Sabtu, 14 November 2015

Adult hot Fall Wardrobe Essentials - Clothing - lookmybody - lookmybody

Camel Sweater -  Bay, $20.00
White Sleeveless Shirt - Dynamite, $20.00
Black Suede Skirt - Danier Leather (Thrifted)
Maroon Clutch - (Thrifted)
Fall is in full swing, so I thought it was time that I shared with you my top nine Fall clothing essentials!  I have been reaching for the following items on a weekly basis, making them a staple for wearing while running errands, going to work, or spending a night out with friends!  Please note that the items I include in this post are items that I already own, not item that I plan to buy!  I'm still staying on track with my 'No Spending Until Black Friday' rule!  Also please note that though all of my favourites come from two stores, this post is not sponsored!  These have just become my favourite two stores, and they offer great value when shopping online!



1. High Rise Leggings with Side Details - Dynamite ($32.95)

Legging With Side Details
dynamiteclothing.com
In my opinion, this is the perfect legging.  Its thick durable material allows it to be worn as pants, and its high rise waist with elastic detailing sucks in that tummy, giving you the perfect silhouette.  I own several of these in various colours, and I enjoy wearing them with blouses, sweaters, t-shirts, and even longer tunics and dresses for a professional yet comfortable look.

2. Suede Legging - Dynamite ($44.95)

Suede Legging
dynamiteclothing.com
Suede is in this season, and what better way to wear this comfy trend than by getting a soft pair of suede leggings?  Similar to the high-rise leggings, these faux-suede leggings from Dynamite are perfect for wearing on any occasion.  I pair these with oversized sweaters for a comfy yet stylish feel.  These also pair well with a plaid shirt for that boho feel.  This is also a great way to introduce new textures into your outfit, without taking too much of a risk.


3. Legging with Faux Leather Details - Dynamite ($34.95)

Legging with Faux Leather Details
dynamiteclothing.com

Can you tell that I've been into leggings this season?  This is yet another pair of amazing leggings from Dynamite.  These have subtle faux leather detailing on the sides, almost like a tuxedo pant.  These also pair well with blouses and oversized sweaters, and offer the perfect bit of leather for those who just aren't ready to don a pair of leather pants!

4. Jersey Swing Dress - Old Navy ($34.94)

oldnavy.gapcanada.ca

I wear one of these swing dresses at least once per week.  I own them in several colours from several different stores, but none are better than the ones I purchased from Old Navy.  Pair these with leggings, booties, and a blazer, sweater, or vest for the perfect dressy-casual fall outfit.  

5. Shirt Dress - Dynamite ($44.95)

Plaid Shirt Dress with Zip
dynamiteclothing.ca
These shirt dresses from Dynamite are also a Fall clothing essential for me, as they are stylish but so comfortable!  I usually pair these with a pair of leggings and a pair of booties or boots for that dressy-casual Fall feel.  The best part?  These shirt dresses come in multiple colours, so you can rock them all season long.

6. Turtleneck Sweaters - Old Navy ($44.94)

oldnavygap.ca

I love these oversized sweaters from Old Navy because they allow me to be warm and cozy, while somehow still looking pretty cute!  And since this piece transitions perfectly into Winter, it's a budget friendly purchase as well!

6. Popcorn-Stitch Sweater - Old Navy ($39.94)

oldnavygap.ca

A casual day running errands shouldn't translate to a day of looking frumpy!  I pair this sweater with a scarf, some booties, and any one of the leggings mentioned previously for a chic outfit, perfect for a day on the run.

7. Open-Front Cable-Knit Cardigan - Old Navy ($54.94)
oldnavygap.ca

Open front cardigans are the perfect way to turn any sleeveless or short-sleeved Summer clothing item into a Fall piece.  I wear this cardigan (and others like it) over my favourite sleeveless blouses, printed t-shirts, and dresses!  Like many other items that I'm reaching for this season, this cardigan is perfect for the Winter months as well!

