T G I-Fill In The Blank Friday!!!

It's FILL IN THE BLANK FRIDAY!!!

That means the weekend is almost here... Saturday {tomorrow}I have a bridal fashion show I am doing makeup for, which means I have to be there at 8:15 in the morning!! No sleeping in for me... but it's gonna be a blast!! I am definitely going to bring my camera to this one!!! Other than that, the weekend should be fantastically chill...

Anyways, on with the blanks!!

{have you played along yet? if not, today is the day to start!! here}

{random photo of my shoobies and new favorite purse}

1.  One fashion trend I really regret is denim floppy hats with fake flowers glued to the front. I wore these religiously... oh, and my thick-framed round coke-bottle glasses... there were NO cool styles for kids back then.

2.  The one thing that always completes any outfit is  jewelry or a cute hair accessory. It can make a so-so outfit turn into your favorite outfit with the right accessories!!

3.  I would describe my personal style as  Laid back California girl with a little glam here and there. I love me some jeans, a cute cotton top and some flashy sandals... with my hair just blown dry like I was at the beach all day... I only curl it when I'm going somewhere special...  I do LOVE me some rockin' makeup and hair for the right occasion.

{See what I mean about the messy hair?}

4.  My fashion muse is  Lauren Conrad. She is friggin gorgeous and it doesn't look like it takes her forever to get that look {though it probably does - haha}. I just love her laid back style, and I want her hair!!!!

5.  If I could own one designer piece of clothing it would be   Hmmmmmmmmmmm either a beautiful Coach purse or a dress from Oscar De La Renta... 

6.  I would love to raid the wardrobe of  Hmmmm this may sound funny, but I would LOVE to go through Beyonce's closet. I think her style is mesmerizing and would LOVE to see her shoe collection!!

7.  Today I am wearing  A heather gray tank top with braided trim, a green cardigan, jeans, and black patent flats. {see above photo}

Hello Casual Friday!!!

Happy Weekend Everyone!!! 

Check back Monday for the full report on the 

Bridal Fashion Show!! It's gonna be a doozy...

Tribeca Film Festival: Vidal Sassoon ~ The Movie

One man changed the world with a pair of scissors, Vidal Sassoon.

Sassoon is dubbed a pioneer by many for not only coming up with so-called wash and wear looks, liberating many women from weekly salon trips to have their hair done, but also creating a multimillion dollar line of hair care products.

This first-time, deeply intimate look into the life of Vidal Sassoon, from his early days in an orphanage, to his time as a soldier, his beginnings on Bond Street, and ultimately, the revolution he caused, which continues to this day. Vidal Sassoon: The Movie was filmed over the course of three years and features unprecedented access to Vidal, candid interviews with former staff, family members, reporters and historians. Together they explore the life and legacy of the most influential hairdresser in the world, whose influence far outreaches the industry he changed forever.

Millions revere the legend, yet so few know the man.

The idea for the film started off as a personal tribute to him as he was approaching his 80th birthday, and then it grew into a major initiative to capture this man's life both in a film and a book. My intention was to leave a lasting memory of him that would inspire young people and re-inspire the older generation of hairdressers, as well as the millions of people in the world to whom the name Vidal Sassoon is either familiar or personal or evocative. Due to the fact that hairdressing's impact on society has not been very well documented or recorded, much less respected because of the lack of any serious written material, I am hoping that this is something that every hairdresser in the world will want to share with everyone they know.

 ~ Michael Gordon, Producer
Hairstylist, Creator - Bumble & Bumble Haircare

Craig Teper (Director), Elan Sassoon (Vidal Sassoon's son); John Frieda (Hairstylist Extraordinaire), Tabatha Coffey (Hairstylist) and Mary Rector-Gable (behindthechair)

On Friday, April 23rd, TV personality Tabatha Coffey (Shear Genius, Tabatha's Salon Takeover) and celebrity hairstylist John Frieda joined fans in celebrating the inspirational and world-famous Israeli hairdresser, Vidal Sassoon, at the private after-party for Tribeca Film Festival's premiere of "Vidal Sassoon: The Movie" at The Standard Hotel in New York City.

