Friday Favorites: Headbands

TGIF! Gals, I can NOT believe I have not written a post on headbands. They're only the IT accessory over the past year +.  At first I was skeptical to jump on board, specifically because I felt that the style with the knot on top made me look like I had a horn coming out of my head ... unicorns are cute but not in this way. 

Mink Fur Headband

Often with unique trends I look back later and cringe with 'what was I thinking?!!' ... but at the time it was cool.  I believe this trend is going to linger and I've found designs that suit me and aren't extreme so that I don't have the cringe in years to come. 

Bonus: Headbands hide dirty hair! #praise

Here are some of my favorite headbands ...

Puff Twist

I have this one in ivory & black

Satin Braided

Jeweled

6 colors

Crystal Set

6 colors

I gifted this set for Christmas

Pearl

so classy

Bubblegum Crystal

Lele Sadoughi is the hot designer for headbands

They are stunning but also a splurge

Classic Tortoise

discrete & perfect for work

I've had this one for several years

I love these embellished bands 

Leather Bands

Vivian in her first headband!

Gracious she looks so grown

Dress Beautifully in a Headband

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Hair Do

TGIF! Today we get a break from a week of so much rain! It has truly iced the quarantine cake when it comes to feeling trapped. This weekend we have so much sunshine to soak up. Saturday, it's literally going to be bright and I am treating Vivian to this new splash pad to play with in our backyard.  It will be her first swimsuit day of the year and I can't wait to hear her splashing giggles.

The happiest news of all is that we get to go to church on Sunday!!! I thought about texting my neighbors to tell them that everything was ok, because my squeals were so loud when the announcement was posted. We are meeting outside and will be keeping our distance from others. I have no clue how I'm going to refrain from hugging our dear friends and gracious my Sunday school students!! Not to mention, there will not be nursery for Vivian. I have no clue how I'm going to manage her through the service but none of that compares to the joy of getting to gather again with our church family in worship!

At the beginning of the year I asked you gals what you wanted to see more of on this blog. I had several requests for how I style my hair and how I manage to only wash it twice a week.
Surprisingly, I was asked the most about my workout routine & diet ... I still need to share more on that.

I find that since quarantining gals are going longer between washes and so many are struggling with unkept roots growing by the week.

Hair is unique to the gal that wears it.  I encourage you to work with the locks God gave you, enhancing them rather than trying to fight against them.  I have extremely thick, textured and very wavy red hair.  Rather than try and straighten it, change it's color or wear a slick style I embrace the large volume with a curly style and use products to enhance what I have.

Confession: I do add a little color to my mane.  As I'm aging my hair has become dull and darker.  Since I don't have grey to cover I dilute an auburn dye with water and shampoo it in once a month for just a little boost without the harshness.

So here are my secrets to having a coiffed mane with merely 2 washes a week
Note: These apply to working with an overdue dye job.


Day 1:

I wash with this shampoo & conditioner purchased at my salon.
I only condition the lower 3/4ths of my hair and comb it through with a wide tooth comb in the shower to distribute evenly. I wrap it in a hair towel and often let it air dry while I apply my make up to reduce the amount of heat from the blow dryer. I use this styling cream (avoiding the roots) prior  to drying.
I section my hair and use a large round brush to smooth it dry.

I use a 1" curling iron and curl sections away from my face.  The curls are smaller and tighter initially.  When complete I use my fingers to separate & loosen them and spray with this hairspray.

This is far curlier than I like but by starting this way the following days are just right with little to no effort.

I will sleep with it half up in a clip.

Day 2:

I run a wide comb through it and go.  This is my favorite day as the curls have fallen and are larger.

I will apply dry shampoo on the roots of the upper half of my hair before bed and sleep with it in a loose pony tail.  These are my favorite hair ties.

Day 3:

I will use a round brush to fluff and add volume around my face and wear it half up or in headband.

Day 4:  Same as day 3 but most definitely up in a pony tail.  I work out every day and there's no other option at this point.

Hair dryer | Curling Iron | Hairspray | Styling Cream | Dry Shampoo 

REALLY REALLY want to try the Dyson AirWrap but goodness gracious it's pricey! 

Tips for concealing dirty/unkept roots:
1. Avoid a straight part
2. When pulling your hair back use your fingers to keep it textured/avoid brushing it smooth
3. Use headbands and scarves to 'dress' it up
4. Maintain volume with products such as this and dry shampoo

Since Summer is coming and bringing it's humidity & heat, I will style my hair in braids and forgo the blowdryer rocking my natural curls.

