Handy hair trick – more volume, less frizz
I was working with a client at the salon last week and learned a new hair trick for avoiding droopy hair. Crystal at Mode Organic Salon in Seattle recommends applying your hair product to damp hair and then lightly squeezing hair with a towel. She says this helps remove any extra product your hair can’t absorb which will help your hair not seem droopy and heavy by the end of the day.
I tried it and my hair definitely had more volume, but it seemed a little frizzy.
Then the next day, I read a celeb hairstylist recommends drying hair with a t-shirt instead of a towel to avoid making hair frizzy. I tried drying my wet hair with a t-shirt and that took too long.
So, I decided to combine the two tricks and ‘voila’ more volume and less frizz. I’ve had to play with the amount of product, but overall it is a big improvement.
Here’s the new routine for my wavy hair:
- Towel dry wet hair.
- Apply curl enhancing lotion.
- Gently squeeze with t-shirt.
- Apply small amount of anti frizz creme (avoid roots).
- Gently squeeze with t-shirt.
- Style and scrunch (a little) and go.
BTW: I highly recommend the products I bought at Mode Organic for wavy hair. They work great and smell divine.
Kevin.Murphy Motion.Lotion – Curl Enhancing Lotion $22 at Mode; $25.48 w/ship @ Amazon.com
Kevin.Murphy Easy.Rider – Anti frizz creme, Flexible hold $22 at Mode; $27 w/ship @ Amazon.com
Also, I can recommend Crystal at Mode Organic Downtown Seattle for wavy hair. She was great with my client and gave her a haircut that required very little styling (I told her five minutes max). Right now, on Yelp, she is offering 25% off her normal $50 rate for a cut for 1st time clients. Mode Organic Salon 4th and Pike, Seattle, WA (206) 623-0195 to schedule.
Stores are mad for plaid: glad or sad?
Personally, I am drawn to the plaid craze that is taking over all the stores. I even like buffalo checks (despite having owned a few pieces in the 80′s). I have been trying to figure out how to incorporate a plaid blouse without looking and feeling like a trendy lumberjack. Here are the parameters I have come up with:
- Make sure it is a flattering fit. For me, the longer versions that tie in the back smell a little too maternity (been there, done that). Also, if you buy a shapeless flannel shirt, congratulations, you will look warm and frumpy. Shop for the shirts that are fitted through the torso to add a feminine shape.
- Avoid ruffles or pleats if you want to wear it for more than two years. A flannel shirt with tuxedo pleats takes a special wardrobe to complement it. I will let this slide if your sense of style allows you to “rock out” a piece for a look that you will “own” indefinitely.
- Find colors that you wear often. I’ve seen plaids with reds, purples, black, pinks, blues, greens, etc. The top will have a much longer closet life if you find a hue that fits with your normal color scheme.
- Consider layering possibilities. Can you wear the shirt a few different ways to maximize price per wear? If not, and you see the same people most days, you will probably only wear the top twice a month or so.
- I love the idea of flannel, but since I haven’t wore a flannel since I went to the [insert Seattle 90's band here: Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, etc.] concert or camping, I’m not sure I can carry it off. I do recall them being cozy though, so if one fits well, I just might.
- Don’t spend a fortune. It annoys me to see a fashion plaid flannel shirt priced over $100 — pa leez.
Click on photos for links.
No.
No way.
Sigh.
Maybe.
Tuesday is Movie Night: The September Issue
Come on and Vogue!
When: Tuesday, October 6th – 5:30 pm dinner at Mamma Melina’s and/or 7:00 pm movie
Where: Seven Gables Theatre 911 N.E. 50th Street @ Roosevelt, Seattle, WA 98105.
I can reserve a table for dinner (pasta dishes run approx. $14). 5:30pm too early for you? Just meet us upstairs at the Theatre around 6:45 pm. You can buy tickets for the movie at the Landmark Theatre website.
Leave a comment if you want to be part of the dinner reservation, meet for the movie, or both.
Slick raincoats under $125
Just because your day is dreary, doesn’t mean your raincoat has to be. Stylists often recommend an expensive Burberry trench coat as a wardrobe “must have.” A well-made $1,000 raincoat would be neat, but the high price tag can put it out of reach for many. Besides, sometimes folks feel a little stuffy in a classic trench. Here are a few examples of subtle (and not so subtle ways) to get the same coverage and try something new. Click on the photos for more information.
Classic Clasps $109.98
Snazzy Sheen $98
Short Trench $89.99
Snazzy Color $76.95
It's in Vogue to see this movie.
The September Issue
Who wants to meet up for early dinner and a movie? More specifically Italian food and a documentary about the making of the mammoth Vogue September issue. Seen Devil Wears Prada? This critically acclaimed documentary is a rare glimpse into the real Anna Wintour’s world.
When: Tuesday, October 6th – 5:30 pm dinner at Mamma Melina’s and/or 7:00 pm movie
Where: Seven Gables Theatre 911 N.E. 50th Street @ Roosevelt, Seattle, WA 98105.
Let me know in the comments if you want to meet up and I’ll keep an eye out for you. I can also make reservations for all of us for dinner (pasta dishes run approx. $14). 5:30pm too early for you? Just meet us upstairs at the Theatre around 6:45 pm. You can buy tickets for the movie at the Landmark Theatre website.
Come on and Vogue!
Synopsis from the Landmark Theatre’s website:
Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine for twenty years, is the most powerful and polarizing figure in fashion. Hidden behind her trademark bob and sunglasses, she has never allowed anyone to scrutinize the inner workings of her magazine. Until now. With unprecedented access, filmmaker R.J. Cutler’s new film does for fashion what he did for politics in The War Room, taking the viewer inside a world they only think they know. Every August a record-breaking number of people can’t wait to get their hands on the September issue of Vogue. The 2007 issue was and remains the biggest ever, weighing over four pounds, selling thirteen million copies, and impacting the $300-billion global fashion industry more than any other single publication. An intimate, funny and surprising look at Anna Wintour and her team of larger-than-life editors as they create this must-have Bible of fashion, Cutler explores the untouchable glamour of Wintour’s Vogue to reveal the extraordinarily passionate people at its heart.
