The A-List - Fashion, Style Inspiration, What to Wear to Work -Everything 'HOT & COOL'!

The Secrets to Lush, Voluminous, 'DALLAS' Looking Hair

The cast of TNT hit show, DALLAS.  image credit

You may remember, on our last city-scout-about to uncover the best-of-the-best for you, (our beloved, A-Listers) we were in Dallas, TX.  

We discovered boutique perfection, met Luxury's Lady-in-Waiting, got the best-of scoop from Dallas retail royalty, had cocktails with Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, maneuvered the maze at Neiman Marcus, had a sky-high toast withThe Red Cross' Tiffany Circle, more cocktails at  Mansion at Turtle Creek (wow) and there was even that crazy party with waaaay too many people in turkey costumes. #OnlyInTexas.

But there's one more thing we've been saving....

Texas will forever be associated with Amazonian-type women (no matter how tall they are).  Larger than life females in personality, style and...hair. 

So how do they do it?  What are THE SECRETS to big, luxurious, Texas tresses?   In our quest to find out - we went straight to the source - Holly Dear and Kaycee Clark, the creators behind the Texas produced line of all natural products, full-service salon and 'Blow Dry Lounge' and THE preferred haircare of the hit TNTDrama series, 'DALLAS', 'Dear Clark'. 

Dear Clark founders: Holly Dear & Kaycee Clark   

A-List: If there was one piece of advice that you would give those of us looking for lustrous, healthy hair - what would it be?  

 

Dear Clark: 

1. Use professional, natural products like what we've created here at 'Dear Clark'.  
2. Use as little heat as possible,
3. Try cooler water when shampooing and conditioning,
4. Get "trims" or a "dusting" of the split ends off of your hair every 6-8 weeks.  
5. Biotin is a great vitamin for your hair (skin & nails!)
6. And drink lots of WATER!   Healthy Body = Healthy Hair

 

AL: What is the truth about brushing your hair?  In the 50's & 60's it was often thought that 100 strokes or so with a hair brush was the secret to beautiful hair (getting the oil from your scalp to the ends of your hair type of thing)  and now we hear people saying they never or rarely brush their hair - to prevent breakage and the like.  What is your take on this?

 

DC: Brushing your hair is ok. Naturally we shed about 100 hair strands a day. Brushing it keeps the scalp stimulated and gets the old hair out so the new hair can grow in its place. When brushing your hair start from the bottom and work your way up as you brush down. Don't take the brush up to your scalp and brush down.. this is what causes breakage... basically be gentle.   If you brush properly you shouldn't break your hair.

AL: How many times per week should we be washing our hair? 

 

DC: It depends on the scalp, oil production, and over all health of hair. Most people shampoo every 2nd or 3rd day. I think the most important thing is that you shampoo twice then condition. The first shampoo gets the surface oil and dirt off then the second one gets in there and does its job.

AL: You both have some major credentials in the hair-care world - having worked for brands like KMS, Toni & Guy and Kemon.  Did you develop your own products because you couldn't find the ones you wanted out there?

 

DC: We decided to develop our own line because we wanted to create something that was local (both to Texas and the U.S.) and something more natural than a lot of the lines out there. We found that most "green" type lines still had a synthetic/artificial fragrance...or they were so 'green' the shelf life was about 6 months. Since we had so much experience in the professional world we felt like we could create something that would not only be a fantastic product, but could support our local economy and other small business as well. 

 

AL: How are yours different?

 

Our products are made with locally sourced ingredients, high quality raw materials, and because we do small batches we have control over the end result being more consistent. Another key fact is Aloe Vera is our first ingredient in all of our products. This is rare, especially in shampoo. The first ingredient is usually water. 

AL: Sulfates:  What's the scoop?  We went so many years not worrying about them.  Is this a fad or for real? 

 

DC: This is a tough question. There are a lot of sulfates on the market. Some are better quality than others. What we do find is that as chemical processes evolve: for example Brazilian Blowouts, Keratin, and non-ammonia color... that harsh sulfates tend to strip and fade.  Most sulfates can also be drying and harsh on your skin. 

 

AL: We hear that washing your face every night is imperative to keep pores small and collagen being produced.  Is there something we should be doing EVERY NIGHT for our hair? 

