Who does your hair?

Another lesser known fact, I went to hairdressing school. Why am I not a hairdresser you ask? Because my mom was wrong, Evidently I can't do anything I set my mind to. Quite simply the reason is because I sucked at it, and its one of those professions where you don't have a lot of time or practice to "get better". Don't even ask me if I can give you a trim because I can't even color within the lines of a balloon nevermind cut in a straight line.The end.

This would best explain why I have much love for the talented people that have styled, cut and colored (and color corrected) my hair over the years. Below this post will be pictures of a few of the styles that got the most "Who dun it" questions and the hairdressers information that did it. All of them at one point or another have worked miracles, and I highly recommend any of them should you require the services of a professional.

And the Winner is...

Color by Steven Ledoux at Hennessey Salon In Oakridge Mall.
(Sorry about the pic but I don't have any other ones at the moment..)

I had hair horror happen to me in Australia. What started as going in to get my roots done ended up with me having two toned hair, Red on top and brown on the bottom. Not willing to cut the brown off, I went somewhere else to get it fixed and came out with an ugly all over mahogany color. In an attempt to fix that, I ended up with over bleached hair that resembled a pink tutu. In the end, it was deemed un-fixable and I had to return to a natural brunette hue and wait the growing out stage. I went to 6 hairdressers. SIX. All of whom told me that going back to any shade of red could not be done without my hair falling out, melting away or coming out in all shades of the rainbow. No one would touch it, until Steven. (Insert God-entering type music here).

Steven brought me back to life when everyone else told me to give up and live with being a brunette. Quite simply, I would not take that for an answer. If Lindsay Lohan isn't bald by now I sure as hell wasn't going to turn out that way, why could no one see that?
He knew it was a big job, but it was one he was willing to take on. I was in the salon for 8 hours. I can't even get into the details about why this was so complicated, but just trust me when I say that fixing my hair was probably the hardest job of his life. For a moment about half way through when I looked like a florescent orange pylon, I thought he looked a little worried, but he pulled it out in the end. I wasn't happy with the first color, and told him ,and he fixed it right away by applying a color to tone down the brightness of the first. Honestly, this was a big, huge job in terms of color correction, and what was quoted to me by other stylists that refused to do it was in the five hundred dollar range. I ended up paying $250, and that was because he had to add on an extra product fee. (My hair is way thicker than it looks and eats up color like a dryer does socks). Worth every penny, He did what no one else would, and for that I love him.

Side note: John my regular hairdresser was on holidays for a month when I got back from Australia, and that's how I ended up with Steven, both equally talented.

Item:Color by Steven Ledoux at Hennessey Salon In Oakridge Mall
Price: Call for information
Location:650 West 41st Ave @ Cambie St. Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-668-3600

Who did that?

Cut and Color done by John Viera at Axis Hair Salon in Sinclair Centre.

So I went to see John on the recommendation of a friend. (Lexi if you are out there, I owe you for this one!)
John is ah-may-zing. There are a lot of hairdressers out there who are not fond of doing red hair, fake or otherwise. It's messy,and unless the client maintains the color you are like a walking billboard of a crappy job that is not their fault once the color has faded. John gets so close to my roots with the color I swear the couple inches that grow out are actually dyed red.
I'm usually in the salon for a few hours because my hair is done in a few stages, so I've seen him turn out some pretty rad looking blonds in my time there.Given the fact that he's been doing this for over 10 years, he's a pro at churning out colors that are as close to perfection as you will ever see. He's also honest, and if you ask him what he thinks of a shade or color, he'll tell you if he thinks you would be better suited for something else. He's told me numerous times that I'm insane and that my search for the perfect pomegranate color will only be achieved if I actually dip my head in pomegranate juice; But he's gotten me pretty damn close, and for that, I will always love him.

He's also easy on the eyes and it makes the waiting time go by all that much faster when you have something nice to look at no?

Item: Haircut and Style by John Viera
Price: Call the salon/get consultation
Location:Axis Hair salon-57 HASTINGS ST W Vancouver, British Columbia (In Sinclar Centre where the passport office is)
Phone : (604) 608-0860

Who does your hair?

