The overall trend for spring hair this year is “less aggressively structured and more natural, nothing that is trying to hard.” David was quick to tell me. Of course this doesn’t mean that you can throw it in an after the gym pony and call it a night. Even when it comes to the most “natural” looks a lot goes into it! David has also been working a lot with styles that are “more off the face yet are still anti volume. Gone are the days of huge hair that involve backcombing and tons of spray.” David laughs.

David identified three main trends that he has noticed and is using on his clients and for editorial photo shoots.

_- A bit off center (upper left). This includes looks like a high tight but that isn’t exactly centered on the head. It can include a side braid or ponytail. “This trend is not only stylish but also something most women can do at home” Tolls said.

-Embellishments. Call it the Lady GaGa craze but more and more you are seeing bows, headbands, clips and pins added into hair to give it an interesting element. “Lady GaGa has given women permission to be a bit more adventurous and over the top, this is especially true with the younger crowd but has trickled into evening looks as well.” David reminds us. As a style expert I have always loved the trick of a hat pin or brooch worked into the hair for a little added bling!

- Braids. “I love the fish tale braid right now, It is a bit of style and super easy. Can be polished or more rough.” David says. David recently styled a shoot where he constructed a low side braid and then wrapped it up around the head and secured with pins. “This style is also one that most women can do at home.” David points out.

When I asked David about rules of hair for spring he almost burst out laughing. “I don’t believe in rules when it comes to hair. I think people look most interesting when they go a different way and wear something they love that maybe not everyone would try” David says.

I have trusted David with my locks for years and he has a lot of magic, I know he is always suggesting what women can do at home but I think, don’t we have enough to do? I treasure my days at the hair salon when I can get a great wash (by wash I mean head massage) and I know my style will be flawless! No more looking in the mirror or asking my guy, “Does this look okay in the back, are their any bumps?”

David Tolls, Cowboys and Angels,  207 Powell Street, Suite 400, 415.362.8516.

For the hottest trends and style substance, visit Keylee’s Style Studio blog.

Do you have the best stylist in your city when it comes to event day glamour? Tell us who in the comment field below!

Volunteerism and giving back started with Kristen at a young age when her church youth group would distribute Christmas gifts to underprivileged families in her hometown.  “I was very humbled as a child to see these kids get excited about receiving anything for Christmas, they didn’t care what it was.”

As Miss USA, Kristen serves as an official spokesperson for Breast and Ovarian Cancer, works with the Special Olympics and the U.S.O.  She participates in every facet of fundraising from attending parties and walking the red carpet, to speaking with women in the hospital and groups of women on the topic of prevention, and she even puts herself up for auction to raise money.

“I can bring between $2,500- $4000 at an auction to have dinner with me, isn’t that crazy?” Kristen says humbly.  Most recently she was “purchased” as a Christmas gift for two, what must have been very excited, fifteen year-old boys.  “Their parents wanted them to learn manners and how to go on a proper date at a nice restaurant.”

What she enjoys most is speaking engagements.  “I love to speak in schools and having the opportunity  to discuss goal setting, positive thinking, and how to deal with peer pressure,” Kristen says with enthusiasm.  She also loves working and speaking with women who are effected by breast and ovarian cancer.  Recently she spoke at Mountain Side Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey, and spent time with the women who were patients there.  “These women were just happy to talk to someone and appreciated that someone cared.”  When I asked Kristin when she feels she makes the most impact she said, hands down, when she speaks on ovarian cancer.  “No one ever talks about it and their is no screening process to detect it.  The symptoms are the same as when a woman is menstruating so doctors do not usually test for it.  Women must know their body and demand a test.”  Many women who heard Kristen speak took it to heart and told her they would be making an appointment with their doctor. “It was great to see that I was making a difference.”

Kristen also works with Scan Van, a mobile mammogram unit in New York that travels to the five burrows to give women who have no insurance or poor insurance the opportunity to get mammograms.

Kristen is also very passionate about the U.S. Military and through her persistent pushing and a chance meeting with the head of the USO Kristen and the current Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez will be heading to the Middle East to meet with troops stationed there.  “Traveling to the Middle East to visit troops was the one thing I wanted to do as Miss USA and I am so excited to finally be going. As Miss North Carolina, I raised money for our local USO, which is privately funded.”

