What I’m Reading: “A New Model” by Ashley Graham

Supermodel Ashley Graham is a public figure that I have been digging for some time now. From her standing relationship as a spokesmodel for Lane Bryant to her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover, I have always been able to see her confidence through her images. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a copy of her memoir, “A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty & Power Really Look Like”, in the mail back in May. Written with Rebecca Paley (the same co-author as Nadia Lopez’s “The Bridge To Brilliance”, which I reviewed here) the book is published by Dey Street Books, an imprint of Harper Collins.

As soon as I opened the book, I enjoyed the no-nonsense tone, similar to how you would speak to a good friend. It’s not condescending or high-brow, just super down-to-earth, and incredibly informative. We learn the story of a young curvy girl who was discovered in a mall in Nebraska, and her bumpy road to stardom. Having developed womanly curves and her tall stature by the age of 12, Ashley dealt with much frustration and confusion from family, classmates, and society alike. How is a young girl with the body of a woman supposed to dress? In what manner does a small-town, Christian girl deal with success in the big city of New York? What is dating life like? Who can she trust with her finances?

These types of questions, and more, are answered in this easy-to-read memoir by Graham. Aside from learning about her road to supermodeldom (is this a word?), I really enjoy the story of how she met her husband, cinematographer Justin Ervin, on a chance moment at church. She does not hold back in regards to her personal life, struggles, and successes alike, which I believe is helpful for the many young women who may read this book. She reminds you that despite all the glitz and glam, and collections with Dressbarn and Canadian retailer Addition Elle, she is just like us.

I would recommend this book to any young woman who aspires to model regardless of their size, race, or identity. I would also recommend this book to people a little bit further in their careers who need a bit of inspiration in the story of a woman who has found success in truly being herself.

Purchase here: A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like

My Summer Hydration & Sun Care Tips To Have You Glowing!

Caye Caulker

Welcome to the first week of July friends! Have you made it out to the beach or park yet to relax and catch some rays? After a pretty miserable winter and gray spring, our bodies our eager to soak in all the Vitamin D we have lost over the months. I personally prematurely did this in March, when I took a weeklong trip to Belize solo. I was so excited to get in the sun that I forgot a few things along the way, and ended up sunburned a la Sebastian from The Little Mermaid. I peeled terribly for weeks, and since I have learned my lesson, I want to give you some tips on how to stay hydrated and protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun!

 

1. Drink Water!

Essential Alkaline Water

At any point in your life, your Mom, your doctor, your friend, or basically anyone you have probably come into contact with has probably mentioned that you should drink water, or drink more water. Water seems to be having a moment right now as at any point on social media, you can come across a post that reads “I drink more water, and mind my business”.  That is a slightly snarky variation, but rightfully so. When we are hot, or are in direct sunlight, our body’s natural reaction is to sweat to cool down. When you are in sustained sunlight, you sweat more, losing more water. To keep balanced, it is so necessary to stay hydrated by drinking your H2O. Dehydration can catch up quick, in the form of headaches, lethargy, or dizziness. I generally have a 32 oz bottle of water wherever I go, like this Eddie Bauer Freezer bottle I may have permanently borrowed from my Mom. If I forgot my bottle, I usually prefer to drink an alkaline water like Essentia or 1907 in the liter size.

 

2. Sunscreen!

EIR NYC Surf Mud SPF 30

Let us start by letting it be known that the sun’s rays can wreak havoc on individuals of all complexions. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays, and are the primary cause of skin wrinkling, and in more extreme cases, skin cancers. UVB rays are shorter, and cause skin reddening and sunburn, and tend to damage the skin’s superficial layers. With so many sun protection products on the market, it can be very difficult to discern which products are actually useful. As I have been on a bit of a health kick lately, I personally have been fixated on all-natural hair and body products, with sunscreen being high on the list. When looking for your next sunscreen, be sure to look out for zinc oxide on the ingredient list. The white powder compound blocks UVA & UVB rays of ultraviolet light.

A Hair Refresh with Stylist Ray Guh of Haircraft by Ray at The Gregory Hotel

Before: Straightened hair with fried ends

A few months back during the holiday season of 2016, I was invited by Janine Just to be a featured  curly-haired blogger & influencer in a hairstyling segment for a Facebook Live with The Scene, co-hosted by Atara Twersky, mother and author of Curlee Girlee. The book, inspired by her youngest daughter who has a full head of ringlets, serves as visual and written positive reinforcement for young girls who feel out of place or awkward with their curls. The segment was filmed on-site at the Caravan Stylist Studio in The Gregory Hotel in the Herald Square neighborhood of Manhattan.

