Coming up with some floral Autumn decor

Guest post written by Hannah Brooks

I've been so sick of my bland entryway in my house. Up until now I just haven't been able to come up with how I want to decorate it. I know that it's very important because that's the first part of my home that guests see when they come into my home. But right now I'm just concentrating on decorating it for the seasons and then I'll get some real regular decor up there after New Year's.
I've been decorating it and the rest of my home with fall decor over the past few days, but I wasn't sure about what to do in teh entryway. I looked online to find some ideas out about it and while I was doing that, I ran across some info on San Francisco wireless internet providers. I looked through ti some more and after that I decided to change over our home internet service to one of those providers.
I decided on some floral autumn decor because I was able to find a really good deal on some faux falll colored flowers at a local craft store. I found this really unique looking brown vase and made an arrangement. It's at least a start for our boring entryway.

Check out my new site!!!!

There will no longer be any posts at this site. I now have a new site with a new layout and new topics, but the same great info and insight! I appreciate all the support I have gotten so far, which is the reason why I am expanding the site. So get down to The Dolly Wire asap, click on the picture above to take you to the site! I hope you all enjoy!

Love, Dolly

Quote of the day

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

(In remembrance of Troy Davis)

Submitted Question

 I'm not asking for a miracle here!... or am I?

"I am a dark skinned woman with fairly good skin. I rarely have breakouts now, but when I was a teenager I had terrible acne that left blemishes and spots on my face. I am a college student and I need a product that will work, but most importantly be affordable. What are some products I can use that will even out my skin tone, clear marks and blemishes and be friendly to my pockets?"

(click the photo to take you straight to the virtual checkout counter!)

Palmer's Cocoa butter formula

$6

•  Contains Vitamin E
• Heals and softens rough and dry skin
• Evens skin tone with regular use
• Clears dark spots and blemishes

Ambi even & clear moisturizer

$6

 

 

•  Contains SPF 30
• Holds moisture through out the day
• Visibly reduces the appearance of blemishes and scars
• Specially formulated for dark skin tones

Raw shea butter

$8

• 100% organic
• Natural supplement for moisturizers
• Can reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes, and stretchmarks

Best kept secret... Bluefly.com

Anyone who really knows me knows that finding a great item, at an even better bargain gives me the ultimate satisfaction. Frugal fashionistas such as myself rely on quality clothing for groundbreaking deals to keep our apparel cravings at bay. Thankfully for us, there is Bluefly.com. Their slogan alone “The ultimate hookup for the fashion obsessed”, gives the perfect description for this budget friendly online store.

Bluefly.com features major high end name brand designers such as Michael Kors, Dolce and Gabbana, Chloe, and Yves Saint Laurent, at prices that are almost too good to be true! I recently found these fabulous Nicole Miller dresses  by the high end fashion designer for more than half off  its original price, I can’t say I’ve been able found a deal of that value in a long time. The site is easy to navigate, with your own personal account and settings, even offering your own virtual personal shopper to ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for. From handbags and accessories to shoes and fragrances, Bluefly is certainly the one stop shop for anyone looking to find designer brands at affordable prices. Bluefly is also currently having a private sale with items up to 70% off, need I say more?

Creative Spotlight

Spotlight on groundbreaking, inspiring artists.

Justin BUA

(All work pictured is that of Justin BUA)

Justin BUA's work is a unique celebration of urban culture. Growing up during the evolution of hip hop in New York in the 70's and 80's, the culture surrounding him was his inspiration. The muti-talented artist, author, and director has managed to take the art of the hip-hop culture to new heights, with collaborations with large commercial retailers such as Target, opening his perspective to millions of people world wide. You can also find his work for sale online at Target, as well as numerous other online art print websites.

“I really feel like I’m a hip hop head to the bone, not from the academic-outsider point of view but from an insider-native New Yorker point of view. In a lot of ways I feel like I’m the court painter of hip hop.” - Justin BUA

Let's be Practical...

Cheetah, leopard, and safari inspired prints will be a must have trend for fall 2011. Many designer brands such as Michael Kors and Jessica Simpson have unveiled their wild furs, textures, and patterns in their recent shows during fashion week 2011. Typically, prices for new trends are higher, due to them being in demand and supply limited, but after doing a little research I learned that you can find this new trend at many worldwide retailers and online for rock bottom prices! Can you guess which shoes cost hundreds, and which you can get for less than a one hundred dollar bill?

(Top left: Sam Eldeman- Nordstrom $174 | Steve Madden "beev-l" $140 | Bordello teeze Cheetah print $65 | 
Bottom right: Quipid camel leopard velvet heels $36.50)

 I recently purchase a pair of leopard print heels for a steal at $21.99... a great way to start off the fall!

Dolly's Digs

Things I'm currently digging... and you should too!

