Monday, February 18, 2013

Scarves in your hair

I've been making full use of pinterest. When I first got it I didn't really get it. Now I do and I find it extremely useful. I don't have to have a file folder on my computer that takes up memory and energy, I can access it from anywhere, I can create as many boards as I want AND I can search for what I'm looking for right then and there! Convenient? Yes. If you are a gal like me and you are ALWAYS seeking inspiration and help with ideas, use pinterest.

Awhile ago, after having my hair cut, I decided I wanted to try using scarves and hair pieces in my hair. To give me more variety and to make it more my own. Naturally, I went to pinterest and searched for ideas. I found lots! So, today I wanted to post about what I've discovered about wearing scarves in your hair. I've only tried a few styles so far, and I can't post any of my own pictures right now, but here are some pics from my pinterest board and tips I've thought of.

1. If you want to be able to try multiple styles you will need:
     * Longer scarves
     * Shorter scarves (think Hermes or kerchief type scarves)
     * Wider scarves
     * Skinnier scarves
  
The longer and skinnier scarves can create styles like these: 



 

All of these styles can be done with long, medium or medium short hair. I'm sure some of them could even be done with short hair. My hair is medium - medium short and I have tried the last two.

I suggest the first one for a more casual and slightly sporty outfit. Maybe for those days you haven't washed your hair and don't feel like doing much with it; but you still want to look good. You could also use a more elegant scarf, wrap it around one more time and pair it with a fancier up-do and out fit, to create a more elegant look. The 2nd and 3rd are a more retro style and would go well with a retro look. Though I think the possibilities are almost endless with these two styles. The last two are the one's I've had most success with so far. To avoid looking too gypsy or pirate like (unless that's what you're going for of course!) choose the right scarf. I noticed the pattern and color can make all the difference here. As well as what you are wearing, jewelry and how you do your hair. Avoid wearing things that are too hippy or unique with it to balance out the look. If you are wearing a substantial hair accessory, make sure there is simplicity in your outfit. This will also help you avoid looking too busy and taking the attention off your awesome hair scarf. Of course the level to which you do this will depend on your personal taste. I think the picture of the girl with short dark hair is a good example of what not-to do. Personally.


2. The longer-wider scarf




If you wish your scarf to cover more of your hair, stand out more and hang further; choose the longer and wider scarf. These are probably the easiest because most people wear them around their necks. You know like, when it's chilly outside? This is where I started. You probably have several in your house right now. I would say the same for these as I did for the last two styles above. These kinds of styles are great for working in your garden, cooking, going to the market, the beach, exploring downtown shops and boutiques or being artistic. Or if you are creating brews-I mean herbal concoctions! in your kitchen. Haha.

Shorter scarves:




As you can see, wearing this style (with the tie up top), on/around, under or over your hair makes a difference to how it looks. Around your hair mixes the 70's and the 40's together for a sophisticated yet natural look. With the right print, out fit and accessories this look could even look tribal and ethnic.

Under the hair with an up-do creates a very fresh, feminine and distinctively retro look. As I said, I think this one has almost endless possibilities. Just explore.

The last one is very fun and also kind of retro. To me it says: 1940's glam movie star off screen eating lunch. Fun and fresh, with a touch of glamour and sophistication. Just make sure your outfit and accessories don't make you look like you just finished cleaning the house.




  These three could probably be done with both wide or thin shorter scarves. I find this look much more sophisticated and classy, especially with long hair. It's also a much simpler look. Shorter hair would give it more edge or fun. This style also gives you more options with your outfit and could be worn more places. A good go-to scarf option.


This look is great if you want something different from a toque or hat in the colder months of the year. Or if it's too cold to do any of the other scarf looks without covering them up in a hat or hood. These are also easy to make and easy to find, since they are so popular.

2. Wearing a scarf in your hair is a brave, unique, simple and fun alternative option for your head! I recommend it. I definitely think that anyone can find a way of doing it that looks great for them, long or short hair, thin or over weight. It just takes some creative thinking and open-mindedness. As always, you want to ensure that what you wear, including your accessories, goes well with the scarf and doesn't make it look shabby, frumpy or silly. Don't wear your frumpy clothes outside...or at all! Ever ;) Remember to express your own unique style with dignity. There is a way to dress frumpy without looking it. You are a WOMAN and YOU, yes YOU, can wear a scarf in your hair. Now, embrace your femininity and give it a try. I would LOVE to hear your ideas. Maybe I'll do a post on fashion for the scarf-wearing-lady. Please share in the comments below.

