Brights in Winter

Have you ever heard of Polyvore.com? It's a website that is dedicated to fashion & collaboration. You can search through clothes that people add to the site from websites you might already shop at like forever21.com or amazon.com, and ones you may not have heard of like debenhams.com or modcloth.com. If you add their browser plug-in you can add  items that you see on you own internet "window-shopping" sprees.

After you add in items you like, you can make "sets" like the one I made below. Sets can be anything from wishlists, to outfit ideas, or themed collections of clothing you choose to put together. I chose to add in items that resemble my own clothes to come up with new combinations and experiment with my outfits more.

Below is a combination that I would have never thought of if I was only staring at the clothes in my dresser. I'm a visual and kinesthetic/tactile learner so moving the images around in from of me helped to discover a new top/skirt combination. I'm going to try out this look and post pics when I do. Hope you like this!

Brights in Winter by iwasjess featuring long belts

Forever 21 top, DV by Dolce Vita Women's Zela Boot, Purple Walmart Skirt, Forever21 Skinny Belt, Marshalls Tights

woc lipstick review: revlon super lustrous coraberry

Hey loves, 

Today's Review:  Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Coralberry 

I'm starting to go through my makeup stash, swatching and reviewing my products.  

A little about me & my reviewing style: I am a college aged, African-American female. I have both golden and red tones to my skin depending on the time of year (redder in the summer, more gold in the winter). I use Smashbox HD foundation in Dark.  For reference, my closest MAC shade is NC50, it is my concealer color. I live on a college (tiny) budget and I will rate my products on affordability and if I feel the product is worth the money. 

Retail Price: $5-$8 

Product description: Infused with mega-moisturizers to seal in color and softness. Find your lip color amongst a dazzling array of 72 fabulous, fashionable shades! Exclusive LiquiSilk™ formula with mega-moisturizers seals in color and softness
.  Silky-smooth, creamy texture.  Stay true color wears evenly.

MY REVIEW 

Texture(3/5): this is a very sheer lipstick, although its suppose to be a crème. When I attempt to build it it starts to look uneven and clumpy almost. It needs to be blended out to achieve an even look—but then its sheer again. The formula also had little tolerance for dry lips, so exfoliate before use.

Color (3/5): This lippie is a beautiful coral/orange shade that looks great on me. It however doesn’t look good for long because I have to use a pretty thin layer, and it fades fast. A lip-liner does help the staying power, but all f the ones I own change the color to pink! Its also difficult to get this color to look the same on my two toned lips.

OVERALL GRADE: D
This lipstick is far more beautiful in the tube than in action. I mainly use it to warm up or slightly lighten other lip colors, since it does so little on its own. I wouldn’t recommend this, because I’m sure there are more pigmented corals out there that can last longer. 

...THE JOURNEY CONTINUES.....

Peace Kiddies, 

-Jess

Things I rarely (never) wear

Hey Y'all,

I thought that I'd share with you my most rejected, no-love getting, dusty...items of clothing.
You know those clothes that you can never find anything to do with--but are t0o nice to get worn around the house?

Welp, these are mine. If anyone has ideas on how to style them, please lemme know!! 

Things I rarely (never) wear by iwasjess featuring knit tops

Row 1:Cardigan- Rugged Warehouse, Booties- urbanog.com
Row 2:Turtleneck- Old...idk, Lace Top- Delias.com, Blazer-Thrifted, Sweater- F21.com, Black- Walmart
Row 3: Green F21.com, Cardigan-Delias.com, Heels in general, Skirt- Walmart, Sweater-Dots

My Favorite Natural Hair Products

Products I'm Using: 

Shampoo & Detangle 

Terressentials Organic Hair Wash in Lavender Garden
8oz.  $10.75

Conditioner & Detangle 

Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Calming Conditioner
24oz. Marshalls ~12.00

Deep Conditioner

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner

iherb.com $4.93

Leave-In

Giovanni Direct Leave-In iherb.com $4.93

Stylers

My Shea Butter Mix (details)

Organic AloeVera Gel

Oils

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Organic Coconut Oil 

Castor Oil 

Jojoba Oil 

What are your favorite hair products? Have you tried any of these??

