galisivorg

christmas fashion men

2011-12-25T23:28:00.001-08:00

christmas fashion men

christmas fashion 2009

2011-12-25T23:25:00.000-08:00

christmas fashion 2009

Juan Carlos Adrianza

2011-12-06T04:07:00.000-08:00

Juan Carlos Adrianza

de Juan Carlos

2011-12-06T04:05:00.007-08:00

de Juan Carlos

Miss France 2012

2011-12-06T04:05:00.001-08:00

Miss France 2012

Ama Supercross

2011-11-26T21:03:00.001-08:00

Ama Supercross

Ama Waterways

2011-11-26T21:01:00.001-08:00

Ama Waterways

Ama Road Reports Alberta

2011-11-26T21:00:00.001-08:00

Ama Road Reports Alberta

Ama Arenacross

2011-11-26T20:59:00.000-08:00

Ama Arenacross

Ama Motocross

2011-11-26T20:58:00.000-08:00

Ama Motocross

Ama Alberta

2011-11-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

Ama Alberta

Ama Superbike

2011-11-26T20:56:00.000-08:00

Ama Superbike

Extra Touch #2

2011-11-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hot Towel Sink Treatment

When you ask anyone women/men what is there favorite part ina hair service 90% say the shampoo and conditioner, so why not create an experiencewith extra touches on a hundred year old service every salon offers. I started doingthis hot towel sink treatment on my clients not that long ago and by far withall the extra added value services we offer this is what they look forward to themost, not only is it a wonderful relaxing 10 minutes for them but also beneficialfor the hair. After each color treatment whether it is a color (single process)or highlights it is important to nourish the hair lock in moisture and shutdown the cuticle for longer lasting results and health of the hair, all youneed is a spa towel warmer a few products good hands and off we go

Just before the shampooing begins we let the clients smellAveda’s Singular Note Peppermint and Lavender, they choose which one is theirfavourite. After the hair is shampooed and rinsed we apply Aveda Color ConserveStrengthing Treatment to the hair and massage it through, we then place a hottowel on the neck and another one wrapped on the head, at this point with thesingular note they picked we sprinkle the towel with a few drops then placethe towel over their face. This entire extra touch is the one that will spreadthe word faster then even hair color, so remember to continue to create unique relaxing client experiences and stay consistent which is the key to success and a long term clientele.

The Finger Wave

2011-11-13T19:47:00.000-08:00

Finger waves were developed inthe 1920's to add style to, and soften the hard appearance of the bobbedhairstyles that became very popular during the flapper period. Many Hollywoodmovie stars wore the latest finger waves which added to the popularity and progressionof this style. FINGER WAVING is molding the hair while wet with product into"s"-shaped curved sections creating them with the fingers and comb.These waves when dried without being disturbed will fall into beautiful deepwaves. This also is a great way to set hair and once its dry brush or comb outthe wave’s creating more of the pin-up hair era. Setting finger waves is awonderful way to smooth out frizzy, curly hair and also successful on straighthair creating texture and body.Today we can use the old fashion way (comb andfingers) or curling irons, flat irons even hot rollers to achieve this verybeautiful classic look and as history has shown us finger waving is here tostay.

Featured Corner #2

2011-11-07T06:31:00.000-08:00

As acolorist having someone leave without a makeup touch up to me makes no sense, Ihave always said if a client comes in as a brunette and leaves as a red headwith the same makeup as she came in with then we really haven’t done our job.We both work from the same palette and I must say I have been fortunate throughmy career to have worked with some of the best makeup artist there is and havepicked up many tricks but no one has taught me as much as my featured makeupartist Anna Conte.

For the past 15 years she has been ourmakeup /eyebrow guru not only for the salons as well a part of The Aveda CanadianCreative Team, with a clientele so devoted to her talents that you have tobook a appointment months in advance, why so popular? It’s her passion, gentletouch, fashion forwardness and servant’s heart. A born educator she shows herclients how to use and apply the products always even if it’s in a 15 minuteappointment and above all makes every person she services feel beautiful. Thiscolleague of mine shares with me almost my entire clientele and there has neverbeen a time any one of them brought a compliant to me in fact there eyebrowslook impeccable and there makeup finish is completely connected complimentingthem and hair color! Her favourite makeup artist and peer is Fulvia Farolfi ,one of mine is Ms Conte.

Patch Testing For Hair Color

2011-11-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

HairColor sensitivities is known to be the third most common allergy afterfragrance and preservatives and I am not exactly sure nor an expert on why weare seeing more and more allergies towards hair coloring products today. It hasbecome more apparent to me that bringing back the patch test and making it amandatory policy in the salons is the safest approach for both client andstylist to do. There could be thousands of reasons why some people haveallergies towards hair dyes and some don’t, it is very possible to also suddenly becomeallergic maybe during times of stress, change of life, diet, medicines, water(plumbing) or simply a product formulation change.

A patchtest is a tiny patch of color product which we place onto your skin to test foran allergic reaction. I always dot either behind the ear, nape or in the crookof the elbow. I leave it on for at least 15 minutes and if there is an allergicreaction it generally takes place almost immediately, the area would feel itchyor redden and possibly a bit of swelling might occur. Now having said all thisplease keep in mind that even if you use non-debilitating non-aggressiveproducts things can change, so let new and long term clients know to ALWAYSmention to you that they are feeling something different on their scalp.

Recently I had a client who has seen me foryears and all of a sudden she tells me that she is feeling a bit of burning(this has never happened before) quickly I moved her to a cooler spot in thestudio which seemed to subside what she described as burning, she alsomentioned that lately she had been experiencing hot flashes and when I touchedher shoulder I could not believe the heat that was coming off her, hence peopleand things change. At the end of her service at the shampoo sink we finishedoff with a cool water rinse, her hair color was as always the same and noindication of sores on her head, could it have been because I acted fast incooling her down ? Might be but I do know for next time to take extra care inhow to approach this client who is suffering with menopause. I am a firmbeliever in practising the art of being safe after all we are servicing the generalpublic and with that comes many challenges, let’s eliminate this one by simplydoing a quick patch testing.

Crimson & Red Rose Hair Color

2011-11-04T04:25:00.000-07:00

Adding Crimson-Red Rose shades into your hair color palette offersthis fall/winter an assortment of choices for all those red heads or wannabesout there. This fall/winter attention is on red hair colors with more blue/violet in them that will work withmost skin tones adding richness and a healthy glow and a bit of pow. My Crimson Reds are equal parts of red + violet, Red Rose is equal parts of red+violet+a dash of orange, and regardlessof any level on a current brunette or redshade going either way can add an overall or dimensional fantastic look to agreat haircut.

I very rarely just do an all over solid color (tint, single process)on my clients even if I take a few slices of the hair and apply the same new-growth(root) color to those pieces and leave the rest out, end result hi-lited hair ina flash and not always do we have to refresh all the hair all the time. Anotherway I am loving using these tones arecolor blocking whether vertically or horizontal sections layering these 2shades either together or with darker rich browns and blacks commands attention. My beliefs onred hair colors and skin tones is this; warm skin is primarily complemented bycool hair color, cooler skin is primarily complemented by warm hair color,hence a dash of orange in our Red Rose, remembering that it's all about balance and nothing is more regal then a festive red jewel whether on a finger, lip or hair color.

The Braid

2011-11-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

History has shown us that no matter what the currenttrend may be the hair braid is a classic and open for reinvention. And as theholiday and party season is approaching hair braiding is a great way to addaccessory to the hair, whether it’s a french braid, milkmaid braid, fishtailbraid, princess braid, hair pieces that are braids or plaiting braids they allare definitely something to consider offering something different to your clients instead of boring same old holiday upstyles.

So if we can start to look at that client who alreadyloves getting an upstyle (updo) and those who would look great in them we haveplenty of time to plant the seed with them. And have you booked solid forholiday hair and not only haircuts/blow-dries, we all need to be reminded fromtime to time to step out of the box having fun be creative so here is one ofthose opportunities to make an upstyle the talk of the town.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T05:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T02:06:00.000-07:00

As Halloween approaches, celebrities are gearing up for the festivities. They shop for costumes (for them and their children), they buy candies and more importantly pumpkins (to cook for dinner as well as to decorate their houses). I chose to show you how they shop together with their kids at the pumpkin patch dressed casually yet chic. My fave outfits are Nicole's, Alessandra's and Kristin's. I've got nothing more to say; just enjoy the weekend and be safe!

Nicole Richie, Jessica Alba

Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera

Gwen Stefani, Tori Spelling

Supermodels Heidi Klum, Alessandra Ambrosio

Kristin Cavallari, Heidi Montag with Spencer Pratt

Marcia Cross, Kyle Richards

xoxo Elina

Dark Chocolate Hair Color

2011-10-28T04:16:00.000-07:00

Now imagine a client (guest) coming to see you wanting to gofrom a level 7 (light brown) hair color to a chocolate brown and brings you abox of very expensive chocolates and tells you that this is the exact color shedesires, Brilliant! I always say without visuals with your consultation you’rein trouble and to me this means no hair swatches. So my client Linda who hasbeen seeing me for the last let’s say 22 years a consumer reporter for anational new paper is wanting to go chocolate brown, I love this and agree it wouldlook great on her complimenting her skin tone and beautiful blueeyes, however I still have to go over a few things such as, in almost all brownhair color there is a tone of somewhat warmth (Red) if there wasn’t then you mightas well go black. The box of dark chocolates she brought were matte in otherwords no shine a little different in hair color as we all know and battle the no “red”clients but still want shine, the minute the natural hair is altered with any hair color even for 5minutes the molecule opens up and delivers a shine, light technically called red NRP natural remainingpigment. This is an important bit of information for clients to know on whatwill occur instead of the end result being different then the desired one. In foodmost chocolate we refer to is either dark or milk with 1000’s of variations,also there’s shinny chocolate or matte the shiny ones appearwarmer the matte (flat) appear cooler, the point is no matter what are ownpersonal ideas are on certain universal colors it’s what Linda’s are which areshiny dark chocolate almonds and by explaining to her that there will be some warmth and that food color is different than hair color we can achieve 98% exact color, so whatever the visual maybe a pictureor a box of chocolates there is in hair more shine there for more warmth. At the end of the day Linda got her beautifuldark chocolate brown hair color and I got to enjoy the yummy chocolate, thank you Linda for inspiring me to write this post.

