What Is It With My Hair?!?!

Timing is everything.  Seriously.  Take my hair for example.  I don't know what exactly it is about it, but when I reeeally need some damage control (thank you multiple process bleaching followed by a razor cut), I can't seem to locate the fix.  When my hair seems to be back on track and looking fairly snazzy, I have hair repair product falling into my lap.  Go figure.  

A few weeks ago, I received a complimentary Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair through my Vogue Influencers Network to take out for a test drive.  A few of you may remember another hair repair product that I tested out about a year ago through Sephora and Vogue (and if you don't, you can hop back in time to it by clicking right here), and if you recall (or re-read), you'll also notice that I was initially at a loss for what the product actually did and/or didn't do.  Why?  Probably because my hair was already looking and feeling pretty good at that point.  Of course, since that trial I have encountered some big 'ole nasty.


The good news?  After using that previous product in conjunction with my Aveda Color Conserve shampoo and conditioner on some seriously fried fringe, it works magic on crunchy bleached hair, and frayed split ends.  The slightly bad news?  Because my hair was already being propped up by a different repair product (and I couldn't just not use anything for any period of time with the knowledge that I could not feasibly wear a hat 24/7), I had a little difficulty in seeing any drastic change for the better in my mop after using the Aveda Daily Hair Repair.  Back to good news?  I also didn't see any change for the worse after switching to the Aveda Daily Hair Repair.  Yay for everyone who has to see my hair on a daily basis! I am also happy to report that it didn't leave my hair sticky, oily, or weighed down - just soft and smooth.  Oh, and even more good news?  It costs less in my market than the other product I was using.     


I'm a little sad that I don't have any before or after pictures worth sharing with you, but what I can share with you are Aveda's bragging rights about the product.  Aveda’s Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair is 97% naturally derived (from plants and non-petroleum minerals), instantly repairs damage by 26% (after 1 application of Daily Hair Repair in a clinical tensile test), and helps protect from heat styling. With the plant power of Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair, it’s your daily dose for healthy-looking hair.  After using it myself, I can't speak in percentages, but I don't see anything that doesn't support the claim.  Plus, it smells like all of the other Aveda products -- fantastic.


Speaking of other products, have a look at the whole damage remedy line just queueing up for the next hair disaster.

The gentle daily shampoo helps repair damage with quinoa protein, while nurturing with rich coconut and babassu-lending new life to hair. 

The daily conditioning formula with quinoa protein helps repair and re-moisturize damaged hair - infusing it anew with healthy movement, silkiness and shine. 

The intensive weekly treatment deeply penetrates to help repair, seal and smooth even the most damaged hair. 

The Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair helps protect from heat styling with wheat protein and detangles with soy oil. 

The kit uses the power of pure plant oils and quinoa protein, so it restores health, silkiness and shine. 

Think you might be ready to try some out for yourself?  Hop on over to Aveda.com, and check out all of their offerings for your whatever hair needs you might have right now.

If you like what you see, join in!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  See it first, hear it first, know it first.

Max It Out This Summer

It's not every week that you get invited to take a first look at an exclusive lookbook shot by fashion photog Phillip Dixon.  Thanks to my friends at the Vogue Influencer Network, we are some of the very first folks to view the stunning fashion photography and dreamy dresses featured in the Leon Max Collection Summer 2012 Lookbook.  If you're not already familiar with the fashion of Leon Max, or MaxStudio.com then get ready to be formally introduced, and if you're already an old friend, then you'll love the flowing asymmetric draping in the Summer 2012 collection that has become synonymous with the brand.  Find your new favorites below, and gear up to max it out in more ways than one this summer once this exquisite collection hits the racks in your favorite department store, or online at MaxStudio.com. 

Gussets that fall from an asymmetric seam create the soft, feminine textures, and magical hemline movement of this dress.

Ethereal, romantic and dramatic, with a one shoulder silhouette and lots of movement, it’s all that an evening dress should be.

