OMGGGGGGGGG!!! I'm sorry, look at my hair. So this pic above is when the amika stylist did it for me but amika home styling tools are where it's at. amika's focus is on letting girls do their own hair at home.  I don't know about you guys but I usually watch the Hills and the City and drool over Olivia and Audrina's big beautiful waves that look natural but that we know are the product of some serious styling behind the scenes.

The stylers come in a range of bold, high-design patterns from giraffe print to tatoos. 

If you're like me you thought that the Chi was the highest level of quality you could get.  I learned, however, not so! amika's flat irons and curlers use professional-grade technology.  Their stylers are made with 10% ceramic plates-not just athin coating like most others (and don't even try to go to the drug store you'll get straight up metal, which will really damage your precious locks). amika stylers feature infared heat, which seals moiture into your hair and protects the cuticle and also softens your strands. I'm telling you, I haven't seen my hair shine like this even after leaving the salon last weekend. My favorite part though is that the heat gets right to the root of your hair so you don't even need hairspray (which is my nemesis).

The curlers are clip free and are ready to use in 15 seconds.  And the curler is tourmaline, which provides a natural source of frizz-eliminating ions.

Let's talk girl talk. Remember the game girl talk growing up? Uch so amazing.  I digress. So check out the pic below. This is a pic of me attempting to curl my hair after being inspired by Olivia Palermo's perfect locks on the city.

Me(to myself): Wow, O's hair is so gorge. *Lightbulb* la la la! I own a super awesome curling iron after attending the amika event that is just dying to get out of its adorable little giraffe covered box. 

So, while Rossy-poo was in the bedroom on the phone with his friend I decided to attempt to do my hair super quick so I could surprise him when he came out. Now for those of you who dont know me, I have a massive amount of hair. Like, hairstylists can't even believe it. It's thick. That's just to give some street cred to how quickly amika got the job done. In 14 minutes flat I had styled my entire head into curls. Yes, they're not perfect. It is a learning experience. I did learn that you need to make sure to hold the hair up to the very tip otherwise the ends are straightened out. I also learned that I don't need to go all the way up to the roots because I look a lil Shirley Temple-esque. That aside, I mean it doesn't get much better than that.

Ross was also thoroughly impressed as was I.
Oh yeah and the iron comes with a glove so you don't burn your fingers holding the hair up to the iron (since it is clip free! so it can be crimp free too. Don't you just hate those little crimpies you get when you close the thingy down on it?)

Okay, so here comes the damage: The Curling irons start at $105 and go up from there.  They're not cheap but they actually work. Like I would actually wear my hair out even the first try I had at curling my hair. My Conair iron is literally going in the trashh!!

Check out amika at  loveamika.com

PS: The curls lasted all the way until I went to the gym the next day and even after–WITHOUT any hairspray!! And hairspray is terrible for you so I eliminated all those toxins from my life and lungs!

Disclosure: Please be advised that Smartypanties attended an event for and received samples of this product for review. Our reviews are always honest, which is why we always want you to know all the facts!

I went to a fabulous wedding on Saturday night at the Mandarin and I felt like how often do I get to go to such a beautiful venue, I felt like it necessitated a visit to the salon.  As much as I love my stick-straight locks, I needed a change.  Being a blogger you know I do get the opp to review salons, beauty products, restaurants, hotels, etc.  I had heard such great things about Warren Tricomi that I felt what better time to try it out. 

The salon is located in the shopping area that's attached to the Plaza Hotel.  The second you step inside you feel like you're about to get pampered.  There is an adorable little coffee shop that sells pastries, etc. as well as some nice shops that carry sunglasses, makeup, jewelry, and perfume. 

The salon itself is beautiful from the moment you ascend the marble stairs leading to the entrance.  The entire place just screams luxury and you get the feeling that you're in good hands from the moment you sit down.  I got my hair done by Leah who did, if I do say so myself an amazing job.  She really seemed to know what she was talking about.  She gave me advice on cut and part even though I was just getting it curled. I was going for the effortless curls that looked like I didn't even do my hair and she totally knew what I meant.

