Friday's Film: Knotted Ladder

We have had several requests for a tutorial on this hairstyle:

This picture was sent to me from one of our friends on Facebook and  absolutely love the style.  I wish I knew it's origin so I could give credit where credit is due. You'll notice how complete perfect this picture above looks.  Well, mine was not as great (this was my first attempt) but I'm sure it will get better with practice.  :) 

 Something very important that I wish I had been better with is making sure to hold the strand tightly so they don't loosen up.  You will see that ours loosened a bit and I was kicking myself that I wasn't more careful about that.  

I should have kept my add-in strands smaller like in the example picture and then I would have had more crossing hairs as well.  

I started our hairstyle a bit farther back on the head than in the example but you can do it however you like.

To finish it off I simply wrapped a small strand of hair over the elastic to conceal it and then poked a Topsy Tail through the elastic, threaded that strand through it, and pulled in in tightly so that it was secure.

It's a very beautiful hairstyle and hopefully this tutorial helps those of you that were looking for some instruction!

the IT list... August 31, 2012!

It's so hard to believe this is the final IT list of the summer! 

Enjoy these fabulous links!

• A Fashion Fixation is ready for a casual happy hour in jeans, but dresses them up with a sassy pink wedge! So cute! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Ishi made an impulse buy that she definitely isn't regretting! Pop over to check out her latest (wallet-friendly) find!
• Fabulously Average is throwing out all of the old Labor Day fashion rules and goes for white on white, which she plans to wear well past the holiday! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Leopard and Lillies goes for an avant garde look with leopard and leather! Head over to see how she wears a dress as a top - so smart! (find Leopard and Lillies on Twitter!) 
• Minted Glam is slightly obsessed with polka dots this season and she wears them well! Check out what sweater she had to have in 3(!) colors! (find Minted Galm on Twitter!)
• Fancy Francy complied a list of 20 bags that are perfect for work or school! How to choose... they are all so fabulous!  (find Fancy Francy on Twitter!)
• Ash n' Fashn is taking her inspiration from European girls and rocking a turban. Best news? She made it out of a scarf so you can try it out, too! (find Ash n' Fashn on Twitter!)
• The Glossy Life is teaching us how to make french toast casserole - a dish sure to impress any overnight guests! Head over for the recipe! (find The Glossy Life on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow goes for an outfit that incorporates all of her favorite things - braid, maxi and stripes! It is pretty perfect if you ask me! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins recreated a look from our favorite Orange County girl - Lauren Conrad! Simple and great for summer or fall!
• Urban Frill is finding her self in a fall state of mind with the weather starting to change! Jeans and boots in the same outfit?! So exciting! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• It's Not That Deep mixes big and small for a relaxed but polished casual look! Pop over to see how you can recreate this outfit!
• For All Things Lovely looks so chic in peplum and a bow! She is summer on top and fall on the bottom for an easy transitional outfit! 
• Second Street East takes a cue from Kate Spade's apartment and creates a fabulous, colorful look! Pop over to find out where to buy the pieces! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style gives us the rundown on another fall trend - black and white! Such a great way to create an effortlessly chic look! (find Sweetie Pie Style 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

School Starts Style

School started this week and my little princess has been so excited to get back and see her teachers and friends.  I have been excited for a routine to set in so I can get back to posting on this site!

This was her hair for her first day back and it was a simple, yet darling style:

Begin by creating an off-centered part at the front of the hair.  Create a section on both sides going from the part down to the ears and secure each with an elastic.

Now create a Regular 3-Strand Braid out of those two small ponytails and have your princess hold onto each once they are done.  Divide the rest of the hair into two areas by creating a part directly down the center.  Begin with the left half and gather it all together into a ponytail - making sure to bring across the right side braid and include that into the ponytail as well.  

Do the same with the right side, remembering to bring across that left braid and add it in.  Comb out any remaining braid on each side.  You should now have two ponytails.  Create another Regular 3-Strand Braid out of each. 

 Bring the bottom of one of your braids up to the last elastic and create a puppy dog ear by securing it up with a new elastic.   Puff out any excess hair over the elastic.  Do the same thing with your other braid and you're all done! 

Miranda Kerr Look for Less < $74

Miranda Kerr is looking sophisticated and classic in this outfit... what a great end of summer early fall look!  Plus I recreated this look for less than $75 - score!

get the look:
pants
top
sunglasses
flats

Eva Mendes Look for Less <$97

I can't get enough of polka dots lately so this look from Eva Mendes is right up my alley! She then tops it off with a fab turban headband, another fun accessory that can make your outfit pop!

Get the Look!
Tee
Skirt
Belt
Headband
Wedges

Hooray for Hair!