Cut and color done by Deandra Vaughn at Barbarella Hair Salon on Main and 16th.

This was the best cut of my entire life. I brought in a picture of what I wanted, but told her that I wanted a slightly longer version of what was in the picture. Deandra took her time with my hair and cut it wet, blow dried it and then continued cutting when it was dry. The color was also amazing. She put the foils in my head in a way that when it grew out, the root lines were not as visible as they had been in the past. Putting them in at odd angles allowed for there to be a less evident root line so I could go longer between touch-ups. A cutting genius of you are looking for layers, this is where the "I want to look like a rockstar on their day off " look actually started.Pictures has the pic I brought in and then a side view of my hair.

Item: Haircut and Highlights
Price: Have to call the salon
Location: Barbarella Hair Salon 3277 Main St Vancouver BC, V5V 3M6
Phone #: 604-876-1414

Because 2 Fingers are better than 1.

Eww, sorry. Even I'm grossed out by that title, but it's in reference to double finger rings, so I hope you can forgive me.
These little bad boys are on the very top of the "where did you get those" list. Sadly, my collection started in Australia, so unless you can get to Bondi Beach, you'll be out of luck for the styles from my personal collection. BUT...I really wanted to look for some here in town to try and tell people where you might be able to find them. So far, I've only come across a few styles, but while you continue to look, hopefully they can jump start your new collection.

Bang on has a really simple style that comes in just gold or silver, basically just two bands together. I'd call these training wheels for double finger rings and a good place to start as the bigger the ring, the more it takes to get used to the limited use of the fingers you wear them on. I'd like to consider myself over the beginning stages as I wore my biggest "Rock" double finger ring bartending with no problems. So hopefully that can also answer your question of "can you still use your fingers when you wear them?", the answer is absolutely. Aside from the simple styles, they have one that says "Famous" across it, and it actually spans over 3 fingers. If it said Hollywood I would have got it, but famous isn't really my steez, but it might be yours. They also had a little bit of a thicker block style with rhinestones,again in both gold and silver. I was able to see all of them at the Robson St. Location but they only had a couple at the Metrotown Bang-On.

So, I promise as I'm on the hunt to adding to my own double finger ring collection to post anything new I find, but in the meantime, if you are just dying to have one, check out Bang-On and just ask to see anything they have in the double finger style.

(For the Aussies)
Item: Double Finger Ring-Silver and Gold Gun , Block style Silver "Rock" ring-Mafia
Price $79.99 Each AUD
Location: Bondi Beach-Sage

(For the Canadians)
Item: Plain Band Gold and Silver Double finger rings
Price: $18.99
Location: Bang-On Robson St (Look online, locations country wide.

Why are you so obsessed with me?

That's the nice thing about plaid right now, it's everywhere. I'm determined to get as much of it as I can before it disappears again into the fashion abyss along with camouflage and bell bottom jeans.

Picked this one up today. It doesn't have snappy buttons, but I let that go in exchange for the cute little ruffle stitch it has above the pockets. Fair trade.

Item:Dollhouse Plaid Shirt
Price: $19.99
Location: Winners (Robson & Granville)

Plaid is Rad

And in my opinion one of those things that never goes out of style.

I found this one at American Eagle outfitters. They have a bunch of styles and colors right now, but this one has snappy buttons and a really cute pink checkered print in the inside of the shirt. I like when you get a little surprise bang for your buck, it's like it's saying "Hey I'm actually worth what you are paying for me!", and isn't that nice for a change?

Item: Orange Plaid Shirt w Pink checkers inside.
Price $49.50
Location: American Eagle outfitters, Pacific Center

Better in Pleather.

I've been looking for a jacket like this since I saw this photo in a magazine back in Australia. A habit of mine is to rip pictures out that I like and take them shopping with me. When a sales person approaches and asks if they can help me find anything, I whip out my picture and say "Sure, got anything that looks like this?". It saves me from digging though racks, which is something I prefer not to do. The way I see it, put the good stuff where I can see it cuz the only thing I dig is my foot out from my mouth on the odd occasion.

