Wash N' Gos

So, I mentioned earlier that I have been a bit bored with my hair lately. Therefore, I decided to try something new that I have never tackled. A Wash N' Go!!

My sister, Auset, is the queen of WNGs so, I asked for her advice on how to achieve one successfully. She was kind enough to do an entire post on it, which can be checked out {HERE}.

I am so excited to try out this new hairstyle! The only thing I am worried about is the middle section in the crown of my head. That curl pattern is so different from the rest of my hair. It's usually easy to blend it when wearing braid outs or twist outs. But, I don't know how those wavy curls are going to look with my WNG. Also, I hope that I don't experience a large amount of tangles. But, I am still excited nonetheless.

I will post the results later on...

What I'm Feeling: Fierce Cuts

Photo Source: Le Coil

Lately, I have been really feeling edgy and fierce haircuts. I don't have any plans on cutting my hair but, I have been a little bored with my hair lately. I think that this is the 1-year itch I am experiencing. Meaning, I just want to try something new.

Fierce haircuts really add something to your overall look. You can have on a t-shirt and jeans and look like you're ready to walk the runway or attend Fashion Week. And they really amp up your outfit and style.

So, how do I plan to fight this itch? I plan on trying edgier (yet, elegant and classic) hairstyles. I have a feeling you all are about to see a debut of a number of cornrowed hairstyles and funky updos. LOL. But, not your simple cornrow styles and updos. I'm still working out the designs in my head.

Honestly, in a year or two I wonder if I will be rocking some new and edgy 'do? I guess I'll just have to wait and see...

Hair Today: Braid Out

Hello, world! I am back from my hiatus.

Yesterday, I was off work so I had plans to do some sort of time-consuming hairstyle but, just decided to do a regular braid out. I wanted to put some mini twists in my hair and then curl them with some sponge rollers. (This was a request from one of my followers on Youtube) However, I couldn't find my sponge rollers so, I put that hairstyle off until sometime later.

Here's what I did:

1. I shampooed my hair (Giovanni Deep Moisture), I co-washed my hair (Giovanni Deep Moisture conditioner), I oil rinsed my hair (50:50 mixture of castor oil and EVOO), I deep conditioned my hair for 30 minutes (Suave Shea/Almond conditioner), I then rinsed it out.

2. I allowed my hair to drip dry just a little.

3. I then applied HE Totally Twisted conditioner to the hair and proceeded to to braid it in medium size braids.

4. The next morning my hair was completely dry!! I then sealed my ends with my Shea Butter/Coconut Oil mixture, took the braids down, and seperated the braids for a fuller look.

So, notice I said my hair was completely dry after only one day. I think the reason for this is that I started at 8:00 AM that morning. I also let the hair drip dry just a little. And after putting in the braids I spent a lot of time outside in the sunny weather to let that water evaporate some. So, this was great!

SN: I pinned my bangs back. Lately, I don't like having them in my face:-/

Inspiration for a Haircut

So, while on the Sartorialist (a fashion blog that depicts the real styles of real people) I saw this gorgeous picture. I just LOVE the shape of this haircut!! And just because she doesn't have my hair texture doesn't mean I can't re-invent this style for my natural hair. So, I think that if I should ever want a new cut this will be my inspiration. My bangs aren't long enough to do the front section of this hairstyle but, maybe one day they will be...

Photo Source: The Sartorialist

Do you find hair inspiration from people with different textures???

Natural Inspiration: Solange Knowles (again)

Yall, I know that I featured Solange as a natural inspiration before but, I just had to feature her again. I simply ADORE Solange. One day I just realized, I am a Solange Knowles fan.

Why? Simply because she breaks the mold. Her fashion is her own. Her personality is hers alone. Her voice is beautiful and I love her style of music. And she just rocks her natural hair beautifully. I really could go on and on...

Now, back to her fashion. Solange's style is amazing! If I didn't work in an office I could see myself rocking a number of her looks. She wears the most unique vintage pieces and she is not afraid of color. She is my girl!

So, a special honor goes to Solange because she is the only natural inspiration that I just had to feature twice.

Great Linkage: New Sppokeswomen of Carol's Daughter

Photo Source: The YBF

Carol's Daughter just introduced their new spokeswomen. They are Solange (my fave), Cassie, and Selita Ebanks.

