December 02, 2014

Holiday Style with Junk in the Trunk

December 02, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

View More: http://sarahgray.pass.us/jittholiday2014

What happens when you combine sequins, three girls and the holidays? This...

It's a party when the Junk in the Trunk girls are around. Coley (above middle) and Lindsey (above right) started a vintage flee marketing in Arizona a couple of years ago called Junk in the Trunk, and it has grown into one of the biggest vintage markets in the southwest. They recently have ventured into apparel design, and created the most comfortable and stylish tank and pullover with the saying, "This is my party dress."

I love the humor and whimsy of it, and they asked me to help them style theirs for their holiday promotions. I obviously said yes because I am a big fan! I wear my tank to the gym. I sleep in it. I wear it with jeans (like Coley is below). I also love to dress it up with a tulle skirt like Lindsey is above. You can get yours here.

The off-the-shoulder pull-over is perfect for any occasion as well. I'm loving the pullover trend this fall. You can find it all over Pinterest with flouncy skirt or distressed pants. I paired mine with a fair isle knit skirt from H&M and a knit beanie. (Get yours here).

While on the shoot we got to pretend that this amazing home renovated by My Rafter House was ours. How much do you want to cozy up to that fireplace, especially when it's complete with a festive banner by The Banner Shoppe. Um...Yes, please!

After this fun photo shoot for JITT's new apparel I had a blast rockin' out the coolest up-do I've ever had thanks to Jenny Strebe of The Confessions of a Hairstylist. She does these amazing, pin-worth hair tutorials. This is one I think I can actually replicate. Go check out her site for more inspiration.

Photos by Sarah Gray Portraits

November 20, 2014

Holiday Style On the Go

November 20, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

This post is in collaboration with Drybar.

The holidays are a busy time of year. Essentially, your normal life is put into hyperdrive with family photos, parties, shopping, cooking and traveling being added into the mix. If you have a 9am to 5pm job there really isn't a lot of time to change for those happy hour cocktail parties or Christmas parties let alone time to plan what to wear, shower and re-do your hair. I've partnered with Drybar to show you that you don't have to worry about your hair or outfit this year. Within an hour you can look amazing and get pampered at the same time.

View More: http://sarahbelgray.pass.us/ave

Here are some simple steps to Holiday Style on the Go:

1| Choose a work outfit that you can either dress up (i.e. switch out the top or switch out the bottom) or that incorporates holiday colors and can be altered with accessories. I have two examples for you:

A. Dress up your basics - I started with a simple black pencil skirt and a button up shirt. All that I need to change with this outfit is my top and shoes.

B. Style your holiday color - I started with a basic, organic cotton red dress from Synergy Clothing. I simply just need to take off my blazer and belt, change my shoes and add some sparkling earrings.

2| Make your appointment with Drybar. Just hop online, choose your location and then choose your appointment time. They even have an app you can download so that you can do it all from you phone.

3| Head over to Drybar and get pampered! When you walk in they greet you with a beverage of your choice, some snacks, fashion magazines and they are always playing awesome movies. I watched Four Christmases and Elf while I was there. THE BEST!

4| Choose your hair style from their Drybar menu. They are all named after fun cocktail drinks. I asked my mixologist (a.k.a. hairstylist) if I could create my own cocktail. I would call it a mix between the Mai Tai and Cosmo Tai.

5| Relax and enjoy the hour of bliss.

6| Change into your holiday outfit.

Outfit A - Changed my top and shoes. Added red lipstick.

Outfit B - Removed my belt and blazer. Changed my shoes. Added some earrings and red lipstick.

7| If you need a gift for the party, grab a gift card or some of their amazing styling products.

8| Go party, and get ready for a lot of compliments!

Photos by Sarah Bel Portraits.

For more holiday style inspiration, check out my holiday style guide with Ebay.

August 04, 2014

How to Make Hair Extensions Look Natural

August 04, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

I've always wanted long, thick hair like a princess, but it has never been in the cards for me. I have very fine, curly hair that's on the thinner side. I've definitely learned to embrace what God has given me, and I adore the short cut my hairstylist and friend, Kim Cornwell gave me, but when I see these milkmaid braids and fishtail braids I start wishing I had Elsa's hair from Frozen.

I've always known hair extensions could be an option, but they've always seemed really expensive with a lot of upkeep. When IrresistableMe Hair Extensions asked if I was willing to give their extensions a whirl I thought, "What do I have to lose? Let's find out if these really do work."

I went on their website and chose the correct weight, length and color of my extensions. I had Kim help me decide since she knows my hair really well. The extensions are extremely good quality. It's all human hair sewn into clips so that you can easily put them on and take them off as you wish.

The next step was getting the extensions cut and getting some education on how to properly place them in my hair so that I don't look like I have a mullet. Jenny Strebe from The Confessions of a Hairstylist was kind enough to show me exactly what to do. If you are need of really great hair tutorials and you appreciate product reviews, go follow her on YouTube and on her blog.

So here are the steps according to Jenny:

#1 Divide your hair into sections starting with the bottom first.

#2 Back comb the section where you will attach the hair extension so that it gives something for the clips to grip.

#3 Repeat this process a couple more times as you get higher and higher in the hair line.

#4 Once the extensions have been placed. Style as you would like. However, if you have yet to have your extensions blended into your haircut follow the steps above and then have a professional hairstylist cut your extensions while you are wearing them. Jenny also recommends point cutting the ends so that they really blend in and don't have blunt edges.

#5 Go out and rock those locks!

Caring for your extensions:

1. Always label your extensions as you take them out so you know which piece goes where.

#2 Gently wash and air dry your extensions when needed. Treat them just like you would treat your hair.

#3 Do not rat or back comb your hair extensions!

Photos by Talk Studios

Get the look: Blouse, jeans, shoes

October 02, 2013

Hair Whip

October 02, 2013/ Alexandra Evjen

Happy Wednesday! If you're lacking in the inspiration department maybe these photos will bring something out of you. The wild movement of the hair is so inspiring to me. It brings out the feeling of freedom. What is inspiring you lately?

Images: Tiefgang, unknown, StyleCaster

February 22, 2013

Fashion Week Favorites: Beauty

February 22, 2013/ meganbryant

I enjoy the hair and makeup at fashion week almost more than the clothes. So much so I decided to dedicate a whole post to my favorite beauty looks from NYFW. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order!) Bright lipstick and fun up-dos at Badgley Mischka: