Tag Archives: Style

How to Style Mixed Prints: A Guide for Beginners

Fashion is all about having fun, but the idea of mixing prints can leave style newbies feeling more than a little stressed. If you’re wondering how to wear leopard with polka dots or debating if plaid ever goes with florals, have no fear. We’re offering up some simple guidelines on how to style mixed prints like a pro.

5 Easy Ways to Style Mixed Prints

1. Keep Things in Proportion

mixed prints outfit

Mixing prints is a bit of a balancing act. You want to choose pieces that work together in perfect harmony without clashing or competing with one another. A no-fail formula is to pair a small print with a bold one. (Think broad stripes with dainty florals.) Essentially, the bold print will dominate and the smaller one will serve as more of an accent.

Try:

mixed prints pieces

J.Crew Silk Button-Up Shirt in Party Dot, $79.99
J.Crew Tie-Waist Short in Clip Dot, $55.99

2. Look for a Common Hue

floral mixed prints outfit

One of the simplest rules for mixing prints is looking for pieces with similar color palettes. Make sure both designs share at least one hue to guarantee a cohesive presentation, but don’t feel pressured to find exact matches. For example, you can mix and match a pastel shade of blue with a richer sapphire shade for a more intriguing combination.

Try:

mixed prints shirt and pants

J.Crew Button-Up Lace Top, $120
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Silk Wide-Leg Pant, $138

3. Play With Details

mixed prints outfit

When it comes to styling mixed prints, it’s important to use details to your advantage. If you’re searching for a piece that will work with a particularly bold print (like camo or all-over florals), you may want to choose a statement piece with sequin embellishments or perforated faux leather as an alternative to basic solids. These little details take an outfit to the next level without looking too busy or complicated.

Try:

pieces for a mixed prints outfit

J.Crew Sequin Floral Embroidered Cotton Jackie Cardigan, $98
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Tank Top, $98
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Silk Slip Skirt, $128

4. Invert the Colors

polka dot mixed prints outfit

Another helpful approach to mixing prints is choosing two styles with inverted color palettes. For example, style a white button-down blouse covered in navy dots with a navy skirt covered in white dots. It’s simple but oh so effective.

Try:

polka dot mixed prints shirt and pants

J.Crew Drapey Tie-Neck Top in Polka Dot, $79.50
J.Crew Boyfriend Chino Pant in Polka Dot, $79.50

5. Stick With the Same Pattern

outfit using mixed prints

One of the biggest mistakes most people make when they begin styling mixed prints is looking for pieces that are too opposite. It’s actually fine (and oftentimes better) to choose designs that are similar. Pair two different floral pieces with one another to turn separates into a dress, or go for a mod look with stripes on stripes or gingham on gingham. Just stick to the rule of two when you’re first getting started so as not to overcomplicate things. (Don’t worry; you’ll graduate to Rebecca Bloomwood status soon enough.)

Try:

mixed patterns jackets

J.Crew Ruffle-Neck Bomber Jacket in Gingham, $64.99
J.Crew Relaxed Boy Shirt in Crinkle Gingham, $59.50

 

Do you regularly mix and match your prints, or are you a mixed prints rookie? Let us know your styling concerns and fashion tips in the comments section below!

9 Summer Hair Products Every Beach Babe Will Love

The good news? Summer has officially arrived! The bad news? Summer is so hard on your hair. From chlorine encounters to high-humidity frizz, there are countless ways for a bad hair day to turn into a bad hair season. But have no fear. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite summer hair products to turn those scorched strands into the mermaid waves of your dreams.

The Best Summer Hair Products Under the Sun

1. Hair & Scalp SPF

coola scalp and hair mistYou layer sunscreen underneath your makeup or wear an SPF-infused foundation religiously. Great – just don’t forget to protect your hair and scalp while you’re at it. Try an antioxidant-rich hair mist that blocks the sun’s harsh rays while also boosting your overall hair health. This organic option from COOLA actually locks in your hair color, diminishes dullness, and deeply moisturizes for glossy locks from root to tip. Even better? It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30, $26

2. A Detoxifying Shampoo

summer hair productsGoing for a dip in the pool is pure bliss, but dealing with chlorine buildup is anything but. Get your tresses squeaky clean with a color-safe shampoo formulated to remove buildup along the scalp. O&M’s Original Detox Shampoo is infused with vitamin C and smells like peppermint oil. (Ahhhh.)

