The Hottest Hair Trends for Spring 2014

The catwalks have spoken and it is GREAT news for us lazy girls. The trending styles for spring 2014 involve loose waves, low-key up-dos and sporty head-pieces. I don't know about you, but I'm all for effortless style.

Here's a recap of the most coveted hairstyles to pair with your spring pastels and orange lipstick:

Mermaid Waves

We all know this look isn't new to the fashion world, but loose waves are a timeless classic that work well with all face shapes which is why they appear on the runways again and again. This looks even better on the 2nd day - just rub in some dry shampoo and away you go! Perfect for busy mornings when time slips away on you.

Messy Braids

Another versatile look - this works at the office and at the gym. Especially good for one of those ever-so-often bad hair days. Glossy or matte, the key is to keep it messy. Spray some dry shampoo in your hair before styling to give your hair some hold and tease away! I'd recommend using Blax snag-free hair elastics.

Sleeked Back

Yet another handy look for day-old hair. If you're brave enough, this style works as a great contrast to feminine outfits and girly make-up by adding a fun edgy vibe. Use a soft wax on your roots and work with a deep side part or go all-out sleeked back.

The Low Pony

This is probably my favorite style of the bunch. The low pony can work well everywhere and is absolutely fuss-free. Make sure your hair is pin straight and wear with a fun hair-cuff to conceal your hair elastic. Also, make sure to use a great serum to keep hair shiny and sleek.

Accessories

Speaking of hair cuffs, designers were all about jazzing up hairstyles with head bands, cuffs, flowers and ribbons. It is all about bringing your own personality to it so be creative! Bows were paired with braids, headbands with the low pony and the flowers worked beautifully with loose up-dos.

The New Pixie

Something I wish I was brave enough to rock - blunt cuts peppered the runways and looked uber chic. Bobs have been a hit on the runways since the early 2000s but gone are the days of soft, wispy cuts. This year is all about going short and blunt with vibrant hues. You can always try this look out with a wig for a few days to get a feel for it, but if you are aching for a major style change this is definitely a fun place to start.

In for Spring - Makeup Edition

Now that spring weather is finally here in Ottawa (hallelujah), I can finally stow away my dull winter hues and dust off some fresh new colors for Spring. Being the makeup junkie that I am, I've perused the S/S2014 catwalks for some inspiring new trends to rock this season. Consistent theme here - brights and pastels done in such a way as to not look like Mimi from the Drew Carey Show.

Bright Lips

The bright orange lip trend has resurfaced and I couldn't be more excited! The bold hue brings a much needed pop to the in-trend sporty look that everybody will be rocking. I find that Yves Saint Laurent makes the best lipstick for bold colors like this. Their Rouge Volupté line comes on sheer, so you can control how bold you want to be. On the lower end of the spectrum, Rimmel just came out with a line of lipsticks by Kate Moss which includes an awesome orange hue.

Graphic Eyeliner

Sharpen your pencils, ladies. This is a trend I've already started to see people rocking. It is such a fun way to add some je ne sais quoi to your look. It will take some practice (for me at least) but you can really play up your eyes here with the addition of some strategic lines. I would recommend a felt tip liner for the most precise application. Try the one from Marc Jacobs' new line, the Magic Marc'er Precision Pen. It is my new favorite thing in the world.

Blue Eyes

The Spring/Summer catwalk definitely had the blues - models for almost every designer rocked a blue hue on their lids. This is great news for us brown-eyed girls. Blue naturally brings out brown tones, making your peepers really pop. The key to avoiding the dreaded Mimi look is to keep the rest of the face rather subdued, and to really blend the shadow properly. The cult favorite Naked Palette from Urban Decay features a set of lovely blues that works with virtually any skin tone.

Bold Brows

Probably the most important of them all - bold brows are an absolute MUST this season. Thicker, more defined brows really work wonders by framing your eyes and lifting your cheekbones. Gone are the days of the pencil-thin brows that MTV started in the early '00s. I love the Brow Zings kit from Benefit. It comes with all the tools needed for perfectly groomed strong brows, and the right hues to avoid looking like you have a couple caterpillars sleeping on your forehead.

