I dashed to the airport after the Today show on my way to LA, just as I do every other Friday. As I sat and waited for the flight attendants to call us on board, I realized there was a tangible energy in the room. This wasn't a normal flight. This was the Oscar Express. As my section was called, I walked toward the jet bridge with my trusty wheeled suitcase. I felt someone tapping me on my shoulder, so I glanced back to see who it was. It was Eva Mendes. She was warning me that I had money falling out of my back pocket. She looked much more beautiful than I have ever seen her. Everything about the woman looked like a movie star. Her clothes, her walk, and her million-dollar smile.

First class looked like the front row of the Oscars. I was almost expecting to see Hugh Jackman acting as the MC. The plane was full of journalists, industry people, and tourists who would whisper, "Did you see ...?," as they walked back toward their seats in coach. Oscar fever was clearly in the air.

Driving into Beverly Hills, it was obvious that this was not a normal Friday night. The celebrity restaurants were all manned with armies of paparazzi flashing their pictures. Mr. Chow's looked like there was a fireworks display every time a celebrity silhouette sprinted from a Cadillac Escalade or a Lincoln Navigator into the restaurant. The Peninsula Hotel driveway was backed up with traffic into Santa Monica Boulevard. Valets and porters were running nonstop to keep their VIP clientele happy. The pace was frenetic.

I sauntered into the Salon on Saturday at 7 a.m. expecting my first appointment about thirty minutes later. In my mind I was going to have my breakfast at the coffee shop in the building before the day would begin. Little did I know that my clients would all arrive early and want to be out ASAP. Their last minute "to do list" had them all in panic mode. I did my best to make their color beautiful so they could get to their last-minute spray-on tan and eyebrow-shaping appointments. My work day lasted until well into the evening. In retrospect, it's all a blur but everyone's hair color came out beautifully.

It was 7:54 Sunday night. I was anxiously sitting in the back of a taxi in New York City traffic. I contemplated paying the driver and running the rest of the way home. The Screen Actors Guild Award Show was starting in minutes and I didn't want to miss one coiffed star. The traffic finally cleared and the taxi sped forward. I reached into my pocket to pay the driver as we pulled up in front of my building. I got out, ran into my apartment, threw off my coat, and reached for the TV remote in one movement. I sank into my sofa as the show began.

At first glance I thought it was going to be a repeat of the glamorous Golden Globes, but as the camera scanned the audience, I realized it was going to be an evening of hits and near misses. Don't get me wrong: I thought everyone looked great. I just felt that some of Hollywood's finest needed some fine tuning to look their best.

The first woman I noticed was Eva Longoria Parker. She had her hair highlighted since we saw her last at the Globes. I think it would have looked prettier if she had just softened the color with a single process. Her highlights looked brassy and it made her skin appear a bit sallow.

TIP: To look your best, make sure your hair color always provides contrast with your complexion.

Next I noticed Anne Hathaway. Her color looked beautiful, but her wavy bob had lost its oomph. As the evening progressed, her hair became straighter and straighter. I think she was trying to keep it loose and modern, but the style fell apart.

TIP: Using the right strength hair product will maintain your hairstyle without making it look forced into place.

By the way, Anne Hathaway's bob was the most popular short hairstyle of the night. Tina Fey, Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson all sported similar styles. To keep with the trend, Terri Hatcher even pinned her long hair up and under to create a faux bob.


Evan Rachel Wood's hair, with its side part and soft waves, personified glamor. Her makeup was perfect. But she seemed to have forgotten a major part of her beauty regime -- she forgot to have her hair colored. She had roots. I know Madonna made roots fashionable, but if you are trying to look truly glamorous, roots don't work.

TIP: If it's too soon for your regular touch-up and you're going to a special event, color your hair around your face and part. This partial head touch-up will give your hair a color-perfect look.


Kyra Sedgwick's look was right on the money. She was wearing vintage Chanel with her long waves cascading down her shoulders. Her hair was softly highlighted. She was simply beautiful and elegant. Rosario Dawson also looked beautiful, wearing waves off her face and down her shoulders.

