Monday

Black silk/cashmere shell from banana Republic, denim trousers from Ann Taylor, red stone necklace from a vintage boutique, black pointy pumps from B.P./Nordstrom.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, MAC Studio Stick concealer, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer in light used as powder and color. Touch of Nars Orgasm blush on the lips. On the eyes is The Body Shop's Granite on the lids, Soft Black on the crease and along the lower lash line. Maybelline's Ultra Liner in black on the top lash line. two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black on lashes curled thanks to Shu Eumura. On lips is Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

Hair was wahsed this AM with Suave Professionals Healthy Curles shampoo and conditioner, then a large amount of the matching mousse in damp hair. Dried with a diffuser, curled a few pieces but mainly left as-is.

Saturday

Birthday cookout at a friend's house. Very laid-back casual group of people.

Coral cotton camisole from Gap. under it is a blackl knit molded-cup bra tank from... ooh I'll have to get back to you. Got it in a department store lingerie department. My trusty favorite vintage color lowrise bootcut jeans from Gap. Two coral glass chip necklaces from a boutique, silver hoops, black stacked flops from J. Crew.

Hair was just washed with Suave Professionals Healthy Curls conditioner, then the matching mousse applied to hair. I let it air dry for 30 minutes, then hit it with the dryer and diffuser. Curled a few pieces with the iron, but like the tangled/beachy look that resulted once dry. A touch of Sebastian Shaper spray to hold it in the humidity.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, a bit of MAC stick concealer, Physician's Formula Magical Mosiacs bronzer in light for powder and color. Eyes is Revlon ColorStay shadoq quad in neutral - ivory in the inenr corners and along the brow bone. Two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascar in black on Shu Eumura curled lashes. A thin line of Maybelline's Ultra Liner in black on the top lash line. On lips is Goldie's lipgloss in Blossom.

I have changed my foundation from Bare Minerals back to L'Oreal True Match because in the extreme heat and humidity of my state, I am starting to have a reaction of the minerals - My skin itches and burns as I sweat, and when I wipe my fave I wipe off all my makeup and I end the day quite streaky and irritated (mentally and physically). Hopefully this switch will calm my skin down a bit - I will keep you posted!

Friday

I had to be at work early to get a deliverable turned in before the deadline. Went o bed around midnight after dinner and drinks with the girls, had to be up at 5:00 am with no gym time to get to work before 7:00 am. I walked the dog a couple of blocks and did some crunches instead.

Lavender silk knit tank from Ann Taylor, gray cuffed suiting trousers (part of a suit) from Tahari, black pointy-toe pumps from B.P./Nordstrom, black pearl necklace (looped) that was a gift from my sister, two anthracite and purple bead necklaces from Express (one shortened by me).

Hair was washed the ngiht before with Suave Professionals Healthy Curls shampoo and conditioner, slept overnight wet with a bit of Frizz-Ease Dream Curls spray. In the mornign I circled a few pieces with a curling iron, touch of Sebastian Shaper spray.

Makeup was Bare Minerals foundation, Nars Orgasm blush. On eyes was Trish McEvoy lavendar shadow on the lid, L'Oreal shadow in a metallic purple in the crease and along the lash line (wetted brush). On lips was Maybelline's Forever Metallics lip pencil in Berry Glossy.

Thursday

Dinner immediately after work with an old friend. Probably light fare, a few drinks in a laid-back establishment.

White wrinkle-free cotton shirt from Eddie Bauer, charcoal black stretch jeans from Gap, black leather strappy peep-toe pumps from Steve Madden, two gold chains from Express and multiple gold bangles from Claire's.

