my secret weapon....

The other day I asked my sisters one question. What hair tutorial should I do next? I thought they would say something like a fishtail braid (which I'm working on by the way) but Katy said "voluminous ponytail" the only problem was I used to not be able get mine very voluminous...until now. I heard that dry shampoo gives extra volume but wow that's an understatement. It gave me a TON of volume that lasted all day. Voluminous ponytail here I come!

                                                          Tools:

                                                     rubber bands

                                                     teasing comb

                                                     rat tail comb

                                                     dry shampoo

                                                       hairspray

                                                      bobby pins

1. Start by separating your hair into two ponytails. The crown makes one ponytail and the bottom section of your hair will make another. Leave out a small piece of hair from the bottom ponytail. You'll use that one piece to wrap around the finished ponytail.
2. Take down the top ponytail & gather your dry shampoo. Take a small section of hair from the crown & spray lightly with dry shampoo.
3. Then take your teasing comb & back comb that same exact section. Tease the entire crown. Leave the side parts unteased.
5. Gather up the teased top section of hair & tie up with the bottom ponytail. Very gently brush and smooth down the top of your ponytail.   
6. Take the end of your rat tail comb & start lifting the top section of your hair for extra lift. Make sure to only lift small sections little by little. You don't want the whole ponytail to come undone.
7. Take the piece of hair left out from the bottom ponytail & wrap it around your rubber band. Pin the hair underneath your ponytail out of sight.
8. Spray lightly with hairspray.

I absolutely love this ponytail! I'm not really your "average" ponytail kind of girl so this fits me perfectly. Hopefully I taught Katy & maybe y'all a thing or two. Who knew dry shampoo would be my secret weapon. Good luck!

summer diggin'

Summer is officially coming to a close this weekend, but for us Texans we'll still have summer weather for about a month and a half. 

These are all the things we have loved during summer and will probably (most likely) still love during fall!

Blueberry Lemonade - During the summer I'm always looking for a way to cool down this blueberry lemonade does the trick. It's sweet & tangy just perfect for summer or anytime.

Hats - I've been OBSESSED with hats for summer. Fedora, floppy you name it I love it. They are the perfect accessory especially if you don't feel like brushing your hair ;)

Bohemian twist - This bohemian twist is my lifesaver during the summer. It gets all the hair out of my face & in this tx heat that makes me rejoice. 

eos lip-balm- this lip-balm has been perfect for summer, it's easy to apply because of the dome shape, plus it's the fruitiest flavor....summerfruit!

Revlon matte eyeshadow "Peach Sorbet" - This eyeshadow color is so perfect it gives you the right amount of color without being too heavy. 

All-American Rejects pandora station- this station is so perfect for days by the pool or the beach, i know i'm gonna keep summer going by listening to it year round!

Revlon Just Bitten lip-stain "Flame"- this lip-stain has been on my lips since the start of summer, it's the perfect shade of reddish-pink! I'm excited to wear it into fall!

Revlon Lipstick-fire & ice -  Red lipstick is my go to item for summer, it makes me feel so put together. It will definitely be my winter go to as well

Seaweed deep cleansing facial wash from The Body Shop - its makes my skin feel so soft and its just right for combination skin like mine. Its great for everyday use.


Mossimo pleated shorts - I'm in love with them and have worn them for 4 days straight (I washed them of course) they can be dressed up or down and are so comfortable for the hot days in Texas.

White satchel - I have used my satchel almost every day during the summer. I'm obsessed with it! I got it a thrift store & it's one of my greatest finds...it's definitely one of my favorite dossier digs!

Big Red-a-rita (bomb pop) - I love love love this drink! It combines two of my fav drinks...Big Red and a margarita!! It may sound strange but I assure you the outcome is "the bomb" and it tastes just like a bomb pop, coincidence? I think not.

                           

the "it" list

It's another Friday... Check out these great links to start your weekend off right!

