Get the look: Julianne Hough's curly up-do

We’ve already featured Julianne Hough’s super stunning bob in a few of our articles. She certainly knows how to rock the crop, and mix it up a little with “bob-friendly” up-dos. Ms. Hough is proof that there is no limits to the styles that can be fashioned from a bob.

Last week on our Facebook page, we posted Julianne’s fun and fab up-do from the US premiere of her new film Safe Haven. It’s such a sweet hairstyle right??!!! The voluminous wavy ‘do is a great option for everything from an afternoon tea date to an extravagant wedding. And today – we tell you how to fashion this look for yourself! (Of course, you can always pop in to one of our salons if you’d prefer someone else to do it for you.)

Recreate a similar version of Julianne Hough’s curly up-do by following these simple steps:

• Run a volume-enhancing mousse through towel-dried hair (to create texture)


• Throw your head upside down and give your hair a quick blow-wave so that your hair is about 80% dry


• Take 1-2 inch sections on your hair and using a hair straightener (read “how to”), curling iron or rollers, create a full head of tight curls. (Try not to blend the curls, keep them reasonably separated)


• Create a side parting from each corner of your forehead to form 3 sections – two side sections and a middle section. Loosely pin or tie the middle section out of the way for a moment


• Take one of the side sections, and divide it into three or four parts. Starting with the section closest to your face, loosely twist each piece inwards and upwards, towards the centre of your head. Secure each piece with hairpins. Repeat this process with the other side section.


• Unpin the middle section. You should have a “semi-Mohawk” at this stage.


• Lightly tease the roots of the middle section focusing on the top of your head to create a bit of a quiff at the front.


• Starting at the front of your head, take 1-2 inch sections of your teased curls and lightly twist them alternating toward the left or right side (so they sort of crisscross over each other). Try to keep the volume and height of each curled piece, by not twisting or pulling too tight.


• Secure each twisted curly section, trying to leave a good amount of loose curl flowing free from each pinned piece. You can leave a few waves completely free to cascade down your elegant Mohawk of curls too.


• Once you reach the nape of your neck, twist and pin under the ends to complete your curled creation.


• Set the style with a spritz of hairspray and you’re good to go!

Images courtesy of Zimbio.com

Bob's the word!

If ever there was a year for you to lop your crop into a bob style, this is it!

Bob’s are one of the hottest trends this year, and you can see why from the images above right?! The cut of strong independent women, bob styles are statement makers with equal measures of chic, edgy and fun.

Thanks to the pioneering wash and wear hairstyles of Vidal Sassoon, bob cuts are super versatile and give the illusion of endless styling, but are in reality low maintenance (if cut well!). Whether a chin grazing crop, or shoulder-length “lob”, bob cuts work with and spotlight your bone structure, accentuating your eyes, cheekbones, jawline and neck.

There’s a bob cut to complement all face shapes - it’s just about finding the best style for your shape and texture. If you have fine hair, opting for a bob style is a great idea! A shorter cut instantly creates volume – especially a graduated bob. If you have thick or curl hair, opt for a longer bob to avoid a triangle-shaped crown and make sure your stylist adds textured layers. Longer bobs (lobs) are also the better choice for round face shapes, but if you’re keen on a more cropped cut, add long side-swept bangs to give length to your face.

For a soft, whimsical, tousled style, opt for a bob that sits at or below the chin - a choppy fringe and textured layers will create a wavy carefree cut (a great option for those of us whose hair has a natural wave). For a bolder option, go for a blunt-cut bob with precise lines - best suited to fine hair and longer face shapes, this is a super chic and edgy cut. Graduated bobs (A-line cuts) are great for creating volume - shorter at the back and longer at the front, this cut gives your hair movement and a sassy elegance.

Side parted, centre parted or swept straight back. Sleek, shaggy or soft. A new bob style is sure to attract sheets of compliments.

Come see us about fashioning your transformation and for more bob-style inspiration, seek out images of January Jones, Leighton Meester, Alicia Keys, and Dannii Minogue.

Images courtesy of Zimbio.com

The “Mad Men” Muses

I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of the 60’s Madison Avenue drama Mad Men. It’s so smooth, stylish and a little bit naughty - PLUS it explores some pretty deep moral and ethical themes! What’s not to like! The 6^th season of the hit show premiered in LA last week (I’m holding out for the UK release), and with it came some super classy promo portraits of the main cast.

Contemporary TV-takes of influential periods are having a major influence on the trends of today. Mad Men is most certainly leading the way by reviving voluminous curls, beehives, mod bobs AND the slick side-swept men’s style.

For this week’s hair inspiration and visual pleasure we’re featuring the stunning Mad Men portraits. Enjoy!

