My Take on Color Blocking Basics

Color Blocking 2012

Season after season, new trends come and go. But which do you play with and which ones do you let slip away into the night? How can normal people play with the millions of trends that appear like butterflies in the summer sky and fade away just as fast? You start with the basics and add little twists and tweaks, here and there.

One of my favorite trends right now is color blocking. To me, coloring blocking is my gateway into all the other trends, using prints, wearing bold colors and mixing patterns at best. At times, it can be daunting when you think about it.  Therefore, I have decided to break this down so we all can enjoy new things this season.

1. Accessories, Accessories, accessories!!!
   Adding jewelry, shoes or a handbag first allows you to see how you like the color before you go and grab a bunch of clothes in neon green, pinks and blues. By starting with these small basics, you can test it to see if it works with your skin tone. Color reacts to cool tones and warm tones differently, so play around. Adding things in piece-by-piece slowly creates the confidence to wear more bold pieces later.

2. Swap and Go!!

  When looking for pieces to add, start with staple pieces that you already love and incorporate a new trendy color. Sometimes, we can get stuck in grabbing what makes us comfortable. This time instead of a black jacket or slacks, try for a bolder color, like fuschia or robin egg blue or even a different pattern.  Swap out what comes natural and choose colors, prints and patterns that you see also work for you. You can amp up a simple t-shirt and jeans but adding the trend of your choice. Once you break down your staple pieces with little touches here and there, wearing the hottest trends will soon feel like second nature.

3. Broaden Your Horizons

With adding new things, use the help of your closest friends and family members to explore new options. If your friends are anything like mines, they are honest with you. They wouldn’t dream of allowing you to step out for a night on the town with a less than appropriate ensemble. While honest friends are a must so is checking out different magazines and publications for different pieces that you adore and getting inspired by them. My favorite go to places for the latest styles and trends are Vogue Italia, Fashion.Net and Trendland. They provide me with a variety of ways to pull things. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, just people watch. I am sure there are people who could inspire you to step outside of your traditional box.

Most of all… Just have fun and be yourself.

Happy Dressing!!!!

XOXO,  Tina

Totally Quenched

Recently, I lucked upon the chance to get some Quench from Journey to My Roots. I immediately jumped at the chance when I thought there was a special shipment for students with great grades. I sent in my grades and was beyond happy to try out a handmade product from a natural like me. Then, I was made aware that student didn’t mean COLLEGE student but High School student. Even after the mixup on my behalf, Kim still sent me a FREE sample of her infamous Quench to try on my hair.  I was so overjoyed that I could still be apart of the student samples for grades deal. WOOOO HOOOO!!!

When my package arrived, it oozed love and care. Upon opening the package, there was this cute little sachet with my sample sized Quench, a handwritten and signed Thank You note. I have bought many different products for Dominique (my hair) but this was the only one that took enough time to say, “Thank You”. I smiled from ear to ear, as if I were opening a gift from a friend or a Christmas present instead of trying out a natural product.  I love that she included all the ingredients on the back of the packaging. I have become such the stickler for what’s on labels on my food, hair products and basically everything. So, knowing that she cared enough to include the ingredients was very impressive.  I knew exactly what they all were without having to have a scientist cypher the codes felt great. It even smelled like a little piece of heaven. Another great thing about Quench is that it very lightweight and that is also very important. There is nothing more irritating than buying an expensive product and it being so heavy that it makes my scalp and head hurt. Quench in my eyes get 2 thumbs up and 2 snaps in a circle!!! Whooopppppp Whooooppppp

As an individual, healthy hair is so much more important than if it is natural or relaxed. I mean really, who cares if your hair is relaxed if ALL your edges are playing a game of look for me. The same goes for natural hair. Who cares that you did the bc (big chop) if your hair always looks like a Brillo pad. Either case is so not cool. Healthy hair is the ultimate goal and Quench is a great product that works on all types of hair, whether relaxed or natural.

Every test I could think of, Quench passed it:

Appearance

Smell

Ingredients

Lightweight

All in all, I would truly recommend this product to all of many Nubian nappy, kinky, natural and relaxed friends as well.

For more info, contact Kimberly Gray of Journey2MyRoots.blogspot.com Her awesome product is Quench. She is also on YouTube and Facebook. She is a great person. Go check her out and tell a friend!

XOXO,Tina

Giveaway Winner Announced!!

The Winner of the Random Giveaway was Olivia. She was awarded a gift certificate for $50.  I am so excited to have executed my first giveaway. 


Stay Tuned, there shall be more giveaways in the future.




XOXO,
Tina