Lemony Fresh

With spring and summer approaching,we all want to look great for the upcoming warmer months.

 Gorgeous skin is on the top of most ladies beauty wish list.

If you want gorgeous skin like the ever youthful Gabrielle Union drink lots and lots and lots of water.

Gabrielle has said, the biggest and most inexpensive that anyone can do is water. I try to drink a gallon a day. And it's made a huge difference in my hair, skin and nails, it grows! I generally don't have major skin flare-ups because I'm so hydrated, but my hair is growing, my nails are growing, my skin is staying clear and it helps with my weight loss," she said.

Beyonce who is known for her beauty, makes certain to drink a gallon of water a day as well.

Both ladies know that adding lemon to there water provides detoxing benefits, increases vitamin levels and increases alkalinity in the body.

Starting every morning with a glass of warm lemon water its used to stimulate digestion for the day and clear the body of any toxins that may have settled in the digestive tract overnight.

Here are a few reasons why lemon water is beneficial:

http://lajollamom.com/2011/01/drink-warm-lemon-water-in-the-morning/

-Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds.  They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

-Balances pH: Drink lemon water everyday and you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized.

-Helps with weight loss:   Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet,lose weight faster.

-Aids digestion:  Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.

-Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

-Clears skin:  The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance.

-Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel.

A Much Needed Getaway

For my birthday some friends and I decided to have a vacation in the tropical paradise that is San Juan, Puerto Rico to get away from the annoying cold weather here in Philly.
Which meant lots of sun, beaches and little clothes.
Here is a taste of my vacation through my closet.
The outfits that I wore were chosen for comfort, though of course still being fashionable.
I wore a tropical dress with cut out sides for sight seeing and a lunch date.

We did horseback riding and a bit of hiking the next day so I wore thirfted high waisted jeans and an old leopard cropped shirt.
For the birthday dinner and drinks I paired a thigh high split maxi skirt with a simple tank, gold watch, upper arm cuff and gold statement necklace.It rained one day so pastel jeans and a loose tank was a perfect casual, but tropical outfit.
The floral cut out dress was perfect for clubbing, being sexy but still comfortable.
 Picking which swimsuits I would wear was my favorite part of packing. I mixed a lime egyptian print string bikini top w/ gold bottoms and sheer leopard button down. Then I went with a classic vintage style one red one piece, which was my absolute favorite!
And for my last look I paired a more futuristic black and white cut out top with a simple polka dot brazillian bottom.
I packed several pairs of shoes but ended wearing the same old pair of nude flats w/ everything.
The overall feel was laid back with most of the other vacationers style being shorts and a tank or t-shirt.
But I had a great time, it was a much needed getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Items I Realized I Cant Travel Without:My gold men's Micheal Kors watch
OlskoolCustomFrames
NYX lip gloss in "natural"
Now it's time to get back to work. We will be starting our monthly givewaways this week!
Stay tuned

                  

  

Current Obsession

Our current obsession is the beauty blender! After researching and seeing one of my favorite makeup artists Terrell Mullins using it on his celebrity clients,

After using it a few times I became a believer.

It improved the way my foundation goes on, it gives a smooth and even airbrushed effect for liquid foundation.

I use it to apply concealer for under eye highlighting it helps with the creasing and not making the makeup look cakey.

*HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE BEAUTY BLENDER:

From some reviews online that I have read ,the only complaint that people have,is that after they use it, it becomes stained and they dont know how to clean it.

So after trying various methods to get it looking brand new, I have found my go to products that get get the stains out.

And it's a bonus that they happen to be all natural which is great for the skin,your not putting any harsh chemicals on the beauty blender that will end up on your face that may lead to skin irritations or breakouts

NYFW

After a super long bus ride that led us all around the tri-state area we finally made it to New York.

We opened the door of the cab and walked up the steps to the Lincoln Center we saw an array of photographers running back and forth.

As we got closer to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week building,we found ourselves in the middle of the photography swarm,everyone from the photographers to bloggers to television personalities really liked my vintage red high slit skirt with gold and black button details.

 The skirt was the main focus but the other details made the outfit unique.

I paired the skirt with a black hat,leather jacket,a 'We Want Beer" graphic tee and leopard printed peep toe T-Strap heels to complete the outfit.

Why Do Women Wear Weaves & Makeup? And Why Do Guys Hate Them So Much?

There are so many stereotypes for why women wear weaves and makeup. To boost self-confidence, to appear older, to hide imperfections are the most common. But every female doesn’t wear weave because she's bald, or wear makeup because she's insecure. Don’t get me wrong, yes there are some of us who get all wrapped up and lose ourselves, but that’s not everyone.  

Labels or Love?

Why do we let our clothes define our identity? We rely on brands, and follow trends to make us sociologically acceptable. Everyone falls victim of this to a certain extent. Of course we like to believe that we shop based on style, fit, and durability. But let's be honest, most of us could care less about how long our clothes will last. So, it raises the question, do you shop for the label or for the love? In my opinion a true fashionista can wear a vintage polka dot top that's worth nothing, with a classic A-line Badgley Mischka skirt effortlessly. While someone may have on a Gucci shirt, Luis Vuitton belt, Chanel bag, Juicy Couture jeans and look like a fool. We also sometimes make emotional connections with brands, causing you to actually "love the label". For example, I will always and forever use Dove deodorant and wear Levis jeans. I'm sure there are other deodorants that smell just as good, and may even be cheaper but I wont bother to try them. I have found a label that I love. For women, finding jeans with a perfect fit can take years. Levis does it for me. Though I do still buy other brands of jeans, Levis is always #1 on my list. The point is, style is not determined by the labels you wear. But rather how, you wear them, and how they make you feel. So the next time you're shopping think to yourself, are you selecting based on labels or love?

The Latest From SSOG

Secret Society of Glam is proud to announce our new Bridal Packages! We now provide hair, makeup, photography, videography, and travel arrangements for soon to be brides!

Make sure you visit www.SecretSocietyofGlam.com

Take it Back Tuesday: Fictional Fashionistas

This weeks Take It Back Tuesday post is dedicated to my favorite fictional fashionistas of the past, that will forever inspire me.