Can’t stop blushing

In keeping with the sunshine fandom and all things spring, there’s one trend that seems hard to ignore for this upcoming season: blush. Light pink? For spring? Groundbreaking, I know. However, the ultra-light, barely-pink, nearly-taupe/white shade that seems to be everywhere now is too pretty to pass up. It pairs with every color too: black, white, blue, tomato red (trust me, it works), brown, and especially gray. It’s a beautiful color that will carry you effortlessly through early spring into late summer.  You can easily break it out in the winter too, paired with darker colors. 

So get blushing in a big way, with dresses dedicated to the shade, or let it sweeten up an outfit via your bag or shoes. It’s universally flattering so you’re guaranteed to look pretty in pink.

Frame your Face

I’m way too excited to announce that the sun is finally out in Germany–sometimes more than once a week! This fact, combined with it being March, means spring is finally ( supposedly, tantalizingly ) on its way. However, to start preparing for spring, you’ll need to start thinking about switching out your wardrobe: bye-bye chunky sweaters, helloooo sundresses. In terms of accessories, sunglasses are pretty crucial given that whole ‘sunny’ situation. To help you find the right pair for your face, so you can see through all the sunshine, and be seen looking your best, I broke down face shapes into four main categories, with suggested frames next to each one. There are way more than just these face shapes, but this guide demonstrates some key points to keep in mind when picking the frames for you. To help you find your face shape, follow this guide from  The Beauty Department.

As I cautioned, my breakdown is not as thorough as TBD’s, but overall the same rules can be applied.

• Rounder faces should opt for more angular frames, like a classic wayfarer, to help break up the curve of their face.
• Square/angular (diamond, etc) faces should instead search for rounder frames, that soften their features.
• Heart (diamond, etc.) shaped faces look best with a cat eye (as slight or exaggerated as your taste dictates) because it helps balance your forehead-to-chin proportions.
• Oval (oblong, etc.)  shaped faces have it easiest here, and can pretty much get away with any frame shape.

Of course, if there’s simply a style you like best then by all means, screw the rules and enjoy your frames and the good weather! At the very least, we can all try to emulate Emma Stone’s badass attitude in Easy A with her classic ray bans. The sunglasses don’t make the girl or guy, but they sure seem to make them feel and look awesome.

Pleats A’Plenty

Lately I’ve been in a clothing cycle revolving around gym clothes and lazy clothes, as we loving refer to pajamas and yoga pants. While it has been comfortable, it does leave one feeling a little underwhelmed. To break up my boring tomboy rut, I’ve been eyeing up all things pleated. Examples? These looks from the Celine, Proenza Schouler, Rochas, and Gucci runways.

Plus, no post on pleats could be complete without a look at this stunner: my new dream dress, Lupita Nyong’o’s custom Prada number. 

If you’re not interested in hopping into the pleat parade, then suit yourself! For everyone who is interested in joining though, pleats work beautifully in both skirts and dresses, of all lengths, colors, and patterns. I’m especially taken with the slightly longer, almost midi-length versions. All of these skirts and dresses just make me want to twirl and embrace the pleats, à la Lupita. 

 

One Year Ago, in Paris

One year ago today, I got to go to Paris with Jordan. It was spring break for me and in addition to a visit to Germany, we decided to take a long weekend in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Please believe me when I say I had one intense to-do list for our visit. There were places to go (many, many many) shops to visit, and (many, many, many) things to eat. We landed, we dropped our bags, and ran out the door of the hotel to start our weekend, after getting directions from a nice Parisian man. I was practically jumping out of my skin, I was so excited to be in Paris. 

We walked past the Louvre and decided on lunch and coffee before delving into art and history.

Nourished and caffeinated, I was more than ready to commit to the Louvre. However, Jordan insisted on exploring the pyramid courtyard a bit more before ducking inside for what could be hours, and I begrudgingly agreed.

Finally, Jordan settled on “one more hallway” before we got to go inside, get warm, and finally see the damn art. Except…

Clearly Jordan had much bigger plans for Paris, and who was I to refuse them? So one year ago today, I said yes to I do, and had the most memorable and beautiful weekend in Paris with my best friend and the love of my life.

