Tracey Cunningham --colorist to the stars, shares Summer and Fall color trends...and more about hair, color, and consistency!

Tracey Cunningham is a petite woman with a bubbly personality who reminds me a teeny bit of Bernadette Peters, but she isn't in anyone's shadow. She's a star in her own right, as a hair colorist with celebrities with names like Lindsay, Nicole, Jennifer (Lopez), Amanda, Renee and Cameron. Her high profile clients love and trust her with their precious tresses (at the Neil George salon in Beverly Hills), but she also does freelance hair color work for film, TV and print, and she is Redken's Creative Consultant For Color .

Last night I had the chance to listen to Tracey tell us (a group of beauty editors and bloggers) what color trends she sees for Summer and Fall 2008. Her three, beautiful models were brunette, blonde, and red haired.


What's Up For Summer? For Summer Tracey suggests a "beachy" look that is not too light, but a bit lighter on the ends. "In the Spring," says Tracey, "Everyone wants to go lighter." "The very front of your hair is what people see and it frames your face so you can go lighter there" says added.

What's Up for Fall? For Fall, lowlights help you make an easy transition. "People are doing less drastic changes and sticking to their own color" she said. But Tracey told us she punched up the color on all her models, using Shades EQ (an in-salon conditioning-glossing-coloring treatment featuring long-lasting no-ammonia demi-permanent haircolor in intensities beginning with just a clear gloss). For example, on her blonde model, she added lowlights that were a bit darker at the roots and woven through the sides and back. The look was natural, and although the model was blonde, it wasn't overdone.


What do we really want? "Rich, Glossy, Health Hair" says Tracey. Her three models all had shiny hair, but it looked real, not lacquered or "striped" with faux highlights. Her Brunette model's hair had shine and dimension, with softer pieces around her face that looked as if she might have been born with them. The redheaded model, according to Tracey, was a strawberry blonde that she deepened into a more auburn shade "like Julie Roberts."



Lindsay Lohan





How To Work With With a Colorist to the Stars (or any colorist). "My ideal client is someone who likes herself and has confidence" says Tracey. She also said it helps to bring visuals. So don't just say I want Julianne Moore's color, bring a photo or two two show her exactly what you mean. And it helps to be realistic. You may bring a photo of Angelina to your stylist, but you are not going to look like her no matter what you do, and the look might not be flattering to you or good for your hair type and skin tone. *this just happened to a good friend of mine, who showed me a photo of a model with long, piecey bangs and a layered shaggy look, but she wears glasses and the long bangs were impossible to wear with her specs. By the time the stylist made those bangs short enough, the "edgy" look she wanted had vanished with a lot of her hair!



Tracey also said she likes clients who are consistent in what they want. Oh, and contrary to what I have been taught (about making sure your hair is clean -- or at least fairly clean--before going to the colorist) it's best to condition before you go to the colorist and leave your hair dirty so your scalp and hair don't get more irritated.


Can Color Banish Frizz? Alas, there appears to be no foolproof way to keep frizz under control for long periods of time. The Brazillian hair straightening technique isn't at all safe (two thumbs down) and the Japanese straightening technique leaves your crown looking strange as it grows out curly again (not to mention if your hair isn't perfectly cut, it just looks ragged). There are products that help, for a while (I like Glass by Redken and the Redken Smooth Down line) but as Tracey told me (while pointing out the frizz at my temples that I thought I'd tamed before leaving home) that the best way to handle frizz and smooth hair is to learn how to use styling tools correctly (thankfully, she didn't say no to flat irons) and then have the skill, patience, and stamina to use them.


And What About Color Challenges? Tracey says it's obviously easier to know what you want so the color doesn't have to be removed. But it can be done--in steps. Better to listen to your stylist and colorist and modify your desire to go from platinum to ebony, or vice-versa, unless you know you'll really love it and want to keep that look for a long time. But if you do end up doing a disservice to your hair, you can treat it with Redken’s in-salon-only "Chemistry System Hair Recovery Treatment" service. Colorists use the Chemistry System to prepare hair for color and then repair it apres color. The three-step program targets the needs of each individual's hair, and can be customized for shine, deep conditioning, scalp treatment, strength, color, and softening. I hear there is even one to help keep hair smooth and somewhat straight and non-frizzy (on a temporary basis, anyway). *if you want to find a salon in your area that To features the Chemistry System, visit redken.com or call 1-800-REDKEN8.

