Product Review: Yvette Allen 'Ms. Tanisha' Handbag

This is a picture of Yours Truly 'modeling' the Ms. Tanisha bag. Isn't she lovely?! It matches my coat PERFECTLY! I'll be taking more pictures soon to let this bag get some more shine! (photo credit: Gent Lamar)

I thought it was TOO COOL that a dust bag came with the handbag. Extra details make a difference and gives a very exclusive feel. You can tell when someone takes pride in their work. The 'little things'.

I took this picture when I first opened the package. The top picture (of me holding the bag) is truer to the authentic color. I just love how the patent leather makes it looks so juicy (that's the best way I can describe it..lol). The chain straps detail gives it extra personality. Though they are detachable, I'd never remove them.

Here's one of three cards I received (front and back shown side by side). Not only is Mrs. Yvette Allen a handbag designer, she's a makeup artist. Very inspirational since I love fashion and also have an interest in makeup. She's a great makeup artist as well as a bag designer.

As the tags state: 100% GENUINE ITALIAN LEATHER. That was pretty much self-explanatory when I opened the box! I really didn't need a sign or tag to notify me of that! Oh the Heavenly aroma!

This is the other side of the larger tag. Here are the CARE TIPS though I've never had the opportunity to try the steps yet, nor have I had the need to. I watch where I place my bag, even what I put inside. When it's not in use, it goes back in the dust bag.

For Yvette Allen Handbags, layaway is also available. Very cool concept. Just check out the information on the card. It explains everything. Here's the link for the layaway form and more information: http://www.yvetteallencollection.com/Layaway.html
 

After a few delays and some technical difficulties (package got lost, battery died, charger broke, you name it! lol), I'm happy to finally bring this review to you! But before I get started I must let you know that this bag was sent to me for review purposes and to give my honest feedback. Also, I wasn't paid any extra to do the review.

A few months ago I was asked by Mrs Yvette Allen to do some reviews for her. I've admired quite a few of her bags and her work as a makeup artist so I agreed. I was honored to even be considered. Shortly after, I also asked to host a contest in the month of October for Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence. I was sent the purple bag, which is the same color for the Domestic Violence ribbon.The name of the bag was changed to the winner's name in her honor, thus the name 'Ms. Tanisha'. I remember seeing the pix online and I thought it was a really cute bag. But when I saw it in person and the AROMA caught my nose as soon as I opened the package, it was HEE-VUNNN-LLEEEE (insider)! lol  It was presented nicely with the dust bag covering the purse. When I took it out of the dust bag my jaw almost hit the floor and I gasped at how beautiful it was! It's definitely unique to me, the color (which is my FAVORITE color btw) and the patent leather in a quilted pattern really makes it stand out. The chain detailing on the additional handles is what tops the bag off very nicely. I knew that I would like it, but now that I've had it, tested it out, and have gotten so many compliments on it, I LOVE IT!


This bag is definitely an attention grabber. I've gotten so many questions about the bag: where did I get it from, who is it by, etc. People have even asked if there was a wallet available that were interested in purchasing. When I told them there were no wallets available for this particular bag, they were slightly disappointed, even though they were still intrigued. I do know with certain bags you can find wallets to match, but with this one being so unique with the color and style, I feel it should have a matching wallet. That would make it extra special in my humble opinion.


I think I carried the bag pretty well. With the short set of handles I could carry it at the bend of my elbow. With the longer straps, it could be worn on my shoulder, even with a coat on. Even though it was quite a snug fit because the straps still stick up and I have chunky arms. The short straps were almost right underneath  my armpits and that being a bit uncomfortable for me depending on how many layers I was wearing. I can also see it being used as a briefcase somewhat as I remember holding it at my side just by the short set of handles. I'm always thinking out the box. I think that would be the only time that I'd remove the chain handles. I was also thinking of ways that maybe detachable straps could be used as necklaces or bracelets. Just a thought. Multi-usage wins!

Though to some it may be an 'Everyday Bag', and kudos to those who would carry it everyday or one similar! Sometimes I'm a bit rough on my everyday bags so with this one, I'd handle it with care and keep it in the dust bag for preservation until time to give it some shine. But for me personally it would be for a 'Diva Day': lunch or dinner with fellow divas, a movie date, or Sunday when some of us save our best digs for this day. Really, anytime I feel like dressing up would be a great excuse to have this eye candy on my arm.

So, that was it! Hope you enjoyed the review. Please comment below. Thanks so much for stopping by.


For more information on Mrs. Yvette Allen's handbags, please check out her website:  http://www.yvetteallencollection.com/

Parnevu Hair Product Review: Salon Shampoo, Hair Mayonnaise, and Leave-In Conditioner

Products and info sheet I received in the mail for product review. As you can see these products are FULL-SIZE. (l-r) *Parnevu Hair Mayonnaise - Natural Herbal Formula (16 oz). *Parnevu Salon Shampoo - For Extra-Dry hair (12 fl oz). *Parnevu Leave In Conditioner - For Extra-Dry Hair (16 oz).

