EQUIPMENT sheer long sleeve shirt, 210
Maison Martin Margiela vest, $1,525
Rag & Bone corduroy jeans, $175
Alaïa studded boots, $2,220
Givenchy duffle bag, $2,030
Hermès tourmaline jewelry
Lanvin jewelry, $920
Tom Ford acetate sunglasses, 153
Tom Ford Beauty Ultra Shine Lip Gloss, $45

One question I constantly hear co-workers pondering is whether or not splurging on expensive hair products is really worth it. I may be one of those…hair enthusiasts, or something…. but personally I think shelling out the extra buck on hair products is a YES!

I myself have been through many hair phases. I started with highlights at a very young age, this lead to 3 large blonde (more like yellow) streaks in the 8th grade, to more highlights, to Jessica Simpson blonde in high school, to half black/ half platinum (white) blonde my sophomore year of college… At that point my hair was so damaged it was breaking off daily. I decided to take the plunge my junior year of college for ‘al-naturale’ back to my roots, my heritage, the good old brunette. And let me tell you folks, I have never looked back! I think I might have cried when I first looked in the mirror after basically being playboy blonde and now here I am in sitting in the salon, no makeup on, just this average brunette… I used to say people weren’t going to notice me anymore… I mean everyone notices a platinum blonde in the room. But I put on a happy face, went home put on some makeup and eased myself into my new (and improved) look. A little over 3 years later and my hair is now long, shiny, luxurious and completely healthy! I literally get compliments on it almost every day, even from random strangers in the elevator. I definitely consider my hair one of my best features. And even though sometimes I fantasize about that Jessica Simpson blonde in my junior year homecoming photos… I don’t think I’ll ever go back!

So here are my secrets to great hair:

1. Mr. Frederic Fekkai – My favorite is the Brilliant Glossing collection. I use this shampoo and conditioner religiously. But don’t forget to mix and match so your not ALWAYS using the same product. I mix it up with the Salon Color Care colleciton including the Salon Technician Color Car Rapid Results Moisture Mask every once and a while. I have also used the Essential Shea Shampoo and the Ageless Rejuvenating Shampoo. All GREAT. As far as styling product the COIFF Controle Ironless Straightening Balm works fantastic and is a fabulous way to get a straight look without damaging your hair with an iron. At $39+ for a bottle of shampoo I realize this sounds ridiculous, but this is your hair people! You might not have it for ever so why not appreciate it while you still can, at the very least on a nice shampoo and conditioner. Tip: Don’t just put all the conditioner in your roots, your poor ends need some love too! Make sure you’re evenly distributing from root to end.

2. Styling on a budget? Fine. So you splurge on a shampoo and conditioner… now get some money back on the styling product? Why not.

If your going to use a hot tool; ie. a straighter, the Sultra bombshell curling iron I use at least once a week, please do yourself a favor and use a heat protectant. My favorite is ‘got2b’ Guardian Angel. Not only does it smell great but it really eliminates the frizz and kicks in the shine. I spray this in (and let it dry) before using any heat on my hair. Next you will need a hairspray, let’s stick with affordable and I give you my secret weapon again from ‘got2b’ the Smooth Operator Soothing Hairspray, just enough hold (I don’t like that crusty feeling) and it smells like heaven! And I mean heaven, like candies, cupcakes, and sugar, I LOVE it! It even has cute little charms that hang off of it, well mine does. Both of these products are on ULTA for a bargain at $5.99!

3. Last but not least something every girl must have in their hair vocabulary, dry shampoo. Yes everybody is always saying how it’s not good to wash your hair every single day. Something about natural oils… this, that, and the other. Some people can’t just NOT wash their hair unless you want to look like a homeless person at work the next day. Enter the dry shampoo to ‘de-grease your do’. I’ve tried a few, but I’ve settled on Batiste! Practically the only kind that his worked for me. My favorite, the ‘Hint of Color’ in Dark & Deep Brown so that my roots don’t look like their graying. It smells good, it blends in with my brunette hair color, and it makes my hair look nice and clean. Spray near the roots, rub it in with your fingers and wah-lah! On sale right now at ULTA for $6.99 this is an AWESOME price considering what some dry shampoo’s cost and how often you go through them.

I end with this; spend a little more on your shampoo and conditioning treatments, your hair is probably dehydrated give it something healthy to drink! And cut a few dollars on your styling product. You can find great heat protectants, hair sprays and dry shampoos at affordable prices.

Just a small disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any of these sellers, I’m not endorsing them and I’m not guaranteeing anything they are selling is 100% authentic. I am simply surfing eBay and telling you about things I think are cool.

You all know about one of my other obsessions, vintage sunglasses, I am loving these huge YSL’s! Ending in one day so get in there fast! They are actually at a decent price right now even though it is an internatinal listing in GBP.

Second, I am loving this gold bracelet, says 1980′s and I believe it… nice and chunky with a big fat logo of course. Kind of a hefty starting bid but a great addition to any fashionistas jewelry collection.

