Summer's Worthy style

Inspired by Ashley Olsen’s vintage red-tinged dress at the CFDA’s and by countless coral-hued collections for resort 2010, I’m tempted to splurge on something citrusy for summer.

Though I’m about four shades too pale for the bold color, I figure that with a little help from some self-tanner and bronzer I’ll be ready to embrace it.

DKNY dress, Mogil heels, Topshop bikini, and Forever 21 bracelet

I want to highlight my hair for the new season—will I need to update my makeup?

Be forewarned—too-light highlights will not give you the summery glow you’re looking for (so eliminate all fantasies of bleached-blond Baywatch strands).

“They can wash you out and make you look sallow, pale, and old. If you have no color in your hair, you’ll have no color in your skin,” top colorist Rita Hazan tells ELLE magazine. Instead, you want to opt for warm highlights—think honey hues for blonds, caramel tones for brunettes—and warm makeup to match.

“Your skin should reflect your new hair color so that you don’t look too white and pasty,” says makeup master Napoleon Perdis. “You need to wear warmer makeup tones—not darker, just warmer. For example, you can use an earthy eye shadow to warm the eye up and add a sparkle of color with eye liner. Blue, turquoise, silver, gold—it doesn’t matter as long as you’re using liner and not covering the entire eye; you don’t want to end up looking like Barbie.”

Less is indeed more when it comes to summer makeup. “Clean, fresh skin is key,” says Perdis, who suggests using a clear pore-perfecting primer or one with a bronze tint. Of course, if you’re self-conscious about overzealous blemishes, Perdis says foundation can be applied too: “Put it on the feature areas around the eyes, lips, and nose and blend it out to nothing across the forehead and edge of the face.” Once you’ve created sparkling eyes and flawless skin, Perdis recommends finishing with mascara on the lashes, and a dab of lip gloss or lipstick on lips.

For fall, I want to do a lingerie-inspired evening look

Alexander Wang perfectly channeled this for his pre–fall ’09 collection with a collection of sheer looks that were more clean-sculptural than dreamy-ethereal. The new way to do this lingerie look is to crossbreed it with sleek futurism. Taking just the bare-bones outline of a lingerie piece—without elaborate embroidery, lace, or frills—gives a great graphic twist.

Too much lace or dainty frills tip it into the silly side. For a hard-edged ballerinaesque look, take all the delicacy and sheerness of lingerie and combine it with a detailed, clean-lined, slightly hard-edged vibe. So, pale pink, sheer, yes—but then add some black.

Keep textures the same throughout—chiffon with chiffon, silk with silk—for a purposeful-looking, cohesive finish.

Trend Report: Iron Maiden

Rock spikes and chains for a dark, tough-as-nails effect

street chic outfit

Her kaleidoscopic frock and sunny sandals inspire California dreaming: LA

Shades of white and cream, seen on designer Katie Gallagher’s ruched minidress and platform pumps, perfectly complement her platinum locks : NY

Show your stripes in a breezy black-and-white jumper:NY

KEEP YOUR CLAWS IN TOP CONDITION

Beautifully manicured, strong healthy nails can work wonders for a woman’s confidence.
Just take a look at the sleek, chic talons of stars such as Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson.

However, the state of your nails can also reveal a great deal about the state of your health too.

Here’s how to keep them in great shape…

IN THE PINK
Healthy nail beds are pink due to the rich blood supply underneath them, says top nutritionist Patrick Holford: ‘Any changes in colour could be an important indicator of deficiencies, lack of nutrients or more obviously an accident.’

Certain nail irregularities may even signal a more serious medical disorder, so see your GP if you notice anything unusual.

TAKE NOTE OF TEXTURE
Brittle nails may be due to a lack of calcium or an exposure to detergents. Flaky nails can be linked to having too much sugar in your diet.

Horizontal ridges can indicate high levels of stress.

Vertical ridges can be a sign of congestion in the liver, kidneys and digestive tract.

HEALTHY DIET, HEALTHY NAILS
Good nutrition is the key to nail vitality and growth, so you should try and include the following in your diet:

Protein – as nails are largely made from a protein called keratin, it’s important to include plenty of protein in your diet.

Vitamins A, B2 and C – these are important for growth and overall health of the nail bed.

Calcium – (found in dairy products, tofu) helps make nails strong.