8. Open Neck Blouse with Slits - Dynamite ($34.95)

Open Neck Blouse with Slits
http://www.dynamiteclothing.com/ca/open-neck-blouse-with-slits/p/100012855
I originally purchased this shirt in the summer in several colours, and I did not expect to love it a much as I do now!  This shirt looks amazing on any occasion - work, running errands, or even a dressier occasion.  Whether tucked into a skirt, left untucked over leggings, worn alone, or worn under a cardigan, this shirt is the perfect addition to any Fall wardrobe!

9. Belted Plaid Tunic with Faux Leather - Dynamite ($39.95)

Belted Plaid Tunic with Faux Leather
dynamiteclothing.ca
 Up until I purchased this shirt, I HATED plaid.  It didn't matter how beautiful the colours of the shirt were, if it was plaid, I hated it.  I think it had something to do with the fact that all the plaid shirts I saw were so boxy and unshapely.  But I purchased this shirt on a whim, and I haven't regretted it!  The cinching at the waist is beautiful, and the material is super soft.  I wear this shirt (and the others I now own just like it) similarly to how it is shown above - leggings and booties!

Well, that's all I have for my Fall essentials.  I hope this gave you all inspiration for your own Fall wardrobes!

Cheers to the best season of the year!

xoxo, Jayy

Kamis, 12 November 2015

Adult hot Why My Last Closet Purge Failed. Miserably. - lookmybody - lookmybody

About two months ago, I purged my closet.  I got rid of two jumbo garbage bags full of clothes, shoes, and accessories that I didn't wear/like/need/fit into.  For the first time since we moved into this house, I had empty space in my closet and dresser drawers.

Space that used to be full of stuff ...

Space that appeared suddenly (over the course of my two weekend purge) ...

Space that I was not used to ...

Space that over the course of two months slowly filled back up as I made small purchases here and there.

And now I have no more space.

And after I did some self-reflection, I have realized why my sudden move towards minimalist living did not work for me.

1. I purge quickly, but collect slowly.  When I clean out my closet, I get rid of large amounts of clothing at a time, causing me to feel as though I deserve to buy a few items here and there to "reward myself".  However these little purchases pile up over time, and before I realize it, I've replaced everything I've gotten rid of (and then some).  The solution? I'm going to purge slowly, and allow myself to slowly adjust to the reality of owning less.  That way it's not a shock, and I'm able to ease myself into a simpler lifestyle.

2. I let purchases AND laundry pile up.  When you have a pile of laundry sitting out for several days, or you have new purchases that haven't been put away, it's easy to overestimate the space you actually have.  The solution? When I get a load of clean laundry, or in the rare event that I buy something new, I'll be putting it away ASAP so I don't make the mistake of thinking that I have a lot of empty space.

3. I spend too much time browsing fashion online.  If you spend long enough on a fashion blogger's page (or Pinterest for that matter), you'll be tempted to shop, especially if that blogger adds "helpful" links to the items that they're wearing.  It's even worse when watching fashion videos on YouTube - seeing clothing in a try-on haul is great if you want to know how something will fit you, but terrible if you're on a spending diet.  Living vicariously through someone else online may work great for some people, but that's a habit I'm about to break.  The solution?  Instead of spending my time online, I'm going to find new ways to spend it - with friends, with family, or with a cup of tea and a good book.

4. My sense of style is changing.  I used to love vintage clothing, and I was a sucker for things that were flowy or frilly.  For some unknown reason, I also used to be dead set on having a colourful wardrobe, meaning I wanted articles of clothing in every colour of the rainbow.  I now prefer simpler, more durable items of clothing, and I prefer them in dark or neutral tones.  Even though I purged and got rid of a lot, I hung on to many things that I don't plan on wearing ever again.  The solution?  As I slowly purge, I'll be getting rid of those things that I won't wear again.

