CheapThrills

Millionaire Matchmaker’s Patti Stanger should be a spokeswoman for damaged Black hair

I enjoy the Millionaire Matchmaker as much as the next couch potato, but there’s something about Patti Stanger’s “tough love” critiquing that irks the hell outta me. It’s her outright rejection of short and /or curly hair, and the blanket statement that men with money are not attracted to these attributes. I’m not the only one who’s just a little bit annoyed by this – the lovely ladies at Naturally Curly have created a Facebook Group dedicated to stopping the “curl bashing”.   

But from my vantage point, I take issue with her views for two reasons:

1)   It’s just not true. I have extremely curly hair, which I wore long for quite some time, and I now wear super duper short (basically, I asked my stylist for a little boy’s haircut, haha). And here’s what I know, from personal experience: 10 times out of 10 men very much prefer my hair curly to straight. And – to my surprise, actually – I've gotten more attention wearing my hair short than long. Imagine that.

2)   The statement is actually kinda racist. I mean, think about it. If you’re a Black woman, your hair is curly by nature. Sorry world, that’s just how it is. So Patti seems to be advocating relaxers (you know, those chemicals that can burn through a plastic cup if left for a couple days…those chemicals that make hair break and fall out - super great stuff) and curling irons (straight from the horse’s mouth, on her Facebook page: “I like stylish curly/wavy hair, but my millionaire men don't. So, go buy a flat iron...). Either that, or she’s saying men are fundamentally NOT attracted to us. Boo for Black women, tough luck, we won’t find love because our hair isn’t desirable to men as a species. Because all men think alike, after all – or at least men with money do.

Maybe Patti doesn’t understand the damage that straightening a Black woman’s hair can reek - both to her hair and, in my opinion, to her sense of self. Or, more likely, maybe she does and she just doesn’t give a crap. Either way, she’s wrong. So wrong.

The big haircut!

My grandmother used to always say to me, “All that hair. Don’t EVER cut it.” I always assumed she knew some secret – like maybe once you cut little-Black-girl-hair it doesn’t ever grow back (a thought that absolutely terrified me). But then I grew up and grew out my relaxer and realized that my hair grows pretty darn fast. So I began asking myself this: why is it such a travesty for a Black woman with long hair to cut it short?

I’ve worn my hair long my whole life, most recently like this:

Not surprisingly, this ‘do attracted much attention from strangers – like the middle-aged woman with the crazy eyes who attempted to stroke my hair while waiting in line for the bathroom – but also from Black/interracial women like me that I've known for years. In fact, I’ve had more wonderful conversations with Black girlfriends about the pros of natural hair than I can count. So I guess I was a bit taken off-guard by the cringes and outbursts from these friends when I announced I was cutting my hair short.  Almost as if my haircut was a personal affront to Black women everywhere.

I always thought that wearing my hair natural provided me with freedom from hot irons and burning chemicals. But actually, it bound me in a different way by appointing me with a social responsibility that I neither anticipated nor asked for: the local face of big, bold natural hair. Funny how that works. But I think women – especially Black women – should afford each other with the luxury of choice.

So now my hair’s short! Like, super duper short. And someday it’ll be long again. But here’s what’s true: how I wear it will always be my choice. And cutting it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life thus far… as is being able to wash and dry it in 5 minutes flat.

Some shots from the cut, with stylist extraordinaire Jessy Lockward from G2O Salon in Boston.

Before! All big hair,  smiles, and excitement.

 

Ahh! The first snip!
 

Halfway through. I don't know if you can tell, but I'm kinda freaking out here. Maybe because at this point in the haircut I look pretty ridiculous.
 

The last little bit!
 

I decided to donate all my hair to Locks Of Love. I hope it makes someone happy.
 

Jessy putting on the finishing touches.
 

Startin' to dig it.

Haircut help!

I've decided to give my hair a hack for the summer. I'm wavering between something like this:

And something like this:

It's a big change, so I need opinions. Tell me what you think.

