StyleWhipped

Letter From the Editor: Hair. Or with Temur Dzidziguri...HAIR.

Last week, I had what I can only call a religious experience. I went to the Sally Hershberger Downtown Salon and had my hair blown-out by Temur Dzidziguri. You can call him Temur...or you can be like me and happily call him my hair hero...                                                                                                                                 

Now, I have to backtrack a little before I tell anymore of this story. My hair is my "thing." I was a hair model for a local business as a kid, and while I started out life as a light brunette/slightly auburn-haired child, as I got older my hair ended up being a rich dark brown with tons of natural ringlet curl in it. Which, in theory, sounds great, right? Unfortunately, I always wanted to have big, bouncy, bed-head-y BLONDE hair. So starting around the age of 25, I started getting more and more highlights until I hit my current super-light shade of blonde hair. I make no secret about my monthly trips to the colorist where you can find me begging "blonder, blonder!" and my love (LOVE) of being a blonde. I did take things a bit far at one point though, and ended up having that wretched long-term Japanese straighening done to rid myself of the ringlets. While it did permanently change the texture of my hair and my ringlets are now a lot looser and free-er, it also did a lot of damage when combined with the heavy-duty bleaching, and I ended up with a ton of breakage (which translates to unintentional, unwanted, uneven "layers"). But I was finally happy with my beachy curls and my hair finally felt very "me." Until I met Temur, of course...

    

A tall, strikingly handsome guy with intense blue-green eyes and perfect hair (natch), Temur is originally from Georgia (the one near Russia, not the one near Florida...) and came to the U.S. when he was 18 to go to beauty school (after being the kid who was cutting all the barbie dolls' hair, he knew early on that being a stylist was what he was meant to do). Hired immediately afterward as the personal assistant to the famed Sally Hershberger (originator of her eponymous salons, the mutiple-hundreds-of-dollars haircut, and Meg Ryan's famous shag 'do), and was lucky enough to train under her as well. And 10 years later, Temur is an in-demand, well-respected stylist at the Sally Hershberger Downtown Salon in NYC's always-fabulous Meatpacking neighborhood. Now Temur caters to NYC's pretty people, celebrities like Lindsay and Ali Lohan...and the occasional editor-in-chief (ahem...) who really wants to do something new with her hair.

  

I asked Temur what he considers his 'specialty' and he enthusiastically said "I die for short haircuts...I feel like you can [just] get very creative with it...but basically it's all about what hairstyle feeds a woman's personality, face shape [and] lifestyle." Sounds like someone who actually listens (and how many of us have gone to stylists who just simply don't listen?!), but also someone who really looks at styling as his craft and as an artform. Because he will also "always try to change it up with clients...otherwise they get bored - and so do I!"

    

And here's what happened. Temur blew out my oh-my-god-do-you-have-a-LOT-of-it hair. He did some fancy little flick at the end of each swoop, creating a slight curl along the bottom (I told him I often have my hair blown-out pin-straight and really don't like it...I crave volume and was probably Texan in a former life). He then moved my part back to make it look like my damaged "bangs" were so much longer. Lastly, there was some simple curling iron action on just the bottom 1/3 of my hair, which created loose, sexy waves. Which of course perfectly complimented the feathery layers above that were somehow both straight, wavy and voluminous all at the same time (I wasn't kidding, this man is a genius...).                        

                       

So, the end result...well, just look at the pictures of the whole process. I have never felt more modern, more chic, or more like a rockstar in my life. I have spent the past 5 days attempting to recreate what I watched Temur do. I am about 85% there. But that last 15%...yeah, that I will never find. Until the next time I sit in Temur's stylist chair again, that is.                                                                                       

Now if any of you read that and aren't immediately picking up the phone to make an appointment with Temur, well...well, there might possibly be something wrong with you ;) So hurry up and call Sally Hershberger Downtown for Temur's rates, schedule and availability. Because believe me, your hair will thank you.

              

~ Alison.

