How to make your own ponytail holders By : Abby Smith

ADORABLE ON YOUR WRIST, GENTLE ON YOUR HAIR

By now I'm sure you're all aware of these trendy little ties. You can find them at the front of nearly every cash register just begging you to take them home. Here's a tutorial to make the cute ponytail elastics yourself.

You can find these ties at Ulta, Sephora and even at Anthropologie. However, making these ties yourself is simple enough, can save you money and guarantee the colors you want. You can buy an entire yard of elastic for 45 cents and a pack of five ties from Target and it will cost you about $4 — or $12 from Anthropologie.

These ponytail elastics are crazy-easy to make, and online shops like the Sunshine Shoppe make it incredibly easy to customize your colors and patterns. Pssst, their chevron print is to die for. Hurry and go snag yourself some before they run out!

Let's get to it, shall we?

How to make your own ponytail elastics

Supplies:

• 1 yard elastic
• ruler
• pair of scissors

Instructions:

1

Measure and cut

Take your elastic and measure out eight to 10 inches in length. Once the elastic is cut, you'll want to seal the ends. I like to run a lighter over the ends and just singe them.

2

Fold and knot

Fold your elastic in half and knot the ends. And you're done. That's all there is to it.

There you have it — a super fun project that makes for a fun girls' night or a simple craft you can do while watching The Vampire Diaries!

Hair
obsession

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hairwear that you
can disguise

Lauren Conrad’s secret ingredient to amazing hair

    FOUR HAIR MASKS
YOU HAVE TO TRY

We're always a bit jealous of Lauren Conrad's shiny strands. It turns out that the secret behind her luscious locks is available at your local drugstore!

Lauren Conrad's long blond strands always look shiny and amazing. She's admitted that some of that volume comes from extensions, but we've heard that the fashion mogul also swears by a hair mask that us mere mortals can nab at the corner drugstore.

Conrad, 27, uses Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment ($8) at least once a week. This hydrating formula uses argan oil to strengthen, increase elasticity and add serious shine. After curling, she adds Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Dry Styling Oil ($8) to smooth any frizz and stray hairs. This moisture-restoring oil is said to repair damage caused by heat and styling tools while increasing strength and fighting frizz.

Other hair masks we love

Fekkai — PRX Reparatives Fortifying Mask ($49):Hair guru Frederic Fekkai developed a once-per-week hair mask that uses keratin and other hair proteins to improve texture, heal split ends and prevent future damage.

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Moisture Masque ($26): Pure organic bamboo extract and smoothing organic kendi oil work together to eliminate frizz and strengthen the hair shaft. Bonus! It's safe for colored hair, too.

Bosley Healthy Hair Strengthening Masque ($29): Most of the hair masks on the market are best suited for thicker hair, leaving fine-haired girls with limp, lifeless strands. Not anymore: Bosley uses biotin and vegetable proteins to strengthen fine hair, while chamomile and jojoba extracts add luster.

Shopping with Summer : Sporting events

SPORTS DAY ATTIRE

For most parents with kids, it seems that weekends can easily be filled with one child's sporting event or game after another.

Currently, I'm living the life of a sports mom. This means four days of practice, and eight hour track meets every single Saturday. Given that we often have to be there before the sun makes its debut, I have to plan exactly what I'm going to wear the night before (because my brain doesn't think fashion in the early morning hours!).

And, I'm going to be honest. On track meet days, it's less about fashion and more about being prepared

OK, who am I kidding? It's a little bit about fashion. This look here is basically a version of what you'll see me wearing on any given Saturday. Cozy but cute yoga pants, a tank top layered under a comfy long sleeved tee. (Always good to layer for weather changes!) Then don some comfortable flats as well to finish off the look. The other two must-have items? A fun hat (for sun protection) and a light jacket (you never know when you'll need it!) for the chillier moments of the day.

Summer's outfit

• Foldover yoga pants: (Walmart, $13)
• Layering tank: (Target, $8)
• Cozy tee: (Forever 21, $18)
• Flats: (Target, $20)
• Hat: (Printed Palette, $10)
• Jacket: Plato's Closet

By : Summer Saldana

Create the look

• Yoga pants: (Old Navy, $19)
• Layering tank: (Target, $8)
• Cozy tee: (Forever 21, $13)
• Flats: (Target, $20)
• Hat: (Zappos, $22)
• Jacket: (Gap, $70)
• 
  

15 Fresh pairs of flip flops we love

FASHIONABLE
FLIP FLOP PICKS

What's better than flip flops in the summer? They're cute, comfortable and ideal for anywhere from the beach to a backyard BBQ. If you still need to stock up on a few pairs, we've got you covered with some of our favorites, just in time for National Flip Flop Day tomorrow!

