q+a

Q: How do I get my hair to look like this? – S.K., NY

A: This is a great easy look for someone with shorter hair. Wash your hair and spray it throughout with a volumizer like T3′s Plump or Kiehl’s Super Thick Volumizer. Then turn upside down and blow dry, using your fingers to smooth the hair but not completely straighten it. Leaving the two side pieces free, loosely pin the hair back; you can put it into a neater ponytail later, the idea now is just to smooth it.

To get Ms. Chung’s curly front pieces, use a curling iron. Curl, pin, and spray with hairspray, while maintaining the center part. While your curls are pinned, brush the rest of your hair upwards and backwards into a loose ponytail, brushing back towards the base of your head with a bristly brush or your fingers. You can also use your fingers to gently pull hair up from the roots for a bedhead look. Pull the ponytail into a loose loop/bun and secure at the nape with an elastic.

Revisit your front curls. Unpin them, then brush them out gently. Brushing will remove most of the spray to leave your hair looking soft and tousled like in the picture. You can use a ribbon or other hair decoration of your choice to add the finishing touch. I really like the ombre effect on the ends of her hair, but for that you will need a little more help than I can provide. Enjoy!

q+a

Q: My friend and I were talking the other day about make-up. She went to see a dermatologist recently after she developed a rash on her chin that wouldn’t go away with the normal face-washing regimen. Her dermatologist recommended she use only paraben-free make-up to keep it at bay. Do you have any tips who makes good paraben-free make-up? K.L, Boston, MA

A: This has been a question at the forefront of my mind recently after a rash (NO pun intended.. ok maybe a little) of office incidents that have left my coworkers and I troubled. My assistant had a problem last year with her eyes; specifically, that they were itchy and red with no apparent explanation. It turned out that one of the chemicals being used at her manicure salon was making her eyes irritated. Think that’s crazy? Another co-worker just discovered she had the same problem. There are chemicals and skin irritants all around us and our bodies can react mildly or violently in response.

Sephora has taken a dedicated approach to providing more natural and organic options for consumers. They have a specific definition for what “natural” and “organic” mean, which is outlined here. They even have a glossary so you can learn more about this side of cosmetics. Basically, product ranges containing 90% or more antioxidants, botanicals, essential oils, marine bioactives, vitamins, and minerals, and which exclude a minimum of 6 of the following 8 ingredients: GMOs (genetically modified organisms), parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, and triclosan, can be defined as natural/organic. Some natural brands that I am familiar with which I enjoy are Korres (I use their Wild Rose 24-hr Moisturizer), and Caudalie, which are focused on skincare, and Tarte, which is primarily makeup. One of my friends swears by Bare Escentuals, which her mom gave her because she was always falling asleep in her makeup! It would be a good idea to go to Sephora with some products in mind and ask for some samples. If you explain your situation, I am sure a sales associate would be happy to help you try a few things out. If things backfire, they have a no-questions-asked return policy.

Since organic products can add up to a big purchase, it’s important to check out competitively-priced lines as well. I am a big believer in French drugstore brands, many of which are now available in stores like CVS stateside. La Roche-Posay is my favorite; I have used the Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser, the Rosaliac Gelee Makeup Remover, and the Anthelios sunscreen line. On the website there is a handy skin-type guide that recommends specific products. Another new cosmetics line out of Peabody, MA, Luxx Cosmetics, has great quality products in simple packaging with an online platform to minimize costs. More than half of their range is parabens-free and enriched with vitamins and minerals. I particularly like their eye shadows. If any readers have suggestions/experiences: share!

carry on

Q: While lost and dazed, in a tumultuous world of shiny, sparkly and misfit bags, I turn to you for assistance! I am looking for a spectacular messenger bag that can work both day and night, with fantastic hardware (like that found on older versions of Marc Jacobs) and noteworthy functionality (preferably a trailer home for the hard-working MacBook), and with delectable style… Most significant is the look of a cool hand bag with an across the body strap (or shoulder strap), with color taking a debatable stance. The most challenging aspect of all… is the price; although Balenciaga’s Arena Giant Covered City Bag and Proenza Schouler’s PS1 bags are most spectacular, emitting love rays to all those looking, they are sure to provide a “bread and water” holiday season- BAH HUMBUG!!! Alas, I turn to you, to dtangle me please with some enlightening sunshine! – S.G, Boston, MA

A: My dear reader, thank you for your amazing email. I love you. Moreover, I totally sympathize with your quandary. It’s so hard to find a beautiful bag that’s functional — but add in a low-cost caveat and you are really pricing yourself out of the best bags out there which are in the mid-level (not cheap, but consider them a value). I love a bargain just as much as the next girl, but as a professional-for-life, I will always need a luxe home for the stuff of my bread and butter. I’m guessing my girls out there will, too; so my advice is to spend the extra cash and get one you can love long time.

1.Gryson Olivia, $785– I don’t like to play favorites but if I had to pick one for myself, this would be it. I love the woven handles and Gryson uses the absolute softest pebbled leather which would be a pleasure to carry. The color works with everything and if you need to go from the office to a nice dinner no one would have any idea your chic bag was home to a pile of messy papers and a laptop! This bag is an investment but the versatility would pay off in the long run, when you no longer need to tote your MacBook around and have an assistant to take your dictation.

2.Tabitha Stardust, $400– I love the color and shape of this easy bag; it’s big when full and little when empty. Pale greys and ivories in winter are so luxurious and this would look great as an everyday carryall.

