Best. Hair. Ever.

My nephew, Graham, truly has THE best hair I've ever seen. Not only does it defy the need for any product, but his dad has literally been stopped by 20-something hipsters who told him, "Dude...I'd KILL for that hair!"

God love our youth. And their priorities.

Hungary for a Custom Handbag?

As you know, I adore a well-made, beautiful handbag just as much as I love shopping on etsy.com.*  So you can imagine my elation when I discovered an amazing custom handbag-maker on my favorite website for hand-crafted goodies.  My search started when I was looking for a stylish yet structured bag that would be sturdy enough for work stuff but also unique.  My initial searches resulted in pleather totes (you know my aversion to faux leather), boring rectangle briefcases with useless locks (I'm not a lawyer, nor am I carrying Oscars results), 1980s attache cases (a la Melanie Griffith in "Working Girl"...alas, I don't have the hightop Reeboks to complete the look),  or bullet-proof laptop bags (not necessary since I'm not exactly auditioning to be 007's next Bond girl).  

So I was thrilled to discover Farrago bags on etsy:  Custom Hungarian Handbags

Not only does Daniel make all of his bags by hand (and great small leather goods including phone and pad cases), but he's also extremely attentive to detail and a great communicator (esp. considering English is his second language).  Sure, I'm a bit biased since my heritage is Hungarian (my maiden name is Szecsy), but I can honestly say, his bags are extremely well-made and amazingly priced for the quality.  He even customizes each bag with your initials (on the bag or a bonus keychain).

 

My stylish, croc-embossed, leather work tote has endured heavy binders, plane trips, and countless walks between office buildings among the elements for the past two years, and it barely shows any wear (yet I'm still anxious to order my next one in a new color).  Can you believe it was only $99??  (Plus $22 for shipping, but well worth it, since he ships them quickly).

And my gorgeous, tan nubuck tote is perfect for weekends and traveling - it even has adjustable straps (with cool knots vs. bulky, heavy hardware).  Somehow, it manages to hold everything without ever feeling like a bottomless pit - I think it's because of the light interior and huge opening. And at $148, it was a steal, as it's super soft (yet durable) and has also held up like a champ!



So next time you're looking for a seriously unique, beautiful, and well-priced bag, I highly recommend Daniel and his Farrago bags (in fact, I'm planning an iPhone case purchase very soon). 
Magic K8 Ball Says: 8 (Gotta Have It!)

* If this is the first you've heard of etsy, shame on you!! Almost all of my cool jewelry and unique gifts come from that uber-cool site).

Skip the Steps (A K8 Revelation)

Quite often, I find myself in a "Thanks, but no thanks" moment, typically related to a fashion or beauty suggestion.  It happens a lot when I'm thumbing through a fashion magazine and see what appears to be the Holy Grail of some new beauty routine that includes nine steps and 17 different products.  I initially read it with excitement and wonder, but by step 6 1/2 (and product A + B layering over C), I realize, "Thanks, but no thanks - I'm all good with my Clairsonic and trusty Clinique cleanser."  My quick dismissal is always satisfying because it's somehow defiant and victorious at the same time (and typically means I don't have to invest in something new, try a crazy process, or leave my house with an unforeseen side effect).

I just enjoyed this experience as I was flipping through my recent issue of InStyle and seeing all the new holiday hairstyle how-to's - who really has the time for the multiple steps involved in making your hair look perfectly "UNdone?"  (I suppose I have an automatic "Get out of Gel Free" card with my short do, but it's still really nice to be able to flip right past "A Great Blowout in Six Easy Steps" or "20 Minutes to the Perfect Conditioning Treatment."  Then again, the grass isn't always greener - a bad hair day for long hair is easily solved with a ponytail, while us cropped-cut gals are stuck, literally, layering on the product or positioning a hat with the precision of a surgeon to reveal some hair while also covering the scare hair).

So next time you have a "revelation" about some process, product, or trend you can skip (neon..really??  The 80's don't EVER need to come back, in any form or fashion - um, even the 80's Sharpies colors didn't sell!), revel in the moment knowing you just saved yourself time, money, and the avoidance of entering into any kind of "multiple step program."

I'm So Martha...(A K8 Flashback)

Originally published: 9/19/07

Update: I'm no longer as jazzed about Merona dresses, as I've discovered I can now find much better quality for only slightly more cost at Last Call!  But I still use the Blister Block, and I still think Louboutins are a bit overpriced; I've since converted almost exclusively to Stuart Weitzman (who incidentally, never requires Blister Block).

Okay, I couldn't help passing on a couple little tips I've come up with (I'm sure Martha or Heloise had these years ago, but I like to think I sort of discovered them myself)...

I just bought a couple new dresses at Target (side note - Merona has GREAT dresses, all for around $25 - throw on some Pradas with it, and no one's the wiser...except for all the girls I tell about it of course).  Anyway, on to the cheesy but useful tips...

As I was removing the extra buttons and tags, I realized that one of the tags was attached with a tiny black safety pin.  I'm using that very same pin today to keep the wrap top of the dress closed over "the girls" a bit more (proper ladies do NOT display overt cleavage at the workplace unless it's in reference to toes).  It's amazing how much better a black pin is vs. the shiny silver ones when you are attempting to keep your bosom covered. 

