Items to Purchase Now For Your Winter Wardrobe

Winter is already here, so you must be thinking, “Isn’t it too late to add to my wardrobe?” The answer to that is “no.” As winter carries on, the weather is variable, and in some areas, the cold is just starting to set in. Also, a lot of stores and brands are making way for their spring collections, so a lot of winter fashion is being discounted to unreasonably low prices. 

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about sprucing up your winter wardrobe. Here are some items you should add to your winter clothing for sustainability and durability. 

Sweaters

Everyone needs sweaters in the winter. When these items hit the shelves in the late summer and early fall they cost a fortune. In the middle of winter, they are about 50% off. With the pandemic keeping a lot of things locked down or keeping a lot of people indoors, a lot of brick and mortar stores did not see a lot of foot traffic, which means that the shelves are full. A full shelf means that a lot of stuff has to go to make way for the spring and summer. 


That also means that stores will do anything possible to get the shelves cleared so sweaters are being marked down by a lot. Go visit your favorite local clothing store and load up on sweaters. You will have them for this year, and if you don’t wear them all, you have them for next year too. 

Gloves


Gloves are needed all winter long. They are like umbrellas, people only seem to sell them when it’s raining or the weather calls for them to be needed right away. If you get yourself durable gloves that won’t wear away after one season, then you won’t have to worry about gloves every year.

Durable gloves like hard knuckle tactical gloves will last you a lifetime. The hard knuckles prevent the glove from tearing or splitting at the knuckle area exposing your skin. The gloves also are thick so that cold air can’t permeate the material. You can also get them with a half finger so that you can use your phone while you are wearing them, or with a full finger so that you are entirely protected. 

Scarves

You can never have enough scarves, but you should have a variety of scarves. This is another item that will be discounted to make way for the spring. It is important to have a few different kinds to choose from.


  • There is the short scarf so that you can wrap it around your neck or tuck it into your shirt or jacket to keep your neck completely covered from the cold. 


  • There is the long scarf that you can wear around your neck but on the outside of your jacket to add an accent to your overall outfit and to give yourself a winter look. 


  • There is also the large square scarf that is reminiscent of a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean head wrap that you can wrap around your neck and tie in a scoop neck so that you are completely covered, yet fashionable.


  • Finally, you can always get a full wrap like a pashmina that you can use to cover your neck and also your shoulders if you wrap it correctly. 



The possibilities with scarves are endless, so get one of each of these scarves, and your outfit will always be accented by a great piece of clothing. 


Boots

Boots are so expensive. They can cost up to $400 or more for a good pair of boots. Unless you are buying them in the middle of winter. A lot of people purchased their boots in the fall in preparation for the cold weather. Because of that, most boots are now on sale for 30-40% off in order for stores and brands to make room for their spring and summer shoes and sandals. 

Now is the time to get fashionable boots for the remainder of winter. Depending on your style there is the knee-high boot, the calf boot, or a traditional ankle boot. Always go above the ankle to prevent cold wind or snow from getting directly to your foot. 


We all know that as soon as your feet get cold, your entire body is going to get cold. Keep your feet protected and warm. 



Ski Socks


Ski socks are the ultimate sock in the world. They never slide down and they are made of material that keeps your feet super warm. Obviously, the socks are made for when you are skiing. The best part of buying ski apparel is that once the ski season starts, the prices plummet. 


Ski apparel is also something that only gets ordered once, so as soon as items are purchased they are never replaced, so to get rid of them, stores discount everything after the start of ski season. Before they run out, get ski socks at a cheap price, and your feet are guaranteed to never be cold. 


A Top Quality Coat


It’s never too late to get a coat that is going to keep you warm against the elements. Most people will tell you that they don’t mind the winter as long as they feel warm. Most people enjoy the snow, enjoy the clean, crisp air, and enjoy the change of season. It’s when they are outside and freezing that they wish they were on a beach. 

Side with comfort this year and get a coat that will keep you warm and enjoying the low temperatures. A lot of coats are discounted right now, so if the weather is starting to change already, get it anyway and be prepared for next winter. 

Conclusion

It’s never too late to prepare for the winter; even if it’s winter already. It’s more economical to add items now so that they are still in good condition next year. It will be great for your wallet and it will be great for comfort. Stay warm and fashionable out there. 



Luvme Hair Wet and Wavy Headband Wig

This post is sponsored by Luvme Hair. All opinions are my own.

IMG_3646.jpg

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a relaxed hair journey update but here we go! Y'all I still don’t know what I am doing with my hair. While I love my hair, I’ve gone without a relaxer for a few months - yikes! So, I’m at a breaking point - do I relax again or attempt to go natural for the 100th time? Either way, I’m learning to create a protective style routine that I can stick to. 

Headband wigs took the world by storm in 2020 and I missed it! I was not hip to trend but better late than never right? Headband wigs are easy to use and beginner friendly, they also have a very natural look to them - especially if you’re not into trying out lace front wigs.

Luveme Hair sent over this 20” Wet & Wavy Headband wig for me to check out and I’m quite impressed. I love a good wet and wavy style, especially during the summer time! The wig comes with 5 headbands of different colors chosen at random and a protective bag and box for storage. You can rock it straight out of the pack or wet it and add a curling cream for an extra pop! 


