Archive for April, 2009

VAIN Wig Shoppe: Hairspray!

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

A few weeks ago we gave you a behind the scenes look at Sarah B’s preparation for the VAIN Wig Shoppe to be featured at the Seattle Men’s Chorus/Seattle Women’s Chorus fundraiser.

Hairspray!

We’re happy to report that it was a wonderful, stylish, hilarious good time - and we’ve got the photos to prove it! Check out the full photo set courtesy of VAIN apprentice stylist William via VAIN’s flickr page. Thank you to Sarah B. and our own Victoria for all the effort to create these extraordinary styles!

VAIN can create a look just for you - whether it’s mile high or mild mannered; real hair or hot pink plastic.

xo,

VAIN

Hot Hair: Welcome to the Glamour Cube

Monday, April 27th, 2009

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Behold: the office cube. Note the double monitors, the wall calendar, the handsome gray paneling. Now let your eyes gaze over THE TOTALLY HOT HAIR on miss red over there. Hot.

Client: Jenn W.
Stylists: Color by Carinn, cut + style by William
Look: Who says work hair has to be boring hair?

Not VAIN, that’s who. Props to Carinn and William for helping one 9 to 5-er bring a little hotness to the job.

Glam is good: call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 to book your haircut with William (only $15!!), and VAIN downtown or VAIN Ballard at 206.706.2707 to book your color with Carinn.

Supporting Dow Constantine: Tonight at the Crocodile!

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Elect Dow Constantine

This evening at the Crocodile, friends + fans of Dow Constantine will take part in a fundraiser for his campaign for King County Executive. We invite you to join us for an evening of good music + good people! [And, with VAIN owner Victoria Gentry as a host - good hair!]

Why Dow? 3 great reasons to support him:

- Dow is an effective environmental leader - saving green spaces around Puget Sound & leading the process to finally build 30 miles of light rail to connect Seattle and surrounding communities

-With experience in small business and as the son of school teachers, Dow understands what jobs make our economy work and works to put the county on the cutting edge of job creation & preservation

-Dow has worked tirelessly for more than 15 years behind the scenes for the Northwest Music Community, lobbying to preserve all ages shows, fund Vera, and stop overly restrictive nightlife regulations

For more information, or to make a donation online, please visit DowConstantine.com.

See you tonight at 2nd + Blanchard!

xo,

VAIN

VAIN goes to the movies- get NFFTY!

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

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Would you like some popcorn with that hot hairdo? VAIN is proud to be one of the sponsors of the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY), happening this Friday through Sunday at the Seattle Center and Cinerama. NFFTY is quickly becoming the largest and most influential film festival and support organization for filmmakers age 22 and under, with screenings of feature-length and short films in narrative, documentary, animation, music video, experimental, and international categories all weekend long. In addition, NFFTY will host filmmaking panels, concerts and parties throughout the festival and has been certified a carbon-neutral event by carbonfund.org. So check it out and witness the next generation of great filmmakers.

NFFTY runs April 24-26. To learn more and and buy tickets, visit: http://www.nffty.org.

Think Local: Locavore application for the iPhone

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Back in December, we talked about the importance of Shop Local // Think Local. This concept is important to those of us at VAIN not just during a busy holiday season but every day. Luckily, like-minded cohort Buster McLeod is making one aspect of local-focus even easier.

iphone

With Locavore you have resources right on hand to find farmer’s markets + know what ingredients are in season where you are - even ideas on how to prepare them!

In the interest of full disclosure, we’re a bit biased when it comes to Buster’s genius - he’s the lucky husband of our own Kellianne. But don’t take our word for it! The fact that Apple used Locavore as a featured app speaks for itself.

We love the fact that [just as our phones tell us!] the Ballard Sunday Farmer’s Market is right out our front door. It makes for a perfect weekend of good hair, fresh flowers + veggies, and maybe even a treat from Flying Apron.

More information coming soon on all the ways VAIN Downtown + VAIN Ballard are implementing local products in our boutiques and our back bars

VAIN Photo Shoot Me: Group II

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Today we present the creations of VAIN stylists Jenny Slay, Valentine, and William.