Extra Touch #1

2011-10-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hand Treatment

I am constantly working on creatingnew services in the Studio not only in hair color but for a ‘Client Experience’ so for every individual thatsits in the chair they will receive extra touches and hopefully excellent service. These days an added touch to a service isimportant why? consumers want more fortheir buck so to speak and the competition is also doing added value services which means clients have choices. So lets just say I have upgraded an Aveda hand massage to a Hand Treatment and so far my clients (guests) are loving this one.

While the hair color is being processed we offer a hand treatment , first scrubbing in warm hot with a touch of Aveda’s Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub then wrapped in a warm towel followed by a smoothing massage with Aveda Hand Relief and finally a light mist of Aveda Botanical Kinetics Skin Firming/Toning Agent. Does this sound like a great service you would want getting your hair colored? you might think it may take too long in fact all it takes is 10 minutes or less. So whatever it takes to make the time for a hand treatment make it! Believe me the more you offer the more the word spreads about their experience the busier you will be!!!. recreate your value added services.

Featured Corner # 1

2011-10-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Having just returned from thewest, Calgary/Edmonton teaching and spending time with not only incrediblehairdressers but beautiful hearts I find myself inspired to create a Featured Stylist Corner. Theseindividuals to me represent professionals that love the craft ofhairdressing, beauty, and fashion and continue to strive hoping to make a difference in ourindustry and with the people they touch. Seasoned or Newbies we can all learn fromeach other and share in making our tribe the best there is.

I have written many posts in thepast regarding Permanent Waves and how shocking it is to me that the majorityof hairdressers do not do them. I know or have heard all the reasons why thisservice is almost absent in most salons or there might be one to two people whoactually do them, biggest reason I believe is fear from cosmetology school. This past weekend which endsmy season of travel for the year of educating finished with a shortvisit too one of our concept salons, an in-salon class to inspire and share formulas and a couple of quick foilplacements. I had a wonderful time with this group of smart, creative individualsthat embraced all I had to share and as always was leaving with a full heart. Ivery rarely get a chance to linger with everybody after a short class I’musually rushing to catch a plane so I don’t get a chance to see the staffactually use the tools I just taught them behind their chair, since my flightwas later on I could hang around. Not only did I see two stylists doing aplacement I taught but as well others trying my formulas, what a feeling! Nowto Katrina who has been in the industry 7 years and has been in a few of my academyclasses in the past, a true beauty inside and out with a passion for her work and peoplewith a big heart and a great student was doing a perm I was like YEAH! Someone isdoing a perm with no fear and doing it just right with all the correct Aveda productsto use with a perfect wrap on YES highlighted hair. I loved it! and in thissalon almost all of the stylists do perms, my hats off.

Katrina Boyeechko

Salon Sylvia & Co Aveda Concept Salon, Sherwood Park, Alberta,

Lindsay Lohan's Courtroom Style

2011-10-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan is no stranger to the courthouses of southern California, as she within the last few years appeared in front of a judge several times. Everytime she causes a paparazzi frenzy, so she may as well look fabulous while she's doing it. Take a look at what she chose to wear!

Her five (in 4 years) mugshots (you can see more about them here)

May 23, 2010 (#1)

July 6, 2010 (#2)

July 20, 2010 (#3)

September 23, 2010 (#4)

February 9, 2011 (#5)

February 23, 2011 (#6)

March 9, 2011 (#7)

April 22, 2011 (#8)

June 23, 2011 (#9)

Yesterday October 20, 2011 (#10)

Which look is your favorite? Mine is by far outfit number 4 as I really love those Louboutins (you can see my post about them here) as well as no 5 (that white dress screams "I am innocent, and sexy") and no 9.

xoxo Elina

If Kim K can't Color Block, who can?

2011-10-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Enjoy Kim Kardashian rocking the Color Blocking trend, looking hot and stylish like a real life model!

xoxo Elina

Email: Natural Red Head Color Question

2011-10-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

I have a client with natural red hair. She is about a level 6 R/O in the back anda level 7/8 O/R on top. She wants heavy highlighted blonde without usingenlightener. A little warmth is ok, but doesn't want to be a redhead anymore asit is not flattering on her. She also has a very tight curl with frizzy ends.Any suggestions?
Christina

Well you sure have a huge task infront of you, the most difficult color to remove in hair is Red particularly anatural redhead and of course the hardest color to keep in the hair

First thing is - Why does she not want you to use Enlightener? In my experience this is the best non-debilitating lightening (bleach) product on the market, I will assume it’s because of her tight curl frizzy ends combo. One very strong suggestion I have before I go into hair color is for you to recommend her to get the New Smooth Infusion Treatment which would do wonders for her type to just losen up the curly a bit and make any color you both choose to do look great. Now for hair color if you are 100% sure you cannot use the enlightener then what I suggest is trying the Crème Booster alone with viscosity and 40 volume, this will give you a golden /strawberry tone but I cannot guarantee it becauseI have seen it work on natural red hair color and I have also seen it do hardly anything.

