Home Hair Color Fun!

I've mentioned before that due to some belt tightening that happened when I quit my job to be a stay-at-home Mom, I've gone back to coloring my hair at home.  Even though I'm working again, I'm sticking to home hair color for now.  I like to try lots of different brands just so I can see what's out there and if I like it.  There is a seemingly endless supply of new hair color products and options so it makes it exciting and fun!  I thought I would start sharing any new products that I've tried in case any of you out there are home hair color junkies like myself. 

First of all, if you are looking for a major color change, your hair is super long or seriously damaged, you are clumsy, nervous, etc. I encourage you to head to the salon.  A stylist can address these issues better than you can at home.   I had a scary incident about 10 years ago when I actually got a teensy weensy bit of color in my eye - REALLY not good - luckily I think it was mostly watered down and I lucked out, so be very careful.  Don't be tempted to color your eyebrows at home for this very reason. 

Coloring your hair can be a bit time consuming and messy.  So grab an old t-shirt and towel you don't mind getting stained - the color WILL stain everything it comes in contact with so beware - and let's get started.

For this round of home hair color fun I wanted to try one of the new foam options, so I settled on Clairol's Nice N' Easy Color Blend Foam.  Since it's a new product, they didn't have many red shade options, so I settled on this one:

Which was fine, because it's the color gravitate towards anyway.  My first impression was that it was weird, in that I honestly thought you would pump the top and the foam would come out - duh.  But instead you squeeze the bottle and then the foam comes out, which was kind of tricky at first because I didn't know how to squeeze it, put it in my hands, then put it down and put the color on, etc.  Once I got the hang of it, it really was an easy application.  The foam penetrates much easier than non-foam and it was so much easier to get the hairline and back of the head than traditional coloring liquid.  It also didn't drip as much either, which is great.

Here's the resulting color:

It was a really nice color, a little darker than I wanted (I would have liked a brighter shade).  Now, I did this about two months ago and the only drawback to this color is that it faded SO fast.  I know that reds fade quickly anyway, but this one was super quick.  So I would suggest coloring with this product every 4-6 weeks instead of 6-8 weeks.  I'm wondering if the same thing would happen with another foam brand?  I also recommend buying 2 boxes of color if your hair is longer than mine, I used every single drop.

I'm going to use this color again (just bought it today - it was on sale).  I looked at John Frieda's foam and L'oreal's Sublime Foam and neither had an acceptable shade of red - at least not in the store I was in.  I was hoping to try one of those.  I'll try something else in about 6 weeks, so stay tuned!

So do any of you color at home and what brands do you like?

Oh, and I was not compensated in any way shape or form for this post, but if a company wants to send hair color my way - bring it on! ;o)

My Five - Victoria Beckham Spring 2012

One side note, I had originally planned kicking off a week long series about what trends I think are important for Fall today, but as usual time got away from me.  I tried to stay away from the computer/news all weekend but especially yesterday (the 9/11 anniversary is tough for me every year, but this year was so hard for a variety of reasons).  So I'm postponing it until next week - stay tuned.  Meanwhile, I'll be playing catch up this week with some backlogged posts.  I'll get my stuff together someday - ha!  I'm not going to jump in with full on Fashion Week coverage right now, I want to put that off a little until it's closer to Spring. 

That being said, I am going to post one collection from Spring right now.  I always kick off my picks from NY fashion week with Victoria Beckham's collection, it's a tradition so to speak, so I figured I would pop in and post my five favorite looks from her Spring 2012 collection shown yesterday.  I wanted to post it because there are looks that apply right now (hello, black leather leggings/legwarmers/boots whatever those are), but also because I think she's nailed the navy/orange combo that I'm feeling will be wonderful for Spring in both fashion (and interiors).  Also really digging the ivory/white neutral mixes as well.  Here are my picks, enjoy!

Images via Style.com

I want this! - Louboutin Croc-Sequined Platform Pump

Don't forget that I posted my new-to-me recipe of the week on my Facebook page - check it out here. 

I just saw these pumps and fell in L-O-V-E.  They are very reminiscent of these Louboutins I posted about early last year - but I think I adore these more.  Silver+Animal Pattern=Goodness!

Here's another view of them actually on the feet.

Source: thevoguediaries.com via Jenny on Pinterest

And to think that only just a few days ago I was thinking how tired I am of this particular shoe style - you know, the peep-toe, platform pump.  It's been around for a few years and while they are most certainly a classic, I'm ready for something new.  Although maybe just adding some pattern, texture and/or unique color to this style may just be the way to go to make it fresh!  Now if I can only scrounge up $1400 to drop on some shoes - ha!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and if you are interested Rachel Zoe will be on QVC tonight at 11pm and midnight, then tomorrow at 1pm and 6pm.   She'll be presenting her revamped line for QVC called Luxe Rachel Zoe.  Should be interesting...

Top image via Bergdorf Goodman

Kardashian Klosets - I mean Closets

That darn Kardashian branding makes me go nuts with the K's (I shake my fist in Kris Jenner's direction).  I've mentioned before that I watch every Kardashian show, which is shameful but strangely inspiring (interior decorating-wise of course) and in that post I shared some pics of Khloe's amazing closet.  Well, in September's InStyle magazine they have a feature on Kim, Khloe and Kourtney's closets which are stunning and chock full o' designer goodies, so I wanted to share. 

Kim's glam, rich and almost masculine (with all the dark wood and clean lines) closet - well, one of her closets.  The article mentioned she has one more for shoes and handbags.  The article also mentioned that Kim used to be a professional closet organizer (!).  How about that chandelier and ginormous Givenchy tote in the corner - fabulous!

Kourtney's more realistic closet.  I love the carpet and wallpaper.  I also dig the chair in the corner, big enough to sit in and yet it doesn't feel like it hogs the whole space.  This one is a great use of vertical space!

And here's Khloe's closet, which I've shared before.  Still love it and is my fave of the three - I mean who doesn't dream of a mirrored island with drawers galore in your closet? 

Which one is your favorite?

BTW - I ran to the mall last Friday, had a few extra minutes to kill so I popped into Sears to check out the Kardashian clothing collection that just came out.  Um, well, no.  It was not my cup o' tea (probably because I'm like 10 years older than their target audience *ahem*), I wanted to like the leopard print blazer - can't find a picture online - but for $99, I expect better fabric and a better print execution.  Now if it goes on sale for $19 I may be all in, but for now my money is best spent on other things.

Images via InStyle

What I Bought Today (well, last week)

Last week I ran over to the local Borders to check out the going out of business sale and I ended up scoring a couple of style books:

First up is Rachel Zoe's book that's been out forever, but I never got around to buy. (I did notice she thanks Taylor in the credits - she wouldn't do that now, ha - and it seems I remember her in meetings about this book in Season 1 of The Rachel Zoe Project)

Next up is one of Nina Garcia's books called "The Style Strategy" (with gorgeous illustrations by Ruben Toledo)

Got both of these for around $15!  I've only had a chance to flip through them, but I will say that Nina Garcia's book looks like it's chock full of useful info and it's really beautifully laid out.  I plan on sitting down and really digging in over the long weekend.  I also plan on tackling my pile of September issues which is rather large (I swear I think the mail carriers must HATE September with a passion, nothing like a Vogue induced hernia.)

On a somewhat related note, I checked out some of Rachel Zoe's latest upscale fashion offerings and here are a few faves (available now):

Fay Short Peacoat and Rachel Boot Cut Jeans - $450 & $150 respectively

Faux-Fur-Trimmed Military Jacket - $550

Diane Blouson Metallic Maxi Dress (my #1 pick) - $550

Pamela Tote - $595

I won't be buying any of these (needless to say) but they are great for inspiration!

Enjoy your Thursday!

Book images via Amazon

Other images via Bergdorf Goodman

Love This! - Bev Hisey Rug

I recently came across this fab-u-lous wool-silk rug designed by Bev Hisey called "Mommy Dearest".  How awesome is this rug?  It would be amazing in a closet - no wire hangers allowed of course. ;o)

This is not my first tip o' the hat to Bev and her rugs - see this post.  I have a feeling she and I would be BFFs!

Image via Interior Design

I Want This! - Missoni for Target (duh)

First, just to let you know that I have posted this week's new-to-me recipe on my Facebook page (and it was a grand slam in my house) - check it out!

Okay, I know I'm late to the game with my Missoni for Target post, but hey that's the way I roll right now.  Here are the items that I plan on making mine.  Now, I've been on a spending freeze as of late, but since I love Missoni so much and the stuff looks like it could be really outstanding, I've put some moola aside so I can splurge!  My wish list is as follows:

Yes, yes and yes to that cape/wrap!

This whole darn ensemble (but main focus on the tunic)!

The tote.

What about taking that robe and wearing it as a kimono with some jeans and a tank?  Me likey!

How gorgeous are these shoes?  They look money here, but we'll have to see in person if they are as fab.

Makeup bags - will be part of a Christmas gift idea for friends (shhhh).

These are for little girls, maybe can score a pair for my little one, if they come in her size.

Need some throw pillows - this would work perfectly!

Love the one on the left.  I'm hoping it's a large pillow.

A tray will most certainly be mine!

Ah, this is gorgeous!

Would love a frame...

And will certainly want one of these pictures (kind of digging the upper right purple one) - how amazing would all four of these look clustered together in a walk-in closet?  Oh, I miss my huge closet...

Okay, that's what I want.  Now we'll have to wait until 9/13 to actually see what I score.  Stay tuned!