little things

I thought I was getting better. 

Sammy has always asked me to stop leaving bobby pins on every surface of the house like a trail of where I’ve been. I’ve always been mindful that it’s annoying, and as I take my hair down at the end of the day, setting pins down on the end table, coffee table, or on the couch beside me I think,
“Ok Age, when you get up you’ll take these pins upstairs with you.” 

But then I complete the email or show or glass of wine, yawn once or twice, and he guides me up off the couch to bed. 

Pins. Left. Behind.

I wasn’t getting better at putting them away at all, he’s just getting better at picking them up after me, without complaint. 

So sometimes it’s the big life shit that you fight over and sometimes its the insignificant. Today I’m just grateful it was me that looked down at the carpet and picked up an abandoned pin, my reminder to put up with his little imperfections and continue to work on mine. 

that's all. 
XO
AJ

hold the flowers crown : a tutorial

I've been hoarding this tutorial forEVER.  We shot the invention before my wedding, but I wanted to wait until after I did this style on some of my bridesmaids, before sharing it with the world.

A whole year after my wedding, a year of very little blogging, I'm excited to share it with you! 

You can do this look on pretty much every length of hair with just a few bobby pins, and texture spray for extra credit. 

Beginning on the top of your head, just behind your hairline, gather a circular section about two inches wide. This section doesn't need to be clean or perfect, just grab and go. 

Twist your section and begin to roll it into a bun at the base. 

Pin each little bun with 2-3 bobby pins. 

Continue down each side, twinning, rolling and pinning as you wrap around the head. 

What's better than a flower crown? A hair crown, duh. 

Try it and tag me @YourStylistAJ

XO
AJ

Photo cred: Made to be Mine

2017 Chicago Schedule

This year has been CRAZY and full of adventure as I've been traveling back and forth between Detroit and Chicago. I learned a LOT about how to make this work more smoothly for next year, and finally have the entire 2017 Thomas West Salon schedule live HERE, and in the salon's system. (Thank you to my patient and incredible front desk team for the hours spent opening each day tediously.)

To prebook for the year, please give T West a call at 312.670.2270. I'll see you for your pre holiday appointments in November and December, and can't wait for another great year together in Chicago in 2017. 

Love you all, 
AJ

photo by the lovely Jenn

Our Wedding Photos

Sammy and I always knew we wanted to hire the Stoffer's to capture our wedding, long before we were even engaged. Their talent is undeniable and their style is so compatible with us. But far more important, they have an energy that embraces those in front of their lenses, doesn't intimidate, and is calm but offers direction. 

We didn't want to inhibit natural moments with a "shot list" and appreciate that the Stoffer's capture the little in between moments so candidly. We will cherish the moments they so beautifully documented forever. 

I apologize in advance for how many photos are included in this post, as so many of our loved ones are all over the country, dumping a surplus of them here to share makes the most sense. 

We hope you love them as much as we do! Welcome to our wedding day!

Sammy & AJ

We're so grateful to have had our best day on 1.16.16. We have the most incredible humans in our lives and it was an unforgettable experience sharing our love for each other in front of you all. 

Love, 
Sammy & AJ 

Thank you to our creative geniuses for creating a day that was as US as it gets >>>

Film: White in Revery

Photo: Stoffer Photography

Venue: Loft 310

Floral & Event Design: The Gateway

Makeup: Shannon O'Brien

Hair: Your Stylist AJ! 

Planner: Karen of Bubbles in Bucktown

Music: DJ Matt Roan

Dress: Alice In Ivory 

Second Dress: This Vionnet from Rent the Runway 

Suit: Suit Supply

Our Wedding Video

We're so grateful to have had our best day on 1.16.16. We have the most incredible humans in our lives and it was an unforgettable experience sharing our love for each other in front of you all. 

Love, 
Sammy & AJ 

Come back tomorrow to see our photos! 

Thank you to our creative geniuses for creating a day that was as US as it gets >>>

Film: White in Revery

Photo: Stoffer Photography

Venue: Loft 310

Floral & Event Design: The Gateway

Makeup: Shannon O'Brien

Hair: Your Stylist AJ! 

Planner: Karen of Bubbles in Bucktown

Music: DJ Matt Roan

Dress: Alice In Ivory 

Second Dress: This Vionnet from Rent the Runway 

Suit: Suit Supply

Happy birthday lover

Happy 30th Birthday to my best decision.

I owe who I am to you, and you consistently make me stronger and keep me inspired. You taught me how to be hungry for what makes me happy, that money doesn’t matter, and how to laugh through my tears.

