YAY! HAUTENESS....Jimmy Choo for H&M
What happens when two behemoth brands join forces? Feverish excitement, that’s what. On November 14,
Jimmy Choo will come to 250
H&M stores around the world with a glamorously sexy capsule collection that includes, in addition to the brand’s signature leopard-print stilettos, caged booties, chain-mail cuffs and chokers, and studded satchels, a first-ever Choo-designed clothing line with one-shoulder suede mini dresses and crystal-encrusted cashmere zip-up cardigans.
How was this match made in fashion heaven actually made? “H&M actually approached us to work with them,” says
Tamara Mellon, president and founder of Jimmy Choo. “It was an immediate ‘Yes.’ I have been watching what the brand has done with other designers, and the product is so well executed, and the idea is so pioneering, that we also felt flattered. We got straight on with the project of creating a fun, accessible collection with perfect party pieces.” Possibly better than the must-have-it-this-minute vibe of the collection is its affordability. Every piece is priced for H&M’s Buy Now, Wear Now approach to fashion; nothing in the collection retails for more than $299.
“The H&M customer is slightly younger, yet we wanted to stay true to what Jimmy Choo is,” says Mellon. “There is a sense of rock chick but always with added elegance. The Jimmy Choo AW ’09 collection had a big Debbie Harry and chic punk-rock inspiration—leopard, neon studs—so that was our starting point. We were not sure at first whether we could use real leathers, studs, crystals, and rivets, but when we found what was possible, it completely exceeded our expectations.”
–Genevieve Bahrenburg (Vogue.com)
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TRICK OR TREAT? I PREFER A TREAT....
ATLANTA SALON & SPA DIRECTORY
ESPE-SPA-CIALLY FOR YOU
(MY MOM'S PICK - She went here for her bday and has had frequent flyer miles since....)
Sunless Tanning, $40
3060 Peachtree Rd.
404-255-7727
The last time we were told to pack a towel and forgo all makeup and perfume, we were boarding the bus to summer camp. This time, we were taking instructions from our spray-tan technician. She sized up our fair complexion and asked us to assume the position: arms out, elbows bent, and legs apart. She coated us from forehead to feet, and turned us around several times to make sure every last inch was covered. The result was a healthy-looking tan that made us a very happy camper
Warm Mineral Rich Mud Treatment, $90 per hour
190 10th Street, N.E.
404-815-8880
If given a choice between ordering a single entrée or sampling the buffet, we'll pick variety every time. Luckily, this treatment offered us a smorgasbord of therapies in one hour. After an exfoliating body polish, our aesthetician marinated us in a warm, volcanic-ash mud wrap and unknotted our taut muscles with coconut milk and herb-infused lotion. We left the table supremely satisfied and without an ounce of guilt.
Massage, $85 for 60 minutes
659 Auburn Ave.
404-577-2460
We told Legnon that we needed relief for more than just garden-variety stiffness—a recent back injury had landed us in physical therapy. After a thorough consultation, she used acupressure to gently probe the tender spots along our spine and deep-tissue to target our tenacious knots. Next, she guided us through a series of rocking motions to unlock deep-seated tension, she explained. An hour later, we had a greater range of motion in our back. Heavy lifting may not be in our future, but another heavy-duty massage with Legnon certainly is
Bikini wax, $30
11720 Medlock Bridge Rd., Duluth, GA
770-814-0089
For a neat bikini line, we'll travel far and wide—even 30 minutes outside Atlanta's city limits, which is where this quaint suburban spot is located. But Trifu greeted us as though we had made a much longer trek, offering to fetch us anything we craved and setting us up on a cloudlike massage table. When she was convinced we were comfortable, she spread on the wax with smooth efficiency. Working from the outside in, she removed it with a few lightning-fast sweeps, leaving us with a perfectly proportioned strip. Clearly, location isn't everything.
