Pearls and Lace

Here is some work I did not too long ago. This was a 

really fun shoot for me. I wanted something really

romantic and monochromatic...

I love anything monochromatic! It has a

subtle softness to it that I find beautiful.


I also love the use of tone on tone colors.

Different variations of color that are in the same

family of tones. This creates a soft contrast

giving the hair dimension and interest

that can be

as dramatic or subtle as you like.


I had the pleasure of working with a very talented

photographer, Sacha Andrew who has an

amazing  eye for beauty

and fashion.


I also worked with Svea Leigh, a make up artist

who can make anything

happen!


And 3 gorgeous models; Kristina, Mariah

and Amelia. All who were amazing to work

with and made the shoot

come together!




Photographer: Sacha Andrew - dirtyweatherphotography@gmail.com
Make-Up Artist: Svea Leigh - sl.ovans@yahoo.ca

Social light

So I've entered myself into a competition called the #SocialLights Challenge. The idea was to take one of the 5 beautiful holiday looks that L'Oreal Professionnel created and re create it in our own way.

I chose re create the look called 'Mod Behavior'. I was immediately drawn to this look and decided it was what I wanted to do!

Its a very simple look to do. I back combed my model Sarah Maries hair, roughly smoothed out the bumps (but careful not to make it look too perfect) and pulled it into a low ponytail. After the elastic is secure you want to be sure to create more texture and volume by using your pinching fingers to pull hair upwards from the base of the ponytail. My look ended up being a little more polished, but just go with your mood! :) Finally, finish the look by wrapping a small section of hair from the ponytail around the elastic and secure with a bobby pin or two.

Not only do I feel it's important as a professional to constantly challenge yourself and continue to learn through different experiences, but this competition means so much to me as I could win a course in Europe, and be featured in both Lou Lou and Salon Magazine which would not only be amazing but allow me to grow both professionally and personally.

If you'd like to vote for me:
1.Go to facebook and like' L'oreal Professionnel
2.To the left of the L'oreal Professionnel page choose '#SocialLights Challenge'
3.Click 'view all entries'
4.Choose my photo (as above) and click vote :)
You can vote everyday, and everyday L'oreal Professionnel is giving out big prizes to voters!

Photography:Silva Erglis, Model: Sarah Marie, Hair/makeup: Me :)

Foil Sets, Fades, and Disconnected Cuts, OH MY!

Today we had the pleasure of working all day with Matthew Collins, one of L'oreal Professionnels top artists.
H3 Expert and Teacher, Matthew definitely had us in awe of what he has to offer.
We did everything from sets using tin foil, to beautiful and creative disconnected cuts. Techniques which we can use both in the salon and at photo shoots. 
His talent is something to be admired as he makes everything look so easy, yet still so effective. He is a true talent and I look forward to seeing more from him.

I will be posting a tutorial soon on how to give yourself a fast and effective set using tin foil. You're gonna love it and want to try it too!

Here are some snap shots of what I created in class

Sofia-Spring/Summer

Not too long ago I worked with Sofia to shoot her Spring/Summer collection for 2012. Her work was amazing of course and she never ceases to amaze me with her talent. I always enjoy working with her. It's always a pleasure. She just wrapped up at Vancouver ECO fashion week and a fashion night at Not Just Pretty Modern Organic Clothing here in Victoria, BC. Here are some sneak peek shots from the shoot I got to do with her. More to come!

info@sofiaclothing.com, Photographer:Stephanie Rae, Model: Kiah

Simple Art

This is a piece of art I created for my daughters room. I was inspired by this beautiful piece of paper I found in a local art store and had to figure out a way to use it. It cost about 6$ in material and 20 minutes to make!

(1).Materials Needed: Decorative Paper of your choice, Bias Tape (from a sewing shop), String (I used leather but think lace, ribbon, or chain would be nice too), Glue, and Scissors.

(2). Bias Tape: (in photo below) What to look for when shopping for it. Choose a color that coordinates with your paper.

(3). Cut a strip of bias tape the same length of the width of your paper.

(4). Apply Glue all along one edge of the bias tape.

(5). Glue Bias Tape to the back of the paper making sure half the amount of bias tape is able to be folded over to the front of the paper. Then, Apply glue to top half of bias tape.

(6). Fold bias tape over edge of paper and press the bias tape to secure to front side.

(You should have equal amounts of the bias tape in the front and back for a pretty border)

(7). Repeat previous steps to create the border for the bottom half. Should look like the photo below when done.

(8). Attach your chosen string for hanging your art to the top outer edges of the paper.

(I made a bow where it would hang on the nail, and used a hot glue gun to attach).

And thats it! It's a great cheap way to add some color to your walls!

