FSB Beauty Directory: Get Gorgeous Hair at Concept Salon

I'm starting a new feature here on FSB, where we give you a directory of simply the best of the best of anything fashion, style and beauty-related. I feel it's important for you to look at the site as a harbinger of all things cool, effective and worth your money.

So, of course, we're going to start off with everyone's favorite beauty item: a hair salon.

Remember when I got the World's Most Beautiful Hair, courtesy of the genius, moisture-infusing treatment known as Inphenom? Well, the magic happened at our first Beauty Directory entry, Concept Salon, right here in NYC. Located in Manhattan's Midtown East area on 59th and 2nd, Concept is truly a little hidden gem of a salon that does AH-MAZ-ING services.

First of all, let me be clear about the blowout situation: it's epic. It lasts forever and doesn't hurt, so I'm sold. Genius cuts, color, consultations: the owners of the salon have worked on Victoria's Secret models, captains of corporate America and all sorts of other women who whisper this salon's name to the select in-the-know favorites, so you know it's definitely worth a trip in the door. They also do all manner of treatments, such as the life-changing Inphenom already mentioned as well as relaxers and the epic, hottest new straightening treatment that everyone is simply RAVING ABOUT: the Brazilian Blowout.

This is their menu of services. Reasonably priced, amazing hair in Manhattan? Please, this is a total no-brainer. Head to Concept and get the situation on top of your ears under control. Life's too short to have bad hair. Get thee to Concept now.

Concept Salon
1107 Second Avenue (@ 59th St)
212.644.6366

Holiday Beauty: The Pampermint Pedicure

After racing from one end of the city to another working, events, epic levels of Christmas shopping and the holiday party circuit, my feet were freaking killing me. You know what I mean, that aching, murderous pain where you want to just take your feet off and put them somewhere. Well, my little overworked heel-loving maven, I need to tell you about the fabulous Pampermint Manicures and Pedicures at Eve Salon here in NYC.

Available through January 31st, the Pampermint Manicure ($20) and Pampermint Pedicure ($40) are fabulous winter treatments exclusive to Eve. Each service is 45 minutes of sheer bliss where your technician uses peppermint oil-infused products to revitalize tired muscle tissue, soothe your skin and calm your anxious mind. In addition to a vigorous and mind-blowing peppermint sugar scrub, you'll receive a massage that will have you melting into the chair and a steaming hot cup of all natural hot cocoa, which comes with a shot of peppermint schnapps if you so desire.

So if you wonder what's the cause of my shiny disposition (and my sparkling red pedicure), I'll confess to my new personal favorite holiday treatment. An amazing gift idea or just something lovely to ease your worried mind and body, book these fabulous treatments by calling 212.807.8054.

Then cool your heels with a little peppermint lovin' and let the pampering begin.

Need a Holiday Dress Fast? It's Time to Rent the Runway

Look at your calendar. Seriously, just look at it. With a circuit of holiday parties coming up, New Year's Eve, your cousin's wedding and some mysterious party that calls for "festive attire," your poor closet just threw up its hands in disgust because, well, it just can't handle the truth. Plus, you want to walk in and leave them wanting more. What's a girl to do when you can't go out and possibly purchase all the amazing couture you see on the runway for all these functions?

Sit back and relax because two fabulous women have come up with a business that's about to save your proverbial fashion bacon. Ladies, meet Rent The Runway.

Think of this service like Netflix for couture. They have all the major designers that anyone would ever want (Brian Reyes, Badgley Mischka, Proenza Schouler, ADAM, Alice + Olivia and Diane von Furstenberg, just to name a few) and you can shop by designer or by occasion (black tie, meet the parents, holiday party, date night, New Year's Eve) and rent designer duds for your event. They'll even send you the next size up or down for free just in case of sizing (how genius is that?). Each rental comes with a stylist kit in case of emergency (double stick tape, breath mints, etc). Select your dress(es) and this little stylist in a bag is shipped direct to your front door for a four-night loan. When you're done dazzling everyone at your event, just put the dress into the prepaid shipping envelope and drop it in the mail. Yep, it's just that easy.

I mean, renting the look is roughly one-tenth the price of retail and best of all, you can almost rest assured that NO ONE will have this dress at your party because you're ordering something that might not even be available in your market. I mean, in what other situation would you be able to wear this stunning Brian Reyes Beaded Racerback Dress (at top), which originally retails for $995 for a mere $100? You'd better bring a body guard if you show up on New Year's Eve in this Yigal Azrouel Draped Gold Lame Dress that retails for $915 but you secretly rented for $100. Don't be surprised if you see photos of me in this Badgley Mischka Satin Draped Bodice Dress, which originally retails for $615. Want to know the rental price? $50, people. I know!

Rent the Runway is a subscriber-only service so really, what are you waiting for? You have holiday parties to attend and you have amazing couture to rent. Get on the list right this minute to ensure you'll be the best dressed this season. Get yourself some front row style right now, ladies! It's time to Rent the Runway!

NYFW: Getting Down to Fashion Weight

If you're going out for cocktails or dinner anywhere in Manhattan at a spot frequented by fashion and beauty media, socialites, buyers or anyone associated with Fashion Week, you'll hear almost all of us talking about the fact that we're on diets. Specifically, the "Fashion Week Diet". Is it a regular program? No. Is there a book with a diet and exercise regimen. Not really.

The "diet" is very simple, really: do whatever it takes to look your absolute best for the tents, the parties and the amazing clothing you will wear. Think of it as the prom, a first date and swimsuit season all rolled into one.



As someone who is now down 72 lbs (and it was no easy feat, let me tell you), I am determined to do this the right way, which is with diet and exercise. Since I have absolutely no time for the gym, I rent workout DVDs from Netflix and do one a day (sometimes two if I have the time). I'm also on The Fresh Diet (the way Sheri Shepard lost all that weight on The View), which is an amazing diet delivery service that drops three meals and two snacks on my doorstep every morning so I don't have to think about what I'm eating. The diet is teaching me all sorts of things about eating, from proper portion size to the fact that really healthy food can taste AMAZING! The dishes are really delicious: today's menu is as follows:

Breakfast: Spinich & Feta Cheese Egg Bake with Fresh Papaya
Snack: Charred Lamb Loin on Whole Wheat Crostini with Oven Roasted Tomato
Lunch: Tofu Caesar Salad with Romaine Lettuce, Sun-Dried Tomato, European Cucumber and Caesar Dressing
Dinner: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Lemon Pepper and Garlic Sauce with Roasted Sweet Potato and Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
Dessert: Cherry Vanilla Cheese Cake

The best thing about The Fresh Diet (other than home delivery and absolutely delicious food)? When you sign up for the service, you log into an account and give your food preferences (I don't like condiments like mayo and ketchup, so those aren't in the foods delivered). It's like having a private chef that controls your calorie intake and makes smart food decisions when you just don't have the time or, like me, don't know how to eat properly. They currently deliver in South Florida, Chicago, NY Tri-State area, Southern California, Boston and Philadelphia so if you're in any of these areas and you want to lose weight in a healthy manner while eating delicious food, contact them today.

So, as I race to the finish to get into the gorgeous vintage dress and some pretty fabulous clothes for Fashion Week, my diet and exercise plan will consist of more than a deep breath at meals and a cigarette for dessert. I'm already down 7 lbs so it's definitely working!

See you at the tents, slimmer and fashion-ready!

#NYFW