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

What's Happening Wednesday- Homeward Bound Beauty Event

This event includes so much good stuff, I don't know where to begin!  I am teaming up with my favorite store Homeward Bound in their West Hartford location this Saturday for a delightful afternoon of all the pampering a girl can ask for.  You will find mini manicure by Chrysoula, 10-minute chair massages, a trunk show by AdveRT, wardrobe styling by CJ Styles, tasty munchies and 5 minutes makeup consultations with me!  This is a great chance to get beautified for the holidays and while your at it,  melt away some of that stress!  

Ladies, grab your mom, your sister, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker and come get pampered at Homeward Bound!  

See you there!

XO

Trend Tuesday- Short, DARK nails ( Twilight inspired)

It's safe to say that fake nails are definitely out and we may as well let the porn stars carry on the french manicure legacy.

Short nails are modern, chic and appropriate for all ages.  DARK colors may not be for everyone but they continue to be a hot trend this fall season.  My all-time favorite is "wicked" by Essie.  It's just one of those colors that is just as fashionable now as it was then.  If you are not so bold, try my other staple color by Essie: Sugar daddy- the pale pink hue has just the right amount of color and can be worn during any season.

The current trend in nail color is grey.  To me, it's a little played out and well, sort of morbid. Does it have something to do with the Twilight Saga?  Who knows, but if it will get me a date with Edward Cullen, then I'll wear it!! 

I do really like this new blue-grey version, however.  Blackened Blue by Barielle is the perfect shade for the holiday season with just a hint of sparkle to dress up your look.  

Go ahead, get your vampire on, it's fashionable!

Xo

Monday Beauty Must-Have: Dry Shampoo

This beauty product is high on my list of things that I can not live without!  The Pronto Dry Shampoo by Oscar Blandi rescues my hair each day following my weekly blow out.  It helps revive and refresh my hair!  The best part is you don't need any water!  The natural rice, oats, and tapioca starches cleanse your hair by absorbing oils and dirt.  The tea tree helps to treat hair and keep the scalp from flaking.  Just section off hair and use the tip at the top of the bottle to apply Pronto directly to your roots.  Then, massage your head and style as usual.  Your hair will have restored volume and smell fresh.

You can find this product for $19 at Ulta.

XO

Spotlight on Chelsea Jacob Tyler

I heart Chelsea Jacob Tyler!  

Chelsea owns a private fashion and wardrobe styling company here in CT.  She attended Parsons School of Design where she earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Design and Management program.  She continued her journey by working in PR for some of the top names in the fashion industry including Yves Saint Laurent, French Connection and Nicole Farhi.  Her experience in NYC also helped her to develop a keen eye for style and fashion trends. 

Chelsea and I first met a few months ago through a mutual friend. Every girls needs a friend like Chelsea in their life and well, in their closet.  One of my favorite services that Chelsea offers is:

The Wardrobe Edit--first she identifies your style and fashion needs, then she will revamp and reorganize your closet and teach you how to wear what you already have, differently!  She is running a holiday special right now.  $75 ( valued at $90/hr) 

I am really excited to team up with Chelsea this Saturday night from 7-10 as she hosts a cocktail party for her new business, CJ STYLES.  Together, along with Tracy B boutique and undergarment specialist, Josie Jolan of Beneath the Gown, we'll entertain you for night filled with fashion and beauty tips and if that's not enough to get you there, I hear we are serving espresso martini's!    

Come on, be stylish and join the fun:  rsvp to: chelsea@cjsyles.com

If you can't make it, be sure to contact Chelsea for a private consultation before the holidays.  

I am also so excited to announce that Chelsea will doing a guest blog spot here on my blog every Thursday beginning in a few weeks!  She will  keep us ALL up to date on seasonal fashion trends and let us know about all of those "must have" items!  

Check back soon for more from Chelsea herself.......

Xo

Beauty Event with Chamard Vineyards

Grab a girlfriend and come to Charmard Vineyards this Thursday evening for a glass of delicious wine and listen while I educate women on the tips and techniques for flawless, natural makeup application.  I will be featuring my new makeup line, JF Minerals- a mineral makeup line made from nature and fused with science.  JF minerals is free of fragrance, heavy fillers, talc and oils.  My products are a healthy choice for  your skin and perfect for all ages!  Don't miss this chance to get your beauty questions answered!  JF Minerals will be available for purchase.

See you there!

Xo

A Memorable Day in CT- JFBL Opening and Launch of Wedding Row

having a good time
seating area at the beauty library
spa room at the beauty library

more of the beauty library

the red house, home of JFBL and True Event
The White Dress by the Shore
Studio of True Event


On Sunday we opened the doors of the Red House and home of our new makeup studio and mini spa-Jennie Fresa Beauty Library in Clinton, CT for a celebration that brought together brides, friends, family and industry experts for a truly memorable day. Not only an incredibly special day for JFBL but for the other new businesses opening with us, Sarah True of True Event (my housemate in the red house) and Beneath the Gown (Second Floor of 110 E. Main St.).

In collaboration with the incredible talent of our three new businesses, and the amazing women of Stonington Design and Paperie (110 E. Main St.) and The White Dress by the Shore(110 E. Main St.) we launched Wedding Row... Great Style, One Destination.  Stretched between the historic properties of 104 East Main Street (Red House) and 110 East Main Street we have established a wedding community offering the best in events, bridal attire, lingerie, beauty, paper and design. The creative energy floating between the two houses is incredible and we are so excited about all that is going to unfold in the next year on Wedding Row.

I feel blessed to have so many supportive friends and family who came out on Sunday to celebrate and toast with me on this special day!  I am truly humbled by the turnout and want to express my gratitude to everyone for sharing this cherished day with me.  

JFBL and all of us on Wedding Row feel so incredibly lucky to have such wonderful friends in the industry that supported us in this huge celebration!  We would like to give an extra special thank you to all of you for making Sunday a huge success!

A special thank you to:

• Betty Parri of Perfect Parties, and her amazing crew crafted an incredible display of stationary and passed savory Hors D'oeuvres and sweet treats throughout the afternoon. Also showcasing the talents of her in house pastry chef, with a gorgeous collection of cakes that were designed and presented in the spirit of the four seasons.

• The uber talented, Yumiko of Hana Floral Design, totally went above and beyond to decorate each one of our spaces and the tent. The arrangements were crafted in the theme and design of each space and season. Absolutely gorgeous!

• Geof Gordon of Photobooth Planet kept the crowd entertained as they got together to take photos in his old school, fabulous photobooth. A huge hit at every event and defiantly the talk of this one!

• Chamard Vineyards treated guests to a tasting of their impressive portfolio of local wines. The winery is just a short trip up the road from Wedding Row.

• Rentals Unlimited provided the fabulous linens and rentals throughout the properties and Sperry Tents set up two of their tents in between the houses, showcasing their gorgeous blue star tent.

• Elan Artists and the talented ladies of Loukoum, an accordion and violin/cello duo, played as guests came in and out of the tent. They were not only absolutely adorable and super sweet but the sound that they created was brilliant. With a unique sound and combination of instruments they are the perfect accent of music for any special occasion and we were so lucky to have them be a part of our opening.

A huge thank you to Anna Sawin who captured all of the details so perfectly in a portfolio of pictures that will always

mark November 1st as a day to remember.

A special thank you to Kelly Sharkey and Nedelyn Perry for your all of your help in preparing for this day!

Lastly, THANK YOU to the amazing women of Wedding Row!  Sunday was a dream come true for me!   I am proud and inspired by all of  you!   

Please continue to follow our blog for updates on Wedding Row!

Xo

Yelp Review of JFBL and Wedding Row!

Putting Clinton, ct. on the map! Oh me oh my! I'm a sucker for a good destination location (re; Marimekko in cambridge, ma or barefoot books of cambridge ma) The businesses involved with the recently christened Wedding Row, have created quite the destination!  Wedding row consists of The White Dress By the Shore, Stonington Paperie, (Sara) True Event, Beneath the Gown (lingerie) & now, finally!! Jennie Fresa Beauty Library! This adorable nook, nestled within a story book perfect antique house is the place to go if you want your  make up done. Jennie's 'no make up' approach to brides and regular people is popular for a reason, it's to die for! She has just launched her own mineral make up line and is also offering her signature 'fassage' ($90= paraffin dip,  enzyme peel & arm, neck massage).  The space is clean, dreamy & meticulous.  Think Hansel & Gretel's dream house: minus the witch, minus the candy, and hey, let's get rid of Hansel too while we're at it!!  it's by appt only for now- but I know it's only a matter of time before the JFBL & Wedding Row takes over the world!

Real Women Doing Real Things with CJ STYLES

Mark your calendars!!  

Chelsea Jacob Tyler is organizing more than your closet---She's planning one amazing cocktail party brimming with girly fun on November 14th, 2009!  She is hosting this fun night of fashion and beauty to launch her new, wardrobing business CJSTYLES! 

I'm so proud to collaborate with Chelsea and Tracy B Boutique for this incredible fashion show featuring real women doing real things!  Together, we will demonstrate how to to achieve the right look for your age, size and style!  

I can't think of a more fun night out with your girlfriends!  Come join the fun!

XO