Wha??? Abbey Lee Has Gone Platinum

The Hair Transitions of Abbey Lee: L-R Fall 2010 for Emilio Pucci; Fall 2010 for Chanel Couture; Spring 2011 for Rag & Bone

Ok, so we know they're all prone to doing it at some point ... the high fashion models ... and platinum blonde hair.  Agyness Deyn, Iekeline Stange and now little Abbey Lee Kershaw.  I say little not because of her stature or popularity, this girl rocks it! I say it because the dear is a mere 20 years old (yes, I know 33 or so in model years).  We've been following her here since she first broke out as a fresh-faced catwalk star Fall 2008.

Here's what fashionologie reports about Abbey's fun new look having spoken with the gorg one herself at Chanel's Soho store opening this past Thursday:

Abbey Lee Kershaw, who not long ago cut her hair short, has taken the change even further. "I was ready for a big change," she explained this evening at the Chanel Soho store opening in New York, where she debuted her newly-dyed platinum blonde hair. She plans to keep the color all season, "unless a designer asks for it to be changed." How's it been received so far? "I only dyed it two days ago, so no one's really seen it yet." She told Modelinia of the dye job: "It took seven hours and I didn’t speak for another four hours. I’ve never dyed my hair before. Also I think that with the cut that I’ve got, it was the time to go white.”

Lee is so beautiful she could shave her head bald and still garner beauty adoration!  On another note, Stay tuned, my loves, some Spring 2011 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week posts about to roll out!

source: fashionologie

SpaceNK's Six Hottest NOW Products!

New and hot at Space.NK Apothecary, seriously luxe sun protection, a sparkling scent, hydrating hair care and more. This fresh chic boutique keeps getting better with its fine selection of the newest products from the top brands in skincare, cosmetics and haircare. Just persuing their catalogs or walking the store aisles will render your lemming list, um, well let's just say "well-populated". Weeeeee .....

After Sun Repair by Institut Estherderm $49
An after-sun face cream, ideal to comfort the skin after sun exposure and to extend a golden tan

• Dextran sulfate soothes and calms reddened and irritated skin
• Centenella asiatica firms the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Glycerin leaves skin feeling soft, supple and comfortable

Neil George Pure Shot Intense Repair Treatment Spray $55
This spray restores your hair from root to tip in just 60 seconds and is the answer for hair damaged by chemical processing, the sun and styling. The amount of time to blowdry your hair will be reduced due to the repair of split ends leaving you with extra soft and silky, smooth hair, increased color longevity and shine, free of fly-aways and less breakage.

This haircare brand is so hot right now stores can't keep their products in stock. This item, as an example, was out of stock last time I checked, but they promise they're bringing more in.

ReVive Filtre de Soleil Face Protector SPF 45 $95
An intensely moisturizing lip protector provides an anti-aging formula with UVA and UVB protection, as well as soothing relief for dry lips to keep them soft and supple. An exclusive blend of MoistureLips and plumping ingredients help plump and moisturize lips to soften lines while optical diffusers hide the look of imperfections. Suitable for all skin types, lips are left younger at application while advanced ingredients work to help renew and protect skin.

Elemental Herbology Eye Elixir $57

This has become one of my favorite skincare brands of late; I'm totally hooked on their illustrative packaging and the gorgeous goodness inside.

A triple-action, advanced eye-serum that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. Combining innovative cosmetic technology with active botanical ingredients, it will help to firm, tighten, lift and nourish the delicate eye region to transform weary, parched or weathered eyes.

Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Bergamotto di Calabria Eau De Toilette $106
Fresh, crisp top notes of essential oils of Sicillian oranges and tangerines, Sorrento lemons and grapefruit. In the heart notes essence of petitgrain blends with the intense fragrance of mate leaves, while essential cardamom oil expresses its resolute, original character. In the base notes, a slight hint of caramel blends perfectly with the more sensual notes of musk which warms the frangrance so that it lingers on the skin. 120ml

TOCCA SPF 30+ Sunscreen Towelettes in Stella $28
How brilliant is this? Scented in the slightly sweet, fresh scent of Italian blood orange, these towelettes are pre-moistened in a gentle, sweat resistant, broad spectrum SPF 30+ physical sunscreen that’s enriched with Vitamins E and B5, aloe and marine silk. The individually wrapped towelettes make it easy to be sun savvy no matter where you are - on the beach or on the go. Each pack contains 8 towelettes.

• SPF 30+ Physical Sunscreen
• Water - Sweat Resistant
• Provides UVA/UVB Protection
• Hypoallergenic and Clinically Tested
• Broad Spectrum Physical Sunscreen
• Natural ingredients include: Vitamins E and B5, Aloe, Marine Silk, Oat Extract, Grape Seed Oil, Avocado Oil
• Not tested on Animals

 
For more information and to shop these fab little finds, visit Space.NK.

Urban Romance: Backstage with Redken at Fashion Week

Redken Creative Consultant Guido shares the goods on one trend for spring found off the runways at Fashion Week. Up or down, the new romantic looks have a more defined shape, with a grittier, slightly disheveled feel.

It’s fitting that leatherwear house Loewe showed sleek, leather-look ponytails on the runway. Here's how Guido created the look:

LEATHER-LOOK PONYTAIL

• Step 1: Brush in hardwear 16 super strong gel and gather hair in a ponytail
• Step 2: Flat-iron sections to create a slick finish. For best results with your flat iron, mist on iron silk 07 ultra straightening spray to smooth and protect hair.

 

70's INSPIRED WAVES  
These 70s-inspired waves were seen at this year's Versace show. To get the look:

• Step 1: Start by shampooing and conditioning with All Soft. 
• Step 2: Blow-dry hair smooth, then curl with a medium-size curling iron to create soft bend.
• Step 3: Finger-comb, then apply a small amount of rewind 06 pliable styling paste to add soft separation.

The Bardot-esque updo seen at Lanvin was a playful reimagining of the classic topknot.

  

BARDOT-ESQUE UPDO

• Step 1: Start by creating a high ponytail, then backcomb the tail to add texture. 
• Step 2: Twirl it into a wide knot and secure with bobby-pins. 
• Step 3: Mist hair with quick dry 18 instant finishing spray, then layer on vinyl glam 02 mega shine spray to add polish.

NEW CLASSIC
A revolutionary French twist with height and texture worthy of Marie Antoinette as seen at Louis Vuitton

• Step 1: Apply a nickel-sized amount of thickening lotion 06 body builder to damp hair and blow-dry. 
• Step 2: Take 1-3 inch sections and curl hair using a curling iron. 
• Step 3: Once curls have cooled, backcomb the entire head. 
• Step 4: Gather hair in the back and twist to create a French twist and secure with bobby pins. 
• Step 5: Mist hair with forceful 23 super strength finishing spray for humidity resistence and all day control.

TOUSLED BRAID  
Get the tousled braid seen at Alexander Wang, which goes perfectly with the designer’s modern take on American sportswear.
Step 1: Apply full frame 07 protective volumizing mousse, rough dry and swoop hair over one eye.
Step 2: Braid hair, letting the braid fall over your shoulder, tie loosely with elastic band, and pull out pieces to soften the look.

Real Beauty: Updos that Last All Night

Taking inspiration from the Chanel Spring 2010 RTW runway, we explored some tried and true tips for how to create fabulous updos the pros say will last all night.

Swept Back
Create a mini-bouffant updo with side-swept bangs for a sophisticated look. Blow-dry hair and apply a volumizing spray like Frédéric Fekkai Instant Volume Spray. Pile hair high and pin under at the nape with a few bobby pins. Instead of pulling pieces down like a regular bouffant, dry your bangs to the side with a round brush. Mist a light coating of hairspray for extra hold.

