$1000 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway
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The Most Influential Haircuts of 2011 – Justin Bieber and Emma Watson
Every year, there seems to be at least one celebrity haircut that tops the popularity charts. This year, according to the Wall Street Journal, it was actually two: Emma Watson’s pixie and Justin Bieber’s “swish” style. The publication has deemed that these were the two most influential cuts of 2011 as measured by the volume of requests at hair salons and the number of Google searches. Were you into the pixie or the “swish” cut this year? Leave us your comments!
Start Start off 2012 with great hair — no matter what cut you have — with our favorite hair products.
Last Minute NYE Dresses – all under $50
New Year’s Eve is just two days away, and if you’re like us, you’ve been thinking about the perfect outfit to ring in. Shop A Block style editor Eleanor picked TOP 4 New Year’s Eve dresses under $50.
Headed to any New Year’s Eve parties? It’s such a great night to dress up with some glitter and glam! Here you go – sizzle and shine in these beauties!
l-r : Forever 21 Exposed Back Sequin Dress, $37.80, Forever 21; Hot for Gold Foiled Velvet Dress, $40.00, Lulus; Berry Strappy Swing Dress, $39.00, Venus; Pink Sequin Tulle Dress ; $49.50, DELiA’s,
3 Ways to Modernize Vintage Hair
Hairstyles naturally evolve as fashion and makeup trends come and go, but some styles are just too pretty to forget. With the help of Pureology color ambassadors Sherilynn Smart and Natasha Sunshine, we take a look at three ways to modernize some of our favorite twentieth century hairdos.
THE FAUX BOB
“The modern faux bob is much looser and softer than the deep finger waves of the roaring ’20s,” says Sherilynn. “The look is loosely pinned so you get a sophisticated coif with a natural texture.”
GET THE LOOK
Apply a golf ball-sized dollop of mousse at the roots. Set your hair with medium- to large-sized hot rollers for 15 minutes, then remove. Emulsify a dime-sized amount of shine serum through your hands and rake it through the hair to give curls a softer, more natural finish. Gently swoop the excess length of your hair underneath and secure it with bobby pins clipped in an “X” shape. Don’t worry about perfection—allow some strands to hang loosely around your face for a more relaxed take on bob.
Sherilynn and Natasha recommend: Pureology Colour Stylist Cuticle Silk Bodifier , Pureology Colour Stylist Cuticle Polisher Shine Serum, Pureology Colour Stylist Radiance Amplifier Anti-Frizz Shine Spray, and Pureology Colour Stylist Strengthening Control Zero-Dulling Hair Spray
ROCKIN’ ROLLS
To create the original ’40s victory rolls, Beauties would twist and twirl every strand on their head. “Today, the rockabilly look is modernized with a few selective coils placed atop the head—either exaggerated in the fringe or dramatically swooped to one side,” says Natasha.
GET THE LOOK
Scrunch mousse into the roots before you blow-dry for added texture and mobility. Mist each section with hair spray prior to rolling, then set the top of your head with medium-sized hot curlers. After letting your hair cool for 15 minutes, take out the curlers. If you want the roll to end up on the left side of your hair, brush it out to your right. Then, begin rotating the hair towards the left side, using your thumb to keep a clean shape. When you’ve finished, pin the roll down with bobby pins. Zig-zag the pins inside the coil for the tightest hold. Leave the rest of your hair down in loose waves or twist a simple chignon in the back. Finish with more hair spray.
Sherilynn and Natasha recommend: Pureology Root Lift Spray Mousse, Pureology Colour Stylist Radiance Amplifier Anti-Frizz Shine Spray, and Pureology Colour Stylist Strengthening Control Zero-Dulling Hair Spray
GLAMOUR CURL
There’s nothing sexier than lustrous red-carpet locks, and stars are currently taking major inspiration from Hollywood’s golden gals. “When it comes to glamorous hair, we’re inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s bouncy curls and Veronica Lake’s film noir peek-a-boo waves,” says Natasha. So what’s different about these nouveau-glamour ‘dos? It’s in the texture and shine. “Modern waves are bouncier and healthier,” says Sherilynn. “There’s stronger curl definition and shape, and the overall look is much more polished.”
GET THE LOOK
Apply a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair and blow-dry as usual. Then, create a deep side part. Spray each section with hair spray, then set your entire head with medium-sized hot rollers. Leave the rollers on for 15 minutes and remove them all at once. Brush out your curls with a paddle brush—this will soften and blend the waves. You’ll notice a natural wave formation start to appear in your hair. Enhance this swirling pattern by attaching duck clips to alternating sections of the wave. Leave the clips on for 10 minutes, then work a small amount of finishing cream into the hair and mist with more hair spray.
Sherilynn and Natasha recommend: Pureology Colour Stylist Illuminating Curl 24-Hour Shaping Lotion, Pureology Colour Stylist Nourishing Nectar Sculpting Gel, Pureology Colour Stylist Cuticle Polisher Shine Serum, and Pureology Colour Stylist Strengthening Control Zero-Dulling Hair Spray
Merry Giveaway
We’re super excited to partner with Nordstorm for another merry giveaway! The winner will receive $1000 Nordstorm Gift Card and an even cooler secret prize on referring 3 friends to our Facebook page.
