Accessories

Fashionable and Practical Summer Hair

Living in the midwest, for about eight months a year I watch “The Hills” and can only envy those girls’ lives. The perfect glowing skin year-round, their healthy hair reflecting in the sunshine instead of being hidden under a warm hat and the ability to wear shorts in February, exuding sexiness for a whole 12 months. Which is why is was all a bigger disappointment as the Twin Cities have been going through a California-esque phase. At 97 degrees, as I hoped for my LC moment, my glowing skin was sweaty and sticky and my hair frizzed up in a ball. Nothing sexy about it. So how do we, simpleton humans, deal with the summer heat without sacrificing our style?
The trick is to get your hair out of your face and adding accessories to keep it interesting.

Something as simple as a side braid gets a much more polished look when paired with a headband like Vanessa Hudgens’. Try the Satin Wrapped Metal Headband ($3.80) or the the Esroota ($4.98) headband from Aldo for a similar look.

For those extra stubborn and frizzy moments, a low ponytail with a silk headwrap like Nicole Richie’s is a good option. A light and short scarf like the Sheer Floral Scarf ($9.80), the Nicola Head Scarf ($22) or the Dyed Silk Bandana Scarf ($19.95) will keep the fly-aways hidden and give you a boho style. Make sure to tuck your ears in to avoid looking like Dumbo.

My favorite bad-hair day solution is the braided bun like Mary Kate Olsen’s. Part your hair in the middle and then make another part at your ears’ line. Tie the back in a ponytail and make two braids with the front parts. Pull the braids back and roll the ponytail into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. If you’re not that skilled, opt for an easier way, get the Braidies Thick Braided Headband ($7.99) and tie the rest of your hair into a messy bun.

Another good accessory for a messy bun is a flower like the Full Bouquet Clip ($18) or Chiffon Rose Hair Elastic ($2.80) placed at its side.

To keep bangs out of your face, try decorated bobby pins like the Vintage flower bobby pin ($12) and to just add a little flare to a simple ponytail try the Juicy Couture Multi Thin Elastics with Charms ($25) which can double as bracelets when you don’t need them in your hair anymore.

Tribal Accessories

Any given day, women can be found sorting through jewelry and accessories on Ebay, from street vendors on the street and stores’ departments in search for the perfect final touch to their outfits. But before there were chandelier earrings, bib necklaces and gold bangles, there were feathers, berries and flowers and it didn’t take long for someone to realize they would make fabulous ornaments. For Spring 09, designers went back to accessories’ roots and brought back women’s tribal instincts, urging women to channel their inner Pocahontas.

Louis Vuitton’s collection was arguably the most effusively ethnic of all. Its feathered sandals have become a favorite of the likes of Beyonce, Madonna and Mischa Barton and its beaded and animal printed purses made the tribal tendencies obvious from the very first look. The fierce Amazon style might be a little too much for the real world, however, so for a city-friendly option, go for the Metal Bead Wristlet ($24.99) from Express. It combines an assortment of beads with a neutral undertone. To mimic Louis’ oversized earrings, the Laser Cut Droplet Earrings ($7.99) from Forever 21 are a good alternative because of its hint of color in a metal ethnic design.

Christian Dior, channeled the effigies of the Mayans and Incas in its collection, epitomized by its gold necklace. Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow jewelry line is also marked by the inspiration which is evident in the Gold Black Resin Earrings ($22) sold at Kitson. Max and Chloe’s Blu Bijoux Enamel Bracelets ($28) also have the same feel with its bright colors and gold details.

Sophia Kokosalaki’s opted for chunky beaded accents on her show. While a necklace like her’s might make passer-bys wonder if you’re selling coconuts, a bright beaded bracelet like the Brooch Stretch Bracelet ($24) from Arden B. has the same statement making effect.

For those not quite ready to fully embrace the trend, they can dip their toes lightly into these wild waters by choosing more demure pieces like the Enamel Cut Out Earrings ($4) from Charlotte Russe, the Perspex Elephant pendant ($35) from farfetch.com or the Beaded Tassel Necklace ($8) from Wet Seal. Finally for those whose rather go for real beads, the website Tribal Societé offers pieces handmade from tropical countries.

For more tribal and ethnic pieces, check the Lookbook here.