Posts by Dara

Freaky Friday

With less than 2 weeks to go ’til Halloween, now’s the time to buy that bewitching costume. But before you even think about subjecting yourself to those never-ending specialty store lines and scarce inventory (by now the best merch has been picked over), read this round-up of freakishly fashionable online finds. From “boo-tiful” black polish to ghoulishly gorgeous skull bags and frightfully foxy jailbird uniforms, here’s a host of party-ready essentials that will ensure you have a “RIP-roaring” Halloween.

imageBring out your inner bad girl with this naughty jailbird number. Add a faux Paris Hilton-esque wig to the mix and you just might be thrown in the slammer. Jailbird costume • $24.99 (paparazzi not included) • available at RickysHalloween.com

imageBuy this super-strong, hemp-infused hair gel for an impenetrable Amy Winehouse bouffant. The dark grape color adds that extra touch of Goth. Lush Goth Juice • $14.95 • available at usa.lush.com

imageMake your peepers really pop with these over-the-top feathered falsies. For a creepy Clockwork Orange effect, try the lashes with turquoise tassels or black diamantes. Shu Eumera Tokyo Lash Bar Collection • $20-$50 • available at sheuemura.com

imageGlow all out for Halloween with this mini pack of after-midnight polish. Mix ’n match 4 spooked-out shades, including Jack’s Back (a jack-o-lantern orange), Boo-Berry (a blue hue that glows in the dark!), Witch Way? (as black as a witch’s hat) and Cool Ghoul (a ghastly white shade). You can create even scarier looks with the enclosed nail decals. O.P.I. Glow Out For Halloween! •  $9.95 • available at Amazon.com

imageJust one spritz of this invigorating gardenia-infused fragrance will have the dead dancing in their graves. Eau De Halloween by J Del Pozo • $19.95 • available at cosmeticamerica.com

imageMake no bones about it… this bag is a must-have for Halloween. Plus, the heart-shaped design is more than roomy enough for storing all your die-hard make-up. Skull Handbag • $7.99 • available at RickysHalloween.com

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Filed: Shop Talk

Curly Cocktails

imageAfter years of frying my hair with a flat iron, I’ve finally found a reason to permanently revert back to my au natural, Shirley Temple-like state. Why the sudden “reincurlnation?” Aside from being unable to bare the accompanied carpal tunnel syndrome (it takes 30 minutes just to blow dry my strands straight), I came across Curly Cocktails – the Holy Grail of hair care designed specifically for girls with curls.

Seven intoxicating concoctions tailor-made to fight all types of frizz and fros, Curly Cocktails protein-packed formulas will radically transform your locks and your life. Created by curly-headed Texans, Michelle Breyer and Gretchen Heber of NaturallyCurly.com (the world’s largest social networking “curl-munity”), Curly Cocktails are the most effective and “fun-spirited” new collections for the kinky-haired clan.

Since one styling product doesn’t necessarily fit all (you should see the medley of mousses, gels, serums and sprays in my medicine cabinet!), Curly Cocktails comes with a range of 3-5 different products meant to be blended, depending on how your curls look and feel on any particular day. For instance, Curl & Tonic (ideal for corkscrew curls like mine), consists of Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper, AG Re:coil, Batia & Aleeza Bio-Herbal Mineral Sculpting Gel, Curlisto Unruly Paste and DevaCurl Mist-er Right. Another bonus: each Curly Cocktail contains a corresponding recipe card with detailed instructions and measurements so you know exactly how much of each ingredient to mix.

You can quench your curls with a host of bar-like beverages, including Curltini (for wavy hair), Cosmocurlitan (for looser locks), Hot Buttered Curls (for kinky curls) and Curlaccino (for the bushiest of Roseanne Roseannadanna-like fros). There’s even a selection of adorable strand saviors for curly kids: Curly Temple (for loose waves) and Curly Bubbly (for kinky waves). Everything’s neatly packed in a sturdy, eco-friendly container along with a wide-toothed comb for detangling strands in the shower – all the tools you’ll ever need for beautiful, bouncy, frizz-free tresses.

Create Your Own Curly Cocktail and Win! Do you have a personal recipe for a favorite styling concoction? Send your submission to NaturallyCurly.com and it just might be announced in their November 20th email newsletter. As a crafty bartender, you have two options:

Contest 1: Create a cocktail using products available in CurlMart, NaturallyCurly’s online boutique.

Contest 2: Create a cocktail using a combination of any styling products you love.

Prize Information:

NaturallyCurly judges will select one winner from each category. Each winner will receive a $50 CurlMart gift certificate, and:

Grand Prize for Contest 1: Your recipe becomes a real Curly Cocktail introduced in CurlMart in 2008.

Grand Prize for Contest 2: You receive virtual retail therapy – customized expert tips and tricks for tackling the toughest clothing calamities, courtesy of FashionJunkie.com.

