor has been a natural hair inspiration of mine since I was in high school. Her hair is always on point, with perfect coils, waves and curls.

For a very long time I've wondered how does she get her waves to look that perfect and how can I get my hair the same way.

BANTU KNOTS ON AIR DRIED or BLOW DRIED HAIR

You can do it on flat ironed hair for a look similar to this...

or wet hair for a curly fro look.

I'm not sure if she uses this method but this is how I achieve a curl similar to her hair shown here.

Here's what you need:

1.Organic Roots Stimulator Twist and Lock Gel

2. Denman Brush

3. Plastic Hair Clips

4. Time to Air Dry- takes me about an hour or a Blow dryer

5. Bobby Pins

How to Achieve This Look:

***Since it was wash day for me I started with clean deep conditioned hair.

1. After I rinsed out my conditioner, I put my hair into 4 large twists allowing it to air dry for about 1 hr.

2. On damp hair I applied a leave in moisturizer(Cantu Shea Butter Leave In)

3. Working in 4 Sections I divided the first section into to 2 pieces. Working with one piece at a time I applied "ORS Twist and Lock Gel" to the hair saturating my 85% dried hair with the product.

This product will make you hair feel damp!

4. Once the product is applied smooth it out with the denman brush and begin to twirl your hair until it begins to coil, this forms the bantu knot. Use your bobby pins to secure the hair that doesn't stay in place.

You're hair will literally begin to wrap around itself, you may have to wrap it yourself if you have long hair. Here's a video I found helpful if you can't visual this...

http://youtu.be/g4nTT6XuRU0

(she has a great channel btw subcribe)

5. Then repeat these steps on the rest of your hair. Resulting 8-10 knots

Let your hair air dry for a 5-8 hrs or sit under and hooded dryer.

I slept with my knots in and here are the results in the morning...

Shiny, soft, bouncy and very similar to Teyana Taylors coif.

Thoughts, Questions, Comments???

Find me here https://twitter.com/#!/Fatima_FF

or here http://www.facebook.com/pages/sewingstardomblogspotcom/132075366858437

Fashion Report: "Garter Printed Tights"

2011-12-04T09:05:00.007-05:00

For as long as I can remember I've been obsessed with Garters, Corsets and any other type of vintage lingerie.

However, wearing garters everyday is a bit "1980's streetwalker" so to feel sexy and not too slutty I've opted for these printed garter tights. I have two pairs so far, they are my absolute new favorite things!

This black pair is from Forever 21 for $6.80

This Pink pair is from Icing Accessories $3(clearance sale)

These tights are super cheap and great for pairing with a distressed shorts, a chunky sweater or jacket and fitted tops.

Get inspired by Rihanna and Rita Ora, Layering is the key to making this outfit fun and not "slutty".

Are you digging Garter Printed Tights? If So how would you wear them?

Contact Me:

Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/Fatima_FF

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/sewingstardomblogspotcom/132075366858437

Tumblr:http://sewingstardom.tumblr.com/

Email: sewingstardom@gmail.com

Natural Hair: 5 Simple Tips to Combat Dryness

2011-11-27T10:22:00.003-05:00

Winter is almost here and the cold air can be harsh on our hair! Whether Natural or Relaxed read below for 5 simple tips that can keep your hair hydrated during the winter season.

1. Cowash- Using a cheap conditioner like V05 or Herbal Essences to detangle and replenish moisturize weekly will keep the strands hydrated and silky smooth. I co-wash with a paddle brush or a wide tooth RAKE comb.

2. Shampoo- Reduce the amount of shampoo you use during each session. I always separate my hair into 4 sections and I use a quarter size amount of shampoo for each section. I only apply onto my scalp. I never rub it down the shaft to the ends, because this will cause dryness.While shampooing I focus on my scalp and let the water cleanse the rest.

3. Satin Bonnet: Sleeping with a satin bonnet is probably the easiest way to protect your hair while you sleep. It literally takes 2 seconds to put it on and the benefits you receive are amazing!

This simple step can prevent breakage, splits ends, and it will help preserve your style.

