Extending the Un-Extendable

I have the thinnest, finest baby hair. As a result of having hair so thin, it rarely grows. Instead it just gets to a certain point and breaks off. For a long time, I thought it easier just to keep it short. But keeping it short gets so boring that lately I have been trying to grow it out. Keep your fingers crossed for me, maybe I can make it past my shoulders this time.
Anyways, there are many of you with hair like me. There are many of you with more money than me also, so you have the option of hair extensions. I've seen the good, and I have seen the bad. There are some you go to the salon to have glued to your hair. There are some they heat-bond in. I'm sure there are others. The most common though, are the clip-in extensions. Putting in your own extensions everyday is an art. An art that should be practiced and repeated before actually introducing your hair art to the world.
I feel the the accessibility of hair extensions has been increased as they have gotten cheaper and can be easily acquired at Sally's Beauty Supply. Which then results in everyone with money able to get a pair and clip them in. Which then results in this:

I just don't understand who would let her out of the house like this. Her extensions are so obvious they're deciding whether or not they should just consume her whole head and become a wig. It's ridiculous.
I have seen some awful look hair extensions of late, and I would never have the heart to point out to the owner how terrible they look, because they have friends for that.
One of the worst things people do with extensions is rat the top of their hair super big, then clip in their extensions underneath. Therefore, giving the illusion of two layers of hair. A poofy one on top and a flat one on bottom. They also seem to think by pulling their hair over their shoulder, they can somehow trick people into thinking it's their real hair. Don't do this. I understand some normal volume on top, but you shouldn't be able to tell that your hair stops at your chin and then you have some kind of tentacles hanging over your shoulders.
Another heinous hair offense is clipping two single extensions into your ponytail. The particular person I saw wearing this had very short hair. Her ponytail was maybe two inches long, and then for another 10 inches was two strands of hair. How did no one tell her?! Many girls can make their extensions look like they are a part of their natural ponytail, however you definitely have to use more than two. I would also recommend that when you have hair that short, just get the clip in ponytail extensions that go over your normal ponytail. Because any ponytail you pull your hair into when it is that short, usually just sticks straight out off the back of your head. In turn, making your extensions even more glaringly obvious.
Another terrible thing you can see when girls wear extensions, is when they don't cover their roots sufficiently, so you see exactly where the hair clips in.

Don't wear them if you can't cover them up. Awful hair extensions are such a pet peeve of mine, mostly because I'm embarrassed for the person wearing them. I would absolutely tell my close friends if their hair looked ridiculous. I would hope they would tell me if I ever decided to wear extensions.
I'm not saying you shouldn't wear them, I think they're awesome. And when worn correctly no one can tell the difference between your real hair and the fake hair.
Just please wear carefully, and ask for honest opinions before you go out, or you will be the butt of someones joke.

If you've got the runs...

It sounds gross I know, but I promise I don't mean it like that.
I never thought I would have to write about this, because I didn't think anyone outside of a magazine actually wore things like this.
But I guess I will have to talk about it.

Purposely wearing tights with runs in them.
Now, I understand that they look really cool on this model. And I'm sure they would add character to many Halloween costumes, but for everyday wear? Come on. Now, I know there are times when you can accidentally leave the house and not know you have a run in your tights, it happens to us all. But she was definitely wearing them like that on purpose, because they were all over.
She definitely was aware of it. I just don't understand this as an everyday trend. I would even be forgiving if it was for going out to the club or a concert. But traipsing around campus, in 40 degree weather, with holes in your tights is just not cute. It is definitely not fashionable.
I would almost go as far to say it is trashy looking. I have perused more than a few magazines that have Miley Cyrus in those awful tights, and they don't even look good on her.
There are definitely tights sold that have openings in them, that aren't necessarily holes or runs or tears. I think these are super cute, and way classier. I actually own a pair that have a criss-cross design up the back.

 

I think these are super cute, and can definitely be adapted for everyday wear. They aren't over the top, or ostentatious. Just clean and cute. So if you really want to walk around with holes in your tights, I would suggest this as an alternative to runs in your tights.

The Hun-Bun

I just would like to thank my roommate for this lovely picture, detailing what I will be writing about. 

