Guest Blogger: CJ STYLES: put the puffers away

Ever put together an amazing look for the night then come to find out you only have your giant puffer coat to wear over it? Way to RUIN a look! It's so easy to dress up your'outside' look. Just throw on an adorable hat, scarf, and fitted coat you're good to go. BUT, its all in the details!

Tonight, for New Year's Eve, look chic inside the party AND out.

shop
(the shiny tweed is PERFECT for a NYE celebration!)

shop
(infinity scarves are SO fun, play around with the look!)
shop
(this fun 60's feel hugs you right at the waist; creating a great hourglass shape!)

For more fashion advice, please contact CJSTYLES

Xo

What's Happening Wednesday- Spread the Love Tour!!!

Oh me, oh my! I'm beyond excited about what's in store for me next week! On January 6th, I'm attending the SPEAD THE LOVE TOUR in NYC, hosted by Justin and Mary Marantz. Justin & Mary are internationally traveled destination photographers, who call New England home. Justin is a 2003 graduate of the highly-acclaimed Rochester Institute of Technology, and Mary is a 2006 graduate of the Yale Law School.

Spread the Love is not a photography specific workshop. It's a LIFE workshop. So anyone in a service based industry or who works for themselves could attend!! The whole idea is to show you how to build a business that works for you (rather than always the other way around) so you can get back to having a life again. Seriously, when was the last time you felt like you had a life outside of your business? So we focus a lot on building up your business, but we'll also dig into things like building your financial house, taking care of yourself and your relationships with the people you love, and giving back to the bigger picture. It's the feel good movie of the year!!

For more information on Justin and Mary or to sign up for the Spread the Love Tour, click here!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday- Applying False Lashes

New Years eve is only a few nights away and you have your special outfit all ready but you're not sure what to do with your makeup? It's the perfect time to have some fun and try something that you wouldn't do everyday. One way to make your look more glamorous is to apply false lashes. Here is what you'll need and the application process:

Lashes: strips or individuals. ( I like MAC #7 or drugstore brand, ARDELL individuals). If you choose strips, measure the lash before applying with glue. Most times, you'll have to trim the lashes to fit your eye.
Glue: Look for surgical adhesive found in the beauty department of most drugstores.
Tweezers: any kind will do.
A magnifying mirror
Small scissor

1.) put a small dab of glue on the back of your hand.
2.) dip the pointed side of the tweezers into the glue and apply small dots to the backside of the strip. or grab an individual lash with the tweezers and dip the end of the lash into the glue.
3.) wait a few seconds for glue to slightly dry on the lash.
4.) make sure skin round the eye is free of any moisture
5.) gently place the strip down along the lash line. Then, using the back side of the tweezers, push the lashes down to the lid as close to the roots as possible. or with a very steady hand, place an individual lash in between your natural lashes, one at a time. You can apply individuals all the way across or just in a cluster on the out side corner.

* Don't worry if you see the glue at first, it will dry clear. Also, if done correctly, you won't even feel the lashes after a few minutes

* I prefer to apply mascara before applying false lashes. You can always go back after the lashes are glued in place and very gently add just a bit more mascara, but be careful because if the glue isn't dry, you can move the lashes out of place.

* I always line the eye first. When I apply strip lashes, I will often go back and add more eye liner, depending how dramatic of a look I'm going for.

The application is pretty easy once you get it down. If you don't have a steady hand or patience, you can always leave it to a pro. We do lash application at the Beauty Library for $15. Or, Makeup Applications are $50 and include lashes.

We are open on New Years Eve from 11-4

Call 860-469-JFBL to book your appointment! :) We'll be serving Champagne from 2-4!!!

