Magician Jeff Grow Performs at DailyCandy - Magic Tricks

Magician Jeff Grow Performs in Our Office

He Shows Us a Few of His Finest Parlor Tricks

This past Friday the workday disappeared before our eyes. One second it was 4 p.m.; the next, closing time.

The man behind the miracle: magician Jeff Grow, whose awe-inspiring office performance made the weekend arrive early. Hoping for time to fly on repeat, we captured it on video.

Limes inexplicably transported between cups, roses appeared out of nowhere, and insane card tricks kept us captivated. Even when we watched the footage in slo-mo, we were puzzled.

Grow, who looks like the lovechild of Michael Bublé and John Mayer, first learned magic from his grandfather in Upstate New York. Since then, he’s performed for audiences of four to 1,000. He even showcased his insane juggling skills in a Progressive commercial.

And that’s no hocus pocus.

For more information, go to jeffgrow.net. For more videos filmed on our office couch, check out music videos with Lily & the Parlour Tricks and Eliza Doolittle.

Next Video: Tips for Wearing a Longer Skirt

Tips for Wearing a Longer Skirt

How to Make It Flattering, Not Frumpy

Microminis are great for their leg-lengthening sex appeal, but they make everyday tasks (exiting the subway, tying your shoes, sneezing) downright risqué.

That’s why we’re so glad below-the-knee skirts are back. We’re not alone in digging the look: We spotted versions in the fall 2010 collections of Charlotte Ronson, Rachel Roy, Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Madewell by Alexa Chung, to name a few. But how do you wear them without looking like a homely Anne of Green Gables extra?

In today’s video, NYC-based stylist Peju Famojure has brand recommendations, styling suggestions, and advice for wearing them with socks and heels.

Even those in the leggings-are-pants camp will have no reason to skirt this trend.

For more below-the-waist fashion advice, check out our gallery of legwear for fall.


	Want to know what it takes to be a model? How clothes make it from the designer’s mind to the runway? Check out Chris Benz’s casting session and Ann Yee’s magical workplace, part of our inimitable Fashion Week coverage.


	Tom Scott Pop-Up Shop Score Tom Scott’s clever knits until 11 a.m. EST, then head to the grand finale of the week when we restock goods from the fall collections of our featured designers. Hurry to Swirl, before it pops down!

Next Video: Victor-John Villanueva Paints Lynn Yaeger

How to Go from Kinky to Curly Hair

Georgia Salon Gives Us Some Tips

As the adage goes, a lot of work goes into looking effortless. And for African-American women, getting kinky hair curly — without harsh chemicals — is no small feat. So we’ll be the first to tell you this how-to is particularly ambitious.

Nevertheless, Sharntai Harris at the hip Georgia salon in downtown Manhattan has great tips for doing just that, including must-have products and step-by-steps to make styling easier. We’ll be honest: It takes practice and time — but once you’re finished, it’ll last for days.

If you’re truly feeling intimidated, we suggest trying it out with a friend. If nothing else, she can make you a cocktail while you’re drying and twisting.

If you’re in New York City, visit Georgia at 89a East Houston Street, between Elizabeth Street and Bowery ( or georgiany.com). Want more? Check out our video on going from kinky to straight hair and our gallery of the top ten hair trends for fall.


	Come spring, will you be wearing a python pillbox or a miniature cowboy? Hard to know unless you’re following our Fashion Week coverage. Check out our exclusive sneak peeks at spring 2011 styles.


	Up to 60% off Dolce Vita Italian designer Gastone Lucioli knows the young and the restless are all about the good life. His aptly named line delivers sexy prints (snake and leopard) with trendy twists — and it’s up to 60% off on Swirl.

Next Video: How to Go from Kinky to Straight Hair

Victor-John Villanueva Paints Lynn Yaeger

T-Shirts Available at Debut on Fashion's Night Out

When we heard artist Victor-John Villanueva was painting T-shirts with the likes of renowned fashion writers (Simon Doonan, Lynn Yaeger, André Leon Talley, and more) for Début’s Fashion’s Night Out celebration, we had to see him in action. So we ventured to his upper-Manhattan studio with our Flip — and the rest is history.

Available September 10, 8-10 p.m., at Début, 298 Mulberry Street, between Houston and Bleecker Streets (212-343-2717). All shirts are $200, and proceeds go to SCAD.

Next Video: Is Friends with Benefits Ever a Good Thing?

How to Go from Kinky to Straight Hair

Georgia Salon Gives Us Some Tips

You’ve mastered au naturel and curly hair. Another style for your bag of tricks: the straight look.

In this video, stylist Liz Owusu shows her method for going from kinky to straight — using all-natural products. It takes awhile, so we suggest watching a movie while you’re straightening. The bonus: It’s a major arm workout.

If you’re in New York City, visit Georgia at 89a East Houston Street, between Elizabeth Street and Bowery (646-827-2428 or georgiany.com).

Is Friends with Benefits Ever a Good Thing?