During the approximately 20-minute segment, young girls with curls were interviewed with their parents about their hair, and styling specifically, with a hairstylist on-hand to show proper methods. As the “curly woman”, I recounted my trials and tribulations with multi-textured hair growing up, and the struggle for finding proper products for my hair type. For my piece of the segment, celebrity hairstylist Ray Guh of Haircraft by Ray, whose studio is right down the hall from the Caravan, washed and demonstrated how to properly distribute and style my curls, using the OGX Coconut Curls line of products.

Before: side view, lots of length with grown out color

I loved my experience so much with Ray that I knew I had to go back. My ends at the time were super damaged, so he extended the offer to come in for a trim in the coming weeks, and today was finally that day! I had most recently blown my hair out for Valentine’s Day, and with my week being so incredibly hectic, had no chance to give it a wash. I came to Ray’s studio with my hair in a slick ponytail, mostly tamed by the natural oils that came out to play after not washing for over a week. We took my hair down to see the overall length and assess the damage to my ends. I mentioned to him that my main concern was to cut the split ends and grown out color, but keep the length. Ray said taking off about an inch and giving some shape to the front of the hair would be the best plan of action, and that this type of cut would work well both curly and straight.

After: Fresh cut!

After taking my before photo, it was off to get a (much-needed) wash. Once back in my chair, Ray sectioned my hair off to get to cutting with precision. It was crazy to see how limp my ends looked as he cut them off, but there was such a sense of relief. Up until this point, this was the longest my hair has ever been in my adult life as at has been over a full year since my last hair cut. Length is cool, but my hair was completely lifeless and lacking bounce. Seeing the dead ends come off literally and figuratively made me feel lighter.

Side view: I am BEAMING

After a full conversation about coconuts and our home countries of Belize and Taiwan respectively, my hair was sectioned off again post-cut to be styled with product. He used Ouidad Climate Control gel to rake and shake my hair, the method for styling curly hair in which you rake product through a section of hair thoroughly, then shake the section between your fingers to activate the curl pattern. I was placed under the hood dryer for approximately 15 minutes after product was distributed through my hair to lock in moisture, followed by diffusing the hair with the blow dryer to dry all remaining damp hair. Once dry, he distributed a shine serum throughout my hair to seal the shaft, and when I looked in the mirror, I felt like a superstar!

Back view: Shiny curls to envy!

My curls were so shiny and bouncy! Once I did a spin in the chair, fellow stylist Franny exclaimed, “You look like a Pantene model!” I was hype. No doubt about it. We took after photos with a proper ring light, making sure to have a combo of still photos, Boomerang, and slo mo for dramatic purposes. I told Ray that I felt like a new person, and we took a selfie to remember the moment forever. With my cut, my hair looks and feels super healthy, and I can’t wait to go back to Ray for my next cut. If you are a curly girl, I highly recommend Ray for your next cut and styling experience!

Silly selfie with Ray after my cut

 

Haircraft Studio by Ray 

The Gregory Hotel
42 West 35th Street (Mezzanine level)
New York, NY 10001
United States

(212) 947-0200 ext 7024

*All photos by Andrea K. Castillo & Ray Guh

That Time I Got My Hair Cut At ARROJO Williamsburg With Celebrity Hairstylist Paul Merritt

ARROJO Williamsburg. Photo courtesy of ARROJO

The summer can really do a ton of damage to your hair. Whether it be excessive exposure to UV rays, or chlorine or salt water, our tresses need a bit of revamp at the end of the season. This summer my mane was in full splendor after my cut & color from ARROJO Williamsburg in late-May had grown out a bit. I was starting to notice that my ends were looking a bit sad, and told myself I was due for another cut.

Hair whilst in Cali. Long but needing a cut.

I really noticed this while I was out in California for my birthday, and was determined to get another trim or cut by end of August. On my last day out West, I received an email from Andrew Arrojo to come in for cut the following day (my first day back in NYC), but not just any cut; this would be a cut with celebrity hairstylist Paul Merritt. His work has been featured in various international fashion magazines, so I was super pumped.

