How to Wear A Statement Necklace

It took me a while to really get into this trend, but statement necklaces are one of my new obsessions.

There are so many different options out there, and wearing a bold piece of jewelry can really add some punch to any outfit. 

However, there are some rules that come along with wearing these fab necklaces:

DO

Wear your hair up so it doesn't compete with your statement necklace. After all, you want the piece to shine. Of course, it’s no sin to wear your hair down with a bold necklace, but I love letting the bauble take center stage.

DON’T

Wear a statement necklace with loads of other accessories. It should be the only piece of jewelry you have on. Keep everything else very minimal.

DO

Wear over-the-top brights. Turquoise blue is hugely popular right now, but any bold hue will do. Don’t be afraid to pair bright colors with other bright colors to make your outfit really pop.

DON’T

Go overboard. A statement necklace can get totally lost among the folds of a fancy dress. It's also an issue if you wear other giant jewelry or or a dress with a crazy pattern. Let your bold necklace shine and you’ll make the biggest statement of all.

Pictured above are my fave statement necklaces of the moment. Here's where you can buy them, from left to right:
Forever 21 Regal Bib Necklace, $12.80
Banana Republic Petite Floral Necklace, $59.50
J. Crew Stone Burst Pearl Necklace, $125.00

Happy Shopping!

EVERYONE Needs This Dress!

I am absolutely in love with Victoria's Secret's new Faux-Wrap Dress. I've probably said it a million times, but wrap dresses (or "faux" wrap dresses), are super flattering on every figure out there. Because it cinches in at the natural waistline--the tiniest part of most ladies' bods--the eye is immediately drawn to it. Not only do you look tinier because of this, you also look like you have the perfect hourglass figure that we all strive for.

I'm also loving how this dress can be worn for basically any event. You can dress it down, with flats and minimal jewelry, or glam it up! Any time you can't think of what you want to wear, this should be your go-to dress.

Because it has long sleeves, the dress is also seasonless--another win in my book! Wear it now with tights, then wear it in the Summer on its own with some cute, strappy sandals.

Another bonus? You can get the dress in four colors: black, plum, blue, and pink. Personally, I think that it's impossible to have too many little black dresses, but the other colors all look fabulous too.

The dress is $79.50. A little pricey, but totally worth it!

Fashion Faux Pas: the Miracle Bra for Men

Yes, this is a real thing. FunkyBod.com is selling ridiculous bra-esque "muscle enhancers" to any guy who wants a bit of a lift.

The site claims that the Funky Bod Muscle Enhancer Top is basically the best thing since sliced bread. It is supposed to accentuate the pectorals, shoulders, biceps, and triceps. And that's not all! Funky Bod also says that the top gives the effect of improved posture.

But the bottom line is that the top is padded. They even say on their website that, "Worn as a normal undershirt garment, the Funky Bod top is a great confidence booster for men in the same way a padded bra works for women.".

Am I the only one who thinks this is incredibly crazy??!

The guy in the picture looks stupid, and if I ever saw someone wearing one of these man-bras, I'd probably go on a shooting spree.

Men: Please refrain from purchasing this. You will look like an idiot. I promise you that.

Let's Go Steady

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching...I'm lucky enough to have a few valentines in my life, but even if I didn't have people to drop hints to (yes, Dave--this is a hint), I'd probably be my own valentine just so I could get this super cute Let's Go Steady Necklace from the ever-classy Kate Spade.

I mean, what's not to love about it??! The necklace is dainty, and goes with every outfit imaginable. I'm honestly obsessed with it! And think about it: if someone gave you this and actually asked you to "go steady", wouldn't you basically have a seizure of delight??!

I really wouldn't mind going steady with myself, if it meant getting to wear this gorgey bauble. I'd probably go steady with just about anyone, even the fashion-challenged, if they bought this for me.

Each necklace is $78. But the cuteness is priceless!

Nail Polish--it's Not Just for Nails!

I own a ridiculous amount of nail polish. The picture is probably about 5% of all the different polishes I have in my collection. I love painting my nails--I do it almost daily--but there are also bunches of other ways to use nail polish that doesn't involve giving yourself a fab mani or pedi.

Prevent Jewelry from Tarnishing
I love fun costume jewelry, but seeing that hint of green that winds up on my fingers isn't pretty. Prevent this faux pas by painting a clear coat on the inside of that goegey ring you just bought, and you'll be good to go.

