headbands of hope

'fashion can be the greatest vehicle to a positive self-identity.'

headbands of hope

happy wednesday, everyone!

this week is already off to a much better start - more sleep (and subsequently
fewer cups of coffee have been consumed), a jog around green lake (during which
i didn't feel as though i would keel over at any moment), and the return of my
favorite coworker at preschool; all smiles around here as of late!

today, i am collaborating with headbands of hope,
a business that donates one headband to a child with cancer
for every headband purchased (!!!). the headbands are gorgeous, too!
i absolutely love this, this, and this style.

since their beginning in april 2012, headbands of hope has donated to every
children's hospital in the united states. headbands are donated directly to the hospital or
to the local childhood cancer foundation.
the headbands are not only a fashionable accessory,
but a token of support and encouragement for girls who have lost their hair
while undergoing chemotherapy.

romper: loft (similar here), ring & bangles: forever 21,
headband: 'peach bloom' c/o headbands of hope, earrings: nordstrom (exact here),
booties: urban outfitters

growing up, my mom always made sure i had a barrette, headband, or scrunchie (hello, 90s)
to keep my hair out of my face, but also as a fun, fashion accessory.
bows or headbands with a corresponding outfit? yes, please!

today, i paired my 'peach bloom' headband with a paisley print
romper. rompers are perfect for running errands, meeting up with a friend
for coffee, or simply lounging around the house. they are stylish, yet more comfortable
 than a skirt or dress.  i love the overall look and length of this romper - it isn't too short,
like so many rompers i have tried. with the drawstring detail and pockets? i was sold.
 (unfortunately, i've had this particular romper for a few years, but i linked a
similar option above).

photos and makeup by elizabeth kathryn photography

as a special treat, headbands of hope 

is offering a discount code to you, my readers!

simply enter 'VendrilloHope' at checkout, and happy shopping!

and a big thank you to headbands of hope for sending me

this beautiful headband. i feel quite blessed!

headbands of hope has an incredible mission - you can learn more about them, 

as well as the work they're doing in your community and for the hope market here.

xoxo.

**this is a sponsored post. headbands of hope 

graciously sent me this headband to share on my blog. 

all opinions are my own!

playing the model (part ii)

photos by jason deetz; hair and makeup by sharell katelynn artistry

necklace and ring: borrowed from moorea seal (exact here), lashes: m.a.c. 34 lash (exact here), maybelline color molten eyeshadow in 'nude rush' (exact here)

lipstick: milani color statement lipstick in 'rebel rouge'

a few months back, i had the opportunity to collaborate on an 

editorial-inspired photo shoot. it was something totally new for me 

(and slightly out of my comfort zone), but i had a wonderful time!

this was my second time working with a photographer, so needless to say, 

i had no idea what the heck i was doing in front of the camera. 

thanks to sharell's talent in the hair and makeup department, 

and jason's easy-going demeanor, we were able to get some lovely photos! 

i shared our first look here, and i think i felt slightly more comfortable

(and a bit more like myself) in this second set of photos. having my hair down,

and being able to use it as a sort of prop // accessory, made all the difference!

i also love the pop of the bright red lips against the black backdrop. 

this milani statement lipstick, in the shade 'rebel rouge,' is incredibly

pigmented. it stayed on for the remainder of the day despite eating and drinking, too.

for less than $6, i think i need to pick up a few additional colors! 

i greatly enjoyed this collaboration with sharell and feel inspired 

to experiment more with my hair and makeup. i would love to try some 

different braided hairstyles (pinterest, here i come!). 

happy thursday, everyone, and have a wonderful rest of your week!

xoxo. 

playing the model

1 // 2 // 3 

a few months ago, my hairdresser (and good friend!!), sharell

and i decided to collaborate on an editorial-inspired photo shoot.

our ideas were vast, but we knew we wanted things to be edgy 

(from my clothes to my hair and makeup), much different than my usual waves, 

ponytail or natural makeup look. 

bring on the false lashes, shimmer, and a dark lip -

think 'warrior vibe.' my hair was newly platinum blonde, and we opted

for loose curls with lots of braids! sharell is incredibly talented when it comes

to hair and makeup. we scoured pinterest prior to the shoot (a few of our

favorites are pictured above), and it was fun to see our ideas come to fruition 

on the day of the shoot. sharell is one talented lady! 

