SheShe and Shimmer

Is Your Hair aging You?

October 25, 2021 in Beauty

Its the last Monday in October! Boy, that went fast.

I have a new favorite YouTube channel. See it here Elle Bangs. This channel is by a licensed hair stylist. She offers practical advice and styling help.

After watching several of her videos, it got me thinking. In my opinion, hair can age you more than any other single aspect of your appearance.

I LOVED being a teenage in the late 90's I am glad that I was a teenager then, not an adult. For some reason back then, many women seemed to feel that once they hit 35, the HAD to get an unflattering, frumpy hair cut.

Case in point....the cast of "The Golden Girls" were younger at the start of that series than the cast of "Friends" is now. Jennifer Anniston doesn't look a day over 35. A lot of that can be attributed to her beautiful hair.

We all know the same old things we always here regarding this topic. We got it, we need to trim dead ends and hydrate our hair. These things here are going deeper than that.

Quite often, what ages us most is things that are now "dated".

So, what are somethings that we do to our hair that age us? Pour some coffee, sit back and lets discuss.

Wispy Claw Bangs

Bangs like this were quite popular in the early to mid 90's. You achieved bangs like this by blowing them out on a large, round brush.

If you are a bang lover and want to have something more current, opt for a curtain bang.

Overly done blowouts

Even duchess Kate has traded in her signature blowout for more relaxed waves. Over done blowouts look fussy and now somewhat frumpy. More lived in waves have a carefree, youthful vibe.

Lots of Choppy Layers

This hair cut shouts "1996!!!" from the roof tops. See, around that time, everyone went out and got "The Rachel". As it started to grow out, this is what it looked like.

While layers are a wonderful thing, you might want to keep them on the longer side to stay current.

Overly Bright Hair Colors

I'm using myself as the "don't" here (albeit me from 2015). Overly vivid hair colors, where it be blonde, red, or brunet look "forced". That's the exact opposite of what is youthful. Choose more muted, natural looking shades to avoid adding years.

Thick, High Contrast Highlight/lowlights

Picture it, 2003... I had these stripes called a "highlight/lowlight". My natural hair color is a dishwater dirty blonde. It wasn't dark enough for this super high contrast. So, I had a lot of dark brown put in between. I spent literal YEARS trying to undo this.. A color job like this is a time capsule of the early 00's, which are now 20 years ago. Opt for a more natural bayalage for dimension without hard lines.

For more info on this, go straight to the informative source!

XO,

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Five for Friday

October 22, 2021 in .Style, Beauty

Happy Friday! Woo Hoo!

So, I see that you guys really like when I show photos of myself like I did on Wednesday. I have taken note of that and will be incorporation more of that going forward (gulp).

Today though, I have a round up of five new things things that I'm loving lately!

These are all great and I'm very excited to share them with you!

Long Plaid Jacket

This one here, I need to style myself and show you how I did it. To me, they stock photo here just isn't it. I wear this with a pair of faux leather leggings and my Golden Goose sneakers. It looks SO cute. Its a warm soft material and nice and cozy.

Cozy Joggers

When I first picked these up, I thought that they were cashmere. They really feel like it. These are perfect for sitting on the couch, watching "Your shows" and drinking coffee or hot chocolate.

Air Dry Cream

For awhile now, I've been trying to air-dry my hair. I've damaged it FAR too much with heat and bleach. Now, I'm trying to nurse it back to health. Each time I tried to air dry it though, well...it was a look. FLAT at the roots, but a frizz ball literally everywhere else.

This product is a game changer. It makes my air dried hair look as if it were actually styled that way. Its a total win.

Slouchy Sweater

This was an impulse buy. I do love it though. Its so cozy and looks lovely on.

Beanie

I live in New England. I'm going to need hats, many hats. There is no escaping winter here. Kyi-Kyi is one of the best hat brands that I've found. SO warm, and so well made.

Is there anything new that you are loving? Please, do share and have a beautiful weekend!!

XO,

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Neutrals or Bolds?

October 20, 2021 in Style

Hi friends, Happy Wednesday.

Sorry for the late start.. I was having technical difficulties. Blogger wasn't letting me upload photos. It might be time to start considering other platforms. But I digress.

I'm stepping a bit out of my comfort zone here today. I'm using photos of myself and my outfits here. I don't typically do this , as I'm sure you might of noticed. However, I figured it might be helpful to show you guys these things on a normal person in a normal setting (My bedroom and office bathroom). Lets be real, anything will look great on a gorgeous 19 year old model on an exotic photo shoot. If it will still look good on a 42 year old office worker, then its winner. Its cringe inducing to me to write my stats here, but for reference I'm just shy of 5'4 and currently a ladies size 10.

Okay, that said.. lets start with the outfit above. More women that I know feel most comfortable dressing in neutrals. The question here is, "How do we keep neutrals from looking boring?"

