I Tried It: The Carrie Bradshaw Bun

Carrie Bradshaw with her amazing and larger than life bun

I love and I mean love trying new hairstyles. It's so fun when you can figure out to work something new into one of the best accessories out there - your hair! I'm always wearing my hair in buns and top knots [they're my favorite and soooo easy] but I had yet to experiment with "The Carrie Bun"

If you didn't know what it was before just take a look at the photos above. Basically you take a regular bun and then super size it. So fab. My roommates and I always loved when Carrie would pop on an episode with this hairstyle, rocking it super casual or at major functions like Charlotte's "perfect" wedding/1st breakup with Aidan. The bun was also spotted several times in both SATC movies too - proving to be a true Carrie signature. I've been trying to come up with a hair style for an upcoming wedding but I'm pretty sure I have that one nailed down. However I knew I would need something for other functions (bridal shower, rehearsal dinner etc...) So I thought I'd give this a little practice. Ready to see it??

Front and back shots of my "Carrie Bun"

 

So big yet so smooth! I'm in love!

This is literally on the first try as well! I definitely want to make a few changes for next time (I think it needs to be much higher) but I am loving the volume it gives versus the regular bun/top knot I usually sport. The best part... it was SO SIMPLE! Like seriously took about 10 minutes - probably that long since it was my first time. This could totally be a 5 minute bun with some more practice. Have you seen those hair gadgets that help you achieve this look (like the hair donut)? Well I am proud to say this is all me baby! No extra shortcuts needed And since my hair-experiment went so well this morning I was feeling extra "Carrie-fied" as I got dressed:

Shirt, Jeans & Flower Pin: Forever 21; Shoes: Sole Society Wylde; Jewelry - Pearls: Thrifted; Watch: ASOS; Dimpled Cuff: Express

{Sans my Black Blazer that I threw on before work}

Still getting used to the outfit shots... but what do you guys think of my hair? I can't wait to practice more and perfect it! Have a lovely Wednesday! xoxo

1st image via MissTrendyKitty; 2nd image via Australian Vogue, 3rd image via BellaSugar

Things That Make Me Smile [photos]

The bridesmaid shoes I helped pick for my BFF's wedding! They're so lovely and I am so thankful that I will be able to wear them again!

My Workout Tracker - I love seeing the results of my hard work and leaving it on the fridge provides me my much needed motivation

The Jacky Man!

My signed copy of Spoiled and the OPI Nail Polish I won from The Fug Girls' giveaway!

What's making you smile this week?!?

Kate Middleton's Travel Style Secrets

Kate Middleton (aka Catherine Duchess of Cambridge) and Prince William (Duke of Cambridge) arrive at the BAFTAs

Kate Middleton stunned the world with her fashion choices during their 11 day North American tour a few weeks ago. She wore fabulous designers (of course) and always looked impeccably styled even on their most casual day at a lake. And while I was in awe of her beauty just like every one else, I noticed that the princess is quite a smart packer! She knows that one of the keys to traveling is rotating accessories and picking pieces that can work for all your ensembles. Let's take a peak shall we?

Look Of The Day: Giuliana Rancic on Chelsea Lately

{Warning!: Ok this post is slightly embarrassing and it's only because I literally scoured the internet all day yesterday and was unable to find ANY photos. So I had to do a little improvisation!}

I'm totally obsessed with all things Guiliana and Bill Rancic. I think it started when I watched their wedding special on Style Network in 2007. I was already familiar with Guiliana {read about that here} from E! News but her and hubby were so cute as they prepared for their big day! Now I get ridiculously excited whenever a new season of Giuliana & Bill starts. So excited that I often watch the show in "real time" instead of DVR - so you know that means it's serious! Anyways the couple was on the Chelsea Lately show Wednesday night to promote the new episodes that started this week! And Giuliana is wearing my favorite Go-To outfit! Black blazer, cute top, dark skinnies and SPARKLY shoes (specifically Giuseppe Zanotti. Not sure the exact pair just yet..) This is probably one of my favorite ensemble combos ever. Here's why:

