How To Make Bad Hair Good

Whilst I'm always banging on about self acceptance, one part of me I truly dislike and wish I could change is my hair.
 I have my father to thank for it. Fine, brown stringy stuff that often threatens to ruin my painstakingly applied make up and carefully chosen outfit.
How do I remedy this? With the use of cunning hairpieces and clip in fringes and ponytails.
I think for a lot of people the idea of adding extra bits of hair seems a bit odd. No one wants to look "wiggy" or god forbid be out and about and have part of their hairstyle fall out but nowadays clip in hair is so well made and so easy to add that its child's play and as I will show you enables you to have as many hairstyles as you have outfits.
The rather marvellous Wonderland Wigs who are always my first port of call in  a hair crisis have very kindly given me some of their beautiful hair pieces so I can share with you how easy peasy it is to have a flowing mane. Even if what you were born with is frankly below par.

Adding length and thickness with clip in hair extensions
My hair grows quite long but as you can see here its not particularly thick.

An natural-OK but a bit on the fine side

A clip in hair extension is the fastest way to add some extra length and volume to your hair. You simply clip them in underneath your own hair (just past the crown)

No its not a beard its a clip in hair extension

And you instantly have longer thicker tresses. They come in a range of colours and are very easy to match up to your own colour. Once clipped in they feel very secure and are a great way to add volume.

Longer, fuller hair in an instant

Great for a night out or if your hair is having a particularly rubbish day.

The 3/4 Wig

3/4 Wigs are a great way to create really "big hair especially on a night out even if your own hair refuses to go into any style except "fine brown mist" because you still have your own fringe on show they don't feel heavy or have that slightly artificial  look that full wigs can have.

Here I am with my own quite fine hair

ta-dah-I'm suddenly a full haired vixen

All Ive done is fix it to the crown of my head with the combs which sit inside the wig. Its also fixed at the nape of the neck as well so feels very secure.

Loving my big hair

Ponytail Perfection

The ponytail I manage with my own hair you could comfortably fit through a wedding ring its so thin and unimpressive.

You are not going to get a particularly impressive pony tail form this

No problem by simply clipping a fake ponytail over my anaemic affair I have more tail than a Grand National winner.

Simply tie your hair into a small bun on the top of your head and clip the ponytail in. This is one of my fave ways to avoid  a bad hair day.

Put a bridle on me and feed me  a sugar lump

Clip in fringes
Clip in fringes are one of my favourite fake hair accessories. I love the look of a strong blunt fringe but sadly my hair just isn't thick enough.I also like to keep a long fringe so I can do victory rolls and quiffs.
Now if I fancy a cute little fringe  I simply pin my real fringe to one side and clip in a fake one.

This is a side sweep fringe but I also have a blunt cut one too

A clip on fringe is such a quick way to make a dramatic difference to your look.  

Suddenly I'm coming over all Bettie Page

Great with lashings of black eyeliner and lots of red lipstick

And finally
If like me you just adore the "more is more" look, do as I do and use a clip in fringe and 3/4 hair piece and turn the hair glamour up to ten.

I call this "The Wanda" after the character in Cry baby

Big hair, big lips, big boobs

So if mother nature has been less than kind when it comes to the hair department or you just fancy trying out some new looks, try out some of Wonderlands great hair enhancers. Life's too short to put up with a less than glamorous hair do.

Loving my new vintage vixen hair do

The Details:
Photography Nick Beedles Betty Bee Photography
MUA Lilly Von Pink Pin Up Bride
Hair-Lena Stobbe
Hair Peices-Wonderland Wigs

Wonderland Wigs Giveaway

To help you on your way to hair perfection Wonderland Wigs are very kindly giving away either a clip in fringe or ponytail (your choice) to one lucky reader.

To enter:

• Join this blog if you haven't already
• "Like" Wonderland Wigs  facebook Page
• Leave a comment on today's post.