Accessorize
Your updo woes can be fixed with the simple addition of a headband or beret to set your style. We love Salma Hayek's elegant band, which adds some definition to her swept back bun as well as holds hair in place.

Face-Framing
If you have difficulty getting your hair up, create a faux updo like Jessica Biel. Using bobby pins, pin hair back at the nape of your neck (a low ponytail minus the elastic). Take away the front section of your hair and, using a flatiron, angle it to dramatically frame your face. The key to making this style stick is to cross the bobby pins in an "X" fashion to keep them secure. This may be not a great style for a Friday out dancing with the girls, but it will look great for a cocktail or housewarming party.

Ballerina Bun
We bet that your feet will throw in the towel from too much dancing in your stilettos before this hairstyle will. Pile hair into a high ponytail and wrap it around a thick elastic for a bun that will go way past last call. Top off with a long-lasting hairspray like Kérastase Double Force Controle Ultime.

Braided
This boho-chic style made a comeback last season and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Update your braid with an oversized bow like Thandie Newton, and braid slightly to the side, as opposed to straight back, for a twist on this sexy look.

To the Side
Keep your hair in check by following your natural hair part. This will help keep your updo together longer because your hair naturally falls that way. To get a style similar to Scarlett's, curl the ends of your hair with a curling iron and gather it into a low side ponytail with the front piece left out. Pin the curls around the ponytail and use a texturizing cream, like Sally Hershberger Wreck and Roll Texturizing Cream or Redken Rugged Texturizer, for added wave at the front of your face. Then, pin the piece back into the ponytail using bobby pins to create wave and volume.

Lopsided Bun
Add a twist to your bun by doing exactly that — twisting. Pile your hair high, and instead of wrapping it around an elastic, split the ponytail into two parts, twisting each into the base of the ponytail.

source: RealBeauty.com; images: Style, Elle, WireImage, RealBeauty.com

Aveda's Latest Pictorial Is Sublime

Eighties goth. Nineties grunge. Eternal beauty.

Sublime, the latest collection from Aveda’s VP Creative Director Antoinette Beenders, is inspired by music, culture and the iconic personalities from the late 20th century.

“This is punk beautified, raw and hardcore at the foundation, refined and elegant in its interpretation,” Beenders says. “We used opposing notions to present past ideas in a new way."  "It is often the case in culture, that what’s old becomes new again," Beenders continues. "Strong shapes, rough styling and matte finishing mingle in this collection to exude a raw yet sophisticated sex appeal. " "We cut classic silhouettes bluntly, and the makeup is intense, but done in a really beautiful way," Beenders says. "Sleek black-and-white clothing against a white background lends a freshness and vigor to the imagery.”

Beenders invites you to regard Sublime as an invitation to rethink the past—to find inspiration in unexpected places and to use your own experience as fuel for imagination. Lead artists from Aveda’s global network produce trend collections twice per year. Taking global hair trends from runway to real life, collection techniques are taught to the Aveda network in workshops around the world, providing Aveda stylists, colorists and makeup artists the opportunity to hone technical skills and explore their own creative expression.

Says Beenders, “Texture and bold color are back in a major way. What a wonderful opportunity to reinvent ourselves, return to fundamental skills and find new ways to create! I am challenging the network to rediscover their artistic voice."

Credits: The Aveda Artistic Team; Creative Direction: Antoinette Beenders, Vice President Creative Director; Hair Color: Ian Michael Black, Technical Artistic Director, Aveda Academy, London; Hair Cut/Style: Allen Ruiz, Aveda Guest Artist, Jackson Ruiz Salon, Austin, Texas; Erminio Fiocca, Artistic Director, Aveda Academy, London; Makeup: Rudy Miles, Aveda Global Make-up Director, New York, New York; Janell Geason, Aveda Guest Artist, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Photography: Miguel Reveriego; BTS photography: Patrick Scher
 
source: BeautyLaunchpad

REVIEW: Redken Style Connection Velvet Gelatine 07

Redken has re-vamped their Urban Experiment styling line into Style Connection Surface Shifting Styler products. There are three products in this newly designed collection: Matte Sponge 05 Rugged Texturizer, Wool Shake 08 Gel-Slush Texturizer and Velvet Gelatine 07 Cushioned Blow Dry Gel.

I must admit, when I looked at these products I thought, "Geez ... do I really want to put this goop on my fresh, clean hair?" I'm a bit of a style-a-phobe when it comes to jelly-type products. But the descriptions of the products seemed so yummy I had to give at least one of them a go.

I chose to try the Velvet Gelatine 07. Oh my gosh ... I'm in love! The first thing I noticed as I squeezed a small bit of the gel into my palm was that is was the texture. Though promoted as a "gelatine", this truly is a velvety-soft product that effortlessly absorbs into hands (or hair ... ha ha). The scent is lightly citrus, floral (very subtle) and very fresh. I couldn't believe how fabulously the Velvet Gelatine worked its magic on my hair. I applied a small nickle-sized amount throughout my wet strands, combed, let dry naturally for about 20 minutes, then blew dry with my equally fabulous T3 Featherweight dryer. Results: Soft, cushiony smooth, plush, shiny hair that behaved even in the windy, warm weather we've been experiencing here in New Orleans past few weeks off and on. It's a winner for sure! I'm so glad I didn't let the "gelatine" scare me away. I'm loving this stuff! (hides it away from teen daughter)

To get the scoop on styling tips and how to use Redken Velvet Gelatine 07 from the hair pros, watch the video above. Watch how they take limp, lifeless hair to smooth, cushioned blowouts for a light, airy, bouncy effect. Great for guys and gals and all hair types! Lots to learn, goodness you'll be thankful to know.

Redken Velvet Gelatine 07 and the other Style Connection products retail for $17 each and are available at Redken salons. Visit Redken.com to find a salon near you.

REVIEW: Sam Villa's SLEEKR Flat Iron

You know a styling tool is worth its weight in gold when your teenaged daughter tries to steal it from you. This is exactly what's happened with my Sam Villa SLEEKR. I think I got to use it one time (in fact, I know it was only once) before she'd claimed it as her own and found a place for it atop her vanity. Her best friend, these two are joined at the hip, inquired of me just the other day, "Can you tell my mom where she can get a straightener like Caroline's, please? I want one for Christmas."

Caroline (my daughter, left) and her friend Brett-Ashley (right): both girls used the Sam Villa SLEEKR for the dance you see them posed for above.

Hmmmm ... you don't say. One like "Caroline's", huh. Great! Another drool worthy beauty item lost forever to the teenage diva I've inevitably created. Well, she's a lovey, and not at all the indulgent fiend I've made her out to be, so I'm sure she'd allow me to borrow her SLEEKR if I wanted to use it, right Baby? (still waiting for response ... lol)

Ok, the story here is this flat iron is everything it's made out to be and then some. Where other irons I've tried have struggled to compare to my good ole CHI, this one rises to the occasion and delivers a performance worthy of a standing ovation. In fact, my lil' boo actually likes it better than the CHI she thinks is hers (I'm not giving it up, though; hell I need something to use, right).