The best way to handle this is you can add a touch of enlightener to the Crème Booster so 2 parts Crème booster + ¼part enlightener not the other way around with 40 volume in the back and 30volume on the top and front using slicing instead of weaves for your foil work. This truly is the only way, I also feel very strong about hairdressers having the confidence and assertiveness that we need with clients that limit us with the product/tools we need to use to get the job done, why does she need to know that you are going to use a touch of the Enlightener in your Booster formula . The objective is to try and get her from what I understand as light as possible and the bottom line is nothing else will really work so go for it and tell her it’s a blonding cream that lightens hair like a bleach but is much more gentle to the hair.
I do not make it a habit in lying to clients (guests) but a little white one now and again in a situation like this knowing that it will work always gets the job done for a win/win end result.
Good Luck
Let us know the outcome
HCC

Where Are They Now: Carre Otis

2011-10-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Carre Otis began hermodeling career at age 16, while hanging out in San Francisco, she wasimmediately sent to Paris where she began to achieve recognition afterappearing on the cover of French Elle in 1986. Over the next several years hercareer sky rocketed with a Calvin Klein Jean Ad that till this day is considerd one of the most famouscampaigns.
Aroundthis time she also made her acting debut alongside Mickey Rourke who laterbecame her husband in the film Wild Orchid, her beauty and sexuality was undeniably raw and magical.

Theconstant very public struggles with her relationship to Mickey Rourke and drugabuse became notorious in the gossip magazines and after a tumultuous 6 year marriageended she found peace and serenity in the practice of Buddhism and began theprocess of getting herself off substances.
As part of herrecovery process Carre began to gain weight "in the fashion worlds standards" but this did not stop her fromModeling she became a plus size model at size 10/12 imagine being considered as a plus size model when the average size is 12/14. Todayat 43 Carre Otis has become a spokesperson for substance abuse, and eating disorderssomething she too faced in the height of her modeling career. She still remainsas one of the most beautiful women to have ever graced the fashion pages of our time.
Where is she now? Carre Otis most recently has written an extraordinaryaccount of her life, struggles and career, a wonderful read which I highlyrecommend Beauty Disrupted, and is a devoted wife, mother and Buddist whostill models from time to time.

Should Coloring Men’s Hair Be Different Then Women’s

2011-10-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Let’sjust say that perhaps one fundamental difference between coloring men’s hair andwomen would be the amount we do. In the 80’s and 90’s I remember doing just as many foils on the head of a man as I would fora woman, call it the era of Duran Duran hair :) the percentage of my male clienteleback then was a lot higher then recent years until now. Today as time haspassed I have seen more and more men being concerned over their grey hair and showing interest in 'a little color'. Men wantfast and efficient services not to say we take away any added valve services weoffer too our female clients or attention, in fact men receive the same and then some. Offering rinses,low-lites and even subtle hi-lites to add body and dimension to their hair andhaircuts is the way to go creating customized and quicker techniques, so for all you hairdressers out there start recommending Men's Hair Color.
Keeping in mind that for most men their main concernis that their hair looks natural. One thing we must remember is to explain tothem that it just might be that they need to visit the salon more often justlike any female client because their natural hair color as been changed and with that also comes new growth (Roots), so it does matter in which hair coloring approach we take with men, they also hate to be displayed so find the most private corner to color away.

Should we colormen's hair differently? Yes and No...

When in LA : Katsuya

2011-10-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

When you are visiting LA (or while living there), the ultimate spot to dine is the Japanese restaurant Katsuya. Whether you choose the Hollywood or Brentwood location, you 'll enjoy the food and cocktails side by side your favorite celebrity. All celebrities love to dine there, as they love Japanese cuicine. Paparazzi are every night there waiting for a celebrity shot. So, dress fashionably and stylish and who knows; maybe you'll eat your sushi next to Kim Kardashian or Ashley Tisdale! Enjoy the pictures of some celebrities leaving Katsuya!

Kim Kardashian

Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner

The Hilton sisters, Paris and Nicky

Jessica and Ashlee Simpson

Ashley Tisdale with her boyfriend

Hilary Duff

Leighton Meester, Shenae Grimes

Lauren Conrad

Lo Bosworth

Kristin Cavallari

Audrina Patridge, Stephanie Pratt

PLL Ashley Benson, Glee's Lea Michele

Katharine McPhee, Emma Roberts

Eva Longoria, Katherine Heigl

Nicki Minaj, Elle Macpherson

xoxo Elina

No Idea

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Now how can 5 or 6 years pass by and only like a few days ago it occurred to me that I had colored a very young fiery Brazilian beauty that had only been in NYC for the past 6 months. She smoked cigarettes, was chatty, hung-out with us, and I was going to color her very thick long hair for a step by step collection called Flow for Aveda, and after a long day she did not have enough cash on her to take a taxi home I gave her $20 to get home. I see all my interaction with this model like it was yesterday, turns out to be Camila Alves better known as Matthew McConaughey Baby Mamma for now.