Shop A Block will contact the winner through email provided in your entry. Sign up here for a chance to win! And yes, don’t forget to check your email, a gift card might be waiting for you!
Say Spa-aah: Relax and Unwind
With holidays just around the corner, it’s time for family get-togethers, joy, contemplation, letting go of the old and embracing the new! Although, spending time with family and friends, eating good food, drinking and giving gifts can be a wonderful experience, it is out of the normal routine and requires time, money and preparation.All of that is on top of the regular work, kids, school and extra-curricular activities that make up our day. With all this stress staying healthy can also be a challenge.
This holiday season pamper yourself with June Jacobs Spa Collection. Tried and tested by Shop A Block editors, it’s a haven for holiday-stressed.Gift it to your mother, girlfriends, colleagues or hell..just go treat yourself – you deserve it!
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Mirror Mirror on the Wall
At this time of the year when decorating tends toward the ornate and elaborate, adding an elegant Venetian Mirror to your home’s decor can provide that imperceptible touch of class to any room. Shop A Block style editors recommend these elegant designs
Top - Kichler Petite Oval Antique Beveled Frame 28″ Wall Mirror, $198.91, Hayneedle; Bottom - American Drew 908-021 – Jessica McClintock Couture Round Venetian Mirror,$714.00, Linens ‘n Things
Raise a Toast to these Christmas Outfits
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what to wear to all of those festive holiday functions. Whether your Christmas tradition is hosting a hearty holiday feast, skipping around town to see friends and family, or catching up with former classmates at a chic soiree the night before, there’s an ideal outfit to suit any day-of-thanks destination.
Our Style Editors have assembled four versatile looks that will be sure to impress, no matter your level of holiday stress.
clockwise,l-r: Donna Morgan Rosette Trim Strapless Chiffon Dress, $99.90, Donna Morgan; Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Pleat Detail Crepe Sheath Dress, $58.90, Tahari; BCBGMAXAZRIA Belted Tiered Dress, $133.00, BCBGMAXAZRIA; Women’s French Connection Far East Spotlight Banded Dress, $168.00, French Connection
Fabulous Furs
We are so excited that it’s already December- because that means it’s Christmas winter time! Fur coats and vests are so in season. We love different shades, textures and styles. All our picks our faux – because that’s what we prefer! Here are some Shop A Block favs to keep you warm and stylish -
clockwise,l-r: Rebecca Taylor Belted Leopard-Print Car Coat, $995, Rebecca Taylor; Michael Michael Kors Herringbone Wool-Blend Mongolian Lamb Fur Collar, $356.99, Michael Kors;Halston Heritage Faux-Fur Cropped Coat, $375.00. Halston Heritage; Robert Rodriguez Coat with Faux-Fur Sleeves,$695.00, Robert Rodriguez
Holiday Cake Series – Chocolate & Vanilla Red Velvet Cake
This holiday season Shop A Block will take you through a fantastical journey of irresistible cakes and cupcakes – all with holiday twist! These recipes
The first cake in this series is the Chocolate Vanilla Red Cake. Sandwiched between layers of red-for-the-holidays red velvet cake, mascarpone-vanilla bean filling hides inside. On top, a creamy layer of chocolate ganache adds decadence.
Chocolate and Vanilla Red Velvet Cake
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 1 ounce bottle red food coloring (2 tablespoons)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk or sour milk*
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
- 1 recipe Mascarpone-Vanilla Bean Filling
- 1 recipe Chocolate Ganache
Directions
1. Allow eggs and butter to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grease and lightly flour three 9x9x2-inch square cake pans.** Set pans aside. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa powder, and salt; set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a very large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, about 1/4 cup at time, beating on medium speed until well mixed. Scrape side of bowl; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes more. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in red food coloring and vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar; fold into batter. Spread batter in the prepared pans.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the centers comes out clean. Cool cake layers in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove cake layers from pans. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.
4. If necessary, with a long serrated knife, level tops of cake layers. Place one cake layer, bottom side up, on serving platter. Spread with half of the Mascarpone-Vanilla Bean Filling. Top with second cake layer, bottom side up. Spread top with the remaining filling. Top with third layer, bottom side up. Spoon Chocolate Ganache over cake top, using a thin spatula to spread on side and top.
Mascarpone-Vanilla Bean Filling
Ingredients
- 2 ounces chopped white baking chocolate (with cocoa butter)
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine chocolate and whipping cream. Cut a vanilla bean in half lengthwise; scrape out seeds. Stir vanilla bean seeds into chocolate mixture. Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is nearly melted. Remove from heat; stir until smooth. Cool for 15 minutes. In a large bowl, beat together mascarpone cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add white chocolate mixture, beating until fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until mixture is a thick spreading consistency.
Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon light-color corn syrup
- 2 1/2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate pieces
Directions
In a medium saucepan, bring cream and corn syrup just to boiling over medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Add chocolate pieces (do not stir). Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Let stand for 15 minutes more.