My favorite must read of the day fashion blog Chic Stories wrote a great post Straight or Curls

Which do you prefer straight or curly?

Visit Chic Stories for more stories like this one.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Rihanna in D&G (source)

Rihanna in Gucci (source)

Rihanna (source)

Rihanna with orange pumps (source)

Where did this girl come from? It seems like this time last year, Rihanna was nowhere to be seen on the fashion radar, but then she went to Paris and pulled a major Katie Holmes on us.

The Proof:

Rihanna at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards

Her old look was definitely “eh”…not terrible, but nothing to blog about. Classic dress, classic shoes, classic long hair. Utterly forgettable. Now, every time she steps out she looks like a million bucks. You know, if I was a celeb, I would have whoever is dressing her on my speed dial.

Dressing like Rihanna is no small feat, and it certainly helps if you have a killer young bod like she does (I think she won some “best legs” in the biz award from Venus razors last year or something). But, it can be done. With these few tips, you can get under her umbrella-ella of fashion with ease. Here’s how to dress like Rihanna:

1) Hair: If you are looking for a major fashion overhaul, then you have to start with the hair first. Rihanna ditched her Mariah Carey-inspired locks and opted for an edgy pixie cut instead and it SO works. Not only does it disguise her very high forhead, but her pixie cut gives her new couture pieces a much better canvas to play off of.

2) Clothes: It’s obvious that Ri has access to the greatest designers in the world and thus, the greatest looks. While we all can’t afford to strut it in Gucci every day, we can still take cues from their look. Rihanna’s look is very distinct, so pick out distinct (read: avant-garde, not gaudy) pieces to stand out from the crowd. Instead of a plain top under your blazer, add a lacy top with a pencil skirt and bright colored shoes instead.

3) Accessories: It must be noticed that Rihanna’s accessories have gone from bland to fierce. I have never wanted orange pumps more than I do now. Look for fierce but femme clutches, unexpected colors with an all black ensemble, and over the top earrings and bangles with a pretty top and skirt.

Popularity: 31% [?]

Reese Witherspoon (source)

Halle Berry (source)

Heidi Klum (source)

Liv Tyler (source)

Confession: last week I officially broke my 15-year stance against bangs and made the cut. I haven’t had bangs since I was a little girl (and those were heavily feathered to match my thick plastic glasses), so it was a hard move for me. However, I think that my bangs are super cute and love them much more than I thought I would.

Another confession: I was inspired by celebs. It seems like every time I turned around another celeb was sporting some cute fringe, and I just didn’t want to be left in the dust. No, seriously, it seemed like a simple solution to change up my stagnant style without severly cutting, dying or otherwise ruining my hair.

I have a round face, so I chose sideswept bangs (plus, they are easy to pin back and will grow out quickly if I decided I didn’t like them). But if you want to get red carpet bangs, then you need to do a little research first.  Here’s how to get celebrity style bangs:

1) Consider your face shape: Anyone who has ever opened a magazine knows how important your face shape is when it comes to haircuts, and bangs are no exception. If you have a long face (like Liv Tyler) then you can do the heavy, blunt cut bangs. If you have a heart shaped face (like Reese Witherspoon) then lighter sideswept bangs are more your speed.

2) Try some on for size: If you are really unsure of how this look will suit you, then get thee to the mall and buy some hair pieces to try out the look first. I used my own hair and pinned it in place (I have longer hair) and took some pictures to see if I liked the effect first.

3) See a stylist: DON’T try to cut your own bangs if you want to get the best results. I cut my own, and while I think they are cute, I’ll probably have to go in and have my stylist clean them up in a few months. A stylist can also recommend hot new bangs and textures to suit your face shape. Be sure to bring pictures for inspiration!

So that’s how to get celebrity style bangs…don’t be afraid of the shears if you really want to try this look, after all, it will grow back eventually. Good luck!

Popularity: 30% [?]

Amy Winehouse (source)

Grammy sweeper, troubled chanteuse and bouffant-wearin’ Amy Winehouse certainly knows how to make an entrance. Whether on stage, wandering around her neighborhood at 3AM or heading to a hearing for her “Blake incarcerated,” Amy is almost always in style.