When I arrived at ARROJO Williamsburg that afternoon and was greeted by Paul, I immediately thought, “This man is cool”, and that he was. I told him about my hair and how I wasn’t afraid to cut some length off as I knew I had a lot of dead ends at the time. I also stressed that I wanted a style that had the versatility of being styled curly or straight effortlessly. He knew just what to do, and gave me a freehand dry cut, which is great for curls as you can see the shape properly throughout.

Paul Merritt and I, post hair-cut

We chatted a lot about music and the UK garage scene (he’s from London), as well as hair color. My highlights have been growing out, and I had experimented with an aqua semi-permanent dye, which made my tresses look green at the time. “You should do the green!” he said, and I totally agreed. “I want highlights to match my eyes”, I said, so look out for that sometime soon. I wasn’t afraid that more length came off than I expected, as my hair grows back relatively fast. The following evening I had a birthday party to attend where I would debut my look.

New haircut, kind of blurry selfie

To say I was not feeling myself would be the opposite of the truth. The shorter length that barely grazed my shoulders made me feel super sexy, in a “I’m the boss” kind of way. It was so awesome to receive this cut from Paul. Are you digging the look? Let me know in the comments!

 

*Photos by Andrea K. Castillo’s iPhone

I received a complimentary haircut from ARROJO Williamsburg.

Call Your CurlFriends! #CURLFEST In Brooklyn Shows Us The Beauty In Sisterhood

Ladies dancing to the music

Living in a world where Black bodies are constantly under attack, respite is always welcomed. Whether it be social groups in schools or within your community, it is important to have those moments where you feel safe, and where your individuality is celebrated. In my life, I seek out these types of experiences, and one that I can now add to my list is Curl Fest.

Curls and Italian ices

Now in its second year, Curl Fest is the brain child of the Curly Girl Collective, an experiential marketing group that specializes in multicultural beauty. I first became familiar with the collective a few years back through mutual friends, and received notice of the inaugural Curl Fest last spring. I was bummed that I did not make it out that time, so when I received the invite for this year, my eyes lit up.

Held this year on August 29th at the Neathermead in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, the event was the ultimate celebration of natural beauty.

Two of a kind

On the sun-filled afternoon, natural-haired beauties beamed in the park and had the opportunity to mingle with their curl friends, and enjoy unique hair-themed activations. Sounds were provided by my girl, and one of my favorite DJs, Tiff McFierce. Styling stations were set up to primp all textures of locs, haircare lines were in tow for demos, and natural hair influencers were available to chat with attendees about their experience.

A hint of violet

Adding to the excitement was a full marketplace with fashion, accessory, and literary vendors. Beverages were also on hand to cool everyone off in the 90 degree weather. I was in the house serving double duty; covering for my blog as well as interviewing various attendees for a larger team project (that I will reveal at a later date). One thing that I noticed from the jump that did not change; everyone was in good spirits, and everyone felt like family.

Typical me

In my chats with my fellow attendees, never did I feel like someone was judging me. I did not feel any negative energy in regards to my appearance or the way I spoke, everyone seemed very warm and open to chat with me. I hugged and joked around with women whom I had met for the first time that day. I danced in a circle with the women behind Curly Girl Collective, and everyone present. I connected with people, majority Black women, in a completely organic way.

Do you understand how important that is?

Mother & daughter

To be in a public park in the inner-city on one of the hottest days in the summer without being harassed because of the length of my shorts? To be surrounded by fellow Black women and receive hugs instead of side eyes (*Note: this doesn’t happen to me much, but that’s what mass media & reality TV try to shove down our throats)? To feel completely free for that moment of my life? That’s a huge deal.

Carefree

To say Curl Fest was a gathering of “carefree Black girls” is an understatement. I would say this is true, but I would add that it truly felt like the grounds for building a sisterhood. Men were present in smaller numbers, but women were at the forefront here, and that is what made it so beautiful.

Squad photo to end off a lovely day

My afternoon ended with the above squad photo, of friends new and old. Can you tell which ones I’ve known for years and which I met that day? Maybe that was a rhetorical question, but I hope it is not so easy to tell as we truly welcomed everyone with open arms, and that alone is where the beauty beyond the physical lies.

*All photos by Jason Chandler

#CURLFEST NEW DATE ANNOUNCEMENT: Sat. August 29. 1-6 PM @ Prospect Park in Brooklyn!

