A Field Guide to Hair Brushes

Do you ever wonder how your hair stylist is able to give your hair such volume and bounce, while you can never achieve the same effect at home? You might have the right hair products, and know every blow-drying tip in the book, but the secret to hairstyling lies in the brush. Without the right brush, your hairstyle will be nearly impossible to perfect. Furthermore, you might be actively harming your hair with a subpar brush. Below is a field guide to PIN Salon’s top three brushes. We’ve broken each brush entry down with a physical description and a purpose so you can find the right brush to fit your hair needs.

Di Prima Brush: Round brush for volume and shine

 These luxurious, long-lasting round brushes are created in Spain, and are a must-have for hairstylists all over the world. The Di Prima Brush is the perfect combination of high-quality boar and synthetic bristles. The boar bristles bring out noticeable shine in hair, while the synthetic bristles activate volume. Another deluxe feature of the Di Prima Brush is the cork handle, which doesn’t catch the hair when you roll it over the brush as you blow dry. The final feature we love in the Di Prima is the solid wood body that protects hair from getting overheated, much unlike a plastic version. The Di Prima brush is an essential tool for those who round brush their hair on a regular basis, and for everyone who is pining for voluminous, high-shine hair. The Di Prima Brush is available for purchase at PIN Salon in three sizes (s/m/l).

Olivia Garden Ceramic Round Brush: Round brush to create a hot roller effect

The Olivia Garden Brush is another one of our favorite round brushes. The brush is enhanced with Tourmaline Ion Technology, has a smooth plastic handle, and is endowed with the best synthetic bristles on the market. These bristles are responsible for hydrating the hair cuticle, adding shine, and repelling static. The difference between this round brush and the Di Prima round brush is that the Olivia Garden has only synthetic bristles. If used regularly for a long period of time, the synthetic bristles can cause damage to the hair. One of our favorite features of the Olivia Garden is its ceramic body, which gives you an even distribution of heat while blow-drying, and thus protects hair better. This round brush is ideal for creating a hot roller effect, because the shape of the tool allows you to heat each section of hair from both sides simultaneously. The Olivia Garden Ceramic Round Brush is well suited to those who want to create unmatched body, and long-lasting hairstyles with their brush, or for those who simply want more control of the brush while blow-drying. The Olivia Garden brush will soon be available for purchase at PIN Salon.

Wet Brush: Flat brush to easily detangle wet or dry hair

Everyone with long to medium hair should have the Wet Brush in their beauty arsenal. Regardless of hair type, the Wet Brush works wonders on tangled hair. Most breakage in hair occurs when you brush through knots. This brush, however, will help you avoid this issue completely and detangles hair with ease. Use it on yourself with wet or dry hair, or on your kids to quell those inevitable tangled-hair-meltdowns. The Wet Brush is available for purchase at PIN Salon.

Written for the PIN Salon blog

RTW F/W 2015: 5 Takeaway Trends

While the New York and London Fashion Weeks have concluded, Milan and Paris have yet to come. Since we are half way through, here is a break down of the five most recurring trends on the runway thus far. Take note of these trends now as current winter wear goes on sale so you can shop smartly!

Fringe Everything

Alice + Olivia F/W 2015

Rebecca Minkoff F/W 2015

Elizabeth and James F/W 2015

Pleated Pants and Skirts

J.Crew F/W 2015

Assembly New York F/W 2015

Zac Posen F/W 2015

Alice + Olivia F/W 2015

Robe Coats

Mulberry F/W 2015

3.1 Phillip Lim F/W 2015

Mara Hoffman F/W 2015

Ralph Lauren F/W 2015

Embellished Skirts and Dresses

J.Crew F/W 2015

Reem Acra F/W 2015

Ralph Lauren F/W 2015

Deep V-Neck

Temperley London F/W 2015

Mara Hoffman F/W 2015

Ralph Lauren F/W 2015

DFW F/W 2015

Dressing Professionally Part II: Shopping

Welcome to Part II of 5 Tips to Dressing Professionally on a Budget. This shopping guide abides to the previously set ground rules: stick with a uniform of neutral colors and classic shapes, and buy fewer, high quality things.

