Y’all probably know about my “easy-wear” style philosophy – it’s all about effortless glamor, looking chic without looking overdone. And when it comes interior decorating, my salon and home are no exception.

I’m opening a second salon in the Four Seasons in Austin, TX and as I start planning and designing it, I’ve been looking for inspiration. While I was in New York two weeks ago, I stopped by one of my favorite boutiques. Calypso, a well-known retailer of home goods and clothing with locations from L.A. to St. Tropez (as well as Paris and New York), is always a reliable source of inspiration. 

The bohemian line, based out of St. Barths, is decidedly low key but chic. Earthy colors, interesting prints and fabrics are a hit with their jet setting. eclectic clientele (picture Talitha Getty roaming some foreign beach or Jackie Kennedy in her Greek incarnation and you get the idea). Inspiration for the pieces comes from exotic places as far flung as Marrakech and Bali, but the final result is always current and casually elegant. Additionally, the mostly marine color palette imparts a tranquil vibe, ideal for some one like me who is always on the go and could use a bit of calm in their home and at work. 

If you prefer a non stressful shopping atmosphere as well, I recommend the low-key Brentwood, California location or checking out their online selection. You can also become a fan of Calypso’s on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to find out about upcoming locations, products and sales.

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I love sharing new products and tips with you, that’s why I’m so excited to tell you about my favorite skin care line, Rhonda Allison.

Like hair styling, skin care is more than just a science. It’s also an art form. Rhonda Allison, the founder and CEO of Rhonda Allison Clinical Enterprises as well as a respected speaker and author with 30 years of experience as an aesthetician, knows this better than anyone. Her line of cosmeceutical products are the result of developing the science behind skin care as well as approaching the subject with reverence, understanding, and experience.

In 1992, Allison put out a video, “The Art of Skin Peeling” that revolutionized the industry. The popularity of chemical peels surged dramatically and Allison awed the skin care community again with the release of her instructional book, “Cooking with Acids”. The Rhonda Allison line has now expanded to a full DVD library featuring clinical skin treatments, superior professional and customized home care products. 

I personally use her products in my salons and am continually wowed by their quality and effectiveness. The inspiration of, and emphasis on, nature in Rhonda Allison’s work is also noteworthy. All products contain natural active ingredients blended with scientifically developed compounds to help you reach your skin’s optimum potential for health and beauty.  

Check out Rhonda Allison’s website for more info, for a list of locations, or to read her always informative blog!

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You know how they say that a contractor’s house is always under construction? He never has the time or energy to do his own home repairs? Well, that’s me! Except that I’m a hairstylist and I haven’t had time for a haircut. Can you imagine? So that’s my goal this week, to get one! 

Now, you have to understand, most hairdressers don’t cut their own hair. In fact, I don’t know any that do more than a little trim of the bangs or touch-up on their own head. I’ve been traveling and running around all over Austin, so I think I get a pass. But the other reason I have put off getting a haircut? I’m never sure whether to go scruffy or smooth!

In person, I like the scruffy look. It’s edgy and trendy, but I don’t think it translates well through the camera when I do TV segments. On camera, I like the smooth look. It comes across as clean cut and professional, but a little boring in person. What do you think? Comment below and tell me what to do!!

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I’m a busy person, there’s no hiding that. I am constantly running from the salon to doing news segments, photo shoots and making other appearances. As a busy professional like many of you, I need clothes that can go the distance. I’m talking about having pieces that can transition from an everyday/ work vibe to a going out, fabulous look. I can shop for both styles in one place at Downstairs in Austin, Texas.

An offshoot of the suitably named Upstairs, Downstairs manages to hit that sweet spot of stocking classic yet always interesting apparel for men though it does have a small women’s section. The store has a definite urban vibe to it, with owner Jeff Strange focusing on versatile and hip pieces. I love the hospitality at this store and its attention to detail and fit. Additionally, the shop only carries one or two sizes in each style, frequently rotates their selection, and carries relatively unknown labels so you can pretty much be certain you won’t see someone else copping your style. Prices are also in the mid-range which proves that you don’t need to shell out tons for style.

To get a look at their togs, check out their myspace page or read their positive reviews on Citysearch or Yelp.

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Lip color: don't leave home without it!

Hair, when done correctly, acts as a frame for a woman’s face. So what better way to make a perfectly framed face really stand out than with makeup? I’ve been a fan of MAC cosmetics because they are quality products, always on point with style and fashion trends. When it comes to color especially, the MAC brand is not afraid to be bold (just check out their cheeky past ads featuring such divas as RuPaul and Christina Aguilera for instance). While it’s fun to play around and try out cosmetics, if I had to choose just one piece of makeup I think all women need, at all times, it’s lip color. 

Bold and bright: MAC's Lipstick Cream in Morange

You should never underestimate the power of a good lipstick and it’s transformative effect when it comes to getting made up. So live it up and experiment! Feeling a little bold? Instead of opting for the usual bright red, why not take a walk on the wild side and try out a more orange-hued lipstick? MAC Morange Creme lipstick, a sassy take on the color, has a rich texture that MAC is known for. This loud orange stands out on the runway and will set you apart on the street. While the color is not for the fainthearted, its spicy tone warms up most complexions just keep in mind that a little color goes a long way, so keep the rest of your look simple. 

If you’re on the subtle side, check out their Lipgelee in Lush and Bright, a more palatable coral color with hints of pink and yellow. Lipgelee, a soft, jelly-like lip gloss, is easy to apply and comes in a multitude of sheer shades, though I’m partial to this one. The product distributes evenly and easily and moisturizes lips like crazy while still retaining that highly coveted shiny, lush, wet look, which is perfect when paired with smokey eyes.

Pink, coral and orange.. oh my! MAC's Lipgelee in Lush and Bright

Whether you’re a bold mama or more the subtle but sexy type, don’t leave home without your lip color!! Check out MAC’s website for more info and to purchase!

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This spring when people say beauty is only skin deep, they aren’t lying.

Gone are the days of overly-embellished clothes and overdone power makeup (for now, at least). Many designers are eloquently embodying natural beauty through a neutral flesh tone color palette in their designs. For spring 2010 designers like Donna Karen, Versace, Lanvin and Burberry graced the runways with nude inspired collections. Many of the styles were sheer, flowy and elegant.

Nude fashion does have the tendency to make us look, well, nude. The thought might be sexy but the last thing you want is to look naked in front of your boss. If you are daring enough to bare the nude look, here are some tips to make the trend work. The trick is to pay attention and pick the right nude fabrics, making sure they’re not too tight.  Body-hugging silhouettes that  look like another layer of skin can be sexy but can also be quite unflattering. Flowy or draped pieces gives a sophisticated touch to the nude trend and help you stand out in a room full of LBDs. Want to get the look during the day? Opt for a flowy silk, nude cami under a suit jacket instead of a basic black one.

Not feeling daring enough to bare it when it comes to clothes? Instead try the nude trend by switching up your makeup look. To translate it from fashion to face, there are a few basic things you’ll to need know. First, the look of clear skin starts with clear skin. So get scrubbing! Second, even though it may look like models at the spring 2010 shows had no makeup on – they did!! Nobody’s, not even models’, skin is that perfect. So here’s how to fake it..

Get a facial. That is the very first step to clear skin. After that, maintain it! Make sure you clean and wash your face daily and properly, since skin gets most of its rejuvenation and moisture from cleansers. Make sure to exfoliate at least twice a week or if you have very oily skin, try a daily cleanser that also doubles as a gentle scrub. Which brings me to scrubs.. they’re majorly important for all skin types because they help unclog pores, remove black and whiteheads and help bring skin to it’s cleanest and smoothest texture. (*make sure to use the proper and adequate scrub for your skin type the wrong product can irritate or cause major damage to your skin, ask your facialist for recommendations)

As for makeup, the idea is for it to look like it’s not even there. After cleansing and moisturizing skin, apply a re-texturizing primer. This will help even out bumps and fill in fine lines, creating a smooth surface. Next switch out your heavy foundation for a lighter, full coverage tinted moisturizer. Easy to wear and apply, a tinted moisturizer will blend imperfections while giving skin a breathable look. Complete the look with two coats of mascara, a sweep of blush and nude lip gloss.

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I’m just about fed up with having all my clothes dry cleaned! Now, I realize that it may be considered a luxury to have your laundry professionally cleaned, but I beg to differ. Here’s why and here’s what I’m promising to do about it starting this week…

When I go to pick up my clothes, I never know what I’m going to get. I’ve had so many pieces ruined through dry cleaning. Buttons cracked, the collars have faded out or (even worse) haven’t been cleaned, I’ve even had clothes shrunk! And that’s just talking about the service. Not to mention when I get home and wear them, I’ve broken out in rashes from the chemicals. Plus, as a beauty professional, I love and cherish my colognes. The chemicals on my shirts from dry cleaning very often interfere with the scent of my colognes.

Enough whining! My goal this week is to start tending to my own laundry. The irony in all this is that I have tons of tips, tricks and products to wash my clothes beautifully. It’s just laziness that keeps me going to the cleaners, so all of you who want to join in my plight here are my secrets:

It starts with getting undressed at night. Instead of throwing them into my laundry bin, I hang and air each piece like they did in the olden days. The next day if they need to be washed, I hand wash them with Seventh Generation Delicate Care Laundry Detergent (love that it’s scent-free!).

IF they only need to be ironed, here’s how I do it. For collars and other ares, I never use starch. Instead, I use Miss Ellen’s Best Press Spray Starch Alternative in Citrus Grove because it’s chemical-free. Or, for pieces that don’t need that crisp, starched look, I use Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Ironing Spray.

Some other things to keep in mind… Before hand washing or ironing, roll a lint brush over the entire garment to get rid of those little pieces that get stuck to clothes throughout the day. Clean your iron! They get gunky and can leave residue and stains on clothing.

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So, you know I have my favorite products… things I swear by, items that I have on me at all times. But there is one that goes above and beyond. (And I mean it’s the mac-daddy of all products!) It soothes, calms and heals irritation on all dry patches of skin on any part of the body. It’s called Rosebud Salve by Rosebud Perfume Co., it’s available at Sephora.

As I’ve found, it literally has a cult following because of its many uses. Personally, I use it on my lips but it can be put on minor burns to soothe the stinging, applied to cuticles, dabbed on dry elbows or knees, or even used as an under eye moisturizer. And for all the new mom’s out there, Rosebud Salve can also be used to treat diaper rash.

Check it out and if you use it on your lips, here’s a little tip: exfoliate lips, brush them softly with your toothbrush and follow up with the Rosebud Salve. Now pucker up for Valentine’s Day!

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Over the years, I’ve done hundreds of makeovers on all different kinds of women. But last December I started one that has touched me so deeply. I teamed up with my life coach Zan Ray to give one KEYE (CBS – Austin) viewer a life changing makeover.

It started by choosing a truly deserving person who needed a change and needed to learn how to make themselves a priority in their own life. Enter Connie Bellows, a woman who spent her childhood in foster care, bouncing from home to home. For Connie, the worst part about being a foster child meant that she didn’t own anything in the world – not even a suitcase to carry her clothes and often used trash bags to cart things around.

Now, as an adult, Connie has dedicated her life to today’s foster children. She’s a mother of eight and started a wonderful organization called Project Care Case which provides foster children with a monogrammed suitcase of their own. Amazing, no doubt. The problem is that with all her giving and caring for children, Connie was neglecting herself. So, her oldest daughter nominated her for our inner and outer makeover.

Zan started working with Connie twice a week, providing her with the tools to put herself first. Together, they took baby steps like having Connie close the bathroom door to take an uninterrupted shower (with eight kids, this never happened for Connie) each morning. I know it may seem like a no-brainer for many of us, but these daily little changes started to make a big impact on Connie.

Since she’s been working with Zan on her inner self, this past weekend it was my turn to work on her outer self. Connie came in to my salon, bo Salon, and got the works – I’m talking head to toe. Highlights, cut, customized extensions, mani/pedi, microdermabrasion and more. Going into this, Connie wasn’t so sure about the physical part of this makeover but once she saw her new look she immediately knew why it was so important for her outer beauty to match her inner.. because when you look good, you feel good!

This afternoon, I’ll be on KEYE’s We Are Austin show at 4pm with Zan and Connie for her big “after” reveal. Tune in to see what she looks like and hear about the impact Zan and I were lucky enough to make on Connie’s life.

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