Holidays with Lands' End

Everyone calls themselves a lifestyle brand nowadays but very few can hold a candle to Lands' End, a company that truly epitomizes lifestyle. Where else can you outfit  your entire family, including the dog, garnish a Christmas Tree and decorate the family room? I stopped by their showroom last week to get a glimpse of what's in store for the Holiday season which is about 140 days away but hey who's counting. Folks if you're hit by last minute paranoia about what to get someone for the holidays, Lands' End will be your retail Zoloft.   For even the most fickle person there will be something for them to touch, wear or display with glee yes folks,  Lands' End has got you covered just take a look.

Falling Over Talbots

Summer maybe here but in the wonderful world of fashion, Fall  is on everyone's mind. While you were melting at your computers last week, it was all about Fall ad Holiday at Talbots, a favorite brand of the First Lady. I was able to get  a sneak peek of the collection that will be arriving in just a few months.   Think lace, sequin and jewel tones, this is not your mother's Talbots, it's more for your  sophisticated fairy fashion godmother.  Like J.Crew, Talbots is defining itself as a mass retailer with strong fashion roots on par with many  high end American designers.  After all these years, Talbots still  has the amazing capability of making their customer look dynamic, powerful and chic without spending a fortune.

I Don't Mean To Be Short With You

Dear Disgraceful Short Wearers,

Summer is here, and as the UV Index rises and sunny days turn into humid hell pots I want you to reconsider your choice of attire especially when it comes to wearing shorts. Yes shorts,  as in the official clothing item of warm weather. How I have watched in agony as girls and guys have waged  a viscous attack on innocent bystanders as they pulled at their crotch or exposed their backside to way too many folks. I beg of you, keep in mind fit, age appropriateness and social norms.

So before you throw on those Daisy Dukes do a walk test, if you have to pull them out of your crouch every 2 steps, maybe you should hold off. As for the guys, before you throw on those boarding shorts take into account that shorts should not come to your ankles and they usually should not be worn with socks and slides and sweatshirts.  If you're reading and you know of such offending characters, pass this along. A good friend wants you to always  look your best and be your best. 

Love, Peace and Fashion,

All photos courtesy of Glamour.com

All My Curly Ladies

Rihanna's Red Ringlets

I'm on strike from the flat iron, chemicals and blow dryers. It's summer in New York, which means sexy folks and rooftop bars but also means humid days and frizzy hair. As a beauty ambassador  it's hard to stay cute and fight Mother Nature. Maintaining moisture rich locks in a perfect condition takes an arsenal of products from wash to style.  From searching for  shampoos that restore moisture, conditioners that don't leave residue and let's not forget styling gels, dry shampoos and serums, it can get overwhelming.   Have no fear, I've  narrowed it down to the  best products for all my curly  ladies.

Pre Shampoo
Hey no one said this was easy but dryness is a major factor in frizz control. The steps to frizz prevention start before you wash your hair and a pre-shampoo by  J.F. Lazartigue's Soy Milk Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Mask is just what you need. With Red Algae and Soy Milk, this pre-poo for short, protects your tresses from the harshness and stripping agents that shampoos are known for.

Shampoo
You don't have to hop across the pond  for British hair maven Phillip Kingsley's Moisture Balancing Shampoo. It  adds  moisture and leaves hair supple and not stripped better than any other shampoo that claims to do the same thing. Plus a little goes a long way.

Deep Conditioner
Great smell check, leaves hair soft and tangle free check. Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask works wonders on damaged hair. Combining Monoi oil along with coconut oil and Tahitain gardenia for fragrance, this  wonder worker is a summer must have.

Rinse
Want a little slip to your hair after washing out your deep conditioner? Ellin Levar's Satin Soft Conditioning Rinse has Cupacu, the rain forest's answer to shea butter which  seals the hair's cuticle  making  the hair retain moisture.

Leave In Conditioner
The queen of curl, Ouidad has created an empire for the curly haired diva. With many amazing products to her line, I do suggest the Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner. You're suppose to put it on your hair while wet  but I also  like to place a little on my locks pre work out as well to add a little oomph.

Styling
Some folks are super specific as to how their ringlets appear.Tresemme's Curl Definition Jelly is just for you. It's used by professional stylists to not only add shape to natural curls but to also add shine.
This Summer is brutal ladies, help your hair out, it's your crown.  Check out these products and build your own curl manageable arsenal. It will take some time but your hair will thank me.