Say goodbye to bad haircuts at the salon

As women our hair is important to us and a bad cut can be traumatizing. We've all had them and whether you need a new stylist or have a stylist, these steps will help ensure that your next haircut experience is a great one.

Spend a little extra
Getting the perfect outcome from a haircut is quite simple when you really think about it. The first thing to keep in mind is, “be prepared to spend a bit extra”. A quality haircut will usually cost more than $10.

Do some digging
Be sure to do a little homework before choosing a salon. Flip through the yellow pages and start Googling businesses. Chances are that previous customers have left reviews of how their experience went. If you like what you see, call ahead and get a price check and schedule an appointment.

Come prepared
Before going to your appointment print off a photo of the haircut you desire, not having a photo increases your chances of not getting what you want. Don’t feel pushy or embarrassed by doing this. Stylists actually prefer customers bring in pictures since most people can’t completely verbalize what they want. It’s a good idea to do the same when choosing a new color.

Don't be afraid to say no
When you show the stylist the cut and color you want the hairdresser will more than likely make a few suggestions. Do not be afraid to speak up if he/she suggests something you don’t want remember, you are paying for the cut and will have to live with it for at least a few months. This is especially true when shown the color chart.

Be attentive
Finally, DO NOT simply sit back with a magazine while your hair is being snipped away. Stylists on occasion like to put their own touches to a cut, even with direct instructions. Instead, watch and study what is being done and say something if you don’t like what is being done. Now, with all these steps say goodbye to bad haircuts and hello to a fabulous new you.

Ralph Lauren - Autumn(Fall)/Winter - 2009/2010

Steal this look by Ralph Lauren.

Antonio Melani "Deni" dress
Dillards $101.40

Nina "Vasik" Evening Sandal
Macy's $89

10% off everything @ Bluefly today only

Get an extra 10% off everything at Bluefly.com today only.

How to prevent dyed hair from fading.

Unfortunately there are no sure ways to completely stop colored hair from fading, but luckily there are steps to take that slow down the fading process. The main thing to remember is that sodium and heat are the enemies of dyed hair.

Avoid harsh shampoos
When picking out a shampoo it's essential to make sure sodium is not one of the ingredients listed on the bottle. This can be a rather tedious process, which is why there are shampoos out that are specifically made for dyed hair. Shampoos like Alterna, Redken and Marc Anthony are known for having shampoos to use for treated hair. It should of course say on the bottle that it is to be used on dyed hair. Some key words to look for are something like “color lock” or “anti-fade”.

Protect your hair from heat
Lastly, heat can be especially harmful and this includes natural and artificial sources. The sun, hairdryers and flat irons all contribute to the fading process. But there are sprays available that can be used prior to using styling tools or going outside. Redken makes a product called “Color Extend Sun” That you spray on your hair to shield colored hair from heat. I’m sure there are other products available, but this is the one I use. Using this product or products like it should help protect your color treated hair from heat.

So just remember, heat and sodium are harmful to colored hair and you should be able to hopefully extend the longevity of your gorgeous colored locks.

Mystery gift giveaway

Fashion Whores is having its first free gift giveaway. All you have to do to enter is comment and answer the following: whose style do you imitate and or admire and why?

A random entry will be drawn and will win a free mystery gift.

Submissions close Nov. 25 and the winner will be announced the next day. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you. Your submission must be posted directly on fashionwhores.net, not on its twitter or facebook page.

There must be at least 15 participants for a winner to be chosen so be sure to tell your friends. Only one entry per person.

If you have problems being able to comment on the blog, just email your submission to fashionwhores{at}live.com and it will be added to the drawing.

What's Hot: Sequins and Lace

Here are even more trends to go for right now, sequins and lace. So have at it. Here are a few fashion finds you might want to consider.

Great Crusade sequin front top
Nine West $109

Lace overlay skirt
Forever 21 $29

Dream Weight long tank sequins
Express $49.50

Eye shadow Primer

It's a must have for any makeup bag. Using Urban Decay before the eyeshadow helps the longevity of the shadow through the day. And the small tube lasts a super long time. I use mine on a daily basis for over a month and still have plenty left. I highly suggest this primer.

