Are y’all ready to add some drop-dead-gorgeous skills to your beauty arsenal? Good, because today we’re launching a brand new weekly series on the blog called Pretty Simple, full of step-by-step instructions for mastering tricky hair techniques, trendy makeup looks and lots more. I’ve wanted to launch a beauty series on CamilleStyles.com for a while, but knew that it required finding an expert who is super knowledgeable and can convey her techniques in an easy-to-grasp way for us “real” girls. It wasn’t until I recently attended a curl & blowout class taught by my friend Martha Lynn that I had my lightbulb moment, and knew she’d be perfect. Lucky for us, Martha Lynn accepted the task at hand, and I can’t wait to soak up all her expertise over the coming months. When talking over what technique would be best for our very first Pretty Simple post, she smartly decided to start with one that’s foundational to most of the hairstyles she does: Teasing. Now, I know what you’re envisioning: us Texas girls with big hair that’s teased and sprayed within an inch of its life! But what’s so cool about this technique is that you can go big, or you can use it to add subtle volume that flatters almost any style. Keep reading, because Martha Lynn’s going to show us the tools you need and exactly how to make it happen. Our very own Jess is modeling today, with photos by Cory Ryan! 

1. At the end of your part, separate a 1 inch section of hair.
2. Starting half-way up the length of the hair (not just at the root!), tease downward repeatedly using a teasing brush. Don’t be afraid to over-tease, as you can lessen the volume when you smooth. Spray section.
3. Working backwards, separate and tease a second and third section of hair, and spray each section.
4. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth out the teased hair. You can also use the tail of your teasing brush to fluff and give shape. Spray again.
5. On left side of your part, separate a 1 inch section of hair, then tease and spray. Then tease and spray a second and third section working down the side of your head. Repeat on the right side of your part.
6. Smooth teased hair on the sides of your part, fluff and spray.

Lesson learned the hard way, m’dears: never ever spend an afternoon shooting margaritas while pregnant. The temptation is way too great, and while I managed to resist (this baby does not need tequila in her diet) I have to admit that I started a mental 3-months-til-margarita countdown. I don’t think a summer cocktail exists that’s better than a simple, no-frills margarita made with agave nectar. That’s right, no sweet-and-sour or triple sec in this blend, my friends – and it really makes all the difference. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll drop in a few blackberries and muddle them in the bottom of the glass for dramatic color and deeper flavor, and you can always double this recipe, add ice and blend it all together for a frozen treat. But when you’re craving the classic, all you really need is fresh limes, agave syrup and good silver tequila. Oh, and chips and guac is kind of a must, too. Keep reading for more images and the recipe… 

Agave Margaritas

• 1 lime wedge
• Kosher salt
• Ice
• 2 ounces silver tequila
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce light agave nectar

Moisten half of the outer rim of a glass with the lime wedge (that way, you get salty on one side, but it doesn’t overpower the drink!) and twist the edge into a saucer full of kosher salt . Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice and agave nectar. Shake well and strain into the glass. Bottoms up!

*photos by Camille

Did you guys check out our Secret Garden-inspired shoot on The Everygirl yesterday? Since we don’t get to style weddings as often as we’d like, we were practically over the moon when the editors asked us to join some of the most talented names in the business as contributors to their Wedding Week. With the help of some of our favorite vendors and drool-worthy products from BHLDN (eek!), we spent a beautiful Thursday morning setting up a garden-inspired table underneath a canopy of trees. Keep reading for more gorgeous photos from She-n-He Photography, and be sure to head over to The Everygirl for the full post (and lots of advice for bride-to-be’s from Camille!)

