Not Too Early to Think About Christmas Party Hair

I hate to jump on the Christmas bandwagon so soon but a couple of times this week I've heard talk of Christmas Parties, Christmas meals and Christmas outfits, so it seems fitting to talk about some trends, styles and ideas for the festive season.

I love the idea of hair jewels. They are the simplest way to dress up a hairdo without changing the actual style at all. For Christmas, a lot of us have to go from office to party with only a toilet cubicle for a dressing room. This is the ideal solution to such a problem and there are some gorgeous examples about. It's not about the dangly headbands we saw at this summers festivals but more a "brooch" for your hair.

Keep your style simple and work the jewel trend into your hair for some Christmas sparkle that is a million miles away from tinsel and flashing earrings. 

Here are some of my personal faves

1. Limited Edition Premium Hair Brooch with Swarovski Stones - £24.00 (was £60!) - ASOS
2. Disco Hair Bow - £3.15 - Forever21
3. Flower Rhinestone Hair Clip - £16.50 - Topshop
4. Jennifer Behr Feather Swarovski crystal hairclip - £260.00 - Net-A-Porter  


Look out for more Christmas party hair related blog posts 

Not Staying In with the Sisters

There are times in life when you need to be picked up and brushed off and luckily with a little help from my sisters that's exactly what I did this weekend. The Three Fletcher girls and our "adopted" sister Rachel all headed for the nearest bar and had a few drinks together.

Of course, for Connie it was handy to have me on hand to help with her hair for the evening. We weren't going anywhere too swanky so I rustled up a casual little up-do featuring some volume and of course some braiding.

I loved how it looked, it lasted all night and kept Connie cool when temperatures soared. Not sure if the heating was to blame or Con's dancemoves but it did the job!

Not Such a Little Notahairdresser

Once upon a time I had not a care in the world, I wasn't concerned with frizz and deep conditioning and all other manner of hair worries. But someone else looking after my locks for me. My mum. Jackie was keen for me and my sisters to have good haircuts and lovely neat hairstyles. I've mentioned the two french plaits for school.

After rummaging in the loft at my parents house this weekend, helping my mum out with something, I came across a few pictures of a miniature me. Apparently I've always been a fan of a high bun (Ballet Exam aside) and I did suite a 'bob' back in 1990 (today, not so sure). Not to mention my penchant for a snap back and Ray-Ban Clubmaster style sunnies. I was so ahead of the times.

Also love the fact that I look so happy in all these pics. Good times.

Not Ashamed to Say - I LOVE Primark

 Denim Spot Shir £12, Pink Cable Jumper (price unknown), Scarf £4, Plaid shirt £9, White/Grey Sporty Jumper (price unknown), Bird Shirt (price unknown), White/Black collar t-shirt £8, Lovely necklace £3. 

If I ever get asked the question "ohhhhhhh, I love your top/bikini/shirt, where is it from?", the most likely answer you'll hear is "It's actually from Primark, it was only £XX".

Bargain tourettes. A genuine, crippling condition that many of you will be familiar with.

But I'm not embarrassed to say that the majority of my clothes are from Primark. They're cheap, they're on trend (or at least I like them!) and when they're not trendy any longer I won't feel bad about over spending or chucking them into the charity shop.

And with an Autumn Collection as good as it's current collection, why the hell wouldn't you shop there. Above are just a few items that I'd be keen to pick up on my next visit. The spotty denim shirt is my absolute favourite, and it's only £12. I mean seriously. Pizza Express or new shirt? I know which I'd chose.

I know that certain items are worth splashing out on, staple pieces that you will keep for a long time (good trainers for example). I'm not cheap, but vest tops, pumps for £3 and jeans that fit like a glove for less than £10 are just silly to miss.

If you don't ever make the venture into Primark for fear of being trampled, do as I do and go early. The Tottenham Court road branch opens at 8:00am and Marble Arch at 8:30. It's tidy, empty and full of lovely bits and pieces. You'll be surprised not only by the value, but by how many bits and pieces you want to buy.

