HOW TO: Find Unique Holiday Gifts

The 14th annual Good Girls Holiday Sale is here again! It features Michelle DaRin’s one-of-a-kind jewelry, Kathy Barry’s vintage inspired hats, and Amy Morrissey’s beautiful mosaics. Come check out local goods by local good girls.

Local female artists who specialize in handmade design items started this annual tradition by showcasing their wares in university-neighborhood homes, downtown studios, and other local spots. But the last couple of years it has been at 2nd Story Books.

Come to the kick-off on Friday night with live music and great eats. “If you don’t want to shop at the mall for the holidays it is an excellent way to support local artists in your community doing really cool things,” says Michelle DaRin

HOW TO: Find a Brand-New Scissor Sister

“I’m sorry,” Michael DeSalvo says into the phone, “I’m booked for the night.” He looks up from the call and winks at me. Me likey, but Candy Bushnell’s advice echoes in my head: wait until you’re back home before you visit the salon. How do you think cornrows happen?














But I couldn’t wait any longer. I’d moved to Syracuse and was beginning to resemble a Pomeranian, so I had to go about finding a new stylist, which brought me to Hairanoia at 101 Green Street and Hawley Avenue.

I’d heard about the salon’s owner, “the wheel of Hawley Green,” but when I called to book my appointment, he answered the phone himself. I scheduled, then inquired if the owner could cut my hair. “I am the owner,” he replied unassumingly

At the handsome, double-height salon, DeSalvo offers hot cider and gets to work on an amazing tea tree shampoo and head massage. Someone who obviously didn’t get the “booked for the night” memo prattles on. If her talking means the magic fingers don’t stop, she can babble all night.

Soon I’m in the cutting chair and he asks me what we're doing. I look him dead in the eye and say, “Do whatever you want with me, Michael.” It’s the leap of faith one needs to take when finding a new salon, but DeSalvo, who insists it’s all about chemistry, has some more tips for finding a new man in your life:

Hang out: sit around and read some magazines in the salon you’re thinking about using. And if the magazines are more than five years old, press.

Cruise: is your hairdresser hot? Would you sleep with him? Don’t play the old stylist or ex-con game. If your hairdresser has tattoos, that’s a good thing.

Cheat: Don’t be afraid to step out on your man. DeSalvo encourages his clients to try someone new. They appreciate him more when they come back.

And not to get all Terminator, but I’ll be back.

HOW TO: Save Your Shopping Sanity

Forget club-member discounts. What you really want to save on is the stress of the season. Do so with this guide.

1. Check it Twice. Write down everyone you want to get a gift for, how much you intend to spend, and where you want to shop (consolidate stops and avoid zig-zagging across town). Plus a master list saves you running out to the mall on Christmas Eve when you realize Uncle Rick lacks a present under the tree.
2. Brand Yourself. You don’t want to be known as the aunt who only buys Old Navy sweaters. Opt for some quality items. Yes, that means more work on a tight budget, but it is possible. Just this past Black Friday I snagged a pair of 7 for all Mankind jeans that retailed for $198 for $47.45 from Costco.
3. Retain Your Identity. There can be many amazing deals online, but make sure it’s a secure site (the icon of a lock is a good clue) when you enter in your credit-card information. Companies like PayPal keep your personal information safe, but make sure you always do software upgrades when your laptop prompts you (waiting creates “holes” in your system that identity thieves capitalize on).
4. Save Paper. Especially your receipts (even if you know it’s the perfect size or exactly what they wanted). Someone else in the family may share your gift genius and do a repeat performance. Most stores only offer you store credit or the current selling price if you return sans receipt. Make an envelope to hold all 2008 receipts and make a record of the presents and recipients on the outside.
5. Rest on the Weekend. Avoid the stores on Saturday and Sunday. Keep those days to wrap gifts, decorate the house, bake cookies. Most stores offer the same deals on weeknights as they do early weekend mornings. Limit the hassle to the days of the work week.
6. Seek Special. Yes it’s true everyone loves a gift card from crazy Aunt Barbara who only shops at Tuesday Morning, but gift cards signal impersonal. Opt for something that demonstrates how much you know the people you love.