Color Code Objects
Use different colored polishes to paint objects that look similar so you can tell them apart. Paint different shades on your set of keys so your roommate stops grabbing yours by mistake!

Paint the Sole of Your High-Heels (think Christian Louboutin):
One of my friends did this, and it's actually a fabulous idea. It's a super easy (and cheap!) way to model your shoes after the highly coveted brand, and give them a fresh new look. You don't have to go with the classic red, either. Revealing a glitzy purple hue on your soles looks just as great.

Stop Runs in their Tracks
This is a classic use for clear nail polish, and it works better than anything else. You can stop runs in stockings by dabbing polish at both ends. This way you can get more wear out of your fave tights, even after a tiny tear.

Cover Up Your Scuffs
Cover up a scratch on scuffed shoes or boots by applying a coat of black or brown (or whatever color your shoes are) nail polish to your shoes. Make sure to apply a top coat so that the polish lasts.


There are tons of other ways to use your polish, but these are the things I tend to do most often. It's also a great excuse to go out and buy another pink polish when your boyfriend simply doesn't understand that owning 20 different pink hues is totally necessary.

Everything You Need for Perfect Skin

For me, wintertime means having crappy skin. If you're an avid reader, you know that I have ridiculously awful skin. I have fairly severe eczema, I'm pale, and my skin is just constantly dry and lifeless. Over the years, I've found some products that help my numerous skin issues, but if you're someone who wants to take extra care of your skin, but don't know exactly what products to use, try out Sephora's Skin Bender set.

Rather than buying full-sized products to try (and end up hating half of whatever you bought), this kit delivers deluxe samples of Sephora's best selling skincare products that cater to any skin problem you may have. It's especially great for this time of year--no one has awesome skin in the middle of Winter. And if you do, then I officially hate you.

Here's what comes in the set:
- 0.23 oz Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil 
- 1.9 oz Bliss® High Intensity 24-'Heaven'™ Healing Body Balm 
- 0.17 oz Dr. Jart Ceramidin™ Cream 
- 1 oz First Aid Beauty Ltd. Ultra Repair Cream 
- 0.5 oz Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil 
- 0.67 oz Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial 
- 0.3 oz L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream 
- 0.5 oz Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation® 
- 1 oz Origins Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash 
- 0.5 oz Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream SPF 30 in Light-Medium 
- Cosmetic bag 

All of these products promise to deliver gorgeous, radiant skin. Each kit is $48 (and is a $115 value), so it's a fantastic deal. If you find a product that you love, you can buy the full-size version.  And if you hate anything in the kit, it's not like you wasted oodles of cash on it. Win-win!

Makeup Mishaps: 5 Mistakes You Might Be Making

We've all made makeup mistakes in our past. It's just something we all do. But what you might not know, is that you could still be making little mistakes that make a huge difference in your appearance.

Okay, so the picture to the left is a bit extreme. I highly doubt that there's anyone who looks like this that is currently reading my blog. But the picture shows just about every possible makeup mistake you can make.

I've learned a few things over the years, so I'm passing my knowledge onto you. Here's a list of the most common problems (most of which, I've made myself):

1. Caked On Foundation
This is the worst. When your skin is acting up, it's super tempting to just slap on tons of foundation to try and mask any issues you may have. The problem is, you're covering up all the good along with the bad! Foundation should really only be used to even out your skintone. Concealer should be doing all the heavy-duty covering on blemishes and other areas that need it. Make sure to only dot it on the areas that need help, and blend a lot. To ensure your foundation doesn't go on too thick or cakey, try a tinted moisturizer, or foundation that has has a sheer finish. Try out Olay Fresh Effects Flawless Finish BB Cream.

2. Harsh Eyeliner
Eyeliner is a great way to define your eyes and really make them pop. That said, it's easy to get carried away and apply way too much. The result?Iit can actually make your eyes look smaller, which is probably not a look you're going for. To avoid making this mistake, stay away from black liner in general, and go for shades of brown, gray, or even a muted purple instead. It makes it more difficult for you to apply more than needed. Another trick--try using an eyeshadow s liner and apply it with an angled brush. It's easier to blend that way, and looks great. Try out L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Bronzed Taupe--bronze is a fab color for any skintone.

