Sienna Miller (left) and Kate Moss (right) show off their balayage highlights.

Spring is just about here and most women I know will be thinking about lightening up their look. They tend to run to the salon to go blonder, which is not always the best option for them. The coloring may be off, traditional highlights can end up looking striped and too perfectly placed or their hair may end up getting fried. Alas, I have the perfect solution.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I recently went to New York to be trained by L’Oreal Professional in a highlighting technique called balayage. This is a French system that doesn’t require foils, instead the highlight color is painted directly on to hair. And when I say painted, I mean that the color is literally painted on with a brush. This allows for absolute precision and for more colors to be used throughout the head, making for more dimension. It also provides a much more natural look as opposed to streaky or striped highlights.

Another fabulous perk to balayage is that they are far less damaging to hair than traditional highlights. The reason is that foil acts as a heat conductor and literally bakes color into hair. With balayage, highlights are placed strategically and hair sections are separated by plastic wrap to prevent bleeding. You then sit under a heat lamp to activate the color but because plastic is not a conductor, the color doesn’t heat up too quickly.

Balayage is a great option for spring and summer. So if you’re now considering this as a spring pick-me-up, here are my tips for getting them done right:

1. Ask your stylist before booking an appointment if they’ve been educated to do balayage. 

2. Start off slow, meaning that you don’t want to go in and ask for a full head right off the bat. Ask for a few halo highlights around the face and throughout the season you can add more.

3. Ask yourself if you’re willing to maintain the color. Although balayage requires less maintenance than foil highlights, they will still require certain care. You’ll have to switch to hair products for color treated hair and apply sunscreen to hair when you’re in the sun. You’ll also have to go back to the salon every eight weeks or so for a touch up.

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These last two weeks have been a whirlwind, truly.

It started last Saturday when I flew out several of my employees to New York for classes at the L’Oreal Institute in Soho. I went with them for several reasons. The first being that I took a class alongside them to get certified in baliage (a French highlighting technique). After that, I met with a bunch of beauty editors to show them my makeup collection and talk to them about my hairstyling experience. Also in the mix were product development meetings for my fall makeup collection, lunch appointments with hair manufacturers, dinner with industry friends and I even designed my very own Ron King shopping bags.  And all this in only three days!

When I got home to Austin, things did not slow down. I had an appearance at a local fashion event where I met with Austin Monthly readers. Then, Saturday morning I was up bright and early for my weekly segment on NBC-Austin, KXAN (I showed everyone how to wear lilac eye makeup, click here to see the segment).

From there, I boarded a plane to Chicago to attend the ABS beauty show. During the trade show, I rubbed elbows with industry giants like Nick Arrojo and Tabatha Coffey. By night, I broke bread with my friends and beauty bigwigs Ted Gibson and Eva Scrivo. Last night I attended the behindthechair.com Awards and sat front row. I also spoke to some of my favorite trade editors from American Salon, Modern Salon, Behind The Chair and Launchpad magazines.

I head home today and can’t wait to get back to my clientele. It’s always so nice to get back to work in the salon after I’ve been out and about, making a splash in my industry. Of course, it won’t be quiet there either (construction on my second salon starts this week) but, I have to say, I feel so motivated! On top of being motivated, I feel so blessed. What a life!

Check in again soon so you can see what else is going on with me, The Style King.

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We often take our health for granted until it’s too late and we are already sick, which is a definite don’t for someone with such a busy schedule as myself. Lately, however, I’ve been on a sort of sickness prevention kick. Kombucha,  a fermented tea drink used for medicinal purposes, is one of the preventative measures I use in order to regain health and balance.

In Russia, China, Korea, and Japan, the drink is popular however it is unclear where its origins lie. One thing that is known for sure is that the drink has been popular for centuries and is thought to have “magical powers”. Kombucha is also thought to detoxify the body and reenergize the mind, which is exactly what it’s done for me.

Although many people create their own kombucha at home by fermenting tea using a visible solid mass of microorganisms called a kombucha culture or mushroom, I lean towards buying one of the many equally helpful, commercially produced kombucha brews available at health stores. Usually, these kombucha drinks are in black or green tea form with a slightly bitter, pungent flavor. If making at home, the colony of bacteria and yeast is added to sugar and black/green tea to make the kombucha. The result is a liquid rife with vinegar, vitamin B, and other healthful chemical compounds.  

Furthermore, there are unsubstantiated claims that kombucha can help cure cancer, improve eyesight, better skin conditions, stimulate the immune system, and help your liver and digestive system. If you choose to make your own kombucha, please be sure to prepare and store it properly to prevent contamination. Make sure it is kept in a clean environment at the proper temperature with a low ph. Here’s a link to a kombucha recipe I found online, try it out and let me know how it turns out! I, on the other hand, am going to keep buying mine at Whole Foods!

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All right. I know it’s not Tuesday and this is posted under the category “Hair Tip Tuesday” BUT I couldn’t wait until next week to tell you about this new hair treatment. It’s called La Brasiliana and, yes, it is a keratin treatment but it’s not like any other you may have heard about.

