Off the Shoulder Top {I’m wearing an XS!} // White Jeans {similar here, here and here {under $90!}} // Sandals {similar here and here} // Purse {similar here and here} // Necklace {love this one from Kate Spade!} // Bracelet {similar here too!} // Sunglasses {similar ones I love!}

When it comes to doing my own hair for events and parties, I’ve really struggled over the years. While most girls got their hair styled for special events, I was always too nervous to get my hair done {I even wore my stick straight hair to prom a few years in a row!} for fear of getting out of my beauty comfort zone, or getting a style that turned out to not be as flattering as it was on Brittany Spears or one of the Spice Girls {spoiler alert, 14 year old white girls should not try to be Scary Spice…it’s not a cute look!}. Now that I’m older, it seems like every other week there’s a wedding, or shower or special event that I need to get dressed up for, and my hair always ends up being exactly the same – either straight or in a “fancy” ponytail. You’ve probably noticed that my hair rarely changes on the blog too, so clearly I could use a little hairdo help!

So on where I want an affordable and extra pretty solution, my new up-do secret is swinging by Hair Cuttery for a quick ‘do {really!}. While I’d always heard about Hair Cuttery over the years, I’d never actually tried it out for myself, so when they invited me to swing by I knew I had to try it out for myself – especially since it’s so affordable and close by!

I love that they’re right around the corner from my condo, and that you can easily walk in any day of the week to get a quick up-do. My stylist Maria in Uptown was seriously the sweetest and convinced me to step out of my comfort zone and get this pretty braided and curled up-do for a weekend with friends. I wanted something casual and summery, and this braided look was perfect for the 90 degree days we’ve been having in Chicago the last few weeks. Plus, it lasted for a few days with a little dry shampoo action on the bangs, which is always a win-win in my book! …And seriously, how dramatic is that before and after? And it only took Maria about 40 minutes to completely transform my hair from super drab or fabulous. Best of all, the whole curl and style was only $30, which makes it incredibly affordable for all my upcoming summer parties! I’ll clearly be stopping by all season long to get a dramatic up-do before summer weddings and cocktail parties. 

Since I spent the weekend up in door county with this nautical look to kick off the weekend right. I’ve been a little obsessed with off the shoulder looks recently {see exhibit A and B right here} so when I spotted this striped off the shoulder number from Madewell, I really couldn’t help myself – oops! Paired with summery white denim and my favorite strappy leather heels, I can’t help but feel a little east coast without going too overboard 😉 I’ll clearly be wearing this little number on serious repeat all summer long!  If you’re looking to complete your summer look with Hair Cuttery, you can find your closest location right here! You can also follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for the latest inspiration and news {including some awesome up-do ideas before your next big event!}. Hair Cuttery is also the largest family owned and operated chain of hair salons in the country, with almost 900 company-owned locations, including quite a few in downtown Chicago! They’re a full-service, value-priced salon that offers cuts, styling, coloring,  texturizing services and more without the hassle of needing an appointment (but I always like to make one just in case!} And if you do stop by, make sure to share your before and after picture using #MyHCLook. The best looks will be shared on their site right here.

A special thank to Hair Cuttery for sponsoring this post! As always, my thoughts and opinions my own and true! Thanks for supporting the brands that make Charmingly Styled possible.