The Best Hair Ties Ever: Snappee

Most of the time, people cannot believe that I can wrangle this curly mane into a pony or bun. Please believe that this can be achieved! Along with strategic finger placement and grasp, a trusty hair tie is key. For many, many moons I have purchased thousands (no, seriously) of hair ties that have butchered my strands on a daily basis with tough tugs, pulls and friction created from tying up or taking down ponies and buns. Thankfully, my friend, Keziah Okonkwo, created Snappees and has come to save the day!

Snappees are the next generation of hair ties that save your hair from damage and keep your ponies high and tight. Instead of ripping your hair tie out of a bun, just simply unsnap the Snappee and you're set!

Still confused? Check out below:

Here's me and my big hair about to work out.

Here's my trusty Snappee!

Tame the mane...

tie it up...

and voila! A bun!

Unsnap Snappee to take down.

To get more info on this amazing product and learn how you can create more looks with Snappees, click here! Quit stalling and get yourself a pack...or 30!

Look of the Day: Tribal Inspired

What a beautiful winter, isn't it? Well, not everyone lives in (the best state ever) California. Here in the Golden State, we're experiencing a rather warm winter. The sun shines so bright and I can feel the envy from my friends shivering on the East Coast. #sorrynotsorry 

I will say though, the weather has been creating difficult winter wardrobe choices. Numerous questions like, "Is it going to be warm or chilly today? Should I wear a longer jacket? Will I be too hot in boots?" and the like, run through my mind during my daily morning 'get ready' routine. On this day, it started out gloomy with overcast and then leaded to lots of sun with a cool breeze. I screamed, "Make up your mind, weather!" 

So finally, I put together a Native American inspired tribal dress that's thick like a sweater plus tall black boots with exposed zippers paired with patterned black tights. This way I could stay mostly warm with thick pieces and exposed arms and neck to keep me cool and balanced. With this casual look, I played down the number of jewelry pieces and narrowed down to my favorite, Bobbi J earrings. Hair and makeup are simple and sweet with half up and super straight a neutral brown eyeshadow by MAC named Corduroy. 

Get your scroll on...

All images are original. All rights reserved.

Look of the Day: Miss Mix-a-lot

Before today, I couldn't tell you the last time I wore a leotard. The only time that comes to mind is during my short-lived ballet days when I was 5 years old. This time around, I ditched the pink tutu. 

I'm a big fan of mixing textiles and in this look, I did exactly that. Leather, canvas, cotton, wool, denim— the works! I kept it casual with a hint of edge pairing RACHEL Rachel Roy denim, Nasty Gal jacket, Forever 21 lion leotard, H&M infinity scarf, and Franco Sarto motorcycle boots.

2013 Beauty Goals

I'm ready for some change this year. No, really! I mean it! I love many areas/categories of my life, but want to take it up a notch and stay out of the safe zone. More specifically, beauty. Here's what I mean:

1. Try new, bold eyeshadow shades. I feel like a Boring Betty.
2. Master winged eyeliner. I can't tell you how many times I've f@#ked up repeatedly.
3. Quit playing it safe when it comes to nail art and polish. I'm a huge fan of nail art, textures, designs and all, but I'm not the type to go all out.
4. One shade in particular that I've never tried is nude! I know, right?!
5. After growing out my hair for several years, I think it's time for a little shake up. Layers and peek-a-boo highlights!


Want to shake things up in your beauty life? What are some of your goals? Let me know in the comment box!

Wavy, One-Shoulder Glam

One of my favorite beauty looks is old hollywood glam. The go-to hair style is a wavy, one-shoulder look. With a thick, side-swept bang over the eye, plus shiny, wavy and curly tresses flowing over one shoulder makes the look sleek and seductive. This is a perfect date night or evening event hair style and when paired with a feminine and flirty outfit you'll complete the look. Note: don't forget to seal the deal with a vibrant lip color (or at least a shiny nude). It wouldn't be old hollywood without the lips!

Peep the styles below:

Sarah Jessica Parker 

Cameron Diaz

Marion Collard

Elizabeth Banks

Leona Lewis

Colors of the Rainbow

Lauren Conrad

I love it when people take risks with their hair. A woman's hair is one of the most maintained and groomed part of their body (or at least it should be). It represents our personality and current mood. Lauren Conrad's fresh rainbow streaks are fun, playful and light. This is a great look for summer. Looking for a temporary switch-up without the dye job? Try feather extensions!

What do you think of LC's new streaks? Lovin the look? Let me know!

Stylist Finder

I've only had one hair stylist my entire life. Growing up, it was easy for me to schedule an appointment with her since we lived in the same city. Now that I'm all grown up and out of my parent's nest and an hour and a half away, I have to schedule a weekend trip just to get my hair done. Trust me ladies, she's THAT good! Once you find a person that you trust completely with your hair, you don't want to lose them. So as I'm rearranging my life around my hair appointments, I think, "What will I do if I move to another STATE?"

After some Google time, I came across StyleSeat. On this site, you can find stylists, book appointments, grab local deals and browse though inspirational looks. Not only is the site a great resource for hair stylists, but for massage therapists and personal trainers too. Go wellness!

Check out the brand spankin' new site and let me know what you think! 

Loose Locks + Flirty Braids

Since this is the second time I'm writing about them, I'm clearly loving the braid trend a tad too much! But then again, who cares?! Anyway, this summer, my current look is wearing my hair down with a braid or two in the mix. Wearing my hair down is my number one go-to style when my hair is curly or straight. Adding a braid or two in the look uses a teeny-weeny bit more effort for a phenomenal finished look. Braiding hair from the front of your face is a great way to highlight certain features and frame. Try small braids towards the middle and top of your crown to add visual texture. When finished, you'll achieve a confident, gorgeous and playful look.

Check out my favorite looks below:

Kim Kardashian

Blake Lively

Isla Fisher

Loving the looks? What's your favorite braid trend? Let me know in the comment box!

MANEtaining Frizz

I'm about to drop the F-bomb...FRIZZ! It's a pain in the ass to spend so much time styling your hair at home and then walk outside and feel your hair frizz up within minutes. The heat and humidity always tend to create chaos in my tresses. Thankfully Allure.com has addressed this issue and came up with 10 tips to put a muzzle on frizz for good.

Here are the top 10 tips:

1. Only shampoo your hair a few times a week
2. Use a deep conditioner every time you wash your hair
3. Don't towel dry
4. Use heat-protecting spray
5. Use an ionic blow dryer
6. Use a curling iron to smooth crazy curls
7. Apply a silicone serum
8. Do a hot-oil treatment once a week
9. Switch to alcohol-free products
10. Use a shine spray to tame flyaways

For more details, take a peek at the article on frizz here.

Got any personal tips on frizz? Share them in the comment box!