Golden Globes 2016

There was no lack of glitz and glamour on the red carpet at this year's Golden Globes. Elegant gowns and sparkling jewels made their usual appearances, but celebrities seemed to be working a more casual angle with loose, beachy waves and subtle, natural balayage.

I absolutely loved Laverne Cox's gorgeous caramel balayage and Olivia Wilde's honey peekaboo face-framing color. Balayage is a great way to achieve natural-looking highlights that grow out well, even in the dead of winter when we're all questioning if we will ever see the sun again...

The main thing that brings all of my favorite red carpet looks together this year though is the middle part. Regardless of your face shape, hair color or texture, the middle part can look effortlessly chic, glamorous, casual and unassuming all at the same time. It's incredibly versatile in achieving a Bridget Bardot inspired bouffant like Katy Perry's incredible vintage 'do or Kate Hudson and Zendaya's soft, effortless waves. And damn, Kirsten Dunst slays the middle part in her jaw-dropping goth/nouveau gown!

I hope to see more middle parts at VAIN BeautyWorld in the near future. The middle part, aka my favorite hair part of all time, has been around since ancient Greece, making its most famous appearances (at least in our memory) in the 1970s and 1990s. And it isn't just for ladies y'all- check out this incredible collection of 90s teen heartthrobs like Aaron Carter and Hansen -- all sporting perfect middle parts. *le sigh.* 

VAIN Loves David Bowie

As we bid farewell to the unforgettable legend that is David Bowie, VAIN reflects on all of the iconic personas he embodied throughout his career, as well as the incredible hair styles he gifted us lucky Earthlings. Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Thin White Duke and the Goblin King are just a few of his musical and aesthetic contributions that inspired countless weirdos and outcasts to be and love themselves for who they are. David Bowie taught us that reinventing yourself is never impossible.

Just remember, VAIN Beauty World: "If you're ever sad, just remember the world is 4.543 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie."

Rest in peace somewhere strange, friend.

Listen to Black Star here.

All Cycles Donation Drive @ VAIN!

Happy New Year from your friends at VAIN! To kick off 2016, all three VAIN locations will be collecting sanitary menstruation products from January 1st through February 20th as part of Seattle's All Cycles Donation Drive.

All Cycles is a community organization that provides menstruation supplies to those in need. During the drive, you can drop off individually packaged sanitary pads and tampons, travel wet wipes, and underwear in various sizes and styles, all of which will be distributed to homeless and income-insecure people in Seattle of any gender or of no gender who have a menstrual cycle. Any additional products will be donated to local shelters and outreach centers in Seattle.

Please consider taking part in our All Cycles Donation Drive if you are able. One of the most difficult things to deal with in times of struggle or homelessness is health, and many in need who experience menstruation lack access to the products that will keep them safe and healthy. 

Stop by VAIN for more information regarding our donation drive and visit All Cycles on Facebook to learn more about the organization. Thanks in advance for your support!

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Sale @ VAIN!

If you thought our BOGOHO sale was amazing, you're gonna love our end of the year product blowout! From December 27th-31st, buy two hair products at any of our three VAIN locations and receive one (of equal or lesser value) free! Don't miss this amazing opportunity to stock up on fabulous hair products from your favorite salon brands like Deva Curl, Kevin Murphy, Davines, R+CO and Moroccan Oil! Get 'em while they're hot!

Last Minute Gift Cards @ VAIN

ATTENTION HOLIDAY SHOPPERS! If you're searching for that last minute present for family or friends, why not give them the gift of great hair?

VAIN is making your holiday season much, much easier by offering gift cards at all three of our locations. VAIN gift cards never expire and can be redeemed at all three locations for any color, cut, style, boutique item or product purchase. You can purchase a card for any amount and the card can be reloaded later -- a gift that keeps on giving! 

Stop by your preferred VAIN location to pick up a gift card from our front desk. Feel free to give us a call downtown (206) 441-3441, Ballard (206) 706-2707 or West Seattle (206) 535-2595 with any questions.* Happy holidays, everyone! 

*Please note that gift cards can only be purchased in person at one of our three locations; we do not process any telephone credit card transactions.

BOGOHO Jewelery

Add a little sparkle to your holiday season and stock up on bling at our BOGOHO jewelry sale! From December 19th-21st, all jewelry in our boutiques is buy one get one half off! Stop by your preferred VAIN location -- downtown, West Seattle or Ballard -- for necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and more! 

Gift Cards @ VAIN Beautyworld!

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for your favorite person this holiday season? Why not give the gift of incredible hair with a VAIN gift card! VAIN gift cards never expire and can be redeemed at all three of our lovely locations for any color, cut, style, boutique item or product purchase. Our gift cards can purchased for any amount and can also be reloaded later. So, stop by your preferred VAIN location today and pick up a gift card for someone special at our front desk. Happy holidays, everyone!*

*Please note that gift cards can only be purchased in person at one of our three locations; we do not process any telephone credit card transactions.

VAIN Downtown Shopping Extravaganza!

Visit us at VAIN Downtown on Friday, December 11th from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. for a 10 percent off storewide shopping extravaganza (not to be combined with any other sales offer)!

Receive a free gift with any purchase over $10 from our favorites like Moroccan Oil, Dermalogica and Demeter fragrances. Don't miss out on these great deals from your friends at VAIN Beautyworld! 

Furry Faces Fundraiser @ VAIN West Seattle!

Stop by VAIN West Seattle on Friday, December 11th from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. to benefit the Furry Faces Foundation!  

Handmade, modern terrariums by West Seattle artist and animal lover, Michelle Crabtree will be available for purchase in the boutique with all proceeds benefitting F3 from December 11th through the end of the month. Enjoy discounts on select boutique items as well as Drink EZ coasters made by VAIN stylist, Angie Cooper!

F3 exists to support those who may need assistance caring for their companion animals in the Greater West Seattle, South Park, White Center and Boulevard Park neighborhoods. F3 also provides helpful information regarding pet nutrition, adoptions, vet recommendations, pet behavioral issues and more, and works to improve the human/animal bond by keeping animals with their people. 

Representatives from F3 will be on hand at VAIN West Seattle to talk more about their organization and will also be selling dedication cards to support animals in need. Thank you so much for your support! To find out more about F3's great work in Seattle, visit them online at: http://www.furryfacesfoundation.org/.

polarity by Sandra M. Farmer

Our incredibly talented stylist, Siddal (Sandra M. Farmer) will be debuting her brand new mixed media collection, Polarity at our West Seattle VAIN location on Thursday, December 10th from from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m for West Seattle's December Art Walk. Check out our exclusive interview with Siddal below for more information about her work, and make sure to stop by the opening reception!

Sandra M. Farmer earned her BFA in Crafts with a focus in Ceramics and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Pre-Art Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002. Farmer focuses on figurative ceramics and mixed media and has been teaching ceramics and art for the past 10 years at various studios and institutions including the Children’s Museum of Richmond in Virginia, and The Seattle Art Museum, The Children’s Museum in Seattle, Pottery Northwest, Kirkland Arts Center, Moisher Arts Center, North Seattle Community College and Redmond Clay Studio in Washington. She's been a licensed stylist and with us at VAIN Beauty World since 2012.

You've been working with mixed media and sculpture for a long while; is that your preferred medium? Will polarity include mostly sculpture and clay works, or are you exploring other mediums?

"Yes, I've been working with clay for almost 20 years! Clay is my chosen medium because of its dimensional honesty and tactile immediacy. I use mainly a coil/slab technique creating strength while allowing the figure to emerge accordingly. This show is all ceramic sculpture with some mixed media elements. Clay is definitely my favorite medium, but I have often added other materials like found objects, metal, glass, etc. depending on the piece. Sometimes I find something that speaks to me and build a piece around that, other times I need to search for that special something that will complete the piece."

What inspired this collection? Any themes we should be aware of? Do you have a general artist statement?

"I've been thinking of the word polarity and what it means; how you can feel more than one way at a time, seeing both sides of an issue, and opposites and the threads that connect them. My work for polarity questions and explores the role of nurturer and investigates themes like fear, identity, and choice. Figures reveal their uncomfortable introspection, mostly unsure of their roles while reluctantly accepting associated burdens. I use the figure for immediate recognition and to allow the viewer easier access. My goal is always to connect to the viewer and get a response."

Tell us a little bit about your pieces. Which ones were your favorite to create? How many pieces are you including in the show?

"I made nine hand-sized pieces I've just been calling "the girls;" those were fun and much smaller in size than I normally work with. Parts of those were made with a mold but each piece is very distinctive. There are also three almost life sized heads- "contradiction ," "separation," and "antithesis," a conversation piece called "antagonism," a larger piece called "the gift" and a piece that includes three smaller busts called "The Moirai."

To read more about Siddal at VAIN, check out her profile here and RSVP to polarity on Facebook! 

VAIN closing early today, opening later tomorrow

On Sunday, all three VAIN locations will close at 6pm so that VAINsters have time to get ready for Vainiversary! We'll be opening Monday at noon in Ballard and at 1pm in West Seattle and downtown. 

YouthCare Fundraiser @ VAIN Beauty World!

Happy holidays, VAIN Beauty World!

We're happy to announce our partnership with YouthCare this season to help support Seattle's growing population of homeless youth. From December 5th-14th stylists at all three of our locations will be offering YouthCare haircuts in which 100% of the service total will be donated to YouthCare and the Orion Center in order to provide necessities, gifts and cold weather items for homeless youth. Our waxing specialist and makeup artist, Belinda will also be donating four brow waxing appointments for our YouthCare Fundraiser.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Belinda or a stylist offering YouthCare haircuts, feel free to give us a call at VAIN downtown (206) 441-3441, VAIN West Seattle (206) 535-2595 or VAIN Ballard (206) 706-2707 to inquire about availability, or stop by the front desk in person at any of these locations and pick up a pamphlet about YouthCare services. 

YouthCare is an amazing organization that focuses specifically on providing food, shelter and safety to those who have been affected by homelessness and instability. As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, it's especially important to keep these youths in mind. 

If you're interested in becoming more involved with YouthCare in Seattle or making a donation, feel free to contact YouthCare via email at donations@youthcare.org or telephone at (206) 204-1412. Donations can be made online or delivered in person Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 2500 NE 54th St. Also visit Amazon.com to find YouthCare's holiday wish list. Thank you for your support and generosity!

Junction Shopping Event @ VAIN West Seattle !

Stop in to VAIN West Seattle on Saturday, December 5th for a Junction shopping event to celebrate Hometown Holidays! From 4 p.m.-8 p.m. enjoy 10 percent off store-wide purchases (not to be combined with any other sales offer). And when you spend over $25, you'll receive a free gift from some of our favorite brands like Moroccan Oil, Dermalogica, and Demeter fragrances and soaps.

Saturday commences the 12th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. in the Junction Plaza Park on 42nd and Alaska. Keep in mind that Alaska will be closed for the ceremony, however there will be cocoa and cookies provided by Whole Foods for you to enjoy! For more information about Hometown Holidays and a complete list of events, check them out online, and stay tuned for more holiday events with your friends at VAIN! 

Shop Late Tonight @ VAIN West Seattle!

VAIN West Seattle will be open until 9 p.m. (instead of our usual 8 p.m. closing time) tonight for Shop Late Thursdays during West Seattle's Hometown Holidays celebration! Stop by and check out the boutique for great gifts, or while you're in, set up your next appointment with the front desk. Happy shopping!

Small Business Saturday @ VAIN

If you missed our Black Friday sale, don't worry -- tomorrow is Small Business Saturday!

Stop by VAIN downtown, Ballard or West Seattle on Saturday, November 28th and get 10 percent off of all boutique, hair and makeup products.

VAIN proudly features local artists and products in all three of our locations, so don't miss out on some awesome deals! And while you're there, pick up some VAIN gift cards for your loved ones--they're available for any dollar amount at the front desk.

Happy shopping -- and thanks for supporting local small businesses! 

Black Friday Deals @ VAIN!