Sofia-Fall 2011 Collection

I've had the pleasure of knowing Sofia for quite a few years now. Our relationship first started at the salon where she became a very loyal client of mine.
Sofia is an extremely talented designer who creates beautiful clothes that are vibrant and feminine. Perfect pieces for every girls wardrobe.
There is such an ease working with Sofia when doing the hair for her shoots. She's always looking for a look that is natural and slightly imperfect. Almost as if the girl wearing her clothes could have done the hair herself which I can really appreciate. We all want to feel like we can look as gorgeous as the models showcasing the clothing.

www.sofiaclothing.com, info@sofiaclothing.com

Contessas - Mens Category

So the suspense is over! Made it to the semi-finals for Contessas this year. Top 10 in all of Canada isn't bad, eh?

Although I didn't move on to the finals this year, this experience is always a time of growth both personally and professionally. I learn a lot about what works for me and where I can improve which I know will make me stronger in my future projects.

I will keep trying!

Here's what I came up with...Loving more classic and slick looks for men right now

Super talented photographer: Silva Erglis, silvaerglisphotography@gmail.com
Models: Levi, Jason, Alex

Braided Beauty

I thought it would be fun to start posting some hair tutorials to hopefully inspire someone to try something

   new or learn a new technique.

I wanted to show a look that I like to do which creates a soft, romantic, and casual feel that is easy to do

   with a few basic techniques. Its a great way to create some interest in your hair for any outfit.

Hope you like it!

Step 1:
Curl hair with a medium sized curling iron taking horizontal sections. Don't worry about making every

   section perfect. Its just to give your hair some movement.

Step 2:
Part your hair from the center of your forehead to the center of your nape and section off.

Step 3:
Braid the entire section of one side. I like to do a fishtail braid but you can do any type of braid you

   like and secure with an elastic.

Step 4:
Holding the end of the braid, pull random pieces of the braid outwards to create texture.

Step 5:
Cross the braid over to the other side and hold.

Step 6:
Secure the braid in place with bobby pins.

Step 7:
Repeat the same thing with the section on the other side.

 

And thats it!

 

I always say imperfections are perfection in these sort of looks :)

Braided Beauty Visuals...

Contessa Shoots done!

This is the time of year where I ask myself 'what now?'
My contessa entries are in the hands of the judges, and now I just sit back and wait...so much time, thought, and heart goes into each photo shoot that it almost seems too calm when it's all over.
This year I am competing for the 'British Columbia Hairstylist of the Year' and the 'Mens Hairstylist of the Year' award.
My approach this year was to go for a more sophisticated feel. Monochromatic colors and strong lines. Looks that offered something different yet wearable in everyday life.
I owe lots of credit to my talented photographers Sacha Andrews and Silva Erglis who made my vision come true. I look forward to working with them again! They worked so hard and on quite a tight time schedule. I am very grateful.
I'll post photos when results are in. Not allowed to publish them before then. My fingers and toes are crossed...just have to wait now and see!

Contessa Awards

 It's that time of year again. It seems like yesterday that I just finished this photo shoot for last years Contessa awards. I'm Getting details ready for this years shoot and Im excited! So much to think about and so many ideas! I look forward to sharing it with you when its all done, but for now here is a look at my collection from last year.

Photographer - Jennifer Dickinson
Models (top to bottom) Kora, Hannah, Sacha
Make-up - Svea Leigh

Color Trophy

Not too long ago Color Trophy happened. A much anticipated event that is hosted by L'oreal Professionnel to discover and recognize stylists all over Canada for their talent and ability to make people beautiful. 

This year I worked with my talented co-worker Travis Mercer. We created two looks for the men's category. A brunette and a blonde. Both very handsome and commercial looks that were different, yet realistic to what men could wear comfortably in their every day lives. 
We were excited to get the news that both models placed in the semi finals. We took two out of the five possible spots. 
We competed live in Vancouver and had a great time. We didn't receive first place but felt confident with what we delivered. We wouldn't have done anything differently. 
I think we created two winning looks, but there's always next year!

Cut: Travis Mercer, Color: Robin Achterberg
Model:Mat Dagenais, Photograher: Jennifer dickinson

Cut: Travis Mercer, Color: Robin Achterberg
Model:Mat Dagenais, Photograher: Jennifer dickinson 

Entering the Blogging World

So here I am . . . I've been wanting to start a blog for some time now. Not sure why exactly, except that it seems like it would be fun! I've been a hairstylist for about 6 years and absolutely love it. I also enjoy competing and doing photo shoots which keeps me inspired and curious about the latest and greatest in the hair and fashion industry. There is tons of information and ideas out there, so I wanted to create a space where I could share the things that inspire me and hopefully inspire others as well.