O&M Original Detox™ Shampoo, $31.90

3. A Protective Oil

klorane summer hair productsDreaming of white sandy beaches, saltwater oceans, and plenty of sunshine? A beach getaway may sound heavenly, but salt, sand, chlorine, and UV rays can leave you with hair that’s dry and brittle. Fortunately, a lightweight oil treatment helps you nourish and protect your hair while still enjoying the tropics.

This waterproof option from Klorane harnesses the power of ylang-ylang wax to shield your strands against the elements.

Klorane Sun Radiance Protective Oil with Ylang-Ylang Wax, $18

4. A Salt-Free Wave Spray

Ouai summer hair productsSalt-based sprays are known for creating perfectly tousled waves, but salt isn’t good for color-treated or keratin-treated hair. OUAI’s Wave Spray is formulated with rice protein instead, so it gives you the textured beach waves you love without those harsh salts.

OUAI Wave Spray, $26

5. A Color Life Preserver

DPhue hair care productNot only does chlorine strip the hair of its natural oils and make it more prone to breakage, but its drying effect can turn blonde hair green and cause brunette strands to look brassy. Purple-toned shampoos and conditioners keep blonde cool and bright, while blue-toned formulas like dpHUE’s Cool Brunette shampoo and conditioner help eliminate brass.

dpHUE Cool Brunette Conditioner, $24

6. A Refreshing Hair Rinse

apple cider vinegar hair care productIf product buildup has you down, try a hair rinse that deep-cleans your scalp and conditions your strands. This spa-like apple cider vinegar formula is made with color-locking technology, and it even strengthens your hair with continued use.

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, $35

 

7. A Daily Detangler

prep rallyA lazy day at the beach can quickly turn into a tangled hot mess. Try a biotin-formulated spray to smooth, strengthen, and detangle your locks. Drybar’s Prep Rally spray is cruelty-free and smells like sandalwood.

Drybar Prep Rally Prime & Prep Detangler, $23

 

8. A Smooth Brush

pink flamingo brushWhen it comes to detangling your hair, you’ll also need a comb or brush with its own smooth moves. This palm-sized Tangle Teezer slides through wet or dry hair for ultra-glossy strands – and it comes in a limited-edition pink flamingo print.

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Summer Edition, $16

 

9. An All-in-One Travel Companion

sephora summer hair care product colllectionDesperately want all of the above but short on cash? Score bombshell waves without blowing your budget with a giant set of summer hair products. This Sephora collection lets you try 12 different products that condition, nourish, and protect your hair all season long.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Summer Hair Saviors, $38

What are your go-to summer hair products? Let us know your favorites in the comments section below!

5 Hair Mistakes You’re Making and How to Fix Them

Somewhere along our hair journey, we’ve been given advice left and right about proper hair care and the “right” way to manage our manes. The beauty industry is, after all, known for throwing us curveballs. However, many of these common hair practices are doing more damage to our locks than we think.  Reclaim your hair’s glory by avoiding these five big hair mistakes.

 

Washing Daily

Nothing beats the look of freshly washed hair — we get it. But if you’re a daily washer, consider yourself an over-washer. When you wash your hair every day, you irritate your scalp by stripping the hair’s natural oils. This causes your scalp to overproduce oil to make up for the amount that was lost. Ever wonder why your hair looks greasy the very next day, begging for another wash? Now you know.

hair mistakes 3

Avoid this harmful cycle altogether; re-train your scalp to produce oils naturally by skipping a couple of days in between washes. We promise you won’t have to rock the greasy look forever! Tip: use a good dry shampoo in between washes to make this transition a less painful one.

 

Not Giving Those Roots Some Love

If you have fine, thin, or naturally oily hair, you were probably told to avoid using conditioner on your roots so you don’t risk “weighing your hair down” even more. But a healthy, moisturized scalp encourages hair growth and the moisture ends up transferring down to the rest of the hair shaft, creating softer ends.

hair mistakes 4

When applying conditioner, massage the majority of the product in from the ends up, focusing on nourishing your hair’s most damaged areas first, while leaving a small, even amount for your roots. The key here is not applying too much product to your roots, but just the right amount.

 

Skipping a Pre-Wash Treatment

Speaking of our hair’s natural oils, we want to protect those bad boys. Many shampoos that do a great job of getting our locks squeaky clean often contain harsh ingredients that irritate our scalps and strip out many of these oils. To prevent this, start putting a pre-wash treatment into your hair routine. Look for products that are specifically labeled as a “pre-wash treatment” or simply massage coconut oil into your roots and let it sit 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair to do the trick.

