There are only 10 days left until 2009 disappears into the ether of history and 2010 is upon us, so without any further ado, here is the final installment in my series of posts on the biggest trends of the year. Today, we will cover the most notable nail fad of ‘09, the wild hair trend sparked by a certain Gossip Girl, and the fashion trick that’s fit for a First Lady.

BEAUTY: Matte nail polish. This was, hands down, the biggest nail trend of ‘09 - and one of the biggest beauty trends of the year, period. After matte-centric ManGlaze and KO Knock Out made headlines early on with their unique colors and finishes, it seemed like every single polish company (OPI, Zoya, Nubar and Orly leap to mind) launched at least one collection of matte polishes this year - and, in many cases, several. Essie, China Glaze and Rescue Beauty Lounge took the craze one step further with by creating matte top coats, which can be brushed onto any shade to create that velvety matte look. I haven’t seen many low-end knockoffs of the matte nails craze yet - you still have to stop by a beauty supply store or specialty retailer like Ulta to stock up - but I predict that drugstore brands will be rolling out their take on the trend very soon. Something to look forward to in 2010 - unless you’re already burnt out on it, that is! So what was your take on matte polish? Did you dig it, or do you prefer your manicure shiny?

HAIR: Long, untamed tresses. If you’re wondering what the most popular hairstyle of 2009 was, then look no further than Blake Lively. The blonde bombshell, best known for her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, epitomized the wild, messy, borderline unkempt long hair that could be seen on countless Hollywood starlets this year. (Case in point: Check out my last Latest Trends post, in which Lindsay Lohan is shown rocking the look.) I would describe it as Brigitte Bardot meets a serious case of bedhead. The New York Times even likens it to “the ‘Rachel’” of the ’00s - in other words, the defining women’s hairstyle of the decade, just as Jennifer Aniston’s updated Friends shag was the ‘do of the ’90s. And if you lack the natural length necessary, don’t fret - there’s always extensions!

FASHION: Waist-accentuating belts. This is one of the most figure-flattering fashion trends in recent memory, and it is my humble opinion that we owe it all to First Lady Michelle Obama. Sure, women wore belts before Mrs. O emerged as a fashion icon, but I can’t remember so many ladies belting their dresses, cardigans, and so forth quite as much as they do now. The belt has evolved from a sartorial afterthought to one of the most vital accessories a woman can own. They can make an ill-fitting or loose dress incredibly pretty and polished, and they make any outfit look “done,” but not stuffy. If you don’t have at least one or two belts at this point - which I doubt - look for a wide one that’s fitted to your waist but has a bit of stretch, and consider an eye-catching color for added drama. Or you could go the First Lady route and pick up a clear belt, like this one. It’s sleek and futuristic yet pretty and classic, and it will certainly go well with any color combination. Belts, we salute you. Thank you for bringing the hourglass figure back into popular consciousness!

I have a confession:  Until about a month ago, I had not bought shampoo or conditioner for well over a year.  I had some Garnier products stockpiled from an event I went to early in 2008 and I didn’t need to buy anything new.  And, another confession, I still have enough shampoo and conditioner to get me through another few months…

But I recently decided to grow out my shoulder length hair and I’ve heard nonstop chatter about Pantene’s Beautiful Length Collection.  On blogs, in magazines - it keeps showing up everywhere - and people are raving.  Marie Claire’s editors even voted the conditioner as one of the best products of all time.  That is a pretty bold claim.   And I got curious…could it live up to its hype?

So I broke down and finally bought the Pantene Beautiful Lengths shampoo and conditioner…

Pantene claims that their Beautiful Lengths line allows your hair to remain healthy and strong in order for it to grow past its “breaking point,”  protecting against breakage when it is both wet and dry.  My hair is fragile - it is thin and I shed so much that at times I wonder how I’m not completely bald.    So a product that claims to protect against breakage gets my attention.  What holds my attention is that this is the first drugstore shampoo and conditioner that I have tried that actually delivers on its claim.  I’ve been using Beautiful Lengths for over a month now and my hair has never felt softer.  And, while I’m fully aware that it may be the power of suggestion, my hair seems longer.  To really quantify the effect, I definitely shed less - which I can tell by my comb. And looking at my ends, there is definitely less breakage.  Which is another major bonus, since I haven’t had my hair cut since…September?  I think?

