Finding sound dating advice can be hard. Your friends are always biased, your mother gives you the “been there, done that” speech, and your favorite glossy’s flirting techniques seem way to unrealistic. Now what?

If only it were that simple…

Introducing Samantha Mittler, BeautyNewsNYC.com’s resident dating columnist, who has the answers you’ve always needed. Samantha will share insightful commentary and expert advice from an NYC woman’s perspective with all of you every first City Pulse mailing of the month. You’re so lucky! Her experience with exploring the treacherous depths of the relationship world make her uber-qualified for the job. Share in her victories and those unfortunate defeats and find answers to real city women’s questions in the Just Ask Samantha Q&A featured in every column.

If you have any questions concerning love, sex, relationships, dating all of the related above that you’d like answered, send them on over to Samantha at justasksamantha@yahoo.com. Come on, don’t be shy.

Need to know how to emanate the flush you get from, uh, activities that induce a speeding pulse? Then you’ve simply got to try Benefit’s newest face powder, Thrrrob, which simulates that very color on your cheeks. And from January 31-February 2, Benefit is joining forces with Bloomingdale’s two New York locations to bring it to you! You’ll get a first look at the gorgeous pink blush that’s got everyone’s heart racing (It’s only been out for a couple weeks and it’s already a top seller on Benefit’s website).

The packaging is totally ingenious – the box mimics a corset with printed pink ties lacing up the front in a sexy corset-like shape. Inside is a blush so pink in color, it’s guaranteed to make your cheeks pop. Even the accompanying brush is pink, to really get you in the mood.

In addition to picking up a few boxes of Thrrrob, you’ll have the opportunity to check out the brazenly sassy new collection from lingerie line Hanky Panky. You can even have the Benefit beauty artists show you the latest beauty trends.

And you can do all this while sipping deliciously X-rated cocktails from Fusion Liqueur and nibbling on scrumptious Godiva chocolates. (Yes, they’re aphrodisiacs. Not so subtle, that Benefit!)

It’s time to get turned on.

WHAT: Benefit’s Thrrrob
WHEN: January 31-February 2, 11am-7pm
WHERE: Bloomingdale’s, 59th Street & Lexington, 212.705.2000 and SoHo, 504 Broadway, 212.729.5900

It’s a well known fact that everyone wants what they can’t have. Tall girls want to be short and short girls want to be tall. Brunettes want to be blonde and blondes want to be…well maybe not. But it’s about time us curly girls really gave those straight-haired broads something to be jealous about.

Did you know 70% of us have naturally curly hair?!
Source: Ouidad.com

With gorgeous locks one day and wild, unruly knots the next, curly hair may be a mixed blessing, which is why Ouidad, “The Curly Hair Expert,” created her own formula for defined, soft, shiny and manageable curls.

Source: Ouidad.com

With 30 years of experience, Ouidad was the very first stylist and salon owner in the country to specialize in curly hair, and now she is the go-to-girl for beauty consultants and editors. She even has a trademark cutting technique, “Carving and Slicing,” that has received sheer approval. This Valentine’s Day, she’s inviting all her curly-haired sista’s to check it out at her “Curl’s Night Out.”

The evening, hosted at the flagship Ouidad Salon, will include: style demonstrations, curl consultations, giveaways, and a sneak peak at Ouidad’s latest (so-new-it’s-not-even-in-stores) love potion for curls. Stop by for a Curl-tini, some free samples and 25 percent of all product sales – which will be donated to Curls for a Cure.

RSVP required. Visit www.ouidad.com to reserve your chair.

WHAT: Curls Night Out with Ouidad
WHEN: Monday, February 11th from 5-8 pm
WHERE: The Ouidad Salon, 37 West 57th, 4th Floor, 212.888.3288

So you’ve decided to follow through on at least one of your New Year’s resolutions: cashing in on those frequent flyer miles accrued during 2007′s tedious business trips. Your bags are packed, you’re donning your comfiest Juicy sweatsuit and your Goyard carry-on is filled with fashion mags and Evian spray, you fabulous world traveler, you.

But there’s just one thing missing – one thing that can quickly metamorphose jet-setting to germophobia in the blink of a Dior-mascara-ed eye.

You’re settled in for the long flight. You look the part, for sure, but – as the plane takes off, the overzealous air conditioner kicks in and the in-flight movie begins to unwind.

Notting Hill

Milan

Ken Paves is a magician. I personally witnessed several women, including myself, being transformed into glamour queens – with the help of Hairdo Clip-in Extensions – in a matter of minutes. Everyone was thrilled with the results, including me. My fine shoulder length hair was suddenly tumbling over my shoulders and down my back – and best of all it looked real.

All of this happened at Henri Bendel last week during an exclusive event in support of designer Kelli Delaney’s Members Only signature collection relaunch. Celebrity stylist Paves was on hand during the event to demonstrate the Hairdo line of Clip-in Extensions. Paves and his team of stylists parted, lifted and clipped their way into the hearts of several women lucky enough to get a complimentary hair makeover during the event. While his assistant held the extension, Paves dipped and swayed to the blaring music as he cut the hair. That was a show in itself. His enthusiasm was matched by the sheer joy of each woman as she admired her instant makeover in the gleaming gold framed mirror.

Designer Kelli Delaney and “Mane Man” Ken Paves
Source: Patrick McMullan and Fashionweekdaily.com

Hairdo extensions are the brainchild of Paves and his self proclaimed “muse,” Jessica Simpson, who have let the world in on the secret to Simpson’s frequent hairstyle changes. The Hairdo collection offers synthetic extensions made of a patented fiber, Vibralite, that looks and feels like natural hair. There is also a selection of human hair extensions.

