Layer It On

Even in the summer, I'm a huge fan of layering. It spices up plain sweaters, button-ups, t-shirts, etc. It's the perfect way to make a piece you wear all the time look completely new and different. I love this chambray shirt and honestly, I probably wear it too often. This striped t-shirt (Target - little girl's section...seriously) has some details of it's own but takes on a whole new life over the denim. I paired these layered tops with these fun watermelon Gap trousers, Target nude patent leather flats, a sock bun and this polka dot makeup bag-turned-clutch from Forever 21. 

Socks Buns Turned Sock Balls



Believe me...I rock a sock bun like it's my job. It's the ultimate second day hair move or in my case the ultimate lazy/I woke up late/I wanted 10 more minutes of sleep move. However, I have been wanting to spice up the typical sock bun. So, I took the beige sock bun that I made and squished it together making more of a little donut hole (unfortunately not of the Krispy Kreme descent). After scrunching the sock bun into a knot/ball, I wrapped a similarly colored hair tie around it, securing the ball shape. I place my hair in a bun, resting the sock ball above the pony. I then wrapped the hair hanging from the pony around the sock ball and secured that with another beige hair tie. Voila - a funkier sock bun. Looks fancier than it is - just how I like it.



These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Hair Edition

I'm not in denial...I am, in fact, a product junkie. I'll try anything to see if it gets my hair softer, longer more quickly, higher, bigger, more conditioned. Luckily, hopefully by reading these posts, you don't have to shop around nearly as often as I do. Above are some of my favorite hair products that are tried and true. Top left is Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Keratin Intensive Treatment. This heavy duty conditioner does miracles. Leave on during your entire shower, washing out at the end and voila - silky hair. To the right of the conditioner is my favorite post-shower serum. This "renewing" Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil by Organix is a must-have. At right at $6, there is no reason to not buy it. This product restores shine and softness and strengthens your hair. A girlfriend of mine at work even runs it through her hair during the work day to counteract mid-day dry hair issues. To the right of the oil is a hair pick. Of course, if you know me, you know I carry around a much "rattier" version from the 80's (it was my mother's and is a heirloom in my eyes). Back-combing is not just something you do to your hair - it's a way of life. Big hair, honey. It's everything. Next, we have Peter Coppola's argan oil finishing spray. Not only does it smell heavenly but it's perfect for non-hairspray lovers (I happen to LOVE hairspray). When wearing my hair curly, I use this as an all-over spray to help the curls hold without a crunchy, hard look. In the middle is my Conair sock bun maker. Buy one, try one, love one. Perfect for second day hair and an effortless up-do. Bottom left is my trust leopard print J.Crew headband. I use this thing to get the hair out of my face while doing my makeup, washing my face and for a fun day outing. Bonus - it's not cheap looking leopard print. 

Sock Bun: Part Deux

With the help of perfectly matched clip-in hair extensions, I'm able to do this more elegant version of a sock bun. I converted from an actual sock bun made from a light beige sock to a Conair Sock Bun Maker (available at Target). To get this look: 1) Put hair in pony tail 2) Place bun maker around pony tail, at the base (hair should be through hole of bun maker) 3) Spread hair from pony tail over bun maker, covering evenly so that the bun maker isn't visible 4) Wrap a hair tie around bun maker so that hair is still covering all of it 5) Take the hair that is sticking out from the bun and start wrapping it around bun 6) Use bobby pins to pin hair while you're wrapping it around to hold it in place 7) Voila! Fancy bun that takes less than 5 minutes to do and looks fabulous!

Sun's Out, Buns Out

I'm in the ever aggravating process of growing my hair out. All I want is a sock bun...is that too much for a girl to ask for? Don't worry...I'm too impatient to actually wait for butt-length hair to get world's best sock bun. So...I've created the best cheat system - use my extensions. To add a little length and thickness for select styles, clip hair extension at top of hair, teasing layers at a time. Then, continue on with creating your sassy sock bun. Sometime a girl just has to use her resources.