01.04.10
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 10:57 pm by roxie
As the winter really whips through the streets (and, in some places, the snow continues to fall) it’s important that you stay warm when you go out dancing in the coming months. There are some fashion choices you can make to essentially facilitate the trapping of body heat and make the cold easier to bear, without hampering your style. For example:
You can slip on legwarmers. Black tends to be the easy choice that matches everything, but if you have bare legs or flesh-colored stockings, it can visually cut off the leg line (especially if you are short and/or have very muscular legs). It might be best to wear black tights (thick ones for very cold weather) if you want to wear black warmers. And if you have them, black shoes will keep everything matching (but it’s not a necessity). At e.K. Clothing we sell cute, button-accented legwarmers and regular legwarmers.
Black stirrup tights are another great option. They won’t ride up because they will be hooked in beneath your feet or shoes, and they come in varying thicknesses. They’re usually very comfortable for dancing, especially in heels because there is a convenient place beneath the show for the stirrups to be slipped on.
If you have dance boots, they will also keep feet warmer (than those open-toed sandals of course!). To keep legs warm, slip leg warmers above tights or pants but beneath boots, and leave them showing, peeking out quite a bit at the top. This is an interesting look and it will warm up the lower legs (not to mention it can help boots feel nice and snug, which can potentially give you extra control on the dance floor).
You can also wear a wrap sweater. This is a universal “keep-warm” choice among dancers, ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and ballroom alike. We have this Long Sleeve Wrap Top in many colors for your style needs.
And finally, there’s always layering (the natural cold-weather clothing choice). Multiple layers not only creates warmth - it also adds convenience. You can take away or add layers as necessary while you’re out. A wrap sweater is one way to do this, tights and legwarmers are others. You can do more, and you can get creative to make it interesting-looking. You can try layering with our 3/4 Sleeve Back Tie Top, for example. Varying lengths and colors can spice things up a bit.
So stay warm while out dancing this winter. Protect your dance shoes - never walk in wet weather, snow, or slush, with them! And please, don’t let the falling temperatures keep you at home. Brave the storm with cold weather dance fashion options like these, and bundle up tightly with sweaters, your coat, hat, gloves, scarf, etc. Take the wind-chill into account, too, because it can make you feel crazy-cold. Remember to always get the body warm before dropping into the splits or other big moves. Stay hydrated also, because water will help your body regulate its temperature and deal with the cold too. Then once you’re armed and ready - get out there and dance!
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10.09.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 12:31 am by roxie
Depending on how you play the fashion game, you can make yourself look two sizes thinner just as easily as you can make yourself look many sizes thinner. If you are interested in taking advantage of visual tricks, it’s easy to slim your frame. There are many ways to do it, but here are three that you can put to use right away.
Belt Your Waist. Wear a tight belt either at your waist, just above your belly button. You can also wear it just below your bust. Either way, the idea is to pull in your silhouette at the thinnest point of your frame. Doing this with dark colors - a black belt - over white - a white dress or top - can make the effect even more dramatic.
Wear Trouser Pants. Straight-legged silhouettes can streamline your silhouette from the hips down. Be careful that your pants aren’t baggy or “bagging” at the bottom, and also that they fit through the hip and thigh well. You can even make yourself look taller if you wear “heel-length” pants - a hemline length that, of course, only works with - and nearly covers - high heels.
Maternity Jeans. No kidding. Made for expecting mothers, these jeans come with an elastic band of fabric at the waist. It’s like a combination of yoga pants and jeans, one that makes for an ultra-comfortable fit. It eliminates that unsightly muffin-top effect, and makes your profile look smoother. So, hit the maternity section!
A couple other things to consider include your use of dark and light colors - note that dark things usually look smaller, and lighter things look bigger. Also, horizontal stripes are typically a no-no when dressing to appear thinner. And remember - confidence plus a tall, dancer’s posture will always make you look thinner and more beautiful. Radiate your energy outward - chest high, shoulders back and down - and continue to make use of the right tricks for your body.
