New Styling Tools from John Frieda® by Conair

John Frieda® by Conair Styling Tools have become my go-to for everyday styling products. My hair is naturally straight, but for extra shine and smoothness, I flat iron my hair with the John Frieda® Smooth & Shine Sleek Finish Flat Iron and when I feel like adding some curls I use the John Frieda Spiral Curls Curling Iron. So anytime I hear of a new John Frieda® by Conair product, you bet I can't wait to try it out.

I recently previewed the latest John Frieda® by Conair volumizing styling tools at Trapeze School New York. We watched performers on the flying trapeze and an individual aerial silks act, as their hair remained perfectly intact.

The Salon Shape Hot Air Brush from John Frieda® ($39.99) truly is a time-saving tool - a blow-dryer and curling iron in one! This hot air brush makes it easy to get frizz-free, full-bodied curls and waves. All you do is select your desired temperature, glide the brush through wet or dry hair and smooth away frizz and flyaways.

TIP: For beautiful full-bodied waves in half the time, divide damp hair into sections, then run the Salon Shape Hot Air Brush through the lengths, rotating at the ends. Hold hair in place for 5 to 10 seconds then release the repeat until your entire head is complete. For lasting style, finish with a light mist of holding spray.

The JFHS5 John Frieda® Frizz Ease® Hair Setter by Conair ($49.99) features five 2-inch titanium ceramic-coated jumbo rollers that create silky waves for a natural look. This hair setter uses a true ionic generator to safely distribute heat throughout the hair so there's no fear of frizz or dull strands. I found it easy to wrap my hair around the jumbo rollers, with butterfly clips to hold them in place. The rollers should be kept in for at least 15 minutes, but if you have fine or longer hair then you should keep it in a little longer.

Also new is the JFC12 John Frieda® 1 1/2 Inch Frizz Ease® Conical by Conair ($39.99), with a uniform heat recovery system and 11 digital high heat settings, this heat styler is a breakthrough in advanced true ionic technology. The 1 1/2 inch clamp-free conical barrel features titanium ceramic coating that minimizes frizz for natural-looking results. With a new professional power handle, and the ability to reach temperatures of up to 400ºF in just 30 seconds, the 1 1/2 Inch Frizz Ease Conical delivers healthy looking, perfectly styled hair.

Salon Shape from John Frieda® is exclusively available at Amazon.com. John Frieda® Frizz Ease® Hair Setter by Conair is available at Amazon.com, Ulta and HEB. John Frieda® 1 1/2 Inch Frizz Ease® Conical by Conair is available at Target stores.

Hair styling demonstrations using the latest tools from John Frieda® by Conair

Flying trapeze and aerial silks perfomances at Trapeze School New York

- Kim Weling

KeratinPerfect Steps to the Perfect DIY Blowout

Earlier this month, I attended the KeratinPerfect Blogger Bash at Wonderland Beauty Parlor. My stylist guided me through my own DIY Perfect Blowout using KeratinPerfect styling products. Bloggers also had the option of choosing a DIY KeratinPerfect Smoothing Treatment.

I learned how to do a proper blowout, in four easy steps that I continue to do at home.

1) The first step is to shampoo and condition with KeratinPerfect PerfectCleanse Keratin Enhanced Shampoo ($24) and KeratinPerfect PerfectSilk Keratin Enhanced Conditioner ($24). Both these products are great in helping my hair maintain its shine, smoothness and protecting my hair from everyday blow drying and flat ironing.

2) Then I spray KeratinPerfect PerfectRenew Daily Keratin Replenishing Spray ($34) on damp hair. This replenishing spray gives my hair that daily dose of keratin and detangles, tames frizz and protects my hair from drying effects of styling.

3) Next I apply a nickel-sized amount of PerfectSmooth Blowout Booster Styling Cream ($34) from middle to ends of hair, combing product throughout hair while blow drying. For more volume I blow dry my hair upside down and then flip it. Be sure to direct the nozzle as you comb through each section of hair, from roots to ends.

4) The last step is finishing the look with KeratinPerfect PerfectShine Keratin Oil, which absorbs quickly without feeling greasy or oily. It leaves hair shiny, smooth and sheen. It delivers the perfect infusion of keratin protein and Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, which prevents breakage and alleviates spit ends.

As part of my blowout process, I'm obsessed with the KeratinPerfect Curved Waffle Vent Volumizing & Styling Brush! The brush, featuring a curved design, combs through hair so effortlessly and works for all hair lengths and types.