Health Coach Stacy Crawford: B-eautiful Hair

My hair is my security blanket. I’ve kept it very long since I am in my early 20’s and I can’t imagine the day when I will chop it off.  But it is a lot of work to keep it healthy! As a Health Coach, I know the importance of including foods in my diet that will keep my mane shiny and lustrous.  I want to yell it from the rooftops - Vitamin B for healthy hair!  The B vitamin Biotin is essential for keeping your hair healthy and strong.  You can get biotin from foods including eggs, salmon, soybeans (not soymilk!), nuts such as almonds and walnuts (omega-3’s baby!), and spinach, kale, or swiss chard (leafy green vegetables are good for you all around!).  Include some of these into your diet and watch the texture and shine of  your hair improve!

I like to practice what I preach and use sulfate free, organic shampoos and conditioners- and encourage my clients to do the same.  Knowing how passionate I am about organic products, everyone always wants to know what I use in my own hair.  Conventional hair products tend to contain a plethora of chemicals like petroleum based chemical compounds, silicones, synthetic substances and other dyes that can cause allergic reactions and even hair loss.  Organic hair products contain only natural ingredients that are meant to nourish and cleanse without harming your hair and skin.

While I am picky about what products I use, I am very particular about the way my hair smells.  I try and make an effort to choose products that not only help and clean and take care of my hair in the most organic way possible, but products that leave my hair smelling yummy.  I love Aveda’s Shampure collection of shampoo and conditioner- my hair feels soft and luxurious- and it smells positively divine.  It’s made with Coriander oil, Eucalyptus oil, Lavender oil, MorikueTM protein, Orange oil bitter, Wheat conditioners, Babassu.  Not a sulfate in sight in this product!  Aveda’s philosophy embodies the art and science of pure flower and plant essences- in other words: their products are perfectly in line with my own personal beliefs about making the best possible effort to embody organic living.

A more price effective organic shampoo and conditioner is Burt's Bees.  I use the Burt's Baby Bee Shampoo on my 2-year-old daughter and it makes me feel good as a parent to use products that are good for her and good for the environment.  And it helps that it smells sweet and delicious!

Organic shampoo and conditioner are not only better for your hair, but they are also less harmful to the environment. By switching over to organic hair products, you are protecting your hair and body from exposure to countless toxic chemicals so that you can have shiny, healthy, and beautiful hair- naturally and without any dangerous side effects!

~ Stacy

To hear more about making healthier choices in your life, visit my website www.stacycrawfordhealthcoach.com or visit my facebook page www.facebook.com\stacycrawfordhealthcoach.  To inquire about setting up a FREE Health History Assessment, please email me stacycrawfordhealthcoach@gmail.com.

Health Coach Stacy Crawford: Beautiful Skin with Tata Harper

Editor's Note: Please welcome our newest guest writer, Stacy Crawford! With a background in the fashion world (of course), Stacy recently decided to attend the Institute for Integrative Nutrition here in NYC to become a certified Health Coach. As Stacy helps more and more personal clients, she will also be sharing her expertise with Stylewhipped's lucky readers on how you can live a healthier, happier lifestyle. Check out her first product review below, the organic skincare line from Tata Harper...

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As a Health Coach, I promote a healthier lifestyle that incorporates every aspect of a person’s life.  Let’s face it- how we look is just as important to us as how we feel, but most people forget the direct relationship between the two.  The old saying “You are what you eat” is totally true- and anyone who has ever binged on greasy, fatty food and woke up the next day bloated and with a pimple or two have lived to prove it true.

We all want glowing, healthy skin.  While hydrating your skin with moisturizer is definitely important, unless you are eating the right foods to help beautify yourself on the inside, you probably won’t look the way you want to on the outside.  So what foods help you get that healthy glow? Think sunshine- think yellow.  Put a few slices of lemon in your water, and you will not only help hydrate your body- you will pump your body full of vitamin C.  Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a key protein of the skin.  By adding vitamin C to your diet, it dramatically increases the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals, which can help reduce wrinkles and improve texture.  With flu season right around the corner, having a little extra vitamin C in your life will do double duty.

 

The weather is getting colder, and as an attempt to avoid dried out, winter skin,  I started searching for a product line that embodied my love for organic and natural ingredients.  I stumbled upon a facial cleansing system by Tata Harper that has literally blown my mind.  The products are 100% organic and non-toxic, and many of the ingredients that are in the Tata Harper products are grown on her 1200 acre farm in Vermont.  As someone who promotes farm-to-table eating, I was pumped to try this product line.

