Monday, January 30, 2012

Hair, Grow it, Show it !


"Gimme a head with hair, long beautiful hair, shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen....." 
 
Most women have a special bond with their hairstylist, and I am no exception.  Here I am leaving Lavish after having another great session with Lindsay.  She is so great she even snapped this photo of me!  I LOVE her!

Every time I go it's different.   Sometimes it's highlights and color, sometimes just a "glaze" (not sure what that is exactly, but it seems to tone down the natural red I have in my hair, yay!)most times she trims a bit, but sometimes it's a full cut.  And of course there is the ever important Brazilian Blowout(formaldyhyde fee of course)!!!


As we age, our hair needs more attention.  It looses the shine and luster of our youth and of course there are those nasty grays, a symbol of wisdom?!! All it says to me is OLD!  I don't have the most beautiful hair, in fact, I have never felt it to be one of my better features, but  a great hairstylist can make it whatever you want.

 Additionally, another secret I've found besides Lindsay, (and this might gross you out!!!) is to wash your hair only once or twice a week.  I know eww! But it truly works.  All that washing and blow drying really strips your hair of its natural oils which leads to blah hair.  How do I do it?  It's easy.  
ROSEystyle  Recommends....
  1. Get a blow out, or do it yourself.  If you go for a blow out, I LOVE the Dry Bar on filmore. Not local, no worries blow out only salons are popping up everywhere!
  2. Own a good curling iron and flat iron for touch ups.
  3. Make sure you have the following: 
    • a shower cap (I'm recommending skipping the hair wash, but a shower is a must!!)
    • dry shampoo (to "clean" your roots and soak up oily build up)
      4. Be flexible and creative!!

This is how a typical week will go for me:

Day One -  Blow out.   This day I usually wear my hair straight!  It is shiny and fabulous.

Day Two - Slight touch up with oil on the ends, (maybe flat iron).  This day my hair is still straight and may look better then Day One!

Day Three -  I add a little dry shampoo to the roots and wash and blow dry my bangs. Then I determine what to do. Usually this is a half up half down day.  Maybe I straighten again, or maybe I add a little wave.

Day Four - Maybe another 1/2 up 1/2 down day, maybe I  need a wash?  IF I can avoid a wash I will. Again more dry shampoo at the roots and oil at the ends.

Day Five and Six....Wash bangs. Have fun with an updo!  Maybe a sock bun, a twist or a high pony.

Wash and Repeat!!!

Here is to many good hair days!!!!!!!

xoJamie









 
  

Monday, January 23, 2012

Gelish-ious!


I am OBESSED with Gel manicures.  I have tried them all Shelac CND, Gelish by Harmony and now I'm on to OPI GelColor.

Although gel has become super popular in the Bay Area  I have found it hard to find a sheer "natural" color.  I have this thing about "no color" color on my nails.  Maybe it's from growing up in Jersey and seeing all the long red acrylic lacquer nails, or maybe it's because my Mom never liked it.  I'm not sure.  But for whatever reason you will NEVER see me with colored finger nails.   So, I have been on the search for the perfect "natural" gel color, and I've finally found it.  Leave it to OPI! In the photos here I am wearing  OPI's GelColor, Bubble Bath. 

I hope by now many of you have tried a Gel manicure and if you haven't you should!  For those of you yet to jump onto the gel trend here is the skinny......


Gel polish is a new kind of nail polish that is “cured” under a UV light to dry.


Why ROSEystyle Recommends...

 
Speedy quick dry time! The UV light dries the polish within minutes.  This means when you leave the salon your nails are completely dry.  No dry time =  no smudging and no dents.
 

This stuff lasts! Gel polish lasts from 2-3 weeks with no chipping. And it stays SUPER shiny.
 

Won't damage your nails like acylics! Unlike traditional enhancements you don’t have to fear the drills or filing down of your nails.
 

Works on natural nails. While you can add length if you want, Gel Polish can be used over a natural nail like traditional polish.

ROSEystyle Warnings....