Makeup is Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer, a touch of Nars Orgasm blush. On eyes is the Revlon ColorStay quad in Neutral again - ivory in the inner corners and brow bone, the olive green on the lids and wetted and applied around the lash lines. Two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black on lashes curled thanks to Shu Eumura. On lips is Sally Hansen's Diamond lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

Hair was washed with the Suave Professionals shampoo and conditioner for curly hair last night, while damp sprayed ont he Frizz Ease Dream Curls spray. Slept on it damp. Woke up, hit a few ppieces with the curling iton using Got 2 Be spray to use with curling irons - the Got 2 Be products were buy 1, Get 1 50% off at CVS so I got their curling mousse (they didn't have the Suave Professionals and I am almost out) and this product. My review? Not really sure how I feel. You are to apply to dry hair, one section at a time. This proved to be a pain - separate the hair, spray with my left hand, curl with my right. I ended up stopping with the spray midway through because it was so tedious. I would prefer a product I can just hit the whole head with and then do as I wish. My curling method is so haphazard - flip over the head, find a piece not curly, and jsut grab it with the iron. I don't separate or brush or comb it out, and often do not curl the whole length (makes it look more natural) so to add spray to the mix just doesn't fit, however, now that I am coloring my hair, drying it several times a week AND using curling and straightening irons, I do feel that I need to be better about protecting the hair. If anyone else has a heat-protecting product they love, do let me know!

Fall 2006 – Wardrobe Essentials

1. Denim Pencil Skirt – the darker the better. Stretch is good too. It doesn’t have to be tight all the way down, just a classic straight style (a slight a-line will be unnoticeable and far more forgiving for some figures). This is a dressier denim; go light on the stitching, rivets and other traditional dungaree fare. The fabric may be denim, but the look is appropriate for work, dinner and nights out on the town as well as a weekend jaunt to the market.

What to wear it with – a white collared shirt and gold chains for a very crisp elegant look. A black turtleneck and boots or peeptoe pumps for a chic work-worthy outfit. A blazer (could be twill, or a luxe fabric like velvet, suede or leather – dark denim is so versatile) and tank or shell for most any event. A v-neck slim-fitting sweater and boots for lunch with the girls. Even in the between season, a slim scoop necked tee and sandals can be quite lovely.

2. A work-appropriate dress – Be it a wrap dress, shirt dress, a heavier wool knit sheath; dresses are very big this season. Work-appropriate means you can wear a traditional bra with it, it comes to your knees, does not cling to your curves, and is in more subtle of a print or color. Have the dress with a flattering but not plunging neckline, and at least short sleeves so it can travel through seasons and situations with ease. Use Diane Von Furstenburg’s dresses for inspiration and if your budget or shape doesn’t allow her pieces, you can find similar concepts with many of the other brands. I have a matte jersey wrap dress I bought on sale at Express a few years ago that gets tons of wear, even if I gain or lose a few pounds. I have worn it to a bat Mitzvah with pumps, to work with boots, out with the girls with strappy heels.

What to wear it with – slim boots with a feminine heel, pumps, ankle-strap heels, most anything in your closet. Try jazzing it up with a long gold chain necklace or an oblong scarf slung around the neck.


3. A chain necklace – the longer the better. Even if you are a silver fanatic like me, consider buying one in gold. This does not have to be high quality – I have found gems in Claire’s, Express and Rampage. The bling of previous summers has become muted, but luxe looks are all over the runway. A great way to get that glitzy compromise is with a chain necklace. Let it loose hanging past your waist for a carefree, stylish and elongating look. Loop it a few times and have it displayed in the neckline of a sweater or collared shirt. Loop it twice and wear it with a suit for a flash of shine. If it has a clasp you can get creative and make it into a belt, wrap it around the wrist as a bracelet, or clip it as a lariat-style necklace.

What to wear it with – most anything in your wardrobe. Nothing is more sophisticated than a dark turtleneck, dark bottoms in the same color and a single gold chain necklace. Jazz up your wardrobe essentials with this chain – white shirts, sheath dresses, simple black suits all can use a dangling necklace!

4. A chunky strappy heeled sandal – This is a wonderful wardrobe addition to transition pieces from summer to fall and fall to winter. A sleeveless black wool shift seems appropriate in September with a pair of dark green suede sandals. The weight and fabric of these shoes makes them more stylish, work-appropriate and comfortable too! Thanks goodness for the return of the sturdy heel. It balances out soft floaty skirts and dresses and summarizes heavy dresses and suits.

What to wear them with – skirts of all shapes, dresses, denim trousers, jeans. Replace your espadrilles, flip flops and thin strappy sandals with these shoes to make the step into fall.

