Not in Kansas Anymore...

Love these shoes!

If The Wizard of Oz movie were to be re-made tomorrow, Dorothy's heels ought to be replaced with these red sequin converses. There's no doubt that these glam kicks would be way more comfortable while traveling down the yellow brick road. And, they're cuter! I'd probably suggest a cute pair of skinny jeans and a plain t-shirt for an outfit, though. The powder blue and white checkered dress...not so cute.

Be Mine?

OK, so I know it's a bit early for Valentine beauty secrets but I just discovered OPI's new e-romance shades for 2008. Ready for their unbelievable names? "Log on to Love," "Text Me, Text You," and "Met on the Internet." Fantastic or what?!

No need for roses, cards, and fancy dinners this year ladies. Just turn on your computers or phones and find romance all over cyberspace. And while you're busy typing those e-love notes, glance down at the keyboard at your perfectly polished pink nails.

If you're not into pink, try OPI shade "Lincoln Park at Midnight." It's the perfect blend of purple and black (my favorite OPI color, pictured on the left) and just the right look for a V-day boycott.

Bolden Your Look

Wanna mix up your look, but don't have the guts?

Here's how to look like a punk star on Monday, a beach babe on Tuesday, and a bad-ass chick on Wednesday...change up your style as often as you like with these easy and temporary tricks.

Go Streaking. Add color to your locks for a rockin' look! Try any vibrant shade from orange and yellow to pink and ultra violet. The color washes out in the shower so you can go punk whenever you please.

Bronze your bod. Temporary spray tans, like the airbrush or mystic tan are great because they'll add glow to your entire body without damaging your skin down the road. Try it out before a date, a party or just for fun. The color usually takes about 4-6 hours to develop, but for best results don't shower for 12 hours. You'll look like you just stepped off the beach and the color lasts for about 5 days.

Get tattooed. Temporarily, that is. Lots of companies manufacture tattoos that won't last forever. So be bold and try it. You can even get a your man's name plastered across your back. Hopefully the tattoo fades before the relationship though! Either way, neither are permanent. Phew.

Extend your locks. Removable and re wearable hair extensions are fantastic because they can alter your look with a few simple steps. If you're going for a glam look make sure to get a shade that matches your natural hair color. If your heading to the club, go crazy and try shades lighter and darker than your true do.

All of these tips are great ways to spice up your appearance every now and then. But, don't forget sometimes it's hot just to be you.

Unisex It Up

Shopping for a relative or significant other

of the opposite sex?

Here are 8 unisexy items that you can both share!

Top picks ::Cool Stuff That Swings Both Ways::

1. All Star Converse sneakers

2. Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses

3. U.O. Neon Wayfarer sunglasses

4. American Apparel Fine Jersey short sleeve tees (30 colors)

5. Crocs

6. U. O. Flat Knit Ruby Stripe Scarf

7. UGG Australia Classic Short boot

8. U. O. Graphic tees

The Gladiator Is Back

If I could only buy one thing for Spring 2008 it would definitely be another pair of gladiator sandals. They are completely adorable. And they're everywhere, again. I loved them last spring and I love them even more this season. From silver to studded these shoes are fantastic. Designers ranging from Steve Madden to Balenciaga are all working this trend like woah.

Paris Haute Couture Spring 2008 Fashion Week

Starting yesterday until Thursday, January 24th the City of Love is focused on fashion. Today it's all about it Chanel, Givenchy, and Christian Lacroix.

Shop For A Cause

Product Red is a collection of brands including Ipod, Gap, Razr, Armani, and Converse. Every time you buy an item that is part of Product Red, a percentage is put toward The Global Fund for AIDS research started by Bono and Bobby Shriver . This money helps women and children suffering from AIDS in Africa. So shop for these brands and you'll be donating to a great cause and rockin new red clothes and accessories. Totally hot.

Make red your favorite color this season.

Check out www.joinred.com/red for more info.

Operation Straight-COMPLETE!

My hair is officially straight and it feels great. TWO stylists vigorously worked to rid me of my curls for 4 hours on Manhattan's Lower East Side. I loved every minute of it. The process took three washes, 40 minutes under a steaming dryer with saran wrap covering my hair, two blow dry sessions (the longest part of the process), one chemical spritz (which had to sit for 15 minutes), and another tedious and smelly chemical application using a tiny comb. Woah! As for me, I caught up with some of my favorite tabloid magazines.