When I asked Kristen to recall her favorite appearance as Miss USA, she was very excited to tell me about her time during Thanksgiving spent at Fort Drum Military Base in upstate New York.  “Instead of participating in the Thanksgiving Day parade I went to Fort Drum.”  Kristen spent four days with soldiers, their families, and children who had parents deployed on active duty.  She also had the opportunity to experience the virtual training facility, shoot military weapons and use IED explosives.  “I thought training was all about physical tests and pushups until this trip.”

My final question with the lovely Kristen was “What does philanthropy mean to you?”  Kristen took a deep breath and said “I know it starts with a check, charities can’t function and help people with out the money and it has to grow from there.”

Kristen has been a wonderful Miss USA and has touched the lives of so many.  As a former Miss Teen USA, I know personally how much time and effort a titleholder puts in and how rewarding it is to make a difference.  Kristen will give up her title this coming May live on NBC but it will not stop her efforts in bringing attention to causes she find dear to her heart.

To learn more about Kristen, her charity work, visit Miss USA.

Photos provided by Miss Universe Organization L.P., LLP

Feature photo by Vrysxy, Flickr.com.

If you celebrate on the back of your yacht in St. Barths, say hello to 2010 in this fun bikini and chic Missoni caftan.  Bonus is that a caftan as fabulous of this can take you far, a great fashion investment.  You can slip it on for lunch, throw on a body suit underneath, some great earrings, and stack your arms with bangles  and you are ready for cocktails!  Just remember that you when you return home all of your friends will be insanely jealous of your golden tan!  *Tip from a stylist.  If you are smaller in the bust a suit such as this is perfect to add a bit of volume and playfulness.

Snuggle up in Teton Mountains in Jackson Hole and dont forget your fur! No one does fur like Dennis Basso, he is a master and a legend. I am a huge fan of everything he creates but I especially love fur vests this year. They are extremely versatile and look great when paired with jeans or an evening gown.  *Tip from a local; make the trek up the mountain for a hot cocktail by the fire and an excellent view of falling snow at the Amangani and if you know someone who is a member of the White Buffalo Club take advantage of The Cellar restaurant- yummy seafood and steaks.  You also can never go wrong with Snake River Grill!

When you feel the need for a bit of adventure and want to hit the slopes we have you covered; Burberry ski jackets are a staple with any gal who takes her skiing as serious as her fashion. 

Ralph Lauren creates fun casual hats to top off your look.  *Tip from a stylist; rub the inside of your hat with a dryer sheet prior to putting it on to help keep static down.  Slip an extra one in your pocket so when you land in the lodge for a little hot something you can use it on your hair to prevent fly aways and hat head.

No matter where you decide to celebrate you can never go wrong with the LBD and NYE is the perfect excuse to add a bit of sparkle and shine. Go all out with fun stockings, pile on the jewels, pin a sparkle brooch in your hair, and glue on some lashes.  NYE is all about over the top!

No matter where you are and what you are wearing just remember to have fun, be stylish and celebrate!

For more fabulous fashion check out the Style Studio Blogette!

VivaChic comes to the rescue with some last-minute stylish gifts that any gal would be thrilled to open come Christmas morning.

Everyone loves jewelry!

Impulse: Kate Spade Night and Day Idiom Bangle- $98

Indulge: Hermes Wide Enamel Bangle- $495

To keep those toes warm in style during the cold winter months don’t forget the boots!

Impulse: Emu Australia Bronti Boot- $79

Indulge: Ugg Classic Tall Boot-$180

When you need a little more fashion than function!

Impulse: Oak Black Zipper Boot- $198

Indulge: Giuseppe Zanottie for Balmain Zipper Bootie- $1495

You may still not be one time everywhere you go but at least you can wear a cute watch!

Impulse: V by Eva Clear Watch – $59

Indulge: TOYWATCH Mini Bracelet Watch- $225

For more indulgence please visit Style Studio.  Happy Holidays!

When it comes to parties, nothing compares to the rounds of holiday soirées one attends this time of year, typically at a multi-party per night speed.