I am beyond pleasantly surprised by my month-long affair with Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths and I have a feeling this is going to turn into a long-term relationship.  I wasn’t looking for love but sometimes the right product comes along and surprises you.

Welcome to the latest entry in my retrospective on the fashion, beauty and hair trends that have been making waves in 2009! Today I’m focusing on a recession-friendly way to keep your hair looking gorgeous, the comfy/sexy fashion sensation that just won’t die, and one of the two biggest nail trends of the year.

HAIR: Coloring your hair at home. Okay, so home hair dye has always been an option - but the big news now is that it doesn’t have to be your “last resort” anymore. More women are opting to save the money they would spend on a trip to the salon by stopping by the drugstore and picking up a box of their favorite shade instead. Personally, I’ve had good experiences with Clairol’s Natural Instincts, which can freshen up or slightly change your existing color for about a month or two, but you can find products that are perfect for everything from highlighting your hair to touching up your roots. Instructions are easy to follow and virtually foolproof, and the kits are very affordable. Does anyone have a favorite at-home hair color to recommend?

FASHION: Leggings. After several years in the fashion spotlight, it’s beginning to feel like a bit of an understatement to refer to leggings as a mere “trend.” Celebrities - including unofficial poster child Lindsay Lohan, who even designed her own leggings line - swear by them, as do non-famous ladies everywhere. They’re so widespread that it seems clear that they may soon be taking their place in the fashion canon, right next to jeans, as an indelible staple of the American wardrobe. Why? Because they’re form-fitting and sexy yet comfortable and flattering, and they can be styled in so many different ways, depending on the rest of your outfit and accessories. (Plus, they’re perfect for layering!) They’ve really come a long way from their workout wear/80s origins.

BEAUTY: Glitter nail polish. With so many different brands to choose from and the increasing popularity of nail polish blogs (yes, there is a subset of the beauty blogging world devoted solely to swatching and reviewing the latest polish collections!), nails are really coming into their own - and one of the biggest trends for tips this year was intensely glittery polish. Rescue Beauty Lounge came out with this amazing trio of glitter polishes early in ‘09, and pretty much everyone followed suit, from Zoya to OPI to Sally Hansen - and, most notably, China Glaze, who unveiled a collection of fifty gloriously glittery shades. There’s only one polish trend that eclipsed glitter this year…which I’ll talk about in next Monday’s Latest Trends! Stay tuned…

Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving and a great Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday! We’re edging closer to the end of the year here, so I’d like to take this opportunity to observe a few of the latest trends that have been popping up in fashion, beauty and hair. Here are three of my favorites:

FASHION: The statement necklace. The beauty of this showstopper is that it does all of the work for you. Throw on an enormous, eye-catching necklace and what you’re wearing  is really of secondary concern. In fact, since your necklace is so bold, your best bet is to keep things simple. For formal occasions, choose a strapless gown or a basic sheath in a solid color; if you’re going casual, try a plain white T-shirt, skinny jeans and boots. And, of course, the rest of your accessories will need to stay understated - or completely non-existent. For a quick primer on how to do this right, check out Amy Adams in this sparkling emerald, sapphire and ruby bib necklace at last year’s Oscars. Gorgeous! If you don’t have a movie star budget, there are much more affordable takes on the trend available at stores like Old Navy and Forever 21.

HAIR: Shampooing less often. In the December issue of Glamour magazine, hair guru Oscar Blandi recommends shampooing no more than twice a week. Apparently, this practice “keeps hair healthy” - not to mention the fact that your scalp’s natural oils will make your hair much easier to style. If you’re concerned about smelling like, well, unwashed hair, rest assured that your locks will adapt over time as you start to shampoo them less - and in the meantime, why not try a dry shampoo? They come in a wide range of prices and scents, and you can buy them in a powder that you shake on or a simple spray for convenience and portability. Professional hairdressers seem to swear by dry shampoo - and you can even make your own low-budget version with cornstarch if you’re watching your wallet!

BEAUTY: Lining the inner rims of your eyes. As modeled by the lovely Olivia Wilde, lining the inner rims of your eyes (i.e., the “waterline”) with a soft pencil will throw the whites of your eyes into sharp relief, really making them “pop.” Several companies are making super skinny eyeliner pencils just for this purpose, but it’s easy to do with any eyeliner as long as you take the time to sharpen and then soften the point beforehand. (Try running the tip on your hand or on a Kleenex before beginning.) Line slowly to avoid poking yourself in the eye, and stop immediately if you feel any irritation. Unfortunately, this look probably won’t work for contact lens wearers or ladies with especially sensitive eyes. But it sure looks pretty, doesn’t it?

