Siblings

One of the most important things my dad ever taught my brother and I was to stick together, because no matter what happened we would always have each other.

 I know this blog may seem a little random, but the relationship I have with my brother is a lot of what has made me who I am today.

  

Today I was at my company picnic and Nathaniel came with me. A lady I worked with said she wanted her kids to follow us around for the day so that we could teach them "how to love each other." There really aren't any secrets, but I thought I'd share what has always worked for us.

First, it wasn't always this easy. We always have been friends, but growing up and moving out definitely helped us more than hurt us. 

Second, doing things separate from each other but in support of one another always helps. Defining both your similarities and your differences can help strengthen your friendship.

Third, my dad was right. Friends and partners will come and go, but your brother will always be your brother. (and same for sisters I assume, I just don't have one) So always cherish the family you have, because sometimes they're all we have!

You'll always feel more accomplished when you have a strong support system behind you!

They're Hair Stylists..Not Hair Genies

As a woman, I can tell you exactly what and who I want to look like when it comes to my hair. But, as a hair stylist, I can also tell you what is just never going to happen. When picking a new style for yourself, it is crucial to understand the kind of hair you have. As wonderful as your stylist may be, they usually only have so much to work with, so realistic expectations for your hair and your stylist are key.

When it comes to your haircut, pictures are always a good way to explain the change you are looking for.  In order for pictures to be useful, look for models and celebrities who have similar hair types to your own.

For example:

[if your hair looks like]

[Don't bring in a picture of]

If you have thin, finer hair like Cameron Diaz, bringing in a picture of long, thick, full hair and praying for a miracle is going to let you down every time. So find a picture of Cameron, or Michelle Williams, with hair that you love and you'll have a much better chance of walking out with what you were expecting.  Even the Kardashians don't have Kardashian hair, so don't let that discourage you.

[if you really wanted to know]

The next step to planning your big hair change is color. Color is the same as cuts in the sense that you have to sometimes give yourself a little reality check. Some hair colors 1. are not flattering for everyone and 2. are not even possible on everyone. If you have an idea that you are unsure of, consult with your stylist! Be open to their suggestions and concerns for your hair. They may be able to get you to Lady Gaga blonde but if it means half of your hair is in the sink at the end it's going to be hard to get that hair bow to work next time.

If you do decide to go lighter, you also have to be willing to invest in the right products to help heal and protect your hair. Paying over $100 for a new style and then washing with Suave and never conditioning does nothing for you. In three months when you can't get a comb through your own hair, you're going to be wishing you had bought the mask they suggested. If you can't afford the products recommended (and you are wanting to make a drastic change) you really can't afford to get your hair done yet. Save until you can spend the money on both the service and the products. Once your hair is in bad condtion, you will be fighting an uphill battle for months if not years to fix it.

[because let's be honest, no one should look like this]

So if you're wanting to lighten up your hair a little

[and your natural color is something like]

instead of taking it too light, opt for something like this:

If you're not willing to come into the salon every four to eight weeks but want the color to last a long time,

[don't come with high hopes for]

Because bright, unnatural colors (especially reds) fade fast and require a lot of upkeep.

The last thing about understanding your hair and it's capabilities partially ties in with the product we just discussed. If you are a 'wash and go' kind of girl, don't bring in this picture:

[and wonder what your stylist did to your hair because it never works the same once you get home]

Remember, it is always okay to ask your stylist for help. If you're not sure what your hair qualifies as or who it resembles, they can usually help you identify with someone fairly easily. Once you have an understanding of what your hair is willing to do, think about what you are willing to do as well. Ask what you would need to do each morning in order to achieve the look you are going for and what products would help you reach this goal. Don't be afraid to ask too many questions, because once you are out of their chair, it is in your hands. And, of course, always remember that your stylists are people too, not Hair Genies!

Little Things Every Girl Should Own

There are a few simple items that can always pull an outfit together and give it a little more style. It's always a good idea to have a few of each of these items in your closet because as soon as you get used to working them into your wardrobe, they'll become a staple in your everyday attire.

1. Black Tights

[add sophistication, elongate your legs]

2. Skinny Belts

[enhance your waist, bring outfit together] 

3. Lightweight Scarves

[add color, dress up summer clothing]

4. Statement Glasses

[add class]

  

5. Hair Accessories

[add flare]

Now that we've covered five fun, easy additions to your wardrobe, there are also a few things that every girl should have on hand on a daily basis.

1. Rose Salve

Of my recent discoveries, rose salve is by far my favorite. It can be used for your lips, cuticles and any other dry skin. It usually comes in a small tin and can be found towards the front counters of any beauty supplier such a Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret, Sephora, etc.

2. Blotting Papers

Blotting papers are always important to keep on you, especially if your skin tends to get oily throughout the day. A good blotting paper removes excess oil from your face without ruining your makeup.

 3. Compact

As obvious as this one seems it should be, most girls don't actually carry compacts in their purses but always find a reason to need one.

4. Studs

Another problem I find often is either losing an earring, the back, or changing into an outfit and not having a pair of earrings to match. A good way to avoid this problem is to always keep a pair of studs in your handbag (either diamond or pearls) just in case. Usually a pair of simple posts go with any outfit and it's always nice to be prepared.

5. Fragrance

Last but not least, it's always a good idea to have some sort of body mist or perfume with you. I prefer to pack roll on scents (either liquid or hard) because they usually take up less room and don't spill as easily.

Hopefully these 10 staples in my fashion life will soon become necessities for you as well.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Summer Essentials (Makeup Edition)

The key for this summer's all over look, as we talked about in the Hair Edition, is simplicity. If you cut your makeup routine down to a few key products over the next few months you not only create a more natural look, but you save yourself time and packing room on all those three day weekend plans.

First, replace your heavy foundation with a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizer will help even out your skin tone while keeping your skin light. Be sure to get one with a built in sunscreen, because protecting your skin is the first step to a beautiful complexion.

Next, stay away from intense blushes and lip colors and go with a stain. Lip and cheek stains emphasize the natural color in your skin and avoid the caked on look. Also look for good highlighters to use around the eyes and cheek bones to add a youthful glow.

For eyes, keep shadows nude and light. Look for peaches and creams with light shimmer. For a little more definition add a soft brown to the crease of your eyelid. For this season, be sure to stick with waterproof mascara or a clear mascara for an even more natural look.

And the last key to a beautiful, natural summer look is a good sunless tanner. As I mentioned before, protecting your skin should be one of your top beauty concerns, but every woman likes to look as if she has a little sun kissed glow. Be sure to avoid lotions that create an orange tone. Faux Tan (by Bare Minerals, $21) gives a nice bronze look and comes out of the bottle an olive color so you can be sure of where you have already put and the places you have missed.

Now that you have your hair and makeup ready for any sunny day,

ready

set

GO!