HOME SWEET HOME
The Home & Body Collection is now available from i-bella for retail solely in salons and spas. In addition to a body wash, body lotion and hand lotion, the collection also includes small, elegant hand soaps called SoapPorrui, a Cleansing Body Buffer, Romantic Linen Spray and Romantic White Candle, infused with the signature fragrance of peony, pear and plum that fans of i-bella find irresistible. 888/6-i-bella or i-bella.com —C.W.
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Gold Standard
Your Name Professional Brands 24K Silk Radiance Shadow Palette includes four gold-infused eye shadows set in an exclusive, limited-edition kit draped in luxurious fabric. The smooth, crease-resistant shadows are specially formulated with organic rice silk and earth-derived micro minerals. yournamepro.com —M.D.
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HAT HEADS
From knit berets to tweed newsboy caps, hats are hot this season, but the dreaded hat head is never in style.
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To break up those stubborn creases and rings, Jayson Morgan from Patrick McIvor Color Studio in Bethlehem, PA, recommends REDKEN CLEAR MOISTURE INSTANT POLISHING PREP. Just lightly spray it on the hair and run your fingers through for a quick fix. —C.W.
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NEW YORK MINUTE
Tom Julian is senior vice president and director of trends for McCann Erickson. In his inaugural column for American Salon, he takes a bite out of the Big Apple.
There's always something new happening in Manhattan, some restaurant or shopping destination popping up to entice those in-the-know to a new hood. In 2000 it was the Meatpacking District. Now it's the West Village's tree-lined Bleecker Street, which boasts quaint storefronts from designers like James Perse and specialty brands like Ruehl (from Abercrombie & Fitch) and Mulberry. The first designer to make this street a true destination was Marc Jacobs. Ralph Lauren, Fresh and Olive & Bette's quickly followed. And don't forget that landmark sweet shop Magnolia Bakery where there's always a line waiting for fresh baked goods. If you're going to the International Beauty Show this March, make sure to save some time to check out the neighborhood and three other New York hot spots.
 TOM JULIAN |
Max Brenner Chocolate by the Bald Man in Union Square is a treasure trove of sweet treats and delicacies. Think of a surreal Willy Wonka world with chocolate flowing pipes and the "bald man" icon in rich shades of brown, mocha and dark chocolate. There's a gift shop, a café and a soda fountain.
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The 82-year-old Gramercy Park Hotel on Lexington Avenue has been transformed by Ian Schrager (the genius behind hipster hotels like NYC's Royalton and Miami's Delano). Artist Julian Schnabel's influence can be seen throughout, most notably in the lobby and the Rose Bar. With more than 180 rooms, the hotel mixes Moroccan, medieval and modern touches. The result: pure Bohemia in the heart of Manhattan.
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