Post Workout Hair

I've had an increase in emails about my hair lately, so today I decided to address some of the questions. As most of you know I am currently wearing Indique hair extensions. I have been wearing the same Pure Wavy hair since September and couldn't be more pleased. It has been reinstalled a few times and still looks just as good as it did when I received it. Of course in January, I started hitting the gym every day. Thankfully I do have a full sew in, so that's half the battle when it's time for me to go to work after a workout.

Because my Indique texture is Pure Wavy, I could wash and go and it would have a natural loose wave texture, however it has been too cold to go outside with a wet head. I typically shampoo my hair once a week for maintenance, but for daily wear I have to be able to get ready in 40 minutes or less. From my pictures you can tell that my hair is pretty fried after a workout. It's usually in a ratty ponytail and my bangs are stuck to my forehead.

Many of you have inquired as to if I go to the hairdresser everyday or if they have a salon at the gym? The answer is no. I wish I could afford the luxury of an on call hair stylist, but until such time, I do it myself. Here is a step by step look at my post workout hair transformation.

Start off with fried hair in a rat chewed pony and plastered to your sweaty forehead. 

Remove hair from ponytail and brush out

Lightly mist with Twisted Sista 30 second curl spray

Roll hair with Calista Tools rollers available at QVC, Ulta & Nordstrom

Shower with rollers in and apply your makeup or whatever you do. 

Unroll hair & flip your head upside down to finger comb

Now you are ready to start your day!!! 

The whole process from start to finish including the shower and makeup takes about 40 minutes. I can do it in 30 if necessary. I hope this has answered all of your questions and shows you that even if you have only a half hour to get ready, you too can be Front Row Fab!

xoxo-

Parker S.

#ootd Socialite

Hey guys! How's it going today? I hope your week is off to a great start. Mine is going pretty well if you are wondering. As most of you already know I have been working out daily for the past few months. Although I am by no means a stick figure, I have been seeing subtle changes in my clothes. It has made me feel even more beautiful and more confident than ever before.

This whole process of getting healthy and changing my lifestyle has been quite a cathartic experience. It's funny, how you think you have everything in your life together only to realize that things are completely upside down and out of sorts. I feel like I have been completely broken down and am rebuilding a better version of myself. But, I also realized that once you get to what you consider to be your pinnacle of perfection, you start the process all over again and push to new heights.

I have learned that changes don't take place over night no matter how bad we want them to. Even though I have been working out really hard, I still have that stubborn LHF (low hanging fat). My arms are still a little flabby, but they look better than where I started. With each day I feel stronger and better.

Well, now that I've spilled my guts, I guess I better get to the #OOTD deets, lol! With my renewed confidence, I decided to rock a look that is pretty simple for me. Sometimes we get so caught up in the trappings of fashion that we don't let our inner beauty shine through. With this look I was able to do both.  I rocked my Custom Plus Socialite tank with Lane Bryant jeggings and Just Fab pumps. Sometimes, less is more as was the case with this outfit. I also kept my accessories to a minimum because the shirt was enough.

I know this isn't the most inspiring look fashionably, but it was really meant to be more encouraging. No matter where you are in your life, you can always change the course of it. Whether you want to lose weight or change careers, only YOU can do it. It's not always going to be easy, but taking small steps each day in the direction that you want to go will help you to begin to chart a new course towards your purpose. When people see you begin to invest in yourself, they will, too. I am living proof that when all of the odds are against you and you feel like you are being attacked from every possible direction, God shows up with the most amazing blessings.

I hope this post encourages you break away from whatever is holding you back. When the road gets rough, just smile through your pain and know that your breakthrough is just a stones throw away!

Make the world your personal runway!


<3 Parker S. 

FFFWeek Atl Casting

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was action packed, but the highlight was popping by the Full Figured Fashion Week Atlanta casting. Hosted in the up and coming warehouse district off of Metropolitan Parkway, curvy divas from the southeast showed up to strut their stuff for the FFFWeek team.