Here are the deets:

SLEEKR Features and Benefits

$249.95/retail price

· Curved plates ensure non-snagging of hair regardless of angle of use or technique.
· Hybrid flexible plates ensure even compression
· Reduced diameter of handle provides easy control for all hand sizes.
· Unique temperature control band eliminates uncomfortable and oddly placed switches.
· Targeted temperature technology provides 3 pre-set temperatures (375F/392F/410F) including a special Color Treated setting to minimize color fading (I loooooove this feature!!!)
· Advanced ceramic heater reaches target temperatures in under 60 seconds.
· Extra long professional cord allows for freedom of movement
· Snag-free plates
· Ceramic Plates for even heat distribution across entire plate
· Tourmaline Coating on Sleekr® for extra shine and smoothness



backstage NY Fashion Week, October 2009

“Really good idea having the setting for color treated hair on the SLEEKR. Especially if a non-hairstylist is using them, so not to burn their hair. They are great to hold and use. Also, the swivel cord is handy if you are using the irons to wave with. I really enjoyed using them at fashion week. –Jenny Balding, Redken Session Stylist and Redken Expert.

Not only can the SLEEKR be used for straightening, but in Sam Villa style, this styling tool also allows you to create fresh textures in waves and curls, all with a smoothness to be envied by even the most discerning of hollywood glamour buffs. Here's one of his techniques to mimic; he suggests using Redken products (I adore Redken products too; they are superior in quality):


Ribbon Curls - A curl with a sense of laziness, more relaxed and not too coiffed. The idea is to stretch hair with heat – due to the placement and wrap technique of the hair, when it bounces back, it is curled. Think of the ribbons on gifts that are stretched with a scissor and then curl up once released.

1. Take a medium size section 1” in length and ½” in width and prep with Redken Iron Silk 07 ultra straightening spray
2. Hold section in left hand
3. Hold SLEEKR in right hand with the iron vertical and palm facing head
4. Pinch section at base, as you pinch, fold hand so palm faces you (still holding the section with left hand)
5. Slowly slide iron down to the end of the hair shaft ad release hair – it will spring into a ribbon curl.
6. Finish with Redken workforce 09 flexible volumizing spray


Needless to say, my daughter and I are completely delighted with Sam Villa's SLEEKR and can highly recommend it to you for its straightening ability, smooth results, and diverse uses. It's gone everywhere we've gone the last few overnight trips and I suspect it's got lots more travelling it its future!

Sam Villa Signature Series products are available at The Redken Gallerie (212)984-5027. Learn more about Sam Villa online and shop for the SLEEKR, his other impeccable styling tools and education pieces there as well.

REVIEW: h2pro 300 Special Edition Flat Iron

Heating up to 450°F in a matter of seconds, h2pro's 300 Special Edition beats out higher priced flat irons, transforming into a smart beauty pick in today's economy at $160. The 300 Special Edition is guaranteed to bring that much more power, shine, and frizz free styling, while removing bacteria and pollutants from the hair. What a novel idea.

The concept behind this edition of the h2pro line is to bring MORE of everything to the flat iron. A ceramic iron, it brings more smoothness, more sleekness, better frizz control and more power. It heats in seconds, is easy to use and leaves hair shiny and smooth with little effort.

Featuring Nano Hi-Tech Technology, the 300 Special Edition incorporates h2pro's advanced combination of three distinct Nano technologies: Nano Ti + Nano TiO + Nano Ag. This powerful trio instantly creates unmatched styling capabilities and health benefits, leaving your hair healthier, shiner, and more vibrant.

The advanced self adjusting plates equal more smoothness and sleekness from a styling tool like never before.

• Nano Titanium (Ti) = enhances the ionic effect, allowing hair to absorb more moisture for superior conditioning and shine
• Nano Titanium Oxide (TiO) = removes chemical pollutants and toxins from daily exposure
• Nano Silver (Ag) = removes harmful or damaging bacteria from the hair

Here's my co-worker, Toni, who decided to take this for a trial run! She was surprised at how easy and effortlessly this iron worked for her, and how quickly it gave her sleek, shiny results. She says it only took minutes to straighten and get the look she wanted. All of us here can atest to how shiny her hair is even though it's not fully reflected in the photos ... she's so purty! Thanks, Toni! x

The h2pro SE 300 comes in black and pink and retails for $160 at h2pro USA. For additional information and purchasing visit h2prousa.com.