Xo

Must Have Monday-Smith's Rosebud Salve

This product really is as good as they say it is!! It wins the gold standard award among celebrities and makeup artists and has for a long time! Originally made in 1895, the salve is a multi-functional lip balm, relieving not just chapped lips. You can use is on your dry elbows, cuticles, and to help clear up blemishes. You can also use it for diaper rash and on mild burns. Or if you are fighting a winter cold, use the rose salve around your nose to repair flaking skin. A dab goes a long way--the texture is smooth and it's slightly rose-scented. Leaves skin soft and supple.

Xo

What's Happening Wednesday- JFBL on Style Me Pretty

A few weeks ago, I teamed up with some amazing talent on the shoreline of CT for a winter wedding photo shoot. The shoot was recently featured on Style Me Pretty, the ultimate wedding blog!

Here is a list of the talented individuals who helped to bring this amazing story to life:

Anna Sawin Photography
Lucinda Wesson of Chocolate Creative Design along with Sara True, of True Event
Buzz Media
Myself and Lindsay Milan of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library
Yumiko Fletcher of Hana Floral Design
Tova's Vintage Shop


Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday! We'll be taking a break from blogging for a few days and returning next Monday December 28th!

Cheers!
Xo

Beauty Tip Tuesday- treating thin lips!

You have three options when it comes to creating fuller lips.

1.) You can see an expert for Restylane injections. This is when hyaluronic acid gels are injected into the lip tissue to give you a fuller pout and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

2.) You can use at-home treatments. There are many beauty products on the market to help plump up the lips. I have tried DuWop's lip venom and it really does work although the chili extract stung my lips so bad. The hot tingling sensation apparently draws blood to the surface, hence fuller lips.

3.) You can try the makeup option. To create a natural-looking, full lip, outline your lips with a nude lip liner that matches your natural lip color. Dust a light shimmer powder over the center of your lips and slightly above your cupids bow (the two triangles on your top lip). Then, finish with a sheer gloss that has a slight shimmer in it. Try JF Minerals super gloss in CHARMING ( available at the Beauty Library) to get the prefect look!

Must Have Monday-a positive attitude

"I BELIEVE IN MANICURES. I BELIEVE IN OVERDRESSING. I BELIEVE IN PRIMPING AT LEISURE AND WEARING LIPSTICK. I BELIEVE IN PINK. I BELIEVE THAT LAUGHING IS THE BEST CALORIE BURNER. I BELIEVE IN KISSING; KISSING A LOT. I BELIEVE IN BEING STRONG WHEN EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE GOING WRONG. I BELIEVE HAPPY GIRLS ARE THE PRETTIEST GIRLS. I BELIEVE THAT TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY, AND I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES". ~AUDREY HEPBURN

Fragrance Friday-A lovely floral shop

It's that time of year. You need to bring a gift to all the holiday parties lined up on your calendar. Flowers, candles, perfume, bath and body sets? All good choices for a thoughtful hostess gift.

A friend of mine owns the most adorable flower shop and gift boutique located in the quaint town of Mystic CT, called Hana Floral Design. If you haven't been there, you should definitely check it out! It's worth the ride, just to see the water views from the shop. They carry an array of Tocca candles and perfumes, along with some really beautiful hand-made bags. While you're there why not have one of the girls design a fresh bouquet to bring as a center piece or a custom wreath- now there's a gift that's sure to impress. Yumiko, the shop owner is wonderfully talented and super friendly! Stop by to say hello, shop, have a cup of coffee ( the coffee is always SO good, what kind is it Yumiko?!!)

Happy Shopping!

XO

CJSTYLES:: Stripes. The new white t?

I’ve always been a sucker for stripes. There’s something so simple yet edgy about a striped shirt. I’m talkin’ plain white with thin navy stripes. A boatneck version could make me sigh in the relief that I’ve found what I’m looking for (when I wasn’t even looking to begin with). It’s so easy to take the striped shirt to the next level. Try pairing it with a fitted vest, skinny jeans, and great boots. The vest too trendy for you? Grab a blazer (fitted, boyfriend, any style) and pair it with some awesome denim. Have a yellow cardigan? Throw that on over it and wrap a chunky scarf around your neck for a nautical winter look.

