Pop somethin'... Move somethin'... Shake ya tail feather...

You guys. YOU GUYS. You know what I don't get?

Feathers.

FEATHERS.

They are EVERYWHERE.

In jewelry, all over clothes, in hair... When did this become cool? Have I aged out of the generation that understands all the new trends?

I mean, okay, maybe feathers aren't really that bad. In small doses. I definitely go back and forth on this topic. A few of the little skinny ones are kind of cute... But can we just agree to veto the big crazy ones?

I feel like feather earrings can be cute, you know... When there are TWO of them. You CANNOT convince me that this is okay.

It's not.

It's just NOT.


It is ONE gigantic clump of feathers that makes it look like some creepy alien has taken up residence in your skull and it's tail is sticking out.

Not acceptable.

So let's review...

  A few well-blended extensions? Super cute.

Massive feather tail things that reach your boobs?

I just can't get on board with this.

Sorry, I just can't.

How about you? 

Photo credits: voimiami.com, abcfamily.com, chacha.com, thecraftbegins.com

To Dye For

FlynetPictures.com

Hey, remember Lauren Conrad? She of awesome hair and questionable taste in men? The only one on The Hills who had a brain (except for that whole not going to Paris for the summer thing)? Okay, Whitney and Lo seemed to have brains, too, but I've been girl-crushing on Lauren since she went by LC on Laguna Beach and had a dramariffic non-relationship with the illusive Ste-phen!.

Anyway, she's basically managed to get even more fabulous - a style book, a series of novels, a couple clothing lines, a column in Forbes, and a (somewhat) surprisingly insightful website. All in all, pretty impressive for a privileged girl from the golden coast of California who probably could've coasted by on her looks for far longer than any of us would've remembered her name.

This post is not about my girl-crush, though. It's more about the awesomeness that I've discovered on her latest venture - the beauty department. It's mostly a collection of beauty tips and tricks, plus some fun polls and useful tutorials. My absolute favorite thing so far?

This:

Kristin Ess + thebeautydepartment.com

Seriously. How can I suddenly sprout a foot of blond hair and then find someone to tie-dye the tips for me?

It can't be that impractical, can it?

Even if it is... I just don't care.

Love it!

What do you think?

Little J For the Win

Who's ridiculously stoked that Gossip Girl is officially back?

ME!

It has been long few months, you guys. I was really starting to go into withdrawal mode and that is not pretty. I need my weekly fix of Upper East Siders!

After watching last week's episode, I was left feeling a little confused. I feel like maybe my brain is malfunctioning or something... because the only thing I could think was how much I loved Little Jenny Humphrey's look for whatever galla the gang was attending.

That is practically blasphemy for me... I constantly moan and groan about how awful they style her - the ridiculous faux-punk-wannabe-badass vibe just doesn't work. This time, though, I don't know what happened, but she looked gorgeous.

I'm talkin' out-shining both Blair and Serena and that is not an easy task.

See? I'm not crazy. The girl looks great in this fabulous embellished Moschino coat and an Andrew GN sequin dress.

And the hair and makeup, oh, the hair and makeup... Stunning!

Soft and pretty colors, youthful and glowing skin, great pop of color with the lipstick... I have nothing negative to say. At all. And I always have something negative to say about Jenny.

Here's a few other angles:

Great, no?

And how cool was this hair? Very toned-down Lady Gaga-esque with the hair-bow thing. It doesn't even look fried and ratty here! Such an improvement!

I believe it's official - Little J wins the episode.

Keep it up, Jenny. I'll be watching you!

[photo credits: gossipgirlfashion.net, taylormomsen.net, gossipgirlonline.com]

Ready To Go "Green" With Your Hair?

Is it just me or has everything been going "green" lately? Cars and cleaning supplies and toiletries... Everything. It kind of, just a little, maybe in some way...seems like a big, giant, marketing ploy? There's usually some big, socially conscious, thing people are always pimping. Is going green the latest in a long line of BS?

I'm not sure that I have enough real information about this and I'm certainly no expert, nor do I claim to have done any extensive research on the subject, but I do question the whole "green" concept sometimes.

Regardless of my own personal beliefs, the reality of the situation is that "green" products seem like the future we're in store for, so we may as well jump on the bandwagon now, right?

I have to admit that I am pretty curious about all natural products. I've heard pretty awful things about what all the chemicals in beauty products do to our skin and hair, so I'd be more than willing to give products without all that stuff in them a try.

Enter Louise Galvin Carbon Neutral Beauty, and more specifically, the Natural Shampoo line. Created by celebrity hair colorist, Louise Galvin, this hair care line is made up of formulas that contain no harsh ingredients like sulphates, parabens, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, and polymers. I don't know about you, but I can't say I don't love the sound of not putting all that crap in my hair.

It appears that Louise Galvin has some pretty big celebrity fans that include the lovely Emily Blunt (who's hair I love!) and Sophie Dahl.

The line has specifically formulated products for curly, fine, damaged, and dry hair types so it's pretty much a full spectrum of goodies to try out. There is even a Mother-to-Be, New Mothers, and Baby that is supposed to be gentle enough for newborns. I definitely think I'd love to try these products.

Maybe going "green" really is the way to go.

What do you guys think? Has anyone tried these or other "green" products? I'd love to hear about your experiences!