   

1

Pink leather flip flops

Simple yet bold, we love thesesleek leather flip flops with a fun punch of summer color. Wear them with skirts, shorts or even skinny jeans for laid-back but polished summer style. (gap.com, $25)

2

T-strap studded flip flops

These T-strap flip flops with studded detail could easily go from the beach to the bar in a pinch, thanks to the eye-catching embellishment. (kohls.com, $12)

3

Bow flip flops

The addition of a pretty bow at the strap gives these cute flip flops a girly twist we love. The design collaboration between Jason Wu and Melissa makes for a simple but elegant flip flop you can wear anywhere. (shopbop.com, $75)

4

Crochet flip flops

We were instantly smitten with these cute crochet flip flops that are equal parts feminine and flirty. We're partial to the white, but they also come in several other summer-ready hues. (luckybrand.com, $69)

5

Braided flip flops

Add some elegance to your flip flop collection with the help of this chic double braided pair in a fresh, fun shade of coral. Pair these with a white maxi dress and a floppy sunhat for instant hot weather style. (armaniexchange.com, $38)

6

Metallic flip flops

A hint of metallic sheen gives these simple flip flops a splash of extra style. The silver hue goes with just about any color, so have fun when adding these fab flip flops to your outfits. (us.accessorize.com, $29)

7

Beaded floral flip flops

Sometimes flip flops all seem to look the same, but you can easily switch things up with this bold pair featuring a fun beaded floral element. We love the red, but you can also choose from black or brown. (kohls.com, $14)

8

Wedge flip flops

Need some extra height but still want to stay comfy? You can do it easily with a pair of simple wedge flip flops that offer some height — minus the discomfort. Choose from white, silver or black. (oldnavy.com, $10)

9

Neon flip flops

Summer is all about bold, get-noticed colors and having fun with your accessories. Go bold with your footwear with a pair ofneon flip flops in bright yellow, pink and blue. (shopbop.com, $23)

10

Red patent flip flops

If you need a flip flop that errs more on the side of sophisticated rather than beach ready, we suggest this pretty patent red pair that can easily be incorporated into more polished summer outfits. (jcpenney.com, $16)

11

Woven straw flip flops

These colorful woven straw flip flops are perfect for the beach. Add your favorite pair of cut-offs and a bright tank and you're set for a quintessential summer day. (kohls.com, $14)

12

Tropical flip flops

Get a taste of the tropics as you stroll around town in a pair of these Roxy flip flops with a summer-ready tropical motif across the top. We love the turquoise but you can also snap up a pink pair. (dsw.com, $25)

13

Suede flip flops

Mint green is an ideal color for summer and it looks great on these suede flip flops. We think these sandals would look perfect paired with a strapless sundress in an equally summery hue. (shopbop.com, $48)

14

Fish stripe flip flops

Have some fun with your footwear this summer by adding this Marc Jacobs pair featuring fish stripes (they kind of look like scales) in either bright pink or orange. (marcjacobs.com, $68)

15

French tips flip flops

We love these elegant black flip flops that feature an added bonus of white “French tip” at the top. These would look great paired with a summer LBD or more structured summer dress in red or white. (zappos.com, $50)

Take your style to the next level with a cashmere blowout

CASHMERE BLOWOUTS COMING JULY 1 A Chicago salon is taking blowouts to the next level with the cashmere blowout. And yes, it involves actual cashmere!

Move over, keratin: There's a new hair-strengthening treatment in town.

Chicago-based George the Salon is introducing the cashmere blowout, a treatment designed to "instantly give fine, fragile hair more body, texture and natural-looking volume."

And get this: The stylists use actual cashmere — like the kind you find in your favorite sweater!

"This is a fiber obtained from actual cashmere to smooth, strengthen, and protect," George Gonzalez, owner of George the Salon Chicago, told SheKnows. "It is broken down into hydrolyzed keratin protein, which facilitates moisture bonding. Cashmere is fine in texture and strong, light and soft. Plus, it has restructuring action."

Here's how it works: George and his team first spray the hair with an "ecological hairspray" that contains the cashmere proteins, along with a marine derivative rich in minerals. The spray is designed to penetrate the hair and provide essential proteins and vitamins for strength. Then, while the hair is still wet, a beautifying elixir enriched with four precious oils (maize, argan, camellia and pracaxi) is applied from the roots to the tips.

"This treatment absorbs quickly into strands as it conditions and smoothes away frizz for added shine," George explained. "This elixir also acts as another heat protectant and then a finishing gloss to tame frizz, revealing the creation of Chicago's first cashmere blowout."

The price? Only $50 — much more affordable than treatments at other salons, which range from $100 to $300 or more.

