FashionJunkie’s New Editor Blog On LouLouMagazine.com

Events · Friday, November 16, 2007

Calling all web junkies! I’m proud to report that you can now read about my daily confessions and obsessions on the “new and improved” louloumagazine.com (the Canadian equivalent of Lucky magazine, but with a more European twist). Check out my very own Editor Blog for more of the same insider fashion and beauty buzz that you’ve come to know (and love!) on FashionJunkie.

Happy shopping!

xo
FashionJunkie

Calling All Curly Heads!

Interviews · Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Are you a victim of twisted tresses and unmanageable Brillo-pad hair? The days of fearing your frizz are over thanks to NaturallyCurly.com – a fun and informative social networking “curl-munity,” filled with expert tips, trends, top product information and North American salon listings. FashionJunkie recently caught up with NaturallyCurly co-founders, Michelle Breyer and Gretchen Heber (who share a history of fighting frizz) to find out what it takes to start loving your locks.

FJ: Why did you decide to launch NaturallyCurly.com?

NC: We both moved to California at different times and had unruly, curly hair. Having worked at the same newspaper, we constantly commiserated about how to handle our hair. After conducting extensive research, we noticed a serious lack of resources available for curlies and thus, NaturallyCurly.com was born.

FJ: How has the site evolved since it launched nine years ago?

NC: We initially launched the site in ’98 as a hobby, with very little content. Eventually, we took things a little more seriously and started treating the site as a monthly magazine. Then, in the spring of ‘04, we launched CurlMart (our e-boutique), which sells over 500 top quality products designed specifically for curly heads. The site has become extremely interactive and we receive a lot of positive feedback from our readers. People post all kinds of product reviews and look to us for expert advice, such as “how do I fight frizz” and “where can I find a hairdresser that cuts curly hair.”

FJ: Why would someone want to be a part of this “curl-munity?”

NC: For tons of information and advice! It’s come to the point where we’ve become such good friends with some of our readers, that we’re even launching off-line “curl gatherings.” We’re organizing an event at Devachan Salon (a cutting-edge salon for curly heads in New York) so that curly girls can meet and talk about a whole host of curl issues.

FJ: What advice would you give to curly girls who aren’t happy with their hair?

NC: We really want to help curlies learn to love their natural curls so that they don’t feel they have to straighten it. Curly heads make up 50-65% of the world’s population, so we’re encouraging them to embrace it. In fact, we’ve even developed a curly hair ranking system, which helps determine your hair type. This also enables us to make product recommendations and tips formulated specifically for every type of curl (i.e. loose waves or kinky curls).

FJ: How often do you straighten your hair?

NC: We have bad hair days just like everyone else. Since we live in Austin, Texas, the weather (and humidity!) is constantly changing, so we have to switch our products accordingly. But we haven’t straightened our hair in years!

FJ: Who cuts your hair?

NC: There are so many amazing curly hair stylists to choose from. Some of our favorites are Christo (owner of the Christo Fifth Avenue Salon in New York City), Lorraine Massey (co-founder of Devachan Salon in New York City) and Rodney Cutler (the Creative Director at New York’s Redken Salon). Visit our CurlSalons section for a complete cross-country listing of curly hair-cutters.

FJ: What hair products and tools do you use?

NC: Right now we’re into Innersense Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer, an organic line out of California, Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper (by Jonathan Torch), Curlisto Structura Lotion and AG Hair Cosmetics. Of course, there’s Curly Cocktails – seven intoxicating style offerings tailor-made to fight all types of frizz.

FJ: Is there a right or wrong way to cut or wear curly hair?

NC: It’s really about curl pride. Be proud of your curls and don’t fight them! Some stylists use the Bonzai technique, which is when they cut the hair according to where it needs cutting. Different things tend to work better for different people and it really depends on the hairdresser. We’ve definitely noticed a changing attitude about curls over the years. People used to fight them, but now they’re finally becoming fashionable.

FJ: What’s next for NaturallyCurly.com?

NC: We’d like to spread the word to as many people as possible. In fact, we’re organizing a ”Love Your Curls Day” in Austin, TX on Sunday, November 11th and are planning to host similar events across the country. Plus, we’ll continue to launch a wide range of new product collections such as Curly Cocktails.

Check out the FashionJunkie Fix email newsletter about Curly Cocktails, a hot new hair styling regimen designed specifically for curly heads.

Bling It On!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

As a Shopping Editor, I’ve come across a lot of cool online resources in my time, but nothing compares to the functionality of LupRocks. A virtual showroom that connects fine jewelry and accessories designers directly to top editors and stylists throughout the U.S., LupRocks is a subscription-based service that, simply put… rocks! For example, paid “Siren” members can post bulletins on the ”Desperately Seeking” section to avoid a last-minute showroom scramble when searching for specific items such as big cuff bracelets, chunky rings and necklaces for film sets and fashion spreads (I even came across a “private” post for Stacy London’s soon-to-air show, Fashionably Late… cool!). Whether you’re “desperately seeking” frame bags, over-sized sunglasses, fedoras or lockets, this luxe online resource has it all.

Even if you’re not a media maven, you can still benefit from LupRocks. Simply sign-in and browse through the impressive roster of categories (over 200 designer listings!), including belts, handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, hats, shoes, sunglasses and watches. Not only will you be up-to-date on all the latest and greatest finds (designer listings include bios and corresponding product photos), but you’ll also be the first to know about upcoming trunkshows and other fun-filled industry events. Visit LupRocks.com for more information.

In case you’re wondering, the beautiful baubles featured in the above photo are by Kimberly Baker. 

FashionJunkie Comes Clean

Monday, July 23, 2007

I’m a fairly laid back femme who finds humor in just about any kind of situation… except for when it comes to drugs. So when I came across this risqué “Fashioin Junkie” Sisley ad campaign that’s been circulating throughout cyberspace, my jaw literally dropped to the floor.

Sisley, the Italian-based fashion brand owned by Benetton who’s known for producing provocative ads (remember the controversial campaign featuring model Josie Maran milking a cow with milk all over her face?), has been slammed by slews of bloggers for pushing the envelope with this particular campaign. The distasteful “Fashioin Junkie” ad features two anorexic-looking models indulging in some recreational “fashion.” The fashion they’re actually snorting happens to be a slinky, white Sisley dress. To the left of the dress is a pile of cocaine that’s perched on top of a Chase credit card (a common cutting device). What’s even sketchier is the expression on one of the models’ faces, who looks like she’s about to O.D. Note the intentional misspelling of “Fashioin,” which brings heroin to mind.

Although purportedly fake (check out this link to see the statement Sisley’s parent company, Benetton made in reference to it), the ad is still sending out the subliminal message that coke is cool. And thanks to current celeb rehab craze, battling addictions with blow have suddenly become chic. My take on this trend? I find the ad morally reprehensible. Please note there is absolutely no connection between these ads and the FashionJunkie.com website. FashionJunkie.com was launched 10 years ago as a tongue and cheek blog for the shopping obsessed and I have never condoned drug use of any kind. Peruse my site and you’ll notice the playful tone, which is not offensive, nor does it promote drug use in any manner. The bottom line is, coke isn’t cool, no matter how it’s fashioned.

Feel free to share your comments about the Sisley snafu.

For a collection of past Sisley ads, click here.

Stocks & Frocks

Store Openings · Friday, July 13, 2007

Wall Street is suddenly rallying again… but not because of the stock market. In the last month alone, haute fashion houses like Hermés and Thomas Pink have popped-up on the southern tip of the city, bringing some much-needed flare back to the financial district. No longer a spot solely for discount electronics and tacky tourist tchotchkes like “I Love NY” tees, Wall Street has suddenly gone chic. And with another wave of retail big wigs moving in on the turf this fall including Gucci, Tiffany and Canali, why bother rummaging through racks at Century 21?  Cruise around the narrow, cobblestone streets and you’ll also find a smattering of ritzy, residential buildings. And with Whole Foods coming to the neighborhood soon, a slew of additional stores are expected to follow suit. Finally, some primo places for traders to blow their bonuses.

Tiffany & Co. Wall Street Mural

Thomas Pink, 63 Wall Street Sign

Thomas Pink, 63 Wall Street Entrance

Hermés, 15 Broad Street Entrance