Goodbye Goth, Hello You
It's time to put down your kohl pencil and hide your faithful hair dryer. Wouldn't you know that spring's looks are all about natural, tousled hair with the emphasis on the lips. Seems like a cruel joke that after finally mastering the smoky eye look without looking goth, deathly and otherwise battered, the beauty powers- that-be have decided to snub this straight-haired sultry girl and endorse a flouncy-haired, juicy fruit-ish lipped girl that's much more au natural (and welcomed by your in-laws). And best of all, this new 'natural look' is much easier to imitate and allows us more time with Katie Couric in the morning.

The first step to pulling off the new and natural you is resisting the urge to blow dry your locks straight. Believe me, I know just how difficult this will be; with half wavy - half straight hair, I've always been a big proponent of the almighty dryer (and my Helen of Troy, straightener for that matter). But the fashion world says we must, and so we shall. Plus, its better for our hair anyway.

To get us baby-stepping away from the hair dryer, I've even put together a little beauty regimen.

To avoid damp hair at the office, shampoo the night before. Then smooth a dot of grooming creme (naturally wavy hair doesn't come without a list of requisite products of course) into towel-dried hair, for texture, and tie each section into different sized braids. (Luckily its just the cats that snicker and mock me, as I would be way too embarrassed for even my mother to preview the 'before' look.) In the morning, take out the braids, flip your head over and shake for extra volume, add a touch of defrizz lotion and voila! Beautiful, wavy tresses.

The lips are somewhat less tricky and far less work. Just pick a fun, bright color of gloss and apply generously to your lips. I love, love, love Delux Beauty's lip gloss in Pepi. We are also loyal to Mac's Lip Gloss in Poodle. Both are brilliant shades of bright pink. Also topping my list are tarte's Lip gloss in Danny and Sandy, (a fruity pink and coral duo for any mood) and just about any color of Versace's Lights on Lips as they are super shiny and the colors are delicious. I also adore CARGO's Duo color tins, but prefer glosses with an applicator - less mess to smear across the keyboard. (Beauty tip - you can perk up any lip color (stick or gloss) with a layer of shine. Try Lorac's Lip Polish in Shine (clear) or Bliss for added shimmery color.) Whatever you do, keep it bright. This springs lips are glossy, but bold. Straight Rosebud Salve isn't going to do it.

And so you have it. A new year, a new season and a new (less dramatic) you. Hurrah! We all have excuses to his the beauty aisles in search of all things glossy, juicy and otherwise Spring '04 chic.

Shop well my sweets.

she she me Sponsor: she she me's Love Thyself Party
Valentine's Day is almost here and what better time to treat yourself to a little retail therapy? In honor of our favorite pink and red holiday (and to make room for spring things) she she me is throwing a party, and we're calling it the Love Thyself Blowout Sale. It's January 29 from 6-8 p.m. at she she me HQ and you simply must be there as she she me, The Parlour and the rest of Five Points are clearing out fall/winter merchandise to make way for new spring items.

Practically everything at she she me HQ will be discounted! There will be Cynthia Rowley shoes for $50, jeans for next to nothing and she she me Bow Turtlenecks at 50% off. If you've been eyeing that chic Habitual denim skirt or sassy Development top, now is the time to get out the plastic. Plus, all she she me T's will be $15.

We're going to have tons of fun with pink cocktails and yummy treats. There will also be a gift with every purchase. (What she she girl worth her stilettos would dare miss out on that?) To add to the girliness of the event, Tallulah will be on hand to give us lipovers in her luscious V-Day colors so that after a little card-maxing will be fit for our night on the town.

See you there.

she she me HQ - 2011 Fairview Rd., (Five Points) Raleigh. Just look for the house with the Pink Doors! Call 919.835.9151 with questions or for phone orders.