- Ryan

Black women want their heads rubbed, too

Now that this week’s Oprah schedule is up on her site, I guess I can divulge which taping I attended (and if this isn’t supreme coincidence I don’t know what is): Chris Rock’s dish on his new documentary, “Good Hair”. In fact, we audience members attended the film’s North American film debut, right here in downtown Chicago.  

The show airs today, September 30th (set your DVRs!). But before it does, I’d like to comment on an issue that Rock discusses both in the film and during his visit with Oprah: the “no touch” rule when it comes to Black women’s hair (i.e. if you’re dating a Black woman, don’t even try to get near her head). According to Rock, Black men are “thirsty” to touch a head of hair, and Black women’s "keep away" policy causes intimacy issues.  

So I’ll venture this, and then explain: Black women’s scalps are equally parched from lack of attention. Yes, our hair is thirsty for love, too.  

Deeper than the “my hair will get messed up” mantra, I think the root of the problem lies in insecurity. And why not? Us women of color have always been taught that, in its natural state, our hair is not beautiful. So we hide behind weaves and wigs and relaxers, quite literally putting up a barriers between our scalps and the hands of others.  

At least in my experience, the fake-ification of my hair promoted my own hair insecurity. When I had a relaxer, my hair was never normal - but instead “oily” or “brittle” or “damaged”. It couldn’t get wet. It would break if I was – forced to – swim during PE. And oh, the lies I told my White friends back then! They’d ask, “How long does it take you to straighten your hair every morning?” I’d reply, “Oh, awhile.” Never letting on that I actually hadn’t washed it for 2 weeks. Because, in my mind, telling them that would make them think I was dirty (when in reality, it’s just not good to wash, blow dry, and hot iron relaxed hair very often). And so, when my first serious boyfriend didn’t want to rub my scalp because my hair was “too greasy”, I pretty much deemed my hair off-limits. It wasn’t that I didn’t want my head rubbed; it was more that I was ashamed.  And, quite honestly, having someone you care about halfheartedly rub your head for a second and then wipe off his hand on his jeans burns more than any relaxer on the shelf.  

Of course, these stories are from high school. I don’t have a relaxer anymore and I’m proud of my hair now, but I’ll be honest – the insecurity lingers. That’s why, even today, there are only a handful of people who I allow near my head. They’re the ones who I know are actually enjoying my hair. The ones I trust with all my insecurities. Because, as a woman of color, when someone rubs your head you’re completely dropping your guard, thus putting your complete SELF into their hands. It can be sensual, but definitely not by definition. It’s love (think Celie "scratching the song" out of Shug's head in "The Color Purple").

It's sacred.  

So back to Chris Rock and men not being allowed to touch Black women’s hair. My advice: If you’re a man and you’re with a Black woman, offer to give her a legit scalp massage. Say you’ll be careful not to mess up her hair – all you want is for her to lay down and close her eyes and relax. She may turn you down, but believe me, the offer will light her up.

The twists that shocked the nation

Came across this Black hair article a few days ago in the New York Times—you know, discussing good hair, bad hair, wearing hair natural vs. relaxing it chemically. This seems to be a hot topic since Malia Obama’s been wearing her hair in… get ready for it… twists! Shocking! God, it’s like the general public has never been exposed to a normal Black girl wearing normal Black hairstyles. Wonder why?

I work at an ad agency… but I can safely point the finger at advertising for really messing up perceptions of what “normal” hair looks like. Even “normal” Black hair.

Growing up, I never believed I had nice hair. Because my hair never looked like the girls in the Pantene ads. Even after a whole day of washing and blow-drying my hair “straight,” it was still poofy as ever. It didn’t shine and bounce and flow over my shoulders. Even after I convinced my mom to buy a whole bunch of Pantene, it still didn’t look right. On the contrary, the products made my hair brittle and dry.

Thanks a lot, Pantene.

