It's All In The Wrist: Fashion's Finest Show Off Their Stacked Bracelets

Minimal trends be damned! This season, fashion's elite are opting for an excessive approach to dressing -- more specifically to donning accessories.
During Fashion Week, while models took the runway in sleek cuff and simple bangles, insiders like Marie Claire Accessories Editor Taylor Tomasi-Hill sat front row with their wrists littered in all sorts of bracelets and bangles. From beaded to braided, covered in rhinestones or rope, there's one thing that everyone can agree on: more it more!
And our friends at Refinery29 noticed that these pieces are much more than a statement, it's about sentiment. They interviewed over 20 stylish folks in NYC who love to layer. What did we learn? That summer camp-era friendship bracelets are back, studs are almost essential and eye-catching pieces like railroad spike cuffs by Giles & Brother are the perfect mix of quirk and cool.
Our advice, if you need to add a watch to the mix, make sure it features a large face -- otherwise it will get buried beneath your twine, chains and charms.

Hair Twirling: The Consequences Of Pulling Your Strands

Once I stopped straightening my naturally curly hair, I developed a routine that includes wrapping strands into two strand twists before bed to achieve the "perfect" coil in the morning. While it can take up to an hour for each process, I find myself getting lost in the rhythm of pulling at my curls. However, I'm starting to rethink my hairstyling strategy can have serious consequences.
Any action like twirling, brushing and twisting can cross the line from normal to compulsive, leading to trichotillomania, according to Elizabeth Cunnane Philips, trichologist at hair health-focused brand Philip Kingsley.
The extreme self-inflicted hair loss condition can start as innocently as hair twirling, perhaps while watching TV or studying, which then can develop into the pulling of individual hairs. It's much more likely to affect women than men -- with an approximate ratio of four to one. And trichotillomania is often present or reported soon after the onset of puberty, with the urge to twirl having deep psychological undertones.
"The sensation of pain creates a sensation that is one of exhilaration," says Philips. "Often times the patient reports a period of elevated stress that then spurred the condition. I have never observed a case where stress was not one of the presenting factors."
She adds, "Repeated and constant twirling and pulling can lead to frizzier hairs regrowing, and in some cases where the pulling is long term there can be follicular damage where the regowth potential can be diminished."
Of course, any advice that Philips offers is multifaceted as there are different levels of trichotillomania, from subtle areas that are not visible to the naked or untrained eye, to cases so severe that the patient hides with a wig.
"It is a complex condition that requires attention and must first be identified for what it is, and only then can the individual work on ways that help them," says Philips. "The idea is to create a sensation that keeps the hand away from the hair and scalp, and eventually helps to break what can become a habit."
Read on for her expert tips on how to control the urge to twirl:
• The continuation of any therapy that has proven helpful in the past. Managing any emotional and psychological issues is both vital and mandatory.
• Stress management techniques they can include everything from behavioral management to yoga.

• Identify individual triggers and set up way to catch those.

• Wear gloves while reading, watching TV or talking on the phone.

• Explore therapy balls that are often used for sensory therapy or rehabilitation post-hand surgery.
 

Skin Cancer: Can A Cup Of Coffee Protect You?

One more reason to get your morning cup of coffee. Your daily Starbucks run may do much more than perk you up each morning and set you back five bucks. It may actually protect you from getting skin cancer.
A new study backs up previous research that shows caffeine may be an effective weapon in the fight against skin cancer-the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.
In the study, which was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, two groups of mice-one genetically modified to block a certain protein called ATR, the other a control group-were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The researchers found that the genetically-modified mice remained tumor-free for significantly longer and after 19 weeks of UV exposure, had nearly 70 percent fewer tumors than the control group.

The research helps shed some light on how caffeine is able to decrease the risk of sunlight-induced skin cancer. Caffeine appears to inhibit the ATR kinase pathway, which plays a major role in how the body responds to DNA damage brought on by UV radiation. ATR obstructs cell division and allows DNA repair to occur rather than letting damaged cells die.
This sounds like a good thing, but, "not all repairs are successful and some cells can still go on to develop cancer," explains study co-author Allan Conney, the director of the Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research at Rutgers University School of Pharmacy. "The study we did with colleagues at the University of Washington identified the ATR kinase pathway as being inhibited by caffeine." The result? More DNA damaged cells are killed off, potentially preventing non-melanoma (basal or squamous cell) skin cancer from ever developing.
But caffeine doesn't only inhibit this important protein. Caffeine itself also acts as a sunscreen, absorbing harmful UV rays, according to Conney. So will your sunscreen contain a shot of caffeine one day? "I would think that's a real possibility," he says. Until that day comes, there's some good news for coffee drinkers: You're already getting some sun protective benefits from your daily cup of joe. A 2007 study of nearly 94,000 women found that those who sipped caffeinated coffee daily had an almost 11 percent lower risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Women who drank six or more cups of coffee on a daily basis saw a 30 percent reduction in risk.
(To put that in perspective, a venti size at Starbucks is two and a half cups of coffee.)
Just don't skip the sunblock. "Let's put it this way-you shouldn't start depending on your local Starbucks for sun protection," says Dr. Howard Sobel, a cosmetic dermatologist in Manhattan. "The same general rules apply when it comes to sun protection. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more to all exposed skin. Look for broad-spectrum on the label, as it provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Avoid tanning beds, and have your skin checked regularly by a dermatologist."

Side-Swept Waves: Tress Trend

 

The temperatures may be going up, but long-haired ladies are letting their locks down in side-swept waves.