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09.08.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 8:30 pm by roxie
Running out of ideas? Never fear, e.K. is here, with three ideas straight from our vault of style know-how. And, here you can read why these pieces work together. With a little creativity, you’re sure to be the most unique belle of the ball.
Look 1: Wear our Piece Skirt as a skirt and top
Why it works: Drapes of asymmetrical fabric create visual interest, in a feminine and sexy, slightly revealing way. But here, it’s not over-done, you still leave the eye wanting more. You add just a little bit of chaos, and your body serves as the order, the hanger from which the skirt falls, and your silhouette still shines through where the skirt hugs you tighter. And, the fabric will definitely move with you.
Look 2: Dress up the Sloped Hem Halter Dress and place a flower in the hair. Here we have about 5 yards total of 3 different trims (1 fringe trim and 2 different beaded floral sequin trims) added to the dress to adorn front and back.
Why it works: Even if you adorn mostly just the front of the garment, the light trim - easily added via fabric glue rather than the slow process of stoning - adds a touch of grace and class. The dress looks five times more expensive, and you have a unique touch, something to visually captivate the eye. The viewer will also naturally follow the movement created by the trim, as the eye seeks to create order and finish lines. The flower makes good use of color-coordination and adds a bit of spanish flair. Ultimately, it’s “all eyes on you.”
Look 3: Wear a Sequined Bra underneath our new Sequined Skirt Halter Dress.
Why it works: The shining bra top brings the eye upward, which brings a fun and youthful sense of light to your feminine décolleté and face. The V of the dress also seems to bring the waist line inward, for the illusion of a small waist. And the skirt part of the dress, in addition to color-coordinating with the bra top, moves with you to accentuate your sensuality on the dance floor. Add some silver accessories to pull from the shimmering quality here, and you’re good to go.
So… Hey, Fabulous! What are you wearing? Get an idea, run with it, and work it - and always dance like there’s no tomorrow.
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08.27.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 9:06 pm by roxie
Shimmer powder is an underrated tool in everyday make-up. You see, scientifically speaking, the eye tends to find beauty in symmetry. That’s why women try to make both eyes look even, tweeze their brows the same way on either side, and double-check to make sure their blush is even, for example. When the light hits your face evenly, you appear more beautiful. And to work with the light, you should take advantage of shimmer.
If you have dark-olive or dark skin, a gold-toned mineral shimmer (maybe like this one by Everyday Minerals) will work well. If your skin is olive-toned, you can probably do either gold or silver shimmer. If you have medium or light skin, a more silver, beige, or white shimmer powder will work well. (BareMinerals offers great options in their “gossamer” colors, available individually - and quite inexpensively on sites like eBay - or together in the Great Gossamers Collection. Everyday Minerals also offers this lovely white shade.)
The first step is to find a great mineral shimmer powder - or perhaps a gel, such as a shade from Bobbi Brown’s long-wear eye collection. They’re hardly “natural” in terms of the ingredient lists (so you might not want to dose yourself with chemicals regularly - and near the ever-delicate eyes, known as one of the first places to show signs of aging on the face - by wearing them too often). But these shades are truly “long-wear,” and they can last you through long hours of dancing or withstand hot stage lights.
Once you find a shade that you love, then you have to know where to put it to use as a highlighter. The three basic places are (1) the inner corners of the eyes, (2) the outer brow bone, where the eyebrow arches peak, and (3) the cheekbones, beneath and around the outer corners of the eyes - shimmer should be placed here in an arc that goes from the outside corner of the eye to the top of the cheekbone beneath the eye.
The first two spots give the eyes an openness and a glow. The third spot is an often-neglected area where light falls naturally on the face; shimmer is often used on the upper cheekbones/outside of the eyes by ballroom dancers in competition. Highlighting there can really lift the bone structure and further enhance the youthful glow.