Pants

For workwear, well-fitted pants are my go-to. Because I’m short, I prefer trouser cuts that are cropped at the ankle or just above. There are a LOT of work-appropriate pants out there, but the cheap ones are often baggy in weird places and are made with uncomfortable fabrics. While I know I’m not offering much variety as to brands, J.Crew is hands down my favorite place to buy pants for work. At J.Crew you can always find classic shapes, neutral colors, and the fabric is just the right amount of stretchy so you can handle sitting at your desk all day. As the weather heats up, a cropped trouser will allow you to show off fun footwear (boots with work pants looks awkward anyway), and you can wear it with either heels or flats.

With boot cut pants for instance, if you wear them with heels they should just barely hover off the ground. There’s nothing worse than seeing one inch of a three inch heel peeking out from under the pant hemline. The trendiest of the choices here would be a wide-leg or culotte-style trouser. This look made waves in fall 2014, and was all over the fall 2015 runway as well. It’s safe to say this trend is not going anywhere soon. Note: I find that J.Crew pants run way big, so buy online with caution.

J.Crew, New Campbell Capri Pant in Bi-Stretch Cotton.

J.Crew, Ryder Pant.

J.Crew, Cropped Patio Trouser.

Tibi, Beatle Menswear Cropped Pants.

Tibi, Pleated Culottes.

Anthropologie, Verso Wide-Leg Trousers.

Shirts

Referring back to my professional dress advice, always buy classic shapes if you’re on a budget. Even if you have to spend a few more dollars to get the classic shape instead of settling for the trend du jour, it is always worth it in the long run. In my opinion, peplum is so out it hurts, and button-downs can always save the day. Button-downs are so versatile, and appropriate in almost any situation or season.

Anthropologie, Lana Buttondown Tunic. Note: Leave it unbuttoned over one of the conservative pant choices above to add some interesting layers and dimension to your look. Add a structured blazer if it’s cold.

Anthropologie, Ashby Buttondown. Cloth and Stone have the best shirts. They are otherworldly soft, have a relaxed fit, and often have a fun structural detail (such as these tails) in the back. I’m warning you now, it’s hard to find a button-down like this that’s loose without looking bulky and unfitted.

Vince, Sleeveless Mixed Media Overlay Blouse.

Dresses

Looking towards spring and summer, the best kind of dresses to invest in now are shirt dresses or wrap dresses. These pieces are easy to layer with a blazer and leggings when its cold, and can be worn with bare legs and flats later on.

Gap, Marled Ribbed Sweater Midi Dress. A knit pencil skirt that hits just below the knees is both comfortable and easy to style. This is a great piece to wear in transitional weather.

Gap, Worker Shirtdress.

Gap, Pleated Shirtdress.

Madewell, Button-Down Shirtdress.

Madewell, Abroad Dress.

Coats/Blazers

No winter or early spring outfit is complete without some sort of jacket. Even if a preppy blazer isn’t your style, a sharp jacket always pulls a professional ensemble together. The perfect blazer is not only a great sartorial investment, but can be key in transforming your outfit from office- to happy-hour-appropriate.

J.Crew, Regent Blazer in Linen.

J.Crew, Quilted Cropped Jacket.

Madewell, Lycée Drapey Blazer.

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Topshop, Petite Double Collar Blazer.

5 Tips for Dressing Professionally on a Budget

Last month, one of the styling story requests I received was about dressing professionally on a budget. This, my friends, is a fantastic question. I have to admit that I’ve never officially had to dress “professionally.” The majority of my internships took place either online (pajamas required), or in some fashion-related environment, in which the kookier you dressed, the more respected you were. One summer however, with no internship prospects in sight, my dad graciously hired me as an intern at his investor relations firm. On my second day, I wore hot pink chinos, and on my second day, I quit (partly because no one complimented or respected my awesome pants – a very novel feeling).