5 Tips to get the perfect blowout at home

Can't make it to Chicago? Here are George's tips for getting a fab blowout at home:

1. Avoid frizz by blow-drying your hair from the top down, directing the dryer toward the ends.
2. Always dry the roots about 70 percent first, then proceed to styling.
3. Make sure you control your ends with your brush. Alternatively, try using your hands to press the dried hair smooth.
4. When you visit your stylist, ask for more layers when you get a cut. This will release weight and encourage volume as you style.
5. Sometimes women put the dryer directly against the hair because they think that's the way to get it straight. That can do real damage, however, especially with a metal brush.

BY Meagan Morris

Fashion face-off: Princess Madeleine vs. Kate Middleton

PRINCESS MADELEINE
WEDS IN VALENTINO

Princess Madeleine of Sweden wed New York banker Christopher O’Neill over the weekend, but all we really care about is her wedding dress. And wow, did she pick a showstopper.

Ajouter une légende

Princess Madeleine had a wedding fit for a, well, princess on Saturday when she married New York City banker Christopher O'Neill in a lavish ceremony in Stockholm. The New York–based princess, 30, walked down the aisle in a custom Valentino Haute Couture gown designed by the iconic designer himself.

"Working with Princess Madeleine has just been so easy," Valentino Garavani said in a statement after the wedding. "She is a very lovely girl. She is modern, fun, full of energy and enthusiasm, and she is so beautiful. It has been a pleasure and an honor."

The gown featured an off-the-shoulder design with a 4-meter train, along with a 6-meter veil embroidered with Chantilly lace flowers. Her tiara was accessorized with fresh orange blossoms.

Naturally, we couldn't help but think of the gown the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, wore to wed Prince William in April 2011. The Alexander McQueen gown — designed by Sarah Burton — featured long lace sleeves and a satin bodice along with a myrtle, lily of the valley, sweet William and hyacinth bouquet.



Burton later called making the dress "an incredible honor."
Was it better than Princess Madeleine's dress? We love both, so it's impossible to choose.
We doubt Madeleine is concerned about the comparisons. The Swedish royal is probably more interested in her new husband!
"He is my soulmate," she said after getting engaged in 2012. "I appreciate Chris for his warmth and his humor. He has a very big heart, and he manages to make everyone in his presence feel good. Christopher is a very thoughtful and generous person."
O'Neill echoed her thoughts.

"I had been thinking about proposing for a while, but I wanted to wait until the right moment," the British immigrant added of his love. "I have been sure all along that Madeleine was the one I wanted to marry."

Celeb Hairstyle of the Week: Katy Perry

WE'RE OBSESSED!

We have a total crush on Katy Perry's chic 'do. Find out why in this week's installment of Celeb Hairstyle of the Week!

A lot of times, I gush over complex, high fashion 'dos in this weekly column. This week, though, I'd like to pay homage to a super cute yet oh so achievable look Miss Katy Perry recently sported to an event. This shiny, wavy 'do is one that flatters everyone and is a look that you can most certainly do yourself at home with a little practice!

With wedding season in full swing and lots of other special summer events fast approaching, Katy's polished look comes as welcome inspiration to us all. I turned to Justine Piecuch, stylist at Boston's renowned Jeffrey Lyle Salon, to get the breakdown of the look. Have fun recreating it at home!

Get the look

1. On clean, blown out hair, apply a working or setting spray.
2. Set hair using a 1-1/2-inch curling iron. Starting in the back, section hair and curl horizontally. Drop hair out of iron and curl up and pin. Do this throughout the whole head and let hair set until it cools.
3. Gently remove all hair clips, and brush out set hair. While brushing out, mold hair into desired shape.
4. Gather the front section above or around the eyebrow and pin back. If feeling creative, a glue gun and a vintage brooch can work wonders!!

More 'dos we love

Celeb Hairstyle of the Week: Bella ThorneCeleb Hairstyle of the Week: Emmy RossumCeleb Hairstyle of the Week: Natalie Zea

4 Summer looks inspired by showstopping shoes

SHOEDAZZLED
BY SHEKNOWS

Easy, breezy summer style is here! We sent SheKnows' own
Lauren Kelly and Whitney English around town with the challenge of styling
two of their favorite shoes from the ShoeDazzle launches this month.

Chief Stylist for ShoeDazzle Rachel Zoe created a lookbook solely based on iconic Los Angeles locations. We've had so much fun featuring her lookbooks each month that we decided it was time to play dress up. Without further ado, here's how shoes can be the heart of a complete summer outfit

1. Seaside cocktails in Santa Monica

.

According to Rachel Zoe, "After a sun-soaked day at the beach, throw on these comfy heels for cocktails and dancing at Al Fresco." All Lauren needed was a flowy skirt and a cropped tee while the wedges gave her the dressy touch she needed to stroll the boardwalk and enjoy cocktails and ice cream with an ocean view — summer style made so easy!

Buy the Tera shoe here.

