An age old debate. The topic of who we dress for has been discussed in the likes of Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, you name it –they said it. But no matter how many journalism degrees one has or how many crowns you are away from the royal throne of Wintour – somehow the debate is still on – and this one we may fight to the death. Move over Katniss – let the hunger games of fashion begin, I kid.
Betsey Johnson once said: “Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves and, of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys they’d just walk around naked at all time.”
I was thinking while talking with friends that it would be great to book a weekend at a spa. With recent tax returns burning a hole in my pocket the Firefly resort in Arizona looked insanely promising, but sadly working for the man has left me with limited vacation days and a smaller budget than I would like! Phrases so popular from Jerry MacGuire flashed in my head during this conversation! “SHOW ME THE MONEY!” But alas, it never came. No matter how many times I rubbed the genie bottle, he never came out. (Insert pout face here!)
Thus we got to talking about all those “home-o-patheic” remedies that would serve as a personal “in-home” spa day pinching our pennies for that word we love to hate – a spa “staycation.” Many of the ideas thrown around the table led to intersting stories until we found a site called a GirlsGuideTo.Com that gave us the best home tricks. These are worth a try and a laugh!
Have you honestly heard anyone (guy or girl) actually say, "I hate being tan." Everyone is all about the tan. A good tan complements your clothes better, visually makes your body look slimmer and overall, makes you feel sexier. During high school, I ignored all my mom's emails regarding the dangers with tanning. Because spray and airbrush tan had not been invented, I was pro booth for a while. It wasn't until I really started to care about my health and I started to read articles and research on tanning. Obviously, I knew it could cause skin cancer. But just like everyone else, I told myself, "That will never happen to me." Truth is, it could easily happen to me.
According to the Skin Cancer Organization, "A tan, whether you get it on the beach, in a bed, or through incidental exposure, is bad news, any way you acquire it. Tans are caused by harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning lamps, and if you have one, you’ve sustained skin cell damage.
No matter what you may hear at tanning salons, the cumulative damage caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles, lax skin, brown spots, and more), as well as skin cancer. In fact, indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors."
After college, I decided to stop tanning as much as I used to. I would only go every so often when I had a grand event I wanted to look my best at. But there was a huge wake up call when one of my girlfriends was diagnosed with Melonoma. Her doctor was able to treat it at a very early stage of the diagnosis. Thank God. However, she happened to be one of my friends who took care of skin. It was only in high school that she tanned frequently. So sometimes the frequency of how often you tan doesn't determine how healthy your skin is. Our bodies react differently to the sun. It's just really important to take care of your skin. Make sure to always wear your sunblock, buy face moisturizer with SPF, wear hats and try not to stay in the sun for too long. Remember, there's nothing healthy about a tan.
There are so many products and solutions to give your skin great color without the harmful effects. I recently tried Suvara. A spray tan service, only offered in New York. However, as most people know, there are many other spray tan services offered in around the country. I have tried the spray tan machines which are great. They usually run from $25-$30. But my new obsession is the spray tan services that have tanning specialists. I should warn you that you completely stand in the nude while they work their magic. Why it's better than the machines? Mainly because they do an incredible amount of detailing and the product is much better (lasting much longer). Services like these run from about $70-$90.
Here is some more info on services like Suvara:
"At Suvara, our mission is simple, to help protect as many people from the dangers traditional tanning and the harmful UV rays can wreak on your skin. We have researched, developed and tested the formula of our customized, proprietary solutions to include specific ingredients to protect the health of your skin.
Our solutions are 100% natural, with no harsh chemicals. Only the essential vitamins , moisturizers and anti-wrinklingingredients necessary to rejuvenate, replenish and protect your skin. Our staff of highly trained, experienced specialists will personalize your tan from a light glow to a dark ‘been on the beach’ tan specific to your skin tone. We’re confident Suvara's flawless, natural result will make you look your best and feel your best. Experience the perfect airbrush tan and spray on body treatments with results so flawless, only you will know.
Suvara started with a simple objective, provide our clients with a safe, healthy alternative to UV tanning. The reality is that people like to be tan – we look better…we feel better. But the hard truth is it's just not good for us. Over the last several years it's become more and more documented that the UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds and tanning booths is very harmful. The challenge though, is that most people's experience with a "spray-tan" is that it doesn't look natural.
Suvara solves that problem.
Through our products: Suvara products have been formulated to not only provide you with the perfect tan, but to deliver healthy benefits to your skin.
Rejuvenate Vitamins A & C stimulate cell renewal and increase the skin's production of collagen and elastin improving texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing discoloration from years of sun exposure.
Protect CoQ10 boosts your skin's immune system against environmental damage defending against the signs of aging, increasing cellular rejuvenation, improving elasticity and firmness
Replenish Hyaluronic Acid, a natural constituent in the skin that decreases with age, holds nearly one thousand times its weight in water locking in moisture for smother, softer skin
With our Staff : All Suvara Tanning Specialist have completed our rigorous certification program. Each are highly trained in skin care, all aspects of sun-less tanning, and the breadth of Suvara products. They will answer all of your questions and advise you in how to achieve the most natural result. They will personalize your tan from a light glow to a dark "been on the beach" tan specific to your skin tone and your desire.
We're confident Suvara's flawless, natural result will make you look your best, feel your best, and bring compliments."
I know what you're thinking. Hair extensions are unaffordable, only worn by celebrities and detrimental to your hair. What if I said there is a new generation of hair extensions? I won't be able to change your mind with the price but I will with the other factors. And consequently, these factors will help you realize why they are worth every penny. This beautiful discovery is know as seamless hair extensions. To get the real, hard facts on this product and hair extensions in general, I sat down with the hair genius himself, Ricardo Rojas. Ricardo is known by many and now my new and forever hair stylist. His trusted clients include Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain, Donatella Versace among many others. Ricardo has his own salon in the Upper East Side of New York City where he solely based. But the other portion of his time is spent working with celebrities on set for movies, music videos, fashion shows, etc. Ricardo currently offers seamless hair extensions as one of his services. It only took me 30 seconds to decide that I wanted them. Like I said, Ricardo is the hair genius. My advice is to take notes when reading my interview with him.
The Over-Analyst: Where did you first discover seamless hair extensions?
Ricardo: I discovered them on a shoot with Mariah Carey. And I immediately knew these extensions were amazing. They provide the extra texture, movement and length to hair. The first thing I look at his hair. Hair creates confidence. Hair creates sexiness.
The Over-Analyst: What is the hair actually made of?
Ricardo: It’s 100% remy human hair. Remy is human hair collected directly from a hair donor. This hair feels silky and has a natural, beautiful wave. This makes it easy to straighten or add curls. The best part about this hair is it looks natural and it doesn't look like you purchased hair extensions at a Ricky's. The best hair comes from India, not from China.
The Over-Analyst: How long does the process take and how many shades are offered?
Ricardo: The process surprisingly only take about 1 1/2 - 2 hours (of course, depending on the thickness of your hair). There are about 50 different shades. The shades can be mixed and create any type of look you desire.
The Over-Analyst: What is the process of assembling the hair extensions?
Ricardo: We call it the "sandwich technique." You place two adhesives between a small section of your hair (about 2 inches to 8 inches, depending on the thickness of your hair). Because you can grab a large portion of the hair to attach to the adhesive, it doesn’t pull out your hair. There is no risk in losing your hair.
The Over-Analyst: Can you see the extensions?
Ricardo: No. They have somewhat of a transparent adhesive and blend in with your hair color. The technique is more comfortable because it’s a soft, flat piece of adhesive and you can barely tell it’s there.
The Over-Analyst: Let's say you are tired of the extension and want to add highlights or just remove them all together. How do you remove the hair?
Ricardo: It's easy, simple and pain-free. With a citrus-based hair extension remover, you spray on to the adhesive and it slides off instantaneously and doesn’t create any tension. You have your choice of keeping your extension for 8 hours or 3 months (depending on haircare, could be longer).