Let me direct your attention to her hair. Which looks like she has a doughnut attached to the top of her hair. Seriously, I'm not being mean to her; she was washing her face. However, if I ever caught her out in public in this then I would take many pictures and embarrass her.

I have never seen more people wear there hair in this fashion then I have in the last 3 months. 

I feel like when people go out with hair like this, they are trying to warn people that they just woke-up or they have no pride in the way they look.

Either way, it's ugly. Trust me I know about waking up late. Your only option is not to throw your hair into one of these hideous buns. Why not a normal ponytail, not on the top of your head. Or how about a braid. Or even a ballerina bun. There are so many other options, why this one?

If you are going to argue it keeps your hair off your neck, it is cold here. The more hair covering your neck, the better! It's like a built-in scarf.

This is what you look like.

There are just so many alternatives, that I don't understand why you would pick to wear this particular hair style outside of your home.

I hate doing my hair, it literally is my least favorite thing in the entire world. And I even wouldn't wait my hair like this. You also are emitting a sloppy signal that is clear on everyone's radar.

I know we're in college, but have some self-respect. I really would rather you wear you dirty messy hair down, than put it in this orb on your head.

I almost forgot, the title of my post.

I would like to give another comparison as to what these buns remind me of. And that would be: Attila the Hun.

While I confess I know this isn't historically accurate at all. I know Attila didn't wear ridiculous looking buns on top of his head. But whenever I envision Attila the Hun, I picture him with a bun. I definitely think this is a result of watching Mulan too many times, and picturing all the Huns with buns.

 

Pick a different hairstyle next time you're running late or trying to look messy. Preferably one that doesn't sit on top of your head.

Once again: Ballerina bun, normal ponytail, low ponytail, low bun, braid, french braid, two braids, two french braids, low pigtails, fishtail braid, etc.

At least the 80's were warm

Within the past two years or so, dressing like you're from the 80's came back into style.
It started with the neon colors, and then the abstract patterns, and now shoulder pads are trying to squeeze their way in.
I am definitely a fan of a few of the trends that have resurfaced from the 80's, even if they can be tacky when not worn correctly.
However, one thing I can definitely say is killer about the way they dress is that everything is so much warmer. I feel like the 80's must have froze over, or else everyone would have been sweating all the time. With the big sweatshirts, leggings, leg warmers, shoulder pads, heavy denim, and leather pants they really knew what  they were doing during the winter.
They also layered every random piece of clothing they owned, just to see how wild they could look.
I definitely think fashion wise, the 80's are a decade to be loved. Now I'm not saying we should emulate them exactly. But definitely some of the ideas can be used, and modernized.
Now, personally, I think we could do without most of the neon colors. If you have one neon color and the rest neutrals, well that's okay. But wearing your hot pink sports bra, with your lime green off-the-shoulder shirt and purple leggings is not modernizing the 80's.

Trends to try from the 80's:

1. Shoulder Pads- As everything from the 80's, these should be used in moderation. Now our parents took shoulder pads to the extreme and liked to walk around looking like professional football players. Only wear these in shirts that have them built in, usually they are small and barely noticeable, and give your upper body a nice shape.
Miley


2. Leggings- Leggings are my favorite things I have ever owned. You literally can wear them with anything and make them work. I like the ones that go all the way to my ankles, and I would try to stay away from bright colors because they are so form fitting. I would also recommend staying away from shiny or reflective leggings, because those will increase the girth of your legs instead of slimming them.

3. Punk- We can thank the 80's for inventing punk. This was the age of multi-colored Mohawks and tongue piercings. Nowadays though, we just wear leather jackets with ripped jeans. Motorcycle boots with high-waisted shorts. Vintage music tee's with leather pants. Acid wash jeans and combat boots. Denim jackets and leg warmers. There are so many outfits we can appreciate that have resulted from the 80's.

4.  Ankle boots- These definitely became huge in the 80s and are currently making appearances at stores across the country. I actually hope to be obtaining a pair of these in the next few weeks, if I can find a pair I like. Anyways, they're super cute winter shoes especially when they're a wedge. However, I'm not very fond of those flat ankle boots. I feel like they make you look somewhat like a Christmas elf.

