Products For Frizzy Hair

Please world, pity us girls that were not blessed with gorgeous curls or sleek straight hair. Wavy hair is like having a head full of cowlicks. In a perfect world, I would wake up with a head full of gorgeous Rita Hayworth waves. A girl can dream.

It's taken me 3 decades to find the best products to deal with my hair texture. Wavy hair is typically coarse and dry since its more difficult for the scalp's natural oils to travel its way down the hair shaft. Many products however leave my hair looking like an oil slick. So far, these are my ultimate hair must-haves:

Phyto 7

I'm not going to lie, this stuff isn't cheap. But hands down, nothing beats it for smoothing and moisturizing hair. If Porta de Rossi uses it on her gorgeous blond locks, then you know it must be good. Pour a nickel-sized amount in your hair before blowdrying and a little dollop after styling. People will rave about how shiny your hair looks all day. Warning: don't use too much or you'll look like someone poured baby oil on your head!

BioSilk Silk Therapy

This is a stylist's staple. Biosilk's serum is silicone-based, which prevents humidity in the air from penetrating your hair. A simple trick I use is to put the tiniest amount in the palm of my hands, rub them together to distribute (including my fingers), then lightly smooth it down my hair. It takes a bit longer to soak in, so you don't want to apply too much. Once you decide you need more, repeat the above trick...layering it in is a better strategy than gobbing on too much and looking like a greaseball all day.

Garnier Fructis Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray

I have this secret fear that this product will be discontinued. I haven't found another shine spray that works perfectly like this stuff. It dispenses just the right amount so just a few sprays will leave your tresses shiny and soft. Spray at arm's length and run a comb through your hair to keep it frizz-free without looking greasy. Best of all? It's affordable (under five bucks!) and you can find it anywhere.

TIGI Bed Head Ego Boost

This fantastic product was thrown on me after my hairstylist, Henry, wailed on me for the state of my hair. As much as I can credit him for styling my hair fabulous, I also know that using this serum is his secret weapon against my unruly waves. Make sure to apply this to the ends of your hair in order to maintain volume. Ego Boost also does a fantastic job at protecting your tresses from daily blow drying. What's not to love?

Links à la Mode March 12th: The Independent Fashion Blogger Roundup

• Breakfast at Saks - Biased Reporting on the Balmain show from a Balmain-iac
• Clutch 22 - Exploring Etsy - Three unique talents to watch
• Consume or Consumed - Stylish film looks channeled toward a more stylish life:
• Debutante Clothing - Special Report: YSL Vintage Clothing Auction in Paris
• Dogmom’s Dish - Alexander McQueen for Target: Post-Modern Punk Princess
• ericdwills.com - Here’s a look at the entire line-up of colors for the Kanye West x Louis Vuitton sneakers called the ‘Don’ and ‘Hi Top’ set to be released in June.
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Fashion Week reviews, Christian Siriano’s shoes, and much more!
• Fashion’s Plus Size Dilemma - Fashion’s Plus Size Dilemma; A different perspective on the plus size apparel industry.
• fete a fete - elegant FIEL flip flops, made with love from Brazil!
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Privacy Tips for Bloggers
• Mademoiselle Robot - A love letter to Jeffrey Campbell
• Nico Assatly - New Spring Polish that will knock your socks off !
• Retro Chick - The Primark Effect - Can cheap fashion be ethical fashion?
• Shopping and Info - Enter for your chance to win a Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Sweater from the Shopping and Info Spring Giveaway.
• Solo Lisa - Less expensive but equally charming alternatives to the new Tiffany key necklaces
• Studio Purpura - Milan Fashion Week Fall 2009 presents creative color schemes and designs to tickle your fancy!!
• Style Amor - THE DYING MAGAZINE: March U.S. Magazine Reviews
• Style Bite - Geared up for Etten Eller’s Newest Collection
• Style Symmetry - Eyeliah loves to layer tights!
• Style With Anna - How to Dress Bohemian
• THE COVETED - A real life review of the Vivienne Tam HP Mini

Super Crazy High Heel Shoes That Defy Gravity

During a spring 2009 runway show, Nina Ricci (design house based out of Paris) had her models strut...or painfully tip toe themselves down the runway in these ridiculously high platform shoes.  This looks more like a work of art than something that is actually meant to be worn.  These booties have a huge platform in the front and no heel in the back.  If there was a heel, it wasn't touching the ground.  Surprisingly, none of the models fell and the heels were a success.  These heels added 11" more to the models already very tall height!  All I have to say is, I'm getting married to a guy that is 6'2" and I'm 4'11"....where can I purchase this...immediately?  Sure it doesn't look wearable at all, but to be a foot taller, I'd practice.