Okay, how gorgeous did Nicole Kidman look at last night’s BMI Country Awards in Nashville, Tennessee? I know I already gave my “Red Carpet Award” to Diane Kruger for her beautiful Chanel sparkler, but this slim-cut, strapless red dress with black sash is a close second. I love that this is a little edgy for Nicole, given the bold color of the dress and the black nail polish, but more than anything else I love that she is a redhead again! Back in the Moulin Rouge era, I thought Nicole was one of the most beautiful women alive, but ever since she switched to blonde my interest has waned a little. She’s so pale that the lighter color just made her look washed out. But with her lovely strawberry locks back in full effect, she once again looks like the fashion and beauty icon she was clearly born to be. What do you think of Nicole’s scarlet fever?

Rihanna must have read my post on Cassie and thought I had some good taste because she was out yesterday in NYC sporting a newly shorn do.  Rihanna is known for taking chances with her hair and she looks like a full-on rock star with this new style.  Her earrings, the chain on her purse and her black talon fingernails just further enforce the rock star style.  Even though most of you weren’t digging Cassie’s look, do you like it better on Rihanna?

On a side note, does anyone else find the shirtless guy and the guy holding up his Nike a little random??

So, I’m not exactly sure who Cassie is - apparently she is a singer?  But she showed up at the Louis Vuitton  party for the 40th anniversary of the trip to the moon (which is also a random party).  She is a very pretty girl, with long and healthy looking hair - minus the whole half-shaved head thing.  With etched designs.  Which for reasons unknown to me, I kind of love.  What do you think?

Emma Watson looked lovely at the premiere of Harry Potter in London yesterday.  Her dress was long and flowy but it was her hair that caught my attention.  Delicately pinned back in a high bun with a strand of braid woven through, this is the perfect hairstyle for a humid summer day.  I especially like the double-banded red head band she layered over top of the style.  It perfectly frames her face and makes sure that her “do” stays in place!

Living in NYC, you come to know Ricky’s.  Especially around Halloween.  They always have the best costume collections and costumed characters outside the store luring you in.  And once you venture inside you realize that Ricky’s is more than just costumes - it is a bona fide makeup/accessories/beauty store.  They have great cosmetics, hair products and even sell Havianas.  All of this is important because Ricky’s NYC just stepped off the streets of New York and into your computer with their new online store!  If you are looking for discounted Kiss My Face or a hot pink wig - Ricky’s got it for you.  Click on over and check out the eclectic collection they have to offer!

You’ve probably already used - or at least heard of - dry shampoo. (Or, for the more practical-minded among us, this super-affordable alternative!) But have you ever heard of dry conditioner? Me neither! Until now, of course. Because Orlando Pita has just introduced his new Renew Dry Conditioner, available at Sephora, and I am naturally intrigued. You spray it on and work it through - just like dry shampoo - but instead of cleansing and absorbing oils, it’s meant to add shine and softness. You can use it in conjunction with your dry shampoo, or try it after a shower for some quick conditioning on the go. What do you think? Is this something you would try, or do you prefer to wash and condition your hair with, you know…water?

It’s pretty well known that it is better for your hair if you don’t shampoo it everyday.  This is all well and good in theory, but in practice it can be hard for those of us oily hair.  I can go maybe one day without shampooing but at the end of the day my hair looks limp and lifeless.  Dry shampoo is a great way to combat the oil and bring your hair back to life but it is pretty expensive, and in my experience, runs out quickly.

Enter Corn Starch.

You may have noticed that most of the big selling dry shampoos, like Bumble and Bumble and Oscar Blandi, contain some sort of corn or oat starch in their key ingredients.  Oddly enough, your old grocery store variety will do the same trick and you won’t have to pay more than $20 for it.  Just sprinkle some corn starch into your hand, work it into your roots and then comb out.  The starch will absorb the oils and odors and your hair will be ready to face another day!

