A few things:

A.) I’d like to first sincerely apologize for looking like I graduated with honors from Tool Academy with my sweet Myspace pic above.  If this was 2003, THAT would be my Myspace pic, just sayin’.  I have a perfectly good explanation for it though.  My boyfriend, Mr. Taylor, is too busy to take pictures of me so I’m forced to do so myself.  That guy!  Sheesh.

B.) I’m wearing a sweet Peter Pan collar in this photo but you can’t see it.  Ugh.

C. ) I don’t normally share these extra mundane details of my life, like getting haircuts or what my new car insurance rate is (by the way, it’s really good), but since I did a little hair inspo post a few days ago, I felt it was my duty to follow up.  As you can see I didn’t take any of my own advice and did something completely different.

D.) And by “completely different,” I mean I showed my hair stylist the Olivia Palermo photo and she took a few liberties of her own and chopped like 90% of my hair off.  PS – here is what it looked like before.

It’ll do, right?

I’ve been in a bit of a hair lull lately and I’m desperate to get a fresh, new cut.  The only problem is I have no idea what to do.  Keep growing it out or chop, chop, CHOP it?  The age old question, eh?  I decided to pull some inspo from Pinterest and am now leaning towards the Olivia Palermo ‘do (2nd photo) – just below the shoulders.  That would be a solid 4 inches chopped off for moi.

What do you guys think?  Which one should I choose?

[Images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 - several unknown originals thanks to tumblr]

I have a soft spot in my heart for anything and everything with polka dots.  There’s something so sweet and feminine about those little dotties, I just love them in any shape or form.  Right now, I kindaaa wish I had more of it in my closet and these are a few things I’d like to make my own.

Sweater // Socks // Bralette
Pencil Skirt // Scarf // Dress
Gloves // Tank

Also, DailyBuzz Style included my Every Day Wave in their Top 9 Hair Tips & Tutorials!  SO AWESOME!  Hope everyone has a lovely day, filled with lots o’ joy and polka dots.

I love a good wavy hairdo as much as the next girl, but I’ve always kind of sucked at executing it.  Luckily, The Beauty Department came along and solved all my problems.  Not only do they have the best hair and makeup tutorials I’ve ever seen on these here interwebs, but they’re also super easy.  Did they solve all your problems too?  See, I told you they’re great!

My favorite is Lauren Conrad’s Every Day Wave tutorial so I thought I would show you exactly how I emulate it.  It couldn’t be a more simple process:

Smooth protective serum (I use Moroccanoil) into hair
Curl hair away from face using a 1″ barrel curling iron
Soften curls by combing through them and spray with a light hold hairspray
VOILA!

I realize now why you rarely see tutorials on dark brown hair – you can’t see anything that’s going on, people.  Oh well, we tried, didn’t we?  If you do decide to test out these waves, I suggest watching Lauren’s tutorial for the full effect (and better lighting).  So fun and easy!

With springtime fast approaching, I feel myself starting to crave color and wild patterns (and canning cookbooks?).  Long, flowy skirts, perfectly polished olive green nails, geometric bangles – all of these items reflect the changing seasons and I’m LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

As you can see, I’m lusting after lots of tans, various shades of green and blue, yellow, gold, and hints of pink.  And who doesn’t love a chevron print in the form of a bathroom accessory?  Sign me up for that, please.  Instead of spring cleaning, I want to do the exact opposite and accumulate MORE things, namely these 10 items on my March wish list:

1. Zara Long Skirt
2. Madewell Brightside Bangle
3. Canning For A New Generation cookbook
4. Urban Outfitters Little Birch Jewelry Stand
5. West Elm Graphic Porcelain Tumblers
6. Clarks Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint
7. Scotch Naturals Nail Polish in Ceasefire
8. Rennes Le Chateau Wallet Pouch
9. Twoems Patterned Peacock Print (sold out…brb crying)
10. MTWTFSS Weekday Endless Knit Sweater Beige

…and by “bedazzling” I don’t mean rhinestoning my favorite jean jacket (been there, done that).  I want to spruce up my fall wardrobe with some new, snazzy accents!