But it’s bigger than me. I wasn’t the first one that made a desicion about you, offerered you a full ride, a chance to catch, an invite back, a contract in the bigs, a contract at HOME. I wasn’t the first to be inspired by you, far from it. We all learn from you every single day, even our parents and grandparents are learning from you all the time. Watching them stare at you in awe is so heartwarming. 

Don't misunderstand, sometimes you're SO annoying with your Kevin James immaturity and Vince Vaughn rudeness. But it keeps you YOUNG, and I wish that for you for the next 30 years, and the 30 after that. All with me by your side, rolling my eyes, laughing through the tears, and taking the deepest breaths in disbelief that you're mine. 

Cheers to you Zzolo, happy birthday. XO

DIY Marble Shelf

I was ready to buy this marble shelf at CB2 a couple months ago, but they didn't have it in stock, and couldn't, (read: wouldn't), sell me the floor model. Naturally, I pouted my way to the Starbucks across the street, because what's more basic than a marble white shelf, and Starbucks right?

Rather than wait to order online, I thought making my own, (cheaper), version of it would be a fun project! I was right, and I'm so happy with the results! Check it out >>>

You will need :

• Marble contact paper $8
• Rustoleum Gold (or rose gold) $4
• Shelf Brackets $6
• Shelf $3 (or repurpose one you already have like I did!)

CB2 $59   VS.    aj $21 

. Spray shelf brackets with Rustoleum. I had both rose gold and gold on hand and played with rose! Best part is, if I tire of the rose, I can spray over it with Gold. 

. While brackets dry, map out your contact paper plan. I approached it like wrapping a present. 

. Once you've cut the contact paper to fit the size of your board, peel of the back of the marble paper, and you're ready to cover the shelf. 

. Screw in your brackets and hang your new favorite display piece! 

Do you love it? 

XO
AJ

Thank you Jenn for the flawless photos! 

We're MOVING!

Clients & Friends! 

As many of you know, I’m moving to Detroit! After seven years of long distance, (!!!!), this decision has been challenging for both Sammy and I, and continues to send waves of excitement and sadness. Sammy has left the Washington Nationals and accepted a position with the Detroit Tigers, so we can build a life together, near our families. Most of you have been my clients for years, and have been along for the journey of our crazy long-distance baseball life. This opportunity will allow us to be together, and that's just something we couldn't pass up this time. 

After countless hours spent staring at schedules and calendars, I’m relieved to tell you I will be traveling between Detroit and Chicago indefinitely to keep you as a client, and someone I look so forward to catching up with! 

Simply explained, I’ve been working in the salon Wednesday-Friday, totaling 10-12 days a month. Going forward I will be in the salon anywhere from 7-10 days a month, and extending my hours so that I’ll be there about the same amount. I ask for your patience as this is a transition for you, the salon’s front desk staff and myself. I will do everything I possibly can to make this shift a smooth one, and understand how inconvenient this may be at first. 

To those who are already pre-booked for the remainder of the year, thank you for your loyalty and dedication, you make my heart so full. My new schedule has been updated in the salon’s booking system. If you already had an appointment on a date that I will be back in Chicago, we have left it, but if you had appointments on dates I will no longer be in town, they will need to be rescheduled. My 2016 calendar can be viewed here. 

Getting your appointments organized is so important to me, and I apologize for any inconveniences this may cause. Please call the salon at 312.670.2270 and ask for Stacey, Eileen or myself to ensure we can get you rescheduled if need be or to get you on the books! 

>>> 2016 dates are currently available to be booked through December. 

>>>2017 dates will be opened and available to be booked as of November. 

Thank you for helping me grow a business that I LOVE and am proud of, I couldn’t do this without you and love you all like the family you’ve become. 

Love,
AJ 

How to amp up your Thank You Notes

One of the most exciting parts of our engagement was registering for all the champagne flutes we could find, (or was that just me?), but what we didn't expect was the amount of generosity we received. From both things that we registered for, to plenty that we did not, each gift and sweet card meant so much to us. 

We tried to make our thank you cards convey the same level of love we felt when we opened each gift, so after some brainstorming, decided an enclosed polaroid would be a sweet way to personalize our appreciation. 

Snaps of us taking shots out of our new mason jar shot glasses or filling an engraved bowl with hershey kisses, (a family tradition), were a special way to document how much each gift really meant to us.

