The LOOK: How to Create the Perfect Top Knot Bun for the Holidays

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Frank Barbosa, GoLocalWorcester Style Expert

Simple yet elegant, the top knot is a modern day classic. Photo: In This Fleeting Moment/Flickr

Are you looking to change your hair from drab to fab this holiday season? Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to create the perfect top knot just in time for that special holiday gathering or party.

1) First, I like to start with texture and shine by spraying the root area with Rene Furterer Naturia spray for clean volume with some texture. Then, from mid- length to ends, use a shine serum or cream.

2) Next, using a flat iron or curl wand to seal in shine while creating texture. My favorite flat irons at the moment are from Sultra, which you can find at Sephora. Then break up by running fingers through your hair.

3) Gather hair up to the top of your head, secure while twisting hand around pony, but do not pull pony through elastic banding using hair pins. Rather, secure different pieces into shape with a chopstick or tail comb lift hair around hairline to soften look. Next, spray lightly with hairspray. I would use the Rene Furterer Vegetal hair spray, which is totally workable.

Final Thoughts

Simple yet elegant, the best thing about this look is that it marries a myriad of looks and is super easy to do. It’s also customizable and is great for casual days or special events. The top knot is a new classic!

From Sex and the City 2 to Rachel Getting Married, from The Sorcerer's Apprentice to Bride Wars, Frank Barbosa has styled some of the biggest celebrities in film, TV, and theater. He's just finished styling on location alongside film stylist Alan D'Angerio on the film, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, starring Jennifer Garner. He's been in the industry for 17 years, moving from hip neighborhoods in Chicago, to Boston's Newbury St, to Bellevue Avenue in Newport. He maintains that his real passion, though, is being behind a salon chair at Frank Antonio Hair and Makeup in Newport.

Related Slideshow: 2013 Gift Guide: Great Gifts for Her

Prev Next

Natural relxation

Between work, family, and anything else that life might be throwing their way, chances are the woman you are shopping for is in serious need of some pampering. Pop in to Blushing Bee Naturals in Holden and browse their great selection of all natural and organic products. Choose from great product lines like Little Moon Essentials, Badger, Burt’s Bees, Pacifica and more. Rest easy knowing that you are treating the special lady on your list to a completely natural pampering experience.

Where to buy: Blushing Bee Naturals, 787 Main Street, Holden, MA. (508) 829-2332.

Price: Varies based on product line and item

Photo: Mr. T in DC/Flickr

Prev Next

Chocolate indulgence

By and large, chocolate is a smart gift choice for any woman on your list. Head to Colonial Candies in Bolton to check out their selection. This place has been in business for 100 years and counting and it’s no secret why—they sell some of the best confections in the industry. Pick up a box of their famous assorted chocolates that will be sure to please. If chocolate is not an option, be sure to check out their old fashioned ribbon candy!

Where to buy: Colonial Candies, 47 Sugar Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-6586.

Price: $21.95/1lb Box Classic Assortment; $17.95/gift wrapped box of Old Fashioned Ribbon Candy

Prev Next

Bedside reads

Got a girl that loves to read in mind this holiday season? Look no farther than Tatnuck Booksellers in Westborough. Containing thousands of books covering all genres and age ranges spread over 35,000 sq. ft., you are sure to find a book she’ll love. As a bonus, all the books in store are discounted—every day.

Where to buy: Tatnuck Bookseller, Route 9 & Lyman Street, Westborough, MA. (508) 366-4959.

Price: Varies based on book or item selected.

Photo: Casey Fleser/Flickr

Prev Next

Inspired jewelry

Choose a piece of jewelry for a special woman in your life that has meaning this holiday season. Ribbons Jewelry in Uxbridge is the go-to for inspirational jewelry. Take a trip to the show and check out the BB Becker Collection, featuring beautifully designed engraved jewelry.

Where to buy: Ribbons Jewelry, 158 North Main Street, Uxbridge, MA. (508) 278-2495.

Price: $64.00+

Photo: Alexander Karelly/Flickr

Prev Next

Candles

Maybe you haven’t yet heard, but Kringle Candle Company is the newest, freshest premium candle retailer in Massachusetts. Take a trip out to their Bernardston candle factory and explore all that it has to offer. Collections of candles scents range anywhere from kitchen spices to holiday fragrances and more. Pick up some great scented candles, like the great Cocoa Spice Jar candle, and pair it with a car freshener!

Where to Buy: Kringle Candle Company, 220 South Street, Bernardston, MA. (413) 648-3077.

Price: Large Spice Jar Candle: $24.95

Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism/Flickr

Prev Next

Adventure

Got a free spirited adventurer on your list? Keep it close to home and take the short drive to New England Backpacker on East Mountain Street. Pick up a pair of cross country skis or snow shoes for a winter lover, or a tent and some hiking boots for a summer adventurer.

Where to buy: New England Backpacker, 6 East Mountain Street, Worcester, MA. (508) 853-9407.

Price: See store for details.

Photo: Stefan Schmitz/Flickr

Prev Next

Hand-painted treasures

Support a great Worcester business, ARTworks, this holiday season. Peruse beautifully handcrafted figures by Lori Mitchell that are perfect as gifts. There are several to choose from, all amazingly detailed and themed. For a holiday themed gift, pick up the “Playing Santa” figure—it’s adorable!

Where to buy: Artworks, 261 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA. (508) 755-7808.

Price: “Playing Santa,” $23.00

Prev Next

Memories

Got a busy mom to buy for? Why not buy her a photo calendar, specially made with all of her favorite memories? As she’s planning away for next year, she can look back on all of her happiest moments. Snag her favorite pictures and hop on Shutterfly today. You can get her a gorgeous wall calendar in 8”X11” or 12”X12” sizes.

Where to buy: www.shutterfly.com

Price: 8”X11”: $21.99; 12”X12”: $29.99

Photo: gingerboximages/Flickr

Prev Next

Botanical creations

If you’ve got a nature lover on your hands, you can do better than a bouquet of grocery store roses. Check out Seed to Stem, a great local business that pairs unique botanical arrangements and creations with curiosities, antiquities, and more. Pick up a gorgeous hanging terrarium that will make the special woman on your list beam.

Where to buy: Seed to Stem, 174 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA. (508)890-0933.

Price: See store for specific pricing.

Prev Next

Handmade jewelry

Take a visit to Prints and Potter, a store that is dedicated to handmade, handcrafted treasures. Pick up a beautifully made piece of jewelry for the lady on your list. Select from an array of alluring gemstones and precious metals to find that perfect gift.

Where to buy: Prints and Potter, 142 Highland Street, Worcester, MA. (508) 752-2170.

Price: Varies

Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr