It’s Not a Fad, It’s Ombré

Definition of Ombré

French Origin; Having colors or tones that shade into each other —used especially of fabrics in which the color is graduated from light to dark.

Most women would be lying if they were to say that they have never used the word "ombré" when discussing hair color ideas with their stylist. From drastic differences in color to gradual changes the look has been around for quite a while. I personally think the ombré hair color trend first arrived on the scene in the Sex and the City series. Carrie Bradshaw rocked this look in the later episodes of the show. The series ended in 2004 which means roughly about seven to eight years later the look really took off again. Lauren Conrad, The Kardashians, and every Victoria Secret model have been huge influences of this look.

So, why won't the look ever be just a fad? The answer is really quite simple. If done right; a gradual difference from dark to light and avoiding brassy tones, creates a look that is effortless and easy. Every woman wants to have that hair color that looks done but not too done, you know, perfect but not too perfect. Ombré creates that image. As ombré moves forward into the future you will notice a subtle difference from dark to light with maybe a few highlights through the top and sides to break up the color. So whether you like this look or not it is here to stay and who knows maybe like the very own definition of the word, ombré will gradually grow on you. 

Check out the following link to see what Cosmopolitan says are some of the best looks. I am loving look 1 and 10.

Cosmopolitan: The 12 Best Ombre Hair Looks Of All Time

Are You a "Mad" Woman?

Is anyone else as excited as I am for the Mad Men season 7 premiere this Sunday? I can't wait to see how the final season will end. Will Joan and Roger become an item? (I mean they have a love-child) Will Don find peace with himself by going back to his childhood home and those memories? What about Peggy, will she stay at the office? So many questions to be answered and you can bet I will be tuning into AMC to find them out.
Not only am I looking forward to the return of the Mad Men characters, I am also looking forward to the return of the Mad Men hairstyles. Don Draper has an excellent quote from the series which says, "Make it simple, but significant." However, when it comes to the hair on the show, there is nothing "simple" about it. Mad Men has captured the decade of 50's and 60's fashion to perfection. This is no easy task because this hair needs to be curled, set, teased, styled, pinned, brushed and hair-sprayed to a permanent hold. But every episode and every season the Mad Men hair stylists deliver a changing and evolving look that is a true reflection of the times.
For fun, I have included the memorable hair looks of Betty, Joan, Peggy and Megan, and want to know "What Mad Men Woman Are You?"

Are you a Betty? Classic beauty, Grace Kelly look-a-like and you only brake the mold when you're on a hot date.

Are you a Joan? Up-tight and professional. Your hair is always perfectly in its place because you are the type of woman who wants that in your hair and in your life.

Are you a Peggy? Despite some child-like tendencies to place your hair in a pony-tail, you are working your way up in the world and have the hairstyle to prove it.

Are you a Megan? You are stylish and Paris-chic! You are not afraid to try the fashion-forward trends of the decade.

I am looking forward to hearing your comments on what Mad Men woman you are! I have classified myself as a Megan Draper. Now, I just need to get to styling my hair and find that amazing wardrobe she has.

If you can't get enough of Mad Men fashion, I have also included the link to Mad Men Yourself which is a game that allows for you to create your own personal avatar from the show! Check it out.
Mad Men Yourself

I Spy Something I Like; The Half-Up Topknot

Let's be honest, since the topknot gained recognition as an acceptable and wearable hair style we have not let it go. Topknots are easy and effortless, well at least they look that way. Pinterest and hairstylists have been offering advice and tips on how to create the perfect topknot. But now the topknot has a sister, the half-up topknot and she is fun and worth trying out this spring and summer.

Whitney Port - Photo Courtesy of Birchbox.com

I have noticed appearances of this look on stylish celebrities and musicians from Kate Mara and London Grammar's front woman, Hanna Reid. The always fashionable Whitney Port is another endorser of the half-up topknot.

Kate Mara - Photo Courtesy of HawtCelebs.com

Hanna Reid - Photo Courtesy of Mads-Perch.com

These three looks show a variety of ways in which you can wear the half-up topknot.

For Kate: Start with a loose curl in the hair. Then section the hair down the middle and pull the sides back into a ponytail, placing the ponytail at the lower crown of the head. Then twist the hair into a bun and finish with a hairspray for hold.

For Whitney: Again, start with a loose curl throughout the hair. Then take a section from ear to ear, letting the hair fall loose and into a natural part. Secure the section with a ponytail and twist around to form a messy bun/knot. Finish by securing with bobby pins and hairspray.

For Hannah; Same idea as Whitney's look just leave out a few pieces in front for a bit of fringe. I also love the wave in her hair, a great undone but done look.

 I love how it takes the hair up and away from the face while still creating an easy and sexy-cool girl look. So of course I had to try it out. What do you think? Will you rock this look with me?

Yes.... or No?

I think YES!

An American Girl in Paris; Thoughts on Parisian Women's Fashion

Bonjour!

