Extension Review, Plus How To

Some time ago when I was still blonde, I purchased human hair extensions from Hello Gorgeous! Now that I'm a blazing redhead, I needed to get another set so I could dye them to match. The lovely people at Hello Gorgeous! were happy to send me a set so that I could write this review, as well as show you just how easy it is to get a salon look without paying salon prices!

Beautiful packaging, with loads of info on how to care for your human hair extensions. One big rule of thumb is that since they aren't growing out of your head, they don't get the oils from your scalp. So it's important to not wash them often to keep them in top shape.


They come with a set of 8 extensions, which is plenty to give you a nice full look. If you have a small head like myself, you may be able to get away with using less.

Shannon was lovely enough to take a look at my blog and found the perfect base colour for me. As you can see, I almost didn't have to dye them at all!


Now for the dying process. Get a plastic bowl, a dye applicator, and ALWAYS wear gloves. Dyes will stain everything, so be sure to wear an old tee or similar. Plus, you should do a patch test to make sure you don't get an allergic reaction to the dye.



Mix up your dye according to directions in the plastic bowl. Make sure to mix well!

Place newspaper or some kind of drop cloth you can toss after as it may get messy and you want to protect whatever surface you're working on.

You'll use aluminum foil to place the extensions, so that you can fold them up. Much like the process of when you get highlights.



Paint on the dye, making sure to cover all the hair. I turned mine over to make sure I got it all covered.


Once the hair is covered, fold it up in the aluminum foil, making sure no hair is sticking out. Time according to directions, then rinse until the water runs clear.



Et Voila! The Punk Glam Princess took this pic of me on the train, and it really shows my colour perfectly!


This photo gives you a full look.

I love how great the colour matches perfectly, and its been fun to play with having long hair again. It was actually longer when I had the PGP, then when she was two I stupidly cut it and haven't been able to get it to grow again due to its texture changing with pregnancy.

I'll be playing around with different styles and posting soon. I haven't cut them yet as I'm enjoying them as is too much, but when I do, I'll be sure to post that process as well!

Cheers!

Disclaimer: These extensions were given to me by Hello Gorgeous! and my honest opinion has been related within this post. I'm very pleased with the hair quality, great customer service (thanks for all your help Shannon!), and would suggest you check them out for their great pricing!

Update 2015: Sadly it seems Hello Gorgeous has run into trouble and has many complaints against them. Truly saddens me as they are still in amazing shape!

Novica Update

I know I'm sorely remiss in getting this update post up, but what can I say -- life gets in the way sometimes!

Actually this is perfect timing if you're starting to think about the holidays and unique gifts. I do suggest you order early from Novica, as most of these items are coming from far-flung locales and can take a while to arrive in time for gift giving. I opted for some jewelry as I was in need of some nice everyday earrings, but there are so many categories to choose from that it boggles the mind!

I was really happy with the customer service, my orders went out right away. And the quality can't be beat for items created by small artisans. In all, my experience was great and I plan to do some holiday shopping real soon!

Now what you really want to see, the items I chose:

I was in the mood for something a bit tribal, but I also needed some new hoops. These fit the bill nicely.

I loved the spike look to these and they suit me perfectly!

In closing, I'm very happy with everything from the fine craftsmanship, to the inclusion of info on the artist, to Novica and what they are contributing to helping artisans get themselves out of poverty and provide for their families.

Cheers!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a gift certificate to try their service. My honest opinion was related, and I will be purchasing in the future due to their fabulous selection, service, and most of all what they are doing to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

For Wendy B to Drool Over!

Here are those amazing over the knee boots I nearly had a heart attack over yesterday...


Go ahead and drool now, I'm sure you have a stylish hankie to wipe it off!
XXX

Tag! I'm it!

The fantastic woman who has the blog "Pull Your Socks Up" tagged me a few weeks ago, but of course I'm always behind and just got wind of it. I've been in a bit of a writing slump, too many projects, too little time... so hopefully this will jar me out of my blog writing block...

What's your favourite fashion accessory?

Do shoes count? They are my fav accessory and can transform the most boring of outfits to fab in seconds! Aside from shoes my favs are rings, bracelets, and scarves. And I have quite a collection of each to prove it!

