A HAIR NIGHTMARE

So you have this thrilling idea to transform your hair into something majestic, something that you have either seen throughout pictures or just from a spur of the moment creativity. Yet, after the protracted appointment its time for the anticipated reveal. After staring at the new questionable locks your heart heavily sinks to the floor where old reminisce of your hair lays, two words pop in mind, ‘oh shit’. Most of us have experienced this feeling one way or the other, and I’m going to share my hair rollercoaster horror journey. As a disclaimer I wont be using business names due to legal reasons.

At 13 I was just entering the beauty world, understanding the unique tools to enhance features. As it was time to say farewell to my braces, I decided to throw away the lemon juice and asked my parents if I can dye my hair a true blonde. At the moment my hair was classified as a ‘dirty blonde’ but I just saw it as ‘dirty’. I was told that foils would be the ideal choice instead of a scalp bleach to maintain health. After my very first appointment I was astonished, I loved the buttery highlights that framed my face, I was content with my new look.

As I grew up, I desired immaculate white blonde hair and begun to ask my hair dresser to replicate pictures. As I continued with foils I kept feeling unsatisfied not reaching the desired colour, yet I knew the cheap payment helped my bank account. As my hair is quite long and thick, the foils weren’t reaching all of my hair creating my ends to be quite brassy. Time went on, and I abandoned reaching white blonde locks.

One day I came across a photo of Samantha Ravndahl and instantly envied her hair. The colour was a crisp silver which had a whitish tinge. Society called it the ‘grandma’ hair, but I desired the look. When I was younger I wanted a hairstyle that was heavily layered, that was either pink, purple, black or anything artistically different. However, since it wasn’t my money, the decision wasn’t my own. From working at the age of 14 I was able to amplify a savings account which every few months would be spent on maintaining my blonde hair.

After researching different salons, I decided to walk into a particular company to grasp a perception on their vibe and environment before booking an appointment. I was greeted by a very welcoming guy who explained that he can transform my hair to the photos I was presenting. As I was ecstatic from the conversation I was quite oblivious to fact the salon was extremely quiet, even though it was well-known.

The anticipated day arrived and was eager for my new fresh locks. He firstly begun bleaching my roots. Time passed and it was time to sit in a very uncomfortable chair, with my head awkwardly placed in the sink. He continued to explain that he will bleach the rest of my hair before lathering the silver dye. Two hours had past and my neck begun cramping, but I kept focused on exquisite final result. I begun observing his emotions becoming frantic as he decided to involve more employees. This is when I knew something’s wrong. Another hour had past and my neck was aching, I kept asking about my hair, yet all the employees kept positively reassuring me. So I trusted them. They started putting more bleach and more colour before deciding I needed two treatments to nourish my hair’s health. At this stage I was beginning to wonder how much of my hair was left. Eventually I was allowed to stand up and stretch my neck before being led back to a chair and mirror. First glance and I was speechless. My hair revealed to be a darkish blue with a tinge of a dark grey, yet strands of brassy yellow was peeking through making the entire colour look feral. I didn’t want to be a customer that went psychotic, so I simply paid and left. However, after coming home and showing my family, I came to the realisation that this needed to be fixed.

My mum and I walked in the next day to the salon and asked to see the manager. We were greeted by a very tall man who I immediately didn’t receive a pleasant vibe from. We politely explained what had happened and wanted a refund. Immediately we were shut down, and spoken to quite aggressively as he explained that it was my fault as his employees have never dyed someones hair silver.

Yes…lets just think about that…my fault.

At this point I was pissed. I told him that I should of been notified instead of treated as in experiment. As he realised that I know how to ‘talk back’ he came to the conclusion that their head colourist will fix the issue. I complied but was dreading returning.Thankfully, the head colourist was lovely and didn’t blame me for the incident and after a few sessions I was back to a buttery blonde.

When it was time to freshen my blonde, I decided to investigate further into various salons by walking in their studio and thoroughly speaking to them about my hair. One company completely stood out due to all their employees being incredibly friendly. Although I knew the price was hefty, I came to the realisation you ‘get what you pay for’. My hairdresser was very charismatic and I trusted her judgment. After my first session of foils my hair looked enchanting, it was reaching a white blonde. As the second appointment arose we decided to bleach it however, due to the wrong toner being used my hair was to a muddy dark grey with orange streaks peeking. At this point I wish I could dye my hair black, but instead I called up and explained resulting into an appointment. The whole time she was lovely about the situation and she fixed my hair back to a beautiful blonde. I knew from that moment I wanted her as my hairdresser for as long as I can. We are now going to achieve a white blonde and then start looking into various unique colours to streak underneath my hair.

