01.09.2013
The Hair Files: George Papanikolas for Joico and Just Extensions!


For some reason, as soon as January hits, I always seem to get in a hair funk.  My friends assure me that my hair looks “fine” but I get really down on myself and end up going back to the two things that make me hair happy: perfect blonde highlights and new hair extensions.

So I went back to one of my absolute faves for highlights: George Papanikolas for Joico.  I’ve already raved about him here and hereso clearly, you know I’m obsessed.  George is one of the hottest and most sought after colorists in HollywoodInstyleAllure, and People Magazine have all recognized George as one of the countries top colorists.  Using the French, freehand technique “balayage,” he creates natural-looking, sun-kissed color that looks, as George says, “like you’ve spent a summer at the beach, not three hours in the salon.”

One of the most important ingredients in George’s color blends is a foundation of healthy, shiny hair.  To produce his vibrant color results, he relies on Joico’s Vero-K-Pak Color, as well as Joico’s Hair Repair System which includes Joico’s K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor to keep his cients hair in optimum condition.  This award-winning hair fixer is packed with Joico’s unique Quadramine Complex, which transforms strands instantly, leaving hair stronger, glossier and easier to manage.   

So touching up my color was step one (and photo one, above).  Step two was filling out my fine hair with extensions.  Now, my previous hair extension experience was truly epic but when I found out about Just Extensions, LA’s first extensions-only salon, I HAD to try them out.  Just Extensons is a Drybar for hair extensions, if you will, and you know how much I love a dedicated salon.  The best part?  Aside from the excellent customer service, their extension packages are crazy affordable.  I texted my friend Kristen, who is a frequent “weave” getter, and when I told her she could get a full head for $150, she replied back “a full f&*cking head for $150?!?!  I’m making an appointment!”  Now that’s excitment for good hair.  With three signature packages that include; micro-links, braided sew-in, beaded one-step weft, and fusion techniques (all ranging from $100 – $300), there really is something for every hair type.  Ugh, and guys, I TRIED out clip-ins (really, I did), but they’re just not as good!  I’m sorry.  This is the real deal.  I sent the salon manager a recent photo and when I came in for my appointment, she had four packs of perfectly matching hair, ready to go.  About two hours later, I looked like the second picture and I’m not even kidding – heads turned as I walked down the street.  A true testament to GOOD HAIR.


01.08.2013
Tuesday Web Candy

A pretty easy and delicious-looking salmon recipeRamshackle Glam

Amber talks about the beauty products that she hoards, a “Sephorder” if you will – Beauty Blogging Junkie

Hot scissor hair cuts?  Hmmm… – Allure

Why January is apparently “online dating month” – The Luxury Spot

I’m loving Heidi Klum’s casual leopard scarf outfit hereCeleb Style

How healthy is your “diet,” really? – Refinery29

A sad goodbye to one of my favorite blogs! – Court and Hudson

These are super cool if you (or someone you know) loves a good crossword puzzle – Chevron and Stripes

01.02.2013
Working Out and Why I Won’t Do It with Good Hair

Just like everyone else in America, I’ve vowed to spend more time working on my fitness in 2013.  Has this been my New Year resolution for the past several years?  Yes.  Have I always kept it up?  Absolutely not, don’t be crazy, but it’s for this exact reason that I literally laughed out loud when I saw this story on Allure.com.  The piece reveals a survey of more than a hundred women, where 40 percent admitted to skipping exercise because they didn’t want to mess up their hair; they are about three times less likely to meet the recommend exercise standards than women who don’t fear being unkempt.  

Guys, I really thought that I was the only one who sometimes avoids physical exercise due to the fact that I happen to be having a good hair day and don’t want to F it up.  So, I guess I’m not alone, which is awesome.  A potential solution: Edward Tricomi, of Warren-Tricomi Salons shared a really awesome tip for maintaining your blowout after a workout. He told me to cut up a pair of black, opaque stockings and turn them into a make-shift headband and then use the remaining pieces to tie my hair into a ponytail. It is genius since the material doesn’t leave indentation marks and absorbs perspiration at the hairline.  Let’s see how this goes…cheers to a fit 2013.

Photo: My last birthday (Devon, me, Sharon). There was no way I was going to the gym with that hair.

12.13.2012
Coterie.com launches PHYTO Silky Straight Blow Dry Sets!

Coterie.com, the new online shopping experience designed for the ultra-busy woman, introduces three exclusive limited time only offers by renowned botanical hair care brand, PHYTO.  And guys, if you know me AT ALL, you know that I love…actually, make that LIVE FOR, a good blow out so you know I was excited when I heard about the easy PHYTO systems for a perfectly silky straight blow out.  Now, using PHYTO takes me back…waaaay back to 2009 when I visited the PHYTO Universe Natural Beauty Oasis in New York City.  They took photographs of my scalp and magnified it up to see how healthy (or not healthy) my scalp really was.  The verdict?  A healthy scalp.  I could breath a sigh of relief and then go home and immediately wash my hair with my new PHYTO products.