HOW TO: Buy For The Boy

Tis’ the season to show him that you care. Consider these six investment pieces to amp his style (in an approximate order of relationship serious, give or take):



Make time stand still with this sophisticated, scratch-resistant, stainless steel men’s bracelet watch by Burberry. Features include: A minimalist face accented by silver hands and dials, water-resistance to 30 meters, a date window, and clasp closure. Only for those expecting something really outstanding come Valentines. $425, Nordstrom.com.



Tie him to your heart. A classic look, with a smart design, this new range of waterproof silk ties by Aquascutum proves a noteworthy addition to any guy’s wardrobe (especially those about to graduate and face stiff competition on the job front). $140, Bloomingdales.com




Don’t sweat the small stuff. This versatile, v-neck, lightweight, sweater features extra-fine merino wool (read: dry clean only). This is the perfect relationship hedge (it signals importance but avoids commitment associations). $85, Available at Nordstrom.com.



Get him a gift as “handsome” as he is. Genuine Ugg Australia shearling lines suede gloves for extra comfort and warmth. A snap closure at the inner wrist provides a snug fit. What this gift says: I know we’ve only been out a few times, but I’m smitten enough to drop a respectable amount of cash on you. $140, Uggaustralia.com.




Everyone loves (and needs) additional vintage tees. This comfortable cotton crewneck tee by Retro Sport also provides potential walk of shame material for you. $49, Nationaljeancompany.com.





Wrap him up in your love with this super-soft cotton loop terry robe. Consider this a small price to pay for marking your territory. $149, Saksfifthavenue.com.

HOW TO: Nude No-No's, Red Rules

I refuse to squeeze into skinny jeans and slip on four-inch heels to feel sexy. I found a simpler resolution: dressing up my best asset — my pucker. Let the latest lip trends, which urge women to take one of two lip extremes (nothing nude or everything red), serve as your holiday secret weapon. Follow these three simple rules to pull off these dramatic looks. And don’t forget to re-apply after that piece of pie.

Nude Rules

1.I know I said nude, but when picking out a color stay away from beige shades, which create a washed-out appearance. Instead opt for pink or peach shades.
2.Before you put on the lipstick, do two things. First, apply some concealer on your lips. This gives your color staying power. Next line them with a natural-color liner, and then add the lip color.
3. Understated lips require dramatic eyes. Have fun, and go wild with the drama.

Red Rules

1. Test out a few shades. Finding the perfect red requires work. Fair skin: classic red is best. Olive skin: opt for more of an orange hint. Dark skin: brick is the way to go.
2. Trace your mouth with natural-colored liner, then smudge. Follow with your lipstick, using a tiny brush for precision if you choose.
3. Your lips serves as the main attraction. Tone down everything else. Mascara and primped brows will go a long way.

HOW TO: Save Money Not Style

With only a few weeks until Christmas and the nation’s economic forecast looking gloomier all the time, it’s tough to find creative items that allow us to stretch our dollars while not compromising our taste for sassy and unique gifts.

Luckily, the ladies of Salty relish a challenge. One of the best resources for unique gifts at affordable prices is etsy.com, an online marketplace that gives artisans a place to sell their wares. Often the pieces are handmade, one-of-a-kind, and spectacularly affordable. Some of our favorite choices:

Treeswithknees’ "Think Twice" leather wallet ($28):

It’s the perfect reminder for your credit-card slinging best friend to put down the plastic before it melts.

The Necklush ($45-65); who ever knew that staying warm could look so cool?

The Escape Ring ($8) ridiculously cheap and fun; at this price, you can buy one for each of your fabulous friends.