Leather jackets in general are a huge fav of mine, in fact huge would still be an understatement. If I had 3 staples in a constant rotation in my wardrobe, it would include cowboy boots, awesome jewelry and a leather jacket. This one hit the target in terms of the style. I'll admit,the fit isn't the greatest, as in I had to buy a large because the style has it a little on the short side, so it's a tad big in the arms. It also looks better undone as opposed to zipped all the way up. I had to take another look at it when I got home on account that the lighting in Hollister was rather suspect. I can't decide what I care for less-Skinny mirrors or lighting so terrible I can't tell what color my own hair is. I get the whole beach vibe thing Hollister has going but for real, somethings gotta give. When I'm asking the mannequin who I mistook for my best friend what she thinks of the shirt I've got on, that tells me the lighting is a tad better suited for a vampire,and sadly I am but just a mortal woman.

Item: Hollister Moto Jacket
Price: $160.00
Location:Hollister- Pacific Centre. You can also order online or head down to the US of A for a $30 savings.

Robin Hood to the Rescue!

Not really, but for some reason these boots make me feel like I should have a bow and arrow slung over my shoulder hunting dinner in the woods, too bad I'm a fussitarian. (Someone who does not eat normal food and takes the word "picky" to a whole new level).

Above the knee boots for those that care happen to be very "in" right now, and these offer both the option of being a below the knee boot by folding the top down or leaving it up for aforementioned look. I actually got these over a year ago at Spank on West 4th. Cost- $200.00. I just saw them at Winners for $90.00. I think they look best with leggings or super skinny jeans but if you're up for the challenge of pulling off a stylish yet not skanky look, try it with a shorter dress or skirt.Just don't be surprised if you miss the mark and someone is calling out "Oh Bambi..", because yes, they would be talking to you.

For that price, I'd swing from a tree branch any day. I suggest you swang on over to Winners and pick yourself up a pair.

Item: Chinese Laundry Over the Knee Grey Suede Boots
Price: $89.99
Location: Winners-Various Locations Country Wide

I found Jesus! He was on my Necklace the whole time!

I kid because I love-this necklace of course.
Always been a fan of Rosaries. You might not know I attended a private Catholic school when I was in my early elementary years.
When my family made a move from North Delta to White Rock, my mom asked me if I wanted to attend public school , or remain in my tunic friendly familiar surroundings. Deciding Factor? I got to wear my own clothes at public school, even at that age I was dying to get out of my white knee socks and rock some personal style. (I had a killer scrunchie collection I was dying to showcase).

Perhaps it's a reminder of my past, a way to reconnect with my old more innocent version of myself, but nothing about this necklace says innocent to me. Love it with a plain white tee and jeans, it's the perfect length to capture the eye and keep it focused above that muffin top. This was the only one I've seen in a while and it cures me of all my sins. Well, not really, but who's going to mess with God? Or at the very least, someone wearing him?

Item: Black and Silver Rosary Necklace
Price: $18.99
Location: Aldo Accessories-Various Locations, Look up online.
P.S- It's in the mens section ; )

If you weren't born with em, Buy'em!

I am constantly on the look out for a man that is exceptionally tall,blonde or light haired with blue eyes-essentially my exact opposite. My reasoning behind this is that I would like my children (God help me) if I ever had any, to have a fighting chance at being something other than a midget with brown hair and brown eyes. This is where I have to throw in the token "Of course there is nothing wrong with that...", but for me, I'm happier being a fake red-head with fake blue eyes, I figure it goes better with my fake personality.
I'm actually really glad I don't have a few thousand bucks lying around for no good reason. I'd be one of those chicks walking around with a really mangled face wrapped in bandages and qwackadoodled lips saying "Just one more surgery!"