Style Watch: cuff bracelets

Source: InStyle magazine

Cuffs available at affordable prices:

Framed Lattice Cuff

Banana Republic $50

Antiqued Stone Cuff

(My personal favorite)
Urban Outfitters $19.99

Brown leather cuff

Macy's $48

Textured braided cuff
also in silver and gold.

Express $16.50

Hot fashion finds

 Free People ruffle mini skirt in Black or Pink

Nordstrom  $48

Rainbow knit top

Forever 21 $19.80

Wear Your Fantasy fringe dress

Nine West $140

Animal prints are what's now.

Animal prints are all the rage right now with the celebs and the fashion world. It can be anything from zebra to leopard from sunglasses to dresses, it's all IN! Be careful not to over do it though.

Tip: Do not combine your prints. ex. If you are going to wear an animal print blouse, DO NOT have your leggings have animal print as well. Same goes for shoes and clothes, one or the other. I suggest instead matching an animal print with a solid so it isn't too busy.

Below are my top picks for animal print fashion.

Free People "Queen Bee" mock 2 piece zebra print dress

Nordstrom $128

Leopard print skinny scarf

Macy's $13.50

Snake skin print wallet

Nine West $39

Pleated front, leopard print halter top.

Express $49.50

Mac cosmetics

Mac cosmetics is having free shipping on all purchases from Today till Oct. 24th.

So now is a good time to create those custom eye shadow palettes or pick up a new lipstick.

Top picks for Winter coats

Knit double-breasted miliatry jacket from
Express. $79.95

London Fog Coat
Macy's $99

Kenneth Cole Reaction Eggshell quilted poly down zip jacket

Bluefly $66.99

The perfect black pumps

These are the same shoes that I have displayed on this blog to the right. I personally own these and LOVE them. I get complements every time I wear them and they go with everything.

Ulta sale

It's time to stock up on makeup! Ulta has a few promotions going on that are pretty good deals.

$5 off any ten dollar purchase. Promo code: 23126

20% off any one item. Promo code: 22493

Only one promotion code can be used per item.

(Coupons have expired. Check Ulta for current sales and specials)

Top costume picks for Halloween

Bonnie

from Bonnie and Clyde

This is a very simple costume to put together and mostly can be done with items in your closet. All you need is a black, knee length pencil skirt, a white, v-neck top and a black beret. You can find a great beret at Express. It's on sale in store and $19.50 online.



Sookie Stackhouse
from True Blood

Another rather simple costume to put together. What you need is a merlotte's t-shirt, black shorts, sneakers, and a green apron. The apron and shirt can be found at the online store for HBO.

Little Red Riding Hood

Again we have a photo of Anna Paquin but the third and final costume pick is a bit more complicated to put together but a clasic favorite. If you decide you want to put it together yourself what you will need is, a white peasant top, a red skirt, a red hood and of course a picnic basket filled with goodies.

If you don't want to go on a scavanger hunt, you can always purchase the full costume from a retailer like amazon. A link has been provided in the right side bar.

Enjoy a BlueFly promo code discount

First come first serve. My purchase only came to $35 so I'm giving away the promo code given to me from Bluefly for $30 off a $150 purchase. It only works once so hurry fast.

Promo Code: OOW111B

(coupon has expired)

Now is the perfect time to get that designer leather jacket or military coat you've always had your eye on. Today there is also an extra 15% off on coats and sweaters for Columbus day.

Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner. Do you have your costume picked yet for all the fun parties? In the film Trick 'r Treat fairy tales and disney characters are a major theme. The beautiful Anna Paquin dresses as Little Red Riding Hood, while her costars dress as Little Bo Peep, Snow White and Cinderella. These are just a few ideas to think about this year while costume shopping this year. Be sure to have your choice made up before it's too late.

Photo from the film Trick 'r Treat

Roberto Cavalli, straight from the runway

Steal this look by Roberto Cavalli.

The look consists of a mesh top but since it's rather difficult to find, this twist long sleeve top  makes an excellent replacement piece. Banana Republic $35

BCBGeneration's sequin skirt is a great match to Cavalli's.  Dillards $58

Add a pair of Zinc Shinny Leggings. Nordstrom $24

And follow it up with these suede boots by Rocket Dog, I know it isn't an exact match, but the boots look just as fab. Piperlime $90

Now if big fuzzy boots are a bit too out there for you, I suggest these cute ankle boots by Steve Madden instead. Dillards $139

And now you have a brand new runway look, just in time for winter.

