Garnier Texture Tease: Messy Braided Bun

Since moving back to the east coast, I've re-discovered the dreaded humidity. Living in California I was blissfully forgetful of frizzy ends, fallen curls and the growth of hair outwards (you know.. like in the Friend's episode when Monica's hair reacts the humidity in Barbados....) I'm all for messy mermaid hair.. but it's still got to look good, right?!

So when Garnier asked me to create a hairstyle using their new De-Constructed Line I was over the moon! No longer working against the humidity, I decided to work with it. Plus I'm a wash-as-little-as-possible kind of gal and the Texture Tease product was ahhhhmazing! Here's my look. I promise it's easy and perfect for any kind of occasion!

First I decided to curl my next day, non-washed hair. I feel whenever you're creating a style, it's best to work with dirty hair. 

After that I did a little bit of comb teasing and added the Garnier De-Constructed Texture Tease Spray for some more texture. I prefer messy styles so the messier the better. 

Next I gathered my hair at the nape of my neck and began to braid. Make sure the braid is semi-tight at the beginning and then looser as you braid down. Secure with a clear elastic and pull the braid apart so it's not so perfect. I wanted it even messier to I added more Texture Tease spray to the braid itself. You can also pull out front pieces and give the crown a little push up.

Finally, I wrapped the braid around itself to create a messy bun. Slide in as many bobby pins as needed to keep the bun in place. Add a spritz of hair spray and voilà!! You're ready for a night out with a fab hairstyle!

Pssst.. Here's a sneak peek of an upcoming post when I wore this braided bun for date night!

Oh and do YOU want to win a $500 Visa Giftcard from Garnier?! Enter their "Gotta Have That Hair" Sweepstakes Pinterest sweepstakes below! 

Learn it, Do it, Rock it with Garnier Fructis Style.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Garnier Fructis via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Garnier Fructis.

Help Me! Clipless Curling Wand Conundrum

 

 

 

 

 

1. Jose Eber Clipless Trio Curling Iron

2. Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Wand

3. Enzo Milano Clipless Curling Wand

4. Sultra Bombshell Curling Rod

 

Okay guys... I need your help! I am in the market for a new curling wand and want to know what you use! Some of you ladies have absolutely amazing hair so I'm desperate for you to share your secrets with me. I currently have a bed head curling iron that I removed the clamp from and it has been okay for the last year. But lately, I've noticed my hair isn't holding a curl as much as it normally does. I think this is partly due to the fact of how long my hair has gotten, but also I think this curling iron is just dying. So I'm willing to drop a few bucks on a new one. Here's the pro/con list for each of the above..

 

Jose Eber Clipless Trio - 19mm/ 3/4 inch - 25mm / 1 inch - tapered barrel

I've heard some great things about this specific wand so right now I am kind of leaning towards it. It goes up to 410 degrees with adjustable heat settings (which is super important to me) I also love that it has 3 removable barrels, allowing you to choose the curl size based on how you're feeling at that moment. I don't like that the tapered barrel has a thicker end - I thought most tapered had a smaller end since it's the root that needs more curling.

 

Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Wand - 25mm / 1 inch

When I asked on Facebook and Twitter I had several respond that the loved their Sedu products. And while it does have temperature settings, they're only low, medium & high. I also worry about the heat because it only goes up to 350 degrees - which is still pretty hot but I've always used products with higher heat.

 

Enzo Milano Clipless Curling Wand - 25mm / 1 inch

Another great option that someone told me about is this Enzo Milano wand - out of California! The swivel cord is definitely a plus (I hate when you get all tangled up while styling your hair) but I don't like that the temperature settings are not adjustable.

 

Sultra Bombshell Curling Rod - 25mm / 1 inch

 Okay... I have had several ladies tell me that this is the curling wand and it's been on my wish list for literally years. However I had a close friend with similar hair to mine tell me that The Bombshell is too much heat for us thick, curly headed gals. She had to go back to an older iron because the heat was too much.. and unfortunately it's not adjustable (major bummer) But I can't get over how gorgeous everyone's hair is that uses it... Plus it's on major sale right now at Nordstrom!

