The Braid 101:

As this heat wave continues to blast us with it's Summer rays our hair seems to take the back seat.  The frizz factor, hair breakage or the simple fact that it's too hot to wear your hair any other way than up.  Thankfully there's a cure to this madness and we no longer need to suffer.  It's simple, it comes from a 5 letter word & it's easy for you and I to do; it's called the "Braid".  Oh...how the braid can do wondrous transformations to our hair.  To take your lovely locks and french braid a crown around your head. A simple Goddess's touch with fresh flowers pick right off your neighbors front lawn intwined into the crown can make for the sweetest look.  For some a french braid might be to complicated....then how about a good old fashion braid with the weaving of 3 strands of hair. Let's say some pigtails for that Native American touch, or a slicked back ponytail with the braid twirling from the rubber band, very fierce & a tad bit sporty if you ask me.  Which ever braid you choose remember, this is "simple" "easy" and "everyone can do this".  Be inspired with the different types of braids below and turn this Summer heat wave into fashionable occasion.    xo- E.J.

The Fishtail Braid

http://www.wikihow.com/Fishtail-Braid

The Heidi Braid (crown)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx9Z903u9Pw

The Love Child Braid

The French Braid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CggRAdt6BQY

The Standard Braid

(braided in pigtails then crossed over the head)

Mary Jane isn't just Tom Petty's friend:

So far no big signs from the Lords of runway but how can we turn a shy shoulder to our beloved Mary Janes?  Their buckle strap that caresses the foot so sweet and pure bringing us back to an angelic school girl phase.  Really, who ever said toss Ms. Jane has got it all wrong.  Our beloved Cher & Dionne from Clueless had it going on.  I hope you become inspired by these photos of how adorable Mary Janes make us look & feel.      xo-EJ

Rooms of Decor to Adore.

The atmosphere you surround yourself in sets the mood of your feelings.  Feelings are what drives you to make a foot print in this world.  Personally speaking, I love a room that sparks a pulse of imagination, creates an aura for romance or even sets the scene for a chill factor.  Hopefully these photos that I've stashed away for a rainy day will motivate you into doing some new purchases, wallpapering, or even a simple feng shui.  Remember, home is where the heart is.  

                                     xo -EJ

Love the gentlemen's club vibe to this.  The Aztec inspired blue is so rich & elegant it works great for either Him or Her.

Love collage inspired decor, it makes it feel more like it just landed there-relaxed.  Big mirrors help expand the rooms dimensions and a lounge ottoman serves as the perfect couch.  Loving the contemporary feel to this.

For a white on white approach I dig the artsy effect.  If you're not into spending big $, creating your own master pieces is a great way to spend the weekend.  

Something about this inspires me to hang things from the ceiling.  Umbrellas or be it lights, a little twinkle from up above has got to be a good omen. :)

The Last 2 photos are great alternatives to decorating your wall without having to wallpaper or paint.  Clip boards are so mod-science (and great if your someone who does to do lists) & the frame effect gives a more glamour appeal.

A fan of this for the combining of elements.  Asian zen with upper aristocrat.  Timeless and spiritually uplifting.  Adore!

 Be it nautical, french roses or your own pottery creation a great set of dinning ware goes a long way.  Besides, it completes the dinner party that will have everyone talking about it for months.