5. A kimono-inspired top or dress – Movies always seem to inspire designers, and it shows with this trend and Memoirs of a Geisha. What is great about this trend is that the focus is on the piece, not your figure. Light floaty fabrics, watercolor prints and dramatic shapes cause for an artistic yet chic look that is stylish and flattering. Make sure to stick to light fabrics – silk, matte jersey, organza for the best drape and most flattering fall. With the right fabric, the piece it totally evening-appropriate or lovely for a shower, luncheon or daytime wedding. I am personally partial to the top because it is so versatile.

What to wear it with – tops can be worn with crisp jeans, denim trousers or even your favorite black pants. Dresses can be worn with strappy heeled sandals or delicate pumps. Your shoes and accessories will dictate the dressiness of the outfit – hoops, jeans and heels will be right for a club, flowing black pants and a single bangle makes it fitting for a wedding or evening event.

Please understand that this list is not all-inclusive. As with every post I write on this blog, I hope to include all ages, sizes, budgets and lifestyles of the readers. There are some gorgeous new styles this coming fall – inspiration can come from online retailers (check the list to the right), magazines (I am partial to Bazaar – they break down couture and make it understandable for all incomes and ages) and other great websites and blogs. Feel free to post your particular favorite look for fall, it may influence or inspire another reader!

Wednesday

This morning I had an appointment, then work. Leaving work early to go to a concert with a dear friend. Needed something that was appropriate for all events.....

Brown scoop tee from American Apparel. Straight Bootcut jeans from Gap. Khaki motocross-inspired canvas jacket with brown stitching from Mossimo. Large tortise-shell necklace from Target. Beaded thong sandlas with short wood wedge heel from Seychelles.

Hair is second day dirty, blown straight with a round boar-bristle brush. Touch of BioSilk on the ends.

Makeup is Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer, Revlon's ColorStay quad in Neutral - ivory ont he inenr corners and brow bone, khaki on the lid (both applied with finger) and the chocolate in the crease (applied with my beloved Trish mcEvoy brush) and alond the lash lines (slant brush from The Body Shop). Two coats of L'oreal Voluminous mascara on curled lashes. On lips is Lancome's Juicy Tubes in Exposure.

Lazy Tuesday

So I didn't take a picture this morning. Maybe I was running late, maybe I jsut didn't want to because my outfit is ugly.

Of course the day I wear an ugly outfit I get interviewed for a different department in my company. Hot. So I took a picture of me at my desk seven hours after arriving, nine hours after getting ready this morning. Can you tell it has been a harrowing day?

Black tape yarn scoop-neck capped sleeve shell from Ann Taylor Loft, putty-colored cropped trousers from Banana Republic, long necklace of gray-blue and sea-green beads with silver wire from Target, black leather thong heeled sandals from Mossimo, silver hoops and cuff bracelet.

hair is washed and then the front dried with a round brush, the back flung around like mad with a paddle brush and the dryer on high. I did it in about three minutes.

Makeup is Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer, L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black and Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipgloss in Royal Romance. I went for a power walk this morning and lost track of time, leaving me 12 minutes to shower and dress... this is the best I could do.

Monday

White jeans from Caslon, raspberry heathered ribbed tank from Old Navy, navy cotton twill blazer from Talbots, tan thong leather heels from Mossimo. Silver hoops and cuff bracelet.

Hair is curly - Suave Professionals curly hair mousse, random pieces curled with iron, set with Sebastian Shaper Spray.

Makeup is Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer, Nars Orgasm blush, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral - ivory in the inner corners and khaki on the lids, on lips is Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast. oh, and L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in black on curled lashes.

Sweaty Saturday

My husband is a photographer; I accompany him on events to help organize people, arrange shots, and do a bit of coordination. This Saturday we had a wedding where the bride and groom were not... organized. I ended up styling the bride and bridesmaids' hair, told the DJ when to do certain events, ensured the champagne was served in time for the toast, blotted the faces of the wedding party in the hot humid heat. I assembled a wagon for the flower girl to be transported in down the aisle, directed guests to the cocktail hour and pretty much ran myself ragged. These pictures were taken two hours into all this, plus posed shots before the cermony outside in the blazing sun, sweat dripping from every pore of everyone in the wedding party (and myself).