Regarding those extra buttons (which I keep in a little "button box" and have for years...funny how your extra buttons are around a lot longer than the actual garment), notice how they sometimes come in a tiny little ziploc bag?  These little bags are perfect for pills in your purse - you know, the extra strength Advil and Midol you would kill for on a bad headache or cramp day?  Just slip a few in the "ziploclette" (that's a mini ziploc), and put it in the secret side pocket of your handbag! 

Oh, and another quick recent discovery - Johnson's Blister Block (in the Band-aid aisle).  I've had to use it religiously to break in the Louboutins (which have disappointed me in how much they've stretched out), and it works well.  It's like a mini deodorant stick that you can rub all over your blister-prone places before and during shoe wearing, and it leaves no residue behind.  And based on my experience with expensive shoes, they should all come with a CASE of this stuff!

(Ginger) Snap to It!

The only thing I dread more than wearing pleather anything is the predictable 3pm craving for something sweet (also typically occurs around 8:30 pm).  But I've found a decent work-around that has more benefits than gum and is way more convenient than brushing your teeth (it's so weird when people do that at work).  I recently discovered "candied" ginger.  Not only does it help in digestion, but it's quite spicy, which means it's nearly impossible to eat something afterward, unless you like that whole toothpaste-orange-juice thing. 

You can find it in the bulk bins at Whole Foods, but I prefer Reed's - this fun pre-packaged brand comes in a variety of options.  My husband prefers the crystallized cubes, but I like the individually wrapped "chews" that you can take anywhere (also, they come in a cool little box that looks like cigarettes but are much healthier) - plus, you can find them in flavors like peanut butter and spicy apple!  I will warn you that the chews are pretty...chewy, so watch your dental work.  And while the crystallized cubes are much friendlier to your crowns and fillings, the "crystals" can stick around on your fingers (but are definitely less guilt-ridden than bright orange Cheeto residue).

So next time your sweet tooth starts twitching, pick your ginger poison and pop one in your pie-hole before, well...a piece of pie.  

Magic K8 Ball Says...

• Ginger Chews: 7 (Signs Point to Yes)
• Crystallized Ginger: 6 (Outlook Good)

Reed's Ginger Chews

Reed's Crystallized Ginger Cubes

Don't Discount Target (A K8 Flashback)

Originally published: 2/18/08

As you know, I love Target for everything from peanut M&Ms and knock-off Vitamin Water, to a $25 Mossimo dress and cheap sunglasses that are only "99% UV protected."  But I've recently discovered yet ANOTHER great thing about the Big T (I refuse to pronounce it tar-jay - it's Target, and I say it with pride).

I recently bothered some of you about whether or not I should read "The Other Boleyn Girl" (I like the idea of reading something other than chick lit or young adult books now and then).  I got a resounding YES from everyone and have been haunting my local (HUGE) 1/2 Price Books for the past month now, but they're always sold out of it (typically happens when a book becomes a movie, such as this one).  Anyway, I popped into "my" Target (NW Hwy and Lemmon), and wow, they really have a great book selection!  I picked up "Boleyn" for only $5.99 plus two other paperbacks (okay, one was a trashy romance - Lori Foster has some great male leads that are typically Ultimate Fighters, which I'm currently way into, but that's another story...).  They also have a great magazine selection, good kids/young adult books (I always get suckered into buying at least one coloring book), and obviously tons of cheapie DVDs that somehow end up in my cart (surprisingly, I still haven't actually opened the $5 copy of "Rudy" I "had to have" several months back).

Anyway, next time you head to Target for "just a couple of things" and haven't yet met your normal $100 spend, head over to the book/magazine/media section (usually at the back or far side of the store) and peruse for a bit...no doubt you'll find a cheap DVD or the latest copy of "Cat Fancy" magazine that you've been looking for.

Happy Targeting,

K8

Oh My Gloss!

As you know, lip gloss is one of my fave beauty products (come to think of it...most beauty products could be considered my "fave," except for maybe any lip "sloughing" stuff - it never works, always leaves gritty residue, and you'd get better results with a decent daily lip balm).  When it comes to glosses, I've tried, bought, tested, loved, hated, discarded, cherished, and recommended many different brands and price ranges (you all remember my "you must buy this!" dictate for Chantecaille's Charm gloss).  And even though I have a special love for Chanel Glossimers, lately I've become a tad disenchanted with how it tends to leak out the top (translation: impossible to throw in any handbag without discovering a new pack of gum all goopy w/gloss).

 To that end, I was determined to find a "less complex" (and cheaper) version of my beloved Chanel Twinkle gloss (it really looks great over ANY lipstick) - I needed something almost as good and certainly more portable.  Be happy, dear K8ers, because I found it!  May I introduce you to Rimmel's Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Unlimited Gold (don't worry, it's a gorgeous pinky gold, not golden nugget bling).  Not only is it only $4.99, but it has a smooth texture (not tacky), looks lovely alone or over a lipstick, and despite the claims, it doesn't really last for hours (a "long-lasting" lip gloss?  Seriously, that just sounds gross).  I've already bought another darker color and been giddy about that one too.  And at $5 a pop, who cares if it wears off after your morning latte?  Just reapply and re-buy!

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss
Magic K8 Ball Says:
7 (Outlook Good), but also 4 (Ask Again Later)
...because I've been burned before by judging too quickly only to be disappointed later, so I'm being cautious on this one...

A Total Frye Baby

Hmm, what's that lovely smell that's wafting through my house?  Fresh-baked cookies?  A bouquet of lilies? No, it's the totally disarming scent of fresh, new leather boots!  You know you know that smell, and you know you love it.  This recognizable fragrance is coming from my new Frye boots that I fell in love with last week and literally had to have.  I didn't buy them on the spot (God knows why), but when I realized I was thinking about them non-stop (and pretty sure I dreamed about them that night), I almost immediately jumped online to find them.  They're no cheap date, but they're worth every penny and last a lifetime!

My love affair with Frye began over ten years ago when they were just getting popular (again).  I of course appreciate that they are a US brand and originally all made in the USA (now most are made in Mexico which I also support because Mexico makes seriously great boots).  Plus, what other boot do you know that manages to look rugged, sexy, and comfortable all at the same time?  (Not to mention the wearability factor with jeans, skinny pants, leggings, skirts, and dresses!). 

My first pair was the traditional harness style and cost $200 approx. eight years ago - it was the most I had paid to-date for any pair of footwear (although I've certainly surpassed that in recent years).  But to this day, they still wear, fit, and look great (and possibly even better than when I bought them).  These boots truly get better with age, they always garner compliments (it helps that mine are a limited-edition olive color), and are totally worth the investment.  So next time you want to do the right thing by your tootsies and your wardrobe, don't think twice - harness up your handbag, mosey up to the mall, lasso yourself the best gall-darn boots you'll ever have, and get ready to inhale the pleasure that is Frye leather.  Ahhhhh....  

Frye Boots
Magic K8 Ball Says: 8+++ (Gotta Have It!)

Nailed It!

Just how many cotton balls does it take to fully remove "Chick Flick Cherry" or "Cajun Shrimp" from 10 fingernails or 10 toenails?  Typically, way too many.  And there's nothing worse than all those icky, wadded-up cotton corpses smelling up your trash.  Aren't you "Fed Up"?? 

I started using Cle de Peau Le Coton a few years ago to take off makeup, but I soon discovered that it's "Braziliant" for removing nail polish as well!  I literally only use ONE cotton square for all 10 fingers or toes (okay, maybe two if it's "Lincoln Park After Dark").  Sure, it's a bit pricey and seems like "Mucho Dinero" at $20 for a box of cotton, but it usually lasts for six months.  Plus, the squares are "Flawless" in that they don't leave stray bits of cotton stuck to your cuticles or eyelashes, and you can just feel that it's higher quality cotton (it comes in a very elegant box and is called "Le Coton" after all). 

Cle de Peau Le Coton pads

Magic K8 Ball Says: 8 = Gotta Have It!

As for polish remover, your smelly stand-by needs a "Curtain Call."  I highly recommend Deborah Lippman's The Stripper - not only is it a fun name and has a nice lavender scent, but you'll be "Sew Psyched" by its ingenious pump that you'll never use too much at once. And when you pair it with Le Coton, you can truly kiss your "Chubby Cheeks" goodbye and will definitely live "Happily Ever After."

Lippman's "The Stripper" Lacquer Remover

Magic K8 Ball Says: 8 = Gotta Have It!

And yes - all of the pithy quoted phrases above are real nail polish colors.

Leaving My Fashion Footprint on Our Youth (A K8 Flashback)

Originally published September 26, 2007

Update: My nephews are now 9, and my niece is 14, and they ALL definitely still know what Prada means to Aunt Kate.

A recent conversation between my 5-year-old nephew, Riley, and my sister-in-law, Amanda...

Amanda: So how was school today? (Riley started Kindergarten this year)

Riley: Fine...Miss B. wears "those shoes with the..." (indicating high heels with his fingers)

A: You mean high heels?

R: Yeah, those!

A: Were they like Aunt Kate's?

R: Mmm, no...they weren't Prada.

A: Well how did you know they weren't Prada?

R: I just know.

A: But you'd only know if you saw the inside of her shoe.

R: I did see the inside of her shoe - sometimes Miss B. just wears her piggy-toes around the class room.

How I love kid-speak!

Even more, I love that I've already had such a profound fashion impact on my nephews.  Thank God I also have a niece, and anytime she smells leather now says all dreamily, "Mmmm...smells like Prada!"

See, if more kids learned about fashion in their formative years, there would simply be no war, famine, global warming, nor panty lines.

I Heart Sharpies

I proudly admit it - I LOVE school supplies.  The appeal of a pristine new spiral notebook, the oh-so-familiar scent of a new glue stick, wooden pencils sharpened to the perfect point...ahhh...almost makes me long for school again (on second thought, I'll just revel in the supplies because God knows I don't ever again want the stress of writing a 20-page paper about the organizational challenges at Boeing on Sunday at 4pm - gives me cold sweats just thinking about it).

But my all-time favorite "grown-up" school supply has to be the Sharpie.  I'm not sure when it began or exactly how, but this obsession has been going on for many years.  As a marketer, I completely admire their campaigns - they're like the Converse of the marker world.  You just feel cooler using one, not to mention the confidence required knowing everything you write is permanent.  Sharpie.com

Fortunately, my love for this gloriously fun writing instrument is shared equally by my sister (she even has the stainless refillable one), and I'm pretty sure she's the only one who understands my excitement when Sharpie launches a new product.  In fact, when Sharpie first introduced their pen that doesn't show through paper, she and I bought them together and were barely out of the store before ripping open the packaging - it was like two smokers who couldn't open the pack to get their fix fast enough.  A little pathetic?  Maybe.  Harmful to our health? Not a chance. Passionate about our pens?  Definitely.

I will say that not all their products are a home run, like the Liquid Pencil (I'm not a fan) and the 1980s "fashion colors" (do any of us really want to relive horrible pastel on paper?).  But you can never go wrong with the Ultra Fine or Extra Fine tip (the latter of which is extremely hard to find - hey Sharpie, if you're listening, time to broaden the distribution and color palette of that one). 

So next time you're in Target or Office Depot, don't forget to peruse the ole' Sharpie section and pick up a few fun colors to punch up your next To-Do list or buy a good chisel-tip highlighter to rekindle some fond textbook memories.  Before you know it, you'll be a Sharpie Devotee too.  I warn you - you'll fall fast, and remember, it's 100% permanent.  Now if I could just find a grown-up coloring book...

Happy Doodling,

K8

Watch Out Resse, I'm Stealing Your Hairstyle (A K8 Flashback)

Originally published Sept. 21, 2007

Update: I did end up getting bangs (see photo below), and they definitely were not my best look, but I'm still a huge fan of the InStyle makeover tool!

Okay, I've just discovered this very fun tool on instyle.com - you upload your own pic and try on all these celebrity hairstyles.  Sure, other sites have this idea, but this one is really good because you can manipulate your own pic (size, tilt of your head, crop out background, etc.).  It's really easy to use, and you can save your fave ideas.  Very fun for those of us who always bring pix to the hairdresser (where she usually says, "Uh, Kate...you're not exactly blonde w/those cheekbones, so we may want to remember that when trying to 'recreate' Cameron Diaz's cut on your head."  Translation: she's famous and has people fix her hair every morning while you work in an office and only have 32 hair products and a semi-decent blowdryer to work with).  Whatever - I still think I can pull off bangs.

Me with Reese's style and color circa 2007

My Beauty "White Whale"

Ah yes, the elusive self-tanner.  As you know, I'm on a perpetual search for the perfect self-tanning product.  Sure, the professional air-brush tan is the only way to go for a major event, but for the day-to-day de-pale-ing of my rather fair skin, I turn to the tube/pump/bottle/spray/paint, etc..  Fortunately, self-tanners get better every year, so just when I think I've found the holy grail of faux bronzing, I'm "forced" to try the latest and greatest yet again.

For the past two years, I've been pretty satisfied with Clinique's version, although it's a bit sticky and requires long PJ pants if you're applying it before bed.  So I was excited to try Loreal's latest incarnation of bronzing gel.  I'd previously tried their Gelee which had a nice consistency but was also a bit tacky. Their newest version is a clear, quick-dry gel in a spray form, and so far, I'm hooked!  

It's easy to apply (you can spray it directly on your skin or in your hands and then on skin), it goes on extremely smoothly, and it smells lovely.  You do have to work quickly since it does dry fast (imagine, a beauty product that actually does what it says!).  But that's the best part - it literally dries within approx. 10 minutes, quick enough that I can put on clothes or PJ boxers and hit the sack with no issues.  Now, THAT's a serious improvement over the gunky stuff from the past!  

It creates a nice glow within the first couple applications and evolves into a beautiful glow over the new couple days.  Best of all, I haven't found any errant splotches or traces of the dreadful orangey-ness, and I even  used it on my arms (the ultimate test of freaky streaks).  My only complaint is that I wish they had a "Dark" version; it appears they only have "Medium" which just requires an extra day or two of applications to get the exact color I need (but thanks to the yummy smell, I really don't mind reapplying).  So get to exfoliating and start slathering up - because God knows NONE of us should be out in the sun, especially in the 100+ Dallas heat!

LOreal-Paris Clear Self-Tanning Spray Gel

Magic K8 Ball Says: 6 - Outlook Good...Happy (Safe) Tanning!

Ry Oh Ry!

Sorry, Ryan Reynolds, but you've just been replaced by Ryan Gosling.  I saw "Crazy, Stupid, Love" this weekend, and although it's not necessarily an Oscar winner, it was very sweet and had a lot of great "lessons" and moments throughout.  But more importantly, Ryan Gosling is ADORABLE in it.  I probably just loved his character more than the others, but I'm officially moving Gosling into my Top Five and thus, Mr. Reynolds, you're now out (I'm afraid his best moments and movies may be behind him at this point; plus lately, he's just been looking way too...pretty).

Now I need to check out some other Gosling flicks (yes, I've seen "The Notebook" - who hasn't?) if for no other reason than to see if that cool, suave, slightly "wrong-side-of-the-tracks," single-guy-at-a-bar accent is real or not.
Great article about Ryan Gosling's character & appeal

K8 Ball Rating:  7 (Signs Point to Yes)
"Crazy, Stupid, Love" movie link 

P.S. Emma Stone (my newest girl crush) is also super cute in it!

$48 Lipstick & My Brush with Celebrity (A K8 Flashback)

One of my friends suggested that I start publishing some of my past stories and anecdotes, so allow me to introduce "K8 Flashbacks."  I have many of these in my email archives that I'll hopefully compile into a book someday, but for now, I'll just post them now and then for your reading pleasure (especially if I'm feeling lazy). By aforementioned friend's request, here's the recap of my semi-recent trip to NYC (of which many actual New Yorkers later told me, "Kate - even NEW YORKERS don't take the bus to NJ!").  With that, I give you...

