Braided Crown Tutorial

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WholeBlends #CollectiveBias

I have had SO many of you ask me about my "signature curls" - well, it's finally here! If you want to find out how I get my curls (and this easy crown braid), check out the tutorial below!

Healthy hair is the foundation to any look. I've been battling frizzy hair for as long as I can remember. I recently started using the full Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing Hair Care line and have been loving my results. It's made with coconut oil and cocoa butter extracts which helps to control my frizz! I picked up the entire line (shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner and smoothing oil) at my local Walmart. And bonus - it makes your hair smell divine.

Before I start styling, I always prep my hair. I used a little bit of the smoothing oil and added on my favorite heat protectant.

Next, I started the braid. I started at my part and began doing an inverse french braid. So basically a normal french braid, but instead of taking the outside strands over the middle, you'll take the strands under the middle. 

I did this all the way around my head. The back part is the trickiest, so once I get past my ear with the braid, I reposition my hands to continue the braid all the way around. Once I've braided to the end, I tie it off with a clear elastic band and then go through and loosen the braid to make it look fuller. 

Once I pulled the braid apart to the thickness I like, I pull the end of the braid up and lay it over the braid on the opposite side of my head. Then just tuck the ends in and bobby pin away!

Now onto the curls. I use a 1-inch curling iron - but I use mine as a wand. I just grab a small section of hair and wrap it away from my face. Now the trick - when you're wrapping, simply grab onto the end of your hair and wrap. Your hair will naturally start to twist as you do this. This is what gives me those nice, mermaidy waves. 

And my main secret. I ALWAYS set my curls with flat metal clips. This allows your curl to cool in the shape you want it. Not only does this make your curls last 3 times as long, but it also makes them full and bouncy. So I set all of my hair in clips and then allow them to cool for around 10 minutes. Then once you take the clips out - add a little hairspray, give it a tease (if you like extra volume) and voila. That's it!

I hope you all enjoyed this! You can check out the entire Whole Blends line here. Which blend do you want to try?

xoxo

Guide to Fayetteville, AR

By Brandonrush (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

My little city of Fayetteville, AR was recently named the third best place to live in the entire nation by U.S. News & World Report. And rightly so! I absolutely love my charming town and decided it was high time to get a guide on the blog! I've included a few of my favorite places to shop, eat and explore! So if you haven't visited Fayetteville yet - I highly recommend stopping by! You'll fall in love.  I teamed up with the fabulous April from Freckled Fox Photography to shoot this guide. She is unbelievably talented (as you'll see in all of the pictures below), so don't forget to check out her page! And if you're local, she does everything - senior pictures, engagements, newborns, you name it!

SHOP

(I feel like I should note that these are in no particular order)

1. Maude - I've been shopping here since they opened. If you're looking for high-quality pieces that you'll wear for years, look no further. Maude has the perfect mix of contemporary and classic items. Every shopper (of every age) is sure to find something they love! Don't worry - your closet will thank you. 

The two GORGEOUS dresses you see below are both from Maude. Literally obsessed. Can we talk about those bell sleeves!? Whatever your shopping mission is, I guarantee you that Maude is a must-stop shop.

Maude + Alchemy Macarons by Freckled Fox Photography

Maude + Alchemy by Freckled Fox Photography

Maude + Block Street Records by Freckled Fox Photography

Maude + Block Street Records by Freckled Fox Photography

(shop this off-the-shoulder dress here and the bell sleeve dress here)

2. Skye on the Town - There's a special place for Skye in my heart because I used to work here! Call me biased - but I can honestly say that you will always get incredible customer service at Skye. All of the girls who work here are so sweet and absolutely love helping their customers find that perfect item. Skye has a wide range of fashions from formal gowns to casual cutoffs. With a young, cosmopolitan vibe, Skye is a perfect addition to any shopping trip.

Skye on the Town + The Square by Freckled Fox Photography

Skye on the Town + The Square by Freckled Fox Photography

(find this top here)

3. Savoir Faire - This is the ultimate "cool girl" shop. Savoir Faire is always up to date on the hottest fashion trends. Anytime I'm looking for a fun new piece to add to my wardrobe (like this polka dot maxi), this is my first stop. They carry some of my favorite brands - MinkPink, Line and Dot, and Some Days Lovin. Whether you're looking for boho vibes, beachy-inspired, night life or weekend wear - Savoir Faire will make you look like a fashionista wherever you go. 

Savoir Faire + Arsaga's by Freckled Fox Photography

Savoir Faire + Arsaga's by Freckled Fox Photography

(find this dress here)

4. E Leigh's  -  This is a cute little shop on Dickson that offers affordable, trendy fashion. If you're walking around downtown, definitely pop in!

5. Mason's - If you're looking for upscale shopping (with brands like Sanctuary, Joie, Dolce Vita etc), Mason's is your spot. It's a little pricier than the other stops on my list - but keep in mind that they offer super high-quality, luxe clothing and accessories. Anytime I've got a big event coming up, whether it's a wedding, formal or gala, Mason's always has the perfect outfit.

EAT

1. Alchemy Macarons - Y'all know I love a good macaron, and Alchemy has the best. Literally, so good. Like, I could eat an entire box on my own with no guilt because they're THAT good. They feature different flavors each day - a few of my faves are coconut, birthday cake, and pink champagne! And while you're there, grab a cup of their fresh brewed tea.

Alchemy Macarons by Freckled Fox Photography

Alchemy Macarons by Freckled Fox Photography

2. Arsaga's - This is the cutest little coffee shop. There are two different locations in Fayetteville. The first location on Church & Center offers all the beverages your heart could desire as well as gourmet toast. You're probably thinking, gourmet toast - what even is that? Let me tell you. It's heaven, on toast. For example, the Prince Picnic is pear, white cheddar, date-walnut spread, nutmeg, olive oil and coarse salt. Crazy good.

The second location, The Depot, is on Dickson Street. They also offer tons of coffee, but instead of toast, their speciality is crepes. Sweet or savory, every one I've tried has been delicious. One of my all time favorite brunch spots!

Arsaga's - Center & Church by Freckled Fox Photography

Arsaga's - Center & Church by Freckled Fox Photography

3. Hugo's - This has been a Fayetteville staple since 1977. If you want a down-home, delicious, greasy burger - head to Hugo's! I will warn you, they often have a little bit of a wait in the evenings (especially on the weekends), but it's totally worth it! They have a casual-cool vibe and their fries are to die for. But if you want a good burger without the wait, Deluxe Burger is a great back-up!

Hugo's by Freckled Fox Photography

4. Tacos 4 Life - For every meal you buy, they donate a meal to a child in need. So not only do I go there to support their mission, but their tacos are my all-time faves. I literally CRAVE them (like...the drive through is crazy dangerous).

5. Mojo's Pints and Pies - Pizza. Need I say more? This is hands down the best pizza place in Fayetteville. I'm a huge fan of the "Party in Your Mouth" -  feta, goat cheese, pepperoni, sausage, sun dried tomatoes - YUM! My mouth is watering as I'm writing this. And they offer live music three nights a week, which is always a bonus!

6. Rick's Bakery - The best bakery in the area! Ricks is THE place to go when you've got a serious sweet tooth.

VISIT

1. Block Street Records - Music lovers rejoice! Block Street Records is a hip, funky little shop where you can find every vinyl on your list. From The Lumineers to The Beatles - they've got it all. Cool atmosphere. Cool records.

Block Street Records by Freckled Fox Photography

Maude + Block Street Records by Freckled Fox Photography

2. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - Okay, you got me. This one isn't technically in Fayetteville. BUT it's only a 30 minute drive and it is absolutely a must-see. The museum is celebrated worldwide and offers free admission to the main exhibits. They feature artists Georgia O'Keeffe, Norman Rockwell, Jackson Pollock, Gilbert Stuart, the list goes on and on. If you're making a visit to Northwest Arkansas - this has got to be on your list. Beautiful art, stunning architecture and gorgeous landscape all rolled into one.

3. Devil's Den State Park - again, not technically in Fayetteville, but close enough. A short little drive will take you to the most gorgeous hiking locations! If you're a nature lover - this is for you. There are a variety of trails to choose from. You can spend all day exploring and still never see it all! 

4. The University of Arkansas - My alma mater! Dickson street leads directly up to campus. If you wander around you'll quickly notice all of the names engraved in the sidewalks. It's an Arkansas tradition - when you graduate your name is forever carved into the stone. The lawn in front of Old Main is the perfect place to read a book, hammock, or just hang out!