Group II

Model: Jackie // Stylists: Jenny + Valentine // Makeup: the Lady Bob

The group utilized the strength + beauty of Native American imagery, with a touch of edginess ala Mad Max.

Group II

Model: August // Stylist: William // Makeup: the Lady Bob

To achieve August’s look William started by glueing in wafts of hair, then used the Kevin Murphy Hair Resort to give it extra oomph. He finished up with KM’s Session Spray + VOILA! Over the top, up high, beautiful hair.

Group II

Group II

Just as with Group I, we had Felicity on hand for expert volumizing, feather placing, model posing, and good-mood-creating. VAIN loves you, Felicity!

Photography by Sarah Joann Murphy

Though doing photo shoots on this grand scale aren’t an everyday event at VAIN, creating unique + inspiring looks IS. Visit us at either location for the style of your dreams.

xo,

VAIN

Lights, Camera, Hairspray!

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Check out this video starring VAIN downtown + VAIN Ballard superstar hairstylist Sarah B. In it she talks to VAIN owner + styledriver Victoria Gentry about the wigs she’s created for VAIN’s appearance at the Seattle Men’s Chorus/Seattle Women’s Chorus Hairspray-themed annual fundraiser this Saturday. Cool wigs, cool style, cool lady.

The Seattle Men’s Chorus/Seattle Women’s Chorus fundraiser happens this Saturday, April 18 at the Washington State Convention Center. Doors at 5:00pm, VAIN “Wig Shoppe” there till 8.

VAIN Photo Shoot Me: Group I

Monday, April 13th, 2009

Last week Felicity, Kevin Murphy’s right hand lady, joined us for an all day photo project. The VAIN stylists signed up for the event were divided into six groups, each one choosing their own vision for the setup. Our day started with the creations of VAIN ’s own Liza Jo, TT, and Sam.

Group I

Model: Isis

Group I

Makeup: Lady Bob

VAIN

We loved having Felicity’s trained eye + experience on hand for our shoots. It was a demanding day, with tight schedules and a need for well thought out ideas to express before the camera. Each group delivered gorgeous results - starting with Isis’ impactful color seen here.

Congratulations to all of our stylists on such a successful, creative, beautiful day. More coming soon!

Photos by our own Sarah Joann Murphy

xo,

VAIN

VAIN W-A-X F-A-Qs

Friday, April 10th, 2009

VAIN clients have been going bonkers for Belinda, our resident waxing specialist, so we thought we’d share her answers to the most frequently asked questions we get about her services. For those of you considering a customized brow, cleaned up bikini area, or any other body hair removal for spring, read on:

Where do you do the waxing at VAIN?
We have a private waxing studio above VAIN’s downtown salon. It’s cool, quiet, and feels like a little urban oasis above the VAIN hustle and bustle. And there’s a candy bowl!

What type of wax do you use?
I use a hard wax made from beeswax and tree rosin. It’s great for those sensitive areas as it doesn’t stick to your skin, only to your hair. I also use a soft strip wax for larger areas like legs and backs.

What areas of the body do you wax?
All of it! I wax brows, bikini/brazilian areas, lips, legs, underarms, and pretty much anything else. If it’s hairy, I can wax it.

Does waxing hurt?
It’s not the most amazing thing you’ll experience but it really isn’t too bad. I often tell people to avoid caffeine as it will make your nerves a little on edge, and some people like to take a couple Ibuprofen before the service to take the edge off the hair removal sensation. I apply a soothing shea butter to the skin afterward to treat any irritation, so any pain really is temporary. It’s like taking off a band-aid.

How much does waxing at VAIN cost?
Prices range from $15 for a lip or chin wax to $65 for a full brazilian*. We’re currently offering $5 off any first time service.

Do I have to be a VAIN client to get waxed there?
Nope! Everyone is welcome, wherever you get your hair done.

What should I do and not do before I get waxed?
Make sure your hair is at least 1/4 of an inch so there’s something for the wax to grab onto. Also make sure you’re not taking or using medication or topical creams (like Retin A, Accutane, Retinol) that will make your skin more sensitive. Don’t apply a lot of lotion or oil to the area being waxed- it makes it harder for the wax to stick. You should exfoliate the area 24 hours before coming in to remove any dead skin and to make sure all your hair is out of the skin.

What if I have really really really sensitive skin (from medication or just in general)?
You still have the option of tweezing, so don’t think you can’t ever have hair removed. This is great for brows in particular.

How long does waxing last?
Generally waxing will last anywhere from 3-8 weeks. I know that’s a wide range but everybody is different and every area grows at a different pace.

What do I need to do after being waxed?
I always recommend exfoliating. This will help keep your hair from being ingrown when it comes back, and will help keep your skin stay smooth. From there, just enjoy not having to pluck or shave all the time!

Want to experience VAIN waxing magic for yourself? Call us at 206.441.3441 to make your appointment with Belinda.

*Editor’s note: this is the best, most thorough brazilian around. Trust us. We learned the hard and hairy way that not all brazilian waxes are equal. Belinda’s completely rule.

Imaginary Celebrations

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

The ladies of Three Imaginary Girls have been friends, clients, and cohorts for a long time now. Even one of the imaginary boys, Chris B, can proudly wear a “Carly Cuts My Hair” button.

You can imagine how thrilled we were when our neighbors at the Crocodile returned better than ever. So the chance to celebrate both at once? AND have Top Pot donuts? Man. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Crocodile Hair
Photo courtesy of David Bos

We were on site to do our famous Guerilla Hair Crocodile Style - impromptu updos including green extensions for those who were feeling the Crocodile spirit. VAIN owner + styledriver Victoria Gentry was there to celebrate, saying:

“Liz + Dana rocked super hard, and the crowd was in the mood to party. We laughed a lot, and the response was enthusiastic + foxy! The Crocodile is definitely back in a big way. The 3 I G really know how to throw a party and are incredibly gracious, non-pretentious hosts that don’t kill the fun by taking things too seriously. I love working with them!”

To all our imaginary friends, thanks for supporting such great bands and inviting us to join in on the party. We’re eagerly awaiting the next big event!

xo,

VAIN

Got Tuba?

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

VAIN is a proud sponsor of this weekend’s HonkFest West. The event, continuing at multiple venues over the course of three days, is a celebration of radical marching bands. They’ll even be playing in the streets!

One of our favorite quotes for the how + why of this festival:

“…they honk their horns because it’s the best way they know to protest a world of violence and oppression. Many of these bands are less than a decade old, and many were born in reaction to the fatalism and indifference that has gripped the advanced industrialized democracies. In response, honkers have been providing a heartfelt musical antidote, a soundtrack for anti-war rallies, political mobilizations, pride parades and joyous reclamations of public space. Every one of these bands has a unique sense of humor to complement their sound, as they mock and discredit the roots of hatred and injustice through the whimsical act of making music together. The result is a spectacle that is radical and subversive without being militant or sanctimonious.”

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The What Cheer Brigade, pictured above, played at HonkFest East - while they won’t be here for the West, it’s a great example of how awesome the event will be!

Check out their schedule to see the full lineup - we’ll see you there!

xo,

VAIN

VAIN wall kicks it in the sun

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

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The DVS Crew worked their magic on VAIN’s exterior wall this past sunny Saturday (as they’ve been doing for years), and as usual it became a live art spectacle for anyone who happened to be on 1st Ave. It’s always great to see this kind of art in action in the middle of the day on a busy city street, and the reaction it gets from passersby + VAIN clients makes it even better.

More pictures to follow; in the meantime, come check out the finished product the next time you’re at VAIN downtown. Oh and if you’re in the mood to switch up your own exterior for spring, you know we can match your hair color or single extension pieces to any of the paint shades DVS used in the mural. Just ask and we’ll tell you how you can re-create this sunny Saturday on your head.

Big thanks to DVS for their hard work + another amazing wall.