Would you do this for your thank you notes? Did you do something creative and different with yours? Tell me more in the comments below! 

XO
AJ

PS //  We ran out of film before we got through all of the gifts, so if your thank you didn't have a photo enclosed, it doesn't mean we were any less thankful :) 

Alice In Ivory Shoot

Collaborations keep me inspired, and this shoot might be my favorite collaboration to date. 

When I went wedding dress shopping for myself I immediately fell in love with the owner of Alice in Ivory, Kaylee, and scooped up my dress without shopping at a single other store. She became my client, and now dear friend. AND she just got engaged. I can't wait to be a part of her wedding next year in Canada! Kaylee wanted to shoot a look book for Alice in Ivory, and the timing for me to add a shoot to my schedule was magically perfect. 

>>>THE TEAM>>>

My first call was Shannon, because we are the most incredible team for hair and makeup E V E R. 

I hoped Maura of Stoffer Photography would also be able to be a part of the shoot, and when she agreed to be a part of it I seriously wanted to cry. (The Stoffers shot our wedding so you know I'm obsessed.)

Megan of Pistil and Vine was able to whip up a flower crown and bouquet in no time. I was so obsessed with the crown that I took it home and wore it while I cooked dinner. 

Our models were my brides, Karen, Jessie and Chelsey, and our sweet Andrea is one to watch. These babes are perfection.

All around it was the most beautiful day ever.

See for yourself >>>

XO
AJ

Our Wedding Teaser // White in Revery

Hiring White in Revery to capture our wedding day was a no brainer. From the moment I landed on their website I knew I had to have them film our day. 

Sammy and I got to meet Calen and Kristine in Denver where they live, while Sammy was there for the Rockies series in August. It was then that I REALLY got excited about having them there for our wedding day. 

Thank you both, for documenting our "little in-between moments" that mean the world to us. You're beyond talented and we will forever cherish this day. It will live on to be shared with our families forever. 

XO
AJ

LOW BRAIDED BUN // A HAIR TUTORIAL

This tutorial is silly amounts of easy, and I promise it's quick. It's easiest to do on dirty hair that is past the shoulders. 

Start with three low ponytails. Don't skip this step if you're planning to wear this to a wedding, and want your hair to be dance-proof. For me dance-proof hair is mandatory. 

Next, braid the three ponytails and secure with clear elastics. 

In any order, begin to wrap the braids around the base of the ponies. It looks best if you wrap them around the opposite pony, for example taking the one from the left over to the right, and right to left. Pin the middle one last, filling in any gaps. Secure with bobby pins. 
//There's no method to this madness, don't overanalyze it, just wrap, and pin, and wrap and pin.//

Told you it was easy peasy! 

XO
AJ

Thank you Jenn for the flawless photos! You are such a talent and I appreciate you! 

acoustic echoes

Our home. In it's post storm calmness. The post holiday, post wedding, post offseason pause. If a house could take a deep breath, it would look like this. 

This apartment has hosted friends every single weekend since the beginning of October. It's heard the hours of Sammy's songwriting while I was at work, and the hours he spent playing me those songs for the first time once I got home. This place has laughed in the footsteps of Spencer G., the grumpy upstairs neighbor who hates that we are social people, and when we watch Game of Thrones with surround sound. Our doorbell has been exhausted by our combined Amazon Prime addictions, and I won't even get started on Instacart... 

Sammy has left for Spring Training, and is gone until October. I'm not hysterical, but I'm a little sloth-like. I'm kind of weird with people when it comes up in conversation, which is everyday when I see clients or friends, or when Sammy's guy friends call to check on me. Shout out to Mark for offering to take me out for a Valentine's dinner, and Bobby and Greg for reaching out every other day. 

This is our seventh year taking on this adventure, and we are so fortunate to be in a situation where Sammy has made his dreams come true and I get to travel the country to visit him. I know just how lucky we are, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. Side note: I'm pretty sure this is why Ben & Jerry's was invented. 

If our now quiet home could talk, it would say that for the three and a half months that Sammy was home, I only emptied the dishwasher twice and took out the garbage once.

It would then laugh at all the times I tried so hard to stay mad but busted out laughing at him mid fight.

It would tell you that I didn't sleep more than two hours last night, and that I fell out of the left side of the bed, when I sleep on the right. But it would also tell you I giggled myself back into bed, grateful to be in love with Sammy so intensely, that it hurts so badly when the only thing left behind are his acoustic echoes in my head. 

