Becoming a ‘Curly Girl’…

Chances are you only know what a ‘Curly Girl’ is if you are one. It turns out I am and I am just beginning my transformation now!

You are probably thinking ‘what is a Curly Girl?’ It is actually a term I stumbled across very recently whilst browsing through magazines and basically it’s the concept surrounding curly hair and how to manage and protect your curls. This theory was developed by Lorraine Massey in 2001 and more can be read about it in her book ‘Curly Girl: More Than Just Hair… It’s An Attitude.’ It basically goes into depth about how to really look after curly hair properly in order to have healthy, defined curls without frizz.

Now you know what a ‘Curly Girl’ is, you are probably confused as to what I mean by transforming into one. Surely I have curly hair or straight hair! Unfortunately it is not quite that simple.

Go back to many years ago when I was quite young, I had very wild, manageable big, voluminous curls with A LOT of  frizz. As I got older the curls seemed to decrease and I was left with a lot of poof, a lot of frizz and absolutely no definition. I began straightening and blow drying my hair regularly at around the age of 11, when I started secondary school because it was the only way my hair looked presentable. I tried every product available to try and reduce frizz and straightening it on a daily basis. This is the same story for so many other ‘Curly Girls’ and the reason we got stuck with big bushy, frizzy hair was because we had no idea how to look after it. When I was around 15/16 years old I got a keratin treatment which was supposed to straighten out my hair and reduce frizz however it didn’t particularly work because I continued to use heat on it. So by this point I had been straightening my hair on almost a daily basis for nearly 6 years and my hair was in a point of no recovery, desperate for moisture and help. I wanted to try to stop using heat as much and when I did my hair had lost any curl and was dry, flat and still a complete frizzy mess. It was when I was about 17/18 I realised I wanted my curls to return so I began to find ways to create heatless curls and sometimes using straighteners to add curls, but began using less heat in general.

When I was midway through my first year of university my hair was very slowly starting to repair and the curls underneath my hair were starting to gain definition and were returning. I came across Hexy Extensions as I was tired of my hair being short and broken. I began getting regular trims on my hair and found I was able to get away with using a lot less heat on my hair as I was able to work the extensions to the appearance of my natural hair. I have just finished my final year of university and finally my curls are starting to come back. I have still not stopped using heat but I am trying to reduce it to only a couple of times a week and beginning to really follow the strict rules of the curly girl routine. I know it is still going to be a long time until my curls are back properly but the fact they are returning, although it has already been a very long process, is definitely motivating me.

THE ‘CURLY GIRL’ RULES

1. NO HEAT, NO BLEACH, NO DYEING – This damages your hair, which I am sure you already know, it dries it out, causes breakage and prevents your curls from returning.
2. NO SULPHATES, NO SILICONES, NO ALCOHOLS – Sulphates dry the hair and are much too harsh for the fragile curly hair type. Silicones simply mask the problems and alcohols are drying. It is actually quite shocking when looking at the ingredients on shampoos, how many actually contain rubbing alcohols, which you definitely don’t want on your hair! This is a part I am still struggling with. I have found sulphate free shampoos and conditioners which are definitely making a difference but they still contain some alcohols and I am yet to come across a really good silicone free conditioner.
3. OIL UP – Use hair oils on your scalp and massage, they stimulate hair growth and help build up strength.
4. OVERNIGHT MASK – Before washing your hair apply oil to the scalp and deep conditioning oil to the length of your hair. You can use something as simple as coconut oil which works very well particularly if your hair is very damaged and you don’t need to worry about it containing harsh chemicals as it is all natural.
5. DEEP CONDITION – Curly hair lacks a lot of moisture so deep condition EVERY time you wash
6. DO NOT BRUSH DRY HAIR – Only use your fingers or a wide tooth comb when your hair is coated with conditioner as it prevents breakage
7. SCRUNCH IN THE SHOWER – Use your scrunching cream, gel or mousse on wet hair while in the shower. Wash conditioner out with your hair upside down then add your product onto dripping wet hair and scrunch up until your hair stops dripping. It does take a while!
8. DO NOT TOWEL DRY – Do not even put your hair in a towel turban as it is too harsh and absorbant for curly hair and will cause frizz. Instead use a microfibre towel or cotton tshirt.
9. DO NOT WASH EVERYDAY – Curly hair tends to be dryer than straight hair so washing it less helps to retain your hairs natural moisture
10. REGULAR TRIMS – You probably hear this all the time but get the ends of your hair trimmed regularly! It will help your hair to look and feel healthier and will help with the frizz!