The Over-Analyst: How much are they?
Ricardo: If you come to my salon, I charge my first time clients $2,500. $1,500 will be the average price though. To get technical, it usually comes to $150/sandwich (2 adhesives).
The Over-Analyst: What is your advice on taking care of the extensions and prolonging their expiration date?
Ricardo: First and foremost, I have a fabulous, gentle brush designed for these particular hair extensions. The price for the brush is $85. Absolutely wash your hair with organic, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Do not put product on the hair extensions. Only apply to the roots of your hair. When you apply too much product to the extensions, it makes it harder to style and it starts looking stringy. More natural, the better. However, sometimes the hair naturally may get stringy. In this case, I recommend Leonor Greyl Palm Oil. It's been around since 1930. It's the "Chanel of Hair Care Products." It even smells delicious. The palm oil is only needed on the ends of the hair. A little goes a long way. You can either wash it out or leave it in.
My recommendation for shampoo and conditioner is Oribe. It leaves feeling hair incredible. After drying your hair, the only product you should apply is Phyto Volume. It creates a textured look without the buildup.
The Over-Analyst: What about during sleep? In a pony tail or laying flat?
Ricardo: When sleeping, definitely wear your hair down. I recommend silk pillow cases.
The Over-Analsyt: So cutting to the chase, why is this a great product?
Ricardo: It actually takes care of your hair and makes it healthier. When you're not applying any color or product, your hair is smiling from ear to ear. Less is more, right? And you've seen Jenna before and after. It just looks incredible. With our generation, we are all very open about what is fake and what is not. Jenna doesn't care to admit she has extensions in. She's not pretending to be someone she's not but if she has the ability to change what she doesn't like, more power to her.
One thing I know about the ladies at Southern Methodist University is their innate sense to take fashion to another level. Wearing the hottest looks of the season isn’t enough – trend setting is the end goal. This past Friday I attended SMU Fashion Week’s Retail Fashion Show – the piece de résistance of a perfectly crafted week highlighting the fashion industry for the SMU community. The committee led by Collegiate and Executive Director Grace Davis explored the many dimensions of the industry – with blogger panels, trunk shows and finally to the runway.
The SMU community known for its label bearing students impressed me greatly tailoring the fashions of the season to the livelihoods of its constituents. SMU’s fashion week was not about just showcasing the trends but applying the looks to notable happenings on campus and where to find them in local Dallas retail hotspots such as ‘The Shak’ at Stanley Korshak. The Shak carries designers such as Diane Von Furstenburg, Parker, Vince, Alice + Olivia, Helmut Lang, Mara Hoffman and many more.
The event was held at the notable Meadows School of the Arts – home to some of the top ranked creative programs in country. Starting fashionably late around 5:10 p.m. students gathered in the outdoor atrium complete with red carpet for a front row seat to watch friends and fellow classmates showcase their own attendee fashion statements at the scene. Notable attendees included professors; Dallas based bloggers and representatives of D Magazine, a sponsor of the week.
As the show got underway – we were serenaded by the dream boats of Southern Gentlemen with an all vocal mash-up of Stacey’s Mom and Jesse’s girl. The suave fraternity guys set the mood for the apropos appreciation of the SMU girls in all of their clothes and class. As student models started walking fellow on lookers caught my eye – SMU collegiate men nodding with appreciation and impressed by confidence of the fabulous women that rocked the runway.
Below are some of my favorite showcased trends from the event, see how the SMU Fashion Week Committee and SMU Retail Club set the tone for the most notable events that are known for bringing couture to campus:
“Heading to Class” – With the SMU quad perfectly landscaped students aren’t remiss of the manicured fashion that walks only the sidewalks while passing between classes.
“Boulevarding” – This all-campus pre-football game ritual takes tailgating to a glorified level with sundresses, heels and perfectly curled hair.