While her mile-high hair and extreme winged-out eyeliner may not be for everyone, her rock-chic style certainly has me coveting a pencil skirt or two. The beautiful part about Amy’s look is that almost anyone can do it, no matter what your personal style, and it can be worn to school, work, the movies, out to dinner or almost anywhere (minus the cleavage for work and school, of course).

Amy’s signature style is actually fairly easy to pull off, and you probably already have a few Winehouse-inspired pieces in your closet already. Check these out to add to what you may already have:

Have: Pencil skirt, wrap top, fishnet stockings, heels:

Need: Rocker-chic dress:

Kahri Retro Mic Dress, $100.00

Have: Multiple scarves for hair, rosette hair piece, basic black clutch.

Need: Rosette clutch:

Kahri Rose Love Clutch, $60.00 

Have: Red lipstick, black eyeliner, black or dark red nail polish.

Need: Rock inspired charm necklace:

Lucia Bella Lucky Necklace, $88.00

Looking like La Winehouse is pretty simple, but if you need a few pieces to complete her look, then check out clothing from Kahri and jewelry from Lucia Bella and KidVisKous for more inspiration.

Popularity: 20% [?]

Celebs are taking the opportunity to don hats this winter season, and their flair for accessorizing has me green with envy. Here in the south, my noggin doesn’t have much use for a warm winter hat, but these looks have me yearning for one just the same. Anyway, if you find yourself in cool climates this winter, check out this useful how-to wear hats guide and find out which cold weather accessories suit you best:

1) Knitted Beret:

Selma Blair (source)

Got a short ‘do to keep under wraps? Want to hide a hideous haircut? Then a knitted beret is the way to go for you. This is a super cute look for any hair length, but works best with short or tucked away hair.

2) Beanies

Nicky Hilton (source)

The fitted beanie/skull cap look is best suited for long, sleek hair (trust me, curly hair just looks funny under this look) so proceed with caution. Go for a monotone color palette like Nicky Hilton to add a chic edge to this punky accessory.

3) Knitted Newsboy:

Gwen Stefani (source)

The knitted newsboy cap is the undisputed winner of winter hat looks. Fun and chic at the same time, this look works with fancy trenches and simple sweaters. With a sleek pony tale, this look tops off any outfit for instant style.

Snag a knitted newsboy cap a la Gwen with this cute hat from Alison Beth:

Alison Beth Knitted Newsboy, $72 

Popularity: 10% [?]

For whatever reason, 2007 proved to be an interesting year at the salon…with celebs and their stylists getting shear happy, we saw a lot of stunning styles on the red carpet. Some looks were groundbreaking, others were shocking, and others yet were tried and true revivals of styles from another era. Either way, it’s going to be a challenge to create new looks in 2008 that will rival these. In no particular order, here’s some of the most infamous looks in hot hair of 2007:

Bangs

Anne Hathaway (source)

Though many will argue just who started the big bang revival, I attribute this look to Anne Hathaway’s character in “The Devil Wears Prada.” After her hip girl-about-town makeover, every corner of NY was brimming with newly banged fashionista’s. Youthful and fresh, this is my favorite new look of ‘07.

Blonde Bob’s

Victoria Beckham (source)

Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham rocked the fashion world when she debuted her blonde bob this year. Some say it was her way of celebrating her move to the US, but I call it a stroke of genius. This look was immediately imitated by everyone from Paris Hilton to Selma Blair and more.

The Retro Bob

Katie Holmes (source)

Katie Holmes stole the spotlight from her hubby Tom Cruise at the 2007 Bambi awards with her chic and glossy banged bob. Like something right out of the roaring 20’s, Katie’s newly banged bob was one part classy, one part trendy and a whole lotta cute.

Beehive Beauty

Amy Winehouse (source)

Troubled chanteuse Amy Winehouse became a beacon for alterna-fashionista’s everywhere with her unique look and larger-than-life hairdo. Her infamous updo proved that you don’t have to look a certain way to make fashion waves.

Shock Hairapy

Britney Spears (source)

I couldn’t resist…you can’t talk about hair in 2007 without mentioning Brit-Brit’s run in with the razor. Whether induced by post-partum depression, drugs and alchohol or just plain frustration with bad weave, our favorite pop tart shocked the world and shaved her head. Yikes!

Have a safe and happy New Year!

Popularity: 13% [?]

Now that Santa has come and gone and 2007 is nearing an end, your thoughts may be turning to New Year’s resolutions. If you are like me, every year you resolve to lose weight/stop smoking/work on your debt/make new friends or whatever…but don’t really stick to it. But I’ve got a great resolution that is easy to stick with and just as easy to do; take care of yourself!

This may seem obvious, but if you really think about it, you may not be taking care of yourself like you should. Whether you are a new mom who has let yourself go a bit (ME!), a hardworking student who hits the books a little too hard, or just never learned to pamper yourself, then now is definitely the year to start. Check out these easy beauty and fashion New Year’s resolutions to get your groove back and start taking care of #1 again:

1 ) Hair: I’ve had the same old haircut for a few years now, and although I love it, sometimes it’s just so BORING. This new year, I resolve to do my hair more. I’ve already started actually…the Conair Infiniti Nano hair setter makes it really really easy to get fabulous Hollywood waves.

Conair Infiniti Nano Hairsetter at Target

2) Makeup and Skin: Sick of bad acne? Resolve to make that dermatologist appointment. Then take thee to the MAC counter and get thineself a makeover. Ask the cosmetologist for a night and day look that’s easy to apply and wear.

3) Health and Fitness: No more excuses! This is part of taking care of yourself…go to the doctor for an annual checkup, go to the “lady” doctor and get your Pap, and most importantly, start eating well and moving your butt. Need some inspiration? Queen Latifah just signed on to be the new spokesmodel for Jenny Craig…her message is more geared towards healthy living than squeezing your butt into a size six.

The Queen (source)

4) Mind and Soul: Been dying to learn Cajun cooking? Still have some unresolved issues about your mom? Wanna get back to some religious roots? Then do something about it! Whether you want to take a new cooking class, visit a therapist or rediscover a religion, then this is the time. Make time each week for your mind and soul; yoga is a great option for mind and body.

5) Fashion: Flats looking a bit scuffy? Only one dress in your closet? Jeans don’t fit quite right? Then resolve to make yourself look fab! Hire a stylist or personal shopper for the day if you are absolutely clueless about what looks are right for you, or just bring a fashionable friend to the mall for a day. My fashion resolution is to wear more pretty things (baby food stained tee shirts be gone!) and I’m going to start with this cute and versatile dress from Yu Clothing:

Yu Clothing, 10707

It may seem like a big order to fill, but resolving to take care of yourself is the best New Year’s resolution you can make. You owe it to yourself to ring in the new year right, and after all; if you don’t take care of yourself, then who will? Even if this whole package is too much, just pick one of the five facets of total well-being and you will be on your way to a happier, healthier you!

Popularity: 9% [?]

Hoop Earrings, $4.50

Revlon Nail Polish in Blackberry, $4.79

Starlette Headband, $4.99

Star Coin Purse, $2.50

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Clear Lip Gloss, $4.99 

If you are reading this, then you are probably a clueless husband, roomate, boyfriend or parent who is stumped on how to fill your favorite fashionista’s stocking this Christmas. Well don’t worry…we have some great suggestions on cute and affordable stocking stuffers that will make any fashion savvy gal squeal with delight. Check out our favorite under $5 picks, or find your own with these hints:

1) Hair Goodies: A girl can never have enough hair elastics, bobby pins and head bands. You can also stuff her stocking with hair products like shampoo, conditioner and hairspray or pomade in travel sizes, as well as new hair brushes and combs.

2) Makeup: Lip gloss, nail polish, eye shadows, blushes and makeup brushes make great stocking stuffers. Clueless on what colors and brands to get? Sneak a peek in her cosmetics bag; all the answers are in there.

