Scala Straw Safari Hat: Effortless Summer Accessory

When I hear the word summer, I think of relaxation.  Not from the standpoint of completing projects and daily tasks but vacation is normally right around the corner.

If you’re anything like me, the last thing I’m concerned about on vacation is my hair.  I want to wake up with a clear goal in mind of having fun.

That means I must purchase Summer outfits and accessories that are wrinkle-free with an easy-fit.  My accessories have to support this same philosophy because nobody wants to ruin their favorite handbag on the beach.

Straw hats are an effortless accessory that has endless Summer options.  It can be worn to the pool; between grocery runs and while gardening.

Mainly, straw hats are essential because you don’t have to prep your hair.  I can just get up and go which is my favorite morning routine!

The Scala Straw Safari Hat is perfect for protecting my face from the sun.  And boy is it hot outside!  Sun damage is a major issue and we must be proactive about protecting the skin.  Aside from preventative efforts, the hat is also fashionable and well-made.

I love wearing my straw hat with a trendy top and wedge sandals.  Tell me, what are your favorite summer accessories?

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Atlanta Radio Personality and NFL Widow Jae Nash Releases “Girl Power: Uncensored

V103.3 radio personality Jae Nash is releasing a collection of women’s stories into a book titled “Girl Power: Uncensored.” 
The compilation shares the struggles of real women, who have faced very real obstacles. Unfortunately, while most of their stories are not uncommon, they are also some of the hardest things to discuss; which is “Girl Power: Uncensored” serves as a testament that most women can relate to.
“Over a year ago, I envisioned taking Girl Power Hour, the radio platform that I built to tell women’s stories and turn them into a book. I knew God wanted me to heal through some pretty jacked up things that I experienced in my life. Excuse the lack of a better word, but this book is Uncensored, right? Girl Power Uncensored is not for the weak or judgmental. It’s merely a compilation of stories told by women FOR women in hopes that you can relate and be inspired to live your truth.” – Jae Nash
In the book, Jae Nash shares the story of how she met and lost her NFL husband Damien Nash, former running back for the Denver Broncos before he passed away in 2006.
About Jae Nash

A radio personality for Atlanta’s V-103, “The People’s Station,” Jae Nash has over a decade of experience in media and entertainment. She’s not just a radio personality, but also a television host, actress, reality star,  entrepreneur, and marketing professional.

Known as a media maven, Jae is the creator and host of Girl Power Hour Radio; syndicated on iHeart Radio, WMRO- Nashville, and ClearOne Radio. She was the host of Sunday Conversations for WJZA 101.1 FM Atlanta’s Smooth Jazz station.

Behind the scenes, Jae worked as the Promotions Director for WJZA 101.1 FM and the Community Relations Director at The Atlanta Voice Newspaper.

Recently, she created the Girl Power Outreach program which aims to touch and inspire young girls around the world. As a girl advocate, Jae wants to extend her network and influence to make a difference in the lives of girls in disadvantaged communities, underdeveloped and developing countries.

Get Your Best Summer Brows: Tips From Umbreen Founder Of Wink Brow Bar

Throughout the decades, brow looks come and go. Full, bushy brows evoke 80s-era Brooke Shields. Super skinny brows scream late 90s. Recently, the perfectly painted “Insta Brow” has been having a major moment.

For 2019, a more easy-going, lower-maintenance, the natural brow is trending. To achieve this look, we tapped brow guru Umbreen Sheikh for her best tips. As a licensed cosmetologist and Founder + CEO of Wink Brow Bar, Umbreen is a bonafide brow savant. Here’s how she – and her teams at Wink’s multiple locations in New York City, Brooklyn, and London – are helping clients live their best brow lives.

Umbreen Sheikh’s Top 6 Brow Tricks 

1. Assume the position

While you might think you need to park yourself thisclose to the mirror to precision-groom your brows, that isn’t actually the case. “Standing too close can throw-off your brow proportions, and make you lose perspective on the overall shape,” says Umbreen. “For best results, stand at least one foot away.”

2. Break out the brush

Short on time? At the very least, give your brows a thorough brushing. Stroke up and over, and then anchor your arches with a dab of brow gel or clear mascara. (More on brow gel shade-selection below.) FYI, the Wink tool of choice has an angled side and a spoolie on one end, so consider investing in a brow brush of similar quality. You’ll be using it every day, so it will pay for itself in no time.

