The "Off-Season"

Many girlfriends, wives, sisters and mothers across America might agree on one thing--the stupidity of Fantasy Football. Why does it need to take so much time? My husband's answer is that you need to scout, draft, follow stats, blah, blah and blah.

I don't mean to stereotype the female gender in assuming that women do not participate in this league (even though it's a pretty good assumption considering we typically possess much better time management skills). That being said, the girls at New Leaf are approaching our own 'off-season' of weddings. We have a few more parties left but now is the time for some hardcore wedding hair training.

Anyways, we are always 'scouting' out upcoming trends. My prediction for 2010?

I am 'betting' on sleeker, more polished updos and sparkly headbands and Audrey Hepburn hair.

In order to 'draft' the dream wedding team for 2010 at New Leaf, we had our own little 'training camp' at 18 State Street. The challenge? The polished chignon updo class. Yes...again.

An action shot of Jenn...

Not every bride is blessed with fantastically thick, long hair. That's why God invented hair extensions. Extensions are to wedding hair as helmets are to football. Necessary:o)

Here is Ashley playing Vanna White with a weft of blonde hair.

Now Ashley is displaying another trick of the trade--a chignon cushion.

I know what you are thinking...extensions, foam hair thingies, false eyelashes--what next!? But it all comes together to create a perfectly natural look. Just imagine taking out all the props on the wedding night. That makes me laugh just thinking about it.

The girls just "warming up"...

I discovered that Allie, our newest draft, really likes to challenge herself. I knew this because her model came with thick, waist length hair. Whoa....

The team--Allie, 'little Jamie' (and she is little!), and Jamie Evenson (who is also little but we needed some distinction)...

Jamie Evenson teasing like mad!

Jamie Rego's model learned what teasing was all about...

Allie, smiling, as always....

The art of correct backcombing...

Does Danielle's model look familiar?

It's our very own Pam!

New meaning to 'helmet hair'...Pam is a very good sport.

Jamie's model might look familiar to New Leaf-ers...

It's Lauren, who you might recognize from the front desk. Lauren worked at New Leaf since she was 16. Now she's all grown up and hears second graders calling her Miss Salzillo every day. I told her if she was lucky she would appear on the blog:o)

The results are in...

Jamie Rego (a.k.a. little Jamie)...

Jenn....

Jamie Evenson....

Danielle....

Allie...

Simply gorgeous!

Training hard in the 'off-season' is a must at New Leaf...

Even when the hairspray haze thins, we polish our skills and get ready for next year.

Note: All the girls were drafted in the first round after this class.

As always, stay tuned for more...

Holiday Preview...Sneak a Peek!

Whether we like it or not, the holidays are just around the corner. That means it's almost time for Bristol's 8th Annual Holiday Preview...yipee! With all the creative juices flowing around here, we decided to put a little twist on the fun event. We are holding our very first Clothing Drive!

We know our New Leaf-ers are stylish. We love your cute shoes. We're eyeing your sassy handbags. We wouldn't mind trying on those snuggle-icious sweaters. While we're coveting your fab wardrobe, we know someone needs it more.

Join us for the Holiday Preview on Friday, November 20th from 5-9pm and Saturday, November 21st from 8-4pm...donate your clothing items (fall clcloset cleanout, anyone?) and receive 20% off any retail purchase!

Don't forget to bring in shoes, handbags, belts, accessories, winter jackets (brrr...New England winters are coooold) and any other articles that are clean and in good condition. We are donating to Big Sisters of RI and the Bristol Soup Kitchen. We promise you won't see us wearing any of your stuff. Scouts honor:o)

Just because someone might be a little less fortunate doesn't mean they can't have great style!

Also, because we are feeling a little more like Santa, not so much Scrooge, spend $50 in retail and unwrap a mystery holiday gift!

What would a holiday preview be without sweets and cocktail treats? What's on the menu? Well, wouldn't you know that I am a really good secret keeper. Hint: It might begin with cup- and end in -cakes...but shhhhh....you didn't hear that from me.

Come sneak a peek at all our holiday goodies and have a blast while shopping with the New Leaf girls. Sparkly earrings, haute headbands, luscious lip glosses, mini masques, pretty polish....don't forget your stocking stuffers! See you soon....

what: holiday preview

where: new leaf hair studio

when: november 20th 5-9 & november 21st 8-4

why: because, hey, the holidays are here and we are a ton of fun!

Retro Is All The Rage

Retro and fun are two words to describe Caitlin Chipperfield's 'vibe' for her wedding.

She lucked out with some beautiful fall weather for her Oceancliff affair. Now I have lived in New England my whole life. Why does it still shock me that, in October, I can watch the Patriots playing in the snow one day and then our bride can get married outside in Newport two weeks later?

Courtesy of our friends at Snap! Photography, here is what a ceremony looks like at Oceancliff...well, minus the guests wearing summer attire. I think it was still too cool for that.

I bet Caitlin never dreamed that her ceremony could be outside.

Here is the ballroom at Oceancliff...just as beautiful.

Here is Leah, known for transforming people with her magical hair and make up skills, workin' it with Caitlin.

No one should EVER forget to conceal the under eye area. This make up tip is not just for brides. It's a trick that makes you look polished and put together in seconds, while awakening your eyes without requiring extra hours of sleep. Speaking of sleep, wasn't stealing that extra hour on Saturday night just fantastic? I think so.

