5 Braid Tutorials for Summer

As the temperature outside begins to rise, the last thing I want to do is spend an hour blow drying and curling my hair every day. So, in order to avoid the inevitable mess that my hair becomes each summer, I'm seeking out a few braid tutorials that look not only look easy enough to do on my own, but will also keep my daily routine as simple as possible these next couple months.

5 braid tutorials for summer:

- Braiding expert Alison Brislin created this waterfall braid tutorial (above) for a post on once wed, and I'm so happy she did because this is one gorgeous look.

- Maegan at ...loveMaegan shows us how to get this pretty side french braid up do (below) which - thankfully - looks easy enough for anyone to try.

- If you're in a whimsical mood, than this boho braid tutorial is for you. I think this look would be perfect to keep your hair out of the way during vacay.

- Michaela at Michaela Noelle Designs opted for this french twist braid (below) instead of a normal ponytail, and it couldn't have turned out any cuter. I can easily see this becoming my go-to braid this season.

- A Cup of Jo shares this pretzel braid tutorial created by her friend Caroline. This looks like it took hours, but in reality there are few steps and it seems like even beginners can achieve this look with ease. I'm definitely trying this soon!

photos 1, 2, 3

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Simple In Stripes

Is there anything like wearing classic black and white stripes? They're so simple yet so chic -- definitely a favorite (and go-to!) in my book. Here are a few spring/summer pieces I'm loving in the scheme:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4. top / bottoms | 5

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Lilac Bedrooms

The other day, as I was looking around my house and realizing that the only paint colors I've used so far are Sherwin Williams' Amazing Gray (you can see it in this post) and Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter, I thought it might be time to explore some color! (Side note: I did try a navy paint color in the back office/ den area, but I'm not the biggest fan and need to paint over that accent wall sometime soon.) I don't know why color in a room makes me so nervous, but I think often times I associate anything within the realm of pink, blue, or in this case, purple, with only being fit for nurseries. But after seeing just how chic and sophisticated a color like lilac can be, I think I'm totally hooked on using lighter hues in all spaces. What do you think? 

photos 1, 2, 3, 4

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Bathroom Elements: Dark Shower Grout

I'm always seeing the most beautiful bathroom photos filled with white subway tile set against equally as white grout, but recently I've noticed a trend in using darker, even black, grout in bathrooms. At first I didn't care for the look at all. (I thought it looked like it needed a good cleaning, to be honest.) But now, as more designers are opting for this finish and the photos are circulating on sites like Houzz, it's really starting to grow on me. And, as someone who has stark white grout in my own bathroom, I'm also insanely jealous that those who go for this look don't have to worry about scrubbing for hours to keep it gleaming. 

What do you think? Yay or nay on dark grout?

photos 1, 2, 3, 4

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