Me, me, me...oh, and you, too

Hola Muchachitas,
I was so tickled at how so many of you wrote in about your Dominican Salon experiences! And you're right, las dominicanas are deeply into heat--first, you sit under the dryer with a roller set, then you get blowdried straight, and in some cases, they flatiron you, too. Last week, I was so caught up in raving about the magic that I kind of forgot an important caveat. I never, ever get a full blowout--or flatiron--after sitting under the dryer. After my roller set is dry, I ask that the stylist blow out my roots ONLY, just to get rid of roller bumps. That's really the only way you can go every week, like I do, and not end up with hair damaged beyond recognition. Also, the just-the-roots method leaves you with crazy body! Try it next time, you'll see.

Okay, so I'm really, really happy this week. Here's why:

* So You Think You Can Dance is baaack!! I really don't feel complete unless there's a dance-oriented reality show happening somewhere on TV. Not the "Dancing With the Stars" kind (so earnest!)...I'm talking Search for the Next Pussycat Dolls, Making the Band: The Danity Kane Years, or DanceLife. But SYTYCD is my fave. Quick update for those of you tuned in--Danny is my boyfriend, Lacey and Kameron are doing it (the audience loves a Schwimmer!), poor Jimmy, and can Mia Michaels please pass me whatever she's puffing?


* Boho maxi-sundresses. Love, love, love! And, uh, just wanted to point out that I was repping Summer '07's hottest trend back in Fall '05. Sorry, gimme an opportunity to showcase my favorite dress of all time, and I'm on it like Eva Longoria on her whipped, b-ball-playing fetus.

* Okay, this is the really big news. I've been a major, major fan of Devi Kroell's ultra-exclusive, seriously stunning metallic python bags for years, but sadly, I've never been able to afford one (the only thing Devi piece I've ever been close to purchasing is a $250 wallet at a sample sale). You can imagine the heart palpitations when I discovered that, on July 15th, Target will be launching a limited edition line of Devi Kroell faux-python handbags!!! Before you scoff at the faux, I want you to walk with me for a second.


Please behold Devi's Classic Large Hobo in Metallic Python, which happens to be $2890.

Now, check out Devi's Target Clutch in Light Gold, below. This one costs only $34.99. Practically identical, yes? Close enough for mama! See you in line on July 15th!!


So girls, I'm going to be taking a teeny-tiny break. IT CHICKS Book #2 is due in a week, so I'm retreating to my parent's lovely mountain home in Virginny to pound the thing out. Wish me luck! I'll be back the week of the 2nd, and in a fabulous mood for having met a back-breaking two-month deadline! For now, though, I've dedicated this post to you, my sweet ladies. Many of you have raved to me about your favorite products, and here, I've picked five of the yummiest ones. Enjoy and know that I'll miss you like the deserts miss the rain.

big kiss,
tia

YOUR TOP FIVE BEAUTY OBSESSIONS

SYB BABE: Christie
OBSESSION: "I have to take a second and refer all the SYB ladies to the new lip gloss that I have been having a serious summertime affair with. It's Clinique Glosswear for Lips Sheer Shimmers in Sunset ($14). It gives the most lovely summertime sheen."
MY TWO CENTS: So much word to this, Miss Christie. There is nothing not (double negative, much?) to love about Clinique Glosswear in Sunset...it's a soft, sheer, peachy moment that also happens to give intense, kiss-me-you-fool shine. Easy summer glamour in a tube!


SYB BABE: Anonymous
OBSESSION: "I love Kiehls' Herbal Shampoo & Scalp Treatment for Dandruff ($17.50)!! I used it last week and OMG my hair feels so good, and it is bouncy and silky, oh my. I kid you not, I bought it at Jack's World—the 99 cent store on 32nd St. in Manhattan—and then I went to Kiehl's to get more at full price."
MY TWO CENTS: Here's the thing. Head & Shoulders leaves your hair insanely dry and wierd-feeling. Which is exactly why Kiehls' infinitely more elegant flake-fighting shampoo is such a relief for dandruff sufferers! It's spiked with all the hardcore, medicinal stuff that heals scalp issues, but it also has eucalyptus extract and aloe leaf juice, both of which help make hair look incredibly shiny and bouncy. And it smells looovely. Good work, Miss I-Refuse-to-Properly-Introduce-Myself-to-Tia!


SYB BABE: Tabitha
OBSESSION: "I can't use the Neutrogena acne stuff (they test on animals and I'm a vegetarian), but I've always been a Murad girl (even when making only $8/hr at Starbux)...use the whole regimen. It's the only time people have repeatedly stopped me on the street to ask about my skin."
MY TWO CENTS: Thanks for bringing up the whole "testing on animals" thing, Tabby...no doubt it's something tons of SYBers pay slavish attention to! And guess what? Dr. Howard Murad's skincare line is INSANE--the kind of stuff beauty editors and celebs covet almost as deeply as the latest Tory Burch flats. A fab alternative to Proactive, Murad Acne Complex Kit ($59) is lauded in the beauty industry for it's no joke pore-clearing properties (the magic is in the salicylic acid/glycolic/retinol combo). It's kinda expensive, yes, but it comes with the award-winning Clarifying Cleanser, Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, Skin Perfecting Lotion AND a pocket-sized version of the cult-fave Acne Spot Treatment. Whether you have monthly breakouts or full-blown cystic acne, it's the best sixty bucks you'll ever spend.


SYB BABE: Christie (Loving you!)
OBSESSION: "I used to think the point of burning scented oils was to hide the smell of "funny cigarettes" but my sistergirl turned me on to them, and now I think they are great! They last longer and produce a more lasting fragrance than candles. My favorite scent is The Body Shop Fragrance Oil in Satsuma ($7.50)!
MY TWO CENTS: Have I told you the story about how, in high school, I was the makeup girl at the Tyson's Corner Body Shop in Fairfax, VA? And that in Spring of 1992, I sold the most makeup in their East Coast stores...and got to wear a special tiara for a week? Heard it already? Woops. Anyway, Satsuma was always my favorite, favorite, favorite home fragrance oil--and the fresh citrusiness is simply perfect for summer. Simply add a couple drops into the well of an aroma jar, burn a votive candle underneath, and voila! Instant ambiance. I'm all for The Body Shop Satsuma Oil Gift Set ($10), which comes with the oil, aroma jar, and votive. Burn it during a mid-summer cocktail party, and wonder why your guests refuse to leave.


SYB BABE: Jennifer
OBSESSION: "L'oreal's new Vive Pro- Smooth Intense Conditioner($4.99), is a SUPER product. I have really coarse relaxed-hair that in its "I Need a Relaxer NOW" stage, and it really does smooth it out. Plus, I have barely any breakage during the comb out stage."
MY TWO CENTS: Oh Jen. Doesn't Loreal just always get it right? Their Smooth Intense Conditioner is like mother's milk to dry, overprocessed, frizzy hair. I used this stuff for awhile before I decided to indulge in weekly Dominican salon visits...and on my life, it not only smoothed out my frizz, it was an A-plus-plus detangler (great for hair that gets really knotty when it's wet, like mine). The best part? It really doesn't weigh hair down, like many other super-hydrating conditioners. Yay!