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