Ribbons of fabric traverse the body and cascade whimsically to the hem of this floor grazing dress.

Dark and enchanting, this textural lace and mesh dress with a floor sweeping length radiates romance.

This silky dress has a minimal, boudoir inspired front and a dramatically draped back that features soft textures, floaty movement and a sexy glimpse of skin.

The luxurious silk chiffon fabric of the dress has an eye-catching iridescence with an intricately patterned seamless slip underneath to create a stunning visual effect.

Wear this knockout silk georgette dress any time you want to stand out in a sea of lackluster LBDs.

This floaty dress has the easy glamour of a maxi silhouette with details both romantic and sexy.

Fashioned from floaty silk chiffon with an eye-catching iridescence, the simple silhouette of this dress is dramatized with a gorgeously draped shoulder that lends Goddess-like glamour.

This incredible dress fashioned from an electric hued gossamer silk chiffon has a softly crinkled texture and luxurious fluidity.

This dress is modernized with beautiful textural contrasts and a cheeky play between opaque and sheer.

This soft and romantic crinkled silk chiffon dress has a textured floral appliqué that travels on a slight diagonal from the bust and across the middle.

A watercolour floral design that blossoms across the body lends a vintage feel to this dress while asymmetrical elements at the neck and hem make it modern.

The silhouette of this crinkled silk chiffon halter dress has ethereal movement and a soft hand-painted watercolour floral design that feels mysterious on the black backdrop of the fabric.

Layer this sexy tee under a classic suit, pair with menswear trousers to create a chic feminine/masculine contrast or wear with jeans to add instant glam.

Boudoir styles are a huge trend for the season and this pair of shorts with built in opaque under-short is a clever and wearable way to get the trend.

A refined play between opaque and sheer lends an unexpected edge to the charming ballet silhouette of this dress.

This party-perfect dress has an asymmetric sensibility highlighted by a panel of iridescent paillettes running down the body to add eye-catching shimmer.

This soft and feminine dress, cut from a blushing pink silk georgette, sparkles with a panel of iridescent paillettes. 

If you like what you see, join in!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  See it first, hear it first, know it first.

I Might Just Become a Bag Lady Afterall

Do you know those days that are kind of give you that crappy 'beige' feeling?  You know, like nothing is going exceptionally bad (or necessarily even going at all), but nothing is really going good either ... stagnant, blah, ... generally just a boring crappy beige like this ...

  

... combined with a little of Paula Deen's Snuggie-licious crappy beige sweater.

Really Paula Deen, this is what you choose to wear on national television with all of the money you make?!?! 

Today being a Thursday (as opposed to say and Monday or Tuesday), I should have been feeling fairly uplifted with the weekend on its way, food in the fridge, and the good fortune of not having to wake up and cope with male pattern baldness on a daily basis (sorry guys).  You'd think just that last little thought alone would be enough to carry me through more than a boring Thursday, but alas, I am me, and there is no stopping the unending mysteries that create my state-of-mind at any given moment.   For me, today was mostly mediocre, slightly boring beige ... that is until I received an unexpected, fairly large-sized package on my front porch taped all over with important-looking 'Stop' signs boldly warning me to check the contents before signing a receipt if the box seal was broken. Ah, the mystery, the intrigue, the ... danger?  Whatever it was, it was bye bye to my crappy beige day!  Imagine my surprise when I made my way through all of that threatening tape to find this!

Yes-siree-Bob, that is exactly what it looks like - a surprise gift through my Vogue Influencers Network from the Brahmin Spring 2012 collection!  Yay!  Let's open it further, shall we?

Brahmin Glossy Medium Arno Tote, in the flesh.

OMG!!  (Well, that's what it was like when I opened it anyway).  Glistening in the overhead light, was this amazing perfectly sized hybrid tote/purse from the Brahmin 'Glossy' Collection. 

