To Wear or Not to Wear? What to do with my hair?

Greetings Dustdevilettes!  We previously discussed the fashion trends for the Fall 2011 season.  However, it occurred to me that I failed to mention the hair and beauty trends for fall! This means that there are now fashionably dressed students at TAMIU but are still wearing summer make-up and have no idea what to do with their hair. Well fear not, these top ten looks for fall will have you looking your best, faster than you can say "hat hair!"

1. Ponytails- We begin with the never failing ponytail.  The ponytail as was seen in the Ralph Lauren and Prada runway shows is a staple for any Laredo girl, but it transitions well for the fashion trends for fall.  I know, you are all probably thinking, I never got out of a ponytail all summer but trust me, a ponytail emulates sophistication and not to mention an instant facelift.  Whether it be a high or low ponytail, it can be paired with any dress or suit and make it look fresh and elegant. Just remember, if your outfit is a bit more covered up and dark in color, opt for a disheveled ponytail.  That is, loosely gather your hair and pull it up, sideways or down but maintain a few fly-aways and don't sleek it back.  However, if your outfit is flowy or textured, go with a sleek ponytail as it will balance out your whole look. 

2. Violet Eyeliner– I know for most of us, the only colors that should outline our eyes are black and brown.  However, violet eyeliner will provide the same effect and freshen up your stare.  As we know, a woman can silence a room with just one look.  Unfortunately, when you go to parties, there is always more than one woman.  Which means your stare will have to be fiercer especially if you want to attract the attention of a certain someone. 

3.Bouncy or Rumpled hair – Ask any guy and the one thing that they will say is that the most seductive part of a woman is her hair. This is definitely something Mr. Oscar de la Renta believes in as his runway models all sported bouncy wavy hair on the catwalk this fall. The hair was loose and softened the structured suits and coats the girls were wearing. The best way to achieve this bounce is to use large rollers or a large barrel curling iron to give you those long waves.  Chloé and Balmain both displayed rumpled hair on their models by spritzing the hair with waterand messing it up.  This process will work for a girl with straight hair but if you have curly or wavy hair, water will only make you frizz up. Instead of water, use volumizing mousse and apply it to your hair dry not wet. Wet will only make your hair crunchy and there is nothing seductive about crunchy hair.

4. Metallic Eye shadows– Roberto Cavalli gave the models illuminating eyes this season by applying metallic eyes shadows in gold, silver and bronze.  Paired with strong eyebrows, the girls' eyes glistened in the lights and gave them a wolf like stare. Metallic eye shadows are great for both day and night looks because they can be applied by themselves with no added color.  Just apply a lot of mascara and you are good to go. 

5. Soft Chignons – Chanel's classic style was paired this fall with the classic chignon.  A chignon is a basically a bun or your hair rolled into a tight onion. This look is considered a classic because it was used as the main hairstyle for many years on the runway.  It instantly sophisticates and feminizes any outfit.  This season, the chignon was done in a very soft manner by loosely gathering the hair and pinning it into a roll at the nape of the neck.  The hairstylist allowed for some of the layers to fall out creating a very airy and sweet look. 

6. Red Blush – Have you ever tried running out in the cold?  If you have, you'll notice that your face will be pale white but your cheeks are a flushed red.  The same thing happens when you see a cute someone starring back at you. Well minus those events taking place, this season included red blush on the runways.  Red blush usually works well with any skin color but can bring out skin redness.  So before you put on your bashful blush, considering evening out your skin with a bit of foundation or concealer.  Apply the blush gently around the apples of your cheeks and then sweep along your cheekbones to create better definition. 

7. Deep Side Part – According to Ralph Lauren and Prada, a deep side part adds plenty of drama to any hairstyle.  It can be paired with a ponytail, chignon or even bouncy and wavy hair.  A deep side part should be done by aligning it with the curve of your eyebrow.  Follow the curve of your eyebrow up until you reach the crown of your head and then part your hair.  You can either make it a straight line or mess it up a little.  Whichever way will automatically make your look more playful and fun. 

8. Plenty of lashes – Start batting those lashes ladies because Gucci wants them thick and clumpy.  Lashes were the center of attention this season and many runway models sported them like it was nobody's business. Adding dark lashes to any outfit will ultimately give you a come hither look. Who doesn't want to be the center of attention for the right reasons? If you feel that your eye lashes are not enough to withstand the pounds of mascara then put on those falsies.  Trust me, lots of lashes will be the culminating factor to a great night.

9. Hair Accessories – Valentino and Nina Ricci both adorned the models' heads with opulent accessories this season. From a simple barrette to jeweled headbands, models walked the catwalk with a bit of glitz in their hair.  The accessories were paired with low ponytails or soft chignons.  The idea is to keep the hair simple so it will not compete with the ornate accessories. Remember, the importance is to add a bit of flare to your look and not overpower it by adding a tiara size headband to your hairstyle.  Many times a simple ribbon tied around your head will suffice. 

10. Smokey Eyes– Finally, we come to the always powerful Smokey eye.  Although this style has been used many times before, it never goes out of style.  Contrary to popular belief, a Smokey eye does not only have to be shades of black and charcoal.  A Smokey eye can be done with almost any color like deep purples, burgundies, navy and gold and even dark green.  A Smokey eye is simply applying a dark color to the lash line and fading upwards to a lighter version of that color.  A Smokey will instantly enhance the mystery in your outfit and you're your glance memorable.  

So there you have it ladies.  Now you can officially go out into the world with the perfect hairstyle and makeup to go with your great outfit.  Remember fashion is what you feel and what you make of it.  Just because we live in Laredo, it does not mean we cannot be fashionable.  After all, as women, it is our right to have our closets full of endless possibilities.  We have to make our own catwalk where ever we are.  Until next time!

The fashion trends stated in the article were all taken from magazines like Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, Style.com and Allure.com.

(For more information, please contact Jessica Rodriguez at jess_rodz@dusty.tamiu.edu.)