Friday's Film: Tied Updo

Thanks for being patient while we were on vacation for a couple weeks.  We had a fabulous time in Hawaii and I wanted to share this picture of a French Braid that we found in Oahu:

 They have taken individual palm fronds and wrapped them around the stems of the trees and French Braided them. 

 They did a pretty good job don't you think?!

The hairstyle we've decided to share today is called the Tied Updo and it's simple yet beautiful.  The original inspiration for this hairstyle can be found on my Pinterest board here.

My princess has such dark hair when it is wet but hopefully you are still able to follow the instructions.

Here is a picture of the finished product.  Cute huh!

 

I wish that our puff was a bit bigger which would be an advantage to working with dry hair. 

 

You can use as many bobby pins as you need when securing your bow. 

Good luck and remember that practice makes perfect!

the IT list... June 29, 2012!

• One Hundred Inspirations puts together an amazing summer wedding look inspired by Kate Middleton - all for under $160! A must see!
• Diva in Me combats the monday blues with a gorgeous yellow and white dress she collaborated on with a friend! So talented! (find Diva in Me on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow mixed and matched her way to an adorable summer outfit! Checks and floral were meant to be! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• Rachel's Look Book shows us her international style on a recent trip to Dublin. Hint - it's fabulously edgy! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• Melificent is feeling happy in her good mood outfit! So much so that she even brought out the bubbles! So fun! (find Melificent on Twitter!
• Crazy Style Love shares her simple formula for taking any outfit from day to night! Head over to find out how and see her cute look! (find Crazy Style Love on Twitter!)
• Sigh...Gush...Gasp looks polished for weekend errands in a blazer and jeans - and you'll never believe what she paid for her top!! (find Sigh...Gush...Gasp on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation found the perfect polka dot scarf - it's long and goes with everything! Pop over to see where she bought it! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• High Heeled Style has jumped on the chambray wagon! And what better to pair it with than white skinny jeans and a pair of fabulous heels?! (find High Heeled Style on Twitter!)
• Ash 'N' Fashn pairs denim and lace for a look that's perfect for any date night or party! So cute! (find Ash N' Fashn on Twitter!) 
• Pink Margarita Pearl takes us through three ways to style a skinny cowl top! It's impossible to choose a favorite!
• Urban Frill is trying out a new way to style her pencil skirts! Pop over to find out why untucked is better! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Here & Now cools off in an adorable pansy print sun dress! Paired with sleek silver accessories, she is ready for the heat! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Second Street East finds inspiration for a bedroom design from her latest casual weekend outfit! Head over to check out the room AND outfit! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

 For more information on how you can be involved - click here

Miranda Kerr Look for Less <$95

Mixing florals can be a bit risky but Miranda Kerr shows us how to do it in an amazing way. Stick to a similar color palette and you can be rocking double florals in no time. Also by keeping it simple with minimal accessories and fairly neutral sandals, you can let your florals shine!

Get the Look!
Top
Shorts
Hat
Sandals

Jessica Alba Look for Less <$96

Love this funky take on a chambray shirt from Jessica Alba.. We typically see your typical long-sleeved chambray shirt but I love the sleeveless, perfect for summer! I also wouldn't mind copying little Honor's outfit, she is rocking the jean vest!

Get the Look!
Top
Skirt
Belt
Flats

Kate Mara Look For Less < $65

Kate Mara has become one of my new style icons-while there isn't a ton of coverage of her yet, the pictures I have seen have all sparked my interest in her style.  Plus, she sure is a beauty! Did anyone else watch "American Horror Story"? She was pretty creepy in that show, but I kind of loved her character.  I love this look below-the unexpected color pairings, and the laid-back vibe. I would totally rock a cropped tee if I had the flat stomach like hers!

Source: thevoguediaries.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Get the look:

purse, skirt, top, flip flops, sunglasses

the IT list... June 22, 2012!