Make your new stripe tee your new white tee.

Some fabulous options:

vince

jcrew

Anthropoligie

contact me for style advice or to set up an appointment: chelsea@cjstyles.com
for more information on CJSTYLES please visit: www.cjstyles.com
for the CJSTYLES blog please visit: www.cjstylesblog.com

What's Happening Wednesday- Yoga Class

Years ago, I used to be a loyal yogi. For some unknown reason, I just fell out of practicing. I have been talking about getting back into yoga for a while now. So, today at 3:30, I am meeting with the respected, Ava Tyler for a private session!! I'm very much looking forward to having some time all to myself. Time to free my mind, focus and breathe....

Ommmmmm.

For more information on Ava and her classes, please visit her website: www.avatyler.com

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday- How to avoid dry skin this winter!

Oh baby, it's cold outside. Here are a few tips to help keep your skin soft, glowing and lush during these cold winter months.

1.) Use cool or warm water to wash your face. If the water is too hot, it can cause broken veins, irritation and dry out your skin.

2.) Change to a milky cleanser for winter. Here are a few that I have used and enjoy:

Sisley Cleansing Milk with white lily--you can wash it off or tissue off if you are very dry.
Trish McEvoy Cleansing Milk--leaves your skin dewy yet still clean feeling.
Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleaner--great for all skin types and is a good price

3.) Exfoliate less. 1x a week is good this time of year.

4.) Use an alcohol free toner ( really, this should be true for all year round!)

5.) Switch your moisturizer to a rich formula with ultra protection (Yes, you still need SPF in the winter!). A few of my faves:

Trish McEvoy Dry Skin Normalizer--leaves skin velvety, perfect under makeup.
Estee Lauder's Daywear Plus --can use all year, comes in 3 formulas and is good for everyone.
Clinique CX soothing moisturizer SPF 25--a secret weapon against rain, wind and cold-perfect for those who run outside.

6.) At night, layer a natural oil, like sweet almond oil or neroli oil under your creams for an added surge of moisture. These oils are great for everyone and can usually be found at your local whole foods market.

7.) If you get facials regularly, ask your aesthetician for a "hydrating" mask. The FASSAGE, available at the Beauty Library in Clinton, CT, uses a ROYAL GELEE mask this time of year, leaving the skin silky and super hydrated. :)


XO

Must Have Monday-CHI 44 Spray

I discovered this product a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to share it with you. If you use a blow dryer, hot rollers, a flat iron or curling iron, this product is really a true "must-have"!! The Chi Iron Guard Thermal Protecting Spray provides superior heat protection to your hair, from the inside out. Used on a regular basis, heating tools like the ones listed above will dry out your hair, make it look dull and in some case, even cause the hair strands to break off. Use a light mist of the Chi 44 ( be sure to hold it far enough away from your hair or it will make your hair hard) and you'll have ultimate protection and your hair will look super shiny! You can find this product and the entire line of Chi products at most drugstores and ULTA.

Xo

Fragrance Friday-Burberry Brit

Looking for the perfect holiday, winter fragrance? Burberry Brit is one of my favorites this time of year!

Family: Floral Oriental

Tone: Fresh

Style: Eccentric

Top Notes: Iced pear, Green almond, & Lime

Middle Notes: White peony, sugared almond

Bottom Notes: Tonka bean, Vanilla, & amber

Xo

Guest Blogger: CJSTYLES - The Sequin Clutch

GLITS and GLAM galore! The holidays are such a great time AND excuse to show a little flair. There’s no better way to do this then to carry a sequin clutch to your next holiday soiree. Pair it with something simple yet modern. When wearing an LBD you can wear any color sequin clutch for that POP. Maybe you want to channel the 80’s trend but don’t want to look like you actually stepped out of 1984? Pick a great hot pink sequin clutch and let that be the ONLY color you wear. If a red or blue dress is waiting patiently for you; opt for a gold sequin clutch for that old Hollywood feel. Pair with FUN gold earrings and basic black pumps. You cannot go wrong with black opaque’s in the winter. They are chic and do everyone’s legs justice! So ladies, glam it up this holiday season and show that YOU can rock the sequin trend-no matter what age.