4. Deep Condition: Using a thick deep conditioner like ORS Hair Mayo weekly during the colder months will promote shiny, soft, moisturized hair.

5.Oil: Find a natural oil that you like that you can use daily for your scalp and ends. I prefer EVOO or Jojoba Oil. I use my oil before bed on my ends and in the morning I focus on my scalp. There are plenty of oils out there with many different benefits so do your research and find one that works best for your needs!

Natural Hair: Zoe Saldana Inspired Style

2011-11-26T19:18:00.009-05:00

This week I got really bored with my pressed hair and I was feeling

inspired by the Beautiful Zoe Saldana so I used this video as a guide for bantu knots

( http://youtu.be/g4nTT6XuRU0) and here were my results!

I've done this style in the past but I've never liked it this much.

This hair style is fairly easy to do, the hardest part is finding a comfortable position to sleep in with these knots all over your head.

*Tips: For waves do this style on dry pressed hair

Moisturize with a light oil

Sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf

Secure the knots with bobby pins, it's important that they stay secure.

Before Separating

After Separating

Questions/ Comments?

All About Hair: Detangling/Cowashing

2011-11-13T13:31:00.007-05:00

Read Below For A "Detangling/Co-washing Routine" that you will love whether you're natural or transitioning!

For most people detangling is a process that involves 2 things, "a comb and their hair."

I've always hated detangling and cowashing because it was a constant battle of pulling, tugging, and ripping through those fine precious strands before or after a styling session. I know we are all guilty of it! Before I learned how to properly take of my hair I did the same things.

After years of really learning how to care for my hair, I finally found a detangling process that works wonders. This easy method results in less damage, less hair shed, less product used and most importantly healthy hair!

Here's what You'll Need:

-A spray bottle:filled with warm water and a few drops of your favorite oil(i.e. Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

-Hair Clips: at least 2

-Wide Tooth Comb

-Cheap conditioner with lots of SLIP: I use V05 Moisture Milk line

-Time: at least 30 minutes

*This should be done before Shampoo/ Conditioning. Doing this first prevents unnecessary tangles during the washing and styling process.

Step 1: Section your hair into 4 parts using clips to maintain each section

Step 2: Working with 1/4 of your hair spray your hair with water until it is soaking wet

Step 3: Finger detangle this piece first with just water, after you remove the major tangles add a quarter size amount of conditioner to your hair, focus on the ends.

Step 4: Continue to finger comb until most tangles are gone, then use your wide tooth comb to reinsurance that that section is tangle free.

Step 5: Loosely twist that section to prevent new tangles and repeat those steps in the remaining sections of your hair.

THAT'S IT!

5 easy steps to tangle free hair. After this you can follow with a shampoo and deep condition if you wish or you can rinse and style.

*This is the same process I use to cowash and restyle my braidouts during the week.

By doing this I use only a 1/2 cup of conditioner v.s. my old routine which resulted in using half of the bottle in one session.

I am saving money, product, time and I end up with a lot less hair in the comb when I'm done.

Try this routine and let me know how it works for! It's been working wonders for my hair!

LEAVE YOUR QUESTIONS/COMMENTS BELOW!

Natural Hair: 7 Steps to the perfect Flexi Rod Set

2011-11-02T21:23:00.002-04:00

Finally got around to trying this hairstyle...read below for the details!

Products: shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner, heat protectant serum, wrapping mousse, denman brush, hair clips and 27 red flexi rods(&or 3 cold wave rollers)

Step 1: wash and deep condition hair

Step 2: prep hair with leave in, heat protectant and mousse

Step 3: section your hair into 4 parts. Starting from the nape section your hair, detangle with the denman brush and roll your hair onto the flexi rod in a spiral motion.

Step 4: repeat 5 more times in that section and move on to the 2nd section of hair. (6 flexi rods per section)

Step 5: roll bangs on cold wave rollers for tighter curls in the front.

Step 6: air dry over night or use a hooded dryer for 2hrs

Step 7: remove rollers with a light oil and separate until you reach the desired look!

