Vacation Staples...Dominican Republic

Vacation Staples...Dominican Republic by kinkycurlynyc featuring zara tops

Packing for a tropical getaway can be a lot of work...especially when you can only carry so much and you want to carry soooo much. In preparation for my flight to the Dominican Republic on Saturday, I started to sort through some of my clothing and some of my picks that are definitely going are shown above. What do you think of what I've chosen so far? 

My Hair Stories..."Long and Twisted...Havana Style"

In preparation for my scheduled vacay next week...I finally got the hairstyle that I have been craving for since last year...long twists!! I opted for a more thicker look that was similar to the much loved protective style called Havana Twists. I often have kinky twists in my hair, but never this length, so it was a real change from the norm. The only instance I had before this were long chunky braids that I wore in 1997...famously known as Dookie Braids (those who had them, know exactly what I'm referring too...but I couldn't take it back that far, lol!) I always wanted them as you have seen from a previous post, so I was completely geeked as I sat in the chair at my hair salon, waiting patiently to have the installment finished. I absolutely LOVE the results!! It's perfect for vacation and the summer...I don;t know why I didn't get them sooner!

For visability reasons, I have been placing it in a high bun for work, a little heavy for me, but way easier than whipping my hair back and forth :)

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Style Profile..."Met Gala 2013"

The theme for this year's Met Gala "Punk: Chaos to Couture"was a great surprise as I love all thinks in punk fashion (growing up I worshipped how Gwen Stefani dressed up her punk looks, hard with a soft feminine edge). I seriously need to make my way to that exhibit... Many celebs brought the punk with great flare and with different twists...while others played it a little safe or completely missed the mark.

Here are some of my fave looks from the event:

Rooney Mara is just divine in this dress. The structure with the exposed zipper design is amazing
And her dark lipstick just screams punk

Nicole Richie killed it from head to toe!!!
I want to dye my hair this color :)

Kristen Stewart always does dirty rock n' roll girl well,
but she cleans up way better in this maroon jumpsuit

Chanel Iman brought punk in black and white stripes and pink dyed tips

What a change for Anne Hathaway...I love the sheer sexiness of this look

The punk/ska queen in my book: Gwen Stefani

Taylor Swift showed a different side to her sweet style: dark princess

I love the details on Brooklyn Decker's dress

Solange Knowles did Afro Punk Style :) 

Ginnifer Goodwin looked punk elegant in this dress, makeup and mohawk look

And then there were a few looks that weren't exactly on my favorite list:

Well Looky Here..."White and Black and Color All Over"

With Spring comes the urge to wear bright colors, but in the midst of all the bright emerging everywhere let's not forget the basics. White and black are year round colors that can bring just as much pop in your outfit as dayglo yellow can. I wear black and white a lot, but mix it up differently with pops of other colors and due to the basic tone, they stand out even more. Here are my favorite looks on LookBook this week surrounding the basic black and white that I love:

A long white vest over a Celine white tee and black leather pants accented with
chunky gold jewelry is on point and chic.

A cute white and black thick striped dress and white blazer are just perfect for spring
and right on trend

These white cage sandals and black accessories add the right amount of support to
a beautiful yellow sheath dress.

A black peplum top gives the perfect background for a gorgeous floral vest with hints of pink
 and matching pink heels

Adding a cute blue and white patterned jacket over a white tee and white jeans
and nude heels lets the jacket take center stage 

White wedges brighten up brown pants, a grey tee and an army green jacket

The grey sweatshirt and chunky cut out heels break up the all white skirt and collard shirt
 ensemble underneath which gives off a sexy/cute laid back look

I just love this black and white athletic pants with heels and a crop top.
The black beanie and white backpack keep it casual

Hot pink high waisted pants are great pop of color for a black bandeau top
 and white blazer. The silver shoes and the perfect shine

You can never go wrong with black leather shorts and a jacket over a plain white tee
The lace up black and white heels bring the cool vibe up even more.
and I love the blue and silver clutch.

A white shirt under a lovely tailored blue pants suit is perfect for day and night
all photos: lookbook.nu

Product Junkie..."Kinky-Curly Knot Today"

photo: various sources 

 I seriously cannot believe that I never wrote about this hair product on my blog. I'm completely embarrassed by that discovery, since I swear by this so much. Kinky-Curly Knot Today is by far my favorite leave in ever! My love for this product is seriously out of control. I use this leave-in every time I wash and condition my hair and the love only gets stronger after.
 I have very thick hair...the kind of hair that combs get lost in and the teeth break off and fly into the air if it gets snagged even just a little. I found so much solace in this little 12oz bottle, it's not even funny. Now I know it doesn't work for everyone, but for me Kinky-Curly Knot Today was a hair, scalp and arm saver. Whew!
 It's difficult to describe the defeat I used to have when detangling and combing out my hair after I just went back to natural hair...I would literally cry at how tender my scalp would feel after the process and I'm extremely gentle when handling my hair. It reminded me of how my mom was so tired of handling my hair when I was younger and how the only relief that she found for me and for herself was in the plastic jar of relaxer.
 A favorite among many curly haired women, it's said to be designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles. From the minute I used this product,Knot Today gave me the answer that I was looking for. I either apply it as one of the main ingredients to my favorite homemade leave-in conditioner or use it on it's own, but the results are always the same: easy to come through hair. I no longer have to struggle to get from root to ends and that makes me beyond thrilled. After shampooing and conditioning, using a wide-tooth comb, I get out most if not all of my tangles and knots and simply twist my hair in sections after properly detangling all of my strands. I was over the moon the day I got a free 12oz bottle to use, since this product is always on rotation in my hair arsenal, lol!
 Made of organic mango extract, organic slipper elm, organic marshmallow root, organic lemongrass, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, phenoxyenthanol, behentrimonium methosulfate (made from non-modified grapeseed oil), Knot Today is sulfate, paraben, silicone and cruelty free. I absolutely love that about Kinky-Curly products! I feel that my hair responds best to natural ingredients and this leave-in does it all :)
How do you feel about Kinky-Curly Knot Today?

Style Profile..."Beyonce For H&M"

I happened to make my way into H&M before heading home from work today and who was plastered on the wall staring back at me...Beyonce! Looking as fly as ever, Beyonce had me thinking of warm weather, crisp blue water and white sand as she modeled looks from H&M's Summer Collection titled: "Mrs. Carter in H&M". I seriously cannot wait for summer or better yet...my much needed vacay at the end of the month. Memorial Day are you here yet?!

All photos: H&M

Are you excited to pick up looks from the line. Swimwear starts out as low as $4.95, while clothing starts out at $9.95. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal! She also filmed an accompanying commercial wearing the clothing line, performing her new song "Standing on the Sun". The video can be found below: