What's Happening Wednesday: Project Style Fashion Show

Tomorrow afternoon I am heading over to the New Haven Lawn club with my girl, Nedelyn Perry and our new intern, Miss Shelly to doll up the models before they hit the runways and show off the amazing styles of KARA JANX!

Can't wait to do some fun spring makeup!  We'll keep you posted on a "behind the scenes" look at our day on-location!

Please come by and support this wonderful cause!

For more information, please visit:  www.libertycs.org

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Spring Cleaning

It's Spring Cleaning time!!  Wardrobe, check.  Car, check.  Windows and Floors, check.  Now, get out that makeup bag and lets get to it!

Are you wondering what must stay and what must go?  Here are a few guidelines to follow when cleaning out and updating your cosmetics:

Is your mascara more than 3 months old- Dump it!

Does your lipstick or lip gloss smell funny?  Dump it!

Eye shadows have a longer shelf life because of the powder formula!  If you still have that blue eye shadow that you bought last year - Now is the time to wear it!  

Foundation is tricky.  Because it's a liquid, it can harbor bacteria, so you don't want to keep it more than a year.  If it's new but just a little too light for the spring and summer, you don't have to buy a darker shade.  Just pop a bronzer on top!

Or kill two birds with one stone and switch from a foundation to a tinted moisturizer with SPF!  Instant glow with protection!

Do you want to update your look without spending a fortune?  The best items to buy are 1.) a new lip shade in a pinky or coral tone.  2.) A new blush  3.) a fun eye liner in an unexpected shade like plum, marine blue or topaz.

Give those makeup brushes a good cleaning and you've got yourself a tidy and updated makeup bag for the warmer season ahead! 

Need a little help from a professional:  Call me to schedule a makeup lesson!  We will clean out your bag, update your look and teach you how to apply your new products!  $85

860-469-5325

 Spring Special : $75 ( valid until May 22, 2010 )

XO

Must Have Monday: Tarte Lipstain

We are all trying to be a little more "green"these days, right?  I have been doing a lot of research on finding quality beauty products with out all of the harmful ingredients.  For the next 10 weeks, I am going to share my top GREEN beauty picks.

Kicking off the series is a great product by Tarte.  I am a BIG fan of lip stains but I am always weary of the chemicals that must make them stay on.  Here's what I found out about this stain:

Tarte launched  this great product formulated without the following chemicals:

*Parabens

* Sulfates

*Synthetic Fragrances

* Synthetic Dyes

* Petro-Chemicals

*Triclosan

Also, what differs with this product is that it is clinically proven to increase the lips moisture by 600%.  Yep.  It's not going to leave your lips dry like most stains do.  

XO

Feature Friday : by Jennie Fresa

As a "natural beauty" beauty expert it's always fun for me to show off my wilder side with makeup art. 

During this fantasy vs reality shoot with Adrien Broom, I discovered the beauty in jeweled eyebrows.  Something so simple makes such a striking statement.   I applied a liquid mineral foundation in a slightly paler version than her skin tone over her entire face, including her lips.  I used a fleshy-toned lip liner to give very subtle definition around her mouth.  The look was sans blush in order to draw the attention right up to the eyes.  Lots of black eye shadow, false lashes and crystal eyes brows complete the look.

XO

Relationship Thursday: Words of Wisdom

"Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight." -Phyllis Diller

What's Happening Wednesday: Complimentary Paraffin Hand Treatments

You don't want to miss this!!

Visit Jennie Fresa Beauty Library ( Located in the red house next door to The White Dress by the Shore) this Saturday March 27th, 11-4 for a complimentary paraffin hand treatment.  You can also enter to win a FREE Fassage Spa Treatment ( valued at $90)!  Drawing to be held on Monday April 5th.

What is a Fassage you ask?  A head to toe experience- one hour treatment includes a soothing foot soak, paraffin hand treatment, deep pore cleaning facial with enzyme mask, and massage of the hand, arms, neck, shoulders and feet.  Heavenly!!

