Offbeat Magic: Party Hair!

October 14th, 2011

Offbeat updo #1: pretty in pink

When VAIN BFF + Offbeat Empire founder Ariel Meadow Stallings asked VAIN if we’d updo her staff for her mega Offbeat Empire reception, we didn’t hesitate. We love Ariel’s DIY, DWYW, nontraditional approach to weddings, parenting, home, and style in general. Party hair without borders? YES.

So an A-team of VAIN stylists (including Rebekah, Janae, and up-and-coming assistant Braeden) packed up the crimping irons + industrial strength hairspray and went to work. Here’s what went down as the Offbeat hair went up:

VAIN hairstylist Janae in action

VAIN hairstylist Rebekah making curl dreams a reality. EVERYONE LOOKS SO HAPPY!

Ready to party: a crimped + coiffed Offbeat staffer looks on

Braeden at work on Offbeat Empress Ariel's legendary pink-tipped hair

Party time! The teased and the tame get wild.

Huge thanks to photographer Jonas Seaman for taking all the above photos. Check out Jonas’ re-cap of the party with lots more hair shots here, and the official Offbeat Empire re-cap here. Want to get some offbeat party hair of your own? Give VAIN a call at 206-441-3441 downtown or 206-706-2707 in Ballard to schedule an appointment or free consultation.

I Do!

October 4th, 2011

Hi, kids! Long time, no see! Sorry about that, I was just busy getting married. Everyone tells you that the day you wed is going to be a zany one and you’ll be running around like a chicken with your head cut off and boy, was it ever- good thing someone else was in charge of my hair and makeup!

So, first things first: INSIDER’S TIP! Book your hair and make up appointments for the big day at least two months in advance. If you’re looking for some folks to come to your venue/hotel room/sister in law’s house to bedazzle you and your maids, I would book even further in advance. Typically an “at home” sesh is going to run you a bit more than getting dolled up in the salon, but it’s totally worth it. It takes that zany level that I was speaking of down about twelve notches.

A lot of ladies opt for a trial up-do, just to make sure that the hairstyle that you’ve been dreaming about 4-Ever is suitable for you and makes sense with the rest of your ensemble. It’s a great idea, especially if the stylist who will be prettying you up for the nuptials isn’t your normal gal or guy! It will put you both at ease and on the same page.

I have a mop consisting of natural curls that like to fight to keep their usual curl pattern, so I was extremely fortunate to have an old pal and veteran hairdresser in charge of my locks on the big day. She and I were inspired by Portia de Rossi on the cover of Bust Magazine and that was the plan discussed for several months.

Fast forward to the actual day of the wedding: Chicago, 95 degrees, 100% humidity and a pretty good chance it would rain. Did this mean I would have to sacrifice my dream hair or chance that my curls would stay tamed? In the end, I went for the blow out and potentially smooth locks and thanks to Carrie’s expertise and a quick pin up post ceremony, I was good to go. You might not have the good fortune of having your stylist as a guest at your wedding as I did, so if you’re doing something drastic that weather might not allow to hold up, it’s good to have a Plan B just in case.

My Plan B ended up being my party change hair do and I sure am glad we discussed it before hand. Remember the zaniness? It got kicked up hard core style once the reception started so having my hairs in place ahead of time was a huge stress relief. Did I mention the make up, yet? Well, it was AWESOME! It was a touch dramamtic and totally unlike anything I would ever be able to do on myself which was completely the point. Better yet, it didn’t budge all night! I made sure to purchase my own lip color ahead of time so I would have it handy for touch ups anytime I might need one in the evening, which ended up only being once thanks to this little magic stick.

A make up trial is also something to consider scheduling if you’re at all unsure of how you want your face to represent on your big day- it will narrow things down for you. A great idea is to schedule it for the day of your bachelorette party so that you can take advantage of the fancy facade!

The happiest bride is the one who is best prepared. Trial appointment(s)? Check! Lip color? Check! Nerves? Goodbye to you!

Til next time!

VAIN 4Eva,
Emily

Getting hitched? Give VAIN a call at 206.441.3441 downtown to book an appointment for a trial or consultation with one of our special occasion stylists or make up artists!

Photo credit: Type A Images  // Hair and Make Up: Carrie Lilligan and Trisha Vallone of Sine Qua Non Salon- Chicago, IL

Vain Ballard: Featured Jeweler

October 1st, 2011

This coming Saturday is the Ballard Art Walk and VAIN Ballard will be featuring the jewelry collection of Zerosept, the work is a mix of natural wooden elements that have been shaped into delicate industrial shapes. Audrey Lou of ZeroSept was born in France in a very industrial town, she settled in Seattle and fell in love with the Great Northwest natural beauty. She is an industrial designer by profession, but has her knowledge and creativity into a more emotional, down to earth and feminine adventure.

Her recipe to creating her jewelry is a mix of natural and industrial steps. She creates pieces from noble and unpredictable material: exotic wood. Audrey then creates contrast and modernity by drawing geometric shapes which will randomly fall onto the ever changing wood patterns. She utilizes laser cutting technology to create some precision as well as an industrial twist to her work.

The finishing touches are put together by adding silver and metal components to compliment the stunning raw beauty of the wood and all of  the magic (assembly) happens by hand.  It is truly evident that each piece that she creates is a result of her passion for proportions, natural beauty, and precision.

Rain or shine– we hope you will join us this upcoming Saturday (October 8th) from 6-9pm for art, drinks, and food.  VAIN Ballard: 5401 Ballard Ave NW


Hair.Shop.Halloween

September 29th, 2011

VAIN downtown has what you need to get ghoulish this Halloween! We’ve got tons of wigs (Dazzling Devil pictured above), makeup, moustaches, masks and more in stock for your Halloween needs. Plus we’ve got makeup artists ready to create that perfect zombie or hatchet-wound look for your Halloween party, serious business meeting, flash mob, or night(s) out on the town.

Prices range from $3 to $32 depending on the item. Our personal favorites? Night Stalker, his BFF Night Fiend, and the always-evil Werewolf (pictured below). Now that’s some Halloween style.

Tis the season, everyone. Let’s get spooky.

Visit VAIN downtown at 2018 1st Ave at Virginia for all your Halloween wig, mask, and makeup needs. Want to book a special effects makeup appointment with VAIN makeup artists? Give us a call at 206.441.3441.

Judy LaRue wants YOU to vote for VAIN!

September 22nd, 2011

Behold little Judy LaRue: daughter of VAIN manager Mel (pictured), mini style superstar (check out that pose + those sideswept bangs! Fierce!), and #1 fan of VAIN.

When we told Judy that VAIN has been nominated for Best Hair Salon, Best Hair Color, and Best Waxing in King 5′s Best of Western WA competition, she said “yogurt! yogurt! yogurt!” We’ll take that to mean she hopes all our clients, friends, and Blog readers will vote for VAIN. We won Best Hair Color last year and would be honored to win again. Plus there are lots of deserving small businesses nominated across all categories.

Thanks for your votes… Judy LaRue thanks you too!

♥,
VAIN

Click here to vote for VAIN for Best Hair Salon, Best Hair Color, and Best Waxing. Voting ends Oct. 9th.

VAIN Hair + Style Interview 002: Eli Blü

September 13th, 2011

Greetings and welcome to the second post of our VAIN Hair + Style Interview series! Each month we’re interviewing a style-strong VAIN hairstylist, staff member, client or other FOV (Friend of VAIN) to get their take on hair and personal style.

Our first interview featured front desk superstar Courtney, who touched on everything from taking hair risks to manga style to coveting the perfect leather jacket. For this next interview, we didn’t have to go far (what can we say? Our front desk staff is HOT) and will be reaching into the modern bionic heart of VAIN itself. That’s right, ladies, gentlemen, Blog readers and other monsters, we present VAIN legend, DJ Eli Blü.

Describe your personal style in six words or less.
An Evolving Experimental Individual Magical Superstar

The current iteration of your title is “Modern Bionic Techoid.” What does that mean?
The life-title denotes an uncanny, acute and ingrained affinity with, and understanding of technology and embraces the future in further developments and evolutions.

How has your style changed + evolved since you started working at VAIN?
My hair has undergone many more radical changes and treatments since my old DIY days! I’ve  even grown it out all natural and chemical free, just to see the result, but I absolutely always go back to BLU!

CLICK HERE to keep reading! There’s more>>>

Stay gold.

September 1st, 2011

William_VAIN_09

When we first told you about William Scott Blair it was three years ago and he was bigging up some hair for a benefit fashion show.

We said:

“Behold William: VAIN assistant, future hair superstar. In addition to assisting VAIN hairstylists with clients and helping our downtown salon run smoothly (no easy task), he’s on the verge of becoming a licensed stylist himself and unleashing his hair skills and passion for personal style on the world.”

And how. In that time William has become a dynamic and strong hairstylist, built up a loyal clientele, taken special event hair to new levels, done hair for two Stranger covers as well as countless fashion shows & shoots, and has brought a signature style and true sweetness to our salon.

But all good things must come to an end, and so has our time with William [Editor's note: nooooooooo!]. He’s moving to NYC where he’ll be joining VAIN legends Shaun SureThing and Carly Nicklaus at Seagull Hair Salon in the West Village.

VAIN founder + styledriver Victoria Ptak said, “I knew from day one that Willam would be successful in his career. He brings a wonderful creative vision to his work and while at VAIN has built a solid skill set to back it up. With the strong determination that has fueled his rocket ride to success in his career so far there is nothing but bright lights and cover shots in his future.”

We can’t wait to see it all. We love you, William!

xo’s x a million,
VAIN

If you’re a client of William’s, fear not: our front desk has a shortlist of VAIN hairstylists William has recommended for his clients based on hair types and budget. They’re big couture-thrift-score-wingtips to fill, but we’ll do our best.

BIG VAIN NEWS: VAIN is coming to West Seattle!!!!

August 31st, 2011

You read it right: VAIN is opening a salon + boutique in West Seattle this winter. The salon, to be known as “VAIN West Seattle” (and affectionately as “VAIN Westside”), will open sometime this winter and feature a mix of current VAIN hairstylists and new talent, as well as a large boutique area.

VAIN founder and styledriver Victoria Ptak, who herself lives in West Seattle, said, “I love West Seattle’s strong community spirit and commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood. I couldn’t be more excited about VAIN joining such a great collective of local businesses and having the opportunity to contribute a bit of spice to a part of the city that already has a lot of flavor.”

She also added, “West Seattle is off the hook.”

Yes it is, and we are SO, SO thrilled to become a part of the action. Stay tuned here and to VAIN on Twitter (@vainbeautyworld) for updates, job openings, and a sneak peek into the style transformation the space we’re moving into will undergo. What– you thought big change was just for hair?

Westward + xo’s,

VAIN
Downtown, Ballard, West Seattle

VAIN West Seattle will be located at 4513 California Ave SW, in the heart of the Alaska Junction. Can’t wait till winter? Visit us at VAIN downtown (2018 1st Ave) and VAIN Ballard (5401 Ballard Ave NW).

Hot Hair: Summer Style

August 31st, 2011

Straight from the VAIN Mirror photo booth we’ve got a summery Hot Hair style for those of you looking to take your bobs to the next level.

Nice bangs, nice smile.

Stylist: Cassie

Client: Sara

Cassie says: Sara had been growing out an inverted bob and wanted more of a “longer cut” to help with the transition. She wanted something fun that she could wear straight or wavy. We added layers and gave her new bangs.

True story: Sara had a two-hour drive to get to VAIN.

Side view.

Way to show some style dedication, Sara! Looking good.

Looking for a new look or a transition from your current cut? Give VAIN a call at 206.441.3441 downtown to book an appointment with Cassie or one of our other stylists.

Makeup at VAIN: Before and After

August 24th, 2011

Check out this fashion show makeup before + after by VAIN makeup artist Shannon:

Before: Shannon works her magic

After: love it!

Want to get your makeup done by Shannon for your next special event? Call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 to schedule an appointment or free consultation.

Photos courtesy of Fab Turn.

Oh, Onesta!

August 17th, 2011

If you know me, you know that when I fall for a line of hair care products, I fall hard. And I’ve fallen hard for one, dear VAIN Blog readers.

Its name is Onesta.

Let me count the ways I love Onesta: the products are natural, color safe and free of harmful parabens and sulfates. They contain organic botanical extracts like sea kelp, green tea, sunflower and white willow bark, and they leave my hair feeling super clean and soft. Plus they smell amazing (seriously: we’re talking pure and vaguely peachy with subtle undertones of fresh citrus and what I can only describe as all-natural Tide. I am addicted to this entrancing organic aroma!). I use the Strengthening Shampoo ($12.95 at VAIN) and Daily Conditioner (ditto) topped off with a bit of the Volumizing Foam for body and shine, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. So good!

But don’t just take my word for it. Come experience Onesta for yourself! VAIN is hosting an Onesta event this Saturday, August 20 from 1-3pm at our downtown salon. We’ll have Onesta freebies, a chance to win products, and an Onesta expert onhand to answer questions about the line and recommend specific products based on your hair type.

Now, I know it might seem strange to some of you that I’m willing to share my new relationship with the world, but a love this natural and pure deserves to be shared. Treat Onesta well, Seattle. This one’s a keeper.

-Rebecca P.
VAIN blogger & Onesta lover

Hope to see you all this Saturday 8/20 for our Onesta event at VAIN downtown! Stop by anytime between 1 and 3pm. 2018 1st Ave at Virginia, Seattle.

Hot Hair: Dramatic Dreads

August 16th, 2011

Client: Lisa

Stylist: TT

The Look: Extreme Dread Makeover

Before...

After!

Dread Master TT did a cut, color, and maintenance to make this magic happen! Who says dreaddies can’t switch it up and have fun too? The cut transformed Lisa by taking off length and shaping her hair into a slight inverted bob. She also took a leap by going from blonde to a gorgeous copper red.

Call VAIN today to set up an appointment with TT! Downtown- 206.441.3441 OR Ballard- 206.706.2707. Click here to check out the VAIN Mirror and more awesome styles by your favorite VAIN superstars!