Right, my point...
I was born with brown eyes, though most people that know me can probably say that they have not seen them in years. I've been wearing Blue contacts for over 10 years and I wear them everyday. I don't have a prescription, meaning they are purely for cosmetic reasons. Over the years I have tried different brands and different colors. I've been wearing one brand and one color now for the last 5 or so, they are called "Expressions" and they are made by Cooper Vision. The nice thing about this brand is that some of the colors are specifically designed for brown eyes. You know that fake look that a lot of people have when they are wearing colored lenses? That look happens when too much of the brown underneath is poking though. These lenses are the best of the bunch, and trust me I've tried them all. (Freshlook are the worst, people told me I looked "stoned", "high" or just plain crazy when I wore them.) A lot of places who sell these colored lenses try and make an extra buck off you by telling you that even though you don't require a prescription, you still need an "eye exam" to measure your eyes. I found a place that told me that is bull-s$%t, since they come in one size and fit everyone the same way, it's the prescription that alters the lens, nothing more.
This place also lets you try the lenses on in different colors so you can "try before you buy" and make sure you like the color you are getting and that it suits you. They let you take a mirror and walk outside just to make sure you get the full idea of how they look, and take advantage of that as some of them really do change in the daylight. If they don't have a box ready to sell in the store, you order them and it takes about 2 business days to get there.

Honestly, there are still times where people call me out for having "fake eyes" , but more often then not , I get told I have the most beautiful eyes,and even though they aren't mine, it's still nice to hear. My response is always " Thank you! You can get them too if you want, they are just $79.99 a box!"

Item: Cooper Vision-Expressions Colored Lenses in Blue. They also come in a range of shades from Blue and Green to Hazel and Brown. I'm wearing the blue in the picture. Tyra would be happy, I'm "smizing with my eyes".
Price: $69.99-79.99 a box that contains 3 pairs/6 lenses
Usage: If you were to wear a pair every day as opposed to once in a while/on weekends, you could wear them for about 2 months or so. If you only wear them out for special occasions, 1 pair will last you a lot longer, but they come in a box of 3 pairs anyways.
Location: Strozzi's Eyewear 1175 Mainland Street, cross street is Davie.

Like Roses to my Ears

Super Cute.
Though it doesn't happen often, there are times when even I like to remind myself that I am indeed a female.So on the days where I give my guns and antlers a rest, little studs like these are perfect for "work"or "family gatherings" where people in the past have had issues with a machete being worn around my neck. I assume when asked to choose more "appropriate jewelry" that these little rose buds would be acceptable?
How could they not? So small but still have a little style rebel kick to them. The color in the photo comes out a little more blue then they actually look, I would call them more turquoise in addition to absolutely adorable. I bought 2 pairs,when they are this cheap, I can lose one and still have a back up. Speaking of back-ups, the backs of these little guys are super strong, I don't think they are going anywhere, and I'm happy about that. Also available in Purple and Pink.

Item: Turquoise Rosebud Earrings
Price: $1.98
Location: Forever 21, Metrotown

It's called a Toque Eh?

This is one of those things I think of as ugly hot. At first, It looks like one of those things your grandma knit you for Xmas and you're all "Wow, Thanks", but on second look, it's actually kind of cute in the same kind of way. I'm a fan of this old school style toque, bobble head thing and all. I love the little strings that hang down on the side. It has so many colors in it it's one of those things that almost go with nothing but at the same time go with everything, can't go wrong with that.

My new Winter hat, and at 11 bucks, a steal. Also comes in a darker color combo, but this one matched my hair.

Item: Bobble Toque
Price: $10.98
Location: Forever 21, Metrotown

Get buck in here

I love antlers. A while back I was OBSESSED with finding anything with them on it-a ring, a necklace etc.
I was in NY a few years ago and I bought this necklace at a typical "artist market". I chatted with the designer and talked him down a few bucks and took his card. I'm sure he didn't think much of a Canadian chick telling him he would "make it" one day because his jewelry was seriously rad,but I told him he would anyways.
I suppose I lucked out because at the time, I paid $100 bucks for my necklace. You can imagine my surprise when I ended up seeing my exact necklace at the Block in Gastown about a year later. While I'm not sure if they still carry the line, when they had my necklace, it was priced at $230.00.

Although this isn't something I bought recently, it's still relevant because it's just as wicked as the day I bought it. I looked it up online and the line is doing really well and has expanded into new collections. Unfortunately, I won' be making a trip back to NY anytime soon so I'm thinking I might just have to fork over the major cash for the matching ring I just found on line. In my opinion,when it comes to jewelry, the bigger the better. Ain't gonna have no prob'ems when I'm wearing this bad boy soon...


If you've got the cash to drop, do it, they ship to Canada.

Item: Digby and Iona Deer Necklace (From the Hunter series)
Price: $230.00 USD for the Necklace on the website http://www.digbyandiona.com/
$330.00 USD for the Ring.
Location: online at http://www.digbyandiona.com or you can try and see if the block still carries it.

Shower Treats for Neets.

I'm a sucker for cute packaging.

Quite Simply I just thought these were cute, and they smell good, no need to elaborate beyond that.
Also-cheap. I love Winners.

Item: Anatomicals Body Cleanser
Location: Winners (bought one in White Rock and one Downtown)
Price: $4.99 each

MMM I could just eat you...

Was what this one guy said to me when I wore this scent. Guys rarely comment on your clothes, shoes or anything else they deem to be girl nonsense but I can honestly say never have I gotten so many compliments from MEN as when I wear this perfume. Best described as reminiscent of your childhood days spent at a fair eating cotton candy, it has an air of sweetness that unlike real sugar, doesn't deposit itself nicely on your ass. While some might consider it sickly sweet, it seems to leave random strangers wanting to take a bite out of you, and hey, if he's cute, maybe that's not such a bad thing.

I'll always be loyal to Angel for my go to scent, but I wear this one occasionally with only good reaction from both men and women.
Guys have asked me what I'm wearing because they want to get it for their girlfriends before they take a bite out of my neck and have to explain themselves. For Real, this stuff draws dudes in like real candy, or perhaps a ham sandwich is a better metaphor to use in this case.

If you don't have a signature scent , rock this one in the meantime, I promise you won't regret it.

Item: Aquolina Pink Sugar Perfume Spray
Location: Available at Sephora and Urban Outifitters
Price: Sorry...not positive but if you can get it across the border of the above mentioned stores, it's worth it, you'll save a few bucks. Otherwise I think it's in the 30-40 dollar range depending on the size. My sis bought me a purse sized one I'm using now and it rules.

Wittner=Heaven

While none of these are easy to get (order internationally), they are worth every penny to get them shipped here.
I was in Australia for a year and came across what might be considered a store like Aldo ,"Wittner",with locations in every mall and generally the most popular shoe store. Unlike most chain stores, they truly offer unique and fashion forward styles that rival designer brands at an affordable price.

These 3 pairs were and are still at the top of my favorites list of shoes I've ever bought and I imagine, always will be. I've been stopped I can't tell you how many times by girls wanting to know where I got them(and you know how hard it is to compliment another chick right?). The bad news is I bought them in Australia (the zebra pair was sent to me by my best friend who remains in Australia still) but the good news is they ship internationally. The black ones at the bottom might look like polka dots, but they are actually silver studs, HOT.

Hands down the most comfortable heels I've ever owned. They all have built in platforms so although they look a little high, makes them all the more easy to walk in. Not to mention they reek of a sense of style, and perfectly capture my "rock star on a day off look". As a guide, I am a size 6 shoe, and all 3 pairs I bought from Wittner are a "37", so I'm guessing if you are a size 8, you would want to order a "39".

I know why I'm not married yet, it's because I'm already in love, with these shoes.

Item: Zoe Wittner Pumps, various styles (check website, the zebra print ones are on sale!) http://www.wittner.com.au/shop/home.aspx
Location: Australia
Price-$169-199.00AUD each. (Keep in mind our money is worth more so generally that means a few bucks off, yay!)

Yay-Hawww!!

If anyone knows me well, they know that I am not a fan of second hand shopping or vintage stores. For the most part, I'd rather pierce my own eyelids than sift through racks of preloved clothing that is generally like a garage sale, meaning you are just buying someone else's crap. No need for crap here, I'm all stocked up thanks.

BUT...I came across this store called Turnabout which is a consignment store. While yes, there is a bit of sifting involved, I can say that most of the merchandise in the stores is wearable and in good condition. If you do have the time or energy to sort through racks (which are conveniently organized by size and color), you might just find a hidden gem.

I found my gem today in the form of Black Cowboy boots. Cowboy boots are a staple in my wardrobe like underwear. I wear them year round and in my opinion, they go with everything. In the summer I'm a huge fan of the dress with cowboy boots ensemble. While I can't really fit my personal style into one tiny little category, I will generally say that I'm going for a "rock star on their day off" type look, and boots and a dress do it for me with little effort.

Like leather jackets, Cowboy boots are one of those things that look better worn in. I picked these up today and while unfortunately there are no other pairs available, I did see a few other cute things in the store and stock is put out on the floor on a daily basis. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

Worth mentioning- At the Broadway location there is a pair of Betsey Johnson platform light tan little moccasin booties, about ankle height. Size 6, if they fit you, snatch those up! If you are like me and you have little patience for digging through racks, the shoes are displayed for easy viewing and it's easy enough to do a quick scan and see if there is anything interesting. The Granville location has a specific designer area for both clothing,bags and shoes so if you are a label whore...head there for some second hand pricing for some otherwise for the most part new items.

Item: Sancho Leather Cowboy boots
Location: Turnabout- Broadway and Ballaclava
-Granville between 15th and 16th
Price:$49.95

OPI, the Good, the Bad and the Alternative

OPI Nail Polish.

The good? - It comes in a mind numbing array of shades. It's like a paint store, I bet you could bring a piece of your own crap in and they'd say "oh yes we have the perfect match for you, it's called "Taint the Town Brown".

The bad? - This stuff dries out and becomes thicker than toothpaste and I find myself using nail polish remover way too soon to thin it back out. At around 10 bucks a bottle, in my opinion..Unacceptable!

The Alternative- N.Y.C Color proves to be a better polish in more ways than one. The color I got is very similar to "Linkin Park After Dark" , which is the shade I usually buy from OPI. You do need two coats just like most polishes but the bonus is that it dries really fast and you can apply the second not long after the first. I find the OPI takes forever to dry and I usually end up with scratches and what not due to not being able to remain immobile for long enough. Seriously? I've got better things to do then sit around and wait for paint to dry.

Honestly, I'll probably still buy OPI because I like the little bottles they come in, (I'm a sucker for cute packaging/bottles) and I like all my cosmetic products to look the same. I like to line up all my polishes like little soldiers and pick which one I want to go to battle(work) in for the week. A far less costly alternative at $1.99 a bottle, I'll just buy the cheaper ones and line them up behind and pretend I'm just picking from the reserve army.


Item:N.Y.C New York Quick dry nail polish in shade "Lincoln Center"
Location: I bought mine at Superstore, but I'm pretty sure either shoppers or London Drugs also carry it.
Price: $1.99 (now that is what I call a "bargoon")

Best bag in a while

I was on the hunt for a versatile bag for a while, and I finally found it in a store I don't usually go in.
This bag gives me everything I was looking for. It's the right size to be able to tote around for a day of shopping and small enough to bring out when you're out at night. It offers 3 lengths of handles, clutch like around the top and an adjustable strap to sling over your shoulder or one arm. It's also in my opionion, cheerfully cheaper and much more stylish looking than some ugly designer bags I've seen as of late. It's fake leather of course, but the look and feel of it is pretty damn amazing.

Once again, when you find something you like, buy multiple colors. I bought the orange one to spruce up an otherwise plain looking outfit and a black one for when I go to visit my grandma. She's always asking me what's wrong with me since I don't have a husband and knowing her, she would blame it on the orange bag.