Tune in later for a recap on the hot hairstyles featured on the runways for spring. What I'm most excited about are the low-key, loose styles that are going to be on-trend. I am not very skilled in the hair department so the simpler the better for me!

5 Top Trends from Paris Fashion Week

If the Chanel supermarket spectacle taught us anything, the Fall/Winter looks from this year's Paris Fashion Week are definitely ones to remember. The runways were adorned with pastels, knits and sporty looks abound. I'm sure the last thing you want to think about right now is next winter, but here are the top 5 trends to take note when building your wardrobe for the next Polar Vortex. I would definitely advise rocking these trends now to tie you over until spring.

1) Pastels

Designers transitioned the pastels from Spring/Summer effortlessly into fall on the runways. This dress from Dior matched with a blazer or leather jacket would be a perfect look for early fall.

Christian Dior, F/W2014

2) Head-to-Toe Knits

Knits in all colors and patterns are a go, especially when done in a complete ensemble a la Chanel.

Chanel, F/W 2014

3) Sporty

Quite a few designers had thrown in some sporty designs into the mix which I was absolutely thrilled about. I'm definitely going to keep my eyes open for a killer varsity jacket come fall.

Miu Miu, F/W 2014

4) Mod

The retro looks were super fun and each designer played the Mod theme with wonderful modern touches.

Valentino F/W 2014

5) Dramatic Blacks

Alexander Mcqueen had some showstopping head-to-toe black looks. Those were a bit more theatrical than practical, but beautiful none the less. Elie Saab showed us how to rock the dramatic looks for every day wear and I want to buy it all.

Elie Saab F/W 2014

2014 SAG Awards Red Carpet Rundown

This year's Screen Actors Guild Awards was all about the blues - in a good way!

The ladies of Hollywood dazzled this year with blue-hued dresses and he men took a liking to satin lapels and bow ties.

Here are some of my favorite looks:

Lupita Nyong'o in Gucci

I have to admit - I have a total style crush on Lupita. She always kills it on the red carpet. The aqua blue looks fantastic against her skin tone and leaving the accessories behind to let that neckline shine was a superb decision.

Jared Leto in Dior

Jared looks great sans ponytail in this tailored suit from Dior. The white Cravat and polka dot pocket square make for a simple stylish look.

Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi

Amy plays a bit of her American Hustle character in this lovely navy gown. I'm loving the asymmetrical neckline paired with a knee-high slit. The bejeweled belt adds just the right amount of bling to pull the whole look together. Well done!

Matthew McConaughey in Dolce & Gabbana

I adore this printed jacket by D&G. Matthew looks smartly suited having paired it with a great bow tie. It also helps that he has regained all the weight he lost for his role in Dallas Buyers Club. That was crazy.

Gretchen Mol in J Mendel

Gretchen decided to ignore the blue-is-in memo and donned a lovely white graphic lace t-shirt dress. Keeping the white going with those strappy sandals, the Boardwalk Empire star rocked this look with soft waves and raspberry-hued lips.

James Marsden in Valentino

The 30 Rock actor looked fantastic in this sharp Valentino suit and purple paisley pocket square. If I dare say it, I think the men are out-styling the ladies this Awards season!

Stay tuned for my next post - I'll be focusing on the guys this time with some stellar finds for a stylish-yet-functional après-ski look.

The MTL S/S 2014 Fashion Week Awards

Hello my lovely Fave readers!

I had the pleasure of attending the Montreal Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Week shows and as usual, they did not disappoint. Every season I do a little recap here on the Fave blog so without further ado here are my infamous fashion week awards:

 Most Unique Show:

Atelier B.

 Most Wanted Piece:

DINH BA Design

Best use of Prints:

Eve Gravel 

Most Talented Young Designer:

Brit Wacher

(check out my interview with her at http://www.geninthecity.com/2013/09/an-interview-with-designer-brit-wacher.html)

[SPOTTED: Fave model alumni Tristen on the runway!]

Best Headpieces:

Rush Couture

Favorite Hair:

Martin Lim

Favorite Makeup:

Nisse

Most Wearable:

Caroline Constas

Best white-on-white outfits:

Travis Taddeo

Best Overall Show:

Nisse

Looking forward to next season already!

- Gen