Check this out! visit http://redkencolor.com/ and check out video clips from Tracey and other color experts. You can see the latest trends, find a salon, learn how to best prepare for your next salon visit, and learn about great Redken products *the Advice Sisters regularly review new products for consumers on our What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

How cool is THIS? Free video downloads with podcasts featuring Redken Pros!

How cool is THIS? Free video downloads with podcasts featuring Fashion Week runway and Redken pros!


Redken and Allure’s new video podcast series goes behind the scenes at the Spring/Summer 2008 Fashion Week shows to feature the hottest hair trends for the season. Watch Guido, Redken Creative Consultant backstage at tops shows including Marc Jacobs, Versace, and Sonia Rykiel. See (the amazing) Rodney Cutler, owner of the Cutler/Redken Salon recreate those same looks for a more consumer friendly version. Finally, listen to an Allure expert on how to finish off the hair with the right wardrobe look for the season!

Check out http://smfweb.net/allure/redken/ for a teaser of the series. Then log on to http://www.redken.com/inspire/fashion-week/podcasts-spring-2008/

to see each series in it’s full version!

These vidoes are free, fabulous...a must-see!

And anyone who reads my columns already knows I love Redken products. In case you missed then, do check out my reviews of Fall Fashion week, including some behind-the-scenes features on the Advice Sisters Blog: http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesisters.net/2008_02_01_advicesistersblogarchive

and Spring Fashion Week 2007 at: http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesisters.net/2007_09_01_ This one's from backstage at TULEH!

A Birthday Party for Betsey Johnson

You know you're going to see a great show, and have a good time, if you're fortunate enough to attend a Betsey Johnson Runway Show. She's known for her cheerful, bright and sometimes a bit over-the-top fashions, and for her "cafe" seating for VIPs in the front row, and of course, her famous cartwheel(s) that always brings her cheers from the audience. This is Betsey Johnson's 30th anniversary in the biz, so the party atmosphere began backstage, with a DJ, tons of food, and pink plates for the nibbles.

But I was backstage to check out Redken's stylist, Italo Gregoria. When I arrived, he was already hard at work on a model, crimping her hair into a style that was youthful and fun, and also channeled the designer herself. To make this "big crimped hair" he used REDKEN Guts #10 Volume Spray Foam, and then a large crimping iron. To keep the hair, airy and volumized, Italo sprayed a lot of REDKEN #23 Flexible Hold...the strongest hairspray Redken makes.

The makeup, by Make Up For Ever, was created by Fulvia Farolfi. Two major products were used: Aqua Eyes Waterproof Pencil in Black, and Aqua Lips waterproof lip stain in "8C' red. the cheeks were pink, with sculpting Blush #6. Face was matte (matte velvet plus foundation) with a sprinkling of Diamond Dust #307, a silvery glittery shimmer. Nails were coated with a bright blue metallic polish

It was absolute mayhem backstage, with so many photographers and other press trying to get interviews, the din was nearly deafening. But Betsey Johnson was cool and seemed to be loving the fact that another fashion season was beginning. Can you believe this woman is over 50? She looks so fabulous in person....an inspiration for every woman on the planet. She is the "cool girl" we all wish we we could be.


The show was set up in the Bryant Park Tent, the largest venue. VIP front row-ers got to sit at cafe tables, set with candy cigarettes, wine bottle candles, a rose in a vase, and votive candles. It was really dark --- but Tyra Banks and Nigel Barker are part of this table, way across the other side of the tent from me. At the entrance to the runway, there were two guys playing bongo drums for any Betsy's "Beat Chick" cafe!

The clothes were a mixture of 42 new ideas, and 18 oldies from Betsy's various decades of style. The sound track blared punk and rock and roll evocative of the various decades from 1978 to 2008. Photography was challenging at this show, but here's an idea of what one model looked like on the runway.