Tips:

Ensure that hair is soaking wet.

Roll hair on a downward spiral, dont roll straight down

Ensure that hair is smooth with denman before rolling hair.

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Natural Hair: Fall Regimen and Tips

2011-10-16T18:59:00.010-04:00

With colder weather brewing in the forecast natural hair can be a hassle and serious challenge. I'm trying to make this fall/winter season as easy as possible. I don't know about anyone else but cowashing, spritz and styling wet hair when it's cold out is a recipe for disaster. I usually end up with a cold or wet frizzy hair that never air dries completely. This Fall will be different now that I've discovered beauty and power of a rollerset!

I talked about it beforehttp://sewingstardom.blogspot.com/2011/10/natural-hair-ponytail-rollerset.html but today I perfected it and my hair is healthy and still growing.

freshly washed and deep conditioned...no product

Then I followed the steps listed in this post http://sewingstardom.blogspot.com/2011/10/natural-hair-ponytail-rollerset.html but this time I use a Olive Oil mousse by Organic Roots Simulator.

and I also used Magnetic rollers>>>>

instead or ROD ROLLERS. I think these two changes contributed to the faster drying time, the straighter roots and shinier finish.

Can you see the difference?! I can...

Anyway so here's the deal I've decided that for the fall/ winter this will be my Go- To style.

Here's a complete regimen:

Week 1

Sunday: Wash and Deep Condition

Rollerset

I'll wear this style for a full week no cowashing, shampooing or wetting my hair.

I'll moisturize with oil and Cantu Shea Butter leave in every other day.

During the week I'll pin curl at night to preserve the style and where buns to protect my ends once the style gets old.

Week 2

Sunday: Wash & Deep Condition

Style in two flat twists going straight back or a braidout with 4 large braids

Either way those style require maintenance so on either Wednesday or Thursday I'll cowash and restyle for the weekend.

I will repeat Week 1 and Week 2 if it's working well for me. My biggest fear is Heat Damage. If I notice any changes in my hair I will cut down on the rollersets.

Questions/ Comments?

What's your Fall /Winter"GO TO STYLE"?

Natural Hair: Color Talk

2011-10-12T22:16:00.005-04:00

source: http://fuckyeahcurlscurlscurls.tumblr.com/

Hey ladies so after my post "Blonde Ambition" http://sewingstardom.blogspot.com/2011/09/natural-hair-blonde-ambition.html I received a few questions in regards to my color experience, the main one being..."Did I experience damage and if so how do you handle it?"

Fortunately for me I have not had to deal with too much damage. I've been coloring my hair for years and I have only experience severe dryness once. Aside from that I've never had any major problems.

If your considering coloring your hair here's some things to consider....

- Pick a dye that has natural moisturizers built in(Jojoba oil, olive oil etc.)

my favorite brands are Garnier and Creme of Nature.

-Never leave the dye on for longer than 30mins and don't use a heating cap. I've noticed and been told that after 30mins the color wont lift anymore than it already has. Skip the over processing and wash once you reach 30-35mins.

-Always deep condition after you dye your hair. I like thick conditioners like ORS Hair Mayo and let that sit for at least 40 mins after a coloring session.

-Skip the heat after you color. It's best to wear natural styles that require no heat after you color your hair. During this time your hair is very fragile, to prevent damage I wear my hair natural(no heated styles) for at least 4 weeks after coloring.

Final tips- here's a few more things that work for me

****

Deep condition weekly

Always sleep with a satin bonnet

Moisturize daily with some type of oil to prevent unnecessary breakage or shedding

Hope this was helpful :)

Questions?

Ummm ,Side Note...this past weekend I went to Circle of Sister in NYC and I racked up on goodies! A full review of some of the "Miss Jessie's" Products is coming soon.

"What's your favorite product by Miss Jessie's?"

http://www.facebook.com/pages/sewingstardomblogspotcom/132075366858437 Like my FB Page!

