Time Trial: ghd Gold Series Classic Styler

My bathroom recently exploded.

I wish I could say I'm kidding, but I'm not.

Goodbye wax pot, hair straightener (x 2), hairdryer, toothbrush etc etc.

Having just had my hair cut to a style that needs a hairdryer and straightener, it's no surprise that this couldn't have come at a worse time.

So now I'm browsing the market for the best to replace them all and the first stop is a new straightener.

ghd lovers are like iPhone lovers; hardcore.

So despite being 100 percent happy with my Kodo Creative hair straightener, it's time to join the ghd gang.

Weighing up between the IV styler and Gold Classic Styler was no easy feat.

Despite the $30 price difference, the basic appearance and temperature is the same.

The shop assistant told me that the Gold Classic Styler was slightly easier to manoeuvre and it's a newer model.

So I went with the Gold Classic Styler and I'm happy with it.



It's easy to curl and, of course; straighten with.

The cord is a good length, it leaves my hair with a good level of shine, has universal voltage so I can take it overseas, handy sleep mode and a two-year warranty.

The only downside is that the temperature is not adjustable, but so far the heat setting has been perfect for my hair.

The conversion has been completed and I can't deny I'm really happy with the results.

Find the ghd Gold Classic Styler, $269 online at ghdhair.com

What We've Learnt: Ponytails

Long lengths are well and truly back with perfected ponytails a hit on the runway for Fall 2011.

Guido Palau worked a flawless mid-height pony for Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton while Luigi Murenu contrasted sleek with a teased tail at Gucci.


Marc Jacobs from Style.com

Louis Vuitton from Style.com

Gucci from Style.com

Low-slung and simple emanated from Ralph Lauren while Prada's heights and wispy sides kept the look soft and innocent.


Ralph Lauren from Style.com

Prada from Style.com

My absolute favourite was Valentino with their headbands and slight height oozing darling prep.


Valentino from Style.com


HOW-TO RE-CREATE VALENTINO'S LOOK

The Transcribery caught up with upcoming fashion and hair stylist Alicia Edwards who gave us the low down on how to re-create Valenitno's look.

Step One. Start by parting your hair down the centre or on the side. Follow by straightening your lengths to create a sleek finish.

Step Two. Using a comb, tie your hair back bump-free leaving a small section of hair out either side of the face.

Step Three. With everything in place, take a section of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the base using bobby pins to secure.

Step Four. Lightly run a straightener through the side sections by the face using a turning motion to create a soft wave.

Step Five. Pop a ribbon or headband around your head and secure.

Step Six. Finish with hairspray and a touch of shine mist.


Alicia recommends Sebastian Halo Mist, $37

What We’ve Learnt: Side Plays The Perfect Part

Fall 2011 has reaffirmed last season’s side part to be one of the biggest hair trends to come.

It comes as a natural progression from the polished and perfected look we’ve been seeing this past year or so.

However, this season the side part came with some slight twists.

We saw Celine move closer to a sweeping forward-pulling combover and Jil Sander take the part to the extreme by wrapping the lengths around to create an open beehive.


Celine model by Monica Feudi


Jil Sander model by Luca Cannonieri

Alberta Ferretti reignited the mod movement with a psychedelic colour palette and a side-parted fringe curved loosely across the face.


Alberta Ferretti model by Marcus Tondo

Yves Saint Laurent’s long side part was drawn even further from the center and pulled slick across before tying into a perfect low slung bun.



Yves Saint Laurent model by Luca Cannonieri

My Musings: The Impeccable Style of Emma Watson

Courtesy of Emmawatson.com

This young woman embodies class and characterises British style. She certainly hasn't gone unnoticed in the fashion world, scooping up ambassador and designer collaboration deals since coming of age. Armed with charisma, confidence and a wardrobe of sheer brilliance, Emma Watson manages to inspire through her timeless yet innovative ensembles.

Watson’s new pixie cut, famously shot as the cover of UK Vogue and US Marie Claire, has received a positive reception. By shedding her locks, Watson has divulged herself of the Hermione persona and is consistently delivering style that is above-par, tasteful and most charming.



Emma on the cover of the December UK Vogue



Emma on the cover of the December US Marie Claire

Last season’s pastel-pretty knots, drapes and gathers from Christopher Bailey’s Burberry Prorsum collection were graced by the presence of Watson. The campaign, sophisticated with an ultra fresh edge, breathed excitement into the house’s traditional style. The beauty of Burberry’s trench and tartan were taken to a whole new level of youthful energy and femininity. The previous season marked Watson’s induction as the face of the brand as the flawless Burberry trench was put in the spotlight.




Emma Watson for Burberry Prorsum last season



Emma Watson for Burberry Prorsum A/W 09

Effortlessly, Watson sends the media into a frenzy by stepping out in her designer wares. Remember that front-row shot of Emma with the stunning Gwyneth at Burberry Prorsum S/S ’10 show? Or that sheer caged Christopher Kane dress she wore to The Late Show with David Letterman. More recently, at the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, her Rafael Lopez frock teamed with a Remembrance Day poppy and pixie cut proved Watson isn't afraid to showcase a little sass. She delivered the heart of Calvin Klein most recently at the NYC premiere and even wore our very own Dion Lee, sending his name spiralling into cyber search-engines, all the while creating proof that Emma Watson epitomises classic glamour today.



Emma Watson at The Late Show with David Letterman

Having secured a partnership with ethical and fair-trade clothing label People Tree, Watson wears her moral heart on her shoulder through her designs for the charity line. "I wanted to help People Tree produce a younger range because I was excited by the idea of using fashion as a tool to alleviate poverty and knew it was something I could help make a difference with." Emma commented via her official website. Find the collection here.



Emma Watson for eco-friendly label People Tree

As she conquers the industry, and even poverty, the movements, success and style of Emma Watson will be closely followed by the media and, of course, her avid style-hunting fans.

How To: Turning It Up A Knot

Remember the days of the dishevelled and, more often than not, limp strands? It was more than ok to leave your layers a little untamed; it was actually cool. The global financial crisis made "undone" fashionable as we saved our pennies by spreading out the hairdresser visits.

Ladies, the time has come to dust off your shopping shoes and get to a salon as we’re seeing more being spent on indulgent products and looks that exert more control.

The effect? Think Louis Vuitton’s perky ponytail, Prada’s beehive and a series of classic chignons and top-knots.

The beehive: Greg Kessler's shot from last year's Prada fall show

The ponytail: From that gorgeous Louis Vuittton campaign

If last season’s shows aren’t proof enough, take a peek at the sleek lines and minimalism from this year’s Lanvin show. Longer length gowns partnered with low and sleek ponies showcased femininity at its best.

Slick 'em: Yannis Vlamos' shot from Lanvin via Style.com

Every style that leaves your locks looking ladylike, polished and perfected is all glamour this season.

So finesse your backcombing skills ladies and whip out the blowdryer, the GHD is taking a backseat on this one.

Get that top-knot down pat

1.) Start by working in a heat defence spray like John Frieda Heat Defeat and then blow-dry the hair using a paddle brush to sweep your strands away from your scalp.



2.) Give your hair a once-over with a holding mist like Sebastian Re-Shaper hairspray, follow by brushing your locks into a high ponytail and fastening with an elastic band.



3.) Twist the ponytail outwards and take it into a knot, using pins to secure it to the base.

For a bigger knot: Backcomb your ponytail, brush it out and then loosely twist it in to place.


And voila, it’s chic at its very best.