Ask the Office Guy No. 22

When two people like each other (but not like that), can they do the you-know-what without things getting ugly? Dan provides insight in this Ask the Office Guy.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Photo: Thinkstock

Next Video: Is It Weird My BF's So into "Harry Potter"?

Is It Weird My BF's So into "Harry Potter"?

Ask the Office Guy No. 22

There’s no denying the goings-on at Hogwarts are irresistible (and if loving the books and movies is wrong, we don’t want to be right). But at what point does the affinity for adolescent wizards get weird/creepy? In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan works his advice magic.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Next Video: A Peek Inside the Swirl Fashion Week Pop-Up Shop

A Peek Inside the Swirl Fashion Week Pop-Up Shop

5 Designers You Must Buy

Like what you see in DailyCandy’s Fashion Week coverage? Visit the Swirl pop-up shop. Starting September 8, the site will be selling the F/W 2010 ready-to-wear pieces (everything you see in this video) from designers Ann Yee, Bodkin, Samantha Pleet, Tom Scott, and Whit. Our editors are already drooling over the merch. Still not a Swirl member? Join here.

Next Video: Why Are Guys Flirty One Day and Mean the Next?

Why Are Guys Flirty One Day and Mean the Next?

Ask the Office Guy No. 21

We’ve all witnessed the Jekyll and Hyde phenomenon: He won’t leave your side one night and pretends you don’t exist the next. What gives? Dan takes a stab at it in today’s Ask the Office Guy.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Next Video: Keep This on Repeat

Keep This on Repeat

School of Seven Bells Performs "Windstorm"

Songs you want to keep on repeat are easy to find. Entire albums you can’t stop listening to are another matter altogether.

Disconnect from Desire, the sophomore LP from indie electronic band School of Seven Bells, falls into category B. Twin sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza and bandmate Benjamin Curtis have amazing pipes and lyrics that hypnotize.

In today’s video, we hang out with the trio at a peacefully deserted urban escape (a dock along the East River in Brooklyn) as they perform a stripped-down version of our favorite song, “Windstorm.”

Their acoustic set is so mesmerizing, we start to see double (oh, wait).

For more information and national tour dates, go to sviib.com. Download Disconnect from Desire online at itunes.com. For more great music, watch our video with supermodel songstress Karen Elson.


	Up to 55% off His and Hers from American Apparel American Apparel singlehandedly made lowly basics into cool-kid must-haves. This time, we’ve got hoodies, polos, and tees for ladies and gents. One for him, two for you — at up to 55% off on Swirl.

Next Video: How to Create a Wedding-Day Chignon

How to Create a Wedding-Day Chignon

An Easy DIY Updo with Stylist Michael Angelo

There are things you don’t want on your wedding day (rain, red wine stains). And things you really don’t want (bad shellfish, terrible hair).

Safeguard against the latter by doing your hair yourself. (Yes, we’re serious.)

In today’s video, Michael Angelo, founder/owner of Wonderland Beauty Parlor in NYC, creates an elegant chignon that you (or your mom) can easily DIY. All you need are bobby pins, a rubber band, a curling iron, and some sculpting product. Add a special touch with clips or flowers.

What’s the appeal? You’ll look more natural — and the hairstylist is with you the entire reception should any strands fall. Not to mention, more money for the things you do want (expensive booze).

Want more great wedding advice? Be sure to watch our videos on dress shopping dos and don’ts, finding the right gown for your body type, and selecting a veil.

Don’t forget to adorn your do with one of these stylish hair accessories.


	Up to 65% off Alisha Levine With a model for a mom and a past as a Hollywood stylist, Alisha Levine is fashion royalty. Her thoughtful silk pieces (think flowy jewel-tone tanks and rompers with ruffles) fit any wardrobe — especially at up to 65% off on Swirl.

Next Video: How Many Postdate Texts Make Me Seem Crazy?

How Many Postdate Texts Make Me Seem Crazy?

Ask the Office Guy No. 20

When a date goes well, it’s hard to resist sending a follow-up “That was great. See you soon!?” text immediately afterward. And another the next morning, afternoon, and night. But at what point are you going to freak someone out? In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan’s got the 411 on postdate texting.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Photo: kiwanja / Flickr

Next Video: Daniel Boulud Makes the Perfect Stove-Top Burger

Daniel Boulud Makes the Perfect Stove-Top Burger

Chef Daniel Boulud Shares His Hamburger Recipe

The French have a way with the classics. Case in point: Daniel Boulud’s simple, perfect burger.

In this video, renowned chef and owner of DBGB proffers his tips for an amazing stove-top burger, whether your stove is electric or gas (grills being not so common in New York). Besides a heat source and a good cast-iron pan, all you really need are fresh ingredients and a little know-how — and some Dijon mustard, bien sur.

We tried it at home, and let us say, this is one good burger. Start now, and you’ll be a pro by Labor Day.

Hungry for more? Check out recipes from other famous chefs, four picnic-perfect dishes, and Sophie Dahl’s to-die-for asparagus soup.


