What does an RSVP mean and other etiquette tips for today's diva.

R.S.V.P = répondez s'il vous plaît = respond

Recently it was brought to my attention that sometimes we modern woman are so busy rushing around, working and just living that perhaps we forget common courtesy etiquette rules.  As with most things, we often take advantage forget that those closest to us, our family and friends deserve the same courtesy we extend to complete strangers.   Certainly I have been found guilty of breaking a few rules, specifically arriving on time to an outing.  If it is a work-related function, I am able to make it promptly, even arrive ahead of time.  However, the minute my brain knows it is a casual outing, usually something happens and I am averaging about an hour late arrival time.  My friends know this by now and tell me to meet them usually a good half hour before everyone else is supposed to be there.  Does that still make it rude? YES! That's why I'm not proud of that, and make a conscious effort to not do that anymore. See "Work in progress".

Now, on to more important things, like how to avoid being labeled "that girl" who is always late, rude, does not RSVP and lacks other social graces that will have your poor mama throw a chancleta clutching her pearls in horror.  Why dedicate a blog post you may ask, well because sometimes what you assume to be understood is not.  Let's get right to it, if you are invited to a party, more specifically, if you are invited to a party by your friend and the event will be held at a restaurant, club, lounge etc., anywhere you don't have to yell your order in a drive-thru speaker, then it is your responsibility to RSVP via a phone call, facebook event "I'm attending" click, and nowadays even a text is acceptable.  Your host probably has many other things they need to deal with, and while it is their responsibility to get a final headcount, your ambiguous answer can need to unnecessary costs such as an extra charge for a larger party at a restaurant than needed. 

Other social graces that should be mentioned are the ever present "smile".  Yes ladies, smile even if you are having a bad time, even if you have a million things to do at home or had a fight with your papi significant other.  You are present, and nobody likes a Debbie Downer .  If the host/hostess should happen to ask how you are doing, gracefully "smile" and say you are having a great time,  especially if you consider them to be a friend.  Unacceptable responses include "bored", "I'm leaving soon", or "this food is terrible".  The last one is especially recommended at weddings.  Also when going out in a large group, especially in this economy, either ask in the beginning for a separate check (and with tact - that means the least amount of people should know you are doing it), or whisper in the ear of a trusted friend if they can cover your costs for the night and you will re-pay them.  While you may think it is unfair to split a bill, if 99.9% of the rest of the group is doing so, then you should also.  Not doing so, and contributing what you may "think" you owe, (but in actuality you owe more), puts the host in an awkward position.  Now your rudeness has just passed the responsibility to another party member.  Guess who gets to hear all about it later - your host/hostess. Not nice princess.  

Remember all the times that your friend has been there for you, without complaining.  All the events they showed up on your behalf - do you really think they had a great time every time, or just made sure you thought so to make you happy.  All the endless hours wasted listening to you go on and on about the same mistakes you made with different men, the ever present shoulder for your tears, and even the bottle of vodka brought over to wash away the memories of that bastard enjoy a cocktail or two on those especially rough nights.  Therefore, a true friend when celebrating an event will make sure to be there, to RSVP, to stop being so selfish make sure your host feels appreciated.   


xoxo Helen

HEIGHT Magazine: A TALL woman's dream

Last week, I went to a model casting for HEIGHT Magazine's fashion show spotlighting tall women's designers. While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet Rae Ashe, HEIGHT's founder and CEO. Rae is truly an inspiring woman. As a tall woman herself, she became frustrated by clothing companies underserving their taller clients. Rae started HEIGHT Magazine, a magazine which caters to fashion for the taller woman. I can't wait to see what's in store for the future of this magazine. Check it out for yourself!

Rae also recently founded Girls of Height, Inc., which is a mentoring program for taller girls ages 9 through 17. The program focuses on uplifting and building the self esteem of the taller girl.  Personally, I would have loved for this program to be around when I was growing up.
Check out Girls of Height,Inc. for more information on this wonderful program.


Thank you Rae and HEIGHT Magazine! So excited as tall women now have a voice to be reckoned with! Also check out their Facebook page.


xoxo Nic

Helpful Hair Tips

So, yesterday I got my first real hair cut in years. Yes, YEARS... I couldn't even remember the last time it was officially cut by a stylist.  So needless to say, I needed a change.  My hair has looked pretty much the same since I can remember. I didn't want anything too drastic.  I wear clip-in extensions when I really want some Va-va-va-voom, but I wanted something simple for an everyday healthy hair look.  I was a little nervous at first, but my stylist Lizzy was so nice and knowledgeable, it put my nerves right at ease.  She gave me some helpful tips along the way.  Here's what I learned:

• When a hair strand becomes grey, it drops it's pigment molecules all at once and the entire strand then becomes grey as a result.  That's why you never see a grey hair strand that is half your regular hair color and half grey. 
• When you wash your hair with shampoo, the shampoo strips all of the oils from your hair (both the good oils and the dirt).  So excessive shampooing can be damaging.  In fact, if you can skip the shampooing part all together that's even better.  Hot water will open the strand enough to clean the dirt but leave some of your natural hair oils.  After conditioning, rinsing with cold water will seal the strand again. 
• Sprinkling baby powder on the hair to absorb the dirt then rinsing out with warm/hot water to release the dirt can be a healthier alternative for the hair versus shampooing. 
• Try to go as long as you can before washing your hair, for me that was a week.  But it can be different for you depending on your hair type and lifestyle needs (ie. if you sweat frequently while working out, swim frequently, etc.).
• Consult a knowledgeable stylist when considering making changes to your hair.  I was very set on getting a lot of layers put into my hair, but that would have made my hair actually appear shorter.  I was pleasantly surprised that a couple of layer changes strategically placed would give me the same desired effect I was looking for.

 I am not claiming that all of these tips are exact for your hair, but just some things to think about and maybe spark conversation with your own stylist.

Thanks to Lizzy at Platinum Salon, NYC! I now have a fringe bang and the bouncy hair I was looking for.

xoxo Nic