Anthropologie Party – Seattle
There is a new Sundance Channel TV series that follows Keith Johnson as he searches the globe looking for eclectic home furnishings for Anthroplogie stores.
The Sundance Channel describes the show as: “One of the largest purchasers of decorative antiques in the world, Johnson globe trots six months out of the year to find unique and beautiful items. The eight-part, half-hour series “Man Shops Globe”, follows his high-pursuit, ends-of-the-earth excursions, from flea markets in Paris to remote villages in India to obscure art studios across the globe.”
There is a launch party at the Downtown Seattle store Thursday, October 8th from 7 pm to 9 pm. The fete includes free food and drinks. Wear something fun!
Man Shops Globe Seattle Launch
Mad for these hatters: Goorin Bros.
Goorin Brothers describes itself as “bold hatmakers since 1895.” I think the hats are cool, well made, and a great value. And now, Goorin Bros. has opened a store in Seattle where men, women, and children can find a fine fedora, a sassy schoolboy, a chic cloche, or even a bold bowler — most priced under $50.
This new shop on “The Ave” in the U. District is a fun combination of classic and cool including a large selection of hip baseball caps perched on lovely wood hat towers amidst stacks of vintage inspired hat boxes. You can check out most of their selection online and take the whole family over to try on sizes in the store.
Goorin Brothers Hat Shop
www.goorin.com
4336 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 632-1200
Open Mon.-Thurs. 11am to 7pm; Fri. and Sat. 11am-8pm; Sun. 12pm-6pm
Combating unwanted facial hair with a single thread
Threading (a.k.a. khite or fatlah) is facial hair removal using only a single thread and is popular for women and men in India, the Middle and Far East. The thread is twisted and one end is held in the threader’s mouth while the thread is pulled across the skin to remove unwanted hair. YouTube video of upper lip procedure.
After years of searching, I have finally found a place that offers reasonably priced threading in the Seattle area. Brow Art is located at a kiosk in the Westfield Southcenter Mall near the mall entrance to Nordstrom. When I was there on Sunday they had three chairs going non-stop for walk-up customers. I paid only $6 for the upper lip service. Brow Art will also do eyebrows (most popular for $11), forehead, chin, side-burn, and full face (for $35).
For the last couple of years I have been interested in getting lip hair removed for the first time (isn’t aging great?), but was worried about my extremely sensitive skin. I didn’t want to be running around town after a wax with an unsightly bumpy red moustache. After the threading (which took approximately five minutes), my upper lip was a little red for 10 minutes; then it was just smooth and silky.
I will admit it hurt a lot for a few minutes during the process. That said, I would do it again. I think it hurt so much because it was the first time. The theory is that more you do it, the less hair comes back so there will be less to pull after every visit.
I saw a few women get their brows done, and they looked very natural and happy with the results. I look forward to adding that next time.
Brow Art
Westfield Southcenter Shopping Mall
(kiosk near Nordstrom)
10 am – 9 pm Monday – Saturday
11 am – 7 pm Sunday
Intrigued by trends, but not willing to spend? Check out the Boutique Culture Warehouse Sale in Fremont next weekend. There will be a selection of local boutiques and designers offering summer merchandise up to 75% off and most fall merchandise will be discounted (less so) as well. There is no cost for admission and I hear there will be free cupcakes and soda.
Speaking of sweet treats, on Saturday from 10-12, there will be a special appearance by Seattle’s own Logan Neitzel who will debut as a contestant on Project Runway tonight. So, although I may not know who he is now, I expect to be rooting for him after tonight’s Project Runway Season 6 premiere.
What: Boutique Culture Warehouse Sale
When:
Sat – Aug 29 – 10am-6pm
Sun – Aug 30 – 11am-4pm
Where:
Fremont Studios
155 N. 35th St. Seattle, WA
206.838.9080
Men’s and Women’s boutiques I am excited to see represented include: Canopy Blue, Blackbird, Undies and Outies, and Lemon Drop. I also am looking forward to checking out some of Suzabelle‘s classic and elegant designs. Click here to see a full list of shops and designers.
Tailoring tip. . .just do it!
I just spent $16 to have a $17 t-shirt altered. Crazy you say? I think not.
A while ago, I wrote in The Crosscut Blog that I was having trouble finding a replacement for my favorite Wonder Woman t-shirt. I finally found one I liked and, like a ferret with grandma’s ring, had to take this one back to my nook because the logo was sparkly. Very shiny. Very sparkly.
Problem was, that it was a couple of inches too long. Every time I wore it, it felt a little off: hit in the wrong spot, unflattering. Let’s face it, if one owns a sparkly super hero t-shirt, one should feel pretty fab in it. Although that should be the case with all clothes.
So I went to the local dry cleaner/tailor and had it chopped off and hemmed. Much better now.
For some great examples of how much tailoring clothes makes a difference, check out the new InStyle Makeover (special fall issue) magazine at the grocery or book store. There is a great section titled Tailored to Perfection on page 61. It has before and after pics of a dress, blazer, pants, and blouse that have been tailored. It also includes the projected price of each alteration. I even learned that you can “tighten the seat” of trousers and alleviate the baggy bum syndrome.
Don’t save tailoring for your expensive clothing items. Sometimes a proper snip and a felicitous tuck can make something inexpensive look like a million bucks. Just make sure the item is something that makes you feel fab and will hold up in the wash.
