Hair Chalking

I've always wanted bright colored hair.  I've especially longed for bright blue tips on my dark hair. No matter my age, it's something I've always thought about doing. With a government related job I've never considered it as a permanent option.  I've tried a few spray-in, temporary colors but didn't love them. They were super messy and didn't give the bright color I craved. Then came hair chalking. If you aren't familiar with hair chalking, it's basically coloring your hair with chalk (or pastels). Hair chalking has become increasingly popular lately. It's an easy and non-permanent way to add bright color to your hair. Many of the tutorials use pastels from an art store. I've also seen options from hair product companies. On Friday I went to Walgreens and saw Hot Huez and I decided to finally try out this trend.

Hot Huez comes with 4 colors (pink, blue, fuschia and green). The chalk is in a compact form. I purchased the set at Walgreens for $9.99.  It was an impulse purchase because the chalk in compact form seemed less messy than using sticks of chalk.

I tried blue and hot pink for this post. I wore blue first but the pink shows up great in photos. The directions in the package said that I needed a towel and a bottle of spray leave in conditioner (for smoothing the hair) and hairspray. Luckily, I had a bottle of heat styling spray on hand. I've done research and many of the tutorials suggest using water and either a curling or flat iron to set the chalk. I decided to follow the Hot Huez directions exactly, for my first try.

This is the result of my attempt with electric blue. I LOVE the look. This was my first attempt and by the end of the day I had a blue neck. Setting the color is crucial. See my tips below.

I tried a strand on the top of my hair. I did a single application and set it with hairspray but not with heat. By the end of the day it looked light on my dark hair. I'm sure if you are blonde it would stand out more. Next I tried the water and heat method.

I wet a strand and combed it out.  I covered my shoulders with a towel. The chalk dust is messy even with the compact. I clamped the compact down on my hair and ran it down the length of my hair.

I repeated the chalk application, combing the strands in between each application. Then I set it with a flat iron and combed it again. Finally I gave it a light spray with hairspray.  Don't spray too heavy or your chalk will look faded and streaky.

TIPS

• Wear a top you don't care about or completely cover yourself with a smock or towel.The chalk is messy and dusty.
• Make sure to set the color well. It can rub off on clothes and your skin. 
• Wetting the hair more effective than using leave-in conditioner.
• Multiple applications with combing or brushing in between gives the most even application.
• A dry style hairspray will help to set the color without making it blotchy.
• If you use soft pastels instead of compact applicators like Hot Huez, make sure to wear gloves.  Don't use oil pastels. They will be sticky and may stain hair permanently.
• Clarifying shampoo is best for washing out your chalk but other shampoos are effective.

PROS

• Easy application with the compact and it didn't get on my hands.
• Bright colors.
• The price was reasonable. I found some hair chalking kits selling for $5 and up for a single color.
• It doesn't permanenetly stain your hair or your hands.
• It's fun and temporary.

CONS

• The instructions in the kit could have been better. I found better tips on the internet.
• The applicator only places color on one side of your hair. If you want all over color you have to flip the compact or twist your hair.
• The color choices are limited to four.

Hot Huez were a fun and easy way to try out the chalking trend. You can find them at drugstores all over and also on the internet. If you'd prefer to use pastels, try a local arts and crafts store like Michaels.

If you give chalking a try, let me know. I'd love to see your results!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are my own. I was not compensated for this post and purchased the kit myself.


Have you entered the Stella and Dot $50 gift card giveaway?  Make sure to enter before the contest ends on Thursday. You could win a gift card for some amazing jewelry.

A Leg Up on a Colorful Spring

This spring, one of my must haves is a pair of colored jeans.  I'd like them in several colors and styles but I'd settle for one stand out pair that is a great color and fits well. Pants aren't my friend. Finding ones that fit my apple shape is a challenge.  I know that even my well proportioned friends have a tough time finding pants. I'm leaning toward a pair of  Not Your Daughter's Jeans.  If I'm lucky, I will find a pair at Nordstrom Rack sometime soon.  If not, I think I'll have to break down and splurge on a pair.  There are so many options available, that I went searching for a few favorites.  I've found them in all sizes and colors.

Just click on the picture above to view where to buy these jeans.  Many of them are sold in more than the color you see here.

Do you already own a pair of colored jeans?  If not, are they on your list for spring?

Well Color Me Happy!