Guests showed up in true Sassoon-style, donning the hair master's signature bob haircut and others eagerly seeking personal styling tips from hair gurus Tabatha and John themselves. Tabatha, who began her career studying at the Vidal Sassoon Academy, was thrilled to celebrate the legend.

The film's production team mingled with Vidal Sassoon's family, friends and fans, sipping on their choice of Heineken, Avenue, Stoli and SmartWater, as they celebrated the man who revolutionized the art of hairdressing.

source: Reuters, Vidal Sassoon: The Movie, Getty Images

Urban Romance: Backstage with Redken at Fashion Week

Redken Creative Consultant Guido shares the goods on one trend for spring found off the runways at Fashion Week. Up or down, the new romantic looks have a more defined shape, with a grittier, slightly disheveled feel.

It’s fitting that leatherwear house Loewe showed sleek, leather-look ponytails on the runway. Here's how Guido created the look:

LEATHER-LOOK PONYTAIL

• Step 1: Brush in hardwear 16 super strong gel and gather hair in a ponytail
• Step 2: Flat-iron sections to create a slick finish. For best results with your flat iron, mist on iron silk 07 ultra straightening spray to smooth and protect hair.

 

70's INSPIRED WAVES  
These 70s-inspired waves were seen at this year's Versace show. To get the look:

• Step 1: Start by shampooing and conditioning with All Soft. 
• Step 2: Blow-dry hair smooth, then curl with a medium-size curling iron to create soft bend.
• Step 3: Finger-comb, then apply a small amount of rewind 06 pliable styling paste to add soft separation.

The Bardot-esque updo seen at Lanvin was a playful reimagining of the classic topknot.

  

BARDOT-ESQUE UPDO

• Step 1: Start by creating a high ponytail, then backcomb the tail to add texture. 
• Step 2: Twirl it into a wide knot and secure with bobby-pins. 
• Step 3: Mist hair with quick dry 18 instant finishing spray, then layer on vinyl glam 02 mega shine spray to add polish.

NEW CLASSIC
A revolutionary French twist with height and texture worthy of Marie Antoinette as seen at Louis Vuitton

• Step 1: Apply a nickel-sized amount of thickening lotion 06 body builder to damp hair and blow-dry. 
• Step 2: Take 1-3 inch sections and curl hair using a curling iron. 
• Step 3: Once curls have cooled, backcomb the entire head. 
• Step 4: Gather hair in the back and twist to create a French twist and secure with bobby pins. 
• Step 5: Mist hair with forceful 23 super strength finishing spray for humidity resistence and all day control.

TOUSLED BRAID  
Get the tousled braid seen at Alexander Wang, which goes perfectly with the designer’s modern take on American sportswear.
Step 1: Apply full frame 07 protective volumizing mousse, rough dry and swoop hair over one eye.
Step 2: Braid hair, letting the braid fall over your shoulder, tie loosely with elastic band, and pull out pieces to soften the look.

Real Beauty: Updos that Last All Night

Taking inspiration from the Chanel Spring 2010 RTW runway, we explored some tried and true tips for how to create fabulous updos the pros say will last all night.

Swept Back
Create a mini-bouffant updo with side-swept bangs for a sophisticated look. Blow-dry hair and apply a volumizing spray like Frédéric Fekkai Instant Volume Spray. Pile hair high and pin under at the nape with a few bobby pins. Instead of pulling pieces down like a regular bouffant, dry your bangs to the side with a round brush. Mist a light coating of hairspray for extra hold.

Accessorize
Your updo woes can be fixed with the simple addition of a headband or beret to set your style. We love Salma Hayek's elegant band, which adds some definition to her swept back bun as well as holds hair in place.

Face-Framing
If you have difficulty getting your hair up, create a faux updo like Jessica Biel. Using bobby pins, pin hair back at the nape of your neck (a low ponytail minus the elastic). Take away the front section of your hair and, using a flatiron, angle it to dramatically frame your face. The key to making this style stick is to cross the bobby pins in an "X" fashion to keep them secure. This may be not a great style for a Friday out dancing with the girls, but it will look great for a cocktail or housewarming party.