The winner will be picked by random number generator and announced on Sunday May the 6th 2012

All content (text, photos and other) are the property of Betty Bee unless otherwise stated. Please refrain from copying any material without recognition of the author and a link to the source on this blog

The Winner Of The Collectif Giveaway

The winner of the Collectif Giveaway chosen by random number generator is Mrs D.
Congratulations Mrs D. Please send your name, address and dress size here and I will ensure your dress is posted out.
Bad luck if you didn't win. You can check out Collectifs  collection over at their on line boutique for the very best in vintage inspired loveliness in a great range of sizes.

Thanks for all the comments-Love you xx

Many thanks for all the great comments my curvy style post received. It was amazing. You all rock my world and I will continue trying to inspire you right back as much as I can.

All content (text, photos and other) are the property of Betty Bee unless otherwise stated. Please refrain from copying any material without recognition of the author and a link to the source on this blog

Cakes And Curves: Kiss And Bake Up

One of the things which has been such a joy writing this blog is all the amazing women it has brought my way. One of my favourites is the fabulous Sarah Downham, the beautiful brains behind bakers extraordinaire Kiss and Bake up.
As this week has had a bit of a Collectif  theme with our wonderful giveaway here is Sarah telling us about her favourite Collectif frock and her curvelicous philosophy on life. Curves and cake-what a killer combination for a Friday!

Introducing The Blue Haired Baker

My name is Sarah. I am 5ft 3 and a size 14. My favourite flowers are tulips, I hoard leopard print, I would endlessly watch fantasy movies and consider myself a remarkably terrible shopper. I also have an alter ego. I am the Blue Haired Baker, and I run Kiss and Bake Up.

Curves and cake-yes please

This weekend marks the 2nd birthday of Kiss and Bake Up; meaning for the last 24 months, I have virtually non-stop been in an apron producing cakes, cupcakes, sculptures, cake pops and what I am flattered by our fans to be referred to as 'edible art'. When I'm not in an apron and 'sensible wear' I do love a frock, and there is always one reliable company who I can trust to make me feel good, fit my body, flatter what my mama blessed me with, and boost my confidence. The blessing that is Collectif.

Delicious cakes, delicious lady

I've been planning the Kiss and Bake Up blog to accompany our popular facebook page and website for many months now, however, I've had the slight complication of my very own, spangly wedding to plan (including my bridesmaids in a Collectif hibiscus print fitted number I might add!), and grappling back time from planning a full DIY wedding and cakery has been no easy task, and while this review piece was shot back in January, waiting patiently to be seen, Betty and I decided now would be an optimum time to flaunt this mesmerising dress right here.

Loving the Regina Doll winter dress

This is the Regina Doll Winter Rose, and I'm smitten! So smitten, that I decided to produce a few hints of my own work to accompany the dress, a few simple red sugar rose cupcakes, and a chocolate sculpted rose cake pop- one of our most popular sculpture designs.

And to accompany the dress, how about a sculpted rose cake pop?

Like a lot of ladies, I am carrying some up top and on the hips, and this dress carries my shape in a bold but tasteful manner, making the most of what my body can do without assistance, and then hiding areas that I'm not happy with so efficiently I half expected it to salute me after such an achievement. I'm talking rolls, upper arms, and muffin tops here ladies, all I personally feel are taken care of effortlessly by one clever clogs dress.

Dress-check, Cake Pop-Check-Looking awesome-Check

I was a little concerned that the shoulder cut might age me, and also the length might be a little too much on my 'vertically challenged' frame - but another strike by Collectif, it only blinkin' well works!

Kiss and bake ups edible art

Since reviewing this dress, I have worn it for a Spring fair with Kiss & Bake Up, a tea party and an evening smart function, teaming with various shoes, jackets, hair flowers and bags and I can honestly say, with a tiny contribution of your own boldness, this dress is incredibly flexible!

Florida wont know whats hit them

I can sing the praises of this fit and this print all the live long day, and despite the name 'Winter Rose' I have no intention of leaving this number behind come my June honeymoon to Florida.

