Make your own animation
I honestly can’t believe I’m posting a pic of myself with my hair undone but for the sake of this post, I needed to. The folks at Folica.com sent me the CHI Fortifying Treatment (which I didn’t use this week and can totally tell and will not be straying from the program ever again) and the Sedu Revolution Tourmaline Styling Iron to review and I’ve spent the last 3 weeks falling in love with my hair again.
I only use flat irons on my hair, I stopped buying curling irons once I was in college because flat irons give me the best of both worlds. They curl and can straighten out my hair, especially when I need to get it chemically relaxed. I like the look I get with a flat iron over a curling iron but I’ve never considered investing in a higher priced iron because sometimes the prices can seem a bit much. So when I was offered the chance to test out a more expensive iron (the Sedu is on Folica.com for $160) I was really intrigued to see the difference.
First thing’s first. Here’s what my old flat iron looks like.
Not pretty, huh? I usually buy a new flat iron every year to 18 months for about $30-$50. They get beaten up and dropped and dragged everywhere and usually die out on me after a year. That’s just how it has always been with me.
Here’s the Sedu up close.
I have to admit I love the black plates (won’t show dirt as easily) but they also wipe clean very easily. The other big difference I noticed was that this iron is way lighter than any other flat iron I’ve had before. The smooth plates kept my hair from dragging or pulling and I feel like when I passed my hair through the plates it comes out shinier than with my older irons. It also have adjustable heat from 180°F – 450°F (I tend to go to the higher side of the spectrum) and it doesn’t smoke like my older iron (yes, it smokes when you put it on the highest setting and I still used it).
The ultimate test for me was when I took the iron to my hair dresser. She uses the same kinds of ceramic plate flat irons that I do and always believed the trick to flat irons was really in how the user handled it. The moment she picked up the Sedu, she was in love. She loved how light it was and how smooth the plates were, so if I’ve sold her I may have sold you too.
For me the next step will be in the longevity of this product. If I can have this iron for years, then it would totally justify the price because I spend that in the amount of flat irons I’ve bought over the last 3 years! So tell me, have you tried a Sedu iron? Have you opted for the more expensive flat irons? What are your thoughts?
On my way home the other day I was thinking it was such a beautiful day and my outfit was cute, I should really take a picture outside. Sometimes it can be a bit difficult to find a place in DC with free parking (because a quarter gets you 7 1/2 minutes on a meter, WTH?!), without tons of folks walking around wondering why I’m putting up a tripod and taking pictures of myself. Sometimes my husband and I go walking around the tidal basin and I thought, why not swing by the George Mason Memorial? No one ever seems to visit George, so why not I on this glorious day? Plus, there’s a parking lot around the corner that is totally empty on days when there aren’t events going on.
So I went to visit George. I sat down, we had a brief chat and I took a few snaps. He was quite lovely and was totally alone on such an unusually mild August day.
What I’m wearing: Tunic, totally random purchase and the tag fell out | Cardigan, Loft | Necklace, Queen Been Designs | Cropped pants, Gap Outlet | Shoes, Nine West | Bag, Courtesy of LeSportsac
First, let me say thank you to everyone for your kind comments and emails yesterday and birthday wishes. I was actually overwhelmed by how many messages I received yesterday and it’s always nice to feel noticed and loved 
And don’t worry, I’m settling into my unemployment very nicely.
Second, I have a red velvet cheesecake hangover…and I like it. LOL
Last night I had a few of my favorite friends and family together for a spaghetti dinner at my parent’s house (My mom makes the best spaghetti ever). For dessert I spent 2 days making a red velvet cheesecake trying to replicate the Cheesecake Factory’s Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake. From the oohs and aahs I received, I think it was a success. I have a few slices left in my fridge and I’m going to savor them today because this isn’t the kind of dessert you can just whip together for any occasion, even though my husband has already stated this would be made again.
Want to make it yourself? I used the NY Style Cheesecake recipe, buttercream frosting recipe and assembly instructions from this site. I didn’t like their version of red velvet (who puts cinnamon in red velvet?!) so I went to my old faithful, Martha Stewart for a simple, delicious and moist version. If you want to impress folks, you need to make this. Seriously. I think that piece is calling my name now…
This photo my friends, represents the face of unemployment and how I’m handling it all. Yup, I got a pretty sucky birthday present on Friday, I got laid off AFTER I was wished a happy birthday. HA!
Here’s the crazy part, when they laid me off I felt a wash of relief come over me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m terrified. I only have 2 pay checks left and I have not not had a job since 1999…but over the last year I’ve been worried about money because of my job and in the last few months I had been worried about whether or not I’d be laid off AND have no money. So at least I’m back to stressing about just money. I know the job market is still pretty crappy but maybe there’s a great thing just waiting for me around the corner. I have to remain optimistic.
So what does this mean for The Art of Accessories? The only real change will be a list of my affiliate networks on the sidebar because that’s a way for me to make some income in order to keep the blog going (I’m self hosted, so I’ve got to find the cash somewhere…) but other than that not much will change here. I might even blog more since I’ll have more time to actually dedicate to creative things and the blog. The only thing I’ve been worried about are my How to Accessorize posts! I mean, do you really want to see me in my pajamas?! I’ll have to dress myself up for errands and the miscellaneous stuff I’ll do while I’m home.