The problem is, we NEVER see normal Black hairstyles in hair product advertising. Even when there’s a woman of color in the ad. It’s mind-boggling. Like this Pantene Relaxed and Natural ad? Most Black women don’t have REAL hair like either one of these chicks. In fact, it’s really hard for me to believe that this is real hair. Those curls are virtually unachievable without hours at the salon. And the straight ‘do looks like a weave. I’m pretty sure it is one.

Give me some real hairstyles and real hair. Whether it’s relaxed, natural, short, long, whatever. Maybe that way the country won’t get all in a tizzy over some damn twists. Geez.

Takin' it up a few inches

Over the weekend, I went to see my kick-ass hairstylist at G20 Salon, Jessie Lockward. She's the only stylist I've ever had who knows how to make my natural (non-relaxed) hair look perfect. From the highlights to the flawless flat iron finishes, Jessie works wonders. I don't know what I'm going to do without her (SIDENOTE: If anyone knows of a bomb hairstylist in Chicago, let me know!! Cuz right now I'm debating flying back to Boston every few months to see my girl).

But this visit, I took Jessie's services to the next level. In the ultimate Cosmo "New City! New You!" move, I asked Jessie to chop off about 5 inches of my long locks. Mind you, besides the regular trims, I haven't really CUT my hair in oh, I don't know, let's say, 15 years. I harbor an irrational fear (common to many women of color I know) that my hair won't EVER grow back... and then I'll look at pictures from my childhood and think to myself "Grandmommy was right! I never shoulda cut off all that hair!" But we brainstormed the perfect cut for my face - an assymetrical bob that's short in the back and long in the front - and I went for it. Now my hair feels so bouncy and healthy. I think Grandmommy would approve.

Jessie assured me that the cut will allow my hair to grow back stronger and healthier. And I totally believe her.

Beyoncé's washed-out L'Oreal ad and role models

Beyoncé’s L’Oreal print ad (shown to the right, in which she appears totally whitewashed) has been sparking discussion all over the blogosphere. I was reading some thoughts presented by one of my daily reads, The Black Snob, and came across a comment to her post that went something like this:

"…who cares how light or dark Beyonce is? She is an incredibly talented singer and she has done well for herself. She doesn't go out and get trashed or forget to wear important articles of clothing under short skirts, like certain other celebrities. Actually, she is one of the few celebrities I would actually call a good role model. It's really none of my business what shade her skin is.”

This really got me to thinking. Does the commenter have a point? Is Beyoncé a good role model? Why do we all seem to care so much about her complexion?

I had to travel back in time to find my answers to these questions. Back to when I was about 10.  Even though my mom wore her hair natural, I seriously believed that light skin and straight hair were the norm.

Why? Well, ever notice that there are virtually no ads on TV or in mainstream fashion magazines for Black beauty products?

Truth be told, advertising lied to me on a daily basis.  Ads for hair dyes, foundations, lip sticks – all of it. I’d watch a Pantene TV spot and then save up my allowance for a bottle shampoo because I thought it’d make my thick curly hair flow in the wind.

Notice, you'll never find a disclaimer on a Pantene ad that says, "Our advanced Pro-V Formula will not work for Black hair. No matter how many times you use it." After many failed attempts, months of savings spent and a few tears shed, I realized that Pantene would never do for me what it claimed it could do for everyone.

So finally, at the age of 11, I got my hair chemically relaxed. When I walked out of the beauty parlor, I had straight hair down to my waist that the wind could carry effortlessly.

I’d never felt such joy.

Now, we see beautiful high-profile Black women taking the Pro-V standard of beauty (the White standard, really) and emulating it. Women like Tyra Banks (shown), sporting fake hair every day. Claiming she’s a “slave to her weave.” Women like Beyoncé, who is becoming lighter and lighter right before our very eyes.

But in reality, they are projecting the ultimate lie. They’re celebrating this phony ideal that little Black girls will try to achieve. That little Black girls have been trying to achieve for years.

