mz.jackson@gmail.com, Author at She's Pretty Posh

Fashion/ 21 August 2023

What to Wear to a Summer Concert: Beyonce Concert Outfit

what to wear to a summer concert black tutu shorts black bodysuit and black chain boots

After scoring tickets to the Beyonce Renaissance Tour concert my very first thought was “what will I wear?!” I mean this is BEYONCE, the QUEEN! I also knew there would be lots of singing, dancing, and LOTS of photos for social media. I knew that when looking for something to wear to this concert, I had to bring it! In this blog post, I am going to share my journey to deciding what to wear to a summer concert, the Beyonce edition!

what to wear to a summer concert black shorts with tutu black bodysuit black boots with chain — concert outfit ideas

Gathering Summer Concert Outfit Ideas

When I started searching for my concert look, here is what I knew: it was an outdoor concert, I needed comfortable shoes, it would be hot outside, and I wanted to make a statement. I also considered the few visuals I had seen for the Renaissance Album which were chrome and cowboy hats. One thing I knew immediately, I would NOT be wearing a cowboy hat. Not only is my head super big but I am also just not a fan of hats.

I looked to Pinterest and TikTok to come up with ideas for my look. I knew most people would wear silver from head to toe. I knew I wanted to stand out so I tried to stay away from the head-to-toe silver looks. My first idea was inspired by this photo.

what to wear to a summer concert black overskirt and black tank top — Summer Outdoor Concert Outfit Idea: Pinterest

I planned to wear boyshorts or biker shorts, a tube top, and a statement necklace. I also planned to do a bold red lip, I felt it gave it the right amount of “umph”. I also planned to trade the sheer skirt and wear a crochet skirt. Well, Keke Palmer wore something similar to see Usher and it started a viral moment on social media. I quickly decided to move in another direction.

With the concert quickly approaching, I had to think fast. I started considering denim and rhinestones. If you have followed me for a while, you know shorts and I just don’t mix well. Well, I decided I wanted to wear shorts for the concert. I looked all over and outside of some custom denim and rhinestone shorts that were WAY out of my budget, these were the only denim shorts I could find in my size. They were not giving the “statement vibes” I was looking for but I was just going to roll with it. I ordered the shorts and hoped they would fit well. I was considering a plain white crop top because you can’t go wrong with a simple top and some type of rhinestone necklace. I really wanted blinged-out all-white Jordan One’s but I could not find them anywhere.

Outdoor Concert Outfit: My Final Look

Then one night, the fashion gods came through for your girl. I was scrolling on Aliexpress and I came across the PERFECT shorts. The shorts were black satin with a tutu attached! How CUTE! The shorts also paired perfectly with a pair of boots that caught my eye. After carefully reading the reviews, I ordered the shorts in a 3XL and hoped for the best.

The shorts arrived a week and a half before the concert and they were a perfect fit! I still was unsure of what top I wanted to wear but I knew I wanted something simple. After shopping my closet, I found this crisscross bodysuit that completed the look perfectly. I hopped online and ordered the black chain boots, grabbed a pair of rhinestone statement earrings and I was ready for Beyonce!

I have always heard that when you look better, you feel better. Let me tell you, there is truth in that! I felt so pretty and alive in this outfit! I had a ball and I felt good. This is the sign I needed that I need to challenge myself to wear more things that make me feel good. I often water my outfits down because I have been afraid of drawing too much attention and the opinions of others but really, WHO CARES? From here on out, I am going to do more of wearing things I like and that make me feel good!

what to wear to a summer concert black tutu shorts criss cross bodysuit and black chain boots — Summer Concert Outfit Idea: My Final Look

summer concert outfit ideas black bodysuit black tutu shorts black chain boots — Outdoor Summer Concert Outfit Idea: My Final Look

what to wear to a summer concert black bodysuit black tutu shorts black boots with chain detail — Beyonce Concert Outfit: My Final Look

As you can see, when choosing what to wear to a summer concert, you don’t always get it right the first time. It’s never a bad idea to come up with a couple of options when you are trying to decide what to wear. If you are wondering what to wear to your next concert, hop on Pinterest and/or TikTok and gather some ideas.

