Native Beauty

Some shots from the Native Beauty shoot I did with Makeup Artist Extraordinaire Kristen Lober. 

A big thanks to the gorgeous Rachel for modeling and to NV Boutique for supplying many of the gorgeous clothes. 

Haute Boudoir : Beauty Test

Haute Boudoir isn't just about soft, sexy pictures-every woman has a different idea of beauty, and sometimes that can be conceptual, modern or a touch off beat. Just a few shots from a test shoot I wanted to do that had a Jem meets David Bowie that my amazing friends, Model and stylist Katie Petix and Makeup artist Kristen Lober and I put together.

More Advice from Darling Madeleine

I hate shaving and want to get laser hair removal. I have fair skin and baby blonde hair, is laser hair removal good for me?

While this brunette would love to have that blonde hair, when you have baby blonde hair you are not a good candidate for any type of laser hair removal. Lasers target the pigment in the hair and blondes lack that pigment. I would strongly advise against shaving with a razor blade since it toughens the follicle. Remember how soft our leg hair was when we were dying to be a 'big girl' and shave? Now it has been replaced with not so soft stubble. You can always try a depilatory cream remover or get it waxed just once to see how you like it. That's the benefit- there's no committment or harm done! For maintainence our clients love the Finishing Touch Personal Groomer or something to that effect. It's a small electric razor that is perfect for little touch ups.

I have dark circles under my eyes, no matter how much sleep I get. I want to look fresh and natural, so what should I do?

Dark circles rank right up there with cellulite in terms of difficult issues to treat and hence very frustrating for technicians. The eye area is incredibly thin skinned(think of the cheapest 1 ply toilet paper), so it is common to have some 'color' under the eyes just due to the transparency of that skin and seeing the blood underneath it. Three things to ensure you are doing are proper sleep, proper hydration & utilizing an eye cream that incorporates vitamin k. Heredity definitely plays a factor, so a more aggressive approach involves having some volumizer like Juvaderm injected into the eye area that will help plump that area, so there's a less sunken look. An easier option is to look for an amazing concealer like True Cosmetics Protective illuminating Concealer that includes the antioxidant, idebenone, an ingredient that helps fight fine lines, wrinkles, and hyper- pigmentation. Here's to brighter days!

Eyebrows, how i've missed you

As some of you are aware, my Mom attacked my eyebrows when I was a mere tween, and my forehead has never fully recovered. I haven't plucked since 1997...but I've been sick of having really thin brows and decided to do something about it. Madeleine has been helping to shape them so they don't look like 1940's Deco apostrophe's, and so she suggested I try a brow growth. So I did. And you know what? I noticed that my brows are actually getting fuller. It's not a lot of new hair growth, but there is growth and they look a lot nicer than they did a month ago...i'll keep you posted! I used the Anastasia Brow Enhancer....once or twice a day for about a month....

To Tan or Not to Tan, that is the question

this is me, with a tan. A fake tan, about 2 years ago. I'm paler with darker hair now. And yes, that is my real eye color. Told you I look scary!

Women enjoy being tan. I know I do. I am not the type of person who looks good pale. I'm not a goth kid, and I don't have that porcelain, alabaster skin that looks so pretty on very few girls. I had a friend growing up who could rock being pale without looking ghostly-she had pretty auburn brown hair, was about 6'1, with green eyes and long lashes. She never tanned, had flawless skin, and always managed to look beautiful and luminous, where as when I was pale, I tended to look like I was glowing or like I was from the village of the damned. I have very pale, bright blue eyes, so, mix that with pasty white skin and you get a very odd look. I can't rock pale. So, I would tan. I was never the tanning bed devotee, I would tan naturally in the summer and get very very dark (thanks Mom for being half Cherokee) but then, after the summer, I would go back to white (Thanks again, Mom, for also being half Scottish). I never really burned, I was like toast. I'd go from White to Brown pretty seamlessly, and have only ever had about 3 sunburns in my whole life-mostly from lack of spf and spending a week at an intense field hockey camp in the glaring beach sun.

In my early 20's, when vanity really set in, I started going to the tanning beds a few times a week to maintain that healthy-looking glow. After about 2 years of tanning, a close friend of mine, who had been a lifelong, die hard tanning bad junkie, developed skin cancer from tanning beds...down there. Yup. No tan lines can come with a pretty hefty price. She's an amazing person, and after having the cancerous skin removed (again, down there) and months of follow up, she was cancer free. She was also tan free.. She was like me, and like most girls out there-she preferred a tan, and looked better with a tan, so the exploration for the perfect faux tan began.

