Thrifting 101

Thrifting is not for the faint at heart. Some people, like myself, find no greater pleasure than that of a tweed 1950's cape that cost $5 or pair of leather shorts for $12 or faux fur jacket for $8... but I digress. Hitting up racks at thrift and vintage shops to create one-of-a-kind ensembles for insanely low prices can be a natural high. So check out my guide to finding the best vintage and thrifted goods.

Thrift Shops~ Thrift shop merchandise can come from just about any era and price point. Most thrift shop items are donated so be sure to pay close attention for any stains or tears. Thrift stores are usually cheaper than vintage and consignment shops.

Vintage Shops~  Vintage stores typically have decades of trends to chose from. They usually hand select their merchandise from wholesale retailers of used clothing, swap meets, vintage fairs and estate sales or flea markets. Prices are typically higher than thrift stores.

Consignment Shops~ At consignment shops individuals sell their used clothing through a dealer who takes a percentage of the profit. Most shops won’t accept merchandise unless it looks like new. Because of this, the items sell at a higher price than those found at thrift shops. Since the dealers must share their profits, they want to get the highest price possible and typically sell high-end goods.

Shopping Tips

1. Think about building your wardrobe instead of finding complete outfits. 
2. Choose you location wisely. Thrift stores is upscale neighborhoods usually have tons of upscale merchandise. Stores in urban areas often have fabulous treasures as well but don't be afraid to go into the burbs. 
3. Go often (you can also take this a step further and become friendly with the staff so they let you know when they put new merchandise out). You probably won't find something every single time you go to these places so make a stop every chance you get. 
4. Look thoroughly. Its very easy to miss a rack because from a far nothing catches your eye but look anyway and don't forget about the men's section. 
5. Try to only buy things you know you will wear multiple times. 
6. Examine each item carefully. The clothing is used so there may be tears that can't be fixed ad holes that can't be removed. 
7. Find out the stores return policy. Just in case you don't notice something until you get home. 
8. Be creative. Small alternations can make a huge difference. So don't rule something out because its a size too big or too long for your liking. If its only $2, it won't hurt to take it to a tailor to make it fit/look exactly how you want it.  

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Friday's Cocktail

“But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.”

 Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

2 PARTS (LEMON INFUSED) VODKA
1 PART COINTREAU
2-3 PARTS CRANBERRY JUICE
(SQUEEZED LEMON OR LIME)

Bikini Waxing, Yay or Nay?

I hope we're all on one accord when I say that "mowing the law" is very important. Weather you shave or Nair down there, I like to think that we (women) all agree that IT must go! But every time I mention the word wax and bikini in the same sentence my friends gasp as if I told them that our favorite wine was being discontinued.

Bikini waxing is becoming an increasing norm for women. Whether it’s a standard bikini wax or a full Brazilian, women are piling in salons for their 15 to 30 minutes of pain and baybay please believe me when I tell you, once you wax you never go back. So are you willing to endure a little pain for a perfectly manicured lawn? Or is it totally not worth it for you?

Featured Article | Flaws and All

Between working in retail for several years and being a freelance makeup artist, I’ve experienced first-hand the many ways in which we, as women, physically tear ourselves apart. I’m convinced that in the fine invisible print of each job description within the fashion and beauty industries, there is a duty that reads “Self-Image Therapist,” for this is a role that comes without question each day. “No ma’am, you’re not too fat for that dress.” “Of course those jeans don’t make your hips look too wide.” “No way—you don’t need implants. Your boobs look great in that top just as they are.” My makeup clients are no better with their evaluations of self: “I know it’s gonna take a lot to get this mug in order, Chels” or even “Give me the thickest concealer you’ve got, girl; these under eye circles are gonna need some work.” At times I’m tempted to grab perfect strangers by the shoulders, and shake some sense back into their poor, self-hating souls while screaming: YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL.

It wouldn’t work. And I’m not sure what more it would take, but after recently witnessing a woman break down into tears after looking at herself in a mirror, I knew there was something terribly wrong. Something deserving of further investigation.

