My very favorite thing that Free People has ever made...

Did any of you happen to see the fantastic short film: Roshambo that Free People released a few months ago?  It was produced as a video accompaniment to the love story featured in their February catalog.  I think I watched it enough for everyone.  The little film even inspired me to include a mini love story in our Ambiance Summer lookbook.  Can you see the influence?

Sooo, Roshambo... The story, chemistry, cinematography, music, the clothes and styling... I loved it so much.  And I loved that it was short- it left me wanting more more more.  Well, I'm happy to say... those crafty Free Peeps heard the outcry and delivered the goods.  They've just released a much-anticipated follow up film, entitled Roshambo Rock; a flashback to Sheila and Chris (Sheila Marquez and Chris Abbott of Girls fame) before their chance reunion in New York (featured in the first film).  In this one, Sheila and Chris have just broken up and her friends whisk her off to Rio to cheer her up.  Enter sun, sand, loads of beach-y summer-y FP duds, and the instantly-smitten Diego (played by real-life Spanish polo player Diego Osorio).  Now watch all kinds of fancy Free People magic happen.

Shop the Roshambo Rock fashion collection here!

L.O.V.E. at AMBIANCE...

I thought it might be fun to share a recent photo session with you guys... 

This one was for (surprise, surprise) VALENTINE'S DAY!!! Yes, I'll be milking it all week.

Kalsee and I had a lot of fun making a big mess at Ambiance.  And I had not even a little bit of fun blowing up gazilllllllions of balloons.  Seriously, I need to just invest in a pump already...

X's + O's by Banter Banner available at Ambiance for $10!  

Everyone needs one of these banners in their life.  Apparently I need 3.   

CONFETTI CRAZINESS!

ROSE PETALS + BALLOONS FOR DAAAAYS!

And how we make the magic...

The aftermath.

*And no, we did not get all that confetti out of the fancy reclaimed barnwood floorboards.  *eeeeek*

Have I mentioned that I love my job so much?  I do.

Easy peasy, super pretty FISHTAIL BRAID...

It's hair tutorial time again!  Leah + I have a great new one for you...  

A gorgeous FISHTAIL braid!  

I love love love this pretty hairstyle, and I love even more that it's the kind of thing you can do yourself at home.  I'm excited to try this on Evelyn.  It's a really fun alternative to a basic braid.  It looks really complicated and intricate- but this took Leah less than 5 minutes.  Really!  And look at how it brings out the highlights in Kannyn's hair.  SO cool.  ♥

Leah's step-by-step, easy peasy instructions:

1. Brush hair into pony tail, this may be a low side pony or in the back.  * a side note: I'd like to point out that when doing this on oneself, it will be easier to do a side pony version, but by no means is it impossible to do it in the back.

2. Secure with clear elastic band and start by splitting the hair into two sections. 

3. Beginning on one side pull a small section of hair from underneath. Pull this section around and across to the opposite side. 

4. Repeat this process going down the divided pony tail until you reach the desired amount of hair braided.

5. Secure with the second clear elastic.

6. Gently tug on the braid if you would like a wider fishtail. 

7. Optional- If you desire a looser braid, cut the top clear elastic. 

Spray and TA-DA, you're done!!  :)

Kannyn's tunic - Free People, Trapeze Top

Leah's nail laquer - Butter London, Queen Vic

{Both available now at AMBIANCE}

$250 shopping spree... YOU CAN WIN THIS!

Hey you guys, have you entered the AMBIANCE shopping spree contest yet? 

  DO IT!  The contest ends today!  I'm a big believer in contests, and I've won two in the past two years.  That might not seem like a lot... but what if I told you that I've only entered 4 in the past two years?  Seriously!  Anyway... AMBIANCE is giving away a $250 Free People shopping spree 

and it takes about 30 seconds to enter.  30 SECONDS!  

The odds of winning are worth 30 seconds.  

CLICK HERE TO ENTER NOW!

What would you get at AMBIANCE with $250?

I'd snag this pair of wildflower print Current Elliott stilettos - in a heartbeat!

GOOD LUCK!  

I'm not allowed to enter, so I genuinely hope YOU win.

{Jeans photo via Colette Paris}

Free People, and gum wall'ing, and stuff...

I had so much fun today with Anissa.  Remember her from the bikini shoot?

Ambiance is celebrating Fall fashion from Free People this month (really pretty).

I can't believe we're talking about the Fall transition fashion already... wasn't the first day of Summer like, yesterday???  