At the very end of the show, the models walked down the runway with bunches of ballons, Betsy did not one, but two of her famous cartwheels, and carried her grandchild all the way up and down the runway with her. The little girl seemed a bit bewildered by all the lights, cameras and action, but smiled when she saw all the brightly colored balloons. Ah, show biz!

copyright © 2008 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. All photos by Alison Blackman Dunham

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 9/8/07- Twinkle by Wenlan Runway Show

For Fall 2000, Taipei native, designer Wenlan Chia launched Twinkle's first collection of cute and colorful, hand-knit sweaters and accessories, followd by a runway show at the February 2003 Gen Art Fresh Faces Fashion Show. Success quickly followed, and I remember the very first show I ever saw at my very first Fashion Week was, in fact, a Fall collection of her signature look: youthful, colorful, chunky knit sweaters (in that collection, with oversized buttons and shapes) and other accessories. The backdrop for the runway was a striking, delicate, almost tribal design in shades of brilliant blue and black (photo) that was carried through on the invitation and press information, which called the Spring 2008 collection: "playful, sportif, and full of energy--from the drama of seascapes and the beauty of nature to the razor sharp edge of graphic prints and sculpted etails, a renewed sense of easy, relaxed glamour and sophistication emerges."

Well, from my vantage point in the Bryant Park Salon, I might not have categorized the collection quite that way, but unlike many of the shows, whose clients are red-carpet focused, this collection will offer Twinkle by Wenlan fans the option to wear her designs any day of the week, for virtually any occasion.

While Twinkle's Spring 2008 collection did have some sweaters, and even some pastel sweater dresses (photo on the left) with a dominant color theme of creamy peach and creamy gray with taupe and white, there were tons of cute, sassy, for play and for day clothes, as well as some short party dresses for evening (photos below):

It's hard to see from my photos, but the models also wore Twinkle-designed Manolo Blahnick footwear featuring flats in suede and patent, tiny mini-straps, peep toes, and of course, glam high heels.

Now that fashion week is in full swing, I'm beginning to see some dominant trends appearing. As you can see from this photo, loose, long hair is coming back into fashion again, but for Spring it isn't glossy and stick-straight anymore. The runways are full of long, loose, bouncy hairstyles with texture in them in the form of loose waves. It looks fresh and modern and slightly edgy, and definitely not as "girly" as in season's past. You can re-create these looks with curling irons and crimpers, or with rag curls brushed out as Johnnie Sapong for Redken did at the Cynthia Rowley show earlier in the week. Thomas Hintermeier for Redken did this hair look for the Twinkle show. Textured hair is important for short styles as well, which I suspect we'll be seeing cropping up (pun intended) in the Spring, as well.

Many of the casual clothes were playful and loose, with cropped pants and swing-y tops, and although the fashion press is raving about the end of the balloon dress and loose clothing, I am happy that there are still options for women who don't want to scrape themselves into tight, super-body-conscious clothes (especially in hot weather, when the proper undergarmets are a must-have). Scarves seem to be a trend for next season. So far I've seen this often forgotten fashion item cropping up in shows as everything from headwraps to cover-ups, to belts, to around-the-neck accessories. At the Twinkle show, a scarf was playfully wrapped through belt loops of shorts, and tied in a bow in the back--adorable! Get out those mothballed long scarves from decades past and do the look at home, cute with jeans, for Fall! Another trend that will not die are super-short minis. These look sweet on the runway, but in reality, you couldn't bend or sit down in them. I am guessing that slightly longer lengths will make it into the stores, or the more modest of us will be wearing the minis with some sort of leggings or pants under them.


The manicures were done by Creative Nail Design. The makeup look that featured pink lips (all I could really see) was created by Charlie Green with the MAC Pro Team. I will get the details of products used and let you know how to do the look, in the more AdviceSisters detailed fashion features I'll be creating after this crazy week is over. Check the AdviceSisters FEATURES page at: http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/Features.html in mid-September, where I will be listing all the Fashion Week Spring 2008 features as they are posted.

