Fake Uggs

One word: Don't! 

And it's not because copycat Uggs are...copycats. Rather, fake Uggs will collapse on you. Yea, they have no support in the backs and the wearer ends up stepping on the back. It looks plain old ugly and every time I see this happening, it is a pair of fakeos from Charlotte Russe or some wannabe trash store. To date I have never seen a real pair do this, and being the owner of several pairs myself, I know why. 

If you think you can't afford real ones, go to TJ Maxx, Ross, eBay, Nordstrom Rack-whatever- they're affordable, thereby voiding your excuse.

Have a fabulous day!

Budget + Hair = Done

I am no stranger to the ways of the salon. I, like many readers, have experienced some pretty heinous hair styles. The color blue was involved once. So if you're freaking out about where to get non-tacky hair in Utah, allow me to make some suggestions. These are ranked for YOUR budget, so no matter who you are, you can still achieve the hair style you want.

Budget Key (for cut and color):

$ = 50 bucks and under

$$ = 50 - 110 bucks

$$$ = 110 - ouch

$

Paul Mitchell School

Admittedly, it is a little daunting to go to a hair school for the first time. The words "huge mistake" will most likely cross your brain when you walk in. And this blog is not accepting of shiz hair dos! But never fear, because what you are doing may actually be better than going to some experienced, prima donna hairstylist that is in the $$$ category. The reason: since students are learning, they are more careful and take great pains to make sure things look okay. Instructors absolutely must examine the rough draft before and after the student pulls out his/her scissors, and the instructor will make any adjustments as well. My friends with the coolest styles always get them done at a hair school. 

To keep in mind: While haircuts are around $15, you are a lab rat to these stylists in training, so it may take double the time as a normal salon. Also, you are generally required to sign a waiver basically stating that you realize these kids are using you as an experiment and results may or may not be what you had hoped.

According to a good friend of mine, facials are amazing at Dallas Roberts Academy in Provo! And cheap too ($20-25)! So check it out.

$$

Studio 210

One name: Jaime Vincent. When you're looking for a stylist who a) is not tacky, b) updated with new trends, and c) will listen to YOU about what you want, this is what you want. Let's face it, Utah hair is sometimes scary. The poofy thing? The brassy highlights? Gross! You won't get them here. This girl actually listens to her clients and will do whatever looks good, classy and sharp. 

$$$

Tyson Daniel

While the way he does hair some how makes me reminisce to Zoolander, the outcome is pretty much awesome. Drama oozes from his pores, but if you want someone to reinvent you in the best possible way, this is the place. Tyson was also on last year's Shear Genius reality show where he went head to head with a bunch of hair stylists. He didn't win, but it's no wonder he was on the show. He has a style unlike anyone else in Utah.

I first heard of him about 4 years ago, when I worked in SLC. There were two girls at my work who had absolutely incredible hairstyles and I subsequently discovered they had gotten it done at TD Studio Salon, Tyson's former hq. Almost 3 years later, I happened upon an old business card of his and happened to get one of the last appts at his salon before he sold it and worked from his Mother's salon. He grabbed my hair and pretty much just started cutting, and it changed my life. Since then he has given me absolutely incredible hair cuts. You don't even need to say anything, he knows what will flatter you the best. 

Try Him If: You have had 1,000 hair cuts that just don't quite do it for you and are looking for a little spunk. It is worth the penny.

Keep in Mind: Tyson is a little different than your normal stylist. He is more into the artistic function of hair than it being a trade he picked up at some school to make money. He will try to "hand paint" color and all sorts of funky things (the picture to the left says it all). But it is pretty sweet.

Honorable Mention: If you live in SLC and say Tyson is not what you're looking for, may I suggest Salon Kai in Sugarhouse? Ask for Brittany M. She is a $$ and is really good at what she does. She might even diss Tyson Daniel!! 

 

Okay so I hope that gives you somewhere to start. Remember these are tried and true salons/stylists, but of course, use them at your own risk. :)

Stop! Don't Do It! ...

...pay full price for that hoodie, that is! i mean why would you, when in fact, you can get a much better and cooler deal somewhere else? Or this hot $120 Vestral watch for under $40? And that's not even the best of the deals! Shirts are like 7 bones; sunglasses, 20; and a hot Special Blend snowboard jacket? retails $400, i got it for oh, $80.

Yes it's true, and if you don't believe me, hop on over to Whiskey Militia to check for yourself. 

If that deal isn't enough for you, its sister company, Steep and Cheap pretty much does the same thing.

If you're wondering what it actually is that these sites does, here's the skinny:

1) go to the sites above

2) there, one style is up for grabs at time, at steal of a price 

3) these include: hoodies, tees, shoes, snowboards, skate decks, watches, hats, sunglasses, etc

4) as soon as the item has been bought up, a new item replaces and we start all over again

The items are usually geared to snowboard, skate, surf, climbing/outdoors labels such as: Electric, Burton, Four Square, Special Blend, HEAD, Dragon, The North Face, Sessions, and so on. Then again this is Utah, so what more could you ask for?

To sweeten the deal, since you are most likely reading this from Utah, you can actually pick up the goods at the warehouse in SLC, meaning no shipping charge! Or if you're lazy like me, they ship quickly and items are usually in hand in a couple of days. 

WARNING: This is **EXTREMELY** addicting! The deals are always "too good to pass up", so enjoy but don't say I didn't warn you. :)

The Problem With Utah

Ok so you may be thinking that putting the words "Utah" and "fashion" next to each other is a seriously hilarious oxymoron. After all, Utah has never been the first for any new fashions (who can deny the mushroom hair?!). So therefore, if you suspect that Utah + Fashion = VOID, then you are correct to assume so. That's where I come in. It doesn't hurt that I've lived in such fashionable joints as: NYC, DC and Phila.  I've come to rescue you from the giant scary Utah pit of fashion death. Clothing, makeup, shoes and of course the almighty hair are always in, but it's how and what you wear that makes the difference. If nothing else, you will learn how to care for those $200 jeans you just bought, and you'll get the scoop on those beauty products you've always wanted to try but didn't want to shell out $500 for. Is this a silly, flippant blog? Perhaps. But you know you're already addicted and we haven't even started. 

Fashionably Yours,

Abby

P.S. This blog photo is courtesy "what not to wear"!