Black matte jersey dress from Roni Nicole (Nordstrom). Black camisole from Victoria's Secret underneath for modesty. Turquoise necklace from Target. My old faithful black leather thong heels from Mossimo.

Hair was curly - I knew I would be outside a lot and straightening my hair would be pointless. Well curling it was pointless too; I looked a wreck. But I did apply my Suave Professionals Healthy Curls mousse, dried with a diffuser and curled unruly parts, then set it with Sebastian Shaper Spray.

Makeup was Bare Minerals foundation, Nars Orgasm blush, Revlon's ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral - ivory in the corners and brow bone, khaki on the lid. Two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black. On lips was Victoria's Secret lipgloss in French Kiss.

Friday

So I am sick of my entire wardrobe. Add that to a few pounds gained from crab feasts, cold beer and cookout food, I am not feeling my prettiest or most creative. the best way to get some spring in my step is to wear fun shoes.

Black cashmere shell from Banana Republic. Black suiting skirt from Banana Republic. Short pearl necklace from Monet, longer necklace from Limited. Hot pink pointy heels with studs from NYLA.

Hair is straight, but acting funny because I ran out of Sexy Straight Balm; used the last remnants from the tube. Added that with a touch of Pantene Thickening Spray to dry it straight with a round boar bristle brush.

Makeup is Bare Minerals foundation, Nars Orgasm blush, Revlon ColorStay quad in Neutral - the ivory over the whole lid, applied with finger. Two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara applied to curled lashes, substantial line of black liquid Ultra Liner from Maybelline on upper lash line. On lips is Maybelline's Wet Sine Diamonds lipstick in Glowing Glimmer.

Thursday

Teal and purple batik print cotton wrap top from Gap. Denim trousers from Ann Taylor. Multiple good bangles from Claire's. Gold chain from Express. Tan thong heels from Mossimo.

Hair is second day dirty, just the bed head blown out. Makeup is Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer in the lighter color, a touch of Nars Orgasm blush, Champagne Toast lipgloss from Sally Hansen. On eyes, the Revlon ColorStay quad again - ivory on the brow bone and inner corners, the olive color on the lids and along the lash lines. For concentrated color at the laslines, I wet the brush. A touch of black kohl liner from The Body Shop and two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black on curled lashes.

Wednesday

Feeling a bit better. Last night I went without dinner, just drank water and did yoga. This morning I got up and walked for an hour, had oatmeal for breakfast and now I am hungry but feeling almost perfect. However due to my long walk I ended up running super late.

Salmon silk knit scoop necked, cap sleeved shell from Ann Taylor. Denim blazer also from AT, and same with the brown stretch twill pants with faint salmon, cherry and ivory pinstripes. Tan leather thong heels from Mossimo. No jewelry because i couldn't decide and din't have time.

Hair was washed with Suave Professionals/Biolage-esque shampoo and conditioner, a bit of VO5 mousse and Sexy Straight Hair balm applied while damp, dried with round brush.

Makeup is Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer, a bit of Nars Orgasm blush because it matches my top so well. On eyes is the Revlon ColorStay quad in Neutral - ivory on brow bone and inner corners, khaki on the lid, brown in the crease and along lash lines. Lashes curled, one coat of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black. On lips is Sally Hansen Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

Tuesday’s Tip: Switch It Up With Color!

Several years ago I worked in retail. I was a trainer, I traveled teaching staff about the proper way to fold a pair of jeans, the correct way to dress a window, the company’s standard on accessorizing, and later in my retail career I preached about proper bronzer application and where to spritz perfume and how to layer scents for fragrance longevity.

I wore a lot of black during this time. When I worked for the beauty care company, it was required. Notice the people at the makeup counter, Sephora or even your local salon on day spa. Usually they are wearing at least 90% black. The reason is not to make the employees look slim or sophisticated; in fact black shows the least stains and it also disappears. If you are selling great hair or makeup you want to have that be the eye-catcher, not your outfit. I wore black when I sold fashion – it accentuated my accessories and made me look older and more of an authority figure.

