A New Outlook...

To slit, or not to slit...

For a long time I really believed that long, thigh-high slits in dresses and skirts are not worth the risk. I always get this image of it being done no justice - looking a little too exposed, at times cheap and unfashionable. HOWEVER, I have been inspired as of late by beautiful double slit designs that have been styled in uber chic manners. Here are a few photos that I've noted in my glam-book:

THIS IS SIMPLY A BEAUTY! 

 Urban Outfitters Ecote Double Slit Maxi Skirt ($69 | up to size 12 but there's a lot of stretch)

 No one can seem to figure out who Teyana Taylor's dress is by but get a similar look with this Naomi Naderge Summer Ends Double Split Maxi ($98 | up to size XXL)

 I have no idea who designed this but it's EVERYTHING! 

Maggy London Iridescent Jersey Maxi Dress ($74 | Now Sold Out at Nordstrum :S ) 

 I'm sure it can still be tracked down online however; it's perfect for a simple, demure display of the double slit trend.

MY, MY, MY...I rescind my ill thoughts against the double slit in my earlier life. I am now in love. What do you think?

xoxo,

Moji

Underneath it All

Hey guys,

If there's one thing you may know if you keep in touch with this blog of mine, it's that I love hair! I'm an extensions fanatic but the most important thing is my actual hair. My main goal in my hair care regimen is retaining/maintaining the health of my hair. Let's chat about it.

For a little bit background: I last relaxed my hair in May of 2010. I tried to transition from relaxed to natural for about 6 months but I was unfortunately not about that life lol. I just love the look and delivery of weave way too much. Everyone's hair is different. Depending on the luster, texture, curl pattern, and other factors, the appearance of everyone's natural hair when wet, pressed, blow dried, twisted, Bantu knotted or whatever will be different. When I first decided to go natural, I remember thinking my hair would grow more quickly and healthily into this gorgeous natural curl pattern. However, maintaining natural hair is a task I am not ready to undertake. Because of my natural texture, simply parting my hair was a task; combing it was a different story and forget about that lush curl pattern I imagined would appear. Now why I thought my roots from Africa would produce cuticles from Brazil is something else. So to help loosen my curl pattern and soften the coarseness of my hair I started texturizing...and that's where I'm at right now. The brand I currently  use is Botanicals: Soft and Beautiful Texturizer (coarse). I will be testing out a different brand in the near future however. I apply it to my hair every 3-4 months as I def don't want to over process my locks. Texturizing helps to blend my leave out with my extensions MUCH better and most importantly allows me to manage my hair it a manner more suitable for my skill and patience level.

Below is detailed video in which I explain the products I use to manage/maintain both my real hair and my extensions. Hope you enjoy:

xoxo,
Moji

Smokey Eyes & A Gold Lip

Hey Loves,

Here's a makeup tutorial that I recently posted. I think I'll be posting more - working on my makeup application skills and what not. Haha! Hope you enjoy!

Bisous,
Moji

Products I'm Loving: Medline Remedy Skin Repair Cream

Hey Loves,

I have been meaning to add this section to the blog for some time now. Products I'm Loving is what is it - the products that I wholeheartedly believe work well and will continue to buy over and over again. A similar type post I made was on Magic Shave which I still swear by. Today, I have to tell you about Medline Remedy Skin Repair Cream Every Day Moisturizer. OH MY GOODNESS, when I moisturize my face  it feels like butter melting into my skin!! I have relatively dry skin, though I do sometimes get just a little oily in my T-zone. Therefore, I focus the majority of the moisturizer on the outer perimeter of my face (in addition to my neck). My face stays moisturized all day! The cream is not greasy, oily or too fragrant - it's absolutely perfect. Here's part of the description on the container:

"Nourishes and conditions dry, cracked skin...
...Remedy is a well-balanced meal for skin cells. With nourishing Olivamine: A blend of potent antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and MSM...Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked skin. Beneficial for face, hands, body and legs..."




I Agree - it does feel like food for my skin!

