A. Vintage Splendor - where vintage splendor meets modern chicA. Vintage Splendor

Winter Prep

January 26, 2015

In an effort to switch things up, I recently incorporated black riding boots into my wardrobe with the help of DSW. As you have noticed, I live in booties most of the time, but it’s good to mix in new pieces from time to time. It’s like a shock to the fashion soul and it’s not a bad thing! I recently stopped by DSW for their expansive and on-trend boot collection to find the perfect riding boot without breaking the bank. I’ll be hauling these beauties to New York next month as I battle the cold weather in style.

Vintage Moschino Blazer | Tory Burch Scarf | Thrifted Jeans | DSW Boots

DSW is the destination for savvy Shoe Lovers everywhere. Customers experience a breathtaking assortment of designer brands at irresistible prices everyday.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by DSW via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of DSW.

Messy Waves Tutorial

January 22, 2015

I love and hate my hair for the same reason: it’s very thick, there’s lots of it, and it’s super textured. My fine haired friends tell me I’m crazy, but when it comes to quick hair how-tos, there’s not much to help me out! For example, those great tutorials to braid wet hair and wake up with pretty waves leaves me with frizzy, crazy, damp hair resembling Simba! My hair needs some heat to lock in shine, reduce frizz, and to give it waves or curls. After trial and error, I’ve found an easy and quick way to get messy waves without a lot of heat. A few have asked how to get my waves, so here’s my first messy waves tutorial.

This routine takes me about 20 minutes which is quick (my thick hair friends can attest to this). It has also helped me grow out healthy hair so I can donate it at the end of the month since I don’t apply the heat of a flat or curling iron.

Step 1: Start with hair that is 75% dry. This will cut down on drying time, plus it won’t require as much heat to smooth out the hair. Work in a shine and heat protector serum from the tips to mid section of hair.

Step 2: Clip hair into sections on top of your head and start with the bottom layer.

Step 3: Set the dryer to high heat, medium power and using a round brush smooth out the hair in 2-3in sections.

Step 4: Using the round brush, start to twist the hair while applying some heat.

Step 5: Continue until you have twirled all of the bottom sections. When twisting/twirling sections of hair, be sure to twist away from your face so the waves go out and not in your face. Each layer should have about 3-4 twists.

Step 6: Continue with the other sections of hair. I usually do this in 4 sections.

Step 7: To give the front some volume, I blow out away from the face.

Step 8: Then I twirl each front section like the rest of my hair.

Step 9: Brush out the twists using your fingers.

Step 10: Finish with a gloss. I use the sculpting brush to reduce flyaways and lock in shine.

Products & Tools Used:

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo & Conditioner, Sculpting Brush, Triple Rescue Spray and Super Skinny Serum c/o // Ibiza Hairdryer // Marylin Double S Pro Brush

For you ladies with hair like mine, do you have any recommendations?

This post brought to you in collaboration with Paul Mitchell. I am a Paul Mitchell Insider, however all opinions expressed herein are my own.

Boots + Jumpsuits

January 21, 2015

I’ve partnered with DSW today to tell you a little about my current bootie addiction. Thanks to my current job, I live in booties as they are super comfortable for crazy days spent running around the office and around town. I’ve been searching for a pair in a rich brown color to add to my bootie collection that I can wear to the office as part of my regular rotation. I found the perfect pair at DSW that have been my go-to booties since buying them. They are my most comfortable booties, plus I get compliments every single time I wear them. I love these booties paired with a casual denim romper and clutch for a casual day at the office, followed by drinks with coworkers. If you’re in the market to find the perfect bootie, there are so many fabulous boot trends that can be found at DSW right now.

Photos by Melanee

DSW is the destination for savvy Shoe Lovers everywhere. Customers experience a breathtaking assortment of designer brands at irresistible prices everyday.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by DSW via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of DSW.

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

January 20, 2015

Since Alan went gluten-free, I’ve been sampling recipes that are tasty, but sensitive enough on his stomach. I find that healthy desserts and breakfasts are easy and delicious but really decadent gluten-free desserts are hard to come by. I make a version of this cookie as an on-the-go breakfast so I decided to simplify it as dessert. For starters, it’s the easiest cookie you will ever bake, it’s super rich, and classifies as healthy (sort-of)! Scroll down for my easy 3-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe!

Ingredients:

2 large ripe bananas

1 cup uncooked gluten-free oats

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mash bananas in a small bowl. Add oats and chocolate chips and mix until ingredients are well combined. Using a spoon, scoop out and place on lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350º degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Yields: 6 cookies