Opportunties to try new hair products can present themselves in the strangest of ways. Usually it’s through free samples of an unexpectedly awesome product from the local beauty supply.  Or it can be from banging ass gift bag from some event I crashed. Or it can come from a cool chick running a yard sale purging herself of extranous stuff and oh, here take this product I’ve only used twice. Last night, the opportunity to try Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding seemed to fall into my lap, which must have been a sign from the natural hair gods because it saved me from wasting my hard earned cash on a product my hair absolutely HATES.

How it happened: last night I helped my boyfriend babysit for his friend J, while J and his girlfriend went to see Adele at the Palladium. As soon as I arrived to J’s house, I noticed  a gleaming 16 oz jar of Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding on the TV stand in the living room, begging for me to stick my fingers in it and slather it through my curls. J’s daughter has natural curls similar to my texture, a blend of 3c/4a curls and coils. So I figured it would work for me since we pretty much have the same hair. I didn’t want to be Ms. Obvious and try it out while the kids were up and about, so when their bedtime came, it was hair party time. At first I felt uneasy about using it because it wasn’t mine and I don’t like touching people’s stuff. But I’d read about Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding on the natural hair blogs and curlies seem to swear by it. And J did say “mi casa is su casa…” so after the kids went to bed, I put the TV on Storage Wars, popped open the container and went to work an impromptu twist out .

The first thing I noticed was the scent. I love products that smell nice, but the scent was overpoweringly sweet. I’m pretty sure when J and his gf came home they know I tampered with it, because the smell was all over me even after I tied up my hair and washed my hands. The evidence was all over my guilty ass!

The super strong scent isn’t a deal breaker, but how my hair looks when I take down the twist out is.  This morning when I took it down, my curls were defined, but my hair was very, very frizzy.  I don’t mind a little frizz since it comes with the territory of having curly hair, but as the day progressed, the frizz got worse and worse. By 11am my shit looked like a brillo pad and was rough to the touch. Granted, I did do a dry twist out on 3 day old hair, but I expected better results from a product that costs $38 for a 16oz container. I do dry twist outs on old hair all the time with other products (Usually Organic Root Stimulator Smooth & Hold Pudding or Curly Sexy Hair Curling Creme, both under $10  for decent size containers) and my hair comes out great. I had to come home and co-wash so I can start over with fresh tresses using my tried and true products.

I had a similar experience back in 2005 when I tried Kinky Curly Curling Custard, except I spent $25 on it and it made my hair sticky gooey helmet mess. I gave the Kinky Curly to my mom, who also hated it.

I understand that what works for one curly may not work for the next. But I’m finding that some of these so-called holy grail products don’t work that great, and I acheive better results using less expensive products. I know some will be like “well, shutup and just use the cheaper products then!” and to them I’d say, you are got damn right. Because some of these so-called holy grail products aren’t worth the hype.

Image yanked from Target.com

Though a bold print, leopard print actually operates as a neutral in the natural world. A leopard’s spotted coat enables it to blend into the wildlife terrain in sub-Saharan Africa, so that she may conceal herself from attacks by predators, and more importantly, hunt her own prey. Now that you know my fascination with National Geographic, take a look at the leopard print biker jacket I recently added to my vintage shop.

There’s actually a story behind finding this jacket. I found it on what I initially thought was a failure of a trip to Salvation Army in Redondo Beach. As I was leaving the store, this leopard print biker jacket suddenly appeared out of nowhere on a rack I’m pretty sure I’d already come up empty-handed on. Music started playing, birds started chirping, and the thrift hunting gods smiled upon me. Good vintage like this doesn’t fall into your lap like that everyday.

I was going to keep the jacket for myself, but its a true size S and too small for me. I couldn’t leave it at Sal’s, a leopard print biker jacket is too cool to pass up. I know there’s a fashionista who would stunt on ‘em in this jacket –  so if you or someone you love can fit a size small and would like to buy it, please go here.

Brand: Contempo Casuals

Time Period: 1980s

Condition: Excellent

Price: $49.99

Complex Simplicity was the soundtrack to my LIFE back in 2004. So many post-college memories associated with that album. I’m pretty excited to see Teedra Moses drop some music, especially in the thick of summer. A girl could use a nice addition to her Summer 2011 playlist, ya hear?

Download here

Artwork via teedramoses.org, Download link via DatPiff

Simply ask. There’s a 50-50 chance the outcome will be in your favor, so take the gamble. Worst case scenario is the answer will be no. One can accept the word “no” for so long, before it begins to shake your confidence.  In truth these are opportunities to improve,  work on a better approach, or explore alternatives. Either way, you win because you got what you wanted, or you learned a valuable lesson.

Image Source

Would you read it? What would you title it? What do you want to learn?

