Last month I did a makeover story with Kelsie and had many requests for a maiden braid tutorial. Yesterday she came in and we photographed these simple step by steps. Kelsie has extremely long and thick hair, but anyone with shoulder length or longer can do these braids (see my photo below for an example). 

Steps 1-2: Braid two strands on each side of a center part. 

Steps 3-5: Wrap braids around the crown of your head and pin in place with one pin each. 

Step 6: Arrange braids so that they cover the front of your head like a headband. Pin into place more securely until you feel comfortable. 

Steps 7-8: Pull the rest of the hair into a ponytail and pin it into a cute messy bun. Note: This step is optional. You can also wear your hair down like my photo below. 

Step 9: Add final pins and spray. Enjoy! 

My Favorite Spring Scents: Marc Jacobs Eu So Fresh, She Belongs There solid perfume, Lollia Imagine Perfume from Anthropologie (smells like coconut).♥ 

I had a reader requests for spring beauty products. I thought I would start with scents since I have some really pretty favorites this season. I'm saving the Marc Jacobs one for my wedding and honeymoon because I love having scents connected with happy memories. 

What are your favorite spring scents?

I've recently read a lot of reader requests for easy summer hairstyles. This style is so pretty. It can be styled with a daytime outfit or going out at night! Best of all, it only takes about five minutes to style! 

Step 1-2: Depending on the volume of your hair, separate your locks into 4-6 sections. Twist each section and roll it into a mini bun at the bottom of the back of your scalp. Start with the outermost sections. Pin each section as you twist it with 2-3 bobby pins per bun.  

Steps 3-4: Continue twisting and working your way to the center of the scalp. If you have a gap in between two buns, repin to fill the space. 

Steps 5-6: Pin any long hairs that are still loose. 

Step 7: You've done it! Now, you can wear it like this or add pretty things. 

Steps 8-10: We added a pretty little flower we made with raw silk. It's the perfect summer hairstyle, both pulled together and effortless! 

These twists are perfect for quick styling when you're on-the-go! Be sure to try a variety of accessories like a handmade flower or bow! 

After the wedding I got tons of questions about styling braids with lace and styling beehives (as seen on Rachel's hair here). Here is part one... the braids! Lace braids are so fun and easy to wear. They are perfect for Spring/Summer and can be styled casual or dressy! Here's how I do it...

1. Supplies needed: Lace, scissors and two rubber bands. Maybe some bobby pins too. 2. Separate hair into two low pigtails. You can do more than two sections if you plan to pin it up. 3. Measure from the bottom on your scalp to the end of your hair. You'll need a piece of lace that is double that! Tie it onto the base of your hair, as if tying a pigtail. 4. Braid lace into your hair. Just add it to a strand of hair and braid as usual! 5. Tie off at the bottom with a rubber band or another small piece of lace. 6. Ta-Da! You did it! Wear the braids as cute folky pigtails or pin them up into pretty little buns.

Cute as can be!

A second styling option is to pin them up and wear them as pretty buns. I love this look. It's perfect for a date night.

After many reader requests, I've put together a fun and simple photo how-to for styling a messy bun! It's easier than you think to get a nice high messy bun. Here's how I do it...

How To Style A Messy Bun 1. Depending on how long your hair is you can style the bun on the top of your head, towards the bottom (near your neck) or to the side. My hair is pretty long, so I can style it all three ways. If your hair is shorter, try a lower bun. See below for more variations of the messy bun.2-3. Tie a ponytail. I love them super high at the top of my head. Be sure to tie your rubber band tight. 4. Use bobby pins to twist and pin pieces of your hair all around the base of the ponytail. This creates a super cute bun! 5. Be sure to use plenty of bobby pins so pieces don't fall out. 6. Arrange and spray! ♥ 

My messy buns looks a little bit different each time I style one. When my hair is curly or wavy the bun looks more messy and varied. When my hair is flat ironed the bun looks more smooth and circular. 

Here are a few examples of fun variations for the messy bun. I love wearing it on the side of my head or down low for a different look. Have fun experimenting!