$48 Lipstick & My Brush with Celebrity (originally published 11/28/10)

I was fortunate enough to be in NYC a couple weeks ago because we opened a new store in lovely Paramus, NJ, (it was kinda nice to see actual leaves changing colors) so I insisted that I take the bus into the city for at least a few hours on Friday to visit Bergdorf-Goodman.  I was pretty proud of myself bussing from Woodbury Commons outlet mall into Manhattan (an hour ride), and then cabbing from Port Authority to BG.  No problem!  I wandered around BG for a few hours in my very chic "NY all-black" outfit, complete w/designer, cross-body bag and motorcycle boots.

After a turn through the shoe floor where women were snapping up what I can only refer to as "works of art" (and priced as such) like it was candy, I stuck to the Contemporary floor where I felt slightly more welcome.  I ended up meeting two jewelry designers who were doing personal appearances that day (nope, don't remember their names but both very nice).  I also scored a gorgeous Nanette Lepore deep maroon leather jacket that started at $848 but ended up just under $200 - major find!  As it got later and I kept reminding myself that I would somehow have to find my way BACK to the bus depot and board a bus back to Paramus, I decided I'd do a final pass through the Cosmetics floor and head out.  After buying my sister an exclusive BG "giftie" in cosmetics, I wanted to treat myself to a Tom Ford lipstick.

I wandered over to the Tom Ford counter (where an extremely handsome foreigner was debating the $1200 gift set).  The sales people were very nice in helping me select a "warm sable" color that I would have never ordinarily chosen for myself, but she made it look fantastic w/the addition of some purple-hued gloss (who knew?!).  As I was waiting to pay, I saw the CUTEST little puppy coming my way in someone's arms.  Of course, I HAD to pet the puppy since I recognized some doxie in him.  Here's how the encounter went:

Me (getting all mushy and cutesy as I reached out to pet the dog): "Oh my gosh, you are sooooo adorable!"
Owner (speaking to the pup): "What do you say...??"
Me: "What breed is he?!"
***  At this point, I finally look up to realize it's none other than Kelsey Grammar holding said puppy! ***
Frasier: "He's a beagle/dachshund mix."
Me (trying to remain completely unphased, as if I chat w/celebs ALL the time): "Oh, that's great!  I have two mini dachshunds myself."
Frasier: simply smiles, nods, and starts back on his path w/pup and young blonde in tow
Me: standing there slack-jawed looking around to see if anyone else noticed, soon realizing that BG sales people encounter this all the time; that, and the fact that Frasier has aged quite a bit, is very tall, but was very nice too.

It was really pretty cool, and I so wish I'd asked him the dog's name - I like to think it was Scoot, but I'm guessing it was something more fussy like Winston or Frederick.  I then proceeded to pay for my aforementioned lipstick at which time I was really thankful to be an employee since the price of the lipstick w/out my discount would've been $48!  Yes, ladies, that's almost $50 for something you basically put on for other women and lick off in a matter of hours.  But considering my experience, it was oh-so worth it.

After that, I managed to hit the pavement and start charting my course back to NJ.  I won't bore you with all the details, but let's just say it involved a hotel concierge (who I overheard confirm an 8pm reservation at Pastisse - jealous!), a semi-panic/semi-excited phone call to my sister, two wrong subway entrances, witnessing a racial-fused yelling match, sprinting through the bus depot, inhaling a bad soft pretzel, racing to the wrong platform, re-racing to the correct one, stripping off several layers of outerwear (since I was sweating by now), finally boarding the correct bus, praying to God my "20% left" battery life on my phone would hold out til NJ, riding through some lovely NJ neighborhoods including Weehawken and Hackensack, and finally arriving at the Paramus mall where my "warning! battery almost out!" allowed me to call my boss to come pick me up.  I like to think the sheer energy and buzz of Manhattan got me through it all, but it was likely more 10% shopping high mixed with 20% adrenaline and 70% survival mentality.

So Many Great Kates....

Have you ever noticed that "Kates" tend to be outgoing, confident, and dare I say...feisty? Or as my dad has always described me, "A pushy little broad" (Can't you tell from this picture? Yes, I'm the tiny one who's clearly running the whole photo shoot).

I think great Kates can be traced back to "Taming of the Shrew" and Shakespeare's original stubborn Kate in all her assertive sassy-ness. That said, I'm still very proud to be a Kate* - I think it's something about the one-syllable and that it rhymes with so many words...It must be fate that Kate is never late for a date at 8 with her great mate in the Lone Star state. However, I cannot say I'm thrilled about Ms. Cate Blanchett now requiring people to ask me for the spelling of my name.  Seriously?!  Kate starts with a K, not a C! (Although I really do like her, and she fits the "Kate" description quite well herself).

Clearly, Kate Middleton has brought much attention to the name as well, and she does have fabulous style.  To check out her daily outfits, visit this fun little site:

What Kate Wore

For a quick read about other great Kates, check this out:

Great Kates in History

* Okay, technically, I'm a Kathryn and was a Katie as a child, but ever since my teen years, I'm a one-syllable girl, so say it like you mean it.

