Trending Thursday: Faux-Punk French Braid

After seeing this fresh and funky hairstyle on Selena Gomez, I had to give it a whirl. Now, I am not one with much hair foresight or vision, so to try this on a Thursday morning before work, was as risky as licking an ice sculpture at a wedding reception. But this is a beautiful hairstyle, edgy from the sides, elegant from the front, and romantic in the back, this style looks great from every angle and can offer terrific contrast to a glam dress. 

Should you want to try it, here is a how-to compliments of Glamour.com and Boston hairstylist Nicholas Penna, owner of SalonCapri: 

1. Prep. Because braids hold best in hair that has slightly "grungy" texture, Nick recommends washing hair the day before styling. For added texture and volume, he uses dry shampoo at the roots and applies a coat of volumizer.

2. Tease. Using a teasing comb or paddle brush, tease the top front section of your crown. Nick starts at the back and works forward, focusing on the roots, then secures with a light mist of

3. Braid. Begin your French braid at the very top of your head, behind the teased section, carefully and tightly combing sections on the side into the braid and incorporating them as you go. Continue to braid down the nape of the neck and secure with a clear elastic band.

4. Tug. The secret to getting Selena’s rocker grunge look? Nick goes through the braid by hand and gently loosens each section, pulling out pieces where needed to create a more tousled look. Bobby-pin your braid where needed to secure the style, and finish with a full coat of spray to set your strands.

hairspray. You can comb a little atop the teased section for a smoother top.

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Spring Trend Alert: Blue and White

According to the Glamour September issue, mixing 'azure and white' is one of the hottest trends right now. This is a fresh and 'oceanic' update to any outfit. 

I just so happened to be wearing this power combo on the day I bought my beloved mag and was incidentally also the day when i did my first 'outfit of the day' upload on Twitter. 

Follow me on Twitter: @zita_zee

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Hot On Ice: The Skater Dress

With the weather neither here nor there, I decided to feature the biggest ‘on the fence’ trend of the year – the Skater Dress. The trend isn't exactly new as it traces back to the 80s - inspired by ice skating costumes, where it derives its name. It saw a revival in the 90s as the babydoll dress, and now with the comeback of the Spice Girls decade, it is only natural that the skater dress would pop up again.

The dress has a trademark cut; fitted at the waistline, full circle skirt and skims over the hips and thighs. The length of the skirt is typically designed to fall mid-thigh.

The cut of the dress is perfect for any body shape. Apple-shaped and pear-shaped girls can easily rock this trend, and look good doing it. Hourglass-shaped gals will love this dress because the skater dress will hug you gently around your curves making you look ultra feminine (A La Kim Kardashian). Skater dresses give you the perfect A-Line silhouette. I wore mine to the 99FM and JamesonAutumn/Winter Fashion Show.

When it’s hot out, wear your skater dress on its own, accessorizing minimally. Skinny belts can be utilized to offer a little bit structure to your getup and give it a more polished look. My favourite add-on is a top hat and 90s rounded shades, to give that throwback chic vibe. Alternatively, layer it with a blazer or a cardigan when it’s chilly. The short skater dress can also be worn as a tunic top, so pair it up with your favourite leggings or skinny jeans.

Another beautiful thing about the skater dress is that it is very versatile. It can be worn on any occasion - whether to a party, to work, to church, on a random day when you just feel like being cute.  

The skater dress has never been as popular as it is right now, and could be considered the perfect dress.  It’s cute, flirty and will flatter all shapes and sizes while hiding any and all lower body “flaws”.  An added bonus if you love twirling around in a dress or skirt, is that the skater dress will be the ultimate twirl-inducing dress making you feel young and vibrant.

Check out my post, A Fashion Forecast, to see what other 90s trends are making a comeback this summer. 

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How to Walk In Heels

My feet are killing me! Any woman who has ever fallen in love with a gorgeous pair of six inch heels will probably recognize this cry of pain. Wearing high heels is a lot like dishing that extra slice of chocolate cake- you must have it, but just cannot seem to manage it. To help you stay stylish and healthy, I give you some tips on how to walk in high heels (trust me; your feet will thank me later).

KNOW YOUR SHOE

THE BODY: If a stiff shoe causes blisters, spritz this area of the shoe with water and use your fingers to mold the softened leather to the shape of your foot or try special inserts to reduce friction. Genuine leather shoes will reduce blisters and fit your foot more comfortably. 

THE BREAST: The inner arch of the heel, which affects stability. The farther forward the arch, the less you will feel off-balance. 

THE SOLE: Slipping on slick floors? Pick up a pair of sole protectors or score the soles of your heels with a key to create extra traction. 

THE TOE BOX: If your toes feel pinched, have this area stretched out at your local shoe repair shop. 

THE INTERIOR: If you suffer from low arches, slip in supports to relieve pressure on the balls of your feet; this will also help you stay on your feet longer.

TAKE IT STEP-BY-STEP

1. POSTURE: Heels pitch weight forward, so for balance, keep your head up and shoulders back. Hit the gym and tighten your core, this will offset some of the pressure on your feet. 

2. STEPS: Striding in a normal heel-to-toe motion can snap a stiletto or twist an ankle. Instead, think ballroom dancing and take short steps, going down evenly on the ball of the foot and heel. 

3. WEIGHT: As your weight shifts fully onto a foot, spread your toes in the shoe slightly; this will help to distribute the weight onto the ball of the foot. 

4. HIPS: When you're feeling off-balance, you tend to stiffen up. For an easy, attractive momentum, let your hips swing in small, sideways, figure-eight motions. This will not only make you look more comfortable, but will help you achieve the ‘gliding walk’ demonstrated to Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality.

GET THE RIGHT SUPPORT

1. WHOLE-SOLE CUSHIONS: A comfort insole that's tapered at the front so your toes won't feel crowded. 

2. WEIGHT SHIFTERS: This sized insert sits in the breast of the shoe, shifting weight off the ball of the foot and back onto the heel. 

3.TOE GELS: Provides cushioning under the ball of the foot to protect the area where most of your weight is centered. 

4.OPEN-TOE STOPPERS: A shorter insole that provides the same shock absorption without being seen through your peep-toes. 

5. ARCH SUPPORTS: If your arches are low or need a boost, these supports will help relieve pressure on the balls of your feet. 

6. HEEL PADS: Liners that help keep feet from slipping around inside shoes.

TAKE TIME TO SOOTHE AND REPAIR

Leonardo da Vinci once said, “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art”. Looking after your ‘masterpiece’ is the key ingredient to walking beautifully in high heels. 

Set time aside to refresh tired feet with a tingly foot treatment. Also try kneading away sore spots and stimulate blood flow to help your feet

recover from a day in uncomfortable shoes. Grab your mom’s old bathroom staple, the callus stone, to keep calluses and rough spots at bay.

Happy strutting!

www.instyle.com

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