Here's a before and after look at my hair. I've been addicted to using KeratinPerfect ever since and love the scent of all their products. KeratinPerfect keeps my hair healthy and shiny, especially after blow drying and flat ironing. KeratinPerfect is exclusively available at Sephora stores and online at sephora.com.

- Kim Weling

Bioré® Skincare Spring 2012 Launch Featuring Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser

*Collection of products provided by Bioré® Skincare

More than half of 20-year-old women experience combination skin. Bioré® Skincare has turned their attention to these women by introducing the Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser, developed with Skin Purifying technology, comprised of dirt-seeking cleansing molecules that target and cling to impurities. This new product cleanses skin without stripping away its natural resources.

"Women with combination skin may over-cleanse, leaving the dry areas stripped and imbalanced," says dermatologist Dr. Sapna Westley, Bioré® Consulting Dermatologist. " Otherwise they tend to under-cleanse, leaving behind excess oil that can cause breakouts. Biore Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser deep cleans oilt T-Zones while thoroughly yet gently cleansing drier areas, leaving skin clean and balanced. The cleanser is a must for anyone with combination skin."

After just one use, the cleanser delivers an all-over clean, lifting oil from the T-Zone while thoroughly cleansing dry areas. Combination areas are more balanced after two weeks or use.

The Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser, part of the new look of their skincare collection, color-coded to help you find the perfect targeted regimen for your complexion. Orange is ideal for complexion clearing, Blue is for thorough cleansing and Pink is for make-up removing. The overall packaging is now blue and white, for a modern, fresh clean look.

The Bioré® Skincare collection* also includes the following:

- Steam Activated Cleanser: with SteamActiv Beads, invigorates the skin with a cooling mint extract complex

- 4-in-1 Detoxifying Cleanser: multi-tasking face wash that cuts your cleansing routine down to one step - cleanses, tones, stimulates and detoxifies

- Pure Unclogging Scrub: creamy pearlized formula lifts away pore-clogging dirt and oil. Contains spherical exfoliating microbeads that removes dull, lifeless surface cells and Salicylic acid to help prevent blackheads and breakouts from forming.

- Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser: cools skin on contact, while whisking away 99% of dirt and oil

- Blemish Treating Astringent: fights blackheads and acne while unclogging dirt and oil and reducing surface shine.

- Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser: formulated with Zeolite, a special mineral clay that warms on contact without water, to help open up pores and clear our dirt oil and makeup. Salicylic acid penetrates pores to help fight breakouts.

- Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (available in 8 and 14 count nose and face strips): two different strips for the face and nose instantly removes pore-clogging dirt and oil that can cause blackheads. Gets rid of skin buildup and helps reduce the appearance of pores over time with regular use.

- Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (available in 6 count nose strips): these custom-fit strips are longer than the original strips and are twice as effective

- Combo Pack Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (available in 14 and 24 count nose and face strips): features two different strips

- Daily Cleansing Cloths (60 count): double-sided pre-moistened wipes infused with grapefruit and pomegranate. Features a textured side for mild exfoliation and a smooth side to wipe skin clean.

- Make-Up Removing Towelettes (available in 30 and 10 count) - formulated with Green Tea and infused with Vitamin E, Green Coconut Water and Indian Ginseng to moisutirze, nourish and rejuvenate.

- Kim Weling

Smashbox Be Discovered Spring 2012

Last month I attended the Smashbox Be Discovered Spring 2012 preview at Hudson Studios, hosted by founder Davis Factor and leading makeup artist Lori Taylor. The spring collection includes fresh shades for eyes, lips and cheeks to get you camera-ready.

Be Discovered Eye Shadow Palette ($44), includes eight pastel, crease-resistant sheer and matte shades. Be Legendary Lipstick ($19) comes in three shades - Pink Petal, Melondrama and Honey. This lipstick will keep your lips moisturized with a creamy formula, loaded with vitamins A and E and shea butter. Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner and Brush Set ($22) has a gel-based waterproof formula that glides and stays on. I love the mini perfect liner brush - it's great for on-the-go and the slanted brush makes it easy to apply liner. Available in Intrigue and Idol shades. Cream Cheek Trio ($29) blends to give your cheeks that It Girl glow and works as the perfect highlighter. The trio is available in Show Biz and In Lights shades.

Leading makeup artist Lori Taylor wears Be Legendary Lipstick in Pink Petal. Check out this video, where Lori shows us how to rock pastel eyes.

