Hair Love: Braids

Holla! Check out my guest post this week on Live FabuLESS where I share tips how to look fashionable for less. Check it out here. Who doesn't want this??

Oh... and this is my 300th post! Party time! Thanks for reading, ladies.
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I'm in major braid infatuation mode.

And, I don't think it's just me.

Maybe it's a seasonal thing because all of a sudden I want to add cool, casual braids to my hair like I'm a free-spirited chick of the '70s. I've seen them popping up more and more, too.

Just check out this InStyle piece featuring 25 hair looks for summer; at least a half dozen are braids!

While the look seems as 2011 as it does 1976, I feel like I'm reverting back to the early 2000s when Lauren Conrad first started sporting them on the Hills ages ago.  Remember this?

They just seems so carefree and effortlessly cool.

But, umm.. for me, they're not so much! Lol.

Between the growing-out bangs, just shoulder-length hair and naturally slight Jew 'fro (honest), it's been challenging to make those cool braids work on my head. I've seen some celebs, bloggers and hot-hair gals pull off the look summer after summer so I'm ready. I've been testing them in my hair lately so you just might see one in an upcoming outfit post.

Until then, wanted to provide you some photo inspiration.

The options are endless, whether it's just a few small ones, fishtail, side swept, across the top of your head, you name it. I love 'em all!

braided updo's (source)

jen aniston's casual oscar 'do

nicole richie bohemian braids (source)

Ok, ok, you're probably noticing the same thing I am. As a gal with a "minority" hair color, haha, I'm wondering... where's the hair color diversity?! Lots of blondies seem to pull off this braided look well.

I say to everyone... let's show them!

Not sure where to begin?

You MUST check out hair braiding tutorials by one of my favorite bloggers, the gal behind ...Love Maegan. Yes, she has perfectly straight (or wavy, depending on the day!) blondish brown hair that almost seems too-good-to-be-true, yet once you start reading her blog, you'll love her just the same. If you haven't been to her site, take a minute between braiding festivities to check it out.
Absolutely ADORE her creative outfit posts, impressive DIYs, and her latest adventures in decorating her new office space (she promises it's almost ready; I'm dying to see!).

photos: ...love maegan / hair braid tutorials

A New Look for a New Year

I'm getting bangs today!


Me, 2 years ago
with my
beloved bangs.

 It's a New Year so spicing it up is definitely in order! Resolutions are so hard, often destined for disappointment. So this year, in addition to the ever-popular "I'm going to lose 20 lbs" resolution, have you made any fun, fashion or style resolutions -- which are totally more obtainable??

I had bangs about three years ago. I loved them though the hubs did not (so, apologies to him today!). This might sound nerdy, but I thought it made me look a little cooler and more chic, and even when I was lazy to blow dry my hair, I'd take two minutes to do my bangs and felt like I looked totally presentable.

I grew them out when I got pregnant. "Who has time to do their hair with a newborn?!" was my fear. Well, I miss them. And, the ends of my hair, especially in the front are really wimpy. When I got super sick six-months ago my naturally crazy thick hair became practically non-existent. I already chopped about seven inches earlier this Fall because the thin, long hair just wasn't working, and now that the new hair is getting thicker I'm ready to BANG IT! I'm just ready for something new! And, they look great on many face shapes. Check out these celebs who adore them too. I'm very excited. Next outfit post will feature the bang, fo' shizzle.

So... what's your 2011 style resolution?
Are you experimenting with new eye and lip colors? Trying to add waves to your gorgeous mane? Mixing and matching more of your wardrobe? Playing with a new color of clothing? Adding more funky colored shoes or flats to your collection? Trying skinnies (skinny jeans) for the first time? Using more chunky pieces of jewelry?

I say go for it! If it's a new look, or possibly  fleeting trend, head to Target, Forever 21, H&M, Zara, CVS (for make up and beauty) etc., to test without breaking the bank. If you love the look, you can invest in a better quality item to last you longer.