Ladies Waiting...

Casting Line Selfies

FFFWeek founder, Gwen Devoe, accompanied by her trusted council Sharon Quinn & Marco Mays took Atlanta by storm. Whenever this fashion trifecta is around you better bring your "A" game. The team was looking for a polished appearance with a clean walk, and boy did they get it. I ran into two of my fave Atlanta models, Nedra Phillips & Telethia Penn who ripped the runway to shreds with their fierceness. 

Standing on my tip toes so Mogul Diva Gwen Devoe wouldn't dwarf me in my flats! 

Smiling like I just won a gas card according to Marco! lol! 

The always flawless "Original Runway Diva" Sharon Quinn & Moi!

Nedra Phillips & Telethia Penn

In addition to all of the lovely models that came out to walk, amazing volunteers like Robynne & Alex also showed up to lend their support to the FFFWeek casting. I also ran into Nicki Lynch and the Plus+ crew who were also on hand to spread their message of positive body image. 

Volunteer Robynne

The Double Digit Diva, Alex who is now + 1! 

Sharon Quinn, Nicki Lynch & Gwen Devoe posing for a pic. 

If you've never been to a FFFweek casting, it's a 100% positive experience. Even if you aren't chosen, you are given some great advice by veterans in the fashion industry that is invaluable. When they offer you a critique it's not to hurt your feelings, but to make you better and hopefully prepare you for the next level. 

Gwen Devoe giving the ladies in line advice as to what she is looking for. 

Marco sharing his words of wisdom and an encouraging smile. 

I had such an amazing time catching up with everyone.  On a side note, the Marvelous Marco Mays will be studying abroad in May and needs our support. Check out his go fund me page and show him some love!  I can't wait to see everyone again in June for FFFWeek! Until then...

Make the world your personal runway! 

<3 Parker S. 

#OOTD Happy Spring

Today is officially the first day of spring!!!! I am ready to shake the cold weather blues & clothes off and jump into something a little more festive. In celebration of spring, I decided to pull out a pair of pants from Chico's that I scored from their resort collection earlier this year. Because I wasn't visiting any one's resort this winter, I decided to store them until spring. 

I absolutely fell in love with them as soon as I saw them. With their coral background and neutral printed pattern, they are an easy item to dress up or down. For my first day of spring look, I decided to go for a more casual look. I paired my my pants with my trusty, sleeveless denim JCP shirt, Banana Republic cardigan, Luxor Couture necklace, and my Henri Bendel sandals & GWP tote.

Hey, my shoes match my tote!!! 

Unfortunately it looks like my pants are no longer available, but you can still get a similar style here. I am proud to report that my pants are a size 3 at Chico's which is comparable to a 16/18. They have a lot of stretch and they are super comfy. Chico's does offer up to a size 4.5 in some styles which is comparable to a size 22 as well as tall lengths online. As always, I encourage you to shop out of the box. Take off your blinders and be open to exploring fashion at places you normally wouldn't shop. You will be so surprised at what you can find! I hope you have a wonderful first day of spring!


xoxo-

<3 Parker S.

#OOTD: Black, White & Isabel Toledo

Happy Wednesday! We're halfway through the week, how is it going so far? Mine has been pretty good. I meant to post this yesterday, but the day got away from me. If you follow me on Instagram then you may remember the "photoshoot shenanigans" teaser I hit you with yesterday. 

Today I wanted to give you the 411 on this fun ensemble. Even though spring officially starts tomorrow, the weather is still a little on the cold side. I have been finding it challenging to incorporate spring things with my winter clothes. Yesterday I decided to keep it simple. I paired my basic ponte knit ANA pants from JCP with a crisp white shirt from Talbot's. These 2 are definitely wardrobe staples because they are season-less and can be worn year round. Because it was cold, I added my faux leather Ashley Stewart Peplum. To round out this look, I wanted to celebrate the launch of the Isabel Toledo x Lane Bryant Collection and rocked my gifted bag from the holidays and newly gifted scarf. Even though I won't be able to make the NYC show tomorrow, I'll definitely be viewing it online. I then finished off the look with my fave Target ballet flats.