During the chillier months, I tend to stick to a neutral palette of nudes, grays, and blacks, intermingling them with a small splash of color and excitement.  These accessories are perfect examples of said splash.  You know, just a little something to get through the dreary months ahead.

1. Leopard print scarf: I love scarves in all shapes, colors, and sizes but this Madewell City Camo Scarf ($49.50) is not only on-trend for fall, but super fun and dramatic as well.
2. Desert boots: These Madewell Suede Sandstorm Boots ($188) are equal parts rugged and chic.  I can imagine myself wearing them with skinny jeans or wool skirts or silk dresses – they would seriously pair well with anything!
3. Berry lips: I really love the idea of a darker lip for fall but I just can’t pull it off.  Luckily, I have this sheer version, Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment ($22.50), that gives just a subtle berry hue.
4. Red belt: One of my favorite ways to break up an all black ensemble (my wardrobe all winter) is with a punchy colored belt like this red Topshop Bow Detail Skinny Belt ($30).
5. Stackable rings: These Lucky Brand Stackable Rings ($32) are adorable.  It’s just that plain and simple.
6. Metallic nail polish: I literally hyperventilate with pure elation when I see a new nail polish color, like this NARS Vintage Nail Polish in Mash ($16).  It’s like a metallic army green with specks of gold, SWOON!
7. Arm warmers: Ever since I first noticed the phenomenon that is arm warmers (here),  I’ve been totally smitten with them.  And because I’ve been waiting patiently for their arrival since February, you can only imagine my excitement when I spotted these J. Crew Ribbed Glovettes ($22.50).
8. Structured handbag: A small structured handbag like this ASOS Leather Croc Lock Across Body Bag ($84.25) will help me bring out my lady-like side.  Oh wait, do I have that side?

Dear Weather,

First of all, what the hell?  It’s almost mid-July, which means it’s almost August, and it’s STILL cold outside!  Drizzling every morning??  Mid 60s?  For real?  Where are we, the corner of Alaska?  Every other square inch of the USA is experiencing scorching, blistering heat waves…and I’m jealous.

California always has to be fashionably late to the party.  But guess what, CA Weather?  You’re too late to the party now.  It started like 2 months ago, let’s get with it.  The Eastern seaboard and 8/10ths of Canada are warmer and less gloomy than you.

As for now, I’m forced to create my own summer.  A faux summer, I call it.  I will fake it until the sun shines.  Here are my tools of creating a faux summer:

1. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $23: I’m absolutely addicted to this spray.  Not only does it smell of the salty ocean, it gives your hair that perfect windswept, beachy look.  All you need is a few spritzes on your damp hair and then let it air dry.  See, Kate Hudson knows what I’m talking about.

2. Sephora by OPI Havana Nights, $9 each: With these bright and punchy nail colors, I can look and feel as summery as I please!  Colors left to right: Rumba Romance, Caliente Coral, Teal We Meet Again, Read My Palm, Caribbean Cocktail, Havana Dreams. [Image via Sephora]

3.  Williams-Sonoma Ice Pop Cookbook, $15.95: I’m a huge fan of fruity, icey popsicles but since it’s currently too chilly to make them, I will gaze through this recipe book instead.

4.  Vintage Wicker and Wood Picnic Basket, kowgirlkitch etsy, $30: I have been planning the perfect picnic in my head for weeks now.  Potato salad.  Finger sandwiches.  Latticed pie?  A few bottles of vino (whoops).  But of course, I must hold off on my picnic planning until the temperature rises.  For now, I will oOOoOo and awe over adorable vintage picnic baskets.

