Milan Runway Hair Trend at Dolce & Gabbana : Boy Meets Girl

At Sunday’s Dolce & Gabbana show in Milan, Redken Creative Consultant Guido finished Milan Fashion Week by creating two separate looks – one feminine, a Sicilian-inspired loose twisted chignon and the other a bit more masculine, a French twist quiff.  "The looks at Dolce & Gabbana were a classic play on femme fatale, where women played with their masculine and feminine sides, it is very fun and liberating.  The feminine look is how I would imagine a Sicilian woman to put her hair up for the day in a soft updo – very matronly and womanly."

Both the "Chignon" and "French Twist" being classic / timeless hairstyles  are no strangers to the runway , but Guido always finds a method in making something old something new.  He did the very same thing with the Brooke Shields inspired "Side Braid" at Alexander Wang a few seasons ago.  I really love both styles, and I intend on trying them both out.  I know for a fact I will be more prone to re-creating the masculine "French Twist Quiff" , because it is very similar to how I usually wear my hair at times when I want it off of my face.  The feminine "Sicilian-inspired Loose Twisted Chignon" looks very fun, and I find it to be a very sophisticated style interpretation of the classic style - which is intriguing.


Create the look at home :

Feminine

Tools Needed :

Redken Products -   layer lift 07 length elevating spray gel + forceful 23 super strength finishing spray

Hair Extensions (in case you have short hair , but would like to create this look as well) - Optional*

Statement Earrings ( not neccessary, but I think it would be a nice pairing) - Optional*

Four Large Rollers
Blow Dryer ( May I suggest the  - Sultra Sophisticate Power Dryer , it dries hair instantly !!)

Hair Pins

- Prep hair with layer lift 07 for extra body and volume and roll 4 large rollers in crown portion of head.
-Take out rollers and create a big beautiful blow with messy center parting to help prep for the updo making sure to blow dry the front bang portion forward over the forehead.
- Lightly twist sections on either side until they meet in the back of the head and secure with pins.
- Gather rest of hair and twist into a very loose chignon pinning into a swirled chignon.
- Let bits fall out naturally around the face.
- Finish with forceful 23 for added hold but spray lightly as to not look weighed down or heavy.

 

 

 

Masculine

 

 

 

Tools Needed :

Redken Products - structure wax 17  + forceful 23 super strength finishing spray
Hair Pins

- Prep hair with generous amounts of structure wax 17 classic styling wax.

- Leave out a section at the front and pin this up into the 50s looking quiff.
- Part on the side and gather hair at nape of neck and twist up toward top of head pinning as you go up. Until all hair is pinned in.
- Pull out bits on the side just in front of the ears and let drop down 2 inches to create 'sideburns' and then secure remaining end of hair back into the rest of the updo.
- Finish with heavy amounts of forceful 23 to hold the look in place.

For more information on where to buy the products listed above , check out  http://www.redken.com/ and http://www.sultra.com/

Return of the Rapunzel - Super Straight Locks Shine at Versace

At the recent Fall/Winter Versace show this past , Guido created a super straight, center parted, minimal hair look to complement the Collection. “The Versace look this season is without reference but still looks rich and elegant without being "done. It’s very minimal but also very rich at the same time and it’s nice to see straight ironed down looks that is still controlled.”

Tools Needed:
Redken Products - hot sets 22 thermal setting mist - shine flash 02 glistening mist
Hair Extenstions (you will thank me later), HairDo 21" Human Hair Clip-In Extension (optional)
Styling Iron - The Laser Straight & Smooth One-Inch Iron , this irons design allows you to create the very straightest looks packed with shine. (optional)

Create the Look

- Start with a clean center part
- Take bits on either side on head just in front of the ears and secure underneath rest of hair at nape of the neck to create that "pulled back effect"
- Prep hair with hot sets 22 thermal setting mist to protect from heat -Pulling sections on either side and ponying it off under the hair.
- Flat iron until ultra straight
- Finish with shine flash 02 glistening mist

For the products listed above check out - www.redken.com/ , http://www.sultra.com/ , HairDo 

Chignon Envy : Hot off the Milan Runway , How to tips from Redken Creative Consultant Guido

Today Guido kicked off his week in Milan with the Alberta Ferretti show, and created a very 60s chignon with a boyish swoop over the eye and small pieces left out just in front of the ears.