Etsy offers customers several options to browse for more amazing finds. We recommend checking out etsy’s “Shop Local” page for wares from your hometown. (A search for "Syracuse NY" showed 39 recently updated vendors!) Also make sure to check out the “Pounce” feature , which allows you to browse shops that have just been listed and see what other etsy customers are buying.

HOW TO: Bangin'

Gloss through any magazine and you will see tons of celebs such as Kate Moss and Rachel Bilson rocking some sweet bangs. Whether razor-straight or feathery side swipes, bangs are back. But before you schedule a saloon appointment to achieve some sultry strands, consider doing it yourself. Cutting your bangs involves just a scissors, comb, mirror, and a little bit of confidence. Consider these bangs-cutting tips from my trusted hairdress, Ji Han at Accent on Beaute, in Philadelphia.

1. Ji suggests beginning with dray hair styled as you normally wear it. Before you start snipping, measure from your hairline to your scalp to find a good part that works with your face. For side swipe bangs, make sure your part is more off center. If you have curly hair, avoid super short bangs, so as not to be confused with a Brett Micheal’s groupie.

2. Now that you have figured out you part and your length, add a ½ inch to create a little room for mistakes. For scissors Ji suggests thinning shears such as Krystal Thinning Shears (7.99 at www.ebonyline.com). Run a fine-tooth comb through your hair, separating your bangs and holding the strands evenly through your fingers. For side swipe bangs, angle your fingers so that it becomes longer at the sides. Do not cut straight across, but cut at a forty-five degree angle to give the bangs some feathering.

3. Uneven cutting works will with feathery bangs, but if you want the straight-across mod look, more attention is required. Comb the hair straight in front of your face and start cutting at the center and move to the side to secure an all-around even look

HOW TO: Rock Sienna’s Braids

Leave that lust for Hollywood hairstyles behind. You can create Sienna Miller’s braided updo with these simple steps.

1. Wash your hair either the morning of or the night before you want to wear this sexy updo. The natural oils in your hair help create the look and hold the hair in the place.

2. Pull the hair back into a low messy bun and use bobby pins (whichever color suit your hair) to secure the bun.

3. Purchase one of Braidies Thick Braided Headbands, available for $10 at amazon.com
Insider tip: measure around the perimeter of your head to see what length braid to buy.

4. Set the braid in place by using bobby pins to connect the braid to your scalp.

5. Loosely pull out stray strands on the sides of your head to give your hairstyle a more laid back feel.

REVIEW: Bigfoot Mystery Revealed

The mid-80s gem Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others by The Smiths blared in my head. Nightmarish visions of John Waters’ Baltimore Footstomper (pictured in action, below left) haunted me. Somehow my right foot had somehow grown an entire shoe size.

This is more common than one would think. Podiatrist Arlene Hoffman says up to 60% of the population has mismatched feet. And my tootsies were now what “shoe swappers” would dub a 14/13 (the right shoe is always listed first, although in 80 percent of cases, the left foot’s bigger), but there was hope. The internet was rife with shoe swaps. Consider this:

1.Oneshoetwoshoe.net
While this website sounds like something out of Dr. Seuss, it’s much more practical. Maybe a bit too practical. Selections ran the gamut from running shoes to Birkenstocks. Let’s just say the “sensible” shoe set will be happy here. The Naturalizer “Prissy” pump was the only shoe we could find with an actual heel, but at $24.99 for each shoe, the pricing was competitive with other sites and often times even as much at $15 cheaper. Plus, shipping’s free.

2. Healthyshoestore.com/conditions-different-sized-feet.html
This is another site the Birkenstock set will love. Just wondering, are lesbians predisposed or just preoccupied with what was once dubbed “happy feet” by comedian Steve Martin? (There’s even an entire section on women’s golf shoes, need we say more?) But the clog section is fun, albeit a little expensive with clogs just south of $100. Still, with both a giraffe and hot pink plaid pair, you can’t say it ain’t fun. Not so fun? This site will only cough up free shipping if you spend $75 or more, but returns are free and easy.

3. Oddshoefinder.com
This site is kind of annoying. It requires a login and is more search-based than scrolling through pages of tiny thumbnail shoes (and really, is there anything closer to heaven than that?). This is the mother of all shoe swap sites and really created the market. So if you have a specific shoe in mind, you might want to take advantage of its search capability. A few of our searches turned up lots of Steve Madden and Kenneth Cole, but only one pair of Manolos. Then again, we are a size 14/13. Mens!

HOW TO: Gifts That Keep On Ribbing

Mike Albo is fashion. The evidence: his day-off floppy hat of choice at left, his “Critical Shopper” column in The New York Times or the following from the “Ejaculations” section of mikealbo.com: “I don't change my clothes, I change yours.”

Albo’s comic novel, The Underminer, introduced the concept of the “frenemy.” The New York Times called it “passive aggression as an art form.” Albo subtitled his book: “The Best Friend Who Casually Destroys Your Life.” Without further ado, The Underminer is back to destroy your holidays with his top three insult gifts:

The Entire Biore Product Line
“Hey, I know you have this whole ‘rage against the machine’ scruffy look going on but sometimes poor hygiene is just masking a deeper pain. I just want you to know that you deserve love just like anyone else. I just worry about you.”

Renee Fleming Perfume
“We’ve all been saying how great and relieved we are that you have been wearing fragrance. But don’t get all crazy and soak yourself in cologne like you did with Drakkar in High School! Ha!”

Buttock Enhancers
“You look great! I didn't realize BCBG made velvet pants in a 14. Online orders, right? They look great on you! As a trend consultant for LVMH I have been so busy working on fashion concepts for 2011 that I almost forgot that you and other calendar-based consumers are only just now getting a look at the Fall 2008 season!”

photo credit: Blaise Allyson Kearsley

HOW TO: Princess from the Past

They say fashion never fades. And, with the reemergence of looks from the Romantic Period in England that statement remains true. Lace, ruffles, bows, and puff sleeves soften an ensemble and transform your into a princess from the past in no time. Follow these steps to channel your inner Bronte.
1. Start with a top that boasts plenty of ruffles but also allows you to show off those great curves (Chiffon Ruffle Blouse in Black and Cream, $22.80,Forever21.com).
2. Next up — that oh-so sleek high waist pencil skirt (Milano High Waist Pencil Skirt, $17.80, Forever21.com).
3. Pick pumps that mimic the ruffles on your blouse (Ruffles Black Satin, original price $99.95, sale price $69.99, Stevemadden.com).
4. Ramp up the style by adding a patent-leather clutch that adds chic elegance (Bflora Quilted Cork Clutch, $48, Stevemadden.com).
5. Lastly, add a few wavy curls to your hair, some powder for porcelain-looking skin, and red lipstick and just watch the Heathcliff's line up.

HOW TO: Dark Nails Deconstructed

With the sunshine fading and everything turning dark for winter, your nails should be no exception. Keep these tips in mind when going dark for the Holidays.

1) Keep Them Short. Long dark nails scream wicked witch of the west. And since Halloween went bye-bye so trim them down to ¼ inch past the fingertip. This makes strong hues look modern.

2) Round Bound. I swear by square nails, and after much convincing, my manicurist talked me into rounding them out. After squirming in my chair as she clipped them short and added curves, I changed my nail preference. File nails into an oval shape or “squoval,” where you will maintain a slight edge, but nothing too drastic.

3) Take Your Time. Dark shades dry slower. Set aside about an hour to avoid a dark colored disaster.

4) Moisture Is A Must. Darker colors draw more attention to the imperfections so give those nail beds and cuticles lots of moisture — daily!