 

So I got myself situated with the Tata Harper regenerating cleanser and resurfacing mask.  The regenerating cleanser is delightful to apply- it smells citrusy and fresh and the instructions detailed to massage gently into the skin to activate the natural enzymes within the all- natural ingredients such as pomegranate, willow bark, and pink clay. Grapefruit (hence the citrus smell) and bergamot are natural antiseptic and antibacterial proprietors, which aid in toning and detoxifying the skin.  I massaged into my skin with a soft skin sponge, releasing all of the natural wonderfulness the ingredients had to offer, and then rinsed with warm water.  My face felt invigorated.

I applied the mask in a thick layer onto my skin and let it sit there for quite a bit, per the recommended 20-30 minutes.  I drank some green tea and tried to relax my mind and appreciate what the active components of the mask were doing to help my skin.  Pink Clay made an appearance again in this product, which reduces pore size, detoxifies and tones without hurting the skin. Pomegranate enzymes also rejoined the party, helping reduce pores. Beet extract promotes hydration in the outer layers of the skin, helping increase elasticity. White willow extract gently exfoliates, relieves red skin and refreshes the skin's appearance.

When I rinsed my skin, I was hopeful that the outcome would be good, but I was not prepared for how smooth and radiant my skin was.  I ran over to my husband and had him stoke my cheek, saying it was as soft as our 22 month old daughters, which he agreed it was.  My skin was tingling and glowing, and I felt clean and beautiful.  

I am truly impressed by this line of products.  I will be actively trying more of the Tata Harper product line, and will most definitely be recommending my clients do the same.  Not only does Tata Harper have a wonderful philosophy that is close to my heart and what I believe in- the products are incredible. 

                                 

- Stacy

                                             

Don't forget to visit Stacy online at www.StacyCrawfordHealthCoach.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StacyCrawfordHealthCoach!

Oh Etro, How I Love Thee...

During the hurricane, I was evacuated from my right-near-the-water lower Manhattan apartment, so we stayed in a midtown hotel for three nights. (We actually stayed in two different hotels because the first one lost power, but that's a whole other story...) Both hotels were part of the Kimpton hotel chain because we had our dog with us and all Kimptons are so incredibly pet friendly (dogs! cats! even birds!) that they will even give you a goldfish for your room if you don't have your own pet with you. How adorable, right?! But I digress...the point here is that Kimpton Hotels also stock each room with amazing, delicious-smelling, high-quality Etro beauty products. As a long-time lover of anything Etro (the Italian design house known for its beautiful, sumptuous silk prints), I didn't even know they were making beauty products. So, um, clearly I took a lifetime supply with me from the hotel. (Don't tell anyone.)

The bigger point here? I've been on an Etro kick ever since. The brand has been popping up in all my online browsing searches and I have been noticing their super gorgeous ad campaigns in my magazines. So while I know their pieces are incredibly expensive, I wanted to feature at least one here. This top, in the richest salmon, white, black, yellow and periwinkle print, can be worn all year long. On it's own in the summer, under a fur vest in the fall, and over a paper-thin long-sleeved cashmere sweater in the winter. Pair it with white jeans, dark indigo jeans, a black pencil skirt...this one can be styled so many different ways (even the top itself can be worn tied, untied, etc) that it will (eventually...) pay for itself. 

You never know where inspiration will come from. I mean, all I needed was some unexpected shampoo.

~ Alison.

Letter From the Editor: "Gritty Gold" Editorial

Recently, I had the pleasure to style an extraordinary editorial that exclusively featured pieces and accessories from Diesel Black Gold. Conceptualized by the always-amazing photographer Andrew Werner, we wanted to highlight certain key pieces from Diesel Black Gold's current collection, but in a new light. Not a direct replication of their runway show and not a typical, expected editorial. So, gathered together was a team who could make Andrew's vision come to life. Avant-garde make-up artist Daniel K, the most incredible assistants (photographer assistant David Pereira Oliveira, who I've had the pleasure of working with before, and the uber-helpful styling assistant Lucio Abruzzi), Andrew behind the lens, myself as the stylist, and our gorgeous, somehow-ok-with-being-barefoot-on-the-streets-of-New-York model Keenan Brill, now with Major Models. 

