This summer, I’ve been on a mission to try new things. Last night, I truly ventured into unchartered territory and got my hair braided. My sister, Maronel, originally came up with the idea as a method of giving her hair a break from styling, and after seeing Jill Scott’s look for her summer block party, I just knew I had to try them. I have never worn extensions of any kind up until now, and while I’m still getting used to them I am looking forward to being able to just get up and go every day for a few weeks without having to worry about the humidity affecting my hairstyle. Ah, the sweet taste of freedom!
270,000. That’s the number of determined music-lovers that packed Chicago’s Grant Park this weekend for Lollapalooza‘s 20th anniversary festival. Careful planning and dedication landed me a front-row spot to see Coldplay on opening night. Have you ever felt that there was a band whose songs were the soundtrack to your life? Ever since hearing “Yellow” when I was in high school, I could have sworn that lead singer/songwriter Chris Martin and I shared a journal. The show was part laser spectacular, part balloon fest, and total dream come true.
Coldplay performing “Yellow” at Lolla. Ignore the girl singing off-key in the background, she was a bit excited. (I will deny it’s me forever.)
Chris Martin intro’d “Fix You” by singing the late Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” in tribute to his fellow British phenom.
I was just a couple of feet away from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin!
I still can't believe I got to see them live!
Click here to see the full stream of Coldplay at Lollapalooza. My sister and mom text me saying they spotted me. If you see an excited girl in a tan fedora, that’s me!
After I scratched Lollapalooza off of my bucket list, I returned to DC to close out the weekend with Jill Scott’s Summer Block Party, featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug E. Fresh, Mint Condition, and Anthony Hamilton. DJ Jazzy Jeff and Doug E. Fresh lived up to the concert’s title, playing old school jams that had everyone on their feet and Mint Condition’s “Pretty Brown Eyes” took me on a trip down memory lane. Jill Scott was amazing. It was the second time I’ve seen her live, and I loved the way she blended her classics with tracks from her new album, The Light of the Sun. Her double encore included one of my all-time Jill faves, “He Loves Me.” She closed out the song with Spanish operatic breakdown. I love her voice, and her range is crazy. She also looked gorgeous with her braided hair pulled back, gold bamboo earrings, blue sequined dress, and neon green high-tops.
Jill Scott made me want to get my hair braided and buy some gold bamboo earrings.
She radiated positive energy throughout her entire show.
This month, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott grace the covers of Essence and Ebony magazines, respectively. Both divas have a glow about them that is strikingly beautiful. Here are some tips to take your shine up a notch.
Exfoliate
This winter was particularly harsh on my skin. Although I moisturize religiously, I noticed that my face was dry and dull. Determined to get my skin back to what it used to be, I turned to an old favorite to do the job.
For about $3, St. Ives Apricot Scrub reveals the soft skin hiding underneath dull flakes. Be careful and wash your face gently in a circular motion. Do not scrub your face. The exfoliating particles will do their job on its own. Being too harsh will strip your skin.
Wear White
Wearing white makes you look stunning and striking. Make a clean break from the drab, dark colors with a white on white ensemble.
You don’t have to buy an expensive suit to pull off this look. Just pair a white blazer over a white tank for instant brightening. This cap-sleeve ruffle jacket is priced under $70 at New York & Co.
Keep it Simple
(MAC loose powder, NW 45 and MAC Lipglass Viva Glam V B60)
Though bold makeup looks are fun, a neutral look will enhance your features without covering them up.
My makeup bag has gotten a lot lighter since I’ve been sporting a neutral look. I typically only wear foundation if I’m going to a special event, so it wasn’t a big departure for me.
A dab of loose powder on my nose to control shine, and a swipe of gloss on my lips is all I need these days to get ready.