Megan Fox, Salma Hayek, Diane Kruger and Rosario Dawson are all known for riding the wave on the red carpet. We've spotted more one-shoulder strands lately while clicking through some of our favorite street style blogs like The Sartorialist and Face Hunter. And we were still suffering from major hair envy after spotting soft, side curls backstage at Catherine Malandrino's Fall 2011 fashion show.

"I think there is something incredibly feminine about side-swept waves," says Adir Abergel, lead stylist for Frederic Fekkai. "It is a very simple style that most women can wear. It is also an easy hairstyle that allows you to go out at night without looking overdone, yet it elevates your look into something special."

Follow Abergel's five steps to recreate this simple, yet elegant hairdo:
1. Prep the hair, using a volumizer like Frederic Fekkai Coiff Bouffant Lifting and Texturizing Spray Gel and smooth it all over the root of the hair.
2. Blow dry the hair completely using a round brush.
3. Roll the hair around a curling iron, leaving strands onto the iron on for no longer than five to 10 seconds to create more of a wave than a curl. If your hair is just below the shoulders, use a 1-inch curling iron, but if it is any longer than that use a 1 ¼-inch iron instead.
4. Spray on a little Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray so the wave has a memory and sets.
5. Finish by sweeping the hair over to one side and pin it to stay in place.

Pressed for time?skipping the round brush when drying hair to create a more natural texture before curling.

Read All Comments

How To Keep Your Makeup From Melting

In case you haven't noticed, there's been a nationwide heat wave going on. If your makeup starts sliding the minute you walk outside, don't sweat. There's a way to keep it in place in the face of heat and humidity, according to celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff. Our friends at Bellasugar got her expert advice.
It's prime time
"Definitely start with a foundation primer," Sheriff says. (She recommends Mary Kay Foundation Primer.) "That's going to keep the makeup on through the heat, tone down redness, and make the makeup last." Speaking of makeup, she adds, less is more when the temperature soars. "Don't wear a bunch of foundation and concealer," she says. "Go with tinted moisturizer and apply concealer only where you need it."
Choose products wisely
One way to keep makeup from sliding off? Use powder formulas when possible. "During the summer, stay away from cream cheek and eye colors," Sheriff advises. "Otherwise, you're going to look like you have wet, oily eyelids." The exception: if a cream eye color specifically says that it's waterproof and dries into a powder finish, you're good to go.
Go waterproof
"Use waterproof mascara, especially in July and August when it's extremely humid and hot," Sheriff says. "Regular mascara tends to flake off and rub off." If you usually wear multiple coats but don't like waterproof formulas, Sheriff advises "sealing" your usual mascara with one coat of a waterproof one.

Skinnygirl Skin Care: Bethenny Frankel to Launch Beauty Line

Bethenny Frankel. Bethenny Frankel's Skinnygirl empire is getting bigger and bigger!

The tell-it-like-it-is reality star and entrepreneur built a booming brand portfolio consisting of cocktails, books and shapewear, and now she's making her foray into the beauty industry this fall with a skin care and body line, WWD reports.

Frankel has partnered with beauty firm Lotta Luv to offer the masses products that yield honest results.

"[Promises like] 'you're going to look like Heidi Klum in two days' or 'like you had a face-lift' have always bothered me," she told WWD.

The Skinnygirl Face & Body Solutions line will be comprised of four categories -- lip treatments, face solutions, body solutions and gift sets -- and include beauty fix-it staples like a Shimmer Plumping Lip Gloss, Detox Face Mask and Gradual Tanning Body Shimmer. There's also a Skinnygirl Mommy collection with a Cooling Foot Spray, of course.

And you can rest assure that everything has "The Real Housewife's" stamp of approval. "I'm obsessed. I use everything, I named every single product. I created the packaging and the logo," Frankel explained to WWD.

Skinnygirl skin care (all items retail under $15) will roll out to select Wal-Mart stores in November.

Will you be adding Frankel's beauty products to your routine this holiday? Tell us in the comments section and click here to find out which star skin care ingredients really work.

 

What We're Trying Now: Summer Braids

Clockwise from left: Emilio Pucci FW2011 - GoRunway.com, Alterna, Bumble and Bumble, Mara Hoffman 2012, Y3 FW2011 - GoRunway.com

Last week in New York was one of the steamiest on record -- and it's not even August yet! Ducking outside the office for an errand felt more like hopping into a sauna. Further, it's hard to feel pulled together in heat this oppressive... all-consuming... oven-like. If chopping off all your hair is not an option, then one of the easiest (and chicest) alternatives for getting your hair off your neck is a braid.

At Fashion Week Swim in Miami, Mara Hoffman sent her models down the runway in long, wispy fishtail braids. We also spotted chunky, slightly-haphazard versions this fall at Pucci and Y3. The trick to making this classic style look slightly more edgy is to create lots of texture before you braid your hair. Work in dry shampoo to build fullness and body, and spritz in a salt spray to create even more of a mussed-up feel. Don't stress about making it perfect and neat -- the messier the better.

Read All Comments

Why You Should Use Oil In Your Hair

Hesitant about using oil on your hair? Check out these pro tips. Rarely does one beloved beauty secret cross the breadth of so many centuries, countries, cultures and ethnicities as the use of oil on hair.

With effects that run the gamut from conditioning and adding shine to treating dandruff and stimulating strand growth, oils are truly the workhorse of hair care products.

While the nutrient-rich substance fell out of favor in recent times in part due to a general lack of knowledge of how to use it without weighing down hair, oils are now enjoying a popular resurgence as the rise of the green beauty category brings the ancient treatment back to the spotlight.