5. I'm never going to be a "true" minimalist.  One day, I will have a refined wardrobe with only items that I wear (and love).  But I will never be that person with a 33 item capsule wardrobe.  Actually, I don't plan to ever have a capsule wardrobe at all.  While I want to simplify my life, I don't plan to do a complete 180.  The solution?  Who knows, maybe I will change further down the line.  But for now, I'm going to focus on simplifying my life, rather than minimalizing my possessions.

Hope this post helped someone else out there who's struggling to make the move towards minimalist!

Cheers to simplicity!

xoxo, Jayy


Senin, 12 Oktober 2015

Adult hot Fall Wardrobe Essentials - Accessories - lookmybody - lookmybody


Autumn is well underway, and my outfits are changing to reflect the season!  Even though I'm moving towards minimalism, there are still several essential accessories that I have either purchased or pulled out of hibernation in celebration of the best season of the year!  The best part is that all of these high quality accessories are simple enough to make the perfect addition to any basic outfit without overwhelming my style.  All of the items pictured below are items that I either own personally, or would recommend without a doubt to anyone looking to purchase a high quality item.  If you feel the urge to splurge on an accessory that will last you several seasons, don't hesitate to check the items out!

Now, on to the list!

1. The Blanket Scarf

Aztec Blanket Scarf
Aztec Blanket Scarf from Dynamite, $32.95 (regular price)

I have always been obsessed with scarves, but the fact that blanket scarves are in this Fall season makes my little heart sing!  For someone like me who likes to switch up my room decor, these scarves also double as a throw for the end of my bed!  It's important to choose a scarf that is made of a durable material that doesn't irritate your skin, so try the above pictured Aztec Blanket Scarf from Dynamite made from viscose, or the woolen blanket scarves from Aritzia pictured below.

Wilfred Wandering Blanket Scarf from Aritzia, $85.00 (regular price)

Wilfred Medina Blanket Scarf from Aritizia, $95.00 (regular price)
Wilfred Tangier Blanket Scarf from Aritzia, $85.00 (regular price) 

2. The Ankle Boot


VITULAZIO
VITULAZIO Ankle Boot from ALDO, $99.99 (regular price)
I'm an ankle boot fiend, but these shoes are perfect for that in-between weather!  Dress them up with a dress or skirt, or dress them down with a pair of cuffed jeans and an oversized sweater.  Don't be afraid to splurge on a pair of these!  A good quality pair of ankle boots will be a closet staple for the spring as well!  I always buy my ankle boots on sale from ALDO or Call It Spring, as I find the quality is great for the price, and I get great service when purchasing online.

CORTAZZO
CORTAZZO Ankle Boot from ALDO, $99.99 (regular price)
CREAN Ankle Boot from ALDO, $99.99 (regular price)

ADELIZA Ankle Boot from Call it Spring, $79.99 (regular price)

GROIVIEL
GROIVIEL Ankle Boot from Call It Spring, $64.99 (regular price), $27.99 SALE

RAYMONDIENNE
RAYMONDIENNE Ankle Boot from Call It Spring, $79.99 (regular price)

METHAIDE
METHAIDE Ankle Boot from ALDO, $89.99 (regular price), $45.00 SALE

MARGUARITTE
MARGUARITTE Ankle Boot from Call It Spring, $69.99 (regular price)


3. A Leather Watch

Around the World Leather Watch from Urban Outfitters, $39.00 (regular price)
I don't usually wear watches in the warmer months, but once Autumn hits it seems only normal to pull out a leather watch!  I purchased the above pictured watch from Urban Outfitters about a month ago, and I've been wearing it non-stop!  I hope to purchase one or two of the others pictured below to add to my wardrobe.

