Color Me Bonita - Dove Hair Affair

Blow outs might be the most luxurious thing I can imagine. So when Dove came to Pioneer Plaza on Michigan Ave and was giving out free blow outs I couldn't pass up the opportunity!

Color Me Bonita - To Ombre or Not To Ombre

I am getting my hairs colored and cut tomorrow. This is the first time I've been to the salon in about six months. 

And my stylist is a good friend... I am just lazy. And ombre color honestly requires a lot less maintenance because my natural color is my base color.

I do know that I'll be cutting off about 4 inches but I'd love your opinion on my color choice! My appointment is at 10 AM so that's you're deadline for weighing in :)

You can leave comments below or let me know on Facebook or Instagram.

This will be my new Easter hair-do and I hope you all have a lovely weekend celebrating with those you love. At the very least dye some eggs and grab some Peeps for a treat.

Color Me Bonita - Dame Mirren's New Hue

Helen Mirren at the 2013 BAFTA Awards (image via Style Frizz)

Both the Grammy's and the BAFTA Awards took place over the weekend and there were big style winners at both events. I'm gathering my favorites (hint: cut outs) for a post later this week.

But what caught my eye as I scrolled through red carpet shots from both events was Dame Helen Mirren's new pink hue! 

Color Me Crazy because I love it! 

She says she was inspired by a America's Next Top Model winner Sophie Sumner and debuted her new look at the BAFTA awards. Mirren twirled for the cameras showing off her dove grey Nicholas Oakwell gown. Her look was finalized with bright pink lip stick and pink nails but none of it was over the top.

The color shows off the 67 year old's beauty, confidence and youthful spirit. Part of me hopes that I'm cool enough to dye my hair pink when I am her age! 

Color Me Bonita - #NewHairResolution

@LUSHCosmetics #NewHairResolution - No I am not planning to grow a beard.

Our friends at LUSH Cosmetics have a #NewHairResolution contest that is open through the end of the week... You can win 6 free months of hair care just by tweeting, instagramming and pinning about your strands.

This is NOT my typical hair style. I usually whip my wet hair back into a twisted bun and secure it with spin pins. But my #NewHairResolution is to take care of my long strands with conditioning treatments to prevent breakage. And to show it off!

I have worn my hair down twice in the last week and both times I received compliments. So I may have to wake up 10 minutes earlier to get in time to dry my hair every morning but if I can do it 3 or more times a week that is progress.

What I think has helped is Lush's Shine So Bright Split End Treatment. Just a little of this product goes a long way to smoothing out my unprofessional blow dry. My ends go from fried to sleek in an instant. But it is super light weight and doesn't weigh your hair down so you can style as you please. 

And I was totally inspired by Jenna Lyons on the Today Show yesterday with my outfit today. She rocked the striped T, jean jacket and statement necklace and I felt that my Wednesday style needed some pep!

Color Me Styled - Golden Globe Fashion Faves

The Golden Globes are probably my favorite award show. One they also honor TV and that is the media I consume most (unless social networks count). Plus I was super excited to see Tina and Amy host the night and they were hilarious and I only wish I could have seen them more. 

Michelle Dockery in Alexandre Vauthier | Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen | Emily Blunt in Michael Kors

Michelle, Kate and Emily rocked 3 of my favorites of the night. Each gown is feminine and flattering with just the right amount of skin. The high collars on Kate and Emily's dresses perfectly balance the low neckline and waist cut outs. Also, two thumbs up for Emily's pop of color earrings! The lace on Michelle's dress is demure and you don't realize that it comes down to the empire waistline. (JLo could take a hint from these ladies... or here... hint: stop wearing doilies, you're 43)

Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney | Isla Fisher in Reem Acra | Kristen Wiig in Michael Kors

Amy Isla and Kristen were also favorites of mine. Amy is rockin the menswear look with the jacket and diamonds. Isla is a sea of sparkles and the side swept hair is the perfect understated style for the flashy dress. Kristen is getting some flack for her Michael Kors choice but I love the unexpected cut out. The black dress is simple and perfect for the funny gal who presented with Will Farrell.

Olivia Munn in Armani | Allison Williams in J.Mendel

Olivia Munn is, if you ask me, one of the prettiest ladies in hollywood and last night was no different. She embraced the geometric trend with the embellishments on the bodice of her Armani gown. She also worked in a bit of color and a belt just above her natural waist which makes her look a million years tall! And Allison Williams in J.Mendel wins my vote for black cut-away-structured dress. Katherine McPhee was stunning but the low cut AND the leg and the messy hair was just too much for my taste. Same goes for Eva Longoria and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley... we all know you're hot but leave some for the imagination!

Naomi Watts in Zac Prosen

Besides the little bit of wrinkling and where it doesn't quite fit her tiny arms Naomi Watts was gorgeous in this oxblood Zac Prosen gown. The little peep of skin at the neckline is just enough and the drama of the open back and added fabric at the skirt ups the drama level and perfectly suits the starlet.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture | Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta

Ladies in Red. Jennifer Lawrence's Dior Haute Couture dress looks as if it was designed for her body.So I guess when you wear a dress like that you're confident enough to attend while battling the flu and then still throw down against Meryl Streep when you win! The slim bodice on Jennifer's dress and belted waist pulls down to her hips showing off her desirable figure without showing much of anything! Then the skirt is perfectly balanced to not overwhelm her. Same with Zooey's Oscar de la Renta gown. The sweetheart neckline and pearls are spot on for adorkable Z and again the skirt is full and feminine without drowning her.

Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera | Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta

And finally, Lucy and Jessica made my "so close but so far" list. I love elements of their outfits but the look on the whole missed. Lucy's dress is very pretty and actually a decent choice for the Golden Globes (generally more casual than the Oscars) and the china blue is a beautiful color on her. I think her side swept fishtail braid is very pretty but it doesn't go with her floral printed ball gown. Side swept and minimum is the right choice but she should have chosen loose curls or a off center french twist. And Jessica is stunning in her Oscar de la Renta gown. The color is beautiful on her and especially paired with the coral lip and glamorous hair. But what on earth is that in her hand?! The color is right but feathers is very, very wrong. When she presented and didn't have her hampster with her I almost forgot my initial reaction when I saw her on the red carpet.

What did you think? I also loved Helen Mirren, Catherine Zeta Jones and Emily Deschanel. I love award season and I can't wait to see what the SAGs and the Oscars have in store. Also congrats to Ben Affleck on his wins and for having the best speech of the night. And locking down one of the prettiest wives in Hollywood... give it up for Jennifer Garner right?! 

Color Me Styled - Rockin' NYE

Color Me Styled - Rockin' NYE by ebdaily featuring faux leather leggings

To celebrate a rockin' New Year's Eve in honor of Dick Clark this year, and because we couldn't pass up the opportunity, Danny and I are headed to a Third Eye Blind concert tonight at the House of Blues Chicago!

Normally for NYE I am one of the gaggle of gals who wear tiny sparkly dresses with no tights and no coat because coat checks are a hassle on a night like this. And I have to admit, my lack of regard for the temperatures on January 1st was appropriate for the year we went out, couldn't find a cab home in the snow, made our way to a pizza place before finding the train and then singing Madonna with the transvestite in a fur coat that we met.

But now, as a much more practical adult, I'll be wearing faux leather leggings, a tank top and black pumps. My phone and wallet will be kept safely in a wristlet (with a strap). I'll wear non-sparkly yet smokey eye shadow with a  deep red lip. And I'll have punky pink streaks in my hair.

I could barely resist all of the studded shoes and tops out there but knowing me and my style they'd just sit in my closet unused after tomorrow. Shoes deserve to be loved and used often.

And... I will be wearing a coat since Chicago temps are supposed to be a balmy 19 degrees (feels like 8).


I hope you all have a fantastic night celebrating 2012 and CHEERS to 2013!

Color Me Trendy - No Mumu's Please Kate!

So, HRH Kate debuted her new fringe last week and it sparked rumors that she was pregnant. Bangs require dedication to daily styling (never mind that she has a stylist to do it for her) which can now obviously be tied to her new sense of responsibility carrying the next heir to the throne.

Or two... 

Her condition is common for women who are carrying twins. Can you imagine the sibling rivalry?! Slash the stroke of luck for which ever twin comes out first!? 

But now that we've got a Royal Mommy to Be we will be looking even more closely at her style choices for the next 7-8 months. We love that pregnant women these days are embracing their bumps and wearing tighter fitting clothing to show off their lady figures. Will Kate lead the way? Will big name designers start maternity lines in order to outfit her (and all of us down the road)? 

Mrs. Beckham wore a super stylish, but still mumu esque style for the Royal wedding while she was pregnant with Harper.

All we can do is hope that Kate doesn't repeat the with child style of Princess Diana and Fergie!

Color Me Trendy - She Bangs!

Go ahead, sing Ricky Martin for a minute... 

But seriously! Bangs are the one "trend" for hair that seems to make a comeback every other year and every other year I seriously consider them. Until I remember that I never dry my hair. Okay, not never but like it is 1% of the time. However, I can't kick this feeling that I need to change it up.

I first decided that I wanted them when I saw Jennifer Lawerence on the cover of ELLE this month. So sultry!! And they framed her face beautifully.

Here's more of my latest girl crush JL.

Then I wake up this morning to find out that my ultimate girl crush, The Duchess of Cambridge, has gotten bangs too!!

Kate's are much more manageable style. But how many ladies are running to their salons today asking for the new Kate. I could probably handle this style since they are side swept and long enough to still pull back into an up-do if needed.

So is it a sign from the celebrity gods that I need to try bangs?! Maybe I try the Jennifer Lawerence brow length first and as they grow out rock the Kate side swept style.

Whaddya think?

Remind me that I don't dry my hair so my bangs would become this curly, frizzy pouf on my forehead and that Jennifer and Kate both have professional stylists at their disposal!

Color Me Bonita - The 4 Strand Braid

The low side braid is all the rage now that the sock bun craze has slowed down. (I still adore the sock bun... FYI) 

Me and the 4 Strand Braid before a girls sushi night

If you're looking for a way to spice up the low side braid, so you can stop telling people you got the idea from Katniss, here is a fun twist. I was so excited to see Joanna Goddard of A CUP OF JO post about a 4 Strand Braid. 

It does take a minute to get the rhythm down but I have worn this braid a few times in the last few weeks and I love it. Since Joanna really described it best I don't see the need in trying to re-explain it. Plus she got pictures of the process by Jamie Beck. Jamie is honestly one of the most talented fashion photographers out there. Check out A CUP OF JO's 4 Strand Braid here!