Think the Upper East Side is all ladies who lunch and Park Avenue townhouses? Guess again. This neighborhood is home to some of the most delectable restaurants, prettiest stores and gorgeous beauty venues in the city. This three-part series explores everything you thought you knew…and lets you in on some of the greatest secrets.

You Booze, You Lose…?
The whole of the Upper East Side sees more hole-in-the-wall pubs than you would have thought possible in the entire city. But two of the very best are, very conveniently, located right next to one another! Becky’s and Baker Street (both located on 1st Avenue) each play very loud music and are deceptively bigger than one might imagine at first glance. They serve up great pub fare at very reasonable prices, in addition to having some of the finest beers on tap – some of which we’re betting you’ve never heard of! Definitely worth checking out.

Can’t decide which watering hole should get your hard-earned dollars? Your best bet is to walk up 2nd Avenue in the 80s and 90s. There must be at least three bars on every block! Standouts are Blondie’s (1770 2nd Avenue), which native Ohioans will especially love for the OSU and Browns games; The Big Easy (1768 2nd Avenue), whose 11pm drink specials just can’t be beat; Pat O’Brien’s (1701 2nd Avenue), which has some of the finest beer pong in the city; Marty O’Brien’s (1696 2nd Avenue), which, while right across the street from Pat’s, bears no relation and serves up great burgers; and Brother Jimmy’s (1485 2nd Avenue), whose wings are deelish. Take that, Hooters!

On January 21st, Crocodile Dundee and Bloomberg walked into a bar…just kidding. But Australia did meet up with New York this pass Monday at the debut of David Larwill & The Western Desert Artists – Australia New York 2008 exhibition. The exhibit, presented by Lisa Fox, founder of Lf8 Studios, and The Honorable John Olsen AO, Australian Consul-General, kicked off G’Day USA Australia Week.

Larwill, You’re going to need hands in the back of your head, 78″ x 171″

The Stephan Weiss Studio-once the workspace of artist Stephan Weiss, late husband of designer Donna Karan-was full of attendees, Victoria Bitter (VB) and the sounds of the Didgeridoo, compliments of Dr. Richard Walley OAM. There was also a performance by the Qantas Australian Children’s Choir, who sang heavenly. Seriously, if there ever was a choir of angels, I’m sure they’d sound just like these young girls.

Korres Natural Products debuted their first US store late last year and 110 Wooster Street was lucky enough be crowned as their Flagship location.

The Love
The Korres brand has a reputation for love stories. For me, the first time that I bathed my skin in their highly decadent and utterly delicious smelling Guava Body Butter, it was love at first touch.

George Korres founded the company, born from Athens first homeopathic pharmacy, that soon developed a cult following. Lena, one of the first employees at Korres, now holds not only the position of co-founder, but of Mrs. Korres, as well.

In New York, beauty junkies have access to just about any divine product known to man (or more appropriately, woman), but Korres products aren’t exactly sold on the shelves of Duane Reade. Sephora has stocked their goods for a long time and though the convenience of their locations can rival Starbucks, the harsh lighting, hordes of crowds and overwhelming scent of perfume are enough to send me straight out the door as soon as my mission is accomplished. So once Korres announced that Soho would be their first location, I was elated.

The Look

Things people might call you: a fashionista, fabulous, hot, trendy, perhaps even a diva, but an environmentalist? Um, no. But that might not be for long. Now, not only can you do something to help mother, and I do mean Mother Earth, mind you, but you will also be able to maintain that glamorous image. When you’re out trolling the streets for new toppers, pick up some Tees for Change. Sounds intriguing doesn’t it? These shirts are made with organic cotton. For those of you not too quick on the uptake, the change is that they are made from organic cotton.

Read, organic cotton is better than regular. According to the Clothes for a Change Campaign, conventional cotton accounts for 25% of worldwide insecticide use, making it the most toxic crop on earth, which in a nutshell, is no good. Organic cotton farming, on the other hand, does not use those icky pesticides. Being kind to the environment is the best thing, we think, since sliced bread, so do your part. Gone are the days when eco-fashion meant sporting Birkenstocks and homemade hippie skirts. Now top and emerging designers are incorporating organic cotton, bamboo, soy and even corn in their designs of the day.

I truly may have found my sole mate. For a girl with thin legs, the idea of custom-made boots is heaven sent. No more peering in between the gap of my calf and boot. Finally, my boots would hug the slim curve of my calf and everyone would wonder where I found boots to fit these legs.

Source: Boston.com

Custom made boots and shoes are the latest trend for women who are tired of settling for footwear that just doesn’t fit well. Custom footwear can be yours for a mere fitting, a dose of patience and, of course, a price. Here are some great places to get your boot on right here in New York City.

Oliver Moore
1194 Third Avenue
212-988-7360

This place is a dream come true for anyone with hard to fit legs. Shoe designer John Dale and owner, Paul Moorefield, will coddle your legs with multiple fittings until you feel like your boots are a second skin. Dale says that they first do a fitting and create a last for your foot. Once that is done they let you wear the first boot for several days to see how it feels. Then they adjust it and do a second fitting. The entire process takes about six to eight weeks.

All of this does not come cheap, but once the last is made subsequent boots or shoes are less. The last for knee length boots is $1,800 with a total price of $2,800. The last for shoes is $1,000, with a total price of $2,200.

P.S. – Dale also said that he can adjust any existing boots to fit your calf for $150. Can he work miracles, or what?