Third, these little YSL pins. There are several of them on eBay you have to find one in your price range and snatch it up. I think these cute little pins would be a great addition to any cardigan. I bet this well end in a bidding war but it may be worth the shot.

*This photos are all taken from the sellers public listings.

Answer: I too struggle with this issue and I have searched high and low for boots that run a little wider and are actually stylist enough to wear at work in the fashion industry in New York City. Now there are styles available at plus size chains such as Lane Bryant, Torrid, and Avenue at very affordable prices. But you will get what you pay for and that is, noticeably fake leather. I have nothing against them at all and that is fine for shopping on a budget, running around on the weekend, or going out with friends when your bound to have a drink or three spilt on your feet. My answer for something that fits fashion industry standards; Marina Rinaldi. Italian plus size clothing designer that actually makes luxury, fashionable clothing in larger sizes.

From their website:

Still today the target at the core of the brand is to create garments in line with fashion trends, synonymous with quality and preciosity of the fabrics and tailoring details.

Find the black over the knee style, personally my favorite, online at Saks in their Salon Z department for $795. This may seem like a lot but I think for all of this leather on a sturdy boot that will probably last you a few seasons, this is a good deal. Why not splurge on a pair of great boots that will solve a lot of headaches! Please check your local Saks, I did see a few different styles available in store at the Saks on Fifth Avenue. After a little research I also found on the Marina Rinaldi website that they have a store in NYC at 13 East 69th Street. I will definitely go check it out and report back. Until then please check for local locations on the Marina Rinaldi website.

Alaïa sleeved dress, $4,827
Azzedine Alaia black bootie, €1.560
Alaïa tote handbag, $4,770
80s jewelry, $900
Tom Ford retro style sunglasses, €299
Tom Ford Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge Decanter 250ml, 270
Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color, Black Orchid, $48
Tom Ford Beauty Nail Lacquer, Bordeaux Lust, $30

From the Zanotti website: Peep-toe sling-backs in purple, red and yellow suede, entirely covered with tone-on-tone crystals. Fun, well-balanced play on color for shoes fit for a pop star. Perfect for the red carpet, but also paired with your favorite jeans.

Chanel t shirt, €44
Amanda Uprichard gathered skirt, $114
Yves Saint Laurent stiletto high heels, 640
Fendi tote, 1,150
Chris Habana fitted hat, $248
dark diamond frame necklace, $136
Black False Lashes, $6
London Taxi Clutch From British Accessory Designer Lulu Guinness…, 295

So it’ s that time of the year already ladies… time to get your boots out! We’ve already had one snow storm in NYC and it was in October! So who knows what’s to come… One of my favorite boots this season is Ms. Trish by Gucci! Simple yet special with the large piping detail, this 4″+ heel actually looks manageable to walk in! Available in black or cuir (camel) I can’t even decide which color would be best. I have seen this boot in person while browsing the shoe floor at Bergdorfs and let me tell you it is a beautiful thing. Of course it is made in Italy and I wouldn’t expect anything less from Gucci. Over-the-knee sexy but sophisticated as well. I can see it with jeans shopping in the city or dressed up with a dress or skirt for work. This boot is going lots of places let me tell you. And if you just so happen to have the budget… go ahead and splurge! $1795 will get you a whole lot of boot! Available at Bergdorf Goodman.

If 4″ heels aren’t for you, I also saw the flat version available which was absolutley devine!

Hope you like it too!

Yah ok so it’s not new or anything but it’s so amazing that I am finally getting around to posting about it! I got mine at Sephora… for $130; yes this seems like quite a price tag to some, but trust me it’s worth it! I have sold it to 5 people at my work already even those that swear their hair doesn’t hold curls. Before this when I used a curling iron I would get maybe an hour if I was lucky but with the Sultra I get day to night, and if I sleep properly, TWO days!

My advice:Buy this curling rod NOW!

Step 2: Watch the tutorial videos on the Sephora website and youtube (I watched them more then 5 times)

Step 3: Practice at least once before making your debut! & try a few different ways!

Like with anything practice makes perfect, and one of my biggest pet peeves is when people give something a bad review because they don’t know how to use something. Put on the pink glove (ALWAYS wear the glove, you are NOT cooler then the pink glove sorry), wrap your hair around the barrel, slowly release the curl and HOLD IT FOR A FEW SECONDS in the glove to let the hair cool before you let it go. DONE! not that hard….but yes maybe practice once or twice.

I feel confident enough in this thing to promise you if your hair ‘never’ hold curls it will with this thing! I get SO MANY compliments (my hair is naturally beautiful but this helps too *wink ).

Last word of peace to my praise… This is the closest you will get to the Kardashian curl without being a Kardashian yourself! Good luck folks!!! & Happy curling!

On a side note… I am thinking about trying the ‘top styler’ curling shells? Anyone try them? Leave me comments!