Dame Westwood, Queen Viv, The Godmother of Punk…one of our fave designers and a fabulous distraction from trying to stop the bleeding of our 401k.

In London it was the Red Label.

vivienne westwood, red label, london fashion week

 

 

In Paris it was the VW signature line.

vivienne westwood, paris fashion week

 

She always brings it. And always with a message. This season, Viv made her stage entrance donning this season’s political message as “BRANDED” emblazoned across the headband holding back her flaming red tresses. Her tee referenced the 30 million dollars needed to save the rainforest. Imagine the messge if she lived on this side of the pond. Is there room on a tee for that many zeros?

cost cutting, cutie, drugstore cosmetics

Product:  Surf Hair Texturizing Spray

Line:  Garnier Fructis

 

     Back when I was less budget- conscious and could have my hair styled at a place other than Supercuts, I became infatuated with a young woman who worked the reception desk at my salon.  More specifically, I became infatuated with her hair.  Her thick, blond, perfectly placed highlights spilled over her shoulders in the most gorgeous waves imaginable.  Her locks whispered to me, “I just rolled out of bed and I look better than you could ever dream of looking, even if you spent hours trying”.  I stole longing glances at her hair appointment after appointment.  One afternoon, after a ridiculously expensive highlight job, I could contain myself no longer.  As I was handing over my check I blurted, “I love your hair!  How do you get it to look like that?”  I am that hopelessly uncool. 

 

     The receptionist feigned surprise as she ran her hand through her hair.  She even had the nerve to say, “Oh, you like it?  God, I hate it.”  I could tell she was totally lying, and I hate when people fake modesty.  I would have put her in a choke hold if she hadn’t willingly fessed up to her secret.  Bumble and Bumble surf spray ($19.95 for 4 oz.) was her product of choice.  She pointed a perfectly manicured nail at a display shelf and I pounced on it like a monkey on a cupcake.  I’m sure that chick sold three bottles of the stuff a day.  I’m even more certain she paid her rent off the commission she made duping suckers like me into buying a bottle. 

     I used the product exactly once and chucked it.  I envisioned myself looking like Bridget Bardot on a beach in Cannes, but instead, I looked like I just removed my visor after a ten hour shift at Burger King.  My hair was greasy, stringy and very unsexy.  Oh, the disappointment!

     A few years later I found myself combing the aisles at Target in search of a product that would give me the perfect “bed head”.  There I came upon a bottle of Garnier Fructis Surf Hair Texturizing Spray ($5.99 for 5.1 oz.), and before I could say “sucker” I threw it in my basket.  I convinced myself that it was completely conceivable that this product would deliver better results than Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray.  I again had visions of myself as Bridget Bardot dancing across the sand.  But, once again I came crashing back to reality when after using it my mirrored reflection asked, “Want fries with that?”

     In all fairness, I must mention that my hair is baby- fine and I don’t have much of it.  Perhaps both products would work better on a thicker head of hair.  If I had to choose between the two, I’d pick the Bumble and Bumble only because I can’t stand the sickly sweet fragrance used in Garnier products.  The synthetic oceanic scent of Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is only slightly more tolerable, however.  So, if you’re a product junkie and you just can’t resist plunking down some green for this swill, go right ahead.  Just don’t blame me if someone asks you what’s on the Dollar Menu.

 

Cut Costs Cuties!

Gemma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cost cutting, cutie, drugstore cosmetics

Starting today through 10/5

Denim & Knits blowout clearance on fall items from 7 for all Mankind, William Rast, Ed Hardy, Chip and Pepper, Joe’s, True Religion, Monarchy, Juicy Couture, Kritik, Paige, Citizens for Humanity, Rock and Republic, and more.

Place: 2 Cortlandt St (Btw Bway & Church), 2nd fl NYC tel: 212.571.2600

Times: M-Sat: 10-8pm   Sun: 11-6pm

 

Ending tomorrow, 9/30

Soho boutique Helen Wang is closing and discounting 50 to 80 percent off their line of flirty cocktail and black-tie dresses. Evening dresses are $450 down from $1500 and cocktail dresses are now $200 from $500.

Place & Time: 69 Mercer St., nr. Broome St. Tel: 212-997-4180; 11–7

 

Wednesdays in October

In celebration of Sally Hershberger‘s announcement of a new salon, the staff at her downtown spot is kicking off its training program with discounts. Score a cut or coloring for $40 every Wednesday in October.

Place & Time: 425 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave., second fl. Tel: 212-206-870; Tues.–Fri. (9–7), Sat. (9–5), Sun.–Mon. (closed)

 

Starting Wed., 10/1 through 10/5

PRIVE @ Chelsea Market

Brands include: 7 For All Mankind, Vince, J Brand, T Luxury, Monarchy Collection, R&R, Projek Raw, Drifter, James Perse, and more.

 

 

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