How To Wear A Side Bun

February 10th, 2009 by crystal
It’s true that side buns are not new to Spring 2009. But, they’ve become much more prolific as of late and are now a style being worn by more than just Fergie! Inspired by celebrities who have worn the side bun so well, regular ladies will be wearing the look this Spring. And, unlike Fergie, us regular gals don’t have the luxury of a stylist. So, we need to know how to create the look ourselves. Read more for celebrity inspiration, how to put your hair in a side bun and when to wear a side bun.

Celebrities Wearing Side Buns

Fergie wearing a side bunScarlett Johansson side bunIsla Fisher side bun



Fergie’s side bun is equal parts mess and glam. She effortlessly creates a romantic, soft look with loose waves and hair bling.
(Image from Glamour.com)


Scarlett Johansson’s hair is softly tame, but the bun itself is quite messy.
(Image from Hairstyles & Haircuts)


Isla Fisher rocked the side bun at the Golden Globes. I really like the way it complements her asymmetrical gown.
(Image from About.com)

When To Wear a Side Bun

Ummm…that’s pretty easy. Anytime!
Since side buns can be messy or sleek, glamorous or casual, you can adapt the side bun to fit pretty much any situation and outfit.
As you can see from the celebrity pictures above, even a messy side bun can look glamorous. It’s all about how you wear it.


But, just because it looks messy doesn’t mean it didn’t take time and effort. Fergie’s updo definitely took some time and product. Her hair was curled into loose waves before pinning it up into the bun, the pieces around her face were worked with to make sure they had the right amount of volume and the right direction of curl and her hair was worked with product to give the curls lasting power and make sure the bun stayed put.


If you’re heading out to run errands, pulling your hair into a quick side bun can take less time and glam up your weekend duds.
Though side buns are not age specific, you probably won’t spot many women over 50 wearing side buns when they’re just out and about. Formal events are another story, however. At a wedding I recently attended, I spotted a woman in her 60′s wearing a very tasteful, very glam side bun. It’s all about confidence!


Casual side buns are great for pretty much any situation that doesn’t require something too fancy.
And, the glamorous side buns are great for pretty much any situation that requires something fancy.
It’s definitely a style worth trying!

How to Wear a Side Bun

1. Start with dirty hair. If your hair is not dirty, section it and spray it with a flexible hold hairspray before styling. This will help your hair hold better and will make it easier to manage. If you want your bun to look messy, curl your hair first by wrapping sections around a small curling iron.
2. Part your hair on the side you normally wear it.
3. Decide which side to make the bun. Either side is fine. Some people prefer the side opposite the part because that seems to balance the look. But, the same side can work, too. Just hold your hair in a crude bun on each side to decide which side will work for you.
4. Sweep the hair down and over to the nape of your neck. Secure with a clear pony tail holder in a side pony tail.
5. If you’re going for a messy look, loosely gather your hair into a bun and pin it up. Don’t wrap or twist your hair. Let it be loose and unruly. You might need to pin it and then go back to pin individual pieces of hair.
If you’re going for a sleeker, tamer look, section your hair into two pieces and twist the pieces around each other. This will give your bun a woven look and help you pin it down easier. Wrap the twisted hair around the pony tail holder, keeping it somewhat loose. Pin the hair securely.
6. Decide what to do with your bangs. If you want pieces to hang out of the bun, let them hang freely. Otherwise, sweep the bangs over and secure with a bobby pin behind your ear.

Your Thoughts?

Do you like the side bun look? Do you like to wear it for casual or formal events? Share your thoughts in the comments…


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Friday Finds: Get ‘Em Before They’re Gone

February 6th, 2009 by crystal

Victoria’s Secret: Get $15 off your order of $100 or more with offer code BUYVS.


Avon: Get up to 60% off.
Get free shipping on your order of $20 or more with coupon code WINTER2009.


Lucky Brand Jeans: Free Ground Shipping w$50 Purchase. Use code: 9SHIPA. Only applies to Free Ground Shipping within the 48 contiguous United States.


Banana Republic: 30% Off Denim on select styles at Banana Republic through Feb 8th. Shop Now!


White House Black Market: Up to 70% Off at White House Black Market. Offer Valid 1.20.09 to 02.22.09.
$20 off a Merchandise Purchase of $80 or more at White House Black Market. Enter 8792 at Checkout. Offer Valid 02.02.09 – 03.01.09. Online Only.


Charlotte Russe: Get Free Shipping when you buy 5 items or more.


Dillards: Save up to 70% on many women’s clothing, handbags and shoes (including clearance items).


Plus, many of the sales I shared in last week’s Friday Finds are still active.