 

The Mad MatronsThe ladies of Mad Men exude both a sultry glamour and sassy strength. Whether fashioning a bouffant, beehive or bob - texture and volume are fundamentals for these looks. To recreate the beautiful bouffant’s of Joan Harris (Christina Hendricks) and Megan Draper (Jessica Pare), arm yourself with a hairdryer, heated rollers curling iron or hair straightener, and good hairspray – and you’re set to style! (See our Beehive how-to and Glamour curls articles for tips).For those who are after a wash ‘n’ wear type style, Peggy Olsen’s (Elisabeth Moss) and Betty Francis’ (January Jones) mod bob’s are the way to go. The bob is one of the most popular styles for 2013 and for good reason! A low maintenance and versatile style, that has equal portions of bold, chic and cheeky, a short crop frames for your face and draws attention to your beautiful facial features! (See our Wash ‘n Wear article for more ideas)
The Mad Men Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and Henry Francis (Christopher Stanley) are effortlessly cool and classy. The key to this level of sophistication and manly style is slick grooming. Spiked or long dishevelled hairstyles have taken a backseat in favour of the “well-groomed gentleman”. Men: to channel your inner-suave, ask your stylist for short, tapered sides, with full long lengths on top, and a nice deep side parting. SO HANDSOME!

Images courtesy of Zimbio.com

Spring - the season of new and renewed Part 2

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Part 2: Revamping and pampering your look

As the winter frosts slowly begin to melt away and the hours of sunshine gradually increase, we can finally start preparing for summer and celebrate the wonder that is Spring! We’re not there just yet, but we’re so close and it’s exciting to see the green leaves and blossom starting to emerge!

In light of the new season, let’s consider giving ourselves a little spring-clean! There’s nothing better to do in the season of new and renewed beginnings than REFRESH and REVIVE with a good clean, a bit of a clear out and a few touch ups or modifications. Whether it be a room, your house, your garden, your wardrobe, your body or your hair – it’s time to recharge and rejuvenate!

Last week we gave you some tips on how to 'Refresh your body, inside and out' for the spring and summer seasons. This week, we encourage you to revamp and pamper with some handy hints and links!

A fresh cut and colour
From a practical point of view, getting a haircut is important for keeping your hair strong and healthy (read more about split-ends here), but a new cut or colour can also be super energizing and transformative - find out more about the psychology of a new hair-do here.

• Invest in a great haircut that complements your face shape and is low-maintenance


• Consider adding a fringe to sass up your style


• If you want to revamp your hair colour, check out our articles on ‘The best hair colours for your skin tone’ and the hottest hues for 2013.

Smarten up that wardrobe
Take half a day and give your wardrobe a good de-cluttering and reorganise. Your wardrobe should be filled with classy, comfortable, confidence-boosting clothes that make you feel fabulous! To help you decide whether you keep or sell/donate your garments, consider these questions:

• Have you worn it in the past year?


• Does it fit?


• Does it flatter your body shape and accentuate your best features?


• Is it a good colour on you?


• Can you wear it with other things in your wardrobe?


• How many pairs of these do you really need?!

Treat yourself
Shakespeare put it well when he penned the quote “Self-love, my liege, is not so vile a sin, as self-neglecting.” A great way to gift yourself a little TLC is with the occasional pampering session. Take some time out just for you and treat yourself to a relaxing and luxurious beauty treatment! Whether you’d like to bedazzle your nails or enjoy a spa treatment, Wellbeing Salons have wonderful beauticians ready and waiting to spoil you happy at Allure Hair & Beauty, Ice Hairdressers and Richardsons Salon!

 

Spring - the season of new and renewed Part 1

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Part 1: Refreshing your body, inside and out.

As the winter frosts slowly begin to melt away and the hours of sunshine gradually increase, we can finally start preparing for summer and celebrate the wonder that is Spring! We’re not there just yet, but we’re so close and it’s exciting to see the green leaves and blossom starting to emerge!

In light of the new season, let’s consider giving ourselves a little spring-clean! There’s nothing better to do in the season of new and renewed beginnings than REFRESH and REVIVE with a good clean, a bit of clear out and a few touch ups or modifications. Whether it be a room, your house, your garden, your wardrobe, your body or your hair – it’s time to recharge and rejuvenate!

Over the next 2 weeks, we’re giving you a few tips to help you spruce yourself up for spring and the coming season of sunshine!

This week: Refreshing your body, inside and out. Next week: Revamping and pampering your look.

