Last Saturday, we shared an Instagram of Rachel’s ‘Brunch Braid’ (a.k.a. an upside-down French braid with a bun) and we were overwhelmed by the interest in how to create this style! Your wish is our command. Rachel re-created the look with step by step photos and tips so you can do it yourself.
You will need:
- 1 strong pony holder
- 1 thin pony holder
- 1 sock that matches your hair color
- Scissors
- Bobby pins
- Hair spray
- Hair Brush
Step 1:
As with most styles and updos, second or third day hair is best.
Step 2:
Flip your head upside down and brush your hair out.
Read more
TheGloss is one daily must-reads (right up there with the NY Times). We love the site’s witty approach to style and its smart and irreverent voice. We like the writing so much, in fact, that we’ll be featuring one of their posts each week here on the Birchbox blog.
Fun fact, I really only know how to do 2 hairstyles! When I don’t hot-roll my hair I generally braid it and twist it up. Sometimes because I want to look nice for a party, sometimes because I do not have 10 spare minutes in the morning. Man, since we’re doing this all week, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are really going to suck. But on the upside, if you only know how to do these two hairstyles, people will think you know a lot about hair and ask you questions.
Read the rest of the article here.
Some other links from TheGloss you might like:
DIY Hair: Hot Rollers
DIY Ombre Hair In 4 Easy Steps
Photos: FabSugar
Opening Ceremony’s second Rodarte collection photos are beyond precious — not just because the twin Dutch models bear a striking resemblance to Elle Fanning, but rather, they’re each donning a unique take on double braids. I usually resort to a Pippi Longstocking-type ‘do in the confines of my own apartment to give my stick-straight hair some kind of wave, but this style just looks so much more wearable and sophisticated. The updos mesh well with the Scandinavian-esque clothing, and while it looks complicated from the front, photos from the back reveal that the look is super simple — just pull each braided pigtail to the top of your head and pin. Undeniably cute.
—Shana
To make your braid really stay put, pick up products from our Birchbox Shop.
This week’s guest blogger is Natalie Alcala, a Cali girl with a penchant for all things style and fashion. When she’s not soaking up the sun or rocking dangerously high heels, you can catch her feeding her insatiable sartorial appetite on her blog, Natalie’s Menagerie. She also pens a daily fashion column for BlackBook Magazine and is an assistant editor at FashionStake.
Rachel Roy fall 2011, Christian Dior fall 2010, Lacoste spring 2011
Photos: Style, Elle
I’ll admit it: I’m a hair stalker. Not only do I skim editorials and runway collections for innovative styles, but I also like to hit the streets for anonymous inspiration—and I have no problem randomly complimenting well-coifed bystanders. Braids and braid-like details particularly fascinate me, so I’ve rounded up three standout looks from the catwalk that I’ll definitely be testing out this summer.
Runway: Rachel Roy fall 2011
Look (at left): The Milkmaid
How-to: This style looks best with second-day hair, but you can also spritz clean hair with Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to texturize. Create a middle part and divide hair into two low ponytails. Braid each ponytail loosely and tie both with a snag-free elastic. If you’re feeling extra fancy, weave a 1” by 8” piece of fabric through each braid to truly replicate this runway look. Now, cross each braid over the crown and secure with bobby pins. Finish with some Bumble and Bumble Holding Spray and voilà!
Runway: Christian Dior fall 2010
Look (middle): The Fishtail
How-to: Start with smooth hair by raking an anti-frizz serum from root to end. I swear by Josie Maran’s Argan Oil. Next, divide hair into two sections and take a small piece (the smaller the piece, the tighter the braid) from the far left side and cross it over the far right side. Switch to the other side and do the same. Repeat these steps until you reach the end of your braid and then secure with elastic. (For a full step by step photo tutorial, click here.) Frame the face with a few loose strands for a more relaxed look.
Runway: Lacoste spring 2011
Look (at right): The Fringe
How-to: You made need a friend to help with this look, but it’s totally worth it! First, spritz hair with Living Proof Straight Spray for a sleek touch. Create a deep side part and clip the shorter section back behind the ear. French braid the top fringe section along the hairline and secure with elastic. Unclip the shorter side of the part and French braid toward the back of your ear. Gather both braids into a side ponytail to complete the runway look, or pin each braid at the nape for a cool hairband effect. (Click here to watch a video tutorial that will help you get the look).
Pick up some must-have hair products you’ll need to achieve these styles by visiting our Birchbox Shop.
I am not quite sure how she does it, but Blake Lively looks more and more breathtaking every time she steps out on to the red carpet. This past weekend, the starlet attended the BAFTA Brits to Watch Dinner in Los Angeles in a stunning Marchesa gown, with her hair in a beautiful braided updo. (Is it just me, or does Blake share our current obsession with pretty plaits?) I especially loved how luminous her skin looked.
I’m not saying I can replicate this look (for that, I’d need Lively’s genes (and battery of makeup, hair, and fashion stylists), but I can use it as inspiration and four key products. First, I’d use Xen-Tan’s Deep Bronze Luxe to get an even faux glow. Next comes Jouer’s Luminizing Moisture Tint, which gives my skin even coverage as well as a subtle radiance thanks to the formula’s light-diffusing minerals. Third, I’d apply a couple coats of Benefit’s BADgal Lash Mascara for va-voom lashes. Finally, I’d finish off the look with a few swipes of Jouer’s Mini Tinted Lip Enhancer in Champagne, a barely there neutral that leaves just a trace of color and whole lot of shine.
—Meredith
For other great summer makeup products, visit the Birchbox Shop.
Models at yesterday’s Erin Fetherston presentation. Here, a closer look at both the front and back of the hairstyle.
I was TOTALLY blown away when I walked into the backstage area at Erin Fetherston’s presentation last night. Maybe it’s just that I am a sucker for a pretty princess-y braid, but the second I spotted one of the model’s updos, I knew it was going to be my favorite hair look thus far during New York Fashion Week Fall 2011. Odile Gilbert, French hairstylist extraordinaire, masterminded the coifs and was there styling for Catwalk by TIGI. She explained, “The inspiration is romantic, very young and innocent.”
Read more
Looks from the Alexis Mabille Spring 2011 Haute Couture show. Photo: Stylelist
Couture isn’t just about beautiful ball gowns—it’s about taking everything to that ultimate, showstopping level, including makeup and hair. Yesterday we talked about our fascination with the flame-red uber-dramatic eyebrows that models sported during John Galliano’s Dior show. Today, we’ve fallen in love with another over-the-top look: pretty plaits. At the Alexis Mabille show, hairstylist Odile Gilbert did long braids woven with faux-flowers and vines. The result was the most beautiful princess-worthy hair we’ve seen in a while. Who can resist loving such a romantic, Rapunzel-perfect look? Even though you can’t wear this hairstyle in real life, a girl can fantasize.
—Meredith
For lovely locks of your own, take a look at our favorite hair products in the Birchbox Shop.