Despite being laid off, I’m going to have a spectacular birthday. I’ve got a red velvet cheesecake I made in the fridge and a bunch of family and friends to celebrate with me this evening. I’ve also got my family, my health and I’m pretty happy, so this doesn’t have to be the worst thing ever. So happy birthday to me and I’ll be back to blogging regularly tomorrow, I am spending the day celebrating!
xoxo,
dwj
Why hello, Friday! I’m pretty excited that it’s the weekend because Monday will be MY BIRTHDAY! WOOHOO! I wasn’t excited but then when folks around me get excited it gets me excited too. I’m having a spaghetti (my favorite) dinner at my mother’s house on Monday with a few of my friends and family and it’s probably going to be a replica of my 7th birthday where I had a spaghetti dinner. The only difference will be it won’t have a Get Along Gang theme, LOL.
Enough about me, on to the fabulousness!
Today I’m rocking a pretty major statement necklace that I want to blog about and show how to wear it from casual to dressy (if you’re going to buy a statement piece you should be able to wear it with a lot of what’s in your wardrobe), so I thought I’d share another statement necklace at a great price to get you prepared for fabulous jewelry next week. The Sequin Metal Ring Status necklace is pretty hot and it’s only $45! I love necklaces that have multiple layers and I feel like a metal disc can pretty much go with any and everything you have in your closet. It’s a neutral! I would love putting this necklace over a white scoop neck shirt, I just love white and gold together (almost as much as Rachel Zoe loves a “white moment at the Oscars.” Did anyone else see that foolishness?).
Okay, that’s my fabulousness for today. Have a fabulous weekend and I’ll see you here on Monday. YAY!
xoxo,
dwj
Another Friday and another edition of Friend Friday questions. This week we’re talking about FALL FASHION! YAY! I have to say, since getting my iPad my shoulders have thanked me. I don’t have to lug around the HUGE September issues to get my fashion fix. Pierre makes everything so convenient!
1. What new fashion trend are you looking forward to sporting this fall?
Hmm…I’m oddly excited about neutrals. I’m kind of in love with camel and the new shades of grey that are popping up. Of course I’ll do it my way and add a vibrant burst of color to any neutral ensemble, but I can appreciate the slickness of going neutral. It’s very classic and chic.
2. Which item in your closet is most likely to be your go-to transition piece?
I’m kind of obsessed with this cardigan. It’s drapey and has a fabulous neutral grey and I’ve found a way to pretty much pair it with anything and belt it. I can see myself wearing this with layering tees and tanks as fall weather takes over.
3. What item from last year are you looking forward to reinventing this fall?
I have to say I have been missing my over-the-knee-boots something fierce. They make any dress warmer AND I have so many great colorful tight combinations that I’m dying to try.
4. What is your favorite part about this time of the year?
I love the weather in the fall. The cool, crisp air. Needing a light jacket and then it warming up in the afternoon. I love fall, it’s just so wonderful.
5. Will you be attending any fashion events this fall?
Nope, I’ll be staying in DC. The only thing I really wish I could see this year at Fashion Week would be the new Accessories Bazaar. I love fashion but in terms of this blog, what I really care about are the accessories and the makeup trends. I’m not as pressed to go to the fashion shows but I do think they’re cool and I love to watch them when they stream them live.
So what are you guys looking forward to for fall?
If you are a blogger that would like to participate in the Friend Friday questions please go the Modly Chic for more details.
I am so happy it’s Thursday. That just puts me one step closer to Friday. I was supposed to take pictures last night of this LeSportsac bag but my camera battery was dead, it was getting late, and I needed to watch Top Chef (priorities) while laying in bed with a cup of tea. So instead of talking about that bag today, I’ll just show you another outfit (sorry, Jaci!).
I took these pictures after we popped into the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden after work (we’re so cultured it hurts). The big red chair looking item is the Cheval Rouge or Red Horse by Alexander Calder. I also snapped pictures of a very cool tree made of pipes and steel which the engineering husband thought was very cool, but I don’t know the name of it because it’s not listed on the site.
This outfit was a “what’s ironed and ready to go” kind of ensemble. I’ve been slow to get out of bed in the mornings and sometimes I just pull out what requires the least amount of effort. It was also one of the first days that it wasn’t 100% humidity in DC or a blazing 90+ degrees, so I refused to shave my legs and wore pants in rebellion. YES! Does everyone have days like that or is it just me?
I don’t love this outfit but I don’t hate it either. It gets me to and from work, and some days that’s about all I can ask for.
What I’m wearing: Wide leg pants , Gap | Floral Print Tank, Macy’s | Short Sleeved Cardigan w/ Ruffle Trim, Nordstrom | Gold Bead Necklace, gift from the husband | Shoes, Seychelles | Shades, Loft | Bag, Courtesy of LeSportsac
Maybe it’s because I was listening to Jill Scott last night but I’ve got “It’s Love” stuck in my head when I think about these Marc by Marc Jacobs 606850 Ankle Boot
. I normally don’t blog about very high end pieces or things that go over $150 because they aren’t very realistic for my life or budget, but damn I’m in love with this boots.
I saw these while I was in Bloomingdales a few weeks ago, I was waiting for my cousin so we could see Eat Pray Love and I always end up in the shoe department of a store. These boots called my name, so I tried them on and that was probably my first mistake because now I can’t stop thinking about them.
I think I love them because they blend a chukka boot with clog details and they blend them so beautifully. It has a wood tone synthetic sole with a bit of rubber grip on the bottom that makes them super comfortable and the upper leather is so deliciously soft. Have I mentioned that I love them?
I used to have a pair of chukka boots with a heel in high school and in college, so it’s a trend that I love making another comeback. You can wear these with jeans or pair them with tights and a dress/skirt. Barneys even has them in bronze! A bit more bold than in black but still just as gorgeous.
The only thing I don’t love about them is the price, $400. So I will drool and lovingly look at them online wishing they could be mine (tear).
So to help make me feel better, please tell me about something you want but that’s too far out of your price range. Please tell me I’m not crazy.
