How to Make Low Carb Cocktails With White Claw Hard Seltzer
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #PureTwist #DrinkPure #CollectiveBias
What’s the best part of summer? Pools, BBQ’s, and of course rooftop cocktails! Being on the keto diet means being pretty careful about drinking, especially mixed drinks. I’ve been keto for about 6 months now and the biggest challenge is staying on track while still maintaining a social life. I’ve been playing with low carb cocktail ideas that are refreshing, tasty and give me the freedom to enjoy socializing with friends while not cheating on my diet.
I had the opportunity to partner with White Claw to create a few fun and easy cocktail recipes.
White Claw Pure Hard Seltzer is made using a blend of seltzer water, our gluten free BrewPure® alcohol, and natural flavor. Pure Hard Seltzer contains 5% alcohol, 100 calories, and 0g carbs. Check out how I put my spin on it!
White Claw Pure Hard Seltzer Lemon-Lime Spritz
This is a classic and refreshing cocktail, like sparkling lemonade with a hint of booze. Just squeeze a quarter lemon and half a lime into a White Claw Pure Hard Seltzer over ice, and garnish with some fresh mint. If you want to sweeten it up a bit, a few drops of liquid stevia will go a long way.
Raspberry Lime White Claw Pure Hard Seltzer Mixer
This one looks super pretty and the berries add a hint of sweetness. If you don’t eat the berries you save on those carbs, but if you do decide to muddle them or eat them whole it’s still only a few berries so don’t stress over it! Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and use a slice for garnish.
Even though I’m no longer on a low-carb diet, I love these quick and easy DIY cocktails with White Claw Hard Seltzer. They come together in no-time and are perfect for socially distant get togethers, virtual happy hours, or lounging on the beach. They also come in a ton of great flavors, like Lime, Grapefruit and Mango! Try a White Claw Variety Pack to see which ones are your favorites.
How to Shop and Save with RebatesMe.com!
This post is sponsored by RebatesMe.com. All opinions are my own.
Fall is officially here and you know what that means! It’s the best season to shop! The change in temperatures gets me super excited about refreshing my wardrobe and a lot of retailers begin their markdowns which makes it all the more tempting. It’s a little bit early in the season if you are really trying to get the aggressive pre-holiday discounts, but I love to scout sites and save things to come back to later. But what if there was a way to get all the goods on your dream list and make money while doing so?
RebatesMe is one of the top cashback sites offering deals, discounts, and cash back services partnering with over 3,000 stores worldwide. Their stores cover all your shopping needs, from fashion and beauty to electronics and home décor. RebatesMe always has the most up-to-date deals and the best cashback offers so you can save money and earn cashback while you shop! As RebatesMe says, they Make Shopping Rewarding.
Some of my favorite shopping destinations are RebatesMe members, like Bloomingdales, Barney’s and Saks Off 5th, Laura Mercier, and Clarins! They even let you earn cash back on purchases at super high-end sites, like Jimmy Choo, La Mer, and Net-A-Porter. Sign up now for the largest store selection, highest cash back rates, and a sign-up bonus!
Check out some of the goods that are on my shopping list, all found at RebatesMe retailers!
Fall Fashion Basics with Fruit of the Loom!
This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx on behalf of Fruit Of The Loom
Are you guys feeling the Fall vibes yet?
September just started so not officially Fall yet, but in the fashion world it’s a pretty exciting time! Between NYFW and the new collections dropping, it’s definitely the time to start getting ready for the Fall season. It will still be pretty hot and sunny here in LA for a while but I’m getting ready for a trip to NY and I’m so excited for a little taste of Fall weather! I’ve been thinking about how to transition my style for LA Fall vs NY Fall, so will be figuring that out as I go. I’m imagining a lot of loose-fitting jeans and stylish tops, slip dresses layered with light sweaters, and casual cool-girl booties.
However, no matter what season it is or what OOTD you are rocking, you need a good foundation. Lately I’ve been turning to Fruit of the Loom Breathable Micro-Mesh bikinis as my go to undies. They are made with breathable, micro-mesh fabric that supports the flow of air so you stay cool and fresh all day long. Plus they feature soft leg bands, a smooth waistband and are tag free to provide extra comfort.
As you already know, what you wear underneath can really make or a break an outfit, so cover your bases with Fruit of the Loom Breathable Micro-Mesh bikinis! They make an assortment of colors and styles to fit with whatever look you put together.
Check them out and let me know what Fall trends you are most excited to rock!
