The Inner Circle-NYC

Taste of L.A., Part 1: Planet Salon and Mia Milano
It’s almost noon on Friday, Sept. 24, and a gorgeous chandelier is dangling enticingly above my head in the airy Agent Red International Showroom on West 39th Street. Outside, the mercury is rising toward 90; the California sunshine has evidently hopped a jet and taken up residence somewhere north of Bryant Park for the day.

Lightly balanced on a sumptuous velvet couch just inside the door is Ginger Boyle, the owner and master stylist of Planet Salon in Beverly Hills. Before I know it, I’m perched beside her and we’re chatting about everything from vitamin B to Sumatran elephants. I ask what she enjoys most about her work, and she suddenly dissolves into smiles, confiding how much fun it is “making everyone your little dolls” at fashion shows or a photo shoot. Cute!

Putting your hair quite literally into the hands of a stranger can be nerve-wracking, but Ginger’s priority is establishing trust with new clients. No chopping and asking questions later! It’s all about feeling safe and secure — and maybe a little pampered. (I gather that Planet Salon stylists aren’t satisfied until you’re blissfully relaxed.) I’m curious to know the number-one mistake people make with hair. I’m thinking abuse by over-shampooing or searingly hot irons, but no! According to Ginger, it’s ambition; too many people overestimate their ability to maintain a costly or time-consuming style. In other words, it’s fine to drool over a celeb’s candy-pink bob or cascade of luscious curls, but be realistic about how much follow-up care your chosen style demands.

Final question: Which celebrity (of those who haven’t visited yet) would you most love to style at Planet Salon? “Julia Roberts,” Ginger says with no hesitation. Just thinking about playing with Julia’s gorgeous mane of hair thrills her. “I’d help her keep that beautiful hair of hers healthy.” Are you listening, Julia? Drop in any time!

Two steps away, I’m busy trying to pick my favorite ring in Mia Milano’s jewelry collection. It’s like deliberating over which bonbon to pluck from the box — a glossy cluster of pearl beads nestled in a spiral? a knot of vibrant orange pebbles? a showy pink shell blossom evoking the scent of frangipani and sound of waves crashing on the beach? Crushed together in a bouquet of colors, the collection as a whole is a candy shop in miniature and too appealing to tear apart. Mia no doubt sees my hesitant admiration and presses a lovely little heart pendant into my hand. Mia, you’re a darling. How did you know turquoise was my favorite?

Coming next: Rebekah is tempted to run away to the Land Down Under, and obsesses over a beauty product’s unfortunate nomenclature.