What’s going in?
The most effective way to keep your body healthy, your skin youthfully supple, and your hair silky strong is with a well-balanced diet of fresh, colourful, whole foods packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants! A few essential foods to help keep your body, skin and hair looking and feeling fabulously fresh are:

• NUTS- packed with necessary nutrients such as zinc, protein and omega-3 fatty acids


• BERRIES- nature’s candy filled with powerful antioxidants Vitamins A, C and E


• LEGUMES- power-foods injected with biotin, zinc and iron


• FISH- a must for essential fatty acids (omega 3’s, 6 and 9) as well as protein, iron and B vitamins.


• Also, don’t forget to hydrate your body - and thus your skin – by drinking eight to twelve glasses of water a day.

Get Fit
Regular exercise is key to staying happy, healthy and full of energy. Not only does exercise help control your weight, it also helps prevent high blood pressure, improves your mood and can lead to a better night’s sleep. There is no negative to exercise! Keeping fit and limber is as easy as going for regular 30 minutes walks with a friend, enjoying a bike ride or stretching out in a Pilates class. Get moving!

Skincare regime refresh
Replenish and restore your skin by refreshing your skincare regime:

• CLEANSING and TONING are vital steps, which unclog pores and prevent blemishes, by ensuring the removal of make-up, dirt and excess oil (make sure to use a hydrating cleanser in accordance with your skin type).


• Regular EXFOLIATION will revitalize cell renewal, boost circulation, prevent oil build-up and give your complexion a smooth, renewed appearance (no need to scrub too hard though).


• REHYDRATE your skin daily with a quality facial and body moisturiser to help keep your skin soft and supple. –apply immediately after showering for the best results.


• Take the opportunity to clear out your make-up bag too - old mascara, foundation and make-up sponges can accumulate harmful bacteria.

Start your spring-clean this week, and look out for next week's 'Revamping and pampering your look.'

A salute to Mothers!

On Sunday March 10^th, we here in the UK celebrated and honoured our Mums, motherhood and the influence these special ladies have within our families and the community.

Although Mothers should be appreciated everyday, it’s nice to have a dedicated day to recognise the incredible job they do - balancing and managing a household, a job, a social life and all the while looking fabulous - not an easy feat!

Mums – you far exceed your role as women. You have reared us in the ways of successful and fulfilled living, encouraged us to pursue our dreams, comforted us through struggles, fed, clothed, cleaned and nurtured us into the stunning people we are today.  A BIG thanks to you!

In honour of Mums, we thought we’d share these beautiful illustrations and quotes, plus a cheeky list of things Mothers teach us. Also, have a read of our Yummy Mummy Lifestyle article for inspiration and tips on how to give yourself a yummy mummy makeover. Enjoy!












Things My Mother Taught Me

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."

My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, They are going to freeze that way."

My mother taught me ESP (extrasensory perception).
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

My mother taught me HUMOUR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

And my favourite: my mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"
MOTHERS - WE SALUTE YOU!

‘Mother taught me’ list courtesy of Bert Christensen's Truth & Humour Collection
Images courtesy of Arlene Sy

 

Vintage Va-voom!

Gleaning inspiration from past iconic styles, stylists are adding a modern edge to vintage looks – and no wonder! The most popular hairstyles of past decades epitomise strong but feminine sophistication, sultriness and elegance.

With TV series like Mad Men and Downtown Abbey, you can understand how the influence of past styles are greatly inspiring modern trends. Throughout this year’s awards season, the red carpet has been graced with an abundance of contemporary takes on classical looks.

Here are a few of our favourites…

Quiff-tastic Mad Men’s Betty Draper is an example of model woman of the sixties, with her iconic hairstyles. At this year’s Brit Awards, Katherine Jenkins donned a similar sixties-inspired quiff, modernised with a more defined height and slickness.
Bouffant-beautiful Bridget Bardot, The Ronettes and Audrey Hepburn (in Breakfast at Tiffany’s) were super influential in popularising the beehive hair-do in the swinging sixties. In the 2000s, the style has been revived in various forms by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Ray and Adele. Whether opting for a big, bold bouffant or a more subtle and soft version, beehive hairstyles are all sass and class.
Glamour-gorgeous Silver-screen sirens such as Rita Hayworth, Bette Davis and Marilyn Munroe have inspired today’s starlets to wear their tresses in waves of glamorous retro curls. Today’s version is slightly smoother and more defined; but either way, these vintage curls are utterly romantic and oh so charming.
Pixie-perfect There always seems to be a leading lady sporting a show-stopping short crop. Michelle Williams, Carey Mulligan and current favourite Anne Hathaway have taken cue from such icons as Twiggy, Mia Farrow and Audrey Hepburn (this picture of her is from the film ‘Wait until dark’), to fashion a side-swept and feathered crop that is a perfect mix of sweet, chic, sophisticated, feminine and fun.

Have a good nosey through some old family photos and see what styles you can resurrect in 2013!

 

Images courtesy of Zimbio, IMDB and Glamour Magazine UK