3. Select your ideal shade

Picking the perfect, slam-dunk shade of gel, pencil or powder is crucial, so this is where you need to spend real quality time. As a general rule, you’ll want to match your hair roots, which are typically one shade lighter than your brows. “Most women want their brows to add definition to their face, and not ‘read’ as harsh or aggressive,” says Umbreen. “Matching your brows to your roots does that.” With one exception, Umbreen cautions. “If you’re blonde, go a shade darker than your roots. Otherwise, you’ll look washed-out.” NOTE: If you opt for professional brow tinting, which lasts for up to four weeks and is among Wink’s most popular services, you can skip this shade-selection tip altogether. How easy is that?

4. Get a little nosey

One of the very best things about next-level brow grooming, whether you master it yourself or pop by Wink for professional assistance, is that it allows you to visually alter the shape of your nose. Thinner, wider – whatever nose look you’re after, beautiful brows can help you get there. If you’re opting for thinner, Umbreen recommends drawing an imaginary vertical line from the tip of your nose to the beginning of your brow and then focusing your shade-filling right there at the start. To make your nose appear wider, do the opposite and focus your shade-filling at the end of your brow, not the beginning.

5. Pencil (or powder) it in

Whichever shade format you choose, the absolute key to success is to follow the basic shape of your existing brow. Go easy, and only add color between hairs, as needed. “The idea is to shade, not ‘draw’ your brows on from scratch,” says Umbreen. “The goal is a soft, subtle look that lends definition. Straight, hard lines are to be avoided at all costs.”

 

6. Between brow appointments, “cheat” with concealer
Pressed for time? If you can’t make it into Wink or carve-out 15 minutes to do a thorough DIY bathroom brow-grooming sesh, Umbreen recommends adding a dab of concealer on the most unruly hairs. “Whatever you do, resist the temptation to just yank them out,” she says. “Brows add so much structure and personality to your face that you really want to take your time, and groom properly. Or better yet, head to Wink, and let us help.”

* * *

 

Peace and Embrowerment to all! 

ABOUT UMBREEN SHEIKH, FOUNDER + CEO

The #BossLady of Brows, London-born / New York-based Umbreen Sheikh is on a mission to embrower every woman she comes in contact with.

A second-generation cosmetologist, Umbreen learned the ancient technique of threading from her mother, who owned several London salons. In transferring this centuries-old knowledge to her curious, capable daughter, little did Umbreen’s mother know that she was setting the stage for a brow-centric beauty empire.

Of course, there were plot twists along the way, namely Umbreen’s decision to attend University at King’s College London and obtain a degree in Biomedical Sciences. But it was a post-University move to Manhattan that would eventually bring Umbreen, full-circle, right back to brows.

After marrying in 2003 and relocating to New York with her seasoned financier husband, Umbreen spent time in the publishing world, as the PR Director for a niche magazine. Simultaneously, she was starting a family of her own. By 2011, she had two children. And once her tots were securely tucked away in school for most of their day, Umbreen knew it was time to get cracking on her career.

But what to do?

Like all visionary entrepreneurs, Umbreen started with what’s known in the biz world as a  Need-Gap Analysis. What product or service was she – and busy, demanding, like-minded women just like her  – missing?

It wasn’t long before Umbreen landed on next-level organic threading as the ultimate unmet beauty need. By 2014, she’d developed the concept for Wink Brow Bar. And ever since, she’s been in full-on growth mode – adding locations, services and products at breakneck speed. Seguing from luxury threading studio to immersive beauty brand, today’s Wink is covering all the bases.

In addition to caring for her family and running her business, Umbreen is heavily involved in philanthropic endeavors. As a committee member of Developments In Literacy, she has helped educate 27,000 Pakistani girls. She is also a Lotus Circle Advisor for The Asia Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to advancing the rights and opportunities for women throughout Asia.

Umbreen resides with her family in New York City.

Mens Grooming Made Easy: Father’s Day Gift Ideas

I wanted to share some superb products/gift ideas that help men develop good grooming habits and an essential daily routine that is quick, simple and a far cry from Brylcreem and go!

CLEAN: Yon-Ka Men’s Foam Scrub polishes and purifies the skin to eliminate dead cells and minimize imperfections.

Natural jojoba bead grains work to exfoliate for a simple hack that brightens skin, tightens pores and banishes ingrown hairs.

$34.00 via. www.yonkausa.com

CALM: COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad makes breakout management is as easy as a simple swipe with COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad. Designed to gently dissolve dead skin and excess sebum without irritation, these gentle pads won’t dry out sensitive skin.

$20 via. Ulta.com

CORRECT: emerginC Deglazing Toner is a product that delivers. The powerful toner is imbued with Eucalyptus, a medicinal plant with strong antibacterial, antifungal and soothing properties that prevent aftershave irritation and keep skin clear of congestion and breakouts.  Bonus: The subtle aroma is irresistible on any man.