"Oils are not only incredibly beneficial to all hair types, but they have a ritualistic quality to them that many find spiritually soothing," says Horst Rechelbacher, founder of both Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients, a certified organic beauty line that is entirely based on plant ingredients.

Two oils of the moment -- argan and monoi -- are the current 'it' girls of the industry, attracting attention and fame, and dedicated legions of fans. Argan oil is the star ingredient of the ubiquitous Moroccanoil brand, and monoi takes center stage in a new line launching by Carol's Daughter.

"The romance of monoi is what hooked me first, its tradition and the process by which it is made. The second thing was its scent," says Carol's Daughter founder Lisa Price, of the oil that is created by soaking Tahitian gardenias in coconut oil. "The goal became, 'How do we prepare this so that we can marry the ancient tradition with modern-day efficacy?'"

But before you dive into the healthy hair benefits of oil, it's vital that you know how to apply it in the right way to best benefit your hair. Our tips and tricks below cover all textures and types -- and even the most baby-fine heads of hair.

Know the three types of cosmetic oils and their weight. Fatty oils like castor and shea butter have large molecular weight and sit on the surface of hair, while semi-fatty oils like sweet almond, avocado and sunflower are absorbed more readily, and work for most hair types. Dry oils like grape seed, coconut and evening primrose are the lightest, and seemingly disappear into the hair without any residue on even fine textures, says natural beauty expert Julie Gabriel, who will publish Oleotherapy: Reveal the Powerful Rejuvenation Benefits of 100 Oils for your Health, Beauty and Wellbeing in November 2011.

Always massage oil into the scalp. The most common mistake people make is that they apply oil to the ends of hair only. "Oils help regulate sebum production in the scalp much in the same way that face oils are helpful to normalize sebum production in the skin," says Gabriel. Fine hair can apply oil only to the scalp, while medium to thick types can also apply the oil to the mid-shaft and down. Coarse types can massage the oil from the scalp all the way to the ends.

The goof-proof choice for any hair type is jojoba oil. A plant that is indigenous to the southwest, jojoba is the lightest of all cosmetic oils, and absorbs weightlessly. If you have super-fine hair, you can even look for clarified jojoba, which takes it even a step lighter. "Jojoba is a liquid wax, and you can clarify it and take some of the wax out of it to make it even lighter than it already is," says Rechelbacher.

Argan oil is best for medium to thick hair. While everyone is reaching for argan these days, Rechelbacher says that the exotically fragrant oil is more suited to thicker heads of hair. "Argan is sticky, and can be hard to get out of fine hair. It's like olive oil -- you'll need to shampoo two or three times to fully rinse it out, or else you'll get build-up." Yet for richer locks, argan can strike the perfect balance of shine, scent and manageability.

To get the benefits without any weight, apply oil to dry hair. If you don't want to keep oil in your hair, try this treatment recommended by Rechelbacher. On completely dry hair, first work oil into the ends, and then slowly massage into the scalp, deeply inhaling the aromatic experience for relaxation. Gently brush hair from scalp to ends for five minutes, and allow the oil to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then hop in the shower and wash it out. "In most cases, you won't even have to follow up with a conditioner unless you're very coarse. Your hair will feel like silk," says Rechelbacher.

Castor oil is a natural growth treatment. Castor oil is believed to stimulate and strengthen hair growth, but Gabriel says that it's too heavy to use on hair. Instead, you can apply the vegetable oil with a Q-tip to sparse eyebrows and lashes at bedtime to encourage thicker, healthier and faster growth. Think of it as nature's Latisse.

Warm oil is a fix-it for scalp problems. Since putting oil on the scalp encourages the skin to rebalance itself, adding warmth will also allow nutrients to penetrate more deeply. Gabriel says that massaging your choice of oil into the scalp is helpful for dry dandruff, non-hormonal hair loss and itchy scalps. Simply nuke a small amount of oil in the microwave, and then enjoy a soothing fingertip massage in small circles around the scalp.

How often you should use oil depends on how often you wash. Fine and oily hair types that wash daily, or close to that, can consider using an deep oil treatment weekly. Textured and coarse hair types that wash weekly or bi-weekly will likely enjoy the best results with an oil treatment applied once a month. The risk of applying oil too often is that it will build up in the scalp and weigh hair down, unless it has been shampooed sufficiently between applications.

Beware of cheapened oils. Manufacturers are notorious for flooding products with silicones and petrochemicals, and including only minute amounts of oil, says Gabriel. Be sure to read ingredient labels to confirm that you're getting the real deal -- which should be a listing of various oils. Rechelbacher and other vetted natural experts often use essential oils in their mixes, as it's a more hygienic choice that diminishes the chance of bacteria growth. The addition of seeds and antioxidants is an indication of top-notch blending that will allow the oils to perform even better.

If pregnant, don't use nut oils. Oils derived from nuts like peanuts and pine nuts can be potentially hazardous to pregnant women. "Oils from nuts go rancid the quickest, and you don't want to apply rancid oil if you're pregnant. If in doubt, smell it. If it doesn't smell right or is off, don't use it," says Rechelbacher.

Read All Comments

3 Sexy Summer Hairstyles to Try Now

 

3 Sexy Summer Hairstyles to Try Now

• The Messy Morning After
• The Half-Up Bombshell
• The Sexy Summer Flip

• The Sexy Summer Flip

  To achieve this punked-out look, add volumizing mousse to damp hair. Part your hair sharply to the side and blow-dry with a boar-bristel brush. To add extra volume, backcomb at the crown. To finish it off, add braids underneath or just flip hair over the top and to the side. Hairspray is the final touch.

