So...Have you ever found yourself in a place where it is made quite obvious that you are not all that and a bag of chips? That your sassy, smoothness and your delightful diva-like ways are only as serious as the pants that you put on just like everybody else???

Just when you think you have ARRIVED...you walk out of the bathroom with toilet paper stuck to your shoe or introduce yourself to a new client later realizing there is cilantro in your teeth. We all have them...those moments you just can't take back.

To add some background to this story...My hair has been getting on my last nerve lately. It is flat, lacks shine, color...I have felt like it has been a disaster!!! Jump to 2 nights ago..I am in the bathroom with my beloved niece. I lean over beside her and she says, "T! Your hair smells good...Like Rocco!" Well, for those of you that don't know, Rocco is my sister's dog. I said, "What!?!?" With shock and horror, came to realize that the doggie shampoo bottle looks quite a bit like people shampoo and when placed RIGHT BESIDE people shampoo is quite easily mistaken.

Yes world...I have been using Doggie shampoo. I am comfortable enough in my imperfections to own it!! :) Think how good my hair is gonna look when I go back to the real deal!

Love, Middlest

Summer Style

Today I am sporting a cutesy brown headband with a flower on the side made out of brown shades of tulle. When first seeing this headband, I thought hmmm…naah. But after some coaxing from the Youngest, I decided to give it a try.

Well today was the day…I put it on and appreciated the color combo with my hair and outfit. I felt more Girly, Summery, and Flirty and have been getting comments on it all day.

Feeling drab?? Angry like me that I am past the age of getting 3 months off for summer vacation???? Throw something out of the norm into your wardrobe. A bright color, a feminine touch…Happy Summer!

Love, Middlest

How to survive a Rainy Day…with Style

So…it’s a drag right? You wake up…its dark outside. The lightning and low rumble of thunder keep lulling you back into sleep. The temptation to call in sick to Life today is overwhelming but alas…life must go on. You throw off the covers; drag yourself out of bed and to the bathroom mirror. On any other day bringing out your beauty is a breeze…but what do you do when you’ll be running from buildings, fighting with umbrellas and leaping over puddles all day?

Here are some tips:

If you must wash your hair that morning, spray on a thermal heat protector before drying. This helps to seal the hair from heat, humidity, frizz, etc. Make sure your hair is completely dry.

Add a little anti-frizz product. Many women use way too much product on rainy days because they think it will keep the Frizzie’s away. But…it will weigh your hair down and worst case scenario, you get caught in the rain….Now your hair is a gummy mess!!

Just go with it! If your hair is naturally curly, let it be! Add a pretty hair pin, and ride the waves. If it’s bone straight and fine, do a slick pony.

As far as makeup goes…Go with a simple, dewey look. A peach or pink…warm colors on the cheeks and eyes paired with a glossed lip.

Ultimately…this is not the end of the world! Put on a superbly tailored suit with a brightly colored cami or some shiny, big, beautiful jewelry. Show that rainy day who’s boss!

Drenched, the Middlest

How to handle criticism with Style

As a hairstylist, I love the relationships I gain with my clients. Since I am a perfectionist I usually am good to please my clients, and I strive to listen as closely as I can to their needs and wants. After graduating hair school, I made it a goal to please every person that sat in my chair. (Which is a crazy goal) I was young and naive in the sense of thinking that was possible...Like EVERY person that sits down is gonna love me! HA! There were a couple rude clients in hair school… I never understood since they knew they were coming to a school to get their hair done!

Last week at my salon, I got the pleasure of serving one of the rude ones. I was amazed at how quickly I reverted back to that young girl, scared & feeling awful that someone wasn’t pleased with something I did. The gal had never been to me before, and had told me how most of the stylist’s she has had never do her hair right... (So already we're battin’ a thousand because she's in her late 40's) EEK!!. So literally nobody has ever done it right?? I'm thinking to myself…How in the world am I gonna get through this one?

So I proceed with the cut… we got done, I styled it and she said it was cute. I took a huge deep breath waiting for her to lash out on me, but she didn’t. With-in the hour I got a call…She wasn't happy so I invited her back in to look at it and see what we could do to make her happy. She came back in guns blazing; she was rude, demeaning & most of all she was not working WITH me, just against me. So 45 minutes later, its 9pm, I’m exhausted and she's still crabby... Shocker I know! I hit a wall. (Not literally…lol) I usually can take on a great challenge, but I did nothing that was drastic enough for her to carry this attitude around.

By the end of it, I suggested that she pre-book with someone else and she said "no, I'll keep my appointment with you!" NOW I'm going crazy, like lady you've been dishing me all this crap for the last 45 minutes and now you wanna do this AGAIN in 4 weeks!!!! So there will be a knot in my stomach for the next 4 weeks till I see this dreadful woman again. And wouldn’t you think if I did so "bad" you would go to someone else, so I guess at the end of the day I'm not that bad, eh?

My Point: Whether it's at the salon or in your office, or where ever, there will be “these” people. They lurk around waiting to pounce on someone and let them have it. It seems the sweeter the spirit you have the easier the target you are. Don’t make a scene or say anything inappropriate, just take a deep breath and be as classy as possible for that will drive them crazier that they don’t get to you. I was honest and straight forward with this lady, and told her pretty much that we aren’t a good fit! And she STILL wants to come make me miserable in 4 weeks. Lol...so lesson is...find a hairstylist you LOVE & click with!!! It's one of the most important relationships you can have! And for the Haters that will always be there…You only make me better

You know that haircut was good…... the Youngest

Faux Hawk

My Beloved Faux Hawk, How I Love thee... When I am tired of my hair or need to class up an outfit...You always come through. You have your way of always making me feel a little more sassy...a bit more Runway. You balance out my 6 ft height with an extra 2 inches of Diva and inspire all to do more than just the typical "pony." So, Today Faux Hawk...we salute you....
and I...

I will "Rock You"

Yours, Middlest

THIS SUMMER IN HAIR

Ethan Miller/Getty

SUMMER is ALMOST here! The trends are carrying through to the summer months. We are still rockin the long & wavy like Carrie Underwood (above) and short & cropped.

Katy Winn/Corbis

Pretty braids are hot at the moment, whether they are incorporated into an updo as seen here on Nicole Richie, or just a few braided piece in long, wavy hair (at the crown, or down the side to frame the face).

Stephen Lovekin/WireImage

Also HOT for summer, messy buns and loose up-do's. If your not sure how to make these styles happen with your hair, feel free to always ask your stylist to show you at your next hair appointment for some simple options. Most styles are easy to obtain, but when you dont do hair everyday, you just need a little guidance!! And there is no problem with that!

Color:

We are still in simple all over natural gold & platinum colors, or vibrant reds, purples, and deep chocolates to black. Always remember & be realistic with how often you can get to the salon. If its twice or three times a year, you want a cut and color that will grow out softly...and if you are blessed enough to come every six weeks then by all means try more precise styles or excentric color, that do require more upkeep.

Hair Accessories:

Take time to look the next time your at the mall..there are great headbands & simple barrets out that can add elegance & interest to your style.

Now go Rock it out, sister!

Love, the Youngest