Fun in the Sun

With everyone going on vacation, and spending lots of time out in the sun, surf and pool, I thought it would be a great time to cover ways you can protect your hair from the summer abuse!

If your just going to be out in the sun a lot, L'Oreal has a fantastic summertime line of products to help keep your hair in tip top shape.  The products have a UV protectant in them that will shield your hair from harmful UV rays just like sunscreen does for your skin.  First thing you will want to apply is the Solar Sublime Spray.  It goes on dry, or damp hair and instantly protects your hair from the damaging rays of the sun

Going to be swimming also?  Chlorine and salt water can be devastating to your hair, and you can protect your hair in a very simple way.  Your hair is like a sponge, and it can only absorb so much liquid.  So, the idea is to fill up the hairshaft with good things before taking a dip, and prevent the hair from absorbing the bad things (like chlorine and salt water).  Before you take a dip in the pool or the ocean, rinse your hair in tap water, then spray a generous amount of a leave in conditioner (like GK Hair's Leave In Spray) into your hair.  Enjoy your time in the water, and once your out, rinse the hair thoroughly with tap water.  This will help remove any of the bad stuff your hair may have absorbed, is removed as quickly as possible.

Done with your fun in the sun, and headed in to get ready for the night on the town?  The shampoo and conditioner you use is very important as well.  Your hair is going to be drier than normal, and you really need a shampoo and conditioner that are designed to handle this.  Again, from the Solar Sublime collection from L'Oreal are a shampoo and conditioner that are specifically designed for summer fun in the sun.  The Shampoo is designed to gently cleanse and revitalize the hair while giving it extra nourishments that may have been depleted by the sun.  Once the hair is cleaned, you'll want to really nourish your hair with the Balm.  Leave it in for 3-5 minutes for best results, giving your hair a great shine and radiance from root to tip!!

Of course, there are a myriad of other products that can be used in place of these, but I have used these products, I know they work and they are what I would recommend to keep your hair looking tip top shape this summer!  All products are available at Belleza, if you have questions or anything, hit me up on facebook!!  Hair by EC

Springtime Changes...

Looking for a change in your look, but dont want anything drastic??  Well have no fear, I am armed with the latest spring trends and can give you pieces of said trends to create a dramatically different look, with small changes to your actual hair.

The first thing is actually something you can try at home!  Yes, you don't even need me for this change!  Switch your part from one side to the other.  You will be amazed what a different look this can give your style.   **Have a cowlick or another growth pattern in the front, try flatwrapping your bangs.  Take a flat brush and following it with your hairdrier, blow your bangs back and forth from one side to the other.  This will calm any crazy bangs down and give you a perfect swoop.

Next, there are many little tweaks you can change within a haircut to give you a different look...

Got layers?  Whether you have them now or not, layers are a great way to update the look you have now!  Try a piecey, textured layer that will really sass up your look!  This is a really versatile option...you can blow it sleek and smooth for the office, then throw a little texture paste in your 'do after work and really bring those layers to life for the evening!  Whether your hair is halfway down your back, or up to your chin, layers are a great way to update your look for spring!

Bangs, bangs, bangs!  This is the biggest, bang-for-your-buck, change you can make to any style.  Adding a new fringe, can really spruce up your style and give you that fresh look without making a major change.  There are so many options, check out my post from Nov 28th on guidelines for choosing the right bang for your face shape and style!

Want to keep the same cut, but bored with your color??  Color is a great way to create some subtle dimension to your look and give it a brighter look for spring.

Highlights are probably the most common option, and you can do them right around the face, or space them sparingly throughout your entire head to give that sunkissed look.

Also a balayage technique is a great option, giving you a softer, more tone on tone look than highlights will. This technique will have your stylist free hand painting the color on your hair, creating a very suble yet stunning look.

**Consult with your stylist (or come see me at Belleza!!) to decide which technique and color will best suit your style and tones.