But it all looks beautiful.  Lots of rich knits and embroidery, mustardy hues, and fun pattern play.  

So we did photos.  Around 700 of em.  I love taking pictures in this big room flooded with light.  

And did you know that there's a secret sliding glass door above the gum wall?  I totally spy on everyone from up there, and giggle at the endless exclamations of "EEEEWW, GROSS" coming from down below as they first encounter the wall.  This is promptly followed by a collective "Whoooa" as they take that first step into the alley.  They pop a piece of gum into their mouth, chew it just to the point of stickiness, and then ever so gingerly attempt to leave their mark- 

without ever making contact with the wall itself.  They also like to remark about the smell.

It's usually something like... "It smells so nasty!  But in a good way."

Hilarious, I tell ya...  ANYWAY.  Yes, photos...  Fun.  Super good day.  :)  

Isn't Anissa the cutest?  I love working with her.  And how great is that reclaimed wood wall?!

Ohmygosh.  I feel like I need one in my house.   

Behind-the-scenes... (thanks, Grant)

Romantic Crown Braid... tutorial!

The lovely Leah was kind enough to collaborate with me on a GREAT hair tutorial earlier this week!  I'm really excited about this because it went so well, that we're already talking about the next one!  Personally, I can barely manage a decent ponytail- but Leah made this look like a breeze!  She and her friend Andi did such a beautiful job.  I really hope you enjoy!  ♥
*note - Ok, apparently I don't know how to count, since I have more steps than Leah. Aaand I guess I don't like the #8?!  Whaaat? It still works.

Leah's step-by-step guide:

You'll Need - A comb, bobby pins, 2 clear elastic bands, styling product (like a pomade or paste) + hairspray!

1. Comb hair  and part on side. You choose how deep you want the side part to go.

2. Create a diagonal part using a comb, ending the part just below the ear on the opposite side.

3. Begin an inverse braid. This is an upside down french braid. Taking the hair under instead of over allows the braid to "stand up". If this is too difficult, do a traditional french braid in it's place.

4. Taking hair only from the crown to incorporate into the braid continue the braid all the way down.

5. Secure with a clear elastic band.

6. Do the same thing on the opposite side.

7. Once braids are finished and secure, gently tug them apart, creating separation and a larger, more imperfect braid. You can be subtle about this or you can go big and really pull the braid apart.

8. Pull the braid around the back of the head just above the nape and secure with bobby pins just above the ear.

9 . Take braid from the opposite side and cross over the first braid, securing with bobby pins as you go. Remember to tuck in the loose ends of the tail of the braid!

10. Spray with hairspray.

YOU'RE DONE!  :)

Leah's bracelets/Andi's necklaces: Heather Gardner 

Denim Jacket: FREE PEOPLE 

Andi's floral top: FREE PEOPLE 

Leah's nail polish: Butter London "Trout Pout"
{all of the above available at AMBIANCE}

I secretly wish...

I secretly wish today was August 14th.  Wanna know why? 

Fleetwood Mac tribute album, Just Tell Me That You Want Me is due out August 14th! 

First of all, here's something you should know about me... I love love love cover songs.  LOVE them.  Ask Jeffrey, it probably drives him crazy.  If there's an obscure cover to be found, I will seek it out.  Here's the thing... I kinda feel like cover songs are special because it's not just the original artist's experience we're hearing- it's an entirely separate person's reaction to that song as well.  And as any music lover can attest, songs are powerful- they resonate, posses, and attach themselves to people, places and events.  So many songs have become auditory memories in my life.  I feel like a truly great cover song conveys double the passion and experience of the original.  Granted those are few and far between, and most covers just fall flat- but when they're good, they're amazingly good and I'm a big fan.  I've got a good feeling about the covers on this album.  

For this compilation, I'm especially psyched about Karen Elson's gritty Gold Dust Woman, Lyyke Li's haunting Silver Springs, Storms by Matt Sweeney and Bonnie "Prince" BIlly, and Antony's Landslide.  I also really like the Best Coast rendition of Rhiannon, it sounds somehow lighter; a slightly bubbly version of the original.

While we're on the subject, can we just pause for a minute to appreciate the fabulousness that is Stevie Nicks?  

If this woman doesn't make you secretly yearn to be a rockstar, I don't even know...

Ugh! She makes me look like such a boho-wannabe, in all my Free People gear!

And is this ombre hair, or IS THIS OMBRE HAIR?

 

Seriously!!!  No wonder she caused so much scandal, she's a total hottie!  

Bring on the biopic, already!

♥