Window Shopping

Lately I've been thinking about fancy dresses. I don't go out to clubs all that much anymore, but from time to time I still like to go out and shake my groove thing. Yeah, I said "groove thing." I can't believe I said "groove thing." Ok, stop saying "groove thing." Sometimes I wind up at clubs where anything goes, and I can get away with a sheer top and jorts. Those come as you are types are my favorite because really, who wants to dance in high heels all night? But often there is some seriously decent music happening at a chichi club with a dress code (this is NYC), and I reluctantly resign myself to a night of discomfort in exchange for reveling in awesome music. And, though I own many cute dresses, none of them really feel right for those fancier establishments.

As I was window shopping the cocktail dress selection at DressV.com, I came across the above beauty. I love the colors, the silhouette, and the delicate detailing. But mostly I love the back. I don't know about you, but I just find something so alluring about the surprise of an open back on a dress, especially when done so tastefully. I would love to own this dress, and twirl around in it at basically any given moment, but even though it's beautiful, it still doesn't seem like proper club attire.

Inspired by the gold dress, I continued searching for an open-back dress that I can really get down in. When I came across this one, I knew it was a done deal. It's pretty, demure, and has that coveted open back. And with all that ventilation, I won't get overheated while dancing in my high heels all night.

Beauty Bit: Messy Side Bun DIY

I don't know if I've mentioned this, but my sister is a pretty kick ass hair stylist.  Sometimes when we go out, I ask her to help me with my hair and she'll whip up this sculptural, funky side bun that I love.  I never saw how she did it, and always assumed it was just a whirlwind of backcombing, hairspray, and talent.  Well, that part's true, but even though the end result looks intricate and fancy, you don't actually need the talent to pull this off.  The backcombing and hairspray are necessary, but skill is totally optional.  After we made this tutorial and she broke it down step by step, I realized that even someone inept at doing her own hair (me!) can pull this off (evidence that I was able to accomplish this feat all on my own here).

1. Gather your supplies.  You'll need some hair elastics, bobby pins, hairspray, and a teaser brush or comb (for backcombing your hair).

2. Pull your hair into a low, side pony and secure with an elastic.  3. Gently backcomb the ponytail, leaving a small section un-teased.  Don't backcomb too tightly; you want the hair puffy & fluffy.

4. Braid the un-teased section of hair & secure with a small elastic.

5. Begin sculpting the backcombed hair into a bun shape, securing in various places with bobby pins.  Don't worry about perfection, this is most definitely a messy-is-better kind of deal.  Leave the braid out of the bun for the time being.

 

6. Wrap the braid around the bun and secure with a bobby pin or two, taking care to hide both the pin & the end of the braid into the bun.  7. Spray with hairspray for a stronger hold.

A huge thanks to my super creative & talented sister, Jen, for sharing the secret of one of her go-to hairstyles.  If you're in the Ft. Lauderdale, FL area, be sure to stop by The Factory Salon and ask for her.  I promise you won't regret it.


Linking here.

Stuffed Animals & High Heels

{top: c/o sugarlips  |  shorts: old navy (similar)  |  shoes: payless (similar)  |  bracelets: f21 (similar 1, 2) }

Last night I had a date with hunny bunny to go see Ted.  Since I wasn't sure what to expect from a movie about an anthropomorphized teddy bear, I erred on the side of fancy.  

Really, I would have used any excuse to wear this amazingly light and flowy top I got from Sugarlips Apparel, though.  Its feather-light fabric, unique cut-outs, and sheer side panels make it an instant favorite.

Yup, I think dressing up to watch an animated bear hump a cash register, ingest large quantities of drugs, and curse like a sailor was the right choice.

I'm classy like that.

You can also find me hanging out here today.