Oscar Fashion!

So now we know who won the awards...now lets take a peek at a few winners and trends from the red carpet!

Gwyneth Paltrow gets my vote for best dressed of the night!  I thought she absolutely killed it with this simple, Tom Ford, number.  The cape puts it over the top for me!  With her simple makeup, and a stunning low ponytail, A+ lady!

Trend Alert!  White White White!

White was the color of the night!  With so many ladies looking like angels, its hard to pick a favorite!  Gwyneth, Mila, JLo et al looking fabulous!

Trend Alert:  Menswear Inspired Looks

Glenn Close and Melissa Leo shined in their menswear inspired looks!  Glenn was an absolute stunner in her black, Zac Posen number.  And while I wasn't a huge fan of the sequins all over Melissa Leo's gown (shocker right??), I loved the subtle lapels adorning the neckline!

Sandra Bullock was another favorite of mine, I love the blousy top, the flared skirt, and the back wrecked!  There's nothing sexier than a hot back, and she's got one for sure!

In one of the brightest gown of the night, Michelle Williams looked ravishing in this exciting gown from Louis Vuitton!  While it looked red on screen,  LV is calling it a burnt orange.  I like it either way!

No best dressed list is complete without this power couple!  Brad looked dapper as usual, loving his long locks too!  Angelina (and her leg) looked amazing, but she could stand to eat a biscuit or two!  Also, I wasn't in love with her red lipstick, but overall she was a knockout as usual!

Trend Alert!  Metallics!

Winner, Meryl Streep looked so elegant in this shiny Lanvin gown.  The Iron Lady herself, was sporting another hot trend from this year, metallics!  A throwback to the 80s that I totally support!

Penelope Cruz looked beautiful, channeling her inner Old Hollywood Glamourpuss in this stunning Giorgio Armani design.  

Trend Alert Mens Edition!  The 'Stache!

From Robert Downey Jr. to Brad Pitt, the moustache was all over the Red Carpet!  Any guys reading this...take note...the 'stache is major right now!  

Hottest trends in hair...

Looking to sass up your look this Season?  Check out some of the hot trends for this Winter!

For the ultimate in sass, try rocking the pixie cut!  Back by popular demand, this short, edgy 'do is HOT!  There are many different variations of this look, so it can be custom tailored to your desire!

Next, its all about the fringe!  Feeling bold?  Try a super heavy, or super long version of the straight across or swoop fringe.  If it is not touching your eyelashes, the fringe isn't long enough!

Finally (and I almost NEVER recommend this) bust out the flat iron, give your hair a good one over and put it up in a pony tail.  The sleek ponytail is one of the hottest looks this season!  Wrap a small piece of your hair around the band, to give a more polished look.

Check out how I used some of this seasons trends in my fashion show collection, Breathe.  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-by-EC/131501153565136

Ready to punch up your look?  865.558.8424 for appointments... :)

Dog Days of Denim

Looking for the hottest trend this fall season?  Well look no further....no further in fact than your own closet perhaps!  The big deal this season is DENIM!  Thats right, from your day off, to the office to a night on the town, denim is where its at!

Wondering what to wear for all those upcoming Holiday parties?  Try on a hot pair of colored denim!  Pair these pants with a hot blouse and some high heels and you'll be the Belle of the Ball!

Looking for something a little more casual?  Try a pair of distressed denim jeans (like these from D&G) with a sweater and some rockin boots...yes yes yes!!!

This denim button up from J. Crew is the perfect addition to your wardrobe.  Dress it up with a blazer and a camel colored skirt (as pictured) for Casual Friday, then take off the blazer, thrown on a festive necklace and bangles and your ready to take on the evening!

Check out this beautiful Denim Suit  by Derek Lam!  You could easily jazz this look up with some awesome accessories and wear it to a nice party or dinner.  Then, pair it with a nice tailored blouse for the office the next day!  Another great option that will easily go from day to night!

Guys, don't feel left out...Denim is hot for you too!!

Straight leg still rules, and denim jackets are back and better than ever!  With options ranging from the traditional (pictured at L), to a couple more modern options, its falls must have!

At L, we have a nice denim button up, paired with a hat and work boots for a killer casual look.  While on the R, we see a great denim suit, perfect for all your Holiday parties or even the office!

New Color For YOU!

Looking to spice up your color a bit for the fall/winter 2011 season?  Well look no further!  Here I have outlined 3 trends that are sure to tickle your fancy!!

Brunettes...

Check out Emily Blunt's new color, the illumination effect!  Keep the hair darker at the scalp area and gradually getting lighter towards the ends of the hair.  Its a great way to add some real interest and dimension, while keeping with a beautiful brunette color!

Reds

Check out Isla Fisher's hue of red.  Its not quite full on ginger, but its a little more dramatic than strawberry blonde.  THIS is the color for the season for you!

Blondes

Looking to pop your blonde?  Check out Emma Stone's new fab 'do for fall.  Highlights and lowlights compliment a nice blonde base.  Mixing some warm tones into the look and giving the color some great dimension!

How to find the right stylist for you

Moving to a new city, stylist move to a new city, or did they even quit the industry??  Looking for a new Hairstylist can be a long and strenuous process, afterall, your hair is your pride and joy and its care can not be just trusted to anyone!  So how do you go about finding a stylist that will be right for you and your hair...here are a few tips I think everyone should know in order to find the stylist for them!