Natural Hair: Ponytail Rollerset

2011-10-09T08:59:00.004-04:00

Hey guys after about 5 mins of dramatically scouring through my bedroom for my camera I gave up! Then I decided I can do the post without the before pictures.....so here goes.

As mentioned above these are the results of a "PONYTAIL rollerset". After some research on various blogs I learned a simple technique to a beautiful style.

This technique is a lot easier than a typical rollerset and I received better results in my opinion. My roots were a lot smoother...Check out that post here http://sewingstardom.blogspot.com/2011/07/rollerset.html

Here's what I used

1. 14 large cold rod rollers or jumbo Flexi rods

2. Denman brush

3. Heat Protectant Serum by Fantasia

4. 4 Ponytail Holders

5.Hooded Dryer

6.Spray Bottle

Step by Step

1. I cowashed and detangled my hair with a cheapie conditioner(ie. VO5, White Rain, etc.)

* you can start by shampooing and deep conditioning if you want. I skipped this step because wash day was coming up for me

2. After I detangle I moisturized with Cantu Shea Butter Leave in, sealed with EVOO, and applied a heat protectant

3. Then my hair was placed into 4 ponytails(2 on each side) with my bangs left out.

4. Once my hair was sectioned I used my jumbo rollers to roll my hair. I sectioned each ponytail into 3 pieces.

*****

In the end I had a total of 12 rollers(not including bangs)

I rolled each piece of hair in a different direction. (some up & some down)

Making sure each piece of hair is saturated with water and smooth from using your denman brush before rolling each piece of hair

Bangs were rolled separate.

5. Once my hair was rolled I sat under my hooded dryer for one hour. Then I went to bed and took them down the next morning.

* I loved the results and I got a lot of compliments. In order to preserve the style I pin curled at night or just slept with a bonnet.

Here's a few pics of 2nd day hair.

Questions, Thoughts, Comments???

Wash And Go- New Routine

2011-07-14T18:42:00.002-04:00

In this post you can learn how I achieved this look on my natural hair :) enjoy!

back and top view

After watching Ms Ariella89's video on YT I was re-inspired to use my jar of shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie.

If you missed my first attempt with this product just know it was an epic fail! My hair not defined at all it was very frizzy and had no type of pattern. I had really given up and decided that I'd have to deal with a mediocre wash n go.

This time I had much better results here's what I did...

-cowashed with VO5 moisture milk conditioner

-on soaking wet hair I sectioned about 2-3 inches of hair and applied a dime size amount of the shea moisture curl

enhancing smoothie FIRST

-I then followed with the IC Gel by fantasia, using a dime to nickel sized amount

- My hair dries fast so I used a spray bottle with water to keep it soaking wet

- I raked the product through my hair using my fingers and I used my denman only on sections that weren't as curly as the rest of my hair.

-Finally, I use a diffuser on high hot heat for about 7-8 minutes

Results:

shiny, fluffy and DEFINED!

Best wash and go thus far.

questions?

Beauty: Sunscreen- Do We Need It?

2011-07-10T12:12:00.007-04:00

Sunscreen...you know that thick white stuff that you wear when you're going to the beach...Well, do you wear it?

Do WE(as in African Americans) even need it?

The answer is YES! Now I am no Doctor, but I did study medical arts for 4 years of high school and I have a true passion for Beauty/Skincare(did I ever mention I wanted to be a Dermatologist?) so I know A LOT about skincare.

Last week I went to the beach with my friend Christa and before we hit the road I texted her saying, "hey do you have any sunscreen?" Her response was...."No...black people wear that?"

-________________-

I was so shocked that she said this, let me remind you she's also a Medical Arts Graduate.

I quickly explained to her that we do, here's some reasons why....

-Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, doesn't matter if you are black, white, or anything in between.

-Prolonged periods of extreme temperatures may cause premature signs of aging. That means wrinkles, dark spots, and did I mention Wrinkles!

-Our skin burns as well. The tan may not be as noticeable, but your skin is still being damaged. Even though the melanin in our skin is a natural source of protection from the sun it's not enough.
I know we all heard the phrase, "Black don't crack?" Well guess what if you don't take care of it you will "crack" regardless of your race.

