While attending Empire Beauty School in Boston, Sasha Brown, a 30-year-old hairdresser from Watertown, spent nearly every evening after class Googling Nick Arrojo’s online hair tutorials for styling tips. Now, as a top three finalist in Arrojo’s Masters of Beauty competition, Brown can potentially put down the laptop and learn from Arrojo, the world-renowned celebrity hairstylist from “What Not to Wear,” firsthand.

“It’s a dream,” says Brown. “I always thought he was brilliant hair-wise and now I have a chance to work with him.”

The Masters of Beauty competition was open for all 150,000 students from 105 different Empire Beauty Schools in 19 states. The winner of the competition will win a 24-month apprenticeship with Arrojo at his New York City salon, Arrojo Studio, $10,000 for moving expenses, free classes taught by Arrojo and tickets to the New York International Beauty Show in April. The top two runners-up will also get tickets to the show.

“The goal is for the winner to become a really good stylist,” says Arrojo. “We’ll train them to the best of our ability.”

Brown says that winning this competition would be the best opportunity for her to grow as a hairstylist and to jumpstart her career, but she didn’t always think this window of opportunity would be possible for her.

Before the competition’s first-round deadline, her husband, Phillip Brown, had secretly entered her in the contest by submitting a picture of one of her haircuts. When Brown discovered she had made it to the second round of the competition, she was in shock.

“He mentioned the competition to me and I said, ‘No way would I have a chance with that.’ and he said, ‘Of course you will, you’re brilliant,’” says Brown, adding that her husband is her biggest fan.

The two then worked as a team to further her into the competition. As a professional videographer, her husband put together a video of Brown transforming her client, Leslie Pederson’s, look from a light brown do to a red asymmetrical bob. She was then selected to be a top 10 finalist.

“She wants to work for Nick Arrojo, she wants to go to New York City, she wants to learn as much as she can,” says Pederson, of Haverhill, who has been Brown’s client for eight years. “She listens and she knows how to cut hair. She deserves it.”

Arrojo says that the look Brown submitted stood out because her cut was up to par with his taste level. “She definitely had elements that I would consider the Arrojo style, which is contemporary and wearable,” he says. “We kind of have a more fashion-forward feel, and her cut kind of fit the brand.”

Although Brown had just started beauty school at Empire two years ago, her hairstyling practices began long before she was enrolled. While growing up in her hometown of Brighton, England, Brown would visit her mother, Lynn Rome, while she worked as a hairdresser at the Deborah Jane Salon. At the age of 5, Brown had started her beauty school education. She would observe her mother wash, cut, color and style client after client’s hair, and often helped braid some of the customers’ locks.

“I loved watching my mom do everything,” says Brown, adding that she continued to shadow her mother after they moved to a new salon in Palm Springs, Calif. when she was 13. “I loved watching her do perms, cuts, color, everything.”

Like mother like daughter, Brown dreamed of becoming a hairstylist and practiced her natural talent on My Little Pony toys, Barbie dolls and her family’s heads whenever she could run her fingers through their hair.

“I remember walking in the living room and my grandpa was on his chair and he had mini ponytails,” says Brown’s brother, Marc Rome, an attorney in Oklahoma City. “She’d use multicolored elastic bands to put his entire hair in pony tails.”

Brown and her brother grew up as polar opposites; Rome was a bookworm and Brown was a social butterfly. Where Rome was often spending hours studying for exams and quizzes, Brown spent her time singing, dancing and acting. Although she often felt the pressure to be “smart” like her brother, Rome never thought his little sister didn’t have brains.

“She was really intelligent, but she used her intelligence in different ways,” says Rome, who remembers Brown braiding her friends’ hair all the time growing up. “It’s more of a creative intelligence.”

After high school, Rome took the college route, attending Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., but Brown knew that school wasn’t for her.

“I was always interested in the creative half of things, which didn’t really require the schooling in college but required schooling,” says Brown.

Going to college was something her mother wanted both of her children to experience, so she initially did not support Brown’s decision to pursue hairstyling.

“Growing up, she wanted to be a hair dresser and I wanted her to have an education,” says Brown’s mother, Lynn Rome, who has been a hairdresser for nearly 50 years. “I just desperately wanted her to go to school.”

As a kid, Brown remembers her mother soaking her swollen feet in hot water and complaining about sore limbs, shoulder pains and pulled muscles from constantly styling hair. The hair profession was physically demanding, and that was another reason why her mother didn’t support Brown’s career path.

“She kept telling me it’s really hard on the body and it’s a lot of hard work, and I was dumb and I listened to her,” says Brown.

Following her mother’s wishes, Brown went into various jobs trying to discover her passion. She worked as a flight attendant immediately after high school, was a nanny for seven years, was a waitress at multiple restaurants and was a dental assistant for five years.

“It was good pay and my mom kind of coaxed me into the go-for-the-money kind of thing, but I was miserable doing that,” says Brown. “I worked hard at it but it didn’t fulfill me.”

It wasn’t until she was 28 years old when she realized doing hair was her true calling. Two years ago, her husband had come home with a botched haircut that  “looked like someone had their eyes shut when they were cutting his hair,” says Brown. She grabbed a pair of scissors and intuitively knew how to recover her husband’s awful new ‘do, and when she was done, Brown says her husband looked at her and said, “This is ridiculous. It’s time for you to do hair.”

“I like her cuts a lot better than other people I’ve been to, to be honest,” says Phillip Brown, her husband, who was in the Army, stationed in North Carolina at the time. “I’m really picky when it comes to who cuts my hair, and she does such a good job.”

When she moved back to Boston after living in the South with her husband for three years, Brown went straight to beauty school, where she’d have three-to-six walk-in clients a day coming in and out of the Empire salon. As a hands-on learner, Brown perfected her techniques through her experience at the school.

Emily Shuman, a career planning specialist at Empire Beauty School in Boston, says Brown was a standout student. She says that compared to other students, Brown had a large clientele and it was clear she produced quality work and that her clients were drawn to her perky, bubbly persona, which made them often come back asking if they could make an appointment with “the British girl.”

“Every single client left here with a giant smile on their face ready to book their next visit with her,” says Shuman. “She’s a very charming student here and made the clients feel very at ease. They didn’t feel like they were getting their hair done at a beauty school, she made it feel like the real deal.”

One loyal walk-in client of Brown’s at Empire was Jenna McGowan, who says that she enjoys going to Brown to get her hair done because she’s talkative, funny and a great listener.

“She’s very easy to talk to, which is great,” says McGowan, who started going to Brown a year ago. “That’s what people are looking for in a hairdresser.”

Brown’s brother agrees. “I think it’s really quite appropriate she’s a hair dresser because there’s more to being a hairdresser than just the design component,” says Rome. “There’s an entertainment component to hairdressing and she’s very good at being a hairdresser.”

In addition to studying Arrojo’s online videos and attending Empire part-time, Brown would seek inspiration by going into various hair salons throughout Boston and passively observing other stylists at work. She constantly envisioned hairdos that would look good on people everywhere she went.

“She’s always looking out for what she can do to people’s hair,” says McGowan. “She dreams about what she would do to their hair if they would let her.”

Her easygoing and welcoming personality and her commitment to improving her craft is exactly what Arrojo says he is looking for in a winner. “The salon is very friendly and I think very cool,” he says. “I’m looking for someone who’s very nice and someone who’s very committed.”

And committed, she is: Brown won first place in a competition at Empire put on by Arthur Miller, an owner of a salon on Newbury Street; volunteered to do children’s hair while teaching them about hygiene at the school; and always participated in school events, even dressing up as Betty Boop for an Empire look-a-like contest.

Currently, she is working at the Waban Salon in Newton, where both she and her more-than-proud mother work side-by-side. The competition winner will be selected on May 21, and Brown says if she wins, this will help her provide for her, her husband and their two children, Bailey, 6, and Brighton, 3, and it would create more opportunities for her in what she is most passionate about–the hair business.

“Finally my passion got the best of me and I did what I knew I should’ve done 10 years ago,” says Brown. “I love it and it’s not hard work to me at all. It’s loads of fun.”

BORDEAUX, France — This forthcoming fall/winter season, looks will change from springy “Mad Men” inspiration to the style of British drama “Downton Abbey.” Men-inspired looks from the ’20s, a bit of Gatsby and a bit of Hemingway will accent womenswear. This isn’t to say womenswear will be masculine, but that menswear-inspired pieces, such as long angular jackets belted at the waist or tartan and plaid patterns, will define looks.

Is big always better? There are two distinct silhouettes that sauntered down Paris runways: a tailored hourglass silhouette and a voluminous silhouette. The hourglass silhouette is not the “bombshell” kind; it is tailored and turns the body into sharp contrasting triangles balanced on their apex. The aerodynamic line creates a sense of power and strength, with the crispness of the contours, and the sharp and distinct angles. Voluminous looks tended to be heavier on the top than on the bottom: bigger coats or boxy jackets paired with skinny jeans; shoulders bulked up with padding that were soft and less angular; structured yet soft peplum blouses and dresses. It seemed to be more about swaddling than swaggering–the upsizing in coats and jackets offers an idea of protection against the cold, providing refuge inside all the pomp and exaggeration.

New York City’s fashion week saw a lot of Venus in fur, with soft black leathers that resembled silk cloth and furs, fake or real. Milan, on the other hand, was more colorful and embraced patterns and color blocking. Wallpaper patterns from the 1970s were extremely popular, as were invented patterns in fuchsias in golds. When in doubt, mod black and white always suffice. London provided glimpses of “Downton Abbey”-inspired fashions, while Paris was spring-inspired in its fall/winter predictions with pastel color palettes and frills.

One style all agreed upon was pleats. Traditional three-quarter-length pleats in silk skirts, and two-toned versions played with contrasting fabrics. There were also fan shapes and sharp accordion styles, as well as origami inspirations. The swish of a pleated skirt is a perennial fashion statement that never loses its appeal.

Another popular style was a play with peek-a-boo down below: see-through pants or skirts, achieved with chiffons, revealed without giving it all away. The same see-through styles appeared in tops as well, but were more subtle.

In the accessory department, chunky, clanging bangles are on the way out; elevator grille cuffs exude greater elegance, and without the danger of slipping off. As for necklaces and the like, colored beads are favored, especially in natural themes and resin gems, embalming faux bees and other insects on chains. Not exactly your grandmother’s pearls, but expect to see a lot more Diana-inspired moonstone rings or sapphires this season.

Running in heels is always dangerous, so consider stacked platforms or stacked-high loafers. Made with cork, they are soft and springy, giving height without suffering for fashion.

While Paris saw the pastel palette of Les Paques, expect fall and winter fashion trends to embrace blacks, navies, cool gray tweeds, chocolates, camel tans and creams, especially if you are a New England or mid-Atlantic native. The styles are more mature this season ,with more class and elegance. Strong and dark, perhaps with a feminine burgundy or maroon thrown in to accentuate, fashions make a statement of power.

(Images are original photography for Blast. Image credits: Jennifer Rose Photography; model, Alena Karabina; hair and makeup by Janeen Jones; styling by Nicoletta Marie Lyons; clothing provided by Lola’s Urban Vintage & Heiress Boutique).

Does your razor stash need a little spring cleaning? Get rid of your dull disposables and enter Blast’s contest to win a Schick Hydro Power Select razor!

This newly launched razor features three vibration settings, an easy-to-read LED screen, a water-activated hydrating gel, five blades with skin guards, and a flip trimmer.

Who said you have to live in the land of boring blue when it comes to your jeans?

The new rage is red in the name of jeans this season, especially since Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was seen wearing a pair while playing a game of hockey at Olympic Park in London.

But this trend isn’t just across the pond! America’s own sizzling celebs, such as Jennifer Lopez and Khloe Kardashian-Odam, have been sporting the sultry spring jean.

Now it’s time to pack a punch in your own wardrobe. Brands such as  WetSeal, Calvin Klein and Gap all have a pair for under $100!

It may technically still be winter, but the unusually warm weather has us putting away our turtlenecks a little early this year. So, what should we break out next, you ask? How about a closet full of Life Savers candy-colored clothes blazing in hues of lemon, lime and citrus? My mouth is already watering!

It’s 8:29 as I write this. Billy Crystal is rewriting his opening joke for the 643rd time, Jonah Hill is trying really hard to look serious, and Sasha Baron Cohen is silently praying that when he wakes up in the morning it’s 2005 and he’s funny again. And about 80 percent of viewers are turning off the TV now that the most important/fun part has drawn to a close — the red carpet.

Sure, some people get a kick out of listening to Billy Crystal spend 18 minutes singing a song composed of painfully obvious Best Picture Nominee puns to a stone faced Anjelina Jolie. But most of us JUST. WANT. TO. SEE. THE. CLOTHES. So, let’s discuss, shall we?

First, a few trends. I thought gold stood out as the color of the night. It’s not so much that it permeated the red carpet as it just made such a statement on those who did wear it. Stacy Keibler’s Marchesa gown is so stunning that you almost believe Clooney won’t dump her in three months. The 80′s reminiscent rosette on the side is structural genius. Jessica Chastain is rocking gold as well, in a medieval looking strapless gold and black patterned dress by Marchesa. Ellie Kemper’s copper Armani Prive is simply stunning to look at and Meryl Streep is wearing a Grecian gold Lanvin.

White is another popular color tonight, as worn by J. Lo, Gwyneth (who is also donning a long cape) and Rooney Mara. Black gowns are few and far between, but Angelina and Rose Byrne are keeping it classic. Anna Faris, unfortunately, chose a black dress that pays homage to movie The Matrix.

Statement necklaces are a thing of the past, as single strands take center stage. Long sleeves are another trend, one embraced by the old and young alike. Twenty-two year old Shailene Woodley is a perfect column in a vintage Valentino and Streep is wearing long sleeves as well.

Now let’s talk best dressed. Sandra Bullock, Michelle Williams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ellie Kemper and Octavia Spencer all topped my list. While I’m finding it hard to pick one woman who really stands out, my best dressed pick ultimately goes to Viola Davis. The custom emerald Vera Wang absolutely sings. Those arms! That hair! Every part of her ensemble underscores her natural beauty. It’s a winner.

