by Laurie Ferraro | Dec 15, 2024 | Beauty, Fashion
Gift shopping can feel like solving a riddle, can’t it? The mom who insists she doesn’t need anything, the friend who already has everything, and the sneaky temptation to pick up something for yourself while you’re at it (it happens). To make life easier, I’ve pulled together a gift guide with something for everyone on your list. Have a peek!
For the Hostess Who Has Everything
The unwritten rule of holiday parties: never arrive empty-handed. A chic candle, a beautiful serving tray, or anything that screams “thoughtful but effortless” will make you the guest who gets invited back. Bonus points if it’s something they’ll use and not secretly re-gift.
Maison Balzac Vase
English Pear & Freesia Jo Malone London
Wave Coupe Glasses Set of 2 in Pink
Shaker Set in Dipped Metallic
Jonathan Adler Pillow
What’s on My Wishlist This Year
Let’s call this the gift ideas I’m casually hinting at. It’s the mix of pieces I’ve been stalking all season—little luxuries and “treat yourself” moments disguised as practical picks. Perfect for anyone on your list… including yourself.
Bal d’Afrique
Salt & Stone Santal and Vetiver Body Wash
VoChill Stemless Wine Chiller
Dowin Pink Heated Blanket King Size
Fuzzy Platform Slippers
Bamboo Bathtub Caddy – Brightroom
Gifts for the Men Who Say They Don’t Need Anything
Men are notoriously hard to shop for, but I’ve cracked the code: stick to things they’ll actually use. Think sleek accessories, upgraded basics, or a coffee gadget they didn’t know they needed but will absolutely brag about.
Crosley UO Exclusive Voyager Wooden Portable Bluetooth Audio Turntable
Sherpa Trucker Jacket
Burberry Hero Parfum
Dunk Low Basketball Sneaker
Denim That Always Delivers
Finding the perfect jeans is basically an Olympic sport, but these picks make it easy. Classic styles, great fits, and pairs you’ll actually want to wear over and over. The kind of denim you’d never regret buying.
Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans
LEVI’S Western Jumpsuit in Blue
Ankle Column Corduroy Skirt
Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a total nightmare. With these picks, you can cross everyone off your list and maybe even skip that last-minute dash to the store (we’ve all been there). For even more gift ideas, head over to my Instagram and LTK—I’m always sharing what I’m loving there. Happy gifting!
by Laurie Ferraro | Oct 20, 2024 | Beauty, Life
BACKLESS BLACK TOP | BLACK TROUSERS
Okay, let’s talk hair. It’s been a minute since my last update, and I’m so excited to share what’s been happening on this journey. If you’ve been following along, you know that my relationship with my hair has been a bit of a rollercoaster (cue flashbacks of bad hair days and some questionable styles). But after my most recent trip to the Michael Van Clarke Salon, I’m feeling so good about where we are.
1. Blonde Refresh and the Perfect Trim at Michael Van Clarke Salon
The Michael Van Clarke Salon is the place for me. I’ve been coming here for years—even planning trips to London around my hair appointments—because no one else does blonde like this. Every visit is like hitting the refresh button on my hair, and this time was no different.
First up, I saw Bryn, who is a genius when it comes to color. We added lighter and brighter highlights, especially around my face, to give everything a fresh glow. He’s always so careful with the bleach, making sure we get the blonde without compromising the health of my hair. Honestly, it’s the best of both worlds—blonde but healthy.
After that, Lamphane stepped in for the cut. I’d been long overdue for a trim, and he knew exactly what my hair needed. We cleaned up my ends and added some soft layers, which gave my hair back its movement without losing the length. You know how a good cut can make you feel like a completely new person? That’s exactly what this was. The salon experience with Alan by my side was a total vibe too—he’s practically a regular at this point.
Check out my reel to see the whole experience and transformation here!