When is the last time you wore a fun outfit? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Beauty/ 5 August 20235 August 2023

Getting Boho-Chic: My Bohemian Box Braids Journey

I have been wearing braids as my go-to protective style as I continue my natural hair journey. While I started out getting my hair braided at braid shops, during the pandemic I started braiding my hair at home. With each time I feel the results have improved so I recently decided to add a little razzle-dazzle and try my hand at bohemian goddess box braids.

DIY Bohemian Box Braids: My Experience

Let me start out by saying this was not really my first attempt at this braid hairstyle. My first attempt was an absolute fail. It was too big, frizzy, and it just was not giving what I needed it to give.
Although I spent a lot of time adding the extra hair for the bohemian effect, I cut all of the pieces out after just one day. It just was not working for me.

black woman in the gym with bohemian box braids — *My first attempt with bohemian box braids*

With the Beyonce Renaissance tour approaching, I wanted to do something a little different with my hair. I mean it’s Beyonce! I had to add a little razzle-dazzle! I decided to try my hand at the bohemian style again. This time I did a little more research by reaching out to my sister who braids hair and also spent some time watching TikTok Videos.

After talking to my sister and paying a little more attention to the TikTok videos, I discovered one mistake I made the first time was using the wrong type of hair. I thought I could simply grab some curly or wavy crochet hair and go for it. That is not the case. For my first attempt I used this hair, although it wasn’t terrible and may work for some, it just wasn’t the look I wanted.
So what hair do you use? My sister shared the hair that she used and told me that I could also use this hair by FreeTress. One thing I noticed right away was the price, I thought to myself for that investment, I was going to MAKE this work!

My Process for Installing My Braids

There are a few ways you can install extra hair for the bohemian look when braiding. I knew right away that I did not want to feed in the extra hair during the braiding process. I didn’t want to use this method because I felt it would take a lot more time to install and I also have not perfected my feed in braiding. So I decided to install box braids as I normally would and attach the extra hair using the crochet method.

black woman with box braidsa — *Right after installing, dipping braids, and applying mousse to fresh braids.*

box braids with 27/30/613 mix — *Another picture of my fresh braids after application.*

After spending two days braiding my hair, I was finally ready to add the extra pieces. I went with this hair in a 27. I was a little bombed because I wanted to add two shades of blonde but this hair wasn’t available in a 613 and the wefted human hair was just too expensive for this project. The first few pieces were challenging to work with. I used nail glue to secure the pieces and prevent the hair from unraveling. I was a little apprehensive with the first couple of braids because I didn’t want the glue damaging my natural hair in the braids but after a couple of braids, I was able to perfect my process.

woman wearing black and whit stripe shirt with bohemian box braids — *The final result…I like them!*

bohemian box braids in color 27/30/613 — *One more pic of the final result. 🙂*

Another thing I did differently this time is I used less hair. Last time, I felt I needed to add extra hair to every single braid. This time I went for a more bohemian look and I only added it to some of my braids. I was careful to consider the braid hairstyles I would be wearing to make sure the extra hair would fall properly once styled. I also followed up with mousse on the hair once installed.

Overall, I am pleased with the final results. I like them enough to take photos, post to social media, AND wear to the concert. Ok, who am I kidding, this style has me FEELING like a goddess! I love the final look! My only wish is that I could have added multiple colors with the extra hair. I will say the biggest factor in getting a successful outcome was the hair used, human hair or at least human hair master mix is a game changer for this style.

What about you? Have you tried bohemian goddess box braids?

Thank you so much for reading my blog, if you enjoyed reading don’t forget to save this to your Pinterest board so you can refer back later!