The easiest, and first step in choosing a new stylist/salon, is checking the place out online.  You will not want to base your entire choice on this step, but checking out the website and reviews of the new stylist/salon you are considering is a great way to get a feel for the place.  The website should include a bio, some photographs and information about their products and services.

Which bring me to my next tip, the product line or lines they have available for use and purchase.  A good salon/stylist will only want to use the best products.  When you figure out what product line they use, do a little research.  Google the line, or ask your current stylist about the line.  They may not have used the line, but most of us are familiar enough with most lines to tell you if the line is a good one or not!

Let's say you can't find anywhere online yet that really pulls at your heart strings...our clients are our biggest advertisements!  So if you see someone with really awesome hair, go up to them and ask them where they get their hair done.  Most stylists arm their clients with cards for situations just like this so the person should be prepared (as well as flattered that you love their hair that much!).

Finally, most of us offer a complimentary consultation, a scheduled time in which you can come into the salon, see the space, meet the stylist, and have time to talk about what we will do to your hair, how we will do it, etc.  This way, you haven't committed to an actual appointment and if you do not like what the stylist has to say, you are not obligated to make and appointment with them.  Take this opportunity to interview the stylist!  Ask about their experience in the industry, a lot can be said for years of experience.  Ask about their education, did they graduate beauty school and never take a class again?  Or do they take the initiative and attend continuing education classes and hairshows?  See if they have won any awards, commendations, or are certified for any speciality services.

Hopefully, by following a few or all of these tips, making the transition to a new stylist will be much easier and stress free and you will not end up with a jacked 'do  ;-)

Fun in the Sun

With everyone going on vacation, and spending lots of time out in the sun, surf and pool, I thought it would be a great time to cover ways you can protect your hair from the summer abuse!

If your just going to be out in the sun a lot, L'Oreal has a fantastic summertime line of products to help keep your hair in tip top shape.  The products have a UV protectant in them that will shield your hair from harmful UV rays just like sunscreen does for your skin.  First thing you will want to apply is the Solar Sublime Spray.  It goes on dry, or damp hair and instantly protects your hair from the damaging rays of the sun

Going to be swimming also?  Chlorine and salt water can be devastating to your hair, and you can protect your hair in a very simple way.  Your hair is like a sponge, and it can only absorb so much liquid.  So, the idea is to fill up the hairshaft with good things before taking a dip, and prevent the hair from absorbing the bad things (like chlorine and salt water).  Before you take a dip in the pool or the ocean, rinse your hair in tap water, then spray a generous amount of a leave in conditioner (like GK Hair's Leave In Spray) into your hair.  Enjoy your time in the water, and once your out, rinse the hair thoroughly with tap water.  This will help remove any of the bad stuff your hair may have absorbed, is removed as quickly as possible.

Done with your fun in the sun, and headed in to get ready for the night on the town?  The shampoo and conditioner you use is very important as well.  Your hair is going to be drier than normal, and you really need a shampoo and conditioner that are designed to handle this.  Again, from the Solar Sublime collection from L'Oreal are a shampoo and conditioner that are specifically designed for summer fun in the sun.  The Shampoo is designed to gently cleanse and revitalize the hair while giving it extra nourishments that may have been depleted by the sun.  Once the hair is cleaned, you'll want to really nourish your hair with the Balm.  Leave it in for 3-5 minutes for best results, giving your hair a great shine and radiance from root to tip!!

Of course, there are a myriad of other products that can be used in place of these, but I have used these products, I know they work and they are what I would recommend to keep your hair looking tip top shape this summer!  All products are available at Belleza, if you have questions or anything, hit me up on facebook!!  Hair by EC

Springtime Changes...

Looking for a change in your look, but dont want anything drastic??  Well have no fear, I am armed with the latest spring trends and can give you pieces of said trends to create a dramatically different look, with small changes to your actual hair.

The first thing is actually something you can try at home!  Yes, you don't even need me for this change!  Switch your part from one side to the other.  You will be amazed what a different look this can give your style.   **Have a cowlick or another growth pattern in the front, try flatwrapping your bangs.  Take a flat brush and following it with your hairdrier, blow your bangs back and forth from one side to the other.  This will calm any crazy bangs down and give you a perfect swoop.

Next, there are many little tweaks you can change within a haircut to give you a different look...

Got layers?  Whether you have them now or not, layers are a great way to update the look you have now!  Try a piecey, textured layer that will really sass up your look!  This is a really versatile option...you can blow it sleek and smooth for the office, then throw a little texture paste in your 'do after work and really bring those layers to life for the evening!  Whether your hair is halfway down your back, or up to your chin, layers are a great way to update your look for spring!

Bangs, bangs, bangs!  This is the biggest, bang-for-your-buck, change you can make to any style.  Adding a new fringe, can really spruce up your style and give you that fresh look without making a major change.  There are so many options, check out my post from Nov 28th on guidelines for choosing the right bang for your face shape and style!

Want to keep the same cut, but bored with your color??  Color is a great way to create some subtle dimension to your look and give it a brighter look for spring.

Highlights are probably the most common option, and you can do them right around the face, or space them sparingly throughout your entire head to give that sunkissed look.

Also a balayage technique is a great option, giving you a softer, more tone on tone look than highlights will. This technique will have your stylist free hand painting the color on your hair, creating a very suble yet stunning look.

**Consult with your stylist (or come see me at Belleza!!) to decide which technique and color will best suit your style and tones.