Sure, that super cute $10 skirt you scored at the local Forever 21-ish retailer seems like a major deal, right? But after 3 wears and a few washes you notice the color isn’t as vibrant, the shape is not as, well, shapely. What went wrong? Well Star Contributor @cnicholac shares her tried and true tips for getting the most out of your “inexpensive” wares.

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Recently a few beauty and fashion bloggers were sitting in Neiman Marcus at a press event, where inevitably, our conversation turned to being fashionable on a bloggerʼs budget. My contribution was more along the lines of how to keep your modestly priced purchases looking good longer….here goes!

Clothes

I wish I could regularly shop at Neiman Marcus but with my current finances that would be suicidal. Stores like Zara, H&M, Forever21 and Marshallʼs are a mecca of trendiness that fit into my budget. While I do recognize that I get what I pay for with these stores, I have my ways to extend the life of clothing and accessories purchases. In fact, some of these tips are good for all clothes — no matter the price tag.

• Check fabric and craftsmanship. Pull on seems, buttons and zippers. Check linings and any attachments to finished garment. I reinforce all buttons, especially on outerwear and double stitch (on my sewing machine) anything that looks a bit flimsy. I do a loop stitch at the end of zippers to reduce incidents of breaking. I also have a
needle and thread in my wallet. (Judging me yet?)

• Buy a good detergent. Pre hand-wash high stain areas such as under arms and wash clothes on gentle cycle. Tumble dry on moderate heat. I use Tide for regular wash and Woolite dark on the gently or delicate cycle for everything that may fade with washing.

• At home 5 minute dry clean with Febreeze fabric refresher. Spray garment lightly and pop the garment in the dryer for a few minutes. Remove propmptly and hang. This works really well for blazers, cardigans and sweater dresses.

• Iron everything inside out. This reduces the likelihood of shining of fabric, especially polyester blends (a favorite fabric at the H&M’s and Forever21′s of the world.)

Accessories

Letʼs face it, the right accessory can take an outfit over the top. While I do pay attention to accessory trends I tend to wear the same accessories forever (real or fake.) For those pieces that are susceptible to tarnish (metallic tones) I use toothpaste. Coat the item, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with luke warm water while brushing with an old toothbrush.

Fabric Preservation

Buy a fabric shaver. This bad boy works wonders on fabric pills and fuzz on sweaters and outerwear. I’m not sure how I would make it through winter without my fabric shaver…it’s almost as essential as a snow blower I use this one : http://www.walmart.com/ip/Evercare-Giant-Fabric-Shaver/17244003

Bottom Line: I want to be fashionable on a dime and the tips above help me get the most out of my purchases. I hope they do the same for you.

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Go forth. Buy your cut-rate wares…but extend the lifespan with @cnicholac’s sage advice.

Our hair goals generally revolve around to two things: Health and Length. With crisp, dry, winter weather — keeping hair healthy is no easy task. So we turn to Johnny Wright, SoftSheen-Carson Artistic Style Director and Stylist to First Lady Michelle Obama for some serious advise on combating dryness and preventing breakage. We figure, if his advise is good enough for Lady O, it’s good enough for us.

How do we increase moisture without sacrificing style:

Your hair will benefit from an extra surge of moisture in the winter months. Keeping your hair and scalp regularly moisturized will ensure that your hair stays healthy, strong and protected from the cold.

For dry scalp: If your scalp is dry or feels tight, Johnny recommends Optimum Care Salon Collection Essential Nutrients, which instantly revitalizes, relieves dryness and restores balance to scalp with one dose. It contains ceramides and vitamins A, B & E to help promote healthy hair and scalp. Also, if you have dry edges, add a few drops of vitamin E Oil to your hairline.

For dry hair: Strengthen hair and repair split ends with Optimum Care Salon Collection Whipped Oil Moisturizer. The whipped formula is so lightweight that it moisturizes without weighing the hair.

How often do we need to condition hair?