Click {HERE} for more details.

Hair Today: French Braids with Swooped Pin-Up

Yes, I am still rocking the french braids but, they are holding up so wonderfully. Also, I must admit that I really like this hairstyle. So, I tried something new with the french braids. I did a low side pin-up. I think this look is so me. Elegant and classic.

I am going to re-do the hairstyle this weekend and I have plans to shoot a tutorial on this style.

Natural Blast From the Past: Nina Simone

Nina Simone. She is beautiful. I love her features--those full lips and intense look in her eyes. Of course, her natural hair is on point. I wanted to feature her after hearing my sister sing her song so beautifully at her concert. That song, Why? (The King of Love is Dead) is really moving.

Bonus: Video of my sister, Auset, singing her song Why? (The King of Love is Dead)

My Apologies...

As you all know, I do love blogging and being a help to anyone that may need it. I try to answer all questions and give help when asked. However, I have noticed that I have missed quite a few comments that asked me questions and/or suggestions. I promise you this was not intentional. Not at all.

If you asked a question in the past and I did not answer, I apologize.

So, I will definitely make sure that I stay up-to-date on my comments. And if you would like to email me that is fine also. My email is constance.caddell@gmail.com or elegantnatural@yahoo.com .

Naturals in Advertisement: Kate Spade

Photo Source: LeCoil

While on LeCoil I saw this gorgeous pictoral of a Kate Spade advertisement. How gorgeous are those clothes and that natural model! Those outfits so depict my style. Classic and elegant. (And great Spring looks). It just goes to show you that naturals can definitely rock classic and elegant looks. And we do it so wonderfully!!

My Sister, The Product Junkie

While visiting my sister, Auset, this past weekend I was simply amazed at the amount of products she has in her arsenal. And the picture above does not show everything. She had other products in the cabinet below. And even though my sister has a lot of products she does know what works and doesn't work. And I am grateful for that! I let her try out the products and once they get her stamp of approval then, I purchase the products:-)

My product area looks so pitiful in comparison to this. And I am constantly running low on items. Shea butter definitely needs to be restocked...

Hairstyle: French Braids leading to Low Pony Puff

So, since I had a rather busy and full weekend I wasn't able to do my hair on Friday. So, I did it on Sunday. I shampooed my hair using Giovanni Triple Tea Shampoo (a gift from my sister, Auset). I then co-washed with Suave Almond conditioner (another gift from my sister, Auset). I did an oil rinse of 50:50 castor oil and EVOO. I then deep conditioned witht he Suave Almond conditioner.

Here's how I achieved this style.
1. I parted my hair into three sections. Two in the front and one in the back.
2. I then applied the Suave Naturals in coconut to a section in the front and cornrowed it.
3. I then applied the conditioner to the other sections and cornrowed it.
4. I then applied the conditioner to the back section and pulled all of the hair, including the braids into the low pony tail.
5. I put two-strand twists in the ponytail part so, that my hair would not be matted and tangled up the next morning.
6. I then slept with a satin scarf over the entire do.
7. The next morning, I simply took the twists out and seperated it. Of course, it was still wet but, I knew this was going to happen. I wasn't going for a super defined puff.

I really like this easy style:-)

SN: I know its crazy that I pulled my hair into a low pony tail considering I really hate any pressure on my hair. But, I didn't put in the band tight and I don't plan on having this style but for 2-3 days.

A Great Weekend

This past weekend, my family and I went to Atlanta to see my sister, Auset, in her Spring Concert with the Jazz Ensemble. It was a really great day! We first went to a Carribbean Vegetarian/Vegan restaurant for her birthday. Then, we went thrfting. I purchased two new skirts. After that we briefly experienced the Health Fair that was going on. Auset then had her soundcheck so, we sat in. After the soundcheck she changed for the concert and then, we went to some of the pageant for the school. Most of all, I really enjoyed the concert. It was so great! My sister is really talented!! And the ensemble did a wonderful job. Below are some pics for the weekend.

A brief description of me and my sisters' hair. Alison just recently did another big chop. So she is rocking her TWA. Auset is wearing a wash n' go done with Shea Moisture I believe. And my hair is on Day 6 and it is rather big because there was a drizzle/mist the day before.