Can I say shocker!!! only because it took me this long, and if it wasn’t for someone asking me what she was like I would probably have never realized it was her. The clincher was this, most of the models that are done for the actual look/techniques are given a name 90% of the time it’s the models real name hence why it was called Camila.

All I can say is she was a stunner, sexy, confident, nice, with a free spirited brazilian attitude, maybe she can lend me some money now LOL.

Back To HCC

2011-10-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

IHeartRadio Music Festival

2011-09-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

For all of us living in Europe, iHeartRadio app is the perfect (and may I say only) way to listen to all american hits and our favorite music stations such as Kiis 102,7 Fm, Power 106 Fm, etc. I used to "steal" my sister's IPhone to use the app, as I am a Blackberry user. Anyway, last weekend there was a music festival in Las Vegas hosted by iHeartRadio and Ryan Seacrest. As you can imagine, a lot of singers and groups attended and performed live (Lady GaGa, Alicia Keys with Jay-Z, Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, Joe Jonas and many more). Enjoy the pictures of the fabulous ladies and let me know who is your favorite! Mine is Jennifer Lopez, I mean her shoes were enough to love the whole outfit!

Ryan Seacrest

Lady GaGa

Nicki Minaj

Jennifer Lopez

Fergie

Nicole Scherzinger

Natasha Bedingfield

Ashley Greene

Carrie Underwood

Maria Menounos

xoxo Elina

Khloe and the Louboutin Piercing Satchel

2011-09-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hello darlings! I am so sorry for the lack of posts lately, I started work 2 weeks ago and it's exhausting. Anyway, on my poll last week I asked you who is your favorite Kardashian or Jenner. Most of you voted for Khloe and I was happily surprised as she is one of my favorites too. I love how she mixes 'n' matches trends and I also think that she looks beautiful lately, mainly because of her new (and ombre) hair. These days she is with her sisters in New York promoting themselves- ugh sorry I mean filming their reality show, selling their clothes, jewelry, diet supplements, etc. She can be seen strolling the city wearing an amazing Christian Louboutin handbag, the black studded Piercing Satchel. Take a look at the bag and fall in love!

THE bag

So what do you guys think about the bag? Love it as much as I do?

xoxo Elina

I Don't Know How She Does It

2011-09-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

I don't know how she does it and by she I mean Sarah Jessica Parker, who manages to stay young, fabulous and stylish. "I don't know how she does it" is the title of her new and much anticipated movie. While she is busy promoting her movie in Europe and the States, she wears all the trends and stays a fashion icon for most women, me included. Enjoy her red carpet photos as well as the movie trailer!

In Giambattista Valli

In Prabal Gurung

In a Chanel dress

In a Prabal Gurung dress and Charlotte Olympia glittering pumps (love them)

Wearing a Chanel jacket, Brian Atwood pumps and Louis Vuitton bag

In an Antonio Berardi ensemble and Charlotte Olympia satin pumps

Rocking the color block trend and the Charlotte Olympia glittering pumps

She loves color blocking; pairing a red Prabal Gurung blouse with hot pink pants

In Antonio Berardi and Charlotte Olympia clutch

The movie trailer (that's actually quite funny)

What do you guys think about her and the movie? What's your favorite look? Mine is the second one with the black and white Prabal Gurung dress (the red details are the perfech touch) as well as the red and hot pink outfit that she managed to pull off so good. I also LOVE the Charlotte Olympia shoes she wore; the glittering pumps as well as the satin. Let me know what you think!

xoxo Elina

When in LA : Universal Studios

2011-09-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I travelled with my sis to Los Angeles from Greece. We were visiting our beloved cousin and stayed there 2 and a half weeks. For me it was the perfect trip, although it was my second time in La La Land. We had a great time and did tons of stuff, I' ll probably write a post about the trip soon.

Today, I just wanna share with you guys one of our craziest days, the one we visited Universal Studios in Hollywood. It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! We took the studio tour, all rides (my fave was by far the Simpsons ride), watched some shows (Shrek included) and embraced our fears at House of Horrors (OMG you can't even imagine how scary it was). We stayed there from 11am to 6pm and had the time of our lives. The highlight was the food; I got to try a cinnamon roll at Cinnabon and I looooved it! Anyway, enjoy some photos and visit asap!