Pantyhose and I have never been friends but I LOVE TIGHTS!  Any style, color or pattern, they can really enhance an outfit and make it memorable.  For today's challenge over at Everybody Everywear, I'm showing you some of my favorite looks with tights, specifically colored and patterned tights.

Do you love tights as much as I do?  A pair of mustard colored tights are on my list for this year.

Beach Trip - Adventures in Trying Not to Overpack

I'll be enjoying a vacation at the beach this week. I've set up a few posts this week. I'll share pictures with you when I return.

I'm a chronic over packer when I go on trips. My Honey and family can attest to this fact. In the last few years I've tried very hard to plan my outfits so that I don't take a bunch of clothes I don't need or won't wear. There have been trips where I only wore about half of the clothing that I packed.

I've read a million strategies on packing. Some work for me and some don't. One of the best tips I picked up was to pick coordinating color palettes when packing. It helps me to keep from packing clothes that are random. Right now, I am loving the aqua and coral color palettes. It feels so summer and beachy to me. Even the items I'm bringing that contain other colors will still coordinate with that palette.


I also try to semi plan my daily outfits. I have an outfit for each day with the flexibilty to change things up on a whim.  I also pack a bunch of jewelry and accessories. They don't take much space and can take a simple tank or tee from day to night.

Here is what I packed for our week at the beach...

Clothes and Accessories

2 mix and match tankini suits (4 pieces): Land's End and Catalina
2 sarongs: beach shops in Key West and North Carolina
Maxi cover up: Target
Kaftan with seqins: Target

1 pair of cropped pants - black: Goodwill
Poncho tee - off white: Neiman Marcus Last Call
Gray tencel tee: Target
Multi knee length dress: Kohl's
Maxi dress tank style - aqua ombre: Target
Maxi dress hi-low - floral: asos
Maxi skirt - aqua: Lane Bryant
Assorted tanks - white with sequins, coral, orange: Target and Old Navy
Open cardigan - white: Calvin Klein

Workout clothes and running shoes

Shoes
beach flip flops: Havianas via Nordstrom Rack
flat sandals- silver: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's
Birkenstock - silver: Sandal Factory
cage suede booties- tan: MIA via DSW
wedge strappy sandals - beige: Sam Edelman via DSW

2 hats: San Diego Hat Co. and Eugenia Kim for Target

Canvas Bag: Loehman's
Belt: Lane Bryant
Jewelry: various (see below)
Small bag for the beach - island shop, Isla Mujeres Mexico

assorted undies, bras, and a half slip
pj pants and tanks



Accessories and Jewelry
Fedora - Eugenia Kim for Target, Sun hat - San Diego Hat Co, Belt - Lane Bryant, Bag - Loehman's,
Silver Bangles - Kohl's, Freshwater Pearl necklace - art show, Flower ring - VA Museum of Fine Arts gift shop,
Sienna bracelet - JewelMint, Potion necklace - JewelMint, Mosaic ring - JewelMint,
Unlock My Heart Necklace - JewelMint, Crystal Skull necklace - Kohl's, Chain and Safety Pin necklace - DIY
Silver stud earrings - Taxco Sterling, Turquoise stud earrings - Penelope

As you can see, I didn't think you needed or wanted to see my undies and bras.  I also didn't get a picture of all of my shoes. With the exception of the Fedora that I'll be wearing and the bag, which I'll be carrying, everything fits in my medium sized duffel bag. My makeup and beauty items will be in my Mary Kay Travel Roll-Up Bag. It's the most genius travel item ever! I don't know how I ever lived without it. If you'd like to purchase one of your own, just click here.

Beach here I come!!!

Missoni for Target

Target has announced their latest designer collaboration, Missoni for Target!  I'm so excited about this collaboration. I love the bright colors and graphic stripes of Missoni.  As soon as I have preview pictures I'll post them.

Missoni 2011 Runway Show

A Pop of Color

When a friend saw this outfit she told me that I was single handedly brining back the 80's.  It made me laugh. I really love the pop of color that these tights bring.  I grew up in the 80's (crap I'm old) and I didn't own a pair of tights this color. I did however, own a pair a fuschia tights that I wore with a multi-colored striped dress. I had big hair too. There is a fashion saying that if you wore a trend once, that you can't wear it again. I don't think that's true. If you can adjust the trend to a more grown up and sophisticated you, then you can wear your favorite trend and not look like a flashback. What do you think my Runway friends? Fashion forward or flashback?