You could also use a bronzer with light shimmer as a highlighter - gently dust it on the center of the forehead, on the cheekbones, and on the bridge of the nose and chin. With bronzer you can build a really nice glow (but be careful, you don’t want to over-do it). Another nice possibility is a dot of shimmer on the middle of the lower lip for extra lusciousness. It might not last the night if you’re going out to eat or planning on staying hydrated, though, so bring along the shimmer shade if you’re dedicated to the look.
The use of shimmer is about highlighting to bring more life and light to the face. Work with the light, and put it to work for you. Experiment, try different highlighting techniques and looks, and have fun. It’s a playful and youthful make-up trick (and you may find that it just looks so good that you start adding it to your daily routine). No doubt, when you harness your highlighting skills, you’ll look even more gorgeous than usual.
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08.19.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 10:03 pm by roxie
Just as creating good lines in dance is important, creating smooth silhouettes in fashion is important. Thin fabrics are often quite comfortable, but they can make unsightly bulges more visible. The solution isn’t complicated - body shapers and shaping garments, worn beneath your clothing, can bring everything in, smoothing out body lines wherever you need it.
For example, our Hi Lo Mambo Dress is a more fitted style, and with it’s wrapped look, is quite popular with those looking for a dress with a Latin flare. However, some might want to smooth out their midsection when wearing this style. Grab a pair of Spanx - for example, their Slim Cognito Shaping Bodysuit for streamlining the stomach and bottom. Or, for greater slimming through the hips and thighs, a pair of the aptly named Power Panties (no really, that’s what they call them) will do the trick.
Our Sheer Rhinestone Halter dress is also a nice style, but some might feel more comfortable wearing a slimming garment beneath it. There are options from Spanx, and great new items from Dr. Rey Shapwear, a relatively new line by Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Rey, of Dr. 90210 fame. Pick up his High Waist Shaper Brief at HSN.com.
A tight, mini style like our Cross Back Mini Tube Dress might also call for a slimming garment beneath. The Dr. Rey Shapewear Smooth Slip offers a nice option. There’s also the Dr. Rey Convertible Strap Bodysuit or the Spanx Hide & Sleek Hi-Rise Panty.
For mid-length or slightly longer styles, the Spanx Hide & Sleek Slip-Suit probably offers all you need. And yes, the plastic surgeon - of course - has even given you a more affordable “butt lift,” no knives or needles necessary. You can pick up his Bottom Enhancer Step-In for a backside boost.
You can browse for more Dr. Rey products at HSN.com, and for Spanx products at www.spanx.com.
Whether you shop either of these brand names or a lesser-known store brand, make sure it fits, make sure it looks good on you, and make sure it works the way you want it to work. Don’t settle for less here - you’ll probably be wearing your shaping garments under more than just dance wear, and a cheap garment can create problems rather than giving you the look you desire.
A little cardio, pilates, dancing, and body shapers - sounds like a winning combination for a great bod, right? With those tools, you’ll be good to go - looking good, creating smooth silhouettes, and turning heads on the dance floor. Shop with confidence for more sexy dresses and more at www.ekclothing.com.
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08.10.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 3:56 am by roxie
Some women are petite, some are tall; some are thin, some have a thicker build; some are little on top, some have a full bust. And on top of their differences in shape and size, all women have different insecurities. Choosing the right look(s) for a group number can be a challenge.
You don’t necessarily want to choose crop-top styles if the women you are styling don’t all have toned tummies they are prepared to show off. You don’t necessarily want to choose overly tight styles, like tapered or extra tight pants either - this can create unnecessary bulges and restrict movement, making for an uncomfortable appearance. You don’t want to go to avant-garde if your age and performance theme doesn’t allow it, and you don’t want to go too conservative merely to appease your audience (all audiences, regardless of age or background, want to be thoroughly entertained!).
But then again, you don’t necessarily want to fall into some frumpy or matronly style in an effort to please everyone, either. You want to flatter everyone. But how are you going to do that? At e.K. Clothing, we dress groups and dance teams, and we have a number of styles that might just work perfectly for your next number.