3. Overdone, or Underdone, Eyebrows
Eyebrows make a huge difference in the look of your whole face. Honestly, if you don't take care of your brows, it's basically pointless to do anything else to your face--they make that much of a difference. The best way to bring natural definition to your brows is to fill them in with a matching brow powder or eyeshadow and an angled liner brush. Eyebrow pencils usually come out looking way too harsh, and don't blend well. NYC Browser Brush-On Brow Kit is my pick for a brow-tastic look.

4. Mismatched Foundation
Yes, another foundation faux pas. We've all seen it and we've all been that girl at least once.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to find the right shade for you. Finding an exact shade match is not easy by any means, but it can definitely be done. I'd recommend going into your local department store or Sephora and getting shade-matched by a professional. If you can't do that, try out L'Oreal's True Match Foundation (it comes in liquid and powder forms). You can get pretty close to an exact match because there are so many colors, and they even cater to the undertones in your skin.

5. Skipping Skincare
Before you even apply makeup, or do anything else, please please please take care of your skin! Wash off your makeup at night and always use a moisturizer--it creates the perfect "canvas" for your makeup. Remember: All skin needs hydration and there are plenty of oil-free formulas out there! Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer is fantastic. It really works for all skintones.

Of course there are tons of other makeup mistakes that occur on a regular basis, but these are the big ones. If you do everything on the list, you should have a face that looks absolutely gorgeous!

I FINALLY Got a Gel Manicure!

I'm totally indecisive when it comes to nail polish. I even like to paint my nails every day, if possible. So, I've been avoiding getting a gel manicure because you basically have to commit to a color for two weeks. For me, that's a fairly large chunk 'o time.

But my friend was going to Princess Nails (in Concord, NH) to get acrylics put on, and I figured I'd tag along and maybe get a regular manicure myself. That simply didn't happen. The second I walked though the door, Emily (who is super nice) showed me oodles of colors and finishes that can be done in gel-form.  I had no idea there were so many options! I seriously looked through ll the different colors for about 20 minutes before deciding on the gorgeous OPI Cajun Shrimp hue. It's a gorgeous coral, with hints of pink, and has the tiniest bit of shimmer to it.

Since I've always doe my nails practically daily, I usually don't think anything of picking at my nails and peeling of the polish. So, I was a little worried that my picking would mess up the gel manicure and it wouldn't last for the two weeks that's the norm for most people. But no matter how hard I picked at my nails, or whatever chemicals I had near it, the color didn't chip, or get messed up in the least! The fact that it lasted so long on someone like me speaks volumes, not only of the polish itself, but also shows how amazing Princess Nails is!

I'm pretty much addicted to gel manicures at this point. If you haven't tried it, you need to! Price-wise, a regular gel manicure at Princess Nails is $25. Not bad for two weeks of gorgeous nails!

Disclosure: This post contains a sample/discount for review consideration. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Fashion Faux Pas: Twinsies

Just when I thought the whole "adult onesie" thing was as bad as it could possibly get, I stumbled upon the latest "trend" in comfort-wear: Twinsies.

Now you can look like an idiot, and share the experience with another person--who just happens to be attached to you.

As much as I hated the onesie craze, I understood it. I'm sure they're very comfortable. But I just don't get why anyone would ever want to literally be attached at the hip to anyone, no matter how comfortable the suit itself is. I mean, I love my boyfriend. And hanging out with him is lovely. I also like to snuggle. But would I want to slide into a pair of ugly pajamas for two? No.

Colin Leggatt, the marketing director for the Twinsies, had this to say: “The Twinsie offers a practical but fun solution for those wanting to stay warm this winter without running up costly energy bills. And what a fantastic present for the person in your life, or even the person you’d like to get closest to!”

Umm...someone you want to get close to? What would that entail? Stalking someone and surprising them with half of a large, ridiculous pj set? I hate to say it, but that's not the way to "get close to someone".  It's a good way to get a restraining order put against you.

As for saving money on energy bills, a blanket can do the same thing!

I can't even believe that this product exists. Why does the world keep coming up with this crap??!

That is all.

How to Wear Bold Lipstick

I've always been  firm believer that bold, red lipstick can make your life better. It's the cheapest way to brighten up your day. Red lipstick simply makes everything okay. It's a confidence booster, and there are oodles of hues to choose from.