5. Neon patterns- Be super careful with this one. Only one item in your outfit should be even remotely neon at a time.The 80's had a lot of angular patterns: triangles, rectangles, prisms, etc. They had also incorporated a lot of bright colored floral patterns. And the actual 80's involved mixing both of these. I don't recommend it.  Only with solids and neutrals.

Now I'm not saying you should raid your mom's closet and start wearing all her clothes, but I definitely think there are some trends from the 80's that have infiltrated modern fashion and definitely should be embraced. Just don't take be superfluous. These are already extreme trends, so integrate them with more modern pieces of clothing, and no one will mistake you for Paula Abdul at her height of fame.

Those Weird Toe Shoes

As promised, I will now be commenting on those toe shoes I have been seeing everywhere.
I really hate to be malicious, but this post probably will be because I can't stand those shoes. I know they have a purpose, and I'm sure they really do feel like you are barefoot.
They offer many different styles depending on what you're planning to do in them. Running, climbing, yoga, trekking, water sports, etc. Unfortunately they all still make you look like a frog.
I feel like they are some kind of mutated water shoe. Remember when you would go to the water park when you were young, and you parents would force you to wear water shoes, and they always were kind of squishy and when you took them off your feet were pale and pruned?
Well they're back for revenge.
I would agree that these are revolutionary. It is a great idea, and it probably does help with posture and balance. I just really don't think these should be worn out everywhere.
The other day I saw a girl wearing a cute outfit normal outfit, and then she had these stupid shoes on. Why would you ruin a perfectly good outfit, just so you can wear these out.
Now if I decided to drop $100.00 for a pair of these, I would try to get the most wear out of them as possible. However, I would never drop any amount of money on these because that's stupid.
I literally can't look away when someone walks by me in these shoes. My eyes are glued to their feet as I try to figure out what amphibian they have recently evolved from.
I can bet I'm not the only one thinking it.
These are supposed to be the ultimate minimalist device, giving you foot freedom while also keeping your little pigs protected.
Who's to say they won't engineer a bodysuit that is form-fitting and protects you from the elements, while also letting you feel naked.
Who wants to walk around feeling naked?!
I know there are definitely some people that do, I'm not one of them.
I am waiting until I see someone in a matching wetsuit and toe shoes, walking around the grocery store talking about how they feel naked and free and how good their posture is.
"Hey Bob, can you feel that breeze in the frozen food section? I know I can."
I'm making myself laugh again.

I think I have cracked all the jokes I can think of for these little shoes.
Bottom line: Don't wear them, unless you are trying to attract The Creature From The Black Lagoon.

 He definitely looks like he would own a pair of those shoes.

It's Friday night, not a dance.

Recently, I have been noticing, at least on my campus, that when some people (girls especially) go out on weekend nights, they are usually either in sweats or wearing their old homecoming dresses.
I kid you not.
It's not even that they are overdressed, because that's not a big deal.
It's the fact that they look like they just came from a high school dance.
And they're wearing flip-flops.
Homecoming dresses and summer dresses are two completely different things. As sad as it is, homecoming dresses really shouldn't be worn for anything else besides homecoming. Maybe a family event or photo, maybe your friends birthday dinner. But definitely not to a party, or even to a club.
Maybe a club, on very rare occasions. But seriously, there are better ways to dress-up for the weekend.
Also, living in 30 degree weather, you should be dressing warmer. Sometimes.
Beauty is pain occasionally, I'm sure we've all experienced that.

Tights are awesome. They have a million different colors and designs, and can add spice to any outfit. You can also wear them out with dresses. Not homecoming dresses, mind you, normal looking dresses. I would like to point out that if you know you're going to be outside, definitely layer them under your jeans. Or if they are thin tights, put a pair of leggings under them. No one will know the difference. Also, Target has fleece-lined tights. They are extremely warm and fuzzy, and I wear them under my jeans all the time.

Sweaters, sweater dresses, anything knit. Anything sweater related usually is made from heavier fabrics. So if you're planning on wearing a chunky sweater on top, put it with a pair of skinny pants and boots. Sweater dresses are adorable, and super warm. They also are more casual, and you can wear your fleece tights and a leather jacket and be warm and cute, and casual. Be careful when wearing knit though. make sure you only have one piece of knit on, and you pair it with something slim, or else you will end up looking more like a marshmallow than you wanted to.