Ballerina Bun
We bet that your feet will throw in the towel from too much dancing in your stilettos before this hairstyle will. Pile hair into a high ponytail and wrap it around a thick elastic for a bun that will go way past last call. Top off with a long-lasting hairspray like Kérastase Double Force Controle Ultime.

Braided
This boho-chic style made a comeback last season and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Update your braid with an oversized bow like Thandie Newton, and braid slightly to the side, as opposed to straight back, for a twist on this sexy look.

To the Side
Keep your hair in check by following your natural hair part. This will help keep your updo together longer because your hair naturally falls that way. To get a style similar to Scarlett's, curl the ends of your hair with a curling iron and gather it into a low side ponytail with the front piece left out. Pin the curls around the ponytail and use a texturizing cream, like Sally Hershberger Wreck and Roll Texturizing Cream or Redken Rugged Texturizer, for added wave at the front of your face. Then, pin the piece back into the ponytail using bobby pins to create wave and volume.

Lopsided Bun
Add a twist to your bun by doing exactly that — twisting. Pile your hair high, and instead of wrapping it around an elastic, split the ponytail into two parts, twisting each into the base of the ponytail.

source: RealBeauty.com; images: Style, Elle, WireImage, RealBeauty.com

Aveda's Latest Pictorial Is Sublime

Eighties goth. Nineties grunge. Eternal beauty.

Sublime, the latest collection from Aveda’s VP Creative Director Antoinette Beenders, is inspired by music, culture and the iconic personalities from the late 20th century.

“This is punk beautified, raw and hardcore at the foundation, refined and elegant in its interpretation,” Beenders says. “We used opposing notions to present past ideas in a new way."  "It is often the case in culture, that what’s old becomes new again," Beenders continues. "Strong shapes, rough styling and matte finishing mingle in this collection to exude a raw yet sophisticated sex appeal. " "We cut classic silhouettes bluntly, and the makeup is intense, but done in a really beautiful way," Beenders says. "Sleek black-and-white clothing against a white background lends a freshness and vigor to the imagery.”

Beenders invites you to regard Sublime as an invitation to rethink the past—to find inspiration in unexpected places and to use your own experience as fuel for imagination. Lead artists from Aveda’s global network produce trend collections twice per year. Taking global hair trends from runway to real life, collection techniques are taught to the Aveda network in workshops around the world, providing Aveda stylists, colorists and makeup artists the opportunity to hone technical skills and explore their own creative expression.

Says Beenders, “Texture and bold color are back in a major way. What a wonderful opportunity to reinvent ourselves, return to fundamental skills and find new ways to create! I am challenging the network to rediscover their artistic voice."

Credits: The Aveda Artistic Team; Creative Direction: Antoinette Beenders, Vice President Creative Director; Hair Color: Ian Michael Black, Technical Artistic Director, Aveda Academy, London; Hair Cut/Style: Allen Ruiz, Aveda Guest Artist, Jackson Ruiz Salon, Austin, Texas; Erminio Fiocca, Artistic Director, Aveda Academy, London; Makeup: Rudy Miles, Aveda Global Make-up Director, New York, New York; Janell Geason, Aveda Guest Artist, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Photography: Miguel Reveriego; BTS photography: Patrick Scher
 
source: BeautyLaunchpad

another wonderful friday. . .

another friday is upon us, however this friday seemed a little more reluctant to appear than other fridays. 

oh, and remember this post from earlier in the week?

yeah, i have an appointment with the admissions director at the Make-up academy.

super. excited.

this week was just dragging along for me... but hey! it's finally friday!!

and you know what that means...

BLANKS!!

1.  The best piece of advice I was ever given was

 If you can't say nothin' nice, don't say nothin' at all.

2.  If I had a million dollars to give to one charity I would give it to  St. Jude's Chidren's research.

3.  If I got to choose my "last meal" it would be  

gruyere and herb ravioli {from los olivos cafe} with a roasted beet and goat cheese salad {from corktree} with a bottle of fantastic white wine. heaven.