Double Strap Watch from Urban Outfitters, $39.00 (regular price)
Alley Vault Watch from Urban Outfitters, $39.00 (regular price)
Original Boyfriend Mechanical Bone Leather Watch
Original Boyfriend Mechanical Leather Watch from Fossil, $223.59 (regular price)
Jacqueline Black Leather Watch
Jacqueline Black Leather Watch from Fossil, $155.84 (regular price)

4. The Perfect Handbag


HALIFAX
HALIFAX from ALDO, $55.00 (regular price)
Nothing says Fall like the perfect handbag in the right hue.  While the majority of my handbags are black or brown, I like to introduce the right pop of an earth-tone colour for Fall.

Cheers!

xoxo, Jayy




Adult hot Own Less, Wear What You Love! - lookmybody - lookmybody


One morning I was getting dressed, and I found myself facing a dilemma: I wanted to wear one of my favourite outfits, but I had already worn it the week before.  I spent a good twenty minutes going through my closet, trying to find something that could compare to the outfit that I really wanted to wear.  And then I realized something - there is absolutely no reason why I can't wear the same outfit twice.


I really don't know where we got the idea that we should not be seen wearing the same outfit more than once.  I have several outfits that make me feel/look amazing, so why should I be wearing something that make me feel/look less than amazing just for the sake of wearing new clothes?  Why should I put on fashions that I don't like, just for the sake of being "in style" or "trendy"?  I have several items of clothing in multiple colours and lengths, such as the below pictured basic shift dress from Old Navy, simply because it looks good on my body, and I know exactly how to wear it.


I partially understand why we refuse to wear the same outfit more than once - wearing unique outfits creates the illusion of having a lot of clothing, which for some reason is desirable in our society.  Also, for a lot of people, wearing unique outfits is just who they are - they like to be unique and express themselves through their clothing.  However the truth is that for a lot of people, having an abundance of clothing means having an abundance of cheaper quality clothing, which really isn't just worth it in my opinion.

What I'm trying to say is that really and truly, there's no problem with wearing the same outfit more than once.  If you wake up one morning and decide that you really want to wear that cute fall sweater + dress combo you wore last week, go for it!  And on the flip side, if you refuse to wear the same outfit more than once because it cramps your style, go ahead with that too!  Don't be afraid to make your own fashion rules, and define your own sense of style!

Cheers to unique outfits, or ones that you've worn a dozen times before!

xoxo, Jayy

Minggu, 11 Oktober 2015

Adult hot The Move Towards Minimalism. - lookmybody - lookmybody

Lately I've been obsessed with simplifying my life for a number of reasons.


For one, having a lot of stuff is overwhelming.  It makes me incredibly anxious, and I get frustrated when looking for things.  I find that I have no problem going to sleep in a messy room, but if I wake up in a messy room ... my entire day gets thrown off.  My mental health demands that I have less stuff, and more empty space.


Having a lot of stuff is also not budget friendly.  The less you have, the more you save, both in regards to space and money.  Having less stuff also allows me to save my money and spend it on quality items that will last me a lot longer than the cheaper, trendier items will.

The idea of having less also extends to my fashion sense.  Over the past few months, I've realized that my sense of style has completely transformed from preppy to urban-minimalist.  I love my neutral colours, and I love unique clothing with clean cut lines.  I absolutely cannot stand ruffles, crazy prints, and bright colours - all things that I used to love.  It makes much more sense to get rid of items that no longer suit my sense of style, and replace them with the simpler items that I actually enjoy wearing.

I would really love to focus on buying a few quality classic pieces per season, and wearing them more often, instead of splurging on several items that I won't want to wear once they go out of style.  I'm slowly working my way towards that point, but for now I'm cutting down on buying clothing and accessories.

I also like room decor that is minimal in nature.  I hate when my space looks and feels cluttered, and so I've put away as much as possible, and left out items that are functional, like my books, plants, coffee mug, and candles (as pictured above).  This way my room still looks nice, but its full of items that I actually benefit from leaving out.

The move towards minimalism is a big change for me, but one that is welcomed at this stage in my life.  As I move towards a simpler life, I hope to be able to share it with you!

