beyond-easy hairstyles to wear for the holidays and beyond...

personally, i'm always wearing some sort of variation of a "hair down" style; sometimes i add a braid on the side or tiny twists at my temples, but i often have to talk myself into wearing my hair up, even if only half up {strange it may seem, yes, but we're all guilty of keeping to our safe, comfortable, i-feel-better-wearing-my-hair-like-this style...c'mon, admit it! *wink}.

typically, it's at certain times of year {holidays, awards season, summer} that i am most inspired to change it up. celeb hairstylist and Redken artist Nelson Vercher, who has worked with many stars including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Palermo and Kelly Rowland, has shared 3 fabulous hairstyles that are not only great, chic options for this time of year, but also easy, perfect for incorporating them year-round...


1) off the face ponytail or high buns: don't let your hair come in the way of your new year's kiss. many celebs have been spotted with a pony tail for a natural, softer look. with a smoky eye shadow and great accessories this hair do would be great for all your holiday festivities.

2) a loose french fish tail or classic plait middle braid: this is an easy, sexy and fun look. don't let the wind stop you from getting creative. you can add some hair accessories to it!

3) half up, half down: this is great for the holidays because the front of the hair is back off the face and the back is left down; curls can be added for a glamorous look.


Nelson says: "i think it is always best to do something off the face...a lot of times up and off the collar because people wear lots of high collars, scarves and very layered clothes this time of year, particularly new years eve!"

so easy, right? plus, with some creativity, you'll be able create these styles and make them look completely fresh for any occasion.

style inspiration: Olivia Palermo

where do you find your style inspiration?

true, we as americans find it via celebs, and this post is no exception. in my defense, i don't really think that everyone knows who Olivia Palermo is, but her star is definitely rising and she is {thankfully} making a name for herself aside from her reality show persona {google her if you have no clue what i'm talking about}.

whether she's wearing her hair dark or light, long, cropped, curled or straight, Olivia P has a true sense of personal style that i love. her lady-like ensembles almost always include a statement necklace along with a great bag and shoes. the looks are well put-together, and yet she always looks comfortable and at ease.


in addition, she's not afraid to take risks and plays with many silhouettes and prints. take a look at these random pics, and you'll see why she's definitely a gal to look to for style inspiration...















p.s., i'm happy to report that fashion e-tailer Piperlime.com is expanding its guest editor program to include Ms. Palermo for fall along with Rachel Bilson and Byrdie Bell! :)

all images via tumblr

Olivia Palermo at the Maybelline COLOR SENSATIONAL Lipcolor launch party

Olivia Palermo attended the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor launch party thursday night with a makeup look created by makeup artist Kristin Gallegos that was inspired by Brigitte Bardot's 60's glam, but with a modern twist.

Kristin played up Olivia's beautiful eyes with a fun, winged cat eye. she kept the rest of her face neutral and fresh, with a hint of shimmer on the cheeks.



on her skin: Kristin prepped Olivia's skin with La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray, then applied Embryolisse Moisturizer and Smith's Rosebud Salve lip balm.

base: Kristin kept foundation to a minimum, evening skin tone with Maybelline New York Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation in Natural Ivory and Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Concealer shade 5. to finish, she dusted Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Powder in Translucent all over.

blush: Kristin brought a rosy glow to Olivia's cheeks with Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Moist Glow Cream Blush in Pravella (a soft pink).

brows: Kristin defined Olivia's brows with Le Metier de Beaute Brow Bound in Fawn then sealed them with Chanel Brow Definer in Clear.

eyeshadow & liner: Kristin kept the eye neutral with shades from Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quad in Mocha Motion, then added drama with jet black eyeliner winged at the outer corners (products used: Maybelline Ebony Black Line Express Eyeliner and Le Metier de Beaute True Colour Eye Shadow in Noir).

mascara: for seductively lush and lengthy lashes, Kristin applied Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Mascara.

*lips: Kristin created a neutral, rosey lip look with Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lip Gloss in Pink Perfection layered over Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipcolor in Pink Petal .


xo
*correction