Below is a list of when and where you can bust out your amazing red pucker without any fear:

When You're Wearing Glasses - Though eye makeup with glasses might be a bit tricky, lipstick can be your best friend when it comes to standing out in your spectacles. Go easy on the eye makeup, and your bold lips will look luscious!

Heading to Brunch With the Girls - If brunch isn't the time to test drive some beauty trends, I don't know what is. Anytime I'm trying out a new product, I like to get some input from my friends (the brutally honest ones are the best for this).

That Presentation at Work - Lipstick is a known confidence booster, so if you need an extra nudge when it comes to public speaking, go for a powerful shade of red lipstick.

Visiting Your Family Back Home - When you move out of your childhood home, there's something about going back home to visit that makes you want to look your best. Call it wanting to show mom and dad that you're doing well, but considering how fantastic lipstick can make you look, I say apply away!

On Your Wedding Day - Is there anything more chic than a classic bride wearing a retro red lip? I think not, and as long as your lipstick stays put and won't transfer onto your dress, you'll be looking at your wedding photos in 20 years not regretting it one bit.

Here are some of my bold lip picks:

That's SO Fetch: Mean Girls-Inspired Jewelry

Even though it's been a decent chunk of time since Mean Girls came out, it definitely has a special place in my heart. It's a classic. Plus, it was made when Lindsay Lohan was, for the most part, not ridiculously crazy.

Are you a fan of this classic flick? (I shouldn't really have to ask...if you are reading this blog at all, I'm guessing it's your type of movie). Since I love it so much myself, I was super excited to hear that the lovely jewelry line, Stella and Bow, has created a collection completely based on all the best parts of the coveted movie.

All of the baubles are gorgeous, but of course my absolute favorite piece is their Gretchen Cuff, that reads, "That's so fetch" The bracelet itself is pretty fetch, if I do say so myself. I just love the fact that the cuff looks so dainty and classic, but has an inscription that makes you look twice.

The pieces aren't shipping out until mid-February, but don't fret--you can pre-order any of the items to ensure that you get what you want.

Totally fetch, right?!

Who DOESN'T Need a Bra Bag?!

As a belated Christmas gift, I received the thing I wanted most in the world, and I didn't even know it existed!

It was a gorgeous travel bra bag. Bra bags are apparently all the rage right now and it makes sense. Basically the bags are exactly what they sound like--you use them to keep your bras safe during travel. And the bonus is that there are oodles of adorable designs out there.

This super cute Pink Polka Dot Bra Bag,built much like mine, even includes little mesh pockets inside for panties, jewelry, or any other small accessories you want to throw in with your bras. The case itself is hard, so your bras won't get damaged no matter what. Each case holds roughly 2-3 bras, depending on their size.

Not only are these bags perfecto for their intended use, I also highly suggest using them as an evening clutch. Think about it: you're wearing a classy LBD, with some lovely peep-toe heels, a strand of pearls, and a bag that's shaped like a bra. I think it's a hilarious idea, a great conversation starter, and a fantastic alternative to all of the boring clutches that are out there. I for one know that I'll be using my bra bag quite a few times when I feel like a fun night out on the town.

Be bold! Carry a bra bag!

Each bag is priced anywhere from $14-$50. It really depends on what you're looking for, but the options are endless!

That's a lot of Underwear...

No one likes doing laundry (except for my mother, who most certainly did not pass along that trait to me).  In fact, I probably hate it more than anyone, which is one of the many reasons I own quite a stack 'o undies myself. I've even brag about how I could get by without doing laundry for months at a time, since I own so many pairs...But clearly I am not the queen of all things panty-related, as I used to believe.

The picture above is real. MeUndies, a lovely online undergarment retailer, has taken on the ultimate challenge and is selling The 365-Pack. It includes--you guessed it--365 pairs of underwear. You can literally wear a different pair of underwear every single day of the year.

The site sells this heavenly heap of undergarments for women and men (both come in the "brief" cut), so this is really a great idea for couples. Honestly, I wish I knew about this before Christmas. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy the gift of an enormous stack of undies. One of my best friends is getting married in May. A set for the bride and a set for the groom? It's the perfect wedding gift if you ask me. Sorry, Heather--if you wanted that cute kitchenware on your registry, you won't be getting it from me!