Love your body

Love your body; adorn it in beautiful clothes that make you and the people around you smile. Enjoy the sweetness of little things in life, whether it be a cupcake in the garden on a sunny day with tea in a proper tea cup, or stepping out in the brightest lipstick in your collection or feeding the ducks in a tea dress and wellies. Glamour isn't limited. This dress rocks an apron too.

The Details

Photos by Rosie Downham
Lipstick: Rockette Red by Rockalily

Kiss And Bake Up Food With Attitude.
Fancy Schmancy baked buffets and dessert tables for parties, Pop Up Shops for events, regular markets and personal orders!
Baked with love and rather ruddy marvellous. Making your jaw drop since 2010.

Collectif Giveaway

This week you could win a Collectif Dolores Doll Red Hibiscus dress like this one (Available in sizes 6-22)

Win this beautiful dress

Its currently my favourite frock. It doesn't pinch under the arms, it nips in my waist and its slightly stretchy so its comfortable as well as stylish.

Quick tip-Collectifs sizing is very generous especially around the boobs so consult the handy size chart they provide. I went down a dress size in this style and believe you me, that's not happened in a while!

To be in with a chance of winning just do the following:

To enter:

• Join this blog if you haven't already
• "Like" Collectifs facebook Page
• Leave a comment on Tuesday's post.

All content (text, photos and other) are the property of Betty Bee unless otherwise stated. Please refrain from copying any material without recognition of the author and a link to the source on this blog

Geek Chic Outfit

Today's outfit is what I refer to as "geek chic" .
Sloppy Joe cardigan, floral dress over leggings finished off with a pair of brothel creepers.I love this green colour which is known in our house as "Smith green" as its the colour of a Smith's poster we have in the kitchen. Come to think about it I own quite a few over sized cardigans in this shade.

Quite a low key outfit . I just need a pair of black rimmed NHS glasses and I'm set to back to the 90's listening to Pulp.

usually I wear a belt or knot my cardigans but I'm all about librarian style today so am letting my cardigan remain unmolested

I tend to prefer sweetheart neck lines as think they are more flattering to big boobies but like the pattern on this dress enough to forgive its scooped neck.
I'm wearing a fab new necklace I got recently by Razorblade Mermaid As a keen sewer and crafter as soon as I saw the tiny scissors, thimble and sewing machine charms I had to own it.

Love this new necklace-Crafty cool

My make up is a heavy smoky eyeshadow with lots of eyeliner. The red lipstick is the limited edition Princes trust one by Cheryl Cole/Loreal. Its a great colour although it doesn't have great staying power.

Scooped necklines aren't that flattering but do I care-er no.

A pink bandanna for a smidge of rockabilly cool

Ive backcombed my ponytail a bit and finished off with a pink bandanna to try and inject a little Rockabilly style into proceedings.

The Details

Dress-Evans

Cardigan-Peacocks

Leggings-Dorothy Perkins

Shoes-Tuks

Necklace-Razorblade Mermaid

Remember feeling good and looking great has nothing to do with dress size and everything to do with attitude.Never wait to be a certain weight to start enjoying clothes and never reject anything thinking it wont suit your shape. Try it on-you may be surprised.

For more of my Daily Outfit Posts look here

Collectif Giveaway

This week you could win a Collectif Dolores Doll Red Hibiscus dress like this one (Available in sizes 6-22)

Win this beautiful dress

Its currently my favourite frock. It doesn't pinch under the arms, it nips in my waist and its slightly stretchy so its comfortable as well as stylish.

Quick tip-Collectifs sizing is very generous especially around the boobs so consult the handy size chart they provide. I went down a dress size in this style and believe you me, that's not happened in a while!

To be in with a chance of winning just do the following:

To enter:

• Join this blog if you haven't already
• "Like" Collectifs facebook Page
• Leave a comment on Tuesday's post.

 

All content (text, photos and other) are the property of Betty Bee unless otherwise stated. Please refrain from copying any material without recognition of the author and a link to the source on this blog.