Emilio Pucci - Fall Winter 2009/10

Retro hairstyles - Pin Curls

One look that is always popular and in style is a Retro hairdo. And the best way to attain a classic look with pin curls. The style may seem difficult but with the right hair products and a little practice, you too can obtain the glamorous look.

I searched for instructions on properly setting pin curls and a video by Strawberrykoivintage was the best one I could find. Fortunately for you gals, the look works with both short and long hair.

Career Woman

Get noticed and look your best in this dress by Jones New York for $99.99. It's the perfect outfit, whether you are going to work or a job interview.

When looking for an outfit for work here are a few pointers to follow:

Length is everything.
It is important that the length at least meets the leg. Any less than that would be considered inappropriate.

Sleeves on an outfit should not be strapless or tank-like. If the sleeves are strappy, you can still wear it to work so long as you wear a sweater with it.

Peeptoes are a no no
Heels are rather iffy and need to be check with the policy guidelines, since some places are rather strict about only wearing flats to work. One rule is certain when looking for shoes, that they can not be open toed shoes. This is never appropriate in the work place. Dressy boots and pumps are fine but say goodbye to all things strappy, and yes, this does include flip-flops.

Now that you know the basic guidelines, you are ready to hit the working world.

Makeup tutorials

Smokey eyes never go out of style, and if you need some help or some tips on applying your cosmetics, I suggest checking out the fabulous Pixiwoo from Fashion Face. The trained makeup artist has a large collection of videos to teach you how to attain different looks, including celebrity makeup styles. I've subscribed to her videos and I suggest you do to.

What's HOT this winter

Leather

Leather in any form is very in this season. I chose this fantastic animal friendly, faux leather pencil skirt

Express $69.50

Boots

Ankle boots knee boots and over the knee boots are all a buzz this winter. Jones New York has a pair of gorgeous boots that come in black and brown. You may twist an ankle trying to walk in them but at least you will look good doing it.

DSW $79.95

Jeans

If you decide to go Jean shopping any time soon, you may want to check out skinny jeans which are again very popular. The wash does not particularly matter so have your pick. Gap's Always Skinny jeans are a great pick. The jeans have a slim fitting silhouette and can be dressed up or down with heels or boots. Choose from a dark, or medium wash.

Gap $59.50

Try-A-Hairstyle

Having trouble choosing a haircut or color? If you still can't decide what is right for you I suggest checking out Try-A-Hairstyle powered by Daily Makeover.

There is no downloading and installing necessary. It works write off the site. All you have to do is sign up for a free account and be ready to try on some fabulous hairstyles. There is even a makeup feature that allows you to doll yourself up. The software also provides the option of uploading your own photo so you can be sure the cut is right for your face shape.
Tons of haircuts from the sofware are free but the only down-fall is that you have to have a paid account to unlock all the haircuts. But for the most part this is the best hairstyling software I've seen on the web.

Roberto Cavalli - Fall Winter 2009/10

Fashion Don't #2

Jelly Shoes

Like a bad case of herpes, Jelly shoes have made a comeback and look worse than ever. Well I say enought is enough! In the 80’s they were passed off as slippers, in the 90’s they added a heel and now they are passing jelly shoes off as flip flops. Let the madness end! I admit I fell prey to the jelly shoes years ago, blue ones with heels and glitter by Guess. I blame my adolescence for my fashion mistake, but that does not mean you have to do the same. Just say no to jelly shoes!

I managed to search the bottom of my closet and dig up my old Jelly shoes from Jr. High. Please don’t ask why I still have them. I just wanted you to look at them and tremble with fear.

Fashion picks for October

Here are my fashion picks for the first week of October.

This royal blue top is made with ultra thin cotton and would look great with a pair of jeans for a cute casual outfit.
Forever21 $6.80

Match your cotton top with this classic wool double-breasted swing coat. It comes with a removable hood and is adorned with a curved collar and slit pockets. It's definitely a fashion do.

Urban Outfitters $128