ClandestineChic

It’s here.  The designer collaboration that we’ve all been waiting for, right? Rodarte for Target is now in stores!

After having a strange dream that I saw the Rodarte for Target collection in store and the prices were astronomically high (for instance, I dreamed that I picked up a dress for $3,499.00), I had to shake it off.  I lumbered out of my bed and drove over to my local Target to check out the collection.  I’d previously written about the Rodarte for Target collab before, so I was very anxious to touch and feel the clothing for myself.   What did I think?

Can I be honest?  I mean, really honest?

I was surprised at the quality of the clothes.  Yes, I know, what was I thinking, right? The prices are low and it is Target, but I was really shocked.  Some of the items, such as the leopard print dress, didn’t look or feel at all like I’d thought on the pictures.  Even with the prices (at my local Target) ranging from about $14.99-$44.99, I still couldn’t imagine paying that for a few of the pieces.

While  browsing, I was able to snap a few pictures on my Iphone (sorry if the quality is not stellar):

I did end up buying the black lace cardigan, because for me, I’d had my eye on it since the pictures of the collection were announced and after seeing it, I still really wanted it.  I’m still mulling over the tulle skirt, but I don’t think I’ll be greatly upset if it sells out before I make up my mind.

Have you checked out the Rodarte for Target line?  What are your thoughts?

Trying out new hair products can be a harrowing experience for me.  It’s only been recently that I have developed  a regimen that I’m comfortable with.   So when presented with the opportunity to try Chaz Dean’s hair products,  I’ll admit, I was just a bit apprehensive.   What eased my apprehensions?  After doing rounds of research on the product line, I read that the cleansing conditioner is free of all traces of sodium laurel sulfate and detergents.

When I opened the package, I saw that I received the Tea Tree Cleansing Conditioner, Fig Re-Moist Hydrating Mask, Fig Styling Cream and the Tea Tree Oil.   I decided to put my regular regimen to the side on Saturday and instead used these products to wash, condition and style my hair in my regular ‘fro.  Here is what I thought of each product:

Tea Tree Cleansing Conditioner:  There are no shampoo’s in the WEN product line, so you use this cleansing conditioner to clean your hair instead.   I’ve been over using shampoo for awhile, so I was interested to see what this would do.   There is no lather to the cleansing conditioner when you apply it to wet hair, but you don’t need lather to feel like your hair is squeaky clean.   My curls were popping every which way and I was pretty happy with my outcome.  Here is a shot right after I washed my hair:

Fig Re-Moist Hydrating Mask: I really loved this.   In fact, I wish I could keep it on hand at all times.  Normally when I deep condition, I usually use whatever is laying around the beauty cabinets. This mask really melted into my hair and made my curly Q’s feel hydrated and manageable.   I used my trusted Denman brush to make sure I applied the product to my entire head and lounged around for 30-45 minutes while I waited for it to permeate.

Fig Styling Cream: This was the only product that didn’t work particularly well for me.  I used it exactly as the directions specified, but I could tell that it wasn’t going to work out so well.  I used a generous amount and applied it all over my hair, but it still felt too light for wearing my hair natural.   I had to mix it up with my Kinky Curly Curling Custard to weight it down a bit (my hair is thick, so it likes some heft).  However, I do think the product would work great if I decided to blow-dry my hair or if I wanted to use my Curlformers.

Tea Tree Oil: I’m a huge fan of tea tree oil and this isn’t any different. I love the way the oil tingles on your scalp.  Very beneficial for these dry, winter months.

All in all, what did I think?  I definitely liked the Cleansing Conditioner and Hydrating Mask and I could see incorporating them into my new regimen.  How did my hair hold up?  See a picture of my 2nd day hair that was taken while lounging on the couch and watching bad TV (yes, I know, I need a haircut!):

This is Vol. 2 of my freak out over boots that I’m having.  See, other than looking for snow boots, my other big obsession has been finding a pair of lace-up boots.  I’ve been on the fence between finding a pair of  “granny boots” or a pair of combat boots.  My main objective is that they lace-up.  I posted a pair of boots on my Twitter to see what others thought of the particular pair, and a honest and caring friend told me to my face that they looked “wrestler chic” (thank you!), so we are back to square one.  Here are a few choices for boots that I’m thinking of:

Loving these LD Tuttle boots from Oak NYC. Not loving?  The price tag at $889 is too rich for my blood right about now.

I also like these Jeffrey Campbell “Acme” boots, but I’m really not 100% sure about them:

And I REALLY like these boots from Modcloth.  However, they wouldn’t work out in terms of practicality.

Now, can I show you the boots I found and thought were winners and   I mean, they pretty much hit the mark on everything I was looking for and the price is right?  They are here:

Image Source

However, I had concerns about buying these from Ebay  and the ever fabulous and kick ass  Wendy Brandes was nice enough to look the shoes  and agreed that I should look for some other options for something quite similar to this shoe since I’m really in love with them.    I’m looking for alternatives that will be kind to my pockets (I’m not supposed to be shopping for myself unless it’s for winter boots!) and have the same aesthetic as the boots above.

So I am asking you, dear reader:  do you know of a similar shoe? Think I should say “Eff it” and go with one of the above options?

And yes, I know, I still have got to do better

Snow
It won’t be long before we’ll all be there with snow
Snow
I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow

This is a picture of what greeted as I l opened my door to leave for work this morning.  I’m pretty much an angry hermit in the mornings, so that means that I don’t look out of my window, I don’t watch the news or check the weather to see the forecast for the day. Not smart, huh?  Well, that’s exactly why I was surprised when I walked out to find snow covering my car yesterday morning and its continuance today.

My first thought?  “Dammit!   I STILL don’t have any winter boots!”

I have fashion boots; but here in Chicago, they aren’t going to cut it.  I need winter boots.  Boots with a great grip on the bottom and will absorb the snow.  In the past, I’ve worn Ugg boots   (don’t judge me), but not from a fashion standpoint.   My thoughts?   They were extremely comfortable and worked extremely well in protecting me from falling on my butt in the icy conditions.  Con?  Even after using the protection guard, my boots still became worn down after a harsh Chicago winter.

So I’ve been researching options for boots.  Durable, snow absorbing, ice-defiant boots.   I’d still like them to be pleasing to the eye, but they don’t necessarily have to be dainty.   That won’t cut it for a morning of wiping snow off  my car and carefully plotting my way to and from destinations.    A friend recently suggested rain boots:

“Would they be durable, though?” I asked her.

“Uh yeah, snow is still precipitation!  Plus, they have nice grips on the bottom”, she replied.

So I did my research. Yes, the rainboots will keep my feet dry, but warm?  Talk about doubling up on the socks!    I’ve never been a fan of rain boots, even the trendier Hunter boots, so I searched for awhile before I settled on this pair from Urban Outfitters:

But these suckers might just be on their way back.  I’ve been cursed with wide calves and underestimated the fit.  So that leaves me with no winter shoes in hand right now.

I’ve got to do better.