 

Recoloring Hair Completely to Correct Tone  

There are a lot of factors that can affect a good hair dye job. And whatever the cause may be, those pretty blonde and caramel strands might be looking closer to the dreaded brassy yellow and orange tones that everyone wants to avoid. For some, the impulse may be to dye over their color completely to fix the issue, but dyeing over color often tends to leave you with a mixed result and over-processed hair.

hair mistakes 1

Instead, use a toner to color correct, or wash your hair every few weeks with a tone-correcting shampoo. A purple shampoo works best for those with blonde or silver hair, eliminating yellow undertones, while a blue shampoo works best for brunettes who are looking to cancel out brassy orange undertones.

 

Sleeping With a Wet Head

True story: Our hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. When you combine cuticles that aren’t fully sealed with all the moving around we do at night, you have a recipe for “frizz and breakage”. While it might seem more attractive to trade in the extra time it takes to dry your hair before bed for some shut-eye, you’re truly doing yourself a disservice. Unruly bedhead always requires more time and attention in the morning.

hair mistakes 2

Pull out the ol’ hair dryer if showering at the end of the night is your thing, or simply wash it in the morning when you know you can’t be trusted to hit the sheets without a wet head.

Which one of these hair mistakes surprised you the most? Are you guilty of any of these? Share with us in the comments!

3 Affordable Jewelry Companies To Check Out Now

Jewelry is transformative for an outfit, helping to complete a look, make it and even showcase your personality. Small jewelry brands are busy ensuring that customers get exactly what they want with pieces that reflect their interests or serve as inspiration. We’ve put together a short list of some of our favorite affordable jewelry companies, and best of all, they’ll fit into even the tightest of budgets.

 

Mae Cargo

Mae Cargo combines fitness with fashion to create durable and functional fashion. Designed by CEO Kate Ronca, the company’s slogan is “Making Rad Happen,” which Kate explains, “Means to love your life and crush your goals.”


As a CrossFit coach for six years, Kate’s ultimate objective is to design jewelry for men and women who are active, jewelry that “does not discolor or fade or turn your skin weird colors” when you wear it while you sweat. Kate’s love of CrossFit has taken her back and forth across the United States and all the way to South Africa before moving back to Southern California to make jewelry full time. Still, her time as a CrossFit coach plays a strong role in her designs, including her “Dumbbells + Donuts” pieces.

Find your own inspirational Mae Cargo piece at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaeCargo.

 

GLDN

GLDN is the new incarnation for Layered + Long. Founded by Chrissy Lavdovsky on her living room floor, Layered + Long began as an Etsy store but has evolved into GLDN, a more realized vision of the original jewelry brand. GLDN makes delicate custom-made pieces by hand in a small studio in La Conner, Washington.

There are no limits with the custom handwriting bar… I absolutely LOVE where @phoooebers went with this  #burritos

A post shared by GLDN by Layered & Long (@itsgldn) on

Since evolving, GLDN’s dedication to craft and quality remains the same. The team handcrafts each tiny piece so that everything is ethical and sustainable. GLDN uses gold-filled jewelry as a more affordable alternative to solid gold products, and most pieces are also available in sterling silver and other metal options.

According to the company, “Our jewelry is meaningful because it can be personalized and custom made to the customer’s liking. We hate the idea of mass-produced jewelry and pride ourselves on making every piece to order.”

Find something that suits your personal style at https://www.gldn.com and know that it is made with love and care.

 

NUUK Designs

NUUK Designs hails from Porto, Portugal and has garnered a small international following. Created by mother and daughter team, Paula and Joana, NUUK combines the backgrounds of the duo, in management and design, into elegant minimalist jewelry. NUUK stands out from the crowd of delicate pieces for the geometric and linear lines the brand uses. Trendy yet timeless, NUUK has branched out from an Etsy store to capture the attention of fashionistas the world over looking for unique ways to make a statement.

Each season seems to bring new inspiration and pieces from NUUK. Dedicated to quality and longevity, most of the collections are made with sterling silver or are gold-plated sterling silver for an affordable indulgence.

Find the NUUK design that completes your look at https://www.nuukdesigns.com.

*Featured image: courtesy of GLDN by Long + Layered

5 Inspiring Models Breaking All the Rules

Confession time: I am a previous binge watcher of America’s Next Top Model. One of my favorite episodes each season was when the models received their makeovers. I was always excited to see how the women would be transformed. There would be some “wow” moments but, without fail, there was usually at least one transformation that was disappointing. I would bemoan the loss of a model’s gorgeous locks or the makeup job that removed pieces of another’s unique look. These little disappointments made me wonder: how many other models have been hemmed and tailored to fit someone else’s perception of beauty? In an industry that can sometimes feel counterfeit, it’s refreshing to know there are still some courageous women willing to break the rules. Here are five such models who have found success on their own terms.

Madeline Stuart


It’s no small feat to be world-famous. To be the world’s most famous model with Down Syndrome is a unique accomplishment that deserves special recognition. 20-year-old Madeline Stuart did not allow her disability to limit her – instead she chased after her dreams with great fervor, making great strides in modeling and even achieving her goal of opening a dance school. Her success has given her the latitude to communicate her ever-important message of inclusion. Her message? “If [you see someone with] a disability, remember they are just like you, they want to feel included and loved.”

Carmen Dell’Orefice


Carmen Dell’Orefice has proven that age is truly nothing but a number. At the young age of 86, she continues to grace the catwalk with those less than half her age. Since her teenage years, Carmen has been a force to be reckoned with, making appearances in Vogue, W, and Harpers Bazaar. What’s so inspiring is that Carmen not only holds the title of oldest working model, but she has remained relevant, despite taking nearly 20 years off from her career. Her ability to pick back up where she left off and continue excelling well into her 80s demonstrates true determination and persistence.

Jillian Mercado

hello stranger 😉

A post shared by Jillian Mercado (@jilly_peppa) on


Beauty should not be confined to conventional standards and Jillian Mercado can personally attest to this truth. Jillian, a woman living with muscular dystrophy, is an advocate for greater diversity within the fashion industry. Although she uses a wheelchair, she does not want to be defined as a “disabled model” but, simply, a model.  Jillian has done much to change the perception of those who are differently labeled and serves as a great source of inspiration.

Khoudia Diop


The “Melanin Goddess” is a name that seems to exude self-confidence, assurance, and poise. However, this wasn’t always the case for Khoudia Diop, the model behind the moniker. Growing up, Khoudia endured negative remarks and was shunned because she was “too dark.” It wasn’t until she was approached by Tori Elizabeth and Victory Jones, founders of The Colored Girl, to appear in The Colored Girl: Rebirth campaign, that Khoudia began to fully embrace her beautiful skin. With a focus on self-love and acceptance, this campaign gave Khoudia the space to show others that beauty comes in all hues. Says Diop, “I’m seeing change in the industry and, more importantly, a lot of young women going after their dreams and not letting anyone tell them how they should look to be successful, and I think it’s amazing!”

Tess Holliday


If you’ve ever researched the size of a typical model you’ll see heights around 5’9” – 5’11 and sizes between 0-4…not a very wide range, right? Well, meet Tess Holliday, a model who is shunning these standards and creating her own. As the first size-22 model to be signed to a major modeling agency, Tess is all about being proud of the skin you’re in. She uses her platforms to adamantly speak out against those who attempt to shame her and others about their bodies. She is fervent that women should have the right to eat what they want and STILL consider themselves beautiful.

These women may not fit what others have defined a model to be, but they’ve chosen to boldly embrace the attributes that set them apart from others in their field. Their courage to push past stereotypes and serve as uplifting role models to the world is admirable and deserves an ovation.

Street Chic: How to Rock a Band Tee

Rocking a band tee can be hard, there’s a very fine line between looking super cool and looking like a total groupie. Here’s a whole host of styling tips to reference the next time you decide to rock your favorite band tee!

 

Make it your own

band tee
Image: Lexi Wood

Sometimes band tees can look a little frumpy because of the cut and sizing; that’s where customizing it and making the piece your own comes in handy. There are all sorts of things you can do to customize your band tee, like cutting off the sleeves, cropping it, distressing it, bleaching it… the options are endless. Lexi Wood, model and fashion queen (above) took her tee to the next level by cutting off the sleeves, cropping it, and creating an open-back design that ties up!

 

Leave your pants at home

band tee
Image: @devinrdiaz | Photo: @flashecesar & @c3vision

My favorite way to rock a band tee is to skip the pants. I love to shop the men’s section of stores like Forever 21 and H&M and hunt for large and extra large tees. That way, they’re long enough to wear as a dress (if you’re on the taller side, I suggest throwing on a pair of shorts underneath just in case hehehe). If you’re drowning in your men’s tee, consider cutting and sewing the sleeves together to make them a little more fitted to your arms. If you need a little more coverage, consider pairing the t-shirt dress with thigh high boots, because I like to think they’re basically like pants!

 

Add some glamour

band tee
Image: @ericafox

In fashion, there’s nothing quite like the beauty of contrast. Leather and lace, faux fur and denim, and now, band tees and glam! The easiest (and most fun) way to a little glamour to an outfit is to add some glitter and sequins. A sequin midi or mini skirt is the perfect addition to a band tee because of that extreme casualness paired with the extreme glamour. Stick to a formal shoe (like the open-toed mules above) and simple jewelry!

