Holiday Style Made Simple
Thanksgiving is right around the corner kicking off the holiday season. I'm really looking forward to the holidays this year, more than usual. Last year everything seemed overshadowed by the presidential election and the fact that our economy was burning down around us. The new year brought some hope along but it also brought the reality that most of us had overspent and over indulged in the credit pool. The rest of the year seems to have consisted of a lot of financial worry and hand wringing for most of us too. The good news is that we've learned a good lesson about being fiscally responsible while becoming more appreciative of the truly important things in life; friends, family, and the comforts of home. There's also good news from Wall Street, as well as from many leading economic analysts, who tell us that the recession is drawing to an end and that things are on the mend. I can already tell that this trend is having a positive effect on my friends and clients who are feeling more relaxed and less anxious about our economic future. Hallelujah! I'm tired of feeling depressed and worried about the whole thing and I'm ready to relax, rejoice, and enjoy the holidays with my friends and family. Even though we'll all be approaching this year's festivities with an eye on our pocketbooks, there's no reason this can't be your best, and best looking, holiday season ever.
Tis the season of gift shopping, non-stop cookie noshing, and socializing with reckless abandon. Amidst all the present wrapping and holiday card sending, we all struggle to find the time to look our best, no matter what the occasion. With countless holiday parties pending and possible soirees at your own home, a quick and glamorous hairstyle can really come in handy. Regardless of your hair texture, color, and style here are a few tips that will make your holiday primping a little bit easier.
If you're the kind of woman who has always got a dozen different things going on at once, you will appreciate a hairstyle that allows you to focus on another element of your prep at the same time. I'm talking about hot rollers. They're great for hair that takes to curls and will add much needed fluff and volume to hair that doesn't. After moussing and blow drying wrap curls in random sections, going in different directions, for a tousled unstudied effect. While your curls are setting you can apply your makeup, jewelry, outfit, and tend to hors divers or anything else still in the oven. Once the rollers have cooled, remove them and run your fingers through your hair with your head tossed upside down. Add some spray and you're ready without missing a beat.
If you've got the time to spare, you can really enjoy the experience of getting dolled up. Whether you prefer cascading curls, soft waves, or shiny and straight hair, your evening outfit will be complete once you adjust the finishing touches to your tresses. Dress up a traditionally straight style with micro-braids and festive little barrettes or hair accessories. Weave miniature flowers, or tiny ribbons into a French braid allowing then to cascade down your back. Even though I've extolled the virtues of hair accessories many times before, they really are a must-have for holiday glamour. There's no better excuse than a seasonal party to allow yourself to go a little over the top with a hair ornament. Almost anything can be used to add that extra shot of sparkle to your holiday hair. A trip to the craft store will turn up a world of possibilities; Christmas ornaments, wired ribbon, strands of beads, chopsticks, feathers and flowers. Anything that adds sparkle and interest that can be tied, stuck, twisted or pinned into your hair will do. That reminds me of a story: My partner Micah and I were guests at our friend Melody's holiday party a few years ago. You have to know our friend Melody, but if ever there's a time to dress to kill her parties are it. Melody, as the hostess, was looking resplendent in a red-velvet suit perfectly cut to show off her well-toned body. The finishing touch was a matching red-velvet poinsettia punctuating each side of her enormous red-carpet worthy bun. She looked absolutely radiant until one huge poinsettia dislodged itself and went tumbling into her cocktail. Well, you can imagine what an awkward moment that was. However, being the prepared-for-anything-Style-Guy guest that I am, I quickly grabbed a bamboo skewer from a nearby guests drink, yanked the pineapple and cherries off of it, impaled the flower, and artfully wove it back into her hair. Catastrophe averted. Her scalp still bears the scar from my plunging that skewer into her head, but I was determined for that flower to stay put. My point being don't be afraid to get creative with your accessories, just make sure they are secured well and don't fall in your soup. On a side note, I also learned at this party, that it can be regrettable to wear a stuffed bird in your hair if your hostess owns more than one cat.
If you have a shorter style you can still glam it up for the holidays. Arm yourself with some good styling products that will give short hairy glossy definition. For a flirty look, apply product and twist your short locks into curly sections and pin them randomly about your head, using bejeweled bobby-pins. You can also use a styling crème to encourage your own curls or waves to come out to play for the evening. Versatility is the name of the game with short hair; Try it swept back close and sleek, or pushed up and out with fuller flips and curls. If you've only got a few moments to spare, simplicity will be your best friend. After washing and drying your hair, take a comb and trace a zigzag part from your forehead back. Adorn your style with a delicate yet fancy hair clip, all the better if you can find one to match your outfit.
Once the primping process concludes, kick back, relax and prepare to have the time of your life. No matter which style you choose, step outside with confidence and remember that you are the spark that lights up the party.
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