Beauty: Dove Hair Care

Two years ago I picked up a habit of dying my hair when I was too afraid to make a significant cut, ombré first, then red followed up with my current state of dark brunette. Six months after 'the big chop', now more than ever, I've had unhealthy attachment to my curling iron. After years of long hair, I now have to deal with a cut that I want to style every day. It’s safe to say my hair has seen its fair share of breakage (I shed more than a dog probably does) and split ends. That’s where Dove’s Hair Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner step in. Even after the first wash, I noticed an immediate difference between the shampoo/conditioner I used to use compared to Dove’s. My hair was soft to the touch, no left over residue, and smelled amazing (a must!). Plus a shampoo and conditioner that work with your hair’s keratin to help strengthen and repair? Who can compete with that? I can rest a little easier now knowing my shampoo and conditioner are working for me and not against.  After washing and drying my hair, I curled it with a curling wand and my curling iron and spritzed a bit of hairspray.

Leave a comment below and let me know your hair care routine! Have you tried Dove Hair Care before? Make sure to share your results here, thousands of prizes are up for grabs!

Dove understands that having beautiful, healthy-looking hair gives you the confidence to feel your best. Whether your hair is dry or damaged, Dove has a tailor-made solution for your hair care needs.  After just one wash hair is shiny, healthy-looking and full of life. Thanks to Dove, you can look and feel beautiful from the inside out.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dove via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dove. Thank you for supporting content that makes The Brunette One possible.

Event: Cedar Rapids LOFT Grand Opening

If you are in the Cedar Rapids area on Saturday from 1-4pm, join me at the Grand Opening of the LOFT Store on Collins Road Square! The new store will be smaller than a typical LOFT store and have more a boutique feel to it. Celebrate the grand opening and a chance to win a $250 LOFT shopping spree! I have my eyes {which are always bigger than my wallet} on these boots, a swingy drop waist dress, metallic trousers, this blouse dress, scalloped Mary Jane pumps, this cobalt dress, and this tweed blazer. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Junior League of Cedar Rapids! Hope to see you there!

Life Update

Whew. What a crazy few months it has been. From a trip to WWDMAGIC in Vegas as an official blogger to my first trip to New York Fashion Week thanks to Wallis, to getting back into my everyday casual routine, life has just been nuts. I haven't had much time to breathe since returning from almost back to back trips. And with autumn's official arrival, we dive head first into wedding planning with engagement photos this evening and my first bridal shower in two weeks. I have some great things in the works coming up for The Brunette One, I just ask for patience as I try and balance my full time job, wedding planning, and this blog. Last week I had to deal with some pretty unfortunate things that I can't talk much about here, but I just ask all of you to back up your computers. Stop saying you'll do it tomorrow, next week or next month. Do it now. You will never know when something will happen and everything may be lost forever. Lessons learned. I may be posting sporadically until I am able to get a new laptop - so I just ask for your patience.

In other news, here is what has been keeping me preoccupied this past week:

A casual fall look. Can't wait to recreate this Kendi creation.

Wedding plans, slowly but surely falling into place

This nook. 

Have you ever done a detox?

These cut-out ankle boots are to die for. If only money grew on trees.

I can't wait for Halloween {cue Hocus Pocus on repeat and the Pumpkin Spice Lattes} - too soon?!

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My Style: Pleated Skirt

Forever21 Crop Top | gifted H&M Skirt | Coach Crossbody | Kenda Kist Necklaces

The last few weeks I have been savoring every last bit of summer, and this past weekend we officially welcomed the start of fall.  Warm and humid summer nights linger and fade away into cool, breezy mornings. The sun sets a little earlier with every passing evening. I try and hold onto these nights and memories to help keep me warm once the cold arrives.

This night in particular I was able to catch the most spectacular sunset on the beach, closing out summer unofficially on Labor Day {better late than never...right?}.