3.Matt + Nat Goldfrapp, $235 – A simple bag that will juuust fit your laptop and some files. Lots of pockets on the inside will keep you organized. This 100% vegan bag (23 bottles recycled!) will also win you some karma points.

4.Proenza Schouler PS1, $1,995– You are right – this bag is a fantasy! – but it’s so fabulous how could I overlook it? Doesn’t she look cute among all her little friends? The gold standard.

5.Coach Audrey, $798– My pal Coop has been rocking a really cute Coach from the new collection and I’ve been viewing the line with new eyes. I love the chain on this bag and it comes in a whole range of colors. Over at the coveted you can take a look at how great the bag looks when it is expanded and really get a sense of the size. This is a gorgeous bag and from what I hear Coach has got their quality issues resolved and is making classic, long-lasting bags once again. There are a lot of options here so make sure to check out their full assortment!

6. Kooba Jagger, $595– This was the prettiest ivory bag I saw, and although I see it getting ruined more quickly than some others, I like the details and this would definitely work on lots of different occasions. Kooba is worth looking into as a brand because their bags are comfortable, well-made, and fashionable without being overbranded.

7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal Tote, $498 – One of my buyers at Bloomingdale’s said the other model in this bag, the Sasha http://savvy.purseblog.com/images/Marc-by-Marc-Jacobs-Petal-to-the-Metal-Sasha-Shoulder-Bag.jpg, is totally sold out for them and that they are getting more in December. I like it, but actually prefer this Barney’s exclusive because it’s sturdier and looks like it can hold more. Not everyone will be a fan of the girly hardware but I am so sick of the push-buckles it’s refreshing to see something new.

brow wars

Q: Can you please post about an eyebrow person you recommend?  I think they are so important for framing the face and my lady just tweezed the crap out of mine, after I’ve spent the last year trying to grow them out to be full and au naturel.  I’m back to Greta Garbo eyebrows. M.M, NY, NY

A: Let’s face it: Greta Garbo brows only work if you’re Greta Garbo. My good friend Cher had a similar experience. She went to some expensive lady who turned her into a chola. I feel for you. It just so happens I have the most amazing eyebrow lady: her name is Wendy and she is an eyebrow genius. I found her through one of my best friends, Antonia, who has a scar running through one of her eyebrows, making them notoriously hard to wax. Antonia is Brazilian and has extra high standards for waxing. I have seen many expensive pluckers: Robert Sweet at Barney’s, Robin Narvaez at Borja. None of them made my eyebrows look as good as Wendy and just left me feeling like I spent too much money for nothing.

Wendy costs $13.50 and is worth ten times that. She can take one look at you and assess the best shape for your face. She uses a combination of plucking and waxing to get them perfect and precise. Don’t be fooled by the unglamorous salon and I promise it’s worth going all the way to Murray Hill.

Wendy @ Lookin’ Good NYC
416 3rd Ave (between 29th St & 30th St)
(212) 685-9475

q & a

Q: I have decided my footwear buy for winter/fall is going to be a pair of black, knee high riding boots.  Can’t afford anything too expensive, under $200 (massive purchase for me).  I am hoping for something that is casual enough to wear with jeans, but nice enough to pair with a dress too.  Not really into many embezzlements right now — just something very classic. Ideas?! – A.M., United Kingdom

A: My darling frugal fashionista, no one is going to embezzle your boots away from you. I simply won’t let them. Now that we’ve got that cleared up.. it’s true. Not everyone wants motorcycle boots (but don’t tell my assistant that.. I think she is on her third pair). But this season, finding those timeless riding boots is going to be a trick, for a few reasons. Retailers are torn between selling basic product, which they have been trained to buy every year, and offering something novel to a schizophrenic customer that needs to be lured back into the stores. This has created a price-value divide in which the basic product that remains in the stores is luxurious and expensive (ie a Loro Piana cashmere sweater, a pair of Theory pants), and the trendy product is seen as more of a passing fad and priced as such. So finding something basic (riding boots), at a price (<$200) is a challenge.

So, where does this leave us? Never fear. With everything out there, you will not remain bootless. Aside from vintage shopping, which is definitely a good idea (isn’t London the land of amazing vintage riding boots? Get thee to Portobello Road!), I have narrowed my recommendations down to the top three pairs below. Note that I ruled out suede (not classic and not durable enough) and heels (not comfortable enough for around-the-clock wear) and any color other than black for versatility’s sake.

3. At $215, these Bagatt boots are a bit out of the price range, but I’m in love with the cowboy shape, the subtle details, and the snakeskin leather. They have a nice 1.2″ heel but may be a bit casual for dressier outfits. Vaguely reminiscent of these which I adore.

2. Steve Madden’s Inragee wedge boots are a great shape with a low 1.25″ heel and a gold zipper detail that is the faintest embellishment. They are sleek and versatile. And no one knocks them off like Madden — check out this look-alike pair which I actually like less because of the strap and weird light-colored heel.

1. Dolce Vita OTK boots, at $198, are my top pick. The 1″ heel will not leave you totally flat and the shape is the best one here. They are not too much taller than the knee and will look cute with jeans, shorts, a skirt, dress, whatever. They are clean, modern, and dressy but not fancy. Inexplicably, I found another pair for over $100 more from the same brand. Both are good-looking boots and I imagine they are not vastly different.

Good luck and let me know what you end up with!