Now, for the fun part: Worst dressed! Where do I start? J. Lo’s see-through dress looked trashy, Rooney Mara’s couture just didn’t seem to fit right and Penelope Cruz’s powder blue gown belongs at the prom in 1959. But my number one pick for worst dressed makes me want to cry a little bit. Let me preface this by saying that she isn’t the worst looking actress on the red carpet tonight. It’s just that she could look so insanely beautiful, young and hip. Emma Stone is so gorgeous, so smart and usually so stylish. But tonight, her red Giambatistta Valli dress didn’t make the cut. The high neck and oversized bow aged her while the bright color washed her out. Her hair was boring and her figure was completely lost in the draping. Sigh.

But, we all have our opinions when it comes to fashion on Oscar night. What’s yours?

(Media Credit/Lea Aharonovitch via Flickr)

Women have worn it for centuries to add a hint of color to their lips, but consumer and environmental groups are raising concern over the lead in lipstick. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), which is composed of consumer and environmental groups, addressed the issue in a letter  earlier this month to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The group wants lead levels in lipstick to decrease, as they argue that there is no “safe level” for the metal.

In 2007, the CSC tested 33 lipsticks, including shades from top brands in the U.S., and reported that “two-thirds of the 33 samples we tested contained detectable levels of lead; of those, half were above the recommended limit for lead in candy.” In response, the FDA conducted its own study, using 20 of the same brands and shades the CSC had tested, which included shades from Revlon, Cover Girl and Estee Lauder. Initial FDA findings found the average lead concentration in the lipstick samples to be 1.07 parts per million (ppm), while an expanded survey, the findings of which were released in December of 2011, revealed the average concentration to be 1.11 ppm of 400 samples tested.

“This new report found higher levels of lead in lipstick than previously reported, and adds to our concern about the health risks of lead-containing lipstick–a product used by millions of women of childbearing age who are unaware that they may be building up their blood lead levels each time they apply lipstick,” the CSC said in the letter.

The group adds, “The most-contaminated brand, Maybelline Color Sensation made by L’Oreal USA, had lead levels more than 275 times the level found in the least contaminated brands, and more than seven times higher than the average found in all the lipsticks. Clearly, some manufacturers could be doing more to protect women from unnecessary lead exposure.”

Though the FDA has not set limits for lead in cosmetics such as lipstick, it has set limits for lead in color additives to “no more than 20 parts per million,” according to its website. The FDA also asserts that the lead in lipstick is “ingested only in very small quantities.”

In the letter, though, the CSC argues that last month, an advisory committee to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention recommended that the CDC  focus on “aggressive prevention efforts for lead exposure.” The letter continues, “Based on new information as well as new understanding of old data, the committee’s report asserted that there is no safe level of lead for children; that the low-dose effects of lead extend beyond the neurodevelopmental realm into cardiovascular, immunological, and endocrine effects; and that the health effects of lead exposure appear to be irreversible.”

The FDA asserts on its website, though, that consumers should not be alarmed, stating, “Although we do not believe that the lead content found in our recent lipstick analyses poses a safety concern, we are evaluating whether there may be a need to recommend an upper limit for lead in lipstick in order to further protect the health and welfare of consumers.”

According to the FDA’s 2010 expanded survey of 400 lipsticks, the following lipsticks had the most lead contamination:

1. Maybelline Color Sensational in Pink Petal, 7.19 ppm.

2. L’Oreal Colour Riche in Volcanic, 7 ppm.

3. NARS Semi-Matte in Red Lizard, 4.93 ppm.

4. Cover Girl Queen Collection Vibrant Hues Color in Ruby Remix, 4.92 ppm.

5. NARS Semi-Matte in Funny Face, 4.89 ppm.

According to the FDA’s 2010 expanded survey of 400 lipsticks, the following lipsticks had the least lead contamination:

400. Wet’n'Wild Mega Mixers Lipbalm, <0.026 ppm.

399. Clinique Almost in Black Honey, <0.026 ppm.

398. L’Oreal Colour Juice in Cherry On Top, <0.026 ppm.

397. Lori Anne Mood in Blue, 0.03 ppm.

396. M.A.C Satin in M.A.C Red, 0.03 ppm.

Apparel from California-based couture swimwear brand La Isla can not only spice up your summer wardrobe, but can also improve the lives of others.

Last month, the company launched its newest charitable campaign, La Isla 360. The way it works is simple: for every t-shirt that’s sold, one will be donated to someone in need. The t-shirts will be given to homeless shelters and children’s organizations, such as Children of the Americas.

“Running a business without lending a helping hand to those in need makes no sense to me,” says CEO and founder of La Isla, Enrique Sánchez-Rivera. “We are excited for the La Isla 360 program and hope that people recognize the value of shopping with a conscience.”

The brand’s 2012 collection includes hand-enbroidered bikinis, vintage-style women’s t-shirts, casual hats and handmade crocheted headwear. All embroidery is hand-done in Colombia by women who are the heads of their households, and all apparel is made with soy-based ink and organic cotton. Additionally, La Isla will donate a portion of its 2012 proceeds to the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society.

“Our new collection is inspired by the world’s natural elements and native roots,” says Sánchez-Rivera. ”Bikinis, like any other clothing article, shouldn’t be just about fashion. We hope to bring forth the connection of our natural roots and personal tastes by making bikinis and clothing that can both make a statement and a difference.”

Actress Viola Davis pairs a conservative dress and blazer ensemble with eye-popping red pumps. (Media Credit/Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images)

Putting together an office-appropriate outfit can be tricky, and it’s all too easy to slip into an ill-fitting, dowdy work clothes rut. But not to worry, fashion designer and expert Claudia Patel is here to help. Patel, whose clothing and jewelry lines debut online this month, shares her four office “must-haves.” Follow them, and in no time you’ll be an office fashionista!

Power Pumps

Black pumps might be the “go-to” shoes, but fun pops of color can transform an outfit–just remember to keep it professional.

“To draw the right amount of attention to your shoes, be sure to consider contrast when selecting your daily work attire,” says Patel. “Go bold—but steer clear of loud patterns. Black is a sleek look for the office, but also experiment with hues. Bold colors are a great way to stand out, in a good way.”

Model Kate Moss looks edgy in skinny jeans and a blazer. (Media Credit/Mike Marsland, WireImage)

Blazer

Please abandon that frumpy skirt suit or old, pilled cardigan and invest in a versatile blazer.

“A statement jacket is that perfect piece to dress up your casual Friday look,” says Patel. “Pair a slim fitting blazer with skinny jeans for a chic ensemble. Pair a solid colored dress with a bold jacket and make your outfit pop. Celebrate your femininity with flared skirts and dresses in appropriate lengths complimented with a fitted jacket for a polished look at work. Take your look from day to night by removing your blazer for dinner and drinks after hours.”

Singer Alicia Keys stuns in a classic black pencil skirt and a tucked-in emerald-colored blouse. (Media Credot/Steve Granitz, WireImage)

Pencil Skirt

Pencil skirts have it all: they’re classic, sophisticated, and a little sexy.

“A fitted pencil skirt brings confidence and femininity to your work wardrobe,” says Patel. “Tuck in a simple conservative blouse to show off your curves elegantly. Make sure you wear heels to lengthen your legs for that perfect symmetry. Experiment with different hues, textures and complimentary colors to reflect your personal style. Pair a black pencil skirt with a bright top, or vice versa.”

Model Olivia Palermo rocks a structured, neutral bag. (Media Credit/Dimitrios Kambouris, WireImage

Statement Bag

Just say no to stuffing everything in that cute little purse, and don a bright or neutral structured bag that can fit your iPhone, work papers and make-up bag for some happy hour touch-ups.

“Big statement bags really pull your overall look together, whether you are going for chic and sophisticated to creative and fun,” says Patel. “Pair a basic black power suit with a bright bold or patterned bag. Everything right down to the bag you carry to work needs to have some form of structure to look sleek and polished. Leave your cute hobo bag for the weekends. Invest in a large structured neutral bag that will complement any outfit. Steer clear of glitter bags for the office. For a hint of sparkle, turn to jewelry instead.”

Many mass-market hair care products rely on harsh chemicals that can cause follicle, skin and eye irritation. In some cases, ingredients have been implicated in respiratory, immune and endocrine problems, even cancer. Fortunately, there is now a wide range of greener, healthier hair care products available. (Thinkstock/iStock)

Many common hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners and hair sprays, can pose health hazards. Most of the shampoos for sale on supermarket and drugstore shelves use a chemical called sodium laureth sulfate (or one of its derivatives), a foamy de-greaser that can cause follicle, skin and eye irritation, and which has been linked to some cancers when combined with other common shampoo ingredients.

Meanwhile, mass-market conditioners typically rely on so-called quaternary compounds to produce thicker, silkier and tangle-free hair, but these chemicals can also irritate the skin and eyes and likewise have been linked to cancer. As for hair spray and other styling products, most work by coating the hair with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a plastic polymer that has been dissolved in solvents to keep it flexible. Environment Canada, Canada’s counterpart to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, classifies PVP as a medium health priority, although phthalates, triethanolamine, parabens and other hair spray ingredients may be more harmful, having been linked to respiratory, immune and endocrine problems as well as cancer.

Luckily for those who spend a lot of time and money getting their hair to look, smell and feel just right, a wide range of greener, healthier hair care products has emerged in recent years. Aveda has been a pioneer in the industry ever since Horst Rechelbacher launched the company in 1978 after visiting India and witnessing the healing powers of Hindu medicine and aroma. Today the company offers seven hair product lines tailored to different hair types, with the majority of the ingredients derived from plants, non-petroleum minerals or other natural sources. Furthermore, upwards of 89 percent of the essential oils and raw herbal ingredients Aveda uses in its hair cars products are sourced from certified organic producers.

There are hundreds of other companies, too, that sell natural hair products. A great place to look is at the GoodGuide, a website that rates 145,000 foods, toys, personal care and household products according to health, environmental and social responsibility standards. Top-rated shampoos listed there include Burt’s Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar, Aura Cacia Kids Shampoo and Aubrey Organics Men’s Stock Ginseng Biotin Shampoo. GoodGuide’s top performing conditioners include Dr. Bronner’s Hair Conditioning Rinse, Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick with Tea Tree Leaf Oil, KMS Haircare Liquid Assets and Nurture My Body Conditioner. As for styling, GoodGuide likes any of the varieties of Dr. Bronner’s Hair Conditioner and Style Cream as well as L’Oreal’s Elnett Extra Strong Hold.

Another source for credible hair care products recommendations is the Guide to Less Toxic Products, a free online resource produced by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia. The guide lists 25 shampoos, 22 conditioners and 18 hair styling products that meet its stringent ingredient standards. Also check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetics database, which provides detailed ingredient information and safety assessments for 70,000 personal care products, including hundreds of shampoos, conditioners and hair styling formulations.

CONTACTS: Aveda, www.aveda.com; Good Guide, www.goodguide.com; Guide to Less Toxic Products, www.lesstoxicguide.ca; Skin Deep, www.ewg.org/skindeep.

By Kasey Miller at Emmanuel College

Photo Cred: www.laurenshope.com

The main reason people do not wear medical IDs is because they are ugly and bring attention to their medical conditions. Another reason is because people do not know what medical conditions are considered important enough to merit wearing a medical ID. The simple solution would be to ask your doctor. If your doctor thinks you should wear a medical ID odds are you should wear one.

Lauren’s Hope medical IDs are negating the stigma of people wearing medical IDs. They are fashionable and, unless the person wearing the ID wants or needs to bring attention to their medical condition, no one knows that they are wearing one.

The front of the pendant looks like a carnation with a lot of colorful layers. In the center of the flower is a red medical alert symbol but unless you are strictly looking for it, you do not see it. If you are trying to look for it, you will see it.

“It’s so important to wear a medical ID and when Laurens Hope makes them so cute I don’t mind wearing mine! People need options when they have diabetes. We have minimal options in treatment, but in fashion they are limitless.” Says Allison Crace, a type one Diabetic.

On Lauren’s Hope webpage, you can choose from a variety of styles of medical IDs. If you prefer to wear something subtle, like a watch, they have that option. If you want something flashy that shows up when you wear it, they also have jewelry that fits that description. Whatever style you are, and if you have any known chronic illnesses, Lauren’s Hope has the type of medical ID you are looking for.

People with known chronic illnesses crave control – and Lauren’s Hope gives some control back to these people.

A Lauren’s Hope medical ID necklace looks like a normal necklace. This brings up the question: How does medical staff know if a person is wearing a medical ID? The answer is that emergency medical staff is trained to check for the little red medical alert symbol on the arms, neck or feet of any person seen by emergency medical staff.

The price of a Lauren’s Hope medical ID would be somewhere in the sixty dollar range. The price of not wearing a medical ID, on the other hand, is far more costly.

Beautiful hair was everywhere at this year’s New York Fashion Week, and thanks to some of the industry’s top hairstylists, you can create these chic, straight-from-the-runway looks yourself at home. Read on for step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be looking runway-ready in no time!

A modern, youthful twist

Designer: Preen 
Hairstylist: Paul Hanlon, lead stylist for Aveda

To complement Preen’s modern yet feminine look, Hanlon says he “wanted the hair to impart the same lightness, innocence and purity.  We created a sleek silhouette to mirror the clean lines of the clothes.” The result? Hair that is “pure and neat; it almost has a forties feel,” he adds.

How to do it

1.     Prep hair by spritzing throughout with Aveda Volumizing Tonic, then blow dry with a round brush.  Work hair away from the face and neck to keep the hairline clean.  If hair is dry or damaged, begin by prepping with Aveda Brilliant Damage Control, and follow with Aveda Volumizing Tonic.

2.     Once dry, gently brush hair away from the face and let hair part naturally on the left side. Smooth hair with a fine-toothed comb and a light mist of Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.

3.     On the right side of the head at the top of the ear, begin to twist hair toward the back of the head, staying just on top of the parietal ridge.  Use a tail comb to neatly bring hair up into the roll, and secure the roll with “U” pins.  Avoid twisting too tightly at this point.

4.     Continue twisting toward the back of the head following the natural hairline.  Twist all the way to the nape, secure hairwith a clip.

5.     Repeat twist on the left side, starting slightly lower, one to two inches above the top of the ear, sloping downward at the back of the head to create a “U” shape when twists meet at the nape.

6.     Neatly brush hair upward from the hairline to create a seamless connection between the two twists.  This gives the appearance of a single, smooth, twisted roll that snugly wraps around the head.

7.     Use Aveda Air Control Hair Spray and the end of a tail comb to smooth all wisps and flyaways while replacing “U” pins with bobby pins, snugly tucked and hidden. 