Arriving at the studios (it was a cloudy and rather cold -for LA- day)

My sister, Kate

King Kong

The Jamba Juice store

Ben & Jerry's store

Me (with the much needed studio map)

Me at the "Hollywood sign"

Studio ride : "Central Park"

"Jaws" set

"Desperate Housewives" set (they were filming at the time)

"War of Worlds" set

Heading home

*I was wearing:

Banana Republic pink sweater

BDG plaid shirt

Leather jacket (birthday present from my mother)

Levi's skinny jeans

Ugg boots in sand

Rayban sunnies in blue

I hope you enjoyed the photos! My advice? Buy the "Front of Line" pass, at least that was what we did and we managed to take all rides several times. I mean the place is overcrowded. Have you ever been there? What's your favorite ride or highlight?

xoxo Elina

When in LA : Planet Blue

2011-09-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Planet Blue is one of my favorite stores in LA. I love the store on Beverly Dr in Beverly Hills as well as the one at the Malibu Country Mart in Malibu. There you can find amazing designers such as Elizabeth and James, Mara Hoffman, Rebecca Taylor, Ella Moss, Foley+Corinna, Wildfox and many more. All pieces, from tees to accessories represent the California style and they scream for summer.

Celebrities seem to know all about it, that's why they shop often at Planet Blue. I could say that some of my favorite celebrities, such as Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens, shop exclusively there, especially at the store in Malibu. They shop their bathing suits, sandals, tees, dresses and accessories. Enjoy some paparazzi photos of them after shopping at Planet Blue!

Ashley Tisdale

Vanessa Hudgens

Kristin Cavallari, Whitney Port

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian

Paris Hilton, Rumer Willis

Ashlee Simpson, Sofia Vergara

Heidi Klum, Cindy Crawford

Kate Hudson, Jenny McCarthy

Denise Richards, Sharon Osbourne

Tori Spelling, Mena Suvari

xoxo Elina

Braid your Hair

2011-09-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

There are those days when you wake up and your hair looks awful; though you have to go to work, school or just a meeting. There are also those nights when you have to attend a formal event or a party. For both cases, when it comes to hairstyles, braids are a perfect choice. Whether you choose a classic, french or fishtail braid (seen here), breaded headband or bun, neat braid or a messy one, your hair will look natural and beautiful. Celebrities seem to know all about it and have embraced the trend; I have to say that Lauren Conrad may be the biggest fan of braids. Enjoy the pictures!

Long (classic) Braids

Blake Lively (who loves long braids, day and night)

Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez

(Loose) Side Braids

Lauren Conrad (probably my fave braid), Blake Lively

Stephanie Pratt, Audrina Patridge

Lindsay Lohan, Ashley Tisdale

Nicole Richie, Zoe Saldana

French Braids

Rachel McAdams, Paris Hilton

Ashlee Simpson, Rihanna

Whitney Port, Isla Fisher

Hayden Panettiere, Lindsay Lohan

Fishtail Braids

Fergie, Minka Kelly (for more, click here)

Tiara Braids

Blake Lively, Rachel Bilson

Lauren Conrad, Nicky Hilton

Olivia Palermo, Amanda Bynes

Braided Headbands

Mary-Kate Olsen, Sienna Miller

Nicky Hilton, Nicole Richie

Christina Aguilera, Jessica Alba

Molly Sims, Jennifer Aniston

Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag

Braided Buns

Lauren Conrad, Jessica Alba

Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt

Drew Barrymore, Jessica Simpson

Sarah Jessica Parker, Hilary Duff

What do you think about braids? Like them or not? I also wanna say that I am sorry for the lack of posts lately, a lot of stuff is going on. I hope you enjoyed this one! Love you all,

xoxo Elina

2011 MTV VMA's: Black Carpet

2011-08-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

Another glamorous event, another chance for the Hollywood stars to wear their Louboutins! Yesterday was a great night and a star studded one. I couldn't help but stare at the black carpet fashion and there's only one thing for certain; buy metallics this fall! Everyone wore the trend from Kim Kardashian to Snooki. Anyway enjoy the pictures and let me know who were your favorites! Mine were Beyonce, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana and Victoria Justice. I am voting their outfits as hit if I loved it, ok or miss if I hated it.

Mom-to-be Beyonce in Lanvin (hit)

Britney Spears (winner of Best Pop Video award) in a Moschino romper (hit)

Nicki Minaj who won the Best Hip Hop Video award (miss)

Katy Perry in an Atelier Versace dress and strappy Jimmy Choo heels (miss)

Katie Holmes in Alaia and Proenza Schouler booties (ok)

Kelly Rowland in a feathered skirt and Christian Louboutin pumps (ok)

Newlywed Kim Kardashian in a Kaufman Franco sequined gown (ok)

Miley Cyrus in a Roberto Cavalli gown (miss)

Vanessa Hudgens (ok)

Selena Gomez in a lace Julien Macdonald dress and Brian Atwood pumps (hit)

Zoe Saldana in a Barbara Bui dress and Balenciaga shoes (hit)

JoJo (miss although I love the shoes)

Victoria Justice in a Thayer dress and Rock&Republic pumps (hit)

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (miss)

Jersey Shore's Jennifer "JWoww" Farley (ok)

Demi Lovato in a Mandalay mini dress and Christian Louboutin pumps (hit)

Rebecca Black (miss)

Adele (ok)

Maria Menounos in a green Amanda Wakeley dress and metallic shoes (hit)

Justin Bieber

Joe Jonas

30 Seconds To Mars' Jared Leto

Taylor Lautner

xoxo Elina

White Jeans

2011-08-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Whether you like skinny, flare or boyfriend jeans, there is definitely a trend you should always wear in the summer; white jeans. They are stylish and perfect for day and night appearances. You can wear them with every colored top in your wardrobe whether it's a tee, shirt or blouse, with every pair of summer shoes; flat sandals, ballet flats, platforms or pumps. Take a look at how celebrities wear the trend and try it on; there are some summer days left for all of us!