The SAG Awards reinforced the new look of Hollywood glamor. Looking more polished is the biggest trend of the New Year. Remember everyone can look glamorous. It just takes a little time and effort.

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I have seen almost every movie and read every review before the Golden Globes this year and there were many extraordinary performances. Can you even begin to imagine the pressure the nominees are under to look fabulous on this special night? They are "on" from the minute they step from the car. The camera might be on them at any minute. Picture how difficult it must be constantly to smile, maintain your posture, hold in your tummy, while being witty for the barrage of one-minute interviews you face on the Red Carpet. Whew!

Here is what I thought of the stars as they walked the Red Carpet. Be prepared! I'm sure I will be skipping from actor to actor as they have their moment on camera. Leo, Kate, Brad, Angelina, Penelope, Tom, where are you?

Who's first? Oh my gosh, it's Susan Sarandon! I love Susan and I love her hair. Her usual tousled curls are extra red in a glamorous wavy 'do. I had actually squeezed her into my schedule on Friday so I could brighten her hair color before she flew to LA.

Glamorous Jessica Lange and newly blond Drew Barrymore are walking hand in hand, promoting their new film Grey Gardens. Jessica's hair looks great. Although Drew's hair appears to have been bleached, burned, and tortured into place, she looks very Marilyn Monroe. Hopefully her cotton candy hair will recover with condition, a trim, and a prayer.

Kate and Leo walk in together as nominees for Revolutionary Road. They personify Hollywood. She has never looked more beautiful or he more handsome.

Anne Hathaway, in a royal blue dress with her brunette hair tied back, is astonishingly beautiful. She truly is becoming more drop-dead gorgeous every year.

Marisa Tomei's hair needs help. I love the idea of loosely tied-back hair, usually a young and romantic look. Unfortunately if it's not thought out, it can end up looking like a hairdo for a Saturday morning without any plans except to stay home and read the paper.

Anna Paquin is perfect in her updo and simple black dress. I think her inspiration was Grace Kelly. Beyonce's hair is also simple and elegant. Her tied-back long pony tail works perfectly with her Elie Saab dress.

Brunettes rule! Mary Louise Parker and Penelope Cruz look as beautiful as ever. Tonight, they both are wearing their hair long, wavy, and cascading down their shoulders.

Speaking of brunettes, what the heck is going on with Sting? He is sporting brown hair and looks like he's imitating Hugh Jackman in the movie X-Men. I'm hoping he colored his hair dark to create a character for a project. Otherwise, he will quickly learn that blonds do have more fun.

In general, however, the guys look great. They have never been better groomed or dressed. Sean Combs, Brad Pitt, Mark Wahlberg, Tom Cruise, Aaron Eckhart and Colin Farrell look like true movie stars.

Sandra Bullock's loosely tied-back hair works. She has captured the soft romantic look that is the perfect match for her dress. Her hair colorist, on the other hand, went a bit askew placing a solo dominant streak around Sandra's face. This strong color statement does not complement the soft hair style.

I must also must mention Rene Zellweger's hair. Rene is a style icon. Her dress tonight is beautiful. Unfortunately, she makes a fatal error with her hair style. Her hair is sprayed, teased, and frozen in place -- a sure way to make a great looking young woman appear older than her years. Fine hair always should be worn in a simple style that complements its texture.

Overall, everyone looked great at the Golden Globes. I think that this first major award show of the season has raised the bar of style and beauty for the Academy Awards. I am counting the days until Sunday, February 22, at 9pm. It's guaranteed to be one of the best Sunday nights of the year. Let the Oscar buzz begin!

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As I was contemplating my first blog of the New Year, I thought about all the obvious topics. The most apparent were New Year's resolutions, the Obama family's first year in the White House, predictions of break-through celebrities of the year to come, and of course, hair color, hair styles, and makeup trends for 2009.