*all text and photos by Alison Blackman Dunham -- copyright © 2007 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® No portion of this blog or any advicesisters content, including illustrations, may be copied or used in any without written permission. Permissions: advicesisters@advicesisters.net. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 9/7/07-Cynthia Rowley

When I saw the line of brightly colored bicycles (obviously hand-painted with Cynthia Rowley signature design), I knew her Spring 2008 show would be unique, edgy and lots of fun, like all the shows of the previous season. The inspiration/theme for the Spring collection is "Le Sportif. "

F Cynthia's show is always held a short walk from the tents, in the beautiful and historic Gotham Hall on 36th Street and 6th Avenue. It's a spacious venue, although it isn't just used for runway shows, of course. The atmosphere (at least to me) seems less tense than backstage at the tents, although it might be a bit disconcerting for a fashion designer to house her collection in a hallway until showtime.



Backstage, Jonnie Sapong for Redken was busy getting the models ready. The romantic, feminine hair looked right in step with the youthful, reminine clothes. As you can see from the photo, it does take a lot of hands to do this look perfectly, but you might be able to re-create the look at home if you are able to work on the back of your head. Redken Hot Sets #22 was sprayed along with plain ole water, from root to tips of each section of the model's hair. Then it was rolled into a modern version of rag curls, around flexible rollers made of alumnium foil. A diffuser or a bonnet dryer was used on the models to dry the curls, thoroughly. The top of the head was flat with all hair behind the ears and following the girl's natural parts. but although I couldn't get a closeup of the finished result (hair wasn't brushed out until time for the show) but you can see that the look was long, loose, textured, and just a bit bouncy as the models walked the runway.


Makeup, by Charlotte Tilbury for Avon, featured new colors for Spring 2008. I will be offering complete details and lots more photos of the hair, clothes and makeup un my photo/text feature on Cynthia Rowley's show. Check our FEATURES page at: http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/Features.html in mid-September, where I will be listing all the Fashion Week Spring 2008 features as they are posted. Lips were pink--actually, rasberry, featuring a lipstain and a gloss. As you can see, the focus is on the eyes, featuring navy, a softer look for a dramatic eye than Fall's black and charcoal. A light dusting of sheer bronzer with a tiny with of shimmer gave the models a subtle "glow." The look is polished and sexy, not "punk."

Celebrities are always a big part of any show, and Cynthia always has plenty. On the left is Lisa Edelstein, who plays Dr. Lisa Cuddy on the FOX Television show "House." On the right is a lovely young woman the photographers went crazy over. She obviously knows how to strike a pose. Someone please identify her for me?
I was sitting in the back, actually having a delightful discussion with a few of Cynthia Rowley's relatives. Great grandmother Amy was a charming conversationalist. Watching her eyes light up when her little great grandchild was brought by, was priceless! Alas, my photos, are not the best from this show, but here are some examples of what Cynthia Rowley has in store for her devoted fans, for Spring 2008. The colelction was full of flowing fabrics in light tones of taupe, light turqoise, light pink, and hits of lime. The clothes are fresh and body-conscious, but not so much that a non-model wouldn't be able to wear them. Cynthia seems to favor silky, drape-y fabrics, and these were in abundance, but not in super-shiny finishes as in Fall 2007. Long, delicate, silky scarves were a recurring theme in this show, used both with casual and evening wear, draped around the neck and flowing away from the back as the model moved forward.

Cynthia has a real sense of humor, always adding a surprise element into her shows (last year it was a giant braid, held by all the models at the finale). At one point models were being sent down the runway wearing headbands straight across their foreheads, like 1920's flappers, or worn sideways on the back of the head. And, there were a few goofier designs such as the dress of loopy fabrics worn here. At the end of the show, some of the models gingerly rode bicycles down the runway and around the back of the runway area. It was a fun, fitting end to a delightful show that is making me long for Spring already (and Fall just arrived). I'm wondering if Cynthia will consider a line of decorated bicycles for sale.....these were simply too cute! By the way, Cynthia was the final rider (my camera battery died right then, unfortunately)....what a way to end the show!!!!

