Hot Hair Tools

It's about that time for another hair post. As mentioned last month, I was in the market for some new styling tools because, well I like spending time on my hair and I'm not ashamed about it. Since picking up my new hair appliances and testing them out for a few weeks now I feel like I can give you an honest review of how they're holding up.

I'll start out by saying that I'm currently using Fekkai Full Blown Volume shampoo and have just discovered (thanks to Chris) the best Leave-in Conditioner by Giovanni. After my hair is squeaky clean I usually use a volume boosting spray, right now I really like the John Frieda thickening lotion.

Now for the "hot" part of the hair tools. I wanted to make sure that I was really getting the right hairdryer for me as I know they can vary in their uses depending on what you want. In my search for product reviews I came across some good advice to follow when looking for hairdryers.

-Dryers with wattages above 1800 watts tend to work best. Most dryers are probably around 1875 watts.


-Look for a dryer with multiple heat/speed settings (4-6 is pretty standard these days), and for a cool shot button to lock hair in place after it's been heat styled

-Make sure your dryer comes with a nozzle attachment, which will concentrate the air as you blow dry

-Take into account the size of the appliance. If you have long hair your arm will definitely get sore after a while so something smaller would work best

-Ionic hair dryers produce negatively charged ions, ostensibly causing the cuticle to remain flat, "trapping" moisture, thus eliminating the frizzies and giving hair more body

-Ceramic features mean that they can dry the hair quickly without damaging the outer layer of the hair cuticle.

-Tourmaline, boosts the ionic power of the dryer and slashes drying time and static.

So with all of this in mind I made my way to Ricky's nyc and picked up a model that was recommended by David Evangelista, stylist to the stars.

Infiniti by Conair Tourmaline Ionic Styler — 1875 watts ($40): Also uses full-spectrum infrared heat, and combines tourmaline and ceramic technologies for speedier drying.
I have no complaints as I wanted something affordable and I know that there are other more expensive ones on the market right now but this one has held up great. I can't believe how much the drying time has cut down. More time to devote to my outfit pictures!

I had also mentioned wanting to try some hot rollers, or setters whatever you want to call them. I went with these jumbo rollers since the packaging is small and easier to travel with.

Conair Pro Babyliss Pro Ceramic Jumbo Hairsetter.

 Babyliss Pro Ceramic 5 Jumbo Roller Set Hair Setter generates far infrared heat for faster and gentler styling. Bablyliss Pro Ceramic hair setter also eliminates damaging hot spots and provides maximum heat transfer.The soft flocked surface is comfortable to use to any kind of hair and gives better grip.

I'm not sure if you've noticed but my hair has that little bit of curl to it these days and it's all thanks to a few minutes devoted to rolling these babies in, then finish getting ready and the last thing I do is take them out once they're completely cooled.

Just when you thought that I was finished, I have one more tool to talk about. When I was in Ottawa my mom had the cutest little flat iron and I didn't think about it at first, but when she said I could have it, she suggested it would be good for my bangs. Well, brilliant I say!

Avanti Ceramic & Universal Voltage Micro Flat Iron (1/2" inch) - AV-3050

It's about the length of my hand and and could easily fit in my purse (if need be) but this is honestly perfect for quick bang touch ups or to fix some small kinks that I sometimes get from not placing my hairsetter clips correctly.

                                                 

And finally, the end results, all glammed up

(Dress from Dusty Rose Vintage)

If you have any questions please fell free to ask! All pictures can either be found in earlier posts on this blog or on my chictopia!

The skirt epiphany

If you've been following this blog, you'll remember back in the summer when I was on the hunt for the perfect floral flowy skirt(posts here & here). Well, yesterday while browsing through the racks at beacon's and going through their skirts it finally hit me: I've been looking for the wrong skirts. I always had this vision of wearing a longer floral or plaid (sorta) prairie skirt, who am I kidding? I'm only 5'3" (rounded up) and not at all lanky, the type of body that these skirts would look amazing on. Why did this take me so long to figure out? was it yesterday's outfit that made me realize this, or was it the fact that I never found that perfect skirt? In any case, I left beacon's yesterday with one new skirt and am happy to have this new revelation .

This particular one i'm wearing today was a thrift store purchase from Ottawa two weeks ago. Looking at the pictures I think i'm going to hem it for it to be a true knee length as right now it hits just slightly below (why I am so short!). I'm also dropping another one off at the tailors today to get about 4 inches chopped off so that I can hopefully wear it this week.  hahhhhh (sigh of relief) everything will be alright.