 

OKAY so now is where you come in... I want to know what you use and if you use any of these products above. Also - spare no dirty details.. I need to know pros and cons. Please leave a comment below and let me know!!!

My Every Day Hair Care Routine

A few weeks ago, I had a reader request to share my favorite hair care products. And I have to say... I've been through many phases with my locks. But right now is probably the most I have ever truly enjoyed my hair. I've finally embraced that it has a mind of it's own, is slightly messy and is definitely not perfect. In fact, these are all reasons why I now love it!!

First things first, I don't wash my hair every day. I usually wash it every 3-4 days (ummm dry shampoo has become my best friend) My hair is extremely curly, and now colored, which means it can dry out easily. If I shampoo it too often, it starts to feel icky... Now onto my favorite products!

1. Ask your hair dresser the best shampoo & conditioner based on your hair type. My hair gal, Ashleigh, recommended Bed Head's Level 3 Resurrection. I'm in love with it - super moisturizing and totally repairs my bleached strands. Also, when you find something you love - try to buy in bulk to receive a discount. I found these 2 huge bottles at Nordstrom Rack and scored them for 25 bucks total!!

2. This is a key element no matter your hair type. DO NOT wrap your hair in a towel. A towel has texture that can pull your strands, breaking them and making it brittle. Instead, wrap your head in an old cotton t-shirt (like your boyfriends white v-neck - clean of course!) This way, the cotton tee soaks up all the excess water without doing any damage.

3. Since my hair is curly and dry, sometimes my scalp gets dry too. Enter the most soothing spray ever: Bumble & Bumble Tonic Lotion. With it's tea-tree oil extract and vitamins it's like a serious thirst quenching cocktail for your mane. You can spray this directly on your strands - but I mostly spray directly on my scalp after "tee-drying" my hair. Ahhhh I can just feel it now :)
 

4. Moroccan Oil is perfect for dried out tresses. But I've found a fab budget buy if you can't shell out the 50 bucks for the original. I use Organix's Moroccan Argan Oil on the ends of my hair. It keeps them looking healthy and less frayed. Never put it near your roots or on the front pieces, otherwise you'll have oily strands - blech!

5. With my curly ringlets, I am on a constant quest for moisture. Leave in conditioner is a MUST for me. My college roommate introduced me to Redken's Anti-Snap and I've been addicted ever since. It doesn't weigh down my hair yet keep my strands silky soft. I put a small amount on throughout (top and bottom) then comb through my hair completely. De-tangler bonus!

6. This is the one I'm most excited about.. when I say this is the best product I've ever discovered, I'm not kidding... Frederic Fekkai Anti-Fade Top Coat is my hair's lifesaver. I love that I can put it on whether my hair is wet or dry. It says that it helps tame frizz but it does that and so much more - it's seriously the jam. On next day shampoos I can just apply a drop or two on my strands and I have instant bedhead that isn't too bedhead-y (if that makes any sense....)

7. Lastly, I stay away from the hair dryer. Gone are the days of waking up 2 hours before work/meetings and blow drying every. single. strand. I roll the windows down in my car, take a walk outside and just let me hair do it's thing. I couldn't even tell you the last time I plugged in my hair dryer.... Sounds a little crazy but my hair has never looked better or has been healthier. Plus, aren't I saving the environment or something?

The end result is how my hair looks for most of my personal style posts. What you see is what you get - meaning those photos show how truly I wear an outfit, style my hair and do my makeup. Some days I love getting fancy/glam. But most days I just air dry my locks, swipe on some lipstick, wear a fun outfit and go!