*all text and photos by Alison Blackman Dunham -- copyright © 2007 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® No portion of this blog or any advicesisters content, including illustrations, may be copied or used in any without written permission. Permissions: advicesisters@advicesisters.net. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark.

Fashion Week--Must-Haves

In my post of February 1st on this blog I wrote: "for 7 days those of us involved in Fashion Week will live in an altered reality. There will be memorable people to meet, and some who aren't so nice. There will be connections to make, and some that only last for the amount of time you are standing on the line to enter the show. We will know what's coming in fashion, but we can't know what's coming for the next 7 days until we live them.

Fashion Week is over. Every season I've attended, I find the experience to be like a roller-coaster ride. First, there's the anticipation. Then, there's the growing excitement as the first shows reveal a glimpse of our fashion future (for the next season, at least). Mid-week, there's exaustion: "Why am I subjecting myself to the intensity of this?" The intensity continues to build as the shows draw to a close. Who will show us something new and exciting? Whose collection will flop? What other news will affect us? This year, the death of Anna Nicole Smith, and the bitterly cold weather, were two big topics of conversation.

On Friday, after all of the above, I always feel a bit of a let-down as I bid farewell to the tents, my 7-day home-away-from-home. But the title of this blog post is "Fashion Week Must Haves." Here's what I simply couldn't be without --- followed by things I would definitely ditch (if it were up to me), and a few closing thoughts on Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007:

Fashion Week Must-Haves:

Clothes: really warm coat (will definitely get dirty since it will be dragged on floors, spilled on backstage, and rumpled in standing room). Comfortable shoes (heels tend to turn into flats, and then into sneakers as the week goes by) . Gel pads for comfortable shoes (no shoe is really comfortable after you've been standing all day). Layered clothing (you're going to get HOT, and then COLD, and then HOT, and then COLD...)!

Handbag: this is the second season that I've used a Butler Bag to carry all my essentials. It is sturdy, with inside compartments that let you see exactly what is inside without fumbling and fishing. It has seen me through travel, interviews, launch parties, and even a few dinner dates!

Emergency Kit: Tape (for everything from a broken camera to a ripped hem), Batteries (for the two digital cameras, audio voice recorder, and MP3Player I carry), Aleve and Aspirin (for aching feet and bones); Pens and pads (lots of them)...the MAC booth is a godsend but thick-barrelled pens are easier on the hands when you're taking lots of notes; A great, lightweight tote (for all the above)

Makeup Must-haves: Lots of lip balm and treatments (Einstein Lip Theory, Z. Bigatti Re-Storation Lip Pout and Re-Storation Lip Envy, Damage Reveral Lip Treatment by Patricia Wexler, M.D., ANEW Clinical plump & Smooth by Avon), Hair products (Redken, Got2B, Warren Tricomi, Aveda, Bumble & Bumble), great brushes, and a hair straightener by Maxius.
Eye shadow that won't run, crease, or quit: Stila, Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier, NARS, MAC)
Blush that won't run, crease, or quit (Boots No.7, Tarte, Jillian Dempsey for Avon). A great foundation and base that won't run, crease, or quit: Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet, Anew Age Transforming Foundation, Biotherm Light!). A great Mascara that won't run, flake, or fade: best of the best: Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Dior, Bourjois, Clinique...Q-Tips!....Great Hand and Body Creams (Zia Age-Defying Hand Treatment, Essie Smoothies, Lady Primrose Royal Extract Body Creme, Phytomer BodyRexlax).

Food: Thanks to DHL in the tents for the coffee, I really appreciated it. Still, you've got to eat sometime. If you don't want to leave the tents, and can't squeeze your way into the little "cafe" area inside, seasons past there were sponsors offering power bars, yogurt, mints, etc. This year, we got to look at gorgeous cars, but there wasn't a snack in site. Bring your own water, too. These are still given out, but bring your own water bottle or juice pack, if you want to be sure you are properly hydrated.

