Garance, I have extremely curly hair, much like yours. I’m wondering what products you use seeing as you seem to have the non frizz zone down to a science. Please share your secret!!! Magen.

Magen, hello! The goddess with the thrown together bun curly hair is talking to you. Okay, here we go…

It’s true, I’ve tried everything and I’ve realized two essential truths:

1/ Every head of hair is different and so what works for me isn’t necessarily going to work for you.

2/ Every location is different and the water and air (humidity levels) in any given place can completely change the texture of your hair.

So, it really comes down to you trying everything and adapting what works. For me, since getting here to New York, my hair has exploded. My curls are ten times crazier than they were in Paris and frizzies are my daily nightmare. Here’s the battalion of products I use just to calm my hair hysteria:

• Shampoo

- The Shampoing à la Moelle de Bambou by Leonor Greyl is my favorite. I feel like it thoroughly nourishes and protects my hair.

• Conditioner

- I tend to go with whatever’s here as long as it softens my hair. Right now, I really like Bumble and Bumble’s Let it Shine. Because really, what’s more important to me is :

• Leave in Conditioner

This is just crazy in my cabinet. I’ve got a million of them. My two favorites are:

- Creme with Silk Groom, by Kiehl’s : whenever my hair is just too crazy. This balm adds considerable weight to the texture and shine and is great for days when I don’t have time to really style my hair. It calms everything down and gives me some nice bouncy curls. Be careful not to put too much in though or it can get greasy.

- One of my all time favorites whether I’m in Paris, New York or Timbuktu (Never been, but you know what I mean), is the crème Oleo-Curl by Kérastase. It works great anywhere. It’s a lot lighter than the one from Kiehl’s and is so great when I have time to dry my hair because it gives it some nice curls without weighing it down. My hair is soft and shiny and not at all greasy.

And just because I’m always testing out new things, I bought some Moroccan Oil (haven’t tried it yet), the Supershine Moisturizing Cream by Oribe (tried it, sooo good), Brilliant Glossing by Fekkai (awesome) and still a million others that I’ll tell you about if I get good results.

One last thing… When I put my hair up (which is often), to avoid little frizzes escaping out, I spray a little shot of Elnett hairspray. And for really bad hair days, last time I talked to you about my dry shampoo.

There you have it, all my favorite products. Everything here I’ve used for years so go give ‘em a try.

Outside of that, I’ve recently discovered a cool new trick, I like to wash my hair in the evening. I dry it quickly and put in some leave in conditionner and I don’t know why but after a night on the pillow, my hair is super soft and not frizzy at all.

And there you go Magen! I hoped I answered your question? That’s it for my anti-frizz science!

What about you guys? Do you have any advice for curly hair that works for you?

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Other entries from the Reader’s Mailbox ?

What’s the perfect pant length?
How to wear black nail polish?
How to put together a functional (and fabulous) wardrobe?
How to take care of your eyebrows?
What do you think of juice cleanses?

And of course, if you want to ask me a question, you can do it here. Big hugs!

Translation : Tim Sullivan

When someone told me that Solange Knowles was going to be the DJ for our party tonight at Tiffany, I practically fell out of my chair* : “Hoooow cool is thaaaat! She’s so cool we have to meet her!!! This is the perfect opportunity!”

And that’s how we ended up at her place in Brooklyn yesterday, taking a look through her closet, talking design and music (when she asked me if I wanted her to do a special dedication for me for the party, I didn’t know what to tell her – I feel like I’m about to become a lost cause when it comes to music.) and so it was a totally inspirational trip.

The colors and prints she surrounds herself with (in the picture, she’s wearing Marni pants and a vintage blouse), her haircut, and even the way she does her makeup… I’d been following her on her Damn Blog and she didn’t disappoint!

With that, I’ll stop with the superlatives and let you go. Scott just got back from two weeks and Europe and I’m so happy to be next to him again, finaaaaaallyyyy!!!

I’ll take some photos at the Tiffany party, I promise! Big hugs!

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* Yep, seriously… There were screams. There were shouts. I danced around the apartment. And I just about fell out of my chair. And that’s how it goes when I’m super happy. When I’m a little PO’d, I’m calm. Super calm. So yeah, that happens rarely.

Translation : Tim Sullivan

Wini created the awesome and subtle beauty brand McBride Beauty. I thought it’d be interesting to meet her.

I didn’t know much more about her when I took to the steps of her brownstone. She made me some tea and started talking about anything and everything including her family and her two kids that she raised in tranquil Park Slope. She was telling me that she had her daughter at 41 years old and I just had to ask, “41? Wait… How old are you?”