My only warning is this, only buy stuff that you really like. Don't buy stuff just because it's a bargain. It is no longer a bargain when one month later you haven't worn it and you definitely wont make the trip to return it. 

Now I'm just praying for a meeting in Soho very soon so that I can pop into Primark beforehand.

Not Worth Trying - Batiste Dry Conditioner

I am a big, no massive, fan of Batiste. From the days of the most basic, non-scented dry shampoo to the huge range they now offer. So it is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you, quite frankly, not to bother with their newest product.

The Batiste Smoothing Conditioning Mist is marketed as a product that "nourishes, smooths fly-aways and helps retain moisture in dry unmanageable hair", with the help of wonder ingredient Argan Oi (surprise!). 

I have quite silky hair naturally but the bleached ends could always do with some love, so this is where I focused the product, but even my parched ends didn't like it. It was like someone had dipped them in a light coating of olive oil. Yuk. I just don't get it. It's a fine burst of oily mist, that sits on your hair and is a tiny spray away from making you look super greasy. If you have dry, curly hair it might suit you slightly better but I'm not convinced it's a staple hair product. 

I would say use a tiny bit of serum instead for fly-aways if you really suffer from them.  

It's a worry to think that people might use dry shampoo and then use this afterwards, due to it's misleading name. Please don't anybody spray this on your roots.

We all love Batiste because it keeps your locks fresh for longer, or revitalizes your style really quickly and easily. This product does none of those things, so I'm just not sure it's worth the price tag. At £3.99 it's not an expensive hair product but it's just not worth the money.

Very short summary - Dry Shampoo = YES. Dry Conditioner = No. 

Not Sure If I Can Resist These...!

Oh god. It's happened. Nike Air Max WITH leopard print. Who is testing me with such products?! How am I meant to resist!!

It's like two of my favourite things laced together in one mouth-wateringly amazing combination. Nike iD have released this range (which is officially Cheetah print, but who really cares) in various colour combos, but I am loving the white and black vibe. I'd have mine as above, but am yet to decide on the sole. Solid white or black, or translucent Atomic Red? Decisions decisions. 

If there's ever been a moment for testing self control this is it. I worry I might just be too weak. I'm currently trying to think of what items of my wardrobe I can eBay to get some extra pocket money to purchase these bad boys.

Please don't sell out Nike - I beg you.

Not Just a Ponytail

I got a telling off from my friend Elle last week, for slating the modest Pony Tail in my Hair Challenge post. She is a big fan, and thought I had done it an injustice.

So to prove my allegiance to this simple style I styled her Saturday night hair, in a sleek, voluminous Pony Tail that perfectly complimented her LBD and leopard shoes.

Starting with nice smooth, straight hair, the style was pretty quick and simple. It required some backcoming on the top and some smoothing out on the side. The pony was then wrapped with some extra hair to cover the band. From the pics, you can see this resulted in one very happy customer.

There, I've proved it. I like a Pony Tail!

Not Sure How to Fishtail Braid?

I've been asked numerous times since the Day 1 New Hair Challenge, how to fishtail. The answer is: REALLY EASILY!

It's the simplest braid there is, and luckily The Beauty Department have created this brilliant You Tube tutorial featuring the lovely Lauren Conrad. So now hopefully you can have a go, practice and be able to do your own fishtails!

Good luck x

New Hair Challenge - Day 5

Slight delay in Day 5 post, but I've been off on my travels to Birmingham to see the BFF so please excuse me. This hairstyle was back to the comfort zone and it was so nice to be back. My favourite, a bun.

Last night I was going out so it's slightly different to the rest of the week in terms of 'wearability', it's an exaggerated style that I really like. The contrast between the slick back hair and the super-sized, super messy is cool and I love this new take on a bun.