$30.00 via. emerginC.com

COMBAT: reVive Light Therapy – Wrinkle Reduction & Anti-Aging is a system that makes the skin look and feel more youthful. It works from the inside out to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, elasticity, skin dullness, and uneven skin tone. You will see unprecedented results after using it just minutes per day.

$99.00 via. www.reVivelighttherapy.com

Day To Night Bodysuit With TellTale: Steal Khloe Kardashian’s Trendy Style

Bodysuits are every girls go-to this summer and The Lover lace bodysuit by TellTale will have you on trend all season long. With it’s stretch lace material and underwire cups, this bodysuit is supportive, trendy, and will give you the perfect lightly sculpted hourglass shape.

Mid-afternoon brunch with the girls? Pair the bodysuit with Levi’s 501 shorts for a look that takes almost no time to put together (because let’s be real we all know how hard it is to get ready for brunch after a long night out). In 10 minutes you’ll be out the door and ready to meet your friends for the avocado toast you’ve been eyeing on Instagram all week!

Saturday night = GNO! The Lover bodysuit can be worn with Levi’s 721 high rise skinny for a night on the town. Put on your highest heels and a bold red lip and you’ll be ready to take on anything!

Misook Woven Sheath Dress: Summer Sophistication Collection

When I have a meeting or church event, dresses are my favorite option.  They’re easy to wear and accessorize with a great pair of shoes.  The key to selecting a dress that’s fab and not drab has to do with the color.  This is the one area that’s often understated because we become visually intrigued by the style of dresses.

Although the fit and design are equally important, selecting complementary colors are a high priority for my wardrobe.  Jewel tones are always an accent to my complexion and this dress was no exception.

Misook shipped this beautiful Red Woven Sheath Dress and Mother of Pearl Necklace.  There’s nothing better than a sheath dress!  Right!  I couldn’t wait to add this dress to my collection for several reasons.  Number one, its form-fitting which accents my frame.  Number two, the side pockets are functional and allows me to place items in them throughout the day.  Number three, the dress can be hand-washed.  Who has the time to make a dry cleaner run?

Some additional style ideas for the Woven Sheath Dress are adding a dark wash denim jacket and statement necklace.

Visit Misook and view more of the Summer Sophistication Collection!

Shop Misook for sophisticated & polished looks designed to be forever flattering.

Purifying Products for a Successful Summer in the City

With summer comes great responsibility. While rose, rooftop sips and park lounging are things we all look forward to, this much-awaited outdoor time also means excess exposure to harmful environmental pollutants. Blemish prone skin can be seriously aggravated by city living, especially in the hotter months.

This summer, leave the blotting paper at home, and reach your good skin goals with 001-Pu: Purifying Face Cream and 001-Pu: Purifying Face Mask from Good Science Beauty®. These products target the deepest skin layers to guard against big city pollution.

The Purifying Face Cream delivers powerful antimicrobial ingredients which neutralize toxins and rapidly reduce blemishes, while the Purifying Face Mask’s amino acids work to decontaminate the skin of pollution and reduce oiliness, helping unblock pores and keeping you blemish-free. Both are formulated with willow bark extract, to help the skin shed dead cells, clear pores and reduce the signs of inflammation.

Both products are powered by Good Silicon+ technology, which carries the active ingredients to where they need to be and releases them over time into the skin to work their magic.

Elizabeth Hurley Attending The Hot Pink Party Wearing New Diva Diamond Ring and Rugiada Emeral Earrings by Gismondi1754

Host Elizabeth Hurley arrives at The 25th Breast Cancer Research Foundation Hot Pink Party wearing New Diva Diamond Ring and Rugiada Emerald Earrings by Gismondi1754.

GISMONDI1754 Rugiada Earring 15 ct Emeralds & 11.50 ct of White Diamonds New Diva Ring 20 ct White Diamond Ring

Photo Credit:  GISMONDI1754

Instagram: @Gismondi1754

Styled By: Ann Caruso @ann_caruso

About Gismondi 1754:

Seven Generations – One Passion. The excellence and expertise of the Genoa-based high-jewelry brand renowned for jewelry as art, Gismondi combines centuries of craftsmanship and rich history of design over seven generations. With meticulous attention to modernity and references to the artisans of the past, it is a perfect link; connecting the memory of the past and the radiant future. In Gismondi jewels, the manufacturing excellence of the family tradition combines beauty with passion and technology under the leadership of its youngest family descendent, Massimo Gismondi. Gismondi 1754 is sold in the US and globally at fine jewelers as well as in its signature stores in Portofino, Genoa, Capri, Milan, London, and St. Moritz.

http://www.gismondi1754.comInstagram: @Gismondi1754 Twitter: @Gismondi1754