MAN MAKEOVER!!!!!

Welcome to the Felix Design Studio's very first (and very successful I might add) MAN MAKEOVER!  

Above is our candidate, Jonny.  He's a pretty good looking guy, if your into the "I don't care what I look like and I haven't gotten a hair cut in over a year" kinda thing.  Look, we loved the beach bum look in the 80's (...wait, did we love it?), but it's time for an upgrade!  Welcome to 2012.  Who says men can't also get new "do"s (and we're thinking a Ryan Gosling style haircut would be nice)? Can just a haircut really help this guy out?  Well guess what everybody: a little time in Robin's chair can go a long way.   At least in Jonny's case, these before and after shots may have you pleasantly surprised!  Take a look for yourself and see the amazing transformation of the new and improved Jonny.  A man makeover at it's finest!

BEFORE

(yes, that is a pony tail)

SOME TIME IN THE CHAIR WITH ROBIN...

...add a little bit of Sojourn Sculpting Taffy...

And...(wait for it...)

AFTER

Looking smokin' Jonny!  Pretty good, huh?

Ladies, I KNOW you are looking at your husbands and wondering why they have looked the same for oh, the last, say, 10 YEARS?  I think it's time to bring our men back into the right decade, and coming up on the times means new hair, new look, new lifestyle!  Why not make it sexy!?  We're tired of men thinking "MOVEMBER" is a time to look especially hideous and stop grooming! So here's the scoop: bring your man into Felix Design Studio this month and mention the Man Makeover to get a discount on a men's haircut!  Bring in a fresh new look for the holidays!  Happy mancuts everybody!

Campaign Hair

Everyone on the hill knows there are 3 topics not to bring up at a Palos Verdes dinner table: politics, religion, and peacocks.  This blog is about to break that rule. Regardless of which side of the political spectrum you fall on, I think we can all agree that first lady Michelle Obama and presidential candidate Mitt Romney's wife Ann both had some great hair when they stood to make their speeches at the republican and democratic national conventions these past few weeks.  Have YOU been watching?

Although their views are very different, their hair was surprisingly similar.  They both rocked the above the shoulder cut with a few layers and waves giving their straight hair some movement.  It's classic, elegant, and a very convincing

reason to stop into the hair salon to get the look. 

 What's great about this dew is that it is very fashionable, while still managing to be AGE APPROPRIATE.  Plus, it's easy to upkeep.  The layers in the hair make natural waves that are easy to blow dry with a good round brush (we have a great one available to purchase in the salon!).  No need to fuss with curling irons or rollers.  It's perfect for women who don't have the time to spend an extra half an hour on their hair in the mornings (you know, to speak at political national conventions and what not). Who says you can't be smokin' and powerful?

Strength is Beauty: Spotlight on Some of Southern California's Olympic Women

If you are like me, you have been twiddling your thumbs for four years now, anxiously anticipating the Olympic madness to start up again.  Everything from the corny (yet inspiring) television commercials that give you goosebumps, the nation rallying together to cheer, holding your breath - hoping gymnasts stick their landings, getting wrapped up in emotional background stories of athletes who have overcome  devastating circumstances, and, if you're REALLY as nerdy as me, tearing up when athletes are standing on the podium listening and singing along to their country's national anthem.  It's all. so. good.
Getting excited yet!?!?!

***** U - S - A!!!!  U - S - A!!!!! *****

If you haven't been too in tune with this summer's U.S. Olympic hopefuls, get researching!  There are some amazing stories that will create fans out of even the least likely sports watchers.  I'm sure you are wondering why a salon is even blogging about sports.  We believe beauty is about being strong - physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually...you name it.  Well, we've got some pretty strong young women from right here, in Southern California, who are currently in London preparing for something they have been training their whole lives for.  If you are not sure who to be rooting for in the upcoming games...here are some SoCal locals we think you should watch out for.  These beauties represent strong women at their finest!

SWIMMING:

R*E*B*E*C*C*A    S*O*N*I

home: Manhattan Beach
age: 25
gold medals: 2
competitions: 100m & 200m breaststroke, 4x100m relay

Rebecca is a local Los Angeles resident who is also a part of the Trojan Family at University of Southern California.  Among the many swimming races she'll be competing in, she's a sure bet in the women's 200 meter breaststroke so be sure to watch and cheer!



SOCCER:

A*B*B*Y   W*A*M*B*A*C*H

home: Manhattan Beach
age: 32
gold medals: 1
position: forward

Abby has been the face of women's U.S. Soccer for some time now.  She scored the winning goal in the 2004 Olympics in Athens off a header in overtime, but was unable to compete in the 2008 games due to a broken leg.  Since then she has been the leading scorer for the U.S. women's team and since the U.S. men didn't qualify, Abby and the girls are going to have to hold it down for us on the soccer front!