- Kim Weling

Joe Fresh Flagship Store Opening Party

Tonight Joe Fresh held their flagship store opening party at 510 Fifth Avenue at 43rd Street.

I had never been in a Joe Fresh store, and as exhausted as I was, I really wanted to check it out. The pop of color everywhere, lighting and open space was enough to wake me up and want to go shopping. The store reminds me of a cross between Uniqlo, Gap and H&M, and pricing is quite affordable. Even more affordable tonight since all party guests were entitled to 25% off.

Joe Fresh will open to the public at 12 noon on 3/30, giving away $100 gift cards to the first 200 people. I can only imagine what that line will look like. Happy shopping!

Tangerine Tango (Pantone's color of the year) is one of my favorite colors for spring/summer, so I couldn't resist buying this silk colorblock tank for $39 and a pair of link gym shorts for $19 (plus my extra 25% off!). Sizes start at XS, and the fit is pretty true to size.

If you plan on shopping Saturday morning at 10am, Joe Fresh will be giving away a free beauty gift, to the first 200 people who spend $50 or more.

- Kim Weling

Avoid Fashion Faux-Pas with Johnny on the Spot

I recently met Miss Oops founder Jennifer Higgins, who unveiled the latest collection from Miss Oops, Johnny on the Spot, exclusively available at Duane Reade locations. Save yourself from any future fashion mishaps with these savvy solutions.

Bosom Bandeau - Wear under low-cut tops and tanks and tees with oversized arm holes for extra coverage without adding a bulky layer underneath. Comfy, delicate stretch lace peeks through for a more covered up look.

Booty Covers - Wear with ultra-low rise jeans, over your pants to cover your booty or under your cropped tanks and shorter shirts to prevent your belly from showing. This stretch lace band looks like a lace camisole layered underneath.

Silicone Nipple Covers - When you can't wear a bra with your blouse or dress, opt for these silicone nipple covers, reusable up to 15 times. They have tapered edges that blend in seamlessly, creating a smooth silhouette even under the most sheer tops and keeps you from looking too perky.

Deodorant Removing Sponge - Remove any marks, from deodorant streaks to make-up powder. Easy and convenient to use, all you do is rub the dry sponge over your "oops" to make it disappear. The sponge can be used on all fabrics, even on silk.

Double-Sided Apparel Tape - Now this I can't live without!It's my go-to solution for falling straps, gaping blouses and plunging necklines. Developed with hypo-allergenic adhesive, the apparel tape anchors securely to your clothes. It is a available in two sizes, with 36 strips to a box.

- Kim Weling

Fabulous New Problem-Solving Skincare from Miss Oops

I've known Miss Oops throughout the years for their Rescue Sponge, which has always worked so well at removing makeup and deodorant stains. So I was excited to hear that they have just launched some new problem-solving skincare products!

Plump Up The Volume ($45) is a collagen-boosting serum that plumps up your cheeks. It's formulated with sea kelp, pomegranate extract, natural active peptides and horse chestnut extract. This multi-tasking serum also combats crow's feet around the eyes, and works its magic around the lips, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Reign in Rosacea ($45) features Epidermal Growth Factor, which is proven to be highly effective in controlling Rosacea breakouts. This powerful serum is comprised of 100% active ingredients such as aloe polysaccharides, green tea extract, natural active peptides, sea kelp and pomegranate extract.

With shorts and swimsuit season coming up, I can't wait to try You're Not So Vein ($82), which helps reduce the appearance of spider veins, while promoting healthy circulation. Ingredients include licorice, grape seed and rose hip oil. This smoothing cream is dark-brown in color, but blends in and works for all skin tones.

If I Could Turn Back Time ($82) takes care of skincare problems due to sun exposure. This repair cream is developed with sandalwood essential oil, resveratrol, jojoba and rosehip seed oils, shea butter, avocado and sweet almond seed oil. The cream softens and hydrates skin, working on undoing the sun's drying effects.

These new skincare products are available at missoops.com.

- Kim Weling

Daniella Kallmeyer Fall 2012

Lady-like gray pleats and nods to demure Hollywood-glam silhouettes licked the 90’s rave kid lollipop at Daniella Kallmeyer’s F/W ’12 presentation.

Kallmeyer reinvented classic black and gray skirts by pairing them with black vinyl and pops of midnight navy and neon violet. Tangerine turtlenecks and pleather collars brought an edge to tame, tucked in button-downs and white sweaters.