So those are my favorite products that I use - What are some of yours?

please note all products mentioned are actually used by me and I was in no way compensated for this post. I just seriously love everything so much! :)

{Mini} Outfit Post: Stripes & Buns

Sweater: Gap {recent - on sale}

 Jeans: Forever 21

Pumps: Sole Society Sasha

Necklace: Aldo (old)

Lips: Revlon Wild Orchid

Sometimes all a gal needs to dress up her look is a Carrie Bradshaw Bun, a great pair of heels & pink lips. Happy Friday!! xoxo

Poll: Bangs Or No Bangs

That is the question.... on my mind lately. I know I will regret it the second I do it but I've been itching to get them lately. What are your thoughts?!?!

Bangs or No Bangs

Images via Polyvore

I Tried It: Ombré Hair Color Part Deux

As much as I love to try unique fashion, new beauty trends and fun hairstyles I usually am a MAJOR baby when it comes to changing my hair. I used to color my hair red/auburn about 12 years ago and I once chopped off over 10 inches of locks my sophomore year of college. But that's about as far as it goes when it comes to drastic change. I'm still that girl who goes to the salon and says "Only 1/4 of an inch please" But when 2011 came around I was determined to make this year fun and different. In part of this "Year of Change" I took a major leap and decided to have my hair professionally colored. I ended up absolutely loving the ombré effect on my hair. However, there were a few issues I noticed afterwards. First, she only colored the bottom half of my hair so it was mostly just peaking through the top pieces. Almost none of the outer hair layers were colored. She also did huge streaky chunks instead of blending the color throughout the pieces. Don't get me wrong - I still loved the change and for a color-virgin it was a great introduction. But 6 months later I'm officially bitten by the dye-bug. I've been itching to get it re-done and for it to be correct! Since my birthday is Friday (Eeeee! I'll be 25!!!) I thought I would gift myself with a little present. So, long story short, I got a recommendation from the owner of the same salon I went to back in January and this time I was definitely not let down!! Check it out...!

I Tried It: The Carrie Bradshaw Bun

Carrie Bradshaw with her amazing and larger than life bun

I love and I mean love trying new hairstyles. It's so fun when you can figure out to work something new into one of the best accessories out there - your hair! I'm always wearing my hair in buns and top knots [they're my favorite and soooo easy] but I had yet to experiment with "The Carrie Bun"

If you didn't know what it was before just take a look at the photos above. Basically you take a regular bun and then super size it. So fab. My roommates and I always loved when Carrie would pop on an episode with this hairstyle, rocking it super casual or at major functions like Charlotte's "perfect" wedding/1st breakup with Aidan. The bun was also spotted several times in both SATC movies too - proving to be a true Carrie signature. I've been trying to come up with a hair style for an upcoming wedding but I'm pretty sure I have that one nailed down. However I knew I would need something for other functions (bridal shower, rehearsal dinner etc...) So I thought I'd give this a little practice. Ready to see it??

Front and back shots of my "Carrie Bun"

 

So big yet so smooth! I'm in love!

This is literally on the first try as well! I definitely want to make a few changes for next time (I think it needs to be much higher) but I am loving the volume it gives versus the regular bun/top knot I usually sport. The best part... it was SO SIMPLE! Like seriously took about 10 minutes - probably that long since it was my first time. This could totally be a 5 minute bun with some more practice. Have you seen those hair gadgets that help you achieve this look (like the hair donut)? Well I am proud to say this is all me baby! No extra shortcuts needed And since my hair-experiment went so well this morning I was feeling extra "Carrie-fied" as I got dressed:

Shirt, Jeans & Flower Pin: Forever 21; Shoes: Sole Society Wylde; Jewelry - Pearls: Thrifted; Watch: ASOS; Dimpled Cuff: Express

{Sans my Black Blazer that I threw on before work}

Still getting used to the outfit shots... but what do you guys think of my hair? I can't wait to practice more and perfect it! Have a lovely Wednesday! xoxo

1st image via MissTrendyKitty; 2nd image via Australian Vogue, 3rd image via BellaSugar

Poll: Lusting After Dyed Hair Tips

Lauren Conrad

I've been loving colored hair as of late... I bought some Jessica Simpson pink extensions to use on a fun night out (that I've actually yet to use...) and in college I had the urge to go pink after seeing my hair stylist do it. But after Lauren Conrad posted this poll on her website and then actually did it (pic above) I can't stop thinking about dyed tips! I'm not usually one to go all crazy on my hair but after I tried ombré hair in January I'm feeling more adventurous... But part of the problem is a) I'm not a blond and b) I have a few weddings to go to this fall so now really isn't the time to take the plunge (especially since one of them is my BFF and I'm in the wedding) I'm sure at the end of summer this trend will pass us by... but for now at least I can dream about it!

