So Balayage?

I haven't had the time to talk to guys through my new hair. This is ecxiting for me because as I previously mentioned I have never done something like this to my hair before. when I was growing up, we were quite poor, and even a yearly trip to just cuts was a treat because it meant mum wasn't cutting our hair herself! Because of this mentality in my family I did grow up rather frugally, it wasn't until I was in my twenties that I got my first professional wax jobs. Even nowdays most of the time you will still find me in some sort of pretzal position in the bathroom doing the backs of my legs! You know, spending $60 on your own wax pot that you can use for ages just makes ten times more sense to me.
Either way, ranting.
So the procedure my hairdresser did to me was a halo of foils, followed by a dark blond toner. She and I had a chat beforehand and since I was a bit nervous she suggested we didn't go as extreme as the picture I brought in.
Probably about half my hair was bleached, as the toner fades it will lighten and I can have a lighter tone next time.
All in all, I spent 3.5 hours in the chair, but that also included an hour or so of styling, Lisa was keen to get some curl in my hair for my date that night and the blow wave just didn't do the trick.
Would I do it again? Oh my yes. But next time, I think I will get more hair bleached.

Incoming: Textured hair

After the noughties obsession with hair straightening it looks like the trend is finally starting to slacken with the amount of curls, waves, updos and texture appearing on the recent catwalk shows. Creating some interest with your hair may seem daunting but the great thing is there are no rules! Just look after your hair properly. Treat it with kindness and make sure you use heat protecting products!

Hair at Vera Wang was worn low and teased, you can acheive this look yourself with a back comb. If you are back combing on the surface of your hair it is easier to work from the nape up, unlike normal teasing. And don't forget to be gentle! Make sure to use conditioner to help detangle. If you've gone too far, gently brush it out from the ends up.

Tail Comb

Another trend that caught my eye were detailed ponytails. These were still rather sleek but will be great in long sticky summer days where you don't want to worry about your hair! I don't want to even think about how to achieve Marchesa's detailed pony, but Herve Leger had some simple and do-able looks.

 Marchesa's Fishtail Ponytail

Herve Leger's Triple Ponytail

To get this look, all you need is a steady hand. Part your hair across the crown from ear to ear and brush into a half up ponytail style, then part straight across the back and add the first tail into it, then gather all your hair into the last at the bottom. You may require a friend or extra mirrors to get this right, I think it'll look even cuter with hair wrapped around the elastics. Practise also makes perfect!

Bought: Priceline Haul

Went a bit beauty crazy in the last week or so too, after a fortnight of complete scrimping, and then all the great workshops I did have a few moments where as soon as I saw what I could do with a product, I wanted it ... ooooh dear.

Just the results of one such shop up.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula SPF 15 +: Because we should always wear sunscreen! Smelling like chocolate is an added bonus

Models Prefer Professional Mineral Eye Shadow in Bronzed Belle: Bronze is super flattering on almost everybody, and black and grey smokey eyes just don't work in summer, these colours are gorgeous, stay in place all day, and being minerals won't annoy your skin.


L'Oreal Paris Touche Magique: The thrifty girls answer to Touche Eclat, brilliant for hiding dark circles.

Prestige Ultimate Brow Definer in Toffee: Some make up artists suggest that blond eyebrow products are good on anyone, but I'm not a fan, they do not do a thing for me. This is the medium shade, and would be good on anyone darker then a light brown. my eyebrows are naturally quite dark, and this is perfect.

John Frieda Full Repair Touch-up Flyaway Tamer: Mentioned in a previous post, Got my hands on one and think it's great. Doesn't smell half bad either.

Loving this week: Forever New and Bardot

I love a good shift dress but it's a pity that very few of them love me, I just don't look good with a high neckline! This one is good, it's somewhere in the middle and still rather classy. I'd wear it to the races with silver wedges and a white facinator. The scalloped detail at the hem is beautiful and the hand sewn sequins and stones make it perfect. Want.

White Lace Shift dress by Forever New

So strange to think that the brand Bardot was an add on to a talant search band from when I was in Primary school but there you go. Another label that have sizes that run rather small for this day and age, but I'm fitting back into them now so I'm not going to throw stones. Still wish for the sake of getting my butt into some of their jeans that they came in a 16 (14) though. However, dresses? Big win. With Jersey dresses liek this you MUST wear seamless underwear, if in doubt, buy it in black, much harder to spot VPL.

Luxe Jersey Maxi Dress by Bardot

Bought! Cotton on Body

I'll admit I've been having a cheap fortnight, moving house has rendered me rather broke  (yet I still found the money to get my hair done ... Yes I do have f'cked priorities....)
But I'm also finding cheap can be chic again, and a lot of cheap has lifted its game. So long as you generally avoid jersey and lace.
Cotton on body has these amazingly flattering and comfy workout singlets at the moment,  Remembering that their sizes do run a little small compared to most out there. They're 2 for $30 in store, but $15 each online (go figure). I picked up this one, and another that states 'Treadmills get you nowhere' I do like a cute slogan top .. but it has to make me giggle.

Indeed it does Cotton on Body!

Also picked up some light cotton PJ pants, it's hard to see in the picture but they have a cute pair of owls print all over. Living with more people then my boyfriend has reminded me that clothing isn't optional in many houses. Mind you I just realised I had a conversation with my housemate in little more then knickers and the above tank top ... Oh I'm classy. But yes the pants. Comfy, light, will see me through Spring until it gets too hot.

 

PJ Pants by Cotton on Body