Dye 2DyeFor.

A couple of posts ago you'll remember me wittering on about how much I adore Jessica Alba. I came to the distressing conclusion that I'll never actually be her some time ago so decided to use her as sartorial inspiration instead. It was all going very well until last week I saw some pap shots of her which left me with a totally new thing to lust over...her hair.

I have, for a while, looked at the ombre (dip-dye) trend with jealous admiration; never having the guts to change my own hair so drastically but over the weekend, after spending time with a friend and her newly 'blonded' tips I caught the fever and couldn't think of anything other than getting to my local Boots to get a home-dye kit. After some research it seemed the most easy to use for first timers like myself was L'Oreal Preference - Wild Ombres which has kits according to original hair colour. Being a very dark brown haired gal I was keen not to use a dye designed for lighter hair that would leave me looking as if I'd attacked myself with a bottle of spray bleach.

Next on my 'to do' list before taking the plunge was to look up celebrities and bloggers who'd inflicted the same style upon their own poor hairs. And it wasn't difficult. A single search of Google and I was inundated with images of women with bleached tips. While the idea of subjecting my hair to such damage scared me the results I was seeing on other people's heads were doing little to dissuade me from going for it too.

Alexa Chung, Drew Barrymore and Billie Piper

Bloggers who've home dyed too

So Monday night, glass of wine in hand and housemate looking at me as if I'd had some sort of brain malfunction (this is generally a sign I'm doing something right) I trundled into my bathroom, L'Oreal in my clutches, and set to work. Here's what happened next:

Oh, just look at the optimism!

Here's when I realised what I was actually doing...

First attempt at styling it

Blonde tips

First style before applying toner - I told you, I'm a newby at this!

That was how it looked on Monday night and the tone alarmed me a little. I'd been looking for a duskier blonde, not a strawberry blonde! After consulting some friends whilst trying to keep a cold sweat at bay someone used the word 'toner'. I was in a blur so I can't remember who but what I can remember is getting up 30 minutes early yesterday to get to Boots and buy the relevant products to try and salvage the image in my head.

So last night off I went again, back into the bathroom and here's how it's looking today.

After finally getting the guts to tell my mum (yes, I'm aware I sound 16, not 26 but she loves my hair so I felt bad) it's safe to say she had a mild meltdown. And then by chance, while still on the phone to me and simultaneously flicking through the television channels she happened upon a girl entering the Jeremy Kyle stage with the same hair...Eurgh.
My mum is someone whose opinion really matters to me so the fact she really dislikes it has made me think twice about what on earth I thought I was doing.

After the JK relevation

Now I want to dye it back. What do you think I should do? I need mass opinions and fast!

Awe.

Jessica Alba. I am in awe of this girl. I haven't seen her look anything less than fantastic for about 3 years now.

That's it. I'm off to live in a climate that allows silk skirts, bare legs and leather jackets in October. We, in England, were promised an 'Indian Summer' but that has yet to arrive (I know it never will) so being the practical girl I am, I am seriously considering getting my furs out. 

Uber cool couple alert. I love how much monochrome she's been wearing of late. It's definitely a trend I'm going to embrace this A/W. Hair extension ponytail: optional.

Even on her chill down days she looks the epitome of chic. I might plaster my inner wardrobe doors in images of her to help inspire me of a morning.

Why don't I look that cool when I'm just strolling along, phone in hand? If I tried that I'd more closely resemble a discombobulated gazelle who's just been introduced to technology for the first time. All awkward strides and clashing head first into innocent passers-by.

There is definitely something about her that I'm looking into copying though so stay tuned for updates via this blog...I feel a change coming on.

Amazing Alba.

For some time now I have been a big fan of Jessica Alba (although, I don't think even I could forgive Honey) and her style. I think she is one of the few 'celebs' who is truly able to look laid back chic in anything from an evening gown, to a bikini, to jeans and a T - I imagine she'd even be head turning in a bin bag.

Last week my aforementioned girl-crush was on a press day for her new brand in New York so you can imagine my excitement at discovering she made not 1, not 2 but 4 wardrobe changes - each one as lovely as the previous.

So I quickly hopped onto Polyvore to recreate them. I hope this gives at least someone a bit of style inspiration in this awkward transitional time between keeping essentially warm but introducing spring trends into your wardrobe.

Jessica was first photographed in this amazing Jenni Kayne pant suit which I think is something that, if I don't own by the end of 2012, I will cry over. I decided to sort of 'evening look' it up a bit and re-created it with a sleeveless Givenchy jacket (on sale now at Matches) and some colour pop accessories.

The second look is great for reminding people that navy and black CAN be worn together; and, evidently, look incredibly chic. I love this outfit for anything from a meeting, to week night drinks with friends to job interview. The classic Mary Janes teamed with a bright top keep the outfit formal enough but with a nod to the ever approaching spring trends. The wool coat over the top reminds us it's still chilly out there but wearing it open gives a peak at the florals within.

This is Jessica's 3rd change and my personal favourite (who'd have guessed it?!)

I love, love, LOVE the colours in this outfit and am itching to recreate it myself. The trousers I have used are from River Island and I've been in to check them out myself - beautiful quality and a great price point. I think RI might be a contender for prints on the high street.

Team them with a bright T that picks up one of the key colours in the print and an eye catching mac, OR shoes if you're not keen on full commitment to the colours, et voila - a stunning look. And all with your trusty black handbag.

The final outfit Jessica was 'papped' in is this classic black ensemble proving, even at the end of a long day she can look super stylish even if she is exhausted.

I love this look because it is so EASY to achieve. Everyone owns a black top, shorts/skirt and riding boots. Team that with some nice, thick tights, a good handbag, coat and hat and you're done. Ridiculously quick to put together but looks as if it's been so well thought through.

Anyway - must shoot. I have the couture shows to drool over on Vogue.com and Versace's just been uploaded. Heaven.