Beautiful hair starts in the shower: Deep conditioning your hair weekly not only keeps your hair looking and feeling healthy, it will also help to keep your hair protected from wintery elements. Use a deep conditioner, such as Optimum Care Salon Collection Deep Conditioning Masque. This weekly intense treatment infuses hair with strengthening ceramides and nourishing coconut oil for long lasting moisture, strength and shine. With its refreshing relaxing sensation, you won’t even miss going to the salon!  For best results, place a plastic cap over the hair and sit under the dryer for 10 minutes.

How much styling is too much styling?

Don’t over style. Keep your use of hot styling tools to a minimum.  Blow drying and flat ironing can dry out and damage your hair.  If you need to use heat, always use a thermal heat protector like Optimum Care Salon Collection Heat Protection Polisher on your hair before blow-drying or flat ironing, and never turn the dial past 400 degrees.

All products available via shopsoftsheencarson.com

The stars may have spent hours in hair and makeup before hitting the red carpet, but we have the scoop from the Wella Professionals hairstylists, who created some of the evening’s most glamorous hairstyles, on how to get these looks at home without breaking a sweat.

Want red carpet hair? We’re giving away 10 packs that retail for $100 of Wella Professionals hairstyling products that were used to create these glamorous looks. Just tell us in the comments area below which red carpet hairstyle you like best to be entered to win!

Michelle Williams
“Michelle looks incredible with this short, modern Mia Farrow inspired style,” says LA stylist Chris McMillian, who created her look. “It’s a retro ’60s combined with Flapper flair type of look that shows there’s still a lot of glamour and versatility with short hair.”

To Get The Look: First, apply Wella Professionals Natural Volume Styling Mousse to wet hair, then use your hands to shape your hair while it air dries. Once dry, lift up your roots and blow dry upward to create extra lift at the crown. Then, apply Wella Professionals Mirror Polish for a glossy finish and to help smooth hair into shape. Add a simple black headband with a jeweled brooch to give this retro look a modern spin. Push bangs to the side where the jewel is positioned for a heavy fringe effect.

Try on these hairstyles in the Makeover Studio!

Claire Danes
Claire Danes looked every bit the belle of the ball in a gorgeous black and white J. Mendel gown and a soft, swept-back chignon. Hairstylist, Peter Butler, created Danes’ look by envisioning a modern-day Grace Kelly.

To Get The Look: The trick to creating a soft, flattering updo to is to first create a lot of volume. Butler used Wella Professionals Extra Volume Mousse on damp hair, then blow dryed it. Next, curl hair with a large barrel curling iron for extra volume, then pull hair back into a high pony and wrap it into a tight knot. (Danes’ look was only secured with TWO hair pins!) Lastly, comb back hair with fingers, coated with Wella Professionals Mirror Polish Shine Serum for a soft sheen. Spritz with Wella Professionals Stay Essential hairspray for a hold that will last all night.

Madonna
The perfect look for Madge to compliment her flowing Reem Acra dress? Effortless, soft waves, of course. Wella Professionals celebrity stylist, Andy LeCompte created this stunning ‘do for the diva and winner of this year’s Golden Globes’ Best Original Song for a Motion Picture.

To Get The Look: Rough dry hair to manipulate and emphasize natural texture. Then, mist hair with Wella Professionals Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray to protect it from thermal heat while also adding texture. Use a 1-inch flat iron on hair to create soft S formations and add a natural wave texture. Finish with a mist of Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz Beach Texture Spray.

Busy Philipps
Busy Philipps looked radiant with a voluminous bouffant, thanks to McMillian’s expert hairstyling.

To Get The Look: Prep wet hair with Wella Professionals Natural Volume Styling Mousse and loosely dry for a textured finish. Then, spray Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray while hair is nearly dry so it’s slightly piece-y and pull into an imperfect, textured French twist. Add a headband at the top of the head to complete the look for an added touch of elegance.

Shailene Woodley
Shailene Woodley is only 20 years old, but the talented actress looked poised beyond her years in a Marchesa gown and sophisticated updo, created by Wella Professionals stylist, Campbell McAuley.