Kim Kardashian, Cameron Diaz

Eva Longoria, Katie Holmes

Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff

Ashley Tisdale, AnnaLynne McCord

Kate Bosworth, Amanda Seyfried

Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge

Kristin Cavallari, Elizabeth Hurley

Elle Macpherson, Gisele

Karolina Kurkova, Alessandra Ambrosio

xoxo Elina

My hot Manicure

2011-08-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I am so excited to show you my brand new mani. I really like it, cause it screams for summer and fun! I have to say, I was totally inspired by Hanna Marin (aka Ashley Benson) as she is the ultimate 'it girl' on my favorite summer TV show "Pretty Little Liars". She surely knows how to rock every nail trend. Enjoy some of my favorite Hanna nail trends on screen!

My nails (Pink nail polish : China Glaze "Rich & Famous", Yellow : Seventeen 259)

Hanna's mani: My inspiration (Ep 2x08 Picture This)

The next trend I am going to try (Black and Red)

So, what do you guys think about her and her nails? And more importantly what do you think about my manicure? Love it or hate it? Let me know!

xoxo Elina

The YSL Hampton Sandals

2011-08-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

The shoes

Hilary Duff

Stephanie Pratt

Lauren Conrad, Lo Bosworth

Kate Hudson, Marisa Miller

Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum

Anna Kournikova, Maggie Gyllenhaal

I am loving those sandals and as you can see they can be worn with almost everything; dresses, shorts as well as jeans. What's your favorite look? I really like Stephanie's and Heidi's looks.

I am so sorry I am not updating my blog more often. I promise I am going to, as soon as my vacation is over. I missed each and everyone of you! Have a great time and enjoy life, because it goes away too quickly.

xoxo Elina

The Hiltons do French Riviera

2011-08-11T02:18:00.000-07:00

The famous heiresses, Paris and Nicky Hilton, know how to party and spend their summers. That's why they visit the glamorous French Riviera for their summer vacations. They arrive with their Hollywood style and glam straight to Saint Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Monaco where they shop at the famous boutiques, have lunch at traditional restaurants, sunbathe on a yacht, party to vip clubs, etc. Enjoy some pictures of the Hiltons spotted out and about in the world famous destination!

2011

2010

I am a huge fan of Nicky's style. I think that she's very classy and always stylish. I love her floral and flirty dresses and blouses, but I also liked the printed pants she wore (5th photo). On the other hand, I loved Paris' jumpsuit as well as her purple maxi dress. What do you guys think?

xoxo Elina

Teen Choice Awards 2011 - Red Carpet

2011-08-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

Last night took place the Teen Choice Awards in Universal City. Many celebrities attended, especially the young ones. Among the winners were: Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Cameron Diaz, Blake Lively, Emma Stone, Lucy Hale, Ashton Kutcher, justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and many more.

I was super excited to see their red carpet appearances! There were a lot of white dresses, such as Rachel Bilson's Chloe dress, as well as some bright colored like Blake Lively's orange Gucci. By far my favorites were cute and sexy Cameron Diaz, gorgeous Blake Lively, girly Rachel Bilson (especially her booties), fun and flirty Shay Michell. Enjoy the pictures!

Cameron Diaz in a strapless A.L.C. dress

Fergie in a Dolce & Gabbana mini dress and Christian Louboutin studded heels

Choice TV actress Blake Lively in an orange leather Gucci dress and Christian Louboutin heels

Rachel Bilson chose a white Chloe dress and Brian Atwood booties

Kim Kardashian in a Givenchy dress, Christian Louboutin heels and Bottega Veneta clutch

Khloe Kardashian in a Roberto Cavalli maxi, Jimmy Choo shoes and a Ferragamo clutch

Kourtney Kardashian in a Blaque Label dress, christian Louboutin pumps and a Chanel clutch

Tyra Banks in a Thierry Mugler jumpsuit

Zoe Saldana in a Lanvin dress and Alexander McQueen heels

Elizabeth Banks in a red J. Mendel dress

Cat Deelay in a lace Matthew Williamson dress

Emma Stone in a Christian Dior dress and Lanvin heels

Ashley Greene in a black and white Givenchy dress

Nikki Reed in a maxi Etro dress

Zooey Deschanel in Miu Miu

Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev in a Dolce & Gabbana dress and Ferragamo pumps

Vampire Diaries' Kat Graham

Pretty Little Liars' Lucy Hale in a Cengiz Abazoglu dress and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