Back to the blow dry sets…I love the PHYTO tagline “blow out before you go out” cause it’s just so true.  When you have good hair, you’re going to have a good night, simple as that, and PHYTO and Coterie are giving you THREE options to help you get that perfect hair.  My favorite?  Option 1: Phytolisse shampoo and Phytolisse mask, since I have fine hair.

PHYTO Silky Straight Blow Dry Sets:

Option 1. Phytolisse shampoo and Phytolisse mask- $49 (valued at $62)

Option 2. Phytodefrisant and Phytolisse serum- $45 (valued at $56)

Option 3. Phytolisse shampoo, Phytolisse mask, Phytodefrisant botanical relaxing balm, Phytolisse shine serum combo- $80 (valued at $118)

Also, if you’re not already familiar, you need to check out Coterie.  They pretty much make discovering and purchasing prestige beauty products informational and effortless by curating and editorializing peer-influenced limited time only exclusive offers (while also offering full-price items).  And, they have some great brands (Stila, Perricone, Urban Decay, etc.) so I’m pretty into it.

FTC Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Coterie.com but all opinions are my own, as per usual.


12.11.2012
Tuesday Web Candy

Super cute holiday gifts that give backStripes & Sequins

Christine knows the way to wow your holiday party guests…custom cocktailsCourt & Hudson

Pantone announced the color of the year: Emerald green!InStyle

Pizza Hut perfume. Really? – Beauty Blogging Junkie

Don’t be fooled…Tammy Taylor (oh you know her as the mom from Friday Night Lights) has NEVER worn extensions. So cute for her – People StyleWatch

So Boy Meets World is coming back (as Boy Meets GIRL) and Danielle Fishel dishes on her beauty must-havesAllure

The cutest DIY sequin ornamentGlitter N Glue

18 things you’ll ONLY see in New York City…and I love every one of them – Buzzfeed

I’m loving this DIY animal bookendNatalMe

The lazy girl’s (e.g. ME) detox planRefinery29

11.28.2012
The Hair Files: Sherry Ratay at Gavert Atelier Salon

So lately I’ve been really missing my hair extensions and fact of the matter is, when I’m not feeling good about my HAIR, I’m not feeling good about myself. It’s sad but true.  So when my a PR friend reached out and let me know that the famed Sherry Ratay was in town from Florida (on behalf of Minardi) and, gasp, doing highlights at Gavert Atelier, I literally jumped up and an instant smile was on my face.  For anyone who doesn’t know, Sherry is an award-winning color expert, known for her gorgeous reds and balayage (my fave!) highlights.

It’s really embarassing that good hair- such a little (and somewhat shallow) thing- can make me happy but it DOES, so sorry for partying. And actually, this was the best timing ever because I had JUST booked an amazing video opportunity with PopSugar (more on that December 5th when it goes live!) and hi, I definitely can’t go on-camera with BROWN ROOTS.  So then there’s that.  If you’re in Florida or LA (when she’s in town), I highly suggest you book an appointment since I’m pretty much obsessed with my “baby blonde,” as Sherry called it, highlights.

Photo: behind-the-scenes shot from my PopSugar holiday beauty shoot.  Hiiiii green screen.


11.13.2012
My Current Hair Care Regimen


L’OREAL EverCream Cleansing Conditioner: I’ve tried a few cleansing conditioners and have never really been that impressed…until now.  L’OREAL’s version is perfection.  My hair feels clean and moisturized, all in one. 

Bumble and Bumble (Really) Thickening Serum: I’ve been using this serum for years and have always been really impressed with the results.  My hair doesn’t feel greasy but still gets lots of volume and fullness after using it.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum: Hair oil can be a little scary for those of us with fine locks but once you try hair oil, you never go back. I’m way into argan oil for my hair (and skin, for that matter).

Rita Hazan Root Concealer: I like to make jokes about the fact that I have a random patch of grey hair under my side swept bangs which, not so funny enough, are strategically UNDER my bangs.  Not so random. But anywho, I like to use this Root Concealer when I pin my bangs back and my greys are exposed. Ah, getting old…not so fun.

Oribe Dry Texturzing Spray: I blogged about this product in my October 5 Favorites, and I still stand by it.  It’s fab for giving loads of volume and texture, once your hair is dry and straight.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo: I don’t use dry shampoo every day, but I probably use it at least four times a week.  So, obviously, I’m pretty picky about the brands that I use.  Oscar Blandi’s version is awesome.  Enough said.

Read my current skincare obsessions HERE.