I sat behind the counter at work that day, nearly in tears myself. A heart heavy knowing that no amount of positivity and bestowed compliments would change the fact that that woman could barely stand the sight of her own reflection. I thought it over until my head hurt—why do we object ourselves to such scrutiny? And after going back and forth in my own mind, I faced a harsh reality: I’d been no better. Me. Chelsea. The same one who’d been the mascot for self-love, confidence, and appreciation of our physical being without question just a couple hours prior. Nope, I’d been no better. Because as far back as I could remember, I, too, beat myself up internally and blamed the world for my seemingly misfortunate features.

I blamed my Mother, the picture of perfection she was during my younger years, for being everything I was not. Light. Short. A hair filled with curly long locks. I couldn’t understand how she, my grandmother, and most of my cousins and aunts had the look—light skin, long hair. And I just had to be different, the oddball. “Why me?” I’d wonder silently.

I blamed my Father, not only for being a pitiful individual, but for tainting my being with these awkward physical realities. Darker skin (avoided the sun like a plague). Coarser hair (relaxers from elementary school, on). The height of a damn basketball player! Ohhhhhh, that wicked height. My mom is 5′ 2″ you see, so only he could be blamed for my always being the tallest one in the class photo. 5’9″ by the time I reached 8th grade. Size 10 feet. I cursed his unspoken name when I had to go out of my way to find fashionable shoes for a teenage girl hard-pressed on following “the trends.” And when I had to pay more for my Jordan’s because I couldn’t fit the same cute kiddie sizes that my friends wore, please believe I gave him hell.

I blamed adolescence for acne and braces—at the same time. And I wasn’t quite sure who to blame for my needing glasses, but please believe they were deserving of my discontent, too.

I blamed my best friends for having video-vixen statures in middle school while I could barely fill out a bra. One was a D-cup even in sixth grade, and got all the guys’ attention. The other was a track superstar, and, thus, stacked like a stallion. The only girl in the whole school with a booty like J-Lo, or so it seemed back then. When she walked by, time would stop for just a few seconds. Oh, yes, the fellas loved her too! My flimsy frame couldn’t compare.

I blamed makeup for giving me a false sense of beauty and femininity throughout high school. No, I didn’t wear foundation. But eyeshadow, liner, blush, and lipgloss, all became addictions. Fun, playful, and harmless to the untamed eye. But there soon reached a point at which I couldn’t leave the house fresh-faced because I’d forgotten that I was pretty without all the extra fixings. Late to class, sitting in the car, applying that third coat of mascara. It was my “thing” and I couldn’t have a day off.

I blamed college for blessing me with ten extra pounds each year. Thirty to date. Something about being free to come and go and eat and hang out and stay up as you damn well please begets bad habits. And, yes, they became my own. But when I transferred schools and moved to Atlanta, I blamed Georgia for having me feel that I wasn’t thick enough. The figures of my modelesque friends back home couldn’t even begin to compare to the shapes of these southern gals. Nope, no amount of squats and lunges could give you the hips and backside of someone who’s been fed pork chops, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread since childhood. Or even someone who’s had a couple shots (if you know what I mean) here and there; yes, those have nearly become the norm too.

I blame a whole bunch of people for a whole bunch of other things I have yet to come to terms with regarding my appearance, but more than anything – I blame myself. For I, like the woman who wept in front of the mirror, am to blame for how I have handled that over which I have no control. And even more at fault for measuring my own worth against someone else’s natural standard; I’d always be an imperfect version of them, but couldn’t see that I was a flawless version of myself. I was too young to understand that my complexion was the most gorgeous shade of brown that God had ever blended—because he created it just for me. And, even so, these days I love me a good summer tan—the browner, the better. I was too stubborn to know that my height was a blessing—something that made me stand out in a crowd—striking. Plus, it automatically eliminated all the short, good-for-nothing guys who’s attention I thought I needed at the time. And I was too damn dumb to realize that I wore a size 10 so that I could always have access to the good shoes that all the 7.5-8s had to fight for at the department stores. Duh! How could it not be obvious? *Sighs*