2. What’s Been Working for My Hair
VEGAMOUR GRO + ADVANCED HAIR SERUM
I’ve kept my product routine simple but consistent, and it’s really paid off. I’m still using Vegamour’s GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum daily, and if you’ve been following my hair journey, you know how much of a difference it’s made. The growth around my temples, where I once had some serious thinning, has been incredible, and I can finally see my hair getting fuller.
VEGAMOUR GRO + ADVANCED BALANCING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER SET
I’ve also stuck with the GRO+ Advanced Shampoo and Conditioner Set, which is great for keeping my hair healthy between salon visits.
GISOU HONEY INFUSED HAIR REPAIR SERUM
Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil has been essential for keeping my blonde hair hydrated. I use it after styling to add moisture and control frizz, and sometimes I’ll work it into my hair before bed when I braid it. It’s the little things that help keep my hair soft and shiny, even after lightening.
GISOU HONEY INFUSED HAIR OIL
My hair is just as obsessed with this oil as I am, this product has really helped tame my frizz and keeps my hair moisturized after styling. I also like to apply a generous amount before braiding it for bed, ensuring it stays hydrated overnight.
GISOU HONEY-INFUSED HYDRATING HAIR MASK
I use this mask once a week in the shower, and honestly, it’s a little self-care moment. I slather it on after shampooing, leave it for 5+ minutes (perfect for a quick scroll), then rinse it out and follow with conditioner. Sometimes I mix in a few drops of oil to really amp up the hydration.
Click to watch my haircare routine!
3. Styling: Less Heat, More Volume
AIRWRAP TUTORIAL
One of the biggest changes I’ve made is reducing the amount of heat I use on my hair. Instead of blow-drying it fully, I let my hair air dry about 50% before going in with my Dyson Airwrap to add volume and give it some life, when I need I want to style it if I am going out, but otherwise, I try to limit the amount of heat on my hair. I use the round brush attachment to lift the roots and create soft, face-framing waves with the curling barrel. It’s all about getting a little extra bounce while being kind to my hair, and it’s made a world of difference for its overall health.
4. Patience and Consistency: The Real Keys to Healthy Hair
Hair growth and health don’t happen overnight, and there’s no one product that will magically fix everything. For me, it’s been all about finding what works and sticking with it. The results have been slow but steady, and I’m finally seeing the payoff. The combination of good products, regular trims, and being mindful of how I treat my hair has made all the difference.
If you’re on a hair journey like me—struggling with thinning, breakage, or just trying to grow out a bad cut—remember that patience and consistency are key. It gets better, and you’ll get there.
SEZANE JUMPER
So that’s where I’m at with my hair right now—healthier, blonder, and a little bit more in love with it every day. If you’ve been on this journey with me, or if you’re starting your own hair care routine, I hope this update gives you some helpful tips (and maybe a little hope that things do get better with time). Plus, follow me in Instagram to keep an eye out for my new mini-series on what I wear for my dog walks with Alan—comfy, practical, and a little bit chic (depending on the day and weather, lol), perfect for braving London’s unpredictable weather.
Till next time!
by Laurie Ferraro | Sep 8, 2024 | Beauty
Ah, the quest for thicker hair—the ultimate wild goose chase. It starts innocently enough: you Google “how to make thin hair grow thicker,” which swiftly leads to an online shopping spree where every product promises you a genetic makeover by next Tuesday. You pretty quickly accumulate a small pharmacy of serums infused with some magical plant from the Andes, or regenerative powers of snail slime (true story) but mostly you find yourself applying scalp oils and taking vitamins that could fuel a horse. It feels like no matter how many miracle products you slather on, your hair remains as thin and straggly as ever, clinging to your scalp like it’s in a permanent state of existential crisis. Meanwhile, you’re left with an emptier wallet and the sinking realization that maybe you’re just destined for a lifetime of ponytails that look like afterthoughts.
I’ve been there. But there is hope. As someone who has been a loyal member of both the thin and breakage club, let me walk you through what I’ve found works for me.
1. Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner Set I wash my hair every 2-3 days. For a while I was attempting to “train” my hair to be less oily by going as long as possible between washes but it didn’t work and the slick rick look is not for me. Having to keep my hair pulled back in a pony for multiple days in a row was also doing more damage than good, so we’re back to every 2-3 days. ALSO, as a side note, wtf is happening with the 180 over on Hair-Tok where people are now saying you need to wash your hair every day to keep bacteria out of the follicles otherwise you will go bald and lose your first born child – its honestly insane the inconsistencies with advice. Everyone’s just spent a decade walking around with greasy hair and now this again????
Anyways, I’m digressing. This is the shampoo and conditioner that I use. About once or twice a week I also skip on the conditioner and apply the K18 leave in molecular repair mask instead. Especially if I’m styling my hair that day. This is a game changer.
2. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil My hair drinks this stuff and its made a big difference with my frizz and adding moisture back in after I’ve styled my hair. I will also put a healthy amount of it in my hair before I braid it for bed.
3. Gisou Honey Infused Hydrating Hair Mask I use this mask once a week in the shower. I put it in after shampooing and leave it for 5+ minutes then rinse it out and follow with my conditioner. Sometimes Ill put a couple drops of the oil in with is as well.
4. Honey Infused Hair Repair Serum This is a new serum of theirs that I’ve started using almost everyday. I put a drop of it in my palms and then gently work it through the bottom half of my hair.
5. Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum This is the growth serum I’ve been using for well over a year now. Its worked well for me but I have been very, very consistent with using it everyday. This is key. It doesn’t grease up your hair at all so you can put it in morning or night. I’ve seen the biggest difference around my temples where I pretty much just had bald spots before.
So there you have it. But just remember you can’t change your genetic makeup with potions, so you need to have realistic expectations for results. And while the beauty industry keeps screaming that we need thick, luscious hair or we’ll have to sleep outside, thin hair has its perks. It dries quickly and won’t leave you with neck pain on a humid day.
by theruecollective | Mar 2, 2017 | Beauty
I wasn’t blessed with naturally beautiful hair but thankfully these days there are people who can give it to you. I’ve had a lot of questions about my hair over the last few months, so here’s a round up of my answers!
MY SALON: FOURTEENJAY in Tribeca
Hands down the best salon I’ve ever been to. I’ve been going here for 6 months now and I’ve genuinely never been happier with my hair.
David Adams is my colourist and he consistently nails the warm blonde tone I so dearly covet. If you’re a blonde you know how hard it is to get the colour right, so when you find someone who can, you never leave them.
Frank Rizzieri does my extensions and style and has transformed my hair into something I only ever dreamed of. He’s taught me how to properly take care of my hair and which products I should and should not be using. He is a wizard, I kid you not.
MY EXTENSIONS: Vomor Extensions
Frank introduced me to these and they’ve changed my entire hair routine! For the first time in my life I have thick hair that holds it’s style and doesn’t require a daily blow dry. I’ve never been a girl who can curl her hair and have it survive a night’s sleep, but with these extensions I get a solid 3-4 days out of my style. This means less heat and less product and therefore much healthier hair. A little dry shampoo in the top each morning and I’m good to go.
I also think they’re the most natural looking extensions I’ve ever come across. They blend perfectly with my hair and feel soft and healthy to the touch.
MY SHAMPOO: AVEDA Colour Conserve
I swear by this shampoo. It preserves tone and colour like nothing I’ve ever used before. Over Christmas I forgot to pack it on my trip home, and after my first wash without it the tone of my hair had been completely compromised. I will never travel without it again!
MY CONDITIONER: AVEDA Damage Remedy
My natural hair is so fine and prone to breakage – I’ve spent years trying different damage repair remedies. With this conditioner I can actually feel a change in my hair’s strength just by running my fingers through it. I also feel like its made my hair more resilient to heat, which is huge for me as I love a good blow dry and curl.
MY BLOWDRYER: R Sessions Pro Tools
Who new the type of blow dryer you use was important? This was news to me, but as soon as I started using this dryer I understood. It protects my hair so I never end up with that frizzy electrocuted look, instead its shiny and smooth – of course using a good round brush is also key for this.
