Braids and Buns!

If you haven't noticed, braids and buns are very "in" right now and they are easy ways to create a stylish hairstyle for work or play, especially if you don't have time to wash your hair.

Fast Figure-Eight Bun
You know how you twist your hair when you're bored on a lazy day?  That's the key trick to this style,according to NYC stylist Leon Gorman,who created the looks seen here.  Make a low side ponytail,leaving a few pieces loose around your face.  Twist the length of your ponytail,and wrap it into a figure-eight shape-smoosh it up against your scalp,and tuck the ends into the loop.  Insert a few hairpins or tiny barrettes to lock it all in place.  Finish with a mist of lightweight hair spray that'll give you extra hold minus any stickiness.

Braid and Bun Combo

Pairing braids with a messy bun is one of my favorite looks right now. Just a bun can be a little boring after a while.  This look is such a feminine way to add softness and detail. To recreate the look take two sections of hair on either side about 2-3 inches wide and braid. Gather all of the hair in a pony and secure with a non-slip rubber band. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure with another rubber band or bobby pins. For variation you can do a braid on one side only, or place the ponytail and bun higher on the head to give a more chic effect.

Fishtail Braid

You have probably been seeing a lot of messy french braids and fish tail braids on the runway lately.  The fishtail braid is actually much easier to do than it looks.  If you need extra help, look it upon youtube and follow along. Unlike the French braid that requires you to be constantly incorporating and overlapping hair into three sections, the fishtail only overlaps two.

First, separate hair into two chunks.    

You will begin by taking a piece from the outside of the left side and pulling it over so it crosses to the right side. Then, take a piece from the outside of the right side and pull it over. 

Repeat this in an overlapping/crossing manner with small pieces of hair from the outsides until you reach the nape of your neck (or your desired look is achieved).  The tricky part is keeping the hair taut as you are pulling hair from each side. 

Just like with braiding, as you incorporate new pieces from the outside in, you need to keep a firm hold on it as you move down the braid and add more hair. 

    
Practice makes Perfect!

Here are a few more looks that I really like! I challenge all of you to upgrade a pony tail this week to a fun braid or bun...or both! Enjoy!

Beauty on a Budget!

Every girl has a good "cheap" makeup find on her vanity that she can't live without.  After some research mixed with experiences, I've come up with a little info on how you can get the best makeup products on a budget!

Here's what's on the vanity today....


Mascara - L'oreal Voluminous or Maybelline Great Lash. I use these two on my clients, and on myself all the time. You can get these at a drug store, target, etc.

False Eye Lashes - Ardell Fashion Lashes (#23 is a good one for a natural look) I use these on myself and on brides. #116 is another good one with a little more dramatic look. You can find these at a beauty supply store, and most drug stores.  They are very light weight and easy to apply.  You should really use Duo brand glue for applying. You can find this at any beauty supply store.

Eye Liner - Maybelline's Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. Gel eyeliner is easier to apply then liquid liners and stays put longer than pencil liners. It comes with a brush and is very affordable!

If you prefer a liquid liner I would go for Wen 'N' Wild Megaliner, it's less than $5 and will stay on all day and has a great selection of colors.

Eye Shadow - NYX eye shadows are great for the money. They are pigmented really well. Always wear with an eye shadow base so the colors really pop! You can get these at any drug store. A few good colors to start with are
Black - Like MAC Carbon
Highlight - Like MAC Vanilla (just a bit more yellow)
Apricot Moose - Peach shimmery color
Dark Brown - Like MAC Down Brown

They have a lot of great bold colors too if you are looking for something bright.

Lip Gloss - "Boots" High Shine Lip Gloss from Target. It goes on very smooth, it's not heavy or sticky.

Eye Base - L'Oreal Decrease is a good one but if you have a little more money to spend I recommend MAC paint pots or Urban Decay Primer Potion. One product will last you a very long time. If you are not used to using an eye base, now is the time. You will see a huge difference in how your eye shadow looks and how well it stays on throughout the day.

Foundation - Revlon ColorStay Foundation is good for women with dry skin. If you are oily a good one is CoverGirl Natureluxe Foundation. Foundation is something you really shouldn't go too cheap on if you want what's best for your skin. My absolute favorite is MAC's Face and Body. It's water based, very light weight and builds well for more coverage if you want it. It's worth the investment.

Blush - L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush. It goes on very lightly but not too light that you can't see it. It comes in 12 shades, so you have a good chance of finding what's right for you.

Makeup Remover - Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing towelettes are the best!! I use these every night when I take my make-up off. Costco has a good deal if you buy a box of them. It will last you a while.

Bronzor - NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder.  This is a matte bronzer, buildable, get at a drug store.  It is comparable to Stila's bronzer, but a fraction of the price.  You can find this at any drug store for about $3-$4.  One tip, I wouldn't use the application that comes with it, use your own brush.

Blazer Addiction!!!

I have been thinking a lot about things to write about, and I just can't help but share my thoughts about blazers.  My husband says I have a blazer addiction, but he could also say that about throw pillows, shoes, makeup, etc.
So, why blazers?  Well, because they are a very important staple item.  You can dress up an outfit that is too casual, or dress down an outfit that is too dressy!  This can actually go for women and men.  The main colors you should have in your closet are black, gray, and a nude/tan color at least to start.  You want to look for blazers that have light shoulder pads (if any), cropped or roll up sleeves, and I like blazers with real pockets.  For fall good materials are tweed, knit or a polyester blend.  One of my favorite looks is a graphic tee, a blazer and a layered pearl necklace.  You don't have to spend a fortune.  In fact, Forever 21 has quite a selection right now.  If you aren't a blazer fan, cardigans can be a good replacement.

Here are a few of my favorites!  The black blazer is a "Sparkle and Fade Ponte Blazer" from Urban Outfitters for $59. The charcoal tweed blazer is a "Tweed Boyfriend Blazer" from Forever 21 for $28.90.  You can't beat that!  Happy Shopping!

Introducing...Vanity by Victoria

Hi friends, thanks for reading my new blog!  My mission with Vanity by Victoria is to be able to provide you with helpful tips regarding style, fashion, makeup and hair.  A friend told me today that she wished she could take me with her on all her vacations to be her fashion consultant.  Well now, she doesn't have to take me with her!

I will give you simple, affordable (if not free) tips to use everyday so that over time it gets easier to shop, find something to wear, do your makeup, etc.

I hope you enjoy reading!