Twisted Up-Do Tutorial

I wore my hair like this last week for a busy morning styling, afternoon errands, a park date, and playing with my girl and had a lot of feedback. It’s definitely not my usual style, but I felt like stepping out of the box a bit. Sometimes it’s good to get out of your comfort zone, and I needed a style to get me through the long day without having to mess with my hair.
This twisted up-do is great for short hair, layered hair, long hair; all lengths! It dressed up a basic tee and jeans look and would be great for a quick, beautiful wedding style. I also wore it the next day with a headband. Hope you love it!

Style Video: Building a Seasonless Wardrobe

Hey guys, I’m still on vacation with the fan, but if you haven’t subscribed to my youtube channel yet, please consider it… you can catch up on some of my hair tutorials and style videos!
About a week ago, I shared my pre-fall fashion lineup and mentioned the video I’d be sharing with my 3 secrets to building a seasonless wardrobe. By following a few key ideas, you can build a wardrobe to last through every season; ultimately saving money and using your savings on low-budget trendy items to add uniqueness each season. Here’s a peek. For more, check out the video on my youtube channel…

Style Video: Building a Seasonless Wardrobe

Hey guys, I’m still on vacation with the fan, but if you haven’t subscribed to my youtube channel yet, please consider it… you can catch up on some of my hair tutorials and style videos!
About a week ago, I shared my pre-fall fashion lineup and mentioned the video I’d be sharing with my 3 secrets to building a seasonless wardrobe. By following a few key ideas, you can build a wardrobe to last through every season; ultimately saving money and using your savings on low-budget trendy items to add uniqueness each season. Here’s a peek. For more, check out the video on my youtube channel {if you miss the soiree, pop over and get on the list so you’ll be the first to catch it next time}…

Faux Hawk Braid Tutorial

Happy Saturday!
Big plans for your weekend? We’re finishing up Amélia’s big girl room, so I should have a post up about that soon!
For now, I’ve got a youtube video tutorial on a faux hawk braid I wore in this post. Every time I wear this braid I get comments, compliments, and questions, so I’m posting step-by-step instructions, but head over to my youtube channel for an exclusive video… don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on anything. Once in a while I’ll have exclusive videos there that won’t be on the blog…

Step-by-step

1. Using a rat tail comb {found here} section off a front piece of hair and create a bouffant. You’ll want to be sure there are no flyaways, so if there are, use a pomade or hairspray. To hold this section, use 2 bobby pins in opposite directions.
2. Begin braiding by taking the pinned section and dividing into 3. You’ll be creating a dutch braid for this look.
3. Continue the dutch braid adding outer pieces to the 3 sections, and braid until there is only a few inches left at the bottom. I personally like to pull the braid to the side at the nape of my neck, so you can do that also. Secure your hair tie once you have only a few inches left.
4. At this point, fluff {pancake} the braid. Don’t be afraid to really go for it. You want definition of your braid to create the faux hawk. You will use bobby pins later to secure all loose pieces.
5. After you’ve really fluffed the braid, you’re going to hairspray the sides. Again, don’t be shy. I’m not a huge hairspray wearer, but this style needs it!
6. Take your bobby pins and pin each side so that the pins are hidden in and under the braid. Use as many bobby pins as you need. You want to make sure the sides lay flat, creating a slicked look; once again to define your faux hawk.
7. Fluff again for a big, defined faux hawk.
8. Spray, spray, spray. You want to really slick the hair. Strays will detract from the look, so go to town with the hairspray!

I think this look is perfect for a dressed up date night, or with cutoffs and tees. I’d love to see your re-creations, so don’t forget to tag me on IG with #fashionablymelissa

Faux Hawk Braid Tutorial

Happy Saturday!
Big plans for your weekend? We’re finishing up Amélia’s big girl room, so I should have a post up about that soon!
For now, I’ve got a youtube video tutorial on a faux hawk braid I wore in this post. Every time I wear this braid I get comments, compliments, and questions, so I’m posting step-by-step instructions, but head over to my youtube channel for an exclusive video… don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on anything. Once in a while I’ll have exclusive videos there that won’t be on the blog…

Step-by-step

1. Using a rat tail comb {found here} section off a front piece of hair and create a bouffant. You’ll want to be sure there are no flyaways, so if there are, use a pomade or hairspray. To hold this section, use 2 bobby pins in opposite directions.
2. Begin braiding by taking the pinned section and dividing into 3. You’ll be creating a dutch braid for this look.
3. Continue the dutch braid adding outer pieces to the 3 sections, and braid until there is only a few inches left at the bottom. I personally like to pull the braid to the side at the nape of my neck, so you can do that also. Secure your hair tie once you have only a few inches left.
4. At this point, fluff {pancake} the braid. Don’t be afraid to really go for it. You want definition of your braid to create the faux hawk. You will use bobby pins later to secure all loose pieces.
5. After you’ve really fluffed the braid, you’re going to hairspray the sides. Again, don’t be shy. I’m not a huge hairspray wearer, but this style needs it!
6. Take your bobby pins and pin each side so that the pins are hidden in and under the braid. Use as many bobby pins as you need. You want to make sure the sides lay flat, creating a slicked look; once again to define your faux hawk.
7. Fluff again for a big, defined faux hawk.
8. Spray, spray, spray. You want to really slick the hair. Strays will detract from the look, so go to town with the hairspray!