"Alberta has a very strong opinion about the woman she wants to send down the runway each season. This season we decided on a look that was simple 60s feel, yet stylized. Almost twiggy- like but with a boyish feel."

Redken products used to achieve this style

velvet gelatine 07 cushioning blow-dry gel

quick dry 18 instant finishing spray

 shine flash 02 glistening mist

(new! Launches April 2011, I am very excited about this product launch, being a HUGE fan of the vinyl glam 02, excited about the aerosol shine affect this mist will create. )

Create the look

- Create a low side part on the left. Wet hair and apply velvet gelatine 07 cushioning blow-dry gel and blow dry in

- Spray quick dry 18 instant finishing spray in sections and back comb to create the "Bardot-like" height at the crown

- Pull all hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Coil ponytail around itself into a chic chignon and pin with hairpins

- Pull pieces out at either side in front of the ear with a tail comb as not to disturb the rest of the hair

- Finish entire look with shine flash 02 glistening mist for extra sheen on the runway (and for your personal runway)!

Hairdo Clip-In Extensions Giveaway - up to $500 value !!!!!



Can you guess which Hairdo product was used to achieve this Bardot done BIG style ??????

Images : Ruven Afanador for New York Magazine

Infamous New York Magazine Spring Fashion Cover

Jessica Simpson recently graced the cover of New York Magazine’s spring fashion issue (February 21, 2011) receiving a nod from the publication as a fashion mogul and coined the “$1 Billion Girl”. But  her larger than life hairstyle is what captured our attention, not that she is a "$1 Billion Girl" !!! The buzz on "how did she get that look?" , has already started ..... Take part in the conversation by entering the exciting facebook contest !!

Starting Wednsday February 23, 2011 to Friday February 25, 2011 make your way to http://www.facebook.com/#!/hairdoUSA to vote which Hairdo piece (there will be images on the Hairdo’s Facebook page to choose from for your vote.)  was used to help her get the look. The first ten lucky entries to answer correctly will win a 21"Human Hair Clip-In Extension, valuing at $500 or any other Hairdo Extension of their choice.


There is two chances to win -  If any of you are not in group of ten winners listed on facebook , I will randomly choose 5 readers to win a style of their choosing from Hairdo Extensions.

Rules to Enter

1. Enter on facebook and vote http://www.facebook.com/#!/hairdoUSA
2. Leave a comment under this post that you've entered , include your name so that I know whether you've won or not .  In addition to leaving a comment, email me  with the subject "Hairdo Facebook Contest" Your full contact details.
3. If you're on twitter , Follow me (@deessemagazine) to stay connected with updates , and Tweet me  " I've just entered the #HairdoFacebookContest"
4. Deadline to enter is Friday February 25, 2011 - where the winners will be announced on Facebook. 
5.  Once the winners are announced , I will choose from my readers who did not win. 
6. The Five Winners will be announced Monday, February 28, 2011.

Goodluck !!!  $500 worth of hair is at stake !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Official !!!!!! Minx obtains U.S. Patent on New and Superior Process for Applying Nail Coatings

Images : Minx Nails Website

February 21, 2011 – Oceanside, CA – Minx, Inc.® has announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has awarded a patent covering Minx's method for applying a unique non-liquid graphic coating to nails. The patent, U.S. Patent No. 7,861,730, entitled "Methods and Devices for Applying Solid Nail Coatings to Mammalian and Artificial Nails," provides protection in the United States for this novel approach for applying a nail coating laminate.  "We are pleased that the Patent Office has recognized our invention and issued this patent,” stated Minx co-founder Dawn Lynch-Goodwin. “We anticipate that other patents covering our intellectual property will issue in the near future in the United States and abroad.”

About Minx, Inc.®

Minx, Inc.® is a private company committed to extending fashion to nails. The Minx manicure and pedicure line includes designer styles, personalized graphics and sparkling metallics available to high-end beauty businesses across the United States. For more information and a list of salons and spas currently offering Minx, visit http://www.minxnails.com/.

Who says accessories are for the ladies only ????