 

DC:  Sleeping on a silk pillow case really helps minimize friction that can cause damage. If you have long hair "pine-appling" it on top of your head with a soft scrunchi or band will keep the top layer from getting too much bed head and will help with second and third day styling...Really good technique for curly hair too.

 

AL: We are always hearing about updating your look.  How important is that to hair?  What's the best way to update it without a huge change in color or cut?  Are there some baby steps?

 

DC:  We believe updating your look is a more personal choice.  Some people are more comfortable with their style while others might embrace change more easily.  A great way to change your look without cutting your hair off is by doing a "fringe" or "bangs" in front.  In some cases this can make your hair look longer by adding an elongated effect to the overall shape.  Also be creative with styling techniques. Add some curl, or wear it sleek and straight...maybe a cool braid with some texture. 

 

* * *

 

Dear Clark's "Salvation for Stressed Hair" products are made with natural, active ingredients - homegrown in Texas and handcrafted locally.  The Dear Clark apothecary-inspired line is comprised of five products designed for today’s stressed hair:

• The Resurrecting Wash
• Resurrecting Rinse
• Smoothing Elixir
• Thickening Balm 
• and Finishing Salve

 

The high-performance, natural ingredients used in all five products relieve stressed hair with a trinity of ingredients:

• Moisturizing Aloe Vera
• Protecting Sunflower Seed Oil
• and Rejuvenating Rose of Jericho
• All products contain a signature scent, comprised of pure essential oils

 

Happy Hair... xx The A-List

 

 

 

5 Awesome Things Last Week. Did You See These?

  image credits L-R: 1.dbox on Departures 2. HEMERA/THINKSTOCK 3. TODAY show  4. HB Nam for WWD  5. Goop 

1. We're freezing our J Brands off.   One more layer of clothing makes... 13.  ugh.  So we loved this chance to escape for a second to Paris Couture Week and see what they were wearing on the street. Tres Cool. 

2. We can't wait to try these "Cheesy Comfort Foods With A Healthy Twist"!  (Superbowl Party anyone?!)  (video)

3. Whoa.  THIS is what a $100 million apartment looks like... (We'll take 2) ;-p

4. This A-List actress interviewed a renowned doctor and came up with this super easy to understand short list of what vitamins and supplement to take for anything you'd like to make a bit better.... naturally. 

5. This article on what really happens to your skin if you sleep with your makeup on is making us take our Clarisonic to dinner. 

  

Getting dressed?  We've always got you covered in a what-to-wear conundrum at "Tomorrow You Should Wear".

 

 xx The A-List

  

Made The A-List

Hey A-Listers! 

We know you're busy so we're working to bring you the Best of the Best... 'Everything HOT & COOL'!  

Check out what made last week's A-List for anything you might have missed... Get the top tips, tricks and products that our Industry Experts LOVE (so much good stuff!),  and this week - to make sure that we're ready for Spring's sleevless tops and dresses - we're commiting any free seconds to our tricep-dip breaks!  Use a stationary chair, the coffee table or even just plop down on the floor for 8 quick dips.  

 

Enjoy xx The A-List  

 

 

STYLE  See 3 of our favorite New York Fashion Week shows HERE, HERE & HERE and get an up close look at what you'll be wearing next Fall.

 

 

 

 

7 COOL Things Making Our A-List.  Check 'em out.

 

 

 

 

DO Sign-Up for our Weekly Newsletter to make sure you get in on our awesome GIVE-AWAYS and keep up with 'Everything HOT & COOL'!  Scroll down our home page to the little RED BOX on the right and enter your email address.  Congratulations... You Just Made, The A-List! 

Did you see all the cool stuff that made Last Week's A-List?!

 

 

CELEBS This past Saturday featured another star-studded evening to recognize, 'The Writer's Guild Awards' and our friends at 'Backstage Creations' once again created their signature, "Celebrity Retreat" fit for... A-List Hollywood!  Get ready to shop... Bora Bora anyone?

  

 

WEAR Relax.  We've got your Weeks Worth of Wardrobe ideas here. 

 

 

 

 

SHOP Check out what celebrities, Jennifer Lawrence, Tom Hanks, Naomi Watts, Robert Downey Jr, Uma Thurman, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Reese Witherspoon, Emma Watson, Melissa McCarthy, Laura Dern and more found in their Golden Globes & Critic's Choice Gift Bags.  Let's just say...it's good to be on The A-List!

