Christian Sismone

Sleep in Luxe with Soie Silk

Sleep in Luxe with Soie Silk

My natural hair has always been an issue for me. I remember when I was 19 doing my big chop thinking this would produce luscious hair. Little did I know after becoming a product junkie, my hair desires nothing more than to be left alone. Sleeping in Luxe with Soie Silk has really changed the game for my hair prosperity.

 I pamper it with the best hair care products and keep it in a protected style aka my wig. By taking all the precautions to keep my hair supple and hydrated, I found my hair each morning in need of moisture. Being at home more, I felt it was a glorious time to upgrade my haircare game. I bought a stand-alone hairdryer, splurged on a few new hair goodies, including the Soie Silk Bonnet.

Soie Silk is a new kid on the block that has leveled up the self-care game with a variety of silk items. They make bonnets, sleep masks, scrunches, and pillowcases. All items that you need every day but in the most opulent form. This is a black-woman owned brand that I was thrilled to support. Seeing more black woman-owned brands in the self-care and luxe niche truly makes my soul happy.

They use 100% Pure Mulberry Silk, a high-quality natural fiber that provides the highest form of protection for the hair and skin. In my research, I found that Mulberry Silk is the highest quality of silk one can purchase. 

Sleep in Luxe with Soie Silk

 It locks in moisture and reduces hair breakage, split ends and frizz. It also helps by keeping your skin hydrated, helping to ease acne and preventing fine lines or those sleep lines you wake up with. This to me is the optimal complement to any glamour girl or anyone who wants to make sure all their hard work with skincare and hair care is maxed out. 

Sleep in Luxe with Soie Silk

Back in late May, I upgraded my sleep items and get a nice silk bonnet. Now before you look at me crazy, those bonnets you get from the typical Koren based beauty supply retailers aren’t silk. They are cheap polyester that can snag your hair and those edges. Everything shiny isn’t silk baby.

I debated on between the bonnet or their pillowcase but felt if the bonnet is outstanding I will come back for the pillowcase. I love the fact that their color selections are more neutral with a little spice of design. I opted for the black bonnet just on the rare chance I need to run to get a package it won’t look so obvious.

Shipping was painless even with the current COVID-19. However, it did come at the time of the protest and UPS had to delay. Once received I noticed how well it was packaged and they provided instructions on how to care for my new investment. It felt so luxe in my hands and I couldn’t wait to go to bed to test it.

I’m a rough sleeper and scarfs over the years have often betrayed me. I loved it when I woke up the next morning, my bonnet was intact and hadn’t moved. I was impressed and noticed after a few days my hair was remaining more supple after wash day. This was the 1st time that after wash day, my hair wasn’t crying for me to give it moisture. 

I’m already saving my coins to invest on a pillowcase as I know my face deserves the finest silk and I want to splurge and get their silk scrunchies. I feel those little things add up in your favor.

Do you sleep in silk? If you do what’s your favorite brand at the moment? Let’s chat in the comments.

3 Amazing Workout Clothing Brands for Plus-Size

3 Amazing Workout Clothing Brands for Plus-Size

Finding plus-size workout clothes that are cute and effective can be a bit of a chore. This led me to find 3 amazing workout clothing brands for plus-size ladies! When I’m in the gym the last thing I want to deal with is tugging with my leggings while in mid-sprint or deadlift. Workout gear should support you while you make it fashion.

When I’m looking for workout clothes I’m very picky as they often aren’t cheap. My first thing is sizing as ensuring the proper fit is critical. I want to make sure they aren’t too tight but also not too loose.

The next focus is on durability and construction. I have bought leggings for instance at Ross and they barely lasted a few washes. They also were very sheer. Some ladies don’t mind if their unmentionables glow through, however, for myself I don’t want anything to show. When you’re wearing these items every week how long they can last is at top of mind.

My last focus is on color/print availability. I’m not a boring girl and black serves its purpose, but I enjoy wearing pretty prints and colors too. Often brands must think if your bigger you don’t want to look cute so their offering is bland basic Betty items like black or navy. I love cute prints, cut-outs, and soft colors.

Over the years I have tried quite a few brands but the few that I’m sharing today have continued to provide value wash after wash. Some I have worn since starting my fitness journey and others are a bit newer but still have shown they deserve a spot in my rotation.

3 Amazing Workout Clothing Brands for Plus-Size

Old Navy

Plus size workout gear for a long time was limited to boring black leggings and oversized blah tops. Old Navy brought color to my otherwise drab mix. I have worn their leggings for the past 3 years and they have provided me support and comfort while I traveled for work and in the gym.