Behind the lens = Made to be Mine

Up North Bachelorette Weekend

If you’re from Michigan, Up North is a proper noun, sometimes also referred to as God’s Country. My Grandparent’s built our lake house in Gaylord, Michigan when my mom was pregnant with me, I rolled over for the first time in that house, the first time a boy ever told me he loved me was in that house… I didn’t say it back. But best of all, I fell in love with Sammy in that house.

I always planned to get married on the 11 acres of land where my heart belongs, but baseball’s offseason limited us to getting married in the winter months, leaving an outdoor wedding in Michigan out of the question. So when my little sister/ Maid of Honor asked me where I wanted to go for my bachelorette, we both knew what my answer would be. 

Sweatshirts. Wineries. S’mores. Flannels. Flower crowns. Pasta soup. 

NO WIFI. NO RECEPTION. NO BOYS. NO RESPONSIBILITY. 

My girls traveled from all over the country to make me feel like the most important girl in the world. It was hands down the most amazing weekend of my life aside from our wedding last weekend. 

My mom made all of us the most precious flower crowns I've ever seen! We only took them off to sleep and shower the entire weekend. AND she made my absolute favorite family recipe, Pasta Soup, (the name really doesn't give justice to the meaty and delicious tomato based soup). 

My sister took DIY supplies up early, and with the help of my mom and sister-in law, decked out the house with special details. Gold dipped feathers, lace tambourines, dreamcatchers and adorable signs that read things like, "Mermaids Enter Here".

No detail left behind. 

My dear friend and bridesmaid Lindsey is a ridiculously talented photographer, capturing every giggle, bubble and beam of sunshine you see in this post. 

The BEST part was introducing some of my best girls to each other, and watching them become friends. (Shout out to Megan and Abby who couldn’t make it!)

Thank you to my sweet girls, for making memories with me in my favorite place on the planet. I love you all so much, and how tolerant you are of me when I'm champagne drunk, as seen here... 

...and here...

XO
AJ

"Remember that first sip" a note from Gram

When Sammy and I got engaged we were flooded with well wishes and adrenaline, a high unlike ever before! Soon after was Christmas, and then shortly after that the biggest buzzkill in history... Spring Training. Byeee Fiance. 

It was then I received this box, two champagne coups from FIFTY years ago, my Grandparent's wedding, complete with words of wisdom. 

"Ashley and Sammy, 

As your story begins and unfolds into precious memories, remember that first sip and how you gazed lovingly into each others eyes. Repeat that look over and over and over again and I can guarantee it will be a beautiful life. 

We love you both! 
Grandma & Grandpa"

My mom's parents have captivated our entire family since the beginning. The traditional yet open minded foundation they've built has created a life where cousins feel like siblings and Aunts and Uncles like extra sets of parents. There's no dread or obligation, we genuinely want to be together and share each other's lives. 

The love my Grandparent's model for us is genuine, raw, imperfectly perfect and exactly what I want to have when I grow up. None of us have what it takes to be Patricia, but if my grandkids look up to me half as much as I look up to her, I will be so proud of myself. 

Sammy was adorable and said, "I don't even want to keep those in the house, I'm too afraid of something happening to them." Truth is, I'm terrified too, and have them wrapped lovingly and on the highest shelf for safe keeping. I hope to pass these precious beauties down to my grandkids one day in all their fragile innocence. 

Cheers to having a family I'm so proud to be part of, and making one of our own. 

XO
AJ

Thank you to Jenn for photographing these babies for us! Your gentle touch and excitement for others' happiness is a joy to be around. 

Minted // Save the Dates!

As a bride there are so many big decisions to make, and even more small details to orchestrate, Minted helps to painlessly cross some off your list! 

From Shower invites, (my mom and sister got mine from Minted and they were precious), and Thanks You's, to Save the Dates and Wedding Invitations, Minted has the most beautiful collection for any style of event. Sammy and I didn't want to fuss with in person meetings and high price point paper, after all it gets thrown away anyway, so we decided to look into some online options. Let me tell you, there are a LOT of sites for paper goods, and after tons of homework, we feel really good about our decision to use Minted. 

The process was simple and fun, and the turnaround was fantastic, (necessary for me since I waited until the last minute!). We selected a style that reflected both us, and our party, then customized with the perfect fonts and colors. Our designer sent us a proof, we made one minor adjustment and within 12 hours it was complete and the order was sent to print. 

The back of the Save the Dates read:

We dream of a candlelit celebration where we let champagne froth run from wrist to elbow and the blonde curls fade to messy frizz. We plan to dance all night and laugh our absolute hardest. Please join us! 

For all the details please visit
www.WelcomeToThePalace.com

To see our Save the Dates in person made me realize we are GETTIN HITCHED. This is the real deal. It's in print so there's no going back right? I felt like I signed a marriage license sealing each envelope knowing our loved ones would open the rose gold metallics and hang them on their fridge. Next up, invitations!

XO
AJ

Thank you to Jennifer Kathryn Photography for capturing how much I love these! 

3 Section Half Up Hair Tutorial

Until recently, I didn't understand why I got so many compliments on my "half up/ half down" hair. It's one of the styles in my lazy hair rotation because of how easy and mindless it is. But one day last month I was in Target, so basic, and a woman in line behind me asked, "Excuse me, where did you get your hair done? I would love to get my hair done like that for my friend's wedding next weekend, I love that you can't see any bobby pins!"

I thought, "HUH?! This style took four pins and a lotta dry shampoo because I haven't washed in days on days." But instead I told her I'd post a tutorial on the blog by October and gave her the YSAJ site. 

So HEY Jaclyn, hope those new bath towels are all you've ever dreamed of! 

Let's get to it!

^^ BEGIN >> by collecting the hair from your crown, leaving out the hairline, and hair above the ears. Leaving hair out feels less, flower girl-y from the front. A good rule of thumb is to leave out two finger widths of hair from the hairline. Make sure to leave hair above the ear as well!

^^ Secure that section with two pins in opposite directions, holding the hair in place. 

^^ Next take a section of hair to the right of the pins. Place a pin onto the section, a few inches away from the scalp. Pull that section over the first section, and secure it beneath the first pins. 

^^ Repeat on the left side. 

What do you think? Would you try this look on yourself? It's great for running to Target on a Sunday, or attending a wedding, super easy, and not at all time consuming. If you try this look at home please post a selfie on insta and tag @YourStylistAJ

XO
AJ

Thank you to my dear friend and amazing talent Jennifer Kathryn for the beautiful photos!

Around the WWW.

Hey friends! 

This summer has been JAM packed. I know I always say that life seems busy and full to the point of overflowing, but this year truly has been so far. In the best way. 

I've had a wedding or two almost every single weekend of the year, including the beauties above, photographed by the incredible Robyn Rachel Photography. My brides have all been in the midwest so far this season, with multiple in Michigan, Chicago and Ohio. The rest of the year is looking just as exciting, with many more Chicago brides, one in DC and the one we're looking forward to for about 486 reasons, in Puerto Rico next month. 

Meanwhile I've been busy traveling to see Sammy on the road, and have been fortunate enough to go no more than 20 days between visits since Spring Training! It's crazy to think that we're in the home stretch of the season, pun completely intended, and we're trying to remain calm as we anticipate a spot in the playoffs. 

Then there's our wedding, which we're getting more and more excited for each time we check something off the list. HUGE shout out to our planner Karen, of Bubbles In Bucktown, who's kept us on schedule and excited throughout this silly process. The details are all coming together and I can't WAIT to dance the night away with our friends and family this January. My shower was last weekend in Michigan and it kind of kicked off the realness of what's happening in my life. My sister and mom hosted the most magical backyard evening complete with champagne punch and sweet rosemary plants in gorgeous rose gold pots for guests to take home. It's overwhelming to be surrounded by all of the women in your life at the same time, and Sammy and I are beside ourselves with how much love we've received. 

I've been composing lots of blog posts, and finally feel pretty caught up on a long list of to-do's that's been insanely daunting for a couple months. I'll be back next with a tutorial, and have a cocktail recipe up after that. Thank you for being so patient and continuing to check out the blog even during my absence from it! When you can't find me here, you an always find me on instagram @YourStylistAJ, and snapchat username YourStylistAJ!

Like many bloggers, I sat down to write a post and found myself Pinteresting and cruisin' the internet for a bit instead. Here's what I've been loving today!

This is on repeat. 

Head pieces for the boho bride. 

Determining your wedding budget. 

Get this accessory for your bride-to-be-bestie and retire the sashes! Pair with these for an OMG worthy party. 

Hosting a baby shower? Precious idea. 

This Insta account is the kind of funny I need to break up my days. This post is my favorite.

 Handy advice for your next Tinder date.

This bride's style is so incredible to me.  

Obsession Confession: layering rugs. Next on my to do list. 

There's been so much celebration lately. Might be time for a little three day. 

Birthday gift she's sure to love. 

