Hair Accessories: Not Just For Kids!

Okay, I admit it- I am absolutely TERRIBLE at styling my own hair. To make up for this, I usually lather some Pure Oil into my hair (which smells heavenly by the way,) tie it into some kind of messy bun/nest, and then throw in some barrettes, butterfly clips, or a big black bow and I'm out the door. And then I let the hair compliments rollll on in.

You see, hair accessories aren't just for kids anymore. There are some great hair accessories out there: so many clips, barrettes, bows, studs, and even tiaras that will make you look like a fun-loving and fully-functioning hair-aware adult. Albeit a quirky adult, but it's always better to stand out than to blend in, right? Right.

I've compiled some of my favorites here:

1. The Barrette

Oversized Barrette, Cynthia Rowley, $35

C. Rowley is one of my favorite designers/people (honestly, she's the sweetest!) and just recently, we had the wonderful opportunity to collab with her on one of our stylers. In addition to designing captivating prints and architecturally beautiful dresses, Cynthia presents to us larger than life barrettes. If these aren't chic, I don't really know what is.

2. The Printed Bow

Fire Hair Bow, Hell Cat Punks, $38 

This bow is a great way to let people know you're tough but you still have a sweet girly side. I would wear this bow with my ripped Immortal tee shirt, a long black maxi skirt and some Doc's. That's just me though. And I probably wouldn't wear it into the pit because it's just too cute to get ruined!

3. The Natural Bow

Petit Bow, Amika, $12.95

The subtle and chic hair-textured hair bow à la Gaga. What can we say? We love the look so much we decided to make our own. Also, if you want to go big, the mega bow might be just what you're looking for.

4. The Bobby Pins

Gum Bobbies, Glitterlimes, $16

I know we've all been there- chewing gum stuck in your hair. Peanut butter, anyone? WD-40? What a nightmare! But Debbie Tuch from Glitterlimes has turned this menacing experience into something cute and couture. It's real gum coated in glitter resin. Debbie calls them "reminiscent of what you might find in a fairy tale set in the future. (Also, Lady Gaga is a fan.)

5. The Ribbon

Black hair ribbon, image taken from Pinterest

The ribbon is a perfect way to dress up any hair style without trying all that hard. So simple and so inexpensive, and so much variety! Go to your local craft store and get creative. Or you can browse on ribbonsandbowsohmy.com for inspiration.

6. The Cat Hat

Caterina, Eugenia Kim, $240

Yes, this is a real thing and it's the purrrfect little beret for for fall. Guaranteed "Oh my god, where did you get that hat? I love it!" at least 6-8 times each time you wear it.

7. The Scrunchie

Shiny Scrunchie in Lamé Gold, American Apparel, $6

The 90's are in, it's fact, and slowly but surely, scrunchies are making a comeback. I am most certainly sporting a scrunchie on the weekends as I am rummaging through thrift stores or shopping at the local farmers' market or attending shows in Williamsburg. I think it's a bold look and a great way to dress up your average ponytail. Easier than ordering take-out.

8. The Tiara

Sweeping Circles Headband, Anthropologie, $32

And what better way to feel like a princess than to wear a tiara-inspired headpiece? You can wear this one by Anthro to work, a date, an art show, or while you take a long, luxurious bubble bath. You deserve it.

And just remember- Confidence is KEY. xoxox Al

Tiny Little Bows

Welcome to our first installment of Music Monday!

So I just got Carly Rae Jepsen's new album Kiss and the first track is titled Tiny Little Bows. So cute, right? I especially love this song because bows happen to be one of my favorite hair accessories (which I will write about later on Hair-Love in a piece called Hair Accessories Are Not Just For Kids)! This song is certainly a cure for the Monday afternoon blues.

Carly Rae Jepsen - Tiny Little Bows

Anyway, we've been listening to this song on repeat for a good portion of today here at amika! Do enjoy.

Not quite a tiny little bow, but still, I love it so.

Stay tuned for your weekly taste of music every Monday on Hair-Love.


-Al
Marketing Coordinator, Music Lover, Social Media Junkie

Editorial Worthy Hair Accessories

At the Beauty.com event last week, we got a peak at some of the fab new items they will bring to the website on July 1. One of our favvvvvorites were hair accessories by Colette Malouf. Her Fall 2011 collection features headbands and clips with a 20's feel. The rhinestone fringe, embroidered feathers and metallic finger-wave-look clips are all editorial-worthy and we can't to wait snap them up. How gorge is the hair and makeup in her look book?

Delightful Vintage Clothing and Hair Accessories

We spoke to the owner of Fille De Joie one of our favorite vintage spots in Williamsburg recently. Obsession usually propels the most successful entrepreneurs and her story is no different. She is a self-confessed shopaholic. She described, I think rather aptly, the shopping sensation, "as something cannot be controlled, it is a women's hysteria. Women are always chasing something that alludes them that if they had it they would be on top of the world." In her case her shopaholism has worked to her advantage because she has amassed a trove of exuberant vintage that has some faithful fans in Brooklyn and Manhattan. She says she loves the women that shop at her store: "They are very spirited, they are self-inspired, the pieces talk to them."

She is originally from St. Tropez and has been antiquing and vintage shopping since she was 9 years old. She appreciates vintage for the craftsmanship and quality materials. As well as the romanticism, "it is full of promises, secrets of more happiness."

On the subject of hair she mentioned (without us prompting her, I swear!) that he favorite current product is an Argan Oil Hair Spray. She had just returned from Puerto Rico and had been swimming in the pool and ocean. Her hair was very dehydrated. She found the Argan Oil didn't weigh down her fine hair. We will have to deliver her some amika™ Oblphica Oil Treatment and Shine Spray for sure :-).

We asked her about the very charming hair piece she was wearing that day. It was a fringe of Victorian beads that she had fashioned into a hair clip. Occasionally she finds sewing details like appliques and beads that she rescues and turns them into beautiful adornments for the hair. They are all one of a kind. Stop by her store to see if she has any on hand and view her collection of fabulous vintage fashion.

Fille De Joie
197 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-599-3525