So, this happened...

As per usual, when I see someone with gorge hair I automatically embed the thought of how gorge I could be if I had said hair into my brain. So one quick dose of Pinning and a few Instagram discoveries later, I decided I probably needed to cut my bangs again. These things always sound like great ideas upon conception (i.e. the pixie-cut tragedy).

before...

On Friday, I went in to freshen up my highlights, darken the roots, and trim off the overall straw like quality of my ends. As I sat down, my hair gal Wendy waited for the usual "what we're doing this time" spiel, since it usually involves some crazy total makeover and hours of work. I said, "I think I want to cut my bangs." Then the blank stare. "Okayyy, we can do that."

So we did.

after!

My ombre is turning out to be nearly perfect for my taste, and it's been a long road to get it this way seeing as how I've had nearly every color of the rainbow on my head at one point or another! So I'm super pleased with my most recent dye-job, plus the trim and conditioning treatment did wonders for the texture...long over due!

Day one of my bang chop was a success, I'm loving them with loose waves and some texturizing spray. Day two, however, was good until I went out with some friends and kept catching glimpses of myself in cheap bar mirrors and realized that bangs and second day hair and alcohol and hot, sweaty bars don't exactly mix. I used to get away with washing my hair only every third day or so (it's constantly in a bun anyway) but with my new fangled cut and style it's clear that can't happen anymore. Flat, lifeless bangs just look like greasy misplaced hairs and as someone who's rarely a fan of myself in photos to begin with...uh, you can imagine my stress over the whole situation.

holy paleness...

A fresh wash and dry did the trick, though. I'm still glad I made the cut (I was in desperate need of a style-change) but the new 'do does require a bit more effort! Hopefully I can keep up.

le highlights!

xx.

PS, can someone please tell me why no matter how tan I get, what shade of makeup I use or how much bronzer I pack on for a night out...my face is, without fail, extremely white in every photo taken with a flash! .....This is the definition of a white girl problem. Literally, I'm see through. Time to find new products.

What I Wore: Grey Denim Skinnies, Hudson (similar here); Black Mesh-Sleeve Top, BCBG (similar here), Nedra Sandal, Vince Camuto (Nordies!); Jasmine Head Piece, Golden Birthday

My Hairdresser: Wendy Wood at Nassau West Salon

Something I Love

Firstly, something I hate: waking up at 6am and driving an hour to work before my coffee fix. This was my morning on Tuesday. Luckily, though, I made it downtown in time for a little pick me up at Starbs before heading down 23rd to find parking. And I must add...I'm getting scary good at parallel parking these days. I could always manage just fine - I'm not my mother! (she makes me park for her half the time) But by working in the city and constantly on a time crunch (surprise)...my parking skills are now that of a professional. Just sayin'.

Now for something that I'm loving right now: looking like an Indian Princess on a cloudy Tuesday. In high school, I was always one to try new "trendy" things...or just make up my own trends when I felt like it. One of my favorites to date - turning a cheap silver necklace with a big dangling locket on the end into a head chain and walking around like I owned the place. Ha, it may have looked silly to others back then but I'd just like to point out to all the haters that I was crazy ahead of the times! :)

(enter poor quality photo of said "trendiness")

I've since hung up my amateur hair accessories, but now that my hair is becoming manageable again, post-pixie cut, I was dying to get my hands on this gorge little head chain from Golden Birthday. (Hey, next week is MY golden birthday! Meant to be?) All handmade locally here in Portland, these girly gems are the perfect addition to, well, any outfit. 'Cause let's be honest, who doesn't want to look like a princess all the time? Nothing says "I'm present day Nicole Richie/an accessory goddess" more than a unique piece like this.

 

Lovely designer, Dana, makes her chains in a variety of colors and styles so you're bound to fall in love with one - or three. Or just buy them all because they're super affordable, easy to wear, and you'll be the freshest princess on the block.

I'm currently planning my birthday outfit around one of these as chains we speak! :)

Happy Wednesday loves, here's what I wore! xx.

   

What I Wore: Jasmine Head Piece, Golden Birthday; Trapeze Slip in Mint, Free People; Grey Zippered Ankle denim, Joe's (similar here); Cropped Leather Jacket, Nordstrom (similar here); Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara, M.A.C. 

Baby Powder Magic Trick

Hello beauties! The invention of dry shampoo has got to be one of the best things to happen to the female bathroom routine since...I don't know...triple blade razors. Just a few shots to the roots, a quick brush through, and oily, lifeless, 2nd day hair is magically perfect again.

Now, if you're out of dry shampoo and in a pinch - or too lazy to go buy more, like I am - you can get the same effect with baby powder. Just part your hair in a few key places and sprinkle a little (notice I said "a little") onto your scalp. Rub it in a bit to soak up those excess oils and give your hair a good brushing!

Voila, flat icky hair is like new again! XX.

Chapstick Jungle

Happy Monday beauties!
Lip balm that contains beeswax and lanolin can help tame those annoying flyaways! These ingredients are found in many hair care products that are meant to moisturize and soften unruly hair, so why not take a tube of Chapstick to your mane if you need a quick fix away from home?

A quick sweep over your brows can also help keep strays in place and rubbing it along your hairline before diving into a box of hair dye can prevent those unsightly stains on your skin.

If you do plan to use lip balm on your hair, make sure you have a tube dedicated to that and that only, obviously! XX.

Try Burt's Bees Beewax Lip Balm!

The Beer Rinse

Hello beauties! You've probably heard of the beer rinse at one point and thought..."huh?"
Well yes, rinsing your hair with beer actually does have its benefits! Bring back shine and
volume with this cheap trick. Just shampoo, rinse, and repeat...only with a can your favorite
brew on the repeat (: If you're afraid you'll smell like a bar afterward, don't worry...you won't!
But if you'd like to make sure that's avoided, you could add a few drops of lavender oil or something yummy to your rinse. Enjoy! XX.