Warren Tricomi Salon is definitely on the pricier side but I think that if pampering yourself is what you're in the market for that this is an excellent choice.  You won't feel anything but relaxed from the moment you step inside.

Click here for a menu of services or here to visit their general website.  There are 3 locations: NYC, LA, and CT.

I was recently invited to get a blow out at the 941 Brickell Avenue Trini in Private Location.  It's close to where I live–I'd actually noticed it a few months ago and made a mental note to check it out for my next haircut. I'd read a bit about the salon previously and was really excited to try it out. 

A bit of background: the founder, Trini, is a noted Parisian stylist with 20 years of industry experience.  She came to the States and built herself a beauty empire. She relocated from France to Miami in 2003 and her spa has several other locations, and not just in Miami–she also has two location in New York City and an academy!  If you want to learn more about the salon, visit the website: www.triniinprivate.com.

I really like her brand because her philosophy focuses on each woman's individuality.  Her stylists use their gifts to bring out your own personalized beauty.  They recognize that what works for one may not work for all and they work to customize their approach and tailor their work specifically for you.  (Case in point: does anyone remember when everyone had "The Rachel"???  I mean seriously…thank G-d Trini's people recognize and embrace individuality.)

As I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the super-chic yet friendly staff and offered something cold to drink.  My stylist, Gustavo Cagiao, gave me a tour of the salon.  The atmosphere is bright and airy with high ceilings and plenty of natural light, which gives it an upbeat, modern feel. I'd describe the decor as urban zen. The mood is mellow, yet vibrant.

There's a separate spa area in the back where the vibe is geared towards relaxation.  Gustavo explains that even the music is different from what is played in the front and designed to make you disconnect and float away.  He tells me that they offer an entire menu of spa services: they do massage, spray tans, waxing, manis/pedis, facials, eyelash extensions, makeup application, etc.  You name it, and they probably do it.  Their spa brand is Germain de Capuccini.  Another cool tidbit: they use an organic French makeup line: Couleur Caramel.  The spa is clean and spacious, and feels warm and private, not at all stark or clinical. 

Then Gustavo took me back to his station and got down to business.  He told me that he's been in the beauty industry for more than 20 years and came to Miami by way of Argentina.  He shampoos and conditions my hair with PHYTO products (which they sell right in house, along with L'Oreal Professionel products).  Trini holds the distinction of being the first PHYTO Concept Store to be opened in the USA, which is actually a huge deal.

  Gustavo told me he thought he should blow my hair out straight because that would work best for me and then proceeded to work very quickly and methodically.  Now, my hair is naturally really thick and super curly.  Whenever I go to a salon, I am used to the stylists yanking and pulling and breaking my hair while they wrestle to get it sort of straight.  I was so impressed with Gustavo–not only did he NOT hurt me or snarl my hair AT ALL, but it was seriously the straightest, and softest I've ever seen it.  I was so impressed with him that I booked him to do my hair before I go to a wedding at the end of June.  I also bought all the PHYTO products he used on my hair.  Anything that can make my hair feel actually soft and supple–there was no question I had to own it. 

Here's a pic of what my hair looked like after that I forced my then-boyfriend (now fiance!) to take.

When you leave the salon, they give you a single white rose.  This seemed appropriate to me–it perfectly encapsulated Trini in Private–elegant, unusual, and fresh.  I can hardly wait for my next appointment!!!!

As wedding and prom season quickly approach, that age-old question comes into play: How am I going to do my hair?  Getting the perfect hair style for any special occasion can be a tricky art.  There is a lot to take into consideration such as what style to go with and what style will be most fitting for your “look.”  For this one-shot deal, you don’t want to get it wrong!  Below, Latrice Strader, master hair stylist & owner of Washington D.C. based salon and spa, Destiny De’ve knows how stressful an up do appointment can be, and offers a few simple tips to make sure your up do’s don’t turn into do up don’ts! 

• Down and Dirty:  There is some prep work that you should be aware of before getting your up do.  You may want to be fresh and clean when you go to the salon, but try to resist the urge to wash your hair the day of your up do.  “Hair that’s a day or two old is easier to work with,” says Latrice.  “When hair is too soft, it doesn’t hold curls or tease as well.”   When planning for a glam hair style, forget the rule “lather, rinse and repeat!”

• Avoid a Wardrobe Malfunction:   Wear a button-up shirt or a top with a loose fitting neck when you go in for your appointment.  There’s nothing worse than trying to maneuver out of a small neck hole while keeping your tresses in tact!  “Some women are so distracted with everything else on their mind that they don’t think about the shirt they are putting on over their head the morning of an up do,” says Latrice.  Stick with an easily escapable top, or you might end up having to cut yourself out of one of your favorite blouses!

• Think Total Package: Make sure you consider your entire look when selecting an up do.  Although choosing a hairstyle based on your face shape or hair-type are both effective techniques, don’t forget to factor in what you will be wearing for that special occasion.  Think about the top of your dress and what would flatter it the most.  “Strapless gowns generally look nice with some romantic waves or loose curls hanging down, whereas dresses with busy tops would look the best paired with a French twist or sleek pompadour ponytail,” advises Latrice.  Do a run-through by fixing your own hair as close to how you want it as you can, along with trying on your complete ensemble (shoes, bag, jewelry, the works), to see the whole picture.  You may discover everything doesn’t fit together quite like it does in your head, and you’ll want to be able to rethink things ahead of time. 

• Don’t be afraid of hair accessories:  Never underestimate the power of a well-placed accessory.  If you see a piece in a store or magazine that attracts you, ask your stylist if it can be incorporated into your up do.  Again, think total package.  “If the rest of your look is simple, playing up your face with a stunning flower or sophisticated headband can add some high drama to your look,” says Latrice.  But just don’t go overboard.  You want one show piece that’s going to stand out, so don’t do this if you already plan on wearing an elaborate dress, necklace or other attention-grabbing piece.  Simplicity is the key here.

• Inject some personality:  You should still look like yourself (albeit an even more devastatingly beautiful version of yourself) for your special occasion, so try to incorporate some of your own personal style.  “If you always wear your hair down, maybe try an up do with a part that has some face-framing locks falling down,” Latrice says.  “This way it’s similar to your typical look, but with some added glamour.”  You will have pictures from this event for the rest of your life, so you probably want to be able to recognize yourself in them.  Not only is it important to look like you, but also if you have an up do that fits your personality, you’re more likely to feel beautiful, and therefore more likely to work it!

• Honesty is the best policy:  If you are not 100% happy with your up do, don’t keep it a secret from your stylist (chances are he/she can tell just by looking at your face).  Let them know how you really feel so they can make changes before it’s too late!  “You may not want to sound rude or demanding, but your stylist would rather know if things aren’t looking like you imagined,” says Latrice.  “They will be able to adjust the up do for you better in the salon than you will be able to do yourself at home.”  That being said, keep in mind up dos are works in progress, and may look a little crazy at some points.  Feel free to ask questions if something concerns you, but remember that an up do generally doesn’t look chic and polished until the very end, when the final spritzing and smoothing is administered.

Meet Master Hair Stylist & Owner of Destiny De’ve, Latrice Strader

Latrice Strader, a native Washingtonian, is the owner/master stylist of Destiny De’Ve Salon and Spa located in the revitalized neighborhood of Columbia Heights in Washington, D.C. Latrice began her career as a stylist by enrolling in her high school’s cosmetology program. During the summer months she worked as an assistant to master stylists which help her to perfect her craft. Latrice graduated from high school as a stylist and began working on historic U Street. During her 12 year tenure, Latrice built a reputation for her expertise in multi-cultural styling and fashion forward styles that demand attention.

Do you love or hate Rob's new look?

Oh Edward, how I love thee, but I miss the tousled locks!

Image Courtesy: People StyleWatch

I’m not sure why Ashley is wearing a hat from Blossom circa 1992 but I’m kind of obsessed with Mary-Kate’s rainbow streaks in the front. Ahh to have the option of doing that. The woes of a being a dark-haired lady…

What do you think about her new hairstyle?