What do you think?!?! Hopefully tomorrow, spring weather will show up with the first day of spring and I can inspire you with some brighter colors. I hope you like this look and it helps you to remix somethings in your wardrobe. If you have the basics in your closet, you can pull always out a fab look by amping up your accessories. 

See you on the front row!

<3 Parker S. 

Henri Bendel Spring Fling

Happy Saturday! The first day of spring is on the 20th and I can't wait! The flowers will be blooming the birds will be chirping and a fabulous Henri Bendel gift with purchase begins! Last week I was seeing stripes and beelined to Henri Bendel Lenox Square. The corporate social media team had effectively posted enough pictures on Instagram to get me salivating over the new spring line.

Once I walked through the door, my fave #BendelGirl Lyndesy Jackson wasted no time in showing me all of the new hauteness! Ultimately I decided to grab the 2014 version of my Canvas Stripe Tote from last year. They through me for a loop this year and trimmed the fab striped tote in two amazing colors; coral and turquoise. I really wanted to get both, but decided to get the turquoise trimmed one and a fab pair of Hamptons Jelly Sandals in bone.

Lyndsey Jackson & I on my recent shopping trip!

Last summer in NYC w/ my red trimmed Stripe Canvas Tote



Now let's fast forward to this week. On the first 75 degree day we had here in Atlanta, I had to rock my new goodies. Also remembering some of the fab things I saw in the store had me creating a new #BendelWishList. When most people think of Henri Bendel, they think of the amazing bags & home items, but the "Diva is in the Details" and their new Waldorf jewelry collection is amazing and the new Flower Statement hair accessories are breathtaking.

Feeling like a kid on the first day of school with all of my new clothes and accessories!

Flower Statement Headband $128

As I mentioned earlier, beginning March 20th, you actually get a reward for shopping! Through April 3rd you will receive an exclusive Henri Bendel tote with your $150 or more purchase in store or online. How #fab is that? You get great, new #BendelBaubles & an awesome tote to boot! My best advice to you is to shop early to insure you receive a tote.

Gift with Purchase

If you are in Atlanta, pop into their only location at Lenox and ask for Lyndsey or Michael. If you are a #DigitalDiva then you can shop online at www.henribendel.com . Check out some of my favorite Bendel things below.  Start creating your own lists and get ready to shop!

See you on the front row! 

<3 Parker S.

Pretty Bendel Cosmetics Accessories $28-$98

Hamptons Jelly Sandal $88, West 57th Flip Flop $58

Striped Tote w/ coordinating accessories $38-$78

Waldorf Jewelry Collection $48-$198

Lane Collection

Hey Guys! How is your week going? Things have been going really well for me.  Earlier this week I received a surprise in the mail from Lane Bryant! This package came at the perfect time. Inside were a few new pieces from the Lane Collection that will hit stores next month. 

If you aren't in the know, the Lane Collection at Lane Bryant is a higher end line associated with the brand. The line is only offered in select stores and online. The pieces are in a variety of sumptuous fabrics and the styles are limited due to it's exclusivity.

With the temp being a balmy 74 degrees on Tuesday, I immediately broke out 2 of the new pieces to wear; a fabulous pair of white skinny jeans and a light tan racerback tank. Because I did wear this look to work, I added a jean jacket over the top because the back of the shirt is completely sheer. To round out my look, I had to break out my new Henri Bendel tote & sandals! 

I hope this look gives you a little spring inspiration. The jeans & top featured aren't currently available but will hit stores and the website next month. The jeans will retail for $88 (item 1018541) & the top for $58 (item 1015201). Spring is just around the corner, so get ready! Stay tuned to see more new pieces from Lane Bryant coming later this week! Have a great day!

See you on the front row-

<3 Parker S.