Blog Love: She Lets Her Hair Down

Oh, how thrilled I am for stumbling across this jem of a blog. Because I love sharing good things with my favourite people - and by reading my blog you are one of my favourite people - I'm spreading the wealth of knowledge this blog has to offer.

She Lets Her Hair Down is a beauty and fashion blog by Rubi, a hairstylist based in Paris. The hair tutorials have to be my favourite feature as I am always looking for new ways of styling my mop (and for all of you with wild bangs, she has a "how to blow dry bangs" tutorial that is top notch).

Have a gander at her site; it's a new favourite of mine and the newest addition to my blogrole.




(photo by alpha smoot for she lets her hair down; graphic design by becca clason).

Our Wedding: Hair Inspiration

In keeping with my wedding modus operandi, my wedding hair inspiration is quite simple.

My original inspiration was Kelly of Bash, Please. I plan to have the front pieces of my hair pulled back while I'm wearing my veil and to let it out and loose when I take the veil off before the reception, similar to the photo on the right. I was also inspired by Kristen Wiig's Oscar style which I absolutely love (her ombre colouring is perfection).

I am so lucky that my amazing stylist Linda will be in attendance to work her magic and turn my mop hair into something beautiful.




(Images courtesy of getty images via glamour magazine, Erin Hearts Court via once wed, and Anna Roussos Photography via style me pretty).

Belmondo Organic Skincare

One of my New Years' Resolutions is a goal to eat more cleanly. I've extended this to all aspects of my body in efforts to live more cleanly. First on the docket: my skin. I've successfully incorporated water into my daily practise, carrying it with me everywhere. I've noticed that my skin improves when I make a conscious effort to drink water regularly. It's no wonder why I instantly fell in love with Daniela Belmondo's (Vancouver-based) organic skin care line, Belmondo; it makes my skin feel just as amazing.

I am fortunate enough to be friends with some pretty wonderful people, one of whom is Nicole. My favourite shop-owner and eco fashionista recently gifted me this travel sample set and I was instantly hooked.

If you follow this blog you know that I don't often write product-heavy posts. You also know that I don't write "sponsor posts." I write about what I like and I like Belmondo. As women, we spend countless hours poking and prodding at our faces and absorbent amounts of money on products to cover them up. For me, it was time to simplify.

Enter, Daniela: "I believe that beautiful skin comes from products derived from the earth’s pure and restorative ingredients. I’ve formulated this organic olive oil-based skin care line to protect, nourish, and enhance the natural beauty of those who use my products." I dig it. (and if that wasn't enough... she, and the company she founded, love animals, respect mama earth, think local, and are helping to build an orphanage in South Africa. What a mantra).

If you're interested in having a look at these products in person (or in giving them a smell) pop into body politic. Otherwise, the products are available online. If you end up giving any a try, I'd love to hear what you think.

Which leads me to my next questions: what is your current skin care routine? what products do you love?




(Photo courtesy of Belmondo via body politic).

Holiday-Inspired Nails.

I'm excited to see that dark, short, nails - which just happen to be my specialty - are being coveted this winter and there is a plethora of gorgeous shades to choose from. Much to my delight, Maegan has shared her glitter-infused take on the trend, pairing my very favourite OPI shade (Lincoln Park After Dark) with a hint of pixie dust. Voila!


(Image and tutorial courtesy of ...love Maegan).

sun care + faux glow

In keeping with today's safe sunning theme, I wanted to share a few of my favourite products that will protect your skin and add a faux sun-kissed glow.

sun protection.

I wear sunscreen in my moisturizer 12 months out of the year.

My favourite under-all protection is Clinique's City Block Oil-Free Protector (SPF 40). It is weightless and it doesn't sting if when you accidentally get it in your eye.

Skoah's Face Skotian (SPF 30) is another of my go-to's because it's light and it smells good (& they are a BC-based company!).



bronzing.

Bronzer is fun. Unless your Snooki.

My favourite all-over bronzer is Mac's "Refined Golden" Bronzing Powder. I've been through/ smashed about 4 compacts thus far and I'm on the market for my next.

Lorac's TANtalizer is an amazing, amazing product. Grace Potter uses it so I use it. Enough said.



Here is a great article outlining what to look out for when it comes to sunscreen safety.


Do you wear sun screen and/or bronzer? What are your favourite sun care or bronzing products?



(Photos courtesy of Clinique, Skoah, Lorac via Sephora, and Mac via Style Hop).

Aquamarine Sparkle

What is more fun than minty summer nails? A manicure jazzed up with Martha Stewart glitter that's what.

I can't wait to pull out my glitter and try this. Maybe this weekend...

Happy Friday, folks.


(Photos via Cupcakes and Cashmere).

Pink Kisses.

There is something about pink lipstick that is just fun. I am particularly fond of this Clarins shade; it pairs so perfectly with a fresh face and clean up 'do.





Image via In Style.

Perfectly knotted.

I just LOVE this braided style; it's so elegant. I really wish I could master the art of the up 'do as I think this would look equally as cute paired with a sweater and jeans as it does with a wedding gown. If you like this bride's style, may I suggest checking out the rest of her stunning wedding? (See here + here).