[photo credits: louisegalvin.com]

Sephora Claus is Coming to Town

Hey all you Sephora lovers! Guess what??!!

Sephora Claus is taking over the Sephora Twitter account (check it out here!) and giving away beauty products every day until December 18th! How fun is that? All you have to do is give them a little tweet-shout-out with your wish for the holidays - tweet @Sephora and tag your wish with #sephoraclaus!

I wished for:

The Laura Mercier Soufflé Sampler Set



And the ghd Urban Angel Set



What's your holiday wish for Sephora Claus?

[photo credits: sephora.com]

"Blake" is the new 'Rachel"

It's no secret that Jennifer Anniston started one of the biggest hair crazes of all time with her Rachel cut.

Admit it, you totally wanted to look like this, didn't you? Or, at least, you know someone that did. Well, tried to. Likely with less than perfect results. And adorable as it was on Jennifer Anniston - this cut really wasn't all that friendly to anyone who didn't want to blow-out their hair just about every day. Ugh. I definitely got rid of all photo evidence that this time ever existed for my hair.

Anyway, moving on from that traumatic experience. Apparently we have a new Rachel on our hands. Now, they might not actually be calling it "the Blake" or anything but ,according to the New York Times, people everywhere are asking for the long, luscious tresses à la Blake Lively.

Not that I can blame them. I mean, hello... Who wouldn't love to have hair like this?

I know I'd love it. Unfortunately, I don't think I have even half the hair that she does and if I tried to dye it that color? Ugh. It would more than likely just fall out in protest.

The article has a few stylists giving their recommendations on how to get and maintain this fabulous style. Lucky for her, our dearest Ms. Lively was blessed with a naturally lovely head of hair. But for those of us who didn't hit the genetic lottery? Are you ready for it? EXTENSIONS! Gee, thanks. I could've figured that one out on my own.

In addition to the extensions, the cut (uhm, isn't this just long layers?) will run you about $500 at any self-respecting (AKA snooty) salon in NYC. And don't forget the super-duper conditioning treatments and heat styling that should bring you right up to about $1200. A month. A month. WHAT??

No. Freaking. Way. Use some inexpensive thickening products. Get some beach spray. Learn to do a little teasing and figure out how to work a curling iron and you'll have that undone look in no time. Seriously. It's easier than everyone seems to claim, I promise. You don't need to spend a ton of money. My favorite curling iron (and I have several) is a 3/4 inch Revlon one I got at Marshalls for $7.99.

So, what is the verdict? Do you want the Blake? Any chance you'd be willing to front the cash for it? If so... Wanna be my friend and pay for me to have it, too?

[photo credits: askmen.com, selfmademom.net]

Braid Me Up, Scotty

Perfectly straight and sleek hair certainly has it's place in the world... But that place is far, far away from my head.

I spent years trying to force my extremely curly locks into submission with hundreds of hair products and a drawer full of heat styling tools. I would usually manage to achieve the perfectly flat and shiny look... But the second I stepped out of my bathroom and into the unprotected world my lovely straight hair would frizz/expand/curl and it was not a pretty sight.

Eventually I gave up on perfectly straight hair and decided I didn't want it all that flat anyway. I have pretty fine hair so it didn't look all that great anyway (don't you feel like having fine/curly hair is an oxymoron? It should be one thing to deal with, not both). Instead, I've figured out how to do that beachy-undone-sleep-rumpled-wave thing that all the celebrities love and it makes my life so much easier. I can stop worrying about my perfect style getting crazy cause crazy is the point! Love it!

So what's my favorite accessory for beachy hair? Braids, of course! Forget headbands, pins, and clips... Braids are a way more fun alternative.

Okay, I have a confession to make about where my braid-love came from.



Yep. That's right. My favorite "reality" star, Lauren Conrad. I'm boycotting The Hills now that she's no longer a part of it (well, that and Kristin Cavallari is just a huge, obnoxious bitch). Nobody else's hair fascinates me quite the way hers does. She just about single-handedly brought this particular hairstyle to the hot lists. I don't care who else has worn braids or how much you'd like to pretend that The Hills wasn't a pretty massive cultural phenomenon. If you didn't watch it, that's fine, but you've gotta admit the girl's got great hair and after she started wearing this style on the show it definitely started popping up all over the place.



Does she EVER have a bad hair day? Completely unfair.

And it has certainly spread. Braids have been everywhere the last few years and they show no sign of disappearing anytime soon.



Blake Lively keeps it California-casual with her messy part and randomly braided pieces and Minka Kelly goes for a messy-chic way to keep all that gorgeous hair out of her face.



Nicole Richie and Sarah Michelle Gellar give their updos a down-to-Earth Boho twist while Rachel McAdams livens up her look with a magenta flower .



Jennifer Anniston takes her mini-French-braid to the Oscars and Molly Simms rocks an 80's inspired side ponytail.

I think there's something really soft and feminine about braided hairstyles and there are so many different ways to incorporate them into your hair that everyone can find a suitable and easy-to-create style. If you need a little help with ideas, just youtube braiding tutorials and you'll find everything you need. This is one of my favorites.

Braids are way easier to do than you would imagine, I promise. Just give it a shot and let me know how it goes!

[photo credits: fashionfeen.wordpress.com, justjared.buzznet.com, celebritybeautybuzz.com, bellasugar.com, spoiledpretty.blogspot.com, glam.com, honeybeebzz.blogspot.com]