i love rock 'n' roll

 

Prints, studs, denim and leather, it's all very rock 'n' roll! Such a funky and fun style, and one you can easily put together by mixing statement and classic pieces. 

Elle Italia, February 2011

Photographer: Matt Jones

Model: Elisa Sednaoui

Can you feel it? It's burlesque

Burlesque, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, is beautiful and captivating. Christina's acting debut as small-town-gone-big-city girl Allie is charming, and her powerful voice seems to belong in the Burlesque Lounge. There are some catchy songs in Burlesque, and I have to say the dancing is a-ma-zing. I found myself constantly asking "how do they do that?!" as the dancers strutted their stuff on the stage. There is no question about it, these girls are very talented at their art form. 

What I loved the most, though, was the costuming and makeup. Glitter, feathers and corsets. Striking colours, red lips and massive lashes. Sequins, pearls and diamonds. Classic 1930s/1940s inspired looks and the utterly over the top. It's all in a nights work for a Burlesque dancer.

free spirit

This shoot may be old (GQ Magazine UK, September 2009) but it's so beautiful I couldn't resist sharing it! The free-spirited gyspy feel is fun and carefree, not to mention Sienna Miller is stunning (as usual!)

oh the joy of summer

 

While some nations are currently in the heart of their winter, we in NZ are lucky enough to be experiencing the beautiful season of summer! I know I keep going on about it but lets be honest, talking about summer can put a smile on anyone's dial! I hope these summer-inspired images have filled your heart with sunny joy like they have done mine.


Coveted style: Leighton Meester

Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf is hands down my favourite television character. I'm sure I'm not alone in loving Queen B for her crazy revenge plans, her love affair which Chuck Bass and her freakin' incredible wardrobe.

The actress behind Miss Waldorf, Leighton Meester, has a very different style to that of her TV counterpart, but it is one I can't help but love.

birds of a feather

These images are so dreamy/tribal/mystical...

I adore feathers!

Attention hair straightening junkies...

Wondering how to keep your hair sleek and lovely over these summer months? Go no further! Check out my experience with KeraStraight (published in the Winter 2010 issue of Remix Magazine).

Hi, my name is Kelly Henderson, and I'm a hair straightening junkie. Having inherited super thick, kinky hair from my goregous Mum, I've always had to battle to control it, especially now as I've cut it short in the hope of achieving a 'sleek bob'. Needless to say, I was very excited when I was invited to the beautiful Bettjemans Hair Spa in Orakei to be treated to the revolutionary new KeraStraight straightening treatment.

KeraStraight is a non-chemical treatment which simultaneously straightens and repairs your hair using keratin, white clay and 22 carat gold. Keratin is a natural compound found in your hair, skin and nails, and is responsible for giving hair it's strength. The keratin particles in KeraStraight pentrate your hair, improving it's quality not just on the outside but on the inside cortex too, giving it more stength, elasticity and moisture. Larger keratin particles also coat the hair cuticle to protect against things such as smog and damaging UV rays, while the 22 carat gold and white clay work together with the keratin to transform your hair. The treatment boasts to leave your hair looking beautifully shiny, healthy and straight, and is effetive on both untreated, virgin hair to hair that is highly damaged and weak. You don't have to be sporting a 'fro to benefit from KeraStraight, it also leaves straight ot wavy hair healthy, shiny and gorgeous.

On my way to Bettjemans Hair Spa I was excited, but also a little nervous that I could end up leaving with 'too straight' hair lacking any body. However lovely KeraStraight Director Jeanette Cork, experienced hairdresser of 25 years and the woman responsible for bringing KeraStraight to NZ from the UK, put any fears I had to rest with her passion for and knowledge of the product.

Upon my arrival I was escorted into Bettjemans specifically designed KeraStraight treatment room and, after popping on a gorgeous white robe, the process began with a pre-treatment cleanser to gently open the hair shaft. As I sipped on a green tea, my hair was then dried 100% and the treatment applied (which, you'll be pleased to note, had a scent reminicent of banana lollies, unlike chemical treatments which smell awful). Once the treatment had been in for 20 minutes, my hair was dried off once again and then sealed with irons heated to 230 degrees. Each section must be meticulously ironed 10 times, so for someone like me with super thick hair, this was the most time consuming part of the process. All in all the treatment took just under four hours for my hair, but for different hair types and lengths the time varies between two and four hours. Although it is a long time to be sitting in one place, the beautiful ambience of Bettjemans and a supply of glossy mags made the process enjoyable and relaxing.

After the ironing process was complete I was instantly happy with the results – my hair looked shiny, healthy and straight, with it's usual bulky thickness nowhere to be seen. Aftercare is important with KeraStraight; you cannot wash your hair, tie it up, tuck it behind your ears or get it wet for the next three days (72 hours). This is easier said than done, but trust me, the results are worth it. When the third day rolled around I eagerly washed my hair with KeraStraight Straight Maintain shampoo and conditioner, blow dried it, and found my hair looking glossy, straight and healthy - I didn't even need to think about getting out my irons! Talk about a time saver, now I just have to figure out what to do with the extra 20 minutes I have up my sleeve every monring.

KeraStraight gradually fades out over a course of four months, slowly returning your hair to it's pre-treatment state. The straightening effect starts to fade first after two to three months, but the glossy and healthy look from the treatment stays on. Jeanette says that the more treatments you have, the better it gets, and I definitely think I'll be wanting a second round after my four months are up. KeraStraight costs approximately $500-$700 depending on hair type and length; your cost will be determined upon a free pre-treatment consultation.

Huge thanks to Jeanette for giving me the best hair days I've ever had, and the team at Bettjemans Hair Spa for their hospitality.

For more information on KeraStraight visit www.kerastraight.co.nz.