 

Prep it up

band tee
Image:  @starrclare_ of Style with Starr

Similar to the idea above, the most interesting part of fashion is being able to contrast different styles. Preppy pieces are great to pair with a band tee because they’re unexpected! Ballet flats, a small bag, and preppy prints like houndstooth and pinstripe are perfect to tie the look together.

 

Make it sexy

band tee
Image: @amore.di.moda

Fishnets are trendy right now, which is really lucky because they look amazing paired with a band tee. The combination of the ultra masculine band tee with the incredibly feminine fishnet stockings is so pleasing to look at. Disclaimer: you’ll probably need help putting them on (I may or may not be speaking from experience).

 

Accessorize like a boss

band tee
Image: @thestylesauce of The Style Sauce

A simple band tee can be taken to the next level with some killer accessories. Genevieve of thestylesauce.com (above) styled her tee perfectly with a wide brimmed hat, a western-inspired belt, a long cardigan, simple black booties, and some seriously cool sunnies. Some say that you should always remove one accessory before leaving the house, but I whole-heartedly disagree. The more the merrier, right?

 

Play with colour

band tee
Image: @tricediva of Diva Diva Everywhere

While you may be inclined to stick to a muted colour palette when rocking a bold band tee, try the opposite and don’t be afraid to play with colour! Choose any colour on the shirt and play that up; pair your accessories and the rest of your outfit to that colour and you’re instantly a fashion genius. I recently bought a Snoop Dogg ‘Nothin’ But a G Thang’ tee with red lettering and I’m dying to pair it with a red lip, my fav red aviators, and red furry slides!

 

Never say no to a bold pattern

band tee
Image: @eastcoastfox of East Coast Fox

Whether it be an amazing jacket or some seriously hot shorts (like the pair on Amanda above) don’t be afraid to let your accompanying pieces overpower your tee and become the highlight of your look! Animal print patterns look especially great because they’re usually neutral in colour (so they go with everything) and because you can purchase them within a range of ultra casual to super bold!

Cute Rain Boots for a Spring Downpour

Spring is officially here and it’s time to prepare for those spring showers with some of the cutest rain boots on the market. Step forward this season with the most fashionable rain boots to keep your feet dry and looking stylish. Whether you’re grabbing coffee, taking your dog for a stroll, or planning a special shopping trip, these chic footwear options will keep you weather prepared all year round.

 

Classic Chelsea

A classic Chelsea style boot offers a matte, refined style that’s perfect for wearing with jeans and a biker jacket or with denim shorts and a cozy tee. The versatility of this low-cut boot makes them a contemporary choice that’ll be part of your ensemble for years to come.

sam edelman rain boots

Sam Edelman Tinsley Rainboot,

Available at Nordstrom

 

Floral

Embrace the spring season with a pair of floral rain boots. Florals are a huge trend for spring/summer and add a subtle statement to a casual outfit. Make them a must have in your camping travel bag or save them for your favorite summer festival.

floral boots

 

Brights

Add a pop of color to your outfit with a bright pair of rain boots. Wear with black jeans and a crisp, white shirt to make a bold statement or accessorize with a comfy hat to keep warm and dry.

bright boots

 

Prints

Make your rain boots command attention by showcasing an iconic print. Jungle and tropical prints will take you through the spring and summer months in rain and shine. Wear them on your weekend getaway, to your coffee break with your girlfriends or to the local park. You can take a fun print anywhere.

jungle boots

Jungle Print Rain Boots,

Available via Hunter Boots

 

Glossy

Finish your outfit with a pair of high shine rain boots. Pair with a vintage tea dress, skirt and sweater, leggings and cardigan or wear with basic layers to keep snug and dry in a spring downpour. If you want a timeless style with a modern twist, throw on a pair of glossy rain boots.

gloss boots

8 Celebrity Fashion Lines We Love

We’ve seen it done plenty of times before. A celebrity branches out of the space they’re known for to dabble into other realms such as fashion or retail. And whether it’s an exploration of a true, long-held passion or theirs, or an extension of their empire and brand, not all celebrity endeavors gain similar success across the board. The following lines don’t have their famous founders slapped on the tag, but their creators can all legitimately boast “designer” as one of their working titles. These celebrities who gained fame elsewhere show it’s possible to successfully crossover and be authentically known for something other than their rise to fame. Here are eight lesser known celebrity clothing lines with not-so-obvious famous backings that you’ll actually love to wear.

