I haven't been this excited about Friday since last Friday

This is definitely a more laid-back, casual office look but one that could also easily transition from work to a night out!  I am really not a fan of the 'Tribal' look that is so popular right now but I loved this maxi dress and I felt like the tribal elements were subtle enough that it wouldn't bother me.  The sequins provide great texture to an otherwise simple navy maxi dress, and the side slits keep it interesting (and keep you cool in the summer months).

I simply added a black cardigan over the dress to wear it to work, and then simple grey ballet flats to complete the look.  The dress looks great with heels, but since the slits go a bit above my knees I felt that heels made it a bit less office appropriate.  

I loved this outfit with a messy side-braid and a simple rhinestone head band; the head band added the perfect compliment to the dress.  Since the dress has plenty of sparkle I didn't add any jewelry.  I know my braid is not nearly Elsa-worthy but I think I would need more hair for that to happen.

Maxi Dress: Express

Flats: Target

Cardigan: Target

Head Band: Charming Charlie

DIY Braided Beach Wave Ponytail

Happy weekend everyone!  Today I'm going to show you how to do one of my new favorite go-to hairstyles.  It's cute, quick & most importantly, easy! 

Tools needed:

-hair brush

-curling iron 

-hairspray 

-hair band 

-smoothing cream (optional)

Step 1: finish morning coffee(!) 

Step 2: brush hair till smooth, I like to use this smoothing cream for this step.  

Step 3: using a comb or finger, trace a line from the middle of your eyebrow (either side) up to your hair to create a part on the side of your head:

Step 4: (this step is optional, you can just pull your hair into a ponytail and start curling if you want to skip the braid) braid hair into Dutch braid (or any preferred braid!)  starting from the part line at the top of your forehead down to the back of your neck.  Tie off braid and the rest of your hair into a low ponytail, "fatten" the braid by slightly pulling on the sides of it starting at the bottom and working your way up.

Step 5: with a hot curling iron take a section of hair about 2in. thick and wrap it around the iron.  I usually wrap under but it will work either way.  Hold for a few seconds and then release.  The trick here is to work with bigger sections of hair to achieve lose waves, if you want tighter or more curly hair just take smaller sections from the ponytail. Continue curling till you get through the whole ponytail.  

Step 6: spray hair with hairspray.  That's it!  I usually go back and re-pull my hair into the ponytail again after curling because I tend to pull it out a little as I curl, I also "re-fatten" the braid for a bit until I get the desired volume. 

So there you go, a simple, cute & effortless hairstyle perfect for everyday wear!  Oh and bonus, it looks great the next day as well! 

~Amy