• Sweetie Pie Style shows us how to pair lemon and lime pieces for a bold, vibrant look! Head over to see her top picks!  (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is channeling her 70s vibe in a vintage inspired outfit! Wide leg jeans and a flowy top? So Chic!  (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Urban Frill is beating the heat in her patterned mini and airy top - the perfect outfit for an outdoor summer concert! Cute!
• Sandy a la Mode is getting twice the use out of her maxi skirt by making it a dress - and it has a beach scene on it! What more could you want?! (find Sandy a la Mode on Twitter!)
• The Fashionable ESQ found tons of sassy snake inspired accessories that will add a punch to any outfit! Just call her a snake charmer! (find The Fashionable ESQ on Twitter!)
• Northern Style Exposure dresses down a lace dress with a safari-worthy jacket! Head over to see how she layers her way to casual chic! (find Northern Style on Twitter!)
• Miss Top Ten Image looks back to some of her favorite looks from 2011! Pop over for tons of eye candy and to see how her style has evolved! (find Miss Top Ten Image on Twitter!)
• Here & Now shows us how to look cute in tennis shoes! Throw them on with a dress and hair scarf and you are ready for weekend errands! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Diva in Me pairs an oversized clutch with a printed dress for a look that is perfect for a night out on the town! Love! (find Diva in Me on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow shows us her preppy side in a look that could be straight out of Clueless! Totally fab! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• Melificent wears an adorable nautical outfit for an impromptu getaway in the Florida Keys! Swoon! (find Melificent on Twitter!
• Crazy Style Love has an eye for eyelet in this black and gold ensemble! And her belt? A must have! 
• Sigh...Gush...Gasp rocks the neon look on a budget! Head over to see where she found her adorable dress for an incredible price! (find Sigh...Gush...Gasp on Twitter!)
• High Heeled Style goes full on pattern in an adorable wrap dress that is perfect for a day at the office. Best news? It's easy to style since it's the statement piece! (find High Heeled Style on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is sharing some big news and a sneak peek of a recent photo shoot she did! Pop over to find out what she has been up to! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

 For more information on how you can be involved - click here!

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Look For Less < $105

My girl is at it again with a super chic with a boho twist look for summer. Loving everything she throws on! Flawless!

Get the look:

top, shorts, necklace, purse, sunglasses, booties

Kate Middleton Red Dress Look for Less < $160

It's been a while since I've done a Kate Middleton look here... but it's not because I haven't been ogling over her sartorial choices these days.  She is looking as amazing as ever and I particularly love the red dress outfit she wore during the recent Jubilee celebrations.  The dress was so stunning on her and just a gorgeous color in general.

The red Alexander McQueen dress that she wore was originally a short sleeve version similar to this one.  This would be a great summer wedding look... here I found a similar sleeveless dress, clutch and shoes and added a fun corsage clip in lieu of a hat or fascinator.

I adore this look!

get the look:
dress
corsage
clutch
shoes

Elizabeth Banks Look for Less <$115

A jumpsuit is something I have been wanting to rock but never feel quite confident enough but Elizabeth Banks is totally rocking this polka dot jumpsuit. She keeps it simple topping with a white blazer and tan wedges and her toes match the navy jumpsuit. This is a jumpsuit look I can fully get behind!

Get the Look!
Jumpsuit
Blazer
Wedges
Polish

Jennifer Lopez Look For Less < $85

Jennifer Lopez keeps it black and white in this ensemble. Simple and cute!

Get the look:

dress, sunglasses, hoops, sandals

the IT list... June 15, 2012!

Happy Weekend!  Take some time to check out these awesome links!

• Sweetie Pie Style shows us that black and blue really do go together! Such a cute look for date night! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation looks positively radiant in her day-glow hues! Head over to find out her tip for seamlessly adding this look into your wardrobe! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Urban Frill has found a summer layering piece to replace the jean jacket! Pop over to see what warm weather essential she is sporting!
• Sandy a la Mode looks adorable in her floppy summer hat! It is the perfect accessory to elevate any look! (find Sandy a la Mode on Twitter!)
• The Fashionable ESQ is breaking the bank with her current wish list! It's good for a girl to dream every once in a while, right?! (find The Fashionable ESQ on Twitter!)
• Seize the Styles is making a statement in her fun pencil skirt! Check out her tips for styling this bold choice! (find Seize the Styles on Twitter!)
• Northern Style Exposure plays with brights in her whimsical sequin top! Paired with neutral accessories, it makes for an exciting every day look! (find Northern Style Exposure on Twitter!)
• Miss Top Ten Image is channeling her favorite 50s movie stars and showing us her throwback style! So cute! (find Miss Top Ten Image on Twitter!)
• Here & Now has a new favorite activity - cruising on her cute bike! Her outfit even matches it! So fun! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Diva in Me is sharing a little bit of her daily work life with us. Pop over to see her new clothing shop! Swoon! (find Diva in Me on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow is rockin' the Texas Tuxedo! Paired with a bit of leopard and you have a sassy outfit ready for just about anything! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• Melificent is keeping her mood in check by wearing bright stripes! Don't forget to check out her shoes - they are killer! (find Melificent on Twitter!
• Sigh...Gush...Gasp dresses up her jeans and blazer with a few colorful accessories! It's all in the details! (find Sigh...Gush...Gasp on Twitter!)
• Second Street East shares her favorite vacay outfit with us! Cute, comfortable and easy going is the name of the game! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