Jordan and my mom had coordinated with Brian (standing to the left in my hallway photograph) at French Grey Photography to capture our engagement and their efforts (thank you!) make it easier to share that wonderful day now.

To suggest that I was anything other than surprised and overjoyed would be an understatement.

I’ll share the rest of our Parisian adventures another day, because nothing can top the best surprise proposal from the best guy in the world.  Stay tuned for Paris, and here’s to saying I do in May!

The Hair Necessities

Look for these hair necessities. They’re simple and they’ll help you forget about your hair worries and strife. While they’re not all  mother nature’s recipes, they’ll definitely keep your hair looking–and feeling–perfect.  Wherever I wander, and wherever roam, I couldn’t be fonder of these products to make all the difference in my hair condition and style. Look for most of these hair necessities online, or in stores like Blue Mercury and Neiman Marcus, which also carry an excellent selection of the Oribe products. When you look at the enviable locks of some celebrities, the truth is most of them were styled using Oribe products which have become the go-to for red carpet hair stylists, for a reason.  Take a glance at their fancy hair, and then maybe try a few of the hair necessities yourself. So just relax, if you’re having hair troubles ….don’t spend your time just looking around, for hair you want, but can’t seem to find. When you realize you can solve it, you’ll move on, no more stressing about it. I’ll tell you something true, the hair necessities of life will work for you.

Also, on the off chance you missed the theme that just played out above, take a listen down memory lane. And if you never saw the Jungle Book, know that I’m crying, just a little, for your incomplete childhood. 

Step 1: Prepping your hair with good products is essential to styling it beautifully later. Look at it as if you’re laying a foundation for great hair. If your hair is dry, damaged, brittle, or thin, this is the step that is potentially most important for you. Wella makes excellent products that protect your hair,  keep it looking glossy and healthy, and improve the quality of it over time. Additionally, Oribe’s deep conditioner masques can be used once a week (or more depending on how thick your hair is) to really make a big impact. After one conditioning treatment  I immediately see a difference in the quality, condition, texture, and appearance of my hair. And all the products smell addictively like heaven and happiness.

Step 2: So you’re washed, you’re conditioned, and now the fun begins. I detangle my hair with the milkshake leave in conditioner and a wide tooth comb. This brand isn’t  huge, but I was introduced to it at my hair salon and have been using this particular product since high school. It gets rid of any knots without a struggle, and it adds just a little more conditioning to my hair before styling. Next I do a few mists of Oribe’s foundation mist, which acts as a thermal and UV protectant. Then comes possibly my absolute favorite product: Oribe’s Royal Blowout Spray. This speeds up the dry time–both naturally and with a blowdryer–of my hair and helps me gets a smooth and shiny finish. It is an absolute dream to use. Finally, I put a little Argan oil on my ends to keep them healthy and avoid splitting.

Step 3: These are by no means all necessary for every person. However, depending on how you want to style your hair, they’re all game changers.  If you’re looking for extra thick hair or curls, Oribe mousse is the crème de la crème, and will help you achieve a beautiful finished look. If sleek and shiny hair is more your tempo, the cream and nourishing hair oil will make that a reality for you.

Step 4: These are the finishing touches. Again, use whichever product suits your style and hair type. The Oribe superfine hairspray is a winner for individuals with thinner hair because it doesn’t weigh it down or look greasy over time. Oribe soft laquer spray makes hair look shiny and smooth, but still very touchable and natural. Meanwhile, the Àpres beach spray maintains curled locks, while preventing them from seeming ‘too perfect’ and childish, think Victoria’s Secret model hair, with clothing. The mini impermeable spray is perfect for a purse or gym bag to freshen up hair, both in style and scent, and the anti-humidity spray is the only thing that I’ve ever used that works in high humidity.

I realize these products are pricey but invest in steps 1 & 2, and choose only a few from 3 & 4 to really make your hair picture perfect. They last quite a while for me, even with pretty thick and long hair. Once you start using these hair necessities though, I regret to inform you, that nothing else will ever match their quality and effectiveness. So get ready to get addicted and enjoy the hairrrr necessities, the simple hair necessities….and I’ll stop reliving my childhood movie favorites.

Note: To learn more about Oribe as a brand, its products, and salons near you that carry/use them pop over to their website.