Excited to hear about your beauty resolutions!

Fab Find: Curling Iron Cover

I'm a flat iron kind of gal. Well, actually, I'm a frizzy, slightly puffy haired kind of gal, therefore I've become the flat iron kind of gal. It's been a g-dsend for years. While they're great at home and you don't have to worry about the heat (just remember to turn it off when you're done! I've had a few 'oops' days!), the hot iron can be a hassle when traveling. Until, I discovered Vera Bradley's "curling iron cover." I don't know why the brand has to be so specific but I'll take it regardless!

This cover -- in about two dozen fun, colorful patterns -- has a heat-resistant lining so as soon as you're done with it, you can stick your hot hair iron, or curling iron, in and be on-the-go. No more waiting for it to cool down or planning the order of how you get ready to give it enough time to cool off to room temperature before packing. For less than $20, it's one of the more useful purchases I've ever made. And, I also love the pop of color every time I use it. (PS: also a great gift this holiday season!).

To purchase: They're $17 on Vera's web site, though discontinued patterns can run you as little as $8.40! Plus, go through Ebates (that web site we're obsessed with because you get cash back on your purchases, plus $5 the first time you use it!) scores you an additional 3% back on your purchase. Free money!

Or, if you're an Amazon fan, check it out; there's about a dozen sellers with products starting around $15 so find the pattern you like best.

Savvy Shopping: Cool Hair Looks

Sometimes you just don't feel like doing your hair. While there are some women who can roll out of bed with that awesome bed-head look or perfectly air dry their hair after a shower, this chick ain't one of them. I have a slightly way/curly/puffy hair that never dries well and puffs after two minutes in Florida's humidity! Add to this the unfortunate fact that this Average Girl is taking a not-so-average amount of medicine that is causing hair to come out in crazy amounts (new moms and anyone majorly stressed can probably relate!), so I've settled for putting my hair up a lot.

Doesn't a pony tail or little bun get boring, though? If you want to spice things up a bit, here's a few additions to keep your hair looking chic in under five minutes. 

MILITARY/NEWSBOY/CONDUCTOR HATS
You're starting to see these hats all over the place again. Obviously this is more weekend chill than workday week attire; however, they're way more chic than a baseball hat yet they serve the same purpose. My friend B led me to a great one for just $9.99 at Target, yet there's other options at Anthropologie, Forever 21, etc. To stay current, go for a tweed or military-inspired green, khaki or grey black.

Xhileration conductor hat in black, Target
$9.99
My new obsession. I'd wear it daily if I could. In the off chance you want to spend more flow, a similar version is available by Aqua at Bloomingdales for $34.99.

HEADBANDS & HEADWRAPS
Headbands and headwraps: put your hair in a messy bun, in a pony tail or leave it down... no matter what, they add a sophisticated vibe to any look (and give me an extra day before washing my hair!). To get more value from your purchase, find headbands that do double duty... they can be easily integrated into your daily routine yet give your hair a dazzling vibe for a special night out.

Generally speaking, if you're looking to test a look, Forever 21 (esp. online) is where it's at. They have nearly identical styles of pricier versions, with everything from oversized flowers to the tough, mixed metals look.

Beaded Braids Headband, Forever 21
$5.80
I have this, and LOVE it. It's so similar to pricier versions spotted at Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, etc.

Fabric Flower Stretch Headband, Express
$14.50 (and, BOGO 1/2 off!)
Feeling feminine and a little flirty yet feisty? This is the headband for you! Gorgeous in both the pink blush and blue grey colors.

Tasha "Mixed Metal" Bow Headband, Nordstrom
$38.
Available in black, silver, gold and hematite, this blinged-out bow certainly adds the wow factor to any outfit. This headband is similar to dozens of oversized styles out there.

This is just the beginning. There are thousands of in-style headbands, from the dainty look to those that are over-the-top fantastic. Just pick what suits your mood and have fun with it!