With the recent Emmys, everyone in the fashion and beauty world is abuzz with thoughts on what our favorite starlets wore, or should have, worn. No doubt Joan Rivers, as well other fashion critics (I use that term loosely) are going to be singing the praises of the stars who got it right and bashing the complete misses. Which begs the question, what is appropriate evening wear and how do I know what’s flattering for my style, age and body type? Simply, read  my tips below and in no time, you’ll be the belle of the ball!

-Black may be universally slimming, but you may want to consider other color options. Although chic, it can look matronly or boring at times. Go the unexpected color route, yet reap the benefits of a dark, slimming shade, by selecting deep jewel tones such as eggplant and emerald green. Not only are these shades dark enough to minimize any flaws, they also add a little color to the face and can make you appear younger as a result.

-Consider white. I explained all about my predilection for spring/summer white frocks in this blog, but for the uninitiated, it’s all about the fit and cut of the dress rather than color when it comes to white dresses.

-Show off your assets. Have thin, shapely legs but a middle you want to wittle? Try a cocktail length dress and show off your beautiful stems. Pick a dress with ruching on the middle or sides to slim your belly. More the tall willowy type? Long, flowing dresses play up your graceful height. Curvy and petite? I suggest a ’50s inspired dress that is nipped in at the waist and then goes into an A-line silhouette. You get the idea.

-Shapewear is your friend. No matter how thin or how much you may have it going on, everyone could use a little fine tuning when it comes to their physique. Spanx are a great option. They are sleek, not ugly, comfy and come in a variety of shapes, styles and colors.

-Don’t go too short. Or too tight. Or too low-cut. Ever, and especially not all at once. I don’t care how old you are or what you look like, the idea is to be classy, not trashy. Think of all those great fashion icons who left something to the imagination yet were utterly sexy and chic, like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.

-Spice up your hair and makeup. Don’t do long and down and flat ironed. It looks like work hair and is a dated look. Try a new style, please, or change your texture. Also, add some flair to your makeup with metallic eye makeup or a creamy, colored lip gloss.

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I like to have a healthy and fit body, but sometimes even I overdo it with food and drinks or neglect my workout for whatever reason. Nothing get me back to living healthily like fasting, however. Fasting kind of flushes out the toxins in your body and is a great way to cleanse your insides. Picturing eating nothing but juice and wheatgrass shots? Think again. Although juice fasting is one way to go about detoxifying the body, there are more moderate methods of fasting as well. Eating according to aruyvedic principles or simply staying from white starches, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and anything processed also works wonders for your body.

A typical juice fast entails eating no solid food, only raw fruit and veggie drinks for 1-3 days, and for the week before you embark on the fast, it’s best to avoid anything processed or too starchy/hard to digest. Stick to beans and fruits/vegetables during this phase. When you do start the actual fast, avoid using citrus fruits in your diet and make sure to drink at least 6 glasses of water a day. Try to either make fresh juice at home or buy it from a health food store freshly made. Most experts recommend having solid, organic raw fruits and vegetables in addition. Leafy greens are especially beneficial for health and should be generously included. Once you are done fasting, you may want to gradually return to normal eating habits to avoid any digestion problems. A variation of this fast includes eating one organic meal with your raw fruits and veggies daily, if this seems a bit extreme for you.

There are a few types of people who should not be trying a juice fast, however, including pregnant women, children and people with certain types of illnesses and conditions. In short, please consult your doctor before trying anything!

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Every summer (AKA party season), I get an influx of short-haired women asking for ways to style their crops for parties or black tie events, instead of just doing it as they normally would. Short hair is sexy, sassy and all the rage right now, yet many people don’t know it can also be versatile. Simply glance at a fashion magazine and see a bevy of bobbed and cropped beauties making the look work on the red carpet for inspiration. Stars like Carey Mulligan with her Mia Farrow-esque look, beautiful and elegant Halle Berry and unpredictable Kelly Osbourne have all explored hairstyling options which make their short ‘dos festive and so can you.

The tried and true idea is to add hair accessories. Sparkly and vintage-inspired pins, combs and barrettes are all adorable but may be best saved for those on the younger side. Try piling 2-3 decorative bobby pins on one side of the head and play around with positioning for a more modern look. Headbands of every size and type are a great option as well. Funky ladies like Kelly Osbourne go for a not so subtle look of oversized bow headbands and bright colors. This is also a fun going out style but is not for the faint of heart. It helps to have a similarly unique hairstyle/color and clothing style to pull it off. For a more mature look, opt for a simple black or solid colored headband. Chunky bands work better on older ladies without bangs. For this sophisticated style, I recommend adding a little volume after the headband for a more fun and fashion forward style.

Another option is to change up your color, part or texture. Have stick straight hair but want to dazzle during a night out? Curl your hair with a curling iron or create some texture with a texturizing spray and a blow dryer. If you’re naturally wavy and want to switch it up, simply section your hair and blow dry then go over it with a flat iron for a smooth finish. For a more long term solution for boring short hair, add some color and shine with a glaze. On crops, I prefer solid but dimensional color rather than highlights. They are too much coupled with the short hair. If all else fails, you can always throw in some extensions!

