FASHION ADVICE FROM ELAINE ARMSTRONG

From Crispy to Crisp?

You can feel it in the air. Now that we are in the middle of September, the evenings are starting to cool down bringing that first hint of fall. You may still be in Margaritaville, with a drink in your hand and your toes in the sand, but it's time to start thinking about your transformation from crispy to crisp! This is when we think about converting that bronzed skin, sun-bleached hair and flapping flip flops to a more sophisticated fall vibe. Now is the time to book an appointment with your favorite hair stylist (can you say Antonio) personal shopper or all around fashion friend (in this case, me) and prepare yourself for the new season.

Here are a few items on my list for fall. I love the winter floral prints I'm seeing, especially on dresses. These are lightweight and the perfect transition piece.


Milly floral dress


Many are sleeveless which will allow for layering of a thin long-sleeve knit or t -shirt underneath. This will create a more modern appeal and provide versatility for the unpredictable temperatures during the fall. As the weather gets cooler, add some tights and booties or boots to extend the look. Invest in anything with a military cut. Numerous designers, including Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Alice & Olive highlighted in the picture below, have great coats and blazers this season spotlighting this trend.



Alice & Olivia Trench



Upgrade your handbag but not with another black one. Instead, try one in a color or a colored skin. Within the dark color palette generally found in fall fashion, adding a touch of vibrant color with a handbag or shoe is an instant style maker.



Foley & Corinna

I love the fall. Everyone is back in the City and well-rested from their summer vacation. There is wonderful energy in the air. If your hectic social calendar is preventing you from finding the best looks for fall, I would love to help pull everything together for you!

For more information on Elaine Armstrong you can email her at elaine@elainearmstrongco.com, or check out her website: www.elainearmstrongco.com.

Posted by Unknown at 11:01 AM - 0 comments

FOR THE MAN ON THE GO

FOR THE MAN ON THE GO: HOW TO RE-VAMP YOUR STYLE FOR A GREAT LOOK EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A LOT OF TIME IN THE MORNING.

"I only have 5 minutes in the morning to get ready!" I hear this all the time in the salon.  I used to have a shaved head and god knows I need two hours!!  But for those of us not dealing with my issues there is a solution.  


 Scenario:  

You wash your hair the day before and apply some product.  Now it's morning and before you have time to grab a quick bite and give your honey a smack ( providing you have one) you gotta brush your teeth and think, "shit! My hair!"  


THE GEL CLIENT

Instead of shampooing then having to work with super-clean hair that can sometimes be hard to style, don't just slap a little water through your hair.  Water is heavy and can assist in creating an odor, so instead, why not use PREP by Bumble and Bumble?  This a great because it's  light-weight, herb-infused distilled water, which is not only lighter than water, it's a super light conditioner that has a masculine pleasant smell that will help you soften and re-activate the gel in your hair from the day before.  Apply by spraying through the hair and style with your fingers or a comb, then apply a little gel for added support  and you're ready to head out the door. PREP also comes in travel sizes with great shampoos as well. If your hair is heavier you can use the TONIC SPRAY which is the brother to the PREP and has a tea tree ingredient that's great for the scalp.  Both products are also great for using at the beach to loosen up the salt in the hair if you can't shampoo at the time  

** TIP  

There are a many great gels on the market like Alfa Paraf shaping gel, but stay away from the really cheap gels.  They have too much alcohol and that's not always a good thing (in this case)  


 THE POMADE/ PASTE CLIENT


You have two options: , If you feel Because of the thickness of your product you may want to wash your hair, why not rinse and condition to help soften the product rather than removing all product and natural oils from your hair.  Then towel-dry and apply a little more product.  In other words, the dirtier the hair (as we all know) the better the look, so let's keep it a little soiled for a few days (not a few weeks guys)!  Or you can spray a little PREP  to your dry hair and add a tiny bit of product, style and you are out the door.  Your hair is easy to re-style because of the consistency of the pomade/paste so add PREP to  your counter and I guarantee you'll be ready faster!!  


 **Tip; When you are ready to shampoo (every third or fourth day) be sure to have a great clarifying shampoo that will remove all product build-up easily, so when you do style you are starting from a clean slate. Sunday shampoo or Tonic Shampoo by Bumble and Bumble is at the top of my list.  


FOR THE NO STYLING PRODUCT MAN


OK we getting fancy now, Hair Powders!!  Back in the old days they would use talcum powders to keep the scalp and hair fresh, it would gently lift the oils out of the hair. But as you can imagine it had its disadvantages. (premature Greying) Now  
Bumble and Bumble has its own new and improved hair powders that come in black, white, red, blond and brown. I know I know I'm getting to the dirt now! Can I tell you how many lives it has saved? So here is how it works: they come in aerosol cans in 2 sizes , a travel size and an eight ounce.  You wake up and you have a few minutes and your hair is flat and a little oily; apply the Hair Powder by lifting the root area and lightly spraying while working it through the hair.  I bet you'll feel cleaner and have more volume in 5 minutes flat! Not even the Gecko on the Geico ad could make that kind of promise!!  


 Tip  **

It's best on clients that have 1 inch and a half or more length hair; if your hair is really short it might not be for you.  



Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

  

Posted by Unknown at 8:52 AM - 0 comments

MEN YOU MUST READ!!

When I heard about this I just could not argue. Different strokes for different folks. Right. I was advised that this is actually an incredible hair gel for all hair types (trying to keep a straight face here). I'm serious guys -- just remember to rinse after applying!! Let's take this one more step... you can shave with it!! Hey, I'm just telling it as it was told to me so don't think I'm crazy. Let me know how it goes ;) I guess you can use the one that heats up as a hair treatment!! LOL

www.ky.com


Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:45 AM - 0 comments

ANTONIO ON SHECKYS

Please have a look at my newest post on Sheckys teaching you all about DOING IT YOUR SELF: 1960s HAIR WITH ANTONIO GONZALES

http://sheckys.com/newyorkcity/beauty/do_it_yourself_1960s_hair_with_antonio_gonzales_6491.asp


AFG

Posted by Unknown at 4:44 AM - 0 comments

THE BOB; BY ANTONIO

Posted by Unknown at 4:40 AM - 0 comments

AIRPORT HAIR....

I was on a business trip recently when I found myself doing what a lot of us do at the airport -- people watching. There is always something to see. From the badly behaved child to the drama at the airline counter, to little Missy flight attendant swishing with her little suitcase thinking she looking fierce -- and let's not forget tons and tons of bad hair. At that point I asked myself, why is there always so much bad hair at the airport? It does not matter which city you're in, even in the fashion capitol of the world, bad hair is alive and kicking. From bad up-dos that look like they were freshly plucked from the 80's, to bobs that look like they were cut with a butter knife, it can all be so upsetting! And lets not talk about curls. I know the bigger the hair the closer to God, but honey let the exorcism begin. I saw some curly do's that were plain old satanic.

Men, you're guilty too; I can't believe that even after all this time you still think you're fooling somebody with a comb-over. The G.I. Joe cut should be G.I. GONE and the plague of the mullet is still evident. The next problem is hair color. Mommy why do stylists still feel the need to give clients big old chunks of colors in red and blond? (I asked with a puzzled look on my face) Let's face it -- its wrong for a client of any age, male or female. I'll have to close with the worst of all, and that¹s the Long hair past the waist that has not been cut in 10 years. The myth of your hair is your beauty is just that a myth. Having hair with 10 inches at the ends that look like your dog Snoopy had a smoke of kitty litter and attacked our hair is just not acceptable. I wish that one day that people the world over would get together and join
hands to eradicate the plague of bad hair (do I hear a kumbaya)?



Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:26 PM - 0 comments

PONYTAIL, CURSE OR CURE?

After Stephen my guest writer posted his piece on the PONYTAIL, the response was amazing!  Mostly people did not agree but that's why we are here, to share, learn and have fun.  As a result I decided to post a piece I wrote about a year ago on this topic, so please enjoy.

So, here is the skinny on the tail... As a man, I often find myself sharing this feeling with many men. Scenario...
She enters the room looking fierce! Shoes? Hot!!! Dressed to kill!!! Makeup? Flawless !!!!! Then with a Jackie Chan drop kick, it hit me, a some what greasy ponytail, all pinned up and in place...

How do you decide when a messy ponytail is appropriate ?
If you are going to the neighborhood supermarket at 2pm on a Tuesday when nothing is happening.. then maybe you can get away with it. AT NO OTHER TIME IS THIS APPROPRIATE!!

The test is getting a hand mirror and have a look at what we all see close up , it maybe:
A) lop-sided tail ,
B) tons of bobby pins ( wrong color )
C) a chewed up hair band ,
D) frizzy ends .
F) Are you ready for this ? Hold on I think I need a moment ...My lips are struggling to form the words ... A butterfly clip!! The person who invented this should be reprimanded for encouraging so many innocent women to walk around with their hair "butterflied up "!

Seriously :)
So, is the Ponytail a curse or a cure ?
From what I am seeing on the streets , 85% curse 15% cure. Can the citizens on this precious land get together and do something to stop this? Well here are some helpful hints;

ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT YOUR HAIR IS PROPERLY BLOWN OUT (SHAMPOOED, CONDITIONED & DRIED) USING THE PROPER PRODUCT FOR YOUR HAIR TEXTURE. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP TO ENSURE THAT YOU WON'T COMMIT THE 2-DAY OLD HAIR THROWN UP INTO A PONYTAIL OFFENSE THAT WILL BE QUICKLY RECOGNIZED AS A MISHAP!

BE SURE TO BUY HAIRBANDS COVERED IN FABRIC, NOT RUBBER OR METALLIC BANDS THAT DESTROY THE HAIR.

INVEST IN A HAND MIRROR. THIS WAY YOU ARE ABLE TO CHECK THE BACK OF YOUR HAIR IN A LARGER MIRROR.

POMADES ARE IMPORTANT IN HELPING ACHIEVE THE PERFECT PONYTAIL BY MAKING IT EASIER TO MANEUVER THE HAIR. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY.

FOR A FINAL FINISH, ONE CAN USE A FLAT IRON TO SMOOTH THE ENDS OR A LARGE CURLING IRON TO CREATE BODY.

OVERALL, IT SHOULD BE A CLEAN, POLISHED, CENTERED PONYTAIL.

If you still feel that you need more information, please visit my link on about.com!
http://beauty.about.com/b/2008/01/16/video-how-to-style-a-sophisticated-ponytail.htm



Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 7:20 PM - 0 comments

NEW CUT

© 2008 Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 8:04 PM - 0 comments

THE BEST FLAT IRON GETS MY STAMP OF APPROVAL

Hats off to Hana.

I have been accused of preaching that the best hair care product and styling tools makes a big difference in what your hair looks like and how healthy it is. As a result, I am constantly trying new products and tools both salon professional as well as my favorite supermarket finds. I have used the Chi flat iron for many years and loved it. So, recently when I was asked to try, the Hana Iron, a new flat iron, I was a bit hesitant. Was it going to be another iron with a great ad campaign, endorsed by some random celebrity but does not deliver? I opened the package and thought nice packaging, (but we have all been disappointed by a nice package that does not work well). What I found inside was a sleek, easy to hold iron with a heat proof pouch and a heat proof mat to place the iron on. The next day, I was so excited to use my new iron to see if it worked that I wanted to flat iron my cab driver’s hair, (and girlfriend needed it).

Let’s cut to the chase here, this product works and honey, it works really well! Have you ever used a flat iron and the ceramic flakes off? Shame on those companies that try and sell irons that I would not even use on my Barbie (oops). The Hana Iron has a 100% ceramic plate casing, a five-setting, adjustable temperature dial which goes from 140 to 450 degrees and it can be used on damp hair. I loved the fact that the Hanna Iron was light, felt good in my hand and was easy to use. The best part of the Hana Iron, however, was the shine it left on the hair was incredible. Honestly, I have never seen shine like this come from a flat iron unless, of course, product is added at the end. I could make hair curl, flip and fly with this mama.

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved


For more info on the Hanna Iron and other great items, visit www.misikko.com.

Posted by Unknown at 7:31 PM - 1 comments

ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE?

Here is one of my client's that's not afraid of change, I must admit we have so much fun!!














© 2008 Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 6:57 PM - 0 comments

DID YOU SAY FABULAXER?