Photo by Jill Thomas Photography via Carter & Cook Event Co.

Holiday Hair Tutorial

Forgive me. I know this tutorial is probably clogging up your blog feeds; however, I love it so much that I had to post it, too. (Previously seen here, here, here, and - most recently - here).


To master the side chignon, I'm going to practice, practice, practice with this tutorial (thank you Martha).

Even though I don't think I could pull off such a stunning hair colour, I will be picking up a tube of her fabulous red red red lipstick.

Do you have a fancy hair go to's when you're heading out on the town? I typically throw my hair into a high French twist or a messy side bun or pony. (This side chignon kicks their butt and I can't wait to master it.)

Sultry & Romantic

Although I am aware that the public either loves this woman or (really) dislikes her, this Vanity Fair spread from a few years ago is one of my most favourite shoots. Ever. (Truth be told, I am giving you a sneak peak into my personal wedding files with this post. I think this look is fantastic for bridal style and plan to model it the day I wed).


The pin curls, the stained lips, the dark nails, and the flawless skin are altogether sultry yet romantic and the perfect combination for a Valentine's look. Her wardrobe for this shoot rings vintage sexpot (& I swoon over that hat, those heels, and that white dress).







{photos courtesy of VF}


What are your thoughts on this look? Would you attempt it yourself (bridal or otherwise)?

{Beauty Q&A} Look So Beautiful

I am very excited to announce a new beauty feature that I will run occasionally on the blog.

My plan is to feature products, interview professionals from the hair & makeup world, and spotlight current bridal style trends. My hope is that this feature will provide inspiration to brides while also showcasing some of our amazing local talent.

. . .

On that note, it is my pleasure to introduce Make Up Artist Amanda of Look So Beautiful Make Up. Amanda was kind enough to answer a few questions and provide a bit of her professional advice.



Why would you suggest a bride get makeup done professionally versus DIY?

I think on a bride's big day she should be pampered, and not have to worry about a thing. Getting makeup by done by an artist also ensures the makeup will last all night long, her skin will be flawless and glowing and special touches like false eyelashes make eyes pop in photos.

What is the most popular or most requested look?

My most requested look is just to enhance what the bride already has. So nothing to dramatic, just a natural look so the bride still looks like herself. For eyes Browns, golds, and neutrals and for lips and cheeks, peaches and corals. I like to make sure the skin is flawless, face is highlighted in just the right places and that her eyes stand out and the lips look full and kissable. ;)

Any style predictions for 2010?

I'm getting more and more requests for a vintage look. Brides are wanting classic red lips and a bit more of a smokey eye.


Where do you get your inspiration?

Inspiration is all around. I like to keep up with magazines and runway shows. I read up on other artists I admire such as Bobbi Brown and Pat Mcgrath. I try to stay in the loop by attending pro classes. Sometime I'll open up a magazine and whatever page it lands on is the look I have to try on myself.

Do you have any favourite celebrity looks or ad campaigns?

I love the looks/makeup of Gwen Stefani, Charlize Theron, and Angelina Jolie.




One website I love that doesn't have anything to do with weddings, but everything to do with fashion, is Carolines mode I check it out every day.

Where do you typically work? Will you travel?

I usually do consultations at my home in the West End, then on the bride's big day, I will travel to wherever they may be. (I'd even travel to Hawaii if you really needed me to)

How does the type of ceremony {indoor versus outdoor} and the season {Summer versus Winter} affect a bride's make up?

The main concern for outdoor weddings is to weatherproof the makeup, but even if it's indoors, the bride will be dancing the night away so regardless so I use PRIMERS!! As far as Summer weddings, the bride's makeup is usually a bit more natural while for winter weddings it's more dramatic. In the end, a bride will always look like a glamourous, romantic goddess.

What is the most noticeable difference between DIY make up and pro make up?

Well there are some non-pro girls that can do an amazing job with their makeup; however a pro can make it last, make it show up in pictures, make sure it is weather (and cry) proof and a pro will make you look STUNNING.

What advice do you give to brides and their wedding parties?

Don't be left out...do get your makeup done too! Also, be prepared to carry things such as blotting papers and lip touch ups for the bride. I always give the bride a little jar with her custom blended lip color and lip brush so she can touch up during the day.

How did Look So Beautiful Makeup come to be?

I’ve been in the entertainment industry for a number of years and I always got my make up done for photo shoots. I would always ask the make up artist what she did, how she did it and why. I would practice looks on my mom and my friends. It came quite naturally to me so I decided to take my make up passion one step further and enrolled in the Blanche Macdonald make up artistry program, graduating with honours. From that point I wanted to share my abilities and love for make up with others, thus leading to Look So Beautiful Make Up. I still sing in my band Traces of Eve. (You can listen to us here).

Please share a sample of your bridal portfolio with us.






I am starting to get booked up for the 2010 Season but would love to talk to any brides to be!!

E: amanda@looksobeautiful.com
W: www.looksobeautiful.com
T: 778.847.1091


Thank you so much, Amanda, for your incredible advice and professional perspective.


{All photos are courtesy of Amanda Sellers}