Beauty Trend: Tape Extensions

Check out this great article from thebeautydepartment.com on tape extensions!  It's fab!

TAPE EXTENSIONS are the newest type of extension to hit the American market. I started using these about 7 years ago on set in various ways. They can be done permanently by a professional in the salon (lasting 8-12 weeks) or temporarily at home (lasting 1-3 days). This tutorial walks you through the steps of doing them temporarily,at home.

Temporary tape extensions are good for several reasons. They can get you through a crazy haircut that just has way too many layers, they can add density to fine thin hair, or they can add length for a wedding or a fun night out. Once they’re in, they’re virtually undetectable. They lay completely flat and blend into your own hair better than any other extension I’ve ever worked with. They’re my go-to on photo shoots, red carpet clients and in the salon. Since we are unable to see you from here, we unfortunately can’t advise which one is best for your particular hair. Keep in mind that it’s important when buying ANY extensions to consult properly with the company or person you’re purchasing them from to make sure you’re getting the right color and texture.

TOOLS: tape extensions in matching color/texture, comb, sectioning clips, flat iron.

1. Part your hair horizontally just above the ear.

2. Take a strip of pre-cut tape extension and peel the backing off.

3. Lay the sticky side of the extension directly on the scalp. Press it in place with your fingertips to secure.

4. Take your next section 1-2 inches above the last section and repeat the same process until you reach the top. (Always stay an inch away from where you wear your hair parted on top so the extensions don’t peek through or show.) Repeat this process for the back sections if necessary.

5. Once hair is in, use your flat iron on a low heat setting to smooth over the top layer of  your own hair, blending it perfectly in to the extension hair.

6. Style as usual.

Removal: The company you purchase the extensions from should also have a remover/solvent for taking the hair out along with instructions on how to remove them. If for some reason you don’t have the remover, you can spray leave-in conditioner at the root where the tape is. Saturate well and let it set for 3 minutes. The extension should then come off easily and not pull your own hair.

Care: Remove tape, (shampoo, condition and dry when needed), re-apply new tape, and re-use.

XX Kristin Ess

Rumored September Covers for 2011, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Moss, and Kristen Stewart

Rumored September Covers for 2011, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Moss, and Kristen Stewart

Kate Moss is rumored (pretty much is confirmed) to be the cover girl for the September 2011 issue of Vogue.  Her upcoming wedding to Jamie Hince will be photographed by Mario Testino and featured in the magazine.

The rumored covergirl for Vanity Fair's September 2011 issue?  None other than Lindsay Lohan.  Since she is still under house arrest the Vanity Fair team apparently went to her house for the photo shoot.  Lohan was last on the October 2010 issue and since then she has made no progress in advancing her career, even her appearances are rare.  Wonder what the article will say....

Also rumored is Kristen Stewart for the September 2011 cover of W.  That will be perfect timing because the new Twilight movie is being released in November.

Loving...Elizabeth and James Brass Knuckle Ring

Loving this brass knuckle ring by Elizabeth and James available at Bloomingdales for $155

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012 Collection

 Alexander McQueen Resort 2012 Collection


This collection really proves that Sarah Burton can rule Alexander McQueen!  Of course her past collections have been amazing but sometimes a resort collection can be passed over as less important and noticeable.  However, this one really stands out and proves Burton is a truly perfect designer for the Alexander McQueen brand.  Burton has remained true to the McQueen style, some of the pieces are very reminiscent of the ornate pieces from his last collection, Fall 2010 RTW.  There are numberous calf-length skirts and dresses that swing beautifully and flatter your figure.  Lots of dresses, jackets and coats had high-waisted leather belts to compliment your body shape.  Some of the military jackets had ruffled but structured tails creating a look of tough elegance while others were gorgeously embroidered and were evocative of the ornate embroidery in the Fall 2010 Ready-to-wear collection.  Burton did a fantastic job creating separates that are wearbale with a number of pieces that can be mixed and matched .  The collection was based on romantic utility and you can see that the McQueen dark romance is still there.

I wonder if Kate Middleton will be wearing any of these pieces sometime soon?

What do you think of the collection?

Frugal Friday Five Under $50: Big Beach Hat

What to wear to the beach when you want to protect your skin and hair a little bit more......a big beach hat!

Here are some affordable options:

Click the purple words to be sent to your shopping link!

Floppy straw hat with flower from Forever21 for $10.80

Black large brim braided hat (also available in chocolate and straw colored) from Zappos for $48

This bright pink oversize hat (also available in turquoise) is on sale at Macy's for $34

Canvas brim floppy hat from Urban Outfitters for $34

 Choose from the different colors of this striped beach hat that is on sale at Zappos for $44

Wildfox Couture Fall 2011 "It's Only Rock And Roll"

Wildfox Couture Fall 2011 "It's Only Rock And Roll"

Nothing says Wildfox girl like the 1970′s, the Wildfox line was practically created based on mine and Emilys love for vintage T shirts. We are in love with Cameron Crowe’s “Almost Famous” and all the stories of rock n roll concerts, so what better way to tell the story of Fall 2011 than through 1970s Rock Groupies?

These backstage babes are the quintessential Wildfox girl! They follow the music with only a suitcase and their best friends, they die over giant platforms and velvet bell bottoms, they eat Twinkies for breakfast, wear the same T shirt for days, they dance barefoot on stage after everyone’s gone home, and never cry over boys. They go where the night takes them, they cram into motel beds and cover their rooms with feather boas, silk scarves and fur hats. They play old guitars, sing along to Joni Mitchell, tell love stories in lamp lit parking lots, dream of traveling to far off places and even when it’s all over they never go home.

Fall 2011 is inspired by Anita Pallenberg, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Rock concerts, 1970s magazines and clothes, soft, oversized cardigans and T shirts, stolen rock boyfriends clothes and beautiful, long flowy 70′s dresses.

We hope you all love it, this one meant a lot to us!

By Kimberley Gordon and Emily Faulstich