To Your "Health"

If you're like me, you love the thrill of opening your mailbox to find a crisp new magazine full of beautiful people, fantastic clothes, beauty products we can't live without, and maybe a  hint of celebrity gossip.  Not to mention the overabundance of beauty ads (that we secretly love) that comprise at least 25 pages even before the Editor's Letter.  I love the mini satisfaction of removing the protective plastic and setting the magazine on my coffee table or night stand just waiting to be devoured.  Okay, maybe that's a flowery over-share, but the point is, I still LOVE reading magazines.  I'm not sure if it's the paper-lover in me or that my husband is a commercial printer, but seriously...who wants to "flip" through an "online magazine"??  Digital-schmidgital - try sniffing a perfume sample off your monitor.

So after years of being a magazine connoisseur (I still have my original copy of the first issue of Lucky magazine from ten years ago), my glossy-reading tastes have evolved with age, changing wardrobe, and tolerance for tear-out workout cards.  While my favorites still include InStyle and Lucky for fashion and beauty, I've recently added a couple new publications that I highly recommend...

1) Sure, we all pick up a copy of People at the airport as a guilty pleasure, but their newest spin-off is a new must-subscribe: People StyleWatch.  It's literally chock-full of outfitting and beauty ideas, most of which are inspired by or actually worn by celebrities.  The best part is, most of it is very budget-friendly.  I hesitate to admit that it got me to actually buy a pair of cute flat sandals from...Payless (of course, I have to keep them separated from my Weitzmans and Blahniks for fear of a stilleto stand-off...or would it be a closet shoe-down?).

People StyleWatch

2) After many years of subscribing to Self magazine and realizing I had basically read the same "get-fit" articles every two years (not to mention getting really tired of their annual Workout Challenge that was mostly geared toward overweight couch potatoes), I finally had to break up with Self.  Fortunately, my mom turned me on to Health magazine - at first I thought it was for the over-50 crowd, but turns out, it's for 30s - 50s, and I love it!  

Their articles are brief (usually one page or less), relevant, and full of quick tips and ideas to simply better your health.  No lengthy recipes with 27 ingredients I'll never buy, minimal "tear-out" workouts (who actually DOES those??  Have you ever seen a woman at the gym with pages torn from a magazine??), and no 20-year-old rubber people showing me how to twist myself into a human pretzel while wearing THE best sports bra and minuscule hot pants (okay...they do feature pretty women in workout gear, but for some reason, they don't taunt me like other magazine models). 

As someone who doesn't cook at all, I've actually tried some of their easy "skinny cocktails" and "mini meals," and they're great.  The first I ever heard of Bethenny Frankel was in Health magazine because she contributes a monthly column with really yummy and EASY recipes (I've never watched any of the "Housewives" - too busy overseeing the caste system that has overtaken my footwear).

I read every issue of Health cover-to-cover, and rather than feeling like a guilty fatty for skipping my workout yesterday, it always seems to motivate me to just...be healthier.  And it sure doesn't hurt to be on the LOW end of their age demographic vs. feeling old (hence my reason for breaking up with Glamour around age 27 and Cosmo around 18 - I'm pretty sure I read Seventeen longer than Cosmo since it's more respectable).

Pick Health up next time you're at the Whole Foods checkout, and look closely at the titles because you do NOT want Women's Health - that IS the epitome of bra top workouts, 20-yr-olds with six pack abs, and an ever-present subliminal finger shaking of why you should be 10 pounds thinner (you can detect the latter easily since the cover model is always that - a MODEL, vs. Health which always features a healthy actress on the cover).

To Your Health!

Hair YEAH and Hair NO!

As promised, I've been trying out all kinds of new "industrial adhesive" hair products, and I've found two winners (and at least one loser)....

1) The best one for spiky, piece-y hold and great on damp or dry hair is actually from Target - I never mind forking over $7 or $8 to try something new because hey, if it doesn't work, maybe my husband can use it to caulk a tub or adhere something to the under-carriage of his "classic" car.  It's Garnier Fructis Style Survivor Tough It Out Glue (no I didn't make that name up).  I mostly tried it because Garnier usually smells good (which this one does), but major bonus that it actually works too.  Garnier Survivor Hair Stuff 

Magic K8 Ball Rating: 8 (Gotta Have It!)

 

2) My next winner is by Bumble & Bumble, and while it's a bit pricey for hair product, the tube will likely last for months, esp. with shorter hair.  Plus, who doesn't love buying products at an actual salon vs. chucking them in a shopping cart with TP and and Twizzlers?  So make a mini investment in Bb Texture Hair (un)Dressing Creme - it's definitely a lighter hold than the Survivor Glue, but it has just the right amount of smoothness to keep things in place.  I prefer it on dry hair (tames the "scare hair" in the morning), but the lovely salon gal also suggested blowing it dry for more volume - need to try that next.  B&B (un)Dressing Creme 

Magic K8 Ball Rating: 6 (Outlook Good)

3) Unfortunately, one of my losers so far is also from Garnier.  My first clue should've been the word "surf" since pretty much anything that promises "that perfect, out-of-the-ocean, beachy, wavy, golden goddess hair" thing is like saying low-fat sorbet is just as satisfying as Chunky Monkey. Plus, it was TOO cheap at under $4. It's called Style Surf Hair Texture Paste (okay seriously, someone at Garnier needs to lighten up on the adjectives), and all it really does it make your hair dull, sticky, and weirdly powdery. Anytime I touched my hair during the day, I was reminded that unless I had a wet wipe or sink nearby, my phone was doomed to become as disgusting as my nephew's sippy cup after a play-date.  Garnier Bad Day at the Beach Junk 

Magic K8 Ball Rating: 2 (Don't Count On It)

 

I'm also slowly rediscovering clips, headbands, bandanas (a lifesaver for the gym), and the versatility of parting on either side.  But the best part (no pun intended) is saving at least 15 minutes every morning and having an excuse to reapply lipstick often (short hair means major face focus).

