Category Archives: trendsetting

HOW TO: Get an awesome haircut

As a beauty expert it is expected that you look the part. It is stressful at times and that’s why I leave my hair to other professionals. I DO NOT DIY when it comes to my largest accessory..my hair. Before my trip to New York Fashion Week I had my color done with perfectionist, Nina Lanasa at Thirteenth and Washington. She does a beautiful job creating a look that will evolve and grow out seamlessly. Knowing I would be making the trip to NYC I knew I def wanted to pay my friends at CUTLER a visit. So I did what any haircut craving woman in her right mind would do. I booked an appointment in advance!

1009567_10151688891689002_272520675_o

Tyson Kennedy is not only a cool dude but also one badass mother cutter. He works for CUTLER salon in Soho and also is responsible for the creation of FATBOY perfect putty. Tyson is the epitome of “looking the part”. With his perfectly tailored suits, smart looking glasses, and cool hair you just know your going to look awesome.

IMG_0183

 

SO YOU WANT TO KNOW “HOW TO GET AN AWESOME HAIRCUT”?

STEP ONE: BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

When I say book an appointment I mean call the salon or book online. DO NOT text or call your stylist on their personal phone. Think about it. If every one of their clients did that it would be highly agitating. Emails before your appointment are OK however there will be plenty of time to consult before your scheduled service. Save the back and forth changes of new cut ideas for your best friend.

IMG_0182

STEP TWO: KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE & WHAT YOU DON’T

For instance when I sat in Tyson’s chair I said, ” I like having long hair however I want you to cut what looks dead. If it needs to be a bob that’s cool just not a pixie please. I want healthy hair. It always grows. Also, I wear my hair messy. I like a tousled beachy look that isn’t too much fuss.” Tyson decided a long bob would be appropriate and I should maintain the length until my bangs grow out fully. He then used a straight blade razor to add texture, volume, and establish my new length. When you have no opinion whatsoever it is hard to know what may make you happy.

photo-21

 

STEP TWO: ARRIVE ON TIME

The easiest way to get an OK cut is to show up late resulting in a quick consult and maybe not even enough time to style.  With a fresh do it’s extremely important to learn how to recreate the style. Tyson instructed me to twist dry my hair and mess it up with FATBOY putty once dry. SUPER EASY! 10 to 15 minutes early is perfect. Relax a little read a magazine this is YOU time. I don’t know about you but the shampoo experience is always my favorite part. I would never want to be rushed through that!

late

Backstage NYFW with Nathan Rosenkranz

I met Nathan Rosenkranz at the first salon I assisted at in Bethlehem, PA. Back then Nate was a great stylist behind the chair. Fast forward 8ish years he is now a Freelance artist in NYC working for brands such as Alterna and styling celebs like James Franco. It takes a lot of hard work and networking to get where he is today so it was very cool to hang and see him in action. When I reached out to Nate a few weeks ago I was hoping to interview him backstage at some of the shows he was leading. Instead, he asked if I would like to work on his styling team! Even better!

nate

I arrived to Lincoln center around 7:30am and found Nate and his team waiting outside the Salon tents. Everyone on his team was super nice! I could tell that it was going to be a no stress environment. In the past I have worked NYFW with another brand who will remain nameless and they were not so pleasant. I love everything about the beauty industry and love people who love it too so when someone is rude its a total buzz kill. THANK YOU NATE for leading such a polite team!

Around 8am we were given our passes and allowed into the tents to set up our workspace.

IMG_0140[1]IMG_0148[1]

Once we were all set up Nate explained the step by step of the look we would be creating for DEOLA’S Spring 2015 collection.

 

Deola Hair step by step @ NYFW Spring 2015

 

Here is one of the models I worked on! IMG_0156IMG_0161[1]deola
The final outcome was gorgeous! DEOLA is absolutely amazing. As a lead stylist it is important to work with the designer and decide what hair will compliment the garments. Nate nailed it! The hair was not only beautiful but also wearable. This is a classic style that would look great on any woman!
Deola Sagoe / Clan - Runway - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2015Deola Sagoe / Clan - Runway - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2015Deola-Sagoe-672x372

Spring 2014 Haircolor Collection by Kristen Linares

This year I decided to create my own version of what I felt looked good for Spring 2014.

It’s easy to follow the trends so the challenge of creating my own collection seemed fun!  I was inspired by the shine and texture of bird feathers and the soft pastel colors Spring introduces to us each season. Great hair color should grow out seamlessly. Instead of “needing” to get a touch up in 6-8 weeks you should just feel excited to enhance your look a bit further because you want to.

Ombre to Sombre. Redheads look beautiful in rich coppers and golds this season.

Hair Black as Ebony. Hints of Blue give the darkest hair the appearance of texture and incredible shine.

GoldenSand Blondes. Keeping depth at the root gives the ends a bright yet soft feel.

Creamy Mocha Brunette. Add subtle honey highlights to your brunette locks for texture and shine.

Haircolor & Styling by: Kristen Linares    Photographer: Adam Robinson

My Spring 2014 Haircolor collection was created using Davines haircolor and Styling products.

Stay tuned for more Spring 2014 inspired Beauty, Wellness, and Lifestyle posts! Like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and watch me on YouTube!

 

These are a few of my favorite things…

I love Sundays! I feel such a sense of renewal. It’s a day to take your time waking up and enjoy some fresh air! Many are obsessed with football games and I regret to inform you that I could careless. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the occasional beer, wings, and game. I just don’t build my Sunday Fundays around it. I guess I’m just your average girly-girl.

So here are a few of my little moments and things that I love on any given Sunday…

kristenlatte

I can’t think of a better way to wake up on a Sunday! Plus I love the pumpkin they draw on my latte! Check out Gelateria Tavolini in downtown St. Louis, MO.

barelytherebeauty

Minimal Makeup and glowing skin is my general rule to Sunday. Today I spritzed a hint of CHANEL’S “Mademoiselle” onto my scarf. My Sunday attire was inspired by the lovely CHANEL polish colors! I love EcoTools Sheer Finish Kabuki for giving my foundation an airbrushed finish. Blissoma’s “Intense Hydration Tonique” is perfect for setting my makeup and giving me that extra bit of moisture I am looking for.

disheveled braids

Who needs perfect hair all the time? Not me! For this quick and easy style I created two French braids in an asymmetrical fashion on both sides. I then intertwined the braids when they reached my neck to create one. Need added texture? Try a bit of Davines Sea Salt Spray!

blogwithcharlie

My main man Charlie and I love cuddling up and posting away! 🙂

It’s all about Balance

It's all about Balance

If there’s one thing a great designer understands, it’s balance. I love the way Ohne Titel’s fall 2013 collection incorporates curves and squares. To achieve a similar look I recommend prepping the hair with Davines All in one milk. All in one milk will provide heat protection as well as softness, shine, and style memory. Once the hair is completely dry brush the fringe area forward and apply Davines This is a Volume Boosting Mousse. Comb the fringe into place, tuck behind ear, and blowdry with a nozzle in a controlled manner. To add even more shine spritz with Davines This is a Shimmering mist.