 

 

TOP 5 It was tough to choose only 5 favorite things from this uber-cool, line of everything-you-want-to-wear but we narrowed it down and gave you tons of styling tips and tricks to boot.  Happy Shopping! 

 

 

 

HAIR We asked some tough questions to TNTDrama, "DALLAS" hair gurus to uncover the TOP SECRETS to big, luxe, Texas hair and they delivered some serious #HairSalvation.  

 

 

 

TOP 10 Things we loved in the Feb. '14 issue of InStyle Magazine.  Did you see them? 

 

 

 

 

TOP 5 Awesome Things Last Week.  Did you see these?

 

 

 

 

 

FIT The Top 5 Fast Tips To A Cameron Diaz Body

 

 

 

 

HMMM After reading an article in HB UK where a famous photographer waxed on about women in their skivvies - we wondered... Are You What You Wear if you wear these?

 

 

 

STYLE Our Entertainment Editor's Top 7 Favorite Looks from the SAG Awards!  Did they make YOUR A-List?!

 

 

 

 

SEE A-List actor, Jeff Bridges has one of the most coveted and admired resumes in Hollywood (and an Oscar to boot.) But he says THIS is what he is most proud of in his career. 

 

 

 

SEE We liked these 5 Awesome things last week.  Did you see them?    

 

 

 

 

SHOP The Oscar Nominations were just announced.  Do you have the perfect dress?

 

 

 

  

GO This may earn you the Best Mom (Dad, Sis, Bro, Aunt, Friend) Ever Award

 

 

 

 

STYLE Your Top 9 Take-Aways from The 2014 Golden Globes!  #StylistStash

 

 

 

 

SCOOP Our Celebrity & Entertainment Editor reveals her Top Golden Globe Beauty, Style & Not-So-Seen Moments.

 

 

 

 

SALE Celebrity Editor, Leeann Tweeden found 50 awesome designer must-have's that are all under $200!  Shop!

 

 

  

xx The A-List

 

Jewel Tones and Prints

 As always - The idea here is to be INSPIRED by this look and SHOP YOUR CLOSET first!

 

                                                     Miroslava Duma at Giambattista Valli  image credit: Fashionista

This combo works perfectly for Miroslava Duma, founder of Buro247 and charitable foundation, Peace Planet - seen here at Paris Couture Week.   But for your day - take the 2 main trends we are seeing and pair a JEWEL TONE dress with a COAT, duster or jacket in a PRINT. 

This is a great way to breathe new life into a couple of older pieces in your closet! 

Stella & Jamie Cocktail Dresses · Badgley Mischka Cocktail Dresses · Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Day Dresses

Happy Dressing   xx The A-List

Top 5 Fast Tips To A Cameron Diaz Body

We've already professed our love for Cameron Diaz and her quest to make women stop comparing themselves to other women and to love and accept who they are.   

She recently appeared on Doctor Oz's show and had some great tips to literally help change your body in 24 hours.   We chose our Top 5 below... 

image: DoctorOz.com  Cameron Diaz in white on home page via: Pinterest/Charlie's Angels movie

A - Her catalyst for wanting to change the way women feel about their body and share this knowledge with others comes from her desire to get women to stop comparing themselves to each other and instead, work to have the healthiest, most capable, most vital body that THEY can have.  

She is motivated to help others through a quote she once read that says: 'Comparison is a brutal assault upon oneself".  That the thinking that you aren't good enough as you are - is a devastating, crippling outlook and that many women are wasting their lives with self-hatred.

L - Every morning - she brushes her teeth, then drinks an entire bottle of water (stored in a GLASS bottle).   This wakes her digestive tract, rehydrates her, boosts her mood and helps her with her daily elimination.

I - Cameron encourages using your everyday activities to help get the exercise you need each day. Think how you can you get more movement or quicker movement into your daily routine.   We suggest doing squats as you get dressed or while cleaning house.  Try leg lifts or plies as you brush your teeth.   Run in place or jump rope as you catch up on the morning news.  