To Get The Look: First, prep wet hair using Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier and then let dry naturally with a diffuser. Once nearly dry, lightly mist hair with Wella Professionals Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray before using a 1 3/4 inch curling iron to enhance natural waves. Once hair is prepped, then take a section from crown to ears to divide hair into a front and back split section. At the back section, pull hair back into a ponytail, not pulling it too tight so that there is still a natural hair movement. Spray Wella Professionals Shimmer Delight Shine Spray in the front section to give the best glossy finish for the red carpet. Then, sculpt hair into a side parted wavy style with hands moving into a beautiful twisted bun. Finish off with Wella Professionals Stay Essential Hairspray.

Don’t forget! You have to tell us in the comments below which hairstyle you like best to be entered to win $100 worth of the Wella Professionals products that were used to create these looks! See full rules and regulations.

And just like that, I’m suddenly into hosiery. And no, I’m not talking droopy, reinforced toe, french coffee-toned hose fit for dear Aunt Edith. I’m taking about super sexy textures, modern styles, and luxe feminine fabrics. For the last year, I’ve been positively smitten with Philippe Matignon, an international hosiery brand with Italian heritage. Their design aesthetic is modern, refined, slightly coquettish, and plain old fun! My personal favorites from the elegant range include flirty sheers, girly over the knee socks, and wonderfully textured opaque tights that keep legs warm…and en vouge.

With the help of Philippe Matignon, this weekend, while attending a lovely little press breakfast at Neiman Marcus (more on that later), I breathed new life into a rather ho-hum khaki skirt. I paired Philippe Matignon Noblesse Brilliant hose with Joli Parisienne over the knee socks and this dazzling piece of magic was born:

Perfection, no?!

I am positively head over heels in love with Philippe Matignon hosiery…and as a result, I’ve become a bit of a hosiery snob. Can you blame me? The collection is made using 3D Lycra — an intricate process that ensures perfect comfort and fit with every wear. Silicone is also applied to the fabric of thigh highs for supreme adherence to the leg. Once you’ve tried Philippe Matignon, you’ll find it tough to go back to your bargain basement hose from the local last call retailer…trust me!

Want to try Philippe Matignon (@pmhloves) for yourself?

Of course you do!

Shop http://www.philippematignon.us/

Promocode: Beauty25

Take 25%off your entire purchase

Y’all can thank me later!

The Golden Globes are nearing, and while some are excited to see which movies and miniseries win, we’re excited to see the celebs, dresses and ‘dos! We talked to Wella Professionals Celebrity Hairstylist Andy LeCompte and Wella Professionals Color Ambassador Aura Friedman about their predictions on what hairstyles will make their way down the red carpet on Sunday night. They’ve had the pleasure of working with Golden Globe stars, including Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Fergie, and Megan Fox.

Effortless Elegance With A Glossy Finish
“I think we’ll see a peak in fluid textures that suggest effortless elegance, like very healthy and sleek hair that shows a lot of movement. This style will be popular with soft and light tones with a warm glow that emphasizes healthy, shiny hair representative of the Wella Trend Vision look aptly named, Grace,” says LeCompte. Another great example: Charlize Theron’s shiny, sleek blowout with gentle waves.

To get the look, first, apply a good amount of hair primer, like Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier, to wet hair. This will create an even surface on each hair follicle, improving the evenness of your overall end look. Then, while your hair is still wet, apply a smoothing balm, such as Wella Professionals Flowing Form, to dramatically enhance the manageability and smoothness of your blowout. One you’ve finished blow drying your hair, finish with a spritz of shine spray. Wella Professionals Shimmer Delight helps keep hair healthy and shimmering, despite the heat of a blowout.

Statement-Making Tones And Daring Definition
To the contrary, we can also expect to see daring, modern styles made possible by the evolution of high tech hair tools and high pigment color. Wella Professionals Color Ambassador Aura Friedman says, “We can look forward to the soft introduction of this very bold hair color trend at the Golden Globes this year. Inspired by the Trend Vision look, “Roxy,” this is an attention grabbing style where color plays an integral role. We will especially see a shift to cool red tones and bursts of violet, statement-making colors with an edge of sophistication.”

