Let's Talk Locks: The braid parade

With the fall season fast approaching, get togethers and holiday parties are right around the corner. My style is usually a bit more low key and casual during the week, so I really enjoy getting dolled up and being a bit more fancy for special occasions like that. But if I’m being honest, I could really do without those stuffy bridal up-dos that require four cans of Aquanet to keep it in place, if you know what I mean.

A great trend that is making a huge comeback in the hair and fashion world is the braid, and people are getting really creative with this classic style, from up-dos and down-dos, to fishtails and crowns.

One of my favorite braid styles that you can wear for almost any occasion is the Dutch braid crown. This was definitely the style for the summer, but I have no problem breaking the rules and making this my holiday up-style. The first time I saw this ’do, it was on the runway for Valentino's 2012 spring collection, where stylist Guido brilliantly executed this sensual, soft romantic braid.

To recreate this look, take a circular section of the hair at the crown, divide into three sections and begin to French braid the hair, starting in the middle. Continue the braid just under the right ear going all the way counterclockwise around the hairline, pinning hair along the way to keep it in place.

After you're finished styling, grab a dry shampoo (I'm partial to Bumble and Bumble's Pret-a-Powder) sprinkle it all along the braid and begin to pat into the hair until the powder disappears. This will help keep the braid in place, but it helps to thicken or plump up the braid as well. Now pinch the edges of the braid and pull just slightly to widen the braid. Now it’s time to adorn it. Leave the flowers for the springtime, and try weaving a bit of thin lace strips through with the braid or even placing a few holly sprigs about for Christmas or New Year's.