I don’t watch Big Love, the hot HBO show about polygamy on which Ginnifer Goodwin plays one of Bill Paxton’s many, many wives, but I do think her endearing turn as the lovelorn lead in He’s Just Not That Into You was easily the best part of a rather mediocre movie. She also won major style points with me for her character’s cute wardrobe and endless supply of nail polish in various shades of purple. So I was very interested to see this shot of her at a dinner for the Australian fashion designers Camilla and Marc, debuting her new, shorter hairstyle. She was captured on the Chateau Marmont patio in this cute summer dress by the duo with punky open-toed black heels (showing off a cherry red pedicure) and what appears to be a purple clutch. But, of course, the star was her new cropped haircut, which I love. The sideswept bangs make this potentially severe hairstyle warm and forgiving, and I love how it looks with her dangly earrings. It almost makes me want to grab the scissors myself! What do you think?

Everyone talks about the CHI but the GHD provides some stiff competition in the flat iron world.  There are a lot of GHD flat iron reviews out there comparing the two flat iron giants.  How do you decide which one is the best for you?

Zoe Saldana lit up the red carpet with her sleek hairstyle, promoting Star Trek around the world.  Her stylist used a flat iron for the finishing touches.  Want the same look?  You need the right tools…

One of the biggest differences between the two flat irons is that the GHD retails for more.  The question is, does the higher price mean a better performance?  The general consensus seems to think that it does.  The GHD flat iron tends to have a longer life span which is a definite bonus when you are spending extra money to make sure your hair looks great.  The GHD flat iron reviews also say that hair looks healthy and shiny when used correctly.  The ceramic plates insure that the heat is evenly distributed and that the natural oils of your hair are locked in.  The GHD is ideal for the woman that straightens her hair on a regular basis and needs to keep her hair looking healthy and well-maintained.

Stylists everywhere know that if you want to get the sleekest, prettiest hair you have to use the right tools.  Farouk CHI Hair Products are a staple in practically every salon you will visit.  They set the standard for ceramic hair styling tools, giving consistent professional results.  Reese Witherspoon’s sleek and sophisticated style is a great example of how you can make your hair shine with Farouk CHI hair products.  It is always a good idea to use a spray that offers thermal protection before heat styling your hair.  CHI has a very effective shine infusing thermal protection spray.  Reese’s hair has such a beautiful shine to it in this style that I wouldn’t be surprised if she used it for this event!  CHI hair products really are a great investment if you want to have perfectly polished hair.

I know I am not then only one who battles frizzy hair on a daily basis but that doesn’t make the battle any more fun.  I have tried plenty of drugstore products to curb my frizz but I think home remedies for frizzy hair might be the best way to go.

Begin with a simple step:

Stop touching your hair!  If you have naturally curly hair, you were probably taught somewhere along the lines that scrunching your hair is the best way to bring out the curls.  In reality, it is the best way to bring out the frizz, not unlike Miss Cameron in this picture.

Home Remedies:

• A hot oil treatment is a great home remedy for frizzy hair.  Heat up two teaspoons of olive oil in the microwave.  Work the oil through your dry hair, paying special attention to the ends of your hair and your scalp.  Put on a shower cap to lock in the heat and moisture and allow the oil to work for about thirty minutes.  Use a gentle cleanser to rinse the oil out of your hair once the treatment is complete.

• Another way to control frizz is to pour just a dash of olive oil into your palms, rub your palms together and then smooth over your hair.  You can do this when your hair is wet or dry, as either a preventive measure or as a touch up tool.

Frizz can also be the result of damaged hair from heat styling.  If  you tend to straighten your hair and are experiencing frizz, make sure you are using the right tools.  If your flat iron is not ceramic or is only ceramic-plated, chances are you are continually damaging your hair with each use.  Ceramic flat irons are specifically designed to reduce frizz and create less damage so they are the best choice for straightening your hair.

These few steps can really help with the frizz battle.  And now that summer is on the horizon, I need to start using these remedies as soon as possible.  My hair is always at its frizziest when it is hot and I’m going to the beach every chance I get!

Megan Fox always has the straightest, shiniest hair on the red carpet, no? I mean, check out this picture, from the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. (I’m not including a shot from this year’s Movie Awards, because that hairdo, which was slicked back on top and wavy in the back, was sort of a girlie mullet. Now let us never speak of it again.) Anyhow, back in ‘07, Megan’s hair was flat ironed to perfection: Stick straight, silky, and healthy-looking. How can you steal this look for yourself? It’s actually pretty easy. Here are some hints:

Begin with hair that is totally dry. If you’ve just gotten out of the shower, take the time to blow dry completely. You can fry your locks otherwise.