I think this look is perfect for a dressed up date night, or with cutoffs and tees. I’d love to see your re-creations, so don’t forget to tag me on IG with #fashionablymelissa

Braid on Braid – Fishtail Braids Tutorial

It has been pretty hot, and besides dressing myself in shorts and tees everyday, I’m finding braids have also become my best friend. I love changing up the typical braid, and by throwing in braids on braids, I can get my face framing layers pulled back easily. 

Today’s tutorial is fishtails. If you aren’t familiar with how to fishtail, it is a basic braid for all the more complicated braiding. If you don’t know how, let me know and I’ll create a quick video.

Happy braiding!

Products Used:

sam villa brush

goody hair ties in black

Braid on Braid – Fishtail Braids Tutorial

It has been pretty hot, and besides dressing myself in shorts and tees everyday, I’m finding braids have also become my best friend. I love changing up the typical braid, and by throwing in braids on braids, I can get my face framing layers pulled back easily. 

Today’s tutorial is fishtails. If you aren’t familiar with how to fishtail, it is a basic braid for all the more complicated braiding. If you don’t know how, let me know and I’ll create a quick video.

Happy braiding!

Products Used:

sam villa brush

goody hair ties in black

Dutch Twist Braid Tutorial

h&m très chic tee {similar} // essie nail polish in bikini so teeny // tresemme dry shampoo

Today is a dutch twist braid tutorial that I love, love, love for a quick, easy style. It works well on dirty hair, so if you’re trying to get another day in before washing, this is great look! If you’re like me and have a busy toddler, it’s easy to do in the morning and will last through busy days. Hope you guys like it! 😉

Step-by-step

1. Begin by spraying dry shampoo at the roots to give a bit of lift, combat oily hair, and aid dirty hair.
2. Create a slight side part and then brush all the hair to the side you’ll be positioning your braiding.
3. Take a small section at the part, about an inch-inch and a half and separate into 3 strands and begin your dutch style braid.
4. Continue down to the nape of the neck pulling all of the hair into the braid. 
5. At this point, you’ll have 3 strands that you would continue to braid regularly to the bottom. Instead, you’re going to take the center strand and separate into 2 strands and add 1 of those to each of the outer strands, creating 2 equal pieces.
6. Twist each piece inward.
7. Pull your twisted strands together with one hand. With the free hand, use your index finger to push through both twisted strands, creating 2 new pieces.
8. Continue to twist the strands inward and separate with your index finger down as far as you like.
9. Before tying off with a hair tie, fluff up the braid by pancaking. I find it best to start at the bottom a bit and then go back to the top and work your way down.
10. When your hair is fluffed as much as you like… the bigger and messier, the better… secure your braid with your hair tie.
11. Voila! Your braid is done.

These step-by-steps may be a bit confusing, but I’ve created a video! So I hope you guys watch and subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel!! xoxo

Linked up with Trend Spin.

Dutch Twist Braid Tutorial

h&m très chic tee {similar} // essie nail polish in bikini so teeny // tresemme dry shampoo

Today is a dutch twist braid tutorial that I love, love, love for a quick, easy style. It works well on dirty hair, so if you’re trying to get another day in before washing, this is great look! If you’re like me and have a busy toddler, it’s easy to do in the morning and will last through busy days. Hope you guys like it! 😉

Step-by-step

1. Begin by spraying dry shampoo at the roots to give a bit of lift, combat oily hair, and aid dirty hair.
2. Create a slight side part and then brush all the hair to the side you’ll be positioning your braiding.
3. Take a small section at the part, about an inch-inch and a half and separate into 3 strands and begin your dutch style braid.
4. Continue down to the nape of the neck pulling all of the hair into the braid. 
5. At this point, you’ll have 3 strands that you would continue to braid regularly to the bottom. Instead, you’re going to take the center strand and separate into 2 strands and add 1 of those to each of the outer strands, creating 2 equal pieces.
6. Twist each piece inward.
7. Pull your twisted strands together with one hand. With the free hand, use your index finger to push through both twisted strands, creating 2 new pieces.
8. Continue to twist the strands inward and separate with your index finger down as far as you like.
9. Before tying off with a hair tie, fluff up the braid by pancaking. I find it best to start at the bottom a bit and then go back to the top and work your way down.
10. When your hair is fluffed as much as you like… the bigger and messier, the better… secure your braid with your hair tie.
11. Voila! Your braid is done.

These step-by-steps may be a bit confusing, but I’ve created a video! So I hope you guys watch and subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel!! xoxo

Linked up with Trend Spin.

Style Video: Dressing Shorts for an Evening Out

Friday, I shared a look from NYC that I took from day to evening. I think shorts often get overlooked when dressing up for an evening, but with a few simple tips, you can create a fresh, unexpected style. And it’s definitely great for dressing up on warm summer nights!

Linked up with On the Daily Express and More Pieces of Me for Manic Monday and Monday Mingle.