Cheers to a simpler life.

xoxo, Jayy

Adult hot Project Purge: How to Declutter your Closet - lookmybody - lookmybody

Do you ever have the urge to purge?

A few weeks ago, after many unsuccessful attempts at organizing my closet, I came to the realization that it isn't the space that's the problem - it's the stuff.  I own way too many things - clothes, shoes, scarves, purses, books, craft supplies, beauty products ... you name it, I've got too much of it.

I finally decided it was time for me to get rid of stuff, and simplify my life.  And thus project purge was born.

Over the course of two weekends, I got rid of two extra-large garbage bags of clothing, shoes, and accessories.  One went straight to my local thrift store, and the other was divided up between friends and family who would make good use of them.  It can be very overwhelming to go through all of your possessions and get rid of things, especially when you are emotionally attached to them!  To help you through this process, here are my top tips for decluttering your closet:

  1. Define your style.  If you notice that your sense of style is changing, it may be a good idea for you to define exactly what you like and do not like before purging your closet.  Chances are, you'll be able to get rid of a lot more if you are able to identify items that are no longer congruent with your current sense of style.  
  2. Pull everything out of your closet/wardrobe/drawers. Pulling everything out helps you to see exactly how many items you have, and how much space you have to fit these items.
  3. As you're pulling everything out, go ahead and throw away worn or damaged items. Yes, you do have to get rid of your favourite tights with the hole in the crotch, AND that worn out sweater with the stain across the front.  Getting rid of the old and frumpy is a must, as it helps you to sort through your remaining clothing.
  4. Group items in a way that makes the most sense to you.  Do you like your clothing grouped by colour?  Style?  Season?  Choose a sorting method that works for you, and sort your clothing into piles
  5. Go through each pile.Start by picking out your favourite items.  Identify your absolute favourite pieces of clothing/shoes/accessories.  Anything you wear often that is still in good condition should also be added to this pile.  These items can go back into their respective storage spaces, so you're free to start negotiating.
  6. Try things on. When trying clothes on, I ask myself the following questions:
    • Does it fit?
    • Is this item free of any rips, tears, or stains?
    • Do I feel amazing in this item?
    • Does this item highlight my best features?
    • Does this item make me feel comfortable?
    • Can I pair this item with clothing I already own to make an outfit?
    • Is this item made of a material that is long-lasting?
    • Is this item one-of-a-kind? (To ensure I don't have duplicates of the same item)
    • Is this item versatile?
    • Does this item fit with my current sense of style?
If I was able to answer yes to all of the above questions, the item was put back into my closet.  Anything left behind that fit any of the below criteria was immediately tossed into the giveaway pile:
    • Items I wore in high school
    • Items I wore as a teenager
    • Items made out of uncomfortable materials
    • Items that were not flattering on my body
    • Items that I have not worn in the past two years (Excluding formal clothing)
    • Items that do not fit with my sense of style

7. Brand new items.  I had SO many of them!  If an item still had it's tag on and it no longer fit me/fit my sense of style, I kept it to gift to a friend or family member for Christmas.  If I could return it to the store, I made sure to set it aside with its reciept, and I took it back as soon as possible.  If it had a tag and I wanted to keep it, I made sure to wear it as soon as possible.
8. Deal with the leftovers.  Chances are, if there is anything left in a pile at this point, it's not something you really want.  Still, take the chance to go through each item and make sure it's something you want to give away.
9. Put everything away.  Start with the items that you like the most, and end with the items you like the least.  This is a chance for you to go through things one more time, and make sure that everything you're keeping is deserving of a space in your closet/dresser.

Once you're done, go through the items you have decided to give away, and sort those into piles based on who you are giving them to.  Pack them up in bags or boxes, and get them out of your house as soon as possible, to avoid you going through them again and pulling items out to keep.

And that's it!  I went through this process twice in a two week-span to make sure I really got rid of everything that I didn't want or need.