Beauty/ 29 July 2023

Pattern Beauty Wash n’ Go Routine: Two Products for Gorgeous Defined Curls

One of my favorite natural hairstyles is a wash-n-go. For quite some time, I did not think my type 4 hair would work in a wash-n-go. Well, I didn’t think I would like the results. With time and experience, I have learned how to properly choose styling products to achieve the best wash-n-go. Recently Pattern Beauty sent me a couple of their products to review and I figured this would be a great time to try a two-product wash-n-go.

Trying a Two Product Wash n Go with Pattern Beauty

I was super excited to receive the Pattern Beauty Styling Cream and Curl Mousse. I was tempted to purchase the Curl Gel (well, I still plan to pick it up), but I thought this would be a great time to see how my hair would respond to a mousse-only wash-n-go. I will say, I am a fan of super-defined, crunchy curls so going in I was not too optimistic. My curls are super tight and coily, I just didn’t think the final results would be something I would be proud to wear in public.

Step 1: Styling Cream

After shampooing and conditioning my hair, I sectioned my hair off into smaller sections. In my experience, I get better curl definition when working in smaller sections. Once sectioned off, I started working the styling cream into my hair being careful to coat my ends really well. According to the website, the styling cream serves as a moisturizer and would be key in preventing frizz.

Step 2: Curl Mousse

Once the styling cream was applied, I did notice a little bit of curl action with my strands. I immediately followed up with the curl mousse and let me tell you the curls started clumping. This is when I started to get excited. While applying the products, I noticed my wet hair looked pretty similar to the results I usually achieve when doing a wash-n-go with gel as a main product.

Step 3: Setting the Curls

Once I completed my entire head, it was time to set the curl. I sat under my hooded dryer for about 30 minutes and followed up with a short session with my diffuser. This step was more so to stretch my hair and get rid of some of the shrinkage.

The Results:

Before I started to manipulate my hair with the diffuser, my curls were perfectly defined. There was very little frizz and the curls were popping! Although my hair was about 80% dry when I started with the diffuser, the more I stretched and manipulated my hair, I started to lose a little hold.

Overall, I am pleased with the products. As someone who is actively working to grow my hair, I am a fan of clean hair products. I like that Pattern Beauty products are clean, quality products so that is one reason I will definitely try them again. I also like that the products did exactly what they claimed to do, I was left with soft, moisturized, and defined curls. The only thing I would do differently is add the Curl Gel. This is a personal preference because I like my wash-n-go to hold for a few days and I am also a fan of a slightly “crunchy” curl.

Overall, I give these two products two thumbs up! I am excited to try more products from their line!

What about you? Have you tried Pattern Beauty hair products? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

Did you enjoy reading this post? If so, don’t forget to save to Pinterest for later!

Beauty/ 13 June 2023

Exquisite Elixirs: Find Your Signature Scent Amongst the Best Smelling Perfumes for Women

A couple of weeks ago, my bestie and I had a girls’ shopping date at Sephora! She was shopping for makeup and I was searching for the best smelling perfumes for women. I am ashamed to admit that my current fragrance collection is a bit dated so I was hoping to find a few elegant perfumes to add to my collection. I explored the aisles, sampled various scents, and discovered several feminine scents! In this blog post, I’ll share my top five fragrance finds from Sephora, each one offering a unique and captivating aroma that left a lasting impression.

Kayali Utopia Vanilla Coco:

The moment I caught a whiff of Kayali Utopia Vanilla Coco, I was transported to a tropical paradise. This enchanting blend of creamy vanilla and luscious coconut exudes warmth and indulgence. With each spritz, it conjures up visions of sun-kissed beaches and exotic getaways. It’s the perfect fragrance for those seeking a sweet and seductive scent that lingers throughout the day.

Replica Coffee Break:

While I may not be a coffee lover, Replica Coffee Break is a dream come true. This fragrance captures the essence of a cozy café, with notes of freshly brewed coffee, creamy milk, and a hint of warm cinnamon. It’s an invigorating and comforting scent that energizes the senses and adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

Replica Bubble Bath:

If you’re yearning for a moment of relaxation and tranquility, look no further than Replica Bubble Bath. This fragrance evokes the blissful experience of sinking into a luxurious tub filled with frothy bubbles. Its clean and airy composition, blending notes of soapy accord and white musk, creates a refreshing and comforting aura that wraps you in a cocoon of serenity.