1. gold clutch
2. black sequin with gold bow
3. circle sequin black clutch
4. purple sequin

contact me for style advice or to set up an appointment @ chelsea@cjstyles.com
for more information on CJSTYLES please visit www.cjstyles.com
for the CJSTYLES blog please visit www.cjstyles.com/blog

What's Happening Wednesday- Girls Night Out!!!

Beauty Tip Tuesday: The secret to finding the perfect foundation shade!

The secret to finding the PERFECT foundation shade:

In my opinion, foundation is the one area you want to try before you buy. My advice is to work with a professional makeup artist, so you can ensure the proper color match. However, I know how daunting department store shopping can be, so bring someone you trust with you or work with an artist you already have a relationship with. You want to try colors on your face, not your hands or arms. Your arms and hands are a different color than your face, so it's pointless to test it there. Visit the counter with a clean face or ask the artist working there to remove a portion of your makeup, preferably on a large area like your cheek or jaw line. After you try on the color, walk to an area where there is some natural light. If the color disappears into your skin, then you have found the perfect foundation shade!!

Application options:

1.) Fingers are a great tool, but not always with foundation. If you are trying on an oil free foundation and you apply it with your fingers, it is no longer oil-free and will not have good lasting power, as oils beak down the wear of makeup.

2.) Sponges( beauty blender is an amazing tool!) are great too! I especially like sponges for blending makeup, not for applying it. Often, the sponge will drink up most of the product, so you'll go through your foundation a lot quicker.

3.) A foundation brush ( Trish McEvoy makes the best brushes!) is newer on the makeup scene but a great investment if you wear medium to full coverage foundation and if you wear foundation everyday. The brush helps to achieve an even, flawless application.

Xo

Monday Must Have- The FASSAGE

What: The Fassage is an hour spa treatment combining all of my favorite indulgences-- a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure. A real head to toe experience.

Why: to relax, unwind, de-stress, be pampered, have soft, glowing skin.

When: anytime.

Who: anyone. (makes a great holiday gift!)

Where: exclusively at the Beauty Library in Clinton CT

How: First, we welcome you to our charming and cosy mini spa, where you'll get comfy in a soft rob and warm blanket. The treatment begins with a soothing foot soak with tea tree oil and bath crystals. Sip hot tea, read a magazine and leave the stresses of the day behind you. Next, hands are dipped into warm, paraffin wax and wrapped in mitts. Once you're all snug in bed, we start the facial treatment with steam, to open your pores. The facial also includes a gentle enzyme peel, hydrating mask, facial and decollete massage. Next, hands, arms, legs and feet are massaged with softening, sweet almond oil and lavender lotion. We finish with a blissful head and scalp massage. It's just doesn't get any better than this!!!!

$90

Holiday Special 20% off--- $72

Offer good until December 27th, 2009.

Gift Certificates are available

To book your appointment: 860-469-JFBL or 917-573-8100

Fragrance Friday- Rosemary Sage Candle by PADDYWAX

Great for Holiday Gift giving!! Paddy wax candles are 100% soy and burn for hours leaving a rich aroma to fill the room. Available in so many delicious scents. I am obsessed with the Rosemary and Sage, that my friend Tracy B. recently gave me as a gift for the Beauty Library!

Guest Blogger: CJSTYLES

When the weather starts to turn colder, I find myself always needing to feel comfortable, layered and chic! For me-its my favorite look of all. When the holidays start to near, I crave the feeling of cozy blankets, soft flannel sheets, and muted fall colors. Keeping that in mind, I try to incorporate them into my style for this time of year. My boyfriends flannel shirts, leggings, Frye boots, and a fitted blazer or cardigan to smooth it out keeps me fresh, young, and casual comfy chic! Try it for yourself, you cant go wrong.