What I did here was pair these neutrals with a very 'on point' pair of jeans. The sweater is a classic piece that will never look time period specific. Here are the links for each individual piece. (all "affordable" pieces)

So many women I know think that they can't wear bolds. They like them, they love how they look on everyone else, but are afraid to try them for themselves.

There are ways to overcome this hesitation. My advice if you are looking to dip your toe into the waters of bold is to stick to classic shapes and outlines in the beginning. You'll see here, that my red jeans are a classic straight cut and my top is a traditional button down. This gives the outfit a less avant gard than if I were waring more trendy shapes and styles such as flare legged pants.

Also, you'll see that I kept my accessories traditional here as well. Timeless bangle bracelets, hoop earrings and an iconic belt. When you are wearing bold colors, steer clear of the "statement piece" jewelry to avoid the appearance of "too much". Here are the links for my "bold" outfit:

Are you comfortable wearing bold colors? Or do you prefer to stick to neutrals?

XO,

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Ohhhhhhh in October

October 15, 2021 in Style

Happy Friday, Mes Amies!

How are you guys today? I'm so excited for the weekend.

Here we are 1/2 way through October, I can't believe how quickly this fall is passing.

Anyhow, I added a few new pieces in to my wardrobe this month. I noticed from my blog graphic here that this is neutral city. Those are the colors of the season.

Tan Sweater

This sweater is the perfect neutral piece. I love how its the perfect way to keep my white jeans looking fresh into the winter.

Plus, its under $20.00

Shacket

This shacket is the piece I never expect to love or wear so much! The "Shacket" is a hybrid of a shirt and jacket. Also, they are EVERYWHERE this season. I've used this to replace my puffer vests.

V-Neck Cardigan

This versatile piece can be worn alone, or over a t-shirt. The color works with everything.

Blouson Sweater

I had to find a way to work some color in. The muted shades on this sweater are so in tune with the prominent palette of the season.

Clog Bootie

The clog boot is the "IT" shoe of the season. I fell in love with a pair at Target, but my size had been sold out for months. When I saw this pair, I had to pounce.

There you have it. Is there anything new that you are loving this month?

XO,

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Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone

October 13, 2021 in Babbels, Beauty

Happy Hump-Day Hunnies!

How is this week treating you so far?

This past Saturday was hair day for me. (Who doesn't love hair day!?) Do not worry, this isn't a post all about my hair, I promise.

For years, I *HAD* to have my hair as blonde as I could possibly have it. This was a non-negotiable. I had convinced myself that it looked "better" this way because it hid my many, many gray hairs.

Every six weeks like clock work, I'd go into my salon. My appointment was always the 1st one of the day- 9:00 am. I'd be there until 1:30 or 2:00 pm as my stylist went through and added enough bleach filled foils to make me a bonified lightening rod.

The thought of doing anything else, was simply NOT okay. This is how it "HAD" to be. Like with many other of my beliefs over time, this thought was rigid.

Looking back, I now realize that there were so many things in my life, pertaining to my appearance that I thought that I had no control over. Subconsciously, I thought "I cant do anything about this flabby tummy or pudgy arms, but I can control this hair."

Over the last 4.5 months though, I had a breakthrough though. I learned that I was worth fighting for. I was worthy of a clean, healthy diet. I was valuable enough to spend an hour a day, 5 days a week working my body with a fitness routine. Well, wouldn't you know... turns out that I DID have control over that tummy, those arms and everything else. Who would of thought that the way things were wasn't how that had to be indefinitely.

It took a lot of work and even more tears to come to the realization that I am in control of each and every aspect of my life. I'm not a victim to anyone or any circumstance, unless I so choose to be. This is true for each and everyone of us.

After I finally got to this much healthier space, I stopped "sweating the small stuff". I became less afraid to try the new and different. So, while the change of the hair might seem like no big deal, people change their hair all the time...for me this change is symbolic of something so much bigger.

I tell you this because I want you to know that this stuff is worth fighting for. YOU are worth fighting for and you have the ability to change any aspect of your life at anytime. You posses so much more power than you likely know. If I can do it, so can you. You are worth it.

XO,

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Can't Live Without It

October 08, 2021 in .Style, Beauty

Happy Friday everyone! Guess what tomorrow is? Its hair day! Woohoo! I know that I'm not the only one who is so completely here for hair day.

Anyhow, its been a bit before we did a "Can't Live Without It" post. As always, I'd love to know what your pics are for this category. Most of these things have been mentioned here on this little blogette. You guys know me, when I stumbled upon something great, I need to share it!

Buy Shower Cap Here

I know, I know... there is nothing glamorous about a shower cap. This little ditty is an absolute necessity though. I wash my hair twice a week, but obviously shower daily. This $7.00 shower cap is an absolute life saver. No water or humidity get anywhere near your hair. To me, this shower cap is the best out there. Even better than the one by The Drybar.