“A Night Out” – Bar hoping between local off campus favorites brings fashion into the evening hours with relaxed and glamourous looks.
“Formal Wear” – With more than 50 formals every academic year glitz and glam rock the dancefloor in the best party and cocktail dresses of the season.
As Mustang Alum – we get some flack for being the assumed sons and daughters of trust fund bred bank accounts. That aside these ladies put on one hell of show by bringing the latest and greatest of the New York runway to the students of SMU – a perfectly tailored week educating the fashionably savvy about how to apply couture in college. Many other universities such as Harvard and South Carolina have taken media measures to spot the latest trends on campus but the girls of SMU not only glorified what they do best but made sure to personalize their message to its top demographic at school with plenty of buying power.
Thank you to the SMU Fashion Week Committee for hosting a great event!
I am excited to be contributing to The Over-Analyst. When I saw the first episode of Bachelor 16, I knew I was going to love Jenna. She had me at “maybe we can share a tampon sometime?” I have been watching The Bachelor since it started. I understood the process and I had no doubts Jenna was normal - whatever "normal" means.
She followed my Twitter and my blog. I started a blog about the show, The Bachelor Expert. And after watching The Bachelor Season 16, I really wanted to get to know more about the real Jenna. I saw that she was looking for contributors and simply messaged her. I love fashion and was looking to expand my writing beyond just entertainment.
I talked to Jenna on the phone for over an hour and you would have thought we had been friends all of our lives. She is one of the funniest, most down to earth people. I have been a fan of The Over-Analyst for a while and am emphatically happy to be a part of it.
My first post falls under the column, “Look For Less." I am quite infatuated with H&M, Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. I find unlimited bargains. The best part about these magnificently affordable finds is that I can mix them with more expensive pieces.
Right now - and forever will be - in love with the lace trend because it does a fabulous job of transitioning from day to night. Lauren Conrad wears the lace trend with pumps and a cute headband. The Coincidence & Chance Revel Dress from Urban Outfitters is currently on sale for $49. The dress is very stylish and can easily fit in to anyone’s wardrobe. Whether your style is boho, girly or classic, you can transform this look to your own style.
A neutral pump from Urban Outfitters is comparable to Lauren Conrad's look, for only $39. The silver headband is from Modcloth for $7.99. Since there was not a bag with this outfit, I added one from Modcloth. This outfit achieves a celebrity look under $150.
The more places we can get Fashion Week to happen, the better - at least in my book! This year, someone thought of a brilliant idea to bring Fashion Week to a college campus. And not just any college campus...SMU. I would be very surprised if people didn't know that SMU is not quite your ordinary college. I have never been but let me just say that all my friends who have attended seem to have their closets overflooded with designer labels. As I was doing research on this school, I came across a GREAT article. Actually, it may be far from the truth but it really is entertaining to read. One of the excerpts included:
"The Looks Department SMU is not huge university -- there are only around 11,000 undergrads -- but girls there are typically hot, blonde, big breasted, and ready to go. The campus is covered in wealth and there is no shortage of classic southern girls, chill Cali girls, with the occasional attractive brunette from the Northeast sprinkled in. Girls cover themselves in designer labels, so for if you're planning on making one of these chicks your girlfriend just make sure your father and his bank account are on board."
My dear friend and contributor, Lauren Pruner attended SMU. She will be there on Friday to attend the fashion show which is the final and BIGGEST day for SMU Fashion Week. And most likely be able to prove this article wrong. Look out for Lauren's coverage post this Monday!
To officially kick-off The Over-Analyst, a beauty post seemed to be the most wanted in all categories. There was no struggle in who I wanted to interview. It was absolutely and most definitely, the one and only...Ms. Kacie Boguskie. Most of you might know her from Season 16 of The Bachelor but this America's Sweetheart is getting more tweets and emails regarding her hair than anyone I know. Not only did she make a strong impression with her sweet, Southern personality but is was that hair! Oh, that hair. Because we are dear friends, I knew she wouldn't turn down the interview. And if she did, I was planning on threatening her I would unfollow her on Twitter. But Kacie was beyond ecstatic to share with my readers on how she really tames that mane of hers. So here she is ladies (and gents), KACIE BOGUSKIE.
