Winter Archives - She's Red Haute

Strong and Healthy Hair with MONAT

SURVIVING TILL SPRING – PART 3: HAIR CARE

Redhead washing hair with Monat shampoo - she's red haute

We have officially made it to the third part of my “Surviving Till Spring” series. In part one, I used my redhead SPF expertise to answer the question: Why Wear Sunscreen in the Winter? Part two was all about what you wear, Making the Most of Sweater Weather by adding Spring neutrals. Finally, we zero in on your hair care, with how to retain Strong and Healthy Hair with MONAT!

SIDE NOTE: Be sure to scroll down for a chance to win some MONAT product in an exclusive She’s Red Haute GIVEAWAY!!!

MONAT principles - she's red haute

To start off, I have to commend this company. Beyond their incredible products, they run an initiative called MONAT Gratitude. They have made a high priority of giving back within the company’s core values. This initiative doesn’t stop at one event, product, or donation, but is an ongoing movement to make a difference. They understand the importance of family, love, community, gratitude and culture, which formulated the name MONAT.

CLEAN and GREEN: Aside from this amazing initiative, their products are sulfate, paraben, phthalate, PEG, and DEA/MEA free. They also don’t use harsh salt systems or harmful colors and fragrances. So, as you transition into Spring, you can transition into clean beauty with MONAT!

MONAT R3 System - she's red haute

About two weeks ago, I started using MONAT’s R3 System, which includes their RENEW Shampoo, RESTORE Leave-In Conditioner, and their Rejuvabeads (split hair mender). The I’ve noticed that most worth while hair products don’t usually lather. At first, I was worried about the silky lather this shampoo had as I thought it might leave a filmy feeling. However as I rinsed, I could tell it was a not going to be an issue and had a fresh, clean aroma. The RENEW Shampoo helps hydrate the hair and scalp as well as cleansing.

There is no in-shower conditioner with this system. Instead, they implement their RESTORE Leave-In Conditioner. Usually, leave-in conditioners make my hair greasy, so I was hesitant at first about this product. I used as directed for two weeks. I have to say, I love it! It’s super easy to comb through your hair after using. Additionally, the Rejuvabeads help to repair split ends and damage along hair shaft. THIS PRODUCT ROCKS! I have noticed a significant difference with less split ends and healthier feeling hair. Together, they make my hair feel silky and smooth.

MONAT blowout cream - she's red haute

After conditioning and repair, I use the MONAT Blow Out Cream before drying my hair. Even though it is a thick cream, it leaves your hair feeling light and soft (without feeling greasy). What is fantastic, is that it decreases styling and blow out time. Less time in the heat means healthier hair!

MONAT products for giveaway - she's red haute

GIVEAWAY! I’m teaming up with MONAT in an exclusive She’s Red Haute Giveaway! One lucky winner will receive the Rejuvabeads Split End Hair Mender, the “Only for You” Smoothing Primer, the Thermal Protectant and Styling Shield, and their Rejuveniqe Light, which is a blend of more than thirteen natural plant and essential oils healthy for your hair and skin. To enter giveaway:

Like the MONAT Giveaway post on the @shesredhaute Instagram page
Follow @shesredhaute on Instagram
Follow @monatofficial on Instagram
Subscribe to shesredhaute.com
Follow @shesredhaute on Facebook
Share to a friend in the comments of the @shesredhaute MONAT Giveaway post

Giveaway starts Thursday, March 14th at 7:30pm EST and ends Sunday, March 17 at 3pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced at 7:30pm EST on Sunday! This giveaway is not endorsed by Instagram. Only one winner. U.S. entries only.

TRY MONAT: R3 System, MONAT Blow Out Cream

Making the Most of Sweater Weather

SURVIVING TILL SPRING – PART 2: WHAT YOU WEAR

Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute wearing a white sweater with a cream scarf walking down a brick road

It becomes harder each day to pull out those thick sweaters, coats, and hats when you know the weather is so close to getting more warm. We are on the brink of Spring, however it is still 30 degrees outside. While you may not be able to pack away your coats just yet, you can dawn light Spring colors to help you mentally transition. It’s a fun way of making the most of sweater weather!

Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute wearing a white sweater with a cream scarf walking down a brick road

For this ensemble, I wanted to breach winter whites with soft Spring tones, such as tans, creams, and light pinks. It helps the look evolve into the next season.

Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute pulling back red hair to show earring

Due to the cold snap lately, my thick knitted H&M sweater was a perfect start to this look. I paired it with a printed vintage skirt with tan and brown hues. The snakeskin print that has been so popular this season, like this Nasty Gal skirt, would be perfect .

Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute wearing a white sweater with a cream scarf walking down a brick road

Lately, I have been inspired by the hanging scarf belted at the waist, made popular on the runway last season. I chose to use it to heighten the whole look with this cream scarf that my Granny knitted. Then I fastened it with a thin brown belt. By using this color, it pulls out the brown tones in the skirt and the boots. Also, it helps keeps in the heat and adds a sophistication to the outfit.

The light pink hue of the Marc New York bag throws a touch of Spring to complete the outfit. When the weather warms up to the 60’s, you could easily recreate this look with a light white top and switch out the boots for a cute pair of pumps. Add a white coat with a knitted texture to the mix, and Voila! By adding some soft neutrals and a cute print, you managed to take the drab of winter to a fun Spring-y level!

GET THE LOOK: H&M Sweater, Printed Skirt (Similar by Nasty Gal), Marc New York Bag (Similar by Michael Kors), Similar Brown Belt, Knitted Scarf

CHECK OUT “SURVIVING TILL SPRING – PART 1: SKINCARE” HERE

Why Wear Sunscreen in the Winter?

SURVIVING TILL SPRING – PART 1: SKIN CARE

Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute standing in snow wearing green coat

Most redheads are aware that although the warmth of Spring and Summer are absent, sunscreen is just as important in the winter. When it comes to your face, the bitter air can have a harsh effect on the fragile skin that is left uncovered. Finding the proper product for winter is key! But why wear sunscreen in the winter? There are a few great reasons:

Snow and Ice Reflect UV Rays – Similar to how you can burn easily when swimming in a pool, the sun reflects off the water onto your skin. In the winter, you can be surrounded by snow and ice, which has the same effect. Basically, it’s like laying in the yard with a vintage sun reflector from the 60’s.

Blond over tanned woman from the 60's using a tan reflector

Winter is Rough on the Skin – Cold wind and dry air results in skin being chapped over the winter. Without the proper hydration and protection, your face will undoubtably take on a reddish hue and crack due to dryness. Sunscreen creates a guarded barrier against these effects. Like an umbrella for your face!

Baby with red face from cold and snow

Unfortunately, when it’s chilly outside, you don’t feel the sun’s cruel rays. I kid you not, I was a Philadelphia Eagles game toward the end of the season where it was 38 degrees and SUNNY. The sun was beating on us for a good portion of the game and my face got burnt!

However, I understand if you don’t want to feel greasy or smell like a pina colada all winter. While Pina Colada’s are delicious, this is a valid complaint.

Coola Sport Classic Sunscreen on scarf She's Red Haute

I recommend using Coola Sun Care’s Classic Sunscreen. It’s super thin and dries quickly. I didn’t believe it at first since it is SPF 50, which is usually super thick. But after I tested it for two weeks, I am a firm believer. Also, you can try it in a clean White Tea scent... so bye bye coconut smell! Some of their other sunscreen products also come in a fresh cucumber scent or you can go unscented. A great winter perk: it’s also a moisturizer! It protects and keeps your skin from drying out. I recommend using it under your foundation.

This year, I have been making it a priority to use more natural products on my sensitive face. What I love most about the Coola sunscreen is that it is certified organic and endorsed by the American Lifeguard Association! It’s non-GMO, Vegan certified, and gluten and cruelty free! Plus, it’s TSA size approved… so when you take that mid-winter island getaway, it can travel with you!

Coola Sunscreen in snow

No one wants a leathery face in 20 years due to lack of care year round. Be good to yourself and keep those rays protected from your face!

Stay Healthy: Coola Sunscreen

CHECK OUT “SURVIVING TILL SPRING – PART 2: WHAT YOU WEAR“

Girl Boss Vibes

Redhead Girl wearing a grey suit with brown coat standing in front of a brick wall

Happy snowy spring! Hopefully, this will be my last snow shoot of the year. Ladies, it’s time to take the girl boss vibe to a whole new level! For an important meeting last week, I wanted to feel strong and confident! To accomplish this, I wore this classic grey J. Crew wool suit. A good suit is modern, refined, and currently all over the runway. Personally, I love the fit and the monochromatic color.

