2007 August « Mature Natural Weblog

Thick Hair Accessory Treasures

August 29, 2007 at 1:27 pm (curly hair, dreadlocks, hair, hair accessories)
Tags: beauty supply store, curly hair, hair accessories, nappy hair

My hair is currently only about 5 inches long. I’m currently seeking hair accessories, scarves, and hats to help me fashionably transition along. There are certain hair accessories I have to avoid because, (1) I have kinky hair that “catches” on metal clasps, ends or fasteners, and (2) being 40+, I want to look like an adult.

Check out the following websites for beautiful hair accessories and scarves.

ETSY. I love unique, handmade items. There are some very talented artists and crafters on Esty. I’ve found beautiful barrettes, snoods, rasta hats, and crochet scarves. Don’t even get me started on the handmade earrings and soap. We’ll save that for another post.

FRANCE LUXE. This website has a hair accessory collection to die for and are on the more expensive side. Check out the double skinny headbands, perfect for short hair. Although their craftmanship and quality can’t be beat, France Luxe does sell some ponytail holders with metal ends. This can cause hair pulling or catching for those of us with kinky or curly hair. France Luxe hair accessories are sold in department stores such as Whole Foods, Saks 5th Avenue, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, etc.

BRUNSLI HAIR TIES AND JEWELRY For those with long hair who wear their hair loced, natural, braided, or straight, check out Brunsli hair ties. They are beautifully handmade out of natural products (wood, shells, etc.) and cost between $15 and $40. They can be adjusted to wear loose or tight, and also doubled to accommodate those of us with shorter hair.

CLAIRE’S I’ve always been able to find affordable hair accessories here. What’s new?

Fan tail hair piece, $3.00 For creating messy updos. Love this!

Whirl-a-style, $6.00 For creating buns and French twists.

SCUNCI These hair accessories can be found everywhere and fits everybody’s budget. What’s new for us thick haired folks? Look what I found.

Thick Hair New Wave Headband

SCARVES AND HATS. I buy my scarves and hats from a variety of sources; vintage shops, Salvation Army, and, of course, discount department stores such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Burlington Coat Factory, who has tons of scarves, as well as headbands, barrettes, and ponytail holders.

Hopefully this time next summer, I’ll have enough length to rock some creative braided or twist hairstyles.

3 Comments

My Ideal Magazine, Part I

August 25, 2007 at 7:07 pm (African American, Skin Products, anti-aging, fashion, menopause, nappy hair, plus size)
Tags: beauty products, nappy hair, plus size men, plus size women

Since the demise of Mode magazine, I can’t remember the last time I bought a magazine that I truly read from cover to cover. Today, they all seem so boring with more ads than memorable content nowadays. The things that I want to read about aren’t being covered in today’s magazines. Is it just me or have mags changed that much?

Years ago, I bought several mags every month. Yep, I used to be a Cosmo girl, but today I don’t have the patience to take a quiz on whether or not my sex life needs a boost. Hell, being perimenopausal, I’m lucky to still desire sex at all. I also faithfully purchased Vogue magazine to see what the new fashion trends would be from season to season, but I have to keep it real. I’m a plus size girl and at this time, Vogue can’t help me much unless I’m looking for some accessories, okay? Maybe some shoes, a purse, or a scarf ’cause ain’t much plus-size fashion happening up in Vogue magazine. Good Housekeeping was always synonymous with a good home cooked meal in my household. Unfortunately, it has been years since I tried a new recipe, especially since the kids are satisfied eating pizza and bread sticks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hubby is not hard to please either these days, and I guess I should be happy. As long as he can slap something between two pieces of bread with some hot sauce on it, he’s satisfied. Me? All I want to do is go out for dinner so I won’t have to cook.

What would I be interested to see in a magazine? Here are just a few things for starters.

Plus-size fashion for women. Guess what? The average size woman (about half of the female population) in the U.S. is a size 14, not a size 4. I want to see more women who look like me, dressed to the nines, in classy designer fashion. I’m not talking ’bout the typical tent dress with colorful flowers plastered all over it either. I deserve better than that, I spend my money, and I want to be represented.
Plus size fashion for men. Damn, I know there has to be some handsome plus size male models out there. Really, it’s okay to put Big & Tall or Casual Male ads in a fashion magazine. Everybody’s hubby or significant other doesn’t have a six pack or favors Dr. McDreamy, but big boys shop and need to be represented too.
Lingerie. No offense Just My Size, but I want to see a plus size model in a Vasserette or Victoria Secret bra. These brands are known for their beautiful designs, vast color selections, and bringing out a woman’s inner sexy. What? You think big girls can’t be sexy? If you sell ‘em in full-figured sizes, I want to see a full-figured model wearing ’em. It’s just that simple.
Menopause. Okay, this may not be your typical article about sex, but it does affect your sex life. Enough said!
Affordable Skin Care. I can’t afford Botox or Restylane. Any other alternatives? Sorry, La Mer is not in the budget either, especially at $125.00 for an ounce. A sista gotta eat. Tell you what, though, I’d settle for products with ingredients proven to brighten, soften, or diminish wrinkles or laugh lines I already have. Thank you very much.
Black Hair Models in Salon Product Ads. Really, black hair is beautiful . Versatility you looking for? How about a curly fro, braid out, twist out, flat twists, puffs, TWA, BAA, locs, Sisterlocks, wash and go, etc. Black hair care consists of products from both sides of the aisle and not just products in the ethnic section. In case you didn’t know, black hair loves Aveda, Paul Mitchell, Nexxus, TIGI, Kenra, Robert Craig, KMS, Back to Basics, etc.

I am curious though. What is your favorite magazine and why? Are you satisfied with your current magazine subscriptions? Why or why not?

3 Comments

My Big Sexy Fall Favorites

August 22, 2007 at 4:04 pm (fashion, plus size)

Plus size fashion has come a long way baby and this is clearly evident by new looks this fall season. Gray is the new black yall and it’s everywhere, from swing coats and textured hose, to handbags. Depending on how much funds a sista is working with, extensive plus size selections can be found at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom’s, and Spiegel’s, but for the more budget conscious fashionistas, comparable fashion finds at Lane Bryant, Torrid’s, Alight, and Target won’t let you down.

Here are some of my fall favorites from both high end and comparable items from lower priced retail stores.