I have filled you in on what is hot this holiday season for us west coasters, so I turned to fellow stylist Amy Salinger, Chicago based stylist, for a few tips from the other side.  According to Amy “My clients really love the idea of a great party dress!  In this economy though, it is time to re-use and recycle those fabulous frocks from years past.  Styling can really change what you already own with a few quick alterations.  Fabulous accessories, especially the statement pieces that are so hot right now, will really switch it up.”

Amy continues to share with me her favorite trend, “ …the long blazer.  It really does dress up any look and works in any season.  Pair it with great jeans, slacks or a short mini-skirt and you are ready to go!”

Now that Amy and I have covered what you should be wearing, I asked my good friend and go to makeup artist, Los Angeles based celebrity makeup artist Robyn Fisher, for her favorite looks, tips, and tricks for this holiday season.

“My number one rule is to play up one feature- either cheeks, lips or eyes.” Robyn starts off with.

Her must haves tools for holiday also cover her 5 Steps for quick glam;

1. Curl eye lashes, 2. Coat with mascara, 3. Cream blush, 4. Gloss, 5. Conceal.

-       Shu Uemura eyelash curler (I totally love this one to, total classic!)

-      L’Oreal Voluminous coal black mascara

-       Kevin Aucoin cream blush in “Liquifucia” and “Pravella”

-       Stila new holiday lip glaze collection.  $25 for 8 all fabulous colors!  (Hello stocking stuffer!)

-       Laura Mercier “Secret Camouflage” concealer, the dual colors makes it perfect for everyone!

Robyn, who counts; Angelina Jolie, Bruce Willis, and Robin Williams as clients, also describes how to get the ever beautiful party perfect eyes.  “When it comes to eyes for the holidays it is smokey, somkey, smokey!  Start by curling the eyelashes.  Next, take a black pencil liner and line the inside of the eyes.  Use fun colors like, navys, electric blues, hunter greens, purples, and golds for shadow liner under bottom lashes and blend it across lashes.  Coat lashes with mascara.”  Robyn also says “be sure to conceal under eyes especially when doing a smokey eye so it looks clean and polished.  Use wherever there are blemishes or redness. “

Keylee side note; When it comes to smokey eyes the best way to perfect this look is practice practice practice!  I also love to include lashes, as I know Robyn does!  Robyn loves MAC #33- I love MAC and Shu Uemura in just about any style.

Now that you are dressed and ready for your next holiday party, don’t forget your hostess gift!  Amy Salinger suggests a California favorite, “this may sound cliché, but a great bottle of wine will never do you wrong.  The key for me is to dress it up so it stands out from the rest of the crowd!”
Style Studio adds that whatever you decide to give; flowers, great candle, savory olive oil, my favorite truffle salt or one of the classics; wine or scotch take a holiday dish towl, Crate and Barrel has loads of great ones, and turn that into your wrapping!

Now party your holiday pants off!

For more stylish tips and info check out Style Studio!

For more fun makeup tips Robyn is your girl!

Find out more info on Amy and her services on her website!

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Saturday Slam; none of it sounds particularly fun or like something a proper lady would want to participate in. On the contrary many of us step out and log on to try to find the deals, that one item we have been coveting that will be in our size and on sale that one particular day- good luck!

Holiday wardrobe shopping can be even more daunting than usual and the chance of your perfect holiday dress, shoes, bag and accessories being found by you on one of these dreadful shopping days and on sale is almost none. So lets real and make a plan. Women, and men, make lots of mistakes when shopping and then wonder why they can’t find what they are looking for- this is especially true around the holidays or when you are shopping for a particular event. This holiday season avoid a dressing room melt down and shop smart- and remember, maybe you won’t need a new head to toe look but only a few pieces!

Even if you shop with your favorite sales associate, that always hold back items that “are so you”, or you shop with a personal shopper, there are a few rules you need to remember.
1. You must schedule your shopping time. If you pop in on occasion to browse that is fine but to get serious shopping done you must allow yourself at least one hour.
2. Fix your hair and wear makeup. Dressing room lighting should be illegal it is so awful, so you must do everything you can to look presentable. Even if you are shopping after your bar method class, put on some lip-gloss, a swipe of mascara and slick your hair back- trust me this makes a huge difference.
3. Wear proper undergarments. If you are shopping for a holiday look wearing a sports bra is not going to work. I tell clients to take a variety of bras so you are sure to have the right one. Wear nude underwear while shopping, this is the most neutral. Take your shape wear, if you plan on wearing it out on the night of the party then why would you try and “imagine” what it will look like while you are in the dressing room.
4. Be patient. You must be willing to try on, and try on, and try on. Yes, we all have our favorite designers and styles but you must be willing to try something new, at least every once in a while.
5. Sit down. While wearing a garment, don’t be afraid to sit down, walk around, and move in it. You want to be sure that you won’t be cut in half while eating dinner or that it doesn’t become significantly shorter when you sit down or raise your arms while dancing.

Before you shop look in your closet and asses what you need. Maybe your favorite dress from last year that you only wore to one event will work with some new sass. This season designers have brought out the big guns when it comes to sparkle and shine. Adding a sequin vest to the LBD you already have or a rhinestone collar can be the perfect touch to bring your look into Holiday 2009. Pair a fabulous pair of black party pants or a pencil skirt with a dramatic top. You can even add jewelry to your shoes to make them new, fresh and edgy…bonus here because then you are sure no one else will have them on!  Don’t forget the sparkle when it comes to your coif- lots of headbands, clips, and barrettes!  Style Studio always recommends to get creative and think outside the dressing room box- this is especially true at the holidays!

Tis the Season to be Stylish!

Color, pattern, or two tone- oh my!  With lots of choice’s there is a tight out there for everyone.  Pattern tights look great with mid-thigh and mini simple looks.  If you are wearing a dress with a pattern then skip the intricate pattern tights and stick with an opaque style.  Sassy pattern tights are one of my favorite way to spice up a black dress.  Remember that wearing a pattern or colored tight it will bring focus to your legs- not that it is a bad thing!

Leg wear looks great with boots, pumps or peep toe heels- STAY away from sandals or strappy heels whenever wearing hosiery/ tights or anything remotely similar.  Don’t worry if you are one to wear shape wear with your wardrobe (who doesn’t these days), many tights come with control top and the revolutionary brand Spanx has many fun styles.  Hue is a leader in leg wear, Wolford is a staple, and remember that tights come in all colors, sizes, and price point- you can find great styles for $12 and up!

Tips for Tights:

-       Fall and winter are the perfect time to wear tights: Don’t be afraid of color and pattern.

-       Tights are a great way to elongate your legs.  Try styles with vertical stripes or patterns.

-       For the office skip the lace and fishnet pattern.  Go with a more settle design or opaque tights in black or muted tone.

-       Always choose a matte style.  Any type of sparkle or shiny tight will do the same thing for your legs as lip gloss does for you lips- make them    look bigger.  Who wants that?

-       Go with a nude fishnet for a little texture and allure without the traditional fishnet color- pair with a nude pump for a super chic look.

-      Don’t be afraid to make a statement with embellished tights like the fringed Wolford’s (pictured left) that fool the eye into looking like boots when paired with the perfect pumps.

Take it from Style Studio – leg adornment is one easy way to take your look to the next level. Stay stylish!

This season, and from what I have seen on the runways for many seasons, you will have lots of options when it comes to the cocktail ring. You can make a big statement with gold, diamonds and flash, be a bit more undercover with a resin, wooden, or plastic pieces. Let you wild side out with animal themes and biker chic baubles.

Cocktail rings are the perfect solution to spicing up the LBD and they particularly look nice and sparkly when holding a cocktail glass at a holiday party.

Tips to wear:
- Wear one large ring per hand, on second though you should only be wearing one ring per hand anyway.
- The cocktail ring does not need to match the rest of your accessories but it should compliment them.
- You do not want your jewels to fight among themselves so limit your look to one large statement piece. A huge statement necklace and a large cocktail ring can be overkill and make you look like a Christmas tree.
- Don’t just save the cocktail ring for evening. They are the perfect way to polish off any look, day or night!

You will find cocktail rings everywhere from stores at the mall to highend boutiques and fine jewelry stores. With costume jewelry all the rage don’t feel like you have to spend the holidays in the poor house just to feed your habit and look fabulous.

Style Stylish.

**Black cocktail ring can be found at Edition by Banana Repbulic (San Francisco, CA)

]]> http://vivanista.com/2009/11/22/vivachic-ring-a-ding-ding/feed/ 0 http://vivanista.com/2009/11/19/vivachic-shall-travel-flying-in-style/ http://vivanista.com/2009/11/19/vivachic-shall-travel-flying-in-style/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000 Keylee Sanders, Style Studio http://www.vivanista.com/articles/1001 We are always looking for great vacations and getaway opportunities. And there are always exciting destinations for us to travel to, especially here in California. Destinations abound, and you have to consider not only where you’re staying, but how to get there. Driving is great because you have no need to worry about a stern faced TSA agent taking that tube of $75 hand cream that we forgot was in the bottom of our handbag. Flying is a totally different monster and it starts with what to wear on the plane. Unless you are going to Alaska, chances are that you are traveling to a warmer climate than SFO; but regardless, it will be more frigid in the cabin of the plane – so you must have a plan when dressing for your travels.

Number one rule for any flight is comfort! That equals leggings, dress or jeans with a bit of stretch. On the top, remember to layer, tank top or t-shirt first then pick a starched button-up (Brooks Brothers non-iron or Anne Fontaine are my picks) a fun jacket, or a sweater (cotton is always the best choice for flying – keeps the static cling at a minimum). A reminder, though, that while passing through the security gate, you may have to remove some of those layers, so try not to be too overdressed…at least until you get to your gate.

For shoes, remember tennis shoes allow you to avoid catching a planter’s wart while navigating through security, and the extra bonus is your toes will stay warm during the flight and save precious room in the suitcase. On quick flights I opt for flip-flops, sandals or flats (Chanel, Tory B or Lanvin are my picks). Sometimes you just want to be able to slip them on and off quickly when going through multiple layovers or security check points. And don’t forget to take a pair of socks in your carry on so you can slip them on during the flight if needed.

In case you are flying to a cooler destination or during the middle of the night, a cashmere scarf or pashmina, might do the trick to warm you up a bit. My favorite is from Banana Republic and can also be found at Edition (the new BR concept in the Westfield mall). Constructed of lightweight cashmere that is perfect to use around your neck or as a blanket on the plane and works double duty for breeze nights while you are on holiday.

If a coat is in order, a classic trench is the perfect solution then sunglasses and a fabulous bag are all you need to top off your Viva Chic travel look.

Oh, but don’t forget your lip gloss and travel size of eye cream to ensure you look refreshed while making your grand exit from the plane!

[Photos from caribb, Chad Fust and alexajaye via Flickr]

This is a good, old fashioned case of spend a little or spend a lot – either way, you don’t have to forgo the trends to look haute. Many times, I see items I love but don’t always have the credit limit to indulge. But as luck would have it, many designers have like minds and have the freedom of choice when shopping! Below, I’m sharing some of my recent faves and depending on the balance in your bank account, you can go big or fudge it if you’re on a budget.

Hanky Panky has been around for a few years and have many a devout follower, I recently discovered the Victoria Secret Lacie.  I love the way they fit and the stand up in the wash!  I am also a huge fan of the neon colors.
Splurge (pictured left): Hanky Panky Lace Thong- $24/ pair
Steal (pictured right): Victoria’s Secret Lacie Thong- $30/ 3 pair

Rocker Chic is one of the seasons biggest trend and a must have item for that trend is the leather jacket. Within this trend you have lots of options but I love this classic motorcycle jacket with the twist of fringe!
Splurge (pictured left): Royal Underground Leather Motorcycle Jacket $880
Steal (pictured right): William Rast Leather Fringe Jacket $390

With a chill in the air as winter quickly approaches we find our selves reaching for layers and a vest is the prefect item to throw on over a long sleeve or even under a jacket.   Faux fur is always a steal compared to the real deal but we found an even better deal! My steal on this one seems too good to be true but I have seen the vest first hand and it is a great steal!
Splurge (pictured left): Rebecca Taylor Faux Fur Vest $350
Steal (pictured right): Forever 21 Faux Fur Vest $24.80

Statement jewelry is always fun and will be increasingly popular as the holiday’s approach. I can think of no better way to glam up a black dress, solid sweater or even a plain white T than a big statement necklace.
Splurge (pictured left): Oscar de la Renta Pearl Bead and Chain Necklace $990
Steal (pictured right): Kate Spade Park Avenue Pearls $495