A selection of new and vintage scarves. I have about two boxes full to the brim!
For those of you "Desperately Seeking Susan" fans, that shawl/ scarf to the left -- black with green skulls screen printed all over was made for me by one of my besties back then, the artist Michael Roman. His artwork featured heavily in the film. You'll spot his art right away, as a Mexican-American he used a lot of Dia de los Muertos themes, hence loads of skulls. He always painted me as cat skeletons, and I guess this is one of my "portraits". One day I'll get brave enough to show another as its slightly embarrassing!

Who's your fashion role model?

I don't have any. If pressed, I'd have to say me -- I'm my own fashion role model. (and I don't mean that in a pompous way -- it is what it is). Seriously, I've never wanted to look like or copy someone else. My fashion inspiration is a complete mix-up of styles and eras. It's just about what I want to wear at any given moment. I may see something on someone I adore and will purchase, but its always worn with my own twist and never exactly as originally shown.

What do you always carry with you?

I always have my glasses (can't read without them!) and a pair of sunglasses (bright light sux), my iPhone, a pen and moleskine notebook (writing inspiration always comes at the most inopportune moments, so I've learned to be prepared!), something for my lips (balm, lipstick --usually some shade of red, I hate dry lips), and a foreign coin (my travel lust runs deep). If the weather is inclement add a scarf to that as I hate brollies. Oh and if I'm out shopping I carry a Longchamp Le Pilage--those suckers can hold tons! Here's a tip: an acquaintance discounts them, and you can buy online. They're even cheaper than the outlets! Here is the website: http://www.bagshop.com/ The owner's name is Phyllis and you can tell her I sent you! She also discounts Wolford! And has shops in the city as well.

How would you describe your style?

Crazy mixed-up kid with a shoe addiction.

What's your favourite? Jeans, sunglasses or heels?

Heels, no contest. I recall being just old enough to finally fit my tiny tootsies into heels, and there's been no looking back! The Punk Glam King will back me up on that as well as anyone who has seen my overflowing closets (yes plural). I started collecting vintage shoes back in the late 70s, and can't part with many of them as now they're pieces of history, as well as works of art! Sunglasses and jeans are close but I tend to stick with favs rather than switch things up like I do with shoes.

Currently in rotation -- both high and low end, doesn't matter as long as I'm in love with them!

The Punk Glam King got me these gorgeous (and comfy) glitter booties as an anniversary gift. A little early as our anniversary is Halloween, but they've been selling out so I got lucky --both with the shoes and my beloved Punk Glam King!

What is your favourite fashion store?

I don't really have any one... depends on what I'm on the search for. McQueen is always a fav and I've followed his career from the very beginning (and miss him dearly), iconic styles, upscale department stores for ideas, basics I want to last, and of course vintage and thrift for the thrill of the hunt! The internet has been great not only for finding the latest, but also for seeking out the hard to find and discovering new designers.

What inspired you to blog about fashion?

I'm a professional writer/ author, and I started privately blogging about 5 or 6 years ago. Finally I decided to go public and write about the things I love that I don't "have" to. Its a release to be able to babble on about what I love rather than what I "have" to write about. Fashion has always played a big role in my life, along with music, so its nice to write without having some editor hanging over my shoulder!

Who doesn't love Nick Cave in a helmet?

What is your favourite fabric in clothing?

Silk, velvet, and silk jersey. I just love the way it drapes.

Who are your favourite designers?

McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, vintage YSL & Pucci, MiuMiu, Louboutin & Manolo (along with YSL for shoes that last a lifetime) gosh so many I love...this week! And too many emerging designers to mention here. There are also those "no-name" vintage designers that created masterpieces! Some of my favourite vintage pieces are hand-made, the care that went into those garments is something to behold!

Who or what inspires your style?

Gosh it can be anything from a colour, to a mood, to art, to well anything really! Sometimes a certain fabric will inspire me, and I've been a designer in the past so many times its the fabric that will inspire me to create or put something together in a new way.

Would you choose to buy something high quality or make it yourself if you could?

Depends. If I had the means to make something I'd do that, but I do have limitations. I never use patterns, which can sometimes make for some interesting mistakes that wind up being my favs! I'd opt to buy something quality made if it was out of my design skills, which doesn't always mean high-end.

Since I'm late to the party, consider yourself tagged! The first to respond can go ahead and follow through-- and hopefully you won't be as lame as me! And thank you for tagging me!

Cheers!