Jessica Rabbit, eat your heart out.

BEFORE:

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnndddddddd...

Friday!

Happy Friday, friends!  This week dragged on and on for me, but that's probably because I was not-so-patiently awaiting my Redheaded Judgment Day.  Results to be seen later.  (Hint: I like.)

How was your week?  Anything fun to look forward to this weekend?  I have some family in town and some hair to show off, so I'll be out and about throughout the city this weekend.  And very much looking forward to it.

I don't have much for you today, but I thought I'd share some things I've found via the web throughout the week...

• I thought this was the sweetest story/picture ever, until I read the truth. 
• This could quite possibly be the best wedding ever!  I'm obsessed with looking at the pictures.
• Everyone please send Carrie some love.  She lost a dear pet this week and I am just crushed even thinking about it.
• These columns have kept me sane even though my work schedule is extra summer-lite these days. 
• I LOVE a good, cathartic cry, so I'm definitely going to check these out.  Especially the book.  Have you read it?  Do you love it?
• Last, but certainly not least, I'd like you to check out my gurl Emilie and her new blog: Pocket Plays.  She's just getting started out, but she sure is funay.   

image via pinterest

I'll sock your bun.

I found this image on Pinterest the other night and it had a link to a "sock bun" tutorial.  A sock bun virgin, I thought I should check out what made these beautiful curls.

Fast forward to a couple days later and I'm a sock bun convert.

Let me shout a disclaimer loud and proud: my hair DOES NOT look like the lovely lady's above.  But I'm still sold.  Also, I've found that using an athletic sock versus a trouser sock is better.  And definitely let your hair dry more than you think you should. 

By providing no heat (re: better for your hair) I'm able to add texture and volume to an otherwise flat hairdo.  Thank you, sock bun.  And I'm able to shower the night before, throw my hair in said sock bun (which can totally be manipulated into an adorable 'do, btw [I think that's where it originated]) and wake up with coiffed hair!  Sign me up.

Go HERE for the tutorial.

Yes, my hair has taken over my life and this blog.

Tonight's the night, friends!  I can't promise a photo for tomorrow; plans have been made for post-job cocktails and catching a decent photo after that might be too much of a challenge for this little lady.

I'll work extra hard to get one to you asap.  Frankly, it's only what you deserve after my filibustering the past few days.  

Emma Stone is a Redhead.

I know this picture has popped up everywhere, but I just can't seem to get enough of it.  I'm a fan of the red and pink combo and I think Emma Stone ROCKED it here, plus she's a redhead!

I've been wondering how my own clothes will change with my new hair color*.  Will my normal go-tos be out of the question?  If that's the case, I'm a girl up a creek for a week or two.  I've already prepared myself for a make-up change by incorporating more of a bronze/apricot tone into my everyday, as opposed to coral/pink.  And I've purchased (sample size, a girl's gotta save somewhere) the supposed end all be all shampoo/conditioner for dye jobs.

*Are you guys terrifically sick of hearing me talk about dying my hair red**?  A friend called me out for being a Redhead Tease yesterday because I've been TALKING ABOUT IT for SO LONG with no action.  I promised him the date was set and we're ready for launch on Thursday.

I've become hilariously drawn to my own brunette as of late.  It's my cold feet talking, but sometimes I catch myself in the mirror and think, "I've never noticed how well it goes with my skin tone before!"  Let's keep reminding me that it won't be going away forever.

I also find myself endlessly staring at redheaded lasses.  Then, only after realizing they are uncomfortably peeking at me, I turn away.  I feel like I could walk up to them and say, "I'M dying my hair red on THURSDAY!"  And we'd hold hands and discuss the virtues of being red until the sun came down.  BFFs forever.

All of this to say that today is my last full day as a brownie.  I feel like I should go to a library and read something.  No.  I feel like I should provide sound advice for my friends.  Wait.  Basically, I am ready to turn from Snow White into Ariel because, let's face it, her movie is way better.  Aaaaaaand I've always wanted to be a mermaid.

Who's with me and wants to be my Flounder??  Let's paint this town RED, m-fers!  (sorry, mom)    

**If so, I'm very sorry.  I obviously went ahead and droned on and on about it. 

image via Just Jared   

Outfit Tuesdays: Easy Breezy.

Easy Breezy. by justagirlandherstuff featuring floor length skirts

It's not an original pairing, but I'm loving the peach and mint together.  Throw in some leopard print and I think we've got a pretty great outfit.   

Some fabulous leather wrap bracelets would be a great addition, but I couldn't find any that I liked when putting this puppy together.  Leather wrap bracelets and gold bangles all mixed together.  Yes!

Oh, and yeah, I'd like to walk in the wind in this skirt. 

Walking comes first.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.  You have got to be kidding me, right?!  Now, I am usually a fan of the fashion choice laying on the edge of bizarre, but even this is too much for me.  That heel kinda makes me want to vomit, let alone the rest of it.  Am I missing something here?  Do you like this?? 

Jeffrey Campbell, we need to have some words. 

Also, I'd like to say that these major platforms need to go.  I'm probably saying that out of jealousy more than anything else because at 5'9" five inches more is just a plain no go.  And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I have seen girls TUMBLE IN THE STREET because of them.  No one should be making shoes you can't walk in. 

Walking comes first. 

Always.   

Happy Friday!

What are you guys up to this weekend?  I'm meeting up with some old friends I haven't seen in a while and am much looking forward to it.

I'm also planning on steeling myself up for Redheadpalooza, which is scheduled for this Thursday.  I just found out that my salon is closing for a week due to renovations after the dye job, so I definitely need to make sure I'm happy before I walk out the door!

Have a very merry weekend, friends!

**ACK!  That pic is supposed to be a gif and move in a beautifully ethereal way.  Sorry, folks!

Happy Birthday!

Heyo, it's Katie's birthday!  And it's a special one. =) 

May you eat cake, drink wine, and be merry ALL YEAR LONG! 

Everyone wish her a very happy birthday and not just because she's the best friend a girl can have.

Kissing Koolers.

Oh, wow!  Do you remember these things?  I had COMPLETELY forgotten about them.  Man, I remember kinda eating one once.  For real, like it was candy or something.  What can I say?  I was a strange kid.  In fact, I don't even think it was mine -- it was my cousin's, I think.  I have a faint memory of licking the Kissing Koolers at my aunt and uncle's house. 

Let's just hope that's a dream. 

In related news: this blog has become such a weird smorgasbord of things.  Just wanted to tell you I noticed it, too.  

found via pinterest

You know who IS just as cute?

DEAR GOD, when did Neville become such a hottie???

The Sartorialist.

The Sartorialist has been rocking it out recently, yes?  These ladies remain perfectly styled through the heat wave, color me impressed. 

I basically just curse and spit in the heat.  Well, not really spit, but there sure is a lot of cursing. 

And I don't look nearly as cute as these laydays while doing it.     

Outfit Tuesdays: Beat the Heat.

Beat the Heat. by justagirlandherstuff featuring mulberry bags

It is so freakin hot out I can barely stand it.  Humidty, heat, and one out-dated ac unit does not a happy girl make.  Seriously, I am BURNING up.

Okay.  I'm done complaining.


Sorry I was MIA yesterday!  The weekend was so epic it wore this girl out and I was left with no inspiration or will to blog.  Again, my apologies.

But I'm back today with an outfit, and one that I especially dig.  

That's all.

Best Weekend Ever.

Headed to the Pitchfork Music Festival AND seeing Harry Potter this weekend, it's going to be a grand time.  If we're being honest here, I'm more excited about Harry Potter, but Neko Case should be just as good, too.

The dress I purchased for today's festivities (re: hot and outside) turned out to be part of a swimwear line.  Ooops!  (Thaaaaat's why it's sort of see-through!)  After some interesting finagling I think it's gonna work.  Just maybe.  It's either a best or worst sartorial moment for me, and I'm prepared for either.  Really I'm just hoping it will get dark out sooner rather than later. 

What are y'all up to this weekend?  Are you as excited for Harry Potter as I am?


isn't that image the best?! found via pinterest, of course

Infomercial Day.

Do any of you have the Sobakawa Could Pillow?  Because I'm reeeeeaaaalllly considering buying it.  It just sounds sooo dreamy.  (I guess that pun was kind of intended.  Sorry.)  But, for serious, I'm a side sleeper and these babies look like just the support I need.  AND it saves the eggs!  (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you are a better person than I.)

These Goody Spin Pins are AWESOME.  I repeat, AWESOME.  I have "fine hair, but a lot of it" as they say and an updo requires more than my fair share of bobby pins that inevitably get lost by the end of the night.  Not with these!  These two pins hold my hair wonderfully, even through a night's sleep.  AND no creases from a hair band or anything of the like.  Go. Get. Them.

I'm even considering going back for the mini pins specifically for the fun three bun tutorial from Cup of Jo.  I successfully achieved it once, but was slathered in bobby pins.  Seriously, I wouldn't have made it through a metal detector.

fyi: I bought them at Walgreens for less than listed on the link. 

UPDATE: The mini spin pins are SO NOT as effortless as their big sisters.  Stick with the originals, ladyfriends.  If you know what's good for ya.

This one is an oldie; I haven't seen it around for a while.  Don't buy it.  Not worth it.  That's it. 

Do you guys have any great products worth sharing?  I'm always game for a worthy purchase!

I like.

Zara is having a sale and she sure is pretty, right?!  A perfect nude with a classy tassel -- sign me up!

Random: You should follow me on Twitter because even the Discovery Channel is retweeting me (whaaaa?)!  Probably just because I was slack-jawed while watching Man vs. Wild.