So now that we know why we need it, what kind should we get?
Most Doctors recommend SPF 15 or greater. I think the more the better.

When should we wear it?
Everyday, even in the winter and even when it's cloudy.

Moral of the story is WE all need protection from the sun, even though it is a great source of Vitamin D and everyone loves a summer glow, be careful and use sunblock no matter your race or skin tone.

If you have questions leave them below.

As mentioned before I am not a doctor so here some valid sources if you don't believe me...

http://www.riversideonline.com/health_reference/Cancer/AN01370.cfm
http://www.dermtv.com/do-african-americans-need-wear-sunscreen

Hair: Tracee Ellis Ross Style Inspiration

2011-07-06T19:10:00.005-04:00

If you all follow me via Twitter you know that as of lately I have been super inspired by the beautiful Tracee Ellis Ross. Her curls are always super voluminous...like this

Yesterday I made a visit to my beauty supply store and I racked up on jumbo flexi rods and perm rods. The flexi rods were pretty pricey $4 for 3 and

the perm rods were $2 for 6. I decided that the best way to achieve this look without caruso steam rollers or on previously straighten hair was with jumbo flexi rollers. Another challenge I faced was the lack of a hooded dryer. Therefore, I air dried over night(8+ hrs).

That meant sleeping with GIGANTIC rollers. It was very uncomfortable but in the morning my hair was 100% dry. I used the flexi rods and perm rods together and here are

my results.

*haha don't mind my face*

I like it, throughout the day it got bigger thanks to the humidity, but i received lots of compliments. If you want to try this style all you need is

-8 to 10 JUMBO flexi rods or perm rods

-spray bottle or previously washed hair

-hair clip

-denman brush to smooth

-some type of styling cream or holding gel(of choice)

I haven't figured out how to preserve this style yet but, once I find out I will share details!

This weekend I'm going to try this style. Looks and small flexi rod set, here is a video as well if anyone else wants to try it!

Enjoy :)

Beauty:Skin Deep- Vitamin E Oil

2011-06-29T16:42:00.006-04:00

Want clear, smooth, radiant skin? In this post I share my secret to flawless skin.

For the past month or so I've been using a new product by COCOCARE called Vitamin E Body Oil. The product is all natural and it has a great source of antioxidants. I absolutely love this product it's lightweight and a large bottle only cost about $5 at Walgreens.

"Vitamin E oil prevents the formation of wrinkles by blocking free radical damage. It treats wrinkles by boosting collagen production, a connective tissue that keeps skin elastic. Vitamin E oil also treats wrinkles by supporting new skin cell growth and speeding up cell regeneration." Pure vitamin E oil is helpful for scar healing and prevention because it goes beneath the surface of skin to block free radicals.

-Prevents Sunburns

-Diminish brown spots and scars

-Helps clear acne blemishes

-Reduce Wrinkles

*no edit just my skin in natural sunlight*

After using this product for a few weeks, I no longer use my cream foundation(as a concealer around my eyes) or on blemishes. It's a great foundation but it's not necessary now that my skin is even and smooth. I recieved several compliments and questions regarding my glowing skin so I figured I would share my secret.

I am not promising that is product will work for everyone but it has worked for me!

Here's a post on my full skincare regimen http://sewingstardom.blogspot.com/2011/05/skin-care-glowing-skin.html

Skin Care: Glowing Skin

2011-05-10T16:29:00.005-04:00

source: adoreangelasimmons.tumblr.com

1. Drink Water: As simple as it may sound, most people don't do it. I've noticed that my skin changes dramatically from increasing my water intake. Drink at least 8 glasses a day.

2. Steam treatments(weekly): opens pores and instantly adds a glow. Do this for no longer than 5-10 minutes.

3. Lemon treatment: Lemon juice acts as a natural skin lightener. I prefer to use it for dark spot or acne scars. Use this treatment 2x per month at max, since your using pure lemon juice this can be very harsh on your skin. Use with precaution and never use under eyes.