I hope this helps those of you who are looking to declutter your life!  If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comment box below!

Happy decluttering!

xoxo, Jayy

Selasa, 11 Agustus 2015

Adult hot I Miss You - lookmybody - lookmybody

Today marks 5 years since my maternal grandmother passed away.  It's been a long five years, in which I have almost achieved the educational goals that my grandmother so dearly wanted to see me attain.  In her honour, I share with you a poem I wrote in her memory four years ago.  It's not perfect (far from it), but I thought it would be nice to share.

You were the mighty oak, and I was the feeble sapling.
You reached toward the heavens with grace and majesty and all I could do was dream that one day, I would be as great as you.
You sheltered me with your branches and leaves.
You protected me from the biting winds and scorching sun.
I truly believed that I would live life in the shadow of your sweet shade forever.
But great oaks fall.
You fell slowly, growing weaker and weaker with each passing day until finally you could no longer support yourself and you let go.
Though you fell slowly and softly, it was like an entire forest had toppled over and my world shook with the force.
I felt you leave me.
I felt your life being torn from mine and I thought that surely I would fall too.
But I didn't and now I stand alone against the scorching sun.
Your place beside mine is a mess of rotting roots and wood.
You are rejoining the earth from which you once grew, you are now a part of the ground on which I stand.
I pull what's left of you in through my roots, I grow with you running through my branches.
I miss you, mighty oak.
But you live on inside of me.

© Jenell

In loving memory of B.S.R.


Selasa, 28 Juli 2015

Adult hot Don't Live the Same Year Twice - lookmybody - lookmybody

I recently finished grad school, and I'm now working in a community health centre doing a job that I absolutely love.  However this isn't the job that I set out to do when I started my social work education - in fact this isn't even the job that I set out to do when I went into grad school.  While I think this position is important, and I intend to stick it as long as possible, I want to remind myself not to limit my potential.

I recently read the following quote on Tumblr:


For the past 19 years, I have been in school.  That was a pretty much unavoidable routine, since I needed to go to school to achieve my life goals.  This will be the first year that I'm not in school in 19 years, and the habits I get into this year set the tone for the rest of my life.  So, I'm challenging myself ... BEGGING myself not to get stuck in a routine that doesn't allow me to live out my dreams.  Having a full time permanent job is the perfect opportunity for me to travel, explore, and eventually go further with my educational goals.  I have the chance to save up and spend my money on experiences that will change my life.  I have the chance to grow as a person and become someone that I will always be proud of.

Getting stuck in a rut is so easy.  But I want to be able to look back at my life and say that I made the most of each experience, and took advantage of the opportunities available to me.  I have to push myself to be the best that I can be, and live a life of fulfillment. 

One day I will be scrolling through my blog posts, and I will stumble across this.  I hope that when I do, I will be able to say that the life I am living is one that allows me to live out my full potential.  If not, I hope that this post reminds me that there is more to life than what I am currently doing.

Cheers to a future of success :)

Jenell
The Defiant Dougla

Selasa, 23 Juni 2015

Adult hot The Year of the Curl CHALLENGE Step 2 - Learning to Manage Your Hair Pt 1. (Hair Cleansing Products) - lookmybody - lookmybody


Welcome to the Year of the Curl CHALLENGE , Step 2!  If you're wondering what this challenge is all about, you may want to check out Step 1: The Decision, and the Year of the Curl CHALLENGE Master Post!

Today's post is about learning to manage your curly hair.  Before I talk about products that can help, I would like to speak briefly about the concept of "managing" curly/afro hair.


I put off going natural for years because I wasn't sure how I would manage my hair, or how my hair would look in its natural state.  I spent YEARS manipulating my hair to conform to the Eurocentric norm (relaxing and flat-ironing) because I thought that was the only way I could get my hair to look "good".  Part of learning to manage your hair is learning to accept your natural hair for what it is.  Your hair will definitely not be "perfect" at first.  It will take time to figure out how best to manage your hair, and accept your hair looks when curly.  Learning to manage your hair is not just about figuring out how to style your hair, it's also about being open to loving your hair.