“A perfect color,” says Aura, “should complement the person who’s wearing it…but also suit their personality and lifestyle. It should enhance, but not overpower.” To keep vibrant hues looking their best, Aura suggests to avoid shampooing too much and use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, like Wella’s Brilliance Line. If your hair is very dull, she also recommends getting a clear gloss to add instant vibrancy and seal the cuticle of your hair for added shine. As for the style, this look does not shy away from shape or definition. Tight curls and gravity-defying shapes can be expected. With such “atypical” styles being created with styling tools, it’s very important to prepare your hair with a heat protectant spray before styling, such as Wella Professionals Thermal Image Heat Protectant Spray. You’ll need to finish the look with a strong-hold hairspray, such as Wella Professionals Stay Firm Finishing Spray.

Chat LIVE with the hair experts during the award show’s red carpet arrivals! “Like” Wella on Facebook to get tips, tricks and commentary from several celebrity stylists on their favorite looks of the night.

For the latest on hair trends and styling tips, follow Wella on Facebook and Twitter!

@pinkplushallure shares a new phenon in nails…

It seems imPress Press on Manicure by Broadway Nails has struck gold! Sultry Nicole Scherzinger is “imPressed” and singing the brand’s praises!

Picture it — A salon style manicure in minutes with no dry time. Every girl’s dream, right?!

A trend inspired variety of 36 styles includes brilliant brights, wild prints and everything in between!

Application is easy peasy:

1.) Size each nail to the appropriate press on (Tip: if nail seems in between sizes, go a size smaller to look more natural)

2.) Utilize kit’s prep pad in order to clean bare nail before application (this helps nail stay on longer)

3.) Peel back adhesive from nail, and FIRMLY press in place.  (Tip: adhesive responds best to your body’s temperature within the first hour which makes pressing firmly at application important).  Feel free to cut, file, and shape nail to your preference. 

Nails last about a week, with consistent shine and no chipping.  To remove just peel nail off along the side (remover is optional).  Used nails aren’t reusable, but you can save the remaining ones to mix and match and look just as divalicious as Nicole!

Dressed in vivid hues of turquoise, orange, red and blue, CoSTUME National PoP Collection is the most lively collection of fragrance on my vanity. Every piece is a work of art and representative of the classic yet avant-garde essence of the Italian fashion house. While bold in its packaging, the collection is refined, timeless, and positively delightful. Yep, this one’s a keeper!

Notes: Infused with sparkling notes of Pink Grapefruit and bittersweet Raspberry Pulp mixed with Blackcurrant Absolute, PoP evokes a bold and invigorating scent. A floral blend of Rose and Jasmine add grace and charm, while disclosing a strong, extremely feminine character. Patchouli Heart, Amber Gris and Cashmeran finish the bouquet with warmth and depth, revealing a sensual intensity.

Available at CoSTUME National, Henri Bendel, Kitson and www.luckyscent.com

My love affair with Eden continues with the Feather 2-Finger Ring. I’ve been itching to get in on the two finger craze for a while, but until now, nothing has quite captured my heart and personal style. Well the wait is over. Could you just die?

Stress no more. Robert Verdi is here to save the day with these top picks for last minute holiday gifts. Grab a pen & pad, take copious notes, and get shopping!

Robert Verdi’s Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide from Robert Verdi on Vimeo.

Writer @plushpinkallure gets chatty with Whitney Port about her pearly whites…

And the answer is:

Crest 3D Whitestrips

Yep, that’s how the amazingly stunning Whitney Port keeps her smile brilliantly white. We recently sat down with Whitney Port at the Crest 3D White Holiday event & asked:

ThisThatBeauty: “What is your favorite part of using the strips”?

Whitney: “Definitely the fast and immediate results, as well as being able to wear them during daily activities”.

Crest’s new strips magically transform teeth into glorious pearly whites in 2 hours flat. Keeping convenience in mind, Crest has used optimized notches within the strip, making it a more comfortable fit.  Their new Advanced Seal Technology helps each strip adhere to teeth and prevent slip.

For the month of the December, purchase a full box of Crest 3D Whitestrips at any drugstore and receive two bonus 2-hour Whitestrips Express. Brighten your holiday season with an even whiter smile!