I was given the opportunity to try out some Parnevu products for product review purposes. These items were sent to me free of charge to test out on my hair. I am not being paid to test these products or post a review. I was all for testing because I've purchased their products in the past and I'm definitely a fan. I usually use their T-TREE Leave-in Conditioner, which has been a staple of mine for years. But I decided to try something different from what I normally buy.

 

  Parnevu Salon Shampoo - For Extra-Dry hair (12 fl oz). MSRP $4.00

*Removes Buildup *Helps Prevents Breakage *Contains Natural Oils *Leaves Hair Moist, Soft, & Silky

The first product I used was the shampoo. I really liked the smell. It was a very light, almost bubble gum scent. It definitely reminded me of a salon shampoo as it stated it was just based on how it smelled. From time to time I start my shampoos with a quick rinse of apple cider vinegar and water mixture to cut down on the amount of times I have to lather my hair. It softens my hair and gets rid of alot of build up. When I try a new product, I use it as-is the first time around without prepping with the ACV, then do some tweaking afterwards if needed. So I followed the same regimen with this shampoo on the first use. It stated that it was for extra dry hair, but it seemed to make my hair even dryer after I used it. Also, the lather wasn't that strong unless I used alot of the product. Even after that my hair didn't seem to get as clean as I would've liked. The feeling of my hair reminded me of when I used a clarifying shampoo that left my hair extremely stripped and brittle. The Parnevu shampoo didn't leave my hair feeling as stripped but it definitely felt a bit crunchy and matted. I was a bit confused because it stated on the back of the bottle that it would clean gently and not leave your hair feeling stripped. Also, it stated that it would leave the hair soft and manageable. This was totally not the case for me with this shampoo. I was very disappointed. (With later uses of this shampoo, even when I did an ACV rinse prior, I still had to use other shampoos afterwards in order for my hair to feel clean. It became a task just for my hair to feel clean, rebuild the moisture, and make my hair feel softer. So now I'd only use it if I'm low on shampoo and need to mix it with other to stretch the product.)

Parnevu Hair Mayonnaise - Natural Herbal Formula (16 oz). MSRP $6.00

*Is a natural herbal formula enriched with olive oil, protein, and organic herbs *Works best for weak, damaged hair

I must say the Hair Mayonnaise was a hair saver for me, ESPECIALLY after using the shampoo for the first time. I even let the Hair Mayonnaise stay in over night with a plastic baggie on my head. YES!  I know it stated to leave on for 10 minutes, but my hair NEEDED that deep conditioning. So it said it was 'Intense rejuvenating therapy specifically formulated for weak, damaged, or over processed hair'. So it definitely did the J.O.B! My hair felt brand new, and detangling was so much easier. I was so happy and thankful that this product helped me so much. The smell wasn't off-setting or over powering at all and the herbs seemed to rinse out of my hair just fine.  This Hair Mayonnaise was very-much needed and I can't wait to do another treatment. In fact, I feel like I'm overdue for another one. It also has instructions for daily use, though I try not to add too much product on my hair, so I never used it between shampoos and conditionings.

 Parnevu Leave In Conditioner - For Extra-Dry Hair (16 oz). MSRP $ 4.00

*Leave In Treatment *Helps Prevent Breakage *Deep Conditioning Therapy

The Leave In Conditioner was the icing on the cake. The slip was so great for me when I was ready to detangle and twist my hair. I believe this is my FAVORITE product out of the 3 that were sent for review. I guess this explains why I'm literally scraping the bottom of the jar right now. I'll be adding this to my regimen, no lie. Even if I mix it with other products, as I usually do, I feel it will be a staple for a while no matter what else I use. Though sometimes I've noticed it not wanting to mix with other products very well from time to time, after I comb it through and style my hair and it's fine. No flaky mess and my hair doesn't look dry or chalky. It states that it's deep-penetrating to help with split ends, breakage, and brittle hair. I also read that it's good for dyed hair. I'm slowly trimming of my colored ends that were slightly damaged by a coloring system that did more harm than good. I make sure I apply more product to those ends and my hair is happy.

All in all, I may not purchase the Salon Shampoo when I decide to get more Parnevu products. The others mentioned in addition to the T-Tree Leave-in I've used in the past are a must-have for me. The way it softened my hair was great and the slippage was awesome as well for detangling. My hair is so thick, it helped me to tame this mane! My hair did not feel extra weighed down or coated when when I was heavy-handed with the product.  Now I'm on the hunt to find the right shampoo from this line.

UPDATE!! So the other day I shampooed and conditioned my hair again. I diluted the Salon Shampoo with water for it to lather, also mixed another shampoo with it. Then I left the Hair Mayonnaise in over night once again under a plastic baggie. The next morning it detangled with EASE and my hair was VERY HAPPY TO BE HERE (lol)!

My hair detangled with the Hair Mayonnaise. The product is still in my hair. I just plaited it in large sections afterwards and rinsed the majority of it out. My hair has also been trimmed in this picture.

I'm very thankful for this opportunity to do a product review for such a great line. I hope everyone reading this review will find it helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the COMMENT section. Also, if you've tried any products from this line and have rave reviews please comment below.


For more information, please click on the following link:  http://www.parnevu.com/