Update Your Do for Summer

“You update your makeup and wardrobe seasonally. Change your hair, too,” suggests veteran hair designer Michael Haase (www.michaelmhaase.com).

Haase is based at Christophe Salon in Beverly Hills and swears by the organic UNITE hair care product line. This October, Haase will have been creating looks for the likes of Whitesnake and Marc Jacobs models for 37 years.

Recently, Haase hosted a professional cutting class for hairstylists at the newly opened Pleasanton salon Briana Briana, where he gave some serious shape to a curly do, and then updated my look to a 60s box bob/80s style combo.

Haase believes the haircutting experience should be fun for the client. He says, “Don’t bring your kids to your haircut, it’s your time.” Relax and savor this spa-like experience.

What’s In This Season:

Shorter is younger. Haase says, “If you didn’t like your hair short, it was the wrong shape.” This spring, go for a French curve, the hair shape that mimics an hourglass body shape.

Briana says sleek, long layers are out. Shorter hair with shape, movement, and tons of texture is in. Go for that second day beachy look.

Haase’s Product Picks for the East Bay:

Session Max, the “strongest hairspray on the planet” is a secret weapon for the windy moist East Bay air.

Hey brunette brides, layer Shina Mist with hairspray to highlight your detailed do in wedding photographs.

Get the Look:

Soon to be sisters-in-law Nicole Briana and Lindsay Peterson opened Briana Briana on March 1, 2009. Recently recruited to the expanded salon is former Salon X hair stylist, Jenny Chimerofsky. Jenny is currently taking new clients. To make an appointment, call (925) 895-6070 or (925) 577-6232.

UNITE products are not sold in retail stores. To purchase, visit Briana Briana online at www.brianabriana.com or in the Sola Studio Salons at 6010 Johnson Drive, Suite D, Studio 2, in Pleasanton.

He Doesn't Cut Hair

...he designs looks. Here's my new look. Inspired by a 60s box bob. Styled in tune with the 80s. Thank you, Briana Briana for hosting this wonderful cutting class by look designer Michael Haase.

Congrats, AAU School of Fashion Class of 2009

Third row back. Far right. My face at my first major runway show! Totally enthralled and mesmerized by the perfectly timed show. I'm so thankful Associate Art Director at Diablo magazine Alisha Petro had an extra ticket for last night's Academy of Art University School of Fashion graduation fashion show.

It was fantastic. Bright lights. Thumping tracks. The beautiful dance of models strutting down the runway. 

To see the whole show, visit http://academyart.edu/fashionsf09.html.

Most impressive moments: The way the models seamlessly transitioned from sky high laced booties to menswear flats without losing the grace and rhythm of their gazelle-like strut.

Hair Today, Gone April 27

I volunteered to be a hair model for a haircutting class at my fabulous salon, Briana Briana (www.brianabriana.com), hosted by UNITE haircare professionals on Monday, April 27. Stand by, Twitterers, I'll be uploading Twitpics in realtime during my hair makeover (follow Sarah Wetmore). I need your help choosing which images to bring in as inspiration for new do. 

This is my hair now. I have Gaga bangs and long blonde locks. I'm open to shedding some of the length and I need your help choosing what I can pull off. 

I love my girl, Rihanna. Her tiny tattoos, edgy haircuts, and kick ass fashion forward rock and roll style set her apart. What do you think about the above-the-chin length of this cut?

Are A-lines too trendy? Would I risk going out of style if I dared to don this asymmetrical look?

Reese's choppy bob is carefree and seems like it would be totally low maintenance.

Are you loving Rachel's coif?

Vote now! I'd love to hear your advice and suggestions. Stay tuned to see my new cutting edge do in just 7 days. Follow me on Twitter (Sarah Wetmore) for live updates on Monday, April 27.

Ruffles: The Look for Less

Steve Madden recently introduced these lilac Trufle platforms ($89.95 at http://www.stevemadden.com/item.aspx?id=48003). These flirty feminine platforms are perfect for a preppy spring garden party or a more edgy stomp downtown when paired with a leather bomber and skinnies. Get the look for less with these Mossimo Panya Ruffle Wedge sandals in Pewter ($29.99) at your local Target or online at http://tiny.cc/hx5Zg.

Get to steppin, party girl.

Trend Alert: Wooden Platform

May 2009 Elle says, "Designers are seeing the forest for the trees this season with textured wood prints and bark accessories." Elle suggests these Miu Miu solid wood heels, $680: 

First time ALIVE fashion writer Marissa Sullivan, in her April 2009 "Stylishly Yours" article (www.aliveeastbay.com), urges East Bay readers, "Ladies, if you buy one shoe this spring, make sure it's a platform or wedge sandal...I could see them being a great vacation shoe; both fashionable and functional." Marissa suggests a pair of comfortable Danskos. Unfortunately for ALIVE readers, there is no section with information to locate the advertised products.

On a recent stroll through Target, I found myself sitting on the carpet trying to choose between five pairs of Spring heels. 

I landed on the Women's Xhilaration® Tina Cut-Out Sandals in Brown. I love the butterfly wing cutout detail. I'm totally going to wear these with black (gasp!).

For only $19.99, I walked out of the store feeling totally trendy and super frugal. I've worn them twice since I bought them and I have to admit that for less than $20 heels, they are surprisingly comfortable.

Go hug a tree and grab these wooden platforms (http://tiny.cc/3sKja). Save money, show some love to our oxygen giving friends, and look totally chic. Now that's a platform I can get behind.

The Carrie Bradshaw Chronicles: Neck Candy Edition

My life will be complete once I collect the holy trifecta of Carrie Bradshaw necklaces. First, the gold nameplate.

Check.

Undoubtedly the most iconic necklace from Carrie Bradshaw's boudoir is her gold "Carrie" nameplate. I scooped up my own version that reads "Stella" at a street fair in Palm Springs a few years back.

Second, the tiara diamond choker. 

Check.

My latest Carrie obsession has been this beautiful little diamond necklace. It's like an upside down tiara, so it instinctively has all the glitz of royal glam. Since I spotted the gem that scored a recurring role on Sex and the City, I've been relentlessly hunting for one just like it and today, I found it!

I was birthday present shopping for two soon to be 22-year-old friends of mine in the beautiful downtown Danville when I became frustrated with the overpriced pretentious plastic goods in Ella J. I headed down the street towards a hole-in-the-wall boutique which never lets me down. This quality establishment is called the Vintage Boutique and it's overflowing with vintage brooches, rings, carpet bags, fur hats, gloves, clip on earrings, necklaces and bracelets galore. Each timeless piece has a story, each has incomparable character.

After I spotted the two most perfect gifts for my gal pals (I'll reveal those treasures after they've been gifted), a spotlight shown down from heaven and I heard the Hallelujah chorus. This beautiful vintage piece of iconic fashion history was sitting pretty atop a white necklace bust. The added gold square embellishments give me a unique take on the classic look. I've been on Cloud 9 since this afternoon. 

The best part was the price: $18. 

Vintage Boutique

130 E Prospect Ave

Danville, CA 94526

925-838-7108

Third, that elusive perfect strand of pearls. Not too cheap looking. Not the wrong white color. A good length. Plenty of personality. 

I'm on the hunt. Oh, Mikimoto...