xoJane.com May 17, 2013 A Fancy But Lazy Girl’s Victory Roll Tutorial By Kristina Uriegas-Reyes Pretty much all my hair care revolves around wanting to be glamorous, but also being kind of lazy so, over time, I devised a variety of hair styles to fit my life. Most of the time, I’m a night-owl so I’ll do the rag rolls for easy, morning get-up-and-go curls. Victory rolls mean that I was too lazy to rag roll my hair the night before, but still wanted to look cute in the morning. I’ll usually start with straight hair, create the victory rolls and use a curling iron on the rest of my hair. I use the curling iron in big sections of my hair to give it a sort of wave rather than spending time doing section-by-section curling. This time around, I started with rag rolls. I had some time the night before and they’re easier to turn into victory rolls since they take shape overnight. To start, you’ll need a bristle brush, a comb, about 5-6 bobby pins, hairspray and a curling iron if you started with straight hair. I always comb my hair to the right, opposite of my bangs, but depending where your natural part is, you might need to section your hair one side or the other. You can use the comb to create a deep side part. Then take the comb and divide the left side of your hair (or the side with less hair) into a front section about two inches wide. Use your brush under the new section to give texture to the hair nearest to your crown. Don’t brush too much since you don’t need to volumize. It’s just for a bit of hold once the victory roll goes up. You can add a little hairspray as well if you’ve got some flyaways in your section. If the front ends up a little messy, just brush it out. Don’t worry about brushing through the front curl. Put two fingers near the mid-section of your hair and roll the rest of your hair around it, tucking the ends of your in so it all rolls neatly together. Take your fingers out, and while keeping the roll together, keep rolling until you get to the top. Once you have a nice mini roll, put a bobby pin in the front of your roll on the bottom part of the section. Then, put a bobby pin in the back to keep it all together. Once your roll is in place, it should be a mini O-shape that you can see through. You can wear it like that, but personally, I like to pin the smaller roll down using one more bobby pin. I push the roll back and pin it down very slightly so that you can’t see straight through it anymore. Now, starting on the other side of your hair, create a section with a clean line about two inches wide. Hold your hair about the middle of your section. Follow the previous instructions and make sure not to get too much hair in this section or it’ll be harder to take shape. If your victory roll comes out a bit wonky, just section the part again with a tiny bit less hair. This roll will have a much more rolled-look from your ear to the top of your hair. Looks like we are victorious! Lastly, you know how much I love to tease so I brush the remaining curls a bit and tease underneath the hair. I play with the texture and if there’s too much tease frizz, I add a little serum to calm it down. 

xoJane.com May 8, 2013 Get Fabulous Curls That Don’t Damage Your Hair: A Rag Roll Tutorial By Kristina Uriegas-Reyes I love big hair, but my strands have always been straight. For as long as I remember, I craved glamorous, enviable curls a la Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe. The grass is always greener and whatnot. Obviously my hair didn’t magically change overnight (or did it?!), but I found the perfect non-damaging solution: rag rolls.   Growing up, my mom had a variety of curling irons that I eventually pilfered after leaving the nest. I loved the way the small one created defined curls and how the large one made the perfect flip. After a while though, I started losing patience with how long it took to create individual curls on my thick head of hair. I ended up reading about bloggers who used pin curls or rag rolls to create perfect, vintage curls. I decided to try my luck.   Now, I’m a  reformed morning shower-er, turned night shower-er and I’m totally obsessed! The rag rolls are easy to do and they last all day.    Initially, most of the how-tos I read just said, “Get out of the shower, put your hair in rolls and go to bed.” This is terrible advice though, especially for thick hair. If you rag roll your hair straight out of the shower, you’re liable to wake up looking like a wavy, wet-mop. The best way to start out is to throw in some mousse while your hair is still damp and then blow dry until more or less dry. Air drying also works, but I personally think you get a better result after blow-drying.   Next, you should have some cloth strips on hand, each about four or five inches long. Depending how much curl you want, or if you’re into ringlets, you can use more or fewer of these strips. Today, I used 12, which equalled six for the top sections and six for the bottom. If I’m extra lazy, I’ll use as few as three strips on each side of my head. It pretty much still gives my hair the body and wave I’m into.    OK, let’s start! You grab your first section of hair, place the piece of cloth at the bottom of your strands and start rolling up as best you can. Initially, it’s a bit difficult to get the ends of your hair to curl into the roll, but just keep trying, tuck them in and roll to the top.   