As we move into cooler weather, I’ve been digging deep into my sweaters and scarves to bundle up–one of my favorite things to do! I am such a sucker for chunky knits and blanket scarves I can bury my face in. However, when I’m wearing bulky clothing like these, the main problem I run into is what to do with my hair? I have really thick hair, and it’s getting longer (I need to trim those split ends!), so I’m always looking for new ways to put it up.
This braided updo is so pretty, and can easily be dressed up or down. It’s been a go to of mine for work, but I’ve also been known to fall back on it for a date, too. It would be a great look for a holiday party! Check out the video below to see how to achieve this look.
If you recreate this braided updo, tag me on Instagram @xheightment so I can see it! I love to see your posts. 🙂
Fall fashion is one of my absolute favorite things. And now that it's officially fall and we’re in the midst of fashion month, there’s no better time to be talking about the changes I’m making to my wardrobe for the season. I love fall fashion more than that of almost any other season. I love the layering and accessorizing and endless options for sweaters and scarves. It’s not quite chilly enough for a full commitment to warmer clothes yet, but I’m so ready for it! Here are my absolute fashion essentials for fall this year, as well as some pieces I’m hoping to pick up.
As you’ve probably noticed as you’ve been shopping, pink is huge for fall this year! Obviously that makes me super happy, and I’ve definitely got some pink items on my list. I’ve been incorporating pink into my fall and winter wardrobe since last year, when I touched on the blush + burgundy trend, so I’m excited that the rest of the retail world has finally caught up. As I’m trying to fill the gaps in my wardrobe with pink, here are some of the pieces I’ve been obsessing over.
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As far as seasonal staples go, I’ve been slowly amassing all the items I need for the perfect "fall fashion" wardrobe. I have a few more items to get, but here are my faves so far. I am allllll about versatility and transitional pieces in the fall, and everything on this list fits that category perfectly.
OLIVE VEST
This staple is the ultimate layering piece. I’ve worn mine over long sleeved shirts, short sleeved shirts, even dresses. It’s a great item for putting the finishing touch on an outfit and pulling everything together, especially when it’s too cold for a regular top but too warm to add a jacket.
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TAUPE BOOTIES
Perfect for the transition between seasons, these shoes work well with everything from jeans to dresses. You can wear them alone or with tights, and mine are super comfy too.
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SCARVES
I have too many scarves already, but I’m always on the search for more! Plaids and windowpane checks are my go to scarf patterns for fall. It’s hard to tear me away from a good chunky cable knit, though! If you don’t have your ideal fall scarf, now is the time to find it! I’ve linked some of my favorites below.
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CAMEL WRAP
This is an item I’m still in search of. I’ve had it on my mind for a while now, and I think it’s a great alternative to a coat. It can dress up a plain shirt and jeans, or accent a dress for a night out without covering it up.
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BUTTON UP SKIRT
The last item on my to-buy list, button up skirts have been e-v-erywhere recently. I love the way they look with denim, black, white, pink...pretty much every color. Obviously I’m all about versatility and transitional pieces in the fall, and this fits the bill perfectly. It works when it’s warm out with flats or booties, and still looks great when you layer it with tights and boots when it gets colder.
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What are your essential fall fashion pieces? Let me know in the comments!
Lipstick is probably my favorite makeup product. It has more options for formula, color, and finish than almost anything else I put on my face. I love the way it can change the mood of my look and really add to my entire outfit. While I tend to lean toward the darker end of the spectrum during the fall and winter months, my spring lipstick choices are much lighter. I like to do a "face refresh" for the season and switch things up, and these are the colors I've found myself reaching for over and over.
I've been trying to figure out a way to show you these pink lipsticks without this post just being a bunch of selfies, and well...it's a bunch of selfies. But I think it's the best way to show the true color of the lipsticks, rather than just a swatch on my hand or arm. Let me know what you think!
Hibiscus Pop by Maybelline
I absolutely love this pink; I wear it all the time! It's the perfect shade to add color to my lips without overpowering the rest of my face. It just brightens everything up and goes with everything from jeans and a white tee to a flirty sundress.
Showy Flamboyante by Revlon
I love how bright this pink is. It's dramatic, yet not so loud that it distracts from anything else I'm wearing. It's a great choice for a bold lip for spring, because it's not as dark as many of the colors I lean toward during the cooler months. One thing that pleasantly surprises me every time I put this lipstick on is its minty flavor. It's a definite refresher.
Lovesick by Kat Von D
If you don't already know how incredible Kat Von D's liquid lipsticks are, then where have you been? The formula for these is incredible. This lipstick is incredibly long lasting, which is great because it's so lightweight it's easy to forget I'm even wearing anything. It dries quickly and then it's on for good. This color is maybe a touch dark for spring, but that hasn't stopped me so far. I'm just waiting for my Sephora to get more colors in stock!
Petal Plush by Maybelline
This gloss is subtle and fresh, a great combination for the springtime. It's also the perfect color to pair with a smoky eye for a night out.
I'm Blushing by Maybelline
I just picked this up on a whim one day, and I'm so glad I did. I love this shade of pink, and it's so easy to apply. It comes with a smudger on the opposite end, which helps blend it into another shade if you're combining them. I haven't used it yet, but I love the option to create more custom lip colors.
I am so excited I've finally nailed this braid, you guys. I've been doing it for a while, but it's always proven kind of tricky for me, so I've hesitated on making a tutorial for it until I was comfortable with all the switching hands. And now that I've mastered it, I know you won't have any trouble either!
Watch the video below for the tutorial!
I love that this braid looks good from any angle, since it wraps all the way around the head. Let me know if you try this tutorial, and tag me on instagram @xheightment so I can see! Do you have any other hair tutorials you'd like to see?
Over the weekend, I was able to take a quick trip up to DC and go up in the Washington Monument. Considering I've lived near DC a couple different times and have never done this, it was definitely time.
It's finally gotten chilly around here, so of course I was happy to be wearing a sweater and coat. I love the fact that pink has been such a huge trend this winter, especially in outerwear. I paired it with a burgundy sweater and nails, and a gorgeous holographic bag that I got for Christmas (thanks, Ryan!).
The view from the top of the Washington Monument was incredible; you could see all of DC from the top. I highly recommend going if you get the chance! And if you can make it during a not-so-busy time of year like we did, you'll definitely have a better experience. There were only about 10 of us, so we never had to fight for window space or felt like we were being rushed out.
DC is such a cool city and it has so much history. I always forget how close it really is and how quick it can be to visit (as long as you can dodge the traffic), and I plan on taking advantage of it more often!