 

You can also pair tights with denim shorts. But not very often, and only with solid and similar colors. This is very risky, so definitely be careful when trying something like this.
Don't wear any type of dress that is solid colored on top, and silky on the bottom. This screams homecoming 2005.
Buy fitted tube top dresses and pencil skirts. I have a black tube dress from Forever 21, and I layer it with shirts, and turn them into dresses. I also have a skinny gray skirt that I put under numerous long tops, and this also can turn them into dresses. No one ever knows the difference. This is particularly helpful when you have those shirts that are too short to be dresses, yet too long and look weird with jeans.
If you're going to wear heels, wear wedges. They just are way less formal, and also more comfy. You also, normally, don't have that clicking noise when you walk that is associated with heels. Also try to keep your shoes closed toe or peep toe for winter. I know I have said this before, but I can't stress how ridiculous you will look walking around in strappy heels with snow on the ground.
Layer, layer, layer. Many stores don't offer a lot of heavy clothes. Instead they leave it up to you to put together an outfit that you won't catch hypothermia in. Wear a zip-up hoodie under your leather jacket. A long-sleeve leotard under sweaters and sweatshirts. Leggings or tights under your jeans. Leggings under your tights. Over-the-knee socks over your tights.
Speaking of over-the-knee socks. Don't wear ankle or calf socks with your boots so just a little peeks out at the top, and don't wear socks over your jeans with your boots. It's tacky, and not a style. If you're going to wear socks under your boots so people can see them, make sure they go over your knee and then kind of slouch them down. Not over your jeans. That's it.
Now, as much as I want to criticize this outfit, I will say that it is cute, easy, somewhat stylish, and acceptable. Skinny jeans, boots, solid colored shirt, and pea-coat. It's super boring, and plain, and mindless, but you can't go wrong with it because it is so simple. Just know that you will probably look like every other person at the party.
When in doubt, dress simply. Your outfit doesn't have to have a crazy pattern on it, and it doesn't need to be every color. Grey, black, white, tan, these are all simple colors you can layer with each other and end up with a cute simple outfit. It's not about how your outfit stands out and tries to grab attention. It's about how your outfit makes you look, and subtly catching the attention of those around you without overpowering your personality.

Dirty Hair, Don't Care

I ran out of time to blog this weekend, so I will be trying to make up for it this week!

As disgusting as this might sounds, I don't wash my hair everyday.
I have such thin hair that it would just dry it out and make it fuzzy.
Also, my hair doesn't get that greasy. Sometimes I can go two or even three days without washing it.
I have thin hair, most people don't.
I know people with thick hair are definitely washing every day or two.
Hopefully.
Anyways, sometimes your hair is easier to style when it's dirty. Or it looks perfectly acceptable for going out, it's just greasy.
There are cures!
I am in love with dry shampoo. It is super amazing, and since I've been using it, it has always worked well.
You just spray your roots, and bam! Pretend clean hair.
This kind even works for thick hair. I would know my roommate has horse hair and she has used it and had good results.
When I say horse hair, I mean it in a good way, like a horse mane. Hair I would totally kill for. If we had the same color hair I would just cut her hair off at night and use it for my own extensions.

Now I have heard of the baby powder trick. Supposedly if you put baby powder in your roots, it will soak up all the oils as well.
I have tried this once, and I just felt like I had to use a ton of powder to even get my hair looking normal, and even then my roots turned a powdery white color.
I didn't really like that.
Also it felt funny dumping all that powder on my head. The nice thing about dry shampoo is that it is an aerosol, so it just sprays in and you can't even see it.
I also particularly love using this for beach hair. Like when you come back from the beach and your hair is pretty and tousled looking, but also greasy from the wind. You just spray some of this in and you don't even have to do your hair!
I'm lazy, so this is a total bonus,
You should definitely get dry shampoo to keep with your other hair products, because even if you do shampoo everyday sometimes your hair still comes out of the shower looking greasy.
I have heard that some dry shampoos... evaporate? I'm not sure if this is the correct term for where the dry shampoo went. I'm not actually sure which brand did this. But the picture shown above is the one I use, and I think I have had it since around July and it is still performing normally.
Long hair, short hair, big hair, dirty hair: don't care.