That discouraging professional-dress-history aside, I still have some professional dress suggestions thanks to my good friend Olivia Pope. The vote is in and everyone agrees – Olivia Pope is the baddest bitch in the world of professional dress. The actual clothing pieces she wears are designer-made, but simply shopping for work clothes or getting dressed with her style in mind will put you leagues ahead of everyone.

Tip 1. Uniform. Find a professional uniform that works for you. Don’t wear skirts often to work? Don’t buy them anymore! It’s more important to have a smaller selection of high quality things that you wear at least once a week, than an expansive closet full of things you rarely wear. While Olivia has a team of stylists behind the scenes dressing her in beautiful pieces, she definitely has a uniform, and it involves a lot of wide-leg pants and blanket coats.

Tip 2. Color. I realize that not everyone loves neutrals as much as I do, but sticking with clothing in a small range of colors makes it much easier to arrange new outfits. If you do as I do and lean towards black, gray, navy, white, and cream, don’t feel as though the tones need to match. Take a hint from the J.Crew lookbook and pair together stark white pants, an off-white sweater, and a cream jacket. That sort of tonal mix and match works, and in fact looks chic, but a mix and match of red, black, and blue will have you looking like a mess.

Tip 3. Classic Structure. One of the largest lessons in dressing professionally is buying classic things to build your uniform. If you’re considering buying a $40 peplum blouse vs. a simple $60 blouse – go for the simple one, you’ll thank yourself later. Believe me, you won’t want to be wearing a painfully trendy shirt in ten years. As my other good friend Karl Lagerfeld said, “Trendy is the last stage before tacky.”

Tip 4. Tailoring. Some of the best money you’ll spend on clothing is having it tailored. This goes back to the few expensive things vs. more inexpensive things – you get what you pay for. If you find a pair of nice pants on the Neiman’s sale rack, but they are a bit too baggy in the butt and too long at the bottom, but have a nice overall shape and high-quality fabric, buy them and take them to the tailor. Your tailor will be able to make the pants look perfect on you in a way that you’ll never be able to buy right off the rack, regardless of where you shop or how much you spend. With a high quality fabric, the piece of clothing will last forever if you treat it right – think of it as an investment.

Tip 5. Prioritize. There’s no way around it – high quality clothing is expensive. To avoid the fast-fashion rut (those times you go into H&M, blow $80 on seven things, and then have to replace those seven things two months later when they fall apart), you must prioritize – something I find nearly impossible. If you know you’re in need of a new handbag, keep in mind that every time you give into your baser instinct and go wild at H&M, you’re that much further away from buying that beautiful satchel you’ve been eyeing. So prioritize – set a goal for what you want and when you want to make your big purchase, and don’t let any quick buys distract you.

I’ve probably just given you the exact advice you didn’t want to hear – buy less at more expensive prices – but thus is the motto of adulthood. However as much as I’ve come to love neutral colors and classic shapes in my clothing, I can’t seem to leave the house without a touch of something accidentally ridiculous in my outfit. So what are the approved fun work buys to balance out the rule following? Shoes, knit shirts, and scarves.

Fun Buys: Shoes are like cars, the second you take them out for a spin, their value decreases. I love beautiful, expensive shoes, but the truth is, they are touching the ground everyday, all day long. Buy shoes from a brand that produces a reliable product that will get you through a year or two, but there’s no need to go designer on them if you can’t afford it. As for knit shirts, in my experience, the shirts I get at Gap hold up much better than the knits at higher-end stores. If you can get a Breton stripe at Old Navy for $10, and a shirt with the exact same look from Vince for $120 – the choice seems obvious. Save that extra money and put it towards that beautiful handbag we were talking about. Lastly, scarves. Scarves are a must-have for any work outfit especially in the cooler months. You don’t have to have an Hèrmes scarf (though you should eventually save up for one!) to look like a stylish Parisian. Sometimes vintage clothing stores have a whole basket full of vintage silk scarves for next to nothing. If you’re unsure about wearing a completely black outfit for instance, tying a vibrant scarf around your neck will quell that fear. For an added dose of fun, don’t forget a swipe of bold lipstick, and a trendy hairdo.