I didn’t realize how much seafood I normally eat until I got pregnant and had to start watching my mercury intake a lot more carefully. I’ve cut out the worst offenders altogether (swordfish and ahi, to name a couple), and I try to limit others to only once or twice a week. But ever since I found out that shrimp is super low on the mercury scale, it’s been my go-to seafood fix and I’ve been loving it straight off the grill tossed with linguine and olive oil or thrown into chilled salads like this one. This salad was born as a result of a new kitchen purchase (that I decided I needed after all the gadget recos in the comments on this post) – a handheld mandoline. I wanted to make a salad that made the most of my new tool’s ability to create perfect paper-thin slices – like these tiny seedless cucumbers and fennel bulb. I thought that grapefruit would add just the right amount of sweet/sour zing, avocado for necessary creaminess, and grilled shrimp to make it a substantial meal. This is definitely a salad I’m going to be making all summer…and probably for lunch today, in fact! Keep reading for the recipe… 

Grapefruit, Fennel & Grilled Shrimp Salad

*4 servings

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 15 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented
• 1 English cucumber, thinly shaved crosswise on a mandoline
• 1/2 large fennel bulb, halved, cored and thinly sliced crosswise on a mandoline
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
• salt & freshly ground pepper

*images: Mike Bullock

I (Cristina) have always dreamed of having a library in my home, complete with floor-to-ceiling bookcases, warm and luxurious seating, and a rolling ladder (I blame it on Beauty and the Beast). And though I haven’t quite made it there, I’m finding that the inspiration in this room is delightfully within reach for those of us with small spaces. I love the idea of setting up a personal library in your dining room to cozy up the space, and how cool would it be to seat dinner guests in a room that’s lined with all your favorite books? Best of all, this look requires no built-in furniture, holes in the wall, or bold paint job, so it’s perfect for renters too. Keep reading to see how to bring this look home…

Bookcases have that incredible ability to create architectural interest and give warmth to a space that might otherwise feel cold and frigid. Hanging a painting on the bookshelf is an eye-catching way to add depth and color (as well as some hidden storage), and while this room features a round table, any shape and size would work. I love the idea of a long dining table flanked by benches, set in front of carefully curated bookshelves that are filled with curios and design books that can be changed up each season!

images: Miguel Flores-Vianna for Adore Home; bookshelves; painting by Tobias Tovera; ceramic horse; sea urchin; coral; amethyst; text print by Ashley Goldberg; ghost chair; grey cushion; chrome glasses and pitcher; wire chair; purple cushion; rug 

I’m in a minimalist state-of-mind this morning as I glance at the calendar and realize it’s only 2 weeks until my favorite Austin party of the year: the White Party benefitting LifeWorks (remember last year’s?). It’s the third year that I’ve co-chaired the event, and each one gets a little more glam (and packed) than the last. I wasn’t quite sure how to dress my baby bump this year – there aren’t a ton of cute white maternity dresses – until my stylist-friend Jen saved the day by finding this number for me. I think I’m going to cinch it with a gold belt above the bump and pair with either gold wedges…or flat sandals, depending on how I’m feeling that day. Here’s my inspiration behind the event this year: a little bohemian and beachy with just enough gold accents to make it feel a little glam. What do you think? If you live in Austin, be sure to hop over and score your tickets before they’re sold out! Hope you’re all having a wonderful start to the week, and be sure to stop by later today for Cristina’s latest edition of Bring it Home. 

*images: {row 1} Jose Villa via Once Wed, Mina Finaste via Love French Bulldogs, Irene Suchocki {row 2} Martha Stewart Weddings {row 3} Tara Donne, Vanessa Jackman, Sukha Amsterdam, The Six Week Boutique {row 4} H&M, Ditte Isager, Martha Stewart, Golden White Decor {row 5}  Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty, Shlomi Nissim.

I have to admit that I never gave origami enough credit, but these days I (Chanel) can’t get enough of the Japanese paper folding art. The geometric detail that goes into every fold, the amazing patterns and colors of the paper, the satisfaction that comes with perfecting a certain shape… folks, it’s addicting. And for this wedding shoot we recently styled for The Everygirl’s Wedding Week, ombré origami garlands added the perfect touch of color and whimsy to an inspirational outdoor table. The garlands are now hanging against a white wall in our workspace, so I would certainly recommend giving this project a try if you’re looking for an eye catching indoor installation for your home. Keep reading for the full instructions, and be sure to stay tuned for more paper masterpieces.