Full Disclosure: I was only watching because cutey Jake Gyllenhaal was on it.  Though, cute is not quite appropriate for a man who is filmed while hacking into a dead sheep.   

Outfit Tuesdays: Tea Party.

Tea Party. by justagirlandherstuff featuring a studded leather handbag

Don't you love a good tea party?  I'm a big fan of High Tea and try to talk my mom into going every time she visits me in Chicago.  In my humble opinion, The Peninsula kicks The Drake's, er, behind in that regard.  Definitely not a frugal operation, but worth it every time.  

Treat yourself, ladies.  You are so worth it! 

And wear this outfit while you're at it.   

I've set the date.

 

Have I shown you guys this picture before?  I can't remember.  I've been looking at it so much lately because I've decided to take the plunge...  I'm goin' ginger!!

Eeeep!

I got my haircut on Saturday and decided to leave it up to ma hair lady and her reaction.  Though, the more I think about it the more I realize that's kinda a ridiculous way to do it -- of course she'd be on board, more money for her, right?!  But, for reals, I trust her.  And she seemed super pumped, which only made me more excited.

So, first things first.  I've gotta wrap my brain around the fact that I AM NOT going to look like Christina Hendricks once I'm done.  Talk about a let down.  Secondly, I'm hoping/planning to go more of a natural route, as opposed to emo or hipster (but frankly, with bangs and an obviously dyed color I'm already farther down the yellow brick road to hipsterville than I'd like to admit).

Think copper with strawberry blonde highlights for depth.  Just like my girl crush, the Magpie Girl, who got this ball rolling in the first place.

Now, please deal with me inevitably holding my breath for the next two weeks.  And, Dear God, please let me not be one of those annoying girls from America's Next Top Model that loses it post-haircut.

There is no crying in hair dying. 

Happy Friday!

Can you remember when you didn't have the internet?  Sometimes it is baffling.

Happy weekend, dear friends!  I hope you all have such a fabulous time.  I'm heading to a Greek Fest across the street from my abode.  Maybe I'll meet Aidan from Sex and The City?!*

*Does anyone even get that reference??

I'm looking forward to being home and doing all the regular weekend things.  You know, it's always nice to get back in the swing of things post-vacation.  OH, and I'm getting a haircut!  That's always super exciting for me because I'm terrible about getting haircuts on any sort of regular schedule.  There is always a moment of sheepishness and I have to feign apologies for not coming in sooner.

What are y'all up to?


image: Lee Crutchley via pinterest

A Girl Can Dream.

Don't you think this shoe would look perfect with the dress from yesterday?  I think so!

Alright girls, who's able to pull off 5" heels???

Not I, said the little red hen.

A Dress and a Recap.

Ladies, run, don't walk because this purty dress is on sale.  Nothing like getting $100 off to make a girl feel good.  Right?  Riiiiight?

Did you guys have a good week last week?  It felt so weird (and completely relaxing at the same time, truth be told) to not be near a computer all last week.  I feel so behind on all my blogs, but I'll catch up soon.  I promise!

Here are the top ten things I learned last week:

1) If you pack way ahead of the game, you will over pack.  

2) A person should pack more comfortable/work-out gear if they're planning to head to nature.  Dresses aren't really practical for seven mile hikes.

3) Don't even bother packing the bright pink lipstick.  Chipmunks are not impressed by your saucy lips.

4) Forever be in fear of your father's words: "Just a little farther."

5) Water and sunscreen should never be forgotten on four hour hikes.  (Though a person might be more prepared if they knew in advance of said four hour hike.  See Number 4.)

6) Study the bizarro Scrabble dictionary if you plan on playing with someone who plays Words with Friends with any regularity.  (I still stand by the fact those weirdo two-letter words don't count.)

7) Babies are charming and endlessly entertaining.  Especially when you can leave them with their parents at the end of the day.

8) Retelling old family stories with your family is ALWAYS a blast.

9) Really loud thunder, coyotes, and the dark can be supremely frightening. 

10) When in doubt, keep drinking wine.

In the end, I had a fabulous time with some really fabulous people and it only reinforces the idea that people should vacation just as much as they possibly can!

Also, I really couldn't come up with a better title.   

Frugal Outfit Tuesdays: Hard and Soft.

Hard and Soft. by justagirlandherstuff featuring a pleated dress

I'm back!  With no time to chat, so I quickly put this little number together for you.  All under $50, my friends.

I hope you all had a great Fourth!  

I'll be more chatty tomorrow, I promise.

Fireworks!

Happy Fourth of July weekend!  I hope you eat hot dogs and drink beer and watch fireworks.  I hope you can wear skirts and lay on blankets.  I hope you hold hands with a loved one.  I hope you smile more than not and remember how far you've come from this time last year.   

Let's regroup here on Tuesday, mmkay?

ps It's my Mom's birthday today and Official First Day of Retirement.  I'm probably drinking a mimosa the very second you read this. 

image via pinterest