Bring on Spring (but still look cute in Winter): Headgear

Good afternoon/Happy Super Bowl Sunday, my little blog readers!  Thank you so much to those of you who are following me already :)  I'm really excited about my site and I caught myself daydreaming several times (including missing my Exit on the way to work on Friday) about new topics to share!

Well as you all know, last Wednesday was Groundhog's Day and little Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow!  This means, FINGERS CROSSED, that Spring is just around the corner.  I love animals, and in honor of this cute little critter's prediction, I decided to do a post about some accessories to help you segue into the warmer weather (and to finish out the winter season).  Behold: Headgear.  Simple or Blinged Out, a headband is a must have for every wardrobe.

Now before we start, I just want to make something clear:  There is a headband for everyone!  I happen to have an extremely small cranial region, and for years I swore that headbands just weren't for me.  Every time I tried one on, I felt as though I looked like a former version of myself from the 80s (not in a good way).  I was so jealous of those girls who wore headbands all the time, looked amazing, and thought nothing of it.  Unfortunately, I was just going about things in the wrong way, and all those years I could have been looking just as snazzy as my idols.  The key is simply to find the right headband for you based on several factors: head size, hair type, and functionality.

For those with smaller noggins:  Through trial and error on my own head, I have come up with some styles that work well if you have a little smaller of a tip top area.  If you want to use a headband as an accessory to a hairstyle (bun, ponytail, partial up-do), thinner is better.  This way, you're not drowning yourself and your locks aren't too overwhelmed.  If you're feeling daring and would like to try a thicker band with a style, make sure you PUMP UP THE VOLUME.  Teasing your hair along your bang line and roots, behind where your headband will sit, helps bump up a platform to balance out more fabric.  If you're in more of a hair down kind of mood, I have actually found that large bands, worn around the entire head, slightly above the eyes (hippie style) work really well.  This is one of my favorite looks in winter, because you can use a fuzzy, warm earband as both a hair accessory and as cold weather head protection.

For those with larger noggins: Consider yourselves lucky in the headband department!  You can pretty much rock any type of headgear and won't be overpowered.  Just remember to test out headbands before you buy them to ensure that you don't choose any that pinch you behind your ears, or you'll be contracting a headache in an hour flat.  Circle stretch headbands are a go to, and bandannas can also be fun and unique.  Medium thick lace headbands are awesome with a tight, slicked back ponytail, and are a perfect solution if you skipped a shampoo.  I have also found that thick scarves tied around the head, with long tails flowing behind look great for weekend running around.
 
Keep in mind: The thing that I love about headgear, is that since there are so many styles, experimentation is great!  I love headbands with embellishments, such as flowers for spring weather, or little pearls and stones for anytime of year. Depending on the headband you choose, you can pull off a dressy or a more casual look.  If you find a really neat and intricate headband, make it the center of your outfit!

Extra note: Headbands don't have to be just for girls.  I've seen many a guy rocking a headband around his longer hair for that Euro look.  Think about it...  I'm just saying...

Below I have posted some of my favorite headgear to get you inspired.  Enjoy!!
 

SPRING FLOWERS:

SPLURGE: Juicy Couture Flower & Bird Metal Headband $50, Available from www.zappos.com.

SAVE: White Satin Flower Headband $12, Available from selected JCrew Outlet locations.

SAVE: Black Flower Headband $6, Available from selected Ulta locations.

NAUTICAL KNOTS:

SPLURGE: Express Knotted Cord Stretch Headband $24.90, Available from www.express.com.

SAVE: Gold Knotted Headband $1.99, Available from selected Rugged Warehouse locations.

WINTER WONDERS:

SPLURGE. Diane Von Furstenburg Marley Head Wrap $98, Available from Neiman Marcus.

SAVE: Urban Outfitters Oversized Flower Earwarmer $28, Available from www.urbanoutfitters.com.

SAVE: Grey Wool and Pearl Headband $8.50, Available from selected Forever 21 locations.

COOL SCARVES:

INSPIRATION: Nicole Richie wearing a scarf as a headband while out during the day.

SPLURGE: Louis Vuitton Catania Bandeau $150, Available from www.louisvuitton.com.

SAVE: Floral Trimmed Scarf $7.90, Available from Forever 21.

Love,
Brittany XO