We are back from vacation, the kids have started school, and we are ready for the routine again.  We have some fun new hairstyles to post and that will start again on Wednesday.  Thanks for hanging in there with us while we were away!  We would love to see some of your cute hairstyles for the first day of school so hop on over to our Facebook page and share them!  :)

Emma Stone Look For Less < $115

Oh Emma, Emma, Emma. Seriously love her style.  This outfit is no exception. Bring it fall!

Get the look:

jeans, plaid jacket, blouse, flats

the IT list... August 24, 2012!

• The Double Take Girls are thinking ahead to fall with a transitional blazer that is perfect for bridging the gap to cooler temps! It was a steal, too! (find The Double Take Girls on Twitter!)
• Lilies, Lattes & Lace is all wrapped up in a summer dress! Pop over to see how she styles this classic silhouette!  (find Lilies, Lattes & Lace on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is taking her inspiration from Pinterest and using what she already owns to create a bright, versatile look! So cute! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Rachel's Look Book looks stunning in a vintage blazer and striped maxi! An outfit meant for dining al fresco on cooler nights! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• Urban Frill has found a comfy, stylish outfit that makes her feel great - what more could a girl ask for?! And it involves leopard...which doesn't hurt either! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Miss Top Ten Image found an oldie (but a goodie!) that she forgot was in her closet! Don't you love when that happens?! (find Miss Top Ten Image on Twitter!)
• Here & Now is savoring the last weeks of warmer temps in a look that is fit for a summer soiree - complete with a floppy hat! So cute! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Ishi goes for a twist on the classic work ensemble with chambray and edgy jewelry! She is definitely the most stylish girl in her office!
• Fabulously Average mixes a whimsical dress with a little southwestern charm! Pop over to check out her sweet kicks! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Leopard and Lillies is rocking leather in the desert and still manages to make it warm weather appropriate! Don't miss this cute look! (find Leopard and Lillies on Twitter!) 
• Minted Glam is finding her khaki vest to be indispensable in the transition to fall! It adds a fun safari vibe to any look! (find Minted Galm on Twitter!)
• Fancy Francy rounds up all of her favorite combat boots that are under $100! They are sure to be a fall staple so go pick out a pair! (find Fancy Francy on Twitter!)
• Ash n' Fashn is already envisioning how she will style her black lace dress through fall and winter. It is truly a 4-season piece! (find Ash n' Fashn on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is feeling sassy in red and leopard - definitely a chic way to make a statement! Head over to check out the room it inspired! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style rounds up some of her favorite pieces of the moment, including a fabulous Kate Spade sweatshirt! Hide your wallets! (find Sweetie Pie Style 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

Jessica Alba Look for Less <$120

Another way to wear out your white before labor day, this time with Jessica Alba. I love how she tied up her chambray shirt and added a girly flair with the fun straw wedges. I think the fringe bag adds a little bit of edge to this all around girly outfit, don't you? 

Get the Look!

Chambray shirt

White Dress

Wedges

Necklace

Bag

Gwyneth Paltrow Look for Less <$95

With Labor Day right around the corner, I am trying to wear my white denim out before I can't wear it anymore. This look from Gwyneth Paltrow is a great way to spice up your white denim. Add a little bit of military flair and its a great transition to September!

Get the Look!
Button Down
Grey Tank
White Jeans
Sunglasses
Black Tank
Sandals

Kate Bosworth Look For Less < $100

This look on Kate Bosworth is the perfect example of a summer to fall transitional look.  The neutrals in the floral dress will blend perfectly with a pair of brown boots and a nice chunky cardigan come fall!  Plus, the saddle bag is perfect for all seasons as well.  Both the dress and bag are timeless pieces that you can get lots of mileage from!

via people.com

Get the look:

Dress, Purse( amazing deal on this London Fog beauty!), Belt

the IT list... August 17, 2012!

Happy Friday!

Take some time to check out these amazing links!