John Patrick ORGANIC available at Tracy B in New Haven, CT.



CP SHADES available at Tracy B in New Haven, CT.



Once hat weather comes along, pop one on! I’m loving the following. They add such a pop of style to any look! What’s better then style AND function?

Always Adorable Anthropologie:



Anthro Again!



Over 40? This look works for you too! For a sleeker feel, switch out the Frye boots for a sleeker flat riding boot or something with a bit of a heel. And YES- you can wear leggings and be comfy like the rest of us!

What's Happening Wednesday- Our 1st Wedding Anniversary

Sunday December 6th is our 1st Wedding Anniversary!  I can hardly believe a year has passed us by already!  I thought I would share a glimpse into our special day and share our story with you.  

The holiday season is special time for me and Doug.  We met each other on Christmas day ( yes, really), rescued our black lab Ellie ( a gift from Doug ) the following December and got engaged under the tall, glistening tree in NYC the December after that!  So, it made just sense that we would have a winter wedding celebration!  We loved our wedding day so much!  It was an intimate gathering of our closest friends and family, a quintessential New England experience at the Bee and Thistle Inn.  

This coming weekend, we'll be reminiscing on all the fond memories as we celebrate our first year of marriage!  I'll be sure to share the what Doug has in store for us, it's all a BIG surprise!

Reception: The Bee and Thistle Inn

Photographer: Amy Etra for Leslie Dumke Studio

Dress: Vintage

Veil and accessories: The White Dress by the Shore

Fur: Saks Fifth Avenue

Flowers: Cynthia's Flower Shop

Church: St. John's Church, Old Saybrook

Cocktail Entertainment: CT Yuletide Carolers

Receptions Entertainment: Kipp Sturgen & Co.

Hair and Makeup: Kelly Sharkey of JFBL

Happy 1 year anniversary, Doug!  I love you so much!

Xo

Trend Tuesday: The Mermaid Wave

Ahoy, there's been a mermaid sighting!  And, I'm not talking about the one that waves to my grandfather on his walks to the beach!  The Mermaid wave hair style of the 1940's certainly made a big come back in 2009!  

Monday Must-Have: Beauty Blender

This past weekend, I spent some time preparing for a photo shoot that I am proud to be working on later this week.  I'm so excited about this project because I am working with some of the most talented people in the wedding industry and it's taking place at one my most favorite CT locations, Island Farm.  Stay tuned for the final results.  We will be showcasing not only an amazing portfolio capturing the details of this extraordinary island but a video of all the "behind the scenes" action as well!

With the (top-secret) inspiration in mind, I hit all the beauty stores I could find to stock my kit with the most amazing colors and tools I would need to create the looks.  Along the way, I found one great tool that every woman should have!  The Beauty Blender is a must-have!  It helps create a flawless, airbrush finish to the skin.  It's different than most sponges, mostly for it's shape.  The pointy tip helps you to blend those hard to reach places like around the nose and under your eyes.  The flat end is perfect for blending the larger areas of the face.  It's easy to clean and pack away in your makeup bag!

The Beauty Blender is available at www.beautyblender.net or other versions are available at www.ulta.com

XO

Love in Black Friday

Without a doubt CREED makes the most luxurious fragrances around!  If you love a warm, spicy mysteriously sophisticated scent, you will go crazy for LOVE IN BLACK.

The scent was inspired by the unforgettable First Lady, Jackie O.  Found in this blend is Virginia cedar from the country side where she enjoyed the chic equestrian life, often wearing a black riding cap.

Top Notes: wildflowers from the Greek Isles, where she wed 40 or so years ago.  Violet from Italy where she later visited.

Middle Notes: Iris from Florence- her favorite city.

Bottom Notes: Black current from Bourgogne in her beloved France, where her ancestors were born.