1. Follow these instructions to fold origami paper into cranes.
2. String clear wire through the eye of a needle, and thread through the top of the crane. Pull through the bottom.
3. Thread a crimp ring onto the clear wire, then continue alternating between stringing cranes and rings down the length of the wire.
4. Space cranes out as desired, them clamp crimp rings just beneath the birds to act as stoppers.
5. Repeat to create multiple garlands, then hang by suspending from a rod or hooks.

*images: She-n-He Photography

There’s a little debate going on at our house about whether or not this is my “first” Mother’s Day. Adam thinks I have to wait until next year when baby girl has actually been born – I get it, but to be honest, I’m already so bonded (and obsessed) with this baby that I totally feel like a mom already. Either way, it’s such a special day to celebrate our mothers and all the women who have played a nurturing role in our lives. This year, I’m feeling especially lucky that both my mom and my mother-in-law have recently moved to Austin – it’s so fun getting to see both of them more often, and I know it’s going to be amazing to have the built-in support once the baby arrives! The other day, I found this photo of my mom when she was pregnant with me – it’s so strange to think that 27 years later, I’m going through the same journey. As I kept going through the old photo album and flipped through my infancy, toddler years, preschool and beyond, it struck me how quickly it all goes by. It reminded me how much I want to savor every moment with my child, no matter how tired or overwhelmed I might feel sometimes. Do you guys have any advice for remembering to stay in the present and celebrate the ones you love every day?

Ah, Saturday morning… two of the most beautiful words I know. I thought this image from the latest issue of Martha was perfect inspiration for a Mother’s Day celebration – brimming with bold color and charming southern details like magnolia blooms and pinstriped napkins. We don’t have a lot on the agenda this weekend besides a long hike, trip to the farmers’ market and having Mother’s Day brunch with both moms tomorrow. Last night we invited a few friends for a fun game night at our house. The competition was fierce, and we paired it with big platters of grilled veggies, orange-habanero chicken and chunky guacamole for making the best tacos ever. What are all of you up to this weekend? Hope you’re all taking some time to celebrate the special women in your life, and as always, enjoy my favorite links from the week!

This DvF + GapKids video is so apropos for this weekend (those little girls!!)

And the Cabana Cha Cha video is awesome too.

Gorgeous gilded notebooks.

What do you think – better than cash?

Next best thing to a ticket to the Met Gala.

Business and babies: finding a “balance?”

Love the little dancing tassels in this adorable DIY.

and a few fun things you may have missed: 

Pink peonies + pop-up place cards.

Loads of great book recos in the comments of this post…have you shared yours yet?

A Moroccan-inspired starter that’s perfect for summer dinner parties.

*image: johnny miller for martha stewart living.

Happy Friday, everyone! What do you all have planned for this Sunday? Did you find your mom the perfect present or plan a fabulous day out for the two of you, or do you have a family tradition that you honor every year? If you’re still looking for some last minute inspiration, this alfresco Mother’s Day tea party that we styled for HGTV last year might put you in the right state of  mind. Brimming with simple, springtime details, this table is a celebration of motherhood and all things girly, and is easy enough to pull together just in the nick of time. Keep reading for more of Mike Bullock’s beautiful photography, plus a few tips on how to host your own garden-themed brunch.

We had so much fun putting together (and devouring) these butterfly tea sandwiches… and by using a cookie cutter for the shape and then toasting the bread, we were able to position the wings in flight. And of course, this simple DIY from Martha showed us how to create paper butterflies that seem to have just floated onto the rims of our champagne flutes.

*photos my Michael Bullock