• Olive and an Arrow is rocking purple pants and pumps for a fun office look! Pop over to see how she puts a casual twist on it! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• The Double Take Girls goes for a royal look with the Queen's signature color! Paired with polka dots, it is the ultimate girly outfit!  (find The Double Take Girl on Twitter!)
• Lipstick & Lollies saved her first sock bun experience for a rainy day and, I must say, she knocked it out of the park! So cute!
• Lilies, Lattes & Lace celebrated her wedding anniversary in a special dress reminiscent of the one she wore on the big day! Gorgeous! (find Lilies, Lattes & Lace on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is loving the high-low dress trend and even figured out a way to make it work for the office! She looks amazing! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Rachel's Look Book gives us the run down on how to transition our maxi skirts from summer to fall! Head over to check out all of her great tips! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• Urban Frill has a case of the blues in a monochromatic ensemble - though the color can mean drab, this outfit is anything but!  (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Miss Top Ten Image went for an easy breezy island look while on vacation complete with a head scarf! Love it! (find Miss Top Ten Image on Twitter!)
• Here & Now tried out the glasses trend in black and white from head to toe. Head over to find out where you can get your own pair!  (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Ishi infused a bit of european style into her look - cat eye frames and an eiffel tower shirt make for one chic outfit!
• Fabulously Average mixed yellow with maroon for an unexpected color combo - love the combination of summer and fall! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Leopard and Lillies is a vision in red in her long flowing maxi! Add in a little glitter and this is one dashing outfit! (find Leopard and Lillies on Twitter!) 
• Second Street East is ready for the lake in crochet shorts and chambray! Comfy, cute and casual - there is nothing better! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style takes us through three ways to wear the same top - dinner date, drinks with friends and Sunday brunch! How to choose?! (find Sweetie Pie Style 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

Rachel Bilson Look for Less <$101

I am LOVING this dressy look from Rachel Bilson! Its a fun take on a tuxedo look with a cute "bow tie" top with the sleek tuxedo pants. Rachel makes menswear look sweet and she then tops it off with a pretty lipstick!

Get the Look!
Heels
Top
Pants
Lipstick

Eva Longoria Look For Less < $110

Loving these coral skinny jeans on Eva Longoria.  Colored denim is still going to be hot this fall-so these would be a great investment!

Source: celebrity-gossip.net via Jackie on Pinterest

Get the look:

top, colored denim, sunglasses, purse, scarf, flip flops

Jennifer Hudson Style for Less < $105

This is a perfect summer to fall look sporting two of this seasons hottest (and easiest to wear!) trends... polka dots and loafers.  Jennifer Hudson looks casual and stylish in this simple look!

get the look:
polka dot top
black skinny jeans
loafers

Jessica Alba Look for Less <$97

Yet another fab look from Jessica Alba and this one is a great transition into fall. Pairing a bright blazer with some fun heels makes for a look to help you get ready for fall but still keeping a bit of summer with the fun colors and opened toed heels.

Get the Look!
Tank
Blazer
Jeans
Heels
Bag

Rachel Zoe Look For Less < $75

I still love, love, love dark denim trousers!  I have a pair from Loft that I have had for a few years and every fall they become my favorite pair to wear. Here Rachel Zoe looks perfect in an outfit that is great for pre-fall!

Source: x17online.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Get the look:

poncho, denim, watch, sunglasses

the IT list... August 3, 2012!

Welcome to August!  I can't believe it is here already...

These ladies have a serious dose of late summer style for you today... 

so be sure to check out these links!

• Fabulously Average might have accidentally started a new trend! We have heard of the backward cardigan, but what about a backward dress? Check it out! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Runaway Style found a couple of gems at H&M recently and they look gorgeous together! Head over to see what you should add to your shopping list!
• the Queen City Style plays with pattern in one of this season's hottest trends - polka dots! She paired it with a little floral for a fun summer look! (find The Queen City Style on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow has her Olympic gear on and is ready to see more of that gorgeous eye candy also known as Ryan Lochte! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• The Double Take Girls steers away from the urge to match her top to her skirt and pairs it with a neutral summer staple for a fresher look! So cute! (find The Double Take Girl on Twitter!)
• Lipstick & Lollies is a pattern-mixing pro and, this time, goes for two black and white prints - the most fun way to wear neutrals!
• Lilies, Lattes & Lace mixes up the typical corporate suit by adding color and shorts! A must for the warm weather and totally office chic! (find Lilies, Lattes & Lace on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is sporting a sailboat printed skirt in one of her favorite hues! Seriously cute! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Rachel's Look Book proves that neon is still going strong with her fun necklace! Paired with a little animal print, it makes for such a fun look! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• Urban Frill is in blazer bliss with an oversized menswear jacket! The perfect way to dress up a pair of cutoffs! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Miss Top Ten Image will have you green with envy when you see her emerald pants! Pop over to check out what top she paired them with! (find Miss Top Ten Image on Twitter!)
• Here & Now is summer chic in floral and stripes! Her shorts are to die for - a must see! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Second Street East scored a vintage chair that she is upholstering! Head over to weigh in on the fabric choices! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style walks us through one of Fall's hottest trends - the camo jacket! Get ready for military chic! (find Sweetie Pie Style 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

Kate Middleton Olympic Look for Less < $95

Of course the London Olympics can't pass without us featuring a Kate Middleton look (or two!)... her casual style is always very attainable as she consistently depends on basic and classic pieces.  I can definitely see any lady (myself included) easily rocking this look!

get the look:
jeans
top
blazer
wedges