Vintage Floral Decor for Your Home

I'm mad about fresh flowers and often have them at BB Towers. I had never really considered how flowers could be used to reinforce a vintage inspired interior but the very clever Patricia Hall is here to share some rather wonderful ideas on floral chic.

If you are someone who adores a 1950’s vintage look, be sure that you incorporate lots of flowers into the designs you choose for your clothing and your home. While the 1970’s were known as the time of the flower children, the 1950’s saw a huge uptake in the use of flowers as design elements. Just take a look at a show like Mad Men, where you can see floral choices used everywhere. Consider what flowers you like and think about how you can use them throughout your home.

Credit-Media8.onsugar-com

Furniture

Start with choosing furniture that has floral prints on it.

If you are considering furniture for your home, a pair of lounging chairs can make a huge difference to the look of a room, especially if they have a matching floral print. For something a little more elegant, choose a floral print chaise lounge that is placed right underneath a window. This is a fantastic way to make floral furniture the central point of any home décor project.

Credit-especialfurniture.com

Tiles

Don’t forget that there are options beyond soft furniture for your 1950’s floral exuberance. For example, have you noticed that there are a number of ways to use tile in your home? If you want to give your bathroom a vintage look, use painted tiles to do so. Think about how lovely a row of painted tiles can look running around your bathroom as an eye-level border. On the other hand, if you prefer a more casual look, consider simply throwing a few gorgeous tiles here and there above the tub and around the mirror. If you like the look of small tiles that are brightly painted, consider gluing them to the edge of the mirror. This is a good way bring some colour to the parts of the house that are typically considered colder.

When picking your tile colours, consider the décor of your bathroom. For example, are you someone who loves the natural blues and greens, or do you adore pops of warm red and yellow? There are some wonderful colour options that you can add to a predominantly white bedroom.

Credit-atticmag.com

Fresh Flowers

Real flowers were used to great effect in the  1950’s. This was a time period where flowers added a small amount of natural curves to furniture and homes that were in many ways very angular. A few beautiful stems in a stylish vase are still a fantastic way to bring a breath of fresh air into the home.

Credit-onewed.com

If you are looking for flowers that will recall the look of the 1950’s, remember that daisies are always a good choice. Daises come in a wide variety of colours and they are simple flowers that look gorgeous in nearly any room. Choose a cluster of white daisies for the kitchen or have them made up into a centrepiece for the living room. Flowers can brighten up a room and make it look significantly more well-kept than it would otherwise. To set off your daisies, throw in a few clusters of baby’s breath or some lush green foliage.

If you are ready to take on some home décor, consider flowers and what they can do for your home. Floral décor for the fifties gives any home a deliciously vintage feel, and if you are in the mood for something new, this is a wonderful way to get what you are looking for. Think about the colours that you like and make your picks today!

Credit-2.bp.blogspot.com

About the Author

Patricia Hall works part-time for Serenata Flowers an online florist in UK and loves to surround herself with flowers at any given point of time. Even in her free time she loves to involve herself with everything flora and fauna.

'To me there is nothing more beautiful and global as the language of flowers - it is the easiest to understand all around the world in the same way. That is one reason why I truly admire flowers for what they represent in some ways - unity of all mankind!'

Collectif Giveaway

This week you could win a Collectif Dolores Doll Red Hibiscus dress like this one (Available in sizes 6-22) 

Win this beautiful dress

Its currently my favourite frock. It doesn't pinch under the arms, it nips in my waist and its slightly stretchy so its comfortable as well as stylish. 

Quick tip-Collectifs sizing is very generous especially around the boobs so consult the handy size chart they provide. I went down a dress size in this style and believe you me, that's not happened in a while!

To be in with a chance of winning just do the following:

To enter:

• Join this blog if you haven't already
• "Like" Collectifs facebook Page
• Leave a comment on Tuesday's post.

All content (text, photos and other) are the property of Betty Bee unless otherwise stated. Please refrain from copying any material without recognition of the author and a link to the source on this blog.