After being postponed back in June due to inclement weather, #CURLFEST is back with a new date! On Saturday, August 29th, bring out all of your girls with curls to Prospect Park to bask in an afternoon of fun with the curly hair community. Expect tunes, dancing, curl demonstrations, and eats from some of your favorite food trucks.

Previous RSVP holders will be able to register on August 10th, and new attendees will be able to register on August 11th. The event is totally FREE! For more details and FAQs, head over to the Curly Girl Collective blog.

My Super Awesome Hair Makeover at ARROJO Williamsburg w/ My Contest Winner, Jordanna!

BEFORE THE CUT & COLOR

On a rather normal day in mid-May, I was checking my e-mail and came across a rather exciting message in my iCloud account. I was perplexed as to how I was even receiving mail there, as I rarely use the account. I opened the message and see it is from Andrew Arrojo from ARROJO salon. I read the words “free cut & color, for you and a friend, in Williamsburg” and I almost dropped my phone. I had worked with the salon a few times in the past, and I was ecstatic for this opportunity as I was able to reenergize the relationship, transform my hair as it was in pretty bad shape, bring a friend, and not have to leave Brooklyn.

I was invited for the service in the afternoon of their new Williamsburg salon’s grand opening festivities, and given the chance to stay and network at the party in the evening. I brought Jordanna of The Fashionette with me, as she won my contest for a hair makeover.

JORDANNA PRE-CUT

We both came in with dark brown, rather limp tresses. Jordanna had been transitioning to natural hair for a few months, but wanted to go for a short pixie cut for summer, in a blue-black tone. I hadn’t cut my hair in about six months and wanted to do something fresh and new. I decided on warm caramel highlights and fresh layers that added movement, but kept the majority of my length.

FUNNY FACE WHILE LETTING MY CARAMEL HIGHLIGHTS SET IN

This selfie was obligatory as it really looked like my hair was plastic at this point. My colorist Lucy informed me that the plastic wrap helps process the color. My strands were bleached first then toned down to a warm caramel color.

JORDANNA GETTING HER BLUE/BLACK COLOR

Jordanna wanted to give her tresses more edge with this blue-black dye. As some of her strands were a little lighter from previous color, her process was a bit longer, but created an awesome result.

SIDE VIEW OF MY FINAL LOOK

I showed my stylist John an image that I found in a Google search of the type of cut I wanted. The layers were a bit whimsical with great length, just a little past my shoulder. I think he really nailed it as he great technique cutting my curly hair. I’ve had unfortunate cuts in the past where the curls don’t blend and are very boxy. I’m super happy with the cut, and the blowout he gave me.

EXCITEMENT WITH JORDANNA! LOVE HER EDGY PIXIE CUT

Look at how different we look! Isn’t Jordanna’s pixie awesome? Her stylist and colorist did an awesome job, and were really thoughtful and patient with her kinkier curls. I really want to stress the fact that ARROJO stylists are trained incredibly well. They can handle all hair types, from my thicker, wavy strands, to Jordanna’s finer, kinkier strands. I think we both got the look we wanted, and more.

FRONT VIEW OF MY FINAL LOOK

Here is my “sexy/quirky” selfie of my final look. Yes, I felt like a Victoria’s Secret model. That’s how I always want to feel after having my hair styled.

POSTED WITH MY COLORIST, LUCY

After the cut & style, there was the party! Here I am with my super awesome colorist Lucy. We hung out at the grand opening party with prosecco in hand. I was able to meet a bunch of great ARROJO stylists and team members, whilst jamming to the tunes of DJ Spinva (who also happens to be a colorist at the SoHo salon).

ARROJO Williamsburg offered me such a lovely experience, from the service and stylists to the overall vibe of the space. I will definitely be back. In the meantime, you should check them out for your next cut or color. Tell them Andrea sent you! 🙂

ARROJO Williamsburg

11 Broadway

Brooklyn, NY 11249

718.215.6625

 

*Photos by Andrea K. Castillo for A Life In The Day of Andrea

I received a complimentary hair cut, color & style from ARROJO Williamsburg.

POSTPONED: Curly Girl Collective Presents Curl Fest 2015, “The Ultimate Natural Beauty Festival” 6/28/15 @ Prospect Park

Girls with the curls, listen up! The beautifully coiled women behind Curly Girl Collective are back with the second annual Curl Fest, dubbed “the ultimate natural beauty festival”. It is an opportunity for the curly girls (and those that love them) to flourish Brooklyn-style in an awesome picnic setting in Prospect Park. In addition to the picnic there will be a live DJ & dance party, food trucks, curly hair styling stations, beauty chats, and marketplace.

