Lulus Fashion Lounge - Blog - A La Mode

  • Style Do or Don't: Bettie Page Bangs

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    March
    18
    2010

    I've always loved the iconic hair of retro pin-up model Bettie Page. Known for her short pixie bangs and curvy brown locks, Bettie's hair became her unique and edgy style accessory. 

    In short, Bettie Page bangs are cut to hit at about mid-forehead and curve up towards the temples of your head.

    I've noticed this style of bang becoming increasingly popular among hip, fashion forward women. To me, the look carries cool, rockabilly vibes and can really make a girl stand out. At the same time, I would never make the cut myself.

    Just a smidge above eyebrow length is about as short as I will go. I just know that a super short bang wouldn't flatter my face shape. While I admire the cut on a lot of women, it's still a daring look to pull off.

    (Above: Actress Gretchen Mol in The Notorious Bettie Page. Below: Bettie Page)

    That being said, I've noticed that certain styles manage to capture the essence of the original Bettie Page cut while toning down the extremes to make it more flattering on different face shapes.

    Above, I love how Katy Perry's bangs sit just above the eyebrow and curve just slightly up the sides, not sharply. Designer Maya Luz from this season's Project Runway sports the same style, keeping the bangs semi-short and mostly strait towards the sides of the head. I've been drooling over her hair all season (and rooting her on to win!) For both Katy and Maya, dark straightened locks and bold lipstick give the look a little extra retro boost.

    What do you think? Would you make the cut?

  • A Certified Cinderella

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    March
    16
    2010

    With busy days full of stress and concerns over school, work, relationships or a number of other things, life may seem like anything but a fairy tale.

    But let's remember: Cinderella didn't always have it easy. She was, after all, forced to live in the attic with a gaggle of mice (albeit cute mice) as her only companions.

    Like Cinderella, it takes a little special care to make a girl feel more pampered and pretty. Well, Lulu*s is here as your fairy godmother, offering you some cute, Cinderella inspired finds to help you face whatever life throws at you. Prince optional.

     

    A trio of magic is found with the strapless and ruffled Glass Slippers Top, named such as it would go great with a pair of glass slippers. For a more comfy and casual version, try the sparkling Chinese Laundry Northern Lites Smoke Jelly Flat to light up your every step. To top it all off, our With a Twist Headband is nothing short of whimsical.

    Now all you need is a sweet ride...

    Photo found via Obliteratedheart

  • Red Heads Have More Fun

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    January
    29
    2010

    Red hair is as rare as it is beautiful. A vibrant color that always catches the eye, it's as equally breathtaking in its natural shade as in its artificial versions. Christina Hendricks, who plays Joan on the hit series Mad Men is almost single handedly responsible for making me want to dye my dark brunette locks a vibrant shade of red.

    A hair color that requires a lot of upkeep, going red and staying red is a quite a commitment. It's also crucial to capture the right shade of red for your skin tone, whether it be warm-toned and coppery or on the cool side of the spectrum with purple undertones, etc.

    Have any of you lovely ladies gone a daring shade of red? If so, any tips for making it last? Also, please share what you love about being a red head! 

  • Hair Inspiration: Dita Von Teese

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    January
    25
    2010

    I am in love with the seemingly effortless glamour and flirty waves of Dita Von Teese's hair style in the above pic. Inspired by hair of the 1940's, Dita has perfected this look on her own, which in turn, inspired me to give it a try.

    Dita recently tweeted on her Twitter page that she uses "Hot rollers in small+med sizes," and sometimes "iron+clips" in order to set her hair into retro glam waves. I found the perfect YouTube tutorial which goes over how to style and set the rollers to achieve a similar look.

    Now all I need are some good hot rollers. Any suggestions?

  • Fast and Glamorous: The Simple Chignon

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    January
    20
    2010

     

    If you're like me, rainy weather has you neglecting any attempts at hair styling and sporting a variety of caps all week instead. Now, while hats can be fun, it's nice to change up your look every now and then. But while there's so much moisture in the air, I find it pointless to spend time blow-drying and straightening when it's all going to end up a frizzy mess.

    That's where the classic chignon comes in extremely handy.

    A low bun pulled to the side of the head, a chignon is a simple style that can be as glammed up or as casual as you wish. I prefer it loosely gathered and pulled slightly off center. Add any clips or accessories, red lipstick, and those rainy days won't look so daunting after all.

  • Take a Bow

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    January
    12
    2010

    Feminine, flirty and fun, bows are taking the spotlight when it comes to fashion accessories!

    Move over Minnie Mouse -- this fun trend is no longer reserved for the girly girl, but for the girl with a unique, funky style. Tie 'em up in your hair, sport 'em as a pair of earrings or on a necklace, and you'll be the bow of the ball!

    Get in on the trend here at your favorite bow-tique with our Bowdacious Earrings [sold out!], Bow-tie-ful Lady Necklace and Bow Peep Earrings in Ivory.