And lying does not a good role model make.

Beyoncé's L’Oreal ad? That’s not African-American beauty. That’s someone else’s beauty. I'd like to see a little more of ours.

Related:
Jezebel: Photoshop of Horrors
Guardian: Mighty White
Afrobella: Whitewash and Photoshop
Racialicious: Feria Can Lighten Anything You Want
E! Online: We Didn't Lighten Beyonce. Honest.

Stuff Black People Hear

I’ve talked a little on this blog about all the ridiculous things I’ve been asked/heard people say regarding my race over the years, and just yesterday I got into a funny comment convo on the topic over at Jezebel. So I thought I’d put together a funny/tragic Friday post with a few of the "best hits" -

• “You have all the best Black features. Just like Beyoncé.”
• One person to another, with me standing there: “Go ahead, touch her hair! She doesn’t mind at all.” [YES I DO]
• Person: “Where are you from?” Me: “Philly.” Person: “No, like, originally?” Me: “Philly.”
•  “Do you need a pillow when you sleep? Because your hair is so poofy!”
• Little girl: “You have crazy hair.” Me: “It’s not crazy. It’s just curly.” Little Girl: “Noooo, it’s CRAZY.”
• “You look just like [insert any light-skinned Black actress’ name here]!”

The one that floored a bunch of commenters (which I included in the post linked to above): “You’re Black, but you aren’t really Black.”

What does that even mean? Funny thing is, the person who said this is actually really nice, and I think he meant it as a compliment. Which is so unbelievably sad.

But this is just my modest list of particularly shocking comments. I’m sure others can add on with equally eyebrow-raising ‘ish.

Related: Black People Love Us

The Interracial Chronicals: A question from Grandpop

Now that an Interracial man is on the path to becoming the Dem nominee, I thought it would be fun to post short excerpts and insights from the life of an Interracial American (me).

So here’s one. I went home last weekend for an Italian family celebration, wearing my hair out. Like, big and curly and festive. (Sidenote: As you may or may not know, my hair garners perpetual curiosity and unabashed amazement wherever it goes - but this is the topic of a separate post.)

I got to talking with my grandfather about dress code at my office. He asked me if I am ever asked to pull my hair back or wear it straight/in a bun. I smiled, thinking that the question was entirely timely considering the recent blowup at Glamour.

I told him no, that in fact my co-workers delight in my curls.

He nodded. And smiled to himself. My Grandpop, a Sicilian man of 84, seemed pleased and impressed that my work allows me to wear my hair as natural as it wants to be.

Hair product tip for “dry and rebellious hair”

So I’ve had these Kerastase samples sitting in my bathroom for over a year, and I only just realized that the entire package is worth over a hundred bucks. Which means that the products have got to be good for something, right?

And just my luck, the particular product line gathering dust is exactly on point for my hair type—Kerastase Oleo-Relax, a product line designed to tame, soften, and actually loosen tight crazy curls like mine. I’m often wary of products that are mainly targeted to the Caucasian market, but I suppose curly is curly because this stuff is the bomb.

I haven’t tried the whole product regiment (shampoo, conditioning “masque”, holding product), but I did test out the Serum Oleo-Relax. I used a fair amount before I towel-dried my hair, and then put a little Garnier Soft Curl goop over top just to ensure that my curls held.

And let me tell you, my hair has never felt softer. Like, I can’t stop touching it.

Downside:  I used half the bottle in one use, which will happen if you have very thick hair. But G20 Spa and Salon on Newbury Street (my favorite spa and salon in Boston) sells the product line for less than it's priced online ($25 at the salon, vs. $34 online).

If you’re in the market for a new product, try out the Kerastase Oleo-Relax line and let me know what you think! And just FYI - if you've got relatively thick hair, I'd recommend the Serum over the Mist or the Elixir in the product line, just because they are a bit more watery and will not hold in your hair as well.

