Hairstory

"Beauty is about perception, not about make-up. I think the beginning of all beauty is knowing and liking oneself. You can't put on make-up, or dress yourself, or do you hair with any sort of fun or joy if you're doing it from a position of correction."

-Kevyn Aucoin 

I've been pondering that age-old question...do blondes really have more fun? Did Marilyn live it up more than Audrey? Does Rosalie have less cares than Alice? Not only have I been pondering, I have been so tempted to take that step over to the..ahem...light side. Would changing my hair color change how I feel; change my perspective on life; or how others treat me?

Thankfully, websites like Instyle.com make it possible for one to take the virtual leap, before heading over to the salon, paying hundreds of dollars, then hating the outcome. It's as easy as uploading a picture of yourself making a few clicks, and voila! You can see yourself as a potential spunky blonde, a spicy ginger, or a mysterious raven-hair.

But that's just it.

Are blondes the life of the party?

Are red-heads sassy?

Are brunettes really dark and lovely?

What does our hair-story say about us?

I have naturally curly, medium-brown (I think) hair. I know that when I straighten my hair, I definitely look like a different person (no joke, its like my whole face changes) and I guess sometimes I do feel like a different person. Maybe a little more free from tangles. Maybe a little more windswept as the breeze moves easily through my straight locks.

I went through a punky pink ombre stage, however short-lived. It was fun to have candy-colored hair, but now I'm recalling not feeling quite like myself. I'm still discovering who I am, but elegance is one thing I want to be, and I didn't feel like flamingo pink supported that quality. Then again, we have Katie Perry who is elegant and rainbow-headed simultaneously.... [sigh] I digress.

I have yet to trade my brunette tresses for blonde ones. But the curiosity is getting to me. I know that deep down my heart and soul and mind are what makes me me, but I can't help but wonder if transforming my hair could somehow, even in the smallest way, transform me.

I'm interested to hear your insights and experiences!

Hair Today and Gone Tomorrow,

Danielle Cason

*all photos courtesy of http://wetpaint.com

Favorite Foods as of Today

 I'm always craving some kind of food. I'm the kind of person who can't do routines, I need to eat something different everyday. Living in Hawaii you get plenty of options of what to eat, there's no dominant "type" of food here. Hawaii is an amazing place to explore and enjoy foods from all over the world.

Here are a few things I’ve been craving recently…

If you need a quick, cheap fix, CP Shrimp Wonton Soup with Noodles is seriously the best microwavable wonton soup I’ve ever had. It’s very filling and has a yummy broth.

http://www.tastyislandhawaii.com/images/shrimp_wt_soup_wonton5.jpg

The healthy part about the soup is also made with no preservatives and the shrimp used is raised in eco-friendly farms. The soup can be found at Costco in Hawaii (I hope more places carry this soon).

Here’s a drink I love, and it’s really good for you, sick or not. Its called Govinda’s Ginger Rush. It’s like ginger lemonade… with a dash of cayenne pepper.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8Bv8kKV0aEs/TGoPTpA_HiI/

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The drink blends the sourness of lemon with that signature “bite” of ginger taste, finished off with a slightly spicy sting. It helps to alleviate cold symptoms and aids digestion while giving you an energy boost.

Delicious, sugary sweet dried strawberries are done right by Ann’s House of Nuts brand. It's the PERFECT sweet dried strawberry. It’s like biting into a strawberry coated with sugar, but with a gummy, chewy texture. Simply delicious for your sweet tooth!

 http://www.basketbox.com/cache/widgetkit/gallery/4/dried_strawberries-2c57d036c4.jpg

Out of all the options of li hing covered fruit, Aloha Gourmet Li Hing Fuji Apples are simply amazing. Dried apples dusted with li hing powder are savory and also quite sweet. The mellow taste of the fuji apples makes the li hing powder a perfect accent taste without adding unnecessary sourness.

http://tastyislandhawaii.com/images10/

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 Hope y'all can try it and enjoy it as much as I do!

XOXO,

Deanna

Mary Katrantzou x Current/Elliott Collaboration

Mary Katrantzou and the creative director of Current/Elliot, Serge Azria, have collaborated to release a S/S 2013 collection filled with fun prints and casual looks. First, let me describe the different styles of the two brands: 

Mary Katrantzou is famous for her use of prints, that are intricate yet elegant. 

http://www.style.com/fashion-shows/spring-2013-ready-to-wear/

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http://www.style.com/fashion-shows/spring-2013-ready-to-wear/

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Current/Elliot is well-known for their denim staples, and causal-wear style.

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 http://cdnb.lystit.com/photos/2012/12/11/currentelliott-thunder-the-prep

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The two have teamed up to present a collection that has a casual yet classy but still creatively unique kind of feel.

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Current/Elliot transfers these prints on their denim pieces, creating a chic look on durable denim. The color palette consists mainly of hues of blues, reds, and whites, with occasional pops of color, added to give depth to the graphics.

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 Currency and stamps inspired Katrantzou's prints for this collaboration. 

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This collaboration is priced up to a few hundred dollars, which is actually more affordable than other Katrantzou pieces. These pieces were made to be durable enough for everyday wear, yet delicate enough to give a sophisticated look.

