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!

I’ve found out that there’s tons to prepare for if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart. From reserving a table at the most romantic restaurant in town well in advance to finding that perfect gift, there’s a lot of stress leading up to the big day. Why not let us make your life a little easier in the wardrobe department? If you’re still looking for that sexy Valentine’s Day date dress, read on. One of my favorite fashion quotes comes from famed designer, Bill Blass: “When in doubt, wear red.” While a bold bright red may not be right for everyone’s style, I’ve found a wide selection in reds, pinks, and corals. Don’t worry, these dresses can be worn again and again (no heart prints in sight!) without anyone wondering why you’re in a Valentine’s Day getup in June. Then again, I can’t vouch for your Christmas sweaters or St. Patrick’s Day all-green outfits. A red and white striped nautical-inspired dress is great for a casual date. Coral is one of those totally underrated colors that looks good on most skin tones. Take a look at a one-shoulder ruffle dress by Tibi for a stunning example. For more dresses in rosy colors, click the slideshow!

Some of you may have already purchased the flowers, chocolates, sexy lingerie or hot date dress for your Valentine’s Day celebrations, but what about non-Valentine’s Day related purchases? I know it’s hard to walk a city block without being reminded with candy hearts in its own aisle at the drug store or bouquets of flowers everywhere. Even my favorite online stores have Valentine’s Day sections. But since we’ve got all that shopping done (right?), we should focus on other things! With things in full love-mode, it’s easy to lose your way back into the Valentine’s Day section of the store. Let Stylescopes lead the way in keeping you focused on what you should be looking for. Geminis, this week is a good week to clean out your closet and take note of what you need versus what you want. Sagittarius, make use of your colorful imagination because you never know what you’ll be inspired by! For style suggestions based on the power of the stars, click the slideshow, find your sign and get stylin’ for life after Valentine’s Day!

I was on the edge of my seat when I heard that Jeremy Scott signed a multi-season deal with Adidas Originals. Best known for his outlandish punk-rock, avant-garde clothing and themed collections, I was excited to see what he was going to do for the Adidas capsule collection. Sneaker-heads and fashionistas everywhere are awaiting the first collection to hit the selected boutiques on February 1st, 2009, and in the following month it will be featured in Adidas Originals stores ’round the globe and online. The crazy collection features leopard print, sequins, fringe and, in true Jeremy Scott fashion, lots of gold. Highlights include some pretty fly gold-winged sneakers, a heavily sequined track jacket, and a leopard print hoodie with ears and a tail! These Adidas duds are definitely made more for the club than for your gym down the street, and are not for the fashion shy! Sneakers will range in prices of $120 to $250, while the men’s and women’s activewear will go from $45 to $450. Check out the slideshow for a preview of the fun and flashy collection!

You don’t need to be a Torah-toter to love Jewish rosaries. These religion-inspired beads have been popping up on cool kids everywhere (including their fearless leaders Agyness Deyn and the boys from MGMT). The (JEW)elery collection was started by Carlen Altman in her Brooklyn, NY, studio when she was inspired by vintage Catholic rosaries. As a nice little Jewish girl in BK, she couldn’t bring herself to wear a cross; hence the birth of Jewish rosaries. Each necklace is adorned with shapes like Stars of David, Hamsa hands and menorah charms. You can choose from an array of styles with names like “Chai Maintenance” for the discerning Jewess or Shiksa, or just a simple one from the “Classic” collection with a Star of David. These unusual necklaces come in both gold and silver with your choice of colored beads (personally I think the Jet shade has a great 80’s Madonna feel to it). The most recent collection comes in red, black, and even in-glow-in-the-dark (coolest thing ever!!). These are so kitschy and cool, even goyem like me can sport them! Check out the slideshow to see some of the styles and then head over to the Jewish Rosaries site to claim one (or a few) of your own!