Business Cards: I can't believe how many people don't have them (or enough of them) for Fashion Week!

...Michael from New Jersey, a firefighter and Fashion Week Security Guard --and ALL the security guards and service personnel who are polite and patient (you guys have a rough job, and we all know it)! ...and Michael....definitely do enter yourself as a model for the next fire-fighters calender...you'll be a hunky hit!

DEFINITELY DITCH:

Overuse of the word "chicettes," chicas," "fashionistas" and "fabulous" (once or twice is ok but "gag me" when it's used more often)

Non-essential guests who get great seats, while members of the press and the buyers are standing in the back. Also impossibly long standing room lines that are first come first served. Suggestion to IMG: Why not let working press (who paid for the ability to report on the shows) move up to the front of the standing room line if they do not have assigned seats and the standing room line is very long? Press need to get in to to their jobs more than the merely curious do.

The ("new") idea that "by invitation only" (and you didn't get one) means you are apparently less "fabulous" than some other folks, while you are in full view of them (and a sign that says "be fabulous").

Daily suites once open to all with creds, now mystifying if you didn't get the "missive"

Internet writers who report on shows and parties as a clique of cronies, pretending that they were flooded with invitations (but only one person really gets in and files a report for all the others "as-if" ). Sharing info is ok, but please keep the internet credible and honest, and say your content is second hand.

Hotel lobbies where a "fash week" invitation gets you through to the elevators or else, you're left out in the cold.

Cold Weather...can't wait for Spring!

Some Final Thoughts On Mercedez Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007:

Fashion week is like a wedding: it brings out the best, and the worst, in the best in people. Mostly it brings out the best in them...but there are always a few exceptions. There are new connections to be made, and the type of instant bonding that takes place when you're all in the same place and situation, together. Easy laughter over a drink or a shared seat in the Lycra Lounge. Alas, there are also attendees who feel more "entitled" than others. they are rude and pushy. They take other people's assigned seats and refuse to move. Some even steal products out of goodie bags that or take entire bags that don't belong to them. We're not just talking one thing or one bag....-I saw a man literally take an ENTIRE ROW of little bags off the back row at a major show! How many beauty products or T-shirts could you really need?

And, while my own visibility continues to grow, I'm still aware that the fashion week I experience as a member of the Internet press is different from that of the very high profile press. I'm in the majority of journalists who attend to do a job, and pass the information on to people who will probably never get closer to the tents than seeing them on TV. We do not arrive in furs and limo at the last minute, waving an invite with a seat assignment already on it (front row, or second row at the very worst). We do not walk directly to our seats...we wait..and wait...and wait some more. We do have a shared experience with the "Annas" and "Patricks" and other "must-have" front-row faces, though: we are united in our interest in being part of the experience, and viewing the newest clothes and trends.

I feel fortunate to receive press credentials to cover these shows as I have done for a number of seasons (I believe that I was one of the first Internet writers to receive credentials). I feel even more fortunate that I have a network of related professionals who know my work, understand the power of the Internet (and the power of my international audience), and respect my professionalism,. Due to them, I was able to cover more of backstage than ever before. My sincere appreciation to all of you that made it possible to pass information and experiences on to my readers.

My writing is always first-hand. If I don't experience something, I don't pretend that I did, just to boost ratings or readers. My style is 100% "up-close-and-personal." So....to the designers and sponsors who don't know me or are not sure they need my online coverage need to, let me show you what I can do. If you, or any of your assistants/friends/staff/colleagues/publicists/clients read The Advice Sisters through this blog, my web site, the What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review columns, my bi-monthly Enews, or my Myspace.com page and like what has been written about other designers, maybe next year I will get close enough to your clothes, products or services to report on them! Please contact me and put me on your media list.

See you NEXT season!

my Day of Beauty at Warren Tricomi Salon

When I was born, my hair was a bright orange that turned light blonde. As a child, it was strawberry blonde, with coppery strands that glinted like fire in the sun. It was so unusual that my mother sometimes asked me if I "did something" to it to make it that color. I didn't. My hair might be frizzy, curly and sometimes, uncooperative, but it always was a beautiful color.