• as luck would have it gives you the inside scoop on her five favorite lipsticks... and tries each of them on for you!  Check out her picks and how she wears each of them! 
• gs lillian looks fabulous, as always, in polka dots and leopard! I love this combo... are you inspired to try it too!?! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy has a new series called "she" that I am just LOVING!  Check out the inspirational and aspirational words! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• high heels and bubble gum is looking amazing in this lace and lavender number - I am loving lace for fall.  Plus, see what special item she got back after it being gone for a while! (find high heels and bubble gum on twitter!)
• so much to smile about rounds up maxi dresses for fall... could it be that a maxi dress is more suited to fall than summer? I think so! (find so much to smile about on twitter!)
• the style dossier's little sister writes herself a to-do list for fall 2011... check it out and see why I wish I were in high school again.  Even though I'm not... I think I'll still write one for myself! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• fabulously average puts together a really great look inspired by her favorite new fashion book... check out her formula and what book it is! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style is loving navy and brown for fall.  I love this combo and her inspiration! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• mix and match fashion tries out trendy colored denim for fall - green to be exact!  Hear her thoughts on the denim and the trend! (find mix and match fashion on twitter!)
• chic or treat gives her tips and tricks for an effortless fall makeup routine. I love her choices... check them out! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl rocks her adorable cowboy boots in three fabulous outfits. See how she wears them, but be forewarned... you'll want a pair of cowboy boots too! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• good life for less gives advice on how to take your favorite summer items into fall.  Check out how she makes the most of her wardrobe! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced by Jill of good life for less - for information on how you can be involved... click here!

Happy Birthday Liz!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear Libby..... 

Happy Birthday to you!

Liz.....we hope you have the most terrific, radical, fun filled 80's birthday ever!

WE LOVE YOU!

PS- how funny is the pic of Libby with the gun and a bag full of loot! #haha #crazykid

work it!

Today we are linking up with the lovely Jill of Good Life For Less. She is doing Work it Wednesday, you take one item of clothing or one trend and style it 3 ways. We decided to submit the very first 3 way style we did. We all styled a bright summer dress. 

It's so fun to do stuff like this, it really gets your creative juices flowing! 

Check out the Work it Wednesday post here, and see what everyone came up with! You should link up too!

SWEET dreams...

Happy Tuesday! Alright guys I have a little confession to make. I got this cake stand @ the gucci goodwill in austin & ever since then I've been wanting to bake EVERYTHING under the sun just to use it. I used it the very first day I got it...Katy's birthday cake was the first dessert to hit my cake stand. Ever since then I've been dreaming of coconut cakes & chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. Anything that would look good on the cake stand. So here's a little something special for you & my new cake stand.....chocolate croissants. These little desserts are heavenly! They are warm, flaky, buttery, chocolaty gosh I could go on & on. Just trust me when I say these are nothing short of perfect! Plus they look pretty good on my new cake stand....what do ya think?

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FALL where are ya?

hey y'all! how was everyone's weekend? i'm writing this post with VERY high hopes that it'll be cooler soon. realistically though i need to keep my shorts and wedges on hand cause summer in TX lasts till the end of september. yes while y'all lovely people are breaking out your scarves and blazers we'll be sweatin' it out here. so i thought i'd share my absolute FAVORITE soup recipe for fall. i was lucky enough to find this tomato-basil soup recipe from La Madeleine's & oh boy is it gooood! my sisters love love love it!! i would make it every single day if i could plus i'd use any excuse to bust out my hand blender...last christmas that was the only thing i wanted santa to bring me :) thanks santa katy & santa mandy! hope y'all enjoy this soup & the cooler weather

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la la la links

Happy Sunday Friends! 

We would like to give a shout out to all our new followers....we are so glad you're here, well were glad your ALL here!

Now on to some links you should be a clickin'......

• I love looking at all the fabulous places these girls go to eat.....NYC here I come!
• Halloween is right around the corner so I need to brush up on my 1920's look asap! Don't ya just love Halloween?
• This is just the link for you, when your freezing in the 20 below winter wonderlands that we don't see here in Texas, can you sense my jealousy through the computer? Sounds of summer to get you through the chilly temps, or for now if you just love hearing summer while your updating posts to your blog :)
• This eye is gorgeous! Im so digging the blue with the purple with the bronze OH! its so beautiful. Thanks Celina for showing me this beautiful look, you bet ill be rocking this on my next outing!!
• I cannot stop watching this video, i love it! I have always loved this song but i think i love this cover even MORE!
• I have been stalking this blog for a while now, i absolutely love Natalie and her style, she seems like the coolest girl i need to know!
• Have you seen the new Mad Men collection from Banana Republic? It's is lust worthy....all the animal print is to.die.for!
• I love everything about this website, even the name Pugly Pixel, plus they have some pretty sweet and useful tutorials for bloggers!

the "it" list

Happy Friday ladies!  Take some time to enjoy these great links today!