Love Black Friday sales? If so, head to VAIN tomorrow!

For one day only, get 15 percent off all items that are black or have black packaging--including boutique items, hair products and makeup--at any of our three locations. 

Stop in downtown, Ballard or West Seattle tomorrow and get some goodies for you and yours. And while you're there, book your next appointment before the holidays -- stylists book up fast this time of year! 

NEW from Kevin Murphy: Doo.Over & Killer.Curls

Greetings, VAIN babes! We've got two brand new Kevin Murphy products to tell you about.

Say goodbye to helmet hair with Doo.Over, a dry powder finishing hairspray with serious holding power that lets you mold, form, and shape your hair -- all while giving you freedom of movement. 

It's great for all hair types and smells divine with hints of Virginian cedarwood and patchouli. 

Doo.Over retails for $27.50 and can be found at all three VAIN locations.

If you've been looking for the perfect anti-frizz product, try Killer.Curls, a leave-in curl defining crème that's best for medium to coarse curly or wavy hair.

Killer.Curls retails at $32 and is also available at all three VAIN locations.  

Stop in soon to find out more!

VAIN @ The Annual EMP Fashionably Undead Prom!

EMP cordially invites you to the Fashionably Undead Prom -- an evening of nightmarish ‘90s fun. Grab your scrunchies and don your best babydoll dress, or dress down with acid-washed jeans and flannel for the biggest bash of the year.

Get an Undead Prom Makeover from VAIN, hit the photo booth with your crush, enjoy twisted drink specials, groove with MC Troy Nelson (KEXP, The Young Evils), and enjoy the ultimate '90s dance party from DJ Severed Hans, Lance Romance, and SuspirLeah. Plus you get a Fashionably Undead Yearbook souvenir to take home!

Dress to impress for your chance at killer prizes in our costume contests and come find out who’ll be crowned this year’s terrifying Prom King and Queen...

Do prom right this time -- come dance the night away until you feel as dead as everyone else in the room!

Tickets include admission to Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film.

Date and Time:
October 17, 2015
9:00pm-1:00am

Venue:
EMP Museum
Sky Church

Ticket Info
$25 ($18 EMP members)
21+

Find out more on the Fashionably Undead Prom FB page

VAIN @ GeekGirlCon

Attention Lady Geeks
of VAIN Beauty World!

Join us Sunday, October 11th at The Conference Center (8th & Pike downtown) for GeekGirlCon, celebrating women in science, tech, comics, arts, literature and gaming!

VAIN stylists will be near the photo booth from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. providing free guerrilla hair and makeup services for fellow geeks attending the conference, so don't miss out.

VAIN is incredibly excited for this opportunity to support female geeks! Women are not often represented well in traditionally geek-friendly industries. By providing a safe space for women involved in geek culture and industry, GeekGirlCon fosters an inclusive community for female geeks to get connected. 

For tickets and more information about GeekGirlCon, visit their website.

Books at VAIN: California Four O'Clock

Photo by: Alessandra Gordon

Author, designer, and Seattle Review of Books co-founder Martin McClellan just published his first novel California Four O'Clock and you can pick up a copy at VAIN downtown! 

Martin is a longtime friend of VAIN (he rents one of our artist studios and sees Dylan for his haircuts) so we were delighted to be the first to feature his brand new book.

Martin describes California Four O'Clock as "a stylish, gripping family drama set in mid-century Los Angeles. It’s about painting vs. photography, queer identity in a time of great repression, California’s car obsession, and that big bang moment of culture being forged by a shutter click. It’s about daughters and fathers, daughters and mothers, lovers and partners, and what it’s like to fight the ghost of a self you haven’t yet outgrown." 

Martin is throwing a book release party Wednesday, October 7th at 8:30 p.m. at Mercer Street Books in Lower Queen Anne, where he'll do a short reading as well as an interview by Seattle Review of Books co-founder Paul Constant (RSVP).

Copies of California Four O’Clock will be available for purchase at the party, at the Elliott Bay Book Company on Capitol Hill, and through Martin's Kickstarter website. Please send media inquiries and other questions to Martin at martin@martinmcclellan.com.