Leave comments here, or email info@hiphopmuse.com.

Image Source: Favim.com

The chunky knits of fall are long gone, but with just over two months left in summer they’ll return sooner than we realize. I won’t jump too far ahead of myself; there’s still more than enough time to enjoy the long days of summer. Lightweight knits are so stylish and cool, they remind me of lazy summer days frolicking on the beach, sipping sangria poolside with the girls, or taking an evening stroll at sunset with a summer boo.

Mini Skirts by M Missoni
Sandals by Stuart Weitzman

There’s tons of great vintage clothing online to choose from, but how do you…shop for vintage online? It seems pretty straightforward but shopping for vintage online is different than buying from contemporary stores.

Can I Get Your Number?
The most important tip for buying vintage clothing online is to know your personal measurements. Before you start scoping for vintage duds on eBay or Etsy, you should know your bust, waist, and hip measurements. Different designers size their garments differently; so don’t rely solely on the size on the tag. Look for measurements that will determine fit.

Photos, please
Buy from sellers who provide clear photographs and detailed measurements and condition of the merchandise. There are tons of beautiful pictures out there designed to sell the item, but be sure to pay attention to photos and descriptive text noting fabric, condition, and measurements. What are the bust, waist, and hip measurements? What about the length of the skirt? How long are the arms of that blouse? Since you can’t try the clothing on, look for sellers to provide as much information as possible about their clothes.

Hit ‘Em Up
Online sellers are usually more than happy to answer questions about items in their store. They want customers to know what they’re buying and they want you to be satisfied. Since it isn’t a face-to-face transaction, sellers expect customers to ask questions about the merchandise in their shops. Striking up conversation can also lead to relationship building; you might also be able to take advantage of bargains and new inventory before other customers, ensuring you get the best stuff first.

Do you, boo.
Have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with vintage fashion. Vintage fashion is best executed when integrated into your personal style. While you’re having fun with it, try not to go overboard with it, unless you want to look like you’re stuck in the past. Piling on a bunch of vintage looks at once could turn out more costumey than fashionable. Integrate vintage style into your look in a way that represents YOU!

Image Source: The Style & Beauty Doctor

I’m digging the heady, ethereal feel of Audra The Rapper’s “Coo Coo.” The first lady of Maybach Music can spit, she reminds me of Eve, Missy Elliot, and Queen Latifah. I can always appreciate a tee and sneaks kinda girl who can flow, it’s a breath of fresh air from the oversexualized prototype. If the rest of her material slaps like this, I’ll definitely be adding her to my musical rotation.

Even with regular dentist cleanings, I’d love to have whiter teeth without expensive and potentially harmful office treatments. I did some research and found some all natural ways to white at home. These ideas are worth a try – they’re all based on all natural ingredients found in the kitchen, and the cost of trying them out is free.

Strawberries -strawberries contain enzymes that are excellent for teeth whitening. Make a paste with strawberries and rub it on your teeth. Let sit for 3-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Strawberries are acidic so be sure to rinse well to prevent enamel corrosion.

Apples – eat an apple. They’re high and fiber, and they clean your teeth while you’re eating them.

Water – drink lots of water after every meal. Rinse your mouth to remove food residue from your teeth.

Baking soda, salt & lemon juice – baking soda is very effective in whitening teeth, which is why most toothpastes contain this ingredient. Lemon juice brightens just about everything it touches, including your teeth. Make a baking soda, salt and lemon juice paste, rub on your teeth and let sit for 3 minutes. Rinse well. Lemon juice is an acid, make sure to rinse well to protect tooth enamel from corrosion.

Sources: Heal Blog, Nurse’s Guide

I’ve added a few more pieces to my Etsy store…I have some great jewelry available and some stylish vintage clothing as well. Remember to keep checking back, I’m regularly adding more items to the store.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hiphopmuse

Long silvertone ethnic necklace (see listing here)

Pink polka dot tie neck blouse (see listing here)

Christian Dior clip-on earrings (see listing here)

Mya dropped “Fallen” way back in 2003 but the casual look she wore in the video still works today. Boyfriend jeans, simple white tank, a black leather jacket and simple gold accessories is a classic, cool girl look reminiscent of James Dean that will never go out of style. Dress it up with a pair of sky high heels, or dress it down with casual flat sandals, motorcycle boots, or a pair of cool sneakers.

Tanks by Juicy Couture
Platforms by Jimmy Choo

I love Exercise TV On Demand – they have tons of workout routines I do in my living room. After doing Cindy’ Whitmarsh’s Bikini Ready workout I was so sore but I felt toned and energized. It’s only 20 minutes but it works every major muscle group. Doing this twice a week, along with walking and jogging everyday, is whipping me into shape for summer with no gym.