1: Almost every gal has these options in her closet

2: It's one of those outfits that will look great on everyone

3: Your shoes become the stand out piece/focus

Ladies if you need a date-night break from dresses, I vote for you to try this out next time. I guarantee that your guy will love it! Now you may not have glittery shoes per se (Me? I've got 3 pairs) but I'm sure you've got one funky pair of heels stashed in you collection somewhere. They might be bright neon colors or perhaps have a pattern or studs. Either way make sure they make a statement and add them with simple neutral pieces for a fabulous look. Another tip: try a dark wash jean in a skinny style if you don't have black ones. But just in case you might not have stepped over to the glitter-side, you could also make this an amazing DIY - super simple too! Just grab some plain shoes, craft glue and tons of glitter and you're set!

We've got dinner plans tonight and tomorrow with friends so I'm bound to throw this outfit on at least once this weekend. I'll try and snap some photos for you. In the mean time watch the video below for their appearance so you can see the glisten for yourself! Have a wonderful weekend loves!

Inspiration: Wishing... And Hoping....

 ...for a time machine so I can step back into the 60's.... or at least for this Bardot-esque hair and Tambourine

....for blonde hair, kohl-rimmed eyes and that hat

....that hair, those shorts and that adorable malti-poo....

[which is actually her dog Penny!]

In case you couldn't tell I'm obsessed with Blake Lively's hair and this whole spread from Glamour's July issue. Ridiculously gorg. Click here to see the other photos

all images via Celebrity-Gossip

Outfit Post: Leopard Print 2 Ways

My double dose of leopard

As I have stated time and time again - I love leopard!! A few weeks ago I was invited to attend the Malibu Inn Grand Opening for LAX Magazine [more on that to come!] I was so excited and I knew that it would be the perfect time to break out my leopard booties that I got in May! While I was getting ready for work (the event was on a Thursday night) I was feeling inspired by my outfit pick for the party so I decided to throw on a little daytime animal print too. So here's how I wore leopard two different ways on the same day:

Steal Her Look For Less: Cameron Diaz's White Jumpsuit Look


Hello Summer! While temperatures continue to rise, actress Cameron Diaz looks cool as a cucumber as she promotes her latest movie Bad Teacher in Cancun, Mexico. This white-hot ensemble is the perfect combination of summertime, chicness and effortless style. A dark denim jacket from Current/Elliot pops against the crispness of her the A.L.C white jumpsuit. Cameron also keeps accessories fuss free and easy with adorable espadrille sandals (supposedly Christian Louboutin) and a turquoise necklace that brightens up the look.  Usually I'm not a fan of white wedges - but for some reason those shoes are calling out to me! And the burst of color from the necklace is so fabulous and such a fantastic styling tip for the coming warmer days. To avoid sweating to death from wearing too much jewelry one strand of beads doubled is great accessory balance. You'll have a little flair without feeling weighed down by tons of baubles. She's also wearing one of my fav staples for summer wear - a denim jacket. In the evenings (believe it or not it does cool down in some places!) it can be a great outfit topper and one of the best things to pack for a trip. You can pair it with dresses, pants and/or shorts (but please never do denim-on-denim). While Cam's jacket alone could set you back almost 300 dollars, I've found some great go-to options that keep your budget in check:

More Gap...

I'm seriously obsessed with both of those wedges and that Gap jacket. You can try re-creating this look à la Ms. Diaz or wear the pieces separately with other items in your closet. How fab would those necklaces look with a LBD or jeans and a tee? Either way your style will look fresh at that next BBQ you're attending. Happy Monday!

1st image via InStyle

Look Of The Day: Brooklyn Decker at 2011 ESPY Awards

The 2011 ESPY Awards were held in LA on Tuesday night. Hosted by SNL funny man Seth Meyers, the ceremony was filled with a lot of pokes at the current NFL/NBA Lockout situation complete with this hilarious video title Lockout Professionals. {In all seriousness I hope they pull that together - I need some NFL football in my life!} Meyers also jabbed at LeBron James and the Miami Heat causing a bit of uneasy and uncomfortable laughter amongst the athletes. But hey, it's all in good fun right?