4.Sugar Scrub: This works as a great as an exfoliator, I don't do this any more than once per week and I like to mix lemon juice in sometime to eliminate a step in my regimen.

5. Moisturize: I love Raw oils like coconut oil and EVOO, they are bought light weight as awesome for warmer months. They can be used daily

6. Get Active: Jumping rope, Running, Dancing and even Walking are all great way to burn calories and boost you blood circulation. Which will elevate the beauty of your skin. At least 30 mins per day can keep you fit and radiant.

7. Eat Right: That means cut back or eliminate processed foods packed with empty calories and sugar. Try fresh fruit, veggies and nuts instead.

These simple tips will help to get your skin glowing in no time!

Natural Hair: "Where Do I Start?"

2011-03-14T20:41:00.007-04:00

Have you ever said to yourself..."I love big, curly, natural hair but I don't know where to start?

I've had a perm for ___ years and I don't now how to deal with my hair any other way."

If so this post is for you!

I'm not an expert, but I've been taking care of my natural hair for years and I have great tips to share with you ladies.

#1 Research: Using websites like Youtube, Curlynikki.com an other hair sites(there's thousands)

to look up other ladies who are thinking about it as well. You can find tips and videos about transitioning styles, products, what to do after you BC etc... Here's a few links/videos to help you get started.

http://www.curlynikki.com/2011/02/5-attributes-of-successful-transitioner.html

#2 Decide if you want to transition or big chop?

Transition= grow out your permed ends and then cut it off

Big Chop= Cut it all off or majority of your relaxed ends

#3 Commit

Once you make a choice stick with it, even on those days when your hair is just not behaving. Stick it out and don't turn to a relaxer. It may temporarily fix the "problem", but in the long run you are just making it worse.

If you have an urge to wear your hair straight get a weave or look at pictures of curly girls like Teyana Taylor, MarzLoveJoy or Traci Ross

or visit tumblrs like

http://fuckyeahcurlscurlscurls.tumblr.com/

-Create a regimen example http://sewingstardom.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-i-maintain-my-curly-hair.html

Look up products for your hair type...whether it's dry or damaged etc and then try them to see if they are right for you.

-keep a hair journal at the beginning documenting products that work or that didn't work

- Experiment with styles using youtube as a research source.

I love styles like braidouts and twistsets. Some others are

-flexi rods

-bantu knots

-2 strand twists

-roller sets

These 3 basic tips will help you dramatically, but the most important thing I can say is

LOVE WHAT YOU HAVE!

You can not become obsessed with anyone else hair, it will not look the same once you are completely natural. Everyone is different and so is our hair.

So as you embark on this "journey" practice self affirmation.

Remind yourself daily if you have to about the unique beauty of your hair.

Confidence is Key!

I've never been relaxed but I used to wear my hair straight everyday, because I was afraid of being different and not being accepted by society.

But now I'm in love with my curls. Embrace what you have, with patience and proper care you can learn to love yours as well.

Natural Hair: New Twist Set Routine

2011-03-04T09:29:00.005-05:00

In all my years of being natural Flat twists have always been one of my favorite styles. It's quick easy, and it takes less time to dry.

Here's how I achieve this look

-After I cowash I separate my hair into 4 sections

- I apply my favorite hair moisturizer

- working in one section at a time STARTING FROM THE BACK I make about 3 flat twists going horizontally across my head

- When I get to the front I flat twist vertically like this

I do about 3-4 twists in each section. The results are more defined, the look last longer than my regular twist out and it doesn't require any rollers. I just twirl my ends shut with a little gel.

At night I stuff my twists in a bonnet and take them down the next morning.

I hope that didn't confuse anyone

If you have questions feel free!

How To: Get Perfect Curls with NO HEAT!

2011-01-28T12:43:00.003-05:00

Instead of wrapping my hair at night, I've been sleeping with 6 Large Pin Curls each night. This keeps my straight hair sleek, shiny and bouncy. No product is used and this is done on dry hair.

Before I separate with my fingers

Final look *excuse the no makeup face*

Questions?

How to Land the Internship You Want.

2011-01-07T23:39:00.004-05:00

So to start I want to apologize for my inconsistency in posts, but work has been kicking my butt.

However, I have been meaning to do a post about this forever.

Over the past couple of months several readers have sent me emails regarding my prior internship with Vibe Magazine.

Here's the general questions I received.

" How did you get the internship?" "What advice do you have for interviewing?" "What should I wear?"

Now I'm no expert in anyway shape or form but I will share my opinion

I got the internship on my own, not through my school or anything.
#1 research
I researched for hours on magazine websites, craiglist and even google. Until I found a contact email address.

This site freefashioninterships.com is very helpful it's how I found my most recent internship.

#2 Build a strong resume

make sure your resume is on point, listing most important and relevant job history.

#3 Be persistent
Send out a bunch of emails until someone says they are interested. It's easy to get discouraged when people don't respond, but just keep aiming for what you want.

As for the interview?
- Dress fashionable not your average interview outfit black pants white shirt.
-accessories
-show them who you are based upon your outfit especially if it a FASHION internship.

- Ask questions: it makes them know that you are serious about the job.

What I did at Vibe?
- I worked directed with the Style Editor
-Assisted at photoshoots
-Returns and pulls
- Attended a red carpet event where I interviewed huge celebs.
-develop street style stories for vibe.com
-researched, researched, and researched.
-transcribed celeb interviews

Your duties may be different it really depends on who and what department you work in.

Another Question I frequently get is about my "career" as a freelance stylist.

To be honest it's not a career yet, it's a process. I am still learning and building my work. That's why I am interning as of today. However, I do feel comfortable with the term stylist because I have a portfolio, contacts, clients etc. Even though I am no Rachel Zoe I am growing each day in my field.

As for advice I'd say
-Work with other creative people to build a portfolio
- network
-believe in your work
- perfect your natural talent as much as you can

I hope this post was helpful :)

email or comment with questions if you have them.

How I Maintain My Curly Hair.

2010-10-17T12:19:00.014-04:00

My Products

So for the past two weeks I have been sticking to my strict hair care regimen that I believe assisted in the growth of my hair from Jan to May of this year.

However, I have made a few slight changes which have been making a huge impact on the way my hair feels and looks.

I start my process on sunday mornings.
- I saturate my hair with warm water
-section my hair into two parts
-I use a quarter size amount of shampoo to gently scrub my scalp(fingertips only no scratching with nails)
- I focus the shampoo at my roots not my ends
- I rinse and apply a lot of condition(Herbal Essence LTR or Suave Sleek) to my hair

I repeat the exact same steps on the other side

Then I detangle using my DENMAN brush( my hair is still in two sections)* the Denman really does smooth my hair and makes it a lot more manageable. Here's a pic!

After I detangle each section I twist my hair to keep it organized

*Today I was extremely tempted to skip my deep conditioner. Just because my hair felt so amazing. It was soft and manageable, but I knew the deep conditioner would only help so I did it any way.

When I deep condition I use ORS Hair Mayo. This has been my staple for at least 2 years.(if not more).

new growth

best curls are in the back

Before I Deep Conditioned(pics above)
After I DC (pics below)

Here's a quick video of how I deep condition and how I twirl my ends to secure my twists.

And here's the final look!

After I DC I twist my entire head of hair in medium size twist.(shown above)
On about day 2 or 3 of wearing the twist I take them down. I don't separate them right away.(makes hair last all week) Here's a pic!

On day 4 or 5 I separate for big wild hair. Here's a pic!

On day 5 or 6 I wear my hair in a slick bun. Like this!

And that's how I maintain my curly hair for the cooler seasons. I plan to stick to this regimen unless I straighten or get a new style.

Thrifting Goods and Tips.

2010-10-14T23:00:00.005-04:00

This post is long over due, but it's finally here.

As I mentioned last week I went thrifting and shoe shopping! Well here are the goodies that I picked up.

