Our Real Girl model for this look was Grace Weber, an indie soul singer. She was sporting the aerodynamic, wind-swept knot from Preen's fall '12 show. Michelle Combs, an Aveda colorist and stylist at Parlor, re-created the look for us by applying Aveda Phomollient and Pure Abundance Hair Potion, backcombing Grace's hair and then dividing it into two equal sections at the back of the head. These sections were tied in a knot, then pinned, with the ends sticking out vertically. A comb was added in the front and copious amounts of hairspray were added to the back, to keep the ends sticking out.

"I feel like real girls tend to perfect their updos too much," says Michelle, explaining why she thinks the average girl wouldn't attempt this hairstyle. "They are unwilling to leave it a little messy on purpose. It's appealing to me to have a contrast of messier-textured hair, and polished, clean, makeup. It reminds me of contrasting textures in fabric, like a leather jacket with a light dress. I think it gives a cool, pretty, and nonchalant vibe."

Photographed by Amelia Alpaugh