For the next 48 hours ponytails and hair clips are off limits, as is exercise, sweating or anything that will potentially damage my straight flowing locks. I will report back tomorrow night after my first washing experience-- the real test to see how my hair drys on it's own. Can't wait.

(On left):This is my hair wet, right out of the shower two days after straightening.

(On right): This is my hair after it airdrys.

Fabulous! What do you think?!

Egghead

If you're looking to condition your hair without throwing down the dough for an expensive treatment, try a home hair recipe. I've done the olive oil, avocado thing--they're not too bad. But here's one I don't think I'll be trying anytime soon...it's called the "Protein Conditioner" (find it on www.motowngirl.com).

The ingredients? According to web site's recipe--one egg white and five tablespoons of plain yogurt. Well duh, I don't think anyone would be too thrilled about putting Dannon's Fruit on the Bottom Blueberry yogurt on their scalp. Am I right?

Honestly, I like to keep my egg whites where I can see them--on a plate, accompanied by whole wheat toast and turkey bacon. But hey, if you're brave enough to egg your head be sure to let us know how it goes!

Countdown...

15 hours until straight hair. Ahhh. Oh the excitement!

American Idol vs. Cashmere Mafia?

Did anyone see American Idol last night and catch contestant Kyle Reinneck in "guyliner?" I guess I was a little ahead of myself with my last post--check it out: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,323406,00.html

Unfortunately, I didn't get a glimpse of Kyle because I couldn't seem to tear myself away from my favorite new show Cashmere Mafia. But I'm still deciding...do I like the show because it's filling an empty void that used to be Sex and the City or do I really just enjoy the show?

I did appreciate the gossip sessions that occurred amongst the four friends while dining in Manhattan's trendiest hot spots--very SATC. But where do they find the time? Aren't they all supposed to be high-powered, glam executives? It was way more believable that Carrie Bradshaw had the freedom to gallivant around the city working as a columnist out of her cutesy apartment. But, magazine publishers? Go back to the office, Lucy Lui.

Side note-- I especially enjoyed the scene where Lucy Lui and Bonnie Somerville are walking in the park in 5-inch Louboutin heels . Does this mean the Manolo epidemic is over??? I hope not.

Should Guys Wear Make-up?

I've gotten to thinking about college guys who wear makeup.

Why???

Celebs, fine. Their whole life revolves around looking perfect. (Unless you're cake face Zac Efron, then you need to cut back on the eyeliner and lip gloss, thank you). But, guys wearing makeup while roaming around the snowy hills of Syracuse University? Come on!

I don't even wear makeup to class. Well maybe just the first week, until I realize there is no one worth impressing. Then I bring my pre-class primping rituals to a halt. By the second week I'm taking notes 100% fresh-faced. The males however, who knows...

I think it is totally fine for guys to use lotions, creams, face washes and any product that will keep their skin healthy and looking great. But when it comes to men and the issue of makeup I still can't decide, is it right to discriminate?

For guys who are all about skin products, check out this site--http://www.menessentials.com/ where men can shop online for their very own touch up concealers and anti shine-powders. How fantastic.

Lash Crisis

I am so mad right now. I was just applying a beauty essential--white lash base, when the applicator brush suddenly became detached from the remainder of the wand. Luckily, I finished both eyes before this tragedy. Looks like I'm going to have to part with my LASH LINGERIE Brow and Lash Base for some regular black mascara until I can buy a new one. *Tear*

Go Green at the Beach!

I came across a beach must-have while perusing ShopIntuition.com today. An essential item for spring breakers everywhere is the "Bikini Travel Bag." Not only is it adorable, but it's a great replacement for plastic bags. Who says you can't use cute accessories while going green?

Check it out at http://www.shopintuition.com/product.asp?pid=17940&a=w

Can't Wait to be Straight.

I'm about to embark on my latest adventure in the world of beauty. Later this week I will travel to New York City for the ultimate hair treatment experience--thermal reconditioning, better known as Japanese straightening.



It took me a long time to decide whether to go through with this four to six hour restructuring of the hair bonds process. See the thing is, I am capable of transforming my curls into straight locks; but, it takes so much damn time. And to be honest, I'm lazy. So I've decided to turn in my awesome pink ionic blow-dryer and ceramic Chi flatiron for some Thioglycolate and instant silky, straight tresses. Before and After pictures coming soon!

*Before going for any type of permanent treatment make sure to:

• Research the salon
  
• Ask whether the stylist is certified
  
• Request before and after photos
  
• Contact past clients