a winter's tale

Sometimes, the whole drying my hair, and then straightening it, and then putting shit in it to keep it from frizzing routine is too time consuming/ I don't feel like it. Especially, if I'm working with day-two hair and wearing it down isn't an option because it may or may not look a little greasy, it's good to have some back up hair ideas on stand by.

Enter: the pony tail.

Effortless. Easy, yet you still give off the impression that you tried a little bit more than simply throwing on your favorite baseball hat and calling it a day. 

And the beauty of the pony tail is that it can be styled in so many ways, and look like a completely different hairstyle each way. It doesn't have to be the same-old, slicked-back, the-higher-the-pony-the-closer-to-heaven pony tail. 

Here are some of my favorite styles. Some I already do really well attempt, but I plan on trying the other styles as well!  Are there any pony tail tricks you've got up your sleeve? Do share!

The Bow

This pony tail look is super feminine and sweet. Add a little flair to

a simple pulled back pony and wa-la! It's an easy way to dress up a casual hair-do.

Inside Out Ponytail

This was a staple hairstyle for me growing up, and I have to say,

I think it's making a come back. This is as easy as it is pretty, and I love

how casual chic it is.

The Messy Mid-Head Pony

What I love about this look is that even though it's slightly unkempt,

it can be worn for both informal and formal occasions. Basically,

this is a looser version on the classic pony tail. Let your hair

be a bit bumpy and wispies be free!

My go-to pony tail style is this one. It's so easy to do, and what's ideal is that

it's meant to be a little messy! This style doesn't have to be perfect which is

exactly why it's a good option for a quick hair fix!

The Braided Head Ponytail

Incorporating braids into your ponytail is right on trend. It looks more like

a cool up-do than a regular pony tail. I also love how this model wrapped

a braid around the pony tail holder.

The Twisted Section Pony

This take on the pony tail adds an element of surprise that is both elegant

and feminine. I love how simply twisting and fragmenting off the pony tail 

creates a totally different look.

The Low Fishtail Pony

This look is one of my favorites! Fishtail braids have such a cool

look to them. Paired with a low pony tail, this style is perfect for casual,

daytime looks, or a night out with the girls.

Here's my version of the low fishtail pony. I pulled back my

side bangs with a couple bobby pins, then fishtail braided

the rest of my hair.

So, what do you think? Would you try any of these styles?

Photo credits:

GalMeetsGlam

PoPularHaircuts

StatusCrave

GirlsBeautyLook

Self Magazine

My week on Instgram

It's been a very Instagram-worthy week.

Orioles played the Red Sox on their Opening Day at Camden Yards. I ate way too much at my parent's dinner party, particularly overdid it with the Smith Island Cake. I tried a couple of new hair styles. I enjoyed a Sunday brunch overlooking the water in Baltimore. And lastly, I spent quality couch time with Bruiser. Here's my week as seen on Instagram :)

Want to see more? Follow me on Instagram!

New Baubles and a Braid

As you guys know, I love statement necklaces. LOVE. They can elevate a simple tee shirt, and add sparkle, shine, and color to any outfit. Here are some baubles I'm currently loving:

J. Crew

Anthropologie 

Francesca's 

J. Crew

Feeling inspired by spring - and by all of the aforementioned necklaces - I picked up a glass and grey leaf necklace for myself (and I am absolutely obsessed with it)!

Top: J. Crew, Necklace: J. Crew, Belt: LOFT, Denim: LOFT, Shoes: Steve Madden (Similar)

While we're at it on the outfit pics, here's what I wore the other day. Neutrals on neutrals on neutrals = my upcoming summer wardrobe. I love putting peaches with pinks, and whites with beiges. 

Jacket: LOFT, Top: Free People (Similar), Bracelets: LOFT

On a totally different note... I am trying to learn how to braid. I don't mean your average braid - I know how to do that. But I want to learn how to french braid, inside out french braid, and fishtail braid.

Photo: The Freckled Fox

Photo: Posie Blogs

Photo: The Freckled Fox

I have a lot ton of hair (duh), and blowing it dry/straightening it everyday just doesn't work in my schedule. Takes too long, my arms get tired, I have no patience, and so on.

I feel like knowing how to do more kinds of braids would really benefit me. Instead of throwing my hair up into a clip like I do every. single. day. (see both selfie outfit photos above/every other photo ever) these new braiding techniques would give me other ways to throw my hair back quickly and effortlessly but in a more polished way.

