Hair DO: Side Pony Braid

I think I have finally figured out how to make the side ponytail work for me. It is one of the easiest looks for me to do at work since I frequently do not blow dry my hair during the weekdays because I work out after work, wash my hair at night, and let it dry while I sleep. And then in the mornings, the last thing I want to do is get up early to curl or straighten my hair. That extra 15 minutes of sleep is PRICELESS :) So, usually I wake up and try to figure something to do with that day's waves or wisps or whatever. And since I look better with my hair down (trust me, a gay guy once told me so), I've been trying to figure out how to do pony tails that are easy and flattering. Welcome to the side pony braid, my friends! 

View from the back. Will use a bobby pin next time.

This holds in the hair that's not long enough to stay in the side-swept elastic, but has the same look. I love it! I just started with a slight side part, french braided my hair starting on one side (it works much better if you braid your hair With your hands behind rather than in front of your head. I just kept braiding until I had all of the bottom layers in the braid, then swooped the rest together, and called it a day. What do you think?!

View from the front!

Do you have any hair-down style suggestion?

Love,

Stephanie Marie

Foul Weather Gear

These are the best shots I can get at my desk of my hair. It's very natural, which I love, but is a little light on the auburn. My hairstylist agreed that she went on the safer side of auburn, but I'd much rather that that go too red right out of the gate! Anyway, nothing crazy, but good for fall/winter.

On an unrelated note, it has come to my attention that I do not know how to dress for cold weather. I wore my half-length sleeve sweater and cropped wool pants to work today and I'm FREEZING! Not to mention the suckiness of having to scrape my car window this morning with flesh showing. So, I'm doing some research on pinterest to get some ideas about what to wear at work, during the day, and going out. I think I've found some good staples that I'll share. 

I'm heading to Pittsburgh this weekend for a lecture, so I need to get this under control ASAP! Any cold-weather tricks for me in the meantime?

Love,

Stephanie Marie

Hair Care and Outerwear

Like my Nick Lachey impression with this cockeyed pose? ;) I bought this green top for Laura's bachelorette party weekend and have been trying to add it into my wardrobe rotation ever since. You can't tell from the picture, but the front is gauzy and has points on the sides. Unbelted, that means there are arrows pointing at my hips. No bueno! I have found, though, that with a belt and a little pucker, this guy is great for layering! I also happen to love the camo green and navy blue mix. Makes me feel like a member of the team! Hooah!

I'm going to the salon to get my hair did today. I might go for auburn highlights. Thoughts?

Love,
Stephanie Marie


PS. Mandy photo courtesy of pinterest.

A Few Beauty Links

I'm always looking for a better/faster way to do my makeup and hair, and I've come across a few sites that I'd like to share.

The Beauty Department has several hair-tos and makeup suggestions.
Oh So Chloe is a blog from a British makeup artist. I love her DIY videos. I actually bought a few products based off of this video, and I luerve the pot rouge!

Have any go-to sites?

Love,
Stephanie Marie