Shot in a gritty alleyway (hence the "gritty" in our title) in the heart of Tribeca on a beautifully sunny day (not sure who to thank for that...), we made a mad-dash to shoot all the looks in a matter of three hours. We used only Diesel Black Gold pieces, including all the jewelry, watches, shoes...even the scarf! In sumptuous fabrics, saturated colors and unsual silhouettes, Diesel did not disappoint this season. Even the accessories are perfectly edgy with just enough of a twist to make you look twice. This is a tale of a hot young guy, living an exciting life in NYC...who leaves us at the end in his emerald green satin tuxedo. Minus a shirt, but in shoes he could easily run down the street in. Makes you wonder where he's off to, huh?

So, to tease you no longer, here are the photos (click on each to enlarge). And I have a feeling any guy would be willing to be barefoot on a Manhattan sidewalk to wear those perfect pants, too.

~ Alison

When I Say 'Everything,' I Mean EVERYTHING...

I have a (very public) theory that everything in our lives can be styled. How you live, how you present yourself, what you surround yourself with...it all affects how you feel, how you work, and how you attract other people and opportunities. I have written about this a lot, and endlessly bugged all of you who know me personally to make your whole lives "prettier." Well, I'm not giving up...

Just the other day, I was in a ladies room when another woman took out her "make-up bag" (and I use the quotes for a reason, which I will get to...) to dig out her lipstick. Now, please note that she was wearing Christian Louboutin shoes, a gorgeous, clearly designer outfit, and pulled out a Chanel lipstick. The kicker here, though, is that she pulled that Chanel lipstick out of a gross big plastic ziplock bag that was tucked inside her oversized clutch. Um, WHAT?! No. No! 

Here's the thing...if you are going to spend $30 on a Chanel lipstick, $800 on Christian Louboutin shoes and $19 for a cocktail at the fabulous club I saw you at, please (pleeeease) stop using ziplocks to hold your make-up. It ruins the entire visage of your perfectly styled look. It makes everything seem a little dirty and a little like you stole your mother's make-up. So here's a suggestion, and a mere $38 one at that. Go buy a actual make-up case that is attractive, on-trend (hello orange & gold!) and makes you look like you actually put some thought into styling your whole life and not just your clothes. This one (it really is only $38!) from Stephanie Johnson is one of my current favorites (it's trapezoid shape makes it sleekly small but still roomy enough to hold all your stuff), but go ahead and feel free to find one you love. 

So long as it doesn't come 100 to a box and could also house a sandwich ;)

~ Alison.

Black & White

I admit that my own look has a lot "going on." I have long blonde hair that is a mass of big curls. I wear bright colors, intricate prints, "statement" shoes at 10am, and a lot of gold jewelry. And I basically have all that going on all the time. So when it comes to my make-up, I have made the conscious decision to focus on one thing. One. And that one thing has always, always been my eyes. Some women look amazing with just a swipe of mascara and a red lip. Me, not so much. Instead, I have a rather intense eye make-up ritual, and actually don't wear any face make-up besides bronzer. And instead of actual lipstick, I use something that is part gloss/part stain and relatively the same color as my lips.

So, besides my black liquid liner, multiple layers of black mascara, and the occasional set of fake lashes, I depend the most on my beloved Sephora eyeshadow. Yes, you read that correctly! The shadow I had been using a few years ago ran out and was discontinued by the company. It was a duo that had a shimmery white and a (very slightly shimmery) charcoal grey. So I popped into a Sephora and hunted around for something similar. And the closest I came was a double duo from Chanel...that cost $50! Um, no. Not for something that was going to quickly run out (like I said, I do some intense eye make-up!). So I wandered over to the in-house Sephora brand area...and bingo! Individual colors for $12 each. And the "individual" is really important...I don't want a 4-color palette when I'm only going to use two of them...it's just a waste. 