One day one of my male clients was sitting in my chair, and as I was doing my consultation I realised his hair was straighter than usual. So I asked, "did you relax your hair?" And he said, "No, I Fabulaxed it." My response was, "Fabu who?" So he gave me the story about how he and his ex-best friend were having martinis and relaxing each others' hair with Fabulaxer. His hair actually looked great, so I went to the pharmacy to find Mizz Fabulaxer and I did. Not only was it cheap, it was nicely packaged and seemed to do a great job dealing with his summer frizz. It may work for you as well as it works for my client, but my advice is not to try this at home -- leave it to the professionals! My client has the advantage of having short hair and getting regular salon hair cuts. If you still want to give it a try, just remember, as with any relaxer please read the instructions and be careful not to over-process. So, goodbye, good luck, and stay Fabu-lous.

Honey, this deserves an AFG stamp of approval!

© 2008 Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 7:58 PM - 0 comments

ASK ANTONIO

As I work with women of all ages and races, I notice a pattern in three particular age groups. Here I am putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys in this case) to share this information. Its obvious to me that their are three major points in a woman's life when she exudes an energy that says she feels secure with herself, and most importantly about her hair. This happens in her 20's, her 40s and her 60s. Let me explain:


Her 20's

When a girl is in her teenage years, she is experiencing a vast change in her appearance from skin to hair. By the time she has turned 20, she has survived the test of peer pressure and of developing physically. She has gone from being mummy's little girl with pig tails, to having a true understanding of herself. Her hair allows her to show the world her concept of style and emotions (I don't mean to sound like DR Phill here). Because of the media young women are more advanced in understanding their fashion sence compared to 15 years ago. When she sits in my chair, mom is not standing behind the chair directing the show ( I like that), so with my help we create a look that feeds her fashion sense.

TREND

The trend I see now in this age group is moving away from long hair and into short-short hair. Bobs? Hells no! I mean SHORT. Because of the recent craze where the bob was beaten to a pulp, these girls are bypassing the bob and leaving that look for the older girls (30's and up). They are embracing a trend that has been a comfortable place for many European women for the past 20 years. They no longer need hair to feel safe; they are very secure and want to stand out while still looking FIERCE!.





40's

This group has had time to explore their options where hair is concerned. They have accepted the change of their hair texture which was caused by "natural highlights" (grey hair). As a result they have more than likely entered the world of color or have made the decision to embrace their gray. The hair cut is also important. They know the value of a great hair cut and want a style that is youthful while being age appropriate, for the business woman or stay-at-home mom. Don't get me wrong, a women can wear a modern creative haircut and color at any age. Recently one of my clients gave me an example; At a certain age a woman makes the desicion that mini skirts are no longer appropriate and it's the same with hair.

THE TREND


As far as hair is concerned I see this group heading towards shorter hair as well.. They are willing to push their hair to a new limit in their forties..They feel a little pressured with the media for for all its focus on the perfect skin,hair and perfect woman and are also on to product companies with there names of hair care products like; Age Recharge , slimming fluid, skinny gel and age defying. Change is far more acceptable.


60's

This group has survived another level of pressure and have really grown into there own. They look back and laugh at their hair faux pars and have won the battle of accepting their "natural highlights" (greys) and working with the change in texture as a result. They know what works for them interms of hair color and are open to making a change with it. I consider them to be the blessed group, they smile at new trends of the girls in their 20's, remember the breakthrough of hairstyles in their 40's and now kick back and explore there hair options with their stylist in the prime years.

TRENDS

.When I look around my salon on 15 stylist of differend back rounds and ages we all have one thing in common with this age group, and thats color. And the color is RED . From a full head of bright Copper to warmer brunettes and blonds. Bold is in demand.

© 2008 Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 12:43 PM - 0 comments

ANTONIO'S BEAUTY SECRET

LOLITA LEMPICKA

This one will KNOCK your boots off!! I had a client visiting from Iran with his beautiful wife on their honeymoon. I couldn't help but notice his cologne. So I asked what it was? He proudly explained that it's actually two different colognes. The first Is actually any good mens cologne and the second is a womans perfume called Lolita Lempicka. You think I'm kidding? Seriously! It smelt so amazing that I had to go get a bottle and try it. You would not believe the attention I get. Even taxi drivers ask me for the name of my cologne. First apply your regular stuff (I like Prada for men ) then mist on Lolita Lempcka. I guarantee you that you will get attention from someone, anyone!!
If you have any secrets of your own please, lets blog about it!

Thanks for the tip visiting-on-honeymoon dude!!
www.parfumslolitalempicka.com

Posted by Unknown at 11:43 AM - 0 comments

PRODUCTS IN A PINCH

Products in a pinch.

