Philly Find: Heads &Tails Beauty Boutique

With all the fuss about Drybar, Blow, and the other blowout bars opening in NYC, LA, and other cities across the U.S., it was a little hard for us Philly ladies not to feel left out. I mean, could there be a more convenient, affordable luxury than going in for a relatively quick blowout and walking out with great hair that’ll last for days? Probably not. Well, thank goodness for the recent opening of Heads & Tails, a blowout and waxing salon just off Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. I was invited in for an appointment last weekend to try out the salon’s blowout services.

Before I go into my salon experience, I want to share the story behind it, because I love the way this small business started. Dana Morrison and Jenne Doyle grew up together in South Philly. They both entered the corporate world, and when they realized they were unfulfilled, decided to pursue their true passion and both went back to cosmetology school. Dana studied hair, and went on to work in some of Philly’s top salons, while Jenne became a licensed aesthetician. They eventually teamed up to start their own beauty business together, and Heads & Tails opened to the public this year.

One of the 3 styling stations in the salon.

Ok, so what’s this new blowout bar like? I have to admit I was hesitant about going. You know how visiting salons for the first time can be really uncomfortable? You never know if the atmosphere is going to be snooty, or if you’ll jive with your stylist, or be forced to make small talk. The minute I walked through the door, Dana greeted me by name, offered me a mimosa and cookies, and made me feel completely at ease. Dana and Jenne could not have been any friendlier! They were genuinely so nice and I could tell they had a way with making clients feel totally comfortable and relaxed.

PHYTO products for sale in the waiting area.

They offer 3 signature blowout styles (loose, beachy waves; sleek & straight; full volume), or you can request whatever style you have in mind. All blowouts are $35 and include a wash. I opted for beachy waves after I saw Dana finish up her work on the client before me (whose hair looked fabulous). Dana washed and conditioned my hair before blowing out my naturally wavy strands into a smooth, sleek style. I requested extra volume on top, so as she worked, Dana placed large velcro rollers around my crown and left them in as my hair cooled. When the blowout was done, she twisted loose, carefree waves into my tresses with a curling iron. I was in and out in under an hour. And my hair looked awesome! It was probably the best blowout I’ve ever received, and I think that speaks to the salon’s vision: when you focus on great styles and omit cuts, colors, and most other services, you get truly amazing-looking hair.

The view from 19th Street.

If you need a little extra TLC with your blowout, you can book a hair/scalp treatment with your service. Heads and Tails also offers a full menu of waxing services, performed by Jenne. Waxes range from $8-$60, and are performed in a private room (with very cute wallpaper!).

Heads & Tails is great for getting a blowout before a big event, like a wedding. Its Center City location is really convenient if you work in the area and need to pop in for a lunch-break wax or style. And they book parties! How fun would it be to bring your girlfriends here for a day of beauty? I know I’ll be back — and I’ll be bringing my friends.

Heads & Tails Beauty Boutique: 265 S. 19th St, Philadelphia, PA; 215.875.8343; headsandtailsrittenhouse.com.

Full disclosure: This complimentary service was provided by the salon. Complimentary services and/or products do not guarantee a positive review.

Salon Vanity’s Locks of Love Day, 9/25

Philly ladies, this is for you! Salon Vanity is hosting their annual Locks of Love Day this Sunday, Sept. 25. The salon is now booking appointments from 10am-4pm.

This is such a beautiful cause. Locks of Love will donate 10 inches of your gorgeous hair to a child suffering from medically-related hair loss. If you’ve ever considered donating, this is a great time. Not only will you get the satisfaction of helping someone in need, but you’ll benefit, too: Vanity is an upscale salon with prices to match, and you’ll receive your shampoo, condition, cut, blowout, and style for free that day.

And even if you’re not quite ready to give up 10 inches of your hair, or if it’s not long enough, you can still help. Stop by the salon that day and pick up a product from Moroccanoil or L’Oreal Professionel; all proceeds go to charity.

For more info, check out their Facebook page for the event.

Salon image via Salon Vanity. Logo via Locks of Love.

Weekend Snapshots

This weekend, we got our first taste of fall weather here in Philly. A cool, brisk breeze blew through as temps dipped and the first few leaves started to fall from their branches. It was a perfect time to usher in the new season.

On Friday night, I attended a cocktail party and book signing at Terrain in honor of the release of the new book, Design*Sponge At Home.

Me with Design*Sponge founder Grace Bonney

Terrain served specialty cocktails (made with apple cider, Root, and and a dash of vanilla vodka) in mason jars with little wooden flag accents.

Baubles I wore to the event. Clockwise from top left: Michael Kors watch; J.Crew necklace; Wendy Mink earrings; Rabid Fox knuckleduster; LOFT feather pin (used as a hair clip); Digby & Iona 14-point Stag Ring.

You have to see how beautiful Terrain looked…more photos after the break.

Weekend Snapshots

This weekend was unexpectedly packed with stops, shops, and lots of action. A welcome change from the quiet, lazy days of summer I’ve been experiencing in weekends past.

I dropped by the annual Manayunk Arts Festival to see local and national artists hawking their wares: everything from jewelry to photos and prints. This pretty painting is by local artist Katie Jeanne Reim. I have one of her prints hanging in my living room.

On Saturday morning, we stopped by the Three Potato Four barn sale, a once-a-month round-up of antiques, found objects, and little surprises, all for sale in a giant old converted barn. The raw space is rough and rustic, and the objects inside are equally old-timey. I love to think of what the items were used for in their past lives. It was so good, I had to go back on Sunday!Old bottles in good shape are hard to come by, but they selection here was plentiful. And I adore the wood slab table on which they were all lined up. Even the old labels were intact!I particularly loved the mix of frosted baby blue bottles.Tins with typography that spelled out “fresh oysters.” And century-old taxidermied fox heads set up next to them.These old numbers would be great for an entryway or just haphazardly strewn on a side table.