I have just returned home from my trip to Paris and as cliché as it is may sound, I fell in love with the city. In one week I managed to see so much from the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Louvre to Versailles. While exploring the notable sites I also did some observing of my own on the fashion and personal style of French women and have come to several conclusions.

Conclusion 1: "They love the color black"

This is not a surprise since French designer, Coco Chanel invented the little black dress. Most of the women wear a clothing color palette of dark tones from black, gray, to navy. 

Conclusion 2: "Scarves are wardrobe staples"

Scarves were everywhere in Paris and I loved it. I am pretty sure the ratio of women wearing scarves to not wearing scarves is 100 to 1. Needless to say, if you want to rock French fashion wear a scarf every day. This is also the one time that color is used in their wardrobes, from bold printed scarfs to bright colors.

Conclusion 3: "They like the idea of less is more for hair styling"

I'm not saying they do not do anything to their hair, I know they wash it and probably put in a styling product but the look is low maintenance. The hair is mostly worn down with natural hair texture being shown off, no curling irons or straighteners look like they are put to use. French women also keep coloring their hair to an easy and effortless look. I noticed a lot of balayage highlights and hair color as close to a natural tone as possible. My blonde-American-self stuck out just a bit in Paris. 

Conclusion 4: "Minimal make-up with a bold lip is a must"

I think Sephora might be going out of business in Paris with the amount of make-up I did not see being worn. However, French women have beautiful skin so I am sure they are purchasing quality skin care products instead of make-up. A basic make up regimen would include; tinted-moisturizer, mascara, eye liner and lipstick. I noticed a lot of bold lip color choices from reds to plums.

To sum it up, French women have a style and sophistication to their look that is incomparable to that in the states. My new daily reminder is W.W.F.W.D...."what would French women do."

Top of the Eiffel Tower (scarf one of many)

Notre Dame/Lock Bridge (look at that bright red scarf)

Versailles (floral printed scarf for the gardens, duh)

Dreaming of Paris and a Chanel Supermarket

We have a winner... Thank you to all who voted!

To begin, something amazing is in store me this coming week. I have the opportunity to travel to Paris, yes, PARIS, for one week through my university. Paris has always been a city that I have dreamed of traveling to because it is full of culture, history, art and fashion. This experience that I will embark on is sure to change my life forever and I cannot wait.

The timing couldn't be more perfect for me to bring you some insight into Paris Fashion Week which has just come to an end. The collections were all amazing but there was one in particular which required my full attention in this blog post. Chanel transformed the Grand Palais into a supermarket and it was nothing short of fabulous. Models passed through the aisles of the supermarket grabbing items off the shelves stacked with Chanel branded produce and canned goods. Some of the models even pushed shopping carts. It was a great play on pop culture and consumerism, showing that you can wear Chanel while doing everyday tasks like grocery shopping. Andy Warhol would appreciate the pop culture sentiment in Lagerfeld's show.

The hair inspiration to take away from the collection was minimalist in nature. The models hair was worn with a center-part slicked back, low pony. The look is very wearable now as we approach Spring/Summer and even into Fall/Winter. To achieve the long and sleek length of the ponytail, I recommend a hair piece to give you that added volume. In addition to the pony, Chanel added "RAGTWEEDS", strips of different fabrics that were wrapped around the pony to add that fashion element.

Photo courtesy of Benoit Peverelli

Above is the full length video from the Chanel show courtesy of YouTube. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the collection. 

Are you wow'd by the show? 

Wishing this store was real? 

Needing to re-think your "going-to-the-supermarket" attire now?

Oscars: Score Board

If you have been listening to all the social media buzz, you are sure to know that the 2014 Oscar ceremony was a success! The pizza party, famous Twitter selfie, memorable speeches and not so perfect announcements (Adela Dazeem) were all the highlights from the night. Aside from an evening of celebrating great cinema accomplishment, it was also an evening for celebrities to wear their best looks.
I noticed a more muted look for the night from make up to hair. Most of the hairstyles were worn down, with a polished finish even Emma Watson's messy look still had an elegant appeal to it.We all have our favorites and least favorites, but I want to keep it on a positive note with this blog and make it fun!
Cast your vote (poll is posted above), for your Oscar favorite from the following images. I will tally up the scores in a week to reveal the winner. If your favorite isn't on here, let me know and we can include them as well.

I was going to one for the gentlemen of the evening, but let's be honest, Jared Leto clearly has the best hair. Swoon.

All Images Courtesy of Glamour. UK.