Now, on to my favourite products for managing your hair!  I cannot speak to the success of these products for your hair, however I can give you a review of how these products worked for mine.  I also have compiled a post of YouTubers who post videos of their natural hair routines, in hopes that I will help you if this post does not!

Let's get into the products!  I have broken this post up into two parts.  Here I will discuss products for washing my hair, and the next post will discuss products for styling.

Pre-Wash

I've found that if I condition my hair well on a weekly basis prior to washing, I eliminate the need to moisturize my hair several times per week.  My hair retains moisture well, and with my pre-wash routine, it remains soft and hydrated for at least 3-4 days.  My pre-wash routine is simple, and standard regardless of whether I'm shampooing or co-washing.  I simply liberally apply one of my Shea Butter mixtures to my hair from root to tip at least one hour before washing, and tie my hair up in a bun/pineapple to avoid messing my my clothes.  Try one of the following DIY recipies:

Wash/Shampoo

Since going natural I rarely use shampoo.  I prefer to co-wash using cheaper conditioners, but there are times when my hair needs a good cleansing.  When shampooing, I use one of the following shampoos:

Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo by OGX

Image Source
Tresemme Colour Protection Shampoo

Image Source
When shampooing, I use an applicator bottle like the one shown below to apply a mixture of shampoo and water to my scalp.  I use about 2 tbsps of shampoo, and fill the rest of the bottle up with water.  Give it a good shake, and apply to your scalp only, then massage in using your fingertips.  When you rinse, the shampoo will travel down your hair to the ends, and remove any product buildup on your hair strands.

Image Source
To be quite honest, I only use these shampoos because I had them at home.  I will be looking into more natural shampoo options once I have finished with these ones.

Co-Washing & Conditioning

If shampoo is not your thing, or you're interested in co-washing, here are a few products that I recommend:

As I Am Coconut CoWash
Image Source
When using this particular product, I apply it only to my scalp using my fingertips.  If it gets on my hair shaft, I don't mind, but as it is a cleansing conditioner, it tends to strip my hair.  Though it's not as harsh as a shampoo, it still gives me a good cleanse without drying out my hair.

Tresemme Conditioners
Image Source
Tresemme is on of my favourite brands, and I especially love their conditioners for both co-washing and conditioning my hair.  They are very affordable for what they're worth, and a bottle will last me at least a month, if not more.  

OGX Conditioners
Image Source

Image Source
OGX Conditioners are pricier than Tresemme, but they are still really good for your hair.  I apply these conditioners more sparingly than the Tresemme conditioners.  I also use these conditioners for styling my hair, but I will discuss that in part 2 of this step :)

To co-wash or deep-condition using regular conditioner, I simply slather the conditioner onto my hair, and put it up into a bun for a minimum of 5 minutes.  During that time, I shave and apply a face mask so I'm not standing in the shower with nothing to do!  While rinsing out the conditioner, I detangle my hair so that by the time I exit the shower my hair is silky smooth and ready for styling!

I rarely use deep conditioners now, as I find I don't need them due to the effectiveness of the pre-wash step.  When I do use a deep-conditioner, it's one of the following:

 Pantene Pro-V 2 Minute Deep Conditioner from their Curly Hair Series
Image Source


Pantene Pro-V 2 Minute Deep Conditioner from their Normal-Thick Hair Solutions
Image Source

Phew!  That was quite the exhaustive list of products.  Check out Part 2 for a list of products that I use to style my hair, and Part 3 for a list of resources that can help you in managing your curly hair!

I hope this has been helpful for some of you.  If you have your own list of products you'd like to share, post them in the comment section down below!  I'd love to hear from you :)

Until next time!

xoxo, Jayy