Yours truly

   Mrs. Evans














Saturday, February 16, 2013

Manic


I have many interests. Ask anyone who knows me well. I'm not that artist who is oober passionate about one thing and excels at it. I am that oober creative person who - tries, experiments with and has many - creative outlets. These include such things as photography, interior decorating and design, crafts, sewing, fashion, hair and makeup, fitness, nutrition, food, sustainability, environmental stuff, DIY projects and music. I kind of move around between all of them.


 I played the piano almost every day for a very long time, wrote a whole bunch of songs and even performed some of them and then one day just stopped. I've hardly done this for months now. Except for the random time here and there. I've done this with many things many times. It's allowed me to try a lot of different things and gain skills in multiple areas. I'm learning to roll with it.

Anyways, I've been thinking about this blog, what it has been so far, what I want it to eventually be, and what needs to change etc... and I've decided I want to start blogging about all of my interests. Not just food. This way, I won't feel pressured to always be cooking awesome things or exploring this all the time (which I pretty much stopped doing for a good long while). It will allow me to always have material for my blog of varying topics which will help to keep me focused, not bore me (or you) and require me to be creative everyday. It gives me a reason and a motivation to explore all of my interests and enhance my knowledge and skill in each area. Which I really need to do.

 I've been having a hard time for some time now just feeling happy and dealing with my own insecurities, emotional stress and confusion (which I realize I'm not alone in). I've been working on it and I recently told my Mom that I sometimes feel manic. She replied by saying that all creative people are slightly manic. Hahaha! It was the perfect thing to hear at that moment. It hit me. I'm not crazy, I'm not depressed, I'm not mentally ill or unstable. Yes, I have some weak areas I need to work on like everyone else but my difficulties are simply a natural by-product of an intensely creative person whose creativity and passion has been starved for some time.

 
The answer is quite simple. I am a person who needs to be, to move, to do, to create. A LOT. Working at jobs that have not fulfilled me to make ends meet, losing jobs, looking for jobs, constant stress about finances, moving (which I've done 6 or 7 times in less than 2 years), being in survival mode, concerns about family members, adjusting to a new stage of life (being married), being separated from my husband etc.... In short: change after change after change in a very short period of time has been very taxing on my body and my spirit. I didn't take great care of my health according to my standards, I didn't do much creatively and felt I had to focus solely on survival. I've learned a ton from this and my Heavenly Father has carried me through. Did I manage it perfectly? No. Did I do everything wrong? No! Some of how I handled it was great and some of it wasn't. Sounds like life doesn't it? I've learned more about who I want to be. Good and wonderful things came into my life during this time. I learned more about my limits, more about myself, more about who I really am. I weakened in some areas and strengthened in others. I drew closer to my husband but it wasn't a smooth transition. It's not over yet but now that I have this chance to be still for a while before I plunge myself into the next stage, I am doing a lot of reflecting. I feel like something that finally stopped running after being chased for miles by huge waves of the ocean. They are washing over me.

                                

 I'm finding it very painful, awkward and emotional. Like peeling off a band aid (only more wet ;). But probably necessary in His plan. So, I move through it. I'm glad to know and be reminded that the atonement of Jesus Christ works and because of that I don't have to move through it like a well schooled ballet dancer. I can be an awkward dancer. All I have to do is move and that is enough. Enough for Him to work with. He will make my movement look like a perfect and beautiful ballet. If I let Him.


 
                                                                            

So! Part of this movement will be to blog almost everyday for as long as I feel necessary. Or until I change tracks again. Haha. I'm looking at it as creative expression and something necessary for my soul and my sanity right now. I'm going to finish this post and do another one on scarves in your hair! I'll tell you why in that post :) Thanks for reading. It felt good to share that. I hope it soothed a soul, validated someone and inspired someone. If you struggle with similar things here are a couple things I suggest:

1. Read and study your scriptures everyday no matter what.



2. Pray. Like the Dickens.














3. Do something(s) everyday that is good for your soul.














4. Keep a gratitude journal.




      









5. NEVER compromise your health. There is nothing more important.













6. SERVE and stay close to your loved ones (they kinda go hand in hand).



Thanks!

Mrs. Evans