How to Make Quick Waves From Braids

I'm always looking for easy to do hairstyles that are quick and effortless but look great. That's not always easy to find. During the summer months there are many other things I would rather be doing than sitting inside a bathroom for an hour and a half trying to put make up on and style my hair when it's nice outside and there are many other fun things I could be doing outside. I would much rather be outside boating, grilling, swimming, and more.

Here is a quick, easy way to get effortless waves in your hair. Turn on your straightener and let it heat up. I prefer using one this size rather than a large one, but whatever size straightener you own should work--no need to go buy a new one! Section off hair and braid several strands. The smaller the braids, the tighter the waves. The larger and thicker the braids, the looser the braids. Clamp your straightener on the top of the braid and gently run it from top to bottom of the braid two to three times. Undo the braids once they cool and you're all set and good to go!

Custom Engagement Rings Are Always in Style!

Simone and Son is my number one trusted jewelry company in Orange County. I am in love with all the great rings they create and sell. I have yet to see a ring come from Simone and Son that I dislike. Each ring is unique and beautiful. They are so oriented to detail and it shows in every ring.

They have been in the business since 1945 and are a family owned company. They understand the values of family, friendship, and love. Simone and Son treats every customer as if they were one of their own family members.

They have a ton of great engagement and wedding rings to choose from. The rings are creative, unique, and modern. If you are looking for specifics in a ring and having trouble finding the ring of your dreams, you are in luck. Simone and Son specializes in the custom design of wedding and engagement rings. They have perfected the process of custom ring design and will do what it takes to design and create the ring that you have always hoped for and dreamed of. Start your engagement and wedding off right with the best ring out there for you!

Rockabilly Hair Accessory

Rockabilly fashion is IN. It is trending so fast right now! If you don't know anything about Rockabilly, it is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music that dates back to the 1950's. Rockabilly is a combination of the words "rock and roll" and "hillbilly". Get it? It's kind of clever! With the Rockabilly style of music, of course it came with a trend in clothing and hairstyles.

A Rockabilly style in fashion includes big bows (such as this one, pictured above) on top of the head, pencil skirts, opened toed heels, polka dots, poofed bangs, flowers in the hair, loose wavy hair, plenty of make up, and of course tattoos. It's a very unique style that seems to be a mix of punk, 50's style, indie, and retro. It's a very fun and up-and-coming style that you will be seeing a lot of in the fashion world!

Perfect Bridesmaid Dresses

I'm helping to plan a wedding. They have set the date for May 18, 2012. This is going to be such a fun wedding, I can't wait! She asked me to help her with the planning as well as standing in the wedding as a bridesmaid. I am honored to have been asked and am doing my best to help her plan everything so that her big day goes as smoothly as possible.

We are trying to pick out bridesmaid dresses. It's such a hard decision to make! There are so many out there. There are different lengths, styles, materials, and colors that it is becoming a very overwhelming task. I'm glad that she is letting us have an input in the dresses that we are buying. We found this one and love it! She wants the bridesmaids to all wear blue and we all love this style in that color. It's also a dress that can be worn to a different occasion, so it becomes a better deal.

Maxi Dress

As you know, wedding season is here. Whenever summer rolls around, the fridge fills will wedding invitations. A close friend of mine is getting married this summer and I can't wait. A lot of my friends will be there and it'll be a good time. 

I am shopping around for a great dress to wear for the wedding and I think I found the perfect one! It's a maxi dress by Lauren Conrad (which is one of my favorite brands). This can be found at Kohl's, where her line of clothing is sold. 

Maxi dresses are perfect to wear with flats, either opened or closed toe. They look great with either. 

This dress would also be perfect for a night out on the weekend or as an outfit on a day trip somewhere fun. Maxi dresses are nice enough to wear to weddings and formal events but casual enough to wear to day events. They are a great addition to any wardrobe. 

Jazz Up an Outfit With a Feather Headband

I love to express myself and my personal style with the clothes I wear. Another great way to express yourself and jazz up an outfit it with a feather headband. Feathers are very in style and are used a lot for accessories. I've seen them as a hair accessory, earrings, in a necklace, and more.

This great site has many feather headbands available in different colors and styles. You can find the one that best fits your personal style. They have a huge assortment of  colors so if you are looking to match a specific outfit, that's easy to do. Feather headbands are very affordable and run as low as $2.95 a piece. They also have deals if you would like to stock up for summer.

Each feather accessory comes with a black headband so the feather can be slid on and off when not in use. If you have any weddings this summer, these can be worn in the hair to spice up an outfit and make things fun. They would look great with a summer dress and some heels!