2. Shopping at Sunset Plaza

Whitney's look here is classic from head to toe. She followed Zoe's advice, "A mod heel is the ultimate way to run all of your errands while looking totally chic." Running errands, splurging on new outfits, same thing, right? She fits in perfectly with Hollywood's finest.

Buy the Cathy heel here.

3. Up all night by Hollywood and Vine

What better occasion to show off your little pink dress than with sky-high heels for a night out by the defining cross streets of Los Angeles nightlife? According to Zoe, a nude sky-high heel is the best way to get the "legs for miles" effect. How about Lauren's legs?

Buy the Annette heel here.

4. Chic in Malibu

Whitney was savvy by turning her favorite white tee into a cute, cropped top. If you're not in the mood to wear high wedges, gladiator sandals should be your go-to pick to keep your look interesting. Zoe's take? Gladiator sandals are perfect when you want to keep your look easy and casual.

Buy the Jalen sandal coming soon here.

Win a trip to Los Angeles!

The grand prize winner gets a trip to Los Angeles with a two-night stay, a spa day package and Rachel Zoe's jetsetter kit. Ten runner-ups will receive Zoe's jetsetter kit, too! Enter here.

10 Ultra-cute summer tees and accessories to match

MUST-HAVE TEES
AND ACCESSORIES

It's time to shop for summer essentials. Spice up your summer T-shirt collection with our picks for the cutest tees we can find along with fun accessories to match.

Pink pocket tee

Brighten up your summer wardrobe in an instant with the help of this bold pink pocket tee with a cute high-low hem and a scoop neck (amrag.com, $78). We love the versatility of this T-shirt (wear it with denim, wear it with basic black) and can't get enough of the fun, fresh hue.

Pair with: Black floppy straw hat(usa.frenchconnection.com, $58)

Linen V-neck tee

Aside from how ultra-comfy this gray shirt is, what we love most about it is how well it keeps its shape, thanks to the linen (madewell.com, $45). The relaxed fit is balanced nicely by the stylish heathered finish on the gray fabric.

Pair with: Long chain heart pendant necklace(urbanoutfitters.com, $24).

Lavender knot tee

Easily give any summer outfit a feminine twist when you add this pretty lavender-hued T-shirtinto the mix (modcloth.com, $28). An otherwise plain shirt is given a stylish boost thanks to a gathered twist knot at the neck, which adds a subtle touch of something extra.

Pair with: Floral laminate tote bag(us.accessorize.com, $53).

.

Metallic dot print tee

 

This easy-wearing jersey T-shirt in metallic gray would have been just fine on its own — we love the relaxed fit and scoop neck — but it gets taken up a notch with the addition of eye-catching blue and white dots (gap.com, $30).

Pair with: Tory Burch double wrap logo stud bracelet (toryburch.com, $95).

 

Striped tee

Summer is a season that calls for bolder colors and you definitely get them with this stylish striped tee featuring various shades of pink, blue and lavender (net-a-porter.com, $64). Pair the soft slub T-shirt with skinny ankle-length jeans in white or dark blue and your favorite flats.

Pair with: Calvin Klein white leather hobo(zappos.com, $198).

 

Muscle tee

Muscle tees aren't just for bulky, muscled dudes.This one, from T by Alexander Wang, offers a flattering fit in a fabulous shade of purple (shopzoeonline.com, $78). Wear this get-noticed tee tucked into high-waisted shorts or over skinny jeans topped with a boyfriend blazer.

Pair with: Straw fedora (2bstores.com, $13).

   

Vintage cotton tee

The first thing that caught our eye with this must-have tee was the summer-ready minty-green hue, but what sealed the deal was the vintage-inspired worn-in feel for maximum hot weather comfort (jcrew.com $38).

Pair with: Michael Kors aviator sunglasses(nordstrom.com, $99).

Black and red tee

Striped tees are a summer wardrobe must and you can never really have enough, which is why we had to include a second one on our list. This one, in bold black and red with cute cap sleeves, is made from silk for an elegant twist (madewell.com, $90).

Pair with: Chevron tribal drop earrings(pinkmascara.com, $70).

Coral cropped tee

Embrace a 1980s vibe when you create a summer outfit around this coral cropped tee with roll back sleeves (topshop.com, $20). Pair this throwback from decades past with high-waisted printed shorts and strappy platform sandals.

Pair with: Geometric stretch bracelet in turquoise(bloomingdales.com, $48).

Puff print tee

A plain red T-shirt gets a subtle upgrade thanks to pretty puff detailing, a feature that adds delicate lace-like texture (dorothyperkins.com, $28). Wear this cute tee with anything from pencil skirts to jeans to trousers.

Pair with: Kenneth Cole wedge espadrille(kennethcole.com, $60).

Have a nice day :)