8.     Finish with Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine.     

Long, loose, effortless waves

Designer: Christian Siriano
Hairstylist: Antoinette Beenders, lead stylist for Aveda

“The hair for Christian Siriano this season is playful and looks effortless,” says Beenders. “We’ve updated the loose, beachy waves of the ’90s with a more groomed look that’s smart, young and approachable. I was inspired by Christian’s muse for this collection: a charming, smart girl who radiates happiness. The hair is super wearable and reflects her flirty, yet clever nature.  It’s fun, fresh and modern—just like the collection.”

How to do it

1.     Dampen hair at the root with Aveda Volumizing Tonic and blow dry with a large round brush to create natural volume.  For added lift, use Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray as a setting lotion while blow-drying by lightly misting the hair.

2.     Use a one-and-a-half-inch barrel curling iron to curl one-inch sections of hair away from the face until all hair is curled.  Rake with fingers to loosen. 

3.     Flip hair upside down and gently brush curls through.

4.     Flip hair back up. Create a deep side part and gently smooth out the top of hair using a comb, maintaining volume at the part.

5.     Spray Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine onto a kabuki makeup brush and stroke the brush over hair from roots to ends to give a healthy shine.  Keep style in place and protect against humidity with Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray.

Textured and touseled

Designer: Band of Outsiders 
Hairstylist: Didier Malige, stylist for Aveda

Malige created two looks for the Band of Outsiders’ show (which was inspired by the dark 1975 Australian film “Picnic at Hanging Rock”), a romantic, “girly” look of textured waves, and a “boyish” look of a touseled chignon. “The hair for both looks at Band of Outsiders is textured, matte and has an easy look, almost undone,” says Malige. “It’s as if she’s done her hair herself, pulling it back into a loose chignon or letting it fall into natural waves.”

How to do it: The “girly” waves

1.  Divide dry hair into two sections with a straight middle part.

2.  Working with one section at a time, twist each section of hair away from the face while applying Aveda Brilliant Retexturizing Gel.

3.  Continue twisting hair and working in the gel until hair is nearly saturated.

4.  Holding the twisted section out with your fingertips, use a blowdryer to set hair. Continue blowdrying and twisting until hair is completely dry.

5.  Pin the twist to the side of the head, creating a large spiral. Leave for several minutes to set.

6.  Repeat on the other side of the head.

7.  Once the spirals have set, remove pins so that the twists fall onto each shoulder. Rake hair with your fingers to create waves.

8.  For added texture, scrunch Aveda Pure Hair Abundance Potion into waves.

9.  Finish with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.

How to do it: The “boyish” chignon

1.     Mist Aveda Air Control Hair Spray throughout hair from roots to ends to texturize the hair and give pliable hold.

2.     Gently brush hair through using a brush.

3.     Using a wide-toothed comb, backcomb hair from mid-length to ends, leaving the roots untouched. This creates grip and hold on the hair, making it easier to pull back and secure.

4.     Twist hair back and create a loose chignon at the occipital bone. Pin into place.

5.     Gently backcomb the top layer of hair and the chignon in a feathering motion, creating additional wisps and a slightly “undone” look.

6.     Loosen a few wisps of hair around the face for a natural, slightly mussed feeling.

7.     Hold style in place with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.

 A wearable, pretty chignon

Designer: Sophie Théallet
Hairstylist: Didier Malige, stylist for Aveda

For Sophie Théallet’s collection, inspired by the 1969 film “La Piscine” (meaning “The swimming pool”), Malige wanted hair that expressed “an understated refinement, an instinctual sensuality.”  Malige says that “the hair is that of a girl who has just gone swimming, as if she has offhandedly pulled her hair back in a chignon and just left it to dry.  It reflects a nonchalant sensuality, her natural and understated sophistication.”

How to do it

1.     Brush hair away from the face with fingers, while working Aveda Pure Abundance Potion throughout to texturize.

2.     Pull hair back with hands, gathering at the back of the head as if to pull into a ponytail.

3.     Twist hair and coil into a loose bun, fasten with bobby pins.

4.     Pat a generous amount of Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay and Aveda Control Paste onto the head, massaging and scrunching to create a matte, wet-and-dried texture.

5.     Smooth sides very close to head and leave a little volume on top.

Hip fashion favorite Urban Outfitters has been sued by the parents of a 15-year-old model for allegedly using photos of the girl on t-shirts without permission.

The photos in question show the underage girl in a sexually suggestive pose on a motorcycle.  The girl’s parents filed the $28 million lawsuit against both the clothing store and photographer Jason Lee Parry in Manhattan Federal Court under claims that the photos were taken without permission last year.

The photo shoot allegedly features the model “posed in a blatantly salacious manner with her legs spread without a bra, revealing portions of her breasts.”  The lawsuit also claims that the girl is shown engaging in illegal activities such as drinking beer and riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

Ladies, it’s time to update your makeup stash! This fall and winter, have fun with rich, vivid jewel tones that add warmth to winter skin and chicness to your fall and winter style.

On Sept. 1, Aveda will introduce its limited edition Jewels of the Earth makeup collection, a combination of gem-inspired eyeshadow and lip color hues that complement every skin tone and hair color, and can be used to create dramatic or subtle yet stunning looks.

“Jewels of the Earth is a palette of rich, intense tones,” says Janell Geason, Aveda’s global makeup artist. “Metallic, velvety-dark colors reflect depth and nocturnal elegance. The looks suggest a somber, antique and artistic mood, and the notion of old becoming new.”

The collection includes six Petal Essence Single Eye Colors (available in Crushed Citrine, Terraverte, Sanidine, Azurite, Amethyst and Jade), which are are crease-resistant, lightweight and long-lasting and boast a silky, petal-soft texture for effortless blending thanks to jasmine and geranium waxes; one Nourish-Mint Sheer Mineral Lip Color (available in Sheer Petalite), made with plant and fruit waxes to smooth fine lines, plump lips and add moisture, and has mineral-derived pigments for a flattering touch of color; and two Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Colors (available in Tanzanite and Vanadinite), a creamy lipstick that gives lips full-coverage color for a va-va-voom look.

If rich makeup colors intimidate you, relax! Blast spoke with Geason, who shared her expert tips on how to recreate some of this fall and winter’s standout looks from the collection—step by step!

Blast: Which of the colors from the collection do you recommend for light, medium and dark skin tones?

Janell Geason: All the colors of Jewels of the Earth can be used on all skin tones; the key is application. Just as gemstones are classified as transparent, translucent and opaque, these same effects can be achieved with makeup, therefore making all colors wearable for all skin tones.

Blast: What about for each eye color?

JG: It depends on what you want to achieve. You can create an interesting contrast to your hair color or eye color. For example, if you have a vibrant red or violet toned hair color, choose rich emerald tones to create a pop; Jade works beautifully for this.  Or use your eye color as a guide to create tonal dissonance.  For example, green eyes with gold flecks look beautiful in amethyst tones, blue eyes shine with warm, rich copper tones, and brown eyes have it all depending on what flecks of color you want to bring out.

Blast: Since jewel tones are rich, how can they be “toned down” for an easy daytime look?

JG: For a more subtle look, use a pop of color on the top lash line above or in place of your eyeliner. Amethyst, Azurite or Jade are great options for this look.   Use the colors as an accessory, which means doing your makeup like you normally do and add a touch of jewel tones to it.

Blast: Any tips on how to make a smokey eye using the collection’s colors instead of the classic black?

JG: Begin by smudging an eyeliner all around your eye.  I prefer Aveda’s Black Orchid Eye Definer. Then choose your favorite jewel-toned shade–I love Amethyst, Jade or Azurite for this–and apply with a Medium Eye Color Brush.  Apply from your lash line to slightly above the crease. Blend outer edges well. Then go back with a lighter shade –I love Sanidine for a touch of gold–and apply slightly above the first color and accent the inner corner of the lid for added glam.  I suggest doing the top lid first to avoid the “panda eye.”  Once you finish the top lid, you’ll easily be able to see how heavy you need to go on the bottom lash line.  Finish the bottom lash line with the same jewel-toned shade you used on the top, and remember to blend well.  Curl lashes and apply Aveda’s Black Forest Mosscara to top and bottom lashes. This smokey eye is my favorite for an evening out.

Blast: What is your favorite daytime look?

JG: For day, a strong red lip paired with a neutral eye creates a polished look. On the eyes, a sweep of Terraverte Eye Color from the lash line to slightly above the contour of the eye, with Sanidine diffused lightly at the inner corner of the eye, does the trick.  Finish with Aveda’s Black Forest Mosscara on the lashes and Vanadinite Lip Color for a pretty pout.

So there you have it; now there’s no excuse for ho-hum makeup this fall and winter. Do to your face what a sparkling bauble does for your outfit and brighten it up with gorgeous jewels!

For the fourth year in a row, Boston’s Emerging Trends fashion event will showcase some of the world’s most talented up-and-coming designers. To be held on Sept. 24, the Emerging Trends is Boston Fashion Week’s biggest show. Past featured designers have included Keith Lissner of Bravo’s “The Fashion Show” and “Project Runway” contestants Jerry Tam and Maya Luz. Attendees will also have the opportunity to browse upscale merchandise from venders selling jewelry, handbags and more.

This year’s designers include:

• Linda Rowe Thomas (USA)
• !Nu.I (Canada)
• Rana Al Soliman (Saudi Arabia/Lebanon)
• KALB&ETIW (Australia)
• Ashley Zaba (Canada)
• Halldora Eydis Jonsdottir (Iceland)
• Lindsay Lee (USA)
• Garde Del Avante (Canada)
• TrashGlam (Australia)
• Andy Jacques (USA)
• Lady Baptiste (Canada)
• WallacePlayford (Canada)
• Maleku Jewelry (USA)
• Ruby Johnson (Canada)

Details

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. 

Where: Boston Center for the Arts (Cyclorama), 539 Tremont St., Boston

For tickets, go here. A portion of the VIP tickets will benefit the American Heart Association.

For more information, go to www.theemergingtrends.com.

NEW YORK — Your eyes smolder from behind the black birdcage veil that wraps the brim of your hat. I know it’s you purely by the style and way you hold yourself, if nothing more. You and those damn hats and how they get me every time. I pretend like my heart doesn’t skip when I see a woman walk past with one of your unique style hats on, but I am only lying to myself. A week ago a woman, elegantly dressed with a Parisian accent was walking down the street, a green hat upon her finely groomed tresses. It was green felt, delicately folded together by a single golden button, complimented by a contrast flume of feathers. It reminded me of the hat you have, almost identical in every way. So badly I want those feathers to brush my cheek as I hold pull you closer to me, away from the noisy traffic on the street, which you migrate to, distracted as you look up at me, excitedly telling me a story. A story about a hat. The grey straw one with the three black progressing circles. The one you said you stumbled upon at a small shop in Greenwich, but you swore you’d never buy because you were embarrassed over all the hats you already owned. Your obsession was always so quirky and loveable to me, though maybe to others compulsive and irresponsible. But you love them. And when buying one you are always wearing one, which always creates a beautiful web when you tell me about them. The simple blue sailor piece you wear almost everyday, being a catalyst to all the others you buy. It almost seems maybe too small atop your already small head, making one wonder if it is for comedic effect or fashion. Some would argue both. But while some might call it comedic, or maybe even tragic, I find it all so beautiful. Like the day I first met you…walking slowly towards me, eyes looking right past me, your hair tucked sweetly underneath the beautiful velvet number that made you seem so utterly sexy and demure at the same time. I wasn’t sure how to react. Should I aggressively pull you close and show you the passion that dwelled inside me when seeing you for the first time, proud and confident? Or did I want to softly pull you closer to me, away from the traffic bustling by in a hurry, unlike you, who slowly seeped into my heart and now stood before me with smoldering eyes beneath another beautiful obsession…

Team:
Photographer: Christopher Helmut Grosser
Model: Carley Beck
Stylist: Ximena Garcia De Onrubia
Hair: James P. Moore
Makeup: Nichole Heid

A Muslim woman who was fired from a Hollister clothing store for refusing to remove her religious headscarf, or hijab, filed a lawsuit Monday against her former employer, Abercrombie & Fitch.

Hani Khan, 20, of San Mateo, Calif., had worked at the store for four months before she was fired in February 2010. She had been told that wearing her hijab would be permitted, and would not conflict with the company “look policy,” if the scarf were in the company colors. But in February, company managers asked her to remove the hijab while she worked. When she refused, she was fired.

“When I was asked to remove my scarf after being hired with it on, I was demoralized and felt unwanted,” said Khan. “Growing up in this country where the Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of religion, I have felt let down.”

After being fired, Khan filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which determined that Khan had been wrongfully fired.

Khan filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, citing religious discrimination and asserting that Hollister’s parent company, Abercrombie & Fitch, did not comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Khan is seeking to make it mandatory for Abercrombie & Fitch to allow employees to wear religious scarves, along with unspecified damages. The EEOC has also filed a lawsuit, coming after attempts at a settlement between the parties earlier this year failed.

Zahra Billoo, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, one of the parties representing Khan, said, “When we first received Ms. Khan’s complaint, it was the explicitness of Abercrombie & Fitch’s discriminatory demands which concerned us. They were both egregious and illegal. For an employer to, point-blank, require an employee to relinquish their religious practice is a violation of our cherished civil rights laws.”

Araceli Martinez-Olguin, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center, which is also representing Khan, said, ”Abercrombie & Fitch cannot hide behind a ‘Look Policy’ to justify violating Ms. Khan’s civil rights. Their refusal to accommodate her wearing her hijab is not only unlawful, but un-American.”

In a statement made to the Associated Press, Abercrombie & Fitch stood by its diversity, saying that diversity in its stores “far exceeds the diversity in the population of the United States.”

“We comply with the law regarding reasonable religious accommodation, and we will continue to do so,” said Rocky Robbins, Abercrombie & Fitch’s general counsel. “We are confident that when this matter is tried, a jury will find that we have fully complied with the law.”

Fashionistas on a budget have a new reason to update their wardrobes this summer. Andover’s First Date Boutique has moved to a new, larger space downtown–and still has chic clothes at affordable prices. Whether you’re searching for that cute and casual summer dress or that sexy stunner for a party, First Date has it all, and most of it’s priced at under $100. Nothing in the store is over $260, so even that fancy prom dress won’t break the bank.

First Date, owned by sisters Brianne and Keri Barrett since 2007, is a sophisticated girly-girl’s haven with the goal of answering the question, “What am I going to wear?” in an easy, affordable way. Frustrated with having to go from shop to shop trying to piece fun, flirty and unique outfits together, the sisters came up with the idea of a one-stop-shop where women can find everything they need for a trip, party or event. The sisters wanted to create a boutique where women could “enjoy a shopping experience that enabled them to find an outfit that guaranteed a multitude of compliments.”

First Date displays its merchandise from brands such as Max and Cleo, Hanky Panky and Alexia Admor by themed sections, displaying a mix of dresses, tops, skirts, jeans, jewelry, accessories, undergarments and gifts: Soirée, which features semi-formal and formal options, is where you’ll find that elegant dress for your work’s holiday party or for that super fancy wedding; Just Cocktails has what you need when you’re craving a new look for a girls’ night on the town; Getaway is where you’ll find the perfect flowy maxi dress and that sexy new bikini for your summer vacation or stay at the beach; and Hitched is the section for gals who are (you guessed it!) getting hitched or have a friend who is, and offers the perfect pretty outfits for bridal showers and engagement parties, along with cute “I do” accessories for the bride-to-be.

Inside the shop’s pink-walled dressing rooms, notes on the mirrors remind shoppers that “First impressions are everything,” boost their confidence that “He’ll love that!” and exclaim what savvy First Date shoppers already know: “You are one stylish gal.”

First Date Boutique
One Main St.
Andover, MA
978-247-8999

Summer hours:

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.  to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.ShopFirstDate.com

Rihanna's bright red 'do makes a statement. (Media Credit/J. Strauss, WireImage)

There’s a hot new look for the hottest season: red hair. Although just two percent of the population are said to be natural redheads, one look at the TV and the latest magazine covers proves that many more want to be!

Some celebrities, such as Rihanna and Paramore’s Haley Williams, are choosing very bright “look at me!” shades of red that add extra oomph to their larger-than-life rock star attitudes. More recently, we’ve also seen “Gossip Girl’s” Blake Lively and aptly-named Scarlett Johansson take on subtler red shades in preparation for upcoming roles. Natural blonde Drew Barrymore also recently went red.

Yahoo.com reports that many of the most recognizable fiery-haired celebrities are not natural redheads, citing Lucille Ball, “Mad Men’s” Christina Hendricks, “Sex and the City’s” Cynthia Nixon, and “Will & Grace’s” Debra Messing; they’ve all been faking it for years, and many of us couldn’t picture them in any other shade. Blast spoke with in-home beautician Arielle Ferguson from Salem, Mass., for tips on how the everyday woman can successfully pull off the trend.

Blake Lively looks sultry and smokin' hot with red hair. (Media Credit/Mazur, WireImage)

First, consider your skin tone. “If you have a golden tone, try a deep auburn red to make you hair really stand out,” says Ferguson.  “An olive complexion works well with a darker shade like a burgundy. If you have a pale skin tone, stay away from bright reds, instead opting for a coppery shade.”

Different hair colors will absorb the red tint differently, so it’s best to ask your stylist how to get your desired look. For instance, naturally lighter hair may turn orange if handled aggressively, and naturally darker shades may first need to be chemically lightened to achieve the right look.

Ferguson advises, “Bring pictures of the color you want to help your stylist get a sense of what you’re looking for in terms of the brightness or intensity of the color.”

If you have to do it at home, start with a semi-permanent shade until you’re sure you’ve gotten it right; red is the hardest color to apply and hardest to remove, celebrity stylist Tracey Cunningham told Yahoo.com. You should also use a shampoo and conditioner formulated to preserve your color and prevent fading. Root touch-ups will likely need to be done every several weeks, but lighter shades may need the entire head recolored every couple of months, Cunningham adds.

Drew Barrymore's dark locks are sophisticated. (Media Credit/David Livingston, WireImage)

So what makeup goes with your new shade and what color clothes should you wear?  ”Try earthy colors on your eyes,” says Ferguson. “Or, for a nighttime look, use red lipstick to make your mouth pop and swipe a brown or black liner on your eyes.”

Beauty and fashion advice website Greatest Look suggests avoiding purples or pinks in your wardrobe that can clash with your hair, but it’s a matter of personal preference. If you really love a clashing color, Greatest Look suggests accessorizing in that color or simply wearing it as far away from your face as possible. Green also offsets red in the color wheel, so search for a shade of green that works; the lighter your hair, the lighter the green in your clothing should be. Knowing your color “season” can also point you in the right direction.

But when it comes to red hair, the most important accessory is you! Work your confidence to show off your bold new look, because blondes don’t have all the fun anymore!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only limited say in what cosmetics manufacturers can and cannot put into their products. And the cosmetics industry has essentially been regulating itself for some three decades. But critics argue that self-regulation isn't appropriate for an industry trading in potentially carcinogenic products. (Media credit/Jupter Images via Thinkstock)

The Safe Cosmetics Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2010 by Democrats Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin. But it never got past committee reviews and thus never came up for a vote.

The proposed bill aimed to ensure that all personal care products for sale in the U.S. would be free of harmful ingredients and that all ingredients would be fully disclosed. The bill would’ve given the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to prohibit the use of certain ingredients, including carcinogens and reproductive and developmental toxins, to recall products that fail to meet safety standards, and to require product labels to name each ingredient.

The FDA has only limited say in what cosmetics manufacturers can and cannot put into their products. And the cosmetics industry has essentially been regulating itself for some three decades, and would like to keep it that way. In response to failed efforts in the 1970s to force the FDA to regulate cosmetics more like drugs—with required pre-market safety assessments—the industry decided to take matters into its own hands, creating the Cosmetics Industry Review Panel to judge the safety of various ingredients.

Critics argue that self-regulation isn’t appropriate for an industry trading in potentially carcinogenic products. “It’s a panel funded by the trade association,” Stacy Malkan of the non-profit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics told the Washington, DC-based Corporate Crime Reporter. “For 30 years that they have been in operation, they have only looked at about 13 percent of the chemicals in cosmetics. They do cursory reviews. They look mostly for short term health effects. It’s a panel of mostly dermatologists, not toxicologists. So, they don’t have the expertise to be looking at long-term health effects like cancer.”

Another non-profit, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), has identified upwards of 100 different products that passed Cosmetics Industry Review Panel safety assessments despite obvious violations of that body’s own guidelines. According to EWG’s research, 22 percent of all personal care products on store shelves today—including children’s products—may contain a cancer-causing ingredient (1,4-Dioxane), while some 60 percent of sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a potential hormone disruptor.

In response to the government not requiring cosmetics manufacturers to be more responsible, EWG launched the Skin Deep website, an easy-to-use, keyword-searchable database of cosmetics and their health risks and environmental footprints. The idea behind the website is to let users decide for themselves which cosmetics to purchase; EWG hopes that making this information freely available and easy-to-access will help drive demand for safer products.

Supporters of the Safe Cosmetics Act were hopeful that passage of their bill would usher in a new era of more rigorous mandatory screening of cosmetics here at home, and leadership in a global marketplace hungry for safer, greener products. Advocates for safe cosmetics hope that lawmakers will muster the resolve to reintroduce the bill, or another like it, in the current or some future session of Congress.

CONTACTS: FDA, www.fda.gov; Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, www.safecosmetics.org; Corporate Crime Reporter, www.corporatecrimereporter.com; Skin Deep, www.ewg.org/skindeep/.

Santi Deoleo once an intern for Jam’n 94.5, now the Producer of the station’s Ramiro and Pebbles Morning Show, has started his own clothing line called Modus and will be releasing his second collection, complete with women’s clothing, by the end of this month.

Deoleo describes his whole experience with working his way up the ladder with Jam’n and finally fulfilling his passion for fashion, as “living the American dream”. Deoleo told his story of how his parents came here from the Dominican Republic and made a living. He feels he must follow suit.

“My parents worked their butts off to get where they are,” Deoleo said. “I have to do something.”

That something had to be fashion.

“I go home in the afternoon and work on clothing,” he said.

The designer wants to create clothes with meaning and Modus was born with its unique incorporation of chess pieces into each t-shirt. Deoleo told of his long time hobby of playing chess, thus making its appearance a personal one.

The t-shirts that make up Modus have a vintage feel as Deoleo describes.

He said, “I don’t only just want to have a cool design. I want them to be comfortable.”

Modus Girl, Deoleo’s women’s collection, is more along the lines of the kind of shirts that can be worn out to the bar, as opposed to beach day apparel. In the future Deoleo hopes to take his clothing line overseas.

“I would love nothing more than to fly to Japan and show people my clothes,” he continued.

The morning show host at Jamn doesn’t hesitate to wear something of Deoleo’s at least twice a week, but the designer hasn’t been wearing his clothing for very long.

“I don’t feel like I’m worthy of wearing them yet,” Deoleo admitted. He claims to be a t-shirt and jeans type of guy, but he wants to emphasize that this clothing line is an example of setting out behind a passion and making it happen.

Deoleo stands behind his saying, “A prodigy is something unique, even exceptional. Modus Collection wants to help individuals express themselves and celebrate their inner prodigy.”

This and more should be anticipated in Deoleo’s prospective clothing lines.

Christian Dior silk and satin weave cocktail dress, 1954. (Photo courtesy of RISD Museum)

PROVIDENCE — Like a stiff vodka martini, taking the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum’s “Cocktail Culture: Ritual and Invention in American Fashion, 1920-1980″ exhibit all in one gulp may result in lush fashion intoxication.

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted by classic black Christian Dior, as ready-to-wear today as when it debuted in the fall of 1954. Beyond the timeless silk and satin-weave masterpiece are seven decades, and more than 220 examples, of vintage decor and party-wear.

“‘Cocktail Culture’ traces the influence of the cocktail hour on fashion and design in the 20th century, from the flapper of Prohibition to the ultra feminine dresses of post-World War II to the spangled pantsuit of the disco era, and the accompanying designs for shakers and glasses,” said Interim Director Ann Woolsey in a press release.

The cocktail fashion of the 1920s and 1930s begins with the section “Mixed Company,” which addresses the mixing of both drinks and the genders behind closed doors. “The making of the modern drinker occurred during Prohibition, when those who enjoyed spirits gathered in private homes by necessity,” the wall label reads. “Shifted to a domestic setting, drinking, formerly the domain of men, became a pastime shared by women as well.”

The above looks from the "Day for Night" section have simple silhouettes with fun embellishments. (Photo courtesy of RISD Museum)

Among several items, a silk evening dress with olive with red accents by Elizabeth Hawes, 1939, stands out boldly in this section.

While “Mixed Company” deals primarily with the cocktail party, “Urban Nightlife,” which also focuses on the ’20s and ’30s, is primarily devoted to the iconic flapper style. One item featured in “Urban Nightlife” is a silk beaded flapper dress with glass bugle beads, stamped metal sequins and rhinestones from 1925.

The cocktail style then focuses on travel-wear from the 1920s to the 1940s in the “Travel” section. “The luxury ocean liner emerged as a stage not only for introducing new drinks, but for acting out new attitudes and style of dress,” the wall label reads.

One featured item in this section is Russian designer Magda Polivanov’s green and yellow Mardi Gras ensemble from 1936.

Then comes “New Materials, A New Purpose,” which is devoted to the wartime styling of the 1940s and early 1950s. Rationing restrictions and more women in the workplace may be responsible for a movement away from “made embellishment,” such as embroidery, and toward the women’s suit. Featured here is a black acetate women’s suit by Jennifer, 1945.

Dresses in "The Rules" section blend eveningwear with daywear. (Photo courtesy of RISD Museum)

The rest of the ’50s, represented in “The Rules,” reflects the upsurge of wealth resulting from World War II and the American desire for Parisian fashion. The mission was to blend the extravagance of eveningwear with the casual comfort of daywear to create an ideal cocktail party dress. The cut and style of the ’50s cocktail dress continue to influence designers to this day. Here, a Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel strapless cocktail dress, black lace with a velvet sash from 1858, stands out among several others.

Fashion from “Day for Night,” spanning from the late 1950s through the early 1960s, is simpler in design and leaves room for “over the top” accessories. This combination demonstrates the necessity of the little black dress in every fashionable woman’s wardrobe. Here, a bold 1969 Norman Norell variant on the little black dress, a wool mini dress with a vast rhinestone Maltese cross, is featured.

Next, from the 1960s to the 1970s, came the “New Casual,” a reflection of the general movement toward informality in fashion. “The enthusiasm for outdoor entertaining inspired the imaginations of designers of furniture, clothing and barware,” the wall card reads. “Men’s and women’s garments worn in this milieu are aptly casual and often take inspiration from ethnic and folk dress.”

This sleek Charter Company cocktail shaker is from 1928. (Photo courtesy of Dallas Museum of Art)

A 1950s floral cotton halter dress with rhinestone embellishment by Yvette is featured among others in this section.

The final sub-section of “Cocktail Culture” explores the “International Set/Club Culture” of the late ’60s through the ’70s, where bold, polyester prints reign supreme. A multi-colored silk knit dress by Emilio Pucci, 1970, is featured.

“I never would’ve thought there would be so many high-end names,” said Isabel Westfield, of Providence, a viewer of the exhibit. “Valentino, Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel…I don’t know about you, but I’ve died and gone to vintage heaven.”

If you, too, seek heavenly solace in draping Valentino rhinestone chokers and Balenciaga feathered headdresses, RISD Museum’s “Cocktail Culture” is awaiting your first sip. The exhibition will run through July 31. Visit the museum at 224 Benefit St., Providence to see the exhibit. Call 401-454-6500 or visit the RISD Museum’s website for more information.

Buying this lavender-scented candle is just one of the ways you can help

Next time you suds up, shave and relax in the tub, remember this: Taking just one bath uses, on average, over 40 gallons of water, while many people in the world have access to fewer than eight gallons of water a day. Nearly 900 million people around the world struggle to obtain clean water, and over 3.5 million people die each year from water-related diseases, according to Water.org. But despite the grim statistics, there is hope. This month, Aveda celebrates its 12th Earth Month Campaign in the effort to raise $4 million to bring clean water to those who need it. The best part? You can help!

Aveda, known for its high-end skincare, haircare and makeup products made with plant-based, organic ingredients, has raised over $18 million for environmental organizations since 1999.

“Environmentalism and social activism are Aveda’s heritage; they are part of our culture, they are in our DNA,” said Katie Galloway, Aveda’s Earth Fund manager. “We believe it is our responsibility to care for the world and communities where we do business.”

This year, all of the money raised by the Earth Month Campaign will go to the Global Greengrants Fund, which gives grants to grassroots organizations working to provide clean water to impoverished communities around the world.

“Water is a fundamental human right and a global issue,” said Galloway. “Whether pollution or scarcity, this is a problem in everyone’s back yard.” Galloway continues, “We all have a role to play in preserving biodiversity and protecting the health of the planet for future generations. It’s a question of sustainability; we cannot continue to ignore environmental degradation without understanding its detriment to all life forms —plants, animals and humans.”

How you can make a difference

Relax with aromatherapy. One hundred percent of the purchase price ($12) of Aveda’s soy Light The Way Earth Month Candles will be donated to the campaign. The limited-edition candle is scented with 100 percent certified organic lavender, lavandin and clary sage essential oils and is packaged with recycled materials.

Go for a walk. During the week of April 22, join the Walk for Water event at participating salons and spas. Raise awareness by walking 3.7 miles, the average distance women in developing countries must walk in order to collect water every day.

Get your hair done. Make an appointment at a participating salon or spa and a portion of the service fee will be donated to the campaign. If you use Foursquare or Facebook to check in at that location, Aveda will donate $1.

Go shopping. Shop at Aveda.com and donate $1 at check-out to support organizations working to improve water quality for disaster victims in Japan.

For more information or to find out which salons and spas are participating in Aveda’s Earth Month Campaign, go to www.aveda.com or Facebook.com/Aveda.

 

Hilary Swank wore her hair in a romantic bun at the 2011 Academy Awards. (Media Credit/Granitz, WireImage)

We’ve got spring/summer 2011’s hottest hairstyles straight from the runways of New York Fashion Week. This year, Sonya Metzler, creative director at Vim Fitness Spa and Salon in Cambridge, Mass., joined Aveda’s styling team backstage. Metzler shares her top three hair trends with Blast and gives us tips on how to achieve them.

Buns and knots

With the success of “Black Swan,” it’s no surprise that buns and knots made the list. Besides these updos’ homage to Natalie Portman’s character Nina, these ballet-inspired hairdos are perfect for the warmer weather. “This look beats the heat and humidity, keeping you cool and looking elegant,” says Metzler.

Where she saw it: Christian Siriano, Sophie Theallet and Jason Wu

Where we’ve seen it: At the 2011 Academy Awards, Sandra Bullock and Hilary Swank both wore buns.

How to do it: Pull hair into a ponytail either high on the head or at the nape of your neck. Secure hair with an elastic and twist into a bun, fastening with bobby pins. Hold the look in place with Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray.  “For a truly up-to-the-moment look, add texture and interest with twists, braids and micro-crimping,” adds Metzler.

Smooth curls, like these at ORGANIC by John Patrick, are sexy and flirty. (Media Credit/Jon Gurinsky)

Smooth and soft curls

There’s something naturally feminine about soft, loose curls, and this hairstyle is perfect to go along with flirty, flowy spring and summer dresses. “This is a style that moves beautifully and works well for both day and evening,” says Metzler.

Where she saw it: ORGANIC by John Patrick

Where we’ve seen it: Celine Dion and Amy Adams sported this look at this year’s Academy Awards.

How to do it: Prep damp hair with Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother to prevent flyaways and with Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam for volume and texture.  Part hair wherever you wish and blow dry hair with a round brush for extra volume and shine. Use a one-inch curling iron to make waves, working in sections from bottom to top. Rake through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb and finish with a light mist of Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.

Natural texture

Natural texture, seen here at Rodarte, is playful. (Media Credit/Jon Gurinsky)

Rodarte’s “young and innocent coif” was a standout at this year’s Fashion Week. “It has a playful and organic feel,”  says Metzler. “The swooping side part is a little bit retro, and the barrette you choose infuses the style with your personality.”

Where she saw it: Rodarte

Where we’ve seen it:  Scarlett Johansson, Florence Welch and Michelle Williams chose natural-textured hair at the Academy Awards.

How to do it: Blow dry your hair straight, using your fingers instead of a brush to achieve more texture.  Create an imperfect part on the left side of your head.  Rub a nickel-sized dollop of Aveda’s Light Elements Texturizing Crème in your hands.  Tousle and scrunch your hair to create texture and body. Finish with Aveda  Air Control Hair Spray. To add more personality to the look, secure a thick barrette to the left side, just above your ear.

For even more hair how-tos, go to www.aveda.com/video.

John Galliano in NYC in 2010 (Media Credit/Kambouris, WireImage)

John Galliano has been the creative director for Christian Dior since 1996 — until today. March 1 marks the end of his career as the mind behind Dior, which fired the 50-year-old designer after his Feb. 24 arrest in Paris and after a video of the designer allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks surfaced on the Internet.

Sidney Toledano, Christian Dior Couture’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement, “We unequivocally condemn the statements made by John Galliano which are in total contradiction to the longstanding core values of Christian Dior.” In an earlier statement, Toledano said that Dior has a “zero-tolerance policy regarding anti-Semitism and racism.”

This leaves the fashion world wondering, “Who will be able to fill his shoes?”

Mila Kunis looked gorgeous in this Elie Saab gown (Media Credit/Mazur, WireImage)

As awards season comes to a close, I was prepared last night with popcorn in one hand and my picks for the office Oscar pool in the other. Next to winning the pool, the best part of the awards show is the red carpet fashion, for better or for worse.

Looks I love

Mila Kunis wore a beautiful light lavender dress with a plunging neckline and lace detailing by the Elie Saab Spring 2011 Collection. Jennifer Lawrence was the first on the red carpet and set everyone up for great fashion choices throughout the evening. Her red, fitted Calvin Klein dress showed off her amazing figure. I was impressed with and am obsessed with Giuliana Rancic’s bold print, dramatic gown that was designed by none other than “Project Runway” winner Christian Siriano. Wearing a maroon, backless, lace Dolce & Gabbana gown, Scarlett Johansson made quite the impression on the red carpet.

Notable looks

These fashion icons are getting mixed fashion reviews around the globe. All of the dresses are fabulous, but their stylists could have done a little more to make these looks really work. Gwyneth Paltrow wore a modern silver metallic Calvin Klein gown. The dress is gorgeous, but the shiny color would have been more age appropriate for a younger starlet. Halle Berry looked amazing, as usual, in a nude, jewel-encrusted Marchesa gown, but this dress would have popped more against her skin if it were a different color. Cate Blanchett wore a unique lilac and mustard colored piece by Givenchy. I appreciate Cate’s choice for something different, but the jury is still out as to whether the front of the dress was a bib made for my four-year-old cousin. Jennifer Hudson’s dress last night was the best PR move Weight Watchers could ever have. She looked absolutely breathtaking (and thinner than ever) in Versace, but she could have used a little more coverage in the cleavage area.

Marisa Tomei's gown was a prom nightmare (Media Credit/A. Rodriguez, WireImage)

They could’ve done better

Nicole Kidman’s Christian Dior gown from the Spring 2009 Collection was too structured, too white, too detailed, too much! Reese Witherspoon always looks beautiful, but her black and white Armani Prive gown and Barbie-inspired high ponytail may not have been her best choice; we all know she can do better. Marisa Tomei’s prom nightmare, a vintage gown by Charles James, should have stayed in the closet. Not only was the dress ill-fitting, but the color was far from flattering and the poofy taffeta bottom was, well, taffeta. After all of the build-up, I found the awards show less than exciting, and some of the fashion followed suit, including Amy Adams’ deep navy gown (again). Even with seven costume changes, Anne Hathaway’s surprise singing was more of a standout than her fashion picks.

Best accessories

I can’t possibly write about the Oscars without noting Natalie Portman. She looked amazing last night  in a Rodarte violet silk chiffon dress. She again chose to wear stunning accessories from Tiffany & Co., which turned out to be quite the good luck charm! Speaking of hot mamas, the hottest accessory for a man to have last night was undoubtedly his mother. Russell Brand opted for the non-traditional dark blue suit with his mother by his side (wife Katy Perry was on her world tour). Mama Timberlake by son Justin’s side has this girl dreaming that Justin’s relationship with Jessica Biel will soon be over. He looked amazing in his Tom Ford tailored tuxedo; so ladies, if you need a date to next year’s Oscars, maybe he’s your ticket — fingers crossed. Until next awards season!

Soyon An, an up and coming fashion designer, is breaking into the limelight as she designs the entire costume wardrobe for “Dangerous Beauty,” a play featured at the Pasadena Playhouse through March 13.

Producer Tara Smith, an avid fan of An’s styling, reached out to the designer with the opportunity to tackle her first attempt at dressing an entire theater show.

Last April, the two spoke the details.

“At that point I decided I would want to be a part of this project,” An said.

The gowns that An is designing are a mix of old and new silhouettes that date back to the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.

“I took in the fashion and gave it a modern twist,” An exclaimed.

The play is loosely based around characters called courtesans, which are similar to geishas. An described how these women were the only female figures of their time period who were allowed an education, could earn money, and be among political men.

An dresses the courtesans in a combination of drapery and upholstery. She said there’s going to be a lot of chiffon, tulle, and netting.

Veronica Franco, the main character in “Dangerous Beauty,” played by Jenny Powers, is going to be decked out in an “amazing wardrobe” consisting of chiffon and Swarovski crystals.

An gets her inspiration from the contemporary and modern silhouettes that fashion designers Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Christian Lacroix send down the runways.

She said, “I draw inspiration not just from other designers, but from the current trends that are happening right now in the world around me.”

Although An says she wouldn’t mind doing another theater production, she continues to design the wardrobes for the male and female contestants on American Idol.

Along with her work on television and on the stage, An is in the process of developing an interactive fashion website and her own personal clothing line anticipated to be called “Soyon”.

An has come a long way from her starting point at Forever 21 and continues to spread fashion that encompasses her own personal style and taste.

Be sure to keep an eye out for An’s display of costumes for “Dangerous Beauty” and follow her trends on Twitter and her Facebook page.

Hoffman recommends gowns made of heavier fabrics, such as this Justina McCaffrey silk satin gown.

When we think of weddings, we often picture warm weather and spring flowers. Winter weddings, however, are growing in popularity, says Kimberly Hoffman, bridal expert and owner of the online bridal boutique Your Dream Dress. Breaking from tradition and opting for a wedding during the colder months may seem daunting — How can you elegantly cover up to stay warm? What gowns are appropriate for the season? — but Hoffman is here to help. Here’s what to look for when choosing a gown for your winter wonderland wedding.

Heavier fabrics

Not only are they warmer, but heavier, richer fabrics, such as silk satin and silk Mikado, are appropriate for the winter season. Popular dress styles in these fabrics are ball gowns and trumpet mermaids. Cashmere wraps are also great ways to stay warm and look stylish and sophisticated.

Stay warm and look sophisticated with a bolero jacket like this Justina McCaffrey one made with Chantilly lace.

Bolero jackets and wraps

Long-sleeved dresses are prime for seasonal appropriateness and also will keep you warm, but Hoffman recommends that brides opting for a strapless dress cover up with a bolero jacket or a cashmere wrap. Hoffman especially likes the sophistication and luxury of an Alencon lace or Chantilly lace bolero.

Beadwork and embellishments

A wedding dress with beading will complement the winter landscape. “The crystals will sparkle against the glistening snow and the evening candlelight,” Hoffman says.

Color

Blush pink and ice blue gowns are growing in popularity, says Hoffman, as they are unique, elegant and glamorous. Brides in these colors will stand out from the white of winter. Hoffman recommends that brides with fair skin “Look for a subtle, soft blush gown that will bring warmth to a lighter skin tone, especially in the winter months.”

The beading on this Reem Acra silk tulle and silk satin gown complements the sparkling snow.

A blush pink gown, such as this one by Monique Lhuillier, is a glamorous alternative to a traditional white dress.

SOMERVILLE — As a college student, I don’t have a lot in the way of “stuff.”

Between frequent moves, the confusion of multiple female roommates and my own uncontrollable urge to lend books out, ownership has become a mutable thing — a shirt that is underfoot one weekday morning is noticeably absent when I want it for a Friday night out. With no overflowing closets or boxes of unwanted clothes gathering dust under my bed, I consider myself something of a minimalist.

For that reason, I find the idea of a “swap” so intriguing, a sort of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Instead of relegating my unwanted things to the trashcan or the racks of a consignment store, I can trade them for someone else’s discarded items. It’s sustainable living at its finest: prioritizing what is new to me over that which is merely new.

Such is the prevailing logic behind the Boston-based Swapaholics, Amy Chase and Melissa Massell, who boast a philosophy of creating an environment where “retail therapy meets recycling.” The Swapaholics have hosted clothing swaps all over the Boston and Worchester area, encouraging men and women alike to treat fashion in a new, collaborative way.

With the first annual National Swap Day coming up on January 22, last night’s event, dubbed “Exchange Your Ways,” kicked off a frenzy of sartorial trading that saw over 200 eager participants. Though the Swapaholics promised a family-friendly, controlled event, I remained trepidatious, for hell hath no fury like a fashionista denied the perfect skirt. I feared the hair-pulling, sharp elbows, and ripped clothes that accompany most events where things are basically given away for free.

For the record, this is not your grandmother’s swap meet. Held in the spacious Center for Arts at the Armory in Somerville, the swap was carefully organized: hordes of smartly dressed volunteers carefully sorted and folded the swappable merchandise by style as the waiting swappers enjoyed snacks in the upstairs lounge from event sponsors Vita Coco and Pretzel Crisps.

From this vantage point, eager swappers eyed up the items, waiting for the doors to open at 8 p.m. Veterans regaled each other with tales of plum items scored at previous swaps as first-timers debated whether any of the cute heels lined up on the stage would fit. The attendees were almost exclusively women in their 20s to 30s, though a couple weary-looking men filled out the crowd, presumably accompanying their significant others.

Like me, Natasha Mogilevskaya was a newcomer to the world of swap. A Mass Art student, Natasha had trekked from Allston with several bags of clothes for the event; “I didn’t want to take the clothes to Goodwill. I’d rather get something for them,” she said. Unlike some of the girls around her, who were organizing elaborate plans of attack, Natasha felt she didn’t need a strategy. “That’s one of the advantages of being small,” she explained. “I can easily squeeze through the crowds.”

And crowds there were. With a mere 20 minutes remaining until the swap, the line to get onto the floor had already wound up two flights of stairs and through the lounge area. The anxiety was visible – tapping toes, double-checking of watches, and repeated furtive glances at the veritable treasure trove of fashionable items laid out on the tables below.

At 8 p.m. sharp, a high-pitched roar went up from the crowd, and the air exploded with the thunder of heels and boots on wood floors. Though my fears of trampling and elbowing had been mildly soothed by a veteran swapper, who informed me, “nobody’s mean, it’s just chaos,” I was pleasantly surprised by my fellow swappers’ politeness and restraint. Women expertly weaved around tables, passing clothes to each other for the seemingly standard examination of fabric quality, size, and designer.

Within 30 minutes, the racks were picked clean and the swappers had retreated to the edges of the room, comparing scores and stripping down to undershirts to try on some of their finds. Rejected items were returned to the tables, where they were immediately snatched up by some of the more patient shoppers. In addition to clothes and shoes, swappers eagerly pawed through the collection of donated CDs, DVDs, books, and video games.

Mildly shell-shocked from the rush, I found myself at The Weekly Dig-sponsored music table, browsing through strangers’ mix CDs from 2002, which my curiosity would not allow me to pass up. My provided shopping bag was full to the bursting with cute plaid tops, a couple v-neck sweaters and the piece de resistance – a beautifully structured grey dress that fit me perfectly – all for the price of a ticket and the donation of a couple excess bits of my admittedly modest wardrobe. I was, for lack of a better word, addicted to the swap.

“There’s kind of a cult following,” explained Adam Towner, who was photographing the event at the behest of the Swapaholics. At this point, Towner is a old hand at the swap events. According to him, the chaos that overwhelmed me this evening was nothing compared to the event the ladies hosted for Swap.com during Boston Fashion week, where 450 swappers cleared out the clothes in 15 minutes flat. For some, this is more than just a shopping excursion: “There are girls who change their whole wardrobes with each swap,” Towner said.

Though I lack that sort of commitment, my interest in attending another swap is certainly piqued. Hell, even this self-proclaimed minimalist has a few old DVDs and shoes I’d be willing to trade away for some new summer clothes.

Instead of flying all the way to Hollywood for the Golden Globes last night (just assuming the invitation was lost in the mail) we watched the celebrity red carpet arrivals in high-definition last night, taking notes on the best and worst dressed:

Trends We Love: Nude & Backless

Light Pinks, Peaches and Nudes were shining on the red carpet. My favorites included the girls from Glee: Dianna Agron, Heather Morris and Naya Rivera, Helen Mirren, Sarah Hyland and Sandra Bullock. Scarlett Johansen’s dress was to die for – but Sandra Bullock will win every time on the best dressed list every time, due to ScarJo’s what-was-she-thinking hair. Also in the peach-pink color was a newly blonde Emma Stone, who is in the running for best backless with Anne Hathaway.

Trends We Love to Hate: Ultra Red-Lips, Emerald, Careless Hair

Christina Aguilera, January Jones, Jayma Mays and Christina Hendricks all puckered-up with Ultra-Red Lips attempting to evoke old Hollywood Style. Attempting is the key word, as they all looked washed out and trying too hard to be sexy. It’s time for this trend to go away and come back again another day. The daring, deep emerald green color didn’t turn out to be show-stopping because it kept popping up all over the red carpet – on celebs including Mila Kunis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Elizabeth Moss and Angelina Jolie. Johnny Depp, we get it. Get a haircut. ScarJo is ending up on all the worst-dressed lists due to her eclectic Cruella-De-Ville inspired hair style. This “I’m-so-cool-I-don’t-care-what-people-think-if-I-don’t-do-my-hair” trend has got to go.

What Were They Thinking??

Helena Bonham Carter wearing a Vivienne Westwood looked like a cross between how my second grade art teacher dressed and the Cyndi Lauper collection circa 1985. Julianne Moore was glowing last night but that pepto-bismol pink asymmetrical puff-sleeve Lanvin gown was something out of a Pretty-in-Pink Nightmare. Olivia Wilde- looked like a prom queen’s dream in that glittery chocolate cupcake explosion Marchesa – but the gold sparkly stilettos were far from complimenting. Would not have been an issue except that she made it a point to show them off repeatedly. Sophia Vergara’s Va-Va-Voom Red Vera Wang is popping up on best dressed lists everywhere. I think those people forgot to check out the back! Leighton Meester, Nicole Kidman, Carrie Underwood and Vanessa Williams all made my most boring list. Yawn.

Men’s Style

Jake Gyllenhaal’s easy, classic style wins him best in bow-tie for his Burberry tux. My absolute favorite menswear look was Robert Downey Jr. for his splash of color – going for a red-tie in a sea of black tuxedos. Although some unique and interesting fashion choices were made with unconventional jackets, Chris Hemsworth in Giorgio Armani and Chris Colfer both looked Hollywood handsome. Robert Pattinson and Zac Efron both went for a more mature look with new hair styles. On the worst-dressed side, Justin Beiber yet again proved he’s too young to be famous – sneakers and 3D glasses dressed down his D&G three-piece suit and no-bow-tie.

NOT

Michelle Williams flower-power dress was a disaster in all areas: style, fit, embellishment and color. Fashionista Heidi Klum is OUT and can leave the red carpet – the dress would be great for a tropical vacation and her make-up artist went way too heavy on the eye make-up. The ladies of Mad Men – Christina Hendricks and January Jones both were a disappointment in red. January mentioned that she requested the stylists on the show make her this dress in the red color – and they should have said no. Christina was a total disappointment. Christina Aguilera chose an ill-fitting, black lace over nude dress – that was as bad as her acting in Burlesque. Note to Xtina -stick to singing.

Notably Bad

We’re still contemplating if Halle Berry, Mandy Moore and Jennifer Love Hewitt checked the mirror before they left. Halle’s black and Mandy blue dresses have both have different personalities above the knee and below – they should have cut them off. I forgot why Jennifer Love Hewitt’s was invited or why her performance in a Made for TV Lifetime movie was nominated, but her dress needed to be tamed at the chest and was just an awful color for her. There’s always next year ladies!

Hot Red Carpet Styles

Mila Kunis wearing a dramatic Vera Wang one-shoulder gown was the envy in emerald. Eva Longoria was the essence of Hollywood glamour in a black, backless, bold and beautiful gown by Zac Posen. Kaley Cuoco pulled off the best of the nude dresses and looked young and fresh in a fitted bodice and tulip-tiered skirt nude dress. And I hate to say it, but a Lea Michele looked so pretty-in-pink with an avant-garde Oscar De La Renta pink princess dress that any Barbie would die to wear.

Honorable Mentions include: Amy Adams, Anne Hathaway in Armani and Jane Lynch for their elegant red carpet styles.

In the sea of anti-aging creams, serums and lotions that floods stores everywhere, choosing what to buy can be dizzying. Rows of products boast ingredients such as retinol, hydroquinone and alpha and beta hydroxy acids, but the new Easeamine Skin Care Collection is bringing a breakthrough ingredient to anti-aging skin care: adenosine.

Adenosine is a naturally-occurring compound found throughout the body that increases the skin’s production of collagen and elastin, proteins that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. James G. Dobson, Jr., Ph.D., discovered adenosine’s skin-repairing qualities at the University of Massachusetts Medical School while researching how aging affects heart function. Through Easeamine’s Adenosine Skin Technology, adenosine is delivered to the lower layers of the skin, where it also increases blood flow to the skin’s outer layers and increases cell size, making the skin look smoother and fuller.

The company behind Easeamine, Carmel Laboratories, Inc., reports that the skin line also decreases roughness, dryness and sallowness of the skin. In clinical trials conducted by International Research Services, Inc., participants experienced a 38 percent improvement in skin dryness, a 26 percent improvement in skin elasticity, an up to 48 percent improvement in skin firmness, a 22 percent improvement in skin tone, a 40 percent improvement in fine lines and wrinkles and a 42 percent improvement in overall appearance.

“Scientists and dermatologists have long sought topical treatments that stimulate collagen production in the skin,” Dobson said. “But until the use of adenosine in Easeamine, the products available were limited to invasive treatments or chemical solutions.”

Not only is its breakthrough ingredient naturally-occurring, but Easeamine, unlike many of its competitors, is formulated without parabens, preservatives, mineral oils, artificial fragrance, artificial colors or dyes. Even better? It’s American-made, and it’s not tested on animals.

Easeamine is sold exclusively online at www.easeamine.com. A portion of the profits — “nearly all,” according to the product website — goes towards the Teresian Carmelite, a monastic community in Millbury, Mass., and its charitable programs benefiting the underprivileged through education.

The Easeamine Skin Care Collection

Easeamine Cleanser, $26, soothes, moisturizes and removes impurities from the skin with aloe, marshmallow root extract and grapefruit seed extract.

Easeamine Revitalizing Toner, $29, detoxifies and refreshes skin with witch hazel, chamomile and aloe.

Easeamine Day Crème, $76, is a lightweight, antioxidant-packed moisturizer  with Vitamins A, C and E.

Easeamine Night Crème, $138, helps moisturize, regenerate and restore the skin.

Easeamine Eye Crème, $98, reduces puffiness, dark under-eye circles and crow’s feet.

Swarovski crystal, rose quartz, and sterling silver bracelet for breast cancer, $190

Each holiday season, millions of people spend their earnings on gifts for friends, relatives and sometimes even strangers. More and more frequently, however, buyers are skipping the sentimental and opting for the sensible.

Gift cards have become the default. This common cop-out blames the recipient: he would prefer to pick out his own items than be stuck with an ill-fitting sweater or ironic necktie.

But when a person opens a gift that is thoughtful and personal, it becomes memorable. Rarely do you get the same tender feelings from a slice of plastic sandwiched between cardboard. This year, why not take a swing at the sentimental?

An excellent way to do this is by giving a gift that benefits a higher cause. Based out of Cohasset, Mass., the jewelry company EK Designs has created a Causes Collection devoted to worthy programs such as Autism Speaks and the Gal-to-Gal Foundation for breast cancer. The Causes Collection donates up to 30 percent of each jewelry sale to the charity it represents, and each piece of jewelry is accompanied by a poem or inspirational message specifically related to its cause.

Jewelry design first began as a hobby for owner Elizabeth Kissick while she made her living teaching preschool art. Eventually, her jewelry’s popularity grew and she was able to leave her career as a teacher to focus on her line.

Bracelet for suicide prevention with mother of pearl toggle, $165

The company started with Mother’s Name bracelets, which spelled out children’s names in beads, and the Causes Collection came a bit later with Breast Cancer Awareness bracelets. Kissick said, “My grandmother, whom I never met, died of breast cancer and my aunt also had it. There were so many people I knew that had breast cancer and so I thought, ‘Why don’t I build a bracelet to beat it?’”

From there the Causes Collection expanded, funding national charities such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation and local charities such as the Jonathan Rizzo Foundation, named after a 17-year-old Boston College High School student who was murdered in 2001. “If a single parent is having trouble paying for heat through the winter, the donations from the Jonathan Rizzo Foundation bracelets will go to that; it will go to local people who need the help,” Kissick said.

The line also offers jewelry that benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Five years ago, even three years ago, you couldn’t say that you knew someone who died from suicide without being embarrassed. People hid it a lot,” she said. Dangling off of bracelets from the suicide prevention line is a life preserver charm, which to Kissick means, “We’re all together in this.”

Kissick continued, “People are just looking for hope, anything they can grab onto to keep them going.” Kissick also gets something out of the creation of each Causes piece. “I can help people with my jewelry, and I feel like I won the jackpot,” she said.

EK Designs offers another bracelet that gives the same message of hope as the Causes Collection jewelry but with more of an individualistic sentiment: the Pass It On bracelet. Kissick said, “You wear the bracelet yourself, and when you see that somebody is experiencing hardship, whether you know them or not, you take the bracelet off your wrist and give it to them. They wear it until they turn a corner, and then they pass it on to someone else.”

Sterling silver earrings that benefit Autism Speaks, $70

Kissick shared an experience in which her own Pass It On bracelet was given to a beautiful stranger in the restroom of the Liberty Hotel. The woman, who had originally been diagnosed with terminal cancer, just received the news that she would survive and shared it with Kissick and several other women in the restroom.

“I was wearing my own Pass It On bracelet and was able to give it to her,” Kissick said, and the bracelet initiated a bond between the two women. “That’s what the jewelry is all about, to bring that out, to bring people up. To remember that we’re so lucky to get to live.”

So if you’d like to re-establish the connection between gift giving and thoughtfulness this holiday season, skip the plastic and contribute to something more than personal abundance. The Causes Collection as well as EK Designs’ other collections can be found at the EK Designs website, www.ekdesignsjewelry.com.

Local Collection, a retail boutique, opened over the summer in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace (South Market Building, #2135, Boston, 617-722-4310 Facebook page). This eclectic shop features an array of 30 different designers and artists of apparel, accessories and jewelry, home decor, beauty products and more.

All of the designers or artists are local to the Boston area. Local Collection features about 30 different vendors and artists. The Arts and Business Council had sent out an email invitation to local merchants in the area, as well as scoutings that took place at the SOWA markets and Downtown Crossing Art Fridays. In February 2009, there was an open-house informational session, followed by an application process and juried selection process.

The artists sign a year-long contract with the venue, and at the end of the term, receive an evaluation. Katie Kurtz, director of Local Collection, is hoping to rotate the artists and vendors; however, by no means does she want to “turn people away” that are doing well at the venue. She hopes what Local Collection will do is support the artist until they grow enough outside the store to support themselves and their brand. The company is always looking for new talent.

While Kurtz is based in Chicago, she felt even with its supportive art community, there just was not a venue to feature artists in the way she envisioned. She liked Faneuil Hall originally, but opened the first store in more of a mall setting in Glensdale, Calif. (near L.A.). Business there has since been successful, that the Boston location soon followed.

Kurtz feels that so many artists “have a great line, but no funds to get their product out.” Local Collection provides the venue and space, as well as staff and “day-to-day operations” of running a store, to allow artists/designers to feature their products and get their names out there.”

This return to supporting local artists is also a celebration for some green practices. A beauty-product line by Tseh-Hwon Yong, Threla infuses science, beauty, and eco-friendly ingredients. While working as a MIT researcher, Yong—a beauty-product devotee—discovered that a lot of the same ingredients she was working with could be found in beauty products. Wanting to create a beauty product that was not only safe and effective, but also included meaningful ingredients, she set off to create a line of lotions, soaps, candles, and other products (all vegan-friendly, except for the lip-balm which contains beeswax). Prices are reasonable for a local merchant ($3.50 for lip-balms to $20 for a facial set).

Since being featured at Local Collection, this beauty guru has found the experience to be “better than expected,” especially at a location which is just too hard to beat.

“For someone just starting off, this is a great opportunity,” Yong said. “I feel that people do appreciate locally made things—not just tourists— [Boston is] starting to support homegrown businesses and artists.”

Dina Carducci of Dina Designs, heartily agrees, saying the experience has been “hugely beneficial and very successful.” She acknowledged that when she was doing shows at either Downtown Crossing Art Fridays or at the SOWA markets, there would be times when her inventory would be packed away in boxes for weeks or even months. However, at Local Collection, her work is “on display, seven days a week,” and that she can now get her work out there.

Dina Designs is some womenswear, but mostly accessory designs. Carducci started two years ago, and her head pieces can range from simple, everyday wear ($20-35), to very elaborate, 1940s-inspired head pieces ($120).

Carducci points out the support the artists and designers are given by the company.

“They’re such a great company, such huge supporters.”

Jennifer Sheehan, designer of the handbag line called Genevieve Boston finds the support from the company reassuring and encouraging. “They are working to sell the goods for me; my success is also their success.” The company, Sheehan states, is working intensely to get the artist and designers the exposure, and their interests lie in promoting the designers as individuals, not as a business.

Genevieve Boston handbags range from $60-245, for both everyday and special occasion. “For me,” Sheehan said, “It has always been about the individual consumer, whether selling to a bridal party, a birthday, or any special occasion. I mean, I use my bags everyday, so they can be for everyday situations, too and not just luxury, but just a fun accessory.”

She thinks local Bostonians will be receptive of the boutique if they are aware of it, especially acknowledging the trend towards supporting local designers and artists, and that in the past, these grass-roots markets have been successful.

For Ideologie Organic take sustainability to another level. Developed two years ago by a group of Suffolk entrepreneurs, the idea to create an organic T-shirt company originated from a social movement about spreading “positive messages of education, philosophy, art, love and poetry,” as founder Mark Grignon described. They have already started their second collection, which features hoodies, tanks, and t-shirts ($40).

The company is already sold nationwide from Miami to NYC, however, breaking into the Boston fashion industry has been “tough for us.” Being featured at a downtown location has been, as Grignon said, “big for us,” especially since all their artists, friends, and supporters are Boston-based “we now have a place to send them to.”

Grignon also points out that one of the best aspects of Local Collection is that it’s not just a clothing store. Local Collection has an upstairs space that will be opened for art shows or future workshops and classes. On May 13, Ideologie Organic promoted an art show of some of their artists.

Kurtz says that the idea to feature classes and workshops at the store has received great responses, “Like, ‘How exciting! It would be really fun and different to really involve the store with its customers!’”

“This was huge for us. And it went really well,” Grignon said. “These students or interns as art students have a hart time getting noticed, or getting their artwork out there, and here they were featured at Faneiul Hall. It was great exposure, it was free exposure for them, and it was our way of giving back to them.”

Iris Sonnenschein of Iris Quilts enjoys the exposure that she is getting from being one of the vendors at Local Collection.

“It gives an opportunity to show my work to a wide range of people. Tourists, but not just from the New England area, but from around the world,” she said.

The experience for her has been really fun and she has since received more hits on her website as well as good responses.

“And it’s such an eclectic collection, a little bit of everything,” Sonnenschein said of Local Collection’s array of merchandise and products. Her own works include wall quilts ($200-2,000) and silk scarves. Her interest in quilting began twenty years ago with a traditional quilting class that met every single month. Since then, the group of women still meets for monthly sessions.

Jennaca Davies of Jennaca Davies Design Studio, loves how original the concept of the shop is, and the way that they promote themselves.

“For me, this is something new and an interesting way to market my jewelry to a broader audience. And is especially exciting because Faneuil Hall is such a busy marketplace…I thought it would be an unique opportunity for me to show my handmade work in a midst of a marketplace where many items are manufactured overseas in mass-production—All of my work is handmade by me in my studio in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.”

Davies jewelry includes silver pieces ($50-150), and one-of-the-kind pieces (like intricate and exquisite paper and enamel designs) at $200-500.

“The store only recently opened on May first, so I am not exactly sure how sales are going, but I do hear that my work is getting great responses and compliments—so that is really great!” Davies admits. However, “I’m optimistic that this is going to be a great thing for me as an artist!”

Because Local Collection in Boston is so new, artists have not yet had time to gauge how business will go for them. The Local Collection in California opened only last fall, so the concept of bringing local merchants and designers into a space like the boutique is still in its early stages.

Maggie Carberry, a jewelry designer and painter had found out about the “Call for Artists” through an email invitation from the Arts and Business Council about an information session on Local Collection.

“I attended the session, liked what I heard, and decided to go for it,” she said. “So far the experience has been wonderful. I haven’t made enough sales to quit my day job,” Carberry also works as a teacher, “but traffic to my website has increased exponentially. It’s really hard to judge because the store is so new and the tourist season has barely started,” however, “One reason it is great for me as an artist is that I have control over my prices and inventory. I can experiment with the market without investing too much financially.”

Maggie Carberry features a variety of work in the store, such as note-cards ($7), jewelry ($40-140), and her mixed-media paintings ($700).

One of the best aspects Carberry finds in Local Collection is that, “Someone is there selling my work seven days a week, which allows me more time to create it.”

Artists and designers pay a nominal rental fee for the space, and after a certain dollar amount that sells, they get a percentage back. Since online selling is difficult, as Mark Grignon of Ideologie Organic explains, working through Local Collection, who sells it and the artists or designers get “one-hundred percent back, it’s a unique arrangement,” that seems to be working.

Dina Carducci of Ducci Designs admits that it was a risk, but to have her work on display seven days a week like Carberry pointed out, made it a very sensible gamble. And with the idea of buying local becoming trendier (and not to mention the great Faneuil Hall location), Local Collection works, and will continue to work.

Sally Vetstein of Sweet Tots is happy with the success and sales so far, but says, “It’s a new store, so you don’t really know what’s coming. But the trial month has been definitely good.”

Vetstein sells childrenswear ($20-45), like infant sun-protective clothes, “which block out one-hundred percent of UV light;” a very popular seller for the Sweet Tots line.

The artist began two years ago by creating clothes for her first granddaughter. Dissatisfied with the patterns that did not have the right sizes or finishes that were not-ready-to-wear, Vetstein wanted to have a line of infant and children’s clothes that looked like they came from a fine children’s clothing store, but not at the price. Since then, the company has taken on a life of its own.

She finds the setting at Faneul Hall great “because you have a lot of tourists,” as well as local Bostonians. She feels having such a diverse group of customers will allow her to feel out better designs for clothing styles and get a better marketing sense of what is selling as an impulse purchase verses a gift purchase.”

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is located near the historic Faneuil Hall, financial district, the waterfront, the North End, Government Center and Haymarket, and only a five-minute walk to the New England Aquarium, The Children’s Museum, The Old State House, and Paul Revere’s House. And only ten-fifteen The New State House, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Public Garden, Old North Church, The USS Constitution, and Fenway Park.

The Faneuil Hall Marketplace features more than 75 shops, and a variety of food venues. Street parking is available, as well as public transportation (Blue line to Aquarium/Faneuil Hall, Green line to Government Center, or Orange line to State Street).

Local Collection is open from Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

MIAMI — For the past couple of years, the city has been garnering a reputation for becoming a major player in the art and fashion world. Pioneers have been taking notice of Miami’s endless opportunities and are starting to capitalize on it. Tobi Salver, 26, is one of the entrepreneurs who see the potential this city offers for the world of art and fashion.

“Miami seems to be growing everyday with people who have a unique style. I feel there is a huge market to cater to.” Salver points out, well aware of her niche in styling, and, in turn, has launched her latest entrepreneurial endeavor: Fox House/Myfoxhouse.com, a website specializing in selling clothing pieces and accessories whose broad range appeals from budding fashionistas to the everyday working girl, and everything in between.   Prices are solely based on: designer, rarity, condition and quality, even so, Myfoxhouse.com still manages lean on the more affordable side of the spectrum.  Salver also wants to make it a point to showcase talent from the local designers along with the ‘fresh out of fashion school’ designers on her web site.

Salver, a local Florida girl who was raised in Fort Lauderdale, has always had her finger on the pulse when it comes to clothing and personal styling. With her particularly keen eye for bold, yet approachable fashion sense, Salver launched Myfoxhouse.com.

It’s no surprise that MyFoxhouse.com has been garnering a lot of buzz recently.  Salver’s eccentric and unique personality can be seen through the beautiful pieces of clothing and accessories she carefully selects for Myfoxhouse. com, mainly focusing on unique patterns, colors, cuts and silhouettes. “But the most important key factors I focus on, go to the classic, timeless pieces. Clothing fabulous forty years ago, and still relevant today.” Salver stresses. “When it comes to vintage, everything stands out”.  Really, the only blueprint formula that Salver follows for the vintage selection is just taking the time to search through hundreds of pieces, in order to find the classic, ‘diamond in the rough’.

When it comes to the process of selecting the latest items, Salver makes it a point to not follow the current trends. She rather, wisely focuses on pieces that turn heads, the ones that make woman feel confident and comfortable, and most importantly, compliment figures.

Salvers eye for style and art didn’t start with her; in fact, she has a rather fascinating history with fashion that is as unique and intriguing as her vintage finds.

Salver’s heritage of fashion and strong pedigree for styling and designing stems from her grandmother, Joanne Alterman, a well-known and respected fashion and interior designer in Miami Beach. Alterman studied at the prestigious Parson’s School in New York City, and went on to carry a line at Bendel‘s, the upscale department store there. Initially, she specialized in long evening patchwork skirts before moving on to coats and jackets. Alterman also became one of the first designers to use authentic textiles from the Seminole Indian tribe in Florida. At that time, the Seminoles were the only Indian tribe to sign a peace treaty with the United States. Alterman, just like her granddaughter Salver, saw incredible opportunity and approached the Seminoles, working out a fair deal with them, using their materials for her clothing line. All sorts of individuals owned Alterman’s creations, from Luciana Pignatelli, all the way to Christina Ford, wife of the auto magnate. Christina Ford even made it on to ‘Vanity Fair’ magazines list of ‘International Best Dressed Hall of Fame’ in a velvet Alterman skirt.

Alterman’s heavy influence on Salver started at a very young age. She taught her granddaughter how to skillfully paint and dressed her in hand made clothing. “I share an almost haunting similarity of style and eye as my grandmother. No doubt, she has inspired and shaped my style.” Salver sings her praises, and it’s easy to see why she credits all of her artistic and designing talents to her grandmother. To this day, Salver still goes to her grandmother for advice on running her online store.

It wasn’t until Salver was 24 that she became involved with  the fashion and art scene. Before then, she had attended the University of Central Florida, where Salver did a ‘Semester at Sea,’ that whisked her around the globe to different countries such as: Thailand, Africa, Brazil, etc. exposing her to various cultures, rich in colors, styles, and tradition. The semester at sea ended, and Salver found herself back at home, bored, and in desperate need of creativity. She transferred to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and got a degree in Graphic Design. The same month Salver graduated, her lease of her apartment was up and she moved out west to Los Angeles. Salver’s depiction of Hollywood is that it was a “strange, but insanely creative place.”

It was in Los Angeles, where Salver became immersed in the fashion and art scene. After relentless networking and sending many emails to studios, Salver eventually landed a job working on several film sets in the art and wardrobe department. “I had no idea the title of set designer, wardrobe stylist, and prop master even existed. It was through meeting people in these fields, that I realized I had a calling for everything to do with styling.” This opportunity led Salver to style sets, people, photo shoots, and even go back to her roots of some graphic design for production as well.

“I had to work miracles with low budgets”.  Salver says of her job experience. But it was exactly the type of experience and crash course training needed to give Salver the proper confidence in her styling abilities. “It was then, I realized I had a knack for finding gems in thrift stores, antique markets, estate sales, etc.”

After a couple years in Los Angeles, Salver made her way back home to Fort Lauderdale where she launched her website.

“The name ‘Fox’ stems from the idea that foxes, by nature, are not pack animals. They’re opportunistic feeders which translates into what I want my clothes to represent an individuality and uniqueness for the women who wear them. For them to feel confident and ready to conquer the day.” Salver’s goals for the women who shop at her web site are simple: “ I want women who shop at

Myfoxhouse.com to feel as if they put on an article of clothing, and are ready to go out there and ‘get it.’”

With the success of Myfoxhouse.com, talks of expansion are natural. Salver already has future plans to eventually open up a local storefront along with putting together a launch/fashion show. She also plans to add her own personal touch of hand made designs of hair accessories on her site.

I highly recommend Myfoxhouse.com to any girl that even has the slightest interest in fashion. I wouldn’t steer you wrong on this, it’s a great find.

Designers: if you’re interested in contacting Tobi Salver, please do so at: info@myfoxhouse.com.

You could win this Jockey No Panty Line Promise Luxe set (in your size, of course!)

Jockey has spent the past few weeks surprising 250 lucky ladies at 13 spas in six cities across the country as part of their Random Acts of Luxe campaign. Winners were given free spa and salon treatments, free beauty products, and Jockey Luxe gift bags.

Now, Jockey wants to give one of our Blast readers a Jockey No Panty Line Promise Luxe gift set! 

Mo Moorman, director of public relations at Jockey International, said that the idea for the campaign came from a survey conducted by Jockey earlier this year. The survey found that 57 percent of American women have been struggling financially to purchase new apparel items, and that 40 percent of American women admit that the economy has made it more difficult for them to get their favorite beauty treatments.

“With so many women cutting back on life’s little luxuries, the survey also showed us that most would like to be surprised with a pampering gift,” said Moorman. “At Jockey, we understand that every woman deserves to be pampered but can’t always afford to do so.”

How to enter

Become a registered Blast user (it’s free!) and leave a comment below about how the economy has affected your beauty routine.

Comments must be posted by Nov. 18. A winner will be chosen on Nov. 19.

ROME — Castellammare di Stabia is a little town near Naples, where you can no longer wear a teeny tiny miniskirt on the streets.