As pictured here, I found my shimmery white (Sephora calls it "Wedding Day No. 24") and my very slightly shimmery, super dark charcoal grey (Sephora's "Black Flame No. 5"). They go on incredibly smoothly, their saturated color lasts all day and into an evening, their shimmer doesn't get all over the place (you don't wind up with that dreaded face full of glitter), and are big...as in, they take a really long time to use up. (Woo-hoo!). And if you want to use the dark one (or any other color in the extensive collection) to create a smokey eye, just swipe it under your lower lash line...because miraculously, it even stays put there.

~ Alison.

Letter From the Editor: Soho's Luminique MedSpa

Normally, my "Letters From the Editor" cover some sort of advice or allow me to go on about how fashion changes our lives for the better. Rarely do I "feature" one specific thing. But this week is different. This week, I just can't help myself but tell you all about my recent, amazing experience at the new Luminique MedSpa right here in NYC's Soho neighborhood. 

Now, I'm not usually a big "medspa" girl...I don't do injections of any kind, I don't like strangers touching my face (good-bye, facials...), and I'm in the natural sun so much that I don't ever really need to be spray-tanned. However, I am pretty much on the permanent hunt for the perfect massage. And after many, many (many, many, many) massages at just as many spas, hotels and nail salons, I have found it. Because Luminique was founded by plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Fiorillo, there is clearly a huge emphasis put on professionalism, correct form, and using all-too-often-forgotten additions to every massage (and other treatment, I'm sure). 

But before I get to the details, let me tell you a little about the spa itself. With a street-level entrance on Hudson Street in Soho, the interior is small but airy, with no design detail spared. All "med" treatments (lasers, injectables & fillers) are done on the first floor, where you are greeted by a warm front desk staff, a gorgeous chandelier, an offer of a glass of champagne and the very best anti-aging products are available for purchase. Massages, spray tans, body scrubs and the like are done on the airy, loft-like second floor. With an hour-long Swedish massage clocking in at an extremely reasonable $138 and a complete lack of any sort of clinical feeling, this place truly is special. 

I was lucky enough to have a wonderfully talented massage therapist named Andrea give me my massage. I had ordered the above-mentioned Swedish massage, but after our quick consultation, Andrea instinctively knew that I needed a bit of a customized treatment for my super sore runner's legs and stressed-out neck muscles. Also a Pilates teacher, Andrea even incorporated stretching into the massage, seemlessly working it in right when I needed it. This was, hands down, the single best (and therefore most effective) massage I've had in ages. I went running the next day and felt light as air. I could sit and write these articles without feeling like my neck was actually going to snap. And I have a sneaking suspicion that each and every one of Luminique's aestheticians and therapists are just as good as Andrea...

So I guess that instead of telling you to take time for yourself in this week's LFtE, I get to tell you exactly how and where to do it! So hurry up and make your appointment at Luminique MedSpa...and don't forget to "Like" them Facebook to get up-to-the-minute spa info!

~ Alison. 

Danielle Aspromatis: Pure Genius...An Interview with Make-up Artist Jonny Polizzi

There is nothing that I love more than sitting down to have a makeup artist transform my look. Makeup artistry can be anything from a subtle highlight to a total transformation, and everything in between. I recently met Jonny Polizzi...makeup artist, huge talent, and generally a super nice person. 

Jonny works with brides, celebrities (Hillary Duff and Michelle Pfeiffer!!!) and huge designers during fashion week (DVF!!!). What I love about Jonny is that he uses the looks from runways to inspire his work and keep his clients looking fresh and current. I had the opportunity to sit down with him recently and pick his brain....Such great tips! I may have to make a Sephora run soon.....

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Danielle Aspromatis: What is your most favorite product out there right now?                                                                               

Jonny Polizzi: I have assisted a couple of mainstream artists and I always get the best inspiration from their kits.  YSL's Touche Et Clat was always my #1 product, however Givenchy has really blown YSL away with their highlighter called "Mr. Light."  It's creamy and has the perfect amount of iridescence to brighten up any face! 

DA: To false eyelash or not to false eyelash?

