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January 13, 2016 — 15 Comments

Braided Half Up Hairstyle

Generally, I tend to stick to my standard of curling my hair in the winter and letting my natural wavy texture take precedence in the summer, but sometimes you just want it off your neck or you want to try something new or you're just having a bad hair day! And that, my friend, is where braids and fishtails and twists come in to save the day.

This is one of my favorite styles to wear when I need to get my hair out of my face but still want to look cute. Only pulling half my hair back gives me a chance to show off whatever earrings I'm wearing and keeps me from touching it constantly.

I made this short video to show you how it's done. It's my first ever hair tutorial, so I'm by no means an expert; but I thought it would be helpful to see it in action rather than just still photos!

Let me know if you try this hairstyle, and tag me on instagram so I can see! Do you have any hair tutorials you'd like to see?

PS. Check out my french v. dutch braids post!

Published by Alexandra Adams in Hair, Style, Tutorial

December 7, 2015 — 1 Comment

Holiday Beauty

The holiday season is a great time to try something new with your makeup. This sparkly time of year allows for bold lips and bright eyeshadows, and the party scene is the perfect place to test the waters.

The two looks I'm showing you today are perfect opposites–one plays up the lips, and the other focuses on dramatic eyes.

For this look, I start out with my normal primer and foundation. Add some bright white/silver eyeshadow all over the lid, and line the top lid with a heavy, dramatic wing.

Add blush and highlighter, and finish with a bold lip. I'm using Maybelline's Red Revolution–it's the perfect Christmas red!

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation | Urban Decay Naked Flushed Blush and Highlighter | Lorac The Royals Eyeshadow Collection | Lorac Front of the Line Pro Liquid Eyeliner | Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Red Revolution

For the second look, I keep the foundation and blush the same.

To get the smoky eye, layer a few dark gray eye shadows in the crease and outer corner of the lid. Sweep a little of the gray under the eye–don't be scared! It's intimidating, because you definitely don't want to look like a raccoon or a panda bear, but adding a little of the gray underneath really helps blend out the eyeshadow and prevents it from having a sharp line. Then add black on the outer half of the lid, and a lighter silver on the inner half. Blend it all out with a fluffy brush, and add a little white to the inner corners to brighten them up.

Add a pink or a nude lip to balance out the drama of the eyes. And don't forget the mascara!

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation | Urban Decay Naked Flushed Blush and Highlighter |Urban Decay NAKED 2 Eyeshadow Palette | Lorac Front of the Line Pro Liquid Eyeliner | Sephora Luster Matte Long-Wear Lipcolor in Petal

Are you planning on trying out either of these looks this holiday season? Let me know if you'd be interested in a more detailed tutorial in the future!

Two Makeup Looks for Holiday Parties | Alexandra Adams

Published by Alexandra Adams in Beauty, Christmas, Holiday, Makeup, Style

November 9, 2015 — No Comments

Fall/Winter Trends I Love

If you know anything about me, you know that I love fall and winter. It is the most wonderful time of the year, after all! I love cozying up under a blanket, wearing darker colors during the cooler months, and trying out new trends that always pop up this time of year. You can definitely see some overlap between the trends this year too, which is just a great indicator of how fun they are to combine and experiment with. Check out some of my recent inspirations below, and more on my Pinterest board!

BLUSH + BURGUNDY

There's just something about this color combo that is so dreamy. The deeper burgundy tones really bring deep autumnal vibes to an ensemble, while the blush pink keeps it feeling light and fresh.

OVER THE KNEE BOOTS

I love how versatile these boots are. You can wear them over jeans or leggings to keep a clean line, or with a shorter dress and use their length as a stand in for tights. I need to get myself a new pair this year.

GRIDS AND PLAID

Plaid, window pane checks, whatever you call it, it's everywhere this season. From Target's fall line to scarves to everything else, grids are all over the place and the graphic designer part of me that loves straight lines could not be happier.

LEATHER LEGGINGS

I looove leather leggings. I don't own any (yet!), but I drool over almost every pair I see. They're so cool and casual, and can really add an edgy and dressed up vibe to an otherwise casual outfit.

SEQUINS

I love all things sparkly, and sequins are the perfect way to add sparkle to an outfit without getting glitter all over everything you touch.

COZINESS

I know this isn't reaallllly a fashion trend, but I love it so much I included it anyway. This is the best time of year to cuddle up! Oversized sweaters, wool socks, heated throws, hot drinks...I'm all about it. Bring on the comfiness.

What are some of the fall and winter trends you've been loving this year?

Published by Alexandra Adams in Fashion, Style, Trends

November 2, 2015 — No Comments

Apple Picking and Fall Fashion

November 1st is my aunt's birthday, and since she only lives about an hour and a half away, my mom and I went to visit her for the day. We went apple picking and to a wine tasting, before going out to dinner and returning home for a delicious homemade german chocolate cake. The colors were so gorgeous and the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. And you can't beat the view of the Blue Ridge mountains.

White Quilted Vest (similar) | Black Shirt | Leopard Scarf | Leather Boots (similar)

Published by Alexandra Adams in Fashion, Lifestyle, Style

October 22, 2015 — No Comments

Braids: French v. Dutch

One summer when I was around twelve, I spent a week teaching myself to french braid. I braided my hair over and over and over again until I could finally do it without taking forever. Dutch braiding has proven to be quite the struggle for some reason, even though it's literally french braiding backwards. BUT I have finally mastered it, and today I'm here to teach you both braids and the differences between them.

The biggest difference between the two braids is super simple. With french braiding, you cross the sections over the middle as you continue braiding, and with dutch braids, you cross them underneath. This difference is so slight, but it gives two completely different looks. Check out the step by step instructions below.

DUTCH BRAIDING

Take a small section of hair at the crown of your head and divide it into three equal sections.
Cross the front (left) section under the middle, and then do the same with the right.
Add hair from the left side of the head to the original section as you cross it under the middle. Do the same with the right.
Continue to add hair from both sides as you continue down the braid, smoothing it out as you go.
When you've added all your hair, continue with a normal three strand braid until you reach the end.
Tie it with an elastic and then repeat with the other side.

FRENCH BRAIDING

Take a small section of hair at the crown of your head and divide it into three equal sections.
Cross the front (left) section over the middle, and then do the same with the right.
Add hair from the left side of the head to the original section as you cross it over the middle. Do the same with the right.
Continue to add hair from both sides as you continue down the braid, smoothing it out as you go.
When you've added all your hair, continue with a normal three strand braid until you reach the end.
Tie it with an elastic and then repeat with the other side.

Let me know if you want to see more tutorials! I might make a video next time, so what kind of hair or makeup tutorials would you like to see?

Published by Alexandra Adams in Hair, Lifestyle, Style