Unlike most Brazilian keratin treatments, which act as a damaging straightening process, La Brasiliana works as a glossing treatment. In a nutshell, rather than changing the molecular structure of the hair, it coats hair strands with keratin. What’s that? Keratin is the protein with which hair is comprised of. So hair is not re-texturized permanently with La Brasiliana, instead it gets a high dose injection of its natural protein. 

But enough science! I know you’re probably more interested in what La Brasiliana can do for you and if it’s right for your hair. First, you should know that because the protein sits on the surface of hair, it washes out. Typically it lasts three months, but luckily the company makes shampoo, conditioner and styling products to help extend the life of the treatment. (TIP: If you’re really vigilant about caring for your hair, you can probably extend its life to four months.)

Products from the La Brasiliana collection designed to properly care for your keratin treatment.

It’s great for color-treated hair and human hair extensions. You don’t have to have curly hair to get it, it also works for straight and wavy hair that needs a severe conditioning. It leaves all hair types super shiny. And, my recommendation for when to get it is now! The timing is perfect, because spring and summer time often mean frizzy hair, La Brasiliana will help keep it smooth. 

So, if you’re looking for a change or a great conditioning treatment, check out their website. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the process, leave them in the comment section and I’ll be sure to get back to you with answers.

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It’s that time of year again. Flowers are just about to start peeping up and the sun is staying out longer in the evening. Ahh, spring! I love everything that this season brings with it, including my annual spring cleaning. Time to change over my bedding, switch out my curtains and turn over my clothes. It’s like breathing new life into my home. So that’s what I’m doing this week, one task at a time.

I’ve found that the best way to get everything accomplished is to have an action plan. I’ll start in my living room, move to the kitchen and finish it up in the bedroom. Plus, this year I have a couple of new eco-friendly products I’m excited to test out. I find that great smelling, toxin-free are the best way to get me excited about cleaning. I hope they inspire you too, check ‘em out:

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Surface Wipes

These wipes do it all- they clean hard wood floors, stone, tile and other surfaces. That’s why they travel with me from room to room. But the best part is that I can use these anywhere and not worry about toxins because they’re biodegradable.

Method Kitchen Cleaning Kit

Everything I need to get my kitchen sparkling in one set. I love the combination of scents – grapefruit, lavender and cucumber – and that I don’t have to worry about chemicals from traditional cleaners mixing with my food.

Fruits & Passion’s Cucina Glass Cleaner

This glass cleaner is from a great Canadian brand I discovered on a trip to Montreal (come to find out they have a couple of stores in the states). Anyway, I picked up their glass cleaner and haven’t used anything else since. It’s completely streak free and works on windows, mirrors, glass shelves and more.

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With the new season of Gossip Girl premiering today, it only seemed fitting to make a character from the show my style icon of the week. Blair Waldorf is a complicated character. She is cruel and yet sensitive when it comes to her on again off again relationship with resident bad boy Chuck Bass. Her wardrobe is also a mix of conflicting style ideas. She is lady-like and quirky. She is bold, as in her choices of cloche hats and famous headbands, but preppy simultaneously.

Signature Blair looks include her statement-making checked, coats and vibrant hosiery (she loves white and pink tights especially). She also gravitates towards mary jane style heels and girly, vintage-inspired labels like Milly, DVF, Nanette Lepore, and Marc Jacobs. To get the look, you might want to try scouting out these labels or shopping at real vintage stores (vintage Lilly Pulitzer would be right up Blair’s alley) and mixing up modern influences and trends, like up to date, luxury bags, with almost prim details such as bows and girly colors. Find funky, affordable hosiery like Blair’s in a range of sizes here.

The queen bee’s beauty routine is fairly simple to achieve. Ms. Waldorf goes with vintage inspired makeup as well, accentuating her lush lips with brightly colored lip gloss, usually in reddish colors, and going minimal on the eye makeup (try neutral eyeshadow and mascara with a light brown liner on the top lid only). The look is complete with a swirl of rosy blush on non fake-baked skin. The hair is usually light brown with some subtle blondish highlights. Blair is emphatically a brunette in contrast to Serena’s sunny blondness. Keep locks fairly straight. Add a few soft curls in the front with a curling iron and you’ll be on your way to recreating Blair Waldorf’s glam, mean girl style.

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Echoing the runway, all shades of white and nude were hot. See Demi Moore’s on trend blush confection and Anna Kendrick’s romantic, pale pink Elie Saab gown. Zoe Kravitz worked it out in a pale colored dress punched up with a red velvet bustline as Amanda Seyfried donned an even paler pink, more ethereal gown. This trend has been all over the place recently and with good reason. It’s flattering and feminine, especially for evening. If you’re not bold enough to wear a nude colored gown, try accessories in these colors. As I said in my blog entry here about wearing nude for everyday, flesh-toned heels will make legs appear outrageously long while blush evening bags and jewelry can add soft sophistication.  