Massage, $95 per hour
1 Baltimore Pl.
404-888-9449
Taking its name from ancient Arabic bath houses, the staff at the Hammam requests that guests come an hour early to lounge in the steam room, dry sauna, or pool. (We didn't have to be asked twice and chose the whirlpool.) By the time our massage therapist coaxed us out, the tension in our neck had melted under a mass of bubbles. She began by scrubbing our feet with a sugar scrub, saying it symbolized "leaving the physical realm and entering the spiritual one." Amen to that. The massage was gentle but therapeutic (just the way we like it), and the heated table only added to the muscle-melting. Afterward, we returned to the water room for a five-jet shower—awake, relaxed, and ready to follow the Middle Eastern practice of visiting once a week
Salt Glow and self-tanner, $80
3619 Piedmont Rd.
404-266-0060
When we booked this self-tanner application, we made two appointments: one for an initial application and another a week later to correct the inevitable splotches. We should've had more faith in massage therapist Tanya Howard, who started the treatment by sloughing our skin with a lavender-oil-and-salt scrub. After we showered, she rubbed on SkinCeuticals Sans Soleil Lotion in soothing circular strokes. As we stood naked before the mirror, we couldn't believe that our body looked flawless (in color, of course). We happily canceled our second appointment, but not before promising Howard we'd be back soon.
NeemTree Ayurvedic Massage, $110
1198-B Howell Mill Rd.
404-351-8446
Having worked ourselves into a big ball of stress, we didn't just need a massage— we needed our mother. Instead, we booked a morning session with Gomez, who happily greeted us with a tray filled with herbal tea and almonds. After drizzling warm NeemTree oil along our back and stroking each limb and knot fluidly, Gomez dry-brushed our body in vigorous strokes "to shoo away toxins." The stimulating scalp massage was so dreamy, we fell asleep. Gomez gently woke us for a hearty plate of potato pancakes and honey-dipped fruit.
Rose Renew Body Booster, one hour, $95
4347 Shallowford Rd.
770-998-8592
Receiving a dozen roses always lifts our spirits, so we hoped a rose body treatment would have the same effect. Our therapist dry-brushed our limbs and back, and smoothed on a rose, geranium, evening primrose, and frankincense wash that she wiped away with warm compresses. She then rubbed in a rose-scented cream before giving us a heavenly massage. Who needs secret admirers when you've got this?
Lavender Scrub and Milk Bath, $120
3005 Peachtree Rd.
404-477-0107
We hate using a gritty scrub to remove our calluses. Our aesthetician insisted that a gentle glycolic mask teamed with an exfoliating milk soak would work. A lavender-oil rub and a citrus paraffin dip took care of the rest. Two coats of burgundy polish, and we were proud owners of flawless feet.
WHILE PERUSING ON ESSENCE.COM I LANDED ON THIS HAUTE...MAKE-OVER MAGIC. FOR A GIRL WHO IS RELUCTANT TO HAIR TRANSFORMATIONS...THIS WAS A FUN, SAFE AND LIBERATING WAY TO SEE MYSELF IN ANOTHER HUE...ENJOY BELLA
Sometimes, despite the best care efforts, we face challenges in the quest to maintain healthy hair. This is particularly true when it comes to our edges. From what I've learned, our hair is the most fragile hair on earth and many things, from the way you wear your hair to chemical processes and, of course, woolen caps and scarves can compromise one's hairline health. If you're experiencing breakage here's what the pros want you to know:
- Moisturize and condition immediately! Ronald Williams at the Phyto Universe in NYC recommends applying conditioners made with natural ingredients to the hairline. To try: Phyto's Phytocyane Revatilzing Serum, a botanical thinning hair treatment, $50, sephora.com. Shirley Gordon of Strands Hair Studio in D.C., goes further and puts her clients on a regimen that incorporates the use of a hydrating hair mask every other week especially during the winter season -- and a monthly protein conditioner to strengthen the hair. She also loves such nurturers as Herbal Complex 4 by Design Essentials, $9, designessentials.com, and MoroccanOil, $30, moroccanoil.com. You can also massage A, D & E oil around the hairline as well.
- Ease the tension. Every expert cautioned against tight styling that places particular stress on the hairline such as ponytails, topknots and braids as it can lead to traction alopecia.
- Cut the heat. Repeated use of blow dryers, hot combs and curling irons all weaken the hair and lead to breakage. It's best to look to restful styles that will allow you to take a break from heat-styling; try roller-setting or pin curling your hair instead. If this is unrealistic, it's best to limit the use of heat appliances to no more than once a week after shampooing and conditioning your hair.
- Rethink relaxing. Gordon advises changing the strength of the relaxer you use in other words, taking it down a notch to the next strength level. Rodney Barnett, a Dallas-based trichologist recommends applying your relaxer to the hairline area last to avoid over processing.
- Cut the alcohol. Refrain from using styling aids that contain alcohol as it will dry the hair out and cause breakage.
- Consult an expert. Don't go it alone. Make sure to partner with a pro and avail yourself to the latest treatments to stop breakage and repair your hairline. These days Barnett incorporates electro-therapy to stimulate the follicles and promote growth in treating his clients. At home, he recommends stimulating products such as Decca Scalp Therapy and Satin Pomade available at rodneybarnett.com.
- (FOR MORE ON BLACK HAIR...VISIT ESSENCE.COM)
Getting and maintaining stunning hair takes more than oil sheen and trips to the salon. What you eat and how you handle stress are just as important. Here are five hair-friendly moves you can start today that will set you on your way to a healthy mane.
1. Know Your ABCs
Vitamin A
Hair Connection: Boosts shine and protects nourishing oils of the scalp. If diet lacks it, you'll see: hair loss (more than 100 strands on the floor is cause for alarm), dry scalp and dandruff. Reliable sources: Beta carotene in sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots.
Vitamin B
Hair Connection: There are 11 B-complex vitamins and all are vital for increasing blood supply to the scalp for nourishment and hair growth. If diet lacks it, you'll see: dull, brittle, lackluster hair. Reliable sources: walnuts, spinach, oysters and salmon.
Vitamin C
Hair Connection: Overall it boosts your immune system and is critical for a healthy scalp. If diet lacks it, you'll see: dry scalp, breakage, easily tangled tresses. Reliable sources:oranges, blueberries, broccoli.
2. Exercise
A run on the treadmill does more than tone the thighs. It improves the blood flow to the scalp and speeds the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
3. Stress Less
According to nutritionist Lisa Drayer, author of "The Beauty Diet" (McGraw Hill), stress can cause hairs to stop growing and shift into what is called the resting phase. Two or three months later those resting hairs hit the floor. Take a time out to sleep or meditate to keep stress from going straight to the hairs on your head.
4. Diet Sensibly
Crash dieting puts your system in a nutritional downward spiral. The result: a nutritionally deficient head of hair.
5. Iron it out
Even if you're not anemic, lacking intake of this crucial mineral can have devastating affect on your lovely locks. "Black women are twice as likely as Caucasian women to be iron deficient," says Durham, North Carolina based family practitioner, Nicole Price, MD. The likely cause of the disparity: diet differences and gynecological issues that cause excessive bleeding such as fibroids, she adds.
Hair Rx: Get 18 milligrams of iron in your diet daily. If you're over 50, eight milligrams will do.
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL -ESSENCE.COM
AND YOU...AND ....YOU..AND...YOU..
YOUR GONNA LOVE ME....
Fall Fierceness
Bold bags and boots are dominating the the streets of cities worldwide. We head to the metropolis of the Big Apple to take a look at how stylish city dwellers are getting ready for a new season of fashion.
Urban Cowgirl
We know “Boots Are Made for Walkin’” but they’re also made to step up your cool-weather style with flirty dresses and skirts.
Retro Rocker
Giovonni, 24, is a model and wardrobe stylist that says her style is a cross between “high fashion and rocker chic.” The stylista is working a retro look of wedge boots, croc-printed bag and dress by the Marquette Collection.