It seems the town has not been served by the sit-in protests from the defense of the miniskirt organization of women, because police are enforcing new rules banning “skimpy” and “slutty” clothing after a measure was approved 17-9 recently.

It will be also forbidden to play football in parks and purchase alcohol after 10 p.m.

Yesterday, at Castellammare di Stabia, about 50 women protested in defense of women’s rights in front of City Hall, where the city council was called to vote on the controversial regulation. The event, sponsored by the centerleft democratic party of that area, was attended by young and older women wearing miniskirts.

But the Mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, Luigi Bobbio, said it’s not the miniskirt, itself, that’s banned in the regulation, “just the really slutty ones.”

Miniskirts will be fine unless it is so small that it is virtually non-existent as a skirt and leaves the underwear (or something else) visible. Bobbio insists, “the skirt is absolutely allowed and permitted. The regulation, how easily you can guess if you do not fall into the easy manipulation, is not aimed at banning this or that piece of clothing, but to give the city and precise coordinates of the citizens of civilized behavior to respect the freedom of each and therefore the freedom of all. ”

We want to remember that the origin of the miniskirt was in 1963 and it’s generally credited for the work of the British designer Mary Quant, who was inspired by the car Mini, and since the late 50′s had started offering more and more short dresses. And also the revolution in clothing and in general of the women’s look was designed by Coco Chanel who located the length of hair and skirt one of the main parameters of change of culture. In Italy, the skirt began to get popular in 1966.

In these days, in Castellamare di Stabia, it seems to be back at 40 years ago.

It’s the time of year for ghouls, ghosts, and girls dressing like sluts! But before you break out that white sheet with holes for eyes or that tired old witch hat, take a look at our list of standout Halloween costumes for 2010 and get creative.

5. Cheating Tiger Woods…after his wife got through with him.

Don your preppy golf clothes and grab your 9 iron and top it all off with this ridiculously inappropriate mask. We’ll bet Tiger’s now-ex-wife — and every other woman who’s been two-timed — would have loved to have made his face that roughed up!

4. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino while on “Dancing With the Stars.”

Break out your self-tanner, sunglasses, a long “man necklace,” extra strength hair gel, and…your fancy dancing shoes. Don’t forget the black pants and be sure to keep the black vest unbuttoned so you can show off your painted-on sculpted abs (or your real sculpted abs if you’re that awesome). Add a pretty pink tutu around your waist and voila, you’re a Guido twinkle toes!

3. Steven Slater (or disgruntled stewardess if you’re a lady).

Thanks to this angry  steward costume, you too can say f-you to pesky flight passengers! Ladies, take that sexy flight attendant outfit to the next level by holding beer, bandaging your forehead, and donning a JetBlue ID tag. A homemade “F*** you! I Quit!” sign will be the cherry on top. Bonus points if you can figure out how to attach a makeshift emergency slide.

2. Lady Gaga in her meat dress.

Since you can’t — we hope? — walk around your Halloween party wearing actual meat, get creative. Make a dress with kids’ play food, dog toys, rawhide, dog bones, and fake blood. Dress up your hair with the pig ears Fido loves to chew! Preferably don’t shower or wear deodorant so that your fellow costumed partygoers can get the true “essence” of the raw meat that must have plagued every celebrity within 100 feet of Lady Gaga at the VMAs.

1. The Gulf oil spill or a BP worker.

Thanks to this BP (Bad Planning!) worker costume, you’ll look like the real tongue-in-cheek deal. Or, you could get more creative and make your own costume by drenching yourself in black paint and attaching stuffed animals painted black to your outfit. Totally inappropriate? Yes. But come on, it’s Halloween!

Tattoo artist Jamie Clinton gives 22-year-old Danielle Rondeau a tattoo of a blue bird on her ribcage at Stingray Body Art in Allston.

Danielle Rondeau, 22, a senior sociology major at Northeastern University, calmly lies on her side on top of a black, padded table. She sighs quietly, her body relaxed. “Ready?” asks her aunt Marie. Rondeau lifts up her black V-neck T-shirt, revealing her midriff and a small metal post through her bellybutton.

Rondeau remains still and collected, seemingly unaffected by the constant sound of needles buzzing in the narrow cubicles surrounding her. “Good to go,” she says. The small, silver tattoo gun meets her pale flesh, and the buzzing becomes louder. But Rondeau doesn’t flinch; she nonchalantly continues her conversation about her upcoming college graduation and post-graduation plans with tattoo artist Jamie Clinton of Stingray Body Art, in Allston.

“You’re doing great,” says Marie.

“It’s my fourth one, so I’d hope so,” says Rondeau, still ignoring the humming needle penetrating her ribcage. “I have one on my hip that’s a crest with a star and my mother’s initials. She passed away when I was 15, so that’s a tribute to her. Another one is a butterfly with a breast cancer ribbon as the body, and I got that because my mother loved butterflies. The third one says ‘Always the Optimistic’ in French, and that’s for me. It’s a constant reminder of where my head should be.”

The outline of a small blue bird is now complete on Rondeau’s side, anticipating the detailing of Clinton’s steady hand. “The blue bird is kind of a family tradition,” explains Rondeau over the harmonious sound of buzzing. “My grandmother gave all of her children blue bird figurines when they moved in with their boyfriends or husbands as a housewarming gift. It represents eternal love and happiness in relationships. And this tattoo is a reminder of permanent happiness.”

Today, Rondeau is not alone in getting permanent ink. “My 78-year-old grandma is getting one, too,” she says. “I’m also here with my three aunts, who are in their late 40s and early 50s, and my godmother, who’s in her 60s. We’re doing this together because it’s such an important part of our family. We’ve got our blue birds in our homes and now we have them on ourselves forever.”

***

For Rondeau and many of her contemporaries, tattoos, piercings and body modifications are standard, even a staple in one’s appearance. Their evolution from a deviant art form to a widely accepted part of pop culture  has progressed immensely within the past five years.

From A-list celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp to rap stars like Lil Wayne and 50 Cent, body art is anything but unusual, and for some, it’s a way of life. Television shows such as “Miami Ink” and “LA Ink,” and their respective characters like Kat Von D, as well as Internet celebrities like the inked-up indie icons the Suicide Girls, have made body modification their trademark look.

These public figures have provided most of the population with the notion that constant body alternations are not only normal, but necessary. Tattoos and piercings have moved so far into mainstream culture that their “taboo” appeal is lost, leaving the shock-loving society of America begging for more.

“As it becomes more popular and less annoying to normal people, it loses its power,” said Clinton Sanders, a sociology professor at the University of Connecticut. “The issue then becomes, ‘What new things do you find and how do you make this more extreme?’ It’s very clear that there are attempts to modify one’s body in ways that are more extreme than just tattoos. People have implanted bladders into their foreheads, added horns, had digits removed, split their tongues. It’s only progressing,” he said. Sanders is also the author of “Customizing the Body: The Art and Culture of Tattooing.”

According to a 2006 study conducted by Northwestern University that was published in the “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,” nearly a quarter of men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 have tattoos, and nearly 15 percent have at least one body piercing.

Tattoos and other forms of body modification serve the purpose of recorded human expression, according to Shannon Larratt, creator and former editor and publisher of BMEzine.com, the oldest and largest body modification site on the Internet, and the companion of the online community site, IAM.BMEzine.com. Larratt is also the author of “ModCon: The Secret World of Extreme Body Modification” and “Opening Up: Body Modification Interviews.”

The earliest known tattoos were found on Otzi the Iceman, whose mummified body, which dates back to about 3300 B.C., was discovered in October of 1991 somewhere between Italy and Austria, according to Margo DeMello, author of “Bodies of Inscription,” and a sociology, cultural studies and anthropology professor at Central New Mexico Community College.

According to an article in “Smithsonian Magazine” by Cate Lineberry, the Iceman bore tattoos of dots and small crosses on his right knee, ankle joints and lower spine. The symbols “may have been applied to alleviate joint pain and were therefore essentially therapeutic.”

Tattoos were also a prevalent part of Egyptian culture in 2000 B.C., especially among women. “The Egyptians really helped spread tattooing throughout the world,” said DeMello. As the Egyptians expanded their empire, their ritual of body art spread, too. In Africa, however, the popular mode of body modification was scarification.

Though each culture had its own reason for body art, the connotation was generally negative, explained Sanders. For example, the Greeks used tattooing as a means of communication among spies. The markings were also used as an indication of ranking and skill. Similarly, the Romans used tattoos to mark and differentiate citizens, specifically criminals and slaves.

These, Sanders said, are significant reasons why tattooing had negative associations when it finally entered America in the late 1800s, early 1900s. “It’s an interesting time period, because people in the military would go overseas and return with tattoos, either of anchors or another symbol to represent their service. And because they were not upper class, tattooing became perceived as lower class,” he said.

The trend of tattooing came in waves, said DeMello. “The sailors brought it back from Polynesia first, so at that time it was really popular. And then like any trend, it died out only to be brought back again. But because the trend was never permanent, tattooing was never able to become a mainstream part of society,” she explained.

During this time period, tattoos also acted as a way to identify with a group or disaffiliate with another, said Sanders. “In all cultures, body modification of all forms is a way for people to say, ‘I am part of this group,’” he said. “It’s a way of saying, ‘I’m not with these people who are normal or conventional.’”

But as time progressed, tattoos and other types of body modification began to rise into the realm of “normal.” “At the same time that American tattoo artists were becoming popular, America was in the mist of the gay and lesbian movement and the women’s movement,” said DeMello. “Post 1960s, everyone was more introspective and trying to find themselves.”

Because self-discovery was a prominent part of society during the ’60s and ’70s, said DeMello, people felt it necessary to express their “personal narratives.” And what better way to do so than with permanent pictures and inscriptions?

“There are as many different kinds of tattoos as there are young people with their own stories,” said Paul Robertson, a Youth Culture Specialist for Youth Unlimited, a non-profit organization that helps connect adults and adolescents. Robertson has done extensive research and lectures on explaining tattoo culture to adults in a positive light.

Tattoo culture continued to expand yet still remained on the outskirts of pop culture throughout the ’80s, said Sanders. “I started studying it during the ’80s because it still wasn’t terribly popular and I was interested in it as a kind of rebellious art form.”

It wasn’t until the mid to late ’90s that tattooing finally departed from its “on the fringe” reputation and into a more accepted part of life. “In 1994, tattoos were definitely starting to become more popular,” said Larratt. “If you had them, you weren’t deemed ‘obscene’ anymore. In the past you’d never get a normal job if you had a tattoo on your neck, but by this time you weren’t being pushed out of society because of body art.”

Today, society seeks for the ultimate “something new” with a wow-factor that outweighs its predecessors. So what is the future for body art and modification?

“I have magnetic implants, very small magnets implanted in my fingertips,” said Larratt. “They vibrate in electromagnetic fields. I can feel power running through power cords; I can feel the frequency. I imagine it in my head as a separate sense. That’s why I did it, to give myself a sixth sense,” he said.

But how far will body modification will go before half of the population looks like a character from “Avatar”? Larratt doesn’t think that will happen any time soon.

“I feel like body modification is at a pretty stable point right now,” he added.

DeMello agrees. She explained a similar trend in the late 1800s, when it was fairly common to be tattooed, and then it started to die out again. Similarly, there was a piercing trend in the late 1600s, which, according to DeMello, is noticeable in paintings from that era. But like any trend, that eventually ended, too.

According to tattoo artist Jamie Clinton, 31, of Stingray Body Art, nothing is too extreme for modern culture. “I only do tattoos,” he said. “But just from working in a body art shop, I’ve seen people come in to get surface piercings, metal spikes in their heads, gauged ears, you name it.”

Chris Richards, a sophomore at Massachusetts College of Art, is more than familiar with these types of drastic modifications. His array of silver studded earrings on both ears compliment the two metal bars he has pierced through the skin directly above his hipbones. Parallel to his hip piercings are two life-size handgun tattoos, with the barrels pointed towards his inner thighs.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t about the look,” laughed Richards. “I like being different and I don’t mind if people think it’s strange. But I don’t usually get weird looks, and nobody gives me a hard time at work, so it’s a good balance of individuality while not looking like a freak in public. I think it’s just accepted.”

The workplace, as Richards mentioned, used to be a problematic place for young adults with visible tattoos and piercings, which were seen as inappropriate and unprofessional.

But Samantha Guertin, a sophomore economics major at Northeastern University, said that her body modification has yet to cause a problem at work, a financial analysis company. “I have four big tattoos and I have my tongue and bellybutton pierced, and someone has yet to say something negative to me about it,” she said. “My tattooed ‘sleeve’ takes up half of my upper arm, but nobody seems to care.”

Guertin recalled a time when an elderly co-worker commented on her tattoo of Holden and Phoebe Caulfield, characters in J.D. Salinger’s ” Catcher and the Rye.” “She said to me, ‘That’s beautiful.’ I was so surprised to hear that from somebody her age; I figured she thought I was some ‘bad ass’ kid, so it was really nice to hear that she actually liked it,” said Guertin.

“Generally speaking, because it’s a personal medium, a lot of people who get  tattoos are looking for someone to take an interest in them. One way for people to engage in a conversation, especially between adults and kids, is to ask for them to tell the story of their tattoo, and I think that’s the motivation to get tattoos where people can see them,” said Robertson.

But besides the personal yearning for attention, there are several other motivations to get body art.

“My ‘Catcher and the Rye’ tattoo is obviously about the book, but a lot of it is also about my family,” explained Guertin. “The flowers over here are for my mom, because they’re her favorite. The Jameson bottle is for my older brother, because that’s his favorite alcohol,” she laughed. “The neon signs are to represent New York City, which is part of the book, but inside the signs are my brothers initials. “And this,” she said, pointing to the small stars running underneath her arm, “is for my dad. It’s his favorite constellation.”

“I think for a lot of young people,” said Richards, “wanting to pay a tribute to their family or loved ones is a huge driving factor in getting a tattoo. It’s permanent, like family. It’s a constant reminder of those important people in your life.”

***

Back in Allston, Rondeau’s tattoo, a bright blue bird with a burnt orange underbelly, is finished. Clinton wipes away the excess ink with a paper towel. “Who’s next?” he asks the group of women surrounding Rondeau.

“That’s me,” says Rondeau’s grandmother. Rondeau rises from the table and allows her grandmother to sit down. Clinton starts up the gun and the sound of buzzing fills the room once again.

“You sure you’re alright with this?” Rondeau asks her grandmother. “Only for you,” she says.