Hasta La Ideas

Every Monday I tune in to MTV’s “The City” and watch Whitney Port navigate her way through Manhattan’s social scene and her constant battle of upper east versus lower east. While her co-worker Olivia Palermo may not approve of her downtown lifestyle, the one thing they can agree on is hair! Both girls have sported long, flowing curls that evoke a sense of vintage glamour. I took a minute to talk to stylist Ryan Nickulas of the Ryan Darius Salon in the West Village about how to get this oh-so-pretty, natural look he calls the “Patty Cake Curl.” Start by taking medium-sized section of hair and wrap it around your finger in a circle to create a pin curl. Then take a flat iron and close it around the curl for 15-20 seconds to create the perfect “undone” curl that a curling iron just can’t achieve. Work your way around your head, starting from the back and finishing with the front pieces. You’ll be left with easy pretty hair in no time that can help you conquer any city!

Love it or hate it, there’s no doubt that Vogue is one of the most important assets of the American fashion scene. While many of us watched “The Devil Wears Prada” or reality television show “Stylista,” we’ve never seen what it’s really like to work at Vogue, until now. Filmmaker R.J. Cutler gained unprecedented access to the famed Vogue office to see how they put together the September 2007 issue (it was also the largest issue the magazine has ever published, weighing nearly five pounds). “The September Issue” has already won the Grand Jury Prize for Excellence in Cinematography at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and now the rest of the world is eagerly waiting until it hits theaters. In the meantime, watch the video to catch a glimpse of Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour going over what she felt was an overly pink spread while R.J. Cutler gives us some insight on how he made the film. Photo credit: PR Photos

I never thought I would admire and actually be inspired by the style of a 15-year-old until “Gossip Girl” star Taylor Momsen burst onto the scene. Like her character “Jenny” on the hit show, Taylor has undergone a major style transformation and has been showing an affinity for edgy, rocker-chic styles. At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Annex NYC grand opening, Taylor rocked it in an embellished dress by reigning king of disheveled cool Alexander Wang, adding a pair of elegant Balenciaga t-strap pumps. A shaggy yet sleek ‘do, silver cuff, and embellished bangle were the perfect finishing touches for this good-girl-gone-bad look. The key to this look is always remembering to balance out the rougher details with more refined pieces.

Want to get this look for yourself? Check out my SLIDESHOW to rock out like Taylor!

With the arrival of the Obamas in the White House, all eyes are on Washington, and it’s not just our new president who’s capturing our attention. Michelle Obama is demonstrating a true flair for fashion, and her individual style is garnering more than a few fans. With simple lines and beautiful tailoring, she brings to mind another first lady and fashion icon. Already we can identify some aspects of her signature style: her penchant for flats, Erickson Beamon floral brooches, belted dresses, and complexion-flattering jewel tones and pastels. For anyone who was left in doubt of her stylistic prowess, her Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown cemented her place among the other formidable fashion mavens who have graced the White House. Check out the slideshow to see some pieces that exemplify the new Mrs. O’s wardrobe.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards for short) is probably best known as one of the ways to predict who will win an Oscar at the upcoming Academy Awards next month. So according to last night’s award show, “Slumdog Millionaire” will take top honors and Kate Winslet will finally have an Oscar on her mantle after all these years. Then again, the Oscars always have a way of surprising us and that’s why we always stay tuned. Nonetheless, have you ever considered the SAG Awards as a prediction as what our favorite celebs will wear to the Oscars? The red carpet was filled with well-dressed celebs with jewel toned floor length gowns and nary a sight of gaudy bling! Guess it’s the sign of the times hitting Hollywood too. From funny comedienne Tiny Fey with a strapless cocktail dress (which showed off all her best features) to Anne Hathaway with her white beaded grecian gown, Stylehive wants to know who tickled your fashion bone! So click to vote below! Photo credit: PR Photos