Here are the Finds…

Very Low

Women: Women's Knotted Jersey Tops - Lemonade
This top is perfect for layering and comes at the very reasonable price of $9.99.
Women: Women's High Waist Pleated Skirts - Black
High-waist skirts, pants and shorts are trendy for Spring. Here’s a fun skirt to get your Spring wardrobe started. Originally $24.50, it’s now only $9.99.

Low

Floral Lace Shift Dress
This very feminine dress would be great belted or worn loose. Originally $29.99, it’s now $14.99.
Cape Cardigan
Cardigans are still a hit and this short-sleeved option is perfect for warmer weather. It’s 50% off at $16.49.

Medium


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Great for layering under a blazer, this top is also trendy with its added rosette. Originally $88, it’s been seriously marked down to $29.99.
City Style Strapless Dress
This is a great price on this colorful dress. There are only a few sizes left, so act quickly! Originally $54.99, it’s now $27.49.

High

Women: Pleated halter dress - Black
After seeing all of the halter dresses at the recent awards shows, it’s pretty clear that they’ll be a huge trend this Spring. This one has been marked down from $150 to $89.99.
BR Monogram: BR Monogram one-button blazer - Fall cork
Blazers are always a necessity. This one has matching pants and skirts if you want to go for the full suit. Or, just use it to layer other outfits. Amazingly discounted, this blazer was $275. It’s now only $69.99.

Designer


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This handbag designed by Botkier comes in either white or green. Originally $625, it’s now $309.90.
Joes Wide Leg Muse in Slate
These Joe’s Jeans are of the ever popular wide leg trouser variety and they’re only $79.50.

Happy shopping! Have a great weekend!

Vintage Made New: TaxiCDC

February 5th, 2009 by crystal

I read about TaxiCDC in my latest issue of Nylon and was so intrigued, I had to do more research and share with all of you.
TaxiCDC is a clothing company founded by designer Deborah Brosenne. Brosenne formerly co-designed Triple Five Soul, a popular urban streetwear brand. A lover of vintage clothing, she decided to combine her affinity with her design skills. Thus, TaxiCDC was born.
Brosenne takes vintage clothing and redesigns the pieces into more modern, well-fitting items. Her clothes are very chic and trendy, yet they maintain that vintage vibe we all love. And, the clothes actually fit! Every time I go vintage shopping, it’s mostly just an exercise in frustration because everytime I find something I love, it inevitably doesn’t fit. I’ve always wanted amazing vintage pieces that are equally classic and unique.


On the TaxiCDC website, there are about 3 designs of tops and 8 dresses. Each is made with a different fabric since they’re made from vintage clothing. So, you can see what colors are available according to your size. Denim skirts and accessories are also available.

What surprised me the most was how widespread TaxiCDC is! The company has only been around for a couple of years, but the clothing is sold in locations around the country. There are two options for me here in Austin! Of course, you can also order online.


Prices are reasonable. Dresses are about $90 which isn’t bad for something that’s vintage and also designed by an actual fashion designer.

TaxiCDC is an extremely clever, innovative idea. It made me start to think again about learning to sew. What a great way to be a true recessionista! I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to make anything as well-fitting as Deborah Brosenne. I didn’t study at Parsons or FIT, after all. But, I’m definitely inspired!
In the meantime, I think I’ll check out those boutiques in Austin that carry TaxiCDC.

What do you think?

Do you love vintage clothes? Would you consider wearing a TaxiCDC creation?


Makeup Trend – Soft Smoky Eyes

February 3rd, 2009 by crystal
How to do Smoky Eye Makeup
Smoky eyes are back this season, but in a slightly different form. In keeping with the ‘barely there’ makeup trend, smoky eyes are now being achieved using softer shades of shadow. Smoky eyes in brown and gold are the most natural options, but can also be created using green and even violet shadows.
(Image from Smashbox)

How to Create Soft Smoky Eyes

There are MANY ways to achieve the Smoky Eye look. The basic way is to start with 2 colors of shadow. With a basic eyeshadow brush, cover the entire lid with the lighter color, going slightly over the crease. With a crease brush, use the darker color to create a ‘V’ along the crease, pointed at the edge of the lid and back along the upper lashes. Blend the shadows together with a blending brush, feathering the dark color up and out. Make sure to keep the inside of the eye and the brow bone light. For a little more definition and shadowing, take the darker color along the lower lash line using the crease brush. You also might want to go along the crease again with the dark color.
Don’t forget to line your eyes with a similar shade of eyeliner and apply a few coats of mascara.