After the cancer, all of our friends stopped tanning and decided to try something safer. With Cancer, wrinkles, permanent skin damage and running the risk of looking like a worn out catchers mit by the age of 40, I decided to explore my tanning options. Self tanners-tedious, inaccurate, time-consuming and often, messy with orange or brown hands, nails and "creases" It was around this time that the commercial introduction of spray tan came about. Ah yes, Mystic Tan....for years, you could go to a salon, get naked and have a person airbrush a tan on you. It was custom and accurate, but it was also humiliating. No one should see my pale, naked ass standing like a starfish holding my breath while sporting a hairnet, toes curled in, fingers in a claw...not pretty.

Heidi's tan looks nice. Not too dark, but looks nice and healthy. She's also been retouched, if you couldn't tell.

With spray tanning, I could go get a healthy glow in about 5 minutes. And within 4 hours, I was tan. I would spray tan 1-3 times a week to keep a nice, medium tan tone and I have to say, I loved it and to this day, spray tan when I'm feeling a little bit too pasty. You go into a private booth, lock the door, get undressed, prep, tan, towel off, dress and go. It's easy and quick. It actually takes longer to prep in the room than it does to tan. You get sprayed for 10-20 seconds, I'd gather, and I've tried every variety of spray tan. I spray tanned for years, and haven't had a real tan in close to 8 years. That's right. I get my fair share of vitamin D, but I wear spf and don't actively seek a tan like I did as a teenager. And most people thought my tan was real. Most of us have seen the orange celebrities, and that can put you off of spray tanning. The key is to know what you are doing. It sounds absurd-I just described it and you don't have to have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to get naked and let a spray nozzle hit you. BUT you can abuse spray tanning, and that's when you go from tan to orange, or worse.

Anyone with an event-guy or girl, can take advantage of spray tanning. Here is what you need to know.
1. Spray tanning is more expensive than regular tanning. It is, but it's worth it for all the right reasons. But please, don't abuse it.
2. Exfoliate before you go, but don't shave the day of. Shave or wax or whatever you do to remove hair in advnace. If you shave, you'll get irritation, and the spray tan will cause the follicle to look dark-like a freckle or blackhead.
3. Don't shower or get wet-in any way-for at least 4 hours. Longer if you want a darker tan. If you get a shower or go swimming, you'll wash off the spray tanning liquid. If you are in the rain-it can cause the tan to "bleed" and it's hard to blend. You can get streaks-like a zebra if you get wet-since the spray tan will run with the water. I've had this happen, and the only recourse is to scrub and get rid of the spray tan.
4. Use the barrier cream they give you, or buy some. This stuff is great-GLOP it on your nails, and absorb it into your palms, blending it into your fingers-or you'll have a weird line and your hands will just look dirty. Don't forget the feet and toes too-heels especially!
5. There is residue from Spray tanning. After the spray tan, you have a towel to pat down. Use the towel. Don't swipe the spray off, but pat it, as if you are buffing it into your skin. The spray tan can be tinted or clear-I like clear b/c the tinted tends to stain clothing. It's not really permanent, but, it's a pain in the arse, and if you are wearing white, it can suck. This is minimal, really, and in over 7 years of spray tanning, i never ruined clothing, I just got annoyed. The easiest way to stain clothing with spray tan is right after the spray tan. Not patting down, sweating, getting wet-you are rewetting the spray tan, the thing that makes you tan, and if it rubs on your clothing, it'll tan them.
6. Be prepared to smell weird. I can't stress this enough. Spray tan smells funny. Like a chemical potato, orange zest and dirt. Everyone describes it differently-my husband HATED it. He would get near me and then turn away repulsed. I didn't think it was that bad, but it does smell. This is why I suggest going at night, before bed, so you don't have to deal with going to work smelling like some funky vegetable. Plus, in the morning, before you shower, you can inspect your tan and see where you may need to exfoliate or blend.
7. The smell goes away after you shower. Don't worry, you only smell funny for as long as you don't shower immediately after the spray tan. It doesn't stay with you forever, it's just a side effect from the spray. Just make sure you actually shower-but I shouldn't have to tell you how to soap up!
8. Spray tanning lasts longer if you don't scrub. If you exfoliate your face everyday, you'll get about 3, maybe 4 days outo of your spray tan. Exfoliate ever 3-4 days, and you can get over a week out of one spray tan. If you want to get rid of a spray tan, scrub, and in about 2-3 days, you'll be back to white.