Now I've never been a real 'bag lady' like some, but I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the previous Brahmin collections that I've seen through my Vogue Network (if you've missed them, or you just want to gaze longingly at them again, you can revisit them here, here, here, & here).  At this moment, I might just do a dance and become a bag lady afterall - especially since I want the matching wallet, wristlet, and key ring now.  I am sooo all about this bag that it's not even funny.  It has fragranced my entire den with the warm smell of new leather (I wish there was a virtual scratch-and-sniff to share here), and is meticulously crafted to combine exquisite detail with probably the most practicality I've ever had in a handbag.  Soooo, if you were ever teetering on the verge of a purchase after ogling over the new Brahmin collections as they popped up in print ads, department stores, or, of course, my blog; I can say personally at this point that you will not be disappointed in your investment.  Quite the contrary, you will want to trade it all in and become a bag lady with me.  You can start picking out yours right away at Brahmin.com!

If you like what you see, join in!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  See it first, hear it first, know it first.

Heads Up: Free Aveda Damage Remedy Is On The Way!

 

Just in time for warm weather and all of the damaged hair that comes with it (pool, beach, hairbands that cause nasty breakage), my friends as the Vogue Influencer Network are hooking me up with a complimentary Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair.  Even better news?  They're also throwing in a 3-piece Damage Remedy sample pack to share with one other lucky follower out there.  I mean, who doesn't already love Aveda and their super-smelling, naturally derived products??  The only thing better than giving your hair this royal treatment is getting it for free!!


So watch for for my upcoming posts to find out more on how you can secure yourself some free Aveda Damage Remedy product, and in the meantime, why don't you get a leg up on your chance at free stuff by clicking that 'join the site' button to the right if you haven't already.  You know you, and your hair, really want to!

If you like what you see, join in!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews, freebies and more.  See it first, hear it first, know it first.

Breaks Over! Dive Into Brahmin's Spring 2012 Collection

Yikes it's been a while!   Looks like I've had the longest spring break ever ... well, at least from blogging.  Never fear though, I'm diving back in with yet another inside peak from my Vogue Influencer Network.  Take a scroll through my favorite picks from the new Brahmin Spring 2012 Collection, and let me know which one you want on your arm this season!

If you like what you see, join in!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  See it first, hear it first, know it first.

Ring in the New Year with Great Hair Tips from Frederic Fekkai & the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund

Looking for some hair help for the upcoming New Year's Eve bash you're headed to?  Why not take a tip from the looks Frederic Fekkai created to compliment the designs of fashion's brightest new talents at an exclusive CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund runway presentation?  All of the hair looks suggest ease, effortlessness, and elegance -- as perfect for your New Year's plans as they are for the runway.


Get inspired by having a look at this never-before-seen runway event video courtesy of my Vogue Influencer Network, followed by invaluable 'do-it-yourself' instruction, and then say hel-lo to 2012!!


(Press PLAY to begin video)


Frederic Fekkai paired with celebrity stylist Renato Campora to create these modern twists on the classic ponytail to be shared here with you.  Which one will you be sporting in the new year?

Top tip: Apply Fekkai Full Blown Volume™ Styling Whip throughout the hair until the entire head is damp. 2 Blow dry the hair using a large round brush. 3 Once the hair is mostly dry, straighten hair with a flat iron, separating into sections, while applying Frédéric Fekkai Essential Shea Tame and Style Pot de Crème to add shine. 4 Create a deep, exaggerated part to the right side of the head.  

Top tip: Depending on hair length and fullness, add the appropriate hair extensions. Pull the hair back into a low ponytail. Secure hair with a band, and spray with Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray for added hold. 2 Take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail and wrap it around to conceal the band. 3 Secure the look by blow drying the ponytail to lock in the straightness of the hair.

If you like what you see, let me know!  Click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  See it first, hear it first, know it first.

