August 31, 2010

and the 2010 Emmy goes to...

Getty Images
January Jones January is consistently taking chances and pushing the fashion envelope. The asymmetrical Versace gown was a step into the future for Miss Betty Draper while the hourglass shape reminds us of the past. This insanely electric blue gown was stunningly intricate with ruffle detailing and a goddess train. The only addition was a platinum and diamond Cartier dragon ring with yellow diamond eyes. I loved how she kept it simple especially with her perfectly golden locks left down and wavy. You don't always have to go too far adding updo's and makeup. January is who she is. I love awaiting what she'll out on next.
Honorable Mentions
TheStirDaily.com
Lea Michele
I will admit I do not watch Glee but Lea Michele has managed to grab my attention. The color of the night was blue and the stand was this Oscar de la Renta. The simplicity along with an added twist of funky diamond Lorraine Schwartz jewels was perfection. She was young and elegant and looked so effortless. I love the collar necklace paired with such a sophisticated gown! She had a youthful glow along with her simple curls.
 Keri Russell 
Like January Jones, Keri Russell knows what style she likes and what she feels sexy in. She is simple yet trendy and always a classic. The fun part about this dress is not only is it vintage but it is hot pink! The Jean-Louis Scherrer halter dress was perfect for Russell's small bust and her Jennifer Behr silk organza flower hair comb was an unexpected added touch to the ensemble. Hurray the return of Keri Russell to TV!
Eonline
Kelly Osbourne 
Kelly Osbourne looked unbelievable and fit in her black Tony Ward Couture gown. She completely revamped her style this year in a major way and look at her now. The low neckline is lovely for her tiny frame as is the hugging bodice.
Getty
Kyra Sedgwick
Kyra tried on ten dresses before finding this burgundy Monique Lhuillier gown. She chose right. The flowing hand-stitched organza strips were dreamy and the color is striking. The multi-colored Ofira bracelets added a bohemian feel that I adore.  Like our winner tonight, Kyra went for wavy locks to go along with her free spirited look.

Who was your favorite?

August 25, 2010

Hilary Duff's Glamorous Wedding Hair Do Tips!

Hilary Duff was married last week to hockey player Mike Comrie. I fell in love with not only the Vera Wang gown but her hair. It was so glamorous and chic. Many women are afraid to take chances on their big day and Duff went right for this unexpected choice. Hilary definitely likes to flirt with fashion and always adds a spin to her look. It fit perfectly. 
 If you want to recreate Duff's do, here are a few tips from renowned Nicholas Penna, Jr. of SalonCapri in Newton & Dedham, MA. SalonCapri is one of only 12 salons in the country to house the L’OrĂ©al Professionnel Haircolor Center on site. Nick regularly styles hair for photo shoots and major events like NYC Fashion Week. Nick calls this look "a modern, elegant take on the oh-so-classic high, wedding bun. This look is classic with an edge."

Hilary’s Wedding Looks:
1.)     Nick suggests that before attempting this updo, you should research accessories or false hair pieces to achieve this look. He recommends a clip-in hair extension or hair weft.
2.)     Once you have your accessories in hand, give yourself a full blow-dry using a volumizing product such as Kerastase Vol-Active Mousse. Apply this product to damp hair before blow-drying.
3.)     Starting at the roots and from the front of the hair, begin to tease the hair up. The goal is make the hair and full as possible!
4.)     Pull the remainder of the hair into a ponytail, but make sure that you do not smooth the front part out as you do so. You want it to be left messy!
5.)     Secure the hair into a ponytail at the top of your head (think crown of your head).
6.)     Place the weft at base of ponytail, wrapping the hair up and around it to create the large bun.
7.)     Strategically pin down the hair, around the shape of the bun. Nick recommends using bobby pins that match the color of your hair so that they blend.
8.)     Finish the look with a strong hold hair spray. Nick suggests L’Oreal Professionnel Texture Expert Infinium 4 Extreme Hold Finish.
Inspired by Hilary, I began noticing more and more the chignon I adore on the runways. I have been a fan since I was a child. My Italian Nona always wore her blonde "chignon" as she called it and it reminds me of extreme GLAM. Anyone can wear it! It can be casual as well.

Nick gives us some more tips on how to achieve this look.

High Bun:
1.)     Give yourself a full blow-dry using a volumizing product such as Kerastase Vol-Active Mousse. Apply this product to damp hair before blow-drying.
2.)     Starting at the roots and from the front of the hair, begin to tease the hair up. The goal is make the hair and full as possible!
3.)     Pull the remainder of the hair into a ponytail, but make sure that you do not smooth the front part out as you do so. You want it to be left messy!
4.)     Secure the hair into a ponytail at the top of your head (think crown of your head).
5.)     Tease the ponytail, section by section – tease everything, says Nick!
6.)     One by one, wrap the sections around the elastic, creating the shape of the bun.
7.)     Secure the bun with bobby pins.  Nick recommends using bobby pins that match the color of your hair so that they blend.
8.)     Finish the look with a strong hold hair spray. Nick suggests L’Oreal Professionnel Texture Expert Infinium 4 Extreme Hold Finish.

August 22, 2010

Pinkberry is Coming to Boston!

