To kick off fashion week, the authentic and lovable Jason Wu showcased his collection at the 2012 NY Fashion Week.  I styled one of my favorite actresses Emily VanCamp (star of Revenge..which we LOVE!!!) for her first ever fashion show! To give her an edgy, cooler style, we went for a sleek high bun.  Check it out…

For the Jason Wu for Target event two weeks ago, I styled the fashion-forward and cool Jaime King.  We opted for a relaxed, natural texture for her hair to counteract the clean, buttoned up look.  Here is a video of how to style these natural waves in “C” shapes with my ceramic styling iron:  GET THE LOOK!

Here’s the story from the LA Times:

Coming on the heels of his sold-out line for Target, Jason Wu is American fashion’s man of the moment. And he didn’t disappoint with his fall collection, which was high-drama, right down to the Hollywood special effects.

The show had a cinematic opening, with two large red lacquered doors swinging open at the top of the runway, and models stepping out in a rolling cloud of fog.

Wu, who grew up in Taiwan, used Chinese imagery as his inspiration, from the Mao jacket, which he rendered in a gorgeous hammered red satin, to the military green wool cape coat, trimmed in delicate black lace.

The Hollywood version of Chinese glamour in films such as “Shanghai Express” (1932) (which featured unforgettable costumes by Travis Banton), was a reference point for strong-shouldered gowns and short cheongsam-style dresses embellished with panels of silk brocade, tassel beading, cording or gold embroidery resembling tiny medallions.

The ending of the show was equally cinematic, with all the models walking out together like one chic red army.

Wu is in expansion mode with accessories and jewelry. His new “Daphne” warrior bag and pumps were decorated with metal studs, and box-like clutches with jeweled details. He’s also reportedly interested in expanding his business to points East (like everyone else in fashion). It will be interesting to see how this collection is received in China, and by famous fans of the brand, including Michelle Obama.

Top photos of Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2012 collection. Credit: Fernanda Calfat / Getty Images.

Bottom photos of Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2012 collection. Credit: Jason DeCrow / Associated Press

Being a freelance hairstylist based in NYC can be rough in the cold months of January and February, but thankfully we have award season in sunny LA!  This year I have been out for quick trips to style Julie Gonzalo for the TCAs for her new show, the remake of Dallas.  For the Golden Globes, I styled Maya Rudolph and for the SAG Awards I styled the Boardwalk Empire actress Aleksa Palladino.  Oh, and my favorite thing about visiting LA, is the hikes…the hills and homes are beautiful and I love catching up with my best friend from my hometown of Libertyville, IL who is now a casting director in LA!

To get this look, follow my instructions below:

After loosely blow drying hair, separate hair into a left and right section using the Darby strong hold clips.

Using the Beachwaver, select Left (L) or Right (R) based on the side of hair you are curling.  This will control which direction the curling iron rotates to ensure both sides look amazing!

Spritz Aussie’s Heat Protecting Shine Spray directly on section to create a barrier between the hair and the heat, while adding a natural sun-kissed shine to the hair.

Then clamp near the ends of the hair (always start with the clamp facing you so it rotates away from your face) and press the “GO” button to automatically rotate and curl your hair!

Release the “GO” button to stop the rotation.  Wait about 10 second and release the clamp, sliding out for beautiful waves!

Allow hair to cool, add Aussie’s Anti-Frizz Cream for a smooth separation and run your fingers through for gorgeous, easy beach waves!

Last Saturday, I launched my new curling iron, the Beachwaver, on QVC!! It was so much fun and I can’t wait for you guys to try it out.  Watch it here and get yours today (It comes with my favorite, 2 of the “Darby” Clips..named after our dog and the “Prep-It” comb – all you need for perfect waves)!  After two years of research and development, my sister and I are so proud of the Beachwaver.  Starting with a sketch and finishing with a professional quality product that helps women look fabulous is exactly what we wanted! Check out these before and after pictures and watch me on PM Style next Monday, February 6th from 7pm-10pm or you can order your BEACHWAVER online today.

If you recognize the below model, Jamin, it’s because she was on air at the Jan. 21st appearance on QVC with me! Jamin was my college roommate while studying abroad in London and we had a blast at QVC.  It was such a great experience to prep the models, go “live” with the talented hosts, and finally get to show the world our new product, the Beachwaver!

To see how the BEACHWAVER works, follow my instructions from a sketch I made below or go to QVC.com to watch the how-to videos:

Hey Guys,

I am extremely excited to announce the exclusive launch of The BEACHWAVER on QVC – Jan. 21st!  I will be appearing on the Beauty Newsmakers segment from 2pm-3pm and from 9pm-10pm.  My sister Erin and I have been working non-stop for the past 2 years on developing this innovative, patent-pending rotating curling iron!! We are so proud to call ourselves inventors…and want the world to see how cool and easy this curling iron really is to use! Check it out here…

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The perfect blow out was once such a new york city thing, but with the opening of BLOW and Dry Bar in LA, the blowout has become the new mani/pedi.  Having worked with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen over the years and loving their original style and gorgeous waves, I was excited to work with their younger sister Lizzy! She is studying at NYU’s Tisch school of the arts and is an avid academic.  She is smart, funny, and loves a good blow out!  Check out these pictures from when I styled her hair at the premiere of “War Horse”