College How To: FAFSA Tips

High School Seniors & College Freshmen-Juniors

1.  In the fall semester, you and your parents (or whoever files you on their taxes) need to log on to fafsa.ed.gov and create a login and a pin#. Its super easy, but you need to make sure to REMEMBER yours and your parent’s pin info. You’ll need it for four years.
2.  When January 1^st rolls around, the FAFSA for the new year becomes active, you would go in and fill it out with last years information. For example, it’s the beginning of 2012, so you put in 2011’s tax information. Unless your parents have recently won the lottery and have a huge increase of income for the year, it shouldn’t make much of a difference.
3.  If you are still applying to colleges, put in all of the colleges you are interested in attending. This way the college you choose will definitely get you Financial aid info.
4.  Get your EFC (Expected Family Contribution). After putting in last years tax info, and digitally signing it with the PIN#s, FAFSA will give you a number it expects your family to be able to pay based on income and assets.
5. Relax for a month….
6. When you parents get their W-2 forma, and are able to file their taxes, rush them.  J  The quicker you can get the 2012, or current years taxes on file, the sooner your FAFSA will be completed.
7. 1040A in hand complete your FAFSA carefully. They’ll tell you which lines to look at and enter, but you might need help on your first time.

General Tips:

·      Never tell them how much you or your parent have in your bank accounts.

·      Complete you FAFSA as soon as you can, Financial Aid is first come first served.

o   I usually can’t get it complete until the end of February or Middle of March at the very latest. So don't freak out if you are in the same range as me. Do not let you parents procrastinate until April 15th tho!

·      Select yes for work study, and yes for on campus housing, even if you aren’t sure.

Main Types of Government Financial Aid:

·      Grants: FREE MONEY!!! You don't have to pay these back unless you drop out/get kicked out/ don't keep the required academic standard.

·      Loans: 2 types Subsidized and Unsubsidized

o   Subsidized: The government pays the interest for you until 6 months after you complete school. So you’ll have a lower amount to pay back overall.

o   Unsubsidized: You will be responsible for the interest the whole time, but you don't have to pay until 6 months after you graduate. 

Refund Checks:

 Depending on your EFC you may be eligible to receive a refund check. This refund check is the remainder of the money after you financial aid pays for school.

Lets say your school costs 7,500 a semester. You apply for FAFSA and get….

You get: PELL GRANT   2000

               LOAN (sub)       4500

               LOAN (unsub)   2000

 So your total Financial Aid is 8,500.  But your tuition is 7,500. That extra 1000 dollars will come to you in a refund check.

Things you can do with a Financial Aid refund Check:

• ·      Be responsible and get a head start on paying your unsubsidized loans back.
• ·      Buy your books and school supplies
• ·      Budget it out to help pay for rent and/or food.
• ·      Save up for a car
• ·      Use it for dues to clubs/Greek life
• ·      Put it towards a new Laptop
• ·      Buy a fancy phone
• ·      Pay the bill for 6 months
• ·      Use to for study abroad/travel
• ·      Get new clothes
• ·      Give some to your parents
• ·      High-Interest savings account
• ·      Cash it out and roll around in it
• ·      Go to Jamaica with it 

I hope this helped some of you out there! If I left anything you want to know out of the post, let me know. 