• the style dossier has five rules for fall dressing... my favorite? Wearing a fall jacket over a summer dress... so cute! Check out their other tips as well! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• fabulously average is looking super chic in this swingy skirt... she's also discussing living in a season-less climate.  Can you relate? (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy finds retro prints that prove that "lazy chic" is totally a style!  I'm a believer! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• as luck would have it makes "new years resolutions" each year on her birthday. I love this idea!  Check out her resolutions... including getting fit (with cute workout clothes, of course!).
• mix and match fashion is looking teacher-chic in this ensemble! Whoa I love this look on her!  Can I be a teacher and wear a fab outfit like this? (find mix and match fashion on twitter!)
• high heels and bubble gum found a fabulous (and empty) house to take her pictures at - brilliant!  Plus, she's looking amazing - check out these earrings! (find high heels and bubblegum on twitter!)
• lex and learn dishes up this yummy looking Moroccan Shrimp with Polenta... I have been wanting to try more recipes with shrimp and this looks really good! (find lex and learn on twitter!)
• so much to smile about compiles her fall wish list... pretty much I will take one of each of what she has chosen, I'm in love!  The tops take the cake! (find so much to smile about on twitter!)
• chic or treat asks the question: do you shop end of season sales?  If you do - or even if you don't, check out her picks! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style continues her kitchen update posts... I love these inspirational pantries she featured!  It makes me want to restyle my own pantry! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• gs lillian's outfits are always swoon worthy... you won't want to miss this color block ensemble with stripes.  It's just perfect for these last days of summer! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl channels her inner Sandra D with this Grease-worthy, but still very modern, look! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• good life for less released her 2011 fall looks:book - check out her top picks for fall fashion.  All the styles are super practical and wearable... and the inspiration is endless! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less, for information on how you can be involved - click here!

SENIORITIS

Hey dossier readers, its the little sister Emily! First off I wanna thank my sisters for letting me be apart of their Back to School posts. I had so much fun being their little "barbie doll". I definitely have five new outfits for my upcoming senior year, plus lots of hair and makeup tips!

Speaking of senior year I'm very excited to enter school being the big dog on campus! I'm also looking forward to Homecoming & senior week! Dressing up like an old lady on senior citizen day and wearing so many mums you can't even see my shirt for homecoming! Football games are another thing I'm looking forward to! Being in the marching band all four years has made me miss out on sitting with my friends in the stands, but I think being able to be on the football field and have the crowd go crazy for us makes up for it!

One word PROM!! I think that word just says it all. My junior year was fun but Senior year will take the cake! Getting all dressed up with my hair & make-up & dancing the night away. I can't wait to see what my sisters come up with this year (check out what I wore to my junior prom...gorgeous dress huh?)

Who can forget graduation, its the one big thing seniors look forward to the most and I'm no different. I'm a little scared of growing up but I'm excited for the adventure of college, even though I'm still undecided on which one I want to attend!

Well this was very fun and I'm sure my sisters will keep you posted on my senior activities! Do you have any tips for my senior year.....I'd love to hear 'em!

PS- i've decided to be more adventurous in lots of ways......especially style-wise!

Fresh Faced!

If your like me and want a quick and easy makeup routine in the mornings, this is for you!

I think being fresh faced and not to overdone for school is the way to go, especially for teens. Wearing to much makeup just makes you look older and trust me when I say,

that is the last thing you wanna do when your young.

Here's a quick and natural look that will look so great!

Step 1: Start with a clean face and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

Step 2: Use your concealer to cover up any blemishes you might have and any under eye circles that have formed from all your long nights of studying (wink wink)

Step 3: Add a bright pink blush to the apples of your cheeks, this will give you that healthy glow and brighten up your face!

Step 4: Add a gold eye shadow or any natural shade that you have to your entire lid, avoid a smokey eye or any dark shadow. You wanna look youthful and awake.

Step 5: If you need to, go ahead and fill in your brows, but if not just use a clear eyebrow gel on your eyebrows. This will just give them more depth and make sure they look shaped!

Step 6: Curl your lashes. Try not to skip this step this opens your eyes and makes you look like you got your 8 hours, even if you didn't!

Step 7: Apply your favorite mascara, Two coats preferably 

Step 8: Apply a rosy lip gloss, this adds color and shine and completes your "Au naturale" look!

 Step 9: DONE!!

5 Rules!

Today Emily, our little sister, is helping out with my post. I wanted to do something that would help you transition your summer clothes into fall, and just get ready for fall in general. A new school year means that fall is just around the corner and we should all be prepared right?!

