Valentine's Day in La Jolla

I can't believe how quickly my week in California passed by! I got back to Providence last night and am definitely still on west coast time. Here are some snapshots from last Tuesday, which was spent exploring la Jolla. I think this was definitely one of my favorite days of the entire vacation. La Jolla is so picturesque and the weather that day was nearly perfect. I enjoyed spending the entire day with M, something that we haven't been able to do in past years.


I started off my morning with a blowout at the Drybar in Del Mar.


The perfect beachy cosmo-tai, which made me feel like a celeb!


We found out what all the hype was about at In-N-Out (so good!).


Lots of pretty Valentine's flowers for sale in La Jolla.


Clear blue skies and an intricate mosaic on the front of a church.


Hearts decorated all of the boutique windows.


Arcade building at sunset.


Gazing out at the Pacific in my favorite scalloped blazer.


La Jolla cove and Torrey Pines in the background.


A breathtaking California sunset and red + pink balloons.

The day could not have been more perfect and relaxing!

And It's Just Like Honey

I figured with 2012 on the horizon, it was as good a time as any to change up my 'do a little bit. Today I decided not to cut all of my hair off, but instead, add some face-framing honey highlights. So far, I really like it. I think it brightens up my face a little, which is always good in the dreary winter months.

Hairspiration

This is a little extreme as far as opposite tones, but I love the depth achieved with a lighter shade underneath. I'm thinking of making a big change in 2012 (short bob, anyone?), but not sure where to start.

Picture via Pinterest, originally from Sea of Shoes.

Best Buns

Currently obsessed with finding hair tutorials on Pinterest. My latest (and easiest) one is this sock bun. Google it and prepare to be amazed! It took me less than 30 seconds to do this bun that lasted all day.

No-Shave November

It's in full swing over here!
P.S. Why are boys always blessed with the fullest eyelashes?

Loose Waves Simplified

Ever since finding this tutorial on Pinterest, I've been practicing with my curling iron and I'm getting much better at giving myself some loose waves. It's a lot easier than it looks and the best part is that the curls hold up pretty well overnight. The internet really can teach you to do anything!

Trim the Tresses

Best way to end a grueling week? With a relaxing color and cut at my favorite neighborhood salon, of course! I was long overdue for a trim and I'm always amazed at how much better I feel afterwards. Crossing my fingers that this forecasted snowstorm completely misses us this weekend. I'm not ready for winter yet!

The Fun Bun

Rocking a Kourtney Kardashian-inspired high bun today courtesy of this tutorial from The Beauty Department. It was super easy.

Beach Waves

Surf spray is one of my all-time favorite summer beauty products. It always works and is perfect for days where you don't feel like dealing with your 'do! My bottle is covered in sand because I usually throw it in my beach bag.

New 'Do, New You

After six months without a cut, I was way overdue. As much as I hated sitting still in the chair at the salon, the end result made it worthwhile.

Happy weekend!

Mane Attraction

At first, I was interested in trying the original Moroccanoil treatment to strengthen my hair and shorten blow drying time. It was helpful, but now that I've combined the oil with the repair shampoo and conditioner, I've noticed a major difference. My hair seems to get softer and shinier with each use (which never happens in these dry winter conditions).
Plus, the products all smell so good!

Have you tried any of their goodies? Next on my list is one of the hair masks.

Keeping With the Theme...

...of big buns seen here, here, and here.


I especially love how Nicole Richie rocked a big bun on her wedding day
AND
the messy bun with soft face-framing bangs. Love!

Chic Chignon

I was finally able to locate spin pins at Target this weekend and, inspired by Tiane's fabulous hair tutorial, set out to recreate her big bun. The result: this super-easy, slightly undone updo. It's a great alternative to my usual ponytail and the spin pins held on my first try. That never happens with my extra fine hair.

So, what do you think?

Bed Head

Seriously. Why can't my hair look exactly like this when I roll out of bed? Is that too much to ask? It just looks so casual, yet totally chic. Love the aviators too!

seen on because im addicted

Braid Envy

I have been ridiculously obsessed with braids lately, from loose, tousled plaits to intricate fishtails, I love them all! I only wish I had the patience and dexterity to attempt one of these tricky dos. A classic braided updo always makes me think of Lauren Conrad for some reason. Her hair is so gorgeous and never too overdone. Which style is your favorite? I'm partial to the dramatic look in the first picture.

Can you braid? (if you can, I'm super jealous)

Images via we heart it.

Beach Beauty

There's nothing better than sun kissed skin and effortless wavy hair after a day spent at the beach. Fortunately, there are a lot of products out there nowadays to help you fake the look. Last summer I invested in a bottle of Bumble & Bumble's surf spray, but wasn't completely satisfied. The spray smelled good, but was made my hair sticky like hairspray instead of flowy and wavy. This year, I'd like to be able to jump out of bed and have gorgeous waves like the model above. That's not too much to ask, right?! I'm thinking of trying the Fekkai line of summer products. Have any of you used them before? What did you think? I need your opinions!

Do you know of a product that works better?

Dry Bar

It's places like this that make me think I'm living on the wrong coast. Dry Bar is such a simple, yet brilliant concept. It's a salon that doesn't cut or color hair. Crazy? No way! Genius? Yes. What they do specialize in is drying hair, specifically blowouts. You know that feeling that you get when you walk out of the salon with freshly styled locks? It's part confidence and part sex appeal. You just know you look amazing. A good trip to the salon can turn a day from terrible to fantastic.

Dry Bar does just that. They offer a wash and blow dry for $35 flat and even have five adorable styles to choose from. Personally, I'd go for the Mai Tai, a beachy, textured blow out. They also have a sleek & smooth "Manhattan" style and adorable loose curl "Cosmopolitian" 'do. Check out the menu for all of the descriptions and photos. If you go on a Saturday or Sunday, you can enjoy mimosas and croissants with your salon experience. They offer parties, which would be so much fun for a group of girlfriends or sisters. Bottom line: please, please, please open an East Coast location! I'm dying to give it a whirl.

P.S. Isn't the decor amazing?! The yellow is so cheery.

Crowning Jewels

As a kiddo, I lived in headbands. It was the only way I could really express myself (because I went to Catholic school and wore a uniform), and they were practical! They kept my long, unruly hair out of my eyes and off of my face. I can remember all sorts of headbands I used to have, from big, poufy bows to sophisticated tortoise shell numbers. They were definitely my go-to hair accessory. Nowadays, I don't typically sport headbands outside of the gym, but this one might just sway me.

Anthropologie has done it again, this time with a delicate, jewel encrusted elastic headband. It seems to be comfortable and functional, which of course is music to my ears. You have to click on the link and zoom in because this picture just doesn't do it justice. I could see myself pairing this with a simple t-shirt and jeans for a laid-back Sunday brunch or glamming it up for a night out on the town. Either way, I hope it finds its way into my wardrobe soon.