After my experiences, I definitely have advice for those struggling to find a decent hairdresser – keep searching. Some are lucky enough to have family friends that can transform their hair at a cheap cost but from my experiences, if you pay cheap the results are cheap. By saving the required amount, you’ll be able to balance it into other daily payments. Never blame a hairdresser but if they don’t take responsibility pleasantly as spoken about previously, fix the problem then never go back, find someone better. I have always desired black hair, and wish I could dye it black, but in reality I don’t suit it. So being a blonde it is crucial to find a decent hairdresser and I am lucky I have!

But also remember its not the end of the world if your hairdresser gets it wrong so don’t freak out, just resolve the problem and keep moving forward.

Elise X

GOING TO A FASHION BALL

When you hear the word ‘fashion’ and ‘ball’ in the same sentence most of us become quite apprehensive on slightest details that are applied to our sleek hair and meticulous makeup. Yet with this being said, majority sense anxiousness from all balls. I was fortuitous to grasp a ticket for the 2015 Fashion Ball for my university. The minute after the purchase I commenced my search for the dress. Memories instantly returned back to my school formal and how indecisive I can be. Anyone close to me knows I can be completely indecisive on the simplest aspects, yet when I decide I’m absolutely for it. So deciding on a dress generates an extensive amount of nerves for me.

When I came across the ASOS dress, not only was I drawn to the elegance and desirability, the price was also astonishing. Who doesn’t want a bloody good bargain? As shown in the photos above the dress was a pure white and fitted. The material uniquely hangs down on the back creating an opulent vibe, which is quite ironic with how cheap it really was. The front was a long v-neck that had excessive material hanging down with underneath maintaining a tight mermaid look. I have no photos to display due to being extraordinarily picky with photographs. However, I can say that due to the fashion tape not sticking, majority of the night consisted with me trying to hold on to my chest.

The ball itself was intriguing, as it was my first ball I was eager to be part of the night. However, since I can be quite shy approaching and generating a conversation, I was relieved I attended the ball with one of my close friends and her sister, whom are both highly confident. They assured me to just relax and be myself. I met some amusing and kind-hearted people which I was able to speak to about mine and their fashion interests. It was also fascinating observing everyone’s style.  It was hysterical when I made eye contact with a girl I work with wearing the exact same dress as I was. The coincidence was insane, we were in tears of laughter. By the end of the night most were drunk, heels off and dancing. The overall experience was amazing and I’m excited to attend more balls in the future. My advice for those that are going to attend any ball is to not be paranoid and just have fun throughout the night.

Elise X

INKED

The subject of tattoos and piercings over the years caused great controversy concerning their exposure when undergoing a particular profession or occupation. The debate of discrimination of tattoos within the workforce has been ongoing for quite sometime. Although there are still many people against this form of expression, it has become more acceptable and seen as trendy. This forms the question: Are tattoos and piercings an identification of fashion?

Last semester throughout one of my fashion subjects, I completed an assignment that I focused on fashion identity. This topic eminently interested me as I definitely have a love for tattoos and piercings. I won’t bore you and re-write my whole essay, however I want to share aspects that I learnt when researching this particular topic.

I find it quite enchanting that specific physical attributes create someones identity. The photo below is an well-known model – Rick Genest, or as he is known, ‘Zombie Boy’. Rick is completely covered with tattoos representing a skeleton. Although I completely believe these tattoos are extreme and intense, his tattoos has created a successful identification in the modelling industry

This next photo however, is a model dressed immaculately and respectfully yet, parts of his tattoos are exposed. Many careers would object to his visible tattoos even though his attire is neat.

One day shopping, I came across a girl who had a pug tattoo. Since I’m obsessed with animals the tattoo sparked my interest. A few weeks later I saw her again and nudged my friend saying, “Look it’s the girl with that pug tattoo”. This pug tattoo became not only her personal identity but also her fashion identification. Your piercings and tattoos become part of your physical attributes.

Although I do not desire to be covered in tattoos, I know that I will at least have one. This will become part of my ‘look’ and entwine with my fashion, alongside with my piercings. I love the look of a ear fully pierced which is my aim to finish on myself. Everyone has different desires and looks they want to express. Having to remove those expressions due to careers is ridiculous. As long as that particular person looks respectful and obtains a high standard of work ethics, they should not be rejected. Tattoos and piercings can be seen as a fashion statement not some rebellious outlook. I would recommend not completely covering your face in tattoos, creating holes in your chin or becoming the next human dragon from body modification, but i guess each to their own! Just not my thing.

