I adore this spring’s hair trends with hair being piled on top of the head in a chic knot or pulled to the side in a loose braid; it’s all very feminine yet effortless. While it looks easy to do, some things are easier said than done. I’m certainly no exception with my stick straight, stubborn Asian hair that sits funny and refuses to be worn any other way. Another alternative to the high bun that sits atop of your head is the low side bun. The great thing about the side bun is that it doesn’t have to be neat and tidy and requires little to no hair products. Just pull all of your hair to the side and twist until your hair curls into a bun on its own and use a hair tie to fasten it in place. You can use a few hairpins and some hairspray if desired. Otherwise, I think the low side bun looks great when it’s messy and has a few strands out of place; very effortless chic.

The hair…

For a top notch knot…
After you shampoo and conditioner your hair, towel dry the excess water but leave your hair damp. Apply mousse starting at the roots to create more volume and work it throughout your hair in a “scrunching” motion while moving away from the scalp. Dry hair completely (if you have wavy/curly hair or are prone to frizz, use a diffuser). Collect hair into a high ponytail and twist until your hair curls itself into a bun and fasten with a hair tie and bobbi pins (if necessary). Spray all over with hairspray to set the knot.

For a sweet side braid…
Follow the above instructions but leave hair slightly damp before you start to braid. Pull all of your hair to the side and braid your hair as far as it can go. Fasten with a hair tie and lightly spray your hair with hairspray to keep baby hairs in place.

The products…

Got2b 2 Sexy Voluptuous Volumizing Mousse $6.49 CAD
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart

Got2b 2 Sexy Voluptuous Volumizing Hairspray $6.49 CAD
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart

Nicole Soon, The Style Spy

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Special delivery…I received a few goodies from Joe Fresh Beauty in the mail. Say goodbye to winter blues, I’m ready to perk up my beauty routine.

Joe Fresh Bronzer $8 CAD
Ideally, I’d prefer to jump on a jet plane for Cabo San Lucas, lie on the beach and drink mojitos all day. Sadly, that is not in near future, so the golden glow must be faked! Available in 3 shades, glow, sun kissed and tan.

Joe Fresh Cheek Tint $4 CAD
At a hint of colour on your cheeks. This product reminds me of the famous Tarte Cheek Stain, but at a fraction of the price. Swipe, blend and go! Available in 6 shades.

Joe Fresh Cream Lipstick $6 CAD
This lipstick is extra moisturizing, which is great, since my lips often get chapped. I’ve said it before, but I’m all about lipstick these days. Available in 14 shades.

Available at Superstore and Joe Fresh stores.

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

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We spotted this girl of the week at one of our favourite shopping destinations, Front & Company. SONIA CAPRICERA works the consignment window at Front and when we found out she is a huge fan of The Style Spy (and didn’t get to be in the Front & Co. group shot for GOTW) we knew we had to make her girl of the week this time round. Everyone, meet Sonia!

Wearing… Alternative Apparel gray men’s raglan, gray Benetton wool sweater, no brand tights and Parlanti riding boots.

Style notes… Androgynous and ultra-layered, like a sad, weird Cranberries video from the mid-90s.

Top shops… Front & Co…pretty much unanimously, both by choice and convenience.

Wardrobe essentials… A big scarf, a scent with musk in it… come to think of it, I have a lot more cosmetic essentials than wardrobe. Your outfit can go pretty far when you have a flattering haircut, a signature scent and a manicure.

I build my daily look around… Something gray and shapeless, layered with at least two other loose items of varying textures and some kind of vest or blazer. And more often than not, something with pandas on it.

Recent purchase… My Parlanti boots, I was attempting my best landed gentry impression, and I feel like a total phony because because the last time I was on a horse, I was terrified the entire time.

Next up… Glasses from Mr. Lee’s General Store & Haberdashery.

Makeup bag confidential… Time Balm under eye circle concealer because I have terrible genes, cream blush, Sephora lavender blotting sheets and OPI base coat.

Reading list… Vanity Fair, AnOther.

Style icons… Tilda Swinton (sometimes, other times she just looks like she’s from outer space and I don’t know what to do with that) Lou Doillon… and pretty much all those European girls on Garance Dore’s blog with the fashionably unkempt eyebrows and pointy collar bones.

Aliyah Shamsher, The Style Spy
aliyah@thestylespy.com

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Eye shadow primer is an absolute must-have for anyone who wears eye shadow. I kid you not but it will change the way you wear eye shadow forever (seriously!). Personally, I can’t stand it when my eye shadow creases or when it doesn’t show up as opaque as I would like it to. Eye shadow primer to the rescue! Prepping your eyelids by applying a base/primer is the key to preventing creases while enhancing the colour of your eye shadow. It truly is a miracle worker and something I definitely can’t live without!

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Approx. $19 CAD
Available at Sephora

M.A.C. Prep+Prime Eye $20 CAD
Available at M.A.C.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer Approx. $23 CAD
Available at Sephora

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray Approx. $26 CAD
Available at Sephora

Nicole Soon, The Style Spy

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