I can not recall the last time I have saw an emphasis on Mens Accessories - primarily jewelry. I am a girl that love accessories for myself, and I love that there are so many fabulous , yet very masculine options for men. When it comes to Mens Designer Rings, there is a lot of new modern styles for todays man. No more are just the same square shaped styles that featured gemstones or initials ( I use these descriptions because these are styles that my Grandfather wore , and I love these styles till this day - BUT , I love that there is some modern options available) , now there is a wonderland of shapes and design that men can choose from. Some are for the style mavericks, while there are still classic styles for the stylishly - timid . From Bull Heads, Skulls ( which have been "en vogue" for the past couple of years, to Fangs ( very reminicent to another vintage style of Mens Rings - "The Horseshoe" - but a modern update) I really really like this style. I see it as the go-to ring for a wide range of men  - I honestly believe that all men can wear this style and I know that this style has a universal appeal. Unlike the Skull and Bull Head - which I know are not for "everyone" , but I can see these styles being worn by the rock-band types. Modern interpretations on bands ( including strips of wood for a haute couture feeling), I see these styles more on the laid back modern metro-sexual types . Gemstone rings, which are not as gaudy as the rings of the past, featuring slimmer styles ( like the ring pictured top right) - I can totally see this style on the tailored suit wearing man, the one who wears Tom Ford Cologne everyday just cause.

We always advertisments about womens jewelry , I think its time that Mens jewelry gets the same exposure.



Minx domination at New York Fashion Week ......

February 10, 2011

The Katie Ermilio 2011 Fall Collection

photo by : Lisa Logan

Kate Ermilio requested custom two-toned Minx in a variety of colors to accentuate her presentation, and Minx nail stylist Lisa Logan and assistant Johnnie Nelson applied the Minx to the models. These nails are a modern, fashion-forward take on the french manicure , definitely not your mothers manicure at all. Fresh, modern, young and new are words that are synonymous with these nails.

February 13, 2011

The Bess 2011 Fall Collection

photos by: Joseph Richards

Models wore Minx designs from the new “Minx Professional by Lisa Logan” collection, the designs features geometric shapes and patterns with some transparency on some of the models nails.  These designs were very reminicent of the pop-art era. I am anxiously awaiting the possible release of these designs to the public ! :) The Minx were applied by celebrity nail stylist Lisa Logan and her team of Titilayo Bankole and Angel Williams. 

February 15, 2011

Dennis Basso’s 2011 Fall/Winter Collection

Photo by : Lisa Logan

These were my favorite designs premiered at New York Fashion Week. The models wore a Cinnamon Minx in both solid and degradé (shown above) , applied by celebrity nail stylist Lisa Logan, Titilayo Bankole, Angel Williams and Natasha Ray.  The Cinnamon Minx in degradé is such a pretty and demure design, I really really like it. Minx co-founders Dawn Lynch-Goodwin and Janice Jordan assisted backstage - that is what I call "Star Power" !!!!

If you'd like to take a walk on the Minx-side yourself , check out www.MinxNails.com for designs and salon info.

Great Tip

Once you have chosen the specific design you would like to try, make sure when you call the nail salon to make your appointment, tell them to make sure they have that specific design on hand.  If they don't have it in stock, they can order it for you as long as you give them enough advance notice. 

i am BEYOND “Valentine’s Day Sweepstakes”

Read below for more details.

Having a Minxalicious Valentines Day planned ???

As we approach the "Minxiest" of holidays, MINX has released three new Valentines Day inspired designs just in time for the big day - the greatest part is that they're available now !!!



"Be Mine"
I love this , its reminds me of minx illusion with the hologram effect.



"Follow Your Heart"
This design reminds me of early 90's nails..  I think this would look great on longer nails.

"Hearts a Flyn"
Since Pink is my favorite color, this is my favorite design out of the three... I am considering getting this design done this friday just in time for the weekend ! <3

Just For Fun ....



  Photo by U.K nail stylist ( who also applied his MINX) Kimberley Casey for DOI .


If your man is secure in his masculinity to rock some MINX , he can take note from Vanilla Ice . Vanilla Ice has been spotted sporting MINX for a while now as he's been taping UK's "Dancing on Ice" . Here are some pics of the rappers latest MINX designs. I happen to like the MINX on him , I think it suits him.  The dark nails are still very masculine and edgy.

Sultry Treats to Make Your Valentines Day Unforgetable.... All under $50!

Hair with sexy curves and body ....

