diy clip in bangs [guest post]

Hi there, my name is Ally and I blog over at now that's pretty. Today I'm here to share a little DIY that can totally change your hair but doesn't require any awkward cutting or growing out periods. The other day I was out shopping and saw clip in bangs (we call them winges over here because they are fringe wigs...oh yeah we call bangs fringes). They looked pretty cool but were uber expensive so I decided to make my own. The only downside to the DIY version is that you have to wear a ribbon to cover the seam but there's nothing wrong with a little encouragement to decorate yourself with bows right?



You will need:

Hair extensions of the same colour as your hair- I had some from when I'd been growing my hair out but you can usually get them in chemists and beauty stores quite cheaply. If not you can use a wig and then cut the hair away from the net (keeping the hair fibers on the seam).

A needle and cotton
Scissors
Hair straighteners



The making- 1) First straighten the hair you're working with, it makes it easier to manage and judge length. 2) Cut off the existing clips or attachments. 3) You will now be left with hair on a seam. Do this until you have a few layers because you need the bangs to be nice and thick. 4) Layer up your seams and sew them together (You don't have to be very neat here as long as its relatively strong). Also at this point check they are the right width for your head. 5) You now have the hair you will be working with! 6) Re-attach some clips- one in the middle and one at each side. 7) Finally cut your bangs. It's better to cut a little at a time than to suddenly realise you've cut it way too short. 8) Yay! All finished! I left some little tendrils at the sides as well because they make it look a little more natural.



The styling- 1) Unclip all your fastenings. 2) Clip your bangs on. 3) Use a straightening iron to slightly curl your bangs under. This makes them look less rough. 4) See? Much better. 5) Since you can still see the seam you will need to cover it. You can get a little creative here, I usually use a ribbon but in the past I've used plaits or curls of my own hair. 6) Ta-daa!

Have fun with your new hair style!

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quick & easy hairdos [guest post]

Hello wonderful readers of Scathingly Brilliant! I'm Britney from Scout and today I am blogging for Kate while she is away. I am sure that we can all understand the hardship that Kate is going through. I recently lost my dog and its so heart wrenching that at times it is unbearable. You've spent their life thinking you are prepared but up until it happens you never realize just how much it will hurt. Lets all send Kate hugs and love from all around the world. Lots of them!!!

In honour of Kate (and her brilliance) I'm going to show you a few quick and easy hair-dos to make your day better if you are feeling a little uninspired and sad!! When I am a little down and even if I have no where to go I'll do my makeup, hair and get dressed up. Its amazing how it can make a difference!



First and foremost a pretty little half-up beehive. If you want to do a full beehive its super easy to just tuck in all the ends! I would have to say this one is my favourite! And it is remarkably easy too! I love the vintage, 50s feel this hairstyle gives. Plus it can make any outfit so much more prettier!! Who doesn't like a beehive?



1. Part the top section of your hair from the bottom. 2.Tease the top section all up!! Try and avoid the very top as this will show at the end and I'm betting you'll want it to look smooth! 3.Use a bun ring to add extra volume. 4. Simply tuck it in under the teasing. 5. And pin it down with bobby pins. 5. Tease the side sections out more and then clip at the back (with more bobby pins). 6. Spray and smooth with lots of hairspray. 7. Add any finishing touches. I added a big white bow as a homage to Kate! 8. And wear it with pride!!




The Tinkerbell Bun is just as easy, perhaps even more!!! I recently purchased this pretty floral hair tie from a New Zealand accessories store but you can find similar (possibly prettier) here, here (this one has butterflies!) and here. All you need here is a bun ring, a hair tie and any pretty decorative things!



1. Start with your hair out. 2. Put it into a silly (but fun) high pony tail!! 3. Grab a bun ring. 4.Pull the pony tail through the ring. 5.Drop the hair down (making sure it covers the ring completely) and tuck in the edges. 6. Decorate!!! With anything you like!




This is the easiest!! So simple! You can just put it up and go! Generally when I am at home and want my hair out of my face I'll go for this. I've used a scrunchie-esque bow. The bow itself has wire in it so it keeps itself in great shape!!! And its in a pretty red polka-dotted pattern. Whats not to love?



1.Start with a head of teased and voluminous hair. 3. Bring it all into a pony tail and wrap the hair tie around a few times. On the last time through don't pull it all the way. Leave some tucked in. 4. If needed add some bobby pins until you are happy with the shape. 5. Done!



I sure do hope I've given you some Kate inspired inspiration!! She sure is one amazing gal. Am I right? So lets all send her our well wishes and hugs. If you are going through something similar reach out!! Take steps to make yourself happier (like putting your hair up all pretty even if you aren't leaving the house). Its not easy. But people always tell me it will get easier! And I am pretty sure the passing of a loved one gets easier when you are surrounded by more love, friends and family.
Britney

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introvert's introduction [guest post]

dress: borrowed // skirt: diy // tights: mom's // shoes: forever 21



Hey all! I'm Lauren from the blog Introvert's Introduction, and I'm a college student from Alaska living life in Oregon. I was so sad when I heard that Kate's kitty passed away. As a cat mother myself, I can't even imagine how hard it will be; I hope this post can help out just a little bit.



In the past few weeks, I've been thinking a lot about the future. It's probably sparked from the fact that us college people are having to choose housing for next year, and that has brought on much stress and foreseeable drama. But to be honest, it made me kind of scared for just a few years down the road when I'll finally be out of school. I never really thought seriously about buying a house, getting a job, having to pay bills, and now it's practically around the corner. That's scary stuff people! But I mean, I guess since thousands of people have done it, then little ol' Lauren can too.