Neon and Neutrals

I love this look for many reasons. First of all, bringing a neon piece of clothing to an outfit makes the outfit "pop" and makes it fun. Secondly, the neon piece is paired with neural colors so it's not overwhelming and crazy. Thirdly, it goes perfectly with the color blocking fashion trend that I've been obsessing over. It's a very popular trend that's easy to do! (For more info on color blocking, see my last posting). Fourth, this high waist skirt is a great way to elongate the legs. Lastly, the layers of this outfit make it look dimensional, sophisticated, and is perfect for the sometimes unpredictable summer weather. 

If you want to find a neon high waist pleated skirt much like this one, you can check into this link. A small belt is the perfect way to tie the skirt into the top. A neutral colored blazer, a neutral loose-fitting tank, some pumps and a clutch will complete this look. 

Colorblock Dress

Color blocking is still in. This is a trend that's been around for a few seasons now. It is still around because it is so trendy looking! If you're not aware of what color blocking is, it involves "blocks" of color comprising an outfit. You can do it with any colors you choose, and they aren't always colors that you think go together. I did a color blocking outfit the other day with red shoes, a pink blazer, a green purse, black leggings, and a blue top under my pink blazer. It was crazy but fun!

I found this perfect dress for summer that goes with the trend of color blocking. It is a Clearwater Colorblock Dress and is on sale. The top is made of chiffon and the accordion style pleated skirt is in grey. As you can see, the grey and blue are separated by a fun, lime green sash. It's 33 inches in length if you're wanting to know how long it is.

This dress would the perfect thing to wear to a summer wedding. It's fun and bright and very trendy. This would go perfectly with some turquoise or lime green shoes if you're looking for a fun, bright look or grey pumps if you are looking to tone things down a little bit.

Maxi Dress

If you are looking for a great dress to wear for this wedding season, look no further. I love this maxi dress. This dress is sleek and formal while maintaining the fun and youth of summer. It's the perfect dress for any any evening event and will go great at other events as well. 

This would go perfectly with a pair of gold flats and a gold clutch. The outfit would be brought together perfectly and you would definitely steal the show! I would go with a smokey eye if you are attending at evening event. I would also wear my hair up and in a sleek, low bun. It's up to you of course, but this is just a suggestion. Since the front has so much detail with the gold glitter, it's best to keep your hair simple. 

Great Heels For Summer

Summer is here! Well, maybe not technically but it sure feels like it! And unfortunately, I'm sure acting like it. I'm ready for parties, going out, dressing cute, having fun, soaking up the sun, and much more. I'm in a fun, carefree mood and want my attire to reflect that!

DSW is a great place to load up your closet with fun heels, pumps, and sandals for summer. They have shoes that can be paired with any kind of outfit that you can imagine. Whether you're wanting to wear a sundress, formal dress, shorts, skirt, or capris, you can find the perfect shoes to make your outfit pop. If you're not into these crazy heels, they have tons of low key shoes that are great as well.

What plans do you have for summer? Are you taking a vacation? Relaxing at home and soaking up the sun? Whatever you decide to do, do it in style! Load up your closet with the many different shoes of summer and spend the warm weather in style!

Beautiful Bridesmaid Dresses

I love being in weddings. It's so much fun! It's a huge honor to be asked by my best friend to be her maid of honor. I am helping with almost all of the wedding planning. The wedding is in September so we are getting together this weekend to look for bridesmaid dresses. She wants us to help pick out the dresses since we are the ones that will be wearing them and buying them.

I found some great dresses that I want to share with the other bridesmaids. They are from Pacific Plex and are absolutely gorgeous. The dress pictured above is perfect because it matches her colors for her wedding, and is perfect for a fall wedding. There are so many to choose from! They have several different styles, colors, and sizes. You can find the perfect dress for the bridal party and it won't break anybody's bank. The prices are great! 

Nude Nails Are In

I've been searching high and low lately for hair, nail, and make up trends for summer 2012. I've shared quite a few of the fashion trends for the upcoming season, but realized that I neglected to share whats in as far as things that you can't wear as clothes (ie: make up, hair, and nails!).

As you know, gold is a huge trend this summer. If you haven't checked out my recent post about gold eye make up colors, check it out now! Along with this, natural and nude nail colors are seriously trending. It goes with a carefree and natural summer look. The goal of it is to look well kept and groomed with no effort whatsoever. I would pair this look with some easy-to-do natural beach waves.

Essie is one of my personal favorite lines of nail color and they have a great selection of natural tones.

Treat Yourself To a Facial in Huntington Beach

I love getting pampered. It's the best feeling in the world. I'm such a busy person with work and my family that I feel as though I'm always putting other people's wants and needs before my own. While telling somebody how stressed and exhausted I was, they told me to go spend time at this great day spa in my area.

