how to: get the perfect waves

Good morning! With the weather the way it is lately (read: humid and all over the place), I wanted to share my go-to hair style. I've been curling my hair this way since college, and I feel like I've finally got it down. Without further ado, here's how to get the perfect waves.

First things first: get yourself a great curling iron. You all know my love affair with the brand amika (I religiously use their dry shampoo and color shampoo), and I was so pleased by the quality of their switch kit curling wand. I'm partial to this attachment for the look we're going for, but they're honestly all amazing.

This style can be done on just washed or day old hair - just make sure to spritz in a little dry shampoo before starting.

Next, I always finger comb my hair to make sure there aren't any obvious tangles.

I don't like to spend an eternity curling my hair, so for time's sake, (and because I think it looks better) you only need to make two sections of hair. My part is in the middle, so I just make two low pigtails. If you part it on the side, you may want to do one section a bit bigger.

Next, start by gathering 1-2" sections of hair...

...and wrap each strand over the barrel away from your face (clockwise).

My stylist taught me this amazing trick, and here's how to get the perfect wave:

As soon as you release a strand from the curling iron, give it a little tug downward.

The curl separates a bit and becomes looser. It has changed the way I do my hair! After you finish one side, start on the other, this time curling each strand under and then towards your face (so, counter clockwise on the barrel). Don't ask me why, but doing the two sides differently like this makes all the difference in the world!

Let your hair cool completely, then finger comb gently to loosen the curls.

Enjoy!

xoxo,

This is not a sponsored post, but I was gifted the curling iron from amika. I truly use and love their products!

photos by Julia Elizabeth.

the 10 pieces you should own

...according to me. If you're a regular around these parts, you know I kind of have a problem with posts like "The 10 pieces you should own by age 30" or "The 20 pieces every woman should own," etc. To me, style is subjective, and differs for everyone. Not everyone wears blazers, trench coats, or flats, for example. I cannot tell you how many people have asked you to write one of these posts, and I aim to please, so I'm doing it. But! I'm doing it my way, with pieces that I, Allie O'Connor, believe that you should own, consider owning, or plan to own.

Let's do this.

1. Leather or Jean Jacket - Screw the blazer (even though I love them), a leather or jean jacket is versatile and timeless. I've worn mine to formal events (a pashmina over a dress is a no-no in my book), date nights, with friends and to the bodega for coffee. Perfect for transitional weather and always adds extra style to any outfit. My picks: leather jacket, jean jacket.

2. Cashmere Sweater http://www.littleredswell.com/2013/09/30/style-philosophy-life-is-about-the-add-ons/- Comfort and style go hand in hand, and I cannot think of anything more chic or comfortable than cashmere. It's lightweight, luxurious, travels well, and again, is completely timeless. My picks: one (on sale!), two.

3. Classic Tee - I talked about this in one of my very first posts. Good style starts at the base, or foundation of your wardrobe. Having a great t-shirt to throw on at the last second takes the guesswork of getting dressed. One of my friends commented that I always wear white t-shirts. Duh. Yup, I do. Because it looks great, feels great, and is always stylish. Base dressing. My picks: one, two.

4. Nude pumps - Or, as I like to call them, Insta-legs. No other shoe has the power to make me feel as sexy as a nude pump, which adds the illusion of height. Christian Louboutin himself has picked up on this and added an entire range of skin colors into his line. Amen, CL! My picks: one, two, three.

5. LBD - If you like to get dressed up, and especially if you don't, a little black dress is a requirement. Another piece that saves time and if it fits right, flatters your every curve. My picks: one, two, three.

6. Fine Jewelry - Every lady should own one piece of fine jewelry for everyday. I recently splurged on a pair of thin gold hoops, but I also like the idea of a dainty ring or pendant. My picks: one, two.

7. Investment Sunglasses - Do yourself a favor and swear off cheap sunnies. Spend at least $100 on a pair that you love, and you will be astonished at how well you can treat a pair of lenses. It doesn't matter what they look like, they will go with everything if you love them. My picks for this summer: one, two.

8. Summer Shoes - Speaking of summer, throw away your flip flops. You owe it to your feet and your stylish self. Invest in a pair of Birks, a pair of espadrilles, or some white Keds. You deserve it. My picks: one, two.

9. The Ultimate White Shirt - You do need a white shirt in your arsenal, but it doesn't have to be a button down. Just like that LBD, it should be unique and flattering to you. Extra points if it's silk. My picks: one, two.