Essie's Fall Collection

 Besides the fact that it can be quite pricey, well at least for my budget, (at about $8 per teeny tiny bottle) or maybe it's just the thrifter in me. Either way, Essie's nail polish is one of the top tier nail polish brands. There is nothing worse than paying two dollars for a cheap beauty store brand nail polish, applying it, and realizing that it's absolute crap, chipping within the first couple hours, gunky coverage and a turtle slow drying process. Essie's nail polish on the other hand is durable, easy to apply, and comes in a wide variety of colors to choose from. Their fall collection has gorgeous colors that I can't wait to stock pile!

Red riding hood's... hood.

About a month ago I finally had a chance to check out the new Red Riding hood movie, and while the movie couldn't seem to keep my attention for long, Red Riding hood's hood most certainly did. Hooded ponchos coats like those warn in the 20's and 30's have began to make a comeback for the winter and are currently trending. Would you add the hooded poncho to your winter wardrobe?

S'more Brownies

Need I say more? You can find a quick and easy recipe here.

50's Inspired Sunglasses

Love love LOVE this new trend that the Khardashian sisters have been spotted wearing lately. Are you bold enough to follow in their footsteps?

The September InStyle Issue

 638 pages of goodness and a Beyonce feature... It just doesn't get any better than that! I'm only on page 185, and I already don't want it to be over!

Bring it Back

Drive-in Movies

The drive in theater is a form of cinema our generation unfortunately missed by a few decades. The movie theater alterative began trending in the 1950's with nearly 4,000 drive-ins spread across the United States. In the early 1970's the consistensy of drive-in venues began to fall to to the economic boom of real estate, and the increase of the price of land. Though we may have missed drive-ins during the glory days, there are still numerous functioning drive-ins (new and refurbished) across the U.S, Like this drive- in theater in Atlanta, im hoping to be taken on a date there soon! (hint hint)

Natural Hair Remedy of the Week

Horsetail, rich in amino acids and silica, is an effective natural hair growth alternative. Ideal for stimulating the scalp, nourish and stregthening the hair follicle, and reducing build up, horsetail is a super herb that can prevent hair loss, thicken the hair follicle, and impart shine when used on a regular basis. Here is a quick and easy horsetail hair rinse you can try. You can also purchase horsetail here. Let me know how it works when you try it!



INGEDIENTS
2 1/2 teaspoons dried horsetail


DIRECTIONS

1. Steep horsetail in boiled water for 20 minutes.
2. Shampoo hair and rinse thoroughly.
3. Poor horsetail rinse through hair and leave in for ten minutes.
4. Rinse with clear water.

Fall into Fall

Switch It up this fall with these new trends...

Topshop orange-pink blazer| Topshop asymmetrical black blazer| Modcloth Khaki Jacket| Forever 21 Scarf | Modcloth watch and bracelet | Essie St. Lucia Lilac Polish

It's that time of year again, time to do away with the short shorts, barbeques, and summer nights (bummer). But don't be discouraged! There are many new trends for the fall that are sure to cure your summers end blues, and have you looking forward to fall. These fall trends are gorgeous, and the best part is... they are all completely affordable!

"Bad" things that are good for your skin

Chocolate- Dark Chocolate in Particular, is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect your skin and maintain a balanced PH. Dark chocolate is also low in Milk, which is said to interfere with the absorption of antioxidants in Chocolate. So the old myth, that chocolate can give you pimples... FALSE! Now you have an excuse to overdose!

Hemp- Okay people, we are not talking about the actual plant, but research has shown that hemp SEEDS have a remarkably high concentration of essential fatty acids ( Oils such as Omega3), which are not only essential in the support of the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and nervous system health, but are also so insanely moisturizing that it is even recommend for the treatment of Eczema. You can find hemp seed oil body and facial wash at many local beauty retailers.

Oil- Initially, when we first think of the word oil, we think about the greasy, gooky, yellow stuff sitting in a Tupperware bowl under our kitchen cabinets. The word oil has forever had a bad rep, but there are many oils that are essential in maintiaing healthy skin. Vitamin E, for example, is an oil that isn't a new concept to anyone. It softens skin, provides it with nutrients, and keeps it moisturized.

Honey- It is known for a fact, that direct sugar over time can cause your skin to become fragile and weaken, therefore many are skeptical when it comes to applying honey, which is a form of sugar, on their skin. What many are unaware of, is that honey is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture. Moisturizes are cleansers that contain honey are great for skin prone to dryness.

Bring It Back

Polaroid Camera

What's better than instant gratification? Nothing! And the Polaroid cameras of the 70s reassured us of that. Pose, snap, instant picture. No trips to the local drugstore, developing film. Prior to the creation of the best thing since sliced bread, digital cameras, Polaroids fed the needs of those who sought convience and quality... well, what was considered to be quality at the time. Now, Polaroids and other vintage cameras have began to make a comeback. Now you can buy new, vintage inspired Polaroid cameras that mimic Polaroids down to the vinyl picture quality and basic structure. Urban Outfitters have many different models to choose from at reasonable prices, the only hard part is deciding which one I want. Decisions...decisions. 

Would you put down your digital camera for a vintage Polaroid?

Dolly's Digs

A modern storage chest (which I've been on a hunt for over the past two months), to use as a coffee table in the living room. The chest will not only compliment the other chrome accessories in the room, but will serve as storage for other knick-knacks, and of course the remotes I always loose.