PS. Please click the Google Connect button to follow my blog, I would really really appreciate it :) 

Later loves, 

-Jess

Most Worn tops of 2011

Hey Y'all

So I've been playing with Polyvore.com recently (*muah-ha-ha*). I added look-a-likes of almost all my clothes and I've been having fun putting them into different sets. These are my most worn & favorite-est tops I own. My very very favorite id the burgundy blouse because I feel so stylish in it, but I cant deny the dependability of a grey tee! All of these items were less than $25 dollars, probably $15 actually because I don't like paying a lot for shirts. What can i say? I love a great price!                                                     ...(*cheap*)... Bye Loves :) 

Most Worn tops of 2011 by iwasjess featuring cotton shirts

WOC Lipstick Review: Avon Ultra Color Rich - Oxford Wine

Hey loves, 

I'm starting to go through my makeup stash, swatching and reviewing my products.  

A little about me & my reviewing style: I am a college aged, African-American female. I have both golden and red tones to my skin depending on the time of year (redder in the summer, more gold in the winter). I use Smashbox HD foundation in Dark.  For reference, my closest MAC shade is NC50, it is my concealer color. I live on a college (tiny) budget and I will rate my products on affordability and if I feel the product is worth the money.

Price: AVON Color Rich Lipstick in Oxford Wine 

Product description: Creamy color that shapes and defines lips. Wider coverage for easier application. Non-feathering moisturizing formula. 

one or two swipes, and blended

MY REVIEW (8/10)

                       

Texture: (4/5) This vampy red-purple lipstick goes on smooth and is very easy to wear.  Like the other lipsticks in this line that I own, Oxford Wine is VERY forgiving. This is the type of lipstick that you can wear even when your lips are a little chapped and peeling because it doesn’t emphasize imperfections. It’s also moisturizing with a glossy finish.  The texture is a bit thin, so it needs more maintenance if you want to keep the vibrancy, but I prefer the stain it leaves.

Color: (4/5) The color in the tube is intimidating, but when its on the lips it’s a lot more wearable. I like to blend it out with a pink gloss, because I don't want to look like Elvira up in here. This lippie also eaves a pretty stain so its easy to layer it on, and wipe it off after a few minutes for a subtle deep red stain. I sometimes mix it with a red lipstick or gloss, but the red usually takes over and there is no purple to be seen.

BEAUTYLIT GRADE: B+

I got this lipstick on a whim, I wanted to experiment and the price was really cheap so I went ahead and did it. If you like a purple lip or a red-purple lip stain, this is an excellent affordable option. However, the color doesn’t always work with every look and would be most suitable for fall/winter. It’s a great product and it’s on trend, so if this suits your taste I’d say go for it!

See ya next time!!

-Jess

2012: Minimalism, Money Management, and Means to Achieving goals

Hey Y'all,

Honestly, I usually forget about or abandon my New Year’s resolutions by the time I get back to school and start the spring semester.  I think that I do a lot better with more general life goals, which I eventually want to complete—in one year or many.

I recently found that I’m not the only one who does this; I’ve recently found many blogs with a “Life List,” which is a space for long and short term goals. I also included my ideas about how to keep up with 

2012

Educational Goals

            Write ALL papers ahead of time

            Punch Out Procrastination 

Means to achieve: planner, scheduling, prioritizing time, working on time management and discipline. Waste less time online by designating time to catch up with blogs and youtube. 

Health Goals

            Run 1x a week

            Yoga or Cardio 1x a week 

Means to achieve: Exercising with friends, using mornings before class.

Financial Goals

            Pay off Discover Card debt ($870)

            Stick to a budget

            Limit & Record Purchases

            Save $1000 by the end of the year

Means to achieve: Using financial refunds wisely, using mint.com budgeting tools, discipline, planning purchases.

Beauty/Fashion

            Spring Cleaning of Wardrobe

            Organize and Prioritize Clothes

            Finish a Product before Buying more

            Limit Purchases

Means to achieve: Prioritize my wishlists/wants so they don't become overwhelmingly numerous.  Allow myself only a few select & coved items at a time. Mainly re-focusing my energy away from "things" that I don't really need. 