Sponsors this year include Carol’s Daughter, Kinky Curly, Hype Hair, and more. Be sure to follow @curlygirlcollective on social media and tag #Curlfest before and during the fest to win very special prizes! Entry is FREE and you can RSVP here. See you in the park!

 CURL FEST 2015

Sunday, June 28th

1-6 PM

Prospect Park Nethermead, Prospect Park

Brooklyn, NY 11225

*UPDATE 6/25/15*

CurlFest has been postponed due to weather concerns. Will keep you updated regarding the new date!

*Photo courtesy of Curly Girl Collective

Exclusive Interview: ARROJO Studio Owner Nick Arrojo Talks Hair Education, Styling Products, & Opening A New Salon In Brooklyn!

NICK ARROJO WORKING HIS MAGIC ON A CLIENT

You have been a hairstylist for over thirty years and salon owner for over ten. What initially sparked your passion in haircare and styling?

Growing up just outside Manchester, England, I was constantly re-creating my image. Inspired by music and fashion, I spent every day of my teenage years reading the key fashion magazines of the time (of which there were very few) and getting into all the new trends. Changing the way I looked was a huge part of my development. I thought a hair salon would be a great environment to work, with music playing all day, meeting lots of new and interesting people, and having the chance to be creatively involved in the fashion industry. I loved my new job. The high energy, a hip young team of staff, music playing all day, friendly clients, and parties every weekend. I realized that I wanted this to be my career. By luck or by fate, I landed a job at the best salon in the country, Vidal Sassoon, and I haven’t looked back.

As part of your business model, you operate Arrojo Cosmetology School in your SoHo flagship on Varick St. How important is education to the ARROJO philosophy?

It’s fundamental to everything we do. Education is the foundation of a lasting, prosperous, creative and rewarding hairdressing career. It raises standards of craftsmanship and professionalism throughout our industry. I believe education is the backbone of strong technique, of creative expression, of confidence with clients, of feeling motivated and inspired, of success in any field of hairdressing.

STYLING CHAIRS AT ARROJO WILLIAMSBURG

This past month you opened your first outpost in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. Tell us more about the space and what clients can expect.

Williamsburg is an incredible, almost unbelievable space and location for us. Manhattan has always been the place for the Mega Salon, whereas Brooklyn has a more bohemian feel. But it has grown and grown, and become a capital of fashion and trend in its own right. We feel our culture, standards, and aesthetics are perfect for the people and the lifestyle here. Located at 11 Broadway, it’s an iconic spot by Williamsburg Bridge with views to the East River and Manhattan’s skyline. A 3300 square foot site with 15-feet high windows and a 25 foot high ceiling, the custom architectural design is influenced by industrial elegance and modern minimalism; a suspended wall of light, flowing lines and aesthetic functionality make for a strikingly beautiful space.  To ensure continuity of our world-class service standards, the first stylists to work out of Williamsburg come with years of experience at our Varick Street Flagship. 6 girls, 1 guy, and a weekly visit from myself (to take clients), it’s an amazing team of stylists and people, committed to giving the people of Brooklyn Great Hair and Good Vibes.

You have a full line of styling products that you sell in your salons, ambassador salons, and online. What are some of your personal favorites to use on clients?

For guys, I love texture paste –– a flexible, medium-hold product that’s perfect for short and messy styling. It creates texture and separation with a smooth matte finish, which is great for modern men’s styles. I use it on girls with short hair too, especially for that just-rolled-out-of-bed look.

For a great cleanse and condition I recommend our Shine Luxe Shampoo and Conditioner. Sulfate and paraben free, it’s a luxurious combination designed to generously restore hair’s natural luster and luminescence. Filled with opulent oils like macadamia and cocoa butter that quench dryness, add vitality, they are feel good products giving an upscale experience.

PRODUCT WALL INSIDE ARROJO WILLIAMSBURG

For styling women and girls, I have three hero products.

Wave Mist is one of our newest products and already a client favorite. It uses sea salt and sea kelp to create playful body and texture and the loose, wavy and beachy styles that are perfect for summer.

