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Setting the Mood: Finding Normal

By |January 21st, 2015|Setting the Mood|

I am a t-shirt junkie.  I don’t mean like actual “t-shirts” I mean the kind of t-shirts that look “really cool” and you paid way too much  money for. (I sometimes secretly believe I was a rocker in a past life).

One of my favorite brands of these overpriced t-shirts is Kain.  They make really great loose fitting tees and tanks that are sheer and have a great drapey pocket.  They only come in a few colors, but somehow, when you put on this oversized t-shirt, you still look incredibly sexy without trying too hard. Oh- and they’re really soft.  Sounds perfect, right? Here’s the kicker: they are $85 a pop.  Ouch! So, brilliant discovery!!! These Designer T-Shirts are unique, original, and made high quality 100% cotton and sure to please.

fall shopping guide
First and foremost, you’re welcome…  And I’m sorry.  You’re welcome because I’ve spent a great deal of time finding all of fall’s very best options to ensure that you’ve got each and every one of this fall’s UK fashion blog biggest trends at your fingertips, I even made sure to visit specsfair to get the best deals on glasses. Yes you heard that right, one of a kind pockets.  I’ve basically contracted carpal tunnel from all of the clicking, coding, copying, and pasting of product, but not severe enough that I can’t sip red wine while I write this.

I’m sorry for doing such a thorough job that you’re sure to be able to easily spend a month’s salary or more stocking up on your fall wardrobe refresh.  Just remember, it’s good for the economy.

When I first started seeing stores displaying their autumnal wares, it was still a sweltering 90 degrees and I couldn’t be bothered browsing.  However, as the temperature started to dip and I began to grow bored of baring all my skin, the cozy knits, oversized coats, and overtly luxurious look this fall brings got me wishing for the next polar vortex.

Sure, sweaters are always fall staples, but this season’s are much chunkier, more textured, and come in all lengths from cropped to tunics.  Wear them in fall’s favored colors consisting of gray, scarlet, cobalt, and any shade of candy colored pastel.  These shades carry over to other trends including mid calf length hemlines, long line vests, sixties shaped shifts, and folk inspired frocks.  Men may loathe leopard (as we recently realized), but it’s quite strong this season and if you aren’t feeling bold enough to wear it in a bomber, try it as a statement accessory.  Speaking of fur, this must be the year of the Muppet, but if you can’t stomach the price tag (or the use of) real fur, there are some really beautiful faux options that are both animal and wallet friendly.  Whether you opt for fluffy, colored, fuzzy, or something in shearling to weather the winter, you’ll certainly be warmer for it.  When looking to add a bit of bling, opt for silver as it’s been used as embellishments on coats and knits as well as woven into rich fabrics.  If you’re up for a bit of pattern play, geometric shapes and fairisle intarsias are leading the charge.

Fortunately, this fall’s trends easily translate from one to another and also play off one another seamlessly.  You can effortlessly cover two trends at once by purchasing a pastel vest or a grey faux fur coat.  Be creative.  Be bold.  But be this fall’s all-embracing look of luxe.

Gray Area:

fall fashion trends 2014 gray

Leopards Don’t Change Their Spots:

fall 2014 leopard print

Tangled Up in Blue:

fall 2014 trends fashion

Silver Baller:

fall 2014 trends

Psychedelic Hotline:

fall 2014 trends print

Long Term In-Vest-ment:

fall fashion trends long vest

Scarlet Fever:

fall fashion trends 2014 scarlett

The Shearling:

fall 2014 fashion trends

Midi Terms:

midi length fall 2014 trends

Pastel Princess:

Keep Your Knits About You:

chunky knits fall 2014

Folk Alluring:

fall 2014 fashion folk

Fur Sure:

fur fall fashion 2014

normcore fashionYou’ve probably heard the term, “normcore” being tossed around from time to time in the past twelve months- maybe over a rye whiskey or while scanning the latest Urban Outfitters catalog.  The first time I heard it was after visiting Dr. Kenet’s office where his wife explained to me that their teenage daughter was on the forefront of the minimalist, dare I call it, trend.  The name “normcore” is the combination of “normal” and “hardcore.”  From what I gather, it’s the art of looking aggressively normal.

After a bit of research, it became clear that normcore is more than just a fashion movement, it’s an actual mindset.  When you are walking around and you spot mom jeans on a girl whose reproductive organs probably just started functioning, you may feel a little confused, but don’t.  You’ve just spotted normcore.  The “movement” began in a fit of defiance against the fashion industry.  People wanted to make it clear they weren’t buying into the trends or falling victims to the hype.  In theory, that’s great, but once you make a statement against a statement, you’re making a statement.  The irony, for one, is lost on me.  To me, normcore is the new wave hipster.  I’m more of the mindset that wearing what looks good on your body and makes you feel fancy is always on trend- and there’s nothing wrong with that.  In the off chance you’d like nothing more than to look like Jerry Seinfeld or Monica on season one of Friends, here are some normcore essentials to get you started.  Full disclosure, I own my very own pair of Stan Smith’s.

normcore style

 

Nike Benassi Rubber Soles, Frame Denim Le Boyfriend Supima Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, BDG The Mom Jean, J. Crew Collection Cashmere Sweater, Adidas Stan Smith Leather Custom Shoes

xx,

WhyDid

Beauty Buzz: A Perfect Blowout with Ammon Carver

By |January 6th, 2015|Beauty Buzz, Guest Blogger|

ammon carver salon lanza hair careThe New Year is a great time for a new look.  If you are a bit gun shy and not yet ready to pull the trigger on the of the moment lob (long bob) or a complete color makeover makes you nervous, why not start with a little lesson in achieving the sleekest blowout you’ve had in years?  I have a lot of hair.  Hair that seems to have a mind (and split personality) of its own as seen in this Instagram photo.  It’s wavy.  It’s curly.  It’s flat.  It’s full.  I do my best to try and tame it, but even after all these years of practice, even I know there’s always room for improvement.

Get an appointment for your hair care with the Salon marketing software today.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ammon Carver at the opening of his salon and in-house photo studio in conjunction with Lanza Healing Haircare located on west 17th Street this past fall and I fell for him immediately.  Not only is he incredibly talented, but also disarmingly warm and sure isn’t hard to look at (sorry, folks, he’s taken).  He invited me to come back to the studio in order to tell me more about L’Anza‘s new Keratin line and demonstrate it on my tired tresses.  I’m never one to turn down the opportunity for someone else to handle my hair, so I happily agreed. I was also ahappy to see that the salon studios for rent from Salon Lofts. I was so impressed with the product, which actually made my hair so shiny it looked like I’d had it highlighted, and Ammon’s attention to detail, that I asked if he’d be up for sharing some of his secrets.  We decided to start with a straightforward blowout and below are a sprinkling of his top tips as to how to execute the type of blowout sure to turn heads.

(full disclosure: I hesitated to post this as now you’ll all know what my hair is actually capable of looking like.  Often times, I’ve left the salon and the ladies seemed surprised to realize that I “actually have nice hair.”)

Product of Our Environment:

Before you begin your blowout, be sure to apply product to your hair in order to ensure safety from heat and to seal in moisture.  Ammon used L’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Combing Cream, which sort of smells like heaven.

lanza haircare keratinThe Root of the Problem:

A lot of people think flipping their heads upside down to get out the initial dampness is a good way to begin a blowout, but in actuality, you’re only increasing your chances of fighting frizz.  Nope, that’s not volume.  The best place to start your blowout is right at the root.  The hair there is the most difficult to manage and tends to be the most frizzy/flyaway.  Drake may have started at the bottom, but we’ll begin at the top.

ammon carver blow dryKnow Your ABCs:

Think of your hair in sections with the root being A, the midsection being B, and the ends being C.  Just as you wouldn’t recite the alphabet backwards, don’t dry your hair backwards either.  Your roots retain the most moisture (and as mentioned the most stubborn texture).  The ends of your hair are the driest and if you blow them for the same amount of time as the roots, you will only dry and damage them further (ever notice how that’s the first part of your hair to dry)?  This might take a bit of dexterity, but with practice, you’ll have the hang of it in no time.

how to blow dry your hairFrameworthy:

Many people (myself included) save the front portion of their hair for the end much like dessert.  Well, because this area often includes your face framing layers, it’s important to get that portion polished before finishing up your ‘do.  What’s the point of having perfectly blown out tresses at the back of your head… unless you’re a carriage driver looking to make extra tips?

ammon carver studio whydidTurn Down for What?:

If your dryer has a nozzle, use it.  It helps to keep the air flowing in a concentrated direction.  Speaking of direction (and there isn’t just one), be sure you’re blowing down.  As Ammon explained to me, “Think of your hair cuticle like the scales of a fish.  If you blow up, it’s like rubbing the scales in the wrong direction.”

ammon carver lanza haircareQuality Investment:

While the Mason Pearson brush Ammon used to tug my tresses taught may be on the pricey side, he assured me that it’s well worth the investment.  As far as blow dryers go, there’s no need to go pro, but an upgrade from your drugstore offerings may be in order.

ammon carver blowoutPump Up the Volume:

Now it’s time to add volume to your coif.  Do so by concentrating a finishing hairspray near the roots.

ammon carver salonWith a Twist:

If you don’t love a stick straight look, add some easy bounce with a large barrel curling iron.  Don’t forget to curl pieces in the front away from your face.

how to blow out hairFinishing School:

Last, but not least, be sure to seal in your style with a finishing spray like L’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Lustrous Finishing Spray to extend the life of your blowout.  (I carry a travel size of this spray in my bag for touch ups).

ammon carver whydid blog

how to blow out your hair

 

lanza keratin healing oilL’Anza Keratin Healing Oil ShampooL’anza Keratin Healing Oil ConditionerL’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Combing CreamMason Pearson Junior Mix BrushT3 Featherweight 2L’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Lustrous Finishing Spray