9. Ooompah Loompah Alert. The more you go, the darker, or oranger you get. One spray tan tint won't make you look like you spent a week in the Caribbean, but it will give you a noticeable sun kissed glow. You get about 3-5 shades darker, depending upon your skin tone. I found that 2x week was enough to look tan, and not look fake or gross.
10. If you are tanning for an event, like your wedding, start 2 months prior, at least, and stop a 2-4 days before your wedding. You'll be tan enough, I promise, and after a day or 2 is when your ideal tan appears. You aren't super dark, you've had a chance to not smell like potato, and it's just when the tan looks the most natural. Don't tan the day before or the day of your wedding, it's not worth the hassle!

Good luck, God Speed and Happy-SAFE-tanning!

About Face

She's Baaaaaacccckkkk....answering more of your questions!

If I want to hire a makeup artist- what should I expect?
You spend a lot of time finding the perfect dress, perfect photographer-make sure to save face! A professional make-up artist can help you put your absolute best face forward for your wedding day. Do your research- ask recent brides about their experiences, friends, even wedding planners for recommendations. An established make-up artist will require a consult. Remember this is your big day & everyone communicates differently, so this trial run is imperative and the place to iron out any wrinkles! I always ask prospective brides to bring photos of looks they love, as well as a few looks that they don't like. One person's version of 'elegant' could be over the top for another. During the consult, besides the trial make-up, you will go over all aspects of what you're looking for on your big day (schedules,photography, bridal party,etc...). Expect to sign a contract with a deposit required to secure the date.

Can I do my own make-up for my wedding?
Only you can answer this question my beauty! However, would you have friends be the only one taking pictures on your big day instead of a professional photographer? If you are having a very low key event and you are someone who does a minimal make-up application everyday- then you probably can get away with it. I always suggest you remain true to yourself in your wedding look. However an expert knows the tips and tricks from years of experience in the industry...Techniques to bring forward your favorite features while concealing flaws that make you insecure (ie, the dreaded stress pimple)- all with the look withstanding tears, eating, sweating & kissing throughout your wedding day. Whatever your decision- may you feel beautiful on your day!

Thanks Mads! And be sure to check out Madeleine's blog and new online store-peace.love.lipgloss!

Follicle Fear

happy as a blonde, it seems
did being a brunette drive her to drink? hmmm.....things to think about!

I have a few fears-I'm afraid of snakes and spiders. Although, I am not really afraid of them-i just don't like anything that could be poisonous that can sneak up on me. I grew up in the country, and there were all sorts of snakes-from harmless snakes to really dangerous ones like water mockessins and copperheads. And being that I never cared to study the creatures, I wouldn't know the difference so suffice to say, I don't like any of them. Maybe it's the startle factor and the way they look-all sneaky and diabolical. Spiders always try to hide under things once discovered-with those quick legs-I was attacked by a giant spider once, I was in school and it scarred me for life. I wento put on my running shoes, and when i picked it up by the tongue, a spider the size of my hand crawled out. I screamed, dropped the shoe, grabbed WD40 and windex (the closest things to me) and sprayed the bejeezus out of that thing, double fisting my chemical warfare upon this 8-legged assassin. Once I was sure he was a gonner, I ran to get my father, a Vietnam Combat Medic, who came to dispose of the carnage. Well, don't you know that persistant little spider had vanished! All that was left was a pool of windex and WD40 and an empty sneaker. All I could think was that he laid in wait for me to exact his revenge for dousing him in household sprays. My Dad eventually found him and killed him for me.

But I digress, aside from what I gather as a mutual hatred between me and spiders, and snakes, I would say there is a bigger fear that I carry with me. The fear of destroying my hair.