My Style: Bib + Tuck

Look 1: Rachel by Rachel Roy Dress via Bib + Tuck | Zara Heels | Kenda Kist Necklace  

Look 2: Alice& Olivia Dress via Bib + Tuck | Zara Heels 

A few weeks ago I did a major closet overhaul. While I typically donate most of my clothes to Goodwill, I recently joined Bib + Tuck, an online community where other fashionistas can shop each other’s closets The catch? You spend and earn bucks (B+T currency) instead of an exchange of real money.  I was able to tuck this Rachel by Rachel Roy & Alice & Olivia Dress {plus a 3.1 Philip Lim blazer…coming soon to the blog} for under $250 B+T bucks!

You can earn B+T currency by ‘bibing’ your own clothes, shoes, or accessories. Decide what they are worth and assign a virtual price in bucks. Once someone snags your item, it’s time to tuck, spend your bucks as you please! This Rachel by Rachel Roy dress was tucked from the lovely Chelsea Kane, and other celebs, stylists, and designers are found tucking items such as Mara Hoffman, Jennifer Zeuner, Jilly Hendrix to name a few.

Sign up here and get $15 bucks when you join!

My Style: NYFW + Wallis

gifted Wallis Navy Bird Dress | Forever 21 Leather Jacket | Converse | Kate Spade Bag

I wore this Friday morning of NYFW. We didn’t have any shows until the afternoon, Rebecca Minkoff & Todd Snyder. We walked to breakfast and then around our hotel. It was a gorgeous morning, cool enough for my jacket, but still warm enough with the sun for bare legs. A perfect fall-ish day in my book.

The afternoon turned hectic, we got to Lincoln Center early enough to capture some amazing street style and then headed inside to see if I could get my mom a ticket to Rebecca Minkoff, which turned out to be a joke as everyone else and their mom (literally) had standing room tickets. I waited in two separate lines and thankfully was in the front portion of my line that they let in once everyone had been seated. Once I entered the theater I made way for the stairs but a PR rep stopped me and said to go across the room, as there were seats that needed filling. I didn’t need to be told twice. A seat at Rebecca Minkoff? Yes. Her show brought us a live performance by Janelle Monáe and the most beautiful & festive clothes and heeled gladiator sandals. Did I mention that I also had a perfect view of Olivia Palermo, Louise Rose, Jamie Chung, and Kelly Osbourne. Another moment for the books. It’s crazy how I spent over an hour waiting for the fifteen minute show, but it was well worth it.

Between shows, my mom and I grabbed lunch across the street and stumbled upon a Vogue party and left with some very generous gift bags. Oh, the adventures we have when we come to NYC. Following a quick stop to Zara where we did a bit of window shopping, we headed back to the tents for Todd Snyder. While waiting in line to be let into the presentation I spotted Jenna Lyons being interviewed and spied the Jonas Brothers being escorted into the Box. A perfect end to our time at the shows.

Afterwards we took a bicycle cab thanks to Pop Chips home, a walk that our aching feet just could not handle. We then swapped our heels for converse and headed to Rockefeller Center for a late night dinner. It was a long day for us but we enjoyed every minute of it.

Photos taken by Beth Peterson for The Brunette One. 

The Blogger Buzz, vol. 3

It's that time again...today we are talking all about our beauty must-haves!

 1. // Ashley Fine of One Fine Day

 I love The Beauty Blender: This bright pink makeup sponge lives up to the hype. Believe me, I hate gimmicks! Since I started using it earlier this year, I've received so many compliments regarding my complexion. I've never considered myself to be someone who has nice skin, so this was a huge coup! The application is foolproof and foundation looks airbrushed. What's not to love?

  2. // Samantha Peterson of The Brunette One

 I can't live without my Urban Decay Naked Palette! While the price is a bit steep, it is worth the investment. Easily go from day to night with the multitude of neutral shades offered! A huge plus? It makes packing my make-up a breeze. If you want something a bit smaller, try out theNaked Basics Palette.

 3. // Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista

 I've been trying to convert over to more natural + chemical free beauty products and was SO thrilled when my mom introduced me to The Honest Company- founded by Jessica Alba. The Lavender Mint flavor of this Honest Company Organic Lip Balm is my favorite- it's ultra-moisturizing and will be a total lifesaver this winter!