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Fresh Start

By |January 5th, 2015|Setting the Mood|

metamorphosis new year fashion editorialThe beginning of a new year may also feel for some like a new beginning.  Besides going renegade on your closets, cupboards, and contact lists, it’s not a bad time to give yourself a good renovation.  Sloughing off dead skin, peeling away dull layers, and slathering on something luxurious is one of the fastest ways in which to feel like a brand new woman.  I’ve been toasting new moons (and nearly burning the house down), getting very clear about my desires, and contemplating new hair colors, but before doing anything too erratic, the bathroom is a good place to start.

renewing beauty products anti agingclockwise: Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing BarOmorovicza Blue Diamond Resurfacing PeelSOVERAL Angel Balm Deep Pore Cleanser and Regenerative MaskSusanne Kaufmann Detox Oil Scrub

xx,

WhyDid

Guest Post: Smile without Cracking Up

By |December 31st, 2014|Beauty Buzz, Guest Blogger|

During the bitter winter months, it’s hard to imagine wanting to pucker up when your lips feel more like cracked sidewalks than soft, sumptuous pillows.  Fortunately, Dr. Kenet has some tips as to how to keep your lips kissably soft even on the coldest days.  

best winter lip balmsIt’s hard to look happy when you’re lips look ragged. Winter bears down on lips—low humidity, indoor heat, windy days, icy rain and snow. Of course, we know that lip balm helps, but it’s important to know the details to keep your lips looking great.

  1. Avoid lip care products that contain phenol, menthol or salicylic acid. Although that pleasant minty blast may seem refreshing and tingly, you’re putting your lips at risk for further peeling. Removing these layers of skin leaves your lips more susceptible to the environmental factors that cause chapping.

For example: Carmex or Rosebud Balm are not recommended.

Here are some further lip tips:

  1. No licking. Either it’s a habit or you may think you’re doing your lips a favor. In either case, it’s a mistake.
  2. Eat right -plenty of good fats (fresh salmon, krill supplements, even a bit of grass-fed organic butter) to keep your body and skin in top shape against the elements.
  3. Avoid matte lipstick and go for something moisturizing. A new product, Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon is a nice easy moisturizing lipstick that won’t dry lips out.  Revlon Moondrops Lip Conditioner is a throwback, but it has lasted through the years as a favorite because it’s inexpensive and has all the right ingredients.  Extravagance:  Baum De Rose By Terry for lips gives a slight tint and tons of moisturizing protection.  Go Basic: Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect, Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Do this:

  1. After your shower, gently pat dry and get an emollient on your lips.
  2. If your lips are already chapped, avoid sipping hot drinks for a few days.
  3. For extreme cases, apply 1% hydrocortisone before bedtime.

 best lips balms winter1. Clé de Peau Beauté Lip Contour Treatment, $50, 2. AERIN Rose Lip Conditioner, $28, 3. By Terry Rose Balm, $60, 4. Eos Lip Balm Coconut Milk, $3.49, 5. Revlon Moon Drops Lip Conditioner, $8.99, 6. Aquaphor Lip Repair, $4.29, 7. Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment, $25, 8. Burt’s Bee Lip Crayon, $8.99, 9. Tony Moly Bbo Bbo Lip Balm in Honey, $9, 10. TokyoMilk Dark Femme Fatale Collection Lip Elixirs in Salted Caramel, $7

 

Setting the Mood: Prepare to Shine

By |December 30th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

new years eveThe end of another year is upon us and while many of us are excited about the prospects of the upcoming year, it is important to prepare oneself for it.  It’s hard to make room for new things when we carry the clutter from the past with us.  I felt it was really important this year especially to do a deep cleanse of my life before the clock strikes midnight.  In anticipation of the new year, here’s what I’ve been doing:

  1. Purge, Purge, Purge: From my closet to my contact list, I got rid of all things which no longer serve a purpose in my life.  Clothes with holes or stains have been put to pasture.  People who act as emotional terrorists have been put on block.
  2. Clean Slate: I scheduled a professional cleaning of my apartment and have freshly washed linens ready to put on my bed.  Laundry is being done.  Dishwasher is loaded.
  3. Tied Down: I went through my inbox and mailbox and made sure to tie up any loose ends and close up any unanswered correspondence. I also made sure there were no outstanding bills or invoices unsent.
  4. Prep Yourself: Scheduling a facial to slough off dead skin and a pedicure to dance into the New Year were the prefect ways to relax through the last few moments of the year.

gold metallic accessories

 

clockwise: Noir Jewelry Tassel Drop Earrings, $90Anndra Neen Hammered Silver Tone Box Clutch, $610Giuseppe Zanotti Metallic Snake Effect Leather Mules, $750,Dauphines of New York To Have and To Hold Mini Headband, $216

 xx.

WhyDid