I love using vintage silk scarves to tie around clips and ponytails.  They add color and print allowing even your most basic of days to look cheerful and put together. 

I love them as an alternate to headbands! They won't damage your hair, don't pinch and won't get in the way of glasses.  

There are 2 ways to wear one: wrap it around tying the scarf at the base of your neck underneath your hair or tie it in a double knot on top and tuck in the ends. You may want to use bobby pins to hold it in place/keep it from sliding. 

These headbands are my fav! Headbands are a hot trend, especially ones with a knot on top.  Personally, I just felt like the knot looked like a horn on me.  A puffy braided headband was more even in shape and made me feel like I was wearing a crown! I found a pack of 4 satin ones in different colors that suit my fancy.

Dress Beautifully with a Coiffed Hair Do

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Trending: Hair Accessories, Smocking & Clear Bags

TGIF! Gals, what a wonderful week! I celebrated my 36th birthday yesterday, actually I celebrated last weekend too with a double date with my best friend Saturday night and birthday cake with my family on Easter Sunday. I met up with my sister at the park yesterday so that our girls could play.  Vivian's cousin is only 9 weeks younger so they're bffs. She took me out to lunch and then some Target time because that's what Mammas do #truth.  Naturally we bought stuff for the kids.
Then my other sister came over in the afternoon with more lemon cake #yolo and babysat Vivian so that Mr could take me out on a date.  He actually left the hospital on time!!!
Birthdays are one of those times for extra gratitude. Life is a precious gift, one that I cherish every day. Cheers to 36 years!

She did NOT want us to leave but date nights are a MUST and they don't include her!

AND Taylor Swift released a new song at midnight!!!!! I'm a HUGE fan and have been anxiously awaiting this big news for weeks. I consider it my birthday gift :) Vivian and I had a dance party this morning and I've been jamming out to it all day. It's one of my favorites.

"I'm the only one of me ... that's the fun of me" Mr confirmed there are no truer words haha

Let's chat fashion shall we.  There are 3 things trending big right now that I wanted to share.
Hair accessories, smocking and clear bags.

Hair Accessories:
I've been wearing barrettes, clips, pins, headbands, etc. in my large mane for years! My Mamma does too.  It's like jewelry for you hair and with as much as I have it needs to be contained with something strong and be pretty.

I also don't like wearing my hair plain and in the same way everyday.  Give me accessories, braids, and twists. Hair styles shouldn't be boring.

So here are some popular and pretty hair accessories sure to make any outfit complete from head to toe!

Pearl Clips -they add bold & classy touch. I ordered these and they hold great.

Headbands - I'm ALL about this brand out of India for headbands.  It was hard to pick just one. They are intricate and beautiful.  And not too big.  I ordered this one because it's neutral and it's named 'Vivian' #meanttobe
You must check all of the unique styles out!

Tortoise Clips - I've been wearing these for over 10 years. They blend with your hair and are perfect for ALL occasions.

You can also use silk scarves tie around your ponytails.  I have a large vintage collection that I need to wear more of.

Smocking:

I'm obsessed with smocking clothes for baby Vivian but it's everywhere in women's fashion too.  Keep in mind it is super stretchy making it very fitted where it's placed on the garment. Meaning it will accentuate curves! In my opinion it's either cute or it's not. So try it on and regardless of how pretty the piece is if it's not flattering don't wear it!

Here's some that I think are pretty...

Cherry Blossom Peplum Top
I ordered this and it should arrive any day now.  My only hesitation is having to wear a strapless bra UGH more options HERE

I love the puff sleeves on this one! It may be a bit on the shorter side but not a problem with a higher waisted pant or skirt.

This peplum top is classic and would be perfect with a pair of white jeans.


Clear Bags:

Now this trend is a challenge for me. Plastic handbags ekkkk But designers are putting them out there in mass quantities and styles. So if you like them my suggestion is to limit your investment.  I don't believe this trend will last and you'll find yourself putting it in the donate pile in a couple of seasons.
I do think they are practical for public events where they check your bag or if you work in retail where your bags are checked when leaving or even at the beach.

Personally, I like my pile concealed!

I did see some at Marshalls & TJ Maxx for around $30. Similar to this one.

I love the handle on this one.

This tote has nice trim.

And this clutch is chic.

Sooooo many options HERE!

Have a FUN weekend!

Dress Beautifully in Hair Accessories, Smocking & Maybe a Clear Bag 

XOXO Sarah Louise