le shimmy snip

blingin' in the new year

2010-12-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

This time of year DIY projects always seem appropriate so here is another tutorial for the week, this time a bling bling holiday party manicure. Posted by the lovely lady behind seablanket. This project requires the use of flat bottom jewels or crystals. I personally love the many colors that Sawrovski makes, which you can find aplenty here. The vintage rose and griege are my favorites.

You could also go all out, like Katy Perry, but this might require you set aside some time and maybe a pal to help you out.

A few more ideas for DIY manicures:

And when in doubt there is always the classic Jungle Red, as inspired by The Women.

Nars' pretty holiday pack includes: Purple Rain, Versailles, Jungle Red and Orgasm.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

holiday waves

2010-12-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

So excited to be spending some time with my sisters for the holidays, I can't wait to get my hands on their hair! The fabulous Miss Brig Van Osten posted this super easy tutorial on Pin Up style waves. This look would be perfect for our New Years Eve party!

You will need:

heat protectant with flexible hold:Bumble and Bumble Does It All spray

1" clipless curling iron: Enzo Milano

double prong clips (short & long)

wave clips

finishing creme: Oribe Supershine Moisturizing

If you have long hair you can still pull this look off with a faux bob. Here is a tutorial by Love Maegan. The video makes me laugh but the end result is really pretty.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

tis the season

2010-12-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

My friend Jessica called me with an urgent desire to be "fire engine red!" Her inspiration, Rihanna. I was equally excited to take her to such a bold place. We set out for the beauty supply store where we bought Paul Mitchell red and added just a hint of red-orange. We had to pre-lighten, as she had dark roots and color on her ends. Here is the result, she pulls it off beautifully!

(jess is wearing one of my hair pieces!)

the inspiration:

If I were going red it would probably be closest to this last picture. hmmmmmm

xx shimmy shimmy snip

style muse: vv brown

2010-11-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

I love this lady. She is gorgeous and so so talented. There is something to be said of a signature style and this miss vv brown definitely has it.

"Being yourself. Trusting your instincts. I refuse to lose. I am a fighter. Be your self. My life is a motto of be yourself. Thats when the magic happens."

xx shimmy shimmy snip

Fall Salon Fair

2010-11-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

Salon Fair is a showcase, runway of sorts. I have been working hard to get my final look together and have finally narrowed things down. The theme is Through the Ages. I based my look on an early 1600's native american inspiration. I named my look Satinka which means "magical dancer" because it speaks to my mood these days!

Here are a few photos I found inspiration from along the way...

xx shimmy shimmy snip

bigger is... better?

2010-10-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

An age old question, but now it's about fashion.

Big braid.

Big glasses.

Big wedges.

Big cardigan.

Big brows.

Big heart.

Big (really big) hair.

Big smile.

Big curls.

Big skirt.

Big socks.

Big ring.

Big hat.

yep. Big is good.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

source: google, flickr, tumblr

cumbaya

2010-10-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

In my family Halloween has always been about the home made costume! This year I was really inspired by Bat For Lashes and her amazing headdresses. For this project I used:

* Leather strip 2" wide

* Faux fur lining

* Feathers (4 different sizes and lots of colors)

* Silk flowers

* Ribbon - turquoise sparkly 1/4" wide

* Glue gun

* Small silver star sticker

I also found a few more amazing pieces as inpiration....

xx shimmy shimmy snip

source: google, flickr

blonde ambition

2010-09-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

Ambitious is perhaps an under statement when regarding my recent hair adventure. Shear determination is more appropriate. I went from a naturally dark hue to a warm golden blonde. It was a two week process, with about a week of bright orange hair (fun for only about a day!). Here was my inspiration, (yes, I really LOVE miss Barrymore!)

xx shimmy shimmy snip

mani, manny, moe

2010-05-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

What's summer without the perfect polish?

Regency Manicure, $11

Free bottle of OPI nail polish too!

Too many choices? Can't go wrong with the old standby, Big Apple Red.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

salon fair flair

2010-05-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun participating in Salon Fair 2010. It was chaotic and the time seemed to go by super fast, but that made it all the more exciting. It also made me realize how much I would love to do runway and editorial work someday. I was going for a vintage freak show circus theme, "Tattooed Woman." The night before had a final fitting with my model, I rolled her hair in perm rods and old school sponge rollers. The day of, Jessica did her make-up and applied false lashes. I teased her hair on top, braided it on the left side and did a huge liberty roll on the right side. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but we were happy with how it turned out.

My awesome assistant, (and best friend) Jessica and I.

dress: Buffalo Exchange

slip: Flashback Vintage

tattoos: Lucy in Disguise, Spehora

hair pin: (gold and diamond spider) Lucy in Disguise

hair accessory: Forever 21

lashes: Lucy in Disguise

hair: Paul Mitchell, Aquage, Big Sexy Hair, Redken Forceful

xx shimmy shimmy snip

le circus

2010-04-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

About twice a year our school hosts Salon Fair, which is a runway show put on by the students and judged by local salon owners. This year the theme is circus. I have been busy finding inspiration and shopping around a bit for models and supplies. Here is my inspiration so far...

xx shimmy shimmy snip

very early christmas

2010-03-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

I just bought myself this 83 piece make-up kit! Eeeek. I am going to be running to the mail box for the next week or so until I get this little gem of a package. I am so excited! And it was 50% off. Get one here.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

the best way is twisted

2010-03-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

Braids are my current obsession. I can't stop these fingers. I am braiding in bed with my mannequin in my lap. Love me some braids.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

pin me up

2010-03-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

I've loved learning new make-up tricks at school and on my own. I am a big fan of finding a signature look, and I think this might be mine. This weekend (and to school on Friday) I wore a red lipstick (by True) and got a lot of compliments. All I need to work on is the perfect cat eye in black liner. Pretty soon a girlfriend of mine and I are taking a make-up class at Mac. Maybe then I will be able to make my own videos, just for you!

xx shimmy shimmy snip

70's and 80's

2010-02-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

First school photo shoot was dedicated to the 70's and 80's or a funny mix of both.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

this time tomorrow

2010-02-23T16:43:00.000-08:00

It's a sleepy, cozy kind of night. It's been snowing today. Freezing temps make me want to stay in, read a book (possibly a stack of magazines) and get warm under lots of blankets.

My favorite looks today...

a very blonde Kelly Osbourne,

big updos at the L.A.M.B runway show,

these bangs,

backstage: easy breezy hair.

Also instead of tv here is what I am listening to as I make my style book. (essentially this blog but in a sketchbook).

xx shimmy shimmy snip

ooh la la

2010-02-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

My favorite look this week. I love the simplicity of the photo despite the shocking hair color.

PS I want a cozy fancy tee. Perhaps I can refashion one of my husbands?

xx shimmy shimmy snip

tips and toes

2010-02-19T06:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday lessons capped off my knowledge of nails (for now). I'm not a big fan of acryclic nails (it's tough!) but I did fall in love with nail art. It's really easy to get really creative, you'd be surprised the art that can be created on such a tiny canvas. Soon, when we find our camera charger, I will post some pics of my own artworks. For now, her is some inspiration...

xx shimmy shimmy snip

queen of hearts

2010-02-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

"A girl should be two things, classy and fabulous."

- Coco Chanel

backstage: Chanel

xx shimmy shimmy snip

adornment

2010-02-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

Adornment. That is one of my favorite words. I am sitting in my craft studio making my valentines and wanting so much to stick them all in my hair. I am making each girl and each educator a little something something to adorn their hair. I want to keep them all, but then I would have none to give. Sharing is caring. Happy Valentines.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

a bit o' vintage

2010-02-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Roller sets, pincurls, fingerwaves, oh my! A few of my favorite inspirations for these new found (ie learned) techniques...