Iodine – (found in mackerel, haddock, prawns, milk) improves nail condition.

Iron – (found in fortified breakfast cereal, liver, dried fruit) a deficiency can cause nail problems.

STAY MOISTURISED
‘The natural nail needs a constant balance of oil and moisture to protect its health,’ says nail technician to the stars Leighton Denny.

Try and massage your nails daily with a conditioning oil, such as Jessica Phenomen Oil, £12.55, and give your nails a rest from polish once in a while too.

TOP TIPS FOR PERFECT NAILS
Never cut cuticles as the cuticle is a barrier to keep bacteria from entering the body. Instead, gently push back using an orange stick and clip loose edges.Wear gloves for household chores or if you are using any type of chemical.Keep your nails short.

Germs trapped under nails can spread infection so always keep hands scrupulously clean.Regular buffing of the nails stimulates blood flow.

TALON-TED STARS
Nail art has become a fashion statement among top celebs – The Pussycat Dolls’ Melody Thornton and actress Lindsay Lohan have both been spotted with decorated nails recently.

Manicures are not just for the girls – Will Smith and Steve Martin are apparently fans too!According to Beyoncé’s nail technician, the best way to get shiny nails is to break open a vitamin E capsule and massage the oil into your nails and cuticles.

BEWARE THIS SEASON'S HOTTEST LOOKS!

IT’S FLIP-FLOP SEASON SO THERE’S NO HIDING THOSE TOOTSIES – ARE YOU READY TO BARE?

Wedges: They may be the summer’s hottest look but according to podiatrists, wedges can be bad news for feet. As well as putting pressure on the ball of the foot, your foot could slip off the wedge heel risking injury.

Flip-flops: Fine for on the beach but not so hot in the city pounding the concrete pavements. ‘They provide absolutely no cushioning or support to the feet,’ says Dr Tariq Khan, podiatric consultant and specialist in homeopathic podiatry. ‘And the slapping action simply builds up hard skin and callouses on the soles. Flip-flops are not a good idea if you have to walk long distances as they can also cause muscle pain.’

Clogs: The wooden variety have no cushioning which could affect the lower spine and ligaments in the knees and hips. They are also very heavy and having to lift such a weight with each step may strain the main walking muscles in the foot.

Flatties: A much better option than heels but can affect posture as they provide no support for your feet.

Mules: There is a risk of the foot slipping off the sole of the shoe which could have serious consequences in terms of muscle and tendon damage. In addition, when the foot gets sweaty, it tends to slip forward, increasing the risk of blisters or chafing.

STEP TO IT

Exercising your feet will help keep them flexible and strong. Try these simple moves…Stand, feet slightly apart, and raise yourself up and down with the weight on your shoes.

Stand on the bottom step of a staircase, toes extending over the edge. Bend the toes as if gripping the edge. Hold for a count of two and then flex the toes upwards for a count of two.

Lie flat on the floor with the soles of your feet against the wall. Spread your toes wide as they grasp the surface and ‘climb’ the wall. This is especially good for beating cramp.

HAPPY FEET

Often the most neglected part of the body, your feet have to absorb the stress of twice your weight every time you take a step.

So it’s hardly surprising that eight out of ten people suffer from foot problems. It’s important to start paying your feet some extra attention now so you can stay footloose all summer long…

HEIGHT OF FASHIONShoes have always been the epitome of glamour and A-listers such as Mischa Barton, Victoria Beckham, Beyoncé, Sarah Jessica Parker, Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani are rarely seen putting a toe on the red carpet without their obligatory killer heels.

According to catwalk trends, the stakes are even higher this year, with heels reaching the dizzying heights of 15cm!But could putting your feet at such unnatural angles pose serious health risks for the rest of your body? A recent study reveals that over 200,000 people are treated for shoe-related injuries every year – with platforms and high heels being the main culprits.

SAFETY BEFORE STYLE

When it comes to high heels, experts recommend not wearing your skyscrapers for more than two to three hours a day as they increase the pressure placed on the ball of the foot and can distort the natural gait of the foot which can, in turn, damage the knees, hips and spine.

It’s also important to vary the heel heights you wear. Simply changing your shoes halfway through the day will literally take the pressure off your feet. The healthiest option for feet is to go barefoot, so make sure you walk barefoot around the house at some point every day.

