The Pretty Pear

25% off everything at Kiyonna!

Take 25% off everything with the coupon code TREAT08 at Kiyonna.com through November 3rd. Kiyonna usually requires a minimum purchase with their coupons so this is a great opportunity!

What's on your fall/winter shopping list?

I'm trying to be extra conscious of what I'm buying lately. I went shopping last weekend and only bought exactly what I was looking for - a pair of black flats, a brown cotton jacket, long sleeved layering tees, and a couple of sweaters. I'd also like to find a purple hobo bag but I can't find the exact one I want so I might have to let that one go. My want for a bag like that will probably dwindle before I find one.

I was actually more satisfied with a new hair cut than any of the other stuff I spent money on. My hair was out of control so I let the hair guy chop off at least six or seven inches. It feels great and looks awesome.

I am looking for lace up, flat soled boots that I can wear in the snow without sliding all over the place. I know I'll find them!

What's on your shopping list?

Thought

Lane Bryant should hire Korto from Project Runway to design a high end collection in limited, special edition quantities. And then, if that sells well, she can design a few pieces of the regular line each season. Am I right?

20% off at IGIGI

Time for a great Friends and Family sale! You can take 20% off your purchase by using the code FANDF08 at IGIGI. The sale ends on October 22nd.

The best thing I've done for my hair

I have color treated, super thick, super curly, somewhat long and very unruly hair. I will never have smooth, sleek hair (which is just fine by me, by the way) but I do want to keep it as healthy as I can.

I have tried no/low sulfate shampoos but I just can't get used to it. It works for some people and I might try it again but right now, I use a moisturizing shampoo that also has sulfates. My hair hasn't fallen out and I'm not dead so I guess it's ok.

I ditched my cotton terrycloth towel and bought a microfiber towel and only use that for drying my hair. It's small so I even bring it with me when I travel. I don't scrub or rub my hair with it at all. I wrap it up turban style right out of the shower, let it soak up the drippy water, gently work a curl cream or leave-in conditioner through my hair, and then wrap it back up until I'm ready to scrunch with gel.

Why a microfiber towel? Regular terrycloth towels are very nubby and create friction, which roughs up and damages the hair shaft. Microfiber is also more absorbent. If you blow dry, your hair will already be drier from the start than if you used a regular towel. This cuts down on blow drying time, which reduces heat damage to your hair. Plus, my microfiber towel is smaller and lighter than a regular bath towel and it's more comfortable on my head.

I have curly hair but I think microfiber would benefit any hair type. I have the microfiber towel here. There's a larger version for long hair here. They're a little spendy but I think they're totally worth the price.

I should note that I've also cut out any hair products that contain drying alcohols, which has probably helped with the health of my hair considerably. Interestingly, the best non-alcohol hair gel I've found is the dirt cheap LA Looks super strong hold gel found at my supermarket. Go figure.

Love it or hate it?

Chiffon bubble hem dress
"Update your special occasion style with the trendy silhouette of a bubble hem dress." Available from Lane Bryant in sizes 14/16 - 26/28 for $69.50. What do you think? Is it cute and trendy or not your taste? Do you love the bubble hem or hate it? How and where would you wear it? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

 

15% off at shoes.com

Save 15% off your entire order at Shoes.com with code OCT08 at check out. This code is valid until October 31st. If you're looking for wide width shoes, click here for a big selection. I really like these Era pumps from Franco Sarto, pictured left. They also come in gray, brown and black but I think the red would be so pretty with gray trousers.