So these are the main curly girl rules. It will take quite a while for your curls to reappear but it will definitely be worth it in the end!

Good luck on your hair journey!

Tabitha xox

The Florence Tote

Around three months ago, after heavily researching ethical bags and accessories, I purchased the Florence tote https://mahileather.com/collections/totes/products/the-florence-tote and to say that I love it is an understatement.

If you want to read about the ethical side of the Company Mahi Leather make sure to check out my previous post about companies working alongside charities!

First of all this bag is the perfect size for me. It can hold everything that I want to carry, whether it be going shopping or going to uni for the day, whilst not being too oversized which is something that I personally do not like. I love the detailing of this bag and the personal monogram you can choose to have embroidered onto it adds an individualistic touch.

It is safe to say that I don’t have another bag quite like this and it has quickly become my go to accessory. It has a sophisticated feel and the quality of it is fantastic! Some bags that I have previously owned have become damaged or broken very quickly however this one seems to withstand all conditions whether it be from carrying heavy items or resisting harsher weather conditions. This means that it is actually suitable for all seasons and I feel that it is a very versatile accessory according to how it can be styled.

I had a very good customer experience with Mahi leather in that I was constantly updated about shipping, I was also asked about the colour of the embroidery for the monogram which I wanted (this is optional) and actually receiving my order quite quickly considering that it was shipped from the US to the UK. I feel that a Mahi leather bag would make a great Christmas gift and their range of bags means there is something suitable for everyone, including for both men and women.

Make sure to check out this link and use the code Water 5 to gain 5% off if you are interested. https://mahileather.com/?rfsn=738945.9e6e1

Moonage Daydream

Styling project

On this project we took inspiration from David Bowie, pop art and looking at magazines including Dazed and i-D magazine.

Clothes sourced from our own closets and I worked on the styling. The makeup, lighting and photography were all done by ourselves which we worked on together as part of our second year project.

 

Summer favourites

As it is already August, I thought I would share some of my favourite products that I have been loving this summer. Some of these products are new discoveries however others are ones which I have fallen in love with all over again.

 

First of all is Egyptian Magic, this is one of my rediscovered products which I had actually forgotten about, believe it or not! This product really is my holy grail! If you haven’t heard of Egyptian magic, you have to check it out. It’s basically an all natural moisturiser made up of 6 ingredients: olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and a propolis extract and has the consistency of a balm. You can warm it between your finger tips into an oily consistency. The main reason why I love this product is that it is so versatile.

1. I use it as my night time moisturiser. Despite the fact I have oily skin I love to use this before I go to bed. It massages so well into my skin (a little goes a long way) and when I wake my skin is so soft and has a natural glow – ready for my to apply my daily makeup routine. It also helps soothe any sun burn or dry patches I may have on my skin.

2. I also use Egyptian Magic as a hair mask around once or twice a week. My hair is normally quite dry due to using heat on it via hair straighteners or my curling iron almost every day however when I spend time in the sun it just emphasises the dryness. What I like to do before I wash my hair is simply rinse it and then coat it in Egyptian Magic for around 20 minutes, sometimes longer depending on if I have time to spare. I then just wash it all out using my usual shampoo and conditioner routine. After it leaves my hair feeling so silky and nourished! It’s definitely worth a try if you are struggling to find a hair mask or deep conditioner that really works.