• The Messy Morning After

  Start with a volumizing mousse and blow-dry or spray a texturing styling gel on dry hair. Use a one-inch curling iron to create randomly placed waves, then run fingers through hair and backcomb at the roots. The messier, slept-in, and more wind-blown-looking, the better.

• The Half-Up Bombshell

  Hot rollers will give your hair mega volume, like Lindsey Wixson's 'do in Opening Ceremony's spring/summer '11 look book, but a one-inch curling iron will do the trick, too. Once the curls are set, brush hair out and spray on a volumizing, dry hairspray at the roots to add volume. Backcomb at the crown, pull the top half of hair back, and secure into a half-up poof. Finish by spraying generously with hairspray.
Maybe you've had the same hairdo for the past six months, or now that temperatures are rising, your strands are starting to make you overheat. Either way, our friends over at Refinery 29 have rounded up three gorgeous summer hairstyles that require minimum effort but produce maximum effect. Your options: the Sexy Summer Flip, an "alluring mix of punky and sexy" that has been featured on runways such as Charlotte Ronson Fall 2011; the Messy Morning After (enough said); or the Half-Up Bombshell, which involves hot rollers and tons of sex appeal.

Hair Extensions

Stars Go to Great Lengths This Summer

Hayden Panettiere, Oliva Munn and Jessica Alba sport hair extensions.
When the heat is on, most women opt for shorter, cropped 'dos, but some of our favorite stars are going to great lengths this summer.

"Extensions can be very fun and rewarding," celebrity stylist and Hair Basics expert Ted Gibson tells StyleList. "They can range in price from $500-$5,000 and last from two weeks to four months, depending on which hair extensions you and your stylist decide on."

Hayden Panettiere, who has turned heads with her frequent hair switch-ups, attended the Vans Custom Culture Contest event in New York City on June 2 rocking wavy blond extensions. At the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation benefit on yesterday, Olivia Munn gathered her long, dark lengths into a ponytail and left out a few face-framing pieces. And for the Covenant House California Gala last Thursday, Jessica Alba paired her gorgeous mommy-to-be glow with layered, sun-kissed extensions for a half-up, half-down hairstyle.

Anxious to lengthen your locks like these celebs? Check out the expert advice below on how to style and care for hair extensions.

Not all extensions are created equal. "Always consult with a professional when it comes to hair extensions. You have to try and seek out the perfect extension type suitable for your hair. "Human hair extensions (especially Remy Hair) are by far the best, and they have to be customized according to your hair and the look you want to achieve. Regular salon visits are important to keep your extensions in good shape."

Ask and you shall receive.  there are three questions every pro should pose before you sit down in the chair:
• What look do you want to achieve?
• What length are you looking for?
• What is your face type and body frame?

It's all about blending and layering. "When extensions are applied, it is key to blend them with the client's hair to achieve a more natural look. Never wear extensions at one length. We suggest a lot of layering,". "When cutting the hair, make sure to use a razor but don't overdo it as the hair will look frayed. Be careful how much pressure you put on your hair extensions with accessories -- it can pull them out."

Paddle away. "The most important tool is a professional paddle brush made especially for extensions,". "It is important to always brush the hair from the bottom up."

Say no to alcohol. "Products are so important to maintaining a beautiful mane of hair,". "Alcohol-based products should not be used. Instead, focus on more oil-based products like shea or argon and a little goes a long way. Too much product will wear your hair down and increase build-up on the scalp."

Don't sleep on at-home hair maintenance. "Before taking a shower, slowly brush your hair upwards to prevent breakage. Use intense hydrating shampoo and conditioners followed by a great detangler and a wide-tooth comb. Apply a leave-in conditioner and let hair air-dry for a summer look,

Know when it's time to let go. "Keeping extensions in too long can cause major hair or scalp damage," adds Pitters. "I tell my clients to take them out after 10-12 weeks."

Read All Comments

High Rise Denim is Back for Spring 2011

High Rise Denim

High-rise denim is back. After witnessing runways filled with bell bottoms and longer hemlines, we know by now that the Seventies' influence has taken over for Spring 2011, and the trends in denim are no different. This season, some of the best denim makers out there are introducing a higher rise, a cut that addresses both fashion and function. "A high or mid-rise style elongates the leg - especially when it's a flare or trouser style - and creates a long, lean line," Mille Monferin, 7 For All Mankind's denim design director, told StyleList. "A great way to offset the volume of a wide leg style is with a higher rise." Comfort, he said, is definitely a big part of it too. "Higher rises offer more control and help avoid the dreaded muffin top," Monferin said. "There's nothing chic about constantly having to yank up your jeans." J Brand's founder and chief executive officer, Jeff Rudes, told StyleList that while they have offered some high-rises in past seasons, their popularity for spring has grown in a big way. This has led them to increase their offering of the style - there's a wide-leg, flare and even a skinny jean all with higher rises. But, he said, this doesn't mean his jeans at J Brand are exactly like they were in the Seventies. "With modern technology, denim fabric is lighter weight, softer and with stretch so it is much more comfortable than the high-rise styles that were worn in the Seventies," he stressed. James Jeans is also offering an array of newer high-rise styles for spring. According to Seun Lim, creative director at James, the new "High Class" series of jeans will include some of the brand's top bodies in rises ranging 9 ½ inches to 9 ¾ inches. There's also a new mid-rise option that features an 8 ¼ inch rise in a straight leg or a flare. "The biggest benefit of our mid to high rise styles is the way the waist bands are uniquely contoured from front to back," Lim said. "The front is perfectly leveled for a sexy look and feel, and the back is higher and therefore provides added comfort and assurance that your undergarments won't be peeking out." Chip Foster, who founded the Chip & Pepper denim brand with his twin brother, is off on a new venture. He just launched a denim line he calls Pray For Mother Nature. For spring, Foster said he has taken six of their original low-rise styles and made them higher. "Higher rises tend to be universally flattering and no matter what, almost everyone loves a little more support," Foster explained. "No matter the body type, you can rock a mid-rise jean." Jill Shehebar, marketing director at Blank NYC, agrees with Foster. That's why they've been offering higher rises since they opened for business. For spring and summer, the company has taken the trend a step further by offering high-rise cut-off denim shorts and self-belted aviator shorts along with their already popular high-waisted skinnies. "The high rise skinny we have this season has really cool color block front detail and back stitch," Shehebar said. "For late spring and fall, we have more high rise flares and belles. High rise is universally flattering if styled the right way." And, if styled correctly, you don't have to be worried about looking like you are wearing "mom jeans." How to avoid the matronly look? "Pair them with a romantic blousy top, or a tailored shirt tucked in," suggested Francis Pierrel, senior vice president of retail and wholesale for Diesel, which is also introducing two new high-rise styles for spring - the Hi-vy, a high-waisted skinny, and the Ronhoir, a high-waisted bootcut. "For younger girls, the crop top is making a come-back. Accessories also help spruce up the look, pairing a sexy wedge or heel and a chic handbag."

Julia Roberts Goes Back to Blonde

Julia Roberts transforms from brunette to a blonde.

 

Julia Roberts steps back into the light. With light hair, that is!
We spotted Roberts rocking a new blonde hair color at the premiere of "Jesus Henry Christ" during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. Center-parted and styled in beachy waves, the 43-year-old actress' lighter locks make her appear 20 years younger.

Are you excited to see Roberts return to blonde? Or do you miss the "Pretty Woman" in the darker strands she donned back in February?

Eva Longoria's Perfect Ponytail

Eva Longoria wears the perfect ponytail during an appearance on the "Late Show With David Letterman."

Eva Longoria brought the pony show to David Letterman, when she visited the late night TV host yesterday.

The 36-year-old "Desperate Housewives" star was spotted at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City with her auburn-colored strands in the perfect ponytail. With her locks smoothed up, Longoria added length with hair extensions that fell into loose curls. She finished the look by concealing the ponytail holder with a piece of hair.

Sexy smoky eye makeup, coral blush and lip gloss accentuated her 'do.

Color of the Week: Lavender

From left, clockwise: Asos playsuit, $62.76. Essie "Lilacism" nail polish, $8. Ferragamo ribbon and ballet flat print silk scarf, $147. 3.1 Phillip Lim silk bralette, $85. Valentino R.E.D. floral printed ruffle skirt, $775.

There's no denying that this spring is all about color. Runways all over the world featured brights in every shade. In a series titled "Color of the Week," StyleList will outline the most popular hues -- as declared by Pantone, world-renowned color authority -- with designer inspiration, celebrity examples, beauty tips and more. For our sixth installment, we present #15-3817, also known as lavender.

Whether worn as an accent or all-over, lavender is a timelessly chic hue that will dress up any ensemble.

We adore how the models at Tracy Reese sauntered down the runway in '70s-inspired frocks composed entirely of lavender and Chanel's watercolor shirt dress that would be the ultimate in picnic attire.

And Prince can have his purple reign: the paler, more subdued hue looked lovely on Kelly Osbourne and Christina Hendricks -- two women who aren't afraid to show of their curves.

But for us common folk, the springy shade is 100 percent wearable: we'd love to pair a some flirty lingerie under a flimsy tank, or wear this scarf as a headband, a bracelet -- the options are endless!

The ladies of our Blogger Network aren't afraid to mix it up -- Arielle of Something Navy gave her mother's vintage dress a modern spin with loads of sparkling jewels. Throwing caution to the wind, the blogger added floral-printed shoes -- making for a chic evening ensemble.

Kate Hudson's glam Elle UK cover look inspired us to incorporate the hue into our beauty routine -- we didn't think it was appropriate to rock an insanely ornate smoky eye to the office, so we opted for a new shade of polish -- Essie's "Lilacism" nail polish.

• Silk Scarf
• Prettydon't miss last week's color: russett brown.

Celebrity Beauty Looks of the Day: Georgina Chapman, Helen Mirren and Serena Williams

The latest standout beauty looks from the celebs you know and love...

Georgina Chapman's sleek locks and pink lips.

Georgina Chapman:
The Marchesa designer and co-founder had a lit-from-within glow at the 2012 Range Rover Evoque launch in New York City. Chapman paired her textured pink mini dress with sleek locks, subtle smoky eyes and rose-pink lipstick.

Helen Mirren's silver slicked-back strands and coral lipstick.

Helen Mirren:
The 65-year-old actress looked foxy at the London premiere of her latest film "Arthur." Dame Mirren rocked her shiny silver strands slicked-back (minus a little lift at the crown), and warmed up her complexion with sun-kissed blush and coral lips.

Serena Williams' blunt bangs and berry lip gloss.

Serena Williams:
The tennis pro caught our eye with her sexy beauty look at the New York City launch of the 2012 Range Rover Evoque. Williams' is definitely winning with eye-grazing blunt bangs, pin straight hair, lush lashes, smoky purple eye shadow, sculpted cheeks and berry lip gloss.

The 10 Biggest Blow-Drying Mistakes

Are you blow-drying your strands with the proper technique? Most of us go about blow-drying our hair with the same excitement we reserve for teeth cleanings and tax filings.

But aching wrists and frizz frustration don't have to be your drying destiny. Chances are, you're likely just making one or more of the most common blow-drying mistakes.

Are you committing one of these most common mistakes?

1. Not Sectioning Hair First. Flipping your head over and blow-drying until you get dizzy, feel light-headed -- or both -- isn't going to help your cause. Keep a claw clip or duckbill clips near your blow dryer, so that you can easily section hair into the bare minimum of three horizontal sections as you dry.

2. Standing Up As You Blow-Dry. "One of the best pieces of blow-drying advice I can give is to have a seat. You will not believe the difference this makes," says Scrivo. When you're comfortably seated, you can fully harness that upper-body strength without getting tired. Plus, it always helps to steal those precious rejuvenative moments for yourself, wherever you can during the day.

3. Holding The Brush In The Wrong Hand. Many women lift the hairdryer with their dominant hand, while working the brush with the weaker one. You'll get better results by instead holding the brush with your stronger hand, as you'll need the improved dexterity to get the job done in less time. "Even many professional hairdressers learn this incorrectly,". Well, now you can style with even more finesse than them.

4. Overtwisting The Brush. When you brush that first stroke into a section of hair, you don't want to go it more than a quarter turn, which is just enough to give it some smoothing tension without risking snarl. After you pull the brush away from the scalp to the midpoint of strand length, then you can safely start twisting the brush to create shape and curl while under the pointed jet stream of your blow dryer. This is where the magic happens!

5. Pulling The Hair Downward At The Crown. The natural inclination is to pull your brush downward, but that will only give you flat results. That just won't do if you want a roaring mane of silky smoothness. Instead, pull your hair up towards the ceiling, imagining a horseshoe shape coming out of your crown. (Stick with us here.) Hair in the horseshoe should always be blasted in an upwards direction, while hair falling below the horseshoe can be styled downwards for smoothness.

6. Holding The Dryer Too Close. It's totally counterintuitive; holding the mouth of the blow dryer right on top of hair doesn't dry it faster, but only leaves tell-tale damage and pouf in its wake. Always dry with a plastic nozzle in place to regulate and direct heat, and keep it at least an inch away from strands. We had to try it to believe it, but it really does speed things along faster by providing a more even dry -- kinda of similar to a rotating dish in a microwave.

7. Holding The Dryer In The Wrong Position. Your goal: keep that nozzle parallel to each section of hair you hit. Otherwise, the heat will irritate and rough up the cuticle, leaving you with flyaways, damage and smoking strands. And by that, we don't mean sexy.

8. Keeping The Dryer Motionless. Some shake, rattle 'n roll is good for your hips, and apparently, your hair too. Keeping that dryer moving ensures that hair will dry at the same rate all over, and it will actually prevent your shoulder and wrist from hurting from the strain of staying in one spot. "To a stylist, this is second nature, and we do it almost subconsciously," .

9. Going Too Fast. "Women often blow-dry..as if they're in some kind of panic. This is not a race against time. Slow down the process, be more methodical and careful," . In fact, if you race through the process, you'll likely find that you need need to keep going back and re-doing sections anyway, wasting more time in the long run. If your hair dries rapidly (lucky you) before you get a chance to style the section, simply keep a spray bottle of water nearby for a refreshing spritz.

 10. Not Drying The Hair Completely. This is for the frizz afflicted out there; if the pouf starts growing almost immediately after you've finished blow-drying, it means you didn't dry it 100 percent. Sometimes hair looks done, but is cold to the touch -- which is the dead giveaway that water is still hiding out in there. "Your hair should be room temperature after blow-drying,".

 

Check Out J.Lo's Beautiful People Cover!

Like we said, Jennifer Lopez is beautiful!
J. Lo has been voted People Magazine's Most Beautiful Woman this year and with the honor, she is revealing what the word "beauty" truly means to her.
While she always looks gorgeous to us, Jennifer admits that she never feels more at peace in her own skin then when she isn't glammed up for the cameras or the bright lights of American Idol. She explains that being at home with her kids, hubby and sans makeup is when she is the "happiest." She adds:

"Just being able to touch my face and rub my eyes and put my fingers in my hair and not having to worry about messing it up. It's so much better."

So true - but we're sure you look gorgeous either way!
She continues on in the interview to explain how she goes about achieving the beauty everyone sees everyday. There's a specific skin regiment in place and a portion-controlled diet she sticks strictly to. She admits that keeping herself Hollywood perfect isn't "easy," but that is is "part of my job."
We hope this new honor proves to you that you're doing your "job" oh-so-well!

5 Celebrity Secret Styling Tricks to Transform Your Hair

Transform your hair with these pro styling tricks.

If you've ever tried to recreate anything from a basic ponytail to the sexy bed hair seen on celebs and runway models with less-than-stellar results, there's a reason you can't match the look.

And it's not your hairstyling skills.

Experts tell us there are five essential tools in that are key to pulling off any hairstyle you want to create with ease.

The good news is, you can find all of them at your local beauty supply store.

And remember, attitude is key.

"Confidence is the best tool or product we use. When the girls walk down the runway, they believe they look good, even if they hate the clothes, hair and makeup. If you're trying a new look or product, own it!"

Bungee Elastics

Ponytails look freshest when you finger comb strands into place, but the process of pulling the gathered hair through a regular elastic destroys the piece-y texture and flirtatious tail height of your pony. This is why celebrities and models opt instead for bungee elastics.