Better hurry… the contest closes at midnight, October 31st, 2007. Contestants must be of legal mixing age to participate! Submit your Curly Cocktail here.

Calling All Curly Heads! Check out Fashion Junkie’s “Re-Tales” Blog for an exclusive Q&A interview with NaturallyCurly.com co-founders, Michelle Breyer and Gretchen Heber.

  • Curly Cocktails
  • 888-249-9250
  • naturallycurly.com
  • adult cocktails, $50-$80; children’s cocktails, $45-$50
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Filed: Beauti-Fixation

Calling All Curly Heads!

Are you a victim of twisted tresses and unmanageable Brillo-pad hair? The days of fearing your frizz are over thanks to NaturallyCurly.com – a fun and informative social networking “curl-munity,” filled with expert tips, trends, top product information and North American salon listings. Fashion Junkie recently caught up with NaturallyCurly co-founders, Michelle Breyer and Gretchen Heber (who share a history of fighting frizz) to find out what it takes to start loving your locks.

FJ: Why did you decide to launch NaturallyCurly.com?

NC: We both moved to California at different times and had unruly, curly hair. Having worked at the same newspaper, we constantly commiserated about how to handle our hair. After conducting extensive research, we noticed a serious lack of resources available for curlies and thus, NaturallyCurly.com was born.

FJ: How has the site evolved since it launched nine years ago?

NC: We initially launched the site in ’98 as a hobby, with very little content. Eventually, we took things a little more seriously and started treating the site as a monthly magazine. Then, in the spring of ‘04, we launched CurlMart (our e-boutique), which sells over 500 top quality products designed specifically for curly heads. The site has become extremely interactive and we receive a lot of positive feedback from our readers. People post all kinds of product reviews and look to us for expert advice, such as “how do I fight frizz” and “where can I find a hairdresser that cuts curly hair.”

FJ: Why would someone want to be a part of this “curl-munity?”

NC: For tons of information and advice! It’s come to the point where we’ve become such good friends with some of our readers, that we’re even launching off-line “curl gatherings.” We’re organizing an event at Devachan Salon (a cutting-edge salon for curly heads in New York) so that curly girls can meet and talk about a whole host of curl issues.

FJ: What advice would you give to curly girls who aren’t happy with their hair?

NC: We really want to help curlies learn to love their natural curls so that they don’t feel they have to straighten it. Curly heads make up 50-65% of the world’s population, so we’re encouraging them to embrace it. In fact, we’ve even developed a curly hair ranking system, which helps determine your hair type. This also enables us to make product recommendations and tips formulated specifically for every type of curl (i.e. loose waves or kinky curls).

FJ: How often do you straighten your hair?

NC: We have bad hair days just like everyone else. Since we live in Austin, Texas, the weather (and humidity!) is constantly changing, so we have to switch our products accordingly. But we haven’t straightened our hair in years!

FJ: Who cuts your hair?

NC: There are so many amazing curly hair stylists to choose from. Some of our favorites are Christo (owner of the Christo Fifth Avenue Salon in New York City), Lorraine Massey (co-founder of Devachan Salon in New York City) and Rodney Cutler (the Creative Director at New York’s Redken Salon). Visit our CurlSalons section for a complete cross-country listing of curly hair-cutters.

FJ: What hair products and tools do you use?

NC: Right now we’re into Innersense Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer, an organic line out of California, Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper (by Jonathan Torch), Curlisto Structura Lotion and AG Hair Cosmetics. Of course, there’s Curly Cocktails – seven intoxicating style offerings tailor-made to fight all types of frizz.

FJ: Is there a right or wrong way to cut or wear curly hair?

NC: It’s really about curl pride. Be proud of your curls and don’t fight them! Some stylists use the Bonzai technique, which is when they cut the hair according to where it needs cutting. Different things tend to work better for different people and it really depends on the hairdresser. We’ve definitely noticed a changing attitude about curls over the years. People used to fight them, but now they’re finally becoming fashionable.

FJ: What’s next for NaturallyCurly.com?

NC: We’d like to spread the word to as many people as possible. In fact, we’re organizing a “Love Your Curls Day” in Austin, TX on Sunday, November 11th and are planning to host similar events across the country. Plus, we’ll continue to launch a wide range of new product collections such as Curly Cocktails.

Check out the Fashion Junkie Fix email newsletter about Curly Cocktails, a hot new hair styling regimen designed specifically for curly heads.