Other Goals

Travel out of state overnight (VA and MD don't count)

Life List

Buy a Car

Get Rook Pierced

Get Infinity/ Cherry Blossom Tattoo  

Find an Apartment

Travel to California

Travel to London

Earn Bachelors Degree

Earn Masters Degree
Go to Disney 
Get Married
Become a Mother
Buy a House 

a poem about teaching i found online :)

When I become a teacher

I'll put a map of the world on every wall in my classroom

My students will always know to have a universal mindset

When they hear freedom, they'll think of more than spirituals and Emancipation

They'll remember the stinking pits at Babi Yar

The curled steel at Auchwitz

Sarajevo’s rifle butts

Cambodia’s grit and sweat and death

These classroom walls will not fence their minds.

Eyes will be opened. Again.

Instead of asking my students to adjust to my teaching style

Fawn in silent awe over my genius

I'll ask them how they learn

Then tend to the visual

Auditory

and tactile learners

the best way I can

They’ll never doubt their place in my plan,

Confuse our classroom for a cookie-cutter

Stage where they must sit on their hands.

I’ll take criticism.

Gather it like gold dust between my fingers.

Never satisfied, I’ll Practice my practice forever.

My classroom will be painted bright blues and yellows

Along with students drawings, murals and poetry

Displays of Me Magazines

And word walls

Scenes from books acted out

Role playing

and Mock trials

I will appreciate their creativity

I will teach my students inquiry

Ask them questions about the world around them

Their opinions on issues from health care to the Palestine Wall

I won't talk at them, but with them

We'll have discussions and debates

I will challenge them

Ask them how they would tackle issues like budgets cuts

Low reading levels

And school safety

I'll ask them how they feel about Pennsylvania finding money to build 3 more prisons but cutting funding from schools

Or how they feel about districts paying millions for standardized test and curriculum but not having enough for extra curricular activities

They will be informed

My students will be poets

storytellers

actors

artists

analyst

activists

All while being beautiful

Everyday I will tell them they're beautiful

-Sienna Douglas

NEW BEAUTY LIT YOUTUBE VIDEO College Advice

WOC Lipstick Review: Avon Ultra Color Rich - Instant Mocha

Hey loves,

I'm starting to go through my makeup stash, swatching and reviewing my products. 

 =) Please use the tags and related videos to explore!  

A little about me & my reviewing style: I am a college aged, African-American female. I have both golden and red tones to my skin. I use Smashbox HD foundation in Dark and for reference. My closest MAC shade is NC50, it is my concealer color. I live on a college (tiny) budget and I will rate my products on affordability and if I feel the product is worth the money. 

Product: Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Instant Mocha

Price: $7.00 (often on sale for 3.99 or less)  

Product Claims: Creamy color that shapes and defines lips. Wider coverage for easier application. Non-feathering moisturizing formula.  

MY REVIEW (9/10)

 Texture: (5/5)The product description for this formula is accurate. This mauvy medium pink satin/crème lipstick goes on smooth and is very easy to wear. The best thing about this line of lipsticks is that they are VERY forgiving. This is the type of lipstick that you can wear even when your lips are a little chapped and peeling because it doesn’t emphasize imperfections. It’s also moisturizing.  

Color:(4/5) The color is great and suits my brown complexion well.  It can easily lean pink, brown, coral, or red, this versatility makes it easy to mix with other lippies, which is something I love doing. I feel comfortable wearing this color because it can be subtle when you need it to be, but it can also be built up for a brighter color. The only reason I took off a point is because the name mislead me to think it was going to be more of a nudie-pink/brown. 

BEAUTYLIT GRADE A-

 This lipstick is definitely worth the money I paid for it. It’s wearable and useful for   everyday looks. If you are looking for great lip shades for Women of Color or just getting into lipsticks, I recommend this line because they are so easy to wear and the low price make the a low risk. 

Click Here to purchase at AVON

swatch in artificial light, no other makeup

 thanks for stopping by!

                                                                                                            -Jess