I had the best time! They give the best facials in Huntington Beach. I was able to relax and unwind. They understand there just how important skin care is. There are many different facials you can choose from on the menu and each one is performed with precision and excellence. The employees there really make you feel like you're special. I chose a custom facial from the menu. It took 60 minutes and included a double cleanse, extraction, exfoliation, a custom mask, toning, hydration, and a massage. It was like I was on vacation! It was great.

Gold Eye Make Up

One of the top trends of summer for eye make up is gold. It's a natural-toned color that makes a great eye make up color. You can do all sorts of fun things with it and it's easy to transform a day look to a night look. The picture shown above makes a great night look.

For a day look: prep eyes with a liquid concealer. This helps to keep the make up on longer and prevent it from wearing off. Apply the eye shadow next. It's best to get a three-tone set because the colors are all coordinated. I like this trio from Sephora a lot. The lightest color is the base. The next color goes in the crease, and the darkest color goes in the outside corner. After, follow with eyeliner (a light brown looks best with gold colors) and some mascara.

For a night look: prep eyes with a liquid concealer. You can use the same technique but can add a darker color to the outside corner. I like black with gold for a night look and like to follow with black eyeliner and black mascara. If you're looking for another trio, this one by Mineral Fusion works great!

Armani Exchange Sunglasses for Summer

I think everyone can agree that sunglasses are the biggest must-have accessory of the summer. What is summer without great sunglasses? You really can't have one without the other. 

I found this great pair of shades that I will be picking up to add to my summer wardrobe! They are Armani Exchange Aviator Sunglasses. They have resin frames with composite lenses. They have 100% UV protection, so your eyes will be protected from the harsh effects of the sun. 

They are featured on the site "Endless" with is supported by Amazon, so you know the price is great! If you don't know anything about "Endless", it is a site full of handbags, shoes, and accessories. It's a fantastic place to look to complete all of your favorite outfits. They have a huge selection and unbeatable prices. You can find designer items for cheap! That way, you can save your money or do what I do and use it to buy more accessories :) 

Unique and Beautiful Prom Dresses

Prom season is here! This was always my favorite time of the year in high school. Since I am no longer in high school, I loving helping my two younger sisters shop for their dresses and get ready for their big day! This year, my sisters ordered their prom dresses online. There were so many to choose from. Pacific Plex is their favorite place to shop from. The selection of prom dresses is great and the prices are unbeatable. They carry many different lengths, styles, and colors so no matter what a girl's personal style is, she can express herself in a dress that's flattering and unique.

The dresses arrived with plenty of time to spare and last week, I helped the girls order their flowers. They chose fun, spring flowers that match the colors of their dresses. They are now onto picking out their hairstyles! This makes me miss high school and the great proms I had. I hope they have just as much fun!

Tips to Tame Your Frizzy Hair

I have a lot of friends who have curly hair. It always looks so gorgeous, but their biggest complaint in the summer time is how frizzy and unruly their hair gets from the heat and humidity.
I'm going to share some tips with you. If you have curly hair, follow these simple ideas to keep your hair tame in the heat. If you don't, share it with somebody who has curly hair and they will appreciate it!

1. Use cold water after washing your hair and using conditioner. This can be uncomfortable after a nice, long hot shower but the cold splash of water smooths the hair cuticle.

2. Use a good moisturizing product to lock in hair moisture from inside out.

3. Use a wide tooth comb instead of a brush. It helps to detangle the hair and evenly distribute conditioner.

4. Prep your hair before shampooing it. Some people use different kinds of oil and some prefer the old way of combining egg and mayonnaise. 

5. Switch your hairdryer to the "cool" setting and use a diffuser at the end of it.

6. When finishing up with washing your curly hair, don't rub a towel on it to help it dry. This will create more frizz! Instead, pat your hair gently!

Beautiful Plus Size Dresses for Any Occasion

Spring is such a busy time of year. There are many different occasions and events to attend. It's a time of weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, family reunions, wedding showers, bachelorette parties, graduations, and so much more. I like to make sure my closet is ready for all of these fun events and occasions.

Pacific Plex has you covered. No matter what size you are, what style you love, and what the occasion is, they have so many dresses to help fill your closet and get you looking great! They have a great selection of plus size dresses. Pacific Plex is up to date on the latest trends. The prices are fantastic as well, so you don't have to worry about breaking your bank when you want to update your closet a bit!

Hint: To complete your look, add some shoes and a matching bag. You can also look around at great hairstyles to wear with your new dress! Are you ready to make heads turn and jaws drop?