4.  My hair is 

now blonde!!

 i've ditched the dark and went light. it's also working it's way into being "long"

5.  If at first you don't succeed  

try try again. if then you don't succeed, have a glass of wine and try again tomorrow.  : )

6.  I have always been very  

sarcastic and funny. i try to use my dry humor to my advantage whenever possible.

7.  Oh....and by the way....  

i can barely contain myself about the fact that it's friday and i get to be one step closer to taking make-up classes today!! oh, and HOORAY for the weekend!!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!

have you filled out your blanks yet? if not, do it now... here.

on lockdown...

for most of my life, my hair has been short.

like, really short.

in my senior portrait my hair was a pixie cut... and in second grade i decided i wanted to cut all my hair off, and believe it or not, my mom didn't stop me. i ended up looking like Demi Moore from Ghost.

don't believe me?

{circa 1992}

{you thought i was kidding didn't you?}

haha

soooooo ever since Mr. D and i became, well, Mr. D and i, he's been very curious to see me with long hair, since it's been so scarce throughout my life. i've been growing it out for about a year now, and, needless to say, cute shaggy cuts and bobs have been out of the question... i'm on lockdown so to speak {get it? locks of hair... lockdown? yeah i'm a dork} anyway, i've found a much needed distraction from cute cuts with great color. i'm currently thinking about going lighter, like a dirty blonde lighter... or, since the redhead gene runs in the family, maybe even dare to go a reddish hue like emma stone...

this could be fun...

what do you guys think of these COLORS?
{click the image to enlarge}

REVIEW: Redken Style Connection Velvet Gelatine 07

Redken has re-vamped their Urban Experiment styling line into Style Connection Surface Shifting Styler products. There are three products in this newly designed collection: Matte Sponge 05 Rugged Texturizer, Wool Shake 08 Gel-Slush Texturizer and Velvet Gelatine 07 Cushioned Blow Dry Gel.

I must admit, when I looked at these products I thought, "Geez ... do I really want to put this goop on my fresh, clean hair?" I'm a bit of a style-a-phobe when it comes to jelly-type products. But the descriptions of the products seemed so yummy I had to give at least one of them a go.

I chose to try the Velvet Gelatine 07. Oh my gosh ... I'm in love! The first thing I noticed as I squeezed a small bit of the gel into my palm was that is was the texture. Though promoted as a "gelatine", this truly is a velvety-soft product that effortlessly absorbs into hands (or hair ... ha ha). The scent is lightly citrus, floral (very subtle) and very fresh. I couldn't believe how fabulously the Velvet Gelatine worked its magic on my hair. I applied a small nickle-sized amount throughout my wet strands, combed, let dry naturally for about 20 minutes, then blew dry with my equally fabulous T3 Featherweight dryer. Results: Soft, cushiony smooth, plush, shiny hair that behaved even in the windy, warm weather we've been experiencing here in New Orleans past few weeks off and on. It's a winner for sure! I'm so glad I didn't let the "gelatine" scare me away. I'm loving this stuff! (hides it away from teen daughter)

To get the scoop on styling tips and how to use Redken Velvet Gelatine 07 from the hair pros, watch the video above. Watch how they take limp, lifeless hair to smooth, cushioned blowouts for a light, airy, bouncy effect. Great for guys and gals and all hair types! Lots to learn, goodness you'll be thankful to know.

Redken Velvet Gelatine 07 and the other Style Connection products retail for $17 each and are available at Redken salons. Visit Redken.com to find a salon near you.

it's finally friday...

hooooooweeeee i was starting to worry it would never get here.

it's been a bit of a frustrating week, but the friday factor totally outweighs the frustrations.

yesterday i had an "i hate drivers" afternoon... you know. those moments of selfish people on the freeway purposely not letting you over as if it were a race... and then i missed my exit which let me to a million one way streets going the opposite direction i needed to go. boo santa barbara... you are not my favorite when it comes to the streets.

but i survived.. and i'm sporting a new 'do for 2010.

i went back to the dark side... {insert gratuitous hair photo}

aaaaaaaand... i discovered a new and wonderful product for your hair.

moroccan oil. have you tried it yet? it's brilliant.

my hair doesn't feel dry and crispy, and is über shiny!

i'm in love with it.

on another note: i'm so ready for the weekend!