Although it’s irritating that society is still quite judgemental on the idea of ‘self expression’, for now we have to follow the rules…or at least try and sneak through them as best you can!

Elise X

MESH IT UP

It’s quite comical how finding a simple clothing item can transform various styles into a fresh new look. While shopping I came across a top that I’ve seen countless times. Numerous celebrities and regular people incorporate black mesh into their clothes. As dominantly seen throughout these photos below, a black mesh top has been included for three different looks; classy/elegant, a daily casual style and boho.

In this first look, the black mesh top was paired with a long tight midi skirt and a basic black bralette. By having the top modelled with not only a black skirt but also in a grey, this represents how various other tones can be included with the look. Although we are both wearing boots, these clothes would especially look applicable with heels or a type of wedge.

These next photos demonstrate that not only can a black mesh top look classy, but it can also be pertinent with various casual clothing pieces. I am seen with classic black ripped jeans while having a green checkered flannel shirt tied around my waist. This adds not only a dimensional edge but also creates a trendy colour scheme. Indu however has paired the mesh top with basic high waisted denim jeans to create a subtle yet fashionable look.

Lastly, a bohemian style was also incorporated. The softer colours throughout Indus skirt-like pants created a softer vibe while my tones are much more rustic. As bohemian fashion consists of various accessories, this mesh top would compliment the look.

Many other genres of fashion would most definitely be able to include this basic mesh top. By also experimenting with numerous pieces to place under the top could create a quirky yet contemporary look. Don’t be afraid to attempt new styles or to change up your usual genre of fashion! Splurge a bit of money and create various fashion representations of yourself. You may be surprised with what you can create!

Elise X

P.S. A big special thanks to the wonderful Aleisha for the photography, Rach for the extra hands and Indu for modelling with myself! Greatly appreciated all the help!

TAMING THE NEST

Some of us are fortunate to retain lustrous hair that magically falls perfectly and effortlessly into place. Then there is the rest of us that heavily rely on some sort of bulldozer or products that help maintain our indecisive hair. For many years I used the same straightener, yet I finally decided to discard the old and purchase the ghd eclipse. I have never owned a ghd, yet when using another’s, my hair becomes peculiarly calm. It was truly a miracle. So, one day I took a leap of faith, spent nearly $300 on the item and never looked back.

My hair can naturally fall two different ways; soft harmonious beach waves or a rats nest that most likely devoured the rats. The ghd eclipse straightener not only maintained straightness but also achieved a glossy finish, allowing my hair to be noticeably buoyant and silky. The overall result was phenomenal. With this being said, I highly recommend this item. Pairing the straightener with a decent protection spray transformed my hair completely cutting down excessive time throughout my routine. Although, some may not react as positively as I am, I believe the ghd eclipse is definitely worth the money.

Elise X

WHAT EVEN IS THIS?

From time to time we all face the dreaded questions, “Who am I?” and “What do I want from my life?”. After finishing social detrimental prison.. I mean high school, most of us are confronted with various life hurdles as we begin to form into our own personal identities. A few are lucky enough to recognise their ambitions, although most of us are utterly lost seeking pathways. I personally fall under this category of being a ‘lost puppy’. Yet, I understand the idea of not knowing is both an intimidating and an intriguing concept. With this being said, from desiring to become a ballerina and a veterinarian at the age of five, I somehow came to the realisation that my passion lies within the fashion industry. I still am unsure to where exactly I will end up, but this concept is just as enticing to me as not knowing who you will marry.

Now, most of you are presumably asking the question “What even is this?”. Well my friend, this is a blog, a fashion blog. I will be sharing to the World Wide Web my personal opinions as well as advice on this topic. However, this blog will also include lifestyle and beauty extracts. I not only want to address all three categories but additionally express my personality along the way. Being a fashion student I will not only have the ability to contribute my knowledge, but also share my participation with opportunities that arise. So, what the hell is Paper Poise? After a long frustrating period of time, these two extraordinary yet random words captivated my attention. The word ‘paper’ refers to the simple and plainness, whereas ‘poise’ indicates the elegance and confidence someone/something can obtain (getting deep and meaningful). This was ultimately why I chose the name Paper Poise. My overall goal is to not only produce a vivacious and inviting blog, but to create posts that can be also relatable.

Regarding my first blog photo, these are the necessities I personally require when writing. Always need some inspiration!

Elise X