 Natural sisters.

 My mother with us.

 My father with us.

 My parents.

 Up close and personal.

 My sister, Alison.

 This is me, of course.

 Eating out, for Auset's birthday.

 Another pic of us eating.

 My plate: curried vegetables, brown rice and beans, and barbequed tofu.

 Some hair shots of Auset.

During the concert...

 During the concert...

More concert pics...

Being goofy:-)

After the concert. Great times.

I Was Awarded the "Stylish Blogger Award"

I was recently awarded the "Stylish Blogger Award" from Precious Curls. Thank you so much!! I really appreciate the love.

Rules
1. Thank and link back to the person that awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

Seven Things About Myself
1. I really like neon colored nail polish.
2. I have been a vegetarian for a year and 4 months. And I am now completely embracing a vegan lifestyle.
3. I am Apostolic Pentecostal.
4. I am considered the most serious out of all my siblings.
5. I am not spontaneous but, sometimes I wish I was.
6. I love to crochet amigurumi.
7. I absolutely LOVE Carribbean Vegan food.

Fifteen Blogs I Am Awarding
1. Natural Beauty Wellness
2. Dat Funky Fro
3. Target Queen
4. A Grl Can Mac
5. Meechy Monroe
6. Happy Gir Hair
7. The Natural Haven
8. Naturally Obsessed
9. Curly Nikki
10. Healthy Hair and Body
11. Naturally Leslie
12. Fro-Stoppa
13. Moptop Maven
14. BGLH
15. I award all natural bloggers out there for doing your thing!!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday

Awkward

1. Fairy knots. Enough said.

2. The lights being out at work for 2 hours. But, I did get to go home during that time. (So, kinda awesome)

3. Coming back to work when the lights were back on.

4. Doing a full rotation of my body during outfit videos. I am no model.






Awesome
1. I only have 2 1/2 hours left at work.
2. Pleated slacks.
3. Neon nails
4. Day 4 hair.

The weekend is almost here!!

Hair Today: Braid Out (Day 3)

As you can see, my hair is out. Last week, I had an insecure moment about my hair and had plans to do some french braids. But, I had a horrible finger injury on Thursday (I cut myself in two spots deeply with a razor. By mistake, of course). This prevented me from doing my hair on Friday (It must not have been meant). On Sunday, the cuts were healed somewhat but, still tender. So, I did a dry/damp braid out on my hair. I did not wash it because I just didn't feel up to doing that much to my hair. I just detangled and then braided using OH Shine and Define.

What is funny is that I was on Whoissugar's YouTube page and she had her afro out on Friday. She was so confident and unapologetic about her HUMONGOUS hair. I thought to myself, "And I thought my hair was too big." I loved her hair and her confidence. Then, I was looking at one of my favorite of all time male singers--Maxwell--video (Whenever, Whereever, Whatever) on Saturday and I loved his hair in that video and his unapologetic way of rocking it. So, I embrace the fullness of my hair. No apologies.

Now, that I am back to embracing my big hair I am thinking about rocking some mini twists. We shall see...

SN: Just received two great compliments on my hair. Back to back:-)

Oh yeah, I used a bobby pin today to pin back my bangs somewhat. I was getting irritated about having it in my face. Maybe, I'll rock them again tomorrow.

Individual Braids (Extensions)

Really, I am not one for extensions or weaves (for me, not judging anyone else). But, I have to admit that I am really digging the sorta comeback of long individual extension braids. I was looking in the Glamour magazine for this month and this photo of this beautiful lady rocking individual braids in a top bun was simply GORGEOUS to me!

These are the pictures from Glamour magazine (April 2011 issue)

It had me searching the internet for more pictures of individual braid extensions. And below are just a few that I am really digging--some are old and some are new.

Honestly, I don't think I will be rocking the individual braids because my hair can't take that kind of tension and pressure. My hair loves loose, no-pressure styles. And it was the picture below that stopped me from ever considering rocking the extension braids. 

That pressure on the edges just puts fear in me.

But, you never know...Maybe some day in the faaaar future I'll be able to rock the look with my natural hair:-)