(I want to see this finished style!)

xx shimmy shimmy snip

meet miss kim

2010-02-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

School is a bit of a blur. It's only been 2 weeks, but they are passing by very quickly. Each day is packed with information. First week we learned all about wet styling, which includes roller sets, finger waves, and pincurls. Here is Miss Kim (my mannequin) after her roller set. (this was for our practical exam, I got a 10/10!)

Here is a great example of pincurls. I am still working on theses and fingerwaves.

source: flickr

Now it's on to perms and relaxers!

xx shimmy shimmy snip

2010-01-31T20:31:00.000-08:00

I'm too excited to sleep. Tomorrow is kit day, and no lie I love presents. OK, it's not really a present but a box full of new beauty supplies sure feels like it. It's perfect timing too, my blow dryer has been making crazy high pitched noise when I turn it on. (scary!)

xx shimmy shimmy snip

what's black, gray and white all over?

2010-01-27T18:34:00.001-08:00

... my school clothes. Yep, we are under strict fashion rules that say black on bottom and any combination of gray, white and black on top. I've always been a fan of black clothes, however after taking inventory of my current wardrobe I realized that I hardly ever purchase them. I have a pretty colorful array of things hanging in the closet and not much to wear to school. Here is what I have added to my wardrobe so far.

Now that I see it all laid out, I suppose it's still more gray than black, but a great starting point.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

(urban outfitters, american apparel, F21)

short and sassy

2010-01-26T18:14:00.000-08:00

The only kind of manicure I get is short with a pop of color. My go-to color is bright red, I even went red on my wedding day. Butter London has the most amazing array of colors. At $14, this is still an affordable way to get a manicure at home.

If too bright isn't your thing, try taking things down a notch, with Essie's matte finish top coat.

On a super tight budget, you can still treat yourself with e.l.f's array of nail polish and they are only $1. (sweet!) I just ordered the dark navy and fluorescent pink.

Top mani's from around the web...

xx shimmy shimmy snip

mariana and the diamonds

2010-01-25T15:42:00.000-08:00

The first few seconds of this video gave me hair envy. (ah curly hair!) I also have a thing for color that starts a few inches from the root, but this might change.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

(more Mariana here)

style chameleon: keri russell

2010-01-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

I first fell in love with Keri Russell as Felicity in the 90's. I was of course envious of her beautiful massive amounts of curly hair, and later terrified when she cut it all off and in not a very flattering cut. (I promise I will never give anyone that cut!) Since then she has had some pretty awesome hair moments. Whether curly or straight, short or long it's always pretty effortless. I love her multi-dimensional, almost blonde color.

I never saw Into the West, but I had to throw this picture in because it cracked me up.

And of course a shot of the Felicity days.

I think this post calls for a Felicity, chai latte, texts to my husband marathon (he's in new mexico).

xx shimmy shimmy snip

PS...

"It all started with my hair." -Felicity

"So you have a bad hair year... go buy a hat." -Noel

"The hair threw me." -Sean

"That's okay, I like mean songs about my hair!" -Felicity

it's all happening

2010-01-23T18:19:00.000-08:00

School starts in about a week! It feels so good to be on the road to doing something that I love full time. I'm super excited about "kit day" which is essentially orientation, but we got all of our new shiny brushes, dryer, combs and shears. I always did think that was the best part of school, the supplies. I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to pens, pencils and getting organized.