I’ve learned from self-evaluation and retrospect that we will all face physical insecurities at one point or another. But you either love it, deal with it, fix it, or die inside from irrational feelings of inadequacy—take your pick. I choose to be proud of those subtleties that set me apart from the next woman, and I encourage you all to do the same. Love yourself as a work-in-progress, for you will only become more gorgeous from adopting a positive self-image. And let’s uplift one another, too. Instead of being mad because the next chick has a badder body than your own—complement her and ask what kind of workouts she does. Like someone’s hair? Tell her so, and just maybe she’ll slip you her stylist’s card. You never know, the very thing you commend her on may be the single thing making her feel not so up to par that day. Be a blessing to someone else . . .

 ###

- Chelsea Smith

To view article click here

Outfit Post | A Long Walk

You're here, I'm pleased
I really dig your company
Your style, your smile, your peace mentality
Lord, have mercy on me
I was blind, now I can see
What a King's supposed to be
Baby I feel free, come on and go with me



Let's take a long walk around the park after dark
Find a spot for us to spark
Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation
Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations
Elevations, maybe we can talk about Surah 31:18



Your background it ain't squeaky clean shit
Sometimes we all got to swim upstream
You ain't no saint, we all are sinners
But you put your good foot down and make your soul a winner
I respect that, man you're so phat
And you're all that, plus supreme
Then you're humble man I'm numb
Yo with feeling, I can feel everything that you bring



Let's take a long walk around the park after dark
Find a spot for us to spark
Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation
Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations
Elevations, maybe we can talk about Revelation 3:17



Or maybe we can see a movie
Or maybe we can see a play on Saturday
Or maybe we can roll a tree and feel the breeze and listen to a symphony
Or maybe chill and just be, or maybe
Maybe we can take a cruise and listen to the Roots or maybe eat some passion fruit
Or maybe cry to the blues
Or maybe we could just be silent
Come on, Come on



Let's take a long walk around the park after dark
Find a spot for us to spark
Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation
Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations
Elevations, maybe we can talk about Psalms in entirety



Or maybe we can see a movie
Or maybe we can see a play on Saturday
Or maybe we can roll a tree and feel the breeze and listen to a symphony
Or maybe chill and just be, or maybe
Maybe we can take a cruise and listen to the Roots or maybe eat some passion fruit
Or maybe cry to the blues
Or maybe we could just be silent
Come on, Come on



Let's take a long walk around the park after dark
Find a spot for us to spark
Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation
Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations
Elevations, maybe baby, maybe we can save the nation
Come on, Come on

What I Wore: Dress Vintage/Shoes Jessica Simpson
Song: Jill Scott A Long Walk

Want a New Skin Care Regimen? Take a Look in the Fridge!

I recently got rid of a lot of beauty products in my bathroom cabinet and stocked my fridge with natural goodies that are said to make the skin glow... take a look-see.

Brighten with Papaya: Cut a slice of ripe papaya and remove the seeds and pulp (save the pulp for a snack later—it’s great for digestion). Rub the inside of the papaya peel on your cleansed face, focusing on lines around the mouth and eyes, crow’s feet, thinning temples, neck and hands. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. This mask can be done twice a week. “The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish,” says Macan-Graves.

Exfoliate with Oatmeal: Combine 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Separately, prepare a packet of plain oatmeal, using less water than called for so it forms a thick paste. Next, add the honey and olive oil mixture to the cooked oatmeal. Apply as a scrub, gently rubbing it in small circles over your skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This mask can be done twice weekly. “The oatmeal in this scrub exfoliates, while the honey and olive oil moisturize,” says Argenti.

Cleanse with Olive Oil: “Believe it or not, I love to cleanse with oil,” says Argenti. For this facial, she combines 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt with 2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp lemon oil (not to be confused with lemon juice; lemon oil is an essential oil that can be found at health food stores). The mixture should be a little bit runny but not easily poured out. Massage it over skin, then immediately wipe it off with a washcloth soaked in tepid water. This can be done daily. “You want to use good-quality oil and you’ll be surprised at how clean your skin will feel,” says Argenti. “You don’t need a harsher product, even for skin with acne. Just be careful around the eye area…[the mixture] tends to be very sticky.”