Finally, I helped my cousin move into a new apartment in Center City. This is the view from her window…lovely!

What did you do this weekend? Whatever it was, hope it was wonderful.

Rainy Day Antiquing

Saturday brought torrential rains and blustery winds to Philly. But even the miserable weather wasn’t enough to keep Mia, my cousin, & I from our mission: antiquing. We popped into 2 South Philly institutions: Anastacia’s Antiques (617 Bainbridge St.) and Antiquarian’s Delight (615 S. 6th St.). Anastacia’s was like a giant treasure chest, packed to the gills with wonderfully weird things and gorgeous old finds. Here are some snaps from our journey through the store. Although we left without a stunning vintage camera, we did score some old keys and postcards from the early 1900s.

I fell in love with these vintage cameras.

This neon sign (“Drugs Liquor”) would look cool illuminating a window at night.

This guy looked like he was going to come to life and do a dance.

These life-size girls were adorable, watching us pass through the shop.I wouldn’t mess with this guy.

Shhhh…I’m Gonna Let You In On a Little Secret

I love a good homegrown success story. Sh. Cosmetics is a Philadelphia-bred line of all-natural cosmetics and skincare. Sh. Cosmetics (pronounced shhh) is the brainchild of makeup artist and aesthetician Megan Ambroch. Frustrated with the lack of natural makeup options on the market, Megan created her own line of all-natural cosmetics fortified with vitamin E to help protect the skin from free radicals. The products are cruelty-free and not tested on animals. They also provide moderate color and coverage with a light, wearable feel.

Although the whole line-up is fab, there are a few standout products that I have to mention. The mint gloss ($16), in “color” and sheer formulas (pictured at top), is a fave, beloved by Philadelphia magazine and in-the-know locals. (Check back for a review of the glosses next week.) I like the Line-n-Gloss ($19) lipliner-gloss combo stick. The universally-flattering Garden Bouquet Blush ($36) is a gorgeous mosaic of color raised into a rose shape.

Oh, and also, the website is absolutely gorgeous. With a wood-grain background and professional product photos, you’ll have as much fun browsing the site as you will buying the cosmetics.

Weekend Snapshots

The past few weekends have been full of family, friends, and celebrations. Here are some snapshots I captured to commemorate the highlights of the past 2 weekends.

Celebrated Danielle and Brian’s engagement with dinner and drinks at Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore

Went to a baby shower for Steph. Danielle made the favors: gummy bears in mini baby bottles.

Sunday brunch at Royal Tavern in South Philly

Philly’s City Hall glittering in the full moon (supermoon)

Marzipan lambs all ready for Easter at Isgro (amazing Italian bakery in South Philly)

A weekend shopping spree in the city with Jen, my oldest friend, yielded an elegant (and sparkly!) new J.Crew necklace…

…And while I was there, I snagged a new pair of pink ballet flats, too!

Wishing for more fun spring weekends!

BHLDN.

If you follow fashion, you’ve likely heard the major buzz about BHLDN, Anthropologie’s new bridal offshoot brand. Bhldn (pronounced “beholden”) features wedding gowns and accessories with a vintage vibe and feminine embellishments. The gowns are not overly fussy, but intricately detailed in just the right ways.

And they don’t stop at bridal gowns — they’ve got bridesmaid/party dresses, to-die-for hair accessories, jewelry, shoes, and lingerie. Basically everything a bride-to-be needs.

Here are some standout picks from BHLDN’s new collection, which is available online now.

Eyelet Medley Sheath ($1,000), Tiered Tulip Gown ($2,400). Pictured top: Ehthereal Monarch Gown ($3,500).Gin Fizz Shift ($450), Valenciennes Dress ($350)

Philly Find: Moko

Moko is a superslick, supercool salon in the Old City neighborhood of Philly. I’ve never been in for a cut, but I stop by to check out their selection of organic, natural makeup and body products. They carry hard-to-find lines like Coleur Caramel, Brownearth, John Masters Organics…and many more. In a world where this stuff should be on shelves everywhere, we still have to search for it. But Moko makes it a lot easier to get your hands on the goods in Philly. If you live in or near the city, I’d definitely recommend stopping by.

Nordstrom Fall 2010 Trend Show: Paint the Town Beautiful

Twice each year, Nordstrom puts on a fashion show…for makeup. The Philadelphia fall 2010 show, “Paint the Town Beautiful,” was on Oct. 23. Nordstrom corporate beauty director Julianne De’Chaump emceed the show. Like last year, Julianne was high-energy (at times waaay louder than necessary), and products were flying into the hands of audience members so fast, you’d think you were on Oprah’s show.

Julianne shows the crowd the Osmotics on-site facial machine with blue copper and LED treatments. Complimentary quick facials were given after the show.
MAC Senior Artist Romero Jennings (aka my makeup idol) talked about MAC’s fabulous 227 face brush (which he’s holding here in his hand), and big lashes being a huge fall trend. MAC #7 and #44 lashes are his top picks, paired with loads of Dazzleglass gloss and flawless skin.

Models worked the runway between the 3 acts: Everyday Beauty, Bold Beauty, and Modern Beauty. Themes that kept popping up as being huge for fall: bold brows, flawless skin, and dramatic red lips. Bold color on eyes and lips was hyped, too.