In this rough economic times, we are all trying to cut back and save where we can. I've always enjoyed getting my hair done-it was a day of pampering, but I'm beginning to think that forking over hundreds of dollars for great hair color isn't really all that practical or frugal, and that maybe I can find an alternative. I have fussy hair-it's fine, but I have a ton of it, and it's a combination of straight and curly and wavy. A trifecta of frustration. I'm also very oily-VERY oily, so the whole "go a day without washing" is really impossible. After about 8 hours, I could probably use the oil on my scalp to fill the tank of my wagon-which could be another way to save some green. So everyday, I wash my hair, and due to the texture, if i'm going out, I dry it too, and sometimes use a straight iron. I know, I know, I'm a hair offender, which is one of the reason's why I rely on salon quality shampoos and conditioners.
I'm about a month overdue for a haircut and color, and I'm sick of being a brunette. I'm ready to be blonde again, or at least blond-er. But when you get your hair done at a decent salon, with your favorite stylist, the cut alone can be $80 or more, and when you add color, the costs start to increase dramatically. When I do all over brunette, it's about $100 more, and when I do complex hi-lites for a dynamic look like giselle or jennifer aniston, the price can make me wince. I thought Cameron Diaz looked good on the cover of W as a brunette-but she was tan and retouched. I've always felt prettier as a blonde and thought I looked better blonde, but brunette was easier and cheaper.
So I'm thinking of crossing into uncharted territory. At home color. I'm a salon girl, and an at home color virgin. I have friends who do it, but I've always felt safer going to a professional to get my locks maintained. And I've never been "good" at hair. I'm very minimal, so I don't know if I could pull off at home color. There is also the choice of which brand to go with, which shade to choose for the desired effect, and exactly how do I do this. I guess I could go to a cheap salon and have them do it, but that scares me more than doing it myself. I had my hair ruined once-it was bleached white blonde by accident and mutilated with a razor. I wore a hat for 3 months while it grew out. And THAT was by a professional. I know I'm vain about my hair-it's a part of what makes me feel pretty, and I've been trying to grow it long for quite some time. It's starting to get to a decent length, but I fear that if I try anything at home, I could ruin all that hard work. Well, not hard work, but patience and time.

So I'm deciding whether or not to keep the brunette and do it myself, or save the hundreds for a professional and trustworthy salon visit and go blonde. I could use that money to pay off some credit cards-but I would love to get my hair back to the way I like it....so for now, until I decide what to do, I guess I'll just weigh the options and see if my my financial woes are worth the risk, or if I should just say to hell with it and blow my money on a killer head of hair.

Pretty Inspiration

I love looking at other photographers work-just seeing the amazing talent out there! I love this photo from Anna Wolf-the soft focus, the big fluffy pink flower-it just makes me feel happy and relaxed...like a visual massage!

What's more dreaded than Friday the 13th? Getting a Bikini Wax! Madeleine is back to answer some anonymous questions about the hair...down there...

Ah the brazilian, for most women a dreaded word- for most men their fantasy. There are a lot of different terms when it comes to bikini waxing, so I am here to help shed some light. First off to get a good visual imagine you are wearing a classic bikini bathing suit bottom( no tangas or thongs!)
The basic terminology are these:
1) A Classic bikini is very modest in terms of waxing. The hair line that is established is 2 finger widths (place your pointer & middle finger together like you're pretending to shoot a gun ) inside the bathing suit line.
2) A French bikini takes it up a notch in terms of removal & the hair line is moved 4 finger widths inside the bathing suit line. It's a nice meeting point & probably our most popular request.
3) The Brazilian- as our menu states is" As much off as your little heart desires!" Menus have lots of names for it, including the Bald Eagle & The Telly Savalis! This doesn't mean everything must go, again whatever you're comfortable with. Some prefer to leave a 'landing strip' which is a 2 finger width little rectangle remaining in the center with everything else removed, including the derriere. Most fear the pain, but to be honest most clients say the outside waxing hurts more than the 'inner' waxing. I have shaped hearts, even shamrocks- but you establish the shape. Please remember that your waxer does this for a living, we do it everyday & we are comfortable with it- so don't be embarrassed. I have 2 clients that come in after work together, have a glass of wine, get their brazilians, & then grab dinner.

Remaining consistent with scheduling is important in waxing, so this way helps them keep regular appointments(their hubbys are more than happy to watch the kids that night!)

Wishing you smooth skin for your Valentine!