When I left retail, my husband and I had a bonfire in our back yard chimenea – seven pairs of black pants, stained with oily foundations, liquid liners and moisturizers up in smoke. It felt so good, so liberating. I promised myself that I would only buy one pair of black pants a season and bring more color into my life, and not just on my eyelids.

Something came with the color switch – a personality switch. No longer was I a tough professional, suddenly I had personality. I laughed more, and I was complimented more. I seemed to gain a warm heart along with warm colored clothing. It is as though people saw me in my black merino v-neck and black trousers and black boots and saw me as tough/mean/unapproachable. Switch to same sweater in blue and pants in tan and I was a nice/warm/open person.

It isn’t that black makes one look slim, it’s that black disappears. You still have those thighs, you still have that chin, you still have that tummy. It’s just that you aren’t memorable. From the back your ass will look the same, be the pants black or brown or gray. So why not make it fun? If you are willing to paint your walls, your toenails and even your lips with cheery colors, why not your body? Doesn’t your body deserve a little color and fun?

The next time you consider picking up yet another black sweater, try it in a different color. Start of slow with a plum or maroon. Maybe try a pair of charcoal trousers in place of a 50th pair of black. You’ll see the difference in how you are perceived. Suddenly you look prettier, slimmer, happier. People will compliment your hair even if you haven’t had a cut in months. You will be asked if you have lost weight, even if you are bloated and PMSing.

The best thing about color is that it reflects your personality or mood. A simple top in a favorite color is far more telling of your spirit than a creatively designed black one. Consider this when you meet his parents for the first time, when you have that interview or when you’re presenting in front of 300 people the proper way to fold jeans. Now that I have conducted presentations, interviews and training outside of a wardrobe of black, I realize that I can command just as much respect in color and look just as sophisticated, stylish and powerful. Now I am powerful, but personable.

Tuesday

So it's not the beer, I think I am actually sick. I had the hardest time sleeping, I felt fevered. Sneezing, coughing, body aches along with the tummy issues. Good times. By this morning the last thing I wanted to do was look human and head to work. My peer at work is out so i knew it was very important to go in. Took some Advil and prayed for the best.

As I have mentioned on my other blog, I never feel that there is a justified reason to look like ass in public. Yes I am sick and feel miserable and will be spending a good portion of the day either holding my head or visiting the head, but that doesn't mean i can wear flannel PJ's and a scrunchie to work.

Black stretchy v-neck sweater from Banana Republic. Off-white stretch denim skirt with tan stitching from Ann Taylor Loft. Necklace of seaglass and silver wire. Silver hoops and cuff bracelet. Beaded thongs from Seychelles on my feet.

Hair is dirty. I should have taken a shower but I didn't have the time or energy. I jsut used a round brush on it with the dryer to remove the bends from sleeping on it.

Makeup was a necessity. Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer, Body Shop's Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Caramel, Revlon's ColorStay quad in Neutral - ivory on the brow bone and inner corners of the eyes, khaki on the lid, brown along the lash line. L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black on curled lashes.

Whew, I am exhausted! I want my bed! Seven hours to go....

Monday

I feel disgusting. I don't do well drinking beer, it blows me up like a balloon and I feel a bit queasy the next day, even after one. I had three Miller Lites last night so today I feel dreadful. Oh, let's add I didn't get to bed until 2am.... needless to say work is luckily I showed up dressed or even at all.

Cerulean blue (thank you miranda Priestly) tape yarn square necked, capped sleeved sweater from Marshalls, Black suiting trousers from Ann Taylor Loft, black pumps from B.P./Nordstrom, white gold chain with teal Murano glass disc from Italy, blue beaded bracelet from Express.

Hair was washed in a hurry, dried in a hurry with round boar bristle brush and ionic dryer. Touch of Biosilk to keep it smooth.

Makeup is Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer, Revlon's ColorStay quad in Neutral - ivory in the inner corners and along the brow bone, khaki on the lid and around lash lines. Thin thin line of black Ultra Liner by Maybelline on the top lash line, L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black. On lips is L'real Volume Perfecte lipcolor in Defining Mica.