Unfortunately, I am not psychic, and do not have any mystical powers. I don't have a clue about tomorrow's headlines or how the next year will unfold. I am, however, an astute observer who thrives on pop culture. I always think of myself as someone who chronicles data more than a predictor of fashion or beauty trends. The holiday movie releases (which are consistently the best films of the year) give the first clues to the newest trends of 2009. The actors whose films come out as the year ends are usually the preeminent stars of Hollywood who stroll the red carpet during award season. I mean after all, aren't the Academy Awards show the Super Bowl of beauty and fashion?

The reviewers and the box office opening numbers are starting to make it increasingly clear who the star players will be. The candidates this year seem to be a group of well-established actors with whom we are quite familiar. This season, in fact, seems to provide a Hall of Fame of glamorous thespians for whom we'll wait with baited breath to see their "look" for this momentous evening. They will be reviewed from head to toe by every self-proclaimed fashionista on television and in print. There will be two groups of winners: the people who win the Oscars and those who are proclaimed to have the best dress, hair and makeup.

There are many fashion savvy contenders at the Oscars this year. The competition will be brutal and I predict one of the most glamorous award seasons that we have ever witnessed. The world has never been more ready to escape to the fantasies of Hollywood. We'll see the usual suspects: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchette, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, and Penelope Cruz channeling the old Hollywood style. Don't be surprised to see the more free-spirited actors also primed for their close ups. I am sure Meryl Streep, Francis McDormand, Kathy Bates, Sean Penn and Frank Langella will have never looked so poised, polished, and sophisticated as they will at this year's Oscars.

Hollywood, movies and the stars are the perfect diversion from our very real world. We are entering a new heyday for Hollywood and 2009 promises to be one of the most exciting years ever to watch the Academy Awards. I'll be glued to the TV on February 22 and be sure to report Hollywood's new glamorous look as its glitterati walk down the runway.

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I can't remember the last time I watched the Academy Awards without my publicist Leigh. In previous blogs, I have referred to her as "the woman behind the man". The truth of the matter is that she is really the woman in front of the man, the woman who makes me always look great. I am the first to admit this isn't an easy job. Leigh's job can include telling me to sit straight, smile, and listen during an interview. It's not unusual for her to brush the crumbs from my breakfast two minutes before I am on camera. She is a pain in the butt and we often disagree, but I adore her. We are truly Frick and Frack.

I flew to LA for the Oscar’s to make all the ladies their most beautiful. Leigh stayed in South Beach post the Today Show shoot. I had hair color to do, and she had some serious partying to take care of, that she would later call “networking”. On Sunday night, three o'clock LA time, six o'clock Miami time, we were on the phone. Nothing could tear us away from the TV or our phones. The best boring three hours of TV was about to begin.

"Leigh, are you there? It's about to begin. Ryan Seacrest is already there!”

"Louis, are you kidding me, he never leaves the red carpet except to shoot American Idol. I think he lives there!"

"Leigh, people are starting to show up."

"Yes Louis, the ushers and the extras, now calm down while I make my popcorn!"

Do you want to know who gets most excited about my Ambush Makeovers? I know you think it's the makeovers or their family and friends, but the truth of the matter is that it's me. I am totally "juiced" every Friday morning. I can feel the adrenalin flowing the minute I wake up. I know this sounds corny, but think of it from my point of view: I don't know what's to come. I don't know who the makeover is until I go to the Plaza to look over the crowd. I look for a diamond in the rough or a woman who doesn’t make the most of her God-given looks.

Once I talk with the potential makeover and feel that she is ready for a major change, the race to the reveal begins. The women's looks are in my hands. I have about two hours to make a transition that usually takes about a year. Oh, and by the way, remember I am doing this live on national TV. Now, do you understand what I mean when I say I am "juiced?”

Are you a diamond in the rough? Have you not cut or colored your hair in the last six months? Are you so busy with your children, husband, and career that there's not a second left for you? Have you given into weight gain, a few wrinkles, or a few grays? You might be a diamond in the rough and it could be time for a makeover!