     

  • Trend to Try: Retro Fascinators

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    January
    6
    2010

    Retro style is making a comeback as girls of the 21st century look back to the days of Hollywood glam for inspiration. The hair and the makeup were always flawlessly and artfully done, and the accessories were ever present.

    I love that I spotted a couple retro fascinators paired with cocktail dresses on New Year's Eve (myself included).  :)  Fascinators can be found in so many fun styles and colors, whether true vintage or just vintage-inspired. And if you need a little example of how to rock the look, Dita Von Teese never fails to impress. As a woman who lives and breathes vintage, she has got the look down.

    Feeling inspired? Go ahead and give our Retro Reminisce Fascinator [sold out!] a try for the next time you want to stand out in a crowd.

  • Weezer Muse

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    December
    28
    2009

    I wanted to share with you guys a fun music video by Weezer for their song, "If You're Wondering If I Want You To." It features the Weezer gang in a Pleasantville type of town called ... what else? Weezerville. They're four best friends, and life is sweet in Weezerville.

    Enter the femme fatale, played by the gorgeous and charming actress, Odette Yustman. Her character is what inspired this blog and a couple YouTube hair tutorials on the web. Check out her awesome costuming, makeup and hair!! I love the soft feminine look of the dress combined with the flawlessly crafted, 40's-inspired victory rolls.

    Check out the video below to see what an impact her looks make on Weezerville and the surprising ending!

    And if you're inspired by her look like I was, give the hair tutorial by the talented LisaFreemontStreet a try. It shows a quick and easy way to get a similar effect.

    Now, if I could only get my hands on that darling yellow dress ...

  • Creative Holiday Party Ideas

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    December
    16
    2009

    We all have certain expectations of what will happen at your typical holiday party: sipping eggnog and nibbling on sugar cookies in the shape of Christmas trees, exchanging presents in Secret Santa swaps, enduring annoying questions about your boyfriend from your aunt and grandma. (Well, maybe that's just me.)

    Whatever your typical party looks like, I think it's high time we shook up the holiday season with a bit of creativity. A major fan of dressing up, I'm always looking for that next big event to get clever with your look. Why not the holidays?

    IDEA #1:  A Mad Men Themed Party


    I just love this idea featured on Basket of Kisses, a blog devoted to all things Mad Men. As a work party idea, the Arkansas Advertising Agency, Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods all dressed up as characters from the hit drama. Everyone looks just like their Mad Men counterpart, down to a tee.

    I think this party would translate perfectly into a holiday theme. What could be more glamorous than a 60's updo and a high class cocktail? Dibs on Joan! If you love this pic, check out the Mad Men Holiday Card idea on vintage hair and makeup guru, Lauren Rennells's Bobby Pin Blog.

    IDEA #2: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with Family Portraits


    The ugly Christmas sweater party idea has been growing in popularity during the holiday season, and believe it or not, I have yet to attend one (hint, hint). It's fairly easy to do if you think about it.

    Visit your local thrift store and find the ugliest, cheesiest, most hideous Christmas sweater you can. Some may have smiling reindeer and snowman. Some even have twinkling Christmas lights and tinsel. The more outrageous, the better!

    And to top it all off, why not take a fun group photo to send out to all your relatives? I can't help but smile when I look at these two portraits by Seattle-based photographer, John Keatley. Visit his blog to read the funny stories behind them!

    Overall, the idea is not classy by a long shot, but hey, we're always dressing up to look better, so why not make yourself look as awkward and dorky as possible. There's definitely some charm to that.

    Happy Holidays Lulu*s fans! What cool holiday party ideas do you have?

  • Vintage Hair: 1930's Faux Bob

    Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

    November
    12
    2009

    My freshman year of college, I took one of the most risky leaps when it comes to hair: I chopped off my long locks into a 20's style bob. I left the salon with chin length hair that was shaved in back with short pixie bangs in front.

    The look was a blast, but I eventually missed the versatility of my long hair, which took a whole year to grow back. Now,when I get a hankering for short hair again, I'll know just to do this look - a faux bob - sported by women in the 30's. Very old Hollywood.

    Short hair for a day without the salon visit or the year long commitment? Yes please!

    What You'll Need

    1. Sponge Roller Set - about $10 at Target

    2. Spray Bottle

    3. Bobby Pins

    4. Hair Spray

    5. Hair Net

    What to Do

    1. Spray your hair damp with some water

    2. Roll hair in sponge rollers (please see video below for placement)

    3. Secure rollers in a hair net

    4. Sleep on overnight (surprisingly comfy) or let air dry for at least 3hrs.

    5. In the morning, remove rollers closest to the face and brush each out individually, smoothing with pomade

    6. Remove rollers in back, pin back hair to the nape of the neck so it looks bob-length

    7. Let the front curls frame your face

    8. Hair spray!!

    9. Just for fun, tell everyone you cut your hair :)

    I highly recommend watching the video below by the talented LisaFreemontStreet that inspired me to do this look. She works wonders when it comes to vintage hair styling. I've been learning so much about how to use hot rollers, sponge rollers, pin curls, and pillow rollers just by watching her vids. Happy styling! ;)


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