^^^ i wish i could braid my hair like this! ^^^

photos by jason deetz

what i'm wearing

leather vest: borrowed from sassafras, necklaces and bracelet: borrowed from moorea seal, 

black tank: h&m, lipstick: kat von d everlasting liquid lipstick in 'echo' (exact here),

ardell lashes: glamour lashes (exact here), 

maybelline color molten eyeshadow in 'nude rush' (exact here)

i have to admit, i was a bit nervous before we started shooting.

the photographer, jason deetz, is an editorial fashion photographer

and accustomed to working with models (real fashion models, too), not

aspiring fashion bloggers. i am a bit awkward in front of the camera 

but can easily distract myself with my clutch or accessories in order to obtain 

a blog-worthy outfit photo. this shoot, however, was very different! 

we had a great time taking the photos, and jason was very

kind and helpful - he guided me every step of the way! 

we took down my hair and changed my makeup partway through. 

be sure to check back for the second look later this week!

for all my seattle friends and followers, if you're in need of a new hair stylist or 

makeup artist, i cannot say enough

good things about sharell. you can visit her website to see additional shoots

she has styled here (i especially love this look and this one!). 

xoxo.

**this is not a sponsored post, but a special thank you to local 

boutiques, sassafras and moorea seal for lending us

the clothing and jewelry pictured in these photos! and of course,

all opinions are my own.

hello, blonde hair!

^^^ this vest is so cozy! i have been layering it on

cooler, seattle days ^^^

dress and tights: nordstrom rack, vest: forever 21 (similar here),

booties: thrifted, bracelets: nordstrom

last week, after recovering from a terrible stomach virus,

i scheduled a hair appointment - i desperately needed a trim

and wanted to update my color. 

i scoured pinterest for different shades and variations of blonde hair.

i've always envied girls who can pull off platinum blonde,

and decided, 'well, why not?!' my stylist said that with my short hair, 

we could definitely take the plunge and try platinum! 

it has been a big change (and took close to four hours!!),

 but i am loving the lighter, brighter blonde! 

^^^ and a blooper just for fun! ^^^

i am not ready for the weekend to be over! 

will and i ate delicious mexican food, took a nap, explored downtown,

met up with my parents for dinner, and simply relaxed;

it was much needed. how was your weekend?

xoxo.

short hair, don't care ;)

dress: handmade for my aunt by my grandma, ya-ya!

booties: thrifted, bracelets: forever 21, ring: lika love

after far more time than i'd like to admit on pinterest, 

much thinking, asking, polling, and thinking (and of course, 

back to pinterest), i finally decided to make the cut - 

all seven inches! 

while i've only officially had short hair for a few hours, i love it thus far ;)

it may or may not be a different story

when i'm forced to style it on my own. i hope i'm ready for the challenge!

this past weekend, while at my family brunch,

we did a bit of a clothing swap. 

two of my aunts have incredible vintage pieces, 

some of which were sewn by them and my grandma, ya-ya, 

who has since passed away.

she made the dress in the photos above! 

i absolutely love the bright colors, soft fabric, and overall style of the dress.

this is something i would absolutely be drawn to 

in a vintage shop; i feel honored to be wearing the dress today -

i think it may be a sign from her that the dress fits perfectly, too?

i have a few other pieces that i took from the

swap that i cannot wait to share on this little blog.

p.s. hope you are surviving this heat wave, seattle friends.

if you have AC, i am coming over!

xoxo.

ode to the top knot

dress: swap with sharell, purse and flats: thrifted, 

bracelet: forever 21

oh top knot,

i love, but hate you.

you hide the grease.

you disguise my lacking desire to otherwise

'style' my hair.

you keep things back, tight, and out of the way

(aside from the fly-aways pictured above).

however, you never seem to photograph well on me.

during the work week (and on many 

evenings), the top knot is my saving grace. 

i often try to take outfit photos with this little knot, 

but never seem to like them - 

why, oh why can i not get you to look cute?

do you have any tricks for a blog-worthy knot?

if so, i am ready!

xoxo.

a hair question

t-shirt: madewell, skirt and necklace: nordstrom (old), 

sandals: birkenstock

to cut, or not to cut?

for the past few weeks, i have been considering

cutting my hair - not too short, 

but a long bob (shoulder-length, or a bit longer).

but i am absolutely terrified!

i have been growing my hair for years now, 

as i never had long hair as a little girl.

and alas, it's long and relatively healthy (could surely

benefit from a trim), and blonde.

dare i make a change? what do you think? 

below are a few inspiration photos i found, thank you, pinterest :) 

1 // 2 // 3

which is your favorite? should i take the plunge?

it's just hair after all..

xoxo. 

lighter hair & thrifting

top: free people (thrifted), leggings: kensie, boots: urban outfitters, 

bracelets: forever 21 and target

i recently thrifted this fun and seemingly unique free people tunic at a 

small consignment shop in bellevue. 

i wanted to pair something simple with it,

as the top has a great deal of detail with the embellishments. 

with some leggings and ankle boots on, i was ready to go. 

i lightened my hair this past weekend 

with my favorite balayage specialist, chloe, at the northgate gene juarez.

to my local friends, chloe is amazing.

if you are in need of a new colorist, 

i cannot recommend her enough! 

happy monday, everyone! 

xoxo.

happy (almost) friday!