Our Ruffle Cross-Over Dress is quite the universally flattering piece. A halter neckline works on just about anyone - it visually brings the body shape inward and to a center point. As it accentuates the width of the shoulders, it balances body proportions nicely - the waist looks smaller, the hips and bust/shoulders appear in more even proportion, and the overall frame is streamlined. Not only does this style offer a halter neckline - it also has a wrap-dress effect with the front cross-over ruffle, and ruffles at the top and bottom levels of the dress for further visual balance. This dress is also looser fitting that some of our other styles, so it is a popular choice for groups of women with a large range of body types. We also carry a nice range of colors in this style.
The Ruched Halter Dress also offers a halter neckline. This one is a bit lower, for greater view of the feminine décolleté, and the usual shoulder-to-hip balance. The ruching detail on the front is adjustable to a dancer’s level of comfort, and this feature can be a great midriff camouflage as needed. The handkerchief-style skirt is extra comfortable, as well, and it will move and twirl as you do.
Another great style to consider is our Lattice Dress. The silver lattice design with rhinestone beads at the bust draws the eye upward, making greater use of that ever-flattering halter neckline. The shaped cups at the bust flatter all chest sizes with an embellished and lifted look. The empire waist cut flatters all midsections, appearing draped rather than clingy or uncomfortable. Beneath the bust the cut begins with a smooth cross-over detail, which (from a front-view) seems to tie at the back. That feature pulls the silhouette together - and it will make your waist look even smaller! There is plently of extra fabric from just beneath the bust to the skirt bottom so there is no need to worry about fit at the waist and hips. The footwork is always in full view with this skirt length, and with the uneven cut of the hemline, the beautiful leg-work can also be appreciated - The zig zag skirt style will move with dancers.
Generally when styling a group, you want to use common sense and shoot for universally flattering cuts or shapes, taking risks and choosing more “showy” or sexy items as your situation allows. (You can also use body shapers underneath clothing to streamline the body, for a more uniform a look on a group.) The aforementioned dresses are suggestions to consider, since they work quite well on most women.
But there are plenty more options at www.ekclothing.com, including pants, tops, skirts, and fabulous accessories. You can even get creative with costume ideas and create something interesting from scratch using our affordable pieces. Plus, we offer discounts on multiple items when you buy your group’s look with us. So, start browsing if you have a team to dress, and find something universally flattering - without sacrificing comfort or style!
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07.21.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 1:01 am by roxie
You’re planning to go dancing, and wardrobe-wise, feeling flexible. You know you have I’ll look good up top, but would that top best be paired with a skirt or with pants? Examine the pros and cons:
Skirts - Pros: When you wear a skirt, it’s the more feminine option. It also accentuates your hip movements, which can, ahem… increase the visual perception of your skill (i.e. make your dancing look better). And of course, skirts come in varying shapes and sizes, which gives them versatility from a fashion perspective. You have straight, trumpet, short, long, etc., slit, solid color, printed, etc. There are more options here, and you can work with your body shape and style preferences to choose what’s right for you.
Cons: On the other hand, skirts always need the proper briefs. For some, that’s just an extra thing they’d rather not think about. Nonetheless, you do need to be conscious of it. (But luckily at e.K., we have dance briefs to suit your needs and make this aspect of getting dressed and dancing easier). The other thing to think about that can be a con is the fact that a skirt can ride up, depending on the fit/sizing, your body shape, and the type of movement you are doing.
Pants - Pros: Pants are the usually the more comfortable option, definitely (especially if you are working with pants made for dancing), with stretch and a fit conducive to movement. Additionally, if worn at the proper “heel-length” (a few inches longer than pants you would wear with flat shoes), that continuation of the leg line will make you look taller. And finally, you don’t have to worry about briefs, things riding up, giving the “wrong kind of show,” or anything like that. You can kick, dip, etc., without worries.