ReFresh Dry Conditioner is another new favorite. Everyone loves dry shampoo and now we have its perfect complement: dry conditioning. ReFresh is a weightless spray for impossibly soft and silky hair, instantly, anytime, anywhere, and especially for second or even third day hair. On clean hair we’ve also found it adds bombshell to blow-outs. Just blow-out your hair as you like it and mist ReFresh into mid-lengths and ends and see how the shine and the silk makes for irresistibly touchable locks.

And then there is our original hero: ReFINISH dry shampoo. Recently recognized in Real Simple’s 15th anniversary issue as one of the best ever beauty products, we believe it’s there best dry shampoo on the market. It gives tons of instant texture and volume, and never leaves any white powder residue. We call it “gorgeous on the go, miracle style rescue.”

Contest: Want A Hair Pick-Me-Up? Win a Cut & Color At ARROJO Williamsburg w/ Andrea K. Castillo On Thu. 5/28!

Hey girl hey! Spring is here, and you’ve been pleading to yourself that you are due for a hairstyle change, but haven’t gotten to it yet? Whether it be a busy schedule, not finding the right stylist, or just being strapped for cash, we believe that YOU deserve that new hairstyle that you’ve wanted. Here’s the deal.

We have teamed up with one of our favorite salon brands in NYC, ARROJO, for a super special experience at their newly opened location in Williamsburg in our hometown of Brooklyn. We are giving ONE lucky winner a cut & color for FREE (or either/or, depending on your preference) on the afternoon of Thursday, May 28th. If this isn’t enough for you, you will be getting your hair did in my company, as I will be refreshing my ‘do as well at the same time! You will get the V.I.P. treatment before the crowd comes in for the salon’s grand opening event that evening, that you a free to stick around for, of course. Sounds pretty BOSS, right? So here’s how you enter.

TO ENTER:

• Leave a quick comment below to say why you believe you should be chosen for the hair makeover, or tag a friend that you believe deserves it.
• Follow @alifeinthedayof on Twitter and tweet us “I deserve an #ARROJOBK makeover because…” OR Follow @alifeinthedayof on Instagram and comment on this photo with #ARROJOBK.
• “Like” us on Facebook, and tell your friends!

 GUIDELINES:

• Must be a resident of the New York City area, aged 21 or over.
• Must follow the site and related social media. No exceptions.
• If chosen, must be present for cut/color on Thursday, May 28th at 3 PM at ARROJO Williamsburg.
• Upon being awarded the prize, you must specify if you want a cut, color, or both.

The lucky winner will be announced on Friday, May 22nd at 12 PM EST. Good luck to you!

 

*Photo courtesy of ARROJO

Nailed It: Carefree Lavender Vibes in “Charming” by Kryolan

If you have been keeping up with my Nailed It nail color swatching series, you would have come to the conclusion that I have a penchant for bold colors. I try pastels every now and then, but tend to be drawn to blue, green, and pink hues. I’ve never tried a lavender hued nail polish (in my life I think), so when I received this perfectly pastel lavender from Kryolan, I was almost reluctant to try it out.

I looked at the bottle and turned it over to see the color name which read Charming; they already won me over. The color is a neutral, creamy light lavender shade, pretty balanced in blue and pink undertones.

My lovely cousin Ashley was the woman behind my manicure. We achieved this color with a base, two coats of color, and a top coat, which you can see is very true to the color seen in the bottle. I really digged the final look because it complemented my complexion well, which I did not expect. This color pairs well with mint green, peach, white, black, and shades of tan.

Charming is available for purchase on Kryolan’s e-commerce site and retails for $9.95. Get into it!

 

*Photos by Andrea K. Castillo for A Life In The Day of Andrea

Nailed It: Show Your Best Green For Mental Health Awareness Month With “Tilda” by ZOYA + Help Me Raise Funds for NAMI Walks NYC!

ZOYA “Tilda”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Having friends and family members that suffer from mental illness, and having dealt with anxiety and depression on my own, mental health awareness is an initiative that is very close to my heart. To show my support for the cause, I decided to paint my nails this lush shade of leafy green in “Tilda” by ZOYA as green is the color of mental health awareness, as pink is the color of breast cancer awareness.

Tilda close-up

The nail polish itself is a creme that is somewhere between a lime green and a fresh leaf or grass green. To achieve the look in the photos, we used a base coat, two coats of polish, and a top coat. The polish’s formula is a bit thicker than others, so application may look a little messy. Not to fret, the formula dries smoothly. My lovely cousin/newly-crowned manicurist Ashley painted my nails and encouraged the green as we will be walking a 5K with NAMIWalks NYC this coming weekend to raise vital funds for families and individuals living with mental illness. 