Black on black in fur, vinyl, and shiny patent leather added an androgynous layer to the collection that Kallmeyer described as being “very inspired by raver culture and ‘90s TV shows.” The textures and bright colors emulating peacock feathers added dimension to the demure cuts, living up to the collection’s "Grandma's at a Rave" title.

I might be alone on this... but, as a child of the ‘90s, this collection fulfilled a sort of dream of mine. The boyish pieces that still seamlessly evoked femininity when paired with tie-dyed purple, green, and orange reminded me of one very memorable character from ‘90s TV. The straight blue leggings with green polka dots paired with a prim purple dress… Angelica from “Rugrats.” Kallmeyer’s collection would have been Angelica’s dream closet – and really, Angelica would have been a whole lot cooler with a black vinyl backpack with fur straps.

- Alyssa D'Alessandro

Harley-Davidson Footwear Spring 2012

Top left: Margie, $85 / right: Sophia, $80

Bottom left: Amaris, $140 / right: Dessay, $130

When I had first previewed Harley-Davidson Footwear for Spring 2012, I was surprised at how wearable and versatile the collection is. I never would have guessed that some of these styles are by Harley-Davidson Footwear! I love the distressed leathers, with that worn, vintage look. One of my favorite boots is the Amaris lace up boot, with a collar that you can wear up or folded over with snap details. As soon as I saw them I knew they would go perfectly with my brown leather motorcycle jacket.

Another standout is the Sophia wedge, with metal mesh detailing and several long boots with buckles straps, like the Solstice and Adria. The shoes are comfortable to walk around in, whether in the city or on the open road, and start at size 5. You can view the entire spring collection and learn more at harley-davidsonfootwear.com.

Top left: Darice, $160 / Dulcie

Middle left: Dina / right: Solstice

Bottom left: Silvia, $160 / right: Adria

Here are some of my favorite men's styles, with Harley-Davidson detailing to give them a modern edge.

Top left: Mazor, $140 / right: Cambridge

Middle left: Paladin, $140 / right: Custer

Bottom left: Merle, $160 / right: Overland

- Kim Weling

Aidan Matttox Dress Giveaway!

Strapless Charmeuse Print Dress

Aidan Mattox features gorgeous dresses and gowns that can be worn for your next cocktail party, charity event, black-tie gala. Aidan Mattox dresses are also a popular choice for bridesmaids dresses and prom.

The Spring 2012 Aidan Mattox collection includes beaded and sequined embroidery, charmeuse and paisley prints, metallics and vibrant colors including yellow, blue and purple. Aidan Mattox dresses are available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Dillard's, Macy's and Lord & Taylor.

I'm offering one lucky reader a chance to win an Aidan Mattox dress! To enter, leave a comment on this post stating what your favorite Aidan Mattox dress is. You can view more of the Aidan Mattox Spring collection at aidanmattox.com.

Extra Bonus if you:

1) Tweet this Contest - tag @fashionblypetit

2) Follow @fashionblypetit on Twitter

3) Like fashionably petite on Facebook

4) Follow @AidanMattox on Twitter

5) Like Aidan Mattox on Facebook

Be sure to let me know if you participate in any bonus points so I can confirm and count them in!

AIDAN MATTOX GIVEAWAY
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Must be legal U.S. resident, 18 yrs or older to enter. Contest ends on April 1st, 2012 at 11:59pm ET. Fashionably Petite will determine (1) one winner, who will be awarded an Aidan Mattox dress. Limit one prize per household. Odds of winning are dependent on the total number of eligible entries. Winner will be contacted by email. Offer valid while supplies last. Giveaway sponsored by Fashionably Petite; Prize provided by Aidan Mattox.

Left: Strapless Chiffon Dress, $295

Right: Strapless Paisley Print Chiffon Gown, $285

Left: Draped Neck Jersey Dress in Grey

Right: Caftan Dress in Coral

Left: Car Wash Dress in Violet

Right: Jacquard Dress in Orchid

Left: One-Shoulder Sequin Dress in Champagne

Right: Strapless Gown in Bright Yellow

Left: Beaded Chiffon Dress in Ivory

Right: Strapless Bodice Gown in Black


Left: Strapless Gown in Bright Aqua

Right: Silk Jacquard Gown in Bright Aqua

Left: Chiffon Gown in Sapphire

Right: Sequined Gown in Neptune

- Kim Weling