S - Feed your hunger - Don't fear it.  Cameron likens your hunger to the red light on the dashboard of your  car that says you are about to run out of gas.  If that happens - of course you pull over and put some gas in.  Same for your body.  When you feel hunger - real hunger, take the time to re-fuel your body with the food it needs to function properly. 

T - Her top healthy eating tips on the show:

1. Add nutritional yeast to your hot food at breakfast.  It tastes just like Parmesan cheese and has lots of B Vitamins.  She likes to put it over her eggs.  

2. Breakfast doesn't mean 'Bagel'.  She eats greens, veggies with her eggs at breakfast.  Why not!?  

3. Cameron chooses to eat her carbs during the day as her body utilizes them better as fuel.  At dinner time she goes carb-free focusing more on warm soups or vegetables with a small amount of protein.  

Bonus: ** She does cheat!  Fries and burgers are not off the menu - just not often. 

Bonus: ** Doctor Oz says if we can change / control whats happening inside our body - we can change the world outside of it. 

See the full Doctor Oz episode here

 

Happy, Healthy Eating!  xx The A-List

 

TYSW -Graphic Tee with Blazer

Casual Cool Fridays   @TodayUCouldWear #TUCW

This shot of VonBon owner, Jennifer Wilson from The Glitter Guide reminded us of our always Great-Go-To-Outfit, the graphic tee with a blazer. (cont. below photo with Styles to Shop!)

                                   image credit: Gillian Stevens for The Glitter Guide

If you're worried if you can wear this look (age/office appropriate) We say YES!  If a bold graphic feels like too much, choose a muted print or even just go with a well made basic tee underneath.   If jeans are too casual, pair your tee with slacks or a suit like we showed here.  The t-shirt will add just the right touch of 'casual-cool'. 

There are so many good t-shirt options out there... We love James Perse but even a search of tees on Nordstrom.com gave a whopping 929 choices!  

We also love this look on every body type.  It's current - yet classic.  Need to step it up?  Try your tee with a suit like we showed here.  Either way - it's definitely something that #TUCW (@TodayUCouldWear). 

Happy Friday  xx The A-List

 

Lucien Pellat-Finet Shortsleeve Tops · Marc by Marc Jacobs Tees · Comme des Garcons Shortsleeve Tops

Are You What You Wear Underneath?

A note from Allie: 

"The brain is the most erogynous part of the body – it’s not just about looking at a naked woman, a clothed woman is far sexier and lingerie is another layer of that. It’s stimulating, and about the proposition of what’s underneath. It’s like a prolonged strip tease - the gates of the promised land!”

Those words from photographer, Miles Aldridge in an article that Entertainment Editor, Leeann Tweeden found in Harpers Bazaar UK - got us thinking about this 'proposition'.  What would people think - 'assume' about us - if they were to see us in our skivvies? 

Are 'You' - what you wear underneath?  Can you be defined by what's in your underwear drawer? 

  image credit left: 'Blurred Lines', Emily Ratajkowski for FOH and me giving some tweaks on the FOH set.

 

 We wonder... Does Lace & Satin =  romantic, naughty... cheeky?  

Hot Pink , Zebra Print = crazy, wild, fun and adventurous?  

Pastel cotton = fresh, outdoorsy and athletic?

A thong vs a boy short vs. a cheekster vs a g-string...  Tights vs pantyhose vs garters and stockings?  

Hmmm....

I remember a conversation at lunch in a tiny, outdoor restaurant off the coast of Positano, Italy (yes, for real.) where my girlfriend and I tried in vane to explain to our husbands why we packed what we packed and in particular - why we needed to bring so many pairs of underwear.  

(I stash mine in a drawstring bag I picked up at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok.  That little red bag not only protects the delicate fabric from the rest of the things in my luggage but makes everything seem so luxurious.   And a little decadent - cuz it's from Bangkok). 

Anyway - we explained that in one day - a girl might need at least 3 undie-choices:

1. That pair that if you sleep naked - ala: Marilyn Monroe, wearing only Chanel No. 5 - to put on in the morning, make breakfast, head to work.  Something cute and frisky.  Maybe a cotton boy-short with lacey accents. 

2. You will then definitely need your basic, breathable, seamless, panties for your workout.  I mean...Hello!  Just say no to panty-lines and gym clothes. 

