VAIN Blog

It’s true! VAIN’s dear friend, Anna Banana, owner of Pretty Parlor,  recently brought us a plethora of affordable, adorable vintage clothing from her shop.  Lookit at all these fabulous frocks! Lookit!

Who wants to have a fashion show at lunch?

Yours Truly,
Julie K

Pretty Parlor isn’t just at VAIN Ballard, we’ve also got you covered at VAIN Downtown! Drop by one (or both!) of our locations:
Ballard: 5401 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle
Downtown: 2018 1st Ave, Seattle

VAIN’s #1 operations manager + super awesome lady Lisa is on her way back from Tokyo (pictured there above with our fave music blogger Kingblind + beloved former VAIN stylist Chieko), and we hear she’s got a camera full of street style + cool hair pictures to show us. Check back here for those soon- if Lisa took ‘em, we know they’re going to be good!

Are those vintage wares embraced by divine light?

Much to our giddy delight, lovely Anna, owner of Pretty Parlor, has brought in a delectable collection of vintage clothing from her beloved shop (located on Capitol Hill) to VAIN downtown. Affordable and unique style, anyone? We can barely keep our hands off these digs. Thank you, Anna Banana! We ♥ you!

Next time you come to VAIN for a fabulous style, why not drop into the gallery and pick out a fabulous frock to go with it? Visit us downtown @2018 1st Ave, Seattle.

My challenge for myself while in Spain was to take pictures of PEOPLE and STYLE, little glimpses of what we create at VAIN - but found around the globe.

[Hair + Beauty Salon]

Once there, however, I wasn’t sure how my appreciation would translate. My Spanish is rusty enough that I felt like I’d just come across as a creepy American with odd intentions. There was one girl with bright red panels underneath her long dark hair who I nearly chased after, Canon in hand, through an open air market. I couldn’t make it to her in time, however, nor would I have known what to say. But that little lady was one of only TWO vibrant colors I saw during my two week stay there.

It should be noted that we were primarily traveling in slightly smaller towns along the south of Spain; maybe the conservative tones were shaped by geography. Indeed, the only other time I saw color was not in Sevilla or Granada but as we traveled through the airport in Madrid - a Burgandy Wine bob that stood out from across the waiting area.

It seemed that the bold color statements were left to attire, and displayed there with flair. Bright green t-shirts with matching neon sneakers. Red socks, red shirt, red accents on eyewear, all at once. Floral sundresses on women of all ages, and every color in the rainbow pouring out of stores with local wares.

One of my favorite sights was a Sunday drive past a group of women on their way to church. Even in the almost 100 degrees weather they looked crisp, cool, put together. Small purses in hand, and a helmet of curls helped by uncertain amounts of hairspray. They evoked an era that is, for me + my life here in Seattle, foreign but picturesque.

The idea of those conservative ladies vs. neon green Nikes seems like a reflection of what I saw in the country itself - a lot of history but with bold statements of modern life, the old and the new balancing in a way that shouldn’t be congruent but nonetheless was. Special Effects colors can’t be far behind.

[Like the VAIN wall, a world away]

xo,

Sarah Jo

You know VAIN loves a creative use of hair, and Peaches delivers (and literally wears it) in the “Talk to Me” video off her new album. Hair everywhere!

For those of us lucky enough to see the lady herself perform live at the Showbox last week, the mega-haired, platinum Cousin Its from the video made a special appearance live onstage, AND Peaches wore a set of long, glam-chewbacca sleeves that could only be described as a hair bolero. Awesome. People kept saying, “Is that HAIR?” Yes, yes it is hair, and we like it.

What’s YOUR creative hair expression look like? We can make it happen. Call VAIN at 206.441.3441 downtown or 206.706.2707 in Ballard to book an appointment.

Ok, so maybe it’s not quite as dramatic as the MTV series. But before I met VAIN, the thought of backcombing terrified me. And backcombing the FRONT of my bangs? Not even something that occurred to me.

Last weekend I went to Vegas with a group of uber stylish ladies - we’re talking Dior shoes, Bebe dresses, Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, the whole nine. They have great taste + amazing style. I can’t match their budget, but I gotta say that thanks to a trusty pink VAIN comb I held my own. I failed to schedule a bang trim before I left town, but rather than accepting my sideswept disaster, I loaded up on hairspray and went for a faux pompadour that made me feel like a million bucks.

Naturally my favorite photo from the day cuts off the top of my head.

You’ll just have to trust me on how awesome the bangs were. You can see my other budget-saving VAIN accents here though, with a pair of $8 sunglasses that have all the glamour of ones that run for 10x that amount. The dress was just a simple Old Navy thing that cost all of $20, but combined with an investment piece by Mayapple [the gorgeous feather/gold necklace seen above, similar pieces available at VAIN Ballard] it was a capital-O-Outfit.

Proof you can look and feel good on a budget. It is worth overcoming the anxiety about ratting one’s own hair to have a sophisticated look this summer.

xo,

Sarah Jo

Are you afraid of hairspray? Many of our stylists offer amazing updos + style appointments. Call our front desk to schedule with someone who can walk you through the fear and into fashion.

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

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.

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.

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

Our friend Laura of lauratakespictures.com celebrated our VAINiversary with us back in December, perfectly capturing our festivities with her photo magic.

