Way back when on a lazy day in May, I kicked off my summer break with a Rachel Zoe Project marathon. Fashion, Bravo and no classes: is that pure bliss or what? As I watched Zoe’s former assistant, Taylor Jacobson, snap at Brad and sift through potential Oscars gowns, I couldn’t help but notice the mini braid hanging within the choppy layers of her platinum blonde hair. As a Rach loyalist, it slightly pains me to give Taylor credit for starting up my go-to hairstyle of summer 2011, but hey I’ll give credit where credit is due! I would sport one or two mini braids at a time everyday and everywhere from the office to the beach.
As soon as the summer ended so did my obsession with mini braids, until I spotted this Fashionista sitting in front of me in class. I love how she takes the risk of rocking a more summery hairstyle in the dead of winter. She puts an accessorized, bohemian spin on her three braids by adding colorful elastics, wooden beads and silver trinkets. Not to mention her strawberry blonde hair is styled pin-straight to perfection with a deep side part. The rest of her look is very simple, but her combat boots and striped wool socks combination hints at urban grunge. In fact, mini braids, straight strands and an homage to '90s grunge was the very essence of the Charlotte Ronson spring 2011 runway.
To achieve the ultimate beachy vibe, check out Blake Lively’s tousled waves and mini braids. Spray Frédéric Fekkai Beach Waves on the second day and curl small sections. Loosen up the curls with your fingers, and then create tight tiny braids in random places. Before securing with elastics, adorn the braids with beads like this Fashionista did. Try stacking these copper links with wooden and colorful beads. This hairstyle is all about being whimsical and accessorizing in an unexpected way. The best part is that the mini braids will last a good two to three days.