Showing posts with label Do It Yourself. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Do It Yourself. Show all posts

February 28, 2011

Quick Clip: The Flip Is Back!

As promised in this post here is an update on Abbey's journey of growing out her hair. Below are some progression pictures to show how we have arrived, at long last, at this point. And we are pleased to announce that this new length allows a favorite styling trick, the flip. As the sections continue their journey to her shoulders, this option gives some sass and character while in transit. This length is also great for headbands and longer earrings. We will update you on other ideas!

To do this at home dry as you would normally. Then put a smoother all over and flat iron in sections starting with the bottom pieces. Straighten them and at the end pull away to create a little flip. Continue this until you reach the top sections and then straighten these pulling straight out and let them fall straight down. Using styling paste apply to the ends and part way up the hair shaft in certain sections to keep it from looking fly away. Hair spray and you are done! PLEASE let us know if these instructions work at home and if you need additional tips and tricks!
The Flip!
February 2011
January 2011
October/November 2010
September 2010
Starting Point- July 2010

January 12, 2011

Quick Clip: Bright Chunks of Color

We really love the fabulous chunks of bright color that are quite popular right now. The purple, pink, blue and green are like a rainbow against a dark gray sky. They brighten up our day whenever we see them. Unfortunately those bright beautiful colors are semi permanent and fade to dull icky colors in only a couple of weeks. If you are thinking of trying this cool new trend we recommend that you ask your stylist to send you home with a maintenance kit so that you can touch up the color at home in between visits. And in ALL cases have the first application done by a stylist, this is a must. In case your stylist isn't able to supply you with such a kit we have a few recommendations that are available to the public. Our favorite is Beyond the Zone color by Jamz at Sally's Beauty Supply.


Recently we decided to take the plunge and put purple in Abbey's hair. After a couple of weeks it was time to touch up the color at home. Doing so gave us additional insight that we wanted to pass onto you. Hopefully this will give you the confidence to also take the leap and try the trend out for yourself. If you do, please send us pictures! We would love to see how it turns out.


Home Application:
* Have someone available to help you apply the color. 
It can be difficult to see the sections just using a mirror. A second set of eyes will ensure you don't miss any stray strands.
* Wear gloves!
If you don't you will have colored hands. We found a two pack of rubber gloves at the dollar store. They worked perfectly.
* The container might be ambiguous about the time frame for leaving it on when doing a reapplication. 
The directions address initial application. Don't be deterred! Leaving it on longer makes the color darker. Some kits say to leave it on for about 15 minutes. Don't be nervous about leaving it on longer  have achieved your desired shade. If not, reapply.
* Don't panic if the dye gets on your sink or ceramic surface.
Abbey's home had all ceramic surfaces in the bathroom and when the dye hit the surface it looked to leave permanent damage. Don't fear, use nail polish remover and gentle rub the surface, it will come right out.
* Take your time rinsing the color out.
Make sure that the water is running clear before applying conditioner. To keep your hands from being dyed while washing your hair out take the gloves into the shower with you.
* Have a body scrub/exfoliant at the ready.
After it was set and ready to be rinsed Abbey jumped in the shower. In a few seconds her whole body was a tinge of purple. A quick scrub with an exfoliant brought the natural color right back.
Notice the chunks to the far right side. They really add dimension.

Straight on and the chunk on the left is slightly noticeable in this picture.

The color early on, before it has lightened. A much darker shade.


December 3, 2010

Do It Yourself!


In preparation for the holidays we thought we would share some Do It Yourself (DIY) ideas that would make great gifts and/or help you achieve that awesome look for the holiday season. Keep your eyes peeled for these instillations!

One thing that we really love is using our creativity to spice up our wardrobe to make it more "one of a kind", or to recreate a look that we love but could make for less. One brand we really love is Haute Hippie. We found this fabulous Haute Hippie sweatshirt at Nordstrom Rack in Portland, Oregon and decided to recreate it at home for a fraction of the price.  Stephanie made a trip to Goodwill to pick up a quality gray sweatshirt and to Michaels to pick up some studs. Fifteen dollars and an hour later the result is a fabulous homemade replica of this very fashionable design.


From Goodwill
At the Rack
Finished!

Be the envy of all your friends in a one of a kind creation!  Isn't that the dream?  It is something that any of us can do if we are willing to put a little bit of time and effort into it. We picked this fabulous gray wool jacket up at Goodwill, added some sparkly belt studs and a silver leather bird (that we cut out) to it and Voila! A great one of a kind creation is birthed. 



*The belt studs were purchased at Joan Fabrics as was the silver leather