Check out the results of adding products over on my Instagram

How to Wear

IMG_3244.jpg

If you’ve never tried a wig before this is the perfect start for you to achieve the most natural looking style. Comb and brush your natural hair back into a bun or low ponytail. As an optional step you can slick your edges down. Next apply a wig cap while leaving the perimeter of your hair exposed. Using the attached combs, place them into your hair. Pull the hair up into a ponytail and attach the back clip. 

The wig has 3 combs in the front and one in the back to easily attach it to your hair. I like to use the one in the back only so it doesn’t pull at the front of my hair. My hairline is quite thin - so I prefer to reduce tension as much as possible. Attaching the Velcro strap alone will still securely hold the wig in place. I haven’t experienced any movement with it and I’m pretty active. 

Protective Styling 

Protective styling is key when trying to grow and retain the length of your hair. Luvme Hair created the headband wig collection with this goal in mind. You can have your hair braided underneath your wig and still wear it. Braiding the hair flat or putting it in a low bun helps to create a flawless finished look.


Ready to check out the headband wig trend? Be sure to check out Luvme Hair for high quality, affordable human hair headband wigs!

I already have a few other styles on my wish list! 



2021 Plus Swimwear Must Haves

This post does contain affiliate links, should you make a purchase I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

This summer, I’ve challenged myself to find great swimwear for an apple shaped body type. I carry most of my weight in my stomach and that can be hard when you are busty or have a very curvy body. 

Ladies, swimsuit season is among us and it’s time to show some skin!!! I know you’re probably thinking ----who?! But guess what, it’s YOU! We will be outside and showing up to the beach, pool, lake or any body of water with our bodies without apologies! 

Check out some of these pieces that I love! 

Miraclesuit Swimwear 

Miraclesuit offers a line of swimwear designed to hold you in all the right places while giving you shape and support. It’s only 10 seconds to a miracle! They have a little something for everyone. What I enjoy most about this line is the built in bra support of their suits. While I am not heavy chested, I don’t like to have my breast become flatten by a support suit. Their suits are incredibly flatter. 

Stitch Mix Temptation 

Black and white swim suit
Plus size back swimsuit with back cutouts

I absolutely love this suit. It does so much for me, not only is it black (my fave) but the side detailing really helps to accentuate my waistline to create an hourglass shape. The back a really cute crisscross detail.

Rocksolid Madrid 

plus size magenta swimsuit pool side

This color looks amazing on and compliments my skin tone very well! It did not provide as much tummy control as I would have liked but I could have gone down a size to give a tighter fit. If you’re concerned that the suit won’t hold you up well it comes with straps.

woman with swimsuit and hat

Grab this tan straw hat here!

La Blanca Swim

La Blanca has taken a modern approach to swimwear. They have chosen classic styles and made them wearable for today's time. These swimsuits are soft - I mean buttery smooth. I didn’t know that texture mattered until wearing these.

woman in yellow swimsuit in pool

Belle FioreBelle Fiore Ruffle Skirted Bottom 

 Twist Bandeau Tankini Top 

This is the perfect 2 piece if you don’t want to go too bold with showing off your belly. I totally get it; as a mom of 3, I have to be in the mood to show that type of skin. This set (sold separately) is amazing. I feel held in and stylish! 

Riviera Renewal V-Neck Caftan

Blue swimsuit cover up

This cover up is EVERYTHING! I imagine myself strolling the hotel lobby and heading poolside with this on. It’s a cover up without looking like one and it still has that buttery smooth material.

Lastly, and probably my most loved is the Island Goddess Shirred One Shoulder in black. This suit looks so good on. The shirred bodice hides the belly to create a sleek silhouette. 

I love this straw hat for pool days! It’s so light and blocks the sun well. Grab yours here!

La Blanca Black One Shoulder Swimsuit

While these suits are a little more pricey, I do have a few budget friendly options! 



My Gigi Pip Hat Collection

Y’all I have an addiction! I have found hats and they’ve become my life. Maybe I knew they always would because my grandmother is a hat lover and I always loved the way they looked on her. I have become a Gigi Pip stan! So here’s the back story, I purchased a hat from another company for a photoshoot and I thought it would work after reading the reviews. I ALWAYS read reviews….well wrong the hat only worked if I didn’t have hair extensions. I was so frustrated. I’m always doing something with my hair and I don’t have the smallest head so…I needed a big head friendly hat. I found it! What I love about this company is the quality is unmatched and they offer sizing options of small to x-large which is perfect to fit all hat needs.

 

Want to see my collection in action take a look at the reel I created over on Instagram.

The Monroe Rancher

If you don’t buy anything from this list grab this one! It comes in several colors and the style is classic. It’s the “hat” that you’re looking for to take an outfit from okay to oookkkkaayyy!

Black

Ivory

Natalie + Cleveland41.jpg
FD006CB7-C198-4AF0-86B5-CFC1C1BA5072 (1).jpg

I purchased this for my spring/summer hat. Think maxi dresses or gardening when you want to rock this one. I love that it’s wide enough to block the sun so I’m not worried about sun damage when paired with my favorite sunscreen.

Cara Loren Pencil Brim – Tan

IMG_6736 (1).jpg

This was a limited release so by the time you see this post I hope it’s still available but this is a DOPE hat. I feel like I should be on someone’s magazine. The style is so classy! I added a hat band for extra sass!

I plan to add a few more to my collection because I can’t get enough! Right now they are having a sale if you purchase 2 hats you’ll get a Ginger hat for free! That’s a major steal.

If you grab a hat, tag me so I can see you styling!