Next, you want to tie the strip rather tightly (no double knots or anything though). You want them to stay while you asleep, but you don’t want it to be super difficult to get them out either. After the first few tries, you’ll soon get the hang of it and can easily roll your hair in front of the TV.    All right! So you rag rolled your hair and slept on it. Hopefully none of the rolls fell out, but if they did, you can always use a curling iron to fix any first-time mistakes. This is my hair before I brushed it out with the curl’s natural forming wave.     After running my fingers through my hair, it becomes quite curly, which is exactly what I hoped for.   We’re not done though! Like I said, I love big hair, so what’s a girl to do? Tease it, silly! This part is not as good for your hair, but I love the oomph and refuse to give it up! My recommendation is to always use a bristle brush, which has always garnered the best results. Even if you over tease, it’ll fall a bit and you’re left with some nice volume.    Ta-da! Add a little hairspray and you’re totally done! I try not to add too much or my hair gets weird and tangly I have two kinds of hairsprays, one for don’t-move bouffants and one for more moveable hair. The hairspray I’m currently using is Sebastian Shaper Plus, which is a decent hairspray that my mom left when she came to visit. If anyone has any recommendations though, I’m definitely all ears!    Overall, rag rolls are the perfect time saver in the morning since you just unroll and comb through. I love that they don’t damage your hair with heat and unless it gets humid, they tend last all day. Another option when you take your rolls out is to use a bristle brush to brush through your hair, instead of using your fingers.   This gives you more of an old-Hollywood, Veronica Lake kind of wave rather than big, fluffy curls. It’s always fun to mix it up! 

xoJane.com May 1, 2013 An Ode to Fancy Nighties and the Best Places to Find Vintage Sleepwear Inspiration By Kristina Uriegas-Reyes It all started with my admiration for gorgeous lingerie. I’ve always admired burlesque and, of course, the style of Dita Von Teese. I looked to the elaborate underwear in performances and photo shoots, assuming this was the normal go-to for nighttime sexiness. The idea of lingerie making you feel sexy for yourself was incredibly exciting, yet after an awkward purchase, I felt reluctant to sleep in my new unmentionables, not to mention delicately wash “my delicates.” Maybe no one actually sleeps in their fancy underwear, either way, it made me wonder, “What’s the next best thing?” Sleep is sleep and I’ve always been a T-shirt/pajama pants kind of girl with the occasional nightgown appearance. Unfortunately those nightgowns were usually blahsville with a simple design or, let’s be honest, a Winnie the Pooh print. I ended up admiring lacy under-things from afar, while staying practical in the underwear department. The idea of a bra for bed was immensely appealing, but I realized that I prized comfort over what I thought was my only option for nightly glamour.  Turns out, I was wrong. My obsession began with a thrifted pink nightie that I still hold near and dear to my heart. I wondered if I’d actually wear it, but ended up acquiring it for a mere $10. With it’s lacy straps, small, delicate bow and pretty pink overlay, it almost felt too fancy to wear to bed, but was I starting to feel shlumpy whenever the boyfriend came ‘round, so I gave it a go. I tucked my pajama pants away and referred to the nightie as “my fancy lounge-wear.” After a while, I was wearing it to bed almost every night. I realized that I loved the way it made me feel. Even when I’m all moisturizer and zit cream, I still felt glamorously pretty in pink.  Since then, I’ve scoured thrift shops and am constantly checking Etsy for the best deals on vintage nightgowns. Although they often come with matching jacket or robe accessories, I rarely wear those. I mean, try washing dishes in a frilly robe with bell sleeves. It’s kind of annoying. Plus, there’s something so simple about the nightie itself. You throw it on, it billows all fancy-like and you go about your nighttime business feeling like a boss.  I look weirdly mischievous, but I’m really into my hair in this photo. Besides glamourosity, the biggest advantage to nighties are how ridiculously comfortable they are. I no longer worry about wearing a bra to bed in order to feel sexy. You’ve got bows and lace, but also extra room in case of a food baby emergency. Not to mention, it helps to feel pretty when you’re all PMS-y.  When it comes to nightie inspiration, I look to a few of my favorite movies.  Natalie Wood in Penelope (1966). Major hair inspiration! [Photo] Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby (1968) [Photo] Katherine Hepburn in Bringing Up Baby (1938). So dreamy! [Photo] Olivia Newton-John in Grease (1978) [Photo] [Photo] “Mad Men” has also been a good resource. Did you catch Megan’s fabulous red nightie in last week’s episode, “The Flood?” What a dream! Even though I’m all dolled up, it feels strangely intimate to pose in my nightie. I’ve always wanted to take “pin-up style” or “boudoir photos,” but this is as close as I’ve gotten without getting extra sexy. Some day, some day!  Of course, I gotta ask: What do you guys like to sleep in? Do you glam it up or is it straight down to business (aka sleep). Are you into PJs? Nighties? Nakedness? Nighties are obviously amazing, but occasionally I do enjoy matching PJs. (How cute are the ones in “The New Girl”?!)