$230 for 2.5 ounces

Available at Bergdorf Goodman

What's Happening Wednesday- Giving Thanks at the Beauty Library!

Happy!  Thanks!  Living!  That's exactly how I feel!

In honor of  Thanksgiving, I'm offering YOU a special treat at the Beauty Library!  

Stop by for holiday cheer, sugared donuts, hot cider and a FREE brow shaping from 12-6pm.

Share the news with your friends!

By appointment or chance:  860-469-JFBL 

Beauty Library is located at:

110 East Main Street

Clinton, CT 

Happy Turkey Day,

Xo

Trend Tuesday-Glitz, Smoke and Roll at the AMA's

I always look forward to any award show on television, simply for the hair, makeup and fashion trends.  This past Sunday night was the American Music Awards and what a show it was!  From the jump out of your seat opening show by Janet Jackson to the incredible racy act by Adam Lambert, there were plenty of hits and misses when came to beauty.  The Glamour Beauty Blog took a poll and so I am borrowing the idea to see what you all think.  So tell me, where these looks do's or don'ts?

Rhianna: pink eye liner and spiky lashes

Leona Lewis: dark green smokey eyes

Jennifer Lopez: rolled back hair style

Adam Lambert: glitzy, metallic nail polish

I would like to add, that Carrie Underwood was my personal favorite for hair and makeup at this years AMA's! 

XO

  

Must Have Monday- Le Source Hand Cream

Winter is almost here and it's time to stock up on lotions and creams.  I always keep a hand cream in my bag or on my night stand, especially during the cold New England months.  La Source by Crab Tree and Evelyn is one of my favorites!  The real shea butter makes it feel so luxurious and it has a nice clean refreshing scent.  It makes a nice hostess gift too!

Fragrance Friday--New Moon Solid Perfume

This solid perfume is an exotic and mysterious scent created by one obsessed Twilight fan! 

New Moon is long lasting, 100% vegan, alcohol-free, sensitive skin safe, and very convenient for travel.  

It's a rich, brooding blend of dragons blood and crimson red rose petals.  Sounds like it might attract some vampires to me! 

The creator Lunaboo, suggests applying to pulse points: behind ears, wrists, between breasts and behind knees.

Find New Moon and other solid perfumes, like the popular Volturi (shown above) for only $5 on esty.com

XO

Guest Blogger Thursday- CJSTYLES-Over the Hill? Over the Knee!

under 40
under 40
over 40
over 40

What a treat I have for all of my loyal readers!  Miss Chelsea Jacob Tyler has taken time out of her super busy schedule this holiday season to share some fashion advice with us!  Oh, this is cool!!  Read below for one of the best trends in fall and winter footwear! Be sure to check back next Thursday for more fashion advice from the one and only, NYC wardrobe stylist, Chelsea of CJSTYLES!

Xo

Over the hill? Over the Knee!

So many women today are STUCK in their ways! Part of my job as a stylist is so help women realize that its imperative to stay with the times. Over the Knee boots are a huge trend for late 09 and can be for women of any age-as long as they are choosing the RIGHT style of OTK boots for their age. If you are 40 and above-a black leather high heel OTK boot is not the right look for you. However, a casual worn in look flat boot in brown OR black can look great with jeans, tees, and an oversize sweater. Or a classic high riding boot. See above. Work it ladies! 

Now, if you are under 40, you have a little more room to play. Styles with a stacked heel and tighter around the calves can look amazing and can be worn from day TO night. Which we alllll love. Whatever makes our lives easier-right? Wear with leggings, tights, or skinny jeans. Since OTK boots are loud and a statement piece, be careful not to overdress. Wear a simple chunky necklace(and that’s it.) or something to play down the look if you are afraid you will be too dressy. If you WANT to be dressy-play them up. Layer, add some bangles, some loud earrings and ‘click-clack’ your way to confidence. 

Thanks Chelsea!  

XO