Outfit:

Blouse} Thrifted

Skirt}Thirfted

Skinny belt}Thrifted

Tights}Uniqlo

Shoes} Vintage Unisa

Navy on my mind

Today I had the most productive day ever. Let me just clear up that I had the day off and it did not involve sleeping in and staying in my pj's.

Mel's To Do List

Trader Joe's
Laundry
Beacon's closet drop off
Update Etsy
Christmas Shopping
Attend: Vegan baking with Babycakes

I made it to Trader Joes bright and early before they got crazy busy as the line ups are usually wrapped around the store. It actually took me longer to get there than to pick up all of my items and make it through the cashier. I have a pretty set grocery list for TJ's so I know exactly what I'm looking for and where to find it.
I quickly dropped everything at home and then was on my way to listen to a discussion about vegan baking from the owner and chef at Babycakes, Erin McKenna. She brought up some really good advice and tips on what to use as egg, sugar, and flour replacers as her bakery is all vegan, mostly gluten/soy free pastries. I wrote about it on one of my birthday posts here. She has a new cookbook out right now too which unfortunately I could not pick up as I'm inundaded with vegan cookbooks that I barely have the time to sift through (no pun intended).

After the talk, I came home for lunch and to pick up the bag of clothing that I wanted to drop off at Beacon's Closet. So I made my way out once again and even found a couple little items for myself while I was waiting for them to go through my items. I love the fact that I usually have a credit stored up therefore never have to she;ll out any cash. On my way home I stopped at a few little shops to pick up some little trickets/presents for friends.
Now I am home and am debating whether or not I want to be a superstar and do some laundry which would require me to leave my house for the 4th time today! Hmm...no way. Who am I kidding, laundry could always wait. O.k, so I finished most of the things on my list. I did take some pictures of a few items to add to my etsy, which I've been neglecting, oops!

And now for my outfit during all of this:

I bought this skirt at the Bust Craftacular on Sunday. It was one of 2 items that I bought for myself.(Only 2 items!!!) I was immediately drawn to the print. I think I've mentioned this before but I'm kind of picky with prints which is why I don't wear them alot. I think since this one was on a navy blue ground (navy is definitely underappreciated) and the flowers were the perfect shades of coral/pink and ivory, I knew it would work itself very easily into my wardrobe. It's probably meant to be worn in the Summer since it's a silk fabric, but I couldn't wait! I paired it with some super thick grey tights and then added some neutral layers. I like the way the print pops against the blues and grays.

I decided to look up the designer, Mary Savel, and see what else was in store as I feel like the craft fair was a little chaotic and I couldn't take everything in. She has some very cute dresses and cloaks in store for fall. Exactly what I'd be looking for and her prices are very affordable. Through her website I found the other items from the same print (collection) as my skirt. I can't get enough, this print is so great in every piece!

         (pictures found at: http://www.marysavel.com/)

Sorry for the extra huge post today, but as you can probably tell I spent the day alone and therefore have so much to talk about!

Outfit:

Skirt} Mary Savel

Tee}AA

Cardigan}F21

Tights}Roots

Boots}Vintage Dexter

Hat /Scarf} Made by me!

Fabulous Finds: past & present

I woke up bright and early this morning in order to make my way to the annual Bust Craftacular. I arrived a little before 10am and the line was already ridiculous! It was all the way around the corner and it took about an hour for us to make our way inside. All of this did pay off as Nickie and I were the very last lucky gals to score a goodie bag! It came in a reusable tote from Blue Q and held some jewelry, hair clips, stickers, iron-on transfers, coupons etc..from numerous craft fair participants. Oh and lets not forget a copy of Bust magazine as well as the option of signing up for a $10/year subscription. Yes please.

(Sorry Nylon, but you're just not cutting it anymore, where's my December issue btw?)

As the weather has suddenly turned nippy, I decided it was time for the wool trousers to come out once again. I've worn these before here. They were a great find at Value Village a few years ago but its not until this year that I've worn them multiple times during a season. The sweater, with it's gorgeous flawless beaded detaling is a new purchase from VV when I was in Ottawa two weeks ago. I swear, this place holds all of its gems just for me! Or maybe its because I go to the one in the suburbs where no one would dare wear these things aside from a costume party?? Anyway, it's fine with me. A few more items added to my bag were the loafers, and skinny belt.