So, until they decide to ever release such styles, I browsed through some of Nina Ricci's other shoes and found some absolutely hot ones!  Here are my top picks, including links to some similarly inspired ones.

These purple platform booties are hot and easy to be inspired by.  You can rock it with jeans or go very Carrie Bradshaw and pair it with a dress or jumpsuit to add that extra punch to your outfit.

These booties are feminine with the ruffles like a blouse, yet masculine with the buttons and striped trim.  It was very hard to find something similar to this classic 18th Century European design.  Wear this to work or with a special occasion dress.

I love these pumps because of the vibrant color and the extra added detail in the heel.  I actually bought a pair of shoes similar to these at aldo shoes.  I always get compliments because of the heel!  These bright 80s colors are the ultimate craze right now and we should embrace it while it lasts!

We are used to seeing these pleated shoes.  But these Nina Ricci's are, "oh so classy".  It reminds me of Marisa Tomei's Oscar gown this year and I love it!  Sport it with a clean tailored look at work.  You'll be sure to turn heads!

Could these be any hotter?  It's like getting 4 styles in one.  Pumps, booties, boots, and the added accent of the heels make these shoes so versatile and so much fun!  There is nothing like this.  The only ones I could find that would be remotely the same, are the more exotic dancer inspired.

You guys will be the first to know when and where I find 11" heels.  Until then, my 5" heels will have to do.

How to Dress Bohemian

 

The Bohemian look is always in, but it is exceptionally present right now.  Sometimes it's hard to be trendy and comfortable in your day to day life. But with this look, you can get as creative and crazy as you want and still be relaxed. Interested? I thought so. If you want to start adding the Bohemian look to your personal style, here are 5 steps:

Step 1: Know what a Bohemian is. By definition, a bohemian is, "a person with artistic or intellectual tendencies, who lives and acts with no regard for conventional rules of behavior." What does this mean to you? Experiment, experiment, experiment! There are little to no rules! If you happen to put together a hideously unmatched bohemian outfit and someone tries to doubt your style, tell them...."I'm bohemian, do you know what that means? It means rules don't apply to me. Look it up on stylewithanna.com" (haha). That's the kind of attitude you need to have when rockin' this look. You are an intellectual, artistic, expressive and creative person. Work it!

1. Patterns - The patterns can be loud and busy... flowers, shapes, stars, squiggles, diamond patterns, etc.  Sometimes it's all of the above sewn together.  Patterns sewn on skirts can sometimes look like a patchwork quilt.  If a pattern is not printed onto the fabric then you will see beads and sequins sewn onto the item of clothing in all different colors.  Mixing of patterns is what makes this style unique and fun.
2. Colors - When I researched the history of the bohemian style, a lot of sites stated that the colors were more earth tones.  While yes, you can definitely go earthy with this look, you can also go the complete opposite end of the spectrum.  I see a lot of modern day interpretations (especially since the 80s are back) of this look to have a lot of bright and vibrant colors.  From oranges to purples, navy blues and yellows.  Maybe in the very very old days the bohemian look was more earthy.  Definitely not today.
3. Fabric - Think light and flowy.  This is where the comfort of this look comes into play.  No squeezing into tight tube tops or working your abs for the midriff shirt trend.  Yes, this look is flowy and forgiving for your figure.  Light fabrics with no structure is key.  Think of sheer or soft cotton tops and prairie skirts.

Step 3: Pile on the Accessories
Big and chunky is in and that's why I think the bohemian look followed.  This look is all about the accessories.  Let's start at the top.  Wear a headband, then big stone or turquoise earrings, followed by five layers of different types of beads for your necklace (layer them in different height's and add a necklace with a chunky medallion in the middle), wooden bracelets and a medium brown colored belt.  Am I finished with the accessories?  Of course not.  Sport a big bag and aviator sunglasses.  Ok...now I'm done.  But if you want more, check these great "Bohemian" accessories:

Step 4: The Shoes
I love the shoes because not only are they comfortable, they have more detail and are 'oh so cute'.  Think Pocahontas and Indian inspired.  Sandals with colorful beads or medium brown boots with fringing.  You don't have to wear heels, as you are trying to portray a more comfortable look, being one with nature.  However, if you're short like me and must have heels, go for a low to medium heel.  No stilettos here.

Step 5: How far do you want to take this?
By step 4, you're already pretty bohemian.  No one will doubt the look you are going for.  But if you want to take it a step further, tattoos and piercings can definitely top it off.  This is for the hardcore and serious bohemian fashionistas.  Eyebrow piercings, lip piercings, multiple ear piercings will add to your look.  As for tattoos, I suggest getting one on your foot or wrist. Choose something colorful and fun.  Of course make sure it's meaningful and something you can live with forever.  Otherwise, have fun and be free with yourself!