Spring Style Fling, Anyone?

Kevin Gatto works his magic at Verde in Collingswood, N.J.

Right now in New York, Fashion Week is going strong. It’s always exciting to see the latest collections and get a taste of the trends to come. With spring just around the corner (despite the snow on the ground today), now is also a good time to take those fabulous and sometimes over-the-top looks from the runway and bring them home.

What I am loving now for women is 70s inspired hair with deep side parts and length. Be a bit creative and add a vintage accessory or barrette to the look. And think bold: colorful flowers or glitzy, antique-inspired pieces. The key to keeping this style looking good is making sure locks are shiny. Invest in a keratin treatment to help you achieve this healthy look. You can even take it up a notch by incorporating a loose braid around your hairline that gives it a more whimsical feel just in time for a spring fling.

Have a hot date? Try tying up that long hair into a loosely tousled, yet slightly undone up-do just like the Hollywood starlets (and the ladies of The L Word). Leave a few pieces artfully caressing your face (no tendrils please) and you’ll be ready for the Philly Chit Chat paparazzi.

Are you sitting down for this next style tip? You may be really surprised. Perms – yes, perms – are making a big comeback this spring (for women). In fact, I’ll be doing a perm makeover on CBS3’s Talk Philly in March.

But I know what you’re thinking – that awful smell and that fried poodle hair, right? I can assure you those days are long gone and postmodern perms won’t be leaving your hair looking like a mall rat. Not only are the chemicals better, but we are using different kinds of rods and application techniques that will give a more romantic, red-carpet wave or beach-inspired blowout that’s plenty sexy.

When it comes to makeup this spring, I always love what colors I see on the runway. The three big looks are technicolor eyes, juicy lips and pink cheeks. But please, ladies, not all together!

For the lips, think bold reds or soft corals, but the real secret is lots of shine. Check out Chanel’s spring collection for the best colors.

Also pair your 70s-inspired, side-swept hair with pink, contoured cheeks. It all comes down to fresh, healthy looking skin, which is why it may be a good time for a facial. I love the glow this treatment gives without using a bronzer, especially after a long cold, dry winter. It’s a great transition look from winter to spring.

And for those Saturdays at Stimulus, try pairing that sexy tousled up-do with a case of the bright eyes. Be the life of the party with bold color, like 80s neon or jewel tones a la Gaga. MAC’s Wonder Woman pigment is perfect for this look. I’m sure Wendy Williams already has her hands all over it.

Kevin Gatto is the owner of Verde Salon in Collingswood, N.J., and a regular style expert on Better TV. Gatto is also the official stylist for CBS3′s Talk Philly. He lives in Rittenhouse Square with his pug Oliver.