I'm trying to refine my style a little and lean towards more..urmmm age appropriate clothing. It's a fine line to tread as I don't want to lose my fun, quirky looks but I feel like this is just a new challenge for me and I hope you can bear with me on this as I guess, as my readers, we're all in this together! I'd also like to know what's your take on age appropriate clothing? Any faux pas or do those not exist anymore?

Outfit:

Pants}Vintage

Sweater}Vintage (tage says SNAP international)

Socks}Target

Loafers}Vintage Martinelli

Belt}Thrifted

Purse}Cynthia Rowley

Holiday parties: Throughout the years

Last Wednesday night in Vancouver, I attended the annual kensie Holiday party. It was held at The Alibi Room in Gastown which I hadn't been in a really long while. If you live in Vancouver I'd definitely recommend it! It has a really great atmosphere and seems open to accomodate large groups of people.

I decided to pull out my McQueen for Target dress that I bought last Spring..hmm, was it spring? I'm not sure anymore anywho, I'd only worn once to my brother's wedding last April so I thought one more time! Aside from this dress being the most fantastic shape and design, the pièce de resistance were definitely my shoes!! Remember way back when in June when I posted about sending my Seychelles to my brother, well guess you just got them back! They are even better than what I expected and I couldn't wait to wear them.

With this being my 5th kensie holiday party I dug deep within my picture archives to find the past outfits I've worn at this annual shin-dig. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of blogging and chictopia sites back then so I couldn't find a full outfit picture. Hope you enjoy these anyways.

(I couldn't find a picture of the 2005 party, but I'm sure someone has one. I will look into it and add once I find it. I believe I went with a retro glam look, complete with lace gloves.)

(Holiday party '06: I went casual with a pair of sateen pants and a knit top,

obviously black was a popular choice that year)

(Holiday party '07: Wore a kensiegirl dress, hair pull back in a mini bouffant)

(Holiday party '08: I wore a Betsey Johnson silk dress with beige chiffon details.

What a great looking group of ladies I work with!)

Well there you have it. I'm looking forward to ringing in the New Year in NYC and already trying to plan my outfit. There's nothing worse than thinking about the finishing touches and realizing that the stores are closed.

Now if you'll excuse me I must get to sleep in order to wake up at a decent time tomorrow for the Bust Craftacular!

Dusty Rose Vintage: The Oversize edition

Looking at my wardrobe I think its obvious that I tend to go for fitted tops, cropped jackets, and skinny pants. One of the perks of this collaboration with Dusty Rose Vintage was to be able to go for some non-idee_geniale items and try my hand at styling them up. That's exactly why I went with these two pieces.

The first, is this oversized,dolman sleeved sweater. Of course it's the gold bow detail that got me as I usually stay away from anything that hugs my..umm...lower half. This one, I couldn't resist.

(featured item: 80's knit dress w/gold bow applique )

The other oversize item was a super thick (= warm) ivory cardigan. I imagined myself living in the country and throwing this on over my pj's to run out to get the mail at then end of the driveway but alas, I live in Brooklyn, don't have a driveway and could not get away with this look. It might be better over a pair of skinny jeans, a simple white blouse and some high brown boots, yes definitely more city appropriate.

(featured item: 1950's Irish Wool Chunky Cardigan/Coat)

Warm & Fuzzy

I'm back in Brooklyn! And surprisingly, it's warmer here than it was in Vancouver! Despite being a little tired and not sleeping well last night I made an effort to take my outfit shots this morning. Even though, today's outfit isn't super exciting, (it is Friday), I really wanted to show you my super cuddly sweater. I picked it up last week in Ottawa on one of my Value Village trips (1 of 3). I love the soft print and fuzzy angora. I even like the fact that it's a little fitted, I think it makes it work and not look so 80's. I'll probably try pairing it with a skirt for a lady-like look in the next couple of weeks.

I'm looking forward to unpacking, and maybe even putting up my christmas tree this weekend. I'll also be hitting up the Bust craftacular on Sunday, which I'm very excited to check out for the first time. So many holiday activities in the works! I also have tons of blog post topics that I'm dying to post and hopefully will find the time to do that this weekend. You're all probably tired of hearing about my lack of posting and time but I swear that will all be restored this week!

Outfit:
Sweater}Vintage via Value Village
Jeans}Cheap Monday
Boots}Thrifted
Headband}F21