5.  Turkey Sliders: Tonight I made turkey sliders indoors.  It was too chilly and overcast to grill outside so I brought the burgers-by-the-pool meal indoors.  These turkey sliders are juicy, delicious, and super easy to make. Recipe: First chop an onion and saute in a pan.  Then mix lean ground turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a little ketchup.  Roll the turkey into balls and add them to the pan.  Flatten the turkey into the sauteed onions so that they stick to and become part of the patty.  Cook through and top with cheese.  Make sure you buy those mini hamburger buns!!  Add any and all condiments to your turkey sliders.  Voila! A perfect summery meal to get you through these winter-like doldrums.

The DryBar specializes in simple luxuries: blowouts.  You don’t realize you need your hair professionally blow dried until you actually step foot in their door and experience it firsthand.

Not only do they wash, blow dry, and curl your hair (depending on the style you order), but it only costs $35!!  Plus it’s a super fun and relaxing atmosphere…complete with complimentary champagne, of course.

I went on Thursday night with my cousin and we loved every minute of it.  She ordered the Mai Tai and I chose the Cosmopolitan.  And after 30 or so minutes of pampering, we had bouncing curls and immediately planned our next visit.

For more info on the DryBar, go to thedrybar.com.

[tres chic decor]

[the famous blow dryer light fixture]

[menu of styles]

[the bar]

[sipping champagne]

[my cousin getting her Mai Tai]

[blurred but finished product]

[hard to tell with dark hair but we loved!]

In the springtime, there’s nothing I love more than a bright and shimmery nail polish.  This Sephora by OPI Teal We Meet Again is that perfect blend of glimmering blue-green.  Mermaid green, I like to call it.

It would look simply stunning paired with THIS at a fun dinner party with friends or on a romantic date with your lovebug.

The only problem?  I can’t find it at any Sephora.  So if you happen to spot it while perusing that makeup wonderland, please let me know.  I must have.

Everyone has certain things in their life that complete them.  Of course my family, boyfriend, and friends are at the very top of this “Can’t Live Without” list but I also have 10 other vitals that I’ve come to depend upon.

1. Tea: I have tea, whether it be iced or hot, all day long.  Some of my favorite tea brands are Revolution, Tejava, Republic of Tea, Harney & Sons, and…well, I could go on forever but that’s a blog post within itself.
2. Cupcakes:  Of course this one isn’t as vital, but cupcakes are one of my favorite things to indulge in.
3. My iPod:  Yes, I said iPod.  You’re probably wondering if these old school contraptions actually still exist, what with all the iTouchs and Nanos and Shuffles, but they do!  My iPod has been so good to me over the years.
4. Erin Condren Life Planner: Of course I went into detail about my day planner here and let me tell you, it keeps me so organized and together.
5. Strawberry Chapstick: I’m talking about the actual Chapstick brand in strawberry flavor.  This chapstick is much more than a beauty essential to me.  I keep them well stocked too: 1 in every drawer of my nightstands, stashed in every purse, in the glove compartment of my car, in my desk at work, everywhere possible.
6. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps: Kiehl’s is my absolute favorite brand for lotions, moisturizers, and body washes.  I’ve used Crème de Corps for years now and it’s the only body lotion that truly soaks into my skin and keeps it hydrated.  I use it everyday!
7. Moleskine Notebook: For Christmas last year, Kyle gave me a Moleskine notebook so that I could write down all of my thoughts, ideas, inspirations, muses, and random notes.  Whenever I have something I need written down, my Moleskine is always there for me.
8. Cadbury Mini Eggs: If you know me at all, then you’re fully aware of my unhealthy obsession with Cadbury mini eggs.  I have absolutely NO willpower when a bowl of cads are dangled in front of my face.  Just the fact that I know they’re available on Amazon (see link) during the off season should say enough.
9. Monthly Mags: Whether it be an InStyle, Elle, or Cooking Light, I need a monthly fix of my mags.
10. My blogs: Just as much as I need a monthly magazine fix, I also need a DAILY blog fix.  Blogs have become such an integral part of my life and reading them is the highlight of my days.  From personal style blogs to food blogs to my friends’ blogs to profesh blogs like Refinery 29, I need them every day (every hour is more like it).

[Image via weheartit]