Naturalizer Shoes: From Day to Play

October 22, 2014

Saint Louis Fashion week was a whirlwind of fun and fashion! My favorite part was the presentation hosted by Naturalizer Shoes & Brown Shoe Company. I have always been a lover of Naturalizers since I stand on my feet all day doing hair and makeup. I was thrilled to see the new designs are cuter than ever while still maintaining their strong level of comfort.

“For more than 85 years, Naturalizer has understood how truly comfortable shoes can help women move energetically through their day and live life to the fullest. Born in 1927, Naturalizer was the first brand made truly for the shape of a woman’s foot. Our heritage is built on our commitment to designing beautiful, fashionable and trend-right shoes that feel as good at the end of the day as they do at the beginning. Naturalizer is one of the few footwear brands who provide a wide variety of sizes and widths from size 4-11 and 12 in narrows, mediums, wides and wide wide widths. We also carry boots in wide calf sizes.” -Naturalizer

I chose to leave the presentation wearing a pair of McNair knee high boots. They are perfect for my downtown living lifestyle! Super comfortable and beautiful in design.

Walking on the cobblestone in downtown St. Louis has never felt better!

I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair of shoes from the Naya line by Brown Shoe! Naya is about 4 years old and was designed as a fashionable comfort brand. Designers Ron D’Aloia & Jenny Matthews were at the presentation to explain their designs. When asked, “What woman wears Naya?” Ron’s response was, ” I don’t want to give her an age. This woman is confident, affluent, and fashion savvy. She knows fashion and enjoys comfort.”

Overall, I really loved spending time learning more about a brand I already love!

FALL/WINTER HAIRSTYLE INSPIRATION

October 15, 2014

Fall/ Winter is finally here and it’s time to tweak your styling routine. With holiday parties and special events quickly approaching you will need a few different options in your hairstyling arsenal. Here are a few of my favorites this season!

HOW TO: Get an awesome haircut

September 22, 2014

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!

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.

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.

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

September 17, 2014

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!

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.

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 by kristen-linares featuring alterna haircare

Here is one of the models I worked on!

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!