Next, apply a spray or serum that offers thermal protection. This will also prevent you from scorching your hair shaft and leaving things drier and frizzier than before. John Frieda makes a good one.

Now you’re ready to straighten! Use a high quality styling tool (some ladies I know swear by GHD flat irons) and straighten in sections. Don’t try to do all of your hair at once! It won’t work and you’ll just end up frustrated, attempting to straighten the same patch of hair over and over. Very bad!

Finally, set your style with a lightweight, non-sticky finishing spray. Ta-da! Now go break some hearts!

Looking for more hair styling info? Don’t miss our post on thermal curling irons!

Ah, American Idol. There are few popular TV shows with quite the same power to pit friend against friend, brother against brother, husband against wife, each side valiantly fighting to secure the triumph of their potential pop sensation of choice…oh, the drama! This season was perhaps the most polarizing to date, as Adam Lambert, with his powerful pipes and “edgy rocker” outfits gained millions of fans…and ultimately lost the big prize to AI winner Kris Allen. Fans haven’t forgotten about Adam, however, and the big question on the minds of many is whether the Adam Lambert plastic surgery rumors are fact or fiction. The
speculation started in earnest when pictures and footage of Adam in his awkward high school years came to light. It turns out that Adam’s not only a natural blonde who apparently hits the bottle for his inky black locks, but he also may have had a nosejob to further enhance and refine his features! Compare Adam’s high school picture with this current shot; do you think rhinoplasty could have played a part in creating the thinner, more refined shape of Adam’s current nose? One thing’s for sure: The validity of the

alleged Adam Lambert nose job might be up for debate, but his hair is definitely dyed and straightened! Perhaps Adam uses a Chi flat iron to help create his sleek, punky hairdo? Tell us: Do you think Adam Lambert has had a nose job, or do you think his hair is the only thing about him that’s fake?

Everyone has heard of curling irons! For millions of women all over the world, their curling irons (as well as other heat styling tools like flat irons, crimping irons, and so forth) are an absolutely indispensable part of their daily beauty routine. Curling irons and straightening irons give you the ability to change the texture and look of your hair quickly and easily, and you can create a huge variety of styles without a ton of work. But what are thermal curling irons? How do they differ from your standard curling iron? The answer lies in how they achieve their high temperatures. Instead of using electricity, butane or battery power, thermal curling irons (as well as thermal flat irons, shown here, crimpers, pressing combs, and so forth) are inserted into a specially designed thermal iron stove and removed when they achieve optimum styling temperature. This means that thermal irons can work wonders on thick, coarse, tightly curled or ethnic hair that can be difficult to style otherwise. Thermal curling irons are generally recommended for use by professional hair stylists, since

they can be a little tricky to maneuver and you run the risk of scorching your hair if you leave the iron in the stove for too long; however, with some practice you can definitely use thermal irons at home as an everyday styling aid. There are tons of different styles of thermal curling irons on the market, so if you think this type of iron might help your hair, check it out!

Want more hair tips? Check out our guide to getting shiny hair with vinegar!

Our hair goes through a lot to make us happy.  We straighten it, curl it, pin it, condition it, spray it, comb it, and on and on and on.  And with all of that manipulation sometimes our hair ends up looking…lackluster.  If you’re looking for a way to restore some shine to your hair, try this clarifying recipe:

• 1/4 cup Vinegar

• 1 cup Water

• Mix together and apply mixture to dry hair.

• Rinse with cool water.

The vinegar’s acidity will help break down residue built up in your hair. You’ll be left with beautiful shiny tresses that look healthy and refreshed.

Like do-it-yourself hair tricks?  You’ll also love this Olive Oil Hair Treatment!

Reading through this month’s Lucky magazine, I stumbled across a list of drugstore hair products that Marie Robinson, a top color pro, picked out.  She recommends the standard Tresemme and Pantene shampoos but this is what caught my eye:

Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion is a product I’ve never heard of but Marie says that practically every stylist has a bottle of it in their arsenal.  It helps a style hold without being stiff and it is great for both blow drying and air drying.  Plus it is only $4.  I don’t know about you, but my stylist always puts some sort of serum that seems magical and holds my style for days.  I’m wondering if it’s been Motions all along. I’m going for a cut soon, so I’ll have to find out!  Either way, I’m going to check this out because I’m always looking for that magic hair product that will make my hair look effortlessly beautiful like Jennifer Aniston’s!

Check out more hair secrets and Jennifer Aniston!