Curls You Need To Know: Lenora Crichlow

Lenora Crichlow plays Ali Redcliffe, a fashion designer on the BBC drama/comedy tv show Material Girl. The show is in its first season and if you're lucky enough to get the BBC channel, you should check it out if nothing else for her hair. I've watched the first couple of episodes and it kind of reminds me of Ugly Betty. I guess it's because of all the villainous characters. It's the same vibe. I like seeing a woman of color with curly hair playing a lead role. More of this please! For more on Lenora Crichlow, see tv.com.

To get curls like Lenora when you don't have uniform curl definition, try roller setting using a spiral technique with flexi rods. Let your hair dry completely before you remove the rollers or else you will end up with one big frizzy mess. Once the rollers are out go through and separate the curls. I like to lightly dip my fingers in a little bit of butter or an oil when I separate my curls. It makes the curls smoother, last longer and have more sheen. Experiment, but remember a little goes a long way. You don't want to use too much product and end up weighing down or ruining your curls. Hello, transitioners! This is the perfect style for you.

Harakiri Confetti by Aurora Ozma

Earlier on Twitter a reader asked me for suggestions for styling her TWA (or teeny weenie afro for the lay chick). One of the things I suggested was to accessorize. I always love when I see girls playing with hair pieces and not those homely zig zag clips or whatever you find in the isles at your local drug store. I'm talking about super chic grownup hair accessories that are sui generis. If you're crafty, try your hand at making your own. If you're not into all o' that you can search etsy.com for some original and dope handmade and vintage pieces. I recently came across these Harakiri Confetti by Aurora Ozma and I nearly collapsed. Look at them. Couldn't you just picture a fly chick you've seen on Mane & Chic rocking them?

Multi Strap Platform Wedge

Searching for your go to casual spring shoe? Check out these Michael Antonio platform wedges. They feature a textured stripe finish, multi straps and faux wood print detail. They will look good with this spring's trendiest blues, neutrals and a mélange of colors in between and should sit seamlessly into your current wardrobe. They retail for about $55 at Arden B. Click photo for details.

Would you Rock It? Monogram Jewelry... Again

If you grew up in the 80's monogram jewelry is not a foreign concept to you, but you're grown now and the trend is trying to make its way back into your life. Are you down with it? Would you rock it? Or perhaps you're like me and the monogram necklace you had when you were 8 with your name spelled out is still tucked somewhere deep in the bottom of your jewelry box. You toy with the idea of wearing it on a casual Saturday for a day of shopping, but you just haven't got up the nerve. Well, would you rock it now that it's back in vogue?

Tarte Flower Child Natural Eyeshadow Palette

By Kai Chic

I've decided that I need to delve a little bit into beauty products for Mane & Chic readers. Mane & Chic has tons of info about how to be an informed consumer as far as hair products are concerned, but not much in the beauty realm. Starting now Mane & Chic is the curly/kinky-haired conscious girl's guide to beauty, hair and wardrobe building.

One of the brands I love is Tarte. This brand is great because its products are formulated WITHOUT parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan, talc, preservatives, MEA/ DEA/ TEA, formaldehyde donors, gluten, and animal testing. Even though the brand is all natural the products don't loose their edge. The colors are derived from minerals and are bold, fresh and now. That's what makes the brand exceptional. Most natural makeup lines have really boring earthy colors, but not Tarte which makes it perfect for the conscious consumer that wants to use the most natural products without losing the POW and WOW factors.

Another thing to love about Tarte palettes is that the shadows are refillable. They have a magnetic backing so you can just pop them out with little effort. It is amazing and you get to keep the cute little purple cases. The cases are almost always purple since that's the brands signature color.

This palette is new for spring 2010 and contains a double-ended eyeliner in matte brown and shimmering jade; a double-ended eyeshadow brush and eyeshadows in...

Top Row - Left To Right:

• Shimmering Soft Daffodil
• Shimmering Ecru Hibiscus
• Shimmering Pink Peony
• Shimmering Gray Periwinkle
• Shimmering Peach Tulip

Bottom Row - Left To Right:

• Shimmering Firewheel
• Matte Buttercup
• Shimmering African Violet
• Shimmering Delphinium Blue
• Shimmering Vibrant Forest Grass

It retails for $44 at Sephora (click photo for details), but it has a $182 value. This particular palette is designed by eco-chic celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow.

Exfoliating Gloves

Skin not so smooth and giving you the blues? Try exfoliating. Over time dead skin cells can build up on the skin's surface, making your lotions, butters and moisturizers unresponsive. You spend a lot of money on those products and you want them to work. To do this you have to get rid of built up dead surface cells by exfoliating. If you're thinking, "I don't have time for all of that", well think again. Exfoliating gloves are a great way to exfoliate daily in the shower while you bathe. You can buy a few pair and use them in lieu of a sponge or towel. They are about as much as you will spend on towels (like these for $5, click photo for details) but they have way more time-saving, exfoliating and beauty benefits than a normal towel.

Featured Curls: Jelissa Moné

Meet Jelissa Moné, from Charlotte, NC.

Jelissa Moné's regimen...

I wash my hair twice a week. I always deep condition directly afterwards, either by sitting under a hooded dryer or putting on an aluminum cap and going to sleep. I trim my hair once every year. I'm not big on straightening or altering my natural state. When I do straighten I use CHI products. I deep condition with a mixture of egg, mayo and honey once a month. I also rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar, which helps to define my curls.

Jelissa Moné's favorite hair products...

Kinky Curly Knot Today & Curling Custard.

Jelissa Moné's signature hair style...

