Blog Archives

Product Review: CellULogic

6/23/2017

I'm always looking for new skincare products to help better my skin. Summer is here and that means TONS of oily sunscreen which can wreak havoc on my face (hello acne, hello a lack of confidence).

I was approached to check out a skincare product I've never heard about prior. CellULogic. "Cell-U-Logic?", I asked myself. I was excited to try this product and I'm ready to report back my thoughts.

Good for You, Good for the Planet

Cell-U-Logic is a line of skincare products that promote anti-aging through nutrient rich ingredients (green coffee, argan oil, guarana, cocoa and shea butters). There are other botanical oils and extracts which make up the products along with vitamins and minerals for toning, sculpting, and smoothing. It's very natural and composed of natural ingredients.

For me, I don't like using products loaded with chemicals or unnatural ingredients. Therefore, I was excited to check out CelluLogic

CellULogic also proudly defines itself as being GREEN. The products are eco-friendly, sustainable, and chemical-free. What's good for Mother Earth is what's good for me!

Green Coffee and Seaweed Detox Scrub

I love scrubs. Let's start there. They always make me feel fresh and clean and like I'm stripping all the dead skin from myself (too honest?).

The Cellulogic Scrub focuses on exfoliating and detoxing the skin. It removes dead cells and promotes cell turnover and circulation. It combats rough patches and eliminates toxins.

For photography sake, I used the product outside and without water but the scrub is meant to be used in the bath. I loved the smell of the scrub, it reminded me of a lime hard-candy. It's a really peaceful scent and product.

Anti-Aging Body Repair Cream

I know what you're thinking; why is this 20 year old using Anti-Aging cream? Preventative measures make a difference!

I tried the cream and I cannot guarantee it'll make you look younger but I can say it'll give you a glow. Like the scrub, it smells really nice - like a calming spa. The cream comes out a little quick (watch out!). When I tried it, I noticed it hydrated my skin.

The recommended use is to massage the cream twice a day for 30-60 seconds in order to improve skin elasticity, enhance circulation and reduce inflammation.

Green Coffee Slimming Gel

This gel is unlike anything I've heard of before. On the package, it states to apply twice daily (and generously) throughout areas that require treatment. The gel says it'll make your skin firmer, restore elasticity to dimpled ares, as well as moisten the skin.

As I'm writing this post, I've only used the product for about a week so I cannot say from experience that it is improving my dimpled skin but I will report back after longer use!

Final Thoughts

I liked these products! My skin has been overworked through the overly sunny days and long hours in the sun. I felt a peaceful sensation using them (the aroma will bring you to your happy place).

They're refreshing and the scent is comforting. It smells great and it's natural as well. I plan to use these products regularly when I'm having personal spa days as well as share these products with my mother and aunts.

For me, I don't need the anti-aging products due to my own age but I'm glad to share these products with you or anyone who may be interested in preventative anti-aging measures or using anti-aging products! I'm excited to continue spreading the word of Cellulogic and using the products myself, mostly during these dry summer days!

20% off For You!

Use promo code for new customers to save 20% off any order. Use THANKYOU20.

This promo ends June 30, 2017.

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Working Women: How to Dress and Prep for Business Professional Settings

6/17/2017

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Let's get something straight: self expression and fashion has no limits. Even with business professional settings, you can still Dress to Express. "How do you do this?" you may be thinking. It's tricky, a little complicated, but well worth the trouble.

I genuinely believe dressing to Express is critical in business professional settings. If you're looking to make an impression on others, standing out is critical. You don't want to blend in and be another person in a crowded room. Today, I will be filling you in on one of the trickiest tasks of fashion.

Traditional with a Twist and Plenty of Tips

Following the dress code to a business professional event is necessary. You don't want to be under-dressed or appear foolish.

NEVER

Wear yoga pants or sweat pants. If the event calls for black pants, don't even reach for your yogas or black jeans. Slacks are critical to appearing knowledgeable and credible.

I recommend going to a local consignment shop for slacks. You can find name brand, expensive, and quality slacks for pennies when you check out consignment shops. Plus, it's green! Reuse and save some dough.

DON'T

Step in with scuffed or scummy shoes. Ladies, find yourself a cobbler to repair your heels. Sometimes the little nubs on the bottom of your heels may break down or rip off. Don't toss your shoes in the trash, repair them. Having a cobbler who can repair your shoes will save you money as well as be greener than fast fashion. Help Mother Earth and help yourself by finding a go-to cobbler to sweep into action.

Have Designated Business Professional Items

You never know when you'll be in a pinch and need to go to a meeting, conference, or appearance. Having items designated for those circumstances is great to have in order to be prepared.

Have...

Nude Bra
White Bra
Black Bra
Black flats
Black heels
Black slacks
White blouse
Black belt
Travel deodorant
Mints (don't swallow your gum!)
Clutch or purse designated for these circumstances

Got the basics down? Time to twist it!

Pick a Color, Now Pop

Don't fear color. Seriously. How many grey and black suits do you daily? It's monotonous... and you can stand out by simply picking a color and embracing it.

