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Beauty Buzz: Straight Shooter

By Kirsten|September 13th, 2012|Beauty Buzz|

As you may recall (seeing as it’s only now just begun to cool down), this summer was one for the record books in regards to heat and humidity. That made it nearly impossible for me to keep my tresses even the slightest bit tame. I’d walk out the door feeling all fair maiden and fifteen minutes later looked like a crazy pirate. I’d tried just about every sample I’d ever amassed but to no avail. It was clear I was going to need some reinforcements.

When I walked into Sephora, I hadn’t planned on asking for help. I am more of an adventurer. I like to weather the storm solo for the most part. However, after looking at labels and comparing ingredients, it became clear that I had to get some assistance. Mayday! Mayday! The woman whose attention I caught was every bit delightful, but when I evaluated her closely cropped haircut, I figured I’d enlisted the wrong first mate for this voyage.

She giggled at the fact that we both knew she didn’t suffer from the same hair woes, but she did lead me over to Bumble and bumble Straight Blow Dry and assured me that it was a store favorite. I took her word (and a sample sized version) and made my way to the checkout counter before docking back at home.

I was most certainly skeptical as I stared at my freshly washed locks in the mirror. I squeezed out a bit of the creme and worked it through my hair. First thing I noticed was the very pleasant smell, followed by how easily it combed through my hair after application. My tresses blew quite straight without the help of a flat iron (which I did use after my hair was completely dry). Raising my left eyebrow at my now stick straight hair, I knew it was time to put this product to the real test.

Off I went into the muggy August evening, expecting my hair to soon make me two inches taller in frizz. To my delight, not only was my ‘do still in tact after reaching my destination, it stayed straight all evening without feeling sticky or stiff. The real testament to this miracle potion was the fact that I arose in the morning with hair just as (okay, nearly) lovely as when I’d gone to bed. Ahoy!

Bumble and bumble Straight Blow Dry, $28

xx,

WhyDid

Would You Wednesday: Like Fine Wine

By Kirsten|September 12th, 2012|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|

Red lips have reigned supreme for the last few seasons, but this fall, crimson goes a bit goth. Fire engine red gets a bit deeper and takes on the tone of dark berries and plum wine. Not only are apparel and accessories in the shade of fermented grapes going to be all the rage for fall, but makeup trends follow suit. From lips to fingertips, it seems we’ll be opting for shades of deep red and burgundy.

Ellis Faas Creamy Lips in Deep Plum Wine, $35, Too Faced La Creme in Divine Wine, $21, NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga, $25, Sue Devitt Balanced Matte Lipstick in Australian Bight, $20, Sunday Riley Modern Lip Color in Wine Stain, $32

It would appear celebrities and fashion addicts alike have already taken to this trend, but will you be swapping out cherry for grape?

And yes, as a matter of fact, I am drinking a glass of red while I write. For inspiration purposes, of course.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Wine Time

By Kirsten|September 11th, 2012|Setting the Mood|

If yesterday’s cold spell didn’t confirm that it’s officially fall, then I’m not sure what does. Oh, right, the return of pumpkin spiced lattes at Starbucks. The impending frost bite is most certainly on its merry little way and it’s high time you update your autumn wardrobe with this fall’s favored color. Some call it burgundy. Some call it oxblood. I’d like to keep things simple and just stick to calling it wine. Why shouldn’t my closet reflect my favorite beverage? (I drink it for the antioxidants, people). The look can be achieved from head to toe tonal or simply incorporated with a well placed resveratrol rich accessory.

Schutz Fiona Suede Pumps, $185, HELMUT Quilted Coat, $550, Kain Stretch Twill Mini Skirt, $150, Rebecca Minkoff Line Quilted Flirty Bag, $275

Barolo and bordeaux and cabarnet, oh my!

xx,

WhyDid

Monday Mashup: Stating the Obvious

By Kirsten|September 10th, 2012|Monday Mashup|

Alright, let’s not beat around the bush. I do realize the MTV Video Music Awards took place last Thursday, which coincidentally coincided with Fashion’s Night Out. This left us all with the burden of choosing between one three ring circus and another. I, myself, went ahead and took on Fashion’s Night Out in New York by visiting with Lauren Kaminsky and David Lerner at Beauty & Essex. This, of course, means that I missed out on all the tomfoolery of VMA’s past. But alas, I took a little bit of time perusing the red carpet photos and viewing some of the noteworthy performances via YouTube. And while, there was the usual ridiculous attire of some, others –ahem, Rihanna– redeemed themselves.

And then I realized something. We’ve all been wondering what exactly Miley was thinking when she lobbed off her locks a couple of weeks ago (or at least her bun and I have). Well, I think we may have unearthed her inspiration. Perhaps young Miley was channeling the queen of girls kicking ass, Pink and her platinum blonde bouffant. The resemblance is kind of uncanny and it leaves me wondering what Pink thinks about her mini me. More importantly, what do you think?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: The In Crowd at Cotte D’Armes

By Kirsten|September 6th, 2012|Why Did You Wear That?|

In the off chance you didn’t get the memo… or didn’t care to, Fashion Week is well under way. Yesterday I hiked on down to the Thompson LES in order to catch the Cotte D’Armes presentation. I don’t know why exactly I stressed myself and stilettos out in order to get there promptly at call time, because like all good fashion shows, they were running a solid fifteen minutes behind. And while the heat and humidity was enough to stir some fashion folks into a straight up tizzy, my top knot and I waited patiently until we were allowed to enter the seventh floor terrace via the overstuffed elevators.

Fortunately, what I walked into was a sight for sore eyes. I know models are attractive and all, but these particular models were the stuff dreams are made of (you may even recognize one of them). Decked out in destroyed denim and slouchy T’s and tanks, these were the girls you wanted to be friends with and the guys you wanted to date… Not to mention the clothes you want in your closet. Casually cool, yet cutting edge is what gave this designer denim its appeal. I was particularly drawn to the knit dress, studded vest, and pants with leather inserts for the ladies.

Judging by what the gentlemen were wearing, it would appear denim with details is back with a vengeance. I thought we had just taught our boyfriends that dark denim was the only way to go? I had such a hard time weaning the fellas off of True Religions and Ed Hardy that the sandblasted and bleached effects on these jeans made me a bit nervous. Sure it looks modern and downtown chic on the toned and attractive models, but will it translate to the average Wall Street banker who is more likely to pair them with a button down than washboard abs or mineral washed tee? Here’s to hoping.

The Cotte D’Armes presentation left me feeling exactly the way I presume the designer, Clarence Ruth, had intended: longing to belong as a part of the “in crowd.”

xx,