Best Smoky Eye Products


This palette by Cargo comes with a specific color designated for the browbone, lid, crease and outer corner. Offered in a few different shades, you can easily find one perfect for your skin-type. It’s offered at Sephora for $32.
How to Do Smoky Eye Makeup
Stila has an amazing quad that actually talks you through the directions for how to create a smoky eye. Seriously, the little box actually TALKS! Offered in quite a few different color combinations, my favorite, and the one most in line with Spring makeup trends, is ‘The Bronzes’.

I’m sorry you can’t see the colors here. Click on the image to see the Bobbi Brown eye shadow shades Mink and Birch. These paired together would work perfectly to create a natural, smoky eye effect.


Drugstore Options

Generally, drugstore eyeshadow options don’t work as well as ones you find in department stores because they contain higher levels of talc. But, they are a great way to try a new look without dropping a lot of cash. Here are a few suggestions for Smoky Eye eyeshadows you can find at your neighborhood drugstore.

Spring 2009 Makeup Trend
The ‘Coffee Shop’ quad by Cover Girl offers a few choices depending on how dark you want to make your smoky eye. For a gold palette, try the ‘Golden Sunset’ trio.
Spring 2009 Makeup Trends
Maybelline makes quite a few neutral palettes, but this duo called ‘Cocoa Delight’ is the richest for the Smoky Eye look.



Do you like the Smoky Eye look or do you think it’s too much? Share your opinions in the comments…

What to Wear on Valentine’s Day (or any other date)

February 2nd, 2009 by crystal
Regardless of whether it’s your first date or your 200th, you want to look good for your guy. Most importantly, though, you want to look good for yourself! Feeling good about how you look will make you a much more confident, enjoyable date.
Here are a few tips to remember when you’re planning your Valentine’s Day outfit.

How to Dress on Valentine’s Day

1. Remember Goldilocks

If Goldie were helping you dress for your date, she’d remind you to find an outfit that’s “just right”. If you wear something too tight, you run the risk of looking like a strumpet. Too loose and you hide your curves. Find something that fits you well, emphasizes your curves and still leaves something to the imagination.

2. Shake What Your Mama Gave You

Draw attention to your best features with clothes that accentuate those areas. You can also do this with color and accessories. This does not mean to wear something too revealing. Rather, focus on your most attractive areas with clothes that fit those areas best.

3. Be Modest

When planning a date outfit, go more for modesty than sensuality. Wearing tops that show too much cleavage, skirts that show too much leg or dresses that show too much skin can make you appear trashy and give the wrong idea. Outsiders should never look at you and your date and wonder if he’s with an escort.

4. Feel Good

Whatever you choose, make sure it makes you feel confident, comfortable and sexy. Most of the time, your date won’t even notice the specifics of your outfit. What he will notice is how you carry yourself.

What to Wear on Valentine’s Day

Contrary to popular belief, you are NOT required to wear red or pink just because it’s Valentine’s Day! Here are a few ideas for what to wear on your special date.

Night at Home

Even if you’ve decided to stay in for dinner and a movie, you’ll want to dress to impress. Since you’re staying at home, you can afford to be a little more risque. You can show a little more skin and not worry about the weather or showing too much skin to random strangers. Remember to wear something that you’re comfortable in, though. Having to readjust your outfit all night is definitely not sexy! A cute top paired with your favorite jeans is a safe bet. You can always change into “something a little more comfortable” later!

What to wear on Valentine's DayValentine's Day OutfitWhat to Wear on a Date

Shown: Knit Top ($17.99), Bra Top Cami ($29), Smocked Blouson Cami ($78.58)

Casual Dinner Out

If you’re going out to your favorite casual restaurant, it’s okay to dress a little nicer than you usually would. Just don’t overdo it. If you’d usually go in jeans a blouse, wearing a formal dress would just seem weird. Choose a cute, going out top and a nice pair of jeans or a pencil skirt. Don’t forget to accessorize and wear a pair of sexy heels!

What to Wear on a DateValentine's Day TopHow to Dress on Valentine's Day

Shown: Silk Open Back Top ($59), Ruffle Chiffon Top ($19.99), Rosette Top ($14.99)

Night Out on the Town

If you’re going all out, choose something fun, flirty and sophisticated. Remember, as with all outfits, you should feel comfortable and sexy in what you wear. If you’re uncomfortable, you won’t carry yourself as well, you’ll fidget with your outfit and you definitely won’t feel worthy of your man’s attention. Find something that fits you well and accentuates what you have. Here are a few fun, flirty dresses.

How to dress for a dateDate DressValentine's Day Dress

Shown: Sleeveless Draped Dress ($150), Silk Bow Dress ($250), Eliza J Wrap Dress ($158)

What do you think of these tips? What is your philosophy for date attire?

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