Wedding Season Gifting Made Easy with Calphalon®
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyCalphalonKitchen #Calphalon #CollectiveBias
How is wedding season treating you? I’ve had my bridesmaids shoes on for a few months helping one of my besties get ready for her big day. The wedding is in just a few short weeks, and our bachelorette trip is coming up this weekend. Plus a few other friends have announced their engagements so already getting ready for wedding season 2020! And not to mention I need to buckle down and get to planning my own! It’s been a total whirlwind but one I couldn’t be happier about. I’ve been thinking a lot about the perfect gift for my lucky friends and of course all the things I’ll be adding to my registry soon enough, and one thing that stands out most in my mind is a new set of quality cookware. I don’t know about you, but when I get into a nesting phase I want to spend so much more time at home with my partner cooking, playing with new recipes, and entertaining.
These stylish, elevated pots and pans are made for those that want quality cookware and to optimize their space. You can stack and nest the pots in any order, and if they have the same diameter you’ll save 30% more space ** than like non-stacking Calphalon® Cookware items when stacked with like diameter Premier™ Space Saving items. (**cookware must have same diameter). That’s totally essential for those in small apartments or couples moving in together.
Plus the nonstick surface is safe for metal utensils and makes for easy food release and quick cleanup, and they are oven-safe up to 450 degrees F.
Everyone needs durable, reliable and functional performance cookware right? If you are a bride to be working on your registry, definitely add the Calphalon® Premier™ Space Saving Cookware Set to that list! If you need an extra incentive, how does a $50 Bed Bath and Beyond Gift Card sound? That’s right, from now until 12/31/19 you will get a $50 Bed Bath & Beyond Gift Card With your purchase of $299.99 worth of Calphalon® products (excludes kitchen electrics) from bedbathandbeyond.com! Personally I’m eyeing their griddle and grill pans, but use it to add to or complete that cookware set of your dreams. And if you are shopping for a bride, you can give the pots as a gift the keep the gift card to get something for yourself (or put towards someone else’s gift because we know how wedding season gets)!
And stay tuned for my bachelorette adventure next weekend and all the details about my nuptials!
Entertaining Made Easy with Basic Invite
This post is sponsored by Basic Invite. All opinions are my own
There is still something so special about a printed card or invitation. It’s rare that I get one (or send one to be honest), but it still stands out when one arrives in the mail. It’s nice to get something beautiful and special just for you, amidst the weekly pile of bills and coupons you never asked for right? I’ve been thinking about planning more parties and stepping up my entertaining game since I moved to a new apartment and one surefire way to make your party invite stand out is to print them beautifully and send them out old school style. Obviously the cost for that can add up, and be a logistical nightmare to handle. But in researching companies, Basic Invite stood out for having a ton of stylish options, affordable pricing, and ease of use! Here are just a few reasons why they are the perfect vendor if you are looking for a printing service!
Almost Unlimited Colors and Instant Previews
Most websites are pretty restricted in the colors they offer, or the ability to generate an instant preview. Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Just select a design and play with over 180 different color options! And it doesn’t stop there. They also have over 40 Different Colors of envelopes and a nice assortment of envelope liners to make your invitations really pop. Plus all of our envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be quickly and securely closed.
Easy Customization and No Guess Work
Most websites let you order a generic sample if you want to check out print quality or paper. But Basic Invite takes it up a notch, letting you order a custom printed sample with your text! Samples are around $10 depending on the colors and whether or not you print in foil, but they are worth it. The service is perfect if you are planning a wedding, sending holiday cards for business or any very important event that requires perfection with your printing.
Address Capturing Service
Basic Invite makes getting address a breeze! They offer an address capturing service that allows customers to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media to request their friends and family’s addresses. These address are then stored in your account and can then be selected during the design process. And there is no extra cost for recipient address printing on all card orders!
If you are shopping for a vendor for printing anything from personalized holiday cards to wedding save the dates check out Basic Invite! Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51. Even though Christmas seems far away, it’s actually only 6 months out! Since July is becoming an unofficial shopping season, why not checkout some online Christmas cards to get ahead of the season? You’ll thank me later when you are already set before the season goes into high gear!
The Best Personal Shopping Hacks You Need Now!
Keeping my wardrobe updated is essential, but shopping really isn’t my thing. I avoid it as much as possible, finding new ways to style old favorites and finding ways to get new goodies without the pain of spending hours going in and out of stores. So when the Stylust team reached out to me for a partnership I was so excited to try it! Stylust is a service that puts a personal shopper in your pocket. It’s free to use and super easy! Say you are scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest and see something you want. Just text them the picture and they will source the item for you! You can also tag them in your Instagram pics if you see something in your feed and instantly want it.