{even though it will mostly consist of packing and cleaning}

oh! and a CD release party saturday night... pretty exciting.

{more on that later}

any of you have some awesomely fun plans?

REVIEW: Sam Villa's SLEEKR Flat Iron

You know a styling tool is worth its weight in gold when your teenaged daughter tries to steal it from you. This is exactly what's happened with my Sam Villa SLEEKR. I think I got to use it one time (in fact, I know it was only once) before she'd claimed it as her own and found a place for it atop her vanity. Her best friend, these two are joined at the hip, inquired of me just the other day, "Can you tell my mom where she can get a straightener like Caroline's, please? I want one for Christmas."

Caroline (my daughter, left) and her friend Brett-Ashley (right): both girls used the Sam Villa SLEEKR for the dance you see them posed for above.

Hmmmm ... you don't say. One like "Caroline's", huh. Great! Another drool worthy beauty item lost forever to the teenage diva I've inevitably created. Well, she's a lovey, and not at all the indulgent fiend I've made her out to be, so I'm sure she'd allow me to borrow her SLEEKR if I wanted to use it, right Baby? (still waiting for response ... lol)

Ok, the story here is this flat iron is everything it's made out to be and then some. Where other irons I've tried have struggled to compare to my good ole CHI, this one rises to the occasion and delivers a performance worthy of a standing ovation. In fact, my lil' boo actually likes it better than the CHI she thinks is hers (I'm not giving it up, though; hell I need something to use, right).

Here are the deets:

SLEEKR Features and Benefits

$249.95/retail price

· Curved plates ensure non-snagging of hair regardless of angle of use or technique.
· Hybrid flexible plates ensure even compression
· Reduced diameter of handle provides easy control for all hand sizes.
· Unique temperature control band eliminates uncomfortable and oddly placed switches.
· Targeted temperature technology provides 3 pre-set temperatures (375F/392F/410F) including a special Color Treated setting to minimize color fading (I loooooove this feature!!!)
· Advanced ceramic heater reaches target temperatures in under 60 seconds.
· Extra long professional cord allows for freedom of movement
· Snag-free plates
· Ceramic Plates for even heat distribution across entire plate
· Tourmaline Coating on Sleekr® for extra shine and smoothness



backstage NY Fashion Week, October 2009

“Really good idea having the setting for color treated hair on the SLEEKR. Especially if a non-hairstylist is using them, so not to burn their hair. They are great to hold and use. Also, the swivel cord is handy if you are using the irons to wave with. I really enjoyed using them at fashion week. –Jenny Balding, Redken Session Stylist and Redken Expert.

Not only can the SLEEKR be used for straightening, but in Sam Villa style, this styling tool also allows you to create fresh textures in waves and curls, all with a smoothness to be envied by even the most discerning of hollywood glamour buffs. Here's one of his techniques to mimic; he suggests using Redken products (I adore Redken products too; they are superior in quality):


Ribbon Curls - A curl with a sense of laziness, more relaxed and not too coiffed. The idea is to stretch hair with heat – due to the placement and wrap technique of the hair, when it bounces back, it is curled. Think of the ribbons on gifts that are stretched with a scissor and then curl up once released.

1. Take a medium size section 1” in length and ½” in width and prep with Redken Iron Silk 07 ultra straightening spray
2. Hold section in left hand
3. Hold SLEEKR in right hand with the iron vertical and palm facing head
4. Pinch section at base, as you pinch, fold hand so palm faces you (still holding the section with left hand)
5. Slowly slide iron down to the end of the hair shaft ad release hair – it will spring into a ribbon curl.
6. Finish with Redken workforce 09 flexible volumizing spray


Needless to say, my daughter and I are completely delighted with Sam Villa's SLEEKR and can highly recommend it to you for its straightening ability, smooth results, and diverse uses. It's gone everywhere we've gone the last few overnight trips and I suspect it's got lots more travelling it its future!

Sam Villa Signature Series products are available at The Redken Gallerie (212)984-5027. Learn more about Sam Villa online and shop for the SLEEKR, his other impeccable styling tools and education pieces there as well.