What I'm making for dinner tonight for the zillionth time : )

XO
AJ
 

Murad & Massage Envy : A love affair

Massages and facials are not luxury experiences. 

I feel it's super important to say that again. Massages and facials are not luxury experiences. 
They are necessary experiences, that just so happen to be enjoyable, but that doesn't make them a guilty pleasure. 

Is getting your teeth cleaned something you consider a luxury and feel guilty about spending money on? Heck no, it's part of your lifestyle, since taking care of yourself is important to you! Gone be the days where you feel guilty about getting a massage or facial, these services are maintenance for your body, just like getting an oil change or refueling your vehicle. 

YOU GET ONE FACE. Why in the world wouldn't you love it by taking care of it, learning about it, using products tailored to it and protecting it? 

Massage Envy makes services affordable, but low prices don't equate to low expectations. I've had facials at four star hotels, and boutique spas, and every salon I've ever worked in, the best facials I've ever had are at Massage Envy. Here's why! 

• CONSULTATION. The estheticians will not start your service without learning all about your skin, routine, concerns and history. 
• MURAD. OMGracious. The premium product line that Massage Envy uses is my skin's soul mate. There are four main facials that estheticians are inspired by, Vitamin C, Acne Treatment, Anti-Aging and Sensitive Skin. I love learning about what products are best for my face, as facials are not a one size fits all experience. I have absolutely found incredible results with this line, and can't recommend it enough! 
• EDUCATION. When I'm getting a massage, I like a zero dialogue environment where I can melt into the table and totally relax. When I'm getting a facial, I like to learn about skincare and how to better take care of my skin. Every facial I've had has been so informative and interesting for me. I feel totally comfortable asking questions and have always felt like my service provider knows exactly what they're talking about. 
• JUDGEMENT FREE. Have you ever approached a makeup counter in a department store, and had a girl with perfectly dewy fresh skin look at you and say, "Oh honey sit down you need this! (Presents million dollar face cream), Your skin is dryyyy and dull!" Well I have. And to that girl I would just like to say, that is NOT how to make a sale. When I've gotten Murad facials at Massage Envy the girls have made me feel comfortable even when talking about the areas of my skincare that need improvement. 
• EMOTIONAL WELLNESS. Facials are relaxing and deliver peace of mind and contentment. It's a great feeling of a fresh start!

There are over 1.000 Massage Envy locations in the United States, so it's about as easy to scoop up a pampering appointment as it is a Starbucks Grande Non-fat latte, (which I desperately need right now). Every time I turn around, another location pops up, making the company's growing success obvious. 

If you haven't had a massage service from Massage Envy yet, do yourself a favor and make an appointment immediately. Then, after you love the service, (because you will- trust me), become a member for discounts that make monthly appointments possible. 

If you made it this far through my rambles, you just earned yourself a chance to win an exclusive Murad Environmental Shield Healthy Regimen Kit sold only at Massage Envy Spas!  

To enter, you must be following @YourStylistAJ on Instagram, and leave a comment below with one thing you could improve on regarding your skin care routine! WINNER will be announced Thursday at 9am, so please get entries in before! 

XO
AJ

This is a sponsored post but of COURSE the review of awesomeness is my very own. 

Braided (Hair) Headband // A tutorial

It's all too easy to get stuck on hair autopilot, sporting the same exact look everyday. This braid headband is an easy way to spice up your typical routine needing only a few bobby pins. Extra points if you have texture spray in your product drawer!

Start by adding a styling product that has some grip. I love the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish as well as the Oribe Dry Texture Spray. Adding this product to the areas you know you'll be putting in bobby pins helps ensure they don't slip right out. 

Take a medium sized section from just behind the ear. The important part is that this section comes from under the top section.

Braid the section with a standard three strand braid and tie off with a clear hair elastic. Pull the braid apart to "fatten" it up, giving the illusion there's more hair in the braid than there is.

Repeat on the other side. 

Next lift one of your braids up and over your head creating a headband. 

Pin the braid behind the ear at the base of the other braid. The pins should be hidden under the top section of hair that was left out in the beginning. 

Repeat on the other side. 

If your braids still don't feel secure, you can add a couple more pins hidden within the braid on the top of your head near your part. 

Prepare yourself. All day today girls will say, "I could never do that to my hair!" Help a sister out and tell her how you did it! ...in like two minutes! 

Show me your SELFIE! If you try this look on yourself please post a pic using the hashtag #AJmademeselfie

XO
AJ