It's an easy one to master and works with ANY hair. I used volume boosting dry shampoo and hairspray on a very high pony tail and backcombed it a fair bit. Then simply piled it on the top of head an pinned it in place. No more than 5 minutes - amazing.

I like that with my hair there's a colour difference between the bun and my other hair, but it will look really great with any hair at all. And due to the fact you're backcombing, any hair thickness can achieve this look.

Simple yet effective, I will definitely be rocking this style again.

Not the best pics I'm afraid, sorry!! Sorry Elle - you did your best x

Hair Challenge - Day 4

It's braids again, and this time two reverse french braids with a center parting. Gwen Stefani inspired, this style is quite youthful and makes me feel very young. Pigtails just do don't they!

This hair style is one for Jackie (my Mum). When I was in primary school, my mum sat me down every morning and braided two french plaits for me, just like I have today. At the time I was not a fan of this ritual and there were tears-a-plenty some days. Today though, I managed not to make myself cry. Mum absolutely loved it when I showed her how my hair was today, which was cute.

This style is quite a statement and I definitely felt a few inquisitive looks on the train today, not sure if they were good or bad looks but I could definitely feel people double-taking.

Again, this one has surprised me and I quite like it, and I may just wear it again. I think with the right outfit and some red lipstick it could look really cool even for a night out. My hair isn't very thick so my plaits are fairly tiny, but with thick locks this style would look amazing! Someone let me have a go?!!?

Anyway, so far I think we have our winner of the Hair Challenge.

If you think I should carry on the Hair Challenge, let me know. I'd like to hear if anyone thought it was a good experiment and if you've been inspired to try something new. I highly recommend it if you're thinking about it.

More good work by Toni of Etta's Corner with the pics x 

New Hair Challenge - Day 3

So not the most technical of challenges today, but this style was a BIG step away from my usual. I know it's 'just a ponytail', but I haven't worn my hair like this since I was about 14 and rocking a tartan kilt, braces and caterpillar eyebrows. The flashbacks are unreal. It's fair to say this look does not fill me with self-love and mirror hogging.

I messed up  the pony with some texture power and backcombing and maybe made it a little East London, as much as I loathe to say it. It also feels quite 90s but maybe that's just because that's when I was rocking it and no one else was! Anything neater just wouldn't have been me and I would have wanted to keep my hood up all day. 

Can't see myself rocking this number again. Fail for Day no 3 it seems. 

Tomorrow I'll be investing a little more time into things and am going to go a bit wild. It is Friday after all! 

Shoutout to Hunt Or Dye for my new T-Shirt - love it! 

Special thanks to Toni of Etta's Corner for the pics x

New Hair Challenge - Day 2

Staying in the braid theme, today's hair challenge outcome is a half-up-half-down style with a reverse French braid either side of my parting.

Using yesterday's waves, this style keeps my hair off my face for when I'm at work which is handy, but given the muggy weather having it down wasn't that great. I prefer having hair off my neck generally. 

The main reason I'm not a huge fan of this style is down to the fact it not emphasises my slightly oversized (putting it kindly) forehead. Usually, when my hair is back off my face in a bun or similar this isn't a concern but for some reason today I feel very exposed with this style. Not ideal. It also makes my grey hair super noticeable and the wiry nature of grey hair doesn't always braid very well. I'm not afraid of my grey hair, I just don't think this style do me any favours.

I started with the style very tight and neat but felt it was just too severe, so after some tweaking/messing up I'm a little happier with it. Not sure I will be rocking this particular style again though. Don't get me wrong, as a style I like it a lot, just not on me. It's all about knowing what suits. 

A five out of ten for hairstyle #2

Special thanks to Toni of Etta's Corner for yet another bunch of photos! 

Not Happy To Be Back

Sadly, I have now returned from my last holiday of the year. I've been a busy bee this year, visiting Rome (Alex's 30th present), Greece (Alex's mums 60th present - family holiday), Ibiza (4 night party with the girls) and most recently the amazing Dubai (a relaxing and food filled treat with Al).