They can find the exact item in minutes, let you know the price and if you approve it, place the order for you. Pretty sweet right? If the item turns out to be out of stock or out of budget, they can also find similar alternatives for you.
The first thing I knew I wanted was a chic yellow blazer, but I had no time to look in stores or browse the whole internet looking. I found an inspo pic on Instagram, and texted them a screenshot, and moments later I had options! I didn’t love the first round, so asked for other options, and eventually went with this mustard yellow double breasted baby from Asos. It arrived at my place a few days later, and it was simple as that.
Plus it doesn’t stop at clothing! Stylust also sourced a gorgeous burgundy storage ottoman for my new apartment. It took a little bit of back and forth before I found one in my price range that also had storage, but the final one could not be more perfect.
3 Ways to Upgrade Your Home for Spring!
this post is bought to you in collaboration with Art to Frames
Spring is the perfect time to breath some new life into your home! I’m not a fan of Spring cleaning because obviously it’s the worst but it is a necessary evil! After you get your place nice and tidy it’s time to start working on the fun part – redecorating!
I’ve been in my current apartment for almost 5 years now and have been itching to spice it up for a while. I didn’t want to go crazy because I’m moving somewhere new soon so wanted to think of fun, affordable ways to create a little more ambiance at home. Here are a few of my tips for easy, affordable redecorating for Spring!
Get some new greenery
There is no faster, cheaper way to bring new life into your home! I love picking up big leafy potted plants in colorful planters or chic baskets. I usually grab them at my local Home Depot since you can see and feel them in person, but there are also some really eye-catching ones I saw on Amazon! I have a few saved to purchase when I’m in my new place so I’ll let you know how that goes! Even though I’m terrible with plants and can never keep them alive long, I love keeping them around. I also pick up a cheap and cheerful bouquet on my regular Whole Foods or Trader Joes run for extra color around the place
Show your walls some love
Bare white walls in an apartment are a big no no! I’m a huge fan of paint, peel and stick wallpaper, and hanging art to add some personality to the room. I have a few pieces I’ve picked up over the years, and the latest is one my boyfriend actually picked out. Pretty cool right?
I wanted to give our new pet a very chic, timeless frame with a little pop of color to compliment the edgy street art vibe. Art to Frame gifted me this gorgeous Bright Gold With Compo Picture Frame
The details are stunning and I added a double mat in classic white with a hint of hot pink to tie back to the colors in the painting. The finished piece is now an eye-catching addition to my entryway!
The team also included a classic black collage frame Collage Frame that can either sit on a table top of be hung. I haven’t decided where it’s going or what images to use, so let me know how you would style a frame like this!
And check out Art to Frames for easy custom framing! The quality and service are top-notch and their selection is amazing! The options are all stunning it’s hard to pick just one! Plus the site let’s you easily get a preview of how your piece will look in the frame of your choice, and add additional stylish details like classic or fancy cut mats. Save 15% on your purchase with my code, KELLY15.
Upgrade your throw pillows and blankets
Purchasing new pieces of furniture requires some degree of planning, but textiles are an easy way to transform the look of a room on a whim. If you are bored with your couch but not ready to replace it, just swap out the pillows! My favorite place to get fancy pillows at bargain prices is TJ Maxx. They have a great selection of home textiles at a fraction of retail prices and even though I hate shopping in store it’s worth it, especially for home goods! I update my pillows and throw blankets seasonally – going for chunky knits, rich velvets, and metallics around the holidays, and fun summery prints this time of year.
Stay tuned for more about my adventures in moving and decorating my new place and thanks again to Art to Frames for collaborating with me on this post!
Getting Ready for Spring: 3 Must Try Hair Styles with SheaMoisture!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FindYourShea #CollectiveBias
I’m so ready to freshen up my look for Spring! Winter will hopefully be over in a few short weeks, but I’m relishing the opportunity to escape for a bit and enjoy some fun in the sun. I’ve been hanging out in LA a bit, enjoying the sunshine and getting inspired for when the good weather finally hits NYC.
I don’t know about you, but my hair has really taken a beating this winter. It gets super dry and frizzy, and extra breakage prone! I’ve been saving my strands with a combination of protective styling and products that bring the moisture. One of my go to brands is SheaMoisture. I love that the products have natural, yet effective ingredients, smell incredible, and they have a variety of product lines depending on your hair’s needs. Plus they avoid using harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, paraffin, formaldehyde, and petroleum. I like to balance taking care of and protecting my hair with having fun with it, so wanted to share a few fun low-maintenance looks that I’m loving for the season!