First Look: The Bridal Party

Today, is also a big day for Catherine's sister, Pippa Middleton, who was her maid of honor.  Much like her sister Bride, Pippa wore an ivory Alexander McQueen dress.  Both dresses were a similar shade of ivory.  Pippa's is a satin based crepe dress, sporting a cowl neckline and a stunning fishtail skirt.  There were some other details that complimented Catherine's dress including the buttons and lace edging.

The Flowergirls were beautiful in full length, ivory dresses with a darker colored waist band and a stunning array of flowers in their hair.

Royal Wedding: The Guests

In addition to this being the biggest and most exciting day of Catherine and William's lives, this is a day for fashion!  The pomp, circumstance, and ooooh the hats!!  This is truly a day for the history books and will be remembered for the love and devotion that the couple have for each other, and also did I mention the fashions?  :-)  Even Prince William couldn't help but exclaiming that Catherine looked 'beautiful' as she approached the altar.

Prince William looked stunning in his Red Uniform.

Catherine's mum looks simply stunning in her sky blue silk shantung "Sydney" day dress by Catherine Walker, a favorite of Diana.

 

Some of these hats were absolute works of art!!

Elton John and his partner as they arrive at the Abbey

Always a force of fashion, David and Victoria Beckham look ravishing.  Victoria chose a navy blue piece from her own AW11 Collection with specially customised Christian Louboutin heels.  David wore a suit from Ralph Lauren.

Joss Stone makes her entrance in Red

Guy Ritchie

More Details...

It is also now known, that Kate wore handmade Alexander McQueen Shoes, her tiara is from Cartier, and her earrings are designed by Robinson Pelman.

Her dress has a train, slightly over 2 meters in length, covered with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons, fastened with Rouleau loops.  Hand cut English lace and French Chantilly lace was used throughout the bodice and skirt and was also used for the underskirt trim.  Note again that the dress is narrowed at the waist, and actually padded at the hips, a throwback to corsetry and a trademark of McQueen's designs.

First Look: The Royal Wedding

Here is our first look at Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding Dress.  As many had suspected, the gown was designed by Sarah Burton, for Alexander McQueen.

The gown is made of ivory silk gazar, with a sweetheart neckline design, with a stunning lace overlay.  The lace overlay was handmade by the Royal School of Needlework. The waist is slightly cinches and goes down into a beautiful, flowing train.

Her veil was fastened by a pearl and diamond tiara.

I think this is a perfect look for Kate.  Its a simple and classic design, but extremely beautiful and elegant, much as herself.

I think Princess Diana and Alexander McQueen are both looking on approvingly, on this beautiful day!

Trendspot: Summer/Fall 2011

Looking to freshen up your wardrobe for the summer and fall seasons of this year?  There is only one word to think of when searching out your new wardrobe additions...opulence.  As we begin to come out of our countries economic depression, look for fashion desigers collections to follow the mood of the country.  We are sick of being jobless, broke and unhappy and we want to feel good about ourselves and were getting more and more comfortable opening our pocket books.  This season, look for big, bold patterns from head to toe, plenty of texture, lots of beading and sequins, and the return of gold and bejeweled accessories.  There is not much understated about this up and coming season....check out these looks for inspiration...

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011
Really fantastic celestial patter in the first look.  The second look, if you look closely, is actually a musical print.  Nice!  The third look shimmers with opulence as they sequined a men's inspired tuxedo jacket.

Chanel Spring 2011

Chanel chose to go to the floral side of things in these first two looks.  Still prominent, loud prints, they show the somewhat softer side of this trend.  In the third look, notice how the floral print is discretely carried over into the gentlemen's jacket, paired with largely overstated gold chains.  Genius!

Miu Miu Fall 2011

Miu Miu's Fall collection was a bit more subdued than some of the other designers, but as we see in this piece, the opulence wasn't all lost.  With a gold sequined, aerial print, this mid length dress is not to be ignored.  They paired it with a fur shrug, another hot item for the fall season.

Balenciaga Fall 2011

This collection was full of prints and texture.  Check out this prime example as the top half is full of texture, and the bottom half of the ensemble is a bold print.

Now get out and go shopping!  We have got to get this economy back into shape and what better way than a little retail therapy!!  Happy Shopping!!

**Photographs courtesy of elle.com