Madeleine

La Papillon Spa, 9642 Deereco Rd, Timonium MD 21093 | 410.252.1400 | lapapillonspa.com

Getting Bridal Bare

Madeleine is back with answers to some hairy questions some of you had about keeping your "garden" and the rest of the property well maintained....

I've never been waxed & I think I want to get everything waxed before the wedding?
I always caution aganst trying anything new right before your big day- since you & your skin are already stressed & you don't know how your skin may react.. I recommend scheduling a trial waxing about 6-8 weeks prior to the waxing you'd want right before your wedding to make sure your skin isn't irritated. That way you can plan accordingly to be bump & hair free for your perfect day.

How long does my hair need to be?
I promise that your esthetician wouldn't whip out a ruler & measure your hair length! However if your hair is too short you are wasting both your & your esthetician's time. What's important to remember is that the hair needs to have enough length for the wax to be able to grip onto & pull it out. So when it doubt- try to wait it out! Also if if you tend to shave, the follicle is coarser & more difficult to remove- so make sure you have at least 2 weeks of hair growth for your technician. Though it does require some patience- being completely smooth for the big day & your honeymoon is the reward!

Thanks Madeleine, as always for your sage advice and beauty expertise...looking forward to more answers to the time old beauty questions, and if you have any beauty questions or problems you want Madeleine to address, leave a comment or shoot me an email at info@jubilee-photography.com!

The Brow Whisperer, Madeleine Homes

You've already been blog-troduced to my "Homes" girl Madeleine Homes of La Papillon Spa. She's known as "The Brow Whisperer" because she's amazing with those furry lumps above the eye. She's been helping me groom my overplucked brows and coached me on the regrowth and maintenance, for which I am eternally thankful. She even tackled Nic's brows our last visit to the Spa. He's a Ginger Kid, so his brows are light, but he definitely needed some maintenance to remove the dreaded male "Bert Brow." After convincing Nic to turn over his face to Madeleine, he relaxed on the massage table, full of fear and nervous energy as Madeleine heated up the wax (she actually uses this really cool, low heat polymer thing-it's very hi-spa tech). Before he knew it, she had rid his eyebrows of the strays and unwanted hairs and he didn't even realize it. No pain, no scalding wax, just a quick little pull and viola! Manly, yet well groomed brows. And we all know how men are when it comes to hair removal and pain threshold...and now, Madeleine shares her brow wisdom with the rest of us, so we might all have beautiful brows to frame our gorgeous faces!

"I have been called the brow whisperer & it's true I am obsessed with them-it takes a lot of restraint for me not to go after people in the grocery store! It is amazing to see what a difference a good shaping can make in one's overall appearance. The brows are the frame of the face & can do wonders for lifting the overall structure of the face when shaped properly. Whether you have dark hair or baby fine blonde hair, getting your brows waxed makes a big difference in terms of looking more pulled together. Here are couple of pointers for clients beginning their brow journey:
*Find an esthetician you like & remain consistent with her. Waxers have different techniques, so don't hop from one person to another or a shape you've worked hard to achieve could be altered.
*Have a tweezer intervention- hide those tweezers! I have had to intervene many a times when clients try to even out a mistake they made & end up tweezing almost their entire brow off.
*Be conservative- what's 'in' changes in the world of fashion ( check out your mother's brows) & we loose hair as we age. Always go with a classic vs. dramatic trendy shape
*Here's my rule of thumb- when helping my clients grow out their brows I instruct them to place their thumb where their brow starts at the inner eye as a guide for where not to pluck.
*Make sure you inform your technician of any AHA's or medications you may be on that could be thinning out the skin to prevent irritation."

Thanks Madeleine! Looking forward to a month chock full of your amazing beauty secrets!

Getting Gorgeous: Exfoliate

I'm lucky to have such a good friend in Madeleine Homes. She is not only hilarious, kind and the sweetest girl I've had the pleasure to work with, but she's one of my best kept beauty secrets and owner of La Papillon Spa in Timonium MD. Nestled between Hunt Valley and Towson, just north of Baltimore off 83 and 695, Madeleine's spa is a really cozy, playful oasis full of the most incredible beauty finds this side of NYC or LA. She has all the big hitters and most coveted beauty buys-Kate Somerville, Jan Marini, SkinCeuticals, Clarisonic, Sonya Dakar, Priori-delicious candles, luxury soaps, awesome gifts and more-plus she offers some of the most advanced skincare technologies such as Intraceuticals oxygen facial treatments (the exact treatment your favorite celebs rely on before the awards shows) and revitalight. Madeleine might put you right at ease with her warm personality, relateable girliness and killer sense of humor, but her beauty ability is no joke. This month, Madeleine will be sharing some of her beauty for bridal advice-so check back Wednesdays and Fridays to see what Madeleine has to say about getting gorgeous for your big day!