These are five rules i'm gonna follow while i'm gearing up for the arrival of fall, and even long after fall arrives.

These red pants are definitely WOW! They take these somewhat drab of colors and perks them right up....everyone's eyes will be on you and isn't that what every girl wants? You could use the bold color as your neutral and base your outfit around them, that's what we did here! 

 Plus, hang on to your gingham shirts, they work during fall too!

Replace those blue jean cut off's, with a skirt. By taking a basic skirt, any color....black, brown or whatever you have, it will really transform your summer tops. This top is sort of like a halter, so we added the sweater. You could add a blazer and your summer top will be perfect for fall. I love doing this during fall, it definitely saves money, plus if you love a shirt you should be able to wear it year round!

This is one of my favorite things to do, adding a pop of leopard! It really gives the outfit a more edgy and chic feel. We added the leopard print flats for a fun youthful look, plus the leopard scarf on Emily's head really brings it all together. Without the leopard this outfit would just look very basic & preppy. 

Another great thing for fall is wearing a shear collared blouse under a cropped sweater. We didn't have a cropped sweater so we just folded this one up, it works like a charm!

When i was in high school everyone dressed very casual, including me. Whenever you would wear a dress or a little extra jewelry, people would constantly be asking what the special occasion was. It was always so frustrating, why can't you just want to look nice? Well i say dress up! Don't be afraid...throw on your pretty diamond necklaces, do a top knot and just feel fabulous, it'll be a great ego boost with all the ooooh's & aaaaah's you'll be getting! ;)

Adding a jacket to a summer dress is always the easiest way to transform it into a fall outfit. This is especially fun with floral dresses. This striped pink dress is so perfect for summer, but it also looks so fall ready with the army green jacket. You could even add tights and some boots when it gets even colder!

This was our first successful photo shoot! We shot on location, Libby did all Emily's hairdo's, Mandy beautified Emily with her makeup, and i styled her clothes! 

Thanks Mills for being our "barbie doll"!

Back to School CHIC.....

Happy Monday! We have a treat for y'all this week. It's all about Back to School here @ The Style Dossier. We have some great tutorials & fashion tips comin' your way. Plus we put our little sister Emily to work this week. She was our "barbie doll" we pricked & pruned @ her for our outfit posts or should we say her outfit posts. And ready or not she's writing her first post too...boy she's a busy girl!

This first look is so simple to recreate. It's a lot like the Twisted Swisster but in pony tail form.

Step 1. Part your hair which ever way you would like your pony tail.
Step 2. Take two pieces of hair & criss cross one over the other.
Step 3. Once these pieces are crossed add more hair to each section & begin to cross the hair again
Step 4. Make sure you are grabbing all of your hair all the way down your head including the sides
Step 5. Continue to twist your hair all the way down till you reach the top of your neck & tie up with a rubber band
Step 6. Take the loose hair from the twisted pony tail & simply braid the leftover hair
Step 7. Twist the end of the braided ponytail into a bun
Step 8. Take your bobby pins & pin the bun into place. Make sure it's nice & secure. Add hairspray for extra hold
Step 9. Rock that twisted updo!

The next hairdo is a wavy pompadour. I used my flat iron to create my curls. It's the fastest way I achieve my loose waves. This look is chic but classic & totally easy to do!

Step1. Take your flat iron & run it through your hair once to heat up your hair
Step 2. Take the same piece of hair & begin to run the flat iron through it again only this time halfway down start to rotate the flat iron clockwise
Step 3. Turn the flat iron once and pull it straight straight down through your hair all the way to the ends.  Keep in  mind the slower you pull the flat iron through your hair the tighter the curl. The faster you pull the flat iron through your hair looser the curl
Step 4. Grab some hair @ the very top of your head & start to tease it adding extra volume
Step 5. Take some bobby pins & pin back the hair you just teased. Adjust your bump as high or flat as you'd like. Spray with a light hold hairspray & voilà done!


These two looks are chic & easy. Perfect for a girl who has only 15 minutes to do her hair. Which is pretty much me everyday :) enjoy and don't hit the books to hard!

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Happy Birthday to a special Little Kitty!

A Birthday song just for you Kit!

Happy Happy Birthday from all of us to you

We wish it was our birthday

so we could party too

HEY!

Happy Birthday Katy, We hope you have a very special day!

We love you!