Made in America Monday: Bumble and Bumble

I have a confession:  Up until this spring I used cheap shampoo.  I'm not talking Pantene cheap, I'm talking VO5 cheap.  Granted, I've been known to drop $20 on hairspray, but that's another story for another day.  

It wasn't until my stylist explained that my greasy hair (that I always complain about) was being exacerbated by my crappy shampoo, that I decided to buck up for the good stuff.  Apparently the cheap stuff strips your hair and then your oil glands work overtime to get the moisture back.  Who knew?!

Since I tend to go big or go home, I didn't leave the salon with one high-end bottle of shampoo and conditioner;  I purchased two.  One set for when I wear my hair wavy, and another for the days I actually blow dry it straight (those are RARE).

On the days I just let my hair air dry (read:  every.  single.  day.) I use Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo, Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner, and Surf Spray.

Result = Beachy Waves

When I want a sleek, styled look, I use Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo and Super Rich Conditioner.

Result:  Smooth Locks 

Last week, I was thrilled to discovered that my beloved (expensive) shampoo was made in the USA.  For some reason, it makes me feel better to be bucking up for the good stuff since it's American-made.  Plus, my bad hair days are fewer and farther between and the grease factor has dissipated immensely.  Win-Win.

Way to go Bumble and Bumble, keep up the good work.

What is your favorite made in the USA hair product?  I'd love to know!

xoxo

Jenny

 

One of Life's Toughest Questions

It's an age-old question that has been plaguing women for centuries.  If you haven't asked the question yourself, you've undoubtedly been asked it by someone else.  It can be an agonizing decision to make - one that can often be met with catastrophic results.  (A certain 6th grade slumber party comes to mind...)  Yet time and time again women around the world are asking:

I've asked myself this question countless times and have made many [many] hair mistakes.  I've had long bangs, side bangs, short bangs, long hair don't care, short hair that was barely there; been blonde, brunette, permed, crimped, curled, straightened, updoed, layered, and donated.  At the moment I'm digging my long locks and bangs, but the hubs is less than thrilled.  He prefers to see my rather large forehead in all of its in-need-of-Botox glory.  To each his own right?

I argue that I prefer the versatility of bangs:  I can wear them down or pin them back and get completely different looks, but if they weren't there it would be all forehead all the time - and that is just plain old boring.

What do you think?

Do you prefer this fashionista sans bangs or rocking some fringe?

I realize we are also looking at straightened vs. wavy here, but that's another story for another day.
Just focus on the bangs.
And don't be afraid to be brutally honest.
I'm not easily offended, and will just end up doing want I want to do anyway.
It is my head after all. ;)

So what's the verdict?  To bang or not to bang?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Get your minds out of the gutter.  We are talking about hair, people.  Jeesh!

  

It's Friday!

Don't get me wrong, I love my kiddos, but when it's Fashion Week of Rochester and I could be sitting in a VIP seat at the fashion show at Culver Road Armory and hobknobbing with Rochester's finest at the after party at TRATA, let's just say it makes it tough to sit at my kitchen table in my jammies because I couldn't find a babysitter.  How's that for a run-on sentence?  You know what, I don't even care. 

Since I'm not out being fabulous but facebooking instead, I figured I might as well do the outfit post I've been putting off since Sunday.  Hey, I've been working on my Fall Trend Watch for Rochester A-List all week.  Make sure you check it out.

Well without further ado, some fall fashion from yours truly.  #OOTDLS (Outfit of the Day Last Sunday) featuring top and sweater from Anthropologie, Fabianelli boots, a.n.a. jeans via JCPenney, J.CREW necklace via ebay, Michael Kors watch and earrings from a boutique in St. Augustine whose name is escaping me.  Enjoy! 

This is my idea of "getting creative" with my hair.
I tied it in a knot and secured it with two bobby pins.
I'm not sure why I look like a linebacker.
My shoulders are 6 ft wide I swear.

Those are Fabianelli boots from Marshall's.
By far my best purchase in years - soft Italian leather...
They are like wearing slippers! Love, love, love!

This is me telling my husband to get over here
and take my picture already because the baby is crying.
I'm mostly a nice wife I swear. 

And the awkward photo shoot begins...

This is me trying something different...
Like the head tilt and hand on hip pose...
Oh wait...