Interested in trying out the SheaMoisture hair products? Hover over the photo to click through and shop!
Messy Pigtails
This youthful style is chic again! Braids have a carefree, bohemian vibe this look is perfect for channeling that spirit. It’s also great for when your straight or stretched hair is a few days old and starting to frizz. Just be sure to keep them a little loose and messy, not too neat and perfect. And add a little headband or scarf to jazz it up
Beach Babe Waves
No other style is more iconic for summer! It has an easy breezy vibe and holds up well to wind and humidity. Just braid dry straight hair in medium sized sections, let them set overnight, then unbraid and fluff in the morning.
Sleek Bun
Sometimes it’s just too hot to deal with hair, so slick it back for a chic easy look. A middle part is most flattering for the shape of my face, but you can also play with a side part or even pulling it all straight back. Finish the look with a few hair clips or a pair of statement earrings!
After wash day is complete, you are ready to style!
Check out SheaMoisture products at your local Walmart. They’ve got everything you need to hydrate & replenish dry, damaged hair whether your hair texture is curly, coily, or kinky. Plus you just can’t beat the super affordable price. Let me know what you think and any of your favorite Spring hairstyles I should try!
A Sunny Staycation at Hollywood Hotel
This post is sponsored by Hollywood Hotel. All opinions are my own
Sometimes you need a winter escape. NYC has been freezing so I planned another little getaway to LA to get in some fun in the sun! I love the Hollywood area and Hollywood Hotel was gracious enough to partner with me on this post.
The 130-room Hollywood Hotel is one of the most reasonably priced hotels in the city and offers incredible value in a central location. Situated in Hollywood, it’s minutes away from boutique shopping, world-class dining and cutting edge culture, and the closest hotel to The Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park, LA Zoo, Greek theater and Mount Hollywood hiking trails.
The hotel has an on-site fitness center so you can squeeze in a workout when traveling and a beautiful, open-air fountain courtyard, and outdoor pool. Plus they offer a complimentary hot breakfast buffet served daily. A unique feature of the hotel is Hollywood Hotel’s own Comedy Club, which brings all-star comedians to the property on a weekly basis.
The weather during my visit was pretty wet and chilly so didn’t encourage much exploring, so luckily the hotel was comfy enough for staying in. Make sure you stop by the bar, Route66 for happy hour and check out the vodka tasting!
Let me know if you end up here in LA and how you liked it! And thank you again to Hollywood Hotel for partnering with me on this post.
Curing the Winter Blues with Biore & John Frieda!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BioreFreeYourPores #RAWellnessBeauty #ForHairThatDemandsAttention #CollectiveBias
I know I’m not the only one who is completely over winter! It’s been pretty freezing the past few weeks in NY and the weather is really putting a damper on my social life. I’ve been trying to make the most of spending more time indoors waiting until winter passes, so that means lots of Netflix and Hulu, a few new good reads, and of course, my at home beauty treatments. Relaxation time is so important, especially after the hectic holiday season. After all of those weeks taking care of everyone else, it’s time to turn your focus back to yourself. If you want to indulge in a little self-care when it’s too cold to be out doing anything else, here is my routine for a quick and easy cozy spa night at home.
Now just grab a cozy knit throw blanket and turn on a movie for the perfect way to end a night of pampering. After nights like these I feel completely rejuvenated.
Starting 1/27 and 2/10, save 25% off any one Biore® item
Starting 2/10, look for BOGO 50% on John Frieda® products
From 1/27-3/2, save up to $11 with coupons via printed brochure in select stores and Load2Card coupons on riteaid.com
Let me know how you guys are surviving the rest of winter!
Get Ready with Me: Glam Valentine's Day Looks with Upbra!
Valentine’s Day is just 2 weeks away! Hope you guys have your outfits ready to go. Today I’m giving you a little preview into how I get ready for a romantic night out, in collaboration with Upbra!
Upbra is my go to bra when I need to take my look up a notch! This bad boy gives you cleavage that is not for the faint of heart. It’s made in America and features Upbra ActiveLift® technology and cleavage control straps that move your breasts up and center for maximum cleavage. Pull the loops all the way out for the most high impact loop. Don’t worry about it getting uncomfortable, this bra is seriously surprisingly comfy!