And, as always, I’m always open to new product recommendations (check out some great ones from commenters here).

Celebrating Black History Month: Pippi Longstocking braids in all their glory

Yesterday, in honor of Black History Month, Jezebel posted this great piece showcasing retro Black hairstyle photos submitted by their readers. Clicking through these pictures of little girls adorned with barrettes and beads galore really brought me back to the days of 15-hour blowdrying and hair-braiding sessions. Oh, how I dreaded those Saturdays. My mom and I would watch Baywatch or I’d play rented Nintendo games as she systematically parted, blow-dryed, hot-combed and rebraided my frighteningly think hair. In fact, the whole ordeal was so remarkably unforgettable that I recounted it in one of my college application essays.

Judging from these photos, it looks like my hair story is not unique. Also looks like a lot of moms, just like mine, spent countless hours making their babies look beautiful. So it all worked out in the end.

Can you guess which photo is mine? The hint’s in the title of this post.

Jessy Lockward, G20 Salon: fab Bostonian Black hair stylist, fab Newbury Street salon and spa

Haven’t put a hair post up in awhile! I think it’s time. But don’t fret, my straight-haired friends, this one might appeal to you as well (well... maybe).

I wore my hair chemically relaxed for over a decade, from the age of 11 to about 23. And it really put a strain my hair, causing it to be very brittle and dry. Consequently, I couldn’t really play with color. But now that I’m finished with burning relaxers and all the complications they bring (like jagged split ends and an abnormal fear of chlorine), I’m free to color my hair however I want without having to worry about entire locks breaking off (ok, that really happens).

Having said that, I had always gone to Black hair salons to get my hair relaxed and straightened. And they did a bang-up job. But I had a slightly different experience once I began coloring my hair. Not that they did a bad job per se, but time after time and salon after salon the stylists just didn’t get the color quite right. Now I’m just speculating, but I think it might be because not many Black women permanently color and/or highlight their hair. Many use over-the-counter boxed hair dye, rinses, or semi-permanent dyes on relaxed hair (they are less harsh).

But White women… they seem to highlight their hair a ton. Like, for keeps. And then it occurred to me - why not try a Black stylist at a White salon?

And so I did. And I found the best stylist in the world: Jesse Lockward. She’s the queen of color (no pun intended) at the hippest salon in Boston, G20 Salon located at the bottom of Newbury Street by Mass Ave. Before my first appointment, I sat down with Jesse for a “color consultation” and we picked out the best highlights and lowlights for my hair. She then went into another room and mixed small amounts of the bleach and dye that we’d need. I had never seen a stylist mix his or her own colors before – apparently G20 is famous for their hand-mixed dyes.

Not only is Jesse amazing with color, but she’s also a sensational blow-dryer and all-around stylist—for any type of hair. Most of her clients have straight or wavy hair, in fact. But as the word gets out among Black women, she’s also getting more and more Black clients—which is wonderful. 

I’ve been seeing Jesse for about a year now, and I’m never disappointed. Whenever I leave G20 and strut onto Newbury Street, I'm feeling beautiful and confident. Sometimes she leaves my hair curly, and sometimes I ask her to press it straight (just to mix it up a little). I never thought I’d see my hair as straight as it was when I was relaxing it, but Jesse proved me wrong. Anyone who can accomplish this kind of transformation in 2 hours deserves a medal (I know, silliest photos ever).

Jesse Lockward, Stylist
G20 Salon and Spa
338 Newbury Street
(617) 262-2220

Holiday hairstyles, from Ryan to you!

For me, when I think of the holidays the first thing that comes to mind is always (yep, you guessed it) hair! I spend Christmas with my cousins, who are interracial as well, and the default topic of conversation is always our hair… what products we’re using on it, how we’re wearing it, whether we should go natural, put a texturizer in, or just throw in the cards and relax it. It’s always fun to compare notes.