3) Small Accessories: Fashion earrings, cutesy socks, coin purses, bangles and more make great stocking stuffers as well. Check out your local Claire’s for fun goodies like these at low prices, but ask a sales person first for age appropriate gifts.

4) The Write Stuff: Is your gal a Sodoku master? Does she always have her nose stuffed into the latest fashion mag? Books, magazines, crossword puzzles and notepads make great stocking stuffers as well. Add a few fun pens and pencils to make the set complete.

5) Candy: She may be watching her figure, but it’s hard to resist the good stuff at Christmas. Go all out and get some Godiva truffles for the distinguished fashionista, or if she’s got a fun side, opt for Nerds and Pop Rocks.

Use your imagination and check out dollar stores, Target, Claire’s and your local drugstore for low-priced stocking stuffers that will be sure to please without busting your budget.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Time is ticking for our TIGI Bedhead giveaway! Sign up for our mailing list any time between now and December 11, 2007 for your chance to win a new TIGI “Light Me Up” tourmaline curling iron and flat iron. Already signed up? Then you are already entered! These salon-quality iron’s are the perfect addition to your holiday beauty routine and best of all…they’re FREE! So what are you waiting for? Sign up now and let Santa come early…courtesty of TIGI and Couture in the City!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Day 1: Conair Infiniti Nano Hairdryer+Me=Silky Strands

Day 2: Conair Infiniti Hairsetter+Me=Effortless Curls

Day 3: Angelique tries out the Infinit Nano Tourmaline Straightener from Conair

In a perfect world, Ken Paves would come to my house every morning armed with a Starbucks latte, the latest gossip and his magic hands. Sadly, that will never be…but Conair’s new Infiniti Nano Tourmeline series is seriously the next best thing. Here’s why:

1) Conair Infiniti Nano Hair Dryer:

With three attachments and multiple heat settings, this is the big daddy of hair dryers. I used the diffuser attachment (above) with controls the heat damage and airflow…I have to say, my hair was shiny, straight and virtually fly-away free in minutes. Other attachments include a heat concentrator (to get those tough spots that take FOREVER to dry) and handy comb attachment for easy straightening. As a side note, my ten-year-old Conair hairdryer that I’ve had since high school STILL works, so you know this is a quality product.

Conair Infiniti Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Styler, $49.99 at Target

2) Conair Infiniti Nano Hairsetter

Okay, so I’ve never owned hot rollers, and was always skeptical, but I’m now a new fan. MUCH easier and less time consuming than using a curling iron, I easily achieved all over curl in no time at all. Let these babies warm up to the temperature setting of your choice (1-12, depending on your preference) and the light indicator tells you when they are ready. I used level 10, which took about 20 minutes to heat up. After that, I quickly rolled and clamped the velvety rollers into my hair (which didn’t snag or damage at all) and left them in for another 10 minutes. While they curls set I did some dishes and caught up on some gossip. The results were truly amazing and stayed all day with just a light spritz of hairspray.

Conair Infiniti Nano Hairsetter, $49.99 at Target

3) Conair Ionic Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Straightener

Conair Ionic Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Straightener, $74.99 at Target

I have tried many ceramic flat irons and I have to admit none of them compare to Conair’s Nano Silver Tourmline Ceramic iron. I love the fact that it comes with a heat resistant pad that you can lay the iron on when it is in use; that was one of the issues with my previous iron. I wasn’t able to lay it down on something without it getting burned or slipping off the table. One of my other favorite features in from the pictures you can see that I was able to flip my hair easily. Another great point is that your fingers won’t get burned from touching the outside of the iron when in use. I love the design and color is so fabulous.. Plus, it comes with its very own stylish travel case. If you are like me and looking to achieve that bone straight silky clean look, Conair’s Nano Silver is the ceramic iron to create gorgeous silky shine. Nano Silver you Rock!

This new Infinit Nano series is truly top of the line and are an affordable way to get salon quality results at home. The perfect gift for your sister, your best friend, or even yourself! Snap these up today for hot holiday hair all year round!

You can purchase these items at a number of retailers like Target, or go directly to the Conair Infiniti Website to buy directly. Happy Holidays!

Popularity: 7% [?]