Have a professional make up artist select the right under eye concealer, like Cargo's One Base or Smashbox High Definition Concealer. Then dab a few dots under the inner corner and pat, NEVER rub the concealer with your ring finger. Leah and Amy tell me that the natural pressure from your ring finger is just right--not too much (like the middle finger, a.k.a. the bird) and not too little (like the pinky). Smearing under eye concealer is just a waste of product, time and it just enhances any fine lines. Ew, who wants that?

Here is Leah, practicing what she preaches.

Caitlin's mom, Cindy, wanted in on the fun too. Caitlin was a smart bride who enjoyed her Bridal Package and shared the manicure and pedicure with her mom that day. Moms should never be forgotten!

Cindy was wearing a formal dress so after we discussed, we decided on a more formal, clean upsweep.

Here is the trick to the whole "height" thing. To make your 'do look more 2009, not 1959, the volume should be on the crown on your head, not on the top. If the volume is too much on top, you might find yourself looking a bit more Marge Simpson/Amy Winehouse (eeek)!

Cindy's modern french twist...

Cindy found these beautiful pearl adorned hairpins at the RISD (pronounced Riz-D or RI School of Design for those non-Rhode Islandah's) Art Show. They were just perfect.

Etsy.com should really win an award. I don't know what kind of award, but Caitlin seconds this thought. Check out the creative headband Caitlin found on Etsy.

Feathers, wire, and pearls, oh my! Love it.

Do you ever think of what decade you would have loved to experience? I think I would have loved the late 60's-early 70's...not for the whole hippie, drug, make-love-not-war-thing, but for the hair. The height (the bump), the headbands, the loose and natural waves--I love how it's coming back. I will be very sad when this trend fades.

Anyways, I bet Caitlin would say the late 50's-early 60's. I can just picture her with her perfect skin, big brown eyes and Audrey Hepburn hair.

I think Caitlin should be cast on Mad Men, right? Those eyes. Those red lips. A fresh and modern twist on a really fantastic era.

I have said many times on the blog that I have 'dimple-envy'. Well, I also have had 'beauty mark-envy' since my middle-school days of Cindy Crawford and Niki Taylor super-modeling. I have tried to convince myself that some of my many freckles are beauty marks. They are most certainly not. My dermatologist really put me in my place. Oh well, I will just envy Caitlin's:o)

Just perfect.

Our thanks to Caitlin and Cindy for letting us 'beautify' you on a very important day. Congratulations!

Christine's Going to Disney!

Christine Furtado was pretty happy that it was 60 degrees and cloudy on her wedding day. Why, you ask? Because the meteorologists were predicting a total washout, complete with driving rain and high winds.

Wouldn't you love to be a weather person? You can be wrong every day and still have a job.

I bet Christine was happy that weather people are bad at their jobs.

Her ceremony was here in Bristol and her reception was at the Five Bridge Inn, a beautiful place in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Christine is our first bride to get married there so it was fun to hear all about it.

Here are a few pictures of the grounds...

The Inn...

Who knew this was in Rehoboth?

Back to Bristol--here is our New Leaf-er bride...

The process of a textured chignon...luckily Christine trusts me:o)

Christine's bridesmaid, Stephanie, brought in a picture of Scarlett Johansson for Leah to replicate.

Here is Scarlett's 'do...

And Leah's...wow.

This is why we love when the 'maids bring ideas...there is no room for confusion then!

Jamie Evenson hard at work...

Leah and Amy perfecting their styles...

Hey, it's Amy Silva, the lady behind all the magic at New Leaf! It's like a celebrity sighting. She is always busy with her clients so she doesn't always get a chance to join in all the fun in the Bridal Lounge. She was sick of missing out so she made an appearance! Christine's bridesmaid, Sandra, was just in a wedding last weekend...that is dedication right there!

Here is Jamie's 'after' ...

Another view... All of Christine's girls had the most beautiful hair...it must have been a prerequisite to be in her wedding. Oh that, and the fact that they were all so pretty. They were wearing long, mermaid style chocolate dresses. Maybe they will even be able to wear them again...sorry, just a silly 27 Dresses reference. Love that movie.

The back of Christine's bridal style...don't you love the brooch? It's really not a brooch at all...it was her 'borrowed' from her bridesmaid, Carla. It was a long clip that we worked into a 'new' accessory. A little bit of creativity goes a long way...
Another view...and a sneak peek at her veil!

The girls...
We were all in love with Christine's veil. Her aunt made it and it was amazing! I loved the lace edging to go with Christine's 'vintage' look to her wedding. Her aunt even added in hidden hooks to pin the veil so it would stay put (even with all the wind)!

It was really long so Christine wouldn't be keeping it in all day.


How beautiful...and this is before make up. What?!

I love this one of Christine checking out the back with her digital camera.


Christine was this happy all day. Really, it was infectious.

Another reason Christine looks so happy? When asked where she was going on her honeymoon, she gleefully replied, "I'm going to Disney!"

Turns out, she is actually going to Barcelona and Italy after Disney. She left that part out. She had never been to see Mickey and Minnie so she was feeling pretty lucky. Someone better put a veil on her Minnie ears!

We couldn't let her leave without a picture of her hoodie--so cute!
We hope everyone stayed dry that night...the weather turned out to be pretty crazy. I bet everyone was celebrating too much to even notice.

Thanks Christine and all your girls--you were so fun to spend the morning with and we can't wait to see you next time you are at New Leaf...Congrats!