First of all, you don't have to be ambushed on the TODAY show to get a great makeover. You can do it at home. I would recommend that you start with your haircut. A great haircut that looks good with your face shape is the foundation of your new look. I know you're thinking, "Great, but where do I find this perfect haircut?" Look around whenever you're out and if you see a great haircut, ask who cut it. The person with the cut will be flattered and you might have found a new hairstylist. Call and go for a consultation. Let the hairdresser know you are ready for a new look. Be open to suggestions. If you don't agree with the stylist at all, you probably are in the wrong salon. Move on and go for more consultations.

Once you find the best hairdresser for your hair, make an appointment. You don't have to start with a major change. Your makeover can happen over time. The most important thing is to get started. Make a small change with each haircut. You will have a new look before you know it. Once you have a new haircut, it's time to rethink your hair color. The first step is to look at your hair color today. Is it dull, grey or flat looking? Has it become darker over time? Is it flattering to your complexion? If not, do something about it. You can color your hair at home or at the salon. When you want a major change, it's best to go to the salon. Not only do they have the skills and materials, professionals have the "color eye" to look at you. They can see immediately what color would be best on you. Besides picking the right color for you, the mess of color stays at the salon, not in your bathroom.

The last part of the makeover is the finish of the hair or the blow dry. The blow dry can make a good haircut great. Hair should look groomed, but never forced into place. You should develop your blow drying skills, so you are not a slave to your hairdresser. Now you're ready for a little make-up and a whole new you.

By the way, I am watching the most glamorous Grammy award show I have ever seen while writing this blog. Almost gone are the edgy fashions, hair, and make-up typical of the music industry. For the most part, the women looked like old Hollywood. Armani, Calvin Klein, and Celine were the designers of choice for the Grammy’s 50th anniversary. The hair was as glamorous and modern as the dresses.

Alicia Keys had three wardrobe changes with two hair changes. She looked absolutely beautiful in her elegant faux hawk. Beyoncé had a new log bob with a shorter nape that was blonder than she has ever been. Fergie looked like she was ready to accept an Academy Award. She wore her hair long, blond, and wavy. New teen sensation, Miley Cyrus had the same hair style as Fergie, only wore a brunette shade. Rihanna’s new short hair du jour looked great with her bangs down and up and off her face.

The writers’ strike is all but over, and it looks like everyone is ready to celebrate. The Academy Awards are 13 days away, but who's counting?

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What's going to happen if the writers strike doesn't settle? Can you imagine a year without the Academy Awards? Besides not showcasing the best movies and performances of the year, where would we look for our fashion and beauty inspiration? I mean, let's face it. If we have to look at one more paparazzi shot of Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, or Kim Kardashian, I am sure people will start to burn magazines, throw shoes at their flat screens, and pray that their computers crash. If the strike continues, people will be forced to run to Starbucks in Beverly Hills to gawk at the stars. The sidewalk to Starbucks could be, lord help us, the red carpet of 2008.

Can you imagine hearing Ryan Seacrest ask the actors about their new hair style and hair colors, and their response is that they needed a touch-up so they threw it back in a pony tail. The ever-present "who are you wearing" question would be answered "Juicy Couture and Uggs.” We could be in deep trouble.

I choose to have faith that the Oscars will go on and we will have another opportunity to watch the "creme de la creme" of fashion and beauty, and sometimes the faux pas that make even more news than those that are dressed well.

The most important fashion accessory besides hair, fashion, and jewels, is the arm candy that escorts you to the awards. The right arm piece can cover a multitude of sins. If you are Angelina Jolie and you look a bit too thin, does it really matter if you have Brad Pitt on your side? Will anyone notice or hear the comments of an ill-fitting dress over the “oohs” and “ahs” of the glamorous couple? I don't think so!