                                                                                   

JP: ALWAYS FALSE LASH!  I have to say with the growth of technology, false lashes have come a long way!  They come in hundred's of shapes and sizes as well as colors.  I love falsies that are super sparse and just a couple of long hairs.  These look the most natural and just fill in the gaps.

DA: Any tips of covering blemishes, dark spots or other discolorations?                                                                                               

JP: Blemishes should always be covered with a creamier thicker product.  Anything that has a little more viscosity will stick better to the area.  Always keep your concealer just on the blemish and use a smaller brush. 

DA: Best drugstore cheap but fabulous pick up?                                                                                       

JP: This has always been a tough one for me.  I rarely use drugstore makeup but if I had to pick one product I would say Maybelline Great Lash.  I remember seeing it in my Mother's medicine cabinet when I was probably 4 years old and being fascinated by it.  If a product has stayed in a line for over 20 years, it HAS to be great.

DA: Hottest color palette for eyes this season? lips?

                                                                      

JP: I hate being a cliche and saying bronzy colors are in this season because every summer bronzy colors are in.  What I am seeing on the runways and in a lot of magazines are tons of greens on the eyes.  Whether it's an intense liner, a soft mint green stain, or full on shimmer, green has definitely made an impact this season.  And it's totally wearable.  For the lips, orange-reds are hot, hot, hot!  I love a gorgeous matte and any woman wearing it definitely means business.

DA: Best advice for having your lipstick stay on with minimal touch ups?                                                                           

JP: This is struggle with being that I work so much with brides!  Because a lot of my brides are a little more "fashion forward" I have been doing tons of red and hot pink lips for the aisle.  Best way is to use a matte lipstick.  Mattes will always stay on the longest.  Line the entire lip with a pencil and color it in, then go on top with your lipstick.  To really seal the deal, take a little loose powder and dab it in to soak up any excess moisture.  MAC has great lip pencils in their Pro Longwear line, they NEVER come off.

DA: Are those sprays that claim to help keep your makeup in place worth buying? Any favorites?                                                                                       

JP: Oh yes yes yes!  Always skeptical of these, I have gone through so many and Urban Decays "All Nighter Spray" is amazing!  You can dance all night and your face will not move.  It's a must for all my artists to use on their brides as well as myself!

DA: Any other great advice for our readers?                                                                                                  

JP: Makeup should be fun!  Don't try something new in the morning when you're getting ready for work.  Give yourself an evening where you have nothing to do, open up a bottle of red, and practice.  Women always try to do that smokey eye right when they are about to go out to a club and don't give themselves enough time to make mistakes and fix them.  Foundation should just be used in small areas of the face.  Nothing bothers me more than a women with beautiful skin covered up by layers of foundation. 

To learn more about Jonny Polizzi, or to book him for your wedding, next big event, or party, visit his website, www.jonnypolizzi.com or his facebook page, Jonny Polizzi Make Up Art.                                                                                                                                         

- Danielle

                                                                                                    

Photo: Andrew Werner Photography

Pretty in Pink

I am a tried-and-true dark-purplish-almost-black nailpolish girl. I used cherry red once for a costume party and had quite the compulsion to take it off as soon as it dried. I had surgery years ago and was only allowed to have pale polish during it...which was replaced pretty much the second I came to! So I'm not going to pretend that I would personally ever wear the polish I'm about to feature here (my manicurist still hasn't recovered from her shock when two weeks ago I decided to switch to a slightly less harsh shade of purplish-dark-grey...). But I do think that for anyone who loves a good, fashion-forward shade of pink, this is your newest must-have!

From the go-to Essie brand's latest collection called "Poppy-Razzi," this shade named "Lights" (the others in the group are "Camera," a warm coral, "Action," a bright, dark yellow, and "Bazooka," a tangerine orange) is almost neon but not quite. It is, however, the perfect color for when you need to be reminded that the approaching summer season is all about fun, happiness and electric brights that you normally wouldn't wear. It's warm hue is flattering when you haven't gotten your tan yet, and simply amazing once you've had a chance to work on it. Katy Perry music should definitely be playing in the background when you walk into the room looking like such a pretty piece of pink candy in this polish...

~ Alison.