Katherine Chloé Cahoon

My hair has been protesting big-time lately. When I went salsa dancing, I left home with well-behaved tresses, but after a few turns it looked like they had been attacked with an eggbeater! So when I went to the salon for a trim, I asked how to get healthy hair with super-shine. Here are the steps my stylist followed:

Start with Olaplex Hair Perfector, a revolutionary product that she says was invented to help cancer-patients repair and thicken their hair after undergoing chemotherapy and other damaging treatments. Once a week before a shampoo, get your hair damp, apply the product and leave it on for ten minutes. Then shampoo and condition as usual.

Damp-dry hair and prep it with Kerastase Keratin Thermique to seal and smooth strands. Follow this with Oribe Grandiose Mousse and blow dry. If you use a curling or flat iron, coat your hair with Oribe Soft Lacquer beforehand, and when your hair cools down, add Texturizing Spray to the roots.

There is something about homemade cards that makes the sentiment written inside them extra special. I had the most charming evening filled with great company, dancing, roses…

…and these sweet origami hearts with custom messages. The handmade touch made the night that much more memorable. So for Meeting Men Monday I’ve decided to present a DIY romantic card tutorial. Anyone can make these hearts anytime for someone they love. I can make this guarantee because the man who gave them to me taught me and his seven-year-old nephew how to make them. Now, who do you think was the fastest learner? Right, the seven-year old.

So here’s a how-to video made by another kid.

I was especially excited to take these fashion pictures for a couple of reasons. First, I got to wear two of my favorite brands… Diane von Furstenberg and Valentino. DVF made the flattering sheath. Valentino crafted the heels with his ever-popular rock studs. And the matching rainbow clutch! Second, I got to try out my new camera for the first time. My last one was so small it actually fit in that clutch, so it was convenient—but obstinate, and last week it flat-out refused to take any more pics. My mom was the one who took these shots. We decided to break-in my new camera during a girls’ night out and top it off with pizza. We wanted a secluded place for the camera practice so we wouldn’t bother anyone. A film exec I worked with had recently stayed at a charming hotel. She found the atmosphere relaxing, and explained that guests “went to bed around 10pm.” So I thought this was just the place to christen my new camera. But somehow that so-called secluded hotel turned into a social hub, with people bustling about. Everyone asked what we were doing and several wanted to join in the fun. The entire night became a picture-taking party, and our 8 pm dinner had to be moved to midnight:)

After posting a dance tutorial for Becky G’s Can’t Stop Dancin’ and fashions similar to hers, I’ve received requests to loop back around to this sassy singer. So today for Travel Thursday, we’re chatting about a Miami destination that is high on Becky’s fave list.

That’s the beautiful Biltmore hotel. You know BG is a seasoned traveler because her tours take her everywhere, so you can trust her when she explains, “It’s very majestic-looking and the pool is totally next level. It’s actually the largest hotel pool in the continental U.S.!”

With resort season upon us, the only thing missing from a perfect Biltmore stay is the perfect swimsuit. Leave it to Becky G to have the answer there as well. “It never gets old with Forever 21 and H&M because they have different varieties and decent prices. I like colorful bathing suits…yellows and oranges!”

Sometimes a girl discovers cosmetic products so divine that she can’t stop talking about them. Well, this happened to me as you can see from my video.

If you’d like a step-by-step tutorial for the latest cat eye straight from the cat walk, see yesterday’s post. A seasoned global makeup artist uses Trish products to dispense tips complete with pictures.

That’s Paul, who does up celebs and runway models in the latest makeup looks. He took the time to solve my travel makeup dilemma, and give me the “big-eye cat-eye.” Here I’m passing his tips on to you.

Ever since I graduated from college, I’ve had to travel for work. Packing makeup for the variety of events I attend on each trip and getting ready in planes or hotel bathrooms has been a challenge. But Paul showed me how to get a variety of looks out of one small, magical bag.

All of the products Paul used on me were tucked into Trish’s Classic Petite Makeup Planner, the “portable makeup vanity” pictured above. The mirrored case and each makeup pan in it are magnetic, so you can fill the case with a variety of makeup pallets and tilt it at any angle while doing up your face. Everything will stay put and is interchangeable. The black tufted makeup planner also includes a removable pouch for items like concealer, lipstick and foundation, and sleeves for makeup brushes.

Here’s how Paul gave me his new cat eye: First, using the black Liquid Liner Pen, he drew the top line on one eye, making it thicker at the edges. This technique creates a big-eye effect and draws attention to your eye color.

Second, he chose to brush Eye Shadow Glamorous, a mauve hue, in my crease.

Third, Paul drew in my lower liner. For this he chose Eye Definer Emerald. I have green eyes, so this color enhanced that. Paul explained that using different, but compatible, shades for my upper and lower lines opened my eyes even further. He used a Q-tip to create a slightly smudged effect.

And it was time to do the other eye.

Paul had me attempt this so I could learn to do it myself. I really appreciate that because once I got home I felt like I could pull it off and teach you how.

Paul’s philosophy is that there is something sexy in every girl’s face. If given the chance, believe me, he’ll bring it out. I’ve always considered myself a girl next door, not a sexy girl, but once he was done I did feel sexy! You can get the same effect by following his steps using the makeup colors that complement your natural coloring.

We’ve said goodbye to Valentine’s Day, but we don’t have to say goodbye to the feelings we had on that holiday and the way we expressed them.

I believe that love isn’t merely a word to be used in a moment of appreciation or passion. It’s an ongoing desire to be with – and there for – someone. And since it’s a verb, love requires action to create and maintain. So whatever the rest of this year brings, I hope we can all keep love in our hearts like we did on that day.

Whenever I receive a Wolford message inviting me to a fashion party – complete with tantalizing food and even more tantalizing styles – how can I say no? When this one arrived, I had another commitment that night but made sure to stop by and slip in some couture fun. Etrid and Ylyana are just so gorgeous and their fashion insights are paramount. They put me in this ensemble.

I’m not what you’d call a daring fashionista. I adore style, but let’s get real—I don’t have the hot bod like some of the celebs we see, which means I’m not one for taking the major neck plunge or showing tons of skin. So when these Wolford babes introduced me to this outfit with its sheer top demurely revealing just a peep of the coordinating bra, the look didn’t push my daring quota. As Yly explained, “It’s a seductive ensemble while remaining sophisticated.”

To complete the look, we added a classic black skirt and a Karlie Belt. Then we layered over a cardigan and added shimmering cuffs.

Yly, the blonde stunner to my side, paired the black skirt with a sleek bodysuit and added her own accessories.

And Etrid, the petite, raven-haired powerhouse in the center is wearing her cardigan with Wolford’s famous Fatal Dress. All of our items are basics and, as with all Wolford fashions, they’re majorly figure-flattering.

That would have to be Paddington…you know, the adorable bear who is enamored with marmalade. He captured my heart before I could even walk:) I grew up reading his books.

When the movie came out, I didn’t care that it was slated for children; I lined up right along with them. And I found that all ages were filing in to see this bear pull all kinds of loveable mischief in London. Later when I spied a coat and hat similar to his, I couldn’t pass them up.

The pea coat style, à la Paddington, is big this season and wearing one makes the cold weather not seem so cold. Mine is by Larry Levine. I got the last one at Nordstrom, but this company is known for their variety of high-quality, beautiful creations.

And my Bow Wool hat came from Nordstrom as well.

Since this is Travel Thursday, I can’t end without commenting on London, Paddington’s adopted home. I’ve visited a number of times and lived in the heart of town one summer semester. Everything about that city excites me—the restaurants in Leicester Square, the shops in Sloane Square, the clubs tucked away here and there. All of the locals seem to move at a rapid pace rushing off to important meetings. What I love most is to just sit and let the craziness whirl around me as I take in the beautiful sights.

Who says the love we feel on Valentine’s Day can’t be shared every week, every day and every hour? In my mind, February 14th serves as a reminder of the importance of showing loved ones we care…and making that an ongoing celebration. As you can see, I’m quite excited for the heart holiday.

And in the words of one of my favorite ladies of all time, “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” Audrey Hepburn

When you look in the mirror? I absolutely love receiving your emails, and always do my best to answer questions. Often this is done in private, but I received one message that troubled me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I’m sharing this woman’s concern with all of you. She didn’t think she was pretty in any way and wanted product recommendations to improve her appearance.

