Non-Toxic Haircare, Body Wash and Lotion

Did you know, there are only 1 and half pages of federal law used to regulate the $200 BILLION cosmetics industry?!

Unfortunately, this isn't just limited to cosmetics - it's the whole beauty industry.  Toxic chemicals (that don't need to be in body wash or lipstick), are just one of the many reasons why I started switching over all my items.  Here's what I have found for shampoo, body wash and lotion that are also easy to order as they all can be found on Amazon!

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Shampoo
I was considering making my own shampoo, until my hair stylist cautioned me about mixing something that would be too high on the PH scale for the skin.  Thankfully, I didn't have to experiment with different recipes because I found Rahua.

Rahua is 100% natural, organic and 100% vegan shampoo.  It doesn't contain any parabens, silicones, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or synthetic dyes. 

I buy it from Amazon and Rahua has a range of products from a conditioner to a hair mask, travel kits (so convenient!), hair spray and more. 

I've only tried the shampoo.  It has a very subtle, exotic smell (I think it's the Rahua oil), but the nice thing is that it does sud (lots of natural, non-toxic products don't sud because the chemical-filled products have foaming agents added to them, like SLS, which is in toothpaste!  What?!  I just brush with coconut oil - you can add baking soda or activated charcoal as a natural teeth whitener). 

This shampoo gets my hair squeaky clean and I can't wait to try their other products! 

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Body Wash
It took me some time to find a good body wash (bar soap is easy - try Dr. Bronner's), but I still missed having something in liquid form. 

I was using one brand until I found it had perfume or "fragrance" in it, which through my research I've learned is bigger loop hole in the beauty industry and the least regulated or tested (you can read more about fragrance in products HERE.)

I ordered 100% Pure's Coconut Shower Gel from where else, Amazon, and I looooove it!  A little goes a long way with this stuff (it lathers up beautifully), and it smells like a beach vacation, but it's not a fake coconut smell or too sweet (fake scents give me a headache). 

This shower gel is gluten and cruelty free and doesn't contain any sulfates or any other detergents, artificial fragrances, perfumes, dyes or chemical preservatives.  The packaging is also BPA and phthalate free (would love to start phasing out all this plastic!). 

You can also check out there wide range of products on their website, which offers free shipping and some amazing products like mascara, body scrub, make up and more! 

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Sea Sponge
When I was switching out all my bath products, I also picked up a Natural Sea Sponge at Bed, Bath and Beyond (I think I had looked at Target and could only find plastic ones). 

It was $12.99 and is by the brand Swissco Spa.  It's absorbent, durable and doesn't need to be replaced as often as the plastic loofahs, which are terrible because plastic can never be recycled.  We have to live and figure out what to do with all the plastic we've created in less than 100 years.... yikes!

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Lotion
I keep my lotion really simple by using organic, unrefined coconut oil (refined is processed and too hard on the liver). 

I like the Dr. Bronner's brand.  Coconut oil is also one of the 3 ingredients in my deodorant (which I can eat!), listed in this blog post. 

I apply this after I shower and many times, before bed so my hands, feet and legs can soak up some extra moisture.  It works great and is inexpensive, organic, vegan and cruelty free! 

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Towels and Other Bathroom Items
If you're looking to switch to other organic bathroom products, then I would suggest checking out BeHomeWell.com which sells organic towels and bathrobes.  They also have a wonderful selection of non-toxic and sustainable kitchen, baby, mom-to-be and bedroom items. 

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From the time we wake up till we put our head on the pillow at night, I don't think we realize how many products we are applying to our skin.  From shampoo to body wash, lipstick, cover up and more, the beauty industry is a bit scary (I've listed some very clean make up brands HERE.)

Thankfully there are many wonderful brands committed to creating non-toxic, organic and sustainable products... that work just as well as the chemical-filled ones!  Let me know some of your favorites in the comment section below.  I can't wait to check them out!

** Please note, that I am not a health expert or doctor and I don't have any association with the products or websites mentioned above.  You should only use what you feel is best for you.  I am just here to share what I find to be helpful and inspiring in the world of fashion.  I too, am navigating this beauty world, but the real goal is to help you look and feel your best... every day. 

What to Pack In A Carry On

When packing your carry on, you want to focus on bringing whatever you need in case you are without your checked luggage.  

*  Pack an extra pair of underwear

*  Pack at least 1 additional top and if you have room, another bottom

*  Be sure to include something that doesn't need to be plugged in - a book, playing cards

*  You don't want to rely on the hotel or airport soap to wash your face so always include your toiletries

*  Place a piece of plastic wrap under the screw cap of shampoo or lotion bottles to prevent them from spilling

*  A umbrella insures you're prepared for rain with or without your suitcase

Traveling can be stressful, but when you're prepared, it makes it a lot easier.  I've created a packing checklist in the What and How to Pack Lesson for women that you can use each time you travel (for trip abroad or a long weekend getaway)! 