 For more information on how you can be involved - click here!

Selena Gomez Look for Less <$90

Love this dressy look from Selena Gomez, perfect for a summer wedding or formal event. While Selena's dress is Versace with the studded detailing at the waist, you too can have the same effect by adding a studded belt! Of course to top the whole outfit off, you have to have the perfect polish and Selena is rocking something similar to Essie "Watermelon"

Get the Look!
Dress
Shoes
Belt
Polish

Taylor Swift Look for Less < $115

I love polka dot jeans this season... they are so fun and unexpected!  Here Taylor gave her polka dot jeans a fun retro feel to them with loafers, wayfarer sunglasses and a bold red lip!  What a fun look!

get the look:
sunglasses
lipstick
jeans
top
shoes

Eva Mendes Look for Less <$80

As if I wasn't jealous enough of Eva Mendes for dating Ryan Gosling, I am totally jealous of this perfectly stripey outfit! Absolute perfection for summertime and my striped dress find is only $14 at Old Navy right now!

Get the Look!
Dress
Shoes
Sunglasses
Bag

Olivia Palermo Look For Less < $95

Let's just continue the Olivia love fest shall we? Loving the color palette and the flirty style of the skirt in this outfit!

Source: inthecitywithcrystalin.tumblr.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Get the look:

cardigan, necklace, tank, skirt, sunglasses, shoes

Friday's Film: Double Stack

*Just a note that we will be taking a vacation for a couple of weeks so we will not have any new posts during that time.  We will be posting after that though so keep checking in!*  :)

We've called this style the Double Stack and I actually saw something similar to this on one of the awards shows on television but I have searched everywhere and I can't find the original source.  It's a very easy style but you will need to have two bun molds or rolled socks to accomplish this style.

I told you it was easy!

Here's a picture of the finished product.

You can see that it is taller than a regular bun but has a really elegant look to it. 

We used wet hair when creating this style and didn't have any problem with it holding tightly. 

Remember to really take the time to make sure the hair is spread out evenly over those bun molds so that your finished bun looks really clean. 

Happy Summer and we will see you after vacation!

the IT list... June 8, 2012!

Happy Friday ladies... check out these uber fashionable links!

• Sweetie Pie Style found her ultimate summer shorts! They are comfy, cute and go with everything! What more could a girl ask for?? (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
• Fabulously Average braves the latest trend - cropped tops! Head over to see how fabulous she looks!  (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Wardrobes I Met and Liked is showing us her summer blues! She pairs masculine and feminine pieces for an unexpected twist! Cute!
• A Fashion Fixation shows us an adorable casual chic look that is perfect for the weekend! Be sure to check out her tip for an easy summer look! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Urban Frill is loving colorful cardigans for the transitioning weather! And this yellow one is such a fun way to add a pop of color to any outfit!
• Sandy a la Mode tested out a pair of slimming polka dots pants! They work and she looks adorable - I'd say that's a win-win! (find Sandy a la Mode on Twitter!)
• The Fashionable ESQ found an adorable striped peplum top at a cute new-to-her online boutique! Pop over to find out where its from! (find The Fashionable ESQ on Twitter!)
• Seize the Styles is looking on the bright side with the amazing deal she found on her colorful dress! Head over to see the fun accessories she pairs it with! (find Seize the Styles on Twitter!)
• Northern Style goes for a classic look but punches it up accessories! Don't forget to check out her orange shoes!! (find Northern Style on Twitter!)
• Miss Top Ten Image shows us how to incorporate a kimono into our daily wardrobe. It is the perfect item to dress up jeans! (find Miss Top Ten Image on Twitter!)
• Here & Now is making her wardrobe do double duty by turning a skirt into a dress! Throw a blazer on top and you have a chic, comfortable look!  (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Diva in Me is staying cool in the warmer temps with pretty pastels! Pop over to admire her flirty dress and the fun accessories she pairs it with! (find Diva in Me on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow is officially obsessed with blazers! The neutral one she is rocking looks great paired with a girly dress! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• Second Street East takes inspiration from her summer outfit to create a girly sitting room fit for any fashionista! Cute! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