BEACH VOLLEYBALL:

K*E*R*R*I   W*A*L*S*H

home: Manhattan Beach
age: 33
gold medals: 2

Kerri Walsh is back with her beach volleyball partner Misty May to take the gold yet again in their third run at the Olympics.  This dynamic duo has been described as the best beach volleyball pair in the history of the sport.  And the two cannot be stopped.  Many of you have seen them playing and/or training down in the sand in Hermosa and Manhattan. Watch Kerri rock the world yet again this summer - all while simultaneously rocking the U.S. bikini!


GYMNASTICS:

M*C*A*Y*L*A*   M*A*R*O*N*E*Y

home: Long Beach
age: 16
gold medals: none yet!

How can you not cheer for this fresh faced up-and-comer!?!  At age 16 (wow!) this young gymnast is in London for her first go at the Olympics.  She's a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the vault - so be sure to watch out for high scores on Maroney's olympic debut!


Olympic opening ceremonies will be happening this weekend!  Be sure to tune in (or if you're like me - get ready to be glued to the television for 2 weeks straight), and join the rest of America in cheering for our athletes who are competing over in London.  These men and women are doing what they love, what they have worked for and committed their lives to.  Strength is beauty!  Rock it team USA!!!!

What's Up, Ombre?

It's about time we took a minute to discuss the ombre.  What's ombre, you ask???  It's the style for hair that came back about a year ago and we can't seem to shake it.  I like to call it, more simply, the hair color fade...or the, "I'm letting my roots grow in" look.  I have to be honest when I say I was not a huge fan of the look at first - but I do think it's growing on me more and more.  Probably when I start to love it, it will be out of style...but I will say it's still pretty hot.

More specifically, the ombre hairstyle is lightening the tips of your hair gradually to blend with the darker top.  Sometimes, this just happens naturally from sun exposure, which is why I think this look was big for hippies back in the 70's - you know, being one with nature and all that jazz.  Fortunately, or unfortunately, for us (however you want to see it) that, natural, wavy, braids, feathers, and all things peace and love are trending yet again.  Hence, we see the modern day ombre.  It's young and fun and I think it's time to get on board.  Been contemplating it for awhile?  Come in and give it a whirl!


Yes, it is hard to pull off if you are a natural blondie, but you can still give it a whirl by lightening up the ends of your hair.  Or, if you're really feeling daring, the ombre trend has (as of late) taken quite an interesting spin.  The newest craze in different colored hair tips?  RAINBOW OMBRE!  Lauren Conrad sent this intense hair style spiraling into popularity by showing young girls how to do it on their own.   I know, I know, this is not for everyone.  I think you really do have to be YOUNG and FUN to pull off dying your tips shades of turquoise, purples, and hot pinks, but, hey, maybe you will become young and fun just by default for giving it a go.  As much of a statement it makes, we think the overall look is pretty cool.  It works by bleaching your tips and then soaking them in different color dyes.  Interested in giving it a shot?  Come in and we'll help you get the look!  Young girls...double check with your parental units first - we don't want anyone coming in furiously ranting and raving - and we want you to enjoy your summer without being grounded!

COLOR WARS: Blondes vs. Brunettes ROUND 1

Ah, yes, the age old question: which do you prefer?  Blondes or brunettes?  The battle has been going on for decades...  so what do you think?  Do blondes really have more fun?  Are brunettes really smarter?  Tell us what you think!

The following is a video of the Sunsilk Guys taking to the streets of New York asking women what they think.

Here they are asking brunettes if they are better than blondes...

...and here is what they got when they asked blondes if they are better than brunettes...

...here the brunettes explain why...

...and here the blondes explain why...

I don't know if either side raised any great points...but nevertheless, the color war continues!  

Which side are YOU on?????

  

Royal Beauty: Keep It Simple Stupid!

It's hard to not look at the newest member of the Royal Family - Kate Middleton - and keep yourself from falling head-over-heels in love with her style.  Everything about her irresistibly likeable-look draws immediate attention from awed spectators all around the world.  It's no wonder why we want to break down her beauty style and make it doable for us mere mortals!

Don't shy away from the fact that she's married to "prince charming" and found her happily every after - surrounded by personal stylists, hair designers, and makeup artists.  Despite all of that, her style is really quite down-to-earth.  It's NOT impossible for you to get her look without getting the "royal treatment" on a day to day basis.  We think that's what makes Kate's style so attractive to us: it's that simple, natural beauty.  Anyone, anywhere is capable of pulling that off.

Kate has a go-to hair and makeup style for both the casual, everyday wear, and for more formal events.  The great thing about sticking to what you know works, is that you can dress it up or down with your clothes.   So whether you are going to a wedding, birthday party, or just out to lunch, you can pull off the loose curls that Kate Middleton loves to rock.  It's simple, easy, and oh-so-beautiful.