Sunday Night

I went and saw Pink in concert Sunday night; it was at a general admission smaller venue, think it holds 1,200 people. Don't know what you think of Pink, but she is phenomenal in concert - her voice is better live, she is entertaining, she doesn't fear getting sweaty and belting it out. I was super excited to see Suzie McNeil from Rockstar:INXS as one of her backup singers. I loved her on the show and she complimented Pink's voice beautifully.

The venue is small, cement floor riddled with beer bottles and trash. Scent of stale beer and cloves cigarettes in the air. Dim lighting and drafts served in red plastic keg cups - great place for live music but not for high fashion. Did see a few pitiful souls in dresses, detailed jewelry, designer duds and boy were they probably hating it as the crowd became excited and beers were sloshing everywhere.

Black silk/cashmere tank from Banana Republic. My beloved old lowrise bootcut jeans from Gap. Black stacked flipflops from J. Crew. Silver cuff and hoops, same red stone necklace from the previous night.

Hair was allowed to air dry during my mid-day nap (had the Suave professionals curling mousse in it). Took iron to a few pieces in front, but it looked pretty cool on it's own. Some Sebastian Shaper spray to keep it in place.

Makeup was Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer, The Body Shop's Granite (on lid) and Soft Black (crease and lash lines) shadows, two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black on Shu Eumura curled lashes. On lips was Victoria's Secret lip gloss in French Kiss.

Friday Night and Saturday

Friday Night
Same outfit as the day. Just applied a bit of powder and gloss. We went to dinner at Carrabas and then to a local microbrewery for a few drinks.


Saturday Day
Had a baby shower. No picture, but I wore the matte jersey short sleeved dress I wore on the 23rd of June and some other days. Silver hoops and cuff, black Body By Victoria camisole underneath, my black leather heeled sandals from Target.

Hair was done curly, thanks to my curling iron and Suave/Redken-like products.

Makeup was Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer, Revlon's ColorStay squad shadow in Neutrals - ivory on the inner corners and on the brow bone, khaki on the lid, brown in the crease and along the lash line. Two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black on curled lashes, Royal Romance lipgloss from Sally Hansen.

Saturday Night
Professional soccer game and tailgating. Black knit tube top from Torrid, distressed denim gauchos from Gap, black stacked flops from J. Crew. Silver hoops and cuff bracelet, red stone necklace from a vintage boutique. I had ten minutes to get ready after the shower, so all I did was brush my teeth, powder and reapply lipgloss and perfume.

Friday

This weather sucks. This morning on the news they described the air as "soup." Soup it is. Muggy, hot, thick, a cast of smog over the land. Everythign looks a bit dingy in the filtered sunlight. That plus being Casual Friday, I decided to wear a tank.

Seagreen cashmere tank from Gap, under it a pale aqua ribbed tank from Caslon. Turquoise necklace from Target. Silver cuff and hoops. Denim trousers from Ann Taylor. Brown thong strappy leather heeled sandals from Target (same as my black).

Makeup is Bare Minerals foundation, Physician's Formula Magical Mosaics bronzer. On eyes, Revlon's ColorStay shadow quad in neutral - ivory in the inner corners and along the brown bone, khaki along the lash line and on the lid, brown very lightly along the outer edges of the lash line. Two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara. On lips is The Body Shop's liner in Beech and L'Oreal Endless Kissable Shinewear - the tube of topcoat clear gloss.

And since people have asked on here and by email, this is what my hair looks like without the curling iron, just with mousse and a diffuser to dry.

This is how I curl the hair around the barrel of the iron so I get ringlets isntead of a 70's style. I pretend that I have a spiral iron. I vary the sizes of pieces I curl - some are tiny, some are this size, some are big. I also vary the direction, I disregard any part. I am usually reading a book or magazine while doing this in front of my bathroom mirror.

And before I separate with my fingers and shake my head and such, this is the final result. It's all in the finger separation, baby! Without it I look a bit like I did in high school when I went through a gold herringbone chain/bamboo earrings/Champion sweats set look.