Active Ingredients: Dimethicone 1.5%

Now, now, I know that dimethicone is silicone based and some people do not want that in their facial moisturizers. However, I personally have no problem with this being that there is such a small amount used. Also, the very first ingredient listed is aloe vera juice!  That is very promising considering the healing, soothing and moisturizing properties aloe vera has long proven to have.

If you're in the market for a new moisturizer, take my word for it and  check out Remedy Skin Repair Cream Every Day Moisturizer at Walgreens or any other drug store. A 4oz bottle retails between $7.99 and $9.99.

The Follow-Up

Hey Ladies!

Here's the second part of the video that I posted a few days back. It features the outfit that I wore for my summer glow look; I loved it - simple and comfortable.

Photos Below:

Skirt & Blouse: Macys
Sandals: Sears
Purse: Vintage D&B All-Weather Leather

Hope you all are well!

xx
Moji

There I go again...

There I go again...MIA for a bit. Thus is the state of my life at this statge in my life - growing up is busy business lol. Here's a video I recorded a while back on how I get a minimal coverage glow using inexpensive, drugstore products. Though I am all for full coverage, glam me up, "WOW, is this really me makeup" (for night time), I honestly believe that summer, winter, spring or fall, a 'minimal makeup' makeup routine is essential to showing the world a beautiful, glowing, fresh-faced you. Check out the video below:

xoxo,
Moji

OOTN: The L.B.D.

It may be cliche to say but why not since it's true: every woman needs that one little black dress that makes you look, feel, and walk confidently no matter what.

 Mine is a number I got from Asos a little while back. I wear this dress whenever I feel like "I have nothing to wear" or "nothing I have now is good enough." Somehow, my mind leads me to this particular black dress that seems to make everything right. I wore it to a traditional Nigerian Wedding a few weeks back. Check it out:

Dress: Asos Curve
Purse: Asos (in vid)
Earrings: Aldo (a whillle back)
Bangles/Bracelet: Gift
Ring: BCBGMAXAZRIA
Wedges:Target

Check out the outfit live on YouTube here.

Yes, yes, I am rocking the huge bohemian curly hair and though I thought positively about it overall, it was just too hot and too big for me to deal with. Maybe big hair again for me in the upcoming Fall season? Plus, this was my first time 'installing' curly hair; I can only get better from here.

Bisous my loves,

Moji

Shhh! : Let's keep this between me and you...

Shhh! Between me and you, I don't shave nor do I wax any longer. No, no, I'm not some super-womanist with central ideas emanating that females need not primp and polish themselves for the sake of fulfilling some unwritten rule forced upon them by the powers that be of this world. (Not that their is anything wrong with any women who believe and stand by this notion). However, I use magic to get rid of any and all unwanted hair that grows on my body. Magic Cream Shave that is! I have known about this stuff forever because this is what my dad has always and still uses to get rid of his facial hair. I always thought the smell was super repulsive and of course the fact that it is marketed for men made it even more off limits for me. Until, about two years ago when I wanted to give delapitory creams a try because shaving just isn't for me. I tried the Nair cream and that simply did NOTHING. One day I happened to come upon the familiar smell of Magic while my dad was "shaving" and realized that is smelled exactly like the Nair I found useless. I figured that if it smells similar than it must contain similar ingredients perhaps with the Magic Cream Shave having a higher potency (which is true). So I did it; I applied the cream following the directions on the tube and fell in love! The smell may be horrendous but it's acceptable and the results are AMAZING. In my opinion, the results are better than shaving, and painless (literally) in relation to waxing and threading. Take a look at the Magic product line below:

I use the regular one pictured in the center. All three creams contain Shea Butter, leaving my skin feeling pretty soft and supple once I'm done. Remember (especially if you have sensitive skin) to test a small patch of hair first before exposing it to large surface areas. I love this stuff and hope this helps even one person who is thinking about trying a new technique in the art of hair removal.



Moji

Past Due: Graduation Season

Hey Lovies!!!