XOJane.com December 27, 2012 How Pillbox Hats Changed My Life (and a Few Tips For Wearing One!)  By Kristina Uriegas-Reyes Historically, the pillbox shape of a hat was first used in military attire — but, of course, later it became the iconic fashion statement we all know and love. I’m here today to share with you my passion for this bold and beloved vintage hat. Sure, Jackie O could get away with just about any hat you threw on her head, but I’ve always had a large noggin, so most vintage hats can barely get past the top of my head. The day I found my first pillbox, specifically the green one above, I set it on top my head, scrutinizing the vintage find. “No,” I thought, “This feels all wrong.” Something about wearing it straight on, in the middle of my head felt too literal. I cocked it to the side and suddenly, we were in business! I felt like a new vintage goddess. A few years ago, I started dating my current boyfriend. For our first Christmas as a couple, he got me the nicest present a boy could buy. He scoured his hometown for the perfect leopard-skin pillbox hat. Honestly, it freaked me out a little. The gift was too good! Boys buying accessories is a rarity and to find such an amazing vintage piece — I realized that he not only knew me, but knew my style. What a keeper!  Whenever I wear that hat, I feel like a confident woman who can accomplish anything. I can’t explain it, but when I’m strutting down the street, I hold my head up just a little bit higher. Regardless of the rest of my look, wearing something so bold makes me feel like a bolder person. When I listen to Bob Dylan sing, “Yes, I see you got your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat/Well, you must tell me, baby/How your head feels under somethin’ like that?” I can honestly reply, “Damn good, sir!”  Pillbox hats are an important accessory in my life for a variety of reasons. They make me feel good, make me stand out in a crowd and they give me the power of self-expression by turning a simple look into something fun and different. I’m the kind of girl who loves to push the fashion envelope, but I’m also kind of lazy and I like to be comfortable. Hats let me dress up without feeling overdressed.  I also love the fact that others seem to find joy in the pillboxes, from the older women I see look up at my hat and smile to the waitress who compliments me and says that she’s “glad they’re still around.” These hats tell a story and I love giving them new life.  Along with giving me a new-found sassiness and joy, the pillbox has also solved the bad hair day problem. Whenever my hair feels frizzy, flat or just plain bleh, my trusty hats are there to brighten my look. I neatly pull my hair back in a low ponytail, spritz some hairspray and adorn my head with a pillbox creation. Voila, a new day! I’ve personally never paid over $20 for a hat, but I’ve been lucky in my search. I’ve seen hats for over $100 depending on the detail. I can appreciate and understand the price for certain vintage items, but as a thrifter, my advice if you’re looking to start a collection of your own is just to keep an eye out. At thrift stores or flea markets, look for any hidden gems in a box of hats or beneath a pile of dresses.  I know not everyone wants to look like a Pan Am stewardess (like I do) so here are a few tips for rocking this bold chapeau: keep your hair simple, pin the hat to the side (bobby-pins usually work fine) and don’t be afraid to tuck any veils or whatnot underneath the hat. I’d also recommend picking a contrasting color for the rest of your look if you plan on wearing a white or black pillbox. Otherwise it can give off weird, wedding/funeral vibes (unless you’re into that). Hats have a life and vibe of their own, but they don’t have to dictate your whole look. I might pair a white pillbox with a T-shirt and bright pencil skirt in the summer or a fun sweater and tights in the winter. Either way, I always feel comfy, dressed up and ready to take on the world.