I firmly believe that every person has some stunning feature…whether that is a smile that lights up a room or bright eyes. If someone says you’re unattractive, well then that person isn’t looking. So the next time you glance in the mirror, focus on what you love about yourself. And if you don’t see anything—look again. I promise you, it’s there.

In my mind beauty products aren’t about changing your appearance; they’re about enhancing your natural features—or just experimenting and having fun. So if you notice that you have big eyes then add mascara, especially to the outer lashes, to make them even bigger and more alluring. If you see that you have full lips, add a little gloss. Or if you’re lucky enough to have been blessed with defined cheekbones dust on bronzer for a sun-kissed glow. Then accept the fact that you are special and go out with confidence.

A male reader sent me this love question: “I know people have different opinions on Valentine’s Day, but I think it’s the holiday when men should treat their Valentines and the women should just get to enjoy themselves. I want to do something really special for my fiancé. What makes a woman feel loved on this day?”

For the response to the gentleman’s query, I’ve gone straight to the source, gathering opinions from a trusty group of appealing girls, and asking questions that other men have posed as well.

Some guys think spending a lot of money on a woman makes her know she’s loved. Based on my focus group, that’s a misconception. It’s not the number of greenbacks doled out that matters, it’s that you do something special to surprise her. And if she’s a romance lover, don’t worry whether your gesture seems over-the-top or cheesy. What counts is that you thought the evening through and let her know how much you care. Hint: you can never genuinely tell a woman enough why you love her. If you doubt me, listen to what the ladies had to say…

“Don’t ask the girl what she wants to do. Instead do something unexpected that comes from the heart.”

“Show us how much you care by being extra cute and romantic.”

“We may say we don’t like flowers or chocolate, but inside we’re yelling that we’d love some.”

“It’s not what you do that counts, but how you do it. No one can be given a perfect formula for how to win over another person. Because the charm of an ideal Valentine’s Day for a woman is that the guy came up with the evening himself. Whether he cooks her a romantic dinner or takes her out, he needs to tell her the thought that went into it, so she realizes that he wanted to make her night one she’ll remember forever.”

“Valentines Day isn’t just about romantic relationships. Anyone, guy or girl, can tell a friend he/she cares.”

This has been Jessie J week on my blog. After collaborating with a celebrity makeup artist to show you how to recreate her Burnin’ Up face, and posting a video teaching you a dance to her song, I just had to focus on this sexy lady’s attire for Fashion Friday. Although many of us have been slammed by winter storms, resort season is around the corner and Jessie J is proof that one-piece suits are sassy.

The above pictures were taken from the Burnin’ Up music video, and that singer really does look hot. So can you with similar suits from Victoria’s Secret. They feature a plunging halter that’s sure to snatch attention, a figure-flattering asymmetrical with pleats that cinch in the waist, and a slimming halter that enhances curves.

This is definitely not the first time I’ve written about Rizzmic, the dance-fitness program headquartered in the Pacific Northwest. Can I help it if I love the Rizzy creators? They’ve combined infectious, easy-to-follow choreography with vivacious instructors. On any given day, they teach routines that you can adapt to your favorites in the Top 40. Cory, on the left in the pictures below, is one of the founders, and Chris, a Disney dancer, is in the process of becoming an instructor.

Dancers at all levels love Rizzmic, with its variety of pop styles taught by encouraging, high-fiving instructors. Although technique is taught, the feel is not that of a technical studio class. Frankly, I haven’t taken one of those in years. My Rizzmic classes are in Seattle and include everyone from professional dancers to people overcoming injuries, and those who haven’t previously danced a day. One of the most fun elements of Rizzmic is their theme parties. You can stay updated about them by keeping up with their Facebook page.

If you didn’t get a chance to see Cory, Chris and me dancing to Jessie J’s BURNIN’ UP, here it is. We had the best time filming this.

This Jessie J song lures everyone to the dance floor. Here’s lively choreography you can learn for it.

And if you missed my Jessie J Burnin’ Up makeup tutorial, here it is too.

Big thanks to Cory and Chris for dancing with me. If you’ve never taken Rizzmic, Cory’s dance fitness classes, you’re in for a fabulous time. And we all appreciate Kevin. He stepped in at the last minute to film this, making the process even more fun. We loved having him.