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What I love about them the most is their wide variety of colors and styles. Want a little mesh or bold colors, then you are in the right place. I also like that they have high waisted compression that doesn’t stop. Compression helps me to feel very secure in my leggings and also helps a bit with swelling.

My workout gear from Old Navy has withstood countless washes and constant wear. I also noticed that unlike some brands I have used in the past, they don’t hold odor which is a plus. The worst thing ever is to walk past your laundry and get hit with body odor.

Another very big plus in my book is size availability in store. I was a bit nervous buying them online initially as Old Navy is slower than molasses for shipping. However, I was able to go to the store to purchase my size at the time XXL which was great. Stores that understand that all sizes desire to touch and feel their items is a win in my book.

90 Degree by Reflex

These are some of my newest editions. I picked these up back in the day called Pre-COVID-19 at Marshall’s. I first picked up tops because I was able to find a 2 pack for 15.00. Once I started wearing them they provided me great support and didn’t fight my rolls. I finally picked up a pair of their leggings which size-wise are a bit limited. However, I was able to wear an L without issue.

Plus-size workout clothes, 90 degree by reflex plus size workout top, plus size leggings

What makes 90 Degree by Reflex a bit different is their assortment of prints. I have my eye on some leopard legging which makes me feel spicy while giving my best performance on the StairMaster! They do have a Plus-Size section which is great but their offerings are more in their straight sizes which can work for plus.

I love workout brands that allow me to be feminine even while I’m deadlifting. I want more brands to normalize size inclusion and also be pretty. What keeps me on their site is they have soft colors which if you follow me, you know I’m girly and love to be in something pink.

Danskin

This is where my love affair of workout gear started. I remember when this line was in Walmart and I would buy up the store. These have to be some of the most durable workout gear I have ever owned. I just recently retired items I had for over 7 years! That isn’t an easy thing when you work out 3-5 times a week.

3 Amazing Workout Clothing Brands for Plus-Size plus-size workout clothes, plus-size danskin workout leggings plus size leggings plus size workout clothes

Danskin has now evolved a bit and has started to create some more sophisticated prints and styles. I picked up a new pair while out before stay at home orders where given. I picked their dye print and I must say I feel like a total snack in them.

Working out as a plus-size lady is important as health is wealth. Workouts don’t have to focused on weight loss. In my post, I share how to keep up with your fitness goals, wearing workout gear that is cute is very much apart of the process. When you look good, you feel good and will typically keep pushing forward. I know in the world, there is a lot of messages that aren’t kind about being plus. I believe every lady should do what is best for her but do it while being cute.

I hope sharing 3 amazing workout clothing brands for plus size ladies will spark you to go explore yourself. Everyone should be able to find clothing that makes them happy as life is meant to be lived. Do you have brands that you swear by? Drop those in the comments!

Spring Professional Chic: Spring 2020 Fashion Ideas

Spring Professional Chic: Spring 2020 Fashion Ideas

The vibe I want is Spring Professional Chic. Spring 2020 Fashion Ideas are here even though it may be worn at home for now. With this virus being the focus in the world, I wanted to create some light-hearted content. Typically Spring is a time of starting over and refreshment. Fashion will always be a way of expression like art.

Being in the professional world, fashion for women can be an interesting thing. Some women forgo being fashionable all together and some may go way left being a bit too provocative. I like to be in the happy balanced place of pulled together but still allowing my feminine energy to be a dominant force. Every industry is different and I tried to share fashion ideas that could work for some conservative areas and more liberal.

Springtime is a great time to start trying new looks that can put you in creative energy. Winter as great as it is, can bring a darkness that takes away from your feminine light. Being in Minnesota, I have worn pants more than I am comfortable with and rocking a parka isn’t the most frilly thing to wear. Use Spring to rework your energy and focus on you.

Spring fashion 2020 colors are:

  • Flame Scarlet, fiery red.
  • Saffron, dark yellow.
  • Classic Blue, reminiscent of an evening sky.
  • Biscay Green, an aqua shade.
  • Chive, healthy green.

Classic colors such as nude, black and creams are always on trend year-round but if mix them with the more vibrant colors you can make them fit into more restricted industries. You can incorporate color, texture, and prints by wearing it or picking accessories that allow you to have a pop without too much risk.

The same mantra as my post, Splurge or Skimp: Makeup Must Have’s, you don’t have to break the bank to update your wardrobe for Spring. If you have a solid wardrobe filled with quality basics, your mission in updating for Spring is very easy. My favorite places to update for trendy pieces are Zara, Threadup and my local thrift stores. If you have the budget, by all means, splurge on designer especially if you are really in love with the item.

In this video, I’m sharing 3 Spring 2020 Fashion Ideas that can be easily adapted for a wide variety of body types and preferences.