The other part of me is just incredibly excited for the future. I get to buy my own house and decorate it, I get to have a real full time job, I get to finally live on my own. Perhaps great experiences come with just a little bit of cost. Needless to say, let's bring it on!

I hope you have a really fabulous day today!

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mod fashion [guest post]

Hi! I’m Sally and I blog over at Queenie and the Dew. Today I’m helping Kate out with a little post about mod fashion.

Ever since I heard about Banana Republic's latest Mad Men capsule collection, I've been in full 'Mod mode'. I can’t help it. The collection has outdone itself, perfectly encapsulating what true mod style was: minimal and modern. Draped over retro furniture wearing bold graphic prints, bright colours and classic 1960s shapes, Coca Rocha demands to be noticed. And in my opinion, so should we.



But what is it about mod fashion that’s so appealing? For me, it’s not just about the colour, clean lines and vibrancy of the style. It’s also about what this style meant to the women who wore it at the time. After all, for women, the 1960s was an era of emancipation. Women’s liberation groups were springing up all over the United States. For the first time, discrimination based on sex became illegal and women were able to buy birth control pills.

For centuries, women have made up for their lack of rights by expressing themselves through fashion. And the 1960s were no exception. As a decade of defining styles and revolutionary ideas, young people began pushing the boundaries of what was socially acceptable. And against this backdrop, mod fashion exploded onto the scene. The results were legendary and long-lasting. Thanks to Mary Quant, we saw the advent of the mini skirt, while powerful retro prints became a beacon of individuality, power and independence for young women. After all, these weren’t the styles to wear if you wanted to slink off into the background. These women wanted to be noticed.

So as you browse through the latest styles in Banana Republic’s range, spare a thought for the women who broke new ground by embracing mod style, and contributed towards securing the rights that many of us now take for granted. And in honour of these women, who could well be our mothers, neighbours, aunts or grandmothers, why not replicate that perfect mod look for yourself?

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kitty accessories [guest post]

I can't thank everyone enough for all of the kind comments and e-mails. It took me a few days to finally feel like I could share my sad news, afraid that condolences would make me even sadder. But it has helped so much. Nothing will ever completely ease the pain that I feel but your support has definitely made me feel less alone. And I take so much comfort in the knowledge that so many of you loved Hypatia too. She was such a special cat. And I'll continue to post about her for as long as I'm blogging. She'll always be a part of my life, and she'll always be a part of this blog.

I had quite a few guest post submissions (thank you. xo) so I might not get to post all of them, but to everyone who sent one in, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm going to begin posting them today, starting with this collection that Moorea Seal put together, "pretty kitty accessories, ways to remember the quirky and sweet kitties we have all had in our lifetimes"  xo kate

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13

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hypatia

Last week my sweet Hypatia passed away.

There aren't any words to express the depth of my sadness. I feel broken. I feel like my insides have been completely ripped out. The thought of having to spend the rest of my life without her is unbearable. I am absolutely, completely lost and so incredibly lonely without her.

She was the most kind and gentle creature I've ever known. She was my shadow, and followed me everywhere I went. I keep looking back, hoping to see her a few steps behind me but she isn't there. I keep waking up, hoping to see her laying next to me but she isn't there. She'll always live in my heart but right now, today, that isn't good enough. I want her back with me so badly. I just want to kiss her forehead and hold her in my arms.

I am having a very, very hard time coping with this. A lot harder than I expected. I've known for years that this was imminent -- she's been sick on and off since 2008 -- I thought I was prepared, but I wasn't. I really have no idea how to BE. Just existing is difficult right now. I miss her so much. I can't believe it's only been a few days, but at the same time I can't believe it's ALREADY been a few days.

Hypatia was my EVERYTHING, my cat soul mate, my best friend in the whole world. I just miss her so much.

I don't think I can blog for a little while. If anyone wants to submit guest posts, I would be very grateful. You can send them to me here.

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friday favorites

I'm so glad that Mindy Kaling exists.



I'm in love with this dress (it has scallops, so duh.) I had some modcloth store credit so I had to snatch it up. It came in the mail a couple days ago and I adore it! I really wish more designers would produce the same dress in multiple colors. I would buy every single color if they offered more!



Isn't this neat?! I saw it on Spoonflower's pinterest account but it doesn't link back to an actual fabric to purchase. It would be so neat to make this and have it be a permanent fixture in the yard!


Jelly shoes in one of my favorite colors! I will never get tired of the pastel explosion that hits stores every spring. I practically live for it.




I love these photos that Mary took of an installation in Washington, DC. An artist painted an abandoned church and the result is beyond beautiful! I'm planning a visit to DC this summer and I would love to see this in person!



This is such a cute idea for Easter! Dip strawberries in white chocolate that's tinted with orange food coloring for a carrot-inspired treat!



haha I think this is so funny! Is anyone else a huge Jurassic Park fan? I cannot WAIT until it's re-released in 3D this year. (Speaking of 3D re-releases, was anyone else super bummed that they cancelled The Little Mermaid release? I was looking forward to it so much!!)



Cutest cat shirt ever!!



Technically she wore this to an after party, but Zooey's dress is hands down my favorite from this year's Oscars. I love everything about it.. the pastel flowers, the sheer overlay, the dainty little bow belt. It's just perfect!



These are beach towels printed with vintage magazine covers. So neat!



How amazing is this bathroom?! It kind of reminds me of Edward Scissorhands. This house actually has FIVE bathrooms (!!) and all of them are as amazing as this one. You can see them here.



Arrested Development in lego form. Most awesome thing in the history of ever.

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