Can’t Stop Loving You by Kilian:

Can’t Stop Loving You by Kilian is a fragrance that ignites passion and romance. With its intoxicating blend of Bulgarian rose, vanilla, and musk, it captures the essence of love in a bottle. This exquisite perfume exudes sensuality and elegance, making it the perfect choice for special occasions or those moments when you want to feel truly unforgettable.

Valentino Donna Born in Roma Coral Fantasy:

Valentino Donna Born in Roma Coral Fantasy is a fragrance that embodies femininity and sophistication. Its vibrant blend of fruity mandarin, refreshing ginger, and delicate magnolia creates a captivating scent that is both playful and alluring. This perfume exudes confidence and grace, making it an ideal choice for the modern, independent woman.

My trip to Sephora in search of the best-smelling perfumes for women was a sensory adventure like no other. The five fragrances I discovered – Kayali Utopia Vanilla Coco, Replica Coffee Break, Replica Bubble Bath, Can’t Stop Loving You by Kilian, and Valentino Donna Born in Roma Coral Fantasy – all left an indelible mark on my olfactory memories. Each perfume carries a distinct personality, taking us on a scented journey that evokes emotions, captures moments, and enhances our individuality. So, are you interested in smelling any of the fragrances shared above?

Wellness/ 8 June 20238 June 2023

Living with Depression: Diary of a Depressed Black Woman

I have always been transparent about my experiences with mental illness and living with depression. It has not always been an easy journey, but I have found that sharing my story with others has been a powerful tool in my healing process. However, after finding myself in a dark and hopeless place, I stopped sharing so much. I was afraid of being judged and felt alone in my struggles.

But I know that I am not alone, and neither are you. That’s why I truly believe we can find purpose in our pain by sharing our experiences with others. And I also feel led by God to share my experiences in hopes of helping those who may be suffering in silence.

Today, I am sitting down to share episode two of Diary of a Depressed Black Woman(See Diary of a Depressed Black Woman: Episode 1 and a bonus episode here). This is a deeply personal journey that I am excited to share with you. My hope is that by opening up about my own struggles, I can create a safe space for others to do the same. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let’s dive in. (If you would prefer to watch as a video, there is a video summary below.)

Living With Depression: An Update and How I Am Managing

Back in May 2022, I experienced a series of events that led to a severe depressive episode. My days were filled with endless sleep, tears, and laying in bed. It was a difficult time, and my will to live was slipping away.

I was seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist, but despite my efforts, things just weren’t improving. It felt like my mental impairments – ADHD, major depression, and anxiety – were all conspiring against me. It was overwhelming and felt like an impossible challenge.

Many people that do not deal with mental illness tend to believe that taking medication and seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist would be the magic solution that would fix everything. However, it quickly became clear that managing my multiple mental impairments – ADHD, major depression, and anxiety – would require more than just medication and talk therapy.

I remember feeling so frustrated and defeated when the medications I tried didn’t seem to be helping. In fact, usually, the medications were accompanied by side effects that made me feel worse. Each medication also requires time to build up in your system before you can start to experience its benefits.

I was experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions – I might have a little hope one day, and despair the next. The process of finding the right medication can be a long and exhausting one, and I had to be patient and persistent to find the right combination that worked for me.

But even with the right medication, it wasn’t an instant fix. I still had to push through and try to function in my roles as a wife, mother, employee, and small business owner while battling my mental health. It was a difficult and overwhelming challenge, and there were times when I felt like giving up.

Once, in the depths of my depression, I found myself sitting down to plan my own death. I knew exactly how I would do it, but I couldn’t bring myself to decide when. As crazy as it sounds, the weight of my struggles had become too much to bear.