I Adorn You

So what is trending for Spring/Summer 2014 for hair looks? Adorning your hair with accessories! In my recent issue of Glamour Magazine they did a great spread on a variety of hair adornments. I love them all.
For the free-spirit girl, there is an abundance in floral pieces. From flower crowns like Lana Del Rey to simple flower pins. The look would be complete of course with that wavy-free-flowing hair. Love it.
My other favorite is the elastic ponies with embellishments. It is a great way to take a sleek pony or even a messy pony and polish it off. There are a variety of looks from simple metallic finishes to bejeweled ties.
Headbands are also back for the season, not like they ever went away to begin with. The look for headbands ranges from decorative bands to scarves tied in bows. This will be great for the hot and or rainy weather days when there is simply no hope for our hair, and a headband will do the trick to polish off our look.

Glamour February 2014

Some of my favorite stores to find these looks include.
ASOS
Forever 21
Urban Outfitters
Nasty Gal

Happy Shopping! Happy March! Happy Heads with Headbands.

A Fashion Week Favorite From Aveda for Tibi

My Facebook and Twitter feed was blowing up these past two weeks with images and inspiration from NYFW 2014. There were so many great hair looks that I followed from companies like Redken, Aveda and Bumble and Bumble that it was hard to narrow down the looks for the blog post. Since I am a stylist for an Aveda salon, I was swayed to show you their looks. Aveda does an excellent job at bringing you backstage at Fashion Week to see what is happening behind the scenes.
My favorite look was for Tibi. The Aveda Global Creative Director, Antoinette Beenders stated that her look for the show was "country girl meets urbanite." Two things that make the look great are the cornrow inverted braid on top and the lose wave throughout the ends. I was inspired by the use of the Pure Abundance Style Prep that gave great texture to the hair. Next they divided the hair into three section; two on the side and one in back, braided and crimped with the straightener. This technique gave the hair an effortless look and natural wave texture. I can not wait to try this on my long haired clients!

Three sections, braided and sealed with heat from straightener.

Inverted Braid down middle part. 

Final Look!
Photos Courtesy of Aveda

Here is the video. Courtesy of Aveda.

Parting Ways

To begin, this Pinterest image has been haunting me and I'm sure many of my other readers for quite some time now. 

Photo courtesy of Byrdie.com

This look is fresh and simple, yet timeless and chic. I have seen many celebrities rocking this new look and depending on the length of your hair now, you could go with a longer or shorter version of the style. But, I must say it's time to stop hiding behind our long hair (if you have it) and go for something new! I will be getting up the courage to do this haircut this February I promise. Let me know if you are on board and we can assemble the masses and encourage each other to part ways with our hair and try on a new look. Won't you join me? Please say yes.

Mercedes Fashion Week is Feb. 6 - 13 and I attached the following link to check out. I will be reporting on what comes out of the event. Happy Fashion Week to all!

MBFashionWeek

GRAMMYS: Best and Worst

The 56th GRAMMY awards showcased this past Sunday and I don't know if it's my current mood, but to say the least I was underwhelmed with the event. I think this attitude might just be due to the current state of music as a whole, especially when I hear that Lorde has won more Grammys than Led Zeppelin. But I'll put my personal music tastes aside and rate the best and worst hair looks of the night.

To begin my runner up's include these following looks: I love the deep side part with sleek sides and soft curls. Ciara's middle part and loosely back up-do also creates an effortless look that I love. These looks will be great going into Spring and Summer months as well.

Photo Courtesy of Stylelist.com

My Winner is Katy Perry with her Elizabeth Taylor inspired up-do. The look is timeless and she can definitely pull off a sleek do with her flawless complexion. It's a good extension piece too. Wink. Wink. 

Photo Courtesy of Yahoo Images

Now my Grammy worst award goes to the poor Ariana Grande. She has been rocking this same hair style for way too long. I know that she is a teen girl, however the look only makes her look even more like a child. She has amazing hair and should be able to put all those luscious locks into a new and current style. Come on girl and your glam squad, you can step it up!

Photo Courtesy of Yahoo Images

 

I would love to hear your comments on my choices and look forward to reading your posts!

HT-HT Reloaded!

I am back ya'll!
 I slipped into a "blog-less" oblivion after my class ended which required me to write weekly posts. It's been pretty much a year since my last post and I want to keep my writing brain sharp and my fashion eyes open to all things hair. I hope you will enjoy reading my weekly posts and if you have any requests for posts please message me!
To begin, it's cold out there and my hair is sad due to Old Man Winter. My strands are dry and  needing moisture for which I have found a cure! AVEDA has re-vamped their Dry Remedy product line and it is amazing! Not only does the product smell awesome the results are incomparable to any other product I have tried. AVEDA has even introduced a new product called Dry Remedy *Daily Moisturizing Oil to further repair the stresses of dry tresses. (I had to get that rhyme in there.)

Features and Benefits of the Dry Remedy System Include:

• Nourishes/Moisturizes Dry/Brittle Hair

• Features Buriti Oil / Helps Hydrate Hair

• New Aroma Includes Organic Bergamot, Lavender and Ginger Lilly

Bottom Line....

It's an amazing product that your hair is screaming for these winter months. Get yours today! 

P.S. Did I mention it smells amazing?