5. Mount Sequoyah - Head to Mount Sequoyah for breathtaking views of Fayetteville. The overlook at the cross offers a place to relax away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. 

6. Dickson Street Bookshop - For all you book lovers out there - this will be your new favorite place. You can spend hours walking through all the nooks and crannies and around every corner are endless stacks of books, you could get lost!

7. The Square / Dickson Street - If you feel like just walking around and exploring - this is the perfect place. Dickson will take you to Block Street which leads directly up to the square! It's filled with lots of cute little shops and places to eat. Fayetteville at it's best! And if you just so happen to be here on a Saturday in the summer - be sure to stop by the Farmer's Market!

These are just a few of my favorite Fayetteville stops! 

Come visit!

xoxo,

Emily

Florals + Tassels

I know - you're all shocked that I'm back with another off-the-shoulder top. But what can I say, I love them! Although technically - this "top" is a dress! So for those of you who aren't crazy tall, it's the cutest dress ever! It's just a little bit short on me, so I styled it tucked into some boyfriend jeans. But I'm thinking as it gets warmer I may get a cute little lace slip to wear underneath so I can style it as a dress! 

And I've officially decided that no combo can beat a good off-the-shoulder silhouette with long earrings - these Lisi Lerch Tassel Earrings are always my summer go-to accessory. They make a bold statement and you can dress them up or down. But fair warning - they are slightly heavy. So wear them to church or a wedding, but don't plan on wearing them all day or your earlobes won't be so happy. 

Hope y'all are enjoying this gorgeous spring weather! I know I am! All of the details are linked below.

xoxo

dress

jeans (similar)

earrings

purse (similar)

Growing Into Myself

Okay. Never have I ever had a shirt that sums up my life more. Coffee (although...I could substitute this for pizza....), top knot (or in my case, baby top knot), bright lips (always), and Jesus (my main man). If you haven't checked out Honeybee Boutique yet - boy are you missing out. They have the best tees -especially for all you momma's out there!!! But for all of us tee-lovers as well.

The owner, Erica, is all about empowering women and making them feel confident and proud in every situation! Which y'all know, I couldn't support more.

Fashion has always been a creative outlet for me, but I really don't feel like I fully grew into myself until I started blogging. It's empowering to share your story, write words to paper (or computer) and put yourself out there in a vulnerable way. Quite honestly, for the first year I didn't really tell any of my friends that I had a blog. For some odd reason, I was embarrassed about it. But I recently came to the conclusion that "hey...this is who I am, take me or leave me" and man oh man what a change that outlook can make! And for me, it was all about finding my confidence.

So, all of a sudden, I'm obsessed with flared jeans. There's nothing I feel more confident in! They are so slimming (and SO MUCH more comfortable than skinny jeans - see ya muffin top). Add on this bold tee, a leopard kimono and a bright red lip and you're ready to conquer the world (or your hectic schedule). I totally agree with Erica that every women should feel valued, important and strong. This is such a wonderful company, so be sure to head over to her page and check it out! And use code SPRING16 for 20% off her shop!

To all my ladies out there - you are fierce, wonderful, incredible, beautiful and so loved. So own who you are and get out there to show the world. 

xoxo

tee

jeans

kimono (very similar)

sunglasses

lipstick

Weekend Wear

Cheers to the weekend! In my personal opinion, weekends are way to short and go by in the blink of an eye. Why can't we have a four day weekend/three day work week? Makes total sense, am I right!? But in all seriousness, I savor each and every weekend. Whether I've got plans with friends, or am just stuck inside studying, my go-to weekend wear is always super casual, cute and above all - comfy.

This outfit is the perfect combo of all three. Both my top and shorts are from a sweet little boutique in Oklahoma - Antique Garden. These Free People shorts are SO flowy and comfy (and for all you tall girls out there - these shorts are longggg). It's so hard to find shorts that don't show too much skin and these are such a good length. Paired with this open back ruffled tee, I literally felt like I was in my pajama's all day - and let's be honest, who doesn't want to spend Saturday in their PJ's? Crazy people.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend! Savor every fabulous moment because we all know Monday will be here way to fast. And if you want to stay in style while still being ridiculously comfy - you need this outfit! Shop below!

xoxo

shorts

ruffle back tee

necklace (similar)