Love them both, and they offer just as much on the inside as they do on the out. The inside is divided in two by a zippered pocket in the middle. The outside has 2 pockets on the sides, a perfect place for keys and a phone.

In short, I love this bag and I finally feel satisfied on the bag front. For now at least.

Item: Faux leather bag.
Colors available: Orange, black and tan.
Location: Plum Clothing Stores, look up on line.
Price: $69.00

The best pink lips EVER

I've been using Maybelline Shiny-Licious for a few years now,and I still get compliments whenever I'm wearing it.
This is the only gloss I've been able to find that truly makes your lips look pink without being a lipstick.
It's super shiny without looking frosty, and in my opinion, gives the prettiest shade of pink I've ever seen. As an added bonus or curse, depending on how you look at it, it gently stains your lips so that even when it comes off, it leaves a trace of pink behind.
Only negative is it's a little sticky, tie your hair back if it's windy cuz this stuff is like superglue,and don't touch your lips and then your hair, unless you want to have your own "There's something about Mary moment".

Available at pretty much any drugstore or pharmacy cosmetic section out there, it's readily available and cheap, in other words the best combination.

The shade I use is "Berry Bella 20". It does come in other shades as well, I've tried a few of the other pink looking ones but found that this is the best. Maybe it's just me, but I'm thinking more along the lines of "Maybe it's Maybelline".

Honorable mention goes to: Mac Lipglass in Flashmode. Not quite as much love for this one, but in a pinch, it's the next best thing. Available at all Mac stores.

Item: Maybelline Shiny-Licious Lip Tube in Berry Bella 20
Location: Shoppers, London Drugs, Pharmasave,Superstore, Any drugstore or pharmacy.
Price: $ 6.49-7.99 (watch for flyers as you can snatch up a tube for a couple bucks less when they go on sale, and they always do).

Hope for Red-Heads Everywhere!

Miracle product alert!

A few years ago I decided I needed a change and dyed my hair red. After a brief (forced) dye job back to my natural brunette hair color, I have returned to the land of the living and gone back to a copper hue. If there is one thing that has always bothered me about fake red-heads is their lack of up-keep. Dyed red hair fades fast, and unless you have the drive (or the cash) to keep it up, it can look horrible. This is where the only balls I've ever considered to be a miracle come in.

A few years ago, there was a product called "Art Tech" that made colored shampoo's and conditioners. Honestly, it was a life saver in terms of keeping my color vibrant between root jobs. As with any product you love,it was discontinued. I was able to scrounge up a few last bottles from various salons, but eventually, ran out and almost cried. I looked for an alternative and found that Aveda was one of the only products out there that made products to enhance colored hair, but I found them not to make a noticeable difference,and aside from a pleasant scent, mostly useless. Avoid colored Shampoos, all you need is the conditioner,the shampoo is a waste of money since you wash it out anyways. (No matter what the salon sales person tries to tell you).

This product from Revlon Professional is my new replacement. It comes in lots of shades for every color of hair, not just reds. When I had Red hair I ended up mixing two to make the color I wanted. My advice would be to open the top and look at it, it really does come out the color it looks so be careful ,if you don't want brown tones, stay away from the mahogany shade but if you find your red hair too bright, you can use that one to tone it down. Currently I'm using "400 Tangerine". It keeps my copper looking fresh and I love it! I've only been able to find it at one salon, location listed below for you. If they do not have the shade you want, you can order it and it comes in about 2 weeks.

Something to keep in mind. Every time you use it, it's like depositing color in your hair, so watch it if you get stuck in the rain when you are wearing white, it can bleed off onto your clothes. The plus side is it's always washed out for me, though I didn't have as much luck getting the pinkish hue out of my old bathtub..so be careful! You should also use gloves , but I'm too lazy and dealt with pinkishly hued hands for a few hours after. Don't worry, it comes off eventually and it's sooo worth it.

Item: Revlon Professional Nutri Color Creme Conditioner (various shades)
Location: Image West-2885 West Broadway (near Macdonald )
Price :$29.95/250 ML bottle.

Yay finally a Pullover hoody!