I have lived JUST within my means and spent all my savings on holidays but you're only young once right? Based on this thinking, I've been making the most of cheap deals and my annual leave from work. I now have just 1 more day left to get me to December. The least I think about that the better. 

Dubai was as fantastic as ever. My third visit, I'm an advocate for this cosmopolitan Emirate. I know it's not to everyone's tastes and you can say it lacks culture and atmosphere but to that I'd say "utter toss". 

Have you tried authentic Arabic food in the dessert? Or ridden an Abra down the river? This place is full of amazing food, fun times, activities, stunning sites and most importantly for me (dare I say it) luxury! Utter luxury. I am not afraid to proclaim that I enjoy having a cold flannel handed to me as I sunbathe in 40 degree heat!! God knows we all need some R&R in life and Dubai provides it in abundance. 

During our stay we ate some amazing meals, shared some great company and some really special quality time. It's all I could want from a holiday. 

For now, I will remember it fondly and look forward to my return. 

New Hair Challenge - Day 1

So today marks my first attempt at some new, never worn before hair. I am challenging myself to try new styles and today was a little scary at first but surprisingly, I've ended up quite liking Hairstyle #1, and I might even wear it again! At 7.00 this morning, I didn't feel like this and was quite frankly panicking about being so far out of my comfort zone. Silly but true.

 Fishtail braids are EVERYWHERE at the moment, Kim K, Nicole Kidman, Selina Gomez and Caroline Flack have all been seen wearing this style. It works during the day and also on the Red Carpet. A misconception is that you have to have super long hair, but today proves that's not the case. My hair is fairly long, but only a few inches below my shoulders, not like the hair extension wielding celebrities mentioned above.

Overall, I would say, give this style a go and you might be pleasantly surprised at a) how quick it is and b) how easy-to-wear it is. Super casual, my favourite. 

So there it is #1 - The Fishtail

Not Just Other Peoples Hair

Being lucky enough to practice my favourite hobby and make it a business is amazing, and this weekend was a prime example of taking people's ideas and inspiration and creating a lovely hairstyle for their special occasion.

It does make me realise how many possibilities there are, and how versatile hair is. I did two gorgeous styles on Saturday that were new and exciting for my clients, something they never would have worn before and felt was special for their big night out. This prompted the thought that I really aught to try more styles myself and venture away from the usual top knot or donut.

So my aim this week is to try a different hairstyle every day and blog about it. I'll be taking inspiration from here there and everywhere and seeing what I like, what suits and well, what doesn't!

Wish me luck!

Not Just a Wedding Guest

It sounds ridiculously vain but I have to say, I have a bloody good looking family. All 34 of them (it's somewhere in that region, we have newbies joining on a monthly basis). It came to my attention most prevalently at my cousin Grace's wedding in June. She married the lovely Nick, who is my new 'cousin-in-law' (he LOVES when I call him my cousin) and I was not only lucky enough to be a guest, but I also styled four of the bridesmaids hair.

The two gorgeous youngsters you can see in the last picture actually had their hair done by the Hairdresser who styled Grace's locks. But they're part of the good looking Fletcher Family. You can tell right?

I did a trial on Grace's thick locks to work out how the bridesmaids would have their hair, and we came up with a simple, low bun. It complimented the girls dresses and worked nicely with the coral accessory they had to tie in with the colour scheme.

It was a beautiful Saturday in July, and I think the hottest of the year. It was a challenge in terms of humidity and perspiration to say the least. Sam's blow dry was tested to it's limits but it survived the heat and her cutting SERIOUS shapes on the dance floor.

It was so nice to be involved in the whole day. I got to see Grace's stunning transformation throughout the morning and also get to experience the buzz and excitement of the whole family. It was calm, fun and a pleasure to be involved all the way through.

Congratulations to my friends and cousins Grace and Nick on a lovely wedding day and a happy little life ahead xx