My dreams of Pinkberry fro-yo have finally come true. Everyone knows I am obsessed with fro-yo, okay maybe even have a problem, and sometimes it's hard to find! Now the famous chain will be here in Boston on Newbury Street! It is slated to open sometime in the fall and I will probably be the first in line. With flavors like, Pomegranate, Chocolate, Coconut and Green Tea, who can resist? Did I mention how nutritious Pinkberry is and how the fruit is cut daily! 
All the celebs are doing it!
 Has anyone ever tried Pinkberry?

1st Photo: Pinkberry 2nd: Daily Candy

August 21, 2010

Camera, Lights, Action! Oh My!

As I prepared for my news segment, I found out they were coming here to film my tips on budget shopping! My apartment was in remodel mode and I had 48 hours to "make it work." I called interior designer genius (and boyfriend's mom) Amy Chalmers to come help me get organized! Check her out on Maison Decor and here is a sneak peak at her blog:

 See the paint swatch on the wall?
Way too many patterns in the sofa pillows. 
Too much artwork on the walls.
 Things are gonna change fast!
Paint swatches on the wall in tiffany blue shades. 
The bright blue color she had originally chosen 
was inspired by a Sex in the City character. 
This color didn't take long to overstay its welcome.
Sarah is a blue person and she was looking for a softer blue.
She chose Bird Egg by Ben Moore.
Its looking better already. 
I created an office space by placing
 two mismatched pieces together
 to create a hutch that she could use for her office materials. 
A desk would be placed in that same area
 to create a designated office space.
Sarah painting out the old blue. 
Here is her office zone. 
Sarah has a bohemian vintage spirit in her personal style.
This comes across with the painted pieces and the 
unique accessories used to decorate her space.
I organized her collections and edited out busy patterns.
Only soft pastels and creamy whites were used
to give this room a serene feeling
 but one that still had a lot of interest
I only "redecorated" this space. 
Nothing new was purchased to makeover this room!
I'll admit I brought in a large frenchy bucket
 from my house for her curly willow branches.
The camera is in place getting ready for the shoot.
The other thing that was fun about this job was that 
Sarah needed a family to be interviewed
 about back to school shopping on a budget. 
Here is my handsome son, Colin
 who was featured in the segment.
Guess who was the mom in the segment?
She's styling me for my little part!
Sarah on camera, Channel 7, Boston
My turn..... 
Not too often do I get to do a makeover 
on a space and then turn into a television star....not!
All in the day of a life of a designer....
 
Isn't she cute? What do you think? Do you like the transformation?





August 15, 2010

SPOTTED AT SHECKY'S BOSTON

From: SHECKY'S GIRLS NIGHT OUT!
Sarah here, spotting at Shecky’s Girls Night Out Boston. As a stylist, I live for all these amazing vendors in one place. There were so many things to see and do at Shecky’s, so I had some exploring to do.
Trends right now are a harbinger of what will be hot in the fall, and mesh jewelry is definitely a go. These beautiful necklaces and bracelets are from GLAM and range from $25-30.
Cameos were everywhere! Be it on a necklace, earrings or a bracelet, get ready to embrace and bring back your grandmother’s favorite timepiece. I love how all the different designs have made them current. These are from SKM Jewelers in Framingham, Massachusetts.
The Body Shop had a special treat for all Sheckster’s—we could purchase products from their new line of hair care before it hits stores next month. There was even a petition to stop human trafficking, which I gladly signed. I also loved their new face creams and serums.
Every girl loves candles, myself included. I was so excited when I found Fifth and Madison Collection. I could smell the candles as soon as I walked into Girls Night Out.
One of the funnest and most informational spots was the Charles Street Family Chiropractic. They were giving posture tests and checking out any back problems. Shopping and some therapeutic treatment all in one place!
A little hungry and thirsty, I stopped for a 30-minute beer and cheese tasting. It was fun seeing what beer goes best with a certain cheese. Yum!
X-Rated was serving up their delicious cocktails! Their liqueur is amazing and can be mixed with prosecco or even soda water.
…Oh, and I can’t forget the fellow Boston fashionistas that I spotted.
Check out my Boston-based blog, Blonde Ambition, for more fun and fashion tips!
Sarah McManus is a personal fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant and writer. She owns Sarah McManus Styling where she shares her style and expertise. Sarah is also the Boston Fashion Trends writer for the Examiner and contributes to AnyWearGirlShop It To Me, and Trunk Club.

August 10, 2010

MiniLuxe Launches Private Label Body Care Line

MiniLuxe, the uber chic salons and spas,  just launched their own private label body care line featuring LemonAide Hand and Body Cream and Smoothing Sugar Scrub.

The products are actually the same luxurious cream and scrub used in MiniLuxe’s award winning manis and pedis which is pretty amazing. You can receive almost the same results as a salon mani/pedi at home.

Each is paraben-free and made from the finest all natural ingredients.  The LemonAide Hand and Body Cream is super moisturizing while the LemonAide Smoothing Sugar Scrub exfoliates.  Both come in 6 oz bottles, LemonAide Hand and Body Cream retails for $20 and LemonAide Smoothing Sugar Scrub is priced at $22. 

MiniLuxe offers so many amazing services. Go check out the LemonAide products, and shop their selection of other mini-luxuries like the St. Tropez self tanner, Hanky Panky lingerie for that upcoming bridal shower or Havaianas flip flops for a Caribbean getaway. It is a fantastic trip no matter what the purpose!
About MiniLuxe:
Mini Luxe has three locations in the Boston area; Back Bay, Newton Centre, and Lexington.

For more information please visit www.miniluxe.com.  

August 2, 2010

SHOP IT TO ME!

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