Hair Accessories Blog

Get It White And Why It Is Cool To Wear After Labor Day

Esti — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:06:17 +0000

We are all familiar with the term, “no white after Labor Day” but who made this fashion statement and why?

I decided to look into the history of Labor and what district of fashion police instilled such strict laws on “what to wear”.

With a google here and a wikipedia there, I found out the origin of the first Labor Day in the United States, which was on September 5, 1882 in New York City. According to wikipedia, the Central Labor Union of New York was the nation’s first integrated major trade union. Labor did not become a federal holiday until 1894 as a result of the untimely deaths of several workers during the Pullman Strike.

Unfortunately, both the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals were responsible for those deaths. As a result, President Grover Cleveland enforced the immediate establishment of a labor movement and made it his top political priority. In an effort to avoid further clashes and irreversible circumstances, the legal powers established Labor Day a national holiday and signed into law a just six days after the end of the Pullman Strike. I still don’t understand what this has to do with not wearing white after Labor Day, do you?

It is no surprise that Labor Day, a holiday that coincides with the beginning of the academic school year and the kick-off of NFL Football, is also referred to as the last “hara” of summer. As much as I don’t want to put away my beach towels and bathing suits, the pools and beaches are going to be closed from this evening until May 31, 2011.

While many people are eager to get on with the next season mentally, and dispose of all of their summer white, I am not one to consult on fashion trends and rules.

As a mom of three children with their hands in and on everything, including my white clothing in summer, winter weather conditions and slushy snow does not make this a bigger issue for me. I can get just as much apple juice and chocolate on my clothes in the summer and winter. Yet, the issue of wearing white may not just be about the weather at all.

In a Times magazine article, “If You Must Know Why We Can’t Wear White After Labor Day”, by Laura Fitzpatrick, the rules of not wearing white after Labor Day is a result of ‘early 20^th century social and economic class divisions’. In this article, Ms. Fitzpatrick included a quote from Charlie Scheips. Mr. Scehips that took this idea a step further in his statement “if you look at any photograph of any city in America in the 1930′s, you’ll see people in dark clothes. Many of those people in those pictures were heading to work. The contrast between that dark clothing and the white linen suits and Panama hats that were so fashionable then, especially at “snooty” resorts represented a “look of leisure.” This was known as a uniform of leisure. When these well to do Americans came back from their summer vacation homes, they also returned to wearing their dark drab suits and spent time at work rather than by the sea.

While this is very exclusive behavior screams of the lifestyles of the “social elite”, some of the worlds best known fashion designers did not let these rotten ideas spoil their dinner party.

Coco Chanel made white cool for winter back in the 1920′s. I’ll never forget how First Lady Michelle Obama danced the inaugural night away in a princess white gown in January of 2009.

According to designer Michael Kors, wearing white jeans is acceptable all year long. He also advised that “winter” whites of wool, wool blends, cords or cashmere jackets, pants and sweaters, are totally okay.

Also in favor of wearing white in winter as part of a winter wardrobe are consultant Carla Nemiroff and image consultant Rachel Fauman from sheknows.com. “In order to wear white in winter well remember that the fabric matters as much as the color,” explains Fauman. “You would never wear white wool pants in the summer but of course you would wear them in the winter.” Nemiroff suggests wool, cotton, satin and silk.

Do you have a favorite white item in your wardrobe that you wear all year long? Have you been approached by the fashion police while wearing white in the winter?

Thick Chunky Curls and Waves Flood The Emmys Red Carpet

Esti — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:34:58 +0000

I have to admit, I was one of the millions of viewers that watched celebrities stroll down the red carpet during The 62nd edition of the Primetime Emmy Awards that took place in Los Angeles this past Sunday. Being a busy mom with limited time and energy, I am in awe of how celeberties can go from glum to glam for these types of occassions. No joke, this is their full tie job and looking good is a full-time job requirement.

For me, watching in my comfy clothes with a cup of coffee by my side, I was in owe of the “over the top” fashions and hairstyles that are hot this season. Secretly, I was waiting for the pregnant celebrities and how they would be showing or hiding their baby bump. I did not hear of any current bumps, however, Amy Poehler made the news. She walked the red carpet looking fit and trim just 3 weeks from delivering her second child. Hollywood at its finest. Sure, the dresses were great, but this year I was more in awe of the hairstyles. Finally, chunky curls and volume were everywhere. Not only is this hairstyle classic and natural looking, it is also something that regurlar people that don’t walk the red carpet can achieve at home.

Some of the reviews of the hairstyles worn by celebrities from the red carpet this year went from perfectly styled tresses to playful, loose locks. Personally, I was won over by Eva Longria Parker’s loose wavy bun. Ann-Margaret had me hooked on her volumenus classic chunky and wavy tresses. Lea Michelle looked spectacular in her “tousled but not messy” look. Women be ware, the editors at beautyriot.com has the 4-1-1on how you can have these looks, too! Whether you want volume but controlled, or tousled not messy, beautyriot.com says, “to get your hair looking tousled but not messy, apply a smoothing cream before blow drying. Use a round brush to get volume and curl your ends under. Then use a small amount of texturizing spray on dry hair and gently tousle it with your fingers.”

Did you catch the Emmys Red Carpet? What was your favorite hairstyle? Do you prefer volume and chunky curls or the sleek and set bun look?

5 Ways A Hair Cut At Home Will Save You

Esti — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:40:28 +0000

I think there is a new trend in cutting hair and it does not involve fancy hair gels or blow dryers. This new trend is in hair cutting is the home hair cut. Does it require formal training at a beauty school?

The good news is that you do not need formal training in a beauty school to cut your own hair, or the hair of a friend, spouse, or child. There are numerous places online where you can find out the “how to” in hair cutting. In these times of economic uncertainty, its worth learning about 5 ways that BYOB-being your own barber-can save you both time and money.

Show me the money-Yes, getting a hair cut can add up. Once you figure in the cost of the hair cut, plus tip, plus parking, or the bus fair to get you there-it can cost you at least $25 per month. If you are on the hairer side of things, you probably spend $50 a month. If you’ve got a couple of kids to go along with you, not just the hair in your house keeps growing, but your hair budget as well.

Time- There are times when my husband runs out for a hair cut and he is gone for more than an hour. There is a waiting period at any hair salon or barber, we’ve all been there. Since he usually runs out the barber when things are very busy at home, I’d much rather have him at home and I’d give him the hair cut.

Convenience-Having a bad hair day? Just think of how convenient taking that cut or snip of your own hair can be when you want to. If one of your children should accidentally find the scissors and cut off some hair before their big birthday party, help is just a snip away.

Speaking of the kids-The last time I took my children to get their hair cut at the hair salon, I said that would be the last time. It wasn’t just me and the girls. We had the our very active two year old in tow for this outing. While he was kicking and screaming in his stroller, my girls were in tears and the only thing that would calm them down was a lollipop. They would start up again, and more lollipops were distributed. If you have small children, save them from the sweet, but trying to be helpful, hair stylist. As much as I wanted to keep my two year old in the stroller, he had to come out before he blew out our ear drums and swang his legs into innocent patrons. He couldn’t help but want to pick up every comb and scissor as he explored the salon. Thanks for the lollipops, but we’ll be having the girls hair cut at home fro mnow on.

There is something in the “hair” salon- As much as the hair salon makes us feel clean and fresh, some of the hair care products, gels, and aftershave are way too powerful for our senses. According to an article on msnbc.com, “hair salons smell like chemical factories, with pungent fumes emanating from the salon that can make you sick”. If you should feel this way when you walk in the salon, you will leave feeling a lot worse. If you’ve got allergies, be prepared to sniffle and sneeze. The abundance of hair piles on the floor and hair spray in the air it is no surprise that people walk away with headaches.

Lose Some hair and gain some germs- Many stylists can spread their germs to you by getting up close and breathing on your face. That’s not all. Dirty electric razors are known to contain ringworm when electric razors are used. A stylist sticking their fingers directly into styling jars or containers can breed bacteria and be transferred to your skin. Clean hands are a must and if your stylist has any sores or cuts on his/her hands, that could spread bacteria on to you. If this doesn’t change your hair cutting plans, you must have a really hair stylist with an immaculate hair salon.

Have you tried cutting your own hair, or the hair of your spouse or children at home? Did you find this easy or hard?

6 Reasons Why The Clipper Cut Is Cool Year Round

Esti — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:34:15 +0000

It is hard not too notice the popular hair styles of today’s popular male artists like Justin Bieber and The Jonas Brothers. Sure, they look adorable and scream worthy in their flowing manes. This is no problem for them and their flock of hair stylists at they beck and call. What about the average Joe? I think that the average Joe should think about the 6 reasons that they should keep their hair short before they grow out their locks.

Time is on their side. A short hair cut will make getting out of the house quick and easy. Just jump in the shower, lather up, and out the door he can go. Put away the brushes and combs, the clipper cut is hair product free.

Losing hair never looked so good. Even young men get bald, but with a very shot hair cut the affects of premature balding aren’t so bad at all. Long hair shows more of the baldness because of the contrast in hair length. I’ve seen the affects, it is definitely something for the bald man in your life to think about.

No fuss, no mess. When men go the short hair route, even the shlumpiest guy can look chic and sleek with short hair. With less hair on the scene, there is less potential for the hair to go this way and that and create a look of complete chaos on the head.

No pulling hair, no problem. With grandchildren or babies around, you know that they love pulling hair. When a man has short hair, this is not a problem at all. As a mother of a very curious and rambunctious toddler, there are days I’d trade my long tresses for some short hair relief.

The cool spot. In the heat of the summer, short hair on men keeps them not only looking cool, but feeling cool as well. Even if the sun is too hot to handle, a baseball cap or panama hat will cool the head down in a jiffy.

Hot spot in the winter. Even with winter not far off in the distance-me crying-keeping the head warm is of utmost importance. Even with the clipper cut, hats and scarves will keep things warm and cozy. When it is time to back inside and great the heat, the hat will not leave any “hat head” behind. Hat head can a cute look if walking into the home, but walking into a meeting with potential clients in this way is not so cool.