 

Paper Crown

Founded in 2010 by former reality star Lauren Conrad, who many might remember as being one of the main characters from MTV’s “Laguna Beach”, and partner Maura McManus. Some hardcore fans of the show might recall episodes where “LC” was followed through internship at teen vogue. Now a bonafide fashion designer, Conrad has two lines under her belt, LC Lauren Conrad (sold exclusively at Kohl’s), and Paper Crown. Paper Crown was created for the everyday chic girl. It takes a modern spin on classic style, with fabric focused pieces that can easily become staples in the contemporary woman’s closest. It’s best described as fresh, elegant and ever feminine. They even have a stunning bridesmaid collection to boot!

 

Draper James

Actress and Southern sweetheart Reese Witherspoon started Draper James (adorably named after her grandparents Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon) to honor her Southern heritage. As Reese explains, her grandmother didn’t have very many dresses, but she always knew how to make them look pretty with elegant accessories and a matching purse in hand. In her brand, she works to capture all of the romance, charm, and elegance that’s signature to the South and her grandparents who taught her the importance of style and being a lady. Nearly half of the company’s products are made right here in America, too. “Be charming if you can; witty if you must. But always have grace.” With a mission statement that’s sweeter than sweet tea, it is only polite to check out their line. You’ll be, as they say in the South, pleased as punch you did.

 

The Row

Established in 2006 by former child actresses turned American fashion designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, THE ROW brand has expanded to include ready-to-wear, eyewear, handbags, and footwear. The pieces offered are made to embody a sense of relaxed style with timeless, classic elegance. The line embodies simple luxury, and part of its mission is to support high-end manufacturing in the US. Some of the sisters’ accolades include being named Womenswear Designers of The Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in both 2012 and 2015, and the title of CFDA Accessory Designers of the Year in 2014.

 

Seven7

Comedian, actress, and body positive Melissa McCarthy eagerly jumped at the opportunity to create a fashion line for women because she saw through dressings for different red carpet events, a void in the market for women of different shapes and sizes to have high quality and stylish clothing. She wants women everywhere to have fun dressing up all over again, regardless of what size you are. And because she believes shopping should never make you feel bad, she created Seven7 to be designed to fit, fashioned to flatter. Just when you thought you couldn’t love her anymore, right?

 

Alice + Olivia

Stacey Bendet, designer and wife of film producer Eric Eisner, founded the New York based contemporary clothing company Alice + Olivia with a University of Pennsylvania classmate back in 2002. Inspired by Stacey’s love of art, music, vintage culture, and the women around her, Alice + Olivia is a colorful ode to the whimsical and imaginative. Bendet’s philosophy and personality can be clearly seen within many of the line’s pieces. With a strong desire for women empowerment, her company employs close to 400 women and their Instagram is filled with inspirational girl power messages.

House of Harlow

Originating as a jewelry line that’s recently expanded to include clothing and other accessories, House of Harlow was founded and created by television personality, actress, and daughter of musician Lionel Richie, Nicole Richie. The former “Simple Life” star’s brand can be described as anything but plain and simple. Richie infuses her boho-chic style into each of House of Harlow’s designs. REVOLVE recently teamed up the fashion designed to create a line inspired by her free-spirited style, love for music, and L.A. In 2010, Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 line earned her the 2010 Glamour “Entrepreneur of the Year” aware. The brand currency has over 350k followers on Instagram.

 

William Rast

Founded by our favorite former boy band-er Justin Timberlake, along with co-founder and longtime BFF Trace Ayala, William Rast began as a premium jeans line in 2006. It has now evolved to include other menswear items and a women’s line as well. The name is a combination of JT’s grandfather’s first name and Ayala’s grandfather’s last name. Noticing a trend of brand’s being named after grandparents here? The singer/songwriter and actor explains that to understand the brand, you must understand the roots of their hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. While Memphis is home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, Nashville down the road is the cornerstone of country music. It was only natural that the brand was influenced by and merged the different genres. The brand is now available at new retailer’s like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Belk, and Bloomington.

 

Pair of Thieves

Cash Warren, film a producer who is otherwise most lovingly known as Jessica Alba’s hilarious hubby, founded the premium socks brand Pair of Thieves with partners and classmates Alan Stuart and David Ehrenburg. Warren gravitated toward sockwear due to an obsession of wanting to wear funky socks all time, such as putting them on to play basketball in high school. Not particularly confident of their own fashion sense, the guys agreed that for most men, “socks are one of the few items that you can wear a little bit louder, a little bit funkier, and perhaps a little bit edgier, than the rest of your outfit”. A subtle way to show off your personality, the line creates socks that are both fashionable and durable, something they know athletic men need from a good, stylish sock. The brand isn’t exclusive to men however, and includes socks for women, children, and infants alike! They have also expanded to include underwear. Look for these during your next target run!