Cons: Pants are the less feminine option. So, if you’re going for a soft or delicately “pretty” look, a skirt will give you that extra “oomph” of girliness. The other thing to remember is that it can be hard to find a good fit with pants, especially in the case of jeans. For lack of a better example, you want to avoid muffin-top, extra tightness at the hips, or light-colored tight clothing that lends itself to sweat stains or drink spills. Just remember to make sure you are working with your proportions and wearing something flattering, as always. At e.K. Clothing there are more feminine and sexy pants available made out of a very comfortable and fitting material leaving sweat spots invisible, avoiding most of these problems.
Those are the pros and cons of wearing skirts versus wearing pants while social dancing. Consider them the next time you go out, for ultimate comfort, beauty, and style on the floor.
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07.14.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 2:28 am by roxie
There’s something about it. Audiences just go crazy when female performers test gender lines with their stage attire. I don’t mean with a messy “tomboy” look. I’m talking chic, smooth, tailored fashion - with a slightly masculine edge.
What is the “feminine masculine?” This aesthetic happens when a female performer does a feminine take on a masculine silhouette, or projects feminine style while using some typically masculine wardrobe pieces. Let’s look at some examples:
When the late great Michael Jackson did the video for “You Rock My World,” his female dancer wore a bustier, jacket, and fedora, in a combination of feminine glam and masculine lines. When people saw Christina Aguilera sing “A Man’s World” in a white suit at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007, they loved it. When Beyonce did the “Ring the Alarm” video, she recreated a scene from the 1992 film Basic Instinct, wearing a men’s button-down shirt. Alicia Keys routinely makes use of slick blazers and fedoras while on tour. All of these performers have done it well.
It appears that there’s something very sexy and appealing to audiences, men especially, when women dress up in slightly masculine attire while maintaining their femininity. It’s not clear why it has such appeal - although, it might actually have something to do with MJ and his appeal. After all, he loved tailored pieces, but seemed to walk a gender-bending line at times, and artists (male and female) are prone to imitating the King. Or maybe it just makes men imagine that “she” is wearing their clothes. Either way, that combination of masculine and feminine on a female performer is a very hot look.
If you’re looking to take advantage of this great style aesthetic on stage, it’s easy with e.K. Clothing pieces and accessories. For example, wear a Sequined Bra with a blazer, and possibly a fedora or top hat. You could even slip on a tie to run down the center, beneath the blazer (which might have at least one button done in this case). Up the feminine factor with our Cleopatra skirt, Classic Flare Pant, or Metallic Dot Pants w/ Sheer Accent (or another one of our pants or skirts).
You could also go classic broadway with a leotard, fishnet stockings, and black heels, complete with a coat with tails and a black top hat. Add in a cane for good measure, if it really fits.
The “feminine masculine” is all about tailoring and silhouettes. First, you pull from masculine style by creating a slick silhouette with a hat, defined shoulders, possibly boots, etc. Then, you keep it feminine with a defined waist, some flowing fabrics, accessories, and of course with hair and makeup (not to mention with your sexy attitude, movement, and overall performance). It’s about simple elegance… keeping it cool. You want to look sophisticated, a little edgy, and ultimately: effervescently, undeniably smooth.
After all that rehearsal, your carefully chosen wardrobe will get you into character. Then, you know there’s just one thing left to do - hit the stage ready to own it.
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07.07.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 11:39 pm by roxie
For ages, women have been adorning themselves in jewelry. Picture an ancient Indian tribe, and the women in that picture are wearing jewelry. Many of us have seen Native American, Peruvian, Puerto Rican and other cultural jewelry being sold at ethnic jewel stands and shops. It’s beautiful - and it didn’t come about overnight. Early cultures around the world employed jewelry, beading, makeup, and all kinds of other ornamental tools for the sake of attracting the best and brightest mate, and expressing gender identity. Not to get all intellectual and academic on ya, but our inner goddesses have been seeking out ways to enhance our femininity and beautify since day one. Now it’s still part of our nature, but it’s not always about the men - sometimes, we just wanna look gorgeous on night out.