With all the talk about watching how you spend and hair products becoming more and more expensive, I want to guide you in the right direction from my personal experience. Lucky for me I work in a salon and have access to professional products. But when I travel as far as London, I can sometimes forget one of my favorite beauty formulas, and I find myself having to run to the nearest drugstore. I quickly realized that there is a world of hair care that I am missing out on and want to get them to you.


Straightenin gel by Tresemme

I cannot stress enough how much this is a great find. Its less than $6 and works well with out any offensive smell or residue. (Yes the packaging is boring but that's why its so cheap:)






Biosilk by farouk

This is not only great for split ends, its for shine. It's great before
blow drying and especially before flat ironing and works on the legs
when wearing those Mini's, and I'm not kidding. Did I mention cheap?




Garnier brillantine shine wax.

Once you can get past the sweet smell, this product has beat many
expensive waxes to the test (I know I tried). It gives great hold and amazing shine.
I am sure you have seen this product, haven't we all!!




Dove curl and sculpt mousse

Love it. Great for air drying curls. First apply your favorite curl cream then follow with the Dove curl mousse. It's also great for a great blow dry, not for fine hair though it maybe a little too heavy, and don't forget a goes a long way.




Shimmer lights shampoo

I think Christopher Columbus and his posse used this product, as it has been around for a long time. Great for cancelling any yellow tones in grey hair from medication deposits, smoke and product build-up. It's also safe for those brassy blondes.





Soon I will have more products to share so stay tuned...

Posted by Unknown at 11:13 AM - 0 comments

STEPHEN TAKES ON THE PONY TAIL

I always love chatting with Stephen, so when we started a heated conversation about the ponytail I realised I needed to share his story and his take on the ponytail.



The Pony Tail for the Ladies Who Lunch

I was meeting my good friend Jim and one of his best gal pals for dinner one night at a fabulous Chelsea bistro last fall. When I walked in Jim’s friend was wearing a fierce dress with a plunging neckline but sporting her gorgeous long blonde hair in a pony tail. Far be it from me to ever critique anyone’s appearance unless expressly asked, so I simply sat down and joined in the festivities. Now my dear friend Jim is not as tight lipped as I am so he brought up the idea of the pony tail and asked my opinion. I remained as diplomatic as possible until his friend asked for my true opinion as apparently there had been a debate about the matter prior to my arrival. I informed her that her hair would be much more appealing, especially to any man walking in the room, if it were down and flowing from behind her ear towards her well-exhibited cleavage. On the rare occasion where I have taken advice from my father, who believed that if you have it, flaunt it, I informed our attractive female companion that flowing hair naturally draws the male eye to a woman’s face and beyond.

While I am not the greatest fan of the pony tail, I do believe it has its place in a woman’s repertoire of hair styles. Sadly many women have expanded this limited role of the pony tail to areas where it should never make an appearance such as an evening out with a gentleman caller, parties and other important social functions. I am not even a fan of the pony tail at the office. It screams “I don’t care what I look like today”, which is never a good signal to send to colleagues and clients. Some women have even used the pony tail as an excuse for proper styling and grooming of their hair. Trust me, there are very few looks that are less appealing than dirty hair pulled back in a pony tail. You are not fooling anyone.

Some of the times and places in a woman’s life where the pony tail is appropriate include the tennis court yoga studio, aerobics class, boating, etc. A pony tail is a wonderful look on the ski slopes, whether you’re a snow bunny or are really good at the sport. There is also something very attractive about a woman sporting a pony tail while she is dashing off to meet her girl friends for lunch or a day of shopping, especially on a hot summer day. When wearing a pony tail be sure that all of the hair is tied back and the pony tail sits high in the middle of the back of the head. Leave the peasant look to Andie MacDowell, although I believe even she has abandoned this style. Women seem to forget that most straight men like long hair on women so remember, that if a man is involved in your immediate future, unless sports are involved, the pony tail needs to stay home.

One final piece of advice to all women is that if you ever wear a pony tail, never tie it back with a scrunchy, unless you are from some hellish place in the wilderness of Georgia.

Stephen is a guest writer with an opinion like the rest of us. I am so happy to give him a platform to share his views. So stay tuned for more "good stuff" from him and PLEASE wite in with your views, he would love to hear from you!

Posted by Unknown at 7:34 PM - 6 comments