There are two ways to master the voluptuous long curls.  Here's how you get the look:  With freshly washed and still wet hair, take it one section at a time.  To make it easier on yourself, clip up portions of your hair on the top of your head to keep them out of the way.  Using a large round brush, wrap the ends of your hair around the brush as you blow it dry.  To get a little more volume and movement in your hair, alternate the way you curl the ends of your hair - with some pieces flipping in, and some pieces flipping out.  When you get to the pieces at the top of your head, blow them dry in the opposite direction that they lay on your head.  This gives a little lift at the root.  For the pieces around your face, curl your hair (with the round brush as you dry it) away from your face to give it that sweeping look.

If you're looking to get a little extra curl after your hair has been blown dry, you can touch up the ends  with a large (1 1/2 inch barrel) curling iron, roll up the bottom 2 inches of your hair and hold for about 10 seconds per section.   From there, give the ends a good spray with a light hold hairspray (one that still gives your hair a soft look and feel).  I personally recommend Moroccan Oil Hairspray which keeps the hold but doesn't make your hair crusty and hard.

The good news is that once you've mastered the basic Kate Middleton hairstyle, you can get versatile with it as well.  Pull it back into a cute, casual pony, or use a couple bobby pins and gather a section at the top of  head with a casual half up - half down look.  If you feel like this would be too difficult for you, come into the salon so we can blow out your hair and show you how it's done in person!

 But we love that IT'S JUST THAT SIMPLE! The fact that Kate Middleton's style can be mimicked so easily is what makes her that much more likable.  And it's not just the hair that she does so simply.  Her makeup is always very natural looking - whether she's going to a park or a royal ball.  Again - what's not to love about this girl?!?  To get that natural, pretty, Kate Middleton - fresh face - keep it routine.  Guys aren't going to want you looking too done up with dramatic makeup anyways (they will just think you have a lot of stuff on your face).

So here it is.  This is such an easy - everyday makeup routine we all can master.  Stick with a light neutral color as your all over eyeshadow (from your lid to your eyebrow).  This should be a light - almost sheer - base coat for your eyes.  Directly on the lid she has a darker earthy hue (stick with a brown, grey, or even purple).  Line the entire eye (top and bottom) along the rim with a black eyeliner.  If you have lighter hair and don't want to do such a dramatic line, you can stick with brown instead.  Fill in the brow with an eyebrow pencil to make it look nice and full.  Match your blush and your lip gloss in a rosy pink shade to give it that girly touch.  Throw on some mascara and you've got the look!  No need to get crazy with it... this is something that really works for all occasions.  Like I said: keep it simple stupid!

Erin at the salon can help you pick out some natural colors to help you get a great every day - every occasion Kate Middleton look.  And why wouldn't you want that?  Believe it or not, we can all pull off that Kate kind of gorgeous (without it being a royal pain in our you - know - whats).  Simple, classic beauty. BOOM.

Lighten Up

“Stand on the highest pavement of the stair—           

Lean on a garden urn—           

Weave, weave the sunlight in your hair—           

Clasp your flowers to you with a pained surprise—           

Fling them to the ground and turn                

With a fugitive resentment in your eyes:           

But weave, weave the sunlight in your hair.”

            -T.S. Elliot La Figlia Che Piange

I cannot exactly tell you what this quote by T.S. Elliot is actually about, I cannot tell you that I know how to pronounce the title of this poem, but I can tell you I’m liking the idea he is trying to get across:  WEAVE, WEAVE THE SUNLIGHT IN YOUR HAIR!  Finally the sun is out, hot, and (fingers crossed) we think it’s here to stay! It's about that time to throw in a couple highlights in your hair!

There’s something about the look of having the sunlight in you hair that is just, so…"Southern California Summertime Chic."  Those golden rays of sunshine are looking for some highlights to catch in you hair to give it that gorgeous summer glow.  So let’s lighten up!

Of course, the degree of how light you go depends entirely on the color of your hair, but just because you have dark hair doesn't mean you need to shy away at the thought of highlights!   The truth is, if you’re outside in this beautiful weather, the sun is going to begin to lighten your hair naturally – so don’t fight it!  In fact, embrace it!  Sun-kissed hair is a good look on everyone!  We’re not talking about streaky, skunk-like blonde highlights on your head, we’re talking about a nice carmel-y warmth, just adding a hint of lightness to certain parts of your hair, giving it dimension and the constant “sun is shining” look. Here are some examples of what I’m talking about:

From there, the spectrum of lightness continues…depending on how blonde you want to be for these upcoming summer months. 

Are you loving some of these colors?  Pick out the color highlight that matches with your hair color now, bring the pic into the salon, and we’ll match it!  All that time you are spending out in the sun (with sunscreen we hope), it will continue to brighten those highlights – giving you that consistent, coveted summer glow.  So let’s do it!  Let Felix Design Studio weave, weave the sunlight in your hair!