Redhead girl wearing grey suit and brown coat standing in front of a brick wall

To make the suit stand out, I detailed the outfit with touches of black seen in my H&M hat, my handbag and my argyle socks from J.Crew. I’m definitely ready to put away my coats, but I appropriately dressed for the weather in a London Fog wool cognac coat and a pair of warm black leather gloves.

Redhead girl wearing black hat standing in front of a red brick wall

Sometimes all you need is an empowering outfit to bring out the fearlessness inside you. Thankfully, this brought my confidence up to rock it out in the meeting!

Redhead girl wearing a gray suit and brown coat standing in front of a red brick wall

GET THE LOOK: London Fog Coat (similar), H&M Mock Turtleneck, J.Crew Blazer, J.Crew Pant, H&M Mock Turtleneck

F/W NYFW 2018 Recap | Part 1

Redhead in pink standing in front of lights

This was such an exciting fashion week because it was my debut of She’s Red Haute to the shows of NYFW! Fashion Week is a time when I can take some daring risks with my looks and let my outfits express my true personality. I’ve decided to break up my experience into two parts, so you can get the full effect!

Fashion week runway shows can be fantastic forms of expression of our current culture. This season, many designers put a huge focus on strong, empowering women bringing back 1980’s inspired power suits and bold colors.

Dan Liu runway finale

The Dan Liu show had a very James Bond vibe… if James Bond were a boss babe! He did a fantastic job designing long suit jacket dresses. I sported a Chanel inspired Karen Lawrence dress. The strong aura suggested in the dress, with the hightened sleeves and the lattice work illusion top, blends seamlessly with the feminine pearls and bows. Additionally, I paired the outfit with a mod pair of Qupid block heels and ivory socks to match my New York & Company coat, for warmth. Aside from the dress, my favorite part of this outfit is my Marc New York bag. I adore the color and metal ring handle.

Girl in pink outfit with baret and sunglasses

Marc New York by Andrew Marc handbag Redhead wearing black outfit with gold jacket

This gold power outfit was completely inspired by the NYFW Malan Breton F/W 2017 collection. His use of metallics and female suits was breathtaking. My jacket and handbag are from Marshall’s and the rest is from H&M. The scalloped belt, which I snagged from a vintage shop, complimented the scales on the jacket to a tee. I felt sleek and ready to take on the world in this outfit, which I wore to the Fashion Hong Kong show and after party, and the Dahlia Razzook trunk show.

Fashion Hong Kong Annette Chan, Harrison Wong, Yi Chan and Lary Cheung

NYFW colorful outfits fashion honk kong

Dahlia Razzook Trunk show

PINK LOOK: Pink Karen Lawrence Dress (Similar), Qupid Heels (Similar by Seven Madden), New York & Co. Coat (Similar), Marc New York Bag (similar)

GOLD LOOK: Gold Jacket (Similar by Rag & Bone), H&M Black Pants, H&M Boots, H&M Hat, Black Handbag (Similar by Chloe)

PINK PHOTO CREDITS: Hard Luck XII and Narratography

Rocking Winter Leather

Redhead in leather jacket looking down on steps

I love a rebellious look in a quality leather jacket. However, finding a leather jacket that gives you a rocker look, that is also warm enough for winter, is tricky. I have found most are made for a mild Fall at best. I got this one at Buffalo Exchange. Can we say best find of the year?! The fringe is right up my alley and it’s also heavily lined, making it perfect for those frigid days.

Redhead girl looking at camera in leather jacket

Redhead girl in all black and fringe leather jacket

I’m a huge Johnny Cash fan. His iconic head to toe black look was my inspiration for this ensemble. I paired the jacket with a black jersey top and jeans from H&M. Also, I heated it up with a scarf from Nordstrom Rack and a black knit hat I got from my Pop-Pop. I love sporting my grandparents accessories!

Redhead girl smiling in all black leather jacket

Redhead girl looking off to side and sitting in leather jacket

I finished the look with my favorite new boots from Zara. They are western style pointed boots with killer silver embellishments. I like that they accentuate the jacket, bringing another touch of leather to the full outfit.

redhead girl with arms up in fringe leather jacket

SHOP THE LOOK: Leather Jacket (Similar by Buckle), H&M Jersey Top, H&M Super Skinny Regular Jeans, Black Scarf (Similar at Nordstrom Rack), Knit Hat (Similar by Plush), Zara Boots (Similar by Frye).

Photo Credit: SheSoPhoto …she’s a redhead too!