Pretty Little Liars' Troian Bellisario wore a Maria Lucia Hohan dress

Pretty Little Liars' Ashley Benson in a dress by Alice + Olivia

Pretty Little Liars' Shay Michell in DKNY shirt and skirt and Giuseppe Zanotti heels

Taylor Swift in a white Rafael Cennamo dress and Fendi heels

Selena Gomez in an Erin Fetherston dress and Brian Atwood shoes

Demi Lovato in a lace BCBG Max Azria dress and matching Christian Louboutin pumps

Avril Lavigne

Rebecca Black

Justin Bieber

Joe Jonas in Z Zegna

Robert Pattinson in a casual Dolce & Gabbana outfit

Taylor Lautner wore an All Saints leather jacket

Kellan Lutz

Vamire Diaries' Ian Somerhalder

Vamire Diaries' Paul Wesley

What do you think and who's your favorite?

Thanks for reading! I am sorry I was MIA, but August means vacation in Greece, I promise I'm going to catch up with all your blogs very soon.

xoxo Elina

Bright Colors

2011-08-02T02:28:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry I am not updating the blog often, but I am away on vacation enjoying the sun and the beaches in Greece. I just wanted to share with you all one of my favorite summer trends; the bright (or even neon) colors. I think that a bright colored dress is the best thing any woman can wear in the summer season, whether it is yellow, orange, pink, blue or green. Nude heels or platforms are a great match as well as sandals.

Enjoy some pictures of celebrities rocking the trend! Have an amazing (summer) month!

Hilary Swank, Brooklyn Decker

Kerry Washington, Emmanuelle Chriqui

Beyonce, Kourtney Kardashian

Katie Cassidy, Amber Valetta

Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham

Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristin Cavallari

Mila Kunis, Miranda Kerr

Emma Stone, Audrina Patridge

Kelly Rowland, Halle Berry

Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian

Rachel Bilson, Chanel Iman

Amanda Seyfried, Taylor Swift

xoxo Elina

Comic-Con 2011

2011-07-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

The place to be the past weekend was San Diego. For the Comic-Con! Many celebrities attended the festivities to promote their movies and TV shows. The highlight was definitely the Twilight stars that were all there promoting The Twilight : Breaking Dawn Part 1. Enjoy the pictures!

The Twilight cast : Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed

Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart promoting "Snow White and the Huntsmen"

Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale promoting "Total Recall"

"In Time" stars Amanda Seyfried and Justin Timberlake

Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone promote "The Amazing Spiderman"

"Cowboys & Aliens" actress Olivia Wilde

"The Ringer" star Sarah Michelle Gellar

Carey Mulligan promotes "Drive"

Minka Kelly promotes "Charlie's Angels"

Ashley Tisdale "Phineas and Ferb" cutie

Freida Pinto and Kellan Lutz promote "Immortals"

The True Blood cast

True Blood's couple Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin

The cast of "The Vampire Diaries" Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley

xoxo Elina

Denim Shorts

2011-07-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! The summer is here! The carefree days, when we are planning our vaccation, hitting the pools and the night clubs. And the eternal question "what should I wear", has the answer coming. Your denim shorts! Whether you are running your daily errands, shopping, going to the beach or even going out at a fancy restaurant or club. Celebrities seem to superlove denim shorts as -may I say- all of them are seen wearing them and showing their (great) legs. They wear them with flirty blouses, shirts and tanks, flip flops, sandals, heels to add extra length to their legs or even boots and booties for a boho look. So, do not hesitate; buy a great pair of denim shorts in your favorite style and step out! Don't forget the sunglasses and sunscreen!

Nicky Hilton, Kim Kardashian

Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian

Blake Lively, Leighton Meester

Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan

Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson

Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens

AnnaLynne McCord, Shenae Grimes

Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag

Stephanie Pratt, Audrina Patridge

Kristin Cavallari, Whitney Port

Nicole Richie, Mary Kate Olsen

Miley Cyrus, Ashley Greene

Kate Bosworth, Sienna Miller

Cameron Diaz, Kate Beckinsale

Eva Longoria, Denise Richards

Heidi Klum, Gisele

Victoria Beckham, Katie Holmes

Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera

Mariah Carey, Fergie

Beyonce, Ciara

xoxo Elina

Visit Greece

2011-07-15T03:07:00.000-07:00

Yay welcome to the Summer Season! The season of the hot and carefree days! The season when we are all obsessed with hitting the beach, tanning, going out and drinking cocktails. When we are all thinking which places or islands to visit or escape to. I have the solution to all these questions. Visit Greece! The Greek Islands are the perfect getaway for summer. Take a look at some islands I chose!

1. Santorini

2. Mykonos

3. Syros

4. Amorgos

5. Rhodes

6. Zakynthos

7. Kefallonia

8. Leukada

9. Ithaki

10. Skiathos

11. Alonnisos

12. Spetses

13. Crete (Chania)

14. Elafonisos

What do you think? Which one is your perfect getaway?
*All images are from Google Images

xoxo Elina