10. Jeans that fit - Stop! Buying jeans on a whim. Stop! Buying jeans because they're on sale. This is so important. I wear the same 3 pairs of jeans every damn day of my life. I buy one pair a year, and wear them to death. Find your brand (mine is Rag & Bone) by trying on a bunch of styles in store. Memorize your size and fit (and color / wash, which is likely unique to you and that's fine / great), and then you can shop online from then on. My picks: if you're tall, if you're curvy, if you're teeny.

I feel unexpectedly wonderful after writing this - any questions or comments?

xoxo,

all images via my Instagram.

weirdo

Friends! Thanks for all of your kind words on yesterday's post - I'm so glad you were into it! In all seriousness, I'd love to hear some of your style stories; if you'd like to be featured on LRW (anonymously or not), drop me a line at allie AT littleredswell dot com! I'll be gathering ideas for next Monday's post until this Friday. As is evidenced from yesterday, I've been thinking a lot about my blog and this business (I'm approaching my one year mark!), and debating how I fit in and how I don't.

// top // jeans // sneaks //

I can try and be like every other blogger out there, with a perfectly polished brand and hundreds of thousands of followers, but at the end of the day, I gotta do me. And sometimes being me means laying down on a fallen tree and letting my friend photograph me for 30 minutes.

Because nothing feels better to me than collaboration and creating with like minded people. Nothing lights a fire under my ass more than making something out of nothing.

And truly, nothing is better than happy readers or happy clients.

So here's to all of you weirdos and "creative types," artists and wannabe artists and people who just don't necessarily fit in all the time. Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

photos by Ashley Caroline, fellow artist and weirdo.

my spring wardrobe

 

REAL TALK! You guys know I like to keep it real on LRW, so I thought it would be fun / informative / hopefully helpful if I detailed the pieces I purchased this Spring. I didn't approach this season with a budget in mind (just the promise of a good tax return!), or even a plan as to what I would buy, but as I was making the rounds at some of my favorite stores, a few pieces stuck out to me that now have a welcome place in my closet.

1. Now more than ever I've become smitten with stripes - you all know I love a good tee, and stripes are such a fun way to feel a little fancy while dressing down. I saw this top by Iro and immediately fell in love with it's subtle grunge, as well as its long sleeves to aid in the seasonal transition. It wasn't cheap, but I justified the purchase by adhering to my wear it 3 way rule (and also the fact that I've been dying to try the brand!).

2. Chinti and Parker makes great basics, but I've never loved the way their pieces fit on me. I fell hard for this cheeky tee, and loved the semi boxy fit. Again, my first time wearing this brand.

3. LA based brand Anine Bing opened a store right around the block from my hair salon in the West Village, and I found myself poking around post color application last month. This oversized tee caught my eye and I've worn it constantly. The fit is perfection.

4. I trust Net A Porter's buyers implicitly, and while I'm not a huge fan of Madewell's line, the price tag on these denim shorts (no longer being carried by NAP) made me look twice. I was pleased with the fit as well and although I haven't worn them yet, I look forward to putting them into the rotation when the weather warms up.

5. Try as I might, I don't think I'll ever be able to part with my love of black denim. I tried on a few pairs at Anine Bing, but the short, rough hem of these, along with the high waist and slits at the knees, sold me. Again, I've already worn these nearly everyday for the past month (you can see them here and here).

And that's it for this season. I have everything I need (pants, shorts, long and shortsleeved tees), and look forward to wearing each of these pieces for years to come. Do you see the benefit in avoiding fast fashion and INVESTING? I just added SOLID contenders to my existing wardrobe, that will actually last (I'd be lying if I said I don't think about handing these down to my niece or daughter one day).

What are looking to buy for this season?

xoxo,

pink lady

 

// coat // jeans // boots // earrings //

If you've been a longtime LRW reader, you know I've been coveting a pink coat for quite some time. One that I had my eye on over a year ago was $700 smackers - not in the ol' cards for me. ASOS came through again and when I was searching for some transitional coats for this year, I found the above coat for a steal. Uber feminine fit and flair silhouette, luxurious faux fur, and the color - I was so pleased with my purchase.

Though this coat is perfect for fancy nights out over a dress, I loved pairing it with casual ripped denim, minimal hair and accessories, and black chunky boots (if you buy any bootie from now to eternity, PLEASE let it be this pair).

I bought these jeans years ago at Levi's and wore them to death as I navigated the bizarre weight changes of my mid twenties. Last year, rather than throw them out, I cut off the bottoms and made slits at the knees - something that is EVERYWHERE in NYC right now. I highly recommend this little trick for any out of date denim in your closet.

Friends, I am off! See you tomorrow...

xoxo,