Now I know what you're thinking--the quality of a huge panty-pile must not be very great. Well, according to every review I've read, they sound crazily comfy, luxurious, and even look totally adorable. IN FACT, the company was nice enough to create this graphic that explains why their briefs are "The Best Undies In The World":

Here's a brief rundown of the briefs (hahahaha oh I'm so hilarious):

• 92% Modal, 8% Elasthane
• 100% Natural from indigenous beech wood
• Antimicrobial
• Low fiber rigidity
• Made in Turkey     

Sounds pretty good, right? One pair of women's briefs are $20. The 365 set is $4,000. So that ends up being a little over $18 per pair. For some reason, then men's briefs are a little cheaper.

Either way, you're paying for convenience. And if your New Years resolution was to wear clean underwear everyday (or if you just like to do that in general), it's not a bad idea.

The only thing that would make it better? If they sold lifetime subscriptions.

Winter Blues

Lately, I've really been having a crazy love affair with blue nail polish.

This pretty OPI hue, I Vant To Be A-lone Star (from way back in their Texas Collection for Spring/Summer 2011), has been the bottle I've been reaching for the most over the past few weeks.

If you aren't familiar with the shade, it's a pale blue creme with silver shimmer. It's not overly shimmery--there's just enough to lighten the color up a bit and the effect is rather icicle-esque. Very pretty.

Even though this is technically a color that should be worn when the weather is nice and warm, I really think it's a fabulous and unique look for the season. It looks so amazingly good that I don't even care if I piss off the nail polish gods.

Because the hue is so light, it looks good with lots of different outfits and looks. I've also been playing around with different silver glitter polishes over the blue, and I've found that you can really glam this color up! You can easily take it to winter wonderland status with a simple glitter swipe (try it on an accent nail before committing to the full look). That said, it also looks classically pretty on its own.

Each bottle usually retails for about $8, depending on where you look. But, I did a little digging and found it for $2.23 on Amazon.com! Huzzah!

Happy painting!

DIY is Totally Fly!

Every once in a while I get super inspired to create things. Sometimes it's a fun new necklace, other times it's a collage, or home decor piece. And honestly? Most of the time whatever I end up making looks like crap. I've just never been much of a DIY person (or so I thought).

Much like other sets that are out there (Birchbox, Ipsy, etc.), Darby Smart's To DIY For boxes are filled to the brim with goodies that arrive in your mailbox once a month. The difference? These sets require some creativity on your part because you actually make something.

Bonus: everything is super easy to make and never takes over an hour to do! From what I've seen, each kit is basically idiot-proof, which is perfect for me!

The monthly gift is also pretty cool because it's a mystery. You don't know what you'll be crafting until you open up the package! And really...who can turn down the allure of a mystery box?! The boxes range from jewelry-making sets to artsy decor to yummy-smelling candles. Everything you make is perfect to use as a gift (or, of course, as a gift to yourself!) These particular sets are $19 per month.

You can also get adorable Darby Girl teen craft sets for $12 each month--and trust me, they're great for adults too!

If you're not into the whole mystery thing, the site also offers up a bunch of DIY boxes that you can choose from and know exactly what you're getting and what you'll be making. My personal fave? Their Fashionista Jewelry Starter Set. It has everything you need to make four totally fashionable bracelets. Another fun one is their Girls Night Purse-anolize It set. It comes with four clutches that you can decorate and blingify as much as you want. It's fun to do with friends, or you can take on all four bags to make yourself and use them as gifts!

No matter what you like, there's a fool-proof DIY way for your to do it! Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

I hope that all my lovely fashionistas--and fashinistos--had a fabulous 2013 and that 2014 is even better!

I can't wait to see what the next year holds. I'm sure there will be oodles of fun fashion trends (and of course a plethora of "fashion faux pas" moments), and I am so excited to be able to share all of it with all of you!

A few of my resolutions for year (the entire list is a bit lengthy for the blog!):

• Write more (that's always a pretty big one on my list!)
• Wear red lipstick more often! It's classic, bold, and simply must be done.
• Take more fashion risks.
• Cut back on my handbag obsession (doubt that will happen, so I'm setting a realistic goal: only one new purse per month. Let's see how long that lasts!! hahaha)
• Spend more time with my lovely family and friends...maybe that should have been number one! ;)

What are your resolutions for the new year? 

Happy 2014!! May it be sassier and classier than years past!

Gorgeous Necklace GIVEAWAY from Jenny Ortakales!

