My Ensemble (OOTD): Spiked

SHOES: Nelly.com | DRESS: Market | BLAZER: New Look | SILK SCARF: Tie Rack | PEARLS: Topshop | BAG: Next

I put this outfit together for our Deja Vu feature at Amitee. The gorgeous Forget Your Boyfriend shoes were kindly sponsored by Nelly.com and were an absolute delight to style.

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Photo Diary #1

Top L-R: Jannette's Vivienne Westwood bag (I want); Hafsa's mac and cheese (mmm, yum); Little bubba's baptism arranged; Jeffrey Campbell shoes at the Office Summer Press Day (!); Mother's Day flowers;

Bottom L-R: Nelly.com Forget Your Boyfriend heels; Champagne chocolate truffles; Pizza Express dinner with a good friend (my go-to option: Romana Etna); Brides of Culture event; Picked up Black Hair magazine (really great issue).

What have you been up to this past week?

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Bag Envy | Ted Baker 'Agathis' Quilted Shoulder Bag

I had a much-needed early dinner with a dear friend this past Thursday and, as per usual, had my eye on her accessories. I loved her Ted Baker bag: it's classy, elegant and chic (just like her, in fact). To be honest, it was as if she was a walking endorsement for them because her purse (Ronnee Heart Leather Continental, pictured) and make-up bag -which, fair enough, were presents- were also TB branded.

I admire how Ted Baker has reached success without any form of advertising, just word of mouth. It gives the brand a different appeal compared to its highly marketed counterparts.

Have you bought anything from Ted Baker recently?

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Going Natural

I've decided to go on a journey: a natural hair journey. I haven't relaxed (chemically straightened) my hair in six months, so it's fair to say I've already come a substantial way in that voyage. I'm not brave enough to do the big chop so I'll transition (grow out my hair) for about another year and then, when I feel completely ready, will cut off the relaxed ends.

I picked up a few extra new hair products and tools a few weeks ago- just before I took out my weave- to help me through it all. Lord knows a decent wide-toothed comb is a must. After hearing some great things about the TRESemé Naturals Conditioner, I was eager to try it, and it's become a staple part of my hair care regimen.

 Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo; Aussi Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner ; TRESemmé Natuarals Conditioner ; Mizani Supreme Oil ; Shea Butter ; Eco Styler Gel.

Hair clips; rollers; dryer bonnet; wide-toothed comb; Denman brush.

Since the age of 9, I've chemically treated my hair and started wearing weaves a year and a half ago. I don't know what came over me to make such a decision but I just got the overwhelming urge to embrace what God blessed me with. To be honest, I find it quite a hassle to maintain a hair texture (straight) that I was not born with. Going natural isn't for everyone; heck it might not even be for me, but I want to give it a serious go.

I love my 'fro, though it's not all natural yet. Now I totally understand when naturals say that you really have to prepare yourself mentally 'cause there are loads of bad hair days; loads of  detangling sessions; loads of the "hmm, it's different" comments. As I'm hopeless at keeping up with styling my hair daily, I'll be wearing it in protective styles for a while, e.g. braids, and twists.     

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Have you thought about going natural, or vise versa, if you've got caucasian hair, have you considered going curly (i.e. getting a perm)?

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