As far as predicting who is going to win the awards this year, I don't have a clue. The actors’ performances across the board were extraordinary. I do, however, think I have a little insight on how they will look: Glamour will prevail. Actors will look like old movie stars. They will be the modern versions of Rita Hayworth and Cary Grant. Hair will have wave and movement. Hair will be worn down, except for the occasional up-do. Hair color will be bright, but natural. Make-up will feature strong lips and eyes. Eyeliner is the most important make-up trend of the season. No woman will be without at least the slightest trace around her lid.

The countdown to the Oscars has begun. We have seen some of the most celebrated faces and bodies look incredible over the years and others who left us thinking, "What was she thinking?" I hope and pray that we will have the opportunity to watch the hits and misses of the “Superbowl of fashion and beauty” on Oscar’s 80th anniversary this year. It is scheduled for February 24th, 5PT/8EST.

Keep your fingers crossed everything is a go. I already bought my 94% fat free microwave popcorn. Let's hope the Academy is ready. I mean, really, guys; it is the best night of the year!

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Here I am in Los Angeles on the day of the Emmys. You have to be in a coma not to realize that it's a special day. The gym was as busy as Grand Central Station at 7:00am. Every hairdresser and make-up artist in town has been booked weeks in advance and is packed and ready for any beauty emergency.

There is not a root or grey hair to be seen in Hollywood. Everyone looks fluffed, buffed and polished, even if they are going to watch the show on TV. Of course the people in the biz are concerned with the outcome of the awards, but as for the rest of us, we want to watch the fun, fashion, and the eye candy. The big question for us is who is will dominate the red carpet? It's almost 3:00pm. The first of the nominees are about to arrive. Let the games begin!

The all-star players are arriving. They include Ali Larter, Kyra Sedgwick, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Hayden Panettiere, Eva Longoria, Ellen Degeneres and Portia De Rossi, Julia Louis Dryfuss, Debra Messing, Elizabeth Perkins, Katherine Heigl, Marcia Cross, and Kate Walsh. They are doing the meet and greet with Ryan Seacrest, and E!'s other Hollywood fashionistas. This is the perfect moment to notice trends, taste, and new directions in fashion and beauty.

The big hair news this evening is body is back. It doesn't matter if you wear it straight or wavy, hair must have body, bounce, and movement. It is officially time to throw away your flat irons and embrace your curling irons and rollers. Yes ladies, I said rollers! I know you won't throw away your hair spray but use it sparingly and force yourself to put it away. If your hair doesn't look like you can run your fingers through it you used to much spray. Brush it out and pray for the best.

Probably the newest and most flattering look of the night was glamorous waves. Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Portia De Rossi, and Kyra Sedgwick all wore what looked like effortless waves. They looked beautiful and were right on trend. Their hair looked finished but soft and touchable.

The new straight hair had a strong showing at the Emmys. Julia Louis Dryfus, Marcia Cross, Eddie Falco, Debra Messing, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Ali Larter all wore straight hair that was either set in rollers or blow dried with large round brushes to make full manes of hair. Hair was full bodied even if it is was worn straight. Straight flat hair looked like last season's award shows.

Elizabeth Perkins, Hayden Panettiere, Heidi Klum, and Katherine Heigl's updos all had the glamor of old Hollywood but looked totally new. The tip to old Hollywood glamor looking new is to keep it simple. Groomed looks right, but every hair in place looks wrong.

Hair that tried to look like something it wasn't was the biggest mistake of the evening. Felicity Huffman tried to make her thin hair look full. It didn't quite work, but she still looked gorgeous. I think an inch off her hair with longer layers may have solved the problem. The beautiful Kate Walsh made the "too much hair spray" mistake. Remember: If your hair doesn’t look like it can move, it's probably not right. Get out the brush!

The show is about to begin. I can't tell you who the winners will be, but I can say that glamor is the trend. Looking pretty looks right.

Watch closely and learn from the pros! The best of the best are out tonight.

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More Emmy Coverage:

• Best & Worst of The Primetime Emmy Awards 2007
• Best & Worst Dressed: Emmy Awards 2007
• Emmy Winners 2007: The Complete List