Me, My Hair, and the City

The text below was originally posted on June 10, 2010. I thought it would be interesting to repost this topic to allow my new readers to weigh in. Feel free to share your thoughts below!

To view comments from the original post click here.

I was on my way to Alabama when I started having an intense craving for some chicken nuggets. Since I was nowhere near the state line I decided to ignore it and press on. Well, somewhere between Columbus, Georgia and my destination my craving got the best of me; when I saw those golden arcs I knew I had to stop.  After receiving my 10 piece Chicken McNugget (I know, I’m greedy) I took a seat to devour my meal. Mid bite I looked up and spotted this picture (left) hanging above a vacant booth.

Recently I have noticed more natural haired women in advertisements, print & television.  This may be due to the fact that I am now natural; but, in my opinion, there seems to be an upsurge of models rocking their natural hair in mainstream media. This picture and recent ads sparked some thoughts.

When a model is chosen to represent a company she not only sells a product, she must embody the company (its values) & the message it is relaying to its consumers. What is it about natural haired African-American models that cause advertisers to prefer them over their relaxed counterparts? Or better yet, what does their natural hair represent?

What do you think?

 There is no reason why you can’t look fabulous on a budget!

Check out the outfit I recently wore to a natural hair event. My entire ensemble cost $29.40! Here is the break down: Dress: Thrift-$5.89, Belt: Rue 21-$2.00, Bracelet: Gift-Free, Earrings: Thrift-$3.53, Purse: Thrift-$2.98, & Shoes (not shown) Ed Hardy-$15.00.

Thrift store shopping isn’t only way to maximize your dollar. Think…clerance!

I get the urge to “pop a tag” every now and again. When I shop in department stores or boutiques I focus on the clearance and/or sale section. I look for pieces that I can easily incorporate into my wardrobe.

 Like thrifting, shopping in the sale section(s) requires patience. Give yourself time to search. Spending a few extra moments on the clearance rack is a great way to look “hot” on a “not so hot” budget.

Tress Talk hosted “Curls & Cocktails” last night in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hills. As so eloquently titled, there were plenty of curls & cocktails to go around. The salon was filled, literally, with beautiful natural hair!

The ladies of Tress Talk demonstrated different styling methods while attendees looked on. As an added bonus, gift bags with samples of Mizani’s new True Textures natural hair care line were given away.

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces & to meet several new ones! Below are a few pictures from the event. 

I am a planner. I literally plan to make plans. I can’t help it; it’s in my nature. Often times I become so consumed with planning and attempting to make sure my plans are well executed that I forget to enjoy the present. “I have to do this. Oh, I must do that. I can’t forget to stop by there at this time,” really Adrienne?  As my mother often says, “take a chill pill.”

In the past couple weeks I have allowed myself to just be. No intense planning, no scheduling, and no itinerary. Wow, what a difference planning “not” to plan makes. Living in the moment opens up a world of possibilities. Great mornings, nights, & evening can be had by simply letting the day progress. Give not planning a try and see where it takes you!

For the record, I haven’t completely eliminated my pen & pad but, for the time being, they’re sitting nicely at the bottom of my purse.  

Below are a few pics from my extremely fun “unplanned” weekend.

After an intense vintage/thrift store conversation with some fellow naturals via Twitter I got the itch to go shopping. So, of course, I headed to my local Goodwill. Just my luck they were having a 50% sale!! Yes, they have sales too!

For those of you who are new to “thrifting” (thrift store shopping) here is a bit of encouragement. Although it can be intimidating & confusing, tons of racks packed with all kinds of clothing, it is possible to find treasure amongst what looks to be trash.

Clothing on the rack can be deceiving. On a hanger a piece may look plain or even out dated. But, paired with a cute accessory that “not so hot” skirt turns out to be super cute. 

In other words, don’t let the hanger fool you! There are some great pieces in your local thrift store. Take the time to search; you never know what you might find!

I came across this video on YouTube and could not wait to share it with you!

SJS gives his opinion on, what he calls, the “Natural Hair Movement.”

Check it out and let me know what you think!

To view more of SJS’s videos click here.

The Glam Bar, Tress Talk, & Seraphin Cognac Couture presents Curls & Cocktails.

“Celebrating natural hair, this event is open to all glam ladies, natural, relaxed, transitioning or considering exploring their natural tresses.”

To learn more about this event click here

Saturday I attended the My Black is Beautiful tour in Atlanta. This event was a free day of beauty; massages, hair styling, make-up, and even manicures were given away. Each attendee also received a My Black is Beautiful Bag full of goodies. 

Overall, it was an extremely fun and empowering day. It was great seeing so many beautiful women in one place.

Of course, I want to give a special shout-out to all my readers we said hello; it was great meeting all of you!

Check out a few pictures from the event.

Natural Hair comes in different textures, lengths, & colors.

Enjoy the BEAUTY of your hair!

 Perfectly-Pretty

Lexi

 Last night I attended the Office Launch Party of photog extraordinaire          Freddy O. 

Some of Atlanta’s hottest celebrities came out to celebrate the launch of his new office & to wish him a happy birthday!

Check out Thirsty Roots party footage.