I need new hair in the worst way. I'm still angsting about breaking up with my hair guy - my friend had hers done the other day and he asked about me. I may have to give him one more shot. But I need a picture to take with - I think we're not communicating all that well, and I know he shies away from doing things short unless you really push.

I swear it's harder than changing your gyno. I've gone to my regular salon for something like 27 years. I didn't go there while in college, but otherwise, that's where I've always gone. And they're excellent; I've never seen anyone leave that shop looking less than sharp. But my regular hairdresser changed her hours and I seldom get her, any more. I get the youngest girl in the shop more often than not. I like her a lot, but her cuts are inconsistent. They're good cuts, but we have been having that communication breakdown you mention, brenda. She shies away from being adventurous, which is strange, considering her personal style (girl has a tongue stud, and is pretty edgy looking). She also always answers the phone, so it's very difficult to book with someone else in the shop.

Cindy, I love the last one (the one you called "posh"). I don't think face shape would make a difference.

I do too, Amy. I wish the picture was better. I wonder how it's going to print out in black and white, seeing as the model is a brunette. I'm going to hold my breath and hope J knows what she's doing. I've never had her cut my hair, before. I've never even been inside her salon, before. I want to give her a chance, though. She's in her mid-20s and has opened her own business. I'd like to see her make a go of it, and I'm hoping because she's young (and I think she's pretty edgy), she'll be a bit bold with me.

If I come out with a women-in-prison haircut, you'll give me virtual cake, right?

Oh! Saves the wishes for the 17th (a Very Nilly Day) and then I can glomp on then with no worries.

Too late. I wished you happies in LJ, too. Now you're going to have to be happy twice within a week.

And, speaking of Cass, where are our pictures of you in the hot pink racer suit?

The suit is going to the track today. It's a shiny day for the hot pink racer suit.

One my dad might need an extra drink to get over. It's a lot of fuchsia satin. And it is just fabulous.

RACE WEEKEND*

• please to exempt Cass, she left her brain in the Festival Curves. Expect new shipment Monday.

Too late. I wished you happies in LJ, too. Now you're going to have to be happy twice within a week.

I can do that.

It's a nifty weekend and ... I likes the attention....

me, Me, ME!

And I am happy, so I like to spread the glee..

Happy Unbirthday, Cass.

where are our pictures of you in the hot pink racer suit?

Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!

Well then, I'll save the birthday part and just wish Cass a Happy Day!

Well, better early than ... late, I guess, Cass. Enjoy your early birthday celebration with your dad!

If I come out with a women-in-prison haircut, you'll give me virtual cake, right?

I'll give you cake anytime, babe.

And no, it's not a question of picking either the Yankees or the Mets as the home team. I'm from the Bronx. It's the Yankees. They've got the history, they've got the myths, they've got the pinstripes. They're Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, and they're "Ladies and gentlemen, the Bronx is burning" and the Bronx Zoo, too. They're my team.

And they are now the proud owners of the greatest choke in playoff history. Long may they wear the crown.

Also, Hippo Unbirdies Cass!!!

I like the posh cut too, Cindy. If it's that short on the sides it will actually de-emphasize your cheeks.

Because that picture doesn't show the cut in detail, I'd make sure you asked the stylist how she'd cut it. Just ask her about the lengths of the layers, and how you'd style it (could you style it forward instead of back, for example). Compare it to the other cuts and see how each would be different.

They do describe it a bit:

Short, choppy layers. Undercut through the fringe. Styling: Blow dried with Vinyl Fabricator and finished with Twisted Taffy.

Twisted Taffy is, I think, a texturizer. Probably something with a wax base. Very easy to work with and style with. If you did blow dry that style, it would only take a couple minutes because of the length. But you could probably just get away with product and no drying.

If I come out with a women-in-prison haircut, you'll give me virtual cake, right?

We'll even bake a file into it.