XOJane.com December 18, 2012 10 Cheap Ways To Make Your Apartment Classy As Hell By Kristina Uriegas-Reyes Every time I move, the adventure of decorating begins! Through thrifting and a dollar store obsession, I’ve come to find small, easy ways to perk up a home without spending bank. Here are a few favorite tips for sprucing up the joint. Ignore (or be inspired) by my seasonal dollar store decorations.  Tip 1. Keep Fresh Flowers Around Nothing brightens a room more than colorful, fresh flowers. I keep some as a small centerpiece in the living room and near the makeup area in my room. Seeing them every morning makes my day just a little bit happier, especially in the grey, gloomy months of winter. “Who can afford fancy schmancy flowers?” you’re thinking. My suggestion: go for the carnations. They usually run $5 or less. Tip 2. Use a Refurbished Vase All the Nutella I ate finally paid off! I sometimes see glass jars sold for up to $15 at flea markets and vintage boutiques, but all it takes is a bit of food-eatin’ to get your new vase. Wash the jar under warm water and the sticky label should come right off. Side Note: You’ll also look super hip and rustic chic if you use those extra jars as cups at your next party. Don’t have any glass jars at the moment? I once turned a plastic Crystal Light container into a quick vase by wrapping pink construction paper around the label. Keep it minimalist or glue on some awesome gems. It’s up to you! Tip 3. Create a Wall of Roses When I feel extra fancy and spring for roses, I make sure and save each bouquet by hanging them upside down on my wall with a rubber band and a pushpin. It looks pretty and, over time, is an easy way to decorate an empty wall.  Tip 4. Create the Perfect Ambiance My next tip isn’t for everyone, but I’m going to come right out and say it. I think Christmas lights are classy all year round! Whether surrounding my photos or the wall of roses above, I love how the white lights gives a glowy, fairy-like ambience to my otherwise dark, windowless living room. Nothing wrong with keeping a bit of whimsy around post Christmas-time. Along with lights, you can usually find an assortment of candles for $3 or less at any Dollar General or 99-Cent Store. Candles used to make me irrationally nervous, but I’ve grown to love the romantic quality they bring to a room. Tip 5. Get Creative With Your Wall Art If you’re a thrifter like myself, you know that there’s always a pile of frames at the thrift store. Maybe you also have a pile of awesome print fabric or vintage dresses in need mending. Pick your favorite fabric and frame it up! I had this awesome bed cover with hot pink S&M illustrations, but it was too small for my bed. You could also keep an eye out for illustrated children’s books, which always make great art as well. I like to keep framed photos of my favorite children’s book, “Madeline,” hanging near my room. Tip 6. Pushpins are Your Friend Over time, I’ve collected a fair amount of accessories, but I hate not knowing what I have. A simple solution? Hang your favorite items on the wall using everyday pushpins. It’s both decorative and useful for finding things. I keep my favorite hairbands all in one place and my jewelry next to the mirror. You can hang just about anything to create more of showcase. It always makes me happy knowing what I have and wear to find it.  Top 7. Create a Party in Your Room In terms of year-round decoration, I’m big fan of garlands, especially DIY such as these suggestions from A Beautiful Mess. I keep meaning to get crafty and frame my room in an array of garlands, but in a decorating pinch, colorful tinsel (yes, via the dollar store) totally does the trick! I used a stick-on hook from Home Depot and created a tinsel frame to hang my favorite vintage dress. The color’s a bit cheesy, but the tinsel shine makes it feel like a party in my room all year round! Tip 8. Vintage Luggage Can Be Used For More Than Traveling In my thrifting adventures, I sometimes come across an assortment of vintage luggage. My favorite find of the year has to be this round hatbox that inspired me to use the luggage as my official record-holder. I like things organized but aesthetically pleasing, so it was the perfect container for my small collection of records. Old-school luggage can also be a cheap way to keep things organized. My craft supplied are safely stored under my bed in a floral tapestry suitcase. I might be travel ready someday, but for now it keeps me from buying more plastic bins.  Tip 9. Show Off Those Shoes I’m more into purses than shoes, but I can appreciate a pretty heel and the concept of shoes as art. If you own a few sparkly or unique pairs, why not show them off in an empty corner of your room or under your mirror where just looking at them can make you happy? Tip 10. Be Inspired Don’t forget to keep it real with photos of family and friends or an inspiration collage of all the things you love. Whether you follow these tips or create some of your own, there are no rules and your home should be a place that always feels inspired!

BUST.com October 2, 2012 Rachel Antonoff Spring/Summer 2013 Garden Party of Fashion By Kristina Uriegas-Reyes One of my favorite collections of the season has to be the adorably wearable Spring/Summer 2013 collection by Rachel Antonoff. Each season, her presentation is cuter than the last and this season doesn’t disappoint. Her garden party of fashion was a wonderland of preppy, school-yard looks with a hint of classic edge. The inspiration, 1977’s scientific film Powers of Ten, can be seen in the mesmerizing silk prints (which are actually aerial garden views) and in the maze itself, which gives the feeling of being inside the print. From models playing badminton and carving into trees to eating cake and sitting pretty with a kitty, everything came together to create a fun, interactive element that made the show different than the rest. 