Here's an example: I had my basic black blouse on for a business conference. I wanted to make a statement. I grabbed my yellow blazer and heels and paired them to stand out but also fit the business professional standards.

Bonus round: Using the same blouse, heels, and blazer I skipped my traditional black slacks and paired plaid printed pants with the same yellow streak.

Best part: This outfit did not break the bank! The blazer was $11 (thrift), blouse was $10 (thrift), hat was $3 (Rue 21 closing sale), heels were $15 (Payless), and slacks were $12 (thrift). (Luggage is vintage PanAm luggage from my Aunt).

Patterns and Prints, Please!

Same with the bold pop of color, patterns and prints are usually avoided in business professional settings. Forget that! POP THAT PATTERN AND BREAK OUT THE PRINTS!

I took the same black blouse from the previous look and twisted it! Grabbing a black and white polka dotted blazer and matching heels with a similar look, I created a bold but business professional outfit. The look took the traditional black and white styles but gave it a twist with the pop of purple and polka dot pattern.

Bonus round: Out of the business setting and on the go? Swap heels for bold flats and drop the blazer. Add a statement necklace (like my Fork Squid) to the look.

Final Thoughts

Everyone has their own unique style! I highly recommend experimenting with business professional options but it is not forced. Feel comfortable in your look and be yourself!

Special thanks to Marketing EDGE for inviting me to the Marketing EDGE New York Summit. I gained endless information and insight from the conference and greatly appreciate the opportunity.

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Back In Business: The Relaunch of Dress to Express

6/13/2017

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Sometimes we need something to give us a little extra kick, nudge, shove, to get to where we ought to be.

That kick, that nudge, and that shove was in a form that I did not expect.

Serving with a Smile, Despite The Pain

From March 10-19, I visited New Orleans on a service trip (...I'll get more into the trip on another post in the future). While on the trip, I developed some pretty vicious chest pains. I thought they were caused by anxiety due to being out of my comfort zone (maybe too out of my comfort zone and I hadn't come to grips with it?). The pains continued throughout the trip with fellow volunteers offering healing prayers for me as well as others claiming the pain came from my Cajun food indulgence.

Fast forward, it's March 28th. My pains had grown so vicious, I could no longer walk and talk at the same time, pay attention in class, couldn't stay awake, and couldn't lay down without feeling like I'm DROWING. The university health services, who saw me twice, were convinced it was Cajun food until a urine test seemed strange.

Long story getting longer, I hit the ER and they find that the sack around my heart is filled with 3 cups of fluid (rather than the 1 tablespoon you're supposed to have). I roll into surgery, am sliced open, and spend over a week in 2 different hospitals.

So What's the Deal?

Lupus. That's it. From June of 2016, I had experienced abnormal blood tests, went in and out of gastrology, and felt increasingly sicker. Why is my hair falling out? Why are my fingers and feet ballooning up? Where is my energy? No answers. So from June to March I lived with constant confusion and symptoms that I simply ignored, as I felt ignored by my doctors.

I swear, everyone told me it wasn't lupus. I heard "autoimmune hepatitis" and "acid reflux" on loop. "It's never lupus". It can't be lupus...

And here I am, with Lupus.

Certainty in Uncertainty

Listen, I don't know if my hair will ever stop falling out. I don't know if my surgical scars will ever fade. I don't know if I will ever live without handfuls of daily medication. I don't know if I'll ever forget the disgusting feeling of a draining tube being pulled out of me. I do know I will always remember March 28th and April 5th (day I was released) as two major days in my life.

And with all that being said..

I have something with me that wasn't there before. Something so rare, so precious, no monetary value can be attached.

I have this newfound and unfathomable appreciation for life and a sense of acceptance for all that comes my way. I had a thumb war with death and disease and I refused to back down.

I will never be able to turn back to the life I led before this procedure. There is no more normalcy. BUT... was there ever in my life?

So...Here's the Deal

I will model and continue down that path until my hair falls out completely (if it cannot be halted). And if it does, I will purchase so many wigs, every day will be a new hair adventure.

I will continue to live so freely and without borders that I will continue to baffle my family and doctors. I have learned that my only border is myself. As long as I am healthy, I will continue to challenge myself daily and seek out all I crave in life.

I will strive to empower women and men to embrace their individualism through style and fashion. I will continue to hopefully motivate others to BE THEMSELVES and to live FULFILLED. I personally would've been pissed if I died from the fluid buildup in my heart and if I did die, I would've died unfulfilled. Now everyday I make sure my life is undoubtedly adventurous and fulfilled. I hope to move others to live passionately and unapologetically.

I hope to show others that even though a person is sick, they can conquer anything and do whatever they damn well please.

I have Lupus but my Lupus doesn't have me.

I bring you the return of Dress to Express

Hanging at the Hospital

Breaking Out

Fashion Show Rehearsal -
3 Days After Being Released From The Hospital

Fashion Show
9 Days After Being Released From The Hospital

Relaunch Party at Alba Boutique

Thank you to all who came out to the Dress to Express Relaunch night at Alba Boutique. Thank you to Kate for hosting, to Valentina of Nstilla Handbags for vending, and to Roscoe for photographing the event as well as recording the video we presented there.