In the 90s, when they initially emerged, ear cuffs were... bland boring. Merely consisting of a ring, that would cuff around a small portion of your outer ear. In recent years, ear cuffs have evolved into unique forms, ranging from a cluster of gears like those in a clock, to mimicking the fluid motion of a snake. Etsy has many unique, handmade ear cuffs, I'll be making a purchase soon!

This color is one of my favorite hues of blue, and in my opinion, is a gorgeous compliment to any outfit to add a pop of color. This satchel can be found at Modcloth.

Not only are these shoes ABSOLUTELY FIERCE, they are also durable and diverse, you can pair these shoes with many different types of colors, patterns, and fabric. You can also find these at Modcloth.

Best Skin Care Products for Women of Color

1. Black Opal Pore Minimizing Toner- This cleanser will cleanse and refresh your skin. With the combination of ingredients like Honey and Glycolic Acid, this toner fights blemishes and promotes healthy flawless skin.
2. Black Opal Skin Perfecting Acne & Blemish Wash- The foaming gel clears and protects your skin from acne and blemishes caused by acne. This wash is great for skin that is prone to frequent blemishing.
3. Ambi Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer- A personal favorite, this moisturizer not only protects from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can damage your skin, it also immerses your skin in natural soy and vitamin C & E.

Top Natural Hair Salons in Atlanta

"Hair maintenance" has become one of the most rigorous activities in the lives of women who choose to rock their natural texture. As women, we are equipped to be functional with the weight of the world on our shoulders, but in the case of maintaining a healthy head of natural hair... we don't have to! If you live in Atlanta, you are probably aware of numerous salons, but if you are a natural, you are probably aware that you can't go to just any salon. Therefore I have composed a list of the top rated salons in Atlanta that are well educated, dedicated, and supportive in their approach to maintaining natural hair. Check out the article here. Don't miss out!

Sing to My Soul...

Little Dragon 

 

The pure eclectic nature and overwhelming diversity ( with the group consisting of a Swedish Japanese female singer, and three of her close high school male friends on instrumentals), Little Dragon is in a lane of their own. The video above features one of my favorite songs by them entitled "Twice". The music video in unique and creative, yet quite simple too. This is definitely food for your soul!

DIY Monday

Feeling inspired by my recent post about vintage scarves, I decided to head to Michaels to find fabric for a 1940's inspired scarf. Besides finding a silky fabric that I love, my total was only $5.99! I brought a half of a yard and I still had fabric left over for later projects. These pictures below (taken in front of a Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's poster, that I just can't seem to part with) show how my scarf turned out. You should definitely give it a try!

Stand out In your Career

Natassia Davis via Flickr

 Even in today's society, we as women are often looked over when it comes to the workplace. Viewed over time as nothing more than paper pushers, secretaries, and receptionist, it is easy for many women to fall victim of this stigma, and eventually blend in at your workplace. This is where we need to make a change. The most successful women of our society will openly tell you, they didn't get to the positions they are with a pretty smile and a pencil skirt, it take assertiveness, dedication and work ethic. Many close friends and relatives of mine have graduated and are now entering the "real" work force for the first time, this window of opportunity is the perfect time to create and protect your personal brand. Here are some steps that should be considered while taking your first steps up the ladder of success!

1. Take Initiative- Do things without being asked! If you are complete with a work assignment or a business meeting and you are left fumbling with paperclips at your desk... find something PRODUCTIVE to do, there is always work that needs to be done, your employer will be impressed with your drive.

2. Don't be "the quiet one"- In business meetings or open discussions, insure that your voice is heard. Getting your opinion out there lets others know that you are alert and concerned with issues concerning the company and you are eager to make a change!

3. Do more than what is asked of you- Be a go getter! Don't wait around for someone else to tell you what to do, show your employer and and co- workers that you are a leader.

4. Join committees within your workplace and volunteer- This shows that you have a genuine concern for the company on the clock as well as off.

5. Take the leadership role- Being a leader in group projects or discussions will show your employer your capabilities when it comes to leading others. You boss will have you at the top of his list the next time a promotion comes up for a leadership role!

These 5 principals are the first steps toward creating a positive and successful brand... brand YOU. Good luck to all the recent graduates!

Venus vs. Mars

The article "Venus Vs. Mars" will be in circulation on my blog once a week. Yep, we're opening up a whole can with this one! Surveys, polls and discussions dedicated toward promoting an understanding of our male counterparts... well at least we can try!

 

She says He says...

Labels on your car, notebooks or other belongings that say "Princess", "Diva", "Queen", etc.

She says: These labels make me feel girly.

He says: She must be high maintenance.

Constant Calls, text messaging, and social media stalking

She says: I just want to show him I'm interested.

He says: She's probably clingy.

Discussions about future plans

She says: I want the guy I'm interested in to know what I'll be looking forward to in the future.

He says: Marriage... a house... Kids? Check please!

Fantasy Football

 

He says: It's like having your own dream team... doesn't get any better than that!

She says: How much are they paying you again?