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...

Who is She Wearing?

Samantha Harris co-hosted ABC's Dancing with the Stars last evening in a refreshing red gown. Why was this Lady-in-Red such a sight to see? Those pockets, people! They add a hint of casual cool to this otherwise stuffy ballgown. So, who is she wearing? I'm dying to know.

Photos courtesy of ABC.com.

The Classic Ten: The LBD

Yes, I'm aware it's St. Patrick's Day. At the risk of offending the Irish, I'm not all that inspired by green fashion at the moment (environmentally friendly, yes, the color forced upon people with the threat of physical violence should they refrain, no). My anti-establishment mood fits in perfectly with the color I'd rather talk about. The mysterious. The mature. The sexy black.

I picked up Nancy MacDonell Smith's The Classic Ten, The True Story of the Little Black Dress and Nine Other Fashion Favorites at my local library and I must say, Smith is whole new breed of novelist. She's a refined cross between cultural anthropologist, historian, and contemporary fashion journalist. As former Fashion News/Features Director at Nylon magazine, Smith sure has the "eye" for style and an authoritative take on the classics. 

The true story of the classic ten reads with all the accuracy and accompanying timelines as my high school AP History textbook, without leaving behind all the flare and star studded personality of an upbeat exposé in Harper's Bazaar.

Let's take a look at two of the most famous LBDs in fashion and pop culture history Smith highlights in her novel.

Givenchy designed the infamous LBD worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany's. The positively iconic gown was auctioned off at Christie's in December 2006. The winner took home the legendary LBD for just under $1 million. The profit was donated to City of Joy Aid, a charity that helps underprivileged children in India.

Elizabeth Hurley's Versace safety-pin LBD skyrocketed her from "nice English girl" to "smoldering sexpot." She donned the dress on Hugh Grant's arm at the 1994 premier of Four Weddings and a Funeral in London.

Ah, black. It symbolizes the end of a girl's childhood, that day she dons her first little black dress. It has the power to "isolate the wearer's uniqueness," often the backdrop for drama. It is worn exclusively for one year and one day at the onset of mourning. It says, via Chanel, "modernity, streamlined practicality, quiet, self-assured sexiness." It is the abandonment of convention. It has been uniform to the likes of French Vogue Editor in Chief Corinne Roitfeld and city mice worldwide.

For a more exhaustive look at the color black and the history of the LBD, order The Classic Ten at Amazon.com for only $11.20 here: http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Ten-Little-Fashion-Favorites/dp/0142003565. Or rent it for free at your local library. (Clearly the better choice for every recessionista out there. Holla.)

From the archives: one LBD that made history in Viva Las Vegas, circa summer '08.

Stay tuned for Smith's Classic Number Two: The Suit. Be so anti today. Wear black (never before noon, of course).

Hit the Bullseye with These Spring Frocks

Shopping lists work in the grocery store. They work in hardware stores. You write down what you need in an orderly fashion. You take your list with you into the store and check each item off as you toss it into your cart and continue snaking your way down one isle and up through the next. You OCD folks, like me, might double check your list as each item floats down the conveyor belt toward its temporary plastic home. You leave with everything you came for. Not a thing more, save the occasional impulse pack of gum or travel size sanitary wipes (shout out to my fellow germophobes).

This is never the case at Target. I've stopped writing lists when I go to Target. Complete waste of paper and ink. Kudos to the buyers, marketers, and product display managers at Target. It's like they know exactly how to entice you into believing you simply can't pass up the $16.99 Mossimo black leather studded belt to perfectly cinch all the new dresses you just purchased. And all those shoes... man, they do a great job imitating the big wigs. 

So you can understand how I gleefully power walked through the row of those great big red rosary beads outside and into my shopping black hole. Target, you temptress. I went in to scout out the brand new Alexander McQueen McQ line for Target. I've been counting down to March 4th for months now. After two trips to the fitting room and some really impressive (read, irresistibly persuasive) product placement, I left with 6 dresses and one versatile belt to cinch my newly decorated, different dress for each day of the week, waist. 

Let me explain why I simply could not put a single one of these frocks back on the rack.

Exhibit A: Alexander McQueen® for Target Tiger Print Shift Dress - Ebony/Pink, $44.99

Why I had to have it: I couldn't leave without one piece from the McQ line I've been looking so forward to. As a blonde, I feel very confident pulling off shocking pink. 