 
As usual, beauty comes with a price! Gel Polish can only be applied by a professional and the service is more pricey than a traditional manicure. If you are really skilled, you can buy a UV light and gel polish online but it’s not a cheap set-up.  A Gel mani will set you back aprx $25-$35(plus tip), here in SF.


It takes some patience. Getting a Gel manicure can take longer than a traditional manicure and removal adds time. Gel polish must be soaked off with acetone.  This is done by soaking a piece of cotton in acetone, applying it to the nail with aluminum foil and waiting aprx 5-10 minutes for the stuff to soften and peel away. Even after soaking, some polish needs to be scrapped and filed off. Give yourself 45-30 minutes for the whole process.




The pro's clearly out-weigh the cons in my book.  So what are you waiting for?  And don't forget to let me know you favorite color too!!!  



Friday, January 20, 2012

Oops I Thrifted Again!


 Unfortunately, the lighting in these pictures is terrible! It was raining outside and well, I really wanted to post this great dress!

Remember when I thrifted that fun dress for holiday parties?  Well, I also scored this great number.  It was missing a belt, but NO problem.  For $15.00 I knew I could find something at home that would work.  I honestly, don't think this dress was worn very much. It was in perfect condition.  It is a Banana Republic dress (100% merino wool!)

In the first photo I've paired it with a sweater that I already owned from H&M (similar).   And I wish you could see my fab boots.  What is great about them, besides the sexy pointed toe, is that the back is completely stretchy.  So comfortable!!! They are last years (Calvin Klein), but I found this similar pair by Stuart Weitzman on sale, if you are in the market for new boots.

Maybe this is the beginning of a new favorite hobby??



Monday, January 16, 2012

Shop 'til you Drop



Enjoy this MLK day at work or at home and give your winter wardrobe a little lift with one of these great sales.

Happy Shopping!
xoROSEystyle


40% off at Ann Taylor plus secret online sale.
65% off at the Neiman Marcus sale.
60% off at the Barneys New York sale (including Lady Gaga’s Workshop).
70% off today at Mango’s clearance sale.
Get an extra 60% off the LOFT sale with promo code SAVENOW.
40% off at the Vince Camuto sale.
The final sale at J.Crew is still happening.
20% off jeans at Madewell + free shipping on orders over $100 with code WINTER.
70% off at the Linen’s ‘N Things White sale.
Take 15% off spring stuff at Boden.
20% off shoes at Urban Outfitters.

40% off sneakers at 6pm.
Up to 30% off at Macy’s.
40% off at the Twice-Yearly Lime Tag sale at Piperlime.
Up to 50% off at Express.
Up to 50% off at Nordstrom.
25% off winter boots at the Sorel sale.
Crazy-good deals at Target–they change so often, we can’t even keep track.
50% off at Gap.
40% off at Piperlime
40% off shoes at ASOS.
60% off Kate Middleton-worthy dresses at Reiss.
30% off at Topshop.
30% off at Anthropologie.
70% off designer goods at The Outnet.
30% off at Calvin Klein.
25% off at Charlotte Russe.
Up to 70% off at Saks.
Up to 60% off at Trina Turk.

Friday, January 13, 2012

The Eyes Have it



Not only are your eyes the window to your soul, they are also important to how you look. I came home yesterday having just had my eyebrows and eyelashes shaped and tinted at Benefit on Chestnut Street, and my whole family noticed "something" looked different about me.  No one was quite sure what, but all agreed I looked good!  

Having great shaped eyebrows and lushes lashes can really polish your day to day look.  I've shown you all before my 5 minute make up, here are some new tricks and products to add to your arsenal, that will take your beauty up a notch.  
  1.    Find a great eyebrow/eyelash stylist!  On a budget? I love Nataile at Benefit on Chestnut street! If you have a bigger budget try Kia at Blink.
  2.   Tint your eyebrows and (lashes maybe). Also consider and eyelash perm (bye, bye eyelash curler).
  3.  Try an eyelash growth product, I use Lilash!  They really work!!!
  4.   If you have a bigger budget get professional lash extensions!!! But at $250 for a first application and $75.00 for fill in's this a big splurge!! But WOW do they give you lashes to envy!!
  5.  Try at home lash extensions or false lashes.  I've been giving them a whirl and they are pretty fun and easy to use.  Just go on you tube for some easy tutorials

 Once you've lushed out your lashes and polished your brows, add a few products to your home routine (featured below) and viola, your eyes and your soul will be even more beautiful then ever!