Hope to see you this weekend!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Bad Hair Days

Are you having a bad hair day?

Is your hair looking a little lack luster?

Can't make it to the salon for a while?

Here are a few fashionable solutions for those bad hair days:

Try wearing a head wrap or head band, by L. Erickson.  Beautiful silk fabrics and prints will keep you looking stylish, even when your hair is not.  They are the perfect accessory for Spring and Summer.

Available at www.franceluxe.com

Try misting Moroccan Oil Glimmer Shine Spray through your hair in between color appointments.  The oil strengthens your hair, keeps it glossy and helps to eliminate frizz in humid weather.  This is a HOT product right now-- All of the celebs are talking about it!

Available at www.moroccanoil.com

XO

Must Have Monday: Quick Fix hair Color

Ok, I admit it.  I have a few gray hairs.  In fact, most women by the age 34 have seen of few of these silvery-white stands themselves.  Personally, I find that going gray is very chic and flattering on many women.  

For many women who are not quite ready to let it all go gray or only have a few strands to cover (like myself) , here's a great product that will temporarily cover up those little whites strands in a jiffy.  It's easy to use and helps extend the life of your color in between you salon visits.

Cover Your Gray is a really affordable product that is easy to use and small enough to carry with you in your handbag.  The formula conveniently comes in a mascara wand.  Simply comb it through the hair stands you want to cover and VIOLA!

XO

Feature Friday: Nedelyn Perry

I am a huge fan of classic hair styles. One of my favorite styles is the "Peek-A-Boo" a look made famous by Veronica Lake in the 1940's. Veronica Lake was for a time one of the most popular and sought after actresses in Hollywood.

From Katy Perry to Megan Fox the 40's wave is a look that is still popular today especially among young Hollywood.
The"Peek-A-Boo" is a great alternative to an up do or half up/half down style. This look works on hair that is chin length or longer and if your hair is layered it's even better!

Recently, Kara one of my beautiful June brides came in for her hair trial and requested this look for her Wedding Day!

Kara will be wearing a Mantilla Veil on her special day. However, if you decide a veil is not for you a lovely comb or barrette with flowers, feathers or a little "Bling" will make a beautiful accent to this timeless classic.

Relationship Thursday: New Date Ideas

Date night (or day) is right around the corner. Finding new and creative things to do with your partner can be tough. If you're as sick as dinner and movie as I am, try one of these spring date ideas from hotdateideas.com.

• Plan a trip to your local state park for some mountain biking, hiking, or rock climbing. Pack some snacks and a blanket and have a romantic picnic when you're done.
• With all the beautiful spring flowers starting to bloom, take a drive out to the country for a picnic, visit a botanical garden, or tour a local flower farm.
• Get dirty planting some flowers or fruits and veggies. (You'll have fun doing and and in a couple of weeks you'll actually get to enjoy the "fruits" of your labor.)

And as always, here are a few ideas of my own:

• If your guy is as crazy about sports as mine is, head to a baseball game. You get to enjoy the spring air and enjoy a hot dog and maybe even a beer.
• If you have a pet, grab the leash and take him/her (the dog not your lover :) to a dog park or a dog friendly beach.
• Visit a local pottery place and paint your own pottery. If you're in the New Haven area, one of my favorite places is Fired Up! in Branford. You can BYOB and paint some great pieces. It's super fun!!

So there you have it.......grab the dog leash or baseball glove and have a blast!

xoxo Kelly

What's Happening Wednesday: The luck of the Irish!

Today, I have on my lucky shamrock socks, I'm listening to The Pogues, and I'm havin' me some Guinness (by that I mean taking a sip of my husbands) and I'm cooking up one of my favorite dishes, Corned Beef and Cabbage!

Here's our quick and super easy crock pot recipe that never disappoints:

12 new potatoes; quartered

4 carrots, sliced

4 lbs corned beef brisket ( Go to Fortes in Guilford-for the good stuff!)