Gwen Stefani and Rachel McAdams have both gone pink before

And you'll remember we saw Carrie Underwood go pink in April during her ACM performance Plus I still have my JSimp extensions - if I ever get around to using them. What do you guys think? Have you ever done a crazy color in your hair? Loved it... Hated it? I want to know!

UPDATE: as if TBD and I weren't already on the same wavelength - they just now posted this tutorial on tip dyeing... man I soooo want to do this!!!

1st image via The Beauty Department, 2nd image via Marie Claire, 3rd image via Zimbio

New Obsession: The Beauty Department by Lauren Conrad

So I've been ohhhhhb-sessed with Lauren Conrad's new venture - a website called The Beauty Department. For years I've stalked every site out there with how-to's on Lauren's hair and makeup - I swear her hair is always perfect. Thankfully all of that information has ended up in one place where her make up artist Amy Nadine and hair stylist Kristin Ess [aka magic makers] provide tips, examples and even step by step instructions on how to re-create popular looks. The site is updated several times a day so there is always a new hair trick or makeup style to try. I for one will be constantly refreshing the Tutorial and the Hair section as I always love LC's look. Here's one of the first hair tutorials they've shown:

Click here for the step by step written instructions

Tell me loves - will you be checking out this site?! I hope you are as excited as I am! :)

images via The Beauty Department

I Tried It: Ombré Hair Color

Since I have decided that 2011 will be my year to spice things up (I turn 25 this year which kind of freaks me out!) this weekend I ventured out to check off my first to-do on the list. I've been wanting to change up my hair for the longest time. I got the Brazilian Blowout at the end of the summer - and loved it. I fully intend to do it again this year closer to May so that I can really get great use out of it for beach days. I got my first taste of change and I was craving more. I decided  to go a little bit further down the path and do something other than just changing the texture of my hair. (But without the cut. I've been enjoying it long lately and I'm not quite ready to part with the length yet ;)) The next thing that came to mind - Color! I've always wanted to dye my hair so at first I thought about going drastic and doing it blonde. But Bill convinced me I might want to start with something smaller first to see if I liked it. After running through some ideas - it hit me! Ombré! I have seen so many celebrities rocking this new hair trend and looking amazing doing it. Drew Barrymore and Rachel Bilson to name a few. What is Ombré you ask? The look it's supposed to give is kind of like grown out roots. It usually starts out dark on the top and fades to a brighter color on the bottom - maybe honey brown or blonde. It's very bohemian and beachy (which I so heart). Plus, this would give me the hint of change I needed without any of the real color commitment. One of my favorite ladies to sport this look is the oh-so-gorgeous Lily Aldridge. She's a Victoria's Secret and model and the Queen of two-toned hair.

Totally gorg right?

I found a salon that was running a special and called to speak to a stylist. Jaye at Forme Salon was super informed about Ombre. We had a quick 10 minute conversation about what the process would entail and how drastic I wanted to go. I made my appointment for Saturday and printed out some pics to take with me. When I arrived at the salon I was super nervous - I was basically a color virgin! But I showed Jaye what I wanted and we talked about going just blonde enough on the ends without it being too "buttery". I'm pretty inquisitive whenever I take on a new project so I was asking questions every 5 minutes. I found out that before Jaye put the color on she teased the section of hair she was coloring so that the line of color would be softer and not so drastic. She also didn't do every single end on my head so that it would a littler bit more natural looking.
So cut to the end result: she took the foils off and I literally about fell out of the chair. I had blonde hair on the ends! And it looked pretty rad. I kind of totally loved it but told myself I needed to see if dried before I could make any judgements. I knew that it wouldn't look exactly like those celebrity photos I've seen but I still left the salon feeling pretty good.