Monday, January 9, 2012

Stripes take two.....


Once I get a style idea for a day it obviously sticks with me!  This happens to me more then I'd like to admit.  Although I don't intend to "mother/daughter" dress, often my daughter and end up this way. Looking somewhat the same.  I dressed my daughter this morning at 7am in this cute stripey number.  I dressed myself 7 hours later in a stripey number as well.   When I showed up at school to pick her up,  I giggled a little.  But ultimately, I think this illustrates how a great trend can look good at any age! Don't you agree?

Outfits:
On Me:
Sweater- Kensie
Tee shirt - H & M
Tank Top - H & M
Leggins - Mossimo
Shoes - Banana Republic


On My Girl:
Top - Gap Kids
Skirt - (hand me down)
Leggings - Gap Kids
Sneakers - Converse

Monday, January 2, 2012

Out with the Old, In with the New...(you)




Most women come to me and say "I need to go shopping, I have nothing to wear!"  When I reply "Well, it's true you may need to do some shopping, but I bet you have things to wear in your closet already. Let's start there."  They almost always look at me in disbelief, and it usually takes some coaxing and convincing(which of course I win) before they let me in to take a peek. Together we go through each item piece by piece.  We go through it all!  The shelves, drawers, and hangers, everything, so we can evaluate what we have.  You can do this with a professional (like me) or your bff.  But I recommend before  you shop for another piece of clothing you do a good closet clean out. Here is what I recommend:

You must go through every item you own.  No corner should be left unturned.  Once you have gone through every piece, you will create three piles:

1. couldn't dream of giving up (this is your keep pile)
2. not sure how this works on me, or with my style (this is your maybe pile)
3. OMG why did I ever wear this?  (this is your donate/resell pile).

You can create these piles by using your "gut".  Like on a standardized test, go with your first answer, your instinct (it's usually right).  Pick up the item.  Try it on if you need to.  Pick a pile and don't look back (with one exception).   As you are evaluating your items ask yourself:


1. Do I wear this?
2. Do I look fab in it?
3. Does it fit into my current life/personal style?


hint...If your answer is no to any of these questions this item does not belong in your "keep" pile.

The exception to no looking back I mentioned above is your "keep" pile.  As you get rid of things, you may find yourself putting MANY things in your “keep” pile. You should go through the "keep" pile 2x,  just to make sure the item is truly a keeper.   I've noticed my clients will hold onto clothes for years as they gather dust in there closets.  Those suits you wore in the 90's when you worked full time,  they need to GO!    IF an item falls into this category it's time to say good bye.  The only exceptions to this rule are couture "gala" gowns,  your wedding dress (which should be boxed up anyway!), sentimental items (should be boxed as well), and one pair of "thin" jeans. One pair!  It's good to have goals!   Remember for every item you get rid of you are opening the door to adding something that you will really use.

The important thing to remember is to build your closet around the life you’re living now.  Your closet will usually have five basic components:

1. Work clothes (Or clothes for board and PTA events and charity meetings if you stay home.)
2.  Casual clothes (These are your "dressed down" looks...NOT sweat pants!! Think Sunday brunch.)
3.  Going out clothes (date night, casual parities or night out on the town)
4.  Work out clothes ( You want to look good while sweating too!! right?)
5.  Dressier evening attire (think gala's and events)

Depending upon your lifestyle your wardrobe will be more concentrated in specific areas.  For example if you work full time, you should concentrate on office clothes. If you are a stay at home mom, you should focus on casual, comfortable clothes.  If you love a good party, and find yourself at events and galas, make sure you have plenty of "going out" and dressier looks.  It’s all about they way you live.

This is the first step in finding the new you!  I will give you time to work on this.  Check back for more of my tips on getting your wardrobe in shape for 2012!

Live in the Bay Area? Need help?  Is your bff too busy in her own closet?  Book a free 30 minute wardrobe consultation with me!