If you want to keep some attention on your face, balance out the major babe look with glamourous makeup and hair! For this look I went with big voluminous curls and soft romantic makeup. Think a shimmery eyes with a touch of smoke, berry lips, and plenty of highlighter. And definitely don’t forget the lashes!
I’m planning to wear a strapless dress, so going with the Upbra Strapless Bra in red. It’s just as supportive as the T-Shirt version I also have. It also features super cute heart shaped mini grips to keep your cleavage in place all night long.
Getting Halloween Glam with Pretty Little Thing!
As you probably can imagine, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! Any excuse to get glammed up, go out with your squad and eat way too much candy is a hit in my book. I’ve been playing with so many costume ideas trying to figure out what I want to wear for the events the weekend before Halloween and of course the day of. Luckily Pretty Little Thing launched their Halloween Shop with pretty much everything you’d need! I partnered with PrettyLittleThing.com to bring you 3 ideas for the perfect glam Halloween look.
Belle of the Ball
Nothing is more glam than a Halloween Masquerade Ball! This lace ruffled gown would be a hit for so many different costumes, from masked diva, to glamorous witch! Just swap out the accessories depending on your idea. I paired it with the Masquerade Mask Face Stickers to finish my sultry glam look. Check out the PLT site for more accessories you could style this number with.
Classy Kitty
Sure cat costumes aren’t the most original, but this Lace-Up Back Midi Dress was just too good to pass up. I love that it is the perfect base of a Classy Kitty costume when paired with a mask, but it’s elegant enough to wear again for date night. It’s a bit tricky to get into because it’s so fitted and has the lace-up back, but I was able to get the hang of it in no time and it looks stunning on.
Haute Hippie
A burgundy velvet jumpsuit? SIGN ME UP! When I picked this item I wasn’t exactly sure what I would be. Devil was the obvious choice but usually devil costume are bright red. I was really into the 70’s vibe so decided to go for a glamorous hippie look, complete with matching flower crown. It also comes in emerald or blue which would be a great start to a peacock costume and PLT has plenty of options from face jewels to accessories to help you finish your look!
Let me know what you are thinking of dressing up as for Halloween, and shop these looks and more of my faves from PLT’s Halloween Shop below!
The Perfect NYFW Look Featuring Upbra
Images by Nigil Crawford
This post is sponsored by Upbra. All opinions are my own.
I love any excuse to turn up the sparkle! NYFW is the perfect time of year to stand out and wear looks that will keep all eyes on you. I was debating what to wear to Saturday’s Badgley Mishka show, and since they are known for bringing the glam I decided it was the perfect occasion for bling!
This sequined Zara jacket is a favorite of mine. The blush color is soft and romantic and the iridescent sequins are just gorgeous. I paired it with my billowy wide-leg satin trousers and a bandage crop top that you would swear is Herve Leger but is from H&M when I was in Paris!
The finishing touch for this look was my major cleavage, courtesy of Upbra!
I’ve featured them on the blog before and I just can’t get enough of this bra! It lifts like no other but is still amazingly comfortable.
The bra features cleavage control straps that are the core of the Upbra ActiveLift® technology. After the bra is on, just pull the straps and rehook them in place!
That shifts your breasts upwards and center to maximize the cleavage. The farther away the loops are from the center, the greater your cleavage. For this look I had them pulled in a bit, but not even as far as they go! Even with pulling the straps to maximize cleavage, you don’t have to worry about compromising your comfort.
If you haven’t tried Upbra yet, head over to their site ASAP! Let me know how you would style this amazing bra!
5 Skin Care Essentials I Can't Live Without
This summer has been a hot one! We've had several heat waves and the humidity feels like it's at an all time high. I try to make small tweaks to my beauty routine every season, based on the changes in temperature and what's going on in my life at the time. Since my summers tend to be super busy and full of weekend trips, I try to give my skin a little extra TLC! Here are some new products my skin has been loving.
Tula Beauty Probiotic Skin Care Line
The brand focused on using clean, clinically proven, high-quality ingredients to create cruelty free products that help women feel more confident. The brand gifted me some of their best selling products that are now available at Ulta. The Purifying Face Cleanser keeps my skin clean, refreshed, and balanced, their Eye Renewal Serum keeps puffy eyes at bay, and the Hydrating Day and Night Cream is moisturizing but not too heavy for my combination-oily skin.
FIlorga OPTIM-EYES® Eye contour cream
This baby is an eye-cream power house, keeping wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness away. I recived this product through Octoly and have been loving the results. I especially notice a difference when I've spent long days out and about in the sun. It includes a high-tech blend of Filorga’s NCTF®, a polyrevitalization cocktail of 59 ingredients and Filorga’s own hyaluronic acid.