But if you’re salsa dancing, you have to make sure that jewelry doesn’t get in the way. Let’s start at the top.
Earrings. Many women never leave the house without them. They can really frame the face and make a difference, and the dangly kind are quite popular. But, if you’re going to let them dangle, make sure they don’t dangle too much. Do a “shake-test” before you leave the house - with the earrings on, shake your head vigorously, and flip it from side to side the same way you might while dancing (not lightly, I mean really flip it, you don’t hold back while dancing, don’t hold back in the mirror).
Also, beware of long, dangly, beaded types if you plan to wear your hair down. Once they get caught, it could be painful, and you could later end up tediously plucking the hairs from between beads and stones (you may have done this before, - it’s a drag). Don’t wear extra heavy earrings either (obviously).
Before you head out, as insurance against losing one (or both), secure them this way: if they have hooked backs, make sure to press the end of the hooks forward, to almost create a full circle. That way, they won’t go anywhere. And lastly, remember that hoops are a great go-to look. They stay on, are always in-style, and look good on just about everyone.
Necklaces. Long ones, that end below the bust, mid-torso or further are not ideal. They might be “boho-chic,” and you might love that style aesthetic… but, sorry, it doesn’t work on the dance floor. They’ll fly around, hit you, your partners, get caught in your hair or earring on a move that takes you upside-down… they get caught in his hand on a head-loop or face-loop, or worse, somehow end up in his belt buckle. Save the long necklaces for another time. For dancing, necklaces that end somewhere near the collar-bone and sternum are okay, but in general, keep it short. Heavy pendants aren’t so great either, as they can hit your chest bones hard, or end up caught in the hair or elsewhere as they swing around. Whatever you do, just keep it light.
Bracelets. Lots of bangles, no - One bracelet or two, tight to the wrist, forearm, or upper arm - yes. The man contacts you for the lead at the hand, wrist, and forearm, and you don’t want to obstruct those areas. Some of the open-ended bracelets that snake around and snugly hug the arm are fine, as are jeweled fabric wrap-around wrist bracelets. Just make sure they aren’t going to get stuck in your clothes or obstruct partners.
Rings. Clunky, bulky, and “boho-chic” should be worn the dance floor. Keep it simple, nothing sharp that could hurt anyone or tear your clothes, especially if you are wearing any light fabric like chiffon or silk. If your engagement ring really gets in the way, just keep the wedding band on. You don’t want to add much to the hands when dancing - they need to be free.
Anklets. They are do-able if you want to wear them. But remember, in latin technique, the ankles and shoes come together, and the feet should bevel throughout each dance (not to mention, your ankles are bound to brush each other in steps, and they could possibly brush his pants). It’s best to wear only one anklet, and make sure it doesn’t have any sharp edges or dangling metal pieces.
And finally, if your belly button is pierced and you want to show it off, again, just make sure it not a piercing that can get caught in anything.
The rule of thumb for choosing jewelry to wear while social dancing is “beautiful yet functional.” (On that note, it’s also good to also take a less-is-more approach, you don’t need earrings and necklace and bracelet, etc.) This is the same rule for choosing dance wear - it should catch the eye and complement your clothing and personal aesthetic, but it should never get in the way of your movement, or get caught in your clothing. Make sure to do your checks before you leave the house - shake the head, do a turn, hit a move or two, brush the jewelry against your clothing… all in the name of functionality. Prepare to be both comfortable and fabulous, and you will stay that way all night.
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06.24.09
Posted in Dance Fashion Dish at 11:38 pm by roxie
When guys take up salsa dancing or other ballroom dance forms, they soon learn that they must simply get used to one side effect: hair-in-the-face (or, sometimes, in-the-mouth). It’s just part of social-dance life. Sometimes we also experience our own hair getting in the face, even blinding us mid-move. To avoid this, and to avoid really giving the fellas major hair masses to deal with, there are some styling ideas and tips to consider.