Til next post...stay cool, WEAR SUNSCREEN, and let me know about any of your beauty successes or questions - it's Never Too K8!

Pixie, Sassy, Edgy - No, Not the Missing Dwarves...

Nope - it's my new short haircut.  I went in for a minor trim, and next thing I know, I'm pulling out pictures of short hair styles I secretly covet and start telling my stylist to "just keep going!"  Of course, I experienced some minor regret almost immediately until I heard my sister's voice in my head yelling, "I LOVE when your hair is short!  Not many people can pull it off, so you DEFINITELY should do it!"  Whew, thanks sis.

I have to admit, it was fun at work today with all the wide-eyed reactions.  I think my favorite comment was, "Wow - you are brave!  I could never do that!"  Um, thanks, but it's not like I just marched across broken glass barefooted to take down the Rebel Force or anything.  Still, I appreciate the support.

So as I get used to it and play with every kind of hair putty, wax, cement, and glue (why do they all have to be named after industrial adhesives?),  I can justify all my new hair product and earring purchases since I'll be using the same bottle of shampoo for the next year.  Sure, I have to wear a little more makeup each day (edgy hair requires a feminine face), but those who know me also know the only thing I hoard more than hair product is beauty product, so game on!

Obviously, this will likely lead to many new product reviews, so stay posted, and for now, the Magic K8 Ball rates the new haircut as a solid 7: Signs Point to Yes!

Think INSIDE The (Dye) Box

I can quickly become addicted to a new beauty product, so it should come as no surprise that my latest obsession is dyeing my own hair.  Sure, I went through the highlights phase (I thought it was a requirement to have some level of blond when I moved back to Texas six years ago), but that proved quite expensive and frankly, rather dated...rather quickly.

So in an effort to save money but still indulge my need to continually change my favorite accessory (my hair), I decided to hit my local Target and navigate the boxed hair color aisle (which can be quite daunting for a beginner).  Based on a few magazine reco's and a $5 coupon (yes, Marketing DOES work), I've now tried three different brands and actually liked all of them.  Hair dye has come a long way from smelly, messy, guessing-game hell...in the days of hair-dye-yore, you only had a few different color options (yellow, red, brown, black), but now you can pretty much find 29 different tones and shades just within the "chocolate" family (warm, rich, auburn, cool, dark, low fat...).

After many compliments on my first (successful) attempt, I finally had to reveal that it was all from a box...and that I kinda have fun doing it, much to my awesome hairdresser's chagrin (sorry Lyns, it's nothing personal!).  Plus, they all come with a nice conditioner that last at least another month after the dye job.  Best of all...no smell, and very little mess! Although I will warn you blondies - I have a feeling going blonde from a box can be a bit trickier than brunettes, so proceed with caution (and have your colorist on speed dial).

A few "tint hints" before you get started...
1) Make sure your hair is at least one-two days unwashed - the dye seems to hold better on dirty hair.
2) I suggest trying it on a weekend...just in case.
3) Put an old towel on the floor under you - if any stray drops occur, they end up looking like blood.
4) Wear an old shirt - same issue as #3.
5) Have your timer ready - it's pretty tough to start digging around for one AFTER your gloved hands are all covered in the stuff.

And now to my brand suggestions (in order of how I tested them over the past year)...

First attempt was with Clairol Natural Instincts.  Seemed to go very well and resulted in a lot of shine!  This was also my favorite smelling conditioner of the three.  My color was 4G Dark Golden Brown (in the "Golden Chocolate" Family - yes, it's a whole hierarchy of color spectrum science, and I'm sure if you mix two of them, you can create your own hybrid species of fabulosity).  Natural Instincts Hair Color
Magic K8 Ball Says: 6 = Outlook Good (A solid performance, but I've seen better)

Next was Garnier Nutrisse - yep, this is SJP's brand of choice with the fancy "avocado seed extract" stuff. Worked very well, although it's the traditional "liquid" formula so it can drip if you're not careful (the foam from above doesn't drip at all).  My color was 40 Dark Brown (in the "Dark Chocolate" family).  Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color
Magic K8 Ball Says: 7 = Signs Point to Yes (Just short of perfect, & definitely worth a try)

My favorite so far is John Frieda foam - it's easier to work in, and the gloves are waaay better (rubber and stay on well) vs. the other brands (basically clear trash bags with fingers that keep slipping off).  My color was 4N Brilliant Brunette (in the "Dark Natural Brown" family) - for those of you who see me regularly, it's my current color.  John Frieda Precision Foam Colour
Magic K8 Ball Says: 8 = Gotta Have It! (A winner right out of the gate, er...box!)

Oh Solo Mio...I'm Drinking the Kool-Aid!