One thing not uncomfortable at the awards was Brooklyn Decker. The model-turned-actress stunned in a short red leather Jay Ahr dress and spike Christian Louboutin gold heels (similar to the Loubs that Olivia Wilde wore to the Golden Globes this year) I love that the whole ensemble is slightly edgy but not over the top (spikes and leather could be a bad combo...) To be honest I haven't really like Brooklyn's shorter haircut until this red carpet appearance. It looks fab here though! Just a tad messy and slightly pulled up, away from her face. Fresh clean makeup and bangled wrists knock this look out of the park (ok I couldn't help myself) Here's a few close ups:

Love those spiked heels!

Sitting in the audience during the ESPY ceremony

What do you guys think?! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

1st image via InStyle; all other images via Zimbio

Fashion Editorial: Eva Longoria in July 2011 InStyle

By now you know that I love anything glamorous and out of control gorgeous. Eva Longoria's July InStyle editorial, titled "Keeping It Cool", is no exception. I was pretty pumped when I received the mag in my mailbox and saved it to read for my Palm Springs getaway a few weekends ago. The cover was just meh but the inside photos were a whole different ballgame. The sultry and super sexy spread features Eva wearing fabulous swimsuits with metallic accessories (sunglasses, watches, necklaces and cuffs) as she poses at a resort in Cabo San Lucas. I'm not sure if it was the 115 degree heat I was sitting in but it made me want to hop on my own plane for some R&R Cabo style. She's pretty candid in the interview regarding her divorce, but I'm more interested in these amazing shots by photographer Michelangelo Di Battista. p.s. props to stylist Haidee Findlay-Levin - she totally nailed it.

Probably my favorite shot of the bunch. I need those sunglasses and those cuffs.

Poll: Lusting After Dyed Hair Tips

Lauren Conrad

I've been loving colored hair as of late... I bought some Jessica Simpson pink extensions to use on a fun night out (that I've actually yet to use...) and in college I had the urge to go pink after seeing my hair stylist do it. But after Lauren Conrad posted this poll on her website and then actually did it (pic above) I can't stop thinking about dyed tips! I'm not usually one to go all crazy on my hair but after I tried ombré hair in January I'm feeling more adventurous... But part of the problem is a) I'm not a blond and b) I have a few weddings to go to this fall so now really isn't the time to take the plunge (especially since one of them is my BFF and I'm in the wedding) I'm sure at the end of summer this trend will pass us by... but for now at least I can dream about it!

Gwen Stefani and Rachel McAdams have both gone pink before

And you'll remember we saw Carrie Underwood go pink in April during her ACM performance Plus I still have my JSimp extensions - if I ever get around to using them. What do you guys think? Have you ever done a crazy color in your hair? Loved it... Hated it? I want to know!

UPDATE: as if TBD and I weren't already on the same wavelength - they just now posted this tutorial on tip dyeing... man I soooo want to do this!!!

1st image via The Beauty Department, 2nd image via Marie Claire, 3rd image via Zimbio

One Stressed Out Blogger

This is basically how I am feeling, right now, at this very moment! Overwhelmed, stressed, tired, exhausted whatever you want to call it. Although oddly enough, this has nothing to do with my job or really my life in general... It's more my blog life. You see I've made a promise to myself that as my readership keeps growing I need to keep with posting! But sometimes the daily constraints of work, marriage, life etc... get in the way. Usually I find myself staying up way past my bedtime or dragging my laptop to bed (something my hubby dispises) to post but as of late I haven't been able to do this. I've got all these ideas floating around it's just so hard to get them down on paper online in the exact way I want. So I apologize for the lack of posting going on - I promise I've got stuff lined up for you guys! Just be patient with me... :) xoxo!

image via Glamour