  4. // Laura Podlich of Beauty and the Beard

 My one beauty buy I can't live without is One Love Organics- Skin Savior. This stuff is seriously magic. It makes your skin softer than you could ever imagine as a moisturizer, and doubles as a waterless balm to remove makeup without irritation. PLUS it smells heavenly!

   5. // Katherine Nolden of The Duchess of Plumewood

I use this Clarisonic Mia every single night! I love how deeply it cleans my skin; I swear my skin has never looked better since I started using the Mia! Plus, I feel that the other beauty products I use are more effective because they can better penetrate my skin after it’s been cleansed so thoroughly! 

What's your beauty must-have this fall?!

My Style: NYFW Day 3

gifted Wallis Necklace | Forever 21 Tank | Cameo Pants {old} - Shop the Shorts

While there was a slight mix-up with what I planned to wear during my time in New York {emails lost in the abyss, expedite shipping gone rouge, etc.}, I was very happy to see this beautiful necklace in my box of goodies that greeted me at The London NYC upon our arrival. This necklace got a few snaps at Lincoln Center {which I'm still scouring the internet to find}, and I can't wait to wear it again with just about everything I own. I love the mix of chains with the sequins and stones. A statement necklace after my own heart! 

And of course, once again,a huge shout out Wallis Fashion for sending me to NYC to cover NYFW with Pentax! 

Photos by Beth Peterson for The Brunette One. 

My Style: NYFW Day 2

borrowed Cameo Walk a Mile Romper | Steve Madden Heels | gifted t+j designs Necklace | Kate Spade Handbag

 The lovely ladies over at Aimee let me take this Cameo romper {shop more looks here} out for a spin at NYFW. Everything about it just screamed 'me!' The structured shoulders, the playfulness of the cut-outs and the color blocking.  I knew the moment it was pulled it would be coming with me. While linen will always be a bit of a problem child when it comes to wrinkling, it was one of the best choices I could have made for a full day's worth of shows and running around the city!

Images taken by Beth Peterson for The Brunette One. 

My Style: NYFW Day 1

borrowed Lovers + Friends Babydoll Dress | Zara Booties | Target Hat | Kate Spade Handbag

Upon arrival to The London NYC, we freshened up and made the short trek over to Lincoln Center. Not even half way up to the entrance to the tents, I was stopped by a photographer who later mentioned she was capturing beauty trends for The Huffington Post. The moment she walked away, I turned to my mom and laughed. I came to the tents to capture street style, not thinking that I would ever be photographed for a website that I often stalk during fashion week for coverage. 

Low and behold, last Friday afternoon, a friend of mine shared this link on twitter, and I was left in shock. Not only was my photo selected for the round-up, it is the thumbnail for the article. Talk about a surreal moment. Once again, THANK YOU to everyone who helped me get to NYC!!

All images taken by Beth Peterson for The Brunette One. 

NYFW SS14 | Marissa Webb

Marissa Webb was my first show of New York Fashion Week. I couldn't have asked for a better start to my time at NYFW, it is something that I will remember for a very long time. We {my mom was my +1} had standing room tickets and just before the lights dimmed the PR guy told us to take a seat, we didn't need to be told twice.  As we took our seats, I spotted Alyssa Milano from across the aisle to a handful of bloggers that I follow, it was a pinch me! moment to say the least. Here are a few favorites from Webb's collection, I narrowed it down as much as possible as I had a new favorite piece with every new model that walked down the runway! 

Check out my full recap over on Divine Caroline!

All images taken by me for The Brunette One. 

NYFW Street Style: Day 3

Lady-like in black & white. 

A pop of color.

Get the Look: Top | Boots

Sometimes it's ok to mix black with navy.

Get the Look: Dress | Boots

Tomboy chic.

Get the Look: Overalls | Loafers

A leather shift with tennis shoes.

Get the Look: Dress | Sneakers

Candice Lake, looking pretty in pink.

She had the best ponytail & heels while her friend nailed the high-waisted trouser look.

Dressed up jean cut-offs.

She had someplace to be, but I loved the toned down denim look with shiny loafers.

A flirty skirt & lucite heels.

All images taken by me for The Brunette One.