My signature style is the two-strand-twistout. It is the easiest style for me, it takes about 30 minutes to set medium sized twists, and I can wake up, fluff, and go for at least three days. I twist out with either Kinky Curly Curling Custard or a mixture of EVOO & Grapeseed oil.

Link to Jelissa Moné: jelissamone.blogspot.com

Link to Jelissa Moné's photographer: createtressphotography.blogspot.com and jasiatic.com

Little Girl's Hair

By Kai Chic

A couple of weeks ago on Twitter, @cocoamommy asked, "What products do you recommend for my dd's frizzy ends while blowdrying? I hve a solid gold flat iron 4 her should I buy ceramic?"

My intial response was: "I would do a rollerset first with end paper blow dryers are bad bad bad!"

Eventually she would tell me that her daughter was only 3 years old and she sent a link to a photo. She was super cute and it broke my heart. I just don't think little girls under 13 should be getting their hair straightened. I feel this way for a lot of reasons. I suggested she try twists and got a name of a salon from the salon directory in the back of the book Thank God I'm Natural.

Here's what happened in Cocoamommy's own words and photos of her little princess before and after the twists.

We had a 2:30 appointment at Duafe with our stylist. They operate out of two different locations, one in the East Falls section of Philly. This location is open from Thurs-Saturday. The other location in North Philadelphia is open from Sunday-Wednesday. From the moment we opened the door, the staff was super friendly and welcoming. We were about 15 minutes late for our appointment and we did have to a wait a moment because the previous appointment took a bit longer than expected. The salon was very comfortable, it is inside of a rustic warehouse building. The walls are adorned with African masks and wooden combs. A soothing and relaxing mix of music loaded on ipod.

Since we were waiting and were close to getting into the chair, another stylist handled her shampoo and condition. They even had a kiddie cape. I am not sure which shampoos or conditioner was used. All the products are put into 5 gal jugs with pumps and pumped into an urn. I was given great tips on how to properly shampoo and condition. I could tell our stylist was very experienced with little customers and she was great with tips on products and caring for her hair. I do plan to try twists for myself but as a treat to my little one we will return.

Check out CocoaMommy's Blog.

Black and Gold

Gold shoes can be tricky to wear. Some of them come off.. well... cheap. You have to watch what you wear with gold shoes in order to keep your look über chic and far from cheap. If you like to unwind after work with some drinks at a nice restaurant or bar, slip out of your work pumps and slip on these Metallic Haven Pump by Tory Burch. They will look great with a nice white blouse and a pair of black trousers. It's an understated way to add a bit of excitement to your after work look.

Sunday Shoe: Geaux Saints!

This is the Georgina Goodman platform that retails for $775 at Endless.com. This would make for a great party shoe. Shut it down with a little black dress.

Sunday Shoe: Geaux Saints!

This Fendi multi strap pump retails for $795 at Barneys New York. It can be rocked with tights, skirts, treggings, dresses. It could also look good with reds, leopard prints and a myriad of other options.

Smooth As Silk Xtreme Review

Author: Kai Chic

I finally got a chance to use the Smooth As Silk Xtreme. I used the whole tube though I could have stretched it to two uses. It is on par with other Giovanni products and it's something I would absolutely use again. Yeah it made my hair softer, silkier, shinier, smoother, easier to detangle but not more or less than any of the other great conditioners in my arsenal. It's supposed to make your hair stronger, I don't think you can really tell that after one use, but I would absolutely use this again and again and again. I'll probably rotate it with all the other Giovanni conditioners. This is one of my favorite lines. If you have an opportunity to try it, go for it!

For more on this product, read my previous post that includes all the ingredients and background info, click here.

Monet Stunson for The Campbell Agency

Monet Stunson is represented by The Campbell Agency in Dallas.

Wardrobe Building: Leopard Lingerie

When it comes to fashion, leopard is a fine line to tread. Maybe you love leopard, but you just don't love it enough to wear a leopard pencil dress, leopard leggings or leopard whatever. If that sentiment feels familiar, you might be considered an undercover leopard lover. A great way to love on your favorite leopard print is to wear it underneath your clothes. It will be your little secret. Here are some great affordable finds. Click photo for details.

Clanay for The Campbell Agency

Clanay is represented by The Campbell Agency in Dallas.

Chic Shoes: Leopard Flats

Leopard flats can be considered a mainstay to any wardrobe as they can go with a bunch of things you already own in your wardrobe like browns, blacks, reds, florals, nudes, skirts, tapered trousers, skinny jeans, tights, treggings, relaxed drawstring pants. The options are limitless. Leopard flats are a great style upgrade from a boring black shoe and are comfy for running errands or a day of shopping at your favorite row of boutiques. Here are a few options under (or near) $100. Click photo of your heart's desire for details.

Alika Ray for The Campbell Agency

Alika Ray is represented by The Campbell Agency in Dallas, Texas.

Chic Shoes: Louboutin Leopard

You're looking at the spanking new Christian Louboutin Leopard print python pump that retails for $1,255 at Bergdorf Goodman. It blends the python and leopard print trend flawlessly. Let's say you love it, but don't want to shell out the dough, here are some more affordable options all WELL under or near $150. Like what you see? Click on the photo for details.

Terra Renee Winston for The Campbell Agency

Terra Renee Winston is represented by The Campbell Agency in Dallas.

Tracee in Love, Loss and What I Wore

If you're in New York be sure to check out Love, Loss and What I Wore. Tracee Ellis Ross is the newest cast member of the show. Also check out a veteran cast member Capathia Jenkins. See www.lovelossonstage.com for more info.