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in honor of it (almost) being friday, 

i thought i would share my five friday favorites. 

i especially want need that dachshund blanket in my life.

xoxo.

talking hair (again)

i saw this twisted pony tutorial on pinterest and had to try it.

for someone who is completely inept when it comes to hair,

this twisty-little-do was ever so easy!

dress and flats: nordstrom rack, sweater: forever 21 (old),

necklace: loft (on sale for $4.97!), clutch: c/o motif blogger brunch

with my recently cut bangs, i feel like my hair is a constant experiment.

working to get my bangs flat, but not stuck to my face, 

flipped in the same direction, not allowing them to get greasy, 

still wanting them to look 'natural' or a bit messy -

it is an adjustment. 

i also feel as though my hair looks better back (with the bangs) than down.

this twisted pony was easy with the help 

of clear elastics and some simple twisting and flipping. 

it might just be my new 'go-to' for work.

what do you think?

do you like to experiment with different hair styles?

xoxo. 

pinspiration

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hair has been on my mind as of late!

perhaps it is due to my recent cut and color change, bang trim(s),

or simply, an eagerness for sunshine and warmer weather, 

but hair, specifically blonde hair, is on my mind.

for my next hair experiment, i think i shall refer to the photos above. 

what do you think?

xoxo.

ode to the bangs

^^^ trying to coax her to be in my picture (unsuccessfully) ^^^

^^^ christmas selfie with my favorite boys ^^^

dress: nordstrom rack, necklace: old navy, 

bag and sweater: urban outfitters, flats: thrifted

and now, my ode to the bangs:

bangs, i love you. most of the time anyways.

but sometimes a slight gust of wind will move you

in a way that looks simply awful -

pictured above. 

or maybe i am too critical? 

i had willie take 23847872971 photos,

and the bangs looked horrid in every one!

perhaps i am in need of some styling tips?

or i simply must adjust to their flawed appearance at times.

any feedback is appreciated.

xoxo.

holiday hair with SEVEN the salon & a giveaway!

^^^ i asked kat to fix this prior to attending a blog 

event this past november! ^^^

when it comes to styling my hair, 

i am as lazy as they come.

it is a rare feat for me to completely blow-dry my hair.

rather, i let it air-dry on my walk to work, 

praying the seattle wind and rain magically add volume and

shine, while providing me with the "oh i look like i just came

from the beach, right?" look.

however, when i visited kat at SEVEN the salon 

earlier this winter, 

she promised me that haircare, and subsequently 

styling my hair, could be quick and easy!

with a few new SEVEN products, tips, and a bit of 

encouragement, my hair routine has improved. immensely.

unfortunately, the texture of my hair requires me to wash it daily. 

it begins to feel and look greasy as the day progresses.

while washing hair daily is not ideal, 

it is something i have adjusted to; 

thus, when i visited kat, my hair was not fully dry.

she did a quick dry and then added an abundance of products to my hair.

i was nervous that products + more products would 

leave my hair feeling greasier than normal.

however, that was not the case!

kat used diamond shine serum, boost for volume, and 

strong hold hairspray to complete the look above. 

she also used a 1.5 inch barrel curling iron.

upon releasing the curled hair from the iron, 

kat rolled the curl and pinned it to my scalp 

to increase the volume of my curls.

i then sat with my head full of curls and pins and spray

for several minutes to let the curls cool and set.

once the pins were removed, some fluffing was completed,

and a final coat of hairspray applied - kat had turned my

'blah-half-dried-beach-hair' into something new.

she made me feel incredibly glamorous!

^^^ the gorgeous stylist herself, kat! ^^^

while i may never fully recreate the gorgeous style kat provided,

i feel her recommendations (and accompanying confidence in my abilities)

have helped improve my hair styling techniques. 

i no longer fear mixing styling products. 

in addition, i know that holding the curling iron at different angles 

(such as a 90 versus a 45 degree angle)

can change the shape and volume of the curl.

i do not think i have ever seen such volume or shine in my hair - 

kat and SEVEN salon, i have you to thank for that.

and now, for my readers, i have a very special giveaway for you!

good luck, everyone!

xoxo.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**giveaway, valued at approximately $100,is valid for US residents only. 

the haircut by kat can only be awarded to individuals 

who are first time guests at SEVEN the salon.

friday favorites

^^^ new to diary of this girl's closet ^^^

did your mom ever tell you, "don't shop, it's too close to christmas!"

growing up, it felt like my mom began using that excuse in..

august? or maybe september?

of course she meant well;

and she is absolutely right, 

i don't need to shop right now.

however, below are a few items i deemed "essential"

prior to the holiday season.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

do you have any holiday favorites?

please tell me you're a shopaholic like me

(all year round)?

xoxo.