   

Sorry I don't have better pictures right now - I haven't had time to really style it. Plus it's much more blonder in the back on the bottom than this picture is doing justice. I can't wait to see what it will look like when it's straight. So far, I love it. I also am pumped about the fact that I didn't have to make a commitment of coloring my hair every so often since I left my roots alone. Plus as my friend Katie put it my hair looks "sunkissed". Have you ever tried this? Are you interested? Do you like it? Let me know! xoxo and Happy Monday!

images via Glamour and We Heart It

I Tried It: Brazilian Blowout

Today marks the day of my 24th year in existence. For 24 years - I have had the curliest hair you have ever seen. Ok maybe not the curliest you ever seen, but it is definitely full on ringlet-city. So in honor of my birthday I decide to finally do something I have been dying to try ever since I read about it last year on Nicole Richie's blog. Brazilian Blowout. For those of you who haven't heard of this - it's basically a semi-relaxer. As a professional smoothing treatment the Brazilian Blowout uses keratin protein to seal in the frizz. This means that us curly haired gals can give ourselves salon blowouts for up to 12 weeks in less than half the time it usually would take. This treatment is so great because it gradually wears out and there is no damage to hair like Japanese straightening. In fact it makes your hair healthier. It also means FRIZZ FREE hair - which is pretty major! Now I am usually all about testing out the latest trends, newest products and beauty treatments. However when it comes to my hair - I am a bit fat baby about it. I'm that girl who goes to the salon and says "a quarter inch off please". So I was pretty nervous about trying it! My girlfriend Vanessa had it done in May and ended up falling in love with it. So after many questions (Sorry V!) I decided to take the plunge. First let me show you some before pictures. :)

    

Both of these photos were taken last week. As you can see my hair is pretty long and extremely thick. On the left is obviously my natural texture - air dried. On the right is a very quick blow dry and fast flat iron - Probably took about 1/2 hour but it's obviously not a good blow out. My hair was already air dried so i just took the dryer and straightened it a bit and then ran a flat iron through it. I can get it smoother than this - but it usually takes forever. I mean we are talking 70+ minutes of heat between the hair dryer and then the flat iron. So I was pretty excited about the thought of my hair basically being styled and finished in 1/2 the time or less. So I found a new salon in Venice called Studio Noi. Mar (the stylist) was running a special and I just couldn't turn it down. I had read great things about her on Yelp and Facebook - so I took the plunge and went in on Sunday. And boy was I soooooo glad I did! Mar is absolutely amazing at what she does. I knew I was in good hands when I walked in and she was rocking 4 inch heels and the raddest tattoo. She really listened to me about my haircut, told me what would be the best cut for me and answered all my questions about the BB treatment. Let's talk about the haircut first - Ah-mazing. Probably the best I have had in a very long time. Then Mar began the Brazilian Blowout! She coated my hair with the keratin protein, then blew dry on high high heat. Next she used a special flat iron to "seal in" the treatment (and the frizz as I like to think of it) After 90 minutes, I was ready to go! I walked out of the salon in the best mood ever. Now for the After photos.... are you ready?!?!

    

Amazing right?! Check out the cut first off - Mar is fabulous!! And obviously my hair is stick straight. Now granted, a salon blowout is always better than what you can do with your own two hands. So I finally washed my hair and blow dried it myself. Results: Stick straight hair in 20 minutes - I kid you not. Photo proof?