Exhibit B: Go International® Zip Dress w/Mesh Uniform Blue, $34.99

Why I had to have it: A fully functioning silver zipper. Love those metallic unexpected details. And the clincher, hello, POCKETS. I'm such a sucker for pockets. Did I mention the March 2009 Harper's Bazaar says, "Cool Blue" is a Smart Shopping spring trend? I wisely passed up the suggested Michael Kors dress ($1,395) from Bergdorf Goodman for this sassy look.

Exhibit C: Go International® Side Ruffle Dress - Smokey Taupe, $39.99

Why I had to have it: The latest issue of Bazaar says, "It's all about natural tones: Creamy BEIGES and notable NUDES." Who would I be to disagree with Glenda Bailey?

Exhibit D: Go International® Braided Strap Dress - Ebony, $39.99

Why I had to have it: I'm powerless against braided straps on anything. Plus, the way this silkly layered fabric opens up at the bottom like a blooming tulip is really interesting. And you can never have enough LBDs. Never.

Exhibit E: Go International® Strappy Colorblock Dress Zodiac Night, $29.99

Why I had to have it: It reminds me of cool London street style and I can totally see myself popping around town in this colorblock frock when the weather turns warm. And for now, it's going to look bangin' under my leather jacket.

Exhibit F: Juniors Xhilaration® Floral Tiered Dress - Black, $21.99

Why I had to have it: Spring. Florals. It's a pretty basic argument.

And the belt is completely justified as the capstone piece which holds together all 6 of these beautifully feminine frocks. (It's so much fun to call dresses frocks. Try it. You'll be hooked, I'm warning you).

So hurry into your nearest Target store and snatch up Alexander McQueen's McQ pieces for Target. Hurry in. McQ leaves Target April 14th. Watch a video about how The Duke Spirit inspired the line here: http://www.target.com/Alexander-McQueen-Design-Shopping-Directory/b/ref=sc_iw_r_12_0/181-0301237-6451139?node=1260398011.

Walk out of Target with just what's on your list. (And no adding items once you're inside.)

I dare you.

Cheap Chic: What to Wear in Cabo Wabo

Confessions of a Shopaholic. Story. Of. My. Life. What a fantastically inspiring and appropriate story. I feel as though Rebecca Bloomwood and I are such kindred spirits. I too, surrender to impulse buys, succumb to a purchase because I feel sorry for a salesperson, and spend more than I have. I even experienced mannequins speaking to me after I saw this major motion film. The ones in Forever 21 stood on top of display tables and gestured towards the piles of picked through trendy merchandise and said, "See the mess I have to put up with? I can barely see my feet through the rummaged little mounds." The ones in Barneys New York CO-OP stood tall with their artificial noses stuck high in the air as they chuckled degradingly down at me and said, "Look around all you want. Just don't touch anything because all of my clothes are a bit too rich for your blood." And then under her breath, "Try Forever 21."

Besides convincing me that plastic, wooden, and wax women without ears or movable joints can speak, this film was a completely positive experience. It was jam packed with fabulous fashion eye candy. One costume element really stood out for this upcoming Spring season. It is the bright statement necklace.

If you're planning on taking a little vaca to warm weather and palms this spring or packing up your printed swimsuits and short-all jumpers for a week-long party in Cabo Wabo, you'll need a statement necklace for your spring fling, just like this one that Rebecca Bloomwood wears when she visits sunny Miami.

The featured Betsey Johnson collar is (sigh) just about all sold out on eBay and BJ's website. Rebecca's anchor necklace was paired with a crisp white blazer, to maximize its standout potential.  

I scoped out some sunny equivalents at local discount stores for your shopping pleasure. This Erickson Beamon for Target 36" Red Seed Bead Lobster Pendant Necklace is only $39.99.

Why I love it: Look at those little baby crystal peepers! I dare you not to smile at the playful details. The Sebastian to your Cabo Wabo Ariel.

This Haskell necklace is sold at Loehmann's for only $16.97.

Why I love it: The blue and green are reminiscent of a Grecian skyline and will really pop against white fabric as well as a bronzed bosom. The flower shape totally reminds me of the floral print Marc Jacobs consistently splashes across canvas bags, metallic jewels, and feminine frocks.

Happy hunting for your newest Spring statement piece and don't forget the SPF! 

International Lip Service

My first stop when I landed in London last month was Topshop. Literally, my first stop. I didn't even bother waiting for the bellhop to deliver my bags to my hotel room. I traded in my dollars for pounds and hit the street. A short walk from The Crowne Plaza, St. James stands one of the UK's 300 Topshop retail outlets. 

