Blog | Closet of Style

Protect Thy Hair, SS13

Monday, 17 June 2013 | Author: Catherine Horgan |

No doubt, summer can take its toll on hair. Sun, heat, chlorine, salt water. You've probably already noticed a difference in the texture of your hair, with many months to go. However, a little preparation and TLC will help protect those beautiful locks, creating a better hair day, every day.

greatsummerhair

Here are some tips to abide by this season for fabulous hair:

Trim It Up
Keeping hair healthy is even more important during the summer months. Start off the season with a trim and end the season with a trim. And perhaps, one in between.

Cold Rinse
Rinse hair with cool water before you hop out of the shower. Cold water closes the scales, known as the cuticle, that the hair shaft has on its surface. You can also hit the cold button for a minute on your blow dryer once your hair is all the way dry.

Air Dry vs. Blow Dry
Blow dyring can be a mute point in 90+ degree temps. Celebrity colorist Nelson Chan of Nelson J Salon in Beverly Hills offers these tips for a styled air dry look: apply a light hold gel, comb through hair and twist it with your fingertips to get a soft curl. For short hair, comb a texturizing paste through wet hair to give body, texture and hold. To get curlier tresses, braid sections of hair, let air dry, then remove the braids. Larger braids produce bigger waves.

Take Cover
Ultraviolet light breaks down the pigment in hair. Cover it with a hat, scarf or umbrella. With slicked back hair being big this season, put a little conditioner on dry hair and comb it back or pull it up. For scalp burners (like me), apply sunscreen along your part line with fingertips or a Q-tip. Dry sunscreens works well, too.

Treat Treat Treat
There are many treatment options for sun-abused hair — from sprays to balms to masks to oils. Many of which can be left on hair overnight for added hydration. Consider pampering your hair at least once a month during the summer.

Photo from Janko Williams

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The Row + Jason Wu at Neiman Marcus SouthPark

Friday, 14 June 2013 | Author: Catherine Horgan |

I can barely contain myself.

The ready-to-wear collections from THE ROW and Jason Wu are coming to Neiman Marcus SouthPark in Charlotte, NC.

therowandjasonwu

THE ROW (top two on left) pays homage to London fashion house Savile Row, a fitting title for the luxury line. Since its launch, the brand has expanded to include a range of eyewear, handbags and ready-to-wear. THE ROW reflects a sense of relaxed and timeless elegance, focusing on fine fabrics and the perfect fit. Solid colors dominate the collection, which includes simple but sophisticated separates and fine-tuned frocks. The trademark look is a menswear-inspired aesthetic with ultra-feminine tailoring.

Jason Wu (top two on right) counters with ladylike elegance and impeccable detail. Subtlety is the art of Jason Wu’s fashions. The former Narcisco Rodriguez intern, whose work took root in years of doll designing, is known for his ability to create stunning, often intricate designs that appear effortless. Wu’s 2006 premiere collection earned him the Fashion Group International’s Rising Star award in 2008.

This June, Charlotteans rejoice as they get their hands on serious fabulousness from these coveted designers.

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Fringy Bliss

Tuesday, 11 June 2013 | Author: Catherine Horgan |

Obviously, I have a thing for fringe at the moment. How cute are these? At $134, these Positano suede fringed flats are a steal! Wear them with all white. Wear them with print shorts. And with the right dress, you could really work juxtaposition.
fringeflats

Available at Luisaviaroma

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Skin Care For The Globetrotter

Sunday, 09 June 2013 | Author: Catherine Horgan |

Traveling across the state, country or world can wreak havoc on skin. I've certainly learned my lessons over the years. However, I know better than to change my routine now. I may add to it, but substitutions do not serve me well. Therefore, I never leave home without my favorite skin-loving products.

globetrotter

You may have learned the hard way, yourself, a time or two. So keep these tips* in mind the next time you jet off to a far away destination.

Time Tricker
When you cross time zones, your body gets all out of whack. Literally. A group of cells in your brain releases the hormone melatonin as the body is exposed to what it believes is nightfall, bringing you into resting mode. Try to stay up to sync with the new local time. Then, take melatonin as a supplement 30 minutes prior to bedtime at your destination (recommended recently in health journal The Cochrane Collaboration). You can take magnesium B6 for a natural alternative.

Cleaner Air
Breathe in a few drops of a powerful aromatherapy oil (on tissue) during your flight. The anti-bacterial properties will help keep your airways clear and fight any potential on-board bugs. You can also boost your immune system by taking Vitamin C and drinking white or green tea. And drink a ton of water to keep hydrated.

In-Flight Facial Cleanse
Within the first hour of your flight, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a nourishing leave-on face mask (Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask). You can also use a facial spritz (Natura Bissé Diamond Mist) to add even more moisture.

Facial Massage
Lightly massage your face with your fingertips 30 minutes before touchdown to relax muscles and connective tissue, and soften expression-induced lines around your eyes, lips and brows. This also helps expel acne causing toxins and de-puff and brighten the eye area, in addition to increasing circulation. Eye drops and concealer will help you look fresh and alert.

Night-time Relief
After you've landed, adventured and lit up the town, your skin will demand some deep cleaning before bedtime. Follow with an anti-aging serum packed with active ingredients to even skin tone and provide luminous skin (Natura Bissé Diamond White). Finish with a heavy duty moisturizing cream.

There is no reason why you can't have phenomenal skin, no matter how much you travel. Bon voyage!

*Source: Net-a-Porter, slightly altered by CoS
Photo from Harper's BAZAAR 2010

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WTW: Rainy Lax Tourney

Thursday, 06 June 2013 | Author: Catherine Horgan |

As I head out of town for a very wet lacrosse tournament, I wondered how many of you are in the same boat (almost literally, with this weather). Though I packed my hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, I'm not sure I'll need them. Instead, I'm wishing it wasn't too hot to wear my rain boots.

Alas, one must be prepared. My recommendations for rainy weather — jeans over shorts, light cotton tee, hooded rain coat (and umbrella), converse sneakers, easy beaded bracelets, lax watch, ginormous bag filled with all the things I'll need if the sun comes out and a cooler full of healthy snacks and energy drinks for the boys.

At all costs, I'll find a tent to duck under.
rainlaxwear