Wearing your hair down can be fabulous, especially for sexy and fierce “hair-ography.” It can also be little cumbersome if you’ve got lots of length and layers. If that’s the case, consider a half-ponytail style. Securely tie the top half of your hair at the back, and let the bottom half hang down. Adding volume at the top is a subtle visual way to pull the bone structure “upward,” and this can be accomplished easily with a little combing technique. Use a wide-toothed comb and insert it backwards from the top of the head. Gently push the hair forward and up. Repeat, striving for an even lift at the left, right, and middle. You could also use a Bombshell Beauty hair pouf (pack of three for $10) or a Bump-It.
And finally, to keep the volume, use a natural sea salt spray - perfect for creating “beachy waves.” You can make this yourself - it’s so easy! Just mix a tablespoon of sea salt with a cup of water, plus a drop of two of essential oil. Lavender imparts a soft and lovely scent (not to mention it’s a proven aphrodesiac). Peppermint, jasmine, and citrus scents can increase circulation (for improved volume). However you scent it, it’s great for styling (not to mention cheap). If you’d like to wear your hair down, this spray will give tousled hair a little sexy texture and volume. Spray at the roots, and then work it through (scrunch, lift, pull, part, pouf, etc., depending on your desired effect) with the hands to encourage lasting style with body and definition.
Beyond the down or half-up look, there’s the ponytail. Ah, the ponytail… so easy, so convenient, so much possibility for style… the braided ponytail? Not so much. Avoid long braids that could wack guys and fellow dancers. As long as you’re not creating weapons with the hair, a high ponytail is great, especially because you want to keep hair off the neck when it’s hot. Use gel to refine it, and a little oil at the front to keep frizz at bay. Almond, olive, jojoba, and especially coconut - they’ll all work well.
A low ponytail is an easy and universal go-to style, but consider placing it just a bit higher than the base of the neck to keep sweat and heat down. Low versions are also great because they’re quick, especially if mid-dance or mid-evening, you have to get the hair out of the way. (Doubling up by creating low pigtails will also keep hair out of the way while adding a little cute, flirty, and youthful flair.) But, as convenient and effortless as this style is, it should be noted that low ponies suffer from one common problem - a lack of refinement. Keep it together to avoid a haphazard, messy look. Use a quick splash of water if that’s all you have on hand, but generally, always use your gel. For quick, on-the-go touch-ups to what-could-be a messy low ponytail, grab your Badger Organic Unscented Lip Balm (three organic ingredients and nothing else! Find it at Whole Foods!) and smooth some over the fly-aways or frizzy spots.
And then of course, there’s the bun, or the pulled-back and gathered look. An up-do works - but if it’s too “up” it could get in the way of turns and ducking or “tunneling” moves. Too high and you’ll be checking on it all night, too. A mid-to-high or low bun or chignon will accomplish that pulled back and sophisticated look (a la ballroom competition) without getting in the way of the dancing.
To combat this seasonal humidity, especially at outdoor events or packed clubs, use natural gels and oils. Aubrey Organics B5 Gel is a completely natural hair gel with no synthetic preservatives or toxic chemicals, and it’s somewhat watery consistency means it leaves less residue behind while imparting shine and hold. If you need more hold, add a little coconut oil to it (but not too much, to avoid flaking). To create a natural hair spray, put 1 oz. of B5 Design Gel, 2 oz. of purified water (mineral water can leave residue), and 1 oz. of vodka (a grain alcohol) in a spray bottle. Add a couple drops of essential oil if you want (but be careful working with them). Then, just shake well and spray. As always, keep your natural moisturizing oils nearby to keep frizz down while keeping hair smooth and shiny. And, when all you have is a Badger’s Balm - that works too.
Hit the floor with the hair out of your and your partners’ face, while wearing comfortable and stylish dance wear, and enjoy the moves without distractions.
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