This outfit started with the skirt and everything else fell into place. I got this skirt at the swap in February. It was a last minute find and I was thrilled. The outfit needed a little color and If I owned a dark yellow or mustard yellow top I'd be wearing that. So I just went for the blue tights.



Jacket - Belk, Top - Coldwater Creek, Belt - Talbots Outlet, Skirt - Swap,
Boots - Silhouettes, Tights - We Love Colors, Necklace - Self made, Bracelet - JewelMint, Ring - JewelMint



JewelMInt - Coda Cuff and Metal Mosaic Ring

Spring Picks for the Budget Girl - The Mix

The beauty of the Spring Picks list is that you can mix and match these items to create outfits for all occasions. The March cover of Elle showed Katy Perry wearing some of the items on the list. If this outfit is too much of a mix of colors for you, try just one brightly colored piece.

Bold Colors, Obi Belt

Take a few classic pieces but give them a modern twist by adding a funky bangle and neutral booties.

White skirt, Breton Striped Top, Bangle, Cat Eye Sunglasses,
Lady Like Bag, Neutral Booties 

Keep your outfit from looking dated or like a costume by mixing eras. Your bohemian 70's inspired peasant top becomes edgy by adding some big metal bangles and wedge booties.

70's Inspired Top, Wide Leg Jeans, Biker Jacket, Bangles, Neutral Booties

Neutrals like a shirt dress, pants or skirt can take you anywhere. Your shirt dress can be summer office appropriate but dressed down for a backyard BBQ by adding flat sandals and tying the scarf at your waist.

Neutral shirt dress, Bright Scarf, Rose Gold Watch, Lady Like Bag, Bangles, Neutral Booties

A sheer sweater can take a short sleeve or sleeveless dress (or top) from day to evening. By adding an obi belt or sash, it can look intentional instead of like you are just cold.

Bright dress, Sheer Sweater, Rose Gold Earrings and Bracelet, Neutral Booties

By adding a biker jacket to this flowy maxi, it went from "sweet and girly" to a "tough and rocker".  The contrast lends a sense of modern cool to a sophisticated skirt.

Biker Jacket, Maxi Skirt, Neutral Tee, Scarf, Lady Like Bag

With just ten basic pieces and some inexpensive accessories, you can have a spring and summer of mix and match outfits. One of the things 30 for 30 reinforced for me was to be more adventurous. Try new combinations and test your style limits.

Spring Picks for the Budget Girl (part 2)

The second part of our Spring Picks list includes some truly timeless pieces.  Neutrals, white, a Breton striped top. Bold colors that scream Spring and Summer. Neutral booties to give you the illusion of super model, long, legs.


TOP SPRING PICKS
1. a solid color flowy maxi skirt
2. wide leg jeans
3. anything 70's inspired
4. biker jacket (leather or faux leather, whatever fits your budget)
5. a sheer sweater (for layering)
6. neutrals in pale tans or blushes (pants or skirt)
7. a Breton striped top
8. bold color tops and bottoms (vary this depending on your life)
9. a pair of neutral booties that can be dressed up or down, heel height is a preference
10. white pants, skirt, or dress


EXTRAS
1. cat eye sunglasses
2. big bangle bracelets
3. anything rose gold
4. obi belts or wide sashes
5. colorful scarves
6. lady like bags

To view the buying information for the options, click on the picture. It will take you to a site where you can click on each item and get the details.

Neutrals can be worn forever, if you pick smartly tailored and basic pieces, like a pencil skirt or a wide leg trouser.  A light blush can be a neutral because it can be worn with some many other colors.

Coco Chanel made the Breton striped top popular more than 60 years ago, talk about timeless.  You can find Breton tops in many colors but I prefer the traditional navy and white.

A colorful item can be mixed with basics to brighten any outfit. They make me feel like Spring.

Many times darker booties can make your legs look shorter. A neutral bootie can actually lengthen your legs and make them appear longer, if you have lighter skin. If your skin is darker go for a brown or cocoa colored bootie. There are options in many heel heights. Pick one that fits your lifestyle and preference.

A beautiful white dress in a simple silhouette is a girl's best friend. It can be worn to a party, a summer dinner or in the evening with a bright cardigan. Despite popular belief, white can be flattering on every body type. Fit is key. make sure the item it's too clingy and that you wear the right undergarments. Nothing will ruin a great outfit more than visible panty lines. Embarassing.

Next up, the extras. You know how I love accessories. Stay tuned...