I do hope you'll come see me when I'm on the floor!

xx shimmy shimmy snip

let your hair down

2010-01-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

It's just one of those days... the kind where I might not even comb my hair, leave it blowin in the wind. How nice.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

style chameleon: drew barrymore

2010-01-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

I get my love of Drew Barrymore from my mom. She is a big fan of movies like Never Been Kissed and Ever After. (I love those films too!) Drew is a true style chameleon, she is not afraid of change, takes risks and looks good in every color and texture.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

bang up

2010-01-18T17:58:00.000-08:00

For some, the most important question when visiting their stylist is bangs or no bangs? For me the answer to that question has always been yes and full frontal please. I have had these ....

for quite some time. Soon I plan to go a bit shorter, just above the eyebrow.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

curls, curls, curls

2010-01-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

I was born with pin straight hair, so my obsession with pretty curls came pretty early on. About fifth grade I began to beg my mom to perm my hair. She said no. But on several occasion (hello, prom!) I did convince her to give me the curls of my dreams. Alas, I am still living with super straight hair, but I've never gotten over my love of curls. I also grew up with 2 very curly hair women, very particular about their cuts and styles. I hope to some day learn the art that is curly hair. For now, here are my top curly looks.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

the day off bun

2010-01-12T21:14:00.000-08:00

My favorite look for a day off is to lop my hair on the top of my head. It's best for things like laundry day, crafting, grocery shopping and walking the dog. It's simple and still cute enough to be seen in public.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

color story: red

2010-01-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

I was only a redhead briefly (less than a week!) but I have always been fascinated by the color. Sometimes I get the idea to do it again, but I never do. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful color with a lot of depth. There are so many shades of red, choosing just one could be quite tricky.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

twisted

2010-01-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

I started growing out my hair a couple years ago when I was engaged. I wanted to have long hair in time for the wedding in order to be able to wear it up in some way. Now I'm loving the length and am really excited to try some new things. My mom used to braid our super long hair when we were kids, some of these pics reminded me of that.

xx shimmy shimmy snip

edge of love

2010-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

I love 1940s's styling. It has a relaxed and pretty, but still done up feel about it. Edge of Love (Kiera Knightley movie) was a bit too sad for me, but the styling was worth the sitting. The hair and make-up is gorgeous and I was equally inspired by the clothes.

I love these face framing curls, it could be really pretty for a wedding do and birdcage veil.

Her hair seems to have gotten really dark in this shot, but I prefer it to the lighter version. Dark hair looks so pretty with pale skin and red lips.

I love collecting vintage hats, the only problem is that I never wear them!

xx shimmy shimmy snip

short shorts

2010-01-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

My little sister has been asking lately about pixie cuts. She has the most gorgeous dark brown curly hair, that I think is a perfect candidate for a short do. I think most people with thick hair have reservations about going too short, but done correctly it can be quite stunning. My sister also happens to have freckles and a great smile, so I would definitely give recommend this cut.

Audrey Tatou has some texture to her hair, but it is cut perfectly. It's fun and wispy. It wouldn't require much grooming time in the morning! I also love this yellow top and her make up is gorgeous.

Audrey Hepburn sported the short do too. My sister has the most amazing eyebrows, with just a big of bang added to the cut they could really be highlighted.

Michelle William's cut is slightly longer in the front, which would help it grow out really nicely.

This cut is really adorable when paired with vintage style, ala Kicia. (vintage blogger and fashionista).

xx shimmy shimmy snip

bobbin'

2010-01-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

The bob was my hair do of choice for my early twenties. I loved how easy it was to style and how groomed I felt all the time. In college with early classes and not a lot of time to get ready (i never woke up in time for a full blowout), it kept me looking polished.

Here is the style in it's earliest appearance, the 1920's and 30's. I love the combination of the length and bangs.

The bob is cute and playful and can be quite youthful. I love the idea of a sequinced mask as a headband.

This cut is really pretty with red lipstick and and dark hair. I love this shot of couple during their engagement shoot.

A great view of the angles in this cut. The color is really pretty too in contrast with her fair skin.

A slightly edgier version with longer pieces in the front.

I found this in the new Anthropologie catalog. Their models are always styled just right. This cut has really nice texture, and would work with wavy hair.

xx shimmy shimmy snip