Aesthetic, Ethereal

MANILA, Philippines - If there’s one thing that I have found extremely difficult to outgrow, that would be fairy tales. Even as a teenager, I found myself helplessly pouring over absolutely anything that had to do with far off places, myth, magic, swashbuckling heroes and princesses in disguise.

I was totally swept away with tales about mermaids and fairies that come high school and college, it was very hard for me to part with the Fantasy genre in the book store. There was really something just incredibly captivating about pixie dust, flying, mythical creatures, and a slew of quests and adventures that, if I just had all the time back to myself again, I wouldn’t mind spending entire afternoons cozying in on my couch on a rainy day to escape into Narnia.

Fairy tales have not just inspired generations of writers but it has also captivated the world of fashion in the form of tulle, faux jewelry, shimmer, dreamy, romantic looks, and yes, ban.do headbands.

I was never exactly a huge fan of statement headbands until I came across ban.do for the first time. The delicate finish and the enchanting details with just the right amount of softness and flare are straight out of the fairy tale, ushering in a world of mystery and magic that will automatically cast you under a vivid spell.

Statement headbands—from the huge bows popularized by the Gossip Girls’ Queen Bee, Blair, to the feather headbands that made it quite big last season—have become all the rage although only a chosen few can pull them off quite well.

Ban.do’s Black Label Collection of ethereal statement headpieces falls into that tricky-to-wear-but-definitely-glam category. Perfect for garden parties or just an ordinary weekend in town, these statement pieces are best when paired with dresses in solid colors and basic or soft silhouettes. Nothing too fancy in order to put the spotlight on these gorgeous headpieces.

The headbands come in a plethora of designs and colors from lush, ruffled sapphire and mauve embedded with faux pearls and emeralds to burgundy tulle sprinkled with tiny blossoms to strings of rhinestones set on tarnished gold which evokes thoughts of golden desert sand and Scheherazade.

Rock this look by saying good-bye to extra pulled-back and polished tresses. Think of maidens in far away kingdoms or carefree princesses and create a bed-head do with some mouse, a wide-toothed comb, and dryer set on medium heat. You can also opt to sport unkempt buns and knots or milkmaid braids around the head and slightly near the nape for a more princess-like look.

Key to this look would be a clean, fresh face, glowing skin, and luscious locks rolling down your shoulders in lose waves and tumbles.

Now talk about looking like you’re about to live happily ever after.  ?