I made a beeline for the sale section, in hopes of filling my arms with as many pounds of Topshop apparel I could carry, for as little pounds as possible. As I scanned and slid each hanging treasure behind its former, I stopped when I spotted this printed party dress.

Immediately I could picture Patricia Field hand selecting this print for one of Carrie Bradshaw's quirky outfits. I had to have it. It was speaking to me, saying, "I'm one of a kind. I turn heads. Bring me home to the states and I'll make you the envy of everyone who sees me. I'll spice up your post graduate wardrobe with a hint of youthful flirtation. And I mean, hello, February 14th is right around the corner. If not then, when?"

For a bargain, I invited the flirty frock to make the voyage with me overseas. I donned it for my sister's 25th birthday party in SF. I balanced its overtly feminine print with a grey three quarter leather bomber. The corseted strapless was a smashing success. Plenty of attitude with a hint of risk. 

To my delight, my dress was featured in the February issue of Nylon, the holy grail of hip fashion magazines. 

Each month, Nylon features a pile of newsworthy themed goodies. The contents of this mythical Mary Poppins' bag are sprawled across the last page of the magazine to leave the readers with a lingering taste of eye candy, and in this case, some Hershey kiss candy. This month, my Topshop lip print dress is featured in "Bag Check." I knew this dress wasn't lying to me when it said it promised to be the life of the party, as well as the page. 

And that's no empty lip service. 

Cheap Chic: Snow White

Last week, FabSugar (http://www.fabsugar.com/) put out a Trend Alert for white jewels. She said "Winter white always feels crisp, and white jewels pack a serious punch. Think about it; when everything else is gray and dingy, white brightens. White enamel is a cheap alternative to ceramic or glass, so feast!"

I agree. And white jewelry is often overlooked and forgotten. Plus, wearing white always makes you look more tan, and in my albino winter phase, I could use all the illusion assistance I can get my hands on. 

Fab suggested the Zirconite White Solid Cushion Cut Enamel Ring from Target. It goes for $15.99. 

Kathryn took me shopping in the enchanted village of Brentwood, Ca this holiday weekend and we couldn't resist poking into the Free People shop. Look what I found in a dainty little bowl on the front counter:

This feminine little Flower Garden Ring is hand crafted and made of vintage materials and semiprecious stones. I'd say that's a deal for only $24.00. Little metallic accents dot the surfaces of the rose and daisy flower bunch. What a great way to send myself belated Valentine's Day flowers.

Celeb Sighting: Mena Suvari

Spotted: Mena Suvari at the Grove Theatre in LA, Sunday, February 15, 2009.

The Dish: This petite actress had quite the weekend. She celebrated her 30th birthday on Friday the 13th, no doubt spent Valentine's Day with fiance Italian-Canadian concert promoter, Simone Sestito, and went to the movies with an unidentified brunette friend on Sunday. Suvari was spotted standing on the regal staircase in the theatre lobby waiting for said friend. Suvari wore black skinnies tucked into heeled black boots, many layers of tees, tanks, and a sweater, and accessorized the look with a large sparkly shoulder bag. A handful of large body guard-looking men floated around her, but didn't accompany her into the screening of Confessions of a Shopaholic. Don't worry. Kathryn and I did. We also escorted her out of the theatre, and by escorted, I mean coordinated our timing perfectly as to zip our way in right behind her as we exited the theatre. 

So I know you're thinking, what's the big deal? She was in American Pie like a million years ago. Well, check out the rock she was flashing from her ring finger. It it enormous. Enormous and beautiful. These photos don't do the sparkling gem justice.

Hmm, maybe I should look into the Italian/Canadian performing arts.

Home Style: Fortune Cookie Karate Chop

And now, a brief detour from wardrobe style to home decor style.

I was touring model homes in the newly developed Dougherty Valley and I noticed something about every single pillow sprawled across each couch and each bed in the model homes. They all had an indent in the middle and two ear-like points sticking up like a Pokemon character.

Here's what they looked like:

Well that's an interesting touch, I thought. They didn't have the same come-here-and-jump-onto-my-fluffly-goodness quality that most pillows have. They seemed so posed, like they were ready to be photographed, which is coincidental, since I couldn't leave the model bedroom without snapping a photo.

It wasn't until yesterday's episode of MTV's The City that I realized this look is actually an intentional decorative touch. Observe self-appointed "social" Olivia Palermo karate chopping her pillows, prepping for a visit from her friends. 

So there you have it. The next time you're having company over or feel like sprucing your home to look its best, don't forget to swiftly karate chop your pillows right on their heads so that they transform into pretty little fortune cookie shapes.