Stay tuned for Part II of Dressing Professionally on a Budget, which will include shoppable links!

Fashion List: February 2015

Now that the Valentine’s Day extravaganza is over, we can wrap our heads around buying something other than chocolate, roses, jewelry, and lingerie. This month, it’s important to buy transitional clothing, because even though it’s cold now, warm weather cometh. For February, step up your accessory game, and consider adding some new classics to your wardrobe.

These shoes make me weak in the knees – they are part loafer, part mule, and a whole lot of cute. I imagine that Jay Gatsby would have greatly enjoyed wearing them, as they are totally prohibition glam. On the Urban Outfitters website, the reviews are extremely positive, they are supposedly comfy and fit true to size. If my size was still in stock, I’d buy several pairs to make sure I was never without.

Urban Outfitters, Bass Leather Mule.

 

Ease into the spring season by first swapping out your accessories. Shoes are of course very dependent on the state of the weather, but a classic handbag in a spring-appropriate cream, light gray, or pastel is welcome even this early in the year.

Kate Spade, Cedar Street Hayden.

I desperately need to change out my phone case. The one I have now has been on my phone for over a year – it is battered and bruised to say the least. A new case makes you feel like you have a brand new phone, and it’s an easy, feel-good buy. My go-to for phone cases is Sonix. If they are good enough for Beyoncé they are good enough for me.

Sonix Cases, Fido (Clear).

TOPSHOP, Sleeveless Jacket.

The sleeveless jacket is a highly versatile new classic and perfect for in-between weather. Layer a sleeveless jacket underneath your heavy wool coat for a put together look inspired by the boys, or wear it unbuttoned over something simple like jeans and a button-down when it gets warmer. A sleeveless jacket is great for adding an element of structure to your ensemble, while still allowing your arms to be free.

The fall trend of wide-leg pants is here to stay through spring. Everyone knows how flattering flared jeans are, and I think wide-leg trousers have the same effect. These pants in particular can be worn at the office or at home. Not only is the shape flattering because it accentuates a small waist, but with wiggle room through the legs and a forgiving waistband, you’ll never want to take them off.

Madewell, Ibt-Ibt Feed Trousers.

What to Wear: Valentine’s Day Edition

Valentine’s Day is here – but what to wear? My outfit suggestions for those going out this Saturday night, under romantic pretence or not, are as follows. This year don’t go for the obvious sartorial choice, that being short and tight, but choose something romantic and grand. These ensembles will have you feeling your personal best, even if the whole flowers, chocolates, love note thing doesn’t pan out as you expected.

Category 1: Dressed-down formal wear. I have a ton of formal dresses hanging in my closet – some are remnants from high school homecomings, others are vintage dresses I simply couldn’t live without. Unfortunately, I don’t get a lot of wear out of these dresses nowadays, so on occasions like Christmas Eve or Valentine’s Day, I try to make them work. Make a formal dress work for you, even if you’re just going to dinner and a movie, by pairing it with a leather or jean jacket, and unexpected shoes. If you’re daring, put a thin long-sleeve tee under a strapless dress, or a pair of tight jeans under a highly textured, leg-baring dress.

Category 2: Full tea-length skirts. Few outfits are more romantic than those involving ’50s inspired skirts. These types of skirts that are fitted at the waist, flare out, and hit just below the knee are universally flattering, and visually harken back to a bygone era. These skirts are extremely easy to style, and can be worn with anything from a casual t-shirt to a button-down. Extra vintage points for those who incorporate polkadots, t-strap heels, faux-fur stoles, and glossy red lips.

Category 3: Pants. This is a perfect choice for the Valentine’s Day cynics, whether you’re in a relationship or not. Stay mildly festive with traditional Valentine’s Day colors, but opt for tight pants and a structured jacket instead of some painfully girly ensemble. Not only will this combo keep you warm (it is still February after all), but you’ll feel comfortable and chic, too. Note: A pantsuit requires cool accessories and an awesome hairdo.