Australian Pink Clay Mask - Urban Defence
I usually do a mask once or twice a week and a new one I've been trying is the Australian Pink Clay Mask - Urban Defence. I also recived this through Octoly, and the pretty pink hue begs to be Instagrammed! The mask is packed with unique ingredients, like Kakadu plum – a tiny Australian fruit that holds the highest known natural source of vitamin C and helps stimulate collagen, reduce hyperpigmentation, and protect from harsh environmental aggressors. There is also vitamin E for reinforcement at blocking free radicals, age-fighting vitamin A, and old man weed – a traditional indigenous medicinal remedy which fights acne-causing bacteriaI. It leaves my pores looking tighter and skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
Cleansing oils are magic, even for oily skin! One of my go-to oils is by Shu Uemura. Can you believe 1 bottle sold every 7 seconds around the world! I love how it clears away makeup, oil and impurities without stripping/drying the skin.
InstaNatural Collagen Age Defense
Since beauty starts from within, vitamins and supplements are a major part of my beaut routine. I take a collagen supplement daily, and this time it's been the InstaNatural Collagen Age Defense. The formula is full of ingredients proven to improve the appearance of skin from the inside out; MicroActive® Resveratrol and BioCell Collagen® reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness while increasing collagen levels in the skin. Careless® Mango and Florabella® support circulation and improve skin tone and elasticity. With consistent use expect to see healthier, smoother more radiant skin over time.
Let me know what new products you have in your rotation, or anything you are dying to try!
At Home Hair Care with Yeluchi by Un-Ruly!
This post is sponsored by Yeluchi by Un-Ruly. All opinions are my own
This summer has been one of various hair styles for me! There has been the balayage color I did in Spring, then the Brazilian Blowout, the natural curls, and of course, various braided styles. I tend to rely on protective styles more in the winter, but braids are becoming a new go-to for summer. They are chic and stylish and let you hop out of bed with your hair done for weeks on end. What's not to love!
I was researching hair braiders looking for a stylist and some inspiration for my next style when I found Yeluchi by Unruly.
Booking
It was smooth and seamless! I already had ideas for the style I wanted and using the suggestions on their site I was easily able to select the appropriate service. You can also add links to images of what you want for reference so they know what you are looking for an can accurately match you to a stylist. I was hoping for an after work appointment but couldn't find one, so settled on a Sunday morning. I did ask my stylist if they offer evening appointments and she said they do, but they tend to fill up fast so you have to book early. For the sake of research I did some digging, randomly selecting various styles and neighborhoods and checking the calender on site through October. I found nothing later than 1pm. If you don't keep standard office hours during the week that's probably fine, but if you do, plan to keep your appointment for the weekend.
The Service
My stylist Roxy was prompt, friendly and professional! I had aleady prepped an area in my living room so she would have space on the table to set up, then tuned into my favorite YouTube channels while she got to work. The only issue we had was a technicality with the style I chose. The cornrows in the inspiration photo I sent were stitch cornrows, not regular ones. If you don't know the difference, here is an example of stitch vs regular! Both cute, just different details.
They actually do not offer stitch braids, and Roxie let me know she told the company before taking the appointment but they didn't update me. So I ended up with 6 regular cornrows that we then tied together into 1 chic bunch with gold thread. It was a little disappointing because the stitch effect was the main thing I wanted, and if they would have told me in advance they couldn't do it I would have just picked a totally different style. But I didn't have time to look for a new style in that moment, and also didn't even know if time or the amount of braiding hair I had purchased would allow. I let her practice a little just to see if she could try it, but it wasn't the exact look I had in mind. However I was still happy with the results and her technique, especially how she respected my edges! I also love that she didn't know I was blogging about the experience. Sometimes companies roll out the red carpet for bloggers and you never know if the experience you are getting is the treatment everyone gets.
Final Thoughts
Overall my style was cute, trendy and got me tons of compliments! She also braided carefully and attentively, checking in to make sure it wasn't too tight. You guys know it only takes 1 aggressive braider to permanently ruin your edges so I was very happy to feel like the health of my hair and scalp was priority. It's been about a week and a half since my appointment and the style still looks great. I expected to keep it for 2 to 2.5 weeks and I'm pretty much on track for that. I will probably take down the long threaded braid and wrap the cornrowed ends into a bun just to switch things up the last week.