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Filed: Interviews

Hats Off!

imageAs a femme with a particularly small skull, I’ve rarely been able to find a chapeau that fits… aside from a baseball cap at Baby Gap. Most designer brands are either too big or too expensive, like Proenza Schouler’s $3,400 beaded cloche (as if anyone with a head on their shoulders would shell out that kind of cash!). Thankfully, a few years back, I met Anne De Pasquale, a master milliner who’s touted for her ultra fashionable and affordable, custom-made toppers. Now I’m now the proud owner of multiple, “head-turning” menswear-inspired fedoras – the must-have accessory of the season. Anne’s hats are so gorge, you’ll even want to wear ’em on good hair days.

Although trained in theatrical millinery, Anne’s mission has always been to design wearable hats for real people, not just the stage. Known for taking the ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary, Ms. De Pasquale incorporates shimmery sequins, vintage jewelry, satin ribbon, feathers and even paint in her pieces. Her one-of-a-kind couture creations are ideal for confident, adventurous femmes who aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd. As a matter of fact, J. Lo was so impressed with Anne’s talents, she commissioned her to design an exclusive wide-brimmed hat line for her Fall ’05 Sweetface runway show in New York.

With a resurgence of hats shown on the Fall ’07 and Spring ’08 international runways, now’s the time to get a head start on the trend. And thanks to Anne’s incredible range of eye-popping colors, shapes and patterns, there’s a suitable chapeau for everyone. Some of my personal favorites: a 20s-inspired burgundy velvet and wool cloche (a sharp look for short, chin-length hair), a classic French beret, a teal military number jazzed-up with a vintage gold chain and flashy pin-up girl button (I just had to buy this beauty for myself) and a to-die-for black felt fedora with intricate butterfly and heart-shaped cutouts along the brim. But my all-time fave is the “Film Noir” leopard print bell-shape style that’s wrapped with an actual piece of filmstrip (yes, I snagged this one too). Anne even hand paints a number of toppers with metallic gold, copper and silver leafing for a striking, antique-y effect. Plus, she’ll soon be adding high-end cocktail hats adorned with metal and ceramic details, perfect for formal affairs beyond the Kentucky Derby.

But don’t fret if you can’t find a style that doesn’t quite fit… ask Anne and she’ll gladly whip-up something sensational.

Exclusive deal just for YOU! Anne De Pasquale is offering Fashion Junkie subscribers a special 15% discount off any hats of your choice from Monday, October 15 through Monday, October 22, 2007. Call Anne at 646-424-9254 to book your private appointment. Happy shopping!

  • Anne De Pasquale
  • 646-424-9254 (by appointment only)
  • annedepasquale.com
  • $198-$600 ($600-$1200 for high-end hat line)
  • final sale on all items
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Filed: Clothes Encounters

Fringe Movement

imageThis might sound strange, but my criteria for buying a handbag is similar to selecting a bottle of Bordeaux… the best ones, while pricey, get better with age. With high quality handbags, the leather softens and the color intensifies over time and, if kept in mint condition, should increase in value. That’s why I’m fixated on the ones fashioned by New York-based designer, Katherine Kwei. An haute line of collectible-worthy hobos, totes and clutches, which debuted in the spring, Katherine’s in-demand shoulder candy has since been flying off the shelves at luxury retailers around the globe.

“Knot” your ordinary handbag, Katherine’s cutting-edge creations are meticulously hand crafted with a traditional Chinese knotting technique taught by her grandmother (a Hong Kong-based seamstress who once whipped-up clothes for silver screen legends Katherine Hepburn and Anthony Quinn). Made from a mouth-watering mix of the finest Italian lambskin and water snake, Katherine’s Asian-inspired designs are ideal for fashion-forward femmes who want something unique, that transitions well from day-to-night. Rather than brand her bags with flashy logos and chunky hardware, Katherine’s pieces are elegantly adorned with chic, yet subtle details such as Swarovski crystals.

Among the stars in this season’s lineup: an over-sized charcoal gray tote (perfect for stashing file folders and fashion mags), a posh jet-black pouchette with a detachable strap and a dainty mocha mini bag. If you really want to make a statement, the signature fringe-like “Donna” designs (imagine leather that’s gone through a paper shredder) are well worth the investment. These wearable works of art, which sport intricately curled “eternity knots” along the bottom that swing and swoosh as you walk, are said to symbolize love and happiness. Now that’s what I call retail therapy!

Exclusive Deal Just For YOU! Katherine Kwei is offering Fashion Junkie subscribers an insanely affordable “wholesale” discount off her stunning spring/summer ’07 and fall ’07 collections. Current retail prices of $200-$1800 will be slashed in half to $90-$760 from Monday, October 15th through Sunday, October 28th. Call Katherine Kwei at 646-339-8365 to book your private appointment. Make sure to mention Fashion Junkie to receive your discount. Happy shopping!

  • Katherine Kwei
  • 646-339-8365 (by appointment only)
  • katherinekwei.com
  • special wholesale prices of $90-$760 (discounted from $200-$1800!)
  • final sale on all items
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Filed: Shop Talk