Spring is supposedly in full bloom, which means it’s the perfect time to embrace tiny tweaks that result in jaw-droppingly awesome results. For some Birchbox staffers those changes might include a wardrobe refresh or a breakfast overhaul, but I always welcome a new season with a new hair color.
Inspired by Mad Men’s Joan, I took the plunge and dyed my cool-toned brunette locks a warm red hue. To score the ginger-y shade, I trekked to Brooklyn’s High Horse Salon and handed my lame tresses over to hair stylist Allison.
Spring and summer are my happiest times of year because I can wear my favorite clothes. (Note: I am an u-g-l-y cold weather dresser—I spend the entirety of the winter bundled in a rather unflattering Patagonia puffer.) With warm days just around the corner—fingers crossed—I am ready to shed my un-chic layers and embrace my most beloved trend of the season: chambray.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the Madewell store recently (everyone on Birchbox’s mailing list got a $25 off $75+ and I took full advantage) and as a result, I’m really inspired to layer denim on denim—on denim! If you and I happen to have my same taste, then you’re in luck: I’ve shopped out my fave Madewell look from head to toe.
Clothing:
Jean Vest: There’s something really badass about a shrunken denim vest. It adds edge to even the girliest of outfits and is just as great over long sleeves as it is over tank tops.
Skinny Skinny Ankle Jean in Black Frost Wash: If you don’t have a great pair of slim-fit black denim in your closet, run (don’t walk) and pick up a pair stat. These go with everything.
Beauty:
Marcelle BB Cream: This all-in-one multitasker masks imperfections, hydrates, controls shine, and delivers anti-aging benefits. It’s literally perfect for achieving that laidback Madewell look.
Sophia Loren-inspired volume and Farrah Fawcett-like waves at NY’s DreamDry.
I’ve been having a bad hair day. For about a week. My morning gym sessions, which always seem to end with a very frantic me covering my damp, no-time-for-a-blow-dry hair with a wool hat, are partially to blame. So is the fact that I’m growing my hair out—it’s the longest it’s been in years!—and it’s going through one of its awkward phases (there have been many).
This morning, I decided it was time to seek expert help. I booked myself an appointment at DreamDry, the new blowout bar by celeb stylist Rachel Zoe. After a frenzied morning, the cool white space was a calming retreat with well-spaced stations, Oribe hair products, and an iPad menu of screen siren coifs. I could go for chic and sophisticated with a topknot or chignon à la Audrey Hepburn, old Hollywood glamour with Veronica Lake’s retro waves, or bedhead temptress with Brigitte Bardot-inspired tresses.
Birchbox staffer Charlie before her cut (left) and after (right).
Back in 2007, I chopped my hair on a whim into a chin-length Victoria Beckham bob. Soon after that I got engaged and panicked—I needed long hair for my wedding! Since then, I’ve refused to cut my hair. It’s now been over two years, and though I can do a mean fishtail braid, I realized it was time for a much needed change.
You could say Melanie Allen knows a thing or two about good hair. As the Marketing Manager and Content Editor of My Best Friend’s Hair—which helps readers find awesome stylists, salons and products—Melanie is particularly knowledgeable about all things ‘do. That’s why this week she’s giving us the scoop on salon etiquette, growing out your bangs, and more.
We’ve all been there: the old “should I get bangs” debate. But what should you do when you’re totally over the bangs you’re growing out? Here’s everything you need to know about getting those bangs out of the way for good (or, you know, until you’re itching to cut them again!)
Nothing gets us giddy like a good wedding. Katelyn Koepke Lewis, one of our lovely freelance writers, got hitched this October and we couldn’t resist asking her to share her bridal wisdom. The former PR maven and J-school grad recently went back to her editorial roots, working as a feature writer and editor for Be U Weddings, a Chicago-based blogazine. This week, Katelyn’s sharing her newlywed advice, from bridal beauty tricks that you can use post-wedding to how to pick hostess gifts for your new in-laws.
Take a moment to ponder your makeup must-haves. You might immediately list off a pore-perfecting foundation or that spot-on lipstick shade. What tends to get lost in the shuffle though? The behind-the-scenes preppers that—let’s face it—don’t seem as glamorous (or as fun to dish about) as the chic blush compact you just slid into your purse.
For me, these secret weapon tools: ensure that my eye makeup doesn’t slide off, combat inevitable t-zone shine, breathe more life into my locks, snatch stray hairs, and eradicate zits. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to focus on the more delightful beauty battles, like what color mani I should sport this week. Here are the hidden heroes of my beauty regimen:
Ever wonder who the great minds are behind Birchbox’s pretty photos and gorgeous graphics? Here are two parts of our secret sauce: meet Kathleen and Rebecca, the newest additions to our Creative Team!
Rebecca, our new Graphic Designer, recently moved to the Big Apple after earning a BFA in Graphic Design and Drawing, plus a minor in Business—such a smarty pants—from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rebecca kept herself busy the last semester of college with essentially five jobs (one internship, three jobs, and freelance work), and we’re happy to keep her just as busy here at Birchbox where she creates amazing graphics spotlighted in your boxes each month. We love her happy demeanor and bright smile just as much as her creative genius. Find out more about Rebecca after the jump!
We’ve been pinning up a storm lately and our followers went crazy for this shot of Emma Stone at last year’s Met Ball. To replicate the look yourself, here’s what you’ll need:
October Women’s boxes won’t be shipping for a few more weeks, but if you know a Birchbox Man (or are considering ordering one for yourself or a giftee) we’ve got something to tide you over. It’s our very first Birchbox Man Sneak Peek! Watch Birchbox staffers Martin and Matt dissect some of the items our men’s subscribers will be getting in a few different boxes this month. Hm, we may have to steal those Whisky Stones.