For Oil- and Blemish-Prone Skin Lift & Tighten use Lemon Juice: Combine 2 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (the juice of one lemon) and apply to your cleansed face and neck. Let it dry for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel the mask tighten on your face and neck, which creates a lifting and firming effect. Leave it on longer (up to one hour) for even more face-lifting effects. Once done, rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done two to three times a week or whenever you need a face lift. “This instant face-lifting mask helps fade age-spots, acne scars and even helps keep blemishes and acne in check. It also gets rid of uneven-looking skin tone,” says Macan-Graves.

Tone with Tea Bags: This toning eye treatment helps to “de-puff, relax, refresh and energize your skin,” says Argenti. “It’s much more cooling than the traditional cucumber slices.” After cleansing your skin, brew a cup of chamomile or green tea and allow it to cool. Then soak two clean, round makeup sponges in the tea and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place one on each of your eyes for 15 minutes. Do this daily. “You need to use an alcohol-free toner on your skin to cleanse and tighten pores. Alcohol is very detrimental, and tea works just as well,” adds Argenti.

Soothe Dry Skin with Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar : Combine 2 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This can be done three times a week. “This mask heals, moisturizes and balances the pH of the skin,” says Macan-Graves. “Honey is a humectant and natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of skin and soothes damaged skin.”

Moisturize with Fennel and Oatmeal: Macan-Graves recommends oatmeal and fennel to help moisturize dry skin. Grind 1 Tbsp oatmeal in a blender and set aside. Add 1 Tbsp fennel seeds to 1/2 cup boiling water to make a tea. Allow the seeds to steep for 10 minutes; strain the seeds and discard. Let it cool down to room temperature and then combine 1 Tbsp of the fennel tea with 1 Tbsp ground oatmeal and 1 Tbsp honey. Apply the mixture to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done twice weekly.

Brighten with Sour Cream and Honey: Combine 2 Tbsp sour cream with 2 Tbsp honey and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool (not cold) rinse. This mask can be done twice a week. “This mask heals, exfoliates, brightens and moisturizes skin. It refines pores, fades acne marks and prevents blemishes from coming up,” says Macan-Graves.

I faithfully use olive oil and castor oil to cleanse my face at night. I exfoliate with brown sugar and raw organic honey once a week and I detox with Sour Cream and Bentonite Clay once a week.

Full article can be read here. 

A Few of My Favorite Things!

MAC's Ruby Woo Lipstick~ Hands down my favorite lipstick ever! I don't think there is a skin tone that this red lipstick wouldn't look fabulous on!

China Glaze For Audrey Polish~ First of all, to me China Glaze is the best polish ever. Take it from someone who is constantly cooking, cleaning and typing, this polish does not chip and its cheaper than its OPI and Essie counterparts. For Audrey looks amazing against my skin tone plus what girl doesn't like Tiffany Blue?

Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Sea Salt Scrub~ I can't get enough of it. Read a review I wrote here.

Carol's Daughter Hair Milk~ This products gives my twist-outs great definition without making my hair feel heavy or weighed down. It also help my dry dry natural hair retain moisture.

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation~ Brilliant coverage, flawless finish, enough said!

Friday's Cocktail

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of
control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my
worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

Marilyn Monroe

 

Cats and Roses

Cranberry Vodka

Raspberry Liqueur

Lemon Juice

Rose's Lime

Grenadine

Orange Soda

 

Just a little inspiration...

Beautiful people, photography, places, things

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Tutorial: Electric Blue Eyes

No flash








What I used:

Face
MAC Select SPF 15 Foundation
MSF Natural in Dark
Peachykeen Blush

Eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Urban Decay Adore
MAC Spiced Chocolate
MAC Embark
Rimmel London Nior Eyeliner
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC35
MAC Spiked Brow Pencil
Maybelline Great Lash Macara

Lips
MAC Cork Liner
MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick
MAC 2N Lipglass