The second I saw Marlece's (last night's makeover)plea, I thought about my mom.  My mother
was a single parent,
put herself through school and worked two jobs, just like Marlece except my mom had two kids
not one. She's amazing and one
of my biggest inspirations.  I grew up thinking my mother was one of the most beautiful
women ever. I remember watching her primp and put on makeup and I wanted to be just like
her. Though my mom was overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being a single mom, I
remembered her always looking good, finding that time to make sure she looked her best. 
I wondered
recently if it was just me as a wide eyed kid thinking MY MOM MOST AMAZING MOM EVER.
But on a recent return back to Alabama flipping through old photo albums 
She was, indeed,always pulled together and quite the hottie I might add.

In preparation for Marlece I asked my mom how she did it.  How did she always look so
great and pulled together with two kids, two jobs and going to school.  She told me it
came from my grandmother who we all called Madea (pronounced Muh-dea, yes like the Tyler
Perry character).  My grandmother worked as a maid and a cook in the homes of white people
in the segregated South.  Looking her best my mom suggested was a way for Madea to maintain
a sense of dignity in a social situation which was often discriminatory and hostile to her
as a black woman.  She taught this to my Mom not only in what she said to her but most
importantly by example.  My mother in turn taught that to me.

The thing that really stuck with me that my mom said is that she just integrated into her
routine getting her hair done and taking those extra moments in the morning for herself.
My mom sacrificed a lot to raise my brother and me.  But she knew how to take care of herself
in the process and that's one of the best lessons any parent can teach, truly being able
to take care of yourself.

In last night's episode, my first look I loved.  The peplum jacket is from Forever 21. Laverne
loves a chic bargain.  The white pencil skirt I found at a vintage store here in New York City. 
The belt I have had for a few years. I forget exactly wear I got it.  But I like the edge it
gives to the look.  Mixing hard and soft elements can add texture and interest to a look.  The
look I wore to ride the Buffalo was my take on being Country.  It was more country inspired than
literal country.  I would usually never emphasize my shoulders that much like I did with all
those feathers, but I wanted an element of fantasy that was about being a bit more extreme.

A few people have written in asking about Marlece's clip-in hair extensions.  We customized
those specifically for Marlece.  We got 16 inch Indian Remy hair in color 1b to match Marlece's
color.  We sewed the clips onto the wefts of hair and boom.  Anyone can do it.  Many beauty
supply stores carry clip in extensions ready to go.  But be sure to always check for hair
quality.  The least processed the hair the better.  Virgin hair is a bit more expensive but
will hold up to styling a lot better than overprocessed hair.  Some people prefer synthetic
hair.  I love synthetic hair for dancing and working out because it keeps it's style even as
you sweat.  It's true you can't use most heat on synthetic hair, but you can use hot rollers to
curl and a clothing steamer to straighten synthetic hair.  Synthetic hair tends to look synthetic
though.  It's often way too shiny.  So when shopping for synthetic hair look for fibers that
aren't so shiny.  A good steaming or washing  can take away some of that shine. Woolite
is great for washing synthetic hair.

Thanks everyone for tuning into TRANSform Me. 

Stay in the love,

Laverne