But even in that dark moment, something inside me kept me from taking that final step. I realized that I didn’t actually want to die – I just wanted the pain to stop. I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my children and loved ones behind.

I also knew that I couldn’t let my mental impairments win. I had to keep pushing forward, taking things one day at a time. I had to find ways to cope and manage my symptoms so that I could still be there for my family and run my business. It wasn’t easy, but I refused to let my poor mental health define me.

It’s important to remember that managing mental health or living with depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It takes time, effort, and a lot of trial and error to find what works for you. But with patience, persistence, and the support of loved ones, it is possible to manage and overcome even the toughest mental health challenges.

Slowly, over many months, things started to change. I learned that living with depression and managing my mental health wasn’t just about taking medication and going to therapy. I had to make some lifestyle changes too.

I became more intentional about my devotional time with God, and started paying closer attention to my diet and what I was putting into my body. I also began incorporating physical activity into my daily routine. These were all things I could control, and they made a huge difference in my mental health.

It wasn’t easy, but with time, I started to see improvements. While there’s no magic cure for depression, I now know that I can learn to manage it better so that I can enjoy a better quality of life.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but I want to use my experiences to help others. I want to promote mental health and wellness awareness and show other women like me that they’re not alone. It’s important to create a community where we can share our struggles, find hope, and inspire one another.

So, if you’re out there struggling with your mental health, know that you’re not alone. There’s hope, and with a little bit of help and some lifestyle changes, things can and will get better.

Do you struggle with mental illness? Do you feel alone and misunderstood but you are afraid to open up? I am not a mental health professional but feel free to DM me on social media if you need someone to simply listen. I can be found on Instagram at @shes_pretty_posh. Direct Link to my account here.

There is also professional help available:

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline

This is a free and confidential resource for individuals suffering from mental illness or with substance abuse. You can view their website and find more information here. The number for the helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Whatever you do, remember, you are not alone and you are loved. Hang in there sis…. it gets better!

Beauty/ 8 June 20238 June 2023

Transform Your Skin with Sunday Riley’s Vitamin C Serum: A Review

I decided to dedicate 2023 to becoming the best version of “Ton” from the inside and out. A crucial part of this journey is taking better care of my skin. That’s why I’ve spent the past year trying out different vitamin C serums, and I’m excited to share my thoughts in the Sunday Riley Vitamin C Serum Review with you. Trust me, if you’re also on a quest to achieve your best skin yet or even if you just want to fade dark spots, you won’t want to miss this review.

A Closer Look at the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum

First off, let’s talk about the packaging. It comes in a sleek, orange glass bottle with a pump that dispenses the perfect amount of product. And let’s be real, the packaging of a product is almost as important as the product itself. I mean, who doesn’t want their skincare to look Instagram-worthy on their vanity? I also need packaging that makes it easy to dispense the product.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what’s actually inside the bottle. The Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Serum contains 15% THD ascorbate, which is a highly stable form of vitamin C that is known for its brightening and antioxidant properties. It also contains phytosterols complex, which helps to improve the texture of the skin, as well as glycolic acid and saccharide isomerate, which help to exfoliate and hydrate the skin.

sunday riley vitamin c brightening serum review

Reduce the Appearance of Dark Spots with this Vitamin C Brightening Serum

But enough with the science, let’s talk about how this serum actually performs. I’ve been using this serum every morning for the past year, I can confidently say that it has made a noticeable difference in the overall appearance of my skin and my skin texture. It has helped to fade and reduce the appearance of dark marks and has given my skin a brighter and more even-toned appearance. I can say this has left me with an overall brighter complexion.

One of the things that I love about this serum is how quickly it absorbs into the skin. I hate when serums leave a sticky or greasy residue on the skin, and this one definitely doesn’t do that. It absorbs well, reinforcing the skin’s moisture barrier, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and smooth. If what I know is true, one way to help fight the signs of aging and avoid lines and wrinkles is by keeping your skin hydrated.