Drawer Organizer

I used to put my sock & underwear in my top drawer and hope that they would stay somewhat organized. They never did though. Each morning, I'd be fishing through trying to find what I needed. Now, I know exactly where everything is. It makes life so much easier and looks better too.

Curved Hair Brush

This curved brush makes blowouts a breeze. The curved design means that you can get closer to the scalp. Why does that matter? It makes for smooth roots. That makes your entire blowout look better.

Netsu Blowdry Cream

While we are on the topic of blowouts.. Let me tell you. I have not used anything else in blowing out my hair since August. This is what the used at the salon at the Wynn Las Vegas. My thick, course hair felt like cornsilk Never going back to anything else!

Thermal Off The Shoulder top

Have you sent your cold shoulder tops off to the donation bin too? Read Here

The cold shoulder top has been usurped by the off the shoulder top. I LOVE this one by Free People. I bought in both the powder blue and black. It looks great with leggings or jeans.

Starbuck Nespresso Pods

Praise to the powers that be...they FINALLY make Starbucks pods for Nespresso machines. I cannot even articulate to you how long I hoped this would happen. I think I've already gone through 10 boxes....

Vintage Style Jeans

I posted a picture of these on Instagram earlier this week. So many folks LOVED them. After over a decade of the skinny jean, this style is a breath of fresh air. These jeans are so darn comfortable and uber flattering.

"Chocolate Chip Cookies" for Dogs

Okay, this isn't my one of my "Can't Live Without it", but it certainly is one of Decoy's. He told me that I had to let you know that these are the best snack ever. He sits and stares at them hoping somehow that by sheer will alone he'll get the bag open. Having no thumbs truly stinks.

I love how they are made in America. I feel much safer giving them to him.

They are made with carob, not chocolate for obvious reasons.

There you have it. What is it that you lately cannot live with out?

XO,

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Tweaking Your Beauty Routine For Cooler Weather

October 06, 2021 in Beauty

Happy Mid-Week, Mes Amies. How are you all doing today?

The last few days have been rainy, cold and raw around here. While its is only October, the air has changed. Because of this, its a good idea to make a few tweaks and additions to your beauty routine. Cold weather, being inside and reduced humidity all require a different course of action when it comes to how we primp and prep. Just as that cute tank top and cut-offs works perfectly for July but not January , there are beauty moves you need to make to accommodate the change of seasons.

Does your scalp tend to get dry and irritated each winter? Does it flake? If so, add in a Scalp Oil like This One by Briogo.

This is so soothing. It quells irritation almost immediately.

Between my thyroid issues and my geographical location, I end up with painfully dry , chapped hands each and every winter. However, I have a new hope this year. This Hand Cream by Ouai ( Pronounced "Way") is a game changer.

To say this is deeply hydrating would be a gross understament. This leaves your hands silky and smooth for hours at a time, all while having that beautiful Ouai trademark scent.

For many of us, myself included the cooler months and all that they entail does a number on the skin on my face. I end up with dry patches all over. Hydrating creams are important. However, in order to truly fight the dryness a serum is necessary. This One by Drunk Elephant is a savior.

Apply this after cleansing and before you apply moisturizer. This will lock in hydration.

In the warmer months we can sometimes air dry our hair. In the winter, that's not often a viable option. This along with dry heat in doors makes it so that hair needs TLC and moisture. This Hair Mask is of HG status.

Its an intensely moisturizing mask that instantly makes hair softer, shinier and more manageable.

The cold months are brutal on cuticles. They get dried out, then they rip and turn into painful hangnails. I've learned that there is a simple fix for this. I keep a bottle Of This Cuticle Oil right next to my soap on the bathroom sink.

Just a few drops of this each day is all you need. It makes all the difference.

Okay, that's a wrap on this post. What are your cold weather beauty "musts"?

XO,

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Fall Haul

October 04, 2021 in .Style

Its the 1st full week of October, how did that happen? I swear, it was June like 3 days ago.

Anyway, like most people I like to add some new pieces into my wardrobe when the season change.

I'm buying less than normal this year. There are a couple of reasons for this. One is that I already have too much. The other reason is that my size is changing (Hiring a personal trainer REALLY works). This year, my pics are far more curated than in years past. I actually like it FAR better this way. The less clutter, the better.

Since I spent so much time finding the best pieces, I'm going to share some of them with you so you do not also need to spend the time doing it.

Leopard Boot-Cut Jeans

Leopard print is my favorite, always has been. These jeans are in the current , hot boot cut shape. They have just enough stretch to be super comfy.

Lug Sole Chelsea Boot

These lug sole Chelsea boots are the perfect accompaniment to the jeans. I was wearing them together in an Instagram story. 12 different people asked me about them. These are SO comfortable!