You've seen the commercials - some mysterious colored liquid is squeezed into a glass of water as if the evil stepmother poured it out of her poisonous ring (it basically looks like fancy food coloring that you really only see during egg-dyeing season).  The voice-over proceeds to explain how this fancy new liquid will add flavor to plain ole' boring water without adding calories or other unneccesary junk.  Hmm, I think...(picture thought bubble over my head)...I don't love drinking water but know I should drink more - maybe this is just what I need! 

The fancy liquid is called Mio and comes in a neat little squirt bottle in six different flavors, so I picked up the Berry Pomegranate flavor at my local Target (that one sounded the tastiest, plus it's purple which is my fave).  I have to say, it's kinda fun squirting it into your glass, and you can add a little or a lot - it doesn't take much to liven up boring water.  Best of all, it really tastes like "adult Kool-Aid!" (only without the fun Kool-Aid dude busting through your wall).

I don't love that it uses Sucralose (it can sometimes leave an after-taste) but that's probably the worst thing about it.  For $3.99 a pop, I'll definitely try the other flavors.  Hey, whatever helps me chug more agua and makes me look cool without being poisoned, I'm in.
Mio Fun Liquid Stuff 

Magic K8 Ball Says:  7 = Signs Point to Yes (Just short of perfect, and definitely worth a try)

Magic K8 Ball Says...

Obviously, I'm a pushover for good Marketing - why else would I actually test and try so many new "life-altering, age-defying, must-have, new-and-improved, gotta-have-it" retail gems? Hence, my official rating system, The Magic K8 Ball, from 8 (highest) to 1 (lowest):

8: Gotta Have It! (A proven winner through repeated success or out-of-the-gate awesomeness)

7: Outlook Good (Just short of perfect, and definitely worth a try)

6: Signs Point to Yes (A solid performance but I've seen better)

5: Pretty Sure (Above average, but okay if you skip it)

4: Result Hazy, Ask Again Later (Too soon tell; need more time)

3: Not So Much (Below average but not a total loser)

2: Don't Count on It (Pretty crummy; $ better spent on an overpriced latte)

1: What A Joke! (Overrated and complete waste of good shoe money)

From Skinny Britches to Chubby Cheeks...Bring on Summer

As the hot season quickly approaches, here are my initial finds to disguise the muffin top, get lost in a book, and your next pedicure must-have...

1) Skinny Britches (no, that's not a typo)
I've tried to avoid any type of compression undergarment for years, but after I heard Kate Winslet openly admit that she's no stranger to Spanx, I figured, "If THAT Kate's doing it, so can this one!"  They're certainly not a daily wear for me (I'll save those for another post), but a sheath dress pretty much demands it at this point - enter Spanx Skinny Britches.  They're much thinner and lighter-weight than the traditional mummy-style Spanx, and they pretty much stay in place, unless you count a slight rollover effect at the waist (but no inching up on the thigh which is the usual frustration zone). 

I'm not as happy to report that you have to size up for sure; a Large is most comfortable for me (which seems a little crazy since my pants are typically a 6 or 8).  Still, they're the best I've found so far, and honestly, if you're wearing these things, does size really even matter anymore??

Spanx Skinny Britches

2) The book "The Hunger Games" (ah, the irony of that title after just praising a compression garment) - sure, it's a Young Adult book that's being made into a huge movie franchise, a la "Twilight," but this one is definitely more...adult in it's futuristic slant.  I'm not a sci-fi fan, but this one will definitely draw you in, and it's a quick read.  Gotta love a strong-willed teen who's more concerned about staying alive than whether or not Boy A or Boy B will kiss her first.

The Hunger Games on Amazon

3) My new go-to summer nail color - "Chubby Cheeks" by Essie (I promise this isn't all subliminal sub-text for "get thee to a gym before swimsuit season is fully upon us").  This is a fun WEARABLE coral that's great on fingers and toes.  I've always been frustrated by trite beauty copy like "it looks great on EVERY skin tone," so I refuse to make that claim - how do I know how tan or pale you are, and I wouldn't presume to judge if this "adds a golden glow" or "brings out your radiance," but I can tell you that I had three seperate compliments the first day.
Essie Chubby Cheeks

Happy Summering and remember, it's Never too K8.
K8

K8 Enters the Blogosphere....

It was inevitable.  I knew at some point I would HAVE to start blogging about my frequent musings and "social commentary" (typically as it relates to me and my fun-loving friends), as well as all my fashion and beauty purchases, suggestions, trials, and mishaps.  It's not that I mind sending a group email (who's distro name happens to be "Girlies"), but a few of you have asked if I could "just start a blog already!"  Alright, alright...I'm doing it!

You're probably wondering about the name, "My Sister K8" (or maybe not, but I'm telling you anyway)....I first started sharing all my retail escapades and "life-altering moments" (shaking Mr. Manolo Blahnik's hand IS a big deal) with my older sister. Apparently she was retelling my stories and updates so often that if she had a dollar for every time she started a sentence, "My Sister K8....," she'd finally be able to buy that Prada bag.

I'll start posting soon (and don't worry, I'm not planning to tell you about every time I clip my nails or buy a Starbucks), so feel free to share my new blog with friends and don't hesitate to ask or request something from me because I've likely seen it, heard about it, have an opinion on it, or best of all, want to try/read/see it myself! 

Whatever it is, it's Never Too K8.