GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- Want to change up your look for summer but don't want to look like a fashion don't? Trend Expert Alexis Walsko rounded up her feathery options to give you and your home the look of the moment: Feathers!
Hair Extensions
-The craze exploded this spring when feathered hair extensions were spotted on American Idol judge Steven Tyler, Ke$ha and Hilary Duff.
How to do it:
- You really have a variety of choices when it comes to deciding on feathers. For a more subtle look, try to find feathers that are closer to the tone or color of your hair. For a more wild look try different textures or brighter colors; purples and blues for blondes, and white, yellow or hot pink for darker shades.
- A big misconception about the extensions is that they're hard to maintain but you can wash your hair as you normally would as well as curl, straighten and cut it. But because the feather extension is clamped onto your natural hair, don't try to comb, tease, or pull at your hair roughly. They last about 8-10 weeks but can be removed at any time.
Where to get it:
- Salons and spas like Lifetime Fitness' Life Spa and Salon offer this service as a really simple way to energize your every day look without a lot of commitment.
- $12 per feather or 3 for $30
- You don't even have to be a member at Lifetime Fitness to get them done and walk-ins are welcome.
Clip-Ins/Headbands
- Understandably, the extension look isn't for everyone, so for those who want to dip into the feather trend without the commitment, there are a few items available that give you the same appearance of extensions.
How to do it:
- There are both clip in feathers that you can attach to the root of your hair and headbands with dangling feathers that mix into your own locks available. Or, if you'd rather go for more couture costume-jewelry approach, an embellished headband is for you.
Where to get it:
- Urban Outfitters
- I Like You
- Charming Charlies
Accessories/Fashion
- When it comes to accessories, a little feather goes a long way. It's more about simple feather inspired items rather than adorning yourself head-to-toe in everything peacock. Feathers can be accentuated with a lot of different pieces. Keep feathers focused to accessories like scarves, bracelets and earrings and then for clothing go for more feather-inspired motifs and colors.
How to do it:
- Necklaces: these items are great because they're simple, yet they add so much to the basic jeans and a t-shirt look
- Scarves: these are a great buy because they highlight two trends in one piece; they have the feather print and are also the bright, fun colors that were really popular for summer.
- Clothes: Wearing such an attention-grabbing print doesn't need to be intimidating; they go best with a simple pair of shoes and minimal jewelry. You look like you're putting a lot of effort and style into an outfit simply by slipping one of these dresses from. But remember, you always want to stick to wearing one creature at a time. A peacock print dress with snakeskin shoes is a little too much.
Where to get it:
Jewelry:
- Urban Outfitters
- Charming Charlies
- Patina
- I Like You
Clothes:
- Urban Outfitters
- Target
Home Decor
- Feathers have also been popping up as a home decorating trend, from desk accessories to wall art, it's a great way to add style to your house.
How to do it:
- Like with fashion and accessories, the home decor is also something you want to accent your house with sparingly; we don't want feathered couches. Keeping the trend to table settings and other minimal accents like candles and napkin holders are the way to go.
- You can also change up the color tone, like using festive gold and silver pheasant feathers instead of peacock colors come fall for a more seasonal feel.
- Black feathers easily come across as elegant and luxurious, a simple throw pillow on your couch will do the trick.
Where to get it:
- Pier 1
Bottom Line: When it comes to purchasing trends, you don't want to invest a down payment for a house into them. Feathers are a trend that will eventually go out of style. Any of the stores that we've mentioned offer great under $100 items that you don't have to feel bad about not using forever.
Alexis Walsko is the owner of Twin Cities public relations firm, Lola Red. She is an overall style expert and host of the myTalk 107.1 radio show Shop Girls where she covers all things retail, style and shopping.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)