Most of the time we focus on the clothing- the latest styles, silhouettes, patterns, colors, and more. But we always have the opportunity to update our look (and our existing wardrobe) with everything that surrounds the clothing. I’m talking hair, accessories, and make up!

I love taking a simple black dress and making the bold elements my hair and shoes. Mix in a big bracelet, interesting earrings, or bright splash of color on the eyes and nails and bam you’re look is instantly updated. The trick is to not do all of the above, but just a few carefully selected choices. A few truly bold fashion statements will go much further on their own without any competition.

With the warm weather outside I have been feeling the simple look more and more. But clean and simple can still be elegant instead of boring. Take for instance the three things I am focusing in on today:

An updo, with a smooth round bun/ball of hair followed by a simple braid, a splash of color on the eyes, and a pair of killer hot strapped heels.

Okay, I probably should have taken photos right after doing my hair and not after running around finishing errands (ha); but I must say everything has been holding together nicely. And fashion wise, I feel comfortable, elegant, and fierce at the same time. Running around doing errands never felt so fun ;D

For my make up I decided to go with a solid color over the lids, blending where appropriate. I added a bit of water to the shadow to get a more vibrant color application. (This meant I blended the color against itself and my natural skin tone. Sans water the shadow applies in a much lighter and subtle shade, and with water the color is solid and brilliant). After that, just a touch of a dark shadow used as a liner on the bottom and outside the edges completes my look, as well an application of mascara.

Now for the hair, this was an unexpected do. I just did it, loved it, and ran with it! I knew I wanted something off to the side, but wasn’t sure what I wanted beyond that point. So I began with what I knew and made that the foundation. Just your simple pony tail.

From there, I took the top portion of my pony tail, made a small loop and secured it with pins. I teased what was left of my hair from beyond the loop (the portion the pins couldn’t secure smoothly) and then tucked it inside the loop of hair, spreading the loop until it covered the teased hair and looked like a smooth and perfect ball. Once I had that portion to my liking I added some pins to secure it.

Now I was sitting there with a puff ball on top, and the rest of the pony tail still sitting smoothly. I was going to make them into little balls of hair as well, but then decided to do a clean braid.

And bam- the look was complete. I will have to repeat this look and perfect it with time, I really love it

The final step in my look was with the shoes. I wanted something that would match my dress, but go beyond your classic heel design. Something with a bit more character to play off the hair and make up. These platform strappy heels from LA FRESHA were just the thing!

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They have the perfect mix of textures, giving the solid black color a bit more character and interest. You also have a beautiful heel with an angled platform that makes these shoes stand out. A vibrant red undercoat and beautiful strappy front gives you a look that is sure to turn heads. I love these!

I love fashion, there is so much to play with! And I think it is great that even though you could be in a room with everyone wearing the same outfit, everyone will look different and wear it with their own unique style. The more you play with your hair, make up, and accessories the more you can separate your style from the masses. Find some inspiration, get motivated, and then start creating.

Look back into your closet for some old items and make them interesting again. Also keep in mind what you can do with your wardrobe when you are shopping for new items. Look for shoes that come in colors that match your dresses, or maybe a classic black pair with a unique design such as these pictured here. Whatever you do, make it your own and love every moment of it!