Flip This Weave

The summer, for me, is the worst when it comes to my hair. I'm in the ocean or pool or lake too often to continually straighten it or keep it pretty, so I tend to braid it or throw it up in a bun to keep out of my face. But as the day closes and I pull my hair down, it's horrifying. Knots and curls and frizz take over my head, also taking away any chance I had to comb it and possibly leave it down. I've been trying to find cute and easy ways to keep my hair at bay while also out of my face. Eliminating a top-knot would be eliminating so much hassle and annoyance, so I've tried to find some other alternatives.

I love Free People's beauty blog because they offer easy solutions to hair and makeup problems, while highlighting the endorsement of natural products and herbal remedies (which I LOVE). Ditching chemicals and choosing the eu naturale look is so critical for your body and your mind. I'm a huge believer in natural products- especially Origins- and truly think your skin and body breathe a sigh of relief when you stop layering on loads of makeup and chemicals.

Aside from their beauty installments, Free People has awesome easy-to-do hair styles that range from festival looks to casual messy do's. I've found some favorites (and some extras not from Free People) that will definitely help me this summer, hope they solve all of your hair troubles, too!

Creative Ponytails- The ease and simplicity are there, but then with an added flair. High ponytails are nice because they keep your hair away from your face, but this Free People pony includes small braids to elevate the look. Another tip they have is to use beaded hair elastics or other fun hair accessories to make your drab tail a fabulous hair do.




Braid Ins- Adding style to a normal braid, Free People weaves "braid ins", leather already made braids, into your hair. They create a beachy look with absolutely no trouble or difficulty. In addition to braid ins, I think ribbons or feathers would be a really cool addition to any braid whether it be during the day or at night.

Braided Fishtails- Instead of a tight braid or an organized fishtail, why not be creative and do both?! Just start with a normal braid but finish it off by fishtailing the bottom. I'm basically braid challenged, so if I can do
this hairstyle, you can pull this off easily.

Double Ponytail (not pigtails)- I've actually done this hair style once last year. I think it came out pretty cool, and its so, so easy. Take about 3/4 of your hair, or the crown of your head, and high ponytail it. Then, take the extra hair at the bottom of your head and ponytail that a few inches below your high ponytail. Fluff up the top ponytail to cover over the lower one. Your hair looks double the length and stays in a cute, sporty ponytail.

And of course, there is the Urban Outfitter's "lived in" rope braid tutorial that I posted on my most recent Best of the Web post. 

There are so many easy hair do's to try out and experiment with this summer! If there are any other easy, summer hair do's that you love, share it with me in the comments! 

*I take no credit for these photos. All photos found online.*

Click It- Top Picks of the Web

Check out all of my favorite websites, articles, videos, etc. of the moment!


Suitcase Magazine - a mecca of travel, exploration, and lifestyle fashion is Suitcase Magazine. It's one of my favorite websites due to the fact that you learn so much while being entertained and intrigued. Follow the magazine's travels all around the world- meet interesting people and hear their stories.

Urban Outfitters rope-braid tutorial - this is the easiest and prettiest tutorial for a "lived-in" rope-braid. I've done it a couple times, not pinned up but letting the braid fall, and so far it's been quite successful. An easy way to keep your hair back without trying to hard.

Brian Williams' "Rapper's Delight" spoof - as an old school rap fan I couldn't stop laughing as Brian Williams news casting clips rapped to the Sugarhill Gang's famous song. Thank Jimmy Fallon and his crew for taking their time to piece together this hilarious video.

WEWOREWHAT - Danielle Bernstein is basically what all fabulous girls aspire to be when they grow up. What started as her NYC street style inspiration blog blossomed into her personal fashion diary. With thousands of views everyday, Danielle records her outfits each day and her latest style endeavors.

Girls - Okay so this doesn't count as something from the web but... if you haven't watched the show Girls, from HBO, you should. (Warning: prone to excessive nudity and topics that might not make you so comfortable... continue with caution.) This show is so real it hurts. It deals with four girls making it in the city, trying to get by while also staying true to themselves. The eighth episode of this season was talked about on every communications platform (from newspapers to Twitter) so it packed a punch. I won't give it away, but if you have nothing better to do this weekend, start watching!

Haute Holidays

It's the best time of the year (or second best, let's be real, nothing beats the summer's weather and freedom). But the holiday festivities are approaching, and with them the eager promises of holiday parties and winter soirees. The latest in fashion and beauty boast some interesting new trends to follow this season, but trends definitely worth trying out, no doubt.

#1. The Dark Lip
A little vampiric? Sure. Possibly sexy, mysterious, and totally trending right now? Definitely. A subdued- yet still brilliantly bold- color to pull together a whole look rests in the hands, or lips, of a dark lipstick. Think purples, plums, aubergines, maroons, burgundies, and mauve's. Disclaimer: warning to those daring to pull off the dark lips; think wisely about your whole face. If you're sporting a Gothic pout, don't go overboard on your eyes. Keep the focus on one area of your face versus going crazy and ending up looking like a drag queen. (Unless you're into the drag queen look, to each his own, dude.)

Not a supporter of Jennifer Lawrence's new haircut in replace of those long, golden locks... but she is definitely pulling off the dark lip. And hair or no hair, she still looks chic as shit.

#2. Velvet

This isn't so much a trend as it is a holiday MUST. The plush, warm fabric could be dressed up and down- the versatility oh so appealing, and can only be dragged out from the closet for these few festive months. (Yeah, I know hipsters of America and Free People are telling you differently but honestly, do you REALLY think velvet in July is a good idea?) My personal favorite holiday dress in my closet is a navy, vintage slight peplum velvet dress tied back with a large, navy satin bow. I've worn it to cotillions with open toed sling backs or also with black tights and chunky, dark heels. That is the beauty of velvet. 

PS- check out Free People's Velvet section for an array of wearable velvet confections. 

#3. The Up-Do

Perfectly coiffed and twisted up-do's are difficult to pull off, but simple solutions make elegant do's much easier and fun to try. Up-do's are very chic this season, try out your own experimental up-do on your own. (Many fashion label's blogs usually have a "hair/beauty" section or a "how to" area for further tips and tricks.) 

Kate Bosworth shows off her amazing earrings by double-braiding it.

#4. Holiday Gifts

The dreaded gift shopping that we all inevitably have to face... and pay for. As difficult as it is to find gifts that inspire and excite, small trinkets and tokens of appreciation go a long way. Holiday fall backs? Think pine-tree scented candles, cozy blankets, homemade Christmas playlists, hot coco mugs, YOU NAME IT! Included are a few creative gift ideas- all under $20!!!- to browse through and spark your festive flair.

Whip out your dark lipstick, throw on some velvet, twist your hair and betches, let's get gifting. Because after all, it's the most wonderful time of the year.