Thursday, August 28, 2008

Steal their Style


Want to get maximum Hollywood glamour with minimal effort?

Easy! Just hire a personal stylist. Memorize this line: "Mom, Dad –I’ve come to the conclusion that if we cancel my piano lessons, math tutor and the subscription to National Geographic, we can hire Lauren Conrad’s personal stylist for fifteen minutes." However, if you’re one of those unfortunate teens with sensible parents, you’re probably outta luck. Time to move to Plan B: do-it-yourself celebrity style.
Here is your instruction manual:

Miley Cyrus
Like her character (average girl by day, pop star by night Hannah Montana), Miley Cyrus sports a merry-go-round of looks. But from flirty frocks to leather leggings, what stays consistent is a “fearless fashion sense” that’s bolstered by accessories, says Le Chateau spokesperson Marlene Robillard.
“Think bold rock ‘n roll jewellery or a killer pair of short booties,” she advises. Use a large curling iron to achieve her playful locks, instructs Jessica Hocker, a stylist at iDaburn salon in Vancouver. "Let each section cool before gently separating curls using a small amount of defining cream and lightly twisting the ends for a smooth defined finish," she says.

Mary Kate Olsen
In Mary Kate’s ensembles, high-end couture and vintage treasures are about as inseparable as twin sisters. MK tends to go loose on top and skinny on the bottom, and is rarely caught in flats. "Be your own billionaire bohemian with a vintage fringe or faux fur vest layered over a billowy top," suggests Robillard. Her messy blonde tresses are one length, with a few soft layers framing the face. Apply a texturizing spray while hair is still damp then air-dry or use a diffuser on low. "Try not to disturb the hair until it’s completely dry," says Hocker.

Blake Lively
"Often seen wearing a classic blazer with denim and heels, Blake makes her mark by trying not to make one at all," says Robillard. Unlike her character Serena on Gossip Girl, Blake’s style is simple and clean. "Try a high-waisted denim pant, an uncomplicated dolman-sleeved sweater and a down-to-earth plaid coat." Blake’s cut is layered and highlighted throughout. Get her soft, tousled 'do by applying mouse and blow drying with a round brush. "Once dry set hair with large hot rollers, being sure to spray each section with a medium hold spray before wrapping around roller," says Hocker.

Blair Waldorf
Okay, so she’s a fictional character on Gossip Girl, but her to-die-for looks are Sarah Jessica Parker meets Audrey Hepburn. Trademarks include: headbands, pearls, bows and disgusting perfection. Treat your walk-in closet (as if) to one of fall’s must-haves: the pleated skirt.
"Or take your pick from pretty floral dresses, ruffle dresses or a large flower hair clip and you’ll look like you just stepped off a private jet as well," says Robillard. Can’t afford your own pony? Aim lower and settle for mimicking Blair’s shiny chestnut pony tail. "Adding some texturizing spray in the crown, quickly rough dry hair with your head upside down," says Laura Garwasiuk, also a stylist a iDaburn Salon. When it’s dry, smooth with a paddle brush, then back comb one-inch sections around the crown. Use hair spray to fortify each portion. "Smooth over…and gather at the nape of neck and loosely tie with elastic or ribbon."

Vanessa Hudgens
The High School Musical star’s personal costume department is decidedly laid back. Comfy denim and cozy scarves take centre stage. "Mimic her love of layering with a pair of skinny jeans, a zip-up hoody or blouson and a long scarf or necklace," says Robillard. Her coif is also low maintenance. "Vanessa is all about the waves and the epitome of boho chic," says Garwasiuk. Apply a light curl crème from roots to ends then air dry or blow with a diffuser. "Spritz in a salt water spray for a beachy look."

Jonas Brothers
"Nick, Kevin and Joe like to mix well-tailored suiting pieces with offbeat accents like boyish bold stripes and stylish sneakers," notes Robillard. "Start your own boy band by topping off your outfit with a check scarf or skinny tie or by mixing a preppy striped sweater with an edgy moto jacket." The superstar sibs are beyond barbershop, rockin’ everything from a pseudo-fro to Brit pop mop. On curly hair, use a cream to tame frizz, says Gawasiuk. For an edgier style, use a thin flat iron and straighten pieces in different directions. "When done use a medium hold wax starting from the back and working it through the hair towards the face."

Modern Mix Vancouver


Ian Daburn Salon, Yaletown 604-694-0639

What values does Ian Daburn Salon work by?

Ambitions to be the best does not consist of only advancing in skill, but to also advance in self. The balance between self-awareness and work is very important. It connects to three major details that we consider to be a well structured and stylish work ethic for hair stylists to have: Passion, Uniqueness, and Perfectionism

What do you predict is the next big trend in hairstyling?

Feminine grunge with a mix of muted colours, with fusions of styles, disheveled, naturally tousled to encourage a messy, raw texture.

What are some recommended hair products?

Kerastase Oleo Curl, Kerastase Soleil, and Kerastase Noctogenist. See www.kerastase.com for details on all these products

Any tips on how to find a good hairstylist?

Ask around. Don’t be afraid to ask someone on the street if you like their hair. Many of our clients are word of mouth.

A month ago, we challeneged Vancouver’s three top salons to come out with the next new IT hairstyle for Modern Mix Vancouver’s SHEAR GENIUS contest. And the results are in…

Having “virgin hair“, it was an absolute treat to be involved with Shear Genius and get my hair cut, colored and styled at the sleek and modern Ian Daburn Salon in Yaletown.
Jessica was my senior stylist for the afternoon and we spent a great deal of time going through my needs. She gave me several options but in the end, I really just told Jessica that I trusted her and her scissors to give me the most suitable look: the “Disconnected Bob with a Textured Veil”. That means, Jessica updated the classic bob cut and layered my hair in a “disconnected” way with some pieces longer than the other.
The hair at the back of my head is also shorter and it smoothly glides into longer hair at the front, framing my face. The whole process took a careful 4 hours but it was a comfortable procedure as I was throughly entertained with tea, coffee (mmm latte), chocolate, magazines, as well as a personal greeting from Ian Daburn himself. I love my trendy, new haircut and have gotten so much positive feedback about it. At times, I feel like a walking billboard for Ian Daburn Salons but I’m sure proud of it!
By: Vanessa Choot