Over the River and Through the Woods; A Rugby Ralph Lauren Holiday

Even if you don't have to actually travel over any rivers, or through any woods to your Grandmother's house; we all have those family-oriented holiday gatherings where your sequin and tulle party dress doesn't fit the bill, yet you wouldn't be caught dead wearing a holiday sweater (or even worse, a holiday sweatshirt - ew).  So, what to wear that's still festive, family-appropriate, AND on trend?  Check out these cool pieces brought to us compliments of my friends at the Vogue Influencer Network from the Ralph Lauren Rugby holiday collection.

Long Pointelle Arm Warmers: The folks at Ralph Lauren are mad about pointelle, so they tailored open-worked knit arm warmers for super-chic results.

Wool-Angora Cardigan Coat: This heritage-inspired wool knit boasts a Fair Isle pattern at the oversize spread collar and hem. Although meant for the outdoors, you’ll find it has a special cozy-up-on-the-couch potential – all you need is a good book!

Penywern Cadet Jacket: Proudly giving a salute to chic military-inspired fashion with their Ralph Lauren rendition of the cadet jacket, featuring crest-embosses buttons, a banded collar and requisite epaulets in a tailored feminine silhouette.

Satin & Shearling Trapper Hat: Brave the cold in this super-chic satin and shearling trapper hat—a favorite style to keep you warm and winter-blues free.

So what do you think?  I think my favorite thing has to be that once you're done at 'Grandmother's house', each of these pieces will also work overtime to redefine that sequin and tulle number you have ready to hit the town, and keep you warm doing it.  Want to check out the entire Rugby Ralph Laurent Collection?  Click right on over to the site here, to keep those warm fuzzies going!

If you like what you see, let me know!  Click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  See it first, hear it first, know it first.

Get Gorgeous this Holiday with a Gift List from QVC

Well folks, it's Cyber Monday, and after making it through all of the plates of turkey and hoards of aggro black Friday shoppers you can now just sit back, relax, and hardly have to lift a finger to get everything you need to fulfill your holiday gift list this year.  Whether you need some help in the giving department for one of those 'hard to buy for' ladies on your list, or if you're feeling a little lost when it comes to the receiving department and have no idea what to include on your own wish list as requested from a special someone; Vogue Influencers has brought in some help from QVC's Lisa Robertson.  Lisa has put together a list of her top holiday gift picks that allow you to participate in all of the joy without all of the craziness - most coming in at less than $100.  So what are you waiting for?  Scroll on down and start your clicking, or head on over to QVC.com.  Happy shopping!

1. Mally 10-piece Deluxe Automatic Waterproof Liner Collection

Mally Beauty Evercolor Automatic Waterproof Eyeliners have a long-wearing formula that contains nourishing and conditioning ingredients. For a really cool trick, line the top lash line with the Onyx, then line that line with a colored pencil. It's a subtle peep of color.

2. bareMinerals Box of Gems 20-piece Color Collection

A 20-piece collection of stunning eye and lip shades. Experience the ultimate in luxury with 10 new eye colors and 10 high-shine lip glosses that will drizzle lips in pure color. Tip: For a jewel-toned look, pair Gem and Glow eye colors--and deepen and smoke out even more with the Twinkle shade.

3. Judith Ripka Sterling Hematite Doublet Ring

A rich, deep, cushion-cut synthetic blue quartz doublet rests above a section of hematite in this mesmerizing ring. A sterling silver twisted-rope border accents the gemstone, while four heart-shaped prongs sparkle with a Diamonique® simulated diamond in the center of each.

4. Melania Madison Avenue Bold Case Bracelet Watch

As glamorous and show-stopping as New York City itself. Clear, round crystals on the connecting links of this bracelet watch are sure to attract attention, while the bold face with its mother-of-pearl dial is a classic finishing touch.

5. Nadri Micro Pave' Criss Cross Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Eternally elegant. With four bands crafted into a crisscross design and encrusted with micro-pave-style round, clear crystals on the front, this highly polished silvertone bracelet is sure to create a lasting look.