Another trend of the night was the reemergence of red as an evening color. George Clooney’s girlfriend, Elisabetta Canalis looked pretty in a red strapless gown. Sigourney Weaver was regal in scarlett Lanvin while Penelope Cruz went old Hollywood glam in Donna Karan. The key to sporting red for night is to make sure you choose a shade that suits your skin tone. Paler or medium skin tones can pull off bright red while darker complexions look better in deeper shades of scarlet. Also, since the color is such a show stopper, you might want to go somewhat minimalist on the accessories or wear the hair down to soften the look. 

Metallic dresses were also a hit on the red carpet with Sandra Bullock in gold Marchesa, Hellen Mirren looking sexy in a silver gown and Cameron Diaz in classic movie star mode in Oscar de la Renta. Kate Winslet also sported a classic silvery Yves Saint Laurent. When wearing silver or gold at night, take a cue from the celebrities on the red carpet and ground the shimmery appeal of metallics  with neutral, solid accents. Black, white, or nude accessories perfectly punctuate the metallic look and  prevent it from being too over the top. 

Prints, though tricky to wear for evening, had a place at the Oscars as well. Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten and Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab were unique while still remaining elegant. The idea with prints is to match the size of the print with your size frame. If you’re petite, try a small, delicate print. On the tall or large side? You might want to try out larger, non-flowery prints.

My favorite look of the evening, however, were the smiles and laughter. So whatever your next black tie event is, make sure to have fun with it – like the adorable Gabourey Sidibe did at the Oscars.

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I realized last week that with all of my traveling and planning, I was neglecting something very important: me. The tipping point came while I was in New York City and noticed that my glands were swollen. Right then and there, I decided that I have to start taking time for myself. First up, I got a massage at my friend Eva Scrivo’s salon that soothed my achy body and calmed my overactive mind. 

That massage was an amazing start, but taking time for oneself on a daily basis is imperative, even if it is for only a few minutes at a time. After a hectic day, there’s nothing better than taking the time to care for my body and soul. Not only does it help curb anxiety, it results in being fitter mentally and physically. I don’t always have time to spend on myself, however, so this week’s goal is to take an hour each day to work on myself without distraction, which will be hard but definitely doable. 

One of the relaxation techniques I plan to use originated thousands of years ago in the east. You probably guessed I’m talking about meditation. I go through phases of practicing and find that simple postures and mind exercises give me energy and stamina as well as insight into my life. I often practice a series of asanas, or postures, in the morning that include downward dog, child’s, and camel’s pose.  I usually use these asanas as a stable way to sustain prolonged meditation as they are believed to purify, strengthen, and focus the body and mind. Visualization exercises are also helpful when I simply want to meditate. 

Going to the gym is simply another form of meditation for me. The feel of a good workout and the energy and strength I gain from it is intoxicating. It has also given me more discipline in my everyday life. I lift weights regularly, which does wonders for my self esteem, and plan to work out on the cardio machines more. 

When I’m more in the mood for pampering myself, I’ll head to my salon for a mani/pedi or a massage. Just the act of someone rubbing my tired feet and hands or back and the sensation of touch from another person is very relaxing. Having neat, clean hands and feet also gives me a sense of pride and security in the way I look, something very important in my industry.

Pedicures = heaven

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Isabel Marant's Spring 09 show.. I know, last year, but still cute!

What do Milla Jovovich, Claudia Schiffer, and Sienna Miller have in common? Not only are they style icons, but all three are fans of the certifiably hip French designer, Isabel Marant. Parisian style seems to be epitomized by Marant’s ineffably cool label, which can be seen on the backs of fashionistas the world over. Women of all ages covet her designs, everyday basics with interesting details that are meant to be collected. Customers not only love Marant’s chic pieces, but adore the fact that Marant herself is an independent entrepreneur who is a great businesswoman while still retaining her individuality. As a result, interest in Marant in the past year has soared.   

Creatures of Comfort, in LA, is just the the kind of artsy boutique I love that carries Marant, among other casual, luxe labels like Repetto. Here, rolling racks are painted neon yellow and Chloe Sevigny’s designs for Opening Ceremony are also part of the lineup. Though they do carry clothing and accessories, Creatures’s specialty is shoes. Oxfords, ballet slippers (which are arranged in arched rainbow order!), and architectural heels abound in the women’s shoe section. Mostly neutral colors dominate the color palette here and the women’s shoe designs feature tough accoutrements such as heavy buckles, gladiator-style detailing, and lots of black. Arty, French label APC, a fave of brainy beauties like Sofia Coppola, is represented as is Swedish fave, Acne, causing understated glamor girls, stylists, and gallerinas alike to flock to the store for it’s cool cache and unique pieces. Have a chat with the lovely sales staff, browse the awesome sale section, or, if you can’t make it to LA for a bit of bohemian Parisian style, take a peek at their popular blog and shop online or check out Isabel Marant’s own website!

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