When buying summer shoes: Choose leather or suede leather insoles and avoid plastic or rubber soles.Choose open sandals with a moulded sole, so the heel is prevented from sliding straight off.

When buying backless shoes, either flat or heeled, opt for those with a wide band at the front, or even two bands that fully supports the front half of the shoe.

When out walking, choose sandals designed for trekking which have properly moulded soles, heel support and hold the foot firmly on the sole of the shoe. Always do them up snugly.Never wear a new pair of shoes all day – break them in gradually.

"You Look Tired"

Rebounding from a long night? Get rid of under-eye circles, bags, redness, and fine lines — fast.

PUFFINESS

Firm Up
When applied topically, caffeine tightens up the skin, says Laura Hittleman, director of beauty for Canyon Ranch. Put cool, moist black-tea bags on your eyes for 5 minutes or use an eye cream that contains caffeine.

Use Cold Spoons
Place cold metal spoons on your eyes for a few minutes to tighten up the skin before you apply makeup, says Kate Somerville, aesthetician in Los Angeles. Another option: a bag of frozen peas — it'll contour to the shape of your face.

Stay Hydrated
The effects of alcohol can contribute to swelling and puffiness — even under your eyes. Stick with one cocktail, and drink water before and after you go out to minimize the visible damage.

Watch the Salt
Limit your sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams a day since salty foods can lead to swelling everywhere. And load up on vitamin B-rich foods (like spinach), which may actually reduce bloating.

Try Witch Hazel
Place pads soaked in witch hazel (a natural astringent) on your eyes for 5 minutes, says makeup pro Shalini Vadhera.

Do an Eye Massage
Use your ring fingers to press your way from the inner to the outer corners of your eyes, says Tammy Fender, aesthetician in Palm Beach, Florida. Then move to your temples and down your jaw. Repeat to help flush excess fluid.

Apply Hemorrhoid Cream (Seriously)
Sounds gross, but the main ingredient — phenylephrine — constricts blood vessels and shrinks under-eye tissue, says derm Audrey Kunin, founder of Dermadoctor. Apply a bit to the puffy area, being careful not to get it in your eyes.

MAKEUP TIP

" A quick solution for bags is to draw attention away from your under-eye area, says NYC makeup artist Dara Klein. Define your upper lids with liner, then apply several coats of mascara."

A Cool Way to Pick a New Scent

DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom will remind you of apple picking on a gorgeous sunny day.

Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited will remind you of nibbling on dessert and lounging in sexy lingerie.

Fresh Citron de Vigne will remind you of popping champagne and partying with your friends.

New Ways to Wear the Clothes You Have

Your new warm-weather wardrobe is sitting right there in your closet. Just use these styling tricks to transform what you already have into the trendiest looks of the season.

Volume Dress-->
With a wide belt, last year's bright sack dress becomes less muumuu, more

White Button-Down-->
A good old oxford doesn't feel so old when paired with a satin party skirt, now does it?

Little Dress-->
We just love it when opposites attract. Throw your boyfriend cardigan over a girlie dress for a day look.

Old Jeans-->
Break last season's denims out of retirement by slicing them off at the knee and rolling them up.

Boho Dress-->
If a blazer over a hippie dress seems like a cultural clash, it is. In fact, that's what makes it so cool.

New Ways to Wear the Clothes You Have

Your new warm-weather wardrobe is sitting right there in your closet. Just use these styling tricks to transform what you already have into the trendiest looks of the season.



Volume Dress-->
With a wide belt, last year's bright sack dress becomes less muumuu, more

White Button-Down-->
A good old oxford doesn't feel so old when paired with a satin party skirt, now does it?

Little Dress-->
We just love it when opposites attract. Throw your boyfriend cardigan over a girlie dress for a day look.

5 Foods For Beautiful Skin

BEAUTY BITES: Chow down on antioxidant- and zinc-rich oysters, dark chocolate, and blueberries for a clear complexion.

1. Tomatoes: Perhaps the only vegetable best eaten processed. Tomatoes are a major source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant also thought to protect against sunburn.

2. Oysters: The best source of zinc, period. Zinc helps build collagen, which supports the structure of skin and speeds up renewal and repair.

3. Blueberries: Full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that prevent long-term cell damage.

4. Dark chocolate: Full of antioxidants and nutrients, cocoa (choose chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa) increases blood flow to the skin, which in turn boosts hydration, smoothness, and protection against sun exposure.

5. Walnuts: A key source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. The omega-3s found in walnuts also help fight against skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

Four Small Fitness Fixes for Sexy Summer Results

Between treating Rufus for ticks, choosing the right summer camp for Sally and oh yeah, your 9-5 daily regular job that usually ends up being a 9 to 9’er, life is full of time-consuming little dramas. So when it comes to slinking into your black bikini so you can look scorching in the sun, you want it to be easy. Fortunately, paring down your exercise routine can still notch you full-time results, and can even be better for your body. You’ll also save time and money, which equals less drama. Here, Los Angeles-based celebrity trainer Patrick Murphy explains how to simplify your fitness life.
Maximize Your Moves
Do it by working large muscle groups like your glutes and thighs, and incorporate other parts of your body—like your arms or torso—into the exercises at the same time. Called compound movements, one example would be a squat with a shoulder press at the top of the movement. “Performing exercises involving large muscle groups also includes smaller synergy muscle groups, and will involve more work,” Murphy says. “You’ll elevate your heart rate and thus will expend more calories.”

Get Jiggy With It
When you train to improve your balance or work out for specific sports, you tend to expend more calories in less time because you’re moving your body in all sorts of ways. “It’s called functional training, and it’s multi-planar, multi-joint and multi-dimensional,” Murphy says. An example would be adding twists to crunches (to work more of the core, or touching the floor with one hand during a lunge—as if you were picking something up.
The extra movement nets more fitness results. “They’ll also help better prepare you for daily activities and prevent injuries,” Murphy says.
Add Variety
“Variations in workout routines are necessary and scientifically proven to help individuals progress and reach their full fitness potential,” Murphy says. “Your mind and body adapts to movements you repeatedly perform, which creates motor development. But it can also lead to a plateau in your fitness results.”
Murphy recommends changing your routine at least every four weeks, and for best results, to mix up every workout. You can increase and tone down intensity, change your environment (like switching to a bumpy running trail versus a smooth track), or add more volume (more weight, for strength training).
In Murphy’s Zero Limits video, on ExerciseTV, he includes a jump rope to amplify the workout. “It boosts the calorie burn and strengthens the most important muscle—the heart,” Murphy says. “Sometimes I even mix things further, and personally use my weighted rope and other times a regular jump rope.”
Rev Your Rate
Performing intervals during cardio workouts allows you to reach higher levels of intensity in less time, so you’ll get more of a workout, and burn more calories. “It’s much the same as with other fitness training, where you need to give your cardio respiratory system variety for proper progression,” Murphy says. Along with the increased calorie burn, you’ll also help improve your VO2 MAX (how much oxygen your body consumes) and your overall cardio efficiency.
Murphy suggests performing moderate intervals (at 65-75% of your maximum heart rate (HR)) for five minutes, and then upping the intensity (to 80-86 % of your max HR) for one minute. Repeat until you’ve exercised for at least 30 minutes.
An easy way to do intervals would be to increase the level on a spin bike, or the incline of the treadmill. “Just be sure to listen to your body during intervals, as they’re quite intense,” Murphy says. “Don’t push your limits.

Sexy Lingerie for Your Shape

To feel confident in frilly underthings, pick a style that highlights your assets... and downplays parts you're not crazy about.

The joys of sex

In real life, sex is mind-blowing, hilarious and erotic in the most unexpected ways.

Behind the Bedroom Door, a new essay collection edited by SELF's very own articles director, Paula Derrow, gives us an all-access tour of the inner sanctum of everyday (and every-way) sex.

Whether you're a spicy seductress or a plain-vanilla kind of gal, this peek between the covers of the season's hottest book will leave you laughing, sighing and begging for more!

Tips of the day: Smile bright

Swishing with mouthwash may slay dragon breath and bacteria, but it can also stain teeth. Steer clear of prescription rinses that contain chlorhexidine, an antibacterial agent that can temporarily turn your teeth yellow. Too late? Get a deep cleaning from your dentist.

10 easy ways to eat healthier right now!

Remember when you were a kid and eating was as simple as "Open, chew, enjoy"? You didn't count the grams of fiber and fat in your PB&J. You munched when you were hungry, stopped when you were full and ran off to play with your Cabbage Patch Kids. But choosing a meal as a health-minded adult can be as complicated and joyless as a calculus final.

