B's View: Fishtail Fun

The fishtail is better messy in my opinion which makes it a great option for mornings where you are running behind.  For a top fishtail, I threw my hair in a ponytail, securing it with a ponytail holder.  From there I fishtailed it down and used a clear ponytail holder at the bottom.  For a low side fishtail, I just go straight into the plaiting and just tie it at the end.  Once I am done I like to spread out the plaiting to make it seem thicker.  You can take large pieces of hair or thinner, depending on how you want it to look.  In the top picture I did thicker pieces and in the bottom two pictures I used smaller pieces. 

Here is a video tutorial  from one of my favorite websites, The Beauty Department on how to fishtail.  Happy hair styling! ~B

Weekend Wear: Don't Make me Blush

Fun with friends in the CWE deserves a casual dressy mix.  I paired my blush blazer with a casual grey tee to tone down the white crystal necklace.  I also braided my bun for a different texture.  Dark lips to go with my dark jeans...why not?  What a fun night!  ~B

Blush Blazer - LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls
Grey Tee - Danny's closet (it shrunk so it is now mine, muahahahahhaha!!!!)  It is one of my favorite things, check out other ways to style it here.
Dark Wash Jeans - Old Navy Jeggings 
Grey Wedge Booties - Mudd for Kohls, featured in my Boot Camp White Crystal Necklace - Jane.com $9.95

The Movie Star Curl

Whenever I curl my hair, everyone asks how I do it.  I thought I would share it with you!

You will need:
~ a curling iron with the clamp removed, or a curling wand
~ brush
~ hairspray 
~ a little patience the first few times, I can usually knock this out in 15 minutes now

Start with straight hair.  You will start your curl under your jaw line (see picture below).  For more body you can start higher but it tends to create a Shirley Temple look of which I am not a fan.  You can use a middle part or side part but divide your hair so it is split down the back and all hair is off to one side or the other.

Take a chunk of hair and begin wrapping it around the barrel towards the back of your head (like in the photo below...I look happy,huh?).  You will need to go the same direction with each section of hair.  When I am done with my left side, I will do a mirror image of the direction in my right side.

Hold the hair wrapped around for about 10 seconds and let go.  Be really careful once you get close to the end!  It is really easy to burn yourself this way.  I actually like when the very end isn't curled so I leave the last half inch off of the iron.

Your hair will look like this when you are done curling each section

So far you have done pretty great!  I think you deserve a drink...mine is juice....

Once you have curled all of your hair, run a brush through it.  Until it looks like the picture below.  Feel free to use hairspray if your hair doesn't stay curled very well. 

This is such an easy and consistent method.  You should get pretty much the same results each time.

It's fun to pin back one side, put it in a ponytail, or have a deep side part for a dramatic look!  Enjoy your movie star curls!  ~B 

Side Braid Your Way - #1 Low Impact Pseudo-Braid

I love a good side braid.  It involves a mix of texture and (seemingly) effortless messiness.  It is a great weekend look and it is guaranteed to make any look seem at least 10 points cooler.  Now I know not everyone has braiding mastered so I have a few versions to offer up, this one is the Low Impact version for people who either don't have the patience, time, or the finger stamina to braid it up.  Shout out to my long time best friend Sarah B. on this one...I know you can handle it!

Low Impact Pseudo-Braid

You will need:

~ 3-4 thin hair rubber bands (I like to use the clear ones)

~ a comb or brush

Optional:

~ styling cream or hair spray (for those lucky people that have a curly texture)

Step 1: Start by pulling your hair into a low ponytail off to one side of your neck using a clear rubber band. Use hair spray or styling cream to smooth down hair if need be.  If I have my hair parted on one side, I usually pull my hair to the opposite side but do what works best for your hair.  

Step 2:  Place another rubber band around your ponytail about 3-4 inches lower than the first.  If you don't have long hair I would stick with 3 inches.  Repeat one or two more times, spacing the rubber bands evenly. I like to leave about 4 inches of hair at the bottom but it is really up to you and what looks best on your hair.

Step 3:  This is the fun part, it's time for you to get messy!  Go to each section of hair between rubber bands and pull the hair to each side spreading it out.  Start at the top and work your way down.  It's kind of like loosening up your tennis shoe laces.  Start small and adjust as you go until you are happy with how it looks.  I would either have each section be evenly spread out or start wider at the top and get smaller as you get down to the end.  

Viola!

I like to find a pair of killer earrings to compliment the do but you can go easy with studs or naked ears too.  This can be as messy or as neat as you want, that part is up to you!  

Feel free to leave a comment if you try this style out or have any questions.  I would love to see pictures of your Low Impact Braid!

~ B