The Adventure of Getting a Free Haircut

To say I need a haircut is an understatement. It's been six months since my last professional trim and my split ends now have their own split ends. However, I refuse to shell out a day's wages for someone to chop my locks off. Having said that though, a bad haircut is one of those things that can make life truly unbearable. So I turned to the trusty internet to find a way to get a quality haircut on the cheap. 

What I learned is that many salons host classes for their stylists to continue their training while on the job. Many of these salons are looking to give the model a specific cut (interestingly bobs are one of the most popular styles advertised for) but some will allow you to choose your own style. I browsed through several days of Craigslist ads before stumbling on salonapprentice.com. This site provides a database where stylists can list what they're looking for and prospective models can reply to the ads. I found an ad listed by a stylist at Salon Ziba and called in. They took my name and number and set me up for an appointment today at 11 AM. Read on to find out how my experience went.

Pamper and Primp This Week for Free!

Mid-February means two things to me: New York Fashion Week and Valentine's Day. Both bring mixed emotions. As one of the non-elite who has to get my fix of fashion week by checking The Cut and Fabsugar.com like it's my full-time job, I sort of feel like I'm part of the swanky scene that's taking place beneath the tents of Lincoln Center. And, as a single girl with no prospects of finding a man before V day (sad but true), I've been nursing my loneliness with hearty doses of Ryan Gosling films, Hugh Jackman interviews, and Maroon 5 music videos. But before you go pitying me, take into consideration that both Fashion Week and Valentine's Day bring lots of free stuff to the city that I am whole-heartedly taking advantage of. Case and point: Greenpointer's "Message in a Bottle" Valentine's Market on Saturday. I went with a bunch of my girlfriends and had a blast sampling chocolates and taking faux-romantic pictures in the photo booth. Check out a few of these upcoming Valentines Day/Fashion Week events that you can enjoy even if you don't have a significant other or your name isn't on the Proenza Schouler invite list.

Makeover at What Goes Around Comes Around Pop-Up

• Celebrate Yourself with Swarovski Crystallized 
• Where? Swarovski Soho Store
• When? Tuesday 6-8
•  What? Enjoy champagne and chocolates as you peruse some of the most gorgeous jewelry on earth. And you get a complimentary romance novel with any purchase (as if that would motivate you!). Link here.

• The Bauble Bar Pop Up Shop
• Where? 344 West 14^th Street at 9^th Avenue
• When? Until February 16th
• What? In celebration of their two year anniversary, BaubleBar, a trendy jewelry company, has set up a pop up shop in the Meatpacking District and is hosting events there until February 16th. Check out their calendar of events here! Not to be missed is their blogger meet and greet this Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM.
• Galore Mag x What Comes Around Goes Around
• Where? 440 Lafayette St
• When? Until February 14th
• What? For the next few days various special guests will be stopping by the WCGA pop-up shop. They are also offering complimentary makeovers and manicures provided by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. Slight disclaimer...it's probably a good idea to call ahead and make sure they're on schedule. I went today and the sales staff told me the makeup artists weren't coming in for the day because of inclement weather. Here's the full list of events for your review.

So regardless of your romantic status or interest in Fashion Week, go ahead and indulge in one (or several) of these fun events!

Free Nail Polish at American Apparel

What's better than wearing the season's hottest nail color? Getting it for free of course! Now through November 10th, American Apparel is giving out free nail polish in some of their most popular shades. Just stop into an American Apparel and show this coupon (in print or on your phone) to pick one up. I braved the blizzard to get mine, choosing Hunter Green which I plan to wear throughout the upcoming holiday season. Cheers to well manicured nails without spending a dime!