Runway Series by RSession Tools Tapered Curling Iron ($49.99 / Ulta.com , Target.com, http://www.rickysnyc.com/ )  is the perfect tool to show that your hair can also  have some sexy curves. This 4-in-1 iron allows you to create different levels of the head-turning curves in your hair. Especially when used in its barrel only form, you avoid having pesky marks ( unsightly crimps) , and it really gives a beautiful wave . You can control the pattern / size of your curls (or waves) depending on how tight you hold your hair to the iron. Although I love straight hair, but why wear straight hair when you can have sexy lustrous waves??

The perfect pout



Provocative



Porn Star 

 

Blow

 There is three levels of seduction you can channel with the perfect shade of lipstick - You could be the sex symbol with "porn star" (not literally of course!!!) , the provocateur with "provocative" , or the sultry sexy femme fetale with "blow" . Mattese Elite lipstick ($10 http://www.rickysnyc.com/ / pictured, below) carries all of the colors I just listed and you may not be daring enough to try all three but one of them are sure to be a perfect fit with your persona. Porn Star and Blow are very popular colors.. I love all three .. I say try them all , and at 10 dollars each its a steal !!!!!!

It's all about having a signature scent ........

 






Reveal by Halle Berry

Launched just this month is the third addition to Halle Berry's fragrance collection - Reveal by Halle Berry $28 (1oz) and $35 (1.7oz). Reveal  is described as a blend of floral, fruit and woods for a versatile scent that combines classic sophistication with modern sexiness. Fresh, fruity top notes accompanied by Halle’s favorite flower, Mimosa, blend into a feminine bouquet of plumeria flower, iris blossom and neroli petals. The fragrance then settles on a seductive base of vetiver, cashmere woods and skin musk, delivering a creamy addiction that leaves an intoxicating trail. The bottle is inspired by the art-deco era along with Halle's own personal memories of a beloved obect d'art, it is a very pretty bottle. Something you would like to be in your boudoir.

Creating the perfect atmosphere ....

Love and apreciation definitely should not be displayed only on V-Day. But, it doesn't hurt to go the extra mile for your beau. Some of my favorite picks ( all of the items below are available at Rickys Stores and http://www.rickysnyc.com/ - its a mega Store I tell you!!) all under $20 !!!

Skinny Dip





Lavender

  



Dreamsicle





Earthly Body Massage Candles ($13.99) are great , because they melt down to a moisturizing massage oil.  So it is the gift that keeps on giving 1.creates a heavenly ambiance with the scent , 2.can be used for massages , and my most favorite 3.moisturizes the skin.  

FETISH  Fantasy Series Furry Cuffs ($14.99) and Satin Love Mask ($9.99)  are self explanatory. These two items are sure to give your Valentines night a "Happy Ending" .

52 Weeks of Naughty Night Cards ($16.99) is a playful treat for two loaded with fun naughty games and suprises that will last you way past the 14th .

New products from Tarte Cosmetics Just in time for V-Day !!!!

Tarte Cosmetics has finally added powder blush to their already amazing line of cosmetics, with the  NEW Amazonian clay 12-hour blush ($25/ exclusive to Sephora stores /Sephora.com)   in eight new shades (pictured, below). These blushes provide the cheekbones with the signature "tarte" rush of color, only that this time it has a nice powder finish. If you are a fan of the cult favorite cheek stain, these 12-hour blushes are sure to covet a spot in your vanity. Valentines Day weekend is the perfect time to try something new for your beau, or just for yourself !! :) Whether you have a night full of dancing, dining or loving (wink , wink) - your blush is staying put !!!!!!

Amused




Blushing Bride




Blissful



Dollface



Exposed




Flush




Natural Beauty




Tipsy  




Why stop at the cheeks, when you can add some color to those pretty puckers. with tartes NEW LipSurgence™ lip lusters ($24/tarte.com, Sephora.com, Ulta.com) . These lip lusters will guarantee shimmer and shine that lasts all day, and have been clinically proven: 6000% increase in lips' moisture content in 28 days! (when used consecutively of course.)

LipSurgence™ natural lip lusters
( buff(nude), glisten(peach), adored(light pink), frisky(bright pink), pouty(berry), fever(red) )



Check out Sephora Stores and Sephora Online as well as Tartecosmetics.com for more information and products  for getting pretty and flirty for Valentines Day