Her Tasty Life

Braided hairstyles are in, honey!

I can’t count how many intricate, swoon-worthy braided ‘dos I’ve seen lately. Thick, chunky fishtail braids… delicate, pretty headband braids… messy, pulled apart crown braids. They’re undeniably everywhere, but with festival season kicking off today (hello, Coachella) the braid is about to be even more omnipresent on every stylish boho babe in your social media feeds.

Yes, the braid-vasion is coming.

Now, I can say with confidence, I have ZERO braiding skills. Those “barefoot blonde” braided hairstyles seem futile just looking at them. I don’t know about you, but I’m not at all adept in the tango of the perfectly tangled. Long, loose waves? I’ve got it mastered. A braid that doesn’t fall apart immediately and have every, single little layer of hair poking out? Impossible.

So how did I get such righteously braided hair you ask? I found Chicago’s hair savior at Goldplaited in Lakeview.

They have killer styling services that range from a glam blow-out to something as intricate as the glorious crown braid they gave me. As part of their Summer Braid Trend Showcase, they’re focusing a lot of energy on the chic, more elaborate braided hairstyles. Their talented staff can pull off pretty much anything.

I can’t stop thinking of all the occasions I need braids for now: patio imbibing this Summer, Lollapalooza, date nights, showers, weddings. And at approx $30/braided style, it’s easy to justify. If you are looking to replicate this look, just know that you’re going to need a lot of patience. Trying to maintain this look is not as east as it looks, but it does save me time getting ready in the morning if I know my hair is already braided. Even if you have shorter hair, by adding clip in hair extensions, you can make this work. Just give it a go.

Once I got home from Goldplaited, I was (really) excited to pick the perfect outfit to accompany my crowned tresses for the evening. I thought edging up the look with a “rocker chic” feel was the way to go. A little counterbalance to the innate girliness that comes with donning a braid helped them play off one another beautifully.

A leather jacket, black jersey midi dress, fringe booties and ear cuffs rounded out the look (shopping details below).

I loved the vibe of this. It’s easy wearing to a show, festival, or just dinner with friends. Leaning towards black is always my go-to, but the tan suede bootie gave a nice textural change while still staying monochromatic. I’ll try wearing color. Someday.

I love the feeling this whole look evoked and, honestly, it just makes me ache for Summer. It can’t get here soon enough. When it comes, I’ll be ready, and bringing the braids with me.

Shopping Details: Leather Jacket BCBG similar here (on sale!) | Tank Midi Dress Forever 21 | Ear Cuffs Stella & Dot | Fringe Booties Sam Edelman

Goldplaited | 2803 North Sheffield Avenue | Chicago | IL | 60657