Some great colors to try:
Red: OPI - Bastille my Heart, $9
Purple: M.A.C. in Illegal Purple, $11
Brown: Revlon – Crushed Crimson, $5
Blue: Essie – St.Barths Blue, $ 7

HOW TO: Strictly Ballroom

“I dance in the biggest ones,” Danielle Rayzberg says, pointing the toe of her high heel toward me flirtatiously. Her over-the-taupe, strappy pumps are designed for Latin dance, but constructed in Italy. “The best of both worlds,” Rayzberg laughs.

She’s just come offstage as the closing ballroom dance number for the Syracuse University Residence Hall Association’s Diversity Banquet. She’s very post Cha-Cha: the lips are bright red, the jet-black hair is fastened by a rhinestone-encrusted headband that matches her rhinestone-encrusted push-up bustier. There’s also lots leopard print.

She’s barely caught her breath, but she’s about to leave her post as a 20-year-old Newhouse PR major to take the ballroom dance world by storm on her first trip to the nationals in Columbus, Ohio. Before she skips town, I must get my new muse to spill her three essentials items for a big night dancing on the town.

“Well, heels, of course,” she responds, kicking up those toes again. “The higher, the better because I’m short.” For the record, Rayzberg is completely va-va-voom: robust and voluptuous, something central casting would send to the set of an Almodovar film.

“Do they have to be heels I can afford?” she asks. How about the big screen, MGM musical version? “Christian Louboutin,” she replies instantly. Most folks know the Algerian shoe designer for his “Hello, lover” heel on Sex and the City, but Louboutin began his career designing for the showgirls populating Paris’ down-and-dirty Pigalle arrondisment so they’re a natural first choice. We like this purple patent named for Louboutin’s hometown less than $450 with shipping from Ebay.

Second item? “A good pair of false eyelashes,” Rayzberg replies. She doesn’t care what brand, as long as they "pop" from the stage. We quickly discuss the drag queen/Tammy Faye tip of gluing two pair together before adhering them to your lid. Rayzberg adds, “I pick up a lot of good ones around Halloween time.” We like MAC’s 37 lash, their most dramatic length, less than $20 with glue at maccosmetics.com.

Faster than you can say kiss me, guido, Rayzberg is onto her final item: “A really good fake tanner.” She details the arduous, three-day process of a hot fake tan. “You have to do it in layers,” she explains. Her tip for keeping it off your white-hot, Cha-Cha pants? “You have to let it dry completely,” she cautions, “I love Pro Tan. It’s what the body builders use.” We like Ultra Bronze, $10.95 for 8.5 ounces at performancebrands.com.

HOW TO: Fierce Frizz Fighters

The stylists at Industry, the only Syracuse hair emporium to sell cultish premiere hair line Bumble and Bumble, recommend a three-step process to fight winter frizz and dryness.

1. For starters, switch to a moisture-rich shampoo. Bumble and Bumble’s Gentle ($20) works well for dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair.
2. For conditioner, try Bumble and Bumble’s Super Rich ($21). The formula of the conditioner is a must in the chilly Syracuse winters. “It really is what it says – it’s super rich and moisturizing,” says Industry manager Giovanni Giardina.


3. If, despite that electricity-inducing weather and the horrors of winter hat hair, you long for a chic, frizz-free style, consider a dab of Bumble and Bumble’s Brilliantine ($20).
Stylists caution that you only need a touch of this silicone-based formula. If you use too much, you risk the greasies; use just a little, and you’ll get your money’s worth – and silky, shiny hair to boot.

HOW TO: Click on Vintage

As I write this, I’m bidding on 17 vintage items on E-bay. In less than a day, this vintage 80's blue avant garde swing cape wool coat could be mine for $25 dollars. An empty hanger hangs in my closet, waiting its arrival. I consider myself an expert. The proof: an 80's strapless sweater mini dress I nabbed for $9.99. Follow these tips on finding the perfect leather bomber jacket or a vintage ‘80s black tuxedo military skinny blazer.

