L.A.M.B. closed NYFW with an amazing assemblage of six themes: Soldier Girls (glammed out military), Ragga Muffin Girls (rastafari meets Santa Fe-my FAVE), London Girls (tartans and boyish shapes), Buffalo Girls (street versions of the Wild West), Mod Girls (black and white 60’s inspired graphics), and Glamour Girls (all black everything with splashes of gold from Noir).

A Buffalo Gal shows off upswept turquoise eye liner and short black nails. View the entire beauty breakdown HERE.

The designer (sporting my latest hair obsession) and a very handsome escort

What were your favorite NYFW moments?

Via WWD and Stylelist

Spring is right around the corner but I’m still lusting after a few fall finds. On my radar: Betsey Johnson’s “I Fucking Love You” chocolate box hats, MAC x Wonder Woman, and of course, more  Jonathan Adler. Supreme hit a home run with their quirky little spring accessories. Add a pair of Miu Miu clogs, some breath freshener, and a creepy clown cuff and voila! February faves!

A few of my favorite looks from the Betsey Johnson RTW Fall 2011 collection titled “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not”. The lineup showcased “references to punk, Edwardian, goth, hippie, rock ‘n’ roll, and everything in between.” I love how BJ is never afraid to be dramatic and pile on tons of makeup on the models (or herself). She’s what I LOVE about being a girl.

Redken stylist, Peter Gray created two looks, one of which involved black wigs that were spray painted with a gold shade (then sprayed again with black, using lace fabric as a stencil).

Maybelline New York’s global makeup artist, Charlotte Willer covered models’ eyes in blue eye shadow and thick black liner extended to the temples. Cheeks were kept pale, while lips were stained a deep crimson hue.

Via WWD

Via High Snobiety

The Scottsdale Quarter will introduce Dry Bar in March. With locations in West Hollywood, Studio City, Brentwood, and Pacific Palisades, the salon offers ONLY blow drys starting at $35. There’s 5 signature looks to choose from (shampoo included), with scalp massage and conditioning treatments for additional charges. For the guys there’s minibar.ber.shop, that offers $20 hair cuts and $2 beers. Very cool additions to the sweeping trend of the on-the go, carefully designed “boutique” franchise (let’s not forget Makeup And Go and Bubble Blow Dry). It’ll be interesting to see if nail shops will catch on- I would love to just pop in somewhere and get JUST a polish change in a beautiful atmosphere WITHOUT all the questionable banter going on.

With any career, starting at the very bottom is tough. In the beauty industry, it can be downright demeaning. Beauty school will teach you things like the standard rules of hair cutting, sanitation laws, and how to pass the state board exam. What they DON’T provide is an ego check and oftentimes, students sail out of class thinking they’re going to be the next Danilo. The best thing you can do upon graduating is find a salon that offers a legit assisting program. Finding a mentor in the industry is a NECESSITY. Besides offering you continuing education and training, they’ll guide you through real life salon situations, which will ultimately save your ass when you finally get put on the floor. My time spent as a salon assistant are the most cherished memories of my 13 year run in the beauty industry. My hands cracked and bled from shampooing. I had shin splints from standing all day in heels. I learned how go without food for 9 hours at a time. Most important, I learned what it takes to become successful in a salon. Think you’re ready to get behind the chair? Here’s a few things to keep in mind:

• You’re going to sweep, wash towels, and fetch coffee for difficult clients- all with a smile on your face. Basically, you’re at the disposal of the entire salon. If you’re thinking you’re not “cut out for bitch work” you may want to rethink things. The entire beauty industry IS bitch work. People pay you for your time, expertise, and ultimately, your sparkling personality. If you aren’t willing to go above and beyond for your clients, your wallet will be the first to notice.

• Shampooing every day is murder on your hands, so forget keeping up with mani’s or acrylics. The best thing to do each night is cover your hands in Bag Balm (an ointment for cow udders) and if you can stand it, moisturizing gloves. Another good moisturizer is Avon Basics Silicone Glove Hand Cream. It provides 24 hour protection from dryness and cracking, even after washing your hands.

• You’re going to get yelled at. A lot. Hair stylists (good ones at least) are constantly under pressure so if they’re curt with you, it’s because time is always a factor. Learn to just brush it off and keep it moving. If anything, they’ll feel bad and tip you more at the end of the day.

• Pack snacks instead of opting for a real lunch. You won’t have time to sit down for longer than 5 minutes and that way, your body can still stay nourished and energized for long days. Almonds, dried fruit, and cheese and crackers are always a good idea, as well as Vitamin Water in Revive, in case of hangovers.

• Depending on the salon, you may be required to wear certain footwear. I’ve even heard of a salon that required staff to wear heels and FULL makeup everyday- yikes. So make sure to get details on the dress code asap. Gel insoles will become your bff.

• Learn to take criticism and make yourself available for anything. Learn everything from applying color, to properly booking appointments, to how to take inventory in the salon. You’ll need the info for when you’re running your own place!

A limited edition “snuggle pouch” for your guy’s frank and beans. What strikes me funny is this statement: The hang-free pouch has extra room in front, just where you need it, so when you pull them on, your package falls naturally into the super soft snuggle pocket to create a truly enjoyable unique wearing experience. What if the wearer doesn’t require extra room? Then you have all this excess fabric just hanging around down there, waiting to be judged. How emasculating! Anyway, would YOU? If so, find it HERE.

Brought to you by Other Criteria comes For The Love Of God, a 16 page book that highlights the iconic, diamond encrusted sculpture created by Damien Hirst (which by the way, is said to be the most expensive piece of contemporary art AND features human teeth). Find it HERE.
*Via Living Proof Magazine

One of my favorite candies of all time is Ting Ting Jahe. A ginger chew made in Indonesia, the candy is a perfect blend of sweet and spice. Ginger’s properties help to calm stomach ailments such as nausea and even motion sickness. Place two candies into a cup of boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. The relief is surprisingly quick and if you’re not a fan of the taste of ginger, the hot water and sugar tones it down a bit. Ting Ting Jahe is available at most asian specialty stores and through Amazon.

There’s nothing greater than cruising the beauty aisles of a drugstore. During a recent visit, I discovered the wonder that is Borba Skin Balance Water. Now available at Walgreens (sold separately for $1.99), the skin care line is offering itself on an even more affordable and accessible level. The waters come in four versions: Clarifying (which I bought), Replenishing, Anti-Aging, and Firming. Have you tried it? What were the results? Please give me some good news.