3. Recently I have found that my lips have been getting extremely dry, whether its the sun getting to them or spending a lot of time in air conditioned spaces they have really been struggling! I had been using vaseline as I normally would however found I was constantly having to reapply about once an hour so I decided to scoop some Egyptian Magic into a smaller tub to carry around. I find that I only have to apply it to my lips a couple of times a day and I am good to go, again you only need to use a tiny amount to make your lips feel so soft and to remove any flaking skin on your lips!

There are so many other incredible uses for Egyptian Magic, such as for using on burns and cuts, nails, as a prime or as an all over body moisturiser if you have dry patches such as on your elbows are knees. I really cannot recommend this product enough and it has been a true life saver on so many occasions!

A new product which I have only recently discovered is the Aussie 3 Miracle Oil. As I mentioned earlier my hair has been suffering so I wanted to try out a new product in an attempt to resurrect my split ends. First off I was drawn to the product as it can be used in three different ways which is great! It can be used on both wet and dry hair or on damp hair before showering as a deep conditioner. I use it mostly on damp hair post showering but occasionally on dry hair when it needs some extra shine and before showering if I feel my hair really needs a boost. I know that these products don’t actually fix the split ends, the only way is to get them cut off, however it definitely reduces the appearance of them and makes my hair look and feel so much healthier. I used to always use Moroccanoil which is another really great product however a little on the pricey side so wanted to find a cheaper alternative and this Aussie 3 Miracle Oil really is a fantastic duplicate.

I have been using the Urban Decay Naked Palettes for almost 2 years now and my favourite is definitely the Smokey palette as I love a dark, smokey eye, particularly in the evenings. Despite this I’ve decided to start creating softer, lighter looks, particularly in the days and have found myself constantly reaching to my Naked 3 palette to create softer, feminine looks. I’ve been using a lot of pinks and lighter colours, which have really been lifting my eyes in the day and instead using a white eyeliner (if I choose to wear it) as opposed to my normal go to black liquid eyeliner. I have really loved the way this has been looking and feel the colours really pop in the sun! The Naked palettes, as I’m sure you have heard, are popular and for good reason. The colours are super pigmented and blend together really well to create so many different looks for a variety of occasions.

Personally I am not a huge fan of fake tanning as I find it quite messy and as I am so pale naturally, it often results in me turning very orange! Despite this I decided to try out the Dove Derma Spa summer revived body lotion fair to medium skin. It is a tinted moisturised and blends so easily into your skin whilst moisturising at the same time. I love this tinted moisturiser as it doesn’t streak at all and it creates a gradual, healthy brown glow. It’s super easy to use, its quick and I love how it moisturises at the same time so its great to use after the shower and is a great choice if you just want to top up your tan.

These are a few of my favourite beauty products of this summer and are definitely worth a try. I have found myself reaching for these items almost every day as they are all easy, fun products and can make a difference to the way you look and feel.

 

Symbiotic relationships between companies and charities

 

Brands working alongside charities

In the recent years a strive towards large companies working alongside charities has arisen. This is an easy way of allowing for the public to feel more inclined in giving to charities as well as increasing our awareness of a range of charities. In particular this has been seen with Marks and Spencer; relaunching their partnership with Oxfam, Boots partnering with Macmillan and a less known company Mahi leather working with FRANK water; donating $1.50 for every purchase made.

 

Oxfam and Marks and Spencer

Marks and spencer partnering with Oxfam illustrates how mainstream brands are able to successfully work alongside charities, having the impact of encouraging people like ourselves to become more open and aware about giving to charity. It is schemes like this which allow for a difference to be made.

This video illustrates what companies working alongside charities is all about.

 

What is Shwopping?