So with hair on the brain (sounds gross!), here are a few holiday hairstyle recommendations for women with thick, curly hair or natural black/interracial hair like mine (I’d say 3b-4b hair textures). These are styles that you can do on your own that don’t take a ton of time. Pull these out when you’re glamming up for your holiday or New Years parties :)

WARNING: These styles will make your hair look and feel soft like a pillow, and therefore people will try to touch it. Strangers even. They think it’s okay to touch your hair. They think you like it. So if you don’t like it (and I’m sure you don’t), tell them that you are not a Chia Pet. Tell them to back off the 'do.

1. Pretty Poof
Requirements:
- Hair tie(s)
-Comb
- Light moisturizing cream and styling mousse/gel (nothing that leaves your hair crunchy)
I love puffs and poofs—they’re both adorable and sophisticated at the same time. For an exceptionally regal look, put the poof high on your head.

Nadia Turner from American Idol (left) leaves her curly-cues intact, while Kathleen from ANTM Cycle 8 (top right) picks her hair out a bit. Both looks are fly, in my opinion. To add some color or sparkle, I think a very thin headband would look nice as well (nothing too chunky or clunky, and NOTHING plastic).

If you’re in more of a puff mood, try jazzing it up with a zig zag part (another fave of mine).  

2. Side ‘Fro
Requirements:
-Bobby pins galore
-Comb
- Light moisturizing cream and styling mousse/gel (nothing that leaves your hair crunchy)
A fun and flirty style. Be sure to pin down one whole side of hair and pick out the hair on the other side. I recommend wetting the side your pinning down and smoothing it with styling gel. The style should come out looking something like this (Jill Scott didn't pick her's out):
   
 

3. Faux Hawk
Requirements:
-Bobby pins galore
-Hair clips
-Comb
-Shellac! Thick hair gel to keep things in place

Nadia Turner… man she ROCKS this 'do.

To be honest, I haven’t yet discovered how to achieve this kind of faux hawk greatness. I’ve been separating a chunk of hair out in the front and pinning it higher on my head, bouffant style. But I’m going to try to mimic Nedia’s style for New Years… might be a little too “cutting edge” for company holiday parties.

4. Braid-lined ‘Fro
Requirements:
-    French braiding/cornrowing abilities
-    Hair tie
-    Light moisturizing cream
-    Bobby pins

Cornrow around your hairline to create a headband effect. Then pin the back down and up off of your neck. And then tease/pick out your hair as much as you’d like. This is a favorite style of mine—one that works great for any kind of party or night on the town.

Do anything special with your hair for the holiday (party) season? Or got and special style tips? Let's hear 'em!

Opinions on Glamour's ex-editor Ashley Baker and Racism

Since I write about African-American natural hair all the time, I figured I should post something about the Glamour hair debacle. For those of you who don’t know what’s been going down, (former) Glamour magazine editor Ashley Baker gave a slide show to some NYC lawyers on the “Do’s and Don’t of Corporate Fashion.” Here are some notes from the show (from Jezebel):

First slide up: an African American woman sporting an Afro. A real no-no, announced the 'Glamour' editor to the 40 or so lawyers in the room. As for dreadlocks: How truly dreadful! The style maven said it was 'shocking' that some people st ill think it 'appropriate' to wear those hairstyles at the office. 'No offense,' she sniffed, but those 'political' hairstyles really have to go.

Here's more information on what actually went down: http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNLJ.jsp?id=1188161099761

My take: I do what I want!

No but seriously, this is the curly beautiful hair we were born with and we can wear it in however style we please. I say, as long as you take care of your hair (in whatever style you fancy), you’ll look great. And if your company has a problem with that, well maybe you’re just too good for them. In fact, you definitely are, so kick 'em to the curb.

I sent an article on the issue around to some friends and family, and wanted to post two responses.