	Up to 65% off Noir When it comes to edgy-glam jewelry, Noir is anything but in the dark. A celeb favorite, the line is chockful of must-own statement pieces at up to 65% off today on Swirl.

Next Video: How to Apply Fake Eyelashes

How to Apply Fake Eyelashes

A Quick Fake Eyelash Tutorial

In this video, makeup artist Ashley Kucich (whose work has graced the faces of Swirl) gives us useful pointers for applying faux lashes. We’ve also got a handy list of the items she uses: Shu Uemura eyelash curler ($19), DuraLash by Ardell black flare mini eyelashes ($4), and eyelash glue ($3).

Something you’re dying to DIY? Send your video suggestions to easydoesit@dailycandy.com.

Next Video: How Long Should I Wait to Have "the Talk"?

How Long Should I Wait to Have "the Talk"?

Ask the Office Guy No. 19

Everyone dreads DTR (defining the relationship, duh) — but we all know it has to be done. So when’s the best time? Dan’s got the answer in today’s Ask the Office Guy.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Photo: Saturn_art / Flickr

Next Video: How to Do a Salon-Quality Blowout at Home

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Hairstylist Julie Dickson Shares a Secret

The perfect blowout — one that leaves your hair silky, shiny, immune to humidity, and lasts, if you’re careful, three days — is magic. And the stylists in salons are magicians, guarding their secrets like the cure to baldness itself.

Until now. Here, Julie Dickson, owner of New York’s Fox & Boy salon (and star of other great hair how-tos, including the perfect messy side bun and cutting your own bangs) demystifies the whole process, from which brushes and hair dryers yield the best results to the all-important “how to make the back of my head look good when I can’t see it” dilemma. We did what she told us, and the results are pretty enchanting. If we do say so ourselves.

Something you’re dying to DIY? Send your video suggestions to easydoesit@dailycandy.com. For more information about Fox & Boy, go to foxandboy.com.

Check out our gallery of thirteen potions, serums, and powders for flawless hair.


	Up to 50% off Mercedes Salazar Mercedes Salazar claims her jewelry will “connect you to the universe.” Even if it doesn’t, the beaded pieces, crafted with ancestral techniques and finished with angel, star, and hamsa charms, are heavenly at up to 50% off on Swirl.

Next Video: Should I Friend My Bosses on Facebook?

Should I Friend My Bosses on Facebook?

Ask the Office Guy No. 18

On one hand, Facebook friending your managers might make them see you as a person, not just a number. Then again, they might find out you got so iced last Saturday you peed in the sink. In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan weighs in.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Next Video: Tips for Growing Plants in an NYC Apartment

Tips for Growing Plants in an NYC Apartment

Advice from the Experts at Verdant Gardens Design

In Craigslistspeak, a “garden apartment” can refer to a lush, grassy enclave or a sad Charlie Brown pine visible from your window. (Brokers have a creative way with language.)

But those who’ve been cheated of a true garden should consider houseplants — an easy, affordable way to see green every day. (That’s right, black-thumbed naysayers, we said easy.)

In today’s video, Peter Couchman of Verdant Gardens Design offers tips on getting plants to flourish, including advice for lazy gardeners and steering clear of lethal mistakes.

Couchman also helped us assemble a gallery of flora conducive to different degrees of sun exposure. Sadly, if you’ve got zero natural light, it’ll be tough to grow anything.

But take that up with your broker.

For more information about Verdant Gardens Design, go to verdantgardens.com.

Next Video: How Do I Make My BF and BFF Get Along?

How Do I Make My BF and BFF Get Along?

Ask the Office Guy No. 17

Your best friend feels like you’ve deserted her for your new guy. Your boyfriend thinks ol’ bestie is a controlling meddler. How can you make them be pals? In this edition of Ask the Office Guy, Dan’s got the answer — and it doesn’t involve a threesome.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Next Video: The Perfect Way to Put Your Hair Up

The Perfect Way to Put Your Hair Up

The Heidi look, updated

Wearing your hair down in this humidity guarantees you’ll look like a frazzled poodle by midmorning.

This pretty wraparound braid, on the other hand, stays put even after absorbing drips from every AC unit in a twenty-block radius. In today’s video, hairstylist Jamie Cook of Whittemore House provides a step-by-step tutorial.

It may not be the easiest, and you might need an assistant to hand you bobby pins and stray locks the first time you do it. But we’re proof that anybody can DIY. (Even some of our shorter-haired coworkers have pulled it off.)

A little unruliness actually complements this style. But if you’re really all thumbs, there are the messy side bun and asymmetrical ponytail options. And if you’re still worried about frizz, check out our gallery of summer-proof hair products.

Or put your locks in expert hands: Whittemore House is offering 20 percent off all salon services through August 11. Mention DailyCandy when booking and make an appointment for no later than August 11 to receive the deal.

Something you’re dying to DIY? Send your questions to easydoesit@dailycandy.com.