Enough! Here are 20 commonsense rules that make eating right as easy as pie for you and your inner 8-year-old.

1. Eat like a tourist in Greece.The sunset over your office park isn't as stunning as the one over an Aegean beach, but a plate of grilled fish and fresh vegetables and a glass of wine is as delicious in Athens, Georgia, as it is in Athens, Greece. Plus, a Mediterranean menu can help lower your risk for heart disease and keep you slim, says Susan Mitchell, Ph.D., coauthor of Fat Is Not Your Fate (Fireside).

2. If you can't grow it, don't eat it.A potato comes from the ground, an egg from a hen. But where did that Pop-tart come from? If your best guess is "aisle 7," pass it up. "Unprocessed, whole foods will give you the most benefits," says Michelle K. Berman, R.D., of Fairfax, Virginia. Processing takes out nutrients such as antioxidants and fiber, and even when chemists add them back, nothing stacks up to Mother Nature.

3. Read the back of the box first."The front is all advertising," Berman says. Flip it around for the real story. The more ingredients, the more likely it has visited a few processing plants where something artificial was mixed in, says Lydia Zepeda, Ph.D., professor of consumer science at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

4. The crunchier, the better.Snacks that offer a big, satisfying crunch when you bite into them—we mean apples, celery, snap peas and nuts, not chips—keep your mouth busy longer than food you slurp. "The more you chew, the slower you eat and the more time your body has to register fullness," Mitchell says.

5. You can always have more.Tomorrow. A food shortage is not imminent. Besides, anything you eat after you're full doesn't even taste as good. "There is a toning down of taste buds after the first few bites," says Linda Bacon, Ph.D., professor of nutrition at City College of San Francisco. And no one loves feeling stuffed.

6. A frozen berry beats a fresh doughnut.Purchasing organic local produce is better for both the environment and your health, but when the nearest farm is hours away, don't default to a package of Oreos. "Frozen, canned and fresh fruit all have comparable amounts of nutrients," says Christine M. Bruhm, Ph.D., director of the Center for Consumer Research at the University of California at Davis.

7. You can't replace real ice cream.When you're craving Chunky Monkey, no amount of fat-free ice treat will make up for it. "Diet foods leave you feeling hungry and cheated," says Paul McKenna, Ph.D., author of I Can Make You Thin (Sterling). Splurge on one scoop of the real deal and savor it. "You'll be satisfied physically and psychologically," McKenna says.

8. There's no fruit in "fruit flavor."Seeing flavor on a label is a sign the food was stripped of its real taste and a fabricated one swapped in, Bacon says. Natural only means the additive came from a plant or an animal, which may not be as healthy as it sounds. "Scientists create flavors using bacteria and call them 'natural,'" she says. Would you buy Bacteri-Os?

9. If it's not around, you can't eat it.You're in your cozy armchair watching Gossip Girl when you get an urge for Cool Ranch Doritos. If all you have to do is walk to your pantry, you'll grab a bag and attack it. But let's say you must put on your shoes, find your keys and drive to the store. Laziness will triumph. (Yes, sometimes sloth is a good thing!)

10. Table your meals.As much sitting as we do, we rarely stay put during dinner. Fifty-nine percent of young women eat on the run, a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds, and on-the-go eaters consume more total fat, as well as more soda and fast food. The less distracted and stressed you are when you dine, the more efficiently your body absorbs nutrients. Turn off the tube, step away from your desk and park the car before you dig in. -- Marisa Cohen

How to Tell if a Guy Is Cheating

1. He's superprotective of his gadgets. "The main way that trysts are found out is through the discovery of incriminating emails, IM chats, cell phone texts or bills," says Belisa Vranich, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in New York City. So if he's being unfaithful, he may guard his gadgets or act really defensive when you innocently touch his phone or computer. It should be a giant red flag if he readily gave you passwords in the past, and now he's more evasive.More Dating

2. He steps up the grooming. This is so obvious, but it's a sign many women miss: "If your man starts grooming more without you requesting it, that could be an indication that he's getting intimate with someone else," says Vranich. You can actually thank modern mass media for this tipoff. Guys today are used to viewing manscaped dudes onscreen, so if he has another chick to impress with his appearance, he may emulate those ultra-trimmed guys. Another clue: He's spending more time at the gym.