The foundation of flawless make-up for your special day is good skin. Remember if you're hiring a professional make-up artist - your skin is our canvas...so just as you have a timeline planned for getting things done for your wedding, you should have a to do list scheduled for your skin. If you struggle with breakouts, acne or hyper-pigmentation, schedule an appointment with a trusted dermatologist or esthetician who can put you on a results oriented skincare regimen. Do it well enough in advance(6 months is perfect) to allow time for the regimen to take effect.

Exfoliation is such an important step to incorporate in the weeks before the big day to help smooth the overall texture of your skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, keep stress breakouts at bay and give your skin the glow every radiant bride deserves!

Our best selling ExfoliKate is perfect for whipping your skin into shape for your big day. This at home product delivers professional results in 2-3 minutes once a week. Our brides love it because it's so easy!" $85

• Fruit enzymes clarify skin by removing dead cells & eliminating bacteria
• Highly effective in combating acne, including stubborn blackheads
• Polishes skin, revealing a smooth, glowing complexion
• Healthy skin, healthy glow, healthy you!

Thanks to Madeleine for that little teaser-we'll be looking forward to more advice, tips and tricks throughout the month. Got questions or concerns you want madeleine to answer? Leave a comment or email me at info@jubilee-photography.com.

February is fashion and beauty month here at ATL-check back for a month of Madeleines Beauty secrets, fashion, hair and more.

Even MORE wedding Hair

Here are some really pretty, easy hair ideas you can do yourself! All you need is some hair control product, hairspray, shine spray, a brush and a curling iron (or soft velcro rollers if you want it to be very soft and voluminous!) For the top one, a curling iron, some shine spray and voila! a simple sleek down do.

Remember, a focal hair accessory like this can hide hair flaws! That's a messy bun with a pretty pin!Or go with a style that's a little more neat like this! A simple tucked loose bun with a killer hair piece!

Velcro Rollers left in for a while, some backcombing with a boar hair brush and some shine spray to finish..maybe a little hairspray or pomade to hold, and you've got sexy touseled waves...
Really simple, for those girls with long, sleek hair. Half up, half down, great earrings.
But if you have curly hair, why not go with it? Half up messy bun and a fun tiara!
Great for short hair, or long hair-a little retro wave and some pretty curls-let down or up in a twist!

Part your hair, make some braids, and pull them into a pretty bun in the back, secrure with something from etsy phenoms like Oh My Deer or Portobello!

And always remember, PRACTICE!

More Wedding Hair

This 60's inspired half up do is really great for those who want more volume. You can of course tone it down if it's a little too bouffant for you, but the way to do it is listed here! again, thanks to InStyle! This do would also work really well with the HairDo extensions-just be sure you hide the clips with your own hair or a gorgeous hair accessory! You can also pull some tendrils down for a softer look!

1.Set the hair with a 1-inch curling iron.
2. Separate Hair at the crown and temples and clipped aside.
3. Pull the hair back as if creating a low ponytail, and starting at the nape of the neck, twist the hair tightly into a vertical roll, pinning it to secure.
4. After unclipping the top layer, back-combed the hair at the crown for volume, smoothing the sides and back with a boar-bristle brush.
5. Shape the remaining hair into waves and pinned long strands at the crease of the roll, leaving the ends to fall free.

You'll need a curling iron, shine spray, bobby pins, boar hair brush, decorative hair accessories, hair control-like mouse, pomade, hairspray.

Wedding Hair

Since girls and their hair and like girls and their shoes, or girls and their purses, Here are some great how-to tips for really pretty, really flirty, really lovely wedding day hair.

The key to mastering these hair designs? PRACTICE! I would suggest you start a few months in advance, work with your stylist (if you can't have them there on the big day) to help you get the hang of doing your hair, and enlist friends who can see the back of your head! Here is a gorgeous faux bob that's very vintage, very flirty and oh so romantic from InStyle!