This post is past due. The outfit below is what I wore to my little sister's high school graduation. Hope you enjoy:

Blazer: Lane Bryant (old)

Tunic: Old Navy

Chain: Vendor in NYC

Bracelet: Tiffany & Gift from mom

Skirt: Torrid

Leggings: Dots

Bag: Asos

Check out my youtube vid for the full view of the outfit: here

Bonus Pics from her Prom night: 

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,
Moji

Girl Crush: Keke Palmer

Hey Ladies!!

I have a new girl crush. Well, not really new because I have noticed this individual 'do her thing' for a while now. At the tender age of 18 (yes, 18), Keke Palmer is formidable in terms of her style, hair, shoe, and makeup choices. I was actually a bit hesitant to post this because she is so young; but it had to be done. Each time I see her, it seems as if she gets better and better with these choices. Imagine how effortless and inspiring her style will be by the time she turns 21 in 3 years! Check her out below:

 

Love it! Absolutely Love it! 

Bold Kisses,

Moji

Update: My Nails!

Hey everyone,

So I wanted to do a quick update for those of you who have be interested in my progress with keeping my nails strong, resilient, healthy...and most importantly long. My nails are doing well, in fact. I don't use my Jordana Nails Be Strong everyday but I use it at least four times a week...with a little time, patience, and of course the will to remember to use the the product, here are my 'results':

*these pictures are 2 weeks old

Left Hand

Right Hand

My Nails Today:

Left Hand

Right Hand

I'm pretty content with how they look. For a more thorough review and more info on how to enhance your nails click on the Nails Label at the bottom of the post to read more from my previous posts.

Thanks for stopping by,
Moji

It's been so long..

I've been naughty and neglectful as of late....please forgive me...Life, you know how it is lol. I hope you all are well and blessed.

Here's a video I posted last week, the lighting is horrid but I hope you like:

Smooches My Loves,

Moji

side note: What do you guys think of my new contacts!! They're really growing on me!

Neutral Makeup - Let's Call it Practice

Hey loves

I filmed myself doing my makeup here but it was kind of a fail. I don't like the lighting, the camera angle, my hair...and much more so let's call it practice for better makeup tutorials in the future :)

Nonetheless, here it is below:

I promise, I was not this bronzed up and shiny in real time (in person) lol!

Boldly,

Moji

Rue 114

I have been meaning to write this post for so long now :( Excuse me for my tardiness.

I'm in love with Rue 114; as if the name isn't enough to garner your attention immediately! I have been eyeing this clothing line for months and am thoroughly impressed. I think the website states it best in describing the line as "created for women who believe that every shape and size should be celebrated as beautiful". Their intro collection (available in sizes 2 -22), "Et Dieu Créa La Femme" (And God Created Woman), in my opinion somehow manages to flatter the physique of all women regardless of shape or size. The Founder of Rue 21, Serwah Asante, boldly and intelligently fuses her Ghanaian-American upbringing with NYC glam that is to die for! Luscious material, African print, thoughtful design, figure hugging silhouettes - what more is there one would want!

And as if it couldn't get any better the, the collection is modeled by both a standard and plus sized model. How many times have you shopped online at a store that has extended sizes but no pictures of how the fit would look on a woman larger than size 6/8....Check out the pics/links below:

The Femme Fatale Blouse in Cream Chiffon

The "Shimmy On Over" Pencil Skirt in Rue 114 African Print

The "Shimmy On Over" Pencil Skirt in Navy

The Femme Fatale Blouse in Rue 114 Signature African Print

The Afripop Pencil Dress  (available in Taupe, Noir, & Cobalt) 

Magnifique!!! The price range for the collection is a little pricey (not ridiculously) but considering the make, fabric, print, fit, and quality, it's understandable. Though I plan on splurging eventually, my recent college grad budget restricts me from ordering individual pieces like these for right now - except for  important dates (weddings, birthday (MINE), you know life altering circumstances). Will you be buying soon?

xoxo,

Moji

p.s. Did you spot plus size model Allison McGevna in the pics above! Love her blog and her! Such an inspiration! Check her out:  http://alliemcgev.blogspot.com/