When she told me she was 48, I was so surprised. I never would have guessed.

You know, I don’t want to say that she “seems much younger” (even if that’s the first thing I thought) because “seems much younger” shouldn’t be the ultimate complement. The ultimate compliment would be something like she’s “in amazing shape.”

I know women of all ages. Each one lives her years in a different way but coming across Wini and her natural beauty – a little Frenchie… I mean, she never wears makeup! -  reminded me that aging gracefully requires an attitude, coolitude, and a certain serenity.

It made me realize what I already knew: that more and more, the tightened, pulled, puffed and frozen* faces that I see have the exact opposite of the desired effect… They just make you look older.

It made me want to ask her a whole bunch of questions:

-

What does staying young mean to you?

Wini: It’s a state of mind. You have to keep moving, physically and mentally and try to stay current. If you think than you’re old and you believe what society tells you to believe about age you fall into that trap! You have to keep moving!

What’s the most important thing for having beautiful skin?

W: Eat healthy, sleep, and be happy. I think staying out of the sun because it’s a big factor, and also not abusing your skin. Whatever you put inside of you will show on the surface whether its food or gossip or stress.

What’s your point of view on plastic surgery?

W : I think everyone has to do whatever they feel comfortable doing. If someone’s not happy with the way they look and they keep obsessing over it you can do with you want or go talk to a therapist! I think to each their own. I can’t see myself doing anything, but I also really like my face right now. Ask me that in 20 years when my eyes are hanging down and I might have a different point of view!

-

Between that and a few other things – like an orange muffin for example-, we also talked about Clarisonic (New Yorkers just love them. You’ve tried them already?) electronic micro-current facials (it’s great. I tried it and remind me to tell you more about it) the creams & lotions she makes (which are 100% natural and smell divinely good) and pfff, so many other things that had nothing at all to do with beauty.

It was so cool and refreshing. On that, I’ll let you go, I’ve gotta go support my local Hells Angels.

———–

*I’m sure that if it’s done well, the results can be marvelous but I just feel like Botox can be addictive : It seems you always want more and people end up not realizing when it’s just too much…

Translation : Tim Sullivan

From Manhattan to Brooklyn, here are Dianas’s favorite places. Check out this picture of her at one of her favorite cafés, Smith Canteen..

How would you describe New York to someone who has never been?

It’s a big city that can feel quite small.

What’s your favorite hidden shop?

I’m not sure anything stays hidden here for too long!!! I personally love Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Assembly in the Lower East Side. They always have a perfectly curated selection of pieces you won’t find elsewhere.

And your favorite place to buy vintage?

My favorite vintage spot is in the city: Narnia on Clinton street in the Lower East Side.

What would you say is one New York clothing staple?

Comfortable shoes!!!!

Where’s the best place to buy treasures for a loved one?

It depends really. I’m usually quite specific when buying gifts. D.O.C. wine shop in Williamsburg has an amazing selection of wines and grappa. I also love Mast Brother’s Chocolate for goodies and a tour!

The best salon in the city?

I love IonStudio in SoHo, that’s where I first cut my hair short. I’ve tried other salons but nobody does it quite as well.

Your doing a staycation in New York, which hotel will you stay at and which spa will you go to?

The Bowery Hotel and Bliss Spa.

The best place to have a coffee and people watch?

The Smile on Bond Street or the Brooklyn Flea.

And your favorite bakery?

I love the lemon poppyseed cupcakes at Babycakes.

What’s your favorite date spot?

For a romantic candlelit dinner I like Peasant on Elizabeth Street.

Where can you spot the fashion crowd?

Le Bain

What is the one food you have to try in New York and where is the best place to have it?

Pizza! Definitely! I love Roberta’s in Bushwick and Rubirosa on Mulberry Street.

Where’s the best place to escape?

Ideally upstate, but if I can’t get out of the city I love McNally Jackson bookshop  (My favorite too!!!) in SoHo, I could sit there for hours. The water lounge at Great Jones Spa is also great for a bit of R & R.

Where’s your favorite place to get in a good work out?

My favorite form of exercise is running. I like to weave through all the smaller blocks near my apartment in Carroll Gardens. The neighborhood is so quaint. I also love Verandah Place, which is narrow cobblestone street adjacent to Cobble Hill Park, it feels very European.

What is one touristy place you still love visiting?

I love Central Park. On a nice day you can sit with a bottle of wine and snacks or take a boat ride. Then afterward a visit to the Guggenheim or the Whitney.