6. Dennis Basso Button Front Ruffle Collar Coat with Rosette Detail

Everything's coming up rosettes. This gorgeous fully lined, button-front coat will warm up your outlook. Ruffle details, in-seam pockets, and a cloth rosette on the collar help this stunning outerwear piece rise to the top.

7. ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! 2 Ply Cashmere V-Neck Boyfriend Cardi

Wear this boyfriend cardigan over a simple tee paired with your favorite jeans, and accessorize it with anything from a scarf to an extra-long necklace.

8. Michael Dawkins Sterling Signature Pod Small Earrings 

Small in size, but big on stylish impact, these free-form pod earrings are ideal for every day wear and special occasions. The earrings have a seamless silhouette.

If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  Know it first, see it first, hear it first.

On The Runway with Anna Dello Russo INC Exclusive

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and along with it comes all things shiny and sparkly.  I really love anything I can get a gleam or a glint from, and would probably be dressed like a disco ball year round if I could get away with it.  Sadly, I have to rein things in most of the year, but the holidays usually give me a great excuse to deck myself out in all things shiny, sparkly, and over-the-top festive on at least a few occasions.  

I'm already trying to get some new holiday outfit inspiration from different places, and was tickled when my Vogue hookup came through with a sneak peak of the November INC collection for Macy's that has been edited by the one-and-only fashion editor extraordinaire and fashion icon Anna Dello Russo (editor-at-large & creative director of Vogue Japan).  As things have it, Vogue has offered us an exclusive sneak peek at the unreleased INC line November collection short film, 'Dark Shine'.  Styled by Dello Russo, the film represents a runway show that encapsulates Anna's iconic aesthetic and features shimmering sequins in deep black matte and glamorous evening styles perfect for the upcoming holiday season.  I hope you enjoy this first look at the film below.  Bring on the shine!





Ready to see more?  Here are some key pieces from the upcoming collection, available at macys.com in November.

Selected by Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, these sequined hem shorts are all-out glamorous for fall.

This jacket selected by Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, hits all the right notes: festive sequins in matte black with draped construction and a touch of attitude.

Selected by Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, this LBD takes a playful turn when strewn with paillettes that catch the light fantastic.

If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.

Happy 15th Jimmy Choo! Coming Soon to a Store and/or Coffee Table Near You

Did someone say 'shoes'?  Or, more aptly 'Choos'?  I can't think of one more universally thrilling thing to females (and some males) around the globe than shoes - they can take an outfit from uh-oh to he-llo!,  make a fat day melt away, and add that extra pep to your otherwise faltering step.  Of course, there are plenty of shoes out there, but only a handful have been able to take their places in the same stratosphere that Jimmy Choo resides.  The luxury combination of quality, design, and detail is inspiring to and emulated by shoe brands around the world, but in no way matched.

On this, the company's 15th anniversary, Vogue Influencers have been offered an exclusive first look at 'Icons', a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archive.  The shoes will be available at a Jimmy Choo store near you (prices yet unreleased), but if your 'Santa' is on a bit of a holiday budget this year, then you'll also be delighted to know that the collection will also be highlighted in a commemorative coffee table book entitle XV, out this November.  

Have a look at the video below to hear what Jimmy Choo founder and Chief Creative Officer, Tamara Melton, has to say about the commemorative ICONS collection, and then scroll down to feast your eyes on a first look at it's exquisite shoes.


Please press 'PLAY' below to start video.

In violet suede from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In brown suede with patent orange heel from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In black and white zebra print pony from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In gold shimmer suede from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

The famous ‘Feather’ shoe immortalized by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City when she anguished, “I lost my Choo!” An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In zebra printed pony from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

Multi taupe shaded python from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In red and white gingham from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

Sand pixilated leather from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

Fuchsia snake print lace from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.


If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.