How to Style a Bandana 3 Ways

Has anybody caught on to this bandana trend? Madewell, Zara and others have been showing them this season, and it's such an easy trend to try out. You'll want to be careful that you don't look like a "bandana" person tho — you know, like a bandit, a cross-country motorcycle man (unless that's what you're going for, in which case, totally cool), or that guy who really wants to be in a country band. Bad.

But if you steer from the traditional bandana pattern and style it in a creative way, I think you'll have fun with it. I did! Here's a few ways I thought of wearing mine:

1. Use a Bandana as a Belt (?!)

Obviously, it depends on the size of the bandana whether or not you'll be able to use it as an actual belt-belt, but this one was oversized, so I was able to play with it this way.

If the bandana is small, you could tie it around your front-left belt loop for the same idea!

2. Wear a Bandana in Your Hair

I've had an on-again, off-again relationship with tying scarves in my hair (evidence here) since I first received several of my grandma's as hand-me-downs. I'm an only child, so I guess getting clothes and accessories from my grandma was akin to most of you getting clothes from your older sister or something? Score.

Personally, I usually tuck the ends of the bandana underneath the "headband" part, so they don't stick up like rabbit ears, or worse, a tv antenna. Sometimes they look cute that way tho — it just depends on the size of the bandana and how much they stick up.

3. Style a Bandana Around Your Neck

The current trendy gal way, I'm pretty sure, is to tie it around your neck. Plus, it's easy as pie!

I wore my bandana like this for a bit over the weekend, and my boyfriend said it looked like I was about to go for a drive in a convertible in California.

I figured I should make his vision come to life, so I'm thinking roadtriiiiip! Who's with me?!

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Scandinavian-Inspired Home Decor (That You Can Afford!)

If you're like me, you love following trends, but you don't always have the cash to drop to jump on the bandwagon. Anybody else laugh when Vogue says "here's 5 sweaters you can afford" and they all cost the same amount as your car?!

That being said, the Scandinavian vibe has been happening for a while in home decor, and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. If you want to add a few Scandinavian-inspired elements to your home, but don't have a gazillion dollars to spend, check out these ideas:

Links: (1/2/3/4/5)

I didn't know affordable sheepskins even existed, but of course Ikea made it possible. My personal favorites are the sheepskin and the pendant lamp — they seem like the best investments to take ya into the next trend that arises. Super versatile!

Have you found any favorites from this look? Have any in your home? Tell me, tell me!

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When You Feel Like a Droopy Sunflower

Sunflowers are beautiful, but they can be a little temperamental. My friend Beth and I went to check out a sunflower field near Springfield, MO this weekend and we were amazed at how big this field was — it felt like it went on for an eternity. We were also a little bummed that the sunflowers weren't quite "in the mood" to have their photos taken that day. There are very specific items required for sunflowers to thrive, and if you catch them on an "off" day, well — just remember they're growing.

Ever feel like a droopy sunflower? I sure do sometimes! Here's 3 things to keep in mind:

Face the Light — Growing sunflowers do this really interesting thing: They move throughout the day, so they're always facing the sun. Of course, there's a scientific explanation for it, but I think we can apply this to our lives. In a season of growth? Make time to face the light. This may mean canceling all plans to have coffee with a friend, exercising, practicing gratitude, or something else entirely. You know what gives you life, and when you're feeling droopy, prioritize those things.

Not Your Season — Just being honest, not every season is going to bring you as much life as look-at-me sunflowers in early August. And that's ok! That's what growth is all about. When you're needing more encouragement from family and friends, don't be afraid to ask. And when you're not in season but another sunflower is, celebrate those who thrive. You'll be back in season before you know it.

Sunflower Seeds — Health people rave about the benefits of sunflower seeds. And it's crazy when you think of it; that a nearly 16-foot tall plant produces seeds that are not even an ounce, but those itty-bitty seeds are like gold. Even droopy sunflowers produce seeds, so when you're feeling like a giant stalk, too-awkward-for-your-field hanging around with your head down, find those pieces of gold inside you, and share 'em with the world.

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