And 3.  Evening-wear.  Like a makeup artist prepping your skin with primer (Heir Atelier is The A-List's favorite) - you want the first layer of your evening's outfit to set the tone for the night.   'Party Panties' if you will.   These are the crazy, fun, sexy ones in prints, stripes, black, jewel tones or kooky color-combos.  

Needless to say - we swayed neither husband to our rational... but we did stand stronger in our shared belief that one pair a day is simply not enough. 

So are you what you wear underneath it all?  If we all stripped down right now - would someone be able to guess our personalities by our knickers?

As a stylist for a gazillion years - many of which were spent on the set of 'Fredericks of Hollywood' - knee-deep in butts and boobs - I can tell you it's most likely that you are a combination of these types of women...or underwear. 

A sexy, fun, athletic, sweet, soft, ass-kicking, petite, amazon. 

So stock your lavender-sacheted, lingerie drawer with a variety of underwear styles, colors, fabrics and trims and change them at will - because no one can define..."YOU". 

 

Happy dressing!   xx Allie

 

What A-List Actor, Jeff Bridges Says He Is Most Proud Of In His Career

Jeff Bridges easily has one of the most coveted, inspiring careers of any actor today.  Roles in such iconic films as The Last Picture Show, The Fisher King, The Fabulous Baker Boys, TRON: Legacy, True Grit and his Oscar winning role in 'Crazy Heart' have made him a house-hold name and an A-List actor. 

However, we recently learned that "doing his part to end childhood hunger in America" is what he is most proud of in his career.  That! coming from The Big Lebowski. 

It's estimated that there are 16 million children in America who struggle with hunger.

continued below artwork... and see JeffBridges.com/EndHunger.html for an important film below.

 

As an advocate for ending childhood hunger since 1983, Jeff Bridges regularly speaks to cabinet members, CEO's of major corporations, the culinary world, policy makers and even moms and dads about the importance of not only ending hunger but changing the way kids are connected to meals. 

He has helped alleviate the stigma (which leads to skipped meals) of kids - seen by other kids - having to arrive very early to school to get their free breakfast by working to implement the idea of taking breakfast OUT of the cafeteria and putting it into the classroom.  

The idea -  called "Breakfast AFTER the Bell" - puts kids at a more level playing field.

In the state of Maryland alone, an additional 30,000 KIDS are getting a healthy school breakfast each day due to this simplest of concepts.  This has lead to a lower rate in absenteeism and a higher rate of proficiency on standardized math tests.  

In other words - a better outlook for those student's futures! 

We say:  Jeff Bridges, while you are already an A-List Actor... For your humanitarian work to combine the freshest of ideas and the most profound, basic need and make such an enormous difference... 

You just made OUR A-List.

Learn more and see how you can get involved in your own community at NoKidHungry.org,  and JeffBridges.com/EndHunger and TAKE THE 'NO KID HUNGRY' PLEDGE! 

 

xx The A-List 

 

 

Tonight You Should Wear: Friday Night - Right.

 We found this mix of soft and tough on A-Lister, Jaclyn Shanfeld's site: Shop-Hers.com

We love the juxtaposition of the rocker-chic leggings mixed with the draped softness of her top and beautifully, exposed back.  Just the right amount of sexy - especially for a Friday-evening cocktail affair. 

Shop your own closet and pull your feminine favorites to one side and stronger pants, jeans or leggings to the other.  Lay them out and see which two look best together.   Cheers! 

Like this look?  Check out our other similar finds below...

 

Macy's Longsleeve Tops · Helmut Lang Tanks · Helmut Lang Petite Tops

Happy Friday  xx The A-List 

 

Sephora Haul - See What Made The A-List!

After a recent trip to A-List favorite, @Sephora, we took home these treasures:  #NewYearNewYou!

(ps: nope.  we're not paid to say this)

 

@alternahaircare Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner & 3 Minute Shine Boost

@dgskincare - Alpha Beta Peel

@GlamGlowMud - Gift Sexy Mask Duo  (Celebrity & Entertainment Editor, Leeann Tweeden turned us onto these babies!) 

@drfredricbrandt - 'Glow' Overnight Resurfacing Serum

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream

And our VIB Rouge Card 100 point treat?  BareEcentuals Buxom 'Full-On' Lip Polish in 'Katie'

 

Cheers!   xx The A-List