Maybe I should just stand here...
With my hands in my pockets...
In crappy lighting...
Outside my garage...

Maybe I should just start taking pictures of my clothes on hangers... or laid out neatly on my bed...

Something to think about.

In the meantime, I'll give you something to think about:  what's your favorite thing about fall?  Are you psyched for layering weather?  I'm psyched for hot apple cider, riding boots, and pumpkin EVERYTHING.  

Okay kids, I'm peacing out - have family photos in the morning and have no idea what any of us are wearing... funny considering what I do... #irony

Nigh night lovelies!

xoxo

Jenny

Hairy Situation

I've had my share of bad hair.  You might recall (if you've known me long enough) when I was blonde? Or the time I accidentally ended up with Kate Gosselin's haircut (I asked for a stacked bob!) and my husband called me K.D. (Lang) for a few months?

If there is anything I've learned over the years, its the value of a good stylist (they are harder to find than you think) and the importance of communication.  The other thing I've learned is that just because something is trendy, in a magazine, or on a runway, doesn't mean it's a good idea.

The following hair trends are all over the place, but I would proceed with extreme caution before running to the salon or (gasp) trying these at home.

1.  Gray hair:

Image:  Lovely Crime Scene

Beautiful photo, probably not the most functional or versatile look.  I've actually seen this look referred to as "granny chic" (MSNBC) and I'm seeing it more and more.  You'll have plenty of time to rock gray hair on the shuffleboard court at the old folks home.   Until then, how about a nice honey brown or some highlights?

2.  Ombre

Rachel Bilson Photo:  US Weekly

A few years ago this look was called "roots."   Since when is a bad dye job trendy?  Beats the hell out of me.

3.  The Man Bun

Photo Maxime Salon

Ah yes the man bun,  two words should not be used together...ever!  But yet just this January, the NY Times thought this trend important enough to feature in their style section.  Read the artcile here.  I don't  care how hot you are guys, the man bun brings that whole dirty hippie thing to a new level that I'd just rather not experience.  I have an idea, why don't you go take a shower and then go GET A HAIRCUT!

4.  The Wet Look

Photo:  Harper's Bazaar

Also known as - dirty hair.  When I'm up all night with the baby and haven't showered for two days, you know what I do?  I stay the hell home, but if I MUST go out I put on a baseball cap!  I guess I never realized what I trend setter I've been this whole time.  Amazing!  Oh my gosh...WASH YOUR HAIR FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!

5.  Hair Wraps

Photo:  Real Beauty

These turban-esque numbers were all over the runways this spring, but unless you're toting a mop and a broom and coming to clean my house, I'd suggest leaving the hair wrap at home.  Thanks!

What about you?  Have you been the victim of bad hair?  Are current trends driving you bananas?  Share your thoughts in a comment below.

Happy Friday!

xoxox

Jenny

Give Me 2 Years and I'll Give You Good Hair

Hello!  So getting back into blogging is not going as well as I had hoped.  I think the main culprit is this ever-growing body of mine.  It's hard to be fashionable when you waddle.  So instead of bringing you some exciting fashion breakthrough or showing you my (gag) pregnancy style, I have decided to write about my hair.

These last few years have been interesting to say the least.  Let me take you on a journey:

Sept 2009 - Hair is long.
 I have a 4 month old baby and want no part of it. (the long hair not the baby)
So, a few days after this picture is taken I donate it to Locks of Love.

Oct 2009 after I had it donated.  

This is what happened when I asked the stylist to "clean it up in the back."
I went home in tears and my husband told me I looked like KD Lang.
I've been growing it out ever since.

Finally had it one length in November of last year.

Then in April I decided to get bangs.  She made it way too thin, but the cut is cute from the front... 

And a horror show in the back.
Note:  I actually told this woman that layers do not work with my hair!  Yikes!

So now I'm growing it out AGAIN.  Had it trimmed in August to get rid of some of the scraggle.  Wish I had a picture to share, but my chubby face is avoiding the camera these days (not to mention my hair is always in a pony tail).  It's time for a change (again).  I'm thinking it's time so some length again.  I'd love something like this:

I figure in about two years or so my hair should be looking great ;)  Anyone have any tips to get me through this painful, ponytail-ridden process?