Girl on Fire Dutch Braid tutorial + NOTD

Howdy there!


Today has a bit of a Hollywood theme going on with two movie inspired looks: One cute hairstyle and a nail look that shines like diamonds! I'm going to show you all a super duper easy peasy squeezy hair style that is both impressive and practical (not to mention so freakin' hot right now!)

I am of course talking about the "Katniss" braid. For those not on the current Hunger Games bandwagon who haven't a clue what I'm on about, it's effectively a reverse French Plait that goes crossways across your head, finishing in a cute over-the-shoulder plait. Made famous by Jennifer Laurence in last months screen adaptation of the Hunger Games books, it's a look that beauty bloggers the world over have been going doo-lally over... well, here's the ATBE version!

Before I get into the tutorial. I should probably admit at this point that I can't actually do a French Plait. I don't know why, I just can't. Just thought I should get that out there!

This was my interpretation of the look:
(pretty neat, huh?)

And now I'm going to show you show to do it!

1. Make a side parting (not too deep, should be somewhere over the centre of your eyebrow).
2. Using a rattail comb, take a section of hair running from the parting to your ear and divide into three sections.
3. Braid along the head, taking hair from both sides of your head, pulling them to the outside strands and under the central one (think French plait in reverse).
4. Keep adding sections of hair until the braid begins to move from the top corner to the bottom of your hair.
5. Once you run out of hair, just plait as you would normally over your shoulder and tie with a small elastic (I used an invisible one from Pri-marni!)
6. Finish with a spritz of hairpray and try not to worry if it's a little bit messy. This look is meant to be quite relaxed and not too formal.

 *A way of dressing it up is to take the braid and twist it into a bun at the base of the hair. Pin with some bobby pins and give a good spray to fix it. This is a really cool, relaxed looking updo that's just perfect for a summer wedding or a hot date!*

From the front it looks like a sweet, innocent, over-the-shoulder plait, then when you turn around.... BAM! Drama! I LOVE it!

This hairstyle is both cute enough to wear for a bit of a change, but is also practical enough for work and will stay conveniently out of your face should your name get called up in the reaping!

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"I'm just crazy about Tiffany's!"

Now for part two! This is a no holds barred, glamorous manicure that is guaranteed to turn heads should you find yourself in Manhattan sipping cocktails and gazing lovingly into Tiffany's window display.

I am of course alluding to that wonderful slob without a name, Ms Holly Golightly!

These nails sparkle almost (but not quite) as much as a big rock from Tiffany's! I like to wear them as an homage to Audrey herself.

Both of the two polishes I used were by China Glaze. The gorgeous Tiffany Blue colour is called "For Audrey" (of course!). The cool looking glittery coat is called Luxe and Lush and is part of the Hunger Games inspired 'Capitol Colors' collection. I used two coats of each.

What can I say about these? They are AWESOME. China Glazer have hit the nail on the head with their formula and both these polishes have an amazing, fast drying consistency. The Blue was actually opaque in coat #1, I just have polish OCD so wanted it to be totally idiotproof!

 Finished with a coat of my trusty Seche Vite and voila! Instant old school Hollywood glamour!

Now.....all that's left to do is find my own Paul Varjak (or at least get my man to produce a big diamond!) and my own movie romance will be complete!

.... so there we have it. Two looks inspired by the big screen. So if you ever find yourself stood, in the pouring rain, clutching a bedraggled old moggie, or even in the arena prepared to fight to the death, at least you'll look fabulous!

.....and remember:

"May the odds be ever in your favour!"