I apologize now for the bad pics, my boyfriend couldn't take my pics today so I asked my sister to play "photographer" side eyes...she did a horrible job lol

Anywho...Here's the pics!

This French Connection blouse was found months ago while I was staying in NYC. I found out today it's 100% silk. Isn't it a beauty?

These pants are from Payhalf. I got them for $10.

This 70's inspired vintage piece is giving me Diana Ross! I love it, it reminds me of a Kimono a little bit; but I feel super feminine in it.

Cotton/Satin Blend top

Floral Vest from Salvation Army for 2 bucks.

I absolutely love this 90's vintage blouse. It instantly bought me back to House Party and Fresh Prince of Belair. It's screams, "I love color" but paired with all black is my favorite way to rock it.

Floral booty shorties are from the clearance rack at payhalf.

Those tights have to be my absolute favorite item. They are uber sexy and they look very pinup.

This is a playsuit/jumper that I found at Salvation Army. After seeing it in pics and wearing it today, I'm no longer crazy about it.

I wore it today and it was very cozy but not as fitted as I would have liked.

I'm thinking about cutting it up. We shall see.

My shoes are all from a store called Rainbow. I used to shop there when I was in grammar school. Real "ghetto fab", but hey they were having a mean sale and I love shoes so I took advantage of it. 3 pairs for $65 dollars.

People often ask me where do I shop and how do I find so many good finds here are some tips.

First and foremost I shop EVERYWHERE!
yard sales, church sales, downtown, hoods, thrift stores,etc. If it's cute and cheap I have no shame and I don't care for labels at all!

Tips for Thrifting

1. Wear comfortable clothes- makes changing carefree and fast
2. Get a shopping cart and load it with everything you like- you can try stuff on later
3. Visualize- be creative and think of ways you can tweak items to fit better
4. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty-
sometimes I find the best pieces in the underwear section
5. Shop the guys section too-
best tees and shirts are hidden in there
6. Be aggressive- old people are usually after the stuff I want so be firm about an item that is yours, don't let fellow shoppers take your stuff.

Hope that was helpful!

If you have questions feel free.

Natural Hair: Tips and Tricks

2010-05-03T20:09:00.004-04:00

As you all know I am transitioning from heat damaged hair to healthy (naturally curly hair). I started in October of last year. Over the past(counts on fingers)...7 months I have learned so much and I want to share it with you guys. If you want healthier hair (natural or not) these tips may be helpful to you.

1. Cowash: this is washing your hair with conditioner only!( I do this at least once a week)

Cowashing is great for detangling, restyling an old braidout or twistout or just putting moisture back into your hair when it gets dry.

2. Deep Condition: weekly, this keeps your hair strong and can prevent breakage.

3. I ALWAYS detangle my hair first with conditioner(cowash) before I shampoo and deep condition. This extra step prevents tearing at the hair to get rid of knots or tangles. After I started doing this I noticed a huge difference in the amount of hair that was in the shower and comb.

4. Use a small amount of shampoo, using a lot just to create a thick foam drys the hair out. Which will cause breakage and possibly an itchy scalp.

5. Trim/Dust your ends: I know we would all love long locks, but it's better to have healthy hair, over long straggly ends. If you don't feel comfortable cutting it yourself get professional assistance, but I would recommend doing this every 1-3 months. Depends on the condition of your hair and the goals you are trying to reach.

6. Moisturize your ends: even if this isn't done daily, try to incorporate a good moisturizer and oil to you list of products. Paying close attention to the ends of your hair.

7. Go with the flow: There will be days when you love your hair and days when you absolutely can't stand it. Accept and embrace everything about your hair. The length, the texture and curl pattern. Most importantly love what you have! Your hair may not ever look like Traci Ellis Ross or Corrine Bailey Rae and that's fine. We are all unique so don't fuss over what you don't have, just love what you do! It's okay to be inspired by another natural but do not become obsessed.

*Other obvious things to avoid: heat, chemicals and too much manipulation

Here's a link with my complete product list and regimen.

http://sewingstardom.blogspot.com/2010/04/updated-product-review.html