Nothing lasts forever. When a few strands of silver started to clash with the copper, I freaked! I ran to a swanky (and expensive) salon, thinking I'd whisk away the greys with a few highlights. Alas, the colorist and I were apparently speaking different languages, and when I left, I had dark red hair! I had to admit it was a change (and change is good), but not that good--I hated it! Worse, I quickly learned that you get a "skunk line" down the middle of your head the minute the color starts to fade and your hair starts to grow. I couldn't afford the time, money and effort to keep touching it up and I longed for my own, nautural color back.

A friend (whose blonde hair I always thought was completely natural) came to the rescue with another salon that was the direct opposite of swanky (you change in the bathroom and put your things on a hook along with the stylist's lunch and shopping), but the colorist was personable, and she listened to what my needs were instead of imposing her vision. Best of all, the neighborhood was fun to visit--almost like being in another city entirely. She managed to get my hair somewhat back to "normal" between blonde, and red.

But nothing lasts forever. Too much hair dye over too long a period of time made my hair dry and brassy. Worse, it was splotchy. I waited as long as I could stand it, and when it was not only brassy, but faded, I'd had enough....and that's how I ended up at the Warren Tricomi salon on 57th Street in Manhattan.

I admit I was nervous. The salon is pricey and in the high-rent district off 5th avenye, a far cry from the low-key operation I'd been visiting. But my hair was really a mess, and Fashion Week is coming. I figured I wouldn't look any worse, and with luck, I'd look a lot better.

I felt a bit better being greeted at the door by an outgoing, stylish man named Paul who called me by name (nice touch). He directed to change (not in a bathroom but in a dressing room with beautiful, silk, maroon drapes) and to take a seat. I wasn't seated more than just a couple of minutes when colorist Simone's Assistant greeted me and brought me a glass of ice water (there is a complete "bar" at Warren Tricomi which is a nice touch if you are going to be there a while). Simone introduced herself and was very businesslike. I know that the salon is frequented by socialites, celebrities, and high-profile regulars. The thought was a bit intimidating, so I let it drop that we were both in the "beauty biz" but in different part of it. "Well, then I'd better do a good job," Simone gently joked.

I won't bore you with all the conversation, but Simone (very gently) informed me of something I already knew but didn't want to face: that as you age your hair color and perhaps, even the tone of your skin, changes. Some people go grey, some get darker. In my case, I didn't have much grey, but my strawberry blonde hair was not the same color anymore (is there anything really good about aging?). In any case, Simone suggested that I make my hair lighter without any red.

Red has always been my trademark....I wondered whether I should trust this virtual stranger. But Warren Tricomi is known for amazing makeovers (I've seen them do their magic on tv shows) and of course, they work their magic on models for designers at Fashion Week. The salon uses Redken and Wella products, and also has it's own line of signature products as well (I will be reviewing some of them in the next couple of What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns). Looking around the large salon with it's slightly "Moroccan" and very chic vibe, and assessing the other patrons (who were not at all strange-looking), mostly expensively dressed and attractive, I decided to go with Simone's professional opinion. After, all, I am someone who writes abuot beauty and fashion, who is a certified image consultant, and who is known for giving advice about life and career to others--but when it comes to myself...well, let's just say I can be as myopic as the next person.

In a flash, Simone foiled, mixed, brushed on, and applied color to fix the blotches and turn my straw back into gold. A treatment that I think is one of the new, Warren Tricomi product lines made it soft and shiny. My hair was transformed into a beautiful shade of something that might have been closer to the way it was when I was a child...not blonde, not red...unique..and I got the few, subtle highlights I longed for when I first started this hair-color journey! Before I knew it I also had an amazing cut by Emiliano (adorable to look at and talented as well) that made my hair straight, swingy and stylish.

I walked down the street with attitude...and the salespeople at Bergdorf's were very attentive (they usually totally ignore me). Even the check-out lady at the market seemed a bit friendlier! They say money can't buy happiness...but it CAN buy great hair!

It has been a while since I've looked in the mirror and loved what I see. Now, I do.