How To Get the Look:
1. Set the hair with a 1-inch curling iron, leaving the roots flat.
2. Separate the hair at the crown and temples and clipped it out of the way.
3.Back-combed the roots at the nape of the neck to create a base.
4. Roll the remaining hair underneath itself, pinning it to the base.
5. Unclipped the top section of hair, letting it fall freely.
6. To add texture, he rubbed a dime-size amount of pomade into the ends.

Pretty Wedding Hair, Part 2

We all want gorgeous, natural looking hair on our wedding day. We want to look like the celebrities do on the red carpet, only more radiant. As most of you are well aware, most celebrities rely on the best stylists and often times, hair extensions and wigs to look as beautiful as they do. So why not a bride?

For my wedding, I wanted long, soft hair, but sadly, my hair was just south of shoulder length. My stylist Amy, who i swear is a genius with hair, suggested I try Jessica Simpson's HairDos. I didn't really like the idea at first-a wig on my wedding day. How classy! After all, I was very familiar with how fake even the nicest wigs can look, and with all eyes on me, I really didn't want to take the chance of looking, well, garishly faux, on my wedding day. But I really wanted long hair. So, I bought the color ring, matched my hair color, and ordered the clip in 23 inch wavy hair, in "Buttered Toast" and gave it a try. It took a little adjusting to get used to the hair clip in-there is a learning curve, and you really have to work to blend it in, but once you put a little effort forth, the results were really surprising! It made my naturally thick hair appear fuller and healthier, and LONGER! I already had long layers, so it looked like my hair had just grown. A trick to dulling the typical shiny nature of synthetic hair is to use hairspray to dull it down, and add shine spray to your own hair, so they blend more naturally (They have human hair as well, if you want to splurge and not worry about mis-matched texture).
My awesome friend Alison helping me get ready, and petting my weave.

I tried the hair do out on a few occasions-always try hair and makeup several times before the big day-once to meet up with my good friend Laura in DC, and her boyfriend. They both couldn't get over how FAST my hair had grown and how healthy it looked. Laura even touched it up close, until I whispered "it's FAKE". She couldn't believe the hair was fake, until i quickly unclipped and pulled it out. She gasped "I have to get this", which became the sentiment of many of my girlfriends after discovering my hair growth secret!
So I decided that I would have the long hair I had always wanted for my wedding day. I clipped my hair half up with a vintage rhinestone barrette I'd found on ebay, pumped a little more hairspray onto my head and ventured out to get married! My hair stayed secure all night, and I had SO many comments on how gorgeous and long my hair was-friends who I hadn't seen in months asked what my secret was to getting my hair to grow so fast! Frankly, I forgot I was wearing a hairpiece, it fit in that well and made me feel that beautiful. We had a few glitches with light rain, the cake being completely wrong, but overall, my wedding was wonderful.

Fake hair and all.

my wedding photos were by the amazingly talented Monika Broz and Andrew Wilkinson

Pretty Wedding Hair. Part 1

It's your wedding day, and naturally you want to be your most beautiful self. Finding the right hairstyle for your big day can become a pain, especially if your hair isn't the cooperative type (like mine!). I really love the trend of soft, natural hair with a little embellishment, such as pretty hairpins or barrettes that just a touch of something special. What if you want these styles but don't have long hair? Stay tuned for part 2 and my personal story of getting long locks for your wedding day!

Claus Porto

These designers soaps from Claus Porto have fast become a favorite of all of us around here-Not only are they luxurious-milled 7 times-but are also gorgeous on the outside, wrapped in extraordinary paper featuring really cool graphics. These would be great gifts, especially for bridesmaids, mommy's to be, and anyone who can appreciate luxury skincare as well as a really great design. Claus Porto is perfection on so many levels!

Stephanie Johnson Makeup Cases

I've been searching everywhere for the Kate Spade Peacock Cosmetic Case, and sadly, I must've waited too long, because I can't even find the thing of ebay! As luck would have it, while scouring for the peacock bag, I stumbled upon Stephanie Johnson's site and immediately took to her amazing variety of bags! I'm thinking the Waikiki would be a great substitute for the bag I originally wanted. It's fun, colorful and will get the job done. The only problem is picking which bag or bags I actually need, since I'm sure I could find a use for them all!