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I had to tackle the topic of hair removal and waxing next because, well, it’s a sticky scenario (no pun intended) for both men and, particularly, women. Most ladies don’t want a whiskery mouth or chin and more guys are opting to wax or shave their shoulders, chest and back as well as doing a little pruning below, just like the ladies. We’re all a bit hairy, it just depends to what degree and if you decide to do away with your body hair, what type of hair removal process will you use? There is Nair, shaving, waxing, threading, plucking and a myriad of infomercial products and electric razors out there. At a loss still? I’ll walk you through each process a bit below, so you can make the best, informed decision for yourself.

Shaving is perhaps the most inexpensive, least painful and most common option which makes it a good, first step in the war against body hair. Then again, some people want results that last longer and don’t want to have shave their hairy bits everyday. Also, it might not be appropriate for certain body areas, such as your face or arms (if you’re a woman) because it can cause hair to grow back thicker and more noticeable and it’s not exactly a feminine thing to do. Also, your bikini line or eyebrows, since it doesn’t help to leave an already sensitive area subject to rashes, chafing and infection. Shaving is for you if you want quick, cheap results delivered in a user friendly way. Just stick to only your legs if you’re a woman and maybe your bikini line (if you’re careful).

Depillatories, like Nair, are also popular for good reason. They are virtually painless, also somewhat inexpensive, easy to use and immediate. You simply apply the cream, wait a few minutes and wash it away along with the unwanted hair. I recommend using depillatories on your ’stache or chin if you’re a lady and maybe your arms. Stay away from  using it on your eyebrows or bikini line because, again, you can get irritated very easily from these products, especially if you have sensitive skin. It just generally might be a good idea to keep chemical laden substances away from those parts. Also make sure you get a formula that doesn’t smell rancid, is for sensitive skin and be sure to test it on a patch of skin first before smothering your body to make sure you won’t have an allergic reaction.

The third choice for hair removal purposes is perhaps my favorite to use on ladies. Threading, the old Middle Eastern art of removing small hairs by sharply rolling a single strand of strong thread over the hair, thereby cutting it, is great. It doesn’t usually leave irritation, is generally less painful than waxing and the results last a while. Try to scout out a threader with affordable rates because doing this a few times a month can get pricey. Also, make sure you go to a well-trained threader. You can do this on any part of your face, but it is probably best left for eyebrows.

Lastly, you can wax, which is another salon favorite. Waxing can be costly and painful, but it lasts a while and can be done at almost any salon. I suggest waxing for your bikini line, lip/chin and eyebrows or chest and back, if you’re a guy. Again, go to a reputable, clean and professional place and be prepared to feel the pain. If you’re body is very sensitive, you might want to apply witch hazel to the area that is getting waxed beforehand or take some Tylenol or Advil to ward off pain.

Then, there is always plucking but, who wants to patiently pluck out each and every hair and deal with all that self-inflicted pain? And you can always do laser hair removal, but only if you want a more pricey option. It’s a personal choice and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Just don’t get into any hair situations (pun intended) and think through your choice beforehand.

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Consigning your old or never worn clothes is one of the best ways to make a little extra money and ensure that your lovingly picked out things live on with some other stylish soul. For those who don’t know, consigning your clothes refers to a process where things of yours are possibly accepted (if they like your stuff) upfront by a store, which does not pay you a fee unless your items sell. When your things are bought, the store will get a cut of the profit and you will get the other part of it (it’s usually split 50/50 between yourself and storeowner or sometimes, you can opt for store credit for more value). It differs from buying and selling vintage in that consigned clothes don’t have to 20+ years old, nessecarily designer, etc (though some consignment store are also vintage stores and vice versa). Sounds like a fashionista’s dream, right? Not so fast. Although, as I’ve said, consignment has it’s positives, there is also a shady side of it. Very often, newbies to consignment will get a raw deal. As a frequent consigner myself, I know a bit about it. Below are some tips to make sure your consignment experience is just peachy.

-Research, research, research!

So you’ve decided to consign your little heart out and you’re dreaming of riches and beautiful new clothes. That’s all well and good, but first comes selecting the consignment shop you will approach with your goods first. This one is pretty obvious but can prevent a lot of drama with dealing with sketchy characters. Simply ask around with people you know and trust for a reputable store in which to sell your stuff. No one you know buys or sells consigned stuff? Google consignment shops in your area/nearest city and read their reviews on Yelp and Citysearch! People are often brutally honest about their experience with businesses on these sites and you’ll come to realize which ones to avoid for fear of being jipped out of money and treated unfarily or rudely. Also, make sure you find out what types of clothes ghe shop sells. Designer or vintage only? High end? More affordable stuff? Also, find out what styles the shop gravitates towards. Which leads us to our next tip…

-Check out the store in person.

Once you’ve settled on a shop that seems to be a good fit, take a visit there. If you feel welcomed, valued and comfortable with the salespeople there, chances are good you will have a pleasant experiece consigning with them. Also, it gives you an even better look at what kinds of clothes they will accept and in what condition. If you like what you see, come back with your things…

-Inspect all clothing, etc. before having the shopowner sort through it.

