Spring Has Not Yet Sprung: Head Gear

When I was being fitted for braces in my early teens, my orthodontist casually mentioned that I might have to wear head gear at some point. Like Joan Cusack in Sixteen Candles. Just dropped that offhand. As if he wasn't ruining a twelve year old's short, already tortured life. I went home and cried my little vain self to sleep.

Thankfully, the metallic fatwa on my social life never came to fruition. However, I was a little scarred when I started hearing lots of talk about head gear becoming a hot trend for spring.

Until someone clued me in. Not that kind of head gear. We're talking headbands, barrettes, doodads, "notions" if you will. And that, I can get behind.





I thought one of the prettiest, albeit completely unwearable, look of the season was at the Louis Vuitton Spring 2007 collection. The models donned wire headbands (like the gag ones that typically include half and arrow on either end) affixed with little scraps of fabric. The look was pretty and almost ethereal, unfortunately, I don't think it translates well to real life.


Picture a C-SPAN hearing on the budget, members questioning cabinet members as they sweat under the hot lights...I traispe behind the panel in my knotted boho scarf and bedazzled headband/crown. Not so good, huh?




Mercifully, this isn't the only headband trend. Also, one of the most elegantly dressy versions was also the simplest...honestly, you could probably pick up what you need at a fabric or variety store.




Valentino sent his models down the runway in teased updos with a thin red elastic around the crown of the models' heads. It made them look chic and much more formal than just a plain updo. I caught a backstage clip where the hair stylist actually said he just used regular old elastic tied into a headband. I never thought I would have a need for a Michael's craft store, but I think I just changed my mind...










Last on my must have list for spring hair thingies is the stretchy headband. And actually, most of you probably already have them! Most girls keep one of these on hand for washing one's face or putting on a mask...maybe for the occaisonal workout session or to get you through that awkward growing out bangs phase. If you don't have one, I have seen Goody versions at CVS for like $3.99.

This look showed up on the Burberry Prorsum show. It looks chic in a downtown way, elegant but cool. I think this look is perfect for weekend brunches and shopping especially when paired with rather uptown clothes. It helps take it down a peg. What keeps this look from being too Pollyanna or Preppy Handbook is how close the band is to the hairline. No peeking! The band also covers most of the ears, so leave the chandeliers at home and stick to small studs or no earrings.

All this focus on headbands means that the hair will be swept away from the face. Messy buns and ponytails rule your head, but this means your face should be flawless. Stock up on exfoliators, salicyclic acids and foundation pronto.

Biggest bonus?

Most of these looks go a long way to hide I-didn't-have-time-to-wash-my-hair hair.

photos courtesy of style.com