Jenny Ortakales is one of the most talented ladies I know! She has her own fashion blog, which is amazing on its own, and currently, she's selling some super pretty jewelry online!

Her jewelry site has oodles of fun baubles to offer, but I'm definitely loving the piece pictured above. I've featured other jewelry designers in the past, and the ones I end up writing about tend to have that "home-made" look. And that's fine for certain occasions.  But Jenny's jewelry honestly looks like something I would easily spend $50 on at a store. All of the pieces are unique and look like they've been made by someone who's entire life is dedicated to jewelry design. It's just another one of Jenny's many talents!

I have one necklace (pictured above) to give away to a lucky reader.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "JENNY O".  The giveaway ends 12/20 (so I have enough time to ship it to the winner in time for the holidays) and the winner will be alerted via email.

Jenny Ortakales is a fashion writer and stylist, studying journalism at Emerson College. She started her blog, Jenny's Open Closet, in 2009.She's taking a year off from school and decided it would be a great time to start selling her handmade jewelry. In addition to stones, rhinestones, and chains, she uses re-purposed materials from old jewelry. So every piece is guaranteed to be one of a kind.

If you'd like to check out some of the other pieces that Jenny hs to offer, check out her Etsy site, or email her at. And don't forget to take a look at her fab blog! Jenny's Open Closet is the perfect blog for anyone who wants to learn about fashion, or just wants to know what's going on in the fashion world.

Good luck, all!


Photo Credit: J. Ortakales Photography

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent for giveaway consideration. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Happy Black Friday!!

For everyone who is brave enough to venture into the malls today, I hope you get some super deals (and don't get trampled)! Oh and bring your man with you so he can carry your bags. He won't mind, I promise!

Pretty Studs for Every Girl on Your List!

One of the most important things that all ladies need to own is a pair of diamond (or faux diamond) studs. I've actually written about it a few times in the past.

There's just something classy and glamorous about them--and you can literally wear them with anything, from a sweater and jeans to your fave LBD!

Getting a pair of good quality studs is always a top priority, but it can be pricey. So I found an amazing deal that's only going on until Friday night. Szul is offering up these gorgeous 1/4 Carat TW Round Solitaire Diamond Stud Earrings in 10K White Gold for 85% off of the original sale price!! Originally, they were $500, but just for the next two days, each pair is selling for $77!

It's really an incredible deal and I can't think of any girl who wouldn't absolutely love a pair of these for Christmas. It's the perfect gift--they're made well and are of the best quality, but won't cost a fortune. I might get a pair for myself!

Send your main squeeze this link if you want to give him a little hint ;).

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions, please email me at sassyalana@gmail.com.

Control Your Crazy Curls with Ouidad!

Ouidad is my go-to product line when I decide to wear my hair in it's natural state--crazily wavy, curly, and frizzy to the max. Their products definitely help tame my curls and magically make my hair look gorgeous!

Needless to say, when I received this Winter Wonderful Curls set, I was super excited to try it out.  The kit contains 8.5 oz sizes of Climate Control Shampoo, Conditioner and Heat and Humidity Gel.  I don't know about you ladies, but I have a LOT more "bad hair days" in the Winter. That said, the kit could certainly be used year-round as well.

The shampoo and conditioner were great. They're both very lightly scented--almost like a fresh, clean scent. The shampoo did a fab job of washing my hair, but I really loved the conditioner. It's thick and creamy, so it's easy to apply to your hair. What I usually do is shampoo my hair, move my shower head out of the way, twist out a bit of the water, and apply conditioner starting a couple inches or so away from my scalp and down to the tips. Why? Because, at least for me, conditioner can make my scalp oily. I let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse it out. It seemed to work well with this conditioner. The longer you wait to rinse, the more soft, and manageable your hair gets! I also took this opportunity to use a wide-tooth comb to detangle my thick hair.

After washing, my hair felt super silky and healthier right away. It was definitely more manageable than it had been with other products that claim to do the same thing. The gel is a nice touch to the set--it works well and holds your curls in place for quite a while. It isn't sticky at all, and a little goes a long way.

I'll be using this set throughout the season. I hope some of you do the same.

Each set is $46. This is the type of thing that I'd buy a few of--one for me, and some for my friends as gifts. All of my curly-haired friends will be happy this year!

Disclosure: This post contains products sent for review consideration. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.