Birthday Hair at John Barrett's Braid Bar

Andrea and I get down to business -namely a yummy celebratory birthday dinner - at Chinatown's The Fat Radish. Thanks to Heather for the snap!

Birthdays are important days to me, and accordingly, I take every possible opportunity to spoil myself on that special day. This year that included a visit to John Barrett's Braid Bar, where stylist Kayley gave me the chic milkmaid braid and bun seen above. With shampoo, a TDF scalp massage and blowout included in the $50 price tag, it was a worthy indulgence.

New to the John Barrett Salon is an extension of Braid Bar services, the Ponytail Bar. Debuting in Vogue this week (you can see a gallery of four editors' chosen looks on site), I browsed through the menu of available styles (inspiration shots of celebs and models) on site, and thought to myself, WOW, how GENIUS. There are SO many creative things you can do to add interest to a simple ponytail, but truth be told, I lack both the ambition AND the hand-eye coordination. Why not leave it to the pros? I'll be booking a return visit soon.

Like the Braid bar, styles at the Ponytail Bar begin at $50. Learn more here.

Hair Obsession Brewing: John Barrett Salon's Braid Bar

As a Leo, my obsession with my MANE runs deep. To reiterate that point (and perhaps I shouldn't admit this), there are days that I LITERALLY look in the mirror and wonder, "Is my hair shiny ENOUGH?" or "Is my hair BROWN enough?" Yes, friends, it's Deep Thought Central over here. But I digress.

Today, I hit the It Gets Better Lounge at the Empire Hotel (Chuck Bass, where are you?), where luxe New York staple the John Barrett Salon (familiar with the term "Bergdorf blondes?" Blame John Barrett) had set up shop, delivering deliciously chic braids to lucky attendees of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Stylist Halli helped me choose the perfect style for MOI, from a book chock full of choices. Apparently, the Milkmaid braid I chose works particularly well on gals with distinct bangs - it acts as a headband, visually framing the face.

As you can imagine, I'm beyond OBSESSED wtih my hairz, and keep admiring myself in all available mirrors, windows, doors and the like. If you'd like to experience John Barrett's Braid Bar, you can learn more or book an appointment online here.

Do's range from $45-$65 (cheaper than a blowout!), and last most gals 2-3 days.

Also seen above: Equipment Leopard Chiffon Button-Down