3 bay leaves

8 black peppercorns

Water to cover

1 head of cabbage, wedged

1.) Place potatoes and carrots in the crockpot, add brisket, onion, bay leaves and peppercorns.

2.) Add enough water to cover.  Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on High for 4-5.  Add cabbage half way through cooking.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!  Enjoy!

Ps. Speaking of lucky, enter our contest and one lucky reader will win a FREE FASSAGE Spa Treatment.  Stop by the Beauty Library this Saturday March 20th from 10-4 to enter your name or email your info (name and phone with POT O GOLD in the subject box) to jennie@jenniefresa.com.  Drawing will be held on Monday April 5th.

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Fragrance Tips

Shopping for the right scent can be somewhat overwhelming.  My suggestion is to take your time and don't try too many in one day. 

Bring a little bag of coffee beans with you when you go shopping.  Sniff the beans in between trying each scent.  The beans will help to neutralize your sense of smell.

Have the sales woman spritz the sample on a blotter and take the blotter home.  See if you still like the perfume after a few hours.  This allows the true smell to develop.  Also, there is nothing wrong with asking for a sample at the fragrance counter!  So, if they have them, take one and try it at home before you buy it.

Once you find your dream scent, you might be living with it for a while, so you want to take good care of it.  Don't store it in places of extreme temperature change or direct sunlight.  Actually, the fragrance will last longer if you store it in the box it came in.

Lastly, a lot of people don't know this but it's best to apply perfume on slightly damp skin.  Avoid rubbing your wrists together, it will crush all of the notes!  Let the perfume unfold naturally.  The best places to apply:  you wrists, inside of your elbow, along your hairline and on your belly ( the heat of your body causes the scent to diffuse).

XO

Must Have Monday: A Sexy Floral Scent for Spring!

Here we are in mid-march--it's not quite winter and it's not quite Spring.  I think we can all agree though, that Spring is certainly on everyones mind!  

I want to share a stunningly beautiful scent that is perfect for this in-between season and can carry you right into summer.  I am not usually a fan of florals, but when I smelled a sample of this lush perfume, it blew me away!

Carnal Flower was created by Dominque Ropion.  He worked on the formula for nearly three years before releasing it in 2005.

The scent opens with heavy, green notes of citrus leaves and branches.  Soft, fruity nuances of melon and coconut follow and it finishes with the lasting notes of tuberose and orange blossom.

It's a soft scent that doesn't call too much attention to itself, although the it's the mystery and sexiness of the tuberose that really shines!

A must-have for my perfume collection!  (Honey, are you reading this?)

Available exclusively at Barneys!

XO

Feature Friday: Kelly Sharkey

Let me introduce you to the lovely Erin Bundy Kirdzik.


I met Erin about a year ago at the Beauty Library for her hair trial and we immediately hit it off. She was so excited about her wedding and her excitment was infectious. She brought some pictures of hair styles that she liked and we got to work. She wanted an elegant updo with lots detail. She was thrilled with the hair trial and I was thrilled to be working with her.

On the day of the wedding, September 4th, 2009, Miss Jennie and I met Erin and her entire bridal party (there were 10 ladies total) at the Mystic Marriott in Groton, CT. Jennie got to work on the makeup and I immediately got busy working my hair magic. They were such a fun group to work with that it was hard to believe I did ten heads by the end of the day. Erin's photographer, Michelle Wade, was there to capture all the memorable moments.




Erin has kept in touch and I am happy to report that she and her husband are expecting their first child. I couldn't be happier for them!

Erin, you were such a pleasure to work with and an absolutely beautiful bride!

xoxo Kelly

Relationship Thursday: Creative Ways to Say I Love You

After almost two years of wedded bliss, I'm always looking for creative ways to tell my hubby that I love him. I'm a big fan of leaving little love notes in his lunch bag, but I thought I'd see what ideas I could find online to spice things up a bit.

