Two Blonde Bloggers: November 2014

Favorite Small Shops

Hey lovies... Happy Thanksgiving!!

I'm super confused why stores are opening tomorrow night for Black FRIDAY, but I am more than happy to enjoy some early deals online after my Thanksgiving feast with family. Please check out some of my favorite small shops. These shops are mostly for babies & kids but some shops feature adult attire and accessories too!

(a little info on a select few of the shops -- see bottom of post for links)

// Ivie Baby has amazing nursery decor so if you're expecting & willing to spend, this is the place to go for a custom modern look!!

// Cushy Company is a great friend of mine & she makes the most amaaazing cozy scarves that are honestly the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

// hello Apparel has the infamous "I'm so tired" tees and more recently just added the "I'm so pregnant" tee -- which I may NEED to purchase this Christmas as I will be 9 months prego!

// Wild Explorers... oh people, these are the moccs to get! The quality of Hannah's moccs are TOP of the line and the price makes just no sense! If you're buying moccs this season, THIS IS THE SHOP. Thansgiving day she is offering 15% off and if you buy Thursday or Friday, you'll also receive 15% off your next purchase!! Run to her etsy shop.

Go-to Chunky Fall Sweater

Sweater // Forever21

TShirt // Forever21

Pants (maternity) // Target

Flats // Old Navy

Holiday attire for the kiddos!

Okay, let it be known - all moms live at Target (basically). That being said... you tend to see a lot of repeat red tulle dresses and all that around the holidays. Here's a few dresses that are "out of the norm" for a typical mom's choice while scoping out holiday dresses with the antsy little toddler that wants to dive out of the cart. Hey! Better yet, just buy online with your Target card (you still get your 5% off and free shipping).

** In my opinion - this long sleeve pleated plum and gold dress wins! I am so happy to see a holiday dress with LONG SLEEVES! **

As for the boys - I always forget the boys because I'm expecting my second girl in a row! But if I was dressing a little man this is definitely the route I'd be going [at Target] with his attire. Swap out the plaid shirt for a plain white collared shirt if it's too much. How about these boy shoes!! Adorbs. I like the casual look with the blazer to spice it up. (I like this look on my husband, too).

Lace and Leaves

Dress: forever 21 boots:pacsun earrings : f21

Sweater Weather

Sweater: F21 Jeggings: Aero Watch: Urban Outfitters Sunnies: Ray Bans Boots: Arturo Chiang

Monthly Subscription Boxes

I love getting mail. Recently I subscribed to Ipsy glam bag. If you haven't heard of monthly subscription boxes, they're pretty awesome. It is a fun way to try out new products or give a unique gift to someone. Above, I've listed some of the more popular boxes out there. Not all of them contain just beauty products - some include lifestyle products as well. I received birch box for christmas one year and loved it! Ipsy + Birchbox are both just $10 a month and you can cancel at anytime. They also give coupons and special deals for the products in your box.

Mommy Monday: Toddler Fall/Winter Outerwear

This is the first year a winter jacket is really necessary. This year we will play outside, attend outdoor events, walk to the car, etc. Last year I just covered my daughter with a blanket in her infant carseat!

Some problems I'm coming across with jackets is size and fit of course. I want the size big enough to grow into, but not too big that she is swimming. I had a gift card (thanks to our lovely Belizario friends) for Zara. I had been saving it since her birthday to score an awesome winter jacket! I debated between a dressy coat or a casual parka. As you can see I chose this fur-lined parka for $59.90. It's true to it's size (18-24m) because Kinley is in 18m clothes, but this parka fit a little big. Why did I chose casual over fancy? Well, simply because we are most often dressing casual than we are dressing up!

Here's three other outerwear pieces I am loving:

GapKids $59.99 Old Navy $14

Carter's (4-in-1!!) $31.99

& here's my babe in her new parka!!!

How do I get my Blondes Blonde?

For those of you wondering what I use to get my clients blonde...this post is for you!

I also always used these two different methods on myself until recently when I decided to go "ice platinum" with bleach and a toner. (And now currently I am rocking the roots!)

ONE// [Redken] (30 or) 40 Volume pro-oxide developer & EL-V Color Fusion extralift.

This was always my go to. I've used this for years on myself. The little blue tube used to be called double blondes -- but then Redken discontinued that line and this "Color Fusion extralift" was the alternative. I use the EL-V (or the EL-B) to try to cancel out some gold or orange. This generally is a warm color though, and I always follow up using a purple shampoo to wash (after letting it process for 40 minutes.)

TWO// [Redken] 30 volume Color Gels & 9NA (or 10NA) Color Gels + Highlights

This is a bit more of a dimensional look with color and highlights. Also a bit more work for the hairstylist! This is how I started to get my hair brighter after months of just color. I add highlights to the blondes who just don't think they are blonde enough. I am always wanting to be blonder!!

Disclaimer to my mommy followers: going completely fully blonde is not ideal for a busy mama. It's high maintenance and usually needs to be touched up every 3-4 weeks.

PPS - do not, I repeat...do not try to go platinum blonde on your own.