Hair Trend: Braids

In pop culture and media, it’s noticeable from the fantasy series Game of Thrones to see women wear their hair in braids. Since this hairstyle is easy to execute and very feminine to the eye, it creates a sweet vibe that can be pulled off by any lady.

Let’s see how to wear this exquisite and timeless hairstyle by looking at different braid techniques from fashion shows to street styles.

The Runway

Rodarte (Fall 2013)

To polish Rodarte’s collection that’s beach inspired, braids with big loose and messy waves were chosen as hairstyles to create a natural feel. To achieve this look, the stylist parted the model’s hair and braided it to the sides then twisted into a single rosette. A part of the middle area of the hair just beneath the rosette was braided to appear like it’s connected. The makeup was supposed to look like mascara falling out of the eyes with lips and face painted nude to appear as if the model just got out of a swim. Overall, the look was both edgy and pretty at the same time. Although the makeup’s a little too much, the hairstyle would look great on the street when worn with a chic boho outfit or a simple white tee and jeans combo.

Hervé Léger (Fall 2013)

From Rodarte’s beach inspired look, we can take a different angle on braids at Hervé Léger’s collection for 2013. Unlike other braided looks, this one seems simple yet futuristic with its sleek and neat appearance. According to the show’s hairstylist Laurent Philippon from Bumble + bumble, this hairstyle was inspired by the equestrian strap using the “harness” braid worn on one side.

Alice + Olivia (Fall 2013)

Going for a romantic feel, Alice + Olivia’s Fall 2013 collection wouldn’t be perfect without the milkmaid braids. This sweet and innocent looking updo creates a very classy and sophisticated feel but when added with a bit messy element becomes a wearable style for the streets. To recreate this look, first the hair was prepped with volumizing mouse and brow dried. Next was to part the hair at the center then pulled back. The gathered hair at the nape were divided into two sections then styled into loose braids. Both braids were brought up towards the crown of the head to meet and secured with a pin.

The Streets

The Beauty Department, created by Lauren Conrad, Kristin Ess and Amy Nadine, is a site that’s dedicated to teach women about makeup, fashion, nail care and hairstyles. They put together tutorials and design their own techniques for fresh new beauty trends!

Here are two of their created braids that can be worn on different occasions:

Hair braiding may take time and practice to perfect but it’s all worth it when done. This classic meets modern hairstyle is definitely an easy charmer that’s perfect for a picnic by the park or a romantic date. No need to try hard to look effortlessly beautiful.

❤
Pauline

Photo credits: The Beauty Department & Style.com

Dare to Flaunt: Peek-a-boo

It’s true that peek-a-boo pieces are in rave this 2013. For quite some seasons now, these daring cutouts and see through fabrics kept on appearing in runways shows, red carpets and retail racks.

A charming trend for fun loving fashion enthusiasts and a no-fail piece for ladies who are looking for some added sex appeal, peek-a-boo pieces are skin bearing styles that vary from midriffs two pieces to high skirt slits to cutout dresses with or without sheer fabrics. This trend has become a darling for most designers due to its versatility and sexiness.  

With the right silhouettes and cutouts at the right places, you can pull off this trend depending on your preferred style to vamp up to either a sexy vixen or a playful flirt.

Flirt for fun

Peek-a-boo pieces aren’t always to appear sexy. It can also be played on to create a sweet yet flirty look. The best picks for these styles are dresses from spring and summer seasons. Pick a flowy sundress or a short full skirt dress with dainty shaped cutouts that are usually to a minimum. Dresses that are in fun summer colors can bring out the youth in you while pastels can show your romantic side. 

Charlotte Ronson (Spring 2013)

Cushnie et Ochs (Spring 2013)    

Versace (Spring 2013)

Keep it classy

Structure, structure, structure! If you’re going to wear this piece to a formal event or a meeting with the VIPs, you better look for cutouts that are placed at subtly sexy places like the collarbone and or a tiny strip on the waist. If it’s a formal event that’s strictly for business, your best choice of color may range from the classic black, dark reds, blues and emeralds to champagne and ivory whites. As for the silhouettes and cutouts, you can have the freedom to choose as long as it’s sleek and not too daring. For meetings, it would be best if you choose sharp tailored pieces in neutral colors such as black, white or beige. You may also choose to don a slightly sexier cutout dress and tone it down with an elegantly structured coat or blazer.

Cushnie et Ochs (Spring 2013)         

Donna Karan (Fall 2013)

            Roland Mouret (Spring 2013)   

Be bold to bare it all

If you’re confident enough to show off the results of your months dieting and long hours at the gym, then bold cutouts and high slits are best for you. Go for the most daring cutouts at the sexiest places like the sides of your waist or a midriff two piece. You can also opt for an exaggerated deep-v or a low bare back. However, make sure that when you’re wearing these kinds of cutouts you’ll tone it down with sheer fabrics or classy silhouettes to avoid looking trashy.

Balenciaga (Fall 2013)     

Jason Wu (Spring 2013)

Michael Kors (Fall 2013)

Just a few more tips when wearing peek-a-boo pieces:

•  Carefully choose cutouts that would highlight your assets.
• Flaunt a healthy skin. Maintain a moisturized and soft skin.
• When accessorizing, remember balance. If the piece has too much cutouts, patterns or textures keep your accessories to a bare minimum. And if you feel that you’re showing off too much, layer up those accessories for easy toning down.

So now that you know more about peek-a-boo pieces, how would you dare bare?

❤
Pauline

Photo credits: Style.com