Like a mini bungee cord, you simply wrap the elastic around your hair, and secure by hooking the ends together or on the surface of the elastic so as not to disturb the finish or volume of your hair.

"Regular elastics can only be wrapped a certain amount of times, and sometimes it's too tight or too loose. It's like shoes not coming in half sizes," says Ryan. "I like bungee elastics, as they allow you to wrap the elastics around until they are a perfect fit."

Dry Shampoo

How do red carpet updos stay in place so beautifully, when your attempts to replicate result in strands slipping out of place and flattening in minutes? It's actually not hairspray that's the key, but a dry shampoo that stylists just about always use to prep roots before styling hair.

"These work by applying a layer of fine powder to the roots of the hair. It will absorb the hair oil, and when you brush it out a few minutes later, the hair will be fuller and dryer looking. It adds volume to limp, fine hair and gives great texture for updos, as hair that is too clean is slippery and hard to style,"
To apply, work through sections of hair separated by a pick comb, and spray powder in opposite direction of hair growth, at the root. Allow to absorb for a few minutes, and then brush out. Not only will your hair fall into different shapes more easily, but this is a great way to cheat more days out of a blowout.


Point-Tipped Straightening Iron

Straight hair on the red carpet always looks like freshly ironed sheets, while waves and curls capture long-lasting bounce. Yet the reason why your results are fleeting most likely has to do with the use of a too big or bulky-shaped flat iron.

"Don't buy a big iron to save time, because it will be hard to manipulate, and you won't be able to direct the hair. If the edges are beveled, you can create volume and movement in the hair without leaving the creases that sharp edges can,"
"I like an iron that tapers to a point so that you can get to the hard-to-reach parts of hair, like bangs. Curved edges and a heated curved back are great for straightening and adding volume to the hair,"


Backcombing Brush Or Comb

While the '80s may have given the art of hair teasing a bad name, a solid back comb is the crowning foundation for most hair styles you see sported on red carpets and runways.

"When you want to create volume, you need a back comb. A regular brush or comb doesn't have enough bristles or teeth. The more teeth and the closer they are placed together, the better,"
Grasping a section of hair, push a few smooth yet firm strokes down toward the root. Once you have a good base, continue the back-combing through to the ends, though using less pressure. Then spray a light workable hairspray for hold, making sure that the formula isn't too sticky. "Don't be afraid of too much volume -- it's easy to tame and remove,"
Once you've finished teasing, gently smooth down the exterior with a bamboo brush with both nylon and boar bristles for the sleekest results.

And don't get frustrated -- rarely does anyone learn to back-comb the first few times they try. With some practice, you'll be able to add the technique to your styling repertoire.

Salt Spray

Ever wonder why your authentic bed hair never quite looks the same as the tousled, come-hither waves of Victoria's Secret photo shoots and Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers? It's all in the prep spray.

"This is a backstage staple, as it gives a rough lived-in look, but still gives volume. If you blow-dry it in, it gives a dry full texture. When used on curly hair, it gives a chunky, sexy look. I like to use a little cream on the ends to give definition,"
For texturized hair that sits with volume, spritz all over roots before blow-drying with a round brush. Or to add a piece-y lived-in look, finish your style with a few spritzes all over strands, and distribute with your fingers.

Carrie Underwood ACM Awards 2011: Pink Hair Extensions

Carrie Underwood rocks out with pink hair extensions at the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards.

Did Rihanna influence Carrie Underwood's "good girl gone bad" image?

Underwood hit the stage with Steven Tyler at the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards to perform "Undo It" and "Walk This Way" donning pink hair extensions. The neon hair pieces added a pop of color to her golden blond locks and soft makeup.

The Top Female Vocalist of the Year nominee rounded her edgy look with a studded corset, black tutu skirt, fingerless gloves and booties.

Can we expect an Underwood rock album in the near future? Maybe not, but we love the fact that the 28-year-old singer and actress is having some fun.

What do you think of Carrie Underwood's pink hair extensions?

Choose Feathers As Your New Hair Accessory

The New Feather Trend.... 

 Upon clicking through, our interest was warranted—is now offering feather hair extensions, one 2011 trend we're psyched to try. "The feathers are sourced responsibly, the colors are all-natural, and come from farm-raised happy birds." And we're pretty happy too: Not only are these rad accessories ethical, the cost to change up your look only costs $45. The extensive selection of feather colors and lengths, then will set them in whatever part of your hair you want. The whole process takes no more than 10 minutes, plus you can still wash or blow dry your hair, and the extensions last for over a month. 

How Not to Damage Your Hair With a Flat Iron

Before you pick up your flat iron, read these pro styling tips.

If you've ever used a flat iron, you've likely suffered from smoke and sizzle that led to split and fried ends.

But contrary to popular belief, you don't need to endure damage in order to achieve the sleek and smooth locks that flat iron addicts crave. Most people have simply never been versed on the proper way to flat iron. Bad techniques live on, and are often passed down from family, friends and poorly trained stylists.

Size your section: There's no one standard size to section your hair for flat iron use, as hair thickness, length and iron size all vary greatly. "The goal is to make sure that each and every strand of hair gets even heat distribution. If you choose a section that is too large, the outer portions will get heated while leaving the inner portions unaffected," says Davis. Experiment to find what amount heats all of your strands equally, and then stick to that size going forward.

Smooth, don't pull: "Those who have long been using irons such as the CHI have a tendency to grip the hair and pull it straight, using friction. This method will give you decent results in the short run, but over time, will damage your hair," says Davis. Instead, move the iron slowly yet steadily through your hair, focusing on smoothing the strands instead of tugging down on them.