My mother’s take (an African-American professor of linguistics):

I was unaware of this issue, but it's come up at various times in the past, since the "black-is-beautiful" era. What I remember about those times is that the "majority" society was pretty freaked out by afros, especially the really really big ones.  Then more recently, the braids seemed to freak people out -- they were deemed inappropriate at the workplace.  I don't know what people say about dreads these days -- probably the same.

But here's what I think (and not surprisingly):

Are these "inappropriate at the workplace" type comments racist?  Of course they are.  Such comments reveal an indirect racism.  But it's racist nonetheless.  The people who say such things are not going to come right out and say something really stupid, so instead they attack peripheral attributes -- note these attributes involve CHOOSING something to enhance a nearly inalienable attribute -- "natural" hair; language.

Reminds me of dialect stuff.  People say African-American english is inappropriate in the workplace.    No one, as far as I know, castigated Clinton or Carter for their southern dialects, i.e. that it is/was inappropriate for the workplace.  They chose to speak the way they speak while in office. Big deal.  But let an African American say something like "he be late," and everybody gets bent out of shape assigning all sorts of negativity to the speaker.  Remember the whole Oakland school board controversy a few years back?

With hair, I think what's going on is that some people are freaked out when African-Americans choose NOT to adopt "majority" ways.  So speaking AA (African-American) English, or wearing dreads, or dashikis appear to them to be political, i.e. threatening.

What an odd locution -- "political." What could it possibly mean?  In other words, to say that dreads/breads are "political" seems to me to mask something deeper, something insidious and ugly that the person who says it really doesn't want to expose, at least not publicly.

Also when did "racially insensitive" replace "racist?"

My boyfriend’s take (a white male):

I like afros and dreads when worn with dignity.  It’s a black pride thing, in my opinion.

Other interesting opinions:
Afrobella
Jezebel
Ask This Black Woman

What do you think, readers? Racist or not? Does natural hair = Black pride?

Ryan's Fall Fashion Recommendations

We all know that the weather in Boston throws a huge tantrum from December to June. But, it does a pretty good job of making Bostonians smile in autumn. The foliage is gorgeous; the Sam Oktoberfest is flowing, and the fashion options are pretty dope. In October, it’s generally still warm enough to play around with your style without having to worry about freezing your butt off.

This fall, I decided to overhaul my old look at do it up autumn style. Here are a few things I’m trying:

1. I’m all about the boots—but not played out Uggs (why were these ever popular?! I’m happy to say I never owned a pair) or spike heels and pointy toes. No no no, this fall it’s cowboy boots. Authentic cowboy boots! No fancy pantsy designer cowboy boots that wear out in a year. I’m talkin’ real deal boots with leather soles that you gotta break in. Boots that you’ll hand down to your kids. Boots that were handmade and hand- stitched and hand-nailed.

Got these bad boys from Rick Walkers on Newbury Street (they just moved from their Downtown Crossing location), one of the oldest Western apparel stores in Boston. They have the perfect selection and the staff is extremely helpful without being overwhelming. I’m a fan.

2. Skinny, washed-out jeans (not so into dark-wash). To fit inside the boots! The skinny-jean fad has been brewing for a couple years now, but I think this season it'll be an urban staple.

Okay straight-haired friends who keep givin’ me lip about my hair posts, I’m sneaking a hair style/product recommendation in here and I don’t care what you say!

3. Faux-hawk-esq ponytails/afros. I haven’t gotten too extreme with this yet (aka ANTM Kathleen’s do, pictured), but we’ll see where the season takes me. For now, I’ve just been pulling my hair back, slicking the sides, and bobby pinning a little poof on the top of my head (for a visual accompaniment, check these Flickr photos).

I’ve been using a great product that I stumbled upon (thanks Slava!)—Garnier Soft Curl Cream. While it looks like green slime, the stuff works wonders for curl definition and hold. Also, it leaves barely any residue while keeping my hair feeling soft. LOL, that was so sales-y… Garnier should be paying me for these posts.

Got any fashion tips or store recommendations for the fall? Send them my way! I’m always down for a style enhancement.