Yesterday she came back to see us for this sweet cut:

Rachel did the cut - and the DIY color is by Laura herself! She’s got that gorgeous face that works with bright blonde to black and everything in between. [Ed: I think I have seen her with literally every color at least once]. The style of the cut was inspired by Marianne Faithful circa Rock ‘n Roll circus, only slightly shorter in back.

See the original cut + icon in action via youtube.

xo,

VAIN Ballard

Guest blogger and VAIN Ballard senior stylist Rachel shares her own style, in her own words.

Dandyism: one who gives exaggerated attention to personal style.

4 years ago I wore nothing but jeans and white v-neck Hanes tshirts, ya know the ones that come in a four pack. 4 years before that I did not even wear pants for two years, I wore layers and layers of slips and fancifull dresses. I was the girl no one would talk to because I wore “unconventional” clothing. I was a little spooky but, alas, it made me happy.

These days I have a hard time dressing down I sometimes change my outfits 3 times, and this is just to go to work, lord knows I will stop at a champagne bar on the way home so one must look presentable. I now only feel comfortable with some sort of neck accoutrament.

I mean, a girl needs to feel put together.

I live for 1920’s-60’s mens fashion. The fine lines the tailoring the amazing detail. I feel like a proper british dandy, again whatever makes you happy. I do believe in the old belief you look good you feel good. This of course applies to hair as well. I first notice ones hair, there sense of style and their clothing. I love style. however you put it out there I love it.

I am but a hairstylist yet somehow I believe I deserve my own clothier, I think anyone who cares does at least a few important pieces. This is where Michael Cepress comes in - a true dandy if I ever did see one, a true believer of self expression and the loveliness of fine tailoring. I have taken him on as a custom designer for myself. He is in the midst of making me a cape with collapsible neck accoutrements. Please check out his website at michaelcepress.com

My bartender told me about a lovely blog Tavi - a twelve year old girl with mad personality and music and fashion sense to boot. She photographs most of her outfits she wears to school. She has great shots of runway shows and her favorite designers work. Very much worth looking at, every day!

Now for true dandyism. Lord Whimsy. You must see him to believe him. He is walking, talking, writing self expression historical art and a bag of rubies. He lives the life of extravagance true lovely life affirming extravagance. Champagne brunches and shined up shoes, I hope you will love him as I do.

Historically a dandy was sometimes a pauper who very much lived beyond their means, celebrating being working class by living the high life with the social elite. Living hard, artfully and extravagantly.

So, I may go broke on champagne cocktails, Blackbird shopping, my clothier Michael Cepress but, alas I will look amazing which brings on…feeling amazing.

Now. Come get a lovely haircut.
with love,
Rachel of Vain.

Tiffany Miller Signature Designs trunk show!
Saturday, December 6th 4pm - 8pm
@VAIN Downtown in the Gallery

This weekend VAIN Gallery presents a showcase featuring the exotic creations of local Seattle clothing designer Tiffany Miller. The collection will be a lavish mix of holiday friendly pieces and edgy couture. In addition, Miller will offer hand detailed one-of-a-kind tees. Also available are cards by Stacie’s Creations and accessories by VAIN’s very own Belinda Leybold. This will be a great opportunity to score that perfect something for all the upcoming festivities!

A little bit about Tiffany Miller:
“Montana meets Mumbai resulting in a universal adaptation of style. Expressive of diversity in design, Tiffany Miller Signature Designs are reflective of a global awareness and representative of raw creativity. Combining the grit of rural roots with the exotic appeal of places afar, Tiffany Miller holds true to values of quality and freedom of expression. Each design is primarily reflective of the belief that individuality is the aspiration to create a distinct impression. Designs focus on quality construction, dramatic detail and unique silhouettes through a variety of production techniques. Custom designs for special occasion and personal fit garments are available.”

Come by to enjoy the refreshments and a feast of fashion!
Please note: Cash or Checks only are honored during the event. Thanks!

See you there, fashionistas!

-VAIN

We like to keep on top of our fashion blogging friends, and it looks like Beyonce’s latest endeavor got mixed reviews.

The Fug girls were obviously not pleased with the futuristic getup, but Fashionista seems thrilled that she went with Pugh’s adventurous dress.

It goes to show that ultimately you just have to love what you’re wearing. And that no one is really going to start referring to Beyonce as Sasha Fierce.

xo,

VAIN

Pretty lady: the ever-evolving Bijou, who already looks way different than this. Photo by My Vu.

Today marks VAIN downtown stylist Bijou’s last day at the salon- she’s leaving Seattle for world travels before landing in a new US city- and we’re already missing her skills and style (ok and her smile. Well it’s true!). Bijou not only consistently evolved her own look, from punk rock bride to Miss Nikki Sixx, from modern pinup to black-haired bladerunner, but also consistently delivered some pretty incredible hair transformations to her clients with her awesome hair skills. We showed you an example in a Hot Hair post earlier this year, but if we tried to show you every cool cut, pretty bob, big blowout and perfect trim she’s given we’d be blogging all day long. And we’ve got hair to do! So: Bijou, you have been a true example of expressing inner style and not being afraid to switch it up, and VAIN thanks you for it. All the best from us to you!

If you’re a client of Bijou’s, fear not! Our front desk staff can set you up with another stylist who’s right for your hair, your style, and your budget. They just might not be wearing a Motley Crue shirt. Call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 to make it happen.