Don't pass multiple times: "Passing over the same section continuously -- like more than three times -- damages hair more than using a high temperature setting," says Davis. The perfect degree varies by hair type and condition, but you'll want to experiment until you find a temperature that gives you the desired result in one to two passes. And if you're smoking, you're burning.

Use heat-protective serum: Anytime you flat iron, be sure to prep strands with a heat-protective serum, like those made with jojoba and argan oil. Typically, serums are more effective than sprays because they coat strands in a protective fashion, but be sure to use no more than a quarter-size amount at a time to prevent buildup.

Don't iron wet hair: While it's OK to style hair that is still slightly damp, wet hair magnifies heat to dangerously scorching levels. Too often, people use the flat iron to do most of the straightening work, when in fact, that's the role of a hair dryer. Use your iron as more of a finishing touch to set shine and seal in moisture and sleekness, or else pay the price with badly heat-damaged hair.

The Well-Shod Squad: Sole Society Launches

Model Anne V. at the Sole Society launch preview event.

Have a shoe habit?

Now you can get a quick fix at Sole Society, a brand new shoe sale site where every pair costs an easy-on-the-wallet $49.95. The footwear E-porium will offer personalized monthly selections of trendy styles, tailored to match each customer's personal profile. The site positions itself as a private club, but anyone can join – the only requirement for membership being an initial questionnaire that establishes your style preferences.

The new site is a division of HauteLook, one of a growing number of limited-time designer sample sale websites. While HauteLook runs sales for only 48 hours at a time, Sole Society will offer footwear fiends continual access to its upscale offerings. "Shoes are consistently our most requested category," explained HauteLook CEO Adam Bernhard, "we wanted to offer women access to on-trend shoes every day of the year."

Each month, the retailer sends out individualized product suggestions, based on members' style bios. Customers can peruse and purchase any of their recommended styles, or reject them for further selections. The site also offers styling tips and how-to's from its roster of stylists and fashion insiders.

Initially, Sole Society's offerings will be limited to their exclusive label, Marco Santi, but shoe shoppers stay on your toes: by next season their will be plenty more to choose from.

Spring styles from Marco Santi for Sole Society.

Celebrity Beauty Looks of the Day: Sienna Miller, Blanca Suárez and Catherine Zeta-Jones

The latest standout beauty looks from the celebs you know and love...

Sienna Miller's honey-blond locks, Blanca Suárez's matte red lips and Catherine Zeta-Jones' raven locks.

Sienna Miller:
The actress and designer's honey-blond locks looked amazing at the launch of Twenty8Twelve Spring 2011 collection in London, England. Her strands had tons of natural volume, and the coloring looked great with the British beauty's soft pink lips and cheeks.

Blanca Suárez:
The 22-year-old Spanish actress spiced things up at the Fotogramas Awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain. With a matte red lip, bold lashes, and a side-knotted stylish 'do, Suárez was rocking a standout beauty look.

Catherine Zeta-Jones:
The 41-year-old actress sported a sultry, charcoal smoky eye at the dinner for the 26th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City. Her complexion was luminous, and she completed her look with a shimmering peach lip that really popped against those dark raven locks.

Rihanna Spills Fitness Secrets to Vogue

Rihanna is no stranger to showing skin, but her Vogue shoot, in which she rocks some undeniably sexy Jessica Rabbit red hair, may be the most tasteful body shots the pop star has done to date.

She frolics on the beach in a Lanvin silk dress blown over her thighs, and her curves are on full display in an Herve Leger one-piece as she strikes a back bend in some Alexander Wang open-toe booties. Rihanna is in the best shape of her life after preparing for her role in the blockbuster "Battleship," and it shows. She's given up her staples of junk food and pasta. Her trainer Ary Nunez has been strapping weights to her hands so she could multitask while working out.

"I hate going to the gym and doing it the old-fashioned way," Rihanna admits to the mag. "I hate anything that's too straightforward, too routine. I get bored really, really quickly."

Style has always mattered to the 23-year-old, but she has recently embraced a grown-up version of her funky, down-to-earth look that keeps beauty bloggers on their toes.

"When I was fourteen and first started going out, I always wanted to be the opposite of everyone else," she says. "So I would go to the club in a polo T-shirt and pants and sneakers and a hat on backward, just so I would not be dressed like other girls. And I got desperate for things that weren't available in Barbados. I would cut things out of magazines. I was obsessed with creating a visual with clothing, and the way things are combined."

Hey highly publicized breakup with Chris Brown, which included him pleading guilty to assault, hasn't been the hardest part of the past couple of years for Rihanna. Finding out her father, who was a crack addict when she was growing up, sold childhood photos of her to a tabloid magazine was much more painful.

"It really makes me question what I have become to my father. Like, what do I even mean to him?" she says. "It's really strange. That's the only word I can think of to describe it, because you grow up with your father, you know him, you are part of him, for goodness' sakes! And then he does something so bizarre that I can't begin to wrap my mind around it. You hear the horror stories about people going behind people's backs and doing strange things, but you always think, Not my family. My father would never do that to me."

But the earlier incident with Brown prepared her for the worst, and she says it liberated her and make her stronger.

"It made me look at the world in a much bigger way because my life was suddenly superduper magnified; all eyes were on me. I needed that in my life to know how to say, 'F*** off,'" Rihanna says. "To know how to keep my head high even in the worst of situations. I keep using the word unapologetic. But there's a freedom that has come with all of that. Where you feel like you don't have to make an excuse for being yourself."