Have a good week!

XOXO,

Deanna

Would Dorothy be Dorothy....?

"If the cut of the costume indicated intellect and talent, then the color indicated temper and heart." 

-Thomas Carlyle

Mila Kunis, James Franco, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz
in Oz The Great and Powerful.
Costume Designer: Gary Jones
photo: businessinsider.com

Last night my husband took me out for a perfect date night at my favorite hole-in-the wall Italian restaurant and then on to see Disney's colorful new debut, Oz The Great and Powerful.

About 20 minutes into the movie, I started to get a little worried. Maybe my expectations were too high, the beautiful graphics, the star-studded cast, the classic story...but the plot seemed to be falling a little flat (for the record, the movie picks up, and it's a hit that I highly recommend). However, this is not a movie review, this is in fact, a costume review. For I know that I can watch the worst of worst movies, but if the costumes are interesting, accurate, or intricate, the overall experience will prove satisfying for me (i.e.: Snow White and The Huntsman, thank you Charlize for wearing real beetle wings). "Oz" get's a 10/10 in costume design from this girl. I couldn't stop staring at Rachel Weisz as she simultaneously manipulated and sparkled; or doe-eyed Mila Kunis, looking wickedly chic. And don't get me started on Michelle Williams, who traded her sultry Marilyn Monroe wardrobe for angelic, glittery, and downright good gowns as she embodies the essence of Glinda.

And let's here it for the boys and James Franco looked positively debonair as he pulled rabbits out of his hats and weaseled his way behind that curtain (but "pay no attention")...

Charlize Theron in Snow White and The Huntsman
Costume Designer: Coleen Atwood
photo: popstyle.ew.com

As a former wardrobe stylist, I have a small idea of how a good costume can transform the same person into many different characters. I often wonder that without the right clothes, would a character really be who they're intended to be?

Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina
Costume Designer: Jacqueline Durran
*Oscar Winner!*
photo: people.com

Would Carrie Bradshaw be Carrie without the Manolos?

If you caught any glimpse of the Oscars or the Golden Globes this past January and February, you already know that 2012 was a great year for costumes in movies and television, and you can anticipate seeing more of that in 2013.

Samantha Barker as Eponine in Les Miserables
Costume Designer: Paco Delgado
photo: broadway.com

Hats off to costume designers who spend hours researching, hunting, sewing, and fitting just to prepare an actor to bring this character to life. They are the behind-the-scenes heroes of your favorite on-screen characters, dressing them to perfection in order to captivate audiences and make them believe the story unfolding before their very eyes.

Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby
Costume Designer: Catherine Martin
photo: clothesinfilm.com

The clothes may not make the man, but perhaps the costume makes the character.

Still don't believe me?

Two words: Ruby Slippers.

Hi, Tea.

Photo: http://examiner.com

Good morning all,

I know I am usually the Saturday evening blogger, however, last night I was hit with a stomach ailment that sent me straight to bed without dessert and without blogging. So here I am, Sunday morning, still ailing, skipping church and throwing you all for a loop.

I think one finds success in writing what they know and what they love. To me, one of life's simple sweet pleasures is a nice cup of tea. Now add to that a cutesy, over-the-top, antiquey ambiance, and some of my best girlfriends dressed in florals, lace, and anything with ruffles and my tea experience becomes nothing short of a gift from Heaven.

Photo: Danielle Cason

Now, I am uncertain if it was the release of Tim Burton's feast-for-our-eyes Alice in Wonderland in 2010, or the love of all-things-vintage that doesn't seem to stop gaining momentum, or if its merely the fault of Pinterest: but the British are coming and tea, tea parties, tea houses, and high tea are here to stay (I hope!).

Photo: Amber Schoniwitz of SCHYNE 

Why am I making such a campaign for tea? Because it makes your life better and more fun. 

So there.

Tea has many health benefits which include fighting a wide array of cancers and other diseases, hydrating your body, and assisting you in weight-loss goals. You can learn about other great benefits here:
http://healthland.time.com/2012/09/04/13-reasons-to-love-tea/

Tea cups and tea party themes can make the most humdrum event way.too.cute. Baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, book clubs...you name it. Its easy to find some great antique tea sets at your local thrift store and a box of tea samplers is super cheap! Bake some muffins or cupcakes and you could host a quaint little gathering for less than $20!

Photo: Amber Schoniwitz of SCHYNE 

If you are willing to take a risk and substitute your Starbucks coffee shop chatting date with a morning get-together at a tea house you may just find yourself feeling more elegant, more peaceful, and you will probably find a million dollars under the table and your life will be perfect forever. Ok, maybe not that last part, but it may be perfect for a moment and the scones will be good.

Photo: Danielle Cason

I suggest that next weekend, you put on a great outfit (or purchase one from Milieu!), call a friend, and raise your tea cup (and your pinkie!) to fancy, to vintage, to health, to elegance, to culture, to God, to friends, to fun, to life, to you! 

Top Picks:

My favorite place in the world to sip tea: Alice's Tea Cup

My favorite place on O'ahu to clink tea cups: The Veranda at the Kahala Resort

The tea experience I've yet to have but that is definitely on my wish list: Tea at 1024

“I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Danielle Cason