Big Kiss

It takes a lot for me to abandon my massive hadnbags. I prefer to have my bags double as luggage in most cases. However, when I saw the 'Big Kiss' clutch by Charlotte Olympia I couldn't pass it up. 50% off the original price helped quite a bit as well! I absolutely adore this clutch. It's red lips so naturally we're a match made in fashion heaven. It has a little strap, but I have yet to use it. I like holding this little baby in my hands.

For an evening catch up with my cousin, I wore an oversized jumper with my go to faux leather pants. I'm by no means a sample size, so I didn't think I'd be able to pull off a full leather pant, but after purchasing this affordable option I'm kind of in love with them. This was definitely a lesson for me as it should be for everyone, don't knock it until you try it! If this trend sticks around long enough I might just snatch up a real leather pair. I love these as a chic alternative to jeans.

I've never been a fan of Aldo shoes because they're unreasonably uncomfortable, but I do love these Aldo wedge booties. I can do quite a bit of walking in them without wanting to cut off all my toes which is pretty much my number 1 concern when buying heels to stomp around London in. I'm not sure that I'm completely sold on Aldo at this point, but these will do for now.

I said that I would start playing with lip colors this year, so here we go! I kept my eyes bright and simple and went for a deep plum lip. I am obsessed with the Nars 'Train Bleu' velvet matte pencil. It's really dark, but it looks fantastic on. It's also quite versatile. I've worn it with my 'Dragon Girl' pencil for an ombre look and with glosses to sheer it out a little bit. Last night I wore it with Nars Larger than Life gloss in 'Rouge Tribal'. I loved the look and will definitely be rocking it again soon.

You may have noticed that I got a hair cut. It's a new year, and I got tired of managing chemically relaxed ends and new natural growth. Now it's all gone. I'm still getting used to the look, but I love the lower maintenance!

Sweater: Whistles

Faux Leather Pants: Topshop

Booties: Aldo

Bag: Big Kiss clutch by Charlotte Olympia

Jewelry: Stella & Dot and Tiffany & Co. bracelets and ring, Zodiac watch

What do you think of the new look?

Stay fab! xx

I Guess I Got My Swagger Back

Topshop top
Joe's Jeans
Saks Fifth Avenue brand wedges
Kooba bag
Prada shades

 I finally found someone to do my hair! I got my hair blown out today at the Patrick Ludde salon, and Vernon is now my favorite person in London. I am so happy to finally have my bouncy hair back! I'll be saying bye bye to my hair extensions now. I've missed my little bob. Anyway, today was a really casual day of pampering for me. After enjoying some lunch, I got my hair whipped in Mayfair before heading back to my side of town to get a pedicure. I must have been on a winning streak today because my pedicure was also excellent. (I've been to 4 crap nail salons prior to today) I wore a sweatshirt top with distressed sleeves, skinny jeans and wedges. The sun was in and out so I kept it douchey and left my shades on all day. I don't have time for the on and off game.

Mac Amber lights and Nars Brousse shadow duo
Bobbi Brown gel liner
Nars Exhibit A blusher
Nars Red Square Velvet Matte Lip pencil (Mac Redd lip liner)

Stella & Dot and Tiffany's arm parties
Stella & Dot Odette earrings

Head Wraps + Saying Bye Bye to Hair Extensions (for now)

Whistles jumper
H&M leggings
Jeffrey Campbell booties

Nude lips: Bobbi Brown 'Burnt Sugar' Lipstick and Petal Pink Gloss

I've been wearing hair extensions for the past few months as I let me relaxer grow out. I decided to give my hair a one week break from the braids, so Friday the hair extensions came out and I roller set my hair. I feel weird not having a head full of weave anymore, but it's a nice break. Because I'm now rocking two hair textures, I've been working head wraps like it's my job. I tied my favorite silk scarf into a bow to give this look a cutesy edge to it. I love this oversized jumper from Whistles which I paired with peep toe booties for a fun, casual look.

So funny story...the reason I have a stain on top of my right boob is because I tried to push open a door that should have been pulled. I was holding my purse, my latte and croissant when I violently rammed into the door which didn't give the way my latte did all over my stuff. Sometimes I really love myself. The best part was the faces of the two guys who were coming in as I was walking out. They were nice enough not to laugh in my face as they opened the door to let me out.

I'm still struggling with my hair care/maintenance here, but I'm trying someone new this week. I can't wait to see him work his magic! I desperately need a hair cut and a protein treatment. If anyone has advice on transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, please leave a comment!!!

Hair Nightmares

Moving comes with quite a few challenges, but the biggest one for me has always been finding a new hair stylist. Moving countries is hard enough, but now I have to figure out how to maintain and style my relaxed hair! I typically start my search by asking for recommendations, but since most of the women I've seen either wear extensions or short natural do's, I've been having a very difficult time. I finally ran into a lady on the tube who had beautifully styled hair that looked very healthy, so I asked her for her salon and stylist. She was happy to give me the information, and I was happy to finally have a solid recommendation(...or so I thought).

I ventured down to Peckham last week after finally setting my appointment for a simple wash and style. The salon looked nice enough, and I was pleased to see that they used good products. I was washed promptly and thoroughly and put under the dryer. My hair felt soft and my scalp felt clean, so I started getting excited to have my hair styled. Everything was going soooo well until he put some greasy product on his hand and began to massage it into my scalp. This man was greasing my scalp like a skillet, and had planned on then putting a flat iron through it! I tried to hide my horror, but when he started flat ironing I almost lost it. I'm used to stylists putting the flat iron on a piece of hair once to straighten and again to style. This man was going over each piece at least 4 or 5 times. I couldn't figure out if the smoke was coming from my ears or the flat iron touching the grease in my hair, but it didn't matter. He finished my hair, and while it didn't LOOK all that bad, it felt greasy to touch and it lacked ANY sort of movement. It was almost like I was wearing...I don't know...a hair hat. I was mortified.

Needless to say I will NOT be going back to Kosit Hair Design ever again! My hunt for a stylist continues...