Tender Loving Summer Hair Care

Oh, summer…despite your easygoing and fun-loving ways, you tend to do a real number on our manes. Don’t get us wrong, we’re willing to forgo beauty for some excitement, but that doesn’t mean we’ll go down without a fight.

hair summer

During a season where you not only have to worry about split ends coming from your heat tools but the blazing sun, dryness by way of chlorine-filled pools and those irresistible sea-salted beaches, to newly lightened do’s of bright blonde and warm honey hues changing into not-so-flattering shades of green, to the humidity woes that are weighing us all down, we have but no choice than to seek refuge.

Learn how to win this battle against the sun with these 10 natural summer hair care tips!

 

Protect your head

blond hair hat

Heat protectant spray isn’t used solely when the hot tools are out.  Spritz your hair with it before stepping outside for added protection. Rock a hat or or a stylish scarf to keep your head covered while you’re out and about. This will help maintain moisture in your scalp, fight off UV rays, and help color-treated hair remain intact.

Products: Argan Oil Thermal Shield Heat Protection by ArtNaturals

 

Be gentle

hair on pillow sleep mask

It’s been said that we should treat our hair like silk, and with the added wear and tear from the sun, the time to be ever-so-gentle is now. Skip the towel. Grab an old cotton t-shirt to throw your hair in after your shower. Use a wide-tooth comb for detangling and resist messing with your hair until it’s nearly dry. Wear protective hairstyles to bed, like wrapping your hair in a scarf, to prevent further tangling and frizz and the need to style more. You can switch to silk pillowcases, too.

 

 

Reduce the heat

girl wet hair

Celebrate your natural hair this summer. The season’s breezes are nature’s perfect blowdryer. If you’re headed out, your hair is likely to dry just as fast anyway and without the added damage. No matter what type of texture you have, dry hair always means more frizz and breakage. To combat this, keep added heat at an absolute minimum. Experiment with the many different heatless styles out there, just promise you’ll try to put the flatiron down.

 

Maintain moisture

hair conditioner

From chemicals in the water to triple digit temperatures, our hair is in need of some tender loving care now more than ever. First things first, work with what you already have. Invest in a boar bristle brush. These brushes are best for evenly distributing the natural oils in our hair from root to tip, leaving hair shiny and our scalps happy. Deep condition your hair at least once a week, and invest in a quality leave-in conditioner for severely dry hair. Keep those ends sealed with a quality argan oil.

Products: Boar Bristle Brush by Beauty by Earth; Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner by ArtNaturals; 100% Pure, Organic Argan Oil by Pura D’or; Unrefined Shea Butter by Better Shea Butter

 

Say goodbye to swimmer’s hair

hair underwater pool

For color-treated hair that goes awry after dipping in the pool, rinse hair with 1:8 parts apple cider vinegar to water for a squeaky clean that will wash away discoloration and revitalize your locks. Coating hair lightly with oil before you step in the water will also prevent deeper penetration of your strands.

Products: Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar by Bragg

 

Skip washes

While it’s tempting to want to wash your hair everyday in the summer, daily washing throws our scalps’ oil production way out of balance, causing it to overproduce oil to compensate for the lack thereof, creating a vicious cycle of needing to wash it more frequently. Aim for wash-day every 2-3 days. Use talc-free powder or a natural dry shampoo to make hair last in between. Trust us with this one; the awkward adjustment period will pay off.

Products: Dry Shampoo by ACURE Organics

 

Make your own beach waves

summer wave hair

Whether you’re actually sitting oceanside but won’t step foot in the water or are miles away in a corporate office somewhere dreaming up your next island vacation, one thing’s for certain: there’s nothing more crave-worthy than those gorgeous, effortless, ocean-kissed waves this summer. Pull out the sea salt, coconut oil, and conditioner to get this look started. For a fraction of the cost, you can make this homemade sea salt spray.

 

Embrace humidity

silhouette curly hair

I know how this sounds, but it’s crucial in trying to keep your hair right in the summer and goes hand in hand with our last tip. The trick to humidity control is having the right products and smart styling. Dry shampoo works wonders in combating that just-got-out-of-the-shower look and plumps hair back up with volume. Fight nature with nature. Use aloe vera gel in place of traditional hair gel for styling – it’s packed with amino acids, proteins, and vitamins like calcium and potassium. It helps neutralize the scalp, no matter how oily it feels, keeping locks smooth, nourished, and flowy.