I know I am not a model people so focus on the hair! This took TWENTY minutes - seriously?!? and I didn't even have to flat iron. I was literally in shock. As I was drying my hair it was looking like this. Wow. I can't wait to see what my hair will look like when it's natural and frizz free (I'm praying for boho waves) So everyone who says the BB changes their lives - well at least in the hair world - it definitely changed mine!!! I am fully obsessed and am already planning out my budget as to when I can do it again. So for all you guys emailing and facebooking me about photos: Are you impressed? What do you think of the results?! Are you ready to go Brazilian. ;) Let me know please!! I am dying to hear. Oh and if you are looking for a place in the LA area to get it done - go to Mar! You won't be disappointed! I promise! xoxo!

All You Need Is Trust & A Little Bit Of Pixie Cuts

Last Thursday I got to attend the Young Hollywood Awards and got a firsthand look at Jessica Stroup's cropped hair cut - it was amazing and looked absolutely fantastic on her. And it seems that this may be a summer trend celebrities are following. After shuffling through photos from Cannes, I noticed that Michelle Williams had chopped off her locks and is now sporting a short bleached pixie cut. (Speaking of which I love her both with long locks and her short Mia Farrow inspired haircut) Heroes hottie Hayden Panettiere really takes the cake as far as hair chameleons go. We've seen her with every color and style under the sun - until she took the term "haircut" to the next level. Hayden first cut her auburn locks back in April but was spotted at Tuesday's World Music Awards with this slicked back blonde do. I have to admit - I kind of love it.
Renée Zellweger is a serial pixie hair lover - and why not? She's got the bone structure! Even though it seemed she was actuall growing her hair out, Renée was recently photographed with this choppy pixie. Cute glasses! And lastly, Carey Mulligan. I have been flip flopping back and forth with her. Sometimes her hair looks fantastic, especially when it's this reddish color. Amaze! But when I saw her at this year's Academy Awards, I wasn't sure if the blonde suited her. Then these pictures surfaced of her and beau Shia LaBeouf and my mind was totally changed. She played up the volume with this pompadour style and I think it's perfect on her. I'm a huge fan of pixie cuts but I could never cut my hair like this (I don't really think it would work - I'd end up looking like Felicity (Keri Russell) circa 1999.) So I'll just live vicariously through these beauties!

Tell me - what do you think of these pixie cuts? Do you love or loathe?

images via Bella Sugar, Hollywood Life, & People 

All Press is Good Press

It's Friday!! And today I have some wonderful news to share with you! Ban.do is absolutely blowing up and Jen just posted these press pieces from the L.A. Times and Glamour on the blog - head over to check them out and send them some love!!! Plus check out the yummy shots of Chace Crawford :) Yay Ban.do!!!!!

images via Ban.do

ban.do amazingness

Ok ok... so I know this post will be a little biased (I guess technically all of them are..:)) but I still have to share this with you! This amazing company actually wants me to help them! Jen and Jamie are two fabulous stylists who created the magic I am about to share with you... They both have an amazing sense of style, love everything vintage, (hello! Another reason I love them!) and are inspired by Marie Antoinette - possibly one of my favorite movies EVER. They came up with these fantastic ideas for headwear and decided to start sharing these ideas with fashionistas. They are literally the most gorgeous things I've ever seen! Plus I love any head accessory - it just makes your outfit that much more fun! So I just blogged about their new line heart by ban.do. All these pieces are under $50 so they are super affordable (and handmade!)

This is literally my favorite piece from the heart collection. I mean Hello! Look at it! But it comes in solid colors too if you can't handle the rainbowness.

I wish I would have found ban.do before my wedding because I would have totally rocked a piece from their bridal collection. This one is especially beautiful. They have a ton so check them outhere

And this one is just pure amazingness. ban.do black label are pieces that are extremely limited editions or one of a kind. This is just the absolute. Plus it's very French (it's called c'est ci bon) - which I love <3. And the model is to-die-for gorg.

ban.do also make fabulous collars, belts and corsages. In the first photo she is wearing the fancy bow collar - totes love it! Okay - so now that you've seen a few previews head over to their website to look at the rest ASAP please! http://www.shopbando.com/ :)

all photos courtesy of Chloe Aftel a unbelievable photographer here in L.A.