Please support us if you can! Any donation counts. You can check out my Fundraising Page here to donate.

*Photos by Andrea K. Castillo for A Life In The Day of Andrea

Nailed It: Take A Ride With “Pony” By Floss Gloss

FLOSS GLOSS PONY

It’s been some time since I’ve done a nail color review, for so many reasons, mainly not putting the time in to doing my nails. As the weather warms up and I’m shaking off the blues of colder weather, I decided to share a color that screams SPRING in Pony by Floss Gloss. I especially wanted to share this shade as I bumped into the ladies behind the brand recently at the BUST Craftacular Primped at Brooklyn Night Bazaar.

Since I had peeled off my nail polish a few days prior, I felt this color would give me a fresh new start. My lovely cousin Ashley did my manicure, which I believe, came out WAY better than it has as of late at my local salon. No shade, I promise.

CLOSE-UP WITH BOTTLE

Pony is described as a “neon peach creme”, but don’t let that scare you. Your nail color may or may not glow in the dark, but the neon element they speak of is more so a brightness. To achieve this level of opacity, we used a white base coat. On my hands, the contrast makes it look like I got a nice little tan, even though I have yet to get any sun this season. As it is a pastel, it’s a great everyday shade, and pairs well with whites and aquas.

If you want to get your nail art game on, I would suggest pairing Biscuits, Mrs. Tony Montana, Wet, or Wavepool (all by Floss Gloss) with this creamy shade. All colors retail for $8 and are available for purchase on FlossGloss.com. Would you rock this shade?

 

*Photos by Andrea K. Castillo for A Life In The Day Of Andrea

EVENT + GIVEAWAY: BUST Craftacular’s “Primped” At The Brooklyn Night Bazaar, Sun. April 19th. Enter To WIN Tickets!

Hey girl hey! So Spring has officially sprung for real in New York City, and you are probably in a state of immense spring cleaning and wardrobe updating, right? Wouldn’t it be perfect to update your wardrobe and home with pieces from local indie makers, who are mostly women, and get dolled up at the same time? Of course you answered yes! Well, the BUST Craftacular “Primped” event is back next week at Brooklyn Night Bazaar to serve up some goodness.

A GUEST AT LAST YEAR’S EVENT W/ SHEA MOISTURE

The event will feature over 65 indie beauty, fashion, and vintage vendors for your shopping pleasure, along with many FREE activities, including:

• Braid Bar from Fringe Salon
• Jewelry Making with Brooklyn Charm
• Flower Crown Making
• Nail Art with Floss Gloss
• Tarot Readings
• Temporary Fashion Tattoos by Tattoonie
• Hand Masssage from Dr. Bronner’s 
• Put yourself on the cover of BUST magazine at the Car2Go Photobooth

Admission for the event is $5, BUT since you are here on the blog, YOU (yes you) can win a pair of tickets for yourself and your favorite girlfriend! We will be giving out three pairs of tickets. Here’s what you gotta do.

• Leave a quick comment below to say which friend of yours you will bring if chosen. First name or social media name is fine!
• Follow @alifeinthedayof on Twitter & Instagram
• “Like” us on Facebook, and tell your friends!

Winners will be chosen on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. May the odds be in your favor!

ARROJO Studio Makes The Trip Across The Bridge, Opening Their First Brooklyn Location This Month!

A view from above of ARROJO’s newest digs in Williamsburg

ARROJO Studio, the famed multi-dimensional hair studio in SoHo led by master stylist Nick Arrojo is expanding. Being a mainstay on Varick St. for thirteen years, the brand is opening their first satellite location right over the bridge in Brooklyn, Williamsburg to be exact. Over the years I have frequented their SoHo flagship and beamed once hearing the news of the Brooklyn opening, which happens next week on April 14th.

The Williamsburg salon features 3300 sq. ft. in a minimalist design, housing 32-chairs in a space full of light.

Street-level view

Says Arrojo:

Manhattan has always been the place for the Mega Salon, whereas Brooklyn has a more bohemian feel. But it has grown and grown, and become a capital of fashion and trend in its own right. We feel our culture, standards, and aesthetics are perfect for the people and the lifestyle there.

To check out a behind-the-scenes look on the new salon, take a gander at this video. We will be sure to keep you posted with the grand opening details and more!

 

*Photos courtesy of ARROJO