 For more information on how you can be involved - click here!

Olivia Palermo Look for Less < $120

Either we just can't get enough of Olivia Palermo's style these days or she is just hitting it out of the park one after another... I tend to think it's a mix of both of those factors.  I just love her in this sequin jacket, I would have never even thought to wear one of these... until I see her pull it off so effortlessly.

This look is amazing!

get the look:
jacket
jeans
top
shoes
clutch

Kissy Lips & Bendy Braids

You will definitely need a Topsy Tail or tool like it for this hairstyle.  It's got two parts to it - the "Kissy Lips" and the "Bendy Braids" but they both derive from the same components, Inverted Pull-Throughs and regular Pull-Throughs. 

Here is what the Kissy Lips look like.  First you will gather a section of hair at the top of the head into an elastic.  Then create an Inverted Pull-Through by poking your Topsy Tail up from under the elastic and pulling the hair through.  Next you will gather another section of hair right before the first and secure it into an elastic - making sure to add in that hair from your Inverted Pull Through.  Have your new elastic lying fairly close to your previous one.  Now create a regular Pull-Through with that new section of hair by poking your Topsy Tail down through the hair behind the elastic.  These two Pull-Throughs create your Kissy Lips.

I've sectioned out the hair and done two sets of Kissy Lips on each side of the head. 

The lower set of Kissy Lips lies in the middle of the head on either side.

The hairstyle is finished off with Bendy Braids that are created simply by securing an elastic around the ponytail - about 1.5 inches below the previous elastic.  Now grab your Topsy Tail and create and Inverted Pull-Through with that section of your ponytail.  Add in another elastic (again 1.5 inches down) and create a regular Pull-Through.  Continue this pattern down through the ponytail and then follow the steps with the opposite ponytail as well.  The two different kind of Pull-Throughs will create a bent look in the ponytail.  The picture doesn't really do these justice but they are pretty cool. 

Olivia Palermo Look for Less <$115

Another dressy summer look from Miss Olivia Palermo. I love the dressy shorts paired with a sleek blazer and stripes! A little bit nautical but a lot of chic!

Get the Look!
Shorts
Top
Heels
Blazer

Side Braid Bun

This is not a new hairstyle by any means but it is the first time we have ever done it.  You only need to know how to do a basic French Braid (We have a video for that here ) and all you need is one elastic, some bobby pins, and a flower clip.  This hairstyle actually looked a bit better when it was done with dry hair but we did use extra hairspray when doing it dry so that we didn't end up with a ton of fly-aways.

We started by creating an off-centered part at the front of the head that was about 2 inches long.  We started on the smaller side of the part and grabbed a section of hair that was divided into 3 equal sections.

This is where you will begin your French Braid.  Just make sure that your Braid goes across the back of the head rather than down the head.   

Work your way around to the other side of the head and gather in the remaining hair.  Once it's all been added in, finish plaiting the braid with just a Regular 3-Strand and then secure it at the bottom with an elastic. 

Wrap that 3-Strand Braid around itself and secure it against the head with bobby pins.  Make sure that you have all of your ends tucked under the bun so they won't show.  Add a flower clip to the front of the bun and it's finished. 

Ashley Olsen Look For Less < $135

This is "vintage" Ashley Olsen, but I am totally digging her orange and blue color palette!  The perfect outfit for cocktails with friends on a warm summer evening!

image


Get the look:

dress, scarf, purse, shoes