5 Different Ways to Wear the Ever-Popular Side Braid

It's a look that's been going strong for a little over a year now, but in just this past month or so alone, several stars have been spotted sporting the ever-popular side braid. But as the seasons have changed, so has the style. So first, find out the basics behind the structure of the style by watching our video, and then, straight up get creative with these five different interpretations of the trendy do.

Finely Fishtailed

Impress your pals by weaving your very own fishtail braid. Don't worry, though. It's actually easier to accomplish than it looks.

Bunched Up

For something with a little more refinement that's finished off with a bit of an edge, look to Kate Mara for inspiration. Start by blowing the hair out with a round brush and a shine-enhancing product, like Kiehl's Silk Groom Serum ($18). Next, braid the hair to the side, stopping about halfway. Pull on one of the strands in the braid to get the bunched up effect, secure with an elastic, and lightly pull on the braid to loosen.

Tons of Texture

For Jessica Simpson's matte texture, "rough" the hair up with a texturizing spray, like Alterna Ocean Waves ($20). Next, blow-dry the hair using your fingers to create lift and wave. Then, simply braid away. Tip: spray a comb with hair spray and lightly sweep through hair to tame frizz after braiding.

Veronica Lake-Like

For a retro-meets-modern take on a side braid, try this stunning look worn by Jennifer Hudson. First, style the hair with Veronica Lake-style waves and then braid as usual.

Cali Cool

Here, Blake Lively goes for the effortlessly chic effect. To re-create her Cali cool coiffure, braid your hair as you normally would (using three sections) but vary the thickness of each strand for a more interesting finish. Optional: wrap a piece of hair around the elastic at the end of the braid and pin to secure.

Via Bella Sugar.

Hot & Sour Soup (Vegetarian)

Soups are my rescue on the days I am critical for time and want to cook something in a jiffy.  This is surely a healthy soup for the tofu and mushrooms added inside,  not only for the vegetarians to enjoy, but surely for the rest of us.

Ingredients
1 packet Japanese tofu (sliced)
1 packet shiitake mushrooms (pull out into smaller pieces)
1 tbsp grounded/blended dried red chillies
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1/2 inch ginger (chopped)
2 tsp chilli flakes
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp Chinese wine
1 tsp sesame oil
1 egg
2 tsp cornflour (mix with some water)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 sprig spring onion (sliced)
salt to taste

Ingredients:
When oil is heated, fry the chilli, garlic and ginger.  Stir and cook until the oil starts to float.

Pour in 1/2 litre of water and let it boil.  Add in the chilli flakes, soy sauce, wine, sesame oil, cornflour, salt, break in the egg and stir slowly.

Now goes in the tofu and mushrooms.  Let is simmer and cook for another 3-4 mins before removing from heat.

Scoop to add into a bowl and sprinkle the spring onions on top. Best eaten while still hot.



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Julia Restoin Roitfeld for Lancôme

Julia Restoin Roitfeld, the daughter of French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, will be the face of Lancome's Ultra Lavande Spring 2011 collection, WWD reports. The 29-year-old is in good company with Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz also posing for the brand. Check out one of her ads and scroll down to see her strike a pose with her mom.

Julia Restoin Roitfeld stars in Lancôme's Ultra Lavande Spring 2011 ad campaign.

A member of one of France's most iconic fashion families is the new face of Lancôme. Julia Restoin Roitfeld -- the 30-year-old daughter of French Vogue editrix Carine Roitfeld -- has been tapped for the luxury beauty brand's Ultra Lavande Spring 2011 color collection ad campaign. Shot by Mario Testino in Paris, the svelte brunette models jolts of lilac on fingertips, lips and lashline in a très chic makeup line designed by creative director Aaron de Mey.

Slinking for a camera lens won't be new to the Parisian native, who has previously been the face of Tom Ford's Black Orchid fragrance. Ironically, Restoin-Roitfeld will be Lancôme's only current French spokesmodel, joining an increasingly star-studded roster that includes the likes of Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz.Via Huffington Post, StyleList.