You’re meeting up with girlfriends for a night out, where are you headed?

We’ll usually meet up for a casual dinner somewhere and take it from there. My friends are great cooks and great hosts, but if we’re going out to eat then Diner in Williamsburg is a favorite. Hotel Delmano nearby is a great spot for cocktails, I suggest the Devil’s Garden for a refreshing tequila concoction with bait of cayenne pepper.

Your absolute favorite restaurant?

Il Buco on Bond street. It reminds me of my favorite spot I used to go to when I lived in Florence…

Can you tell us what your idea of a perfect day in New York is?

A perfect day would definitely include sleeping in, followed by a late brunch. Vinegar Hill House is a great spot and a scenic walk from my neighborhood through Dumbo and along the Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront. My friends and I also love to play a game of bocce ball at Floyd’s bar on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn Heights.

What’s the best way to get around the city—car, subway, bike?

Subway! Or scooter/motorcycle.

See more City Guides here!

I’m freelan… An entrepreneur. Okay, I’d like to think that I’m still freelance, but when you look at what I posted last week, it’s clear things have really changed. And since three many of you asked, here’s…

24 hours in the life of a Garance Doré, 2012 edition.

I wake up early. I hear my iPhone alarm 45 minutes after it started right at 7:00, hop out of bed and get on the same jogging pants from 2007 my yoga outfit.

Right after I take a quick look at Twitter drink a big glass of water, I do my daily 45 minutes of reading the ingredients on the back of the box of oatmeal of yoga and meditation totally synched up with Gwyneth Paltrow.

It’s 8:45 am and our employes are about to arrive. I have to put my best foot forward and lead by example on the road to success.
I keep daydreaming looking at Tumblr hop into the shower and put on a super cool chic outfit for my role as inspiring yet friendly boss.

It’s 9:00 and I’m still in my jogging pants ready to go on the starting blocks. Emily, my assistant, arrives with a big smile and her Starbucks mug and reminds me that I have a meeting.

Ah, Shit! Awesome! I totally forgot am totally ready: I’ve carefully prepared an outfit comprised of the first clothes I see in my closet that’s perfect for a spokeswoman such as myself, perfect hair, in knots brushed and ready, powerpoint by Emily that I of course forgot on her desk know by heart and off I go into the new and exciting day.

Whether I’m shooting, in a meeting, or brainstorming or totally paralyzed by all these ing words, I’m super productive until around 1:00 pm.

It’s time for lunch. Everyone knows that when you’re a career woman, you have to use every lunch to network. So every day I network with Scott someone different, just to keep filling my belly address book.

After lunch, I make my way back to the studio. Did I not mention that? I don’t have an desk. Nooope, I’m too disorganized creative for that.
I work sprawled out on my couch wherever inspiration leads me. Scott, and everyone else at the studio finds it super annoying inspiring.

They love to find traces of my total mess my incredible creativity strewn about everywhere. Hard drives, jump drives, drawing pads… With me, you never know when you’re going to slip on one of my art pens I’m going to start expressing myself through art.

Around 4:00 pm, I start stressing myself to death because I haven’t even started my post for the next day getting myself together for one of my many projects. I’m always super last minute super ahead of schedule with my blog, and that makes me as hysterical zen as can be.

To get my energy up, like all New Yorkers, I’m a big fan of the cookies from Grey Dog (500 calories) green tea.

At 7:30, everyone is still at the studio and I start trying to shoo my employees out. It takes them about a half hour. I don’t know why they love staying at the office so much but maybe it has something to do with the calming hysterical energy that I communicate throughout the day finally taking effect.

I calmly remind them that I that they all have lives, that even if they all love what they do, going out helps to keep you connected with the pulse of the world around you.

That said, I close the door behind them, hop into Scott’s arms and put on a movie, perfectly chill, and totally oblivious connected to the pulse of the world around us.

Translation: Tim Sullivan

I forgot just how cold it can get in New York (20 degrees yesterday with a windchill that could freeze your blood) and I really admire the girls who can stay chic among those of us in military parkas (me) and Canada Goose (90% of the population of Soho where I spent yesterday afternoon).

So bravo to Melodi for this simple, warm, and chic outfit – I love the detail of the sleeves and the white gloves!

Translation : Tim Sullivan

Today, I’m bringing you on a quick tour of the amazing Piper Perabo’s apartment (who plays a super sexy agent with the CIA in the series Covert Affairs).

We met on a shoot recently and I just loved this girl… Her humor, her coolitude… and her apartment too!