BUST.com June 26, 2012 Interview with Jacklyn Bethany, Stylist and Founder of Online Shop, Audrey Grace By Kristina Uriegas-Reyes Jaclyn Bethany, 23, recently launched Audrey Grace this past week and it’s nothing short of a wondrous place for all the pretty things I wish filled my room. Like her shop in Mississippi and pop-up in NYC, the online shop is a unique mix of dreamy vintage pieces, gorgeous designer frocks, and adorable illustrations from around the world. I sat down with Bethany before her big launch and asked a her few questions about the shop and her inspiration behind it. When did you first decide to open a shop?  I had the idea about a year ago and started looking for designers since I knew what my aesthetic was going to be. I felt like there was a gap in the market for this kind of girly, elegant aesthetic and I wanted to bring my dream closet to the masses. What do you think inspired you? I was inspired by style icons of the past. The store, Audrey Grace, is named after Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, who embody classic elegance and style. Grace Kelly had such a fascinating story. She went from actress to princess and became this very iconic, elegant figure. The same with Audrey Hepburn. They both had this very girly, feminine quality that I really admire. It made me realize that there are still girls who want to dress that way, but who don’t necessarily have access to those kinds of clothes. I wanted to bring some accessibility. What made you want to take the leap to an online shop? I think online is where it’s at. There’s something special about having your own shop, but I believe it’s important to have the ability to get things to anyone who wants them. How do you go about choosing designers or artists to showcase? I initially looked for independent sellers on Etsy and from there, contacted high-end designers who fit the brand, such as Erin Fetherston and Orla Kiely. I once made a “If I had a store” designer dream list and for the most part, they all worked out! I also found a lot on the way, which was great. I met most of the artists in Australia and England and commissioned their work for the store so a lot of the art on the website is one-of-a-kind. What inspires you in everyday life? The current season and the city that I live in. I feel so lucky to live in New York City. While I love London and Paris, New York is a constant inspiration because everything is here…I also love the way Alexa Chung dresses pretty much all the time.  What should people expect from this new online shop? It’s all about accessibility and simple display. We want to make it a special and unique place to shop online. Any other creative endevors? I studied acting [at Fordham University] and, to an extent, I think it’s helped fuel my interest in fashion. Fashion is so transformative and costumes are a big part of that. I’ve also been styling a lot these days, which I really love! Check out some of these images from a recently styled shoot and be sure and check out the Audrey Grace blog for up-to-date photo shoots and interviews galore. It’s a mountain of girly inspiration!

BUST.com May 17, 2012 Show Review: Regina Spektor at United Palace Theater By Kristina Uriegas-Reyes At 17, I waited for hours on end to be front-row-center for my favorite new songstress Regina Spektor at Austin City Limits. The festival experience was grueling yet thrilling, and as the show came to end, all I could think was, “That was totally worth it.” So at her recent show, as she started to sing, a wave of nostalgia came over me. The venue for this performance, the United Palace Theater, was quite grandiose and seemingly fit for an opera. With its broad stage and clear, luminous sound, it made the perfect location for a such a relaxed, almost-cinematic experience. Her opening song, “Ain’t No Cover,” had a strong, soulful quality and my first thought was, “Why isn’t this girl compared to Amy Winehouse or Adele more? She’s just as soulful.” Eventually I realized it makes no sense to compare her to those singers, especially since she’s done her own thing for so long. In reality, she’s a charming musical mish-mash and that’s what makes her amazing (or “quirky” as we’re fond of labeling those girls lately). At various points in the show, Spektor crooned, rapped, burped, cussed, beatboxed, and even added an Italian accent to the mix. She’s got a classical elegance to her voice, but an interesting edge to her songs. Her song list varied from “On the Radio” and “Samson” to “Laughing With” and “Dance Anthem of the 80’s.” Her new songs seem stronger than even her classic tunes—I never once wished she’d “play more of the old stuff.” Personal highlights included her updated rendition of “Better” and encore of “Us,” both such lovely and melodic songs. It’s been seven years since I last saw her play, but after all this waiting, I have to say: it was worth it. [Photos by Jon Klemm]

Clothia.com February 17, 2012 Pink Perfection In Red Valentino By Kristina Uriegas-Reyes This season’s collection by Red Valentino is fashion confection at its best. The designs are filled with pink pastels and dainty details from the tops of their bows to the tips of their toes. There’s even a dash of Marie Antoinette in the girly accents and sassy round skirts. Made of tulle and taffeta, these fairy tale dresses and whimsical separates are light as a feather with modern charm to spare. The sweet sister line is the perfect addition to the classic elegance of the Valentino couture we all know and love.