Birdie the Bulldog’s Bucket List

As many of you know, I said goodbye to my precious Buster not too long ago on January 1, 2015. While it was gut wrenching to watch him fall asleep for the last time, I was comforted in the fact that we had 15 and a half happy, loving years together. I am now faced with a very different situation with my sweet Birdie. In September 2014, I adopted Birdie the Bulldog, who is the sweetest, most beautiful lady bulldog you’ve ever met despite her past. Last week, through X-rays, Birdie’s doctor found that her lungs are full of cancerous tissue and she does not have that much more time left on earth.

Having not known Birdie long, I don’t feel ready to let her go, and I don’t think she feels ready to go either. But that being said, there’s not a whole lot I can do for her at this stage in the game except for love her deeply and treat her like the princess she is. It’s my hope that through writing a bucket list for Birdie, we can both feel that she got to do all of the fun things she possibly could in her canine form. Right now the list is mainly made up of Birdie’s three favorite things – food, walks, and car rides. Once I talk with the pet psychic, I’ll have a better idea of what Birdie might want on this list, but for now this is my best guess. Also, note that these bucket list items are only additions onto Birdie’s regular routine of premium raw food, daily walks around the neighborhood, endless cuddles, and sleeping in bed with me at night. I plan on updating the bucket list with photos as we go!

1. Celebrate 5-month adoption anniversary on February 28^th
2. Talk with a pet psychic, see what Birdie wants to add to the list
3. Have a photo shoot to document how insanely cute she is
4. Attempt to meet Manny the Frenchie during his Dallas tour
5. Walk the Katy Trail and stop at the Ice House for dog-friendly dining
6. Go Klyde Warren Park and get ice cream from one of the food trucks
7. Walk around the Sunday Farmer’s Market
8. Go shopping at Dolly Python
9. Eat a rotisserie chicken on a picnic blanket
10. Have a spa day, get a bath and a massage
11. Go on a road trip
12. Watch the sunset at Whiterock Lake
13. Have a dog party at NorthBark Dog Park – everyone and their dog is invited! I’ll make an announcement as to the day.

Let us know if you have any suggestions about what to add!

Valentine’s Day Beauty Inspiration

My beauty advice for Valentine’s Day is not unlike my New Year’s Eve beauty advice – keep it as natural-looking as possible, and only emphasize one element of the face at the time. My addendum to this holiday is to do your makeup with the morning after in mind. Nothing is less sexy than looking like an old Hollywood screen siren during date night dinner, and then appearing to be a completely different person the morning after when your liquid eyeliner is crumbling off your eyelids, and your skin is irritated beyond repair because you didn’t wash your face properly the night before. To avoid this dilemma, I suggest using only a few, key products (that you already have in your repertoire) for a healthy, feminine, and luminous look. These colors and products will fade softly and look pretty even when smudged a bit. Steer clear of foundation, liquid eyeliner, sticky lip glosses, anything with glitter, and lipstick that won’t stay put.

Face

Get the look: Facial moisturizer (let it soak in for 30 min) + brown-based blush under the cheek bones + golden brown eye shadow at the crease of the eye + waterproof mascara + colorless lipbalm

Get the look: Brown based blush under the cheekbones + purpley brown eyeshadow on the eyelid + eyeliner at the outer corner of the eye + waterproof mascara + lip stain

Get the look: White eyeshadow on eyelids + golden brown eyeshadow on eyelid creases + rosy pink shadow on cheekbones + chapstick

Get the look: Pink eyeshadow on eyelids + rosy pink blush on cheeks + coral-based lipgloss

Lips

Get the look: Lip liner will become your new best friend if you’ll let it. Lip liner stays in place much better than lipstick, and last longer!

Get the look: High impact lips are even more impactful on a blank slate. Let the lips do the heavy lifting, use no other color on your face, except for maybe some white eyeshadow at the inner corner of your eyes to make them appear more open.

Get the look: Dark lips, be it raspberry or burgundy, can look a little goth. Balance out the dark glamour of a dark lip with luminous, highly moisturized skin – no blush required.

Eyes

Get the look: Play it cool. Even if you LOVE Valentine’s Day and all things pink, don’t go for the brightest pink or red, pick the more muted tone – I promise you’ll look ten times chicer.

Get the look: Don’t get me wrong, I love a nice winged cat eye with black liquid eyeliner. That being said, I think this is a more romantic look, and will wear much better over the course of the evening. A brown pencil eyeliner in a tone that complements your skin tone is a must-have.

Nails

Get the look: Pink or red nail polish is SO expected for Valentine’s Day – as is something moody like black. Metallic nails are a good choice for both the happy and melancholic, they will look good with every outfit and Valentine’s Day outlook.

Get the look: My moody Valentine’s Day nail choice would not be black (so 2008), but matte gray.

Get the look: If you want something more classic than metallic or matte gray, definitely go with a nude nail polish that complements your skin tone. If you don’t already have a go-to color, compare the color of the polish to the color of your natural nail – you’re looking for as close to a match as possible.

Melancholic Magpie Guide to V-Day Lingerie

For those who are lucky in love this Valentine’s Day, prepare accordingly for after-dinner activities. That’s right – the lingerie reveal. Don’t be caught dead in last year’s get up, nor some tacky polyester blend ensemble purchased at Victoria’s Secret. While the VS Angels are beautiful humans, the products they model aren’t so great. No matter how many sheer nightgowns or 5 for $20 underwear combos you buy, you will not morph into Doutzen Kroes. Do both yourself and your loved one a favor and invest in something a little more upscale this year. I promise you’ll want to wear these lovely things even after the sun rises on February 15^th.

Lonely, Lulu Strap Bra and Brief.

Lonely, Cyd Underwire Bra.

Negative Underwear, White Sieve Balconette and Thong.

Heidi Klum Intimates, Committed Love underwire stretch-lace bra.

Fleur de Mal, Satin Bullet Bra, Satin Hiphugger, and Garter.

Triumph Dusky Glow Bralette.

Stella McCartney, Carmine Balconette Bra and Bikini.

Beauty List: February 2015

Valentine’s Day is an ode to three of my favorite things Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty, all things pink, and thoughtful presents – be it chocolate, roses, or a nice piece of jewelry. Whether you’re treating yourself to a few things this month, or expecting them from a certain someone, here’s a list of the five most luxurious beauty buys I’m currently eyeing. It’s safe to say that you’ll love these beautiful things long after February concludes.

Canabel, The Birth of Venus, 1875

1. Beauty Blender Sponge.

This is a cult beauty tool, as necessary as the eyelash curler. The little sponge helps you blend your makeup so you are streak- and crease-free. Since it’s pink, I thought there’d be no better time to suggest it than this month.

2. Herbivore Botanicals, Valentine’s Set.

Eco-beauty spa in a box. Chocolate, pink clay, and jasmine face oil – what else could you want?

3. DuWop, Seashell Compact.

Beautiful blush duos in a kick-ass package. I’d carry this compact around in my purse just because.

4. Histoires de Parfums, 1804 George Sand

One of my greatest pet peeves is people thinking their fashion designer perfume is high quality. It is not. Dolce & Gabbana are not famous perfumers, they are clothing designers, and should stick to just that. Do yourself a favor this Valentine’s day and invest in a high quality, synthetic-free fragrance. I love the Histoires de Parfums line because they are inspired by historical characters such as George Sand and Mata Hari and smell amazing without inducing a headache. (A more robust line up of great perfumes is to come later this month).

5. Diptyque Paris, Rich Butter for the Body.

I’ve tried a lot of body moisturizers and this is by far my favorite. It has an otherworldly floral scent, goes on like butter, and has you feeling baby soft afterwards.