I've been looking for one for a long time. Just a nice pullover, not too short/baggy and no logo crap on it.
I saw this one at Garage way back in August and thought it was perfect. I went from store to store as the only one each location seemed to have was the one on the mannequin,and they would not sell it to me-MAJOR pet peeve. Pffft.

Today I walked by Garage again and there it was, my heather lavender pullover hoody ,the same one that plagued me back in August still dressed on the mannequin in the window. I went in thinking I'd have to rip it off the mannequin and demand to buy it, but was relieved to find that they had an entire size selection of it. I ended up buying it in two colors. When you find something you like and it fits you well, you can never go wrong buying more than one, in fact I highly recommend it. If you like life with a side of boring, it also comes in black. ; )

Today was a good day.

Location: Garage Stores, lots of them, look up online.
Items: Blue and Heather purple Pullover Hoodies, $29.90 each.

Update: Oct 26/09- They just got in 3 new colors! Heather Grey, Coral and ...okay I forgot the 3rd one. I tried to take a picture and was told to put my camera away as pictures were not allowed. Umm Okee Garage Clothing, take it easy, I'm not the papparazzi and you aren't Paris Hilton. Last I checked you'd actually be more likely to dress Tara Reid, so if I were you I'd smile nicely and throw up a peace sign while your at it. Just for that I think I'll try on about 30 items and somehow,none of them will fit quite right...

Tell me something I don't know

Impulse buy at the checkout...

I'm not quite sure what caused me to fork 20 something bucks for this "Secrets of Style" special edition, perhaps I was hungry?
Should have got a pack of gum instead. While the mag does have some good pictures, the "style" advice is pretty much fashion 101. People who don't care about fashion are not going to buy this type of magazine and the ones that do understand and love it don't need to be told that heels elongate your legs.

Sometimes I get it wrong, and this was 20 bucks wasted. Don't bother, I know it's all shiny and it looks like a book, something you can keep forever, but they did use current pictures, which means regardless of the style "tips" , it will be dated soon enough.
Buy a pack of gum or gossip rag mag Life and Style, investing 2 bucks is better than 20 and you might just end up with the secret of how to get Tori Spellings concave cleavage- because boobies like that never go out of style.

Item: In style "The New Secrets of Style" magazine-on Display thru to Dec 18/09
Buy at : Shoppers, London Drugs, Chapters
Price:$17.99

Perfect Hipster Doofus Tee's

So I know I'm not exactly a Trendsetter while I'm shopping at American Apparel, but a good find is a good find no matter where you find it.
Bought this blue V neck tee and a grey crew neck last weekend. I've had one of these tee's for about 2 years and it still feels like the day I bought it, possibly even better with it's "used" feeling. Shrinkage if anything was minimal (and I throw EVERYTHING in the dryer. Dry Clean only to me means dry it when it's clean). One suggestion I would make is to try on everything, I find the sizing a little wacky. In one style I was trying on an x-small and in another I had to eventually try on a large. Not sure if it's the whole almost every style is a unisex thing, but I don't usually end up in two different sizes from the same brand. Annoying-yes,a deterrent-shouldn't be, just grab 3 sizes of each on the way to the change room.
I'm loving the heathered anything these days..especially in the blue one. Heathering in clothes for those that don't know is when you take a color, and basically think of mixing white with it, the most popular has always been heather grey. These days you can find heathered anything in any color, and American Apparel has a pretty good selection of colors and styles to choose from.
I find the hoodie with the white laces a little played at this point, but thats the problem when something looks good, everyone buys it.
Worth mentioning, I found similar vnecks at Aritzia, but the fit seemed off to me. I was going to buy one anyways but on the way from one store to another to get my size, I found the ones at American Apparel instead. Waaay better.

Store: American Apparel
Locations: Everywhere, look them up online
Item(s) Heather Blue V neck tee :$28.00
Heather Grey crewneck tee: $23.00

Considering I swear they look better than every other fancy schmancy top I own, they are a steal.
American Apparel..you're on my good side these days, welcome!