 

 

Boots and Macmillan

Boots have been working with the charity Macmillan in order to ensure that people across the UK who are affected by cancer have the best cancer information and support in their local community. This ensures that those who are affected have a large support system and are able to get further information and support if necessary.

This work has been achieved through inspiring Boots UK colleagues to become active ambassadors for Boots and Macmillan in their local communities. Training has been provided to Boots UK pharmacists and NO7 beauticians allowing them to use their health and beauty advice to help install confidence and faith in those who are affected.

 

Mahi leather

Mahi leather is a relatively new brand working alongside Frank water. One of the key appeals of Mahi leather bags is that they skip out the middlemen, meaning they go straight from the production process to the consumer; allowing for cheaper prices whilst still maintaining their great quality.

The difference between Mahi leather and many other companies is that it is very ethical. This is important as our knowledge of unethical exploitation has grown, hence making it difficult to find 100% ethical brands and companies to buy from. 

For further information on Mahi leather see links below:

 https://mahileather.com/pages/supporting-frank-water

Get your Mahi here with 5% off using this link: http://www.mahileather.com?rfsn=738945.9e6e1 along with the code Water5

 

Ethics

It is easy to be ignorant towards the exploitation behind many brands including H&M and Primark, purely because this is what is easily accessible and available to us for purchasing clothing. Often it has been found that despite us being aware of the unethical issues behind the mass manufacturing of many companies and brands, we continue to buy into them because it’s what is available to us in the first world and we aren’t sure which companies truly are ethical.

Embroidered jewellery inspiration

Embroidered jewellery

Recently I have fallen in love with really abstract one off pieces of jewellery and it has led me to designing jewellery for my final project of my second year at university.

I have found some really inspiring designers who create beautiful unique pieces, specifically through beading, creating a couture style which is something that I love!

Here are some of the designers I have found whose work has really stood out to me.

Orubis: http://orubis.ucoz.lv/  

 

Sherri Serafini: http://nasvete.com/bead-embroidery-art-by-sherry-serafini

 

Evgenia Vasilieva: http://beadsmagic.com/unique-embroidered-jewelry-by-evgeniavasilieva-part-2

The hidden truth behind exploitation

The truth behind exploitation and the ignorance towards it

It is easy to become ignorant towards the truth behind the fashion industry of which we consistently buy into. As a society, we tend to turn a blind eye towards the unethical issues of exploitation and focus on the beauty produced. We allow ourselves to try to avoid the reality, arguing it is not our problem because it does not involve us directly. Through the avoidance of this reality, we become engrossed in the unrealistic expectations forced upon us, resulting in the dangerous issue of allowing our lives to be shaped by the media and the unattainable goals of fashion, beauty and ‘idealistic’ stereotypes.

The image above illustrates how H&M are still prepared to exploit their children workers in third world countries yet attempt to promote female empowerment through their ‘she’s a lady campaign.’ It has been highlighted that around 80% of workers for H&M in third world countries are female/children, illustrating how the campaign is purely hypocritical and based on creating an image that women in the first world can aspire to. This is to create the illusion that H&M care about their consumers however in reality they are just focusing on new ways to increase their overall profit.

‘A stereotype that pervades the culture the way“ditzy blondes” and “forgetful seniors” do makes people painfully aware of how society views them.’ (Begley, 2000, pp. 66–67)
Through allowing ourselves to neglect the reality of exploitation it provides us with the ability to buy into campaigns such as the 2016 H&M campaign, enforcing female empowerment. Despite the illusion it creates of supporting women, H&M is one of the most unethical fashion brands in exploiting its workers; particularly women and children.
The campaign provides a blanket, covering up its unethical realities and encouraging us, as consumers, to buy into their false advertisement. It allows us to believe in the company and that they support all women, yet the women behind the scenes creating the mass produced clothing cannot even afford it and are left exploited. It illustrates the importance of enforcing beauty and fashion into society whilst allowing the realities of exploitation to be buried behind the idealistic goals of the fashion industry.