Another thing that I appreciate about this serum is that it plays well with other products in my routine. I’ve had issues with vitamin C serums pilling, reacting negatively with other products, or flaking, but I’ve never had that issue with the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum.

The Cost of Sunday Riley Vitamin C Serum and Where You Can Buy It

Now, let’s talk about the price point. At $85 for a 1 oz. bottle, it’s definitely on the pricier side of things. However, in my opinion, it’s worth the investment. Skincare just like many other forms of self-care is an investment. This serum is also very accessible. If you prefer online shopping, the serum is available at Amazon (I even have it listed in my Amazon Storefront under “Skincare Essentials“). If you need it quickly, swing by your local Sephora or Ulta.

Overall, I can’t recommend this serum enough and I have this Sunday Riley Vitamin C Serum Review has been helpful. It’s helped to improve the texture and appearance of my skin and has become a staple in my morning routine. Plus, the sleek packaging looks great on my vanity. So if you’re in the market for a new vitamin C serum, give this one a try. Your skin (and your vanity) will thank you.

Beauty/ 5 June 20235 June 2023

The 4 Best Curl-Defining Products for Short Natural Hair Reviewed

As I grow out my twa, one of my favorite hairstyles has been a wash-n-go. In my opinion, the key to a great wash-n-go is defined curls. When I first attempted a wash-n-go, I was left with a frizzy, bird’s nest. I just didn’t think the style would work for me and my type 4 hair. It took me finding the best products for my hair to see the results I wanted. Here is everything I learned and discovered on my journey to find the best curl-defining products for type 4 natural hair.

defined curls on twa wearing green jumpsuit and houndstooth cardigan

Best Curl Defining Products for a Better Wash-n-go on Type 4 Hair

Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La: Curl Defining Cream

If I want my hair to curl, I have to make sure it is moisturized. This is a lesson I learned very early in the process. After doing a little research, I learned about the LOC and LCO methods. While it sounds like I may be referring to a dreadlock hairstyle, I am actually referencing a method of moisturizing your hair. The LOC is short for liquid, oil and cream (Liquid, cream, oil). In hopes of keeping my hair moisturized through the styling process, I started using the LCO method. Of the two, I found this method worked better for my hair. With this process, I used Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La as the “cream” that I use to moisturize my hair. When styling my wash-n-go, I get the most definition when I use Curl La La (and the LCO method) before applying any other stylers.

Infusion 23 Liquid Leave in Conditioner

There are so many leave-in conditioners on the market. Some are creamy and some are liquid. It has been my experience that one of the more seasoned leave-in conditioners on the market works very well for my hair. When styling a wash-n-go, I love using Infusion 23 as my leave-in. It has been my experience that my hair likes this liquid leave in. I always make sure to apply this leave in to soaking wet hair and I start with my ends to make sure the ends are properly treated and not left dry.

Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator

I will never forget the first time I tried Curly Magic. I had curls for DAYS. When styling my hair, the curl stimulator serves as a gel. When I think gel, I think hard, crunchy, and super hold. That is not the case with Curly Magic. Curly Magic gives my curls the perfect amount of “stimulation” to curl with the right amount of hold without leaving the hair crunchy, hard, or dry. This product is definitely a staple in achieving a defined, perfectly curled wash-n-go.

Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam

I finally did it. I found the perfect combination of products for a perfectly defined wash-n-go. After several months of using Curly Magic with other products for styling my wash-n-go, I decided to try adding the Doux Mousse Def styling foam to the mix and oh my goodness, the results were amazing! I love the mousse so much that I currently buy a bottle or two every week in hopes of building a never-ending stash! The curls when combining these products? **chef’s kiss**

Bonus curl defining tip:

One of the biggest tips that has helped me achieve perfectly defined curls is applying product to soaking wet hair. It has been my experience that when my hair is not properly moisturized, it is super frizzy. The first step to properly moisturizing my hair is starting with soaking wet hair!

Do you have any tips for getting perfectly defined curls? If so, go ahead and tell me about it in the comments below!

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Author: mz.jackson@gmail.com