How To: Ponytail Edition

In the Rodarte post, I was asked to do a tutorial on the simple, yet voluminous, ponytail I had. This is super simple and is my go-to hair style when 1. I have dirty hair 2. The neckline of my outfit is high or 3. My hair is being stupid.

What you'll need:
+ 1 - 2 ponytail holders (I like Goody hair ties with no metal)
+ small plastic claw clip
+ bobby pins
+ hairspray
+ day-old hair (aka: dirty hair)
+ i curled my hair with hot rollers to add texture and grip to my hair (otherwise my hair will fall out of the rubberband) though this is optional. if i don't have time, i use my straight hair and it works just fine too.
+ take a section of hair by the crown of your head
+ make sure to grab the lower layers (and not just the top or else the volume will look flat)
+ don't grab your bangs - leave them down as is
+ secure with the small claw clip
+ grab the rest of your hair & secure with a rubberband
+ wrap the rubberband behind the claw clip (and try to avoid tangling the claw clip within the hair tie)
+ i use 2 rubberbands to ensure my hair will stay put!
+ unclip the claw clip (don't leave it in or else people might think you're wearing those weird fake hair pieces!)
+ gently pull out hairs around the crown to add volume - don't take it out all the way though!
+ don't worry about it being perfect, pulling out the hair will add shape & volume
+ make sure to pull from the roots (and lower layers), or else your "bump" can look flimsy
+ hairspray any fly aways
+ you can pull out any additional layers to frame your face or spray back the sides for a more "severe" look
+ i bobby pin the small baby hairs on the nape of my neck & hair spray them - that's optional, it can look a lot more natural letting those be

Don't worry about it being "perfect" - it's not a bouffant, it's a simple & easy way to get your hair up & out. Actually the messier it is, the more rock-and-roll it looks.

Good luck!

questions? ask here!

Same Jacket, Different Outfit

I should probably vary what I wear post to post, but nothing like a versatile denim jacket for cooler summer nights.

I am feeling better, though not 100%, and if you look closely in some photos, you can see the bruises on my arm from the hospital IV. (I TOLD YOU I WAS SICK). I wanted the disclaimer that I wasn't either being abused or abusing drugs.

I haven't gone out to dinner since being sick - so a couple of friends, Rye Bread & I are going to one of my go-to places: Salt Creek Grill in El Segundo. While the restaurants may be famous for their seafood & steaks, my favorite dish there is their "Stuffed Blues" burger: gorgonzolas-stuffed with fried onions on a hawaiian bun? Nom.

target shirt, express shorts & tights, old scarf, dollhouse ballet flats, banana republic jacket

I also decided to NOT wear liquid eyeliner tonight, for a little more natural look. I must say it does take a little getting used to. I tried doing a tutorial, but the lighting was so bad, so I'll have to try again soon.

questions? ask here!

Sick as a Dog

I've been out sick for the past 10 days (yes, TEN), but am on the mend and hope to be fully recovered shortly. I don't want to get into too many details (and really, doubt you guys want to hear / read it), but should be back full-force soon.

In the meanwhile, I wore this outfit for a housewarming party a few weeks ago. United Colors of Benetton was having a 50% off the ENTIRE store, so I grabbed this dress (and a few other items) at no more than $15 each! Score.

united colors of benetton dress, banana republic jacket, scarf from nordstrom rack, lamb watch

questions? ask here!

PMN: Rodarte for Target

It's no secret I love PMN with my constant purchases & postings; awhile back I purchased this new leopard print dress, but with its distinct print, I knew that I couldn't just wear it out to dinner and have been saving it for a special occasion. Last Friday it was my friend's birthday & we all headed to the Edison in DTLA for some drinks...aka: a perfect opportunity for me to wear this Rodarte for Target dress.
Rye Bread was a good sport & we had a mini photoshoot of our own:
And a few photos from the Edison:

birthday boy, sean, in the middle

a couple of guys i'm sure you've seen here before

two close girl friends, aileen & joan

my own personal throne

questions? ask here!

How To: Birds Eye View

Steph: "I'm totally going to name this post 'birds eye view!' I don't know why I think of these things as I'm doing my make-up, I love puns!"
Rye Bread: "Why 'birds eye view'?"
Steph: "Because look at my eyes! They're like bird eyes"
Rye Bread: "I thought that was called cat eyes or something"
Steph: "Well normally it is, but see how they go in my inner corners? Like a bird!"
Rye Bread: "Doesn't that just mean it's a double cat eye?"
Steph: "You realize this conversation is going on my blog, right?"

I don't need to justify my puns! This look is not for those who are afraid of eyeliner, especially liquid.

What you'll need:
+ taupe eyeshadow
+ black liquid liner
+ black pencil liner
+ neutral blush
+ hot pink lipgloss

+ start with your usual routine: concealer, powder, filled-in brows, etc.
+ apply a taupe eyeshadow from your lashline to the crease of your lids
(note: i did this after work, hence i already have mascara on, please ignore)
+ heavily apply liquid liner to your upper eyelids
+ wing out the outer edges
+ continue to line on the inner corners (it looks weird at first, don't worry)
+ still using liquid liner, carefully line your lower lashline
+ using black pencil liner, line your lower waterline (the inside part of your lower lashline)
+ apply a neutral blush (or brozner)
+ lipgloss be poppin'

finished:
Of course Rye Bread photobombing. He drives me insane sometimes:

questions? ask here!

The 4th

How were your guys' 4th of July? Having a 4-day weekend was the perfect remedy to my busy schedule. And I purposely took that time to catch up on my magazines & some much needed sun.

For the 4th, friends & I went to a local beach & since I have stick-straight hair, I knew that any beach waves I created wouldn't stay, so I opted for what most girls are doing - Dutch braids. My hair wasn't long enough, but the magic of bobby-pins helped.

+ Split hair down the center (I left my bangs parted to the side)
+ Braid each side & secure with hair ties
+ Simply pull each up to the center of your head & pin with bobby pins
+ Any left over strands only adds to the "modernness" of it - and helps prevent looking like a milkmaid.

Some 4th of July pics:hiding drinks from the cops (no alcohol on the beach you know!)

new girl friends i made

deep(ly inebriated) conversations

of course a rye bread & steph shot

del rey bike path
harajuku lovers hoodie

questions? ask here!

Thigh Highs, Oh My!

I'm back from the depths of the underworld! And guess what? I don't have travel planned for the next 7 days! W00t. But seriously, how much do you guys hate me for being so inconsistent?

Before the 4th of July madness, Rye Bread took me on a nice date night in Manhattan Beach, where we had great Mexican food at Mucho Ultimo & drinks at Shade Hotel. Ultimo has AMAZING food - I definitely recommend. Shade Hotel was a cougar den, but was pretty chill nonetheless.

I've seen girls wear thigh-highs with the top lace showing & have been in love with the look - the ultimate balance between sultry & slutty.

tunic: tj maxx, thigh highs: victoria's secret, aldo heels, f21 belt

Heavy liner, orange blush, & shimmery lipgloss helped complete my look.

questions? ask here!