Products: Pure Aloe Vera Gel by Aubrey Organics

 

Wear loose, comfortable styles

hair in a braid summer

Use this time to play around with cute, loose up-do hairstyles and braids that require more grit and hold than freshly-washed, perfectly dried hair. Summer is the time to let go of those perfectly sculpted and polished looks, anyway. The more pressure we take off of our scalp, the less we have to deal with annoying side-effects like thinning edges and dandruff.

 

Stay hydrated

water drinking hair

While products are a big help, true beauty radiates from the inside out. Keep a water bottle handy with you whenever you’re on-the-go and be sure to drink half of your body weight in ounces per day. If it’s hard for you to guzzle down that much plain H2O in a day, try infusing your water with fruit, mint, or cucumber for a refreshing treat!

3 Easy Hairstyles to Wear Out the Door

Are there ever really enough hours in a day? If you’re anything like me, you hit snooze on your alarm clock not once, not twice, but an impressive three times each and every morning just to enjoy a few more minutes in that glorious, loving bed of yours. With these full plates that we’re juggling, I think it is safe to say that we’ve grown accustomed to “hitting the ground running” as soon as day breaks. So when push comes to shove, why not find a way to cut some time guzzlers in half by changing a few things in our everyday routines — like mastering a few easy hairstyles?

collage

I’ve got your fix. Enter my three favorite heatless, easy hairstyles that you can wear fresh out of your morning shower to out your front door. Are you a part of the nighttime shower group instead? Don’t worry, you can wear each of these styles to bed with a damp head to get the same results, and wake up ready to go. The criteria for these easy hairstyles are simple: They must be complete in under five minutes, they must cause zero damage to your locks, and they must be versatile enough to wear out in public without getting you a single wide-eyed stare. When you’re ready to let your hair down and get to where you need to be, loose, effortless waves await you!

 

THE 4-STRAND BRAID

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This 4-strand braid pumps up the volume and is a nice change to the classic 3-strand or French braid. Trust me, this is easier than it looks! Here’s a helpful video tutorial on how to do it.


1. Create a deep part in your hair and move all of your hair to one side.

2. Separate your hair into four equal sections, holding onto to each strand carefully.

3. Starting from the innermost strand, mentally number each strand from one to four (the innermost strand being number one, and the outermost strand being number four).

4. Take the innermost strand (strand number one) and put it over strand number two, under strand number three, and over strand number four.

5. With the outermost strand in hand (strand number four), repeat the same weaving pattern accordingly back to strand number one.

6. Continue weaving through the strands until all of the hair is braided. Secure with an elastic band.

7. Pull on the hair in the finished braid to create a thicker, larger braid.

 

TWISTED TOP-KNOT

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Bonus: This is a trusted nighttime hairstyling method for keeping the frizz and bedtime kinks away, while leaving your hair full of volume in the morning.

Double-bonus: This is a more polished top-knot bun (no bobby pins used here) that still looks cute and messy AND gives you clean, thick waves.

1. Brush hair thoroughly and smooth all of your hair up to the very top of your head, holding the hair securely with your hand.

2. Holding all of your hair up, go to the very top of it to your ends, and begin tightly twisting the hair.

3. Twist hair down into the shape of a cinnamon roll on the top of your head to create a bun. Secure with a hairband. Tip: The looser the hairband you use, the less noticeable the line in your hair will be once you let it down.

4. Pull gently on your bun for desired texture and shape.

 

HEADBAND WAVES

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This hairstyle is effortlessly glamorous and reminiscent of something you would see out of the 1920’s. As if that wasn’t enough, this is by far the easiest method of achieving heatless curls sans the irons, flexirods, and rollers. Here’s a video tutorial on how to do it.

1. Place a headband loosely over your head to make the shape of a halo, making sure not to tuck it under your hair as you would with a normal headband.

2. Start by working on one half of your hair first. Grab around a one-inch section of hair (grab more for thicker curls), lift the headband gently off of your head, and tuck the piece of hair into the headband, letting it fall loosely with the rest of the hair.

3. Continue grabbing one-inch sections of hair and tucking it into the headband until that side of your hair is completely tucked into the headband.

4. Repeat this process on the other half of your hair.

5. Securely tuck any left over pieces of hair in the back of your head into the headband.

Once the hair fully dries, the finished product should look something like this:

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Here’s to getting some time back on our side and major wave-envy from the crowd. Happy styling!