3. He smells different. "When he comes home, if he doesn't smell the same as he did in the morning, and it isn't the scent of soap in the gym or at your home, it may be because he's showered at her place," offers Vranich. So pay attention, because in this case, that old saying "the nose knows" might very well be true.

4. Nothing fazes him anymore. "If he was short-tempered before, a combination of added intimacy and attention could be making him way more relaxed, even downright giddy," Vranich says. Adds Mira Kirshenbaum, author of "When Good People Have Affairs: Inside the Hearts and Minds of People in Two Relationships": " If your guy is suddenly going around all happy and whistling, then you need to find out why. If your guy is suddenly going around all happy and whistling, then you need to find out why."

5. He becomes suspicious of you. "If he's normally a mellow type, all of a sudden he may want to know where you are all the time and with whom," says Vranich. "It's the result of him realizing that if he's cheating and it's not that hard, you might also be getting away with it." Also, beware of extremely detailed responses to even your most innocent "How was work today?" queries. He may be preparing epic answers because he's terrified of getting caught.

One caveat: If your romantic life hasn't fallen off, that's no guarantee that he's faithful. "It's a serious mistake to think that affairs are necessarily physical. He may just be unhappy in other parts of the relationship," says Kirshenbaum. In fact, an illicit relationship could even stoke his lust for you.

Beat the Heat and Still Look Beautiful

I like to go without makeup as often as I can in the summer, but there’s no way to avoid those must-look-polished occasions. Unfortunately, heat is a major makeup spoiler. When the temperature rises, anything you put on your skin is subject to melt-off. Prevent the sweaty, streaky look with these tips:

1. Use fewer layers. Instead of applying three products to your face--moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation--choose an SPF-spiked tinted moisturizer. The less product on your skin, the less there is to slide off. And don’t just reserve the stuff for your face: Blend it over your neck and chest, too, for an even tone.

2. Switch to waterproof. No-budge technology is now incorporated into almost every type of makeup (eyeshadow, blush and beyond), but I find it most useful when it comes to the old standby: waterproof mascara. Besides staying on no matter what, which I knew, I recently found out it also makes a curl last all day (like hairspray).
I don’t love that waterproof mascara is so tricky to remove, but I’ve learned a technique that works well and is gentle on my eye area: Saturate two cotton pads with remover, hold each against a closed eye and count to 10 before swiping outward.

3. Make lips last. Even if my foundation and blush have long since disappeared, with some color on my lips (and mascara), I can look put together. Lip stains stand up to the heat better than sticks and glosses, and they’re less likely to smear and bleed outside the lines. If you’re heading outside, remember to top the stain with a lip balm with SPF.

Hot-Weather Hairstyles

For summer hair, the best 'dos require minimal effort, defy humidity, and have tons of sex appeal.
a. Beachy Waves-->Kate Hudson's tousled style is sexy year-round, and now you have the warm, humid air to help enhance your natural texture. To get the look, divide damp hair into three sections and loosely braid each. Unravel your locks when they're dry, then set your waves with a texturizing spray

b. Half-Up and Loose-->When the weather makes your hair curlier, it's sexy to just wear it that way around your shoulders like Zoe Saldana. But to keep strands from getting in your face, part your hair down the middle and pull back a small section on either side.

c. Twisted Bun-->You could go straight from the beach to sunset drinks with Hayden Panettiere's simple 'do. Make a center part and pull all your hair, except for the front two inches on either side, into a loose, low bun. Twirl each of the remaining sections around your finger, then tuck the ends into the bun with a few pins.

d. Down and Flirty-->If your hair dries wavy on its own, take a cue from Cameron Richardson and slip on a pretty headband. Tease the roots at the crown (just behind the headband) for an instant sexy effect. Need a boost in the texture department? Spritz a wave-enhancing spray.

e. Pinned-Back Bun-->Summer updos should look simple and slightly undone, like Leighton Meester's carefree version. Since you actually want to have some shorter pieces sticking out of the bun, this style works for anyone with layers or shoulder-length locks. Make a center part, then use your hands to gather your hair into a ponytail, secure with an elastic, and twist it into a bun. Anchor it with two long crisscrossed bobby pins and let any wayward strands do their thing.