The Over-Analyst: So you must get this a lot but we were kind of OBSESSED with your hair on The Bachelor. Do many people stop you and ask you about the products you use? Because I would.
Kacie: People have deemed it "Kacie hair". I have a friend who said she knows someone who works in a salon in DC and people keep coming in saying "I need help, I have Kacie B hair." I use great Pantene ProV and Biosilk soothing serum (it's an oil I put on my hair before I dry it). The Over-Analyst: We obviously saw your mane and how it reacted in tropical locations. I liked when you rocked your curls but it seems that the humidity got to it a little. What do you think are the best products for women (and even men) to use to tame that mane?
Kacie: Wow! The humidity didn't like my hair, or my hair didn't like the humidity (Which came first? The chicken or the egg??). The best cure is some moose! And some soothing serum! Moose after you shower and once it dries, add some soothing serum... And PRAY!
The Over-Analyst: Can you walk me through your daily process – how many times/week do you wash you hair? What kind of shampoo/conditioner do you use? What products do you apply after you get out of the shower? And what kind of hair tools do you use to make this magical transformation happen?
Kacie: Depending on the weather and my workouts, I try to only wash my hair every other day. Because the process takes longer than the average girl, I just don't have that kind of time. And besides, it's healthier for your hair not to wash every single day. I shampoo my hair twice with Pantene Beautiful Lengths Shampoo and condition with the conditioner. I towel dry my hair and add Biosilk silk therapy serum and then use a round brush to dry. I take the top part of my hair and clip it up and dry that part first and then divide the top part and dry it last. Then I take a break to rest my arms and decide what I'm feeling that day, curls or straight?! No matter what I divide it into sections and curl or straighten in small sections! Takes about 10 minutes to straighten and 15 to curl. I have a great 1 inch curling iron I like by Hot Tools and I also have a 1 1/2 inch for the big loose curls by Conair. I have a bombshell curling wand (which is my FAVE)! Sooo many tools and so much time. It's all worth it!
Hot Tools 1 Inch Curling Iron
Bombsell Curling Iron
The Over-Analyst: Do you pay attention to your diet to better you hair? Any specific foods that you think help? And which vitamins do you take?
Kacie: I have noticed when I eat more protein my hair is shinier and grows quicker. I also take a prenatal vitamin to help it grow quicker. My dad saw then one time and was a little concerned, had to tell him they don't get you pregnant and then give him the birds and the bees speech! Haha just kidding!!!
The Over-Analyst: I know you recently tried an at-home keratin treatment! Which one? Can you walk me through the process and if you were satisfied with the results?
Kacie: I recently did the suave at home keratin treatment, and I must say t does a great job! It last about 30 days and takes about and hour to do. There are 3 steps and the key to it is to comb your hair continuously and keep it as straight as possible! If you don't want to pay the salon prices I highly reccomend it!!
One of the many perks of being highly involved in the New York fashion scene is that you get to check out the fashion closets! Cory Kennedy (Nylon's "It Girl") and I got a sneak peek into Theory's closet to pull some clothes for NYFW '12. We saw a massive amount of leather, coming in jackets, coats...you name it. I was absolutely obsessing over the shoes. They appeared to be 5 inchers. But that would never stop me from wearing them. You just won't find me wearing them in the Meatpacking District.
Theory had an impeccable Fall collection to showcase. Some of the other shows during Fashion Week only focused on color. On the contrary, Theory had a quite a nice combination of both, color and black. There was many different looks in leather, even leather on leather. There was an adequate mix of various looks - slouchy pants, shorts with black tights, tailored ensembles with a bit of an edge and long sheer floor grazing skirts. And of course a few bedazzled jackets and dresses.
Of course there will always be a few shows where I am not a huge fan every piece in the collection. But this particular show definitely proved me wrong. Already making room in my closet.