Do you prefer the boys and or men in your life with the “clipper cut” rather than the Jason Bieber look? What do you think is better?

The L Word And Why We Loathe It

Esti — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:33:59 +0000

Even though bathing suits and suntan lotion are still a part of our going out of the house bag, back-to-school season is in full swing. I love keeping up with the best “cool mom picks” for backpacks as well as the best deals on gym shoes and socks. This year, for the very first time, a letter came in the mail and it wasn’t about any big sales on back-to-school items. It was a note about the dates and times for, get this, lice checking.

My daughter is entering P1A this year and it feels like we are entering an entirely new universe. We live in a world where lice can enter our lives at the “drop of a hat”, but how do they get into our lives without us knowing it until it is too late?

First of all, how do these “party crashers” get into our every day lives? In a recent report on msnbc.com, the lice party is a very big party. Federal health officials report that head lice “affects up to 12 million kids in the United States every year and as much as $1 billion is spent annually on treatment”. How can this happen? Aren’t we a society of anti-bacterial this and that?

It does not matter if a child is rich or poor, or clean or dirty, lice know what they are looking for no matter what the circumstances. Hello out there, I still understand where they come from?

In a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “Head Lice,” published in the August print issue of Pediatrics, parents can find a wealth of information on the diagnosis and treatment, and treating children with head lice. Head lice can cause no medical harm and are in no way a reflection of poor hygiene, just a huge inconvenience for the family until they have left the building, so to speak. When do these critters come out?

Head lice most often happens when children have a lot of head-to-head contact like during sleepovers and sleep away camp. What is a parent to do when their child has head lice?

First of all, don’t panic. I would contact your pediatrician and follow his or her instructions. If you are not happy with the results, or they don’t’ seem to be working, online resources like Healthy Children.org are also very helpful.

Have you ever been at the receiving end of a phone call about a head lice outbreak in your school or camp? Have you had to deal with head lice with your children? If so, what did you do to get rid of them?

2 Common Hair Changes That Happen During Pregnancy

Esti — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:44:11 +0000

When I was pregnant with my first child, I was swarming with emotions as I faced the unavoidable expansion of my belly. This was not a problem without a solution. All I had to do was start shopping in the maternity section of popular stores like Target and Wal-Mart, I was welcomed by a variety of belly expanding shirts and skirts.

Today, authors like Amy Tara Koch and her book “Bump It Up” bring pregnancy to a very enjoyable and fashionable place. With dresses like POUCH, The Versatile Dress and a few accessories, it’s no wonder there are more than enough runways full of pregnant models glowing in style. Now that there is more than enough information about how to keep our bellies fashionably covered during pregnancy, have we forgotten about our hair during pregnancy?

According to babycenter.com, there are two major things that happen to the hair of a pregnant women during pregnancy; hair growth slows down in some areas and hair growth appears in other areas.

Does Hair Thicken When you’re pregnant-This is not happening. According to babycenter.com, ”you’re not actually growing more hair (and the strands themselves aren’t any thicker) – you’re just losing it more slowly than you usually do”. Sounds confusing, right? The reality is that normally, 85 to 95 percent of the hair on your head is growing and the other 5 to 15 percent is in a resting stage. Once the hair hast gone with the resting period, hair falls out either by brushing the hair or shampooing it. I know that for me, I lost hair like crazy. This was not something to be worried, as the average woman sheds about 100 hairs a day.

When a woman is pregnant, higher levels of estrogen prolong the growth phase, resulting in less shedding of hair and thicker tresses. Another hair change that women experience is that their locks become shinier and the texture also changes. This is a lot of fun when women with curly hair all of sudden have straight hair without using hair straightening products and hair-styling tools. If you have long hair, you are more likely to experience these hair changes than if you have short hair.

Hair growth in not so familiar places-When women are pregnant, there is an increased in hormones called androgens. Thanks to this process, facial and body hair grow rapidly and abundantly in not so familiar places on the body. This can be scarey for women that have never had this issue before, but there are ways to get rid of stray hairs. Some suggest tweezing or shaving, but I personally feel that waxing is the way to go. It is recommended to avoid hair removal products with chemicals such as bleaches because they could be absorbed into the bloodstream.

If this new growth of hair is too upsetting and permanent hair-removal is necessary, there are other techniques available. Some of these well-known hair-removal solutions include laser and electrolysis. These processes should be considered with caution. According to babycenter.com, “The hormones that cause excess pigmentation during pregnancy (resulting in chloasma or the mask of pregnancy) can also cause darkening of the skin after these cosmetic procedures, says Nanette Silverberg, director of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt and Beth Israel Medical Centers in New York City. Besides, while they’re considered safe, laser and electrolysis can be painful, and you may already have plenty of discomfort during pregnancy”.

Have no “fair”, the results of hair changes during pregnancy will leave the “body” withing 6 months of giving birth. Did you or somebody you know experience tremendous hair loss and gain during pregnancy?