1. Remember: Items go to the highest bidders. The seller sets a time limit (five days, for example), and users get the opportunity to bid on an item. I need to stress ONE POINT: If you dream about this item or skecth it in your notebook during your spare time,make sure you make a great maximum bid. Of course you need a budget, but these things are one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

2. Most of the vintage items I’ve looked at recently sold for less than $70. Keep this in mind when making your maximum bid, but if you can’t stop thinking about the item, it’s worth the bid.

3. Return to the places where you’ve found your favorite pieces. The following stores top my list:
*Thriftwares
*Lullie Vintage
*Art House Vintage
*Ohio Vintage
*MamaStone Vintage
4. One more thing: Even if you are outbid, you can return and place another offer. Check back frequently to see if someone else stole your dream coat, and always fight for the one you love.

HOW TO: Dress for Excess

Minus gifts, glitter, and a potential midnight kiss, Thanksgiving easily earns the award for frumpiest holiday. Plus all that food, few distractions, and the abundance of lounge opportunities make glamour a stretch (so to speak). But we encourage you to think ahead and avoid the classic T-Day fashion disaster — unbuttoning your jeans so that extra helping of mashed taters doesn’t contribute to the world’s worst muffin top. This Thanksgiving consider this styles that encourage lounging and accommodate second helpings.
1. Leggings with a flowing tunic over and flats like this Tory Burch outfit.



2. A wrap dress to cover up your little tummy like this Diane Von Furstenberg dress.



3. A simple chiffon ruffle empire waist dress that floats away from the body like this one from Forever 21.

HOW TO: Tie One One

We know. A scarf’s job reads: keep the neck warm. We also know that long stretches of fabulous fabric deliver more than heat and utility. They possess the power to make a tee look rich and a cashmere sweater look Trump rich (in pre-recession dollars). Learn these knots, expand your looks, and earn a Ph.D. in scarfery.




The Italian Loop: Consider this the scarf with training wheels. Fold the scarf in half and put it around your neck. Pull the ends through the loop and pull it tight. Wear it snug to your throat or lose. Both ways convey simple elegance. It also works over or under your coat.



The Square Knot: Wrap the scarf around your neck making sure that one end is longer than the other. Wrap the longer end all around your neck, around the shorter end, and then pull it up and trough. The tighter the fit, the warmer the neck. It also works as a coat topper.



Easier Square Knot: Wrap the scarf all the way around your neck then tie one end through the other pull your coat over to keep you warm.



The Safety: Wrap the scarf all the way around your neck as many times as you like.

HOW TO: Flea-Market Master Class

Once the barren wasteland of tube socks and knock-off sneaks, flea markets provide fashion hounds unique ways to create distinct looks. From beaded jewelry to vintage apparel and antique fabrics, these style treasure hunts offer all you need to make yourself standout on a limited budget.

Consider these seven secrets for flea-market shopping success:

1. Cut and Paste. Before you go, look for inspiration from magazines, blogs, and online stores. Establish what you want before the abundance overwhelms and distracts you from your mission.

2. Dress for the Occasion. No dressing rooms. Wear thin layers (think sheer tights, leggings, basic tanks) so you can throw on a dress, skirt and still determine whether it fits.

3. Time your visit. Arrive early if you intend to snag a collectible vintage piece or novelty item. If you want great bargains, consider showing up late in the day. Vendors discount as the day progresses to reduce their inventory.

4. Scope out the good vendors. Follow the fashionable people. They will lead you to the good stuff.

5. Quality check. Make sure each piece is in good condition: hems, zippers, lining, intricate details, all of it. Items may be a bit worn (since that adds to their appeal), but never falling apart.

6. Negotiate. Vendors expect shoppers to ask for discounts. Think of an amount you want to spend before asking the vendor for a price. Then proffer: What’s your best price for this. If the piece has a hole, a stain, or a frayed edge and you still want it, use that as price-negotiation leverage. Be prepared to walk away if the price arrives about your mental set point.

7. Spend wisely. Carrying lots of cash helps with negotiating but can lead to overspending. Establish a limit and spend within your budget.