I also discuss what kind of shoes to pack, outfit suggestions, and how to pack jewelry, toiletries and more.  You'll arrive looking fresh, wrinkle-free and prepared... every time.  Click here to check out this fun course! 

This video was inspired by someone's question about what to pack in a carry on.  If you have a style question (big or small, for men or women), please let me know in the comment section.  I'd love to answer it in a video, blog post or newsletter! 

Break The Mold - Shopping for Plus, Petite, Tall, Dark Nude Shoes or Large Shoe Sizes

The fashion world might seem a bit narrow minded at time, but there are plenty of brands that sell large shoe sizes, plus sizes, and items for petite and tall men and women!

Women

Shoes
This is an area where I can relate because I wear a size 11.  Most shoes stop at size 10, but these brands offer size 11+ and many times, start at a smaller size such as 4.5 or 5.

*  Stuart Weiztman is a go-to brand for many women because his shoes are so comfortable and he always offers a range of styles - classic, on trend, dressy and more.  Most of his shoes start at size 4 and offer full and half-sizes all the way up to size 12.  Woo hoo!  He also offers narrow sizes and his shoes work well for people who have a narrow heel (this is more common than you think!).

*  I never knew waterproof leather and suede boots existed until I discover Aquatalia.  Their shoes are stylish AND functional, but they also offer wide, narrow and extremely narrow sizes.  Their boots also come in extended calf width as well and some styles go up to a size 12.

*  I like Ivanka Trump's shoes because she always has a fun pair of flats and some classic kitten heels for my clients.  Many of her class styles start at size 4 and are available in narrow, medium and wide widths up to a size 12. 

Nude Tights and Shoes
*  Tights are usually very limited in their range of size offerings, but Nordstrom (their own brand), Spanx, and Hue offer plus size.

*  Nubian Skin offers tights in a wide range of skin tones from cafe au lait to cinnamon.  They also have plus size available as well!

*  Bare Necessities and Nude Barre offers tights in a wide range of skin tones. 

*  If you're darker than the color "buff", it can be hard to find nude shoes to match your skin tone.  Christian Louboutin launched a line called "The Nudes", which offers his classic pointy toe pump in several different shades.  While Christian Louboutin can be pricey, you can check other brands such as Nine West, Stuart Weitzman, and Enzo Angiolini. 

Clothes
The average height that mainstream brands work off of is 5'8" or an inseam of 32" (30" is considered short or ankle length). 

*  If you're tall, some of my go-to brands include MaxMara (many times their pants are unfinished), but they have beautiful, timeless clothes.  Theory is another good brand for long pants as well as Rachel Roy, Hugo Boss, and Halsted Heritage.  Each of these is cut a bit longer and work well if you have a long torso.  I've also had great luck with Ralph Lauren wrap dresses for some of my taller clients. 

*  I know people hesitate to shop online, but I love it and this is where you can find some amazing things!  Especially tall and petite sizes.  Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Loft all have a good selection of tall and petite items online. 

*  Petites can also check out Tahari, Eliza J, Nic & Zoe, Vince Camuto and BCBG, which is cut a bit smaller for blazers, tops and dresses. 

*  For plus size, surprisingly, a good place is, wait, don't be shocked, but Talbots!  While I don't usually like Talbots style, they are a go-to when I'm shopping for plus size basics like a pencil skirt, button down blouse or fitted dress. 

*  Some other plus size favorites include Michael Kors and Vince Camuto (both of these can be found at major department stores or online).  Elloqui, which is only found online, is another great brand for stylish separates and suiting basics.  They also have trendy dresses, skirts and tops. 

*  And, don't knock 'em until you tried them, but Not Your Daughter's Jeans offers a ton of colored jeans, ankle and knit pants.  The basic colors and styles are usually available in size 16, 18 and 20.  Good news is that all of their cuts are very generous so you will probably go down a size.

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Men

Shoes
A lot of men wear insoles and it can be hard to find shoes that fit.  Fortunately, Memphisto has come a long way with its styles and their insoles are removable.  Ecco also has removable insoles and Allen Edmonds offers a wide range of sizes in width from very narrow to very wide.  Their cork sole makes this a reliable and comfortable shoe (that's also made in the USA! :).

Clothes
If you don't have broad shoulders, then European brands are going to fit best.  Ted Baker is stylish, yet cut a bit smaller.  Hugo Boss is also a slimmer cut, but it's not too narrow so don't be afraid to try this brand if you want a nice, tailored look.  Theory is also a good, slim-fitting brand. 

For tall or larger men, some good go-to's include Peter Millar, the Nordstrom brand and AG jeans.  In fact, every client has always gone down one size with AG jeans.  These are also terrific because they come in a wide range of colors like a bright blue, gray, olive and khaki-colored brushed cotton jeans. 

What are you favorite go-to brands for less than average sizes?  There are so many sites and styles out there - I would love to include them on this list!