Make sure all the things you bring to have looked at are in good to great condition, are not wrinkled, have no stains/tears, fit the style and price range of said shop, and, most importantly, are packed well and attractively. No garbage or old duffel bags to tote your items! If you take the time to make an attractive presentation of it, the clothes seem nicer as well and the person will be more likely to accept them. Hang up dresses and coats and cover them, if possible as well. Remember, neatly folded and clean in nicer bags always works.

-Make sure you get a good cut.

Don’t accept anything under 30% of the selling price! Otherwise, you are getting the wool pulled over your eyes. Also, get a dated contract which stipulates all terms and items and don’t hesitate to ask questions. These ar eyour posessions, after all. Look over it carefully before signing. Make sure the salesperson marks the same date on both contracts, so they don’t claim you didn’t pick up your clothes on time so they “donated” your clothes to charity.

-Lastly, be on time, courteous and helpful when dealing with the store’s staff.

Usually, you have to make an appointment to show or pick up your leftover clothes/money/credit  so don’t just pop in. It is also understood that you may have to wait awhile once you’re there, if the store is busy. Also, make sure you are picking up your clothes on time otherwise the contract is usually voided.

Good luck!

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The Ace Hotel’s bar is one of my favorite places to get a drink in NYC. It’s open late and they often hire DJs to spin and host events there. It has also become somewhat of a destination for hip locals and tourists alike and is transforming the previously dull neighborhood it is situated in (you know something big is happening when the NY Times is singing a hotel’s praises, saying it the most original new hotel currently in the country). The Ace is understated, chic and has started a trend of cool, down to earth places opening up in and around the theater district and also near the garment district(such as Opening Ceremony). Not surprisingly, it is a haven for fashionista types who want to kick back after a long day’s work in that area, but it’s also centrally located near tourist attractions, like Times Square, so in the know travelers opt to stay there when they are visiting. Not only that, rates for one of their 260 rooms run extremely low, for New York. This hotel is even pet-friendly, some of the rooms have bunk beds and Paper magazine endorses it. What more could you want?

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Austin is already known nationally for it’s music scene, in large part due to the music festivals that are held here, such as SXSW and the Austin City Limits Festival (this year’s exciting lineup includes M.I.A., Muse, The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Spoon, Vampire Weekend, Sonic Youth, Band of Horses, Yeasayer, The Gaslight Anthem, Devendra Banhart, and many, many more). What many people don’t know is that there are also numerous cool venues for artists who perform on their own, away from the festival circuit, and this summer is no exception.

Two shows in Austin already being hotly anticipated (at least by me) this June are the La Roux show on the 1st at La Zona Rosa and the June 6th MGMT show at Stubb’s BBQ. You might recognize La Roux either for her shock of crimson hair or her catchy, David Bowie and Madonna-influenced tunes like her hit, “Bulletproof”. In actuality, La Roux is comprised of both the lady in question (Elly Jackson) and her producer/partner/keyboardist, Ben Langmaid. La Zona Rosa should be an ideal place to see them because of it’s intimate setting.

The MGMT show also promises to be a good time. Another danceable duo, whose sound is dubbed ‘psychedelic pop’, they are comprised of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWynGarden, and formed their band while both were freshman college students. MGMT are now a Brooklyn-based band and are quickly picking up steam with their newish album, “Congratulations”. With a Grammy and a growing fan base under MGMT’s belt, the concert should be packed. What shows are you looking forward to this summer?

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Almost everyone can appreciate art but not everyone can purchase it. This thought was the direct catalyst for the creation of the Austin Art Garage, one of my favorite spots in which to discover and buy art from up and coming artists. The Garage’s aim is to provide exposure for unknown artists from the Austin area and to make beautiful art affordable to people from all social-economic levels.

Founded by two guys named Jake and Joel, the Austin Art Garage fuses common sense business and marketing practices, in their own words, to create an unpretentious environment in which to celebrate art. As a community, Austin’s diverse, innovative, and creative population produces artists left and right. At the Austin Art Garage, you can appreciate and admire art without the sales pressure. Visit their web site to read about, browse and purchase artwork, hassle-free.

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Courtney's full and bouncy hair took the prize for Laura, the stylist who gave her this look.

The results came in this past Saturday for our Victoria’s Secret Hair Competition with an overwhelming amount of votes – with just over 3,100 people voting on nowaustin.com our winner was Courtney. Her hair was cut, colored and styled by Laura, a stylist at my salon bô.

Our winner Laura, pictured here, took the grand prize of a trip to Paris.

I want to say thanks to everyone who voted! We had such a great response and Laura’s model Courtney looked fantastic. For tips to recreate her look at home, click here.

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Remember when I told you about the Victoria’s Secret Hair Contest last week? Well, my stylists made-over the models and look above to see how amazing all three turned out! Long, tousled, highlighted, sexy. As you can see in their “after” pictures above, Greg, Laura and Hannah gave their hair models the royal Victoria’s Secret treatment. So let me walk you through the process of getting this look.

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