Though I've tried many times, I still cannot french braid quite yet. However, here is my best first attempt at the fishtail braid. IMHO, it's a damn good first try! (Thanks, Danielle, for showing me how to do this!)

Can you do any fun braiding styles? Please share your secrets and teach me your talents!

Capitol Culture Couture

My friend Ryan turned 30 this month, and to celebrate, he threw a Capitol Culture-themed bar crawl celebration.

When I first got the FB invite, I had no idea what Capitol Culture was-- I had never heard of it. The invitation suggested we google "Effie Trinket" for inspiration. Following Ryan's advice, I promptly flipped open the macbook and got to Googling. It didn't take long to realize this was a Hunger Games theme. I've not seen any of the movies or read any of the books, which explains why nothing on the invitation made any sense to me.

However, whether you've seen the movies or not, the theme was crystal clear.

What I learned was that Capitol Culture is all about luxe. Being overly frosted, sparkled, and made up. More is more. To me, it seems like a satirical view on society and our country's obsession with material things and outer appearances. Either way... I was into the theme because the brighter the colors and wilder the make up = the better the pictures.

Here are some of the photos I used as inspiration for my outfit and hair/makeup:

One thing was certain: I needed drama. Drama on my eyes. Drama in my hair. Drama everywhere.

Another thing was also certain: if I went too dramatic with the whole get up, I could run the risk of looking like a Baltimore City street walker, so I needed to subtle-it-down a little.

My friend Kelly manages a hair salon and was able to help me accomplish the hair and makeup looks I had in mind. (Thank you Kelly, again, for your help!) Here's what we came up with:

This was about halfway done the makeup application. Lashes applied,
bright lip, green shadow, and the start of the gemstones being glued to my face.

My hair was everything. Several french braids and fishtails pulled to the left,
tied together, and crimped. Then all of it was teased. The bottom was dyed pink and silver .

I used a pin (for clothes) as a bright hair accessory to match the pink hair dye.
Because my hair and makeup were... aggressive (albeit pretty, IMO)...
I went with a bright, but simple, dress choice.

In the elevator on the way to the party-- excited to see everyone's looks!

With my friend Mallory and the birthday boy.

Close up of final make up, and Mallory's fierce eye shadow.

The group.

B&W version of the makeup photo. I just thought it looked cool without color.

If you were going to this theme party, what would you do?! Any good ideas for next time?

Until then,

GJU

Oscar Recap!

The Oscars aired Sunday night (as I'm sure most of you know) and per usual, the only thing I really paid attention to/cared about was the Red Carpet.

There were a couple looks that were absolutely spot on perfect.
Some looks were pretty, but were expected and boring safe.
Finally, a handful of choices were... um... poor.

Here are the looks I feel compelled to share my thoughts on (in no particular order):

Sandra Bullock looks stunning in this navy gown. The draping is perfect, and
her side-swept wavy hair is gorgeous.

Penelope Cruz looks like she's going to a college toga party. I think I wore that
outfit once to AEPi.
 

I love Jennifer Garner, but she's wearing a lampshade from a thrift store. Not to mention,
that color is totally washing her out.

Pretty color, but this dress is way too stiff. Not surprised JLaw fell getting out of her car.

I like the sheer quality to the outer layer of this gown, but the top of
Charlize Theron's gown looks incomplete.

Lupita Nyong'o is Cinderella. Am I right?

More side-swept hair... and this gown with a plunging neckline is
absolutely gorgeous. Kate Hudson nailed it.

Matt and Camila are everything. 

Anne Hathaway stole part of Epcot for this dress. She should give it back.

Channing looks hot (always) and damnit, Jenna Dewan Tatum just popped out
a kid in the past year, didn't she? Not fair. Love the champagne gown!

Another champagne gown on Cate Blanchett and it is DIVINE. She looks so regal!

I love this blue Alexander McQueen on Amy Adams. The color is gorgeous
against her fair skin tone! Hair up and minimal accessories - she let the dress do the talking!

Why was Ashley Wagner at the Oscars? 

I love  a very pregnant Olivia Wilde in a tummy-hugging black gown! Gorg!
And her fiancee Jason Sudekis is also looking sharp in a tailored suit.

Anna Kendrick is my spirit animal, but this dress is absolutely wrong. 

Emma Watson is flawless Perfect gown. Perfect low ponytail. Perfect red lip.

Jared Letto has beautiful ombre hair. Like, it's really pretty. 

Photo Credit: CBS News

Did you watch the Oscars Red Carpet? What was your favorite and least favorite look!?