Here are some great ideas from Family Sanity Savers:

• Ask your mother-in-law for his favorite dessert from childhood and surprise him with it.
• Write love notes in soap or lipstick on all the mirrors on the house.
• Frost some cookies with flirty messages on them and slip them into his lunch.
• Welcome him home with a chalk message in the drive way.

And here are a few ideas of my own:

• Make a CD with your wedding song (or if you're not married, a song that reminds you of him). Put it in the CD player in his car and write a cute note to stick on the steering wheel telling him to push play.
• After a long day of work, run the bath, light some candles and be waiting in the tub when he gets home.
• Cut out some colored hearts and write love notes on them. Hide them around the house where you know he'll find them.
• Invite his friends over for the big game. Order pizza and get some beer........then get lost. He'll love you for giving him some "guy time".

I'd love to hear how you and your guy say those three little words without actually saying them. Please share!

Part of maintaining a long healthy relationship is coming up with creative ways to do the ordinary. So grab that old tube of lipstick and start writing on the bathroom mirror!

xoxo Kelly

What's Happening Wednesday: Home Decor Inspiration

Fabrics patterns by Amy Butler ( for my dining room chairs!)

You may or may not know, that my husband and I recently moved into our new home.  It's a very exciting time for us and at moments, a little overwhelming.  It's been difficult to concentrate on anything else because all I want to do it decorate, decorate, decorate!!  

Like most new home owners, we are on a budget and need to pace ourselves.  For now, our priority is painting and updating some fixtures on the main floor.  So, this week, I thought I would share with you some of my inspiration for designing my new home.

It all starts with a vision, right?  Well, to help me get started with choosing paint chips, I met with the very lovely and talented home design artist, Robin Reed.  If you have a chance, you HAVE to stop by her amazing studio, MONTAGE located in Branford, CT.  My favorite paint color- Coastal Fog by Benjamin Moore- a neutral, warm gray.

Next, we wanted to make some simple hardware changes in our kitchen.  For this task, we shopped at Restoration Hardware and chose some very cool vintage style handles in a brushed satin nickel. 

This weekend, my project is to finish painting the FREE patio set that was given to use by some friends.  I'm painting it a smokey beige color, to resemble driftwood and buying some new cushions in blue and white for an earthy and beachy feel.

I promise to share some pictures soon.  For now, check out a few of my other go-to stops for design inspiration:

For Fabric: Amy Butler and Joanne Fabrics

Furniture Splurges ( there won't be too many of those): Venetucci Home

Closet Organization: Target

Odds and Ends: Ikea

Lamps and accessories.: HomeGoods

If anyone has any favorite places I should know about or any design tips, please let me know!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Bright Whites!

Have you ever wondered if the at-home teeth whitening systems really work?  

Here's the scoop:  The at-home treatments that are made with peroxide work just as effectively as the ones at the dentist office, they just take a little longer.  Crest White Strips work great--Spend the extra $10 and get the Advanced Seal.  They are so much better)  

For best results, do the treatments immediately after your visit to the dentist so the peroxide is in contact with your teeth and not all of the built up plaque.

Then, use whiting toothpastes in between your visits.

And, don't forget to eat right!  Rinse your mouth with water after drinking red wine.  Eat foods high in cellulose, like carrots, celery and kale.  If you can't cut back on the coffee, try sipping it through a straw, you won't get as much stain on your teeth.

XO

Must Have Monday: Oral B Vitality

A few years ago I won an electric toothbrush at a holiday grab bag. At first, I was a little bummed about my gift (and a little jealous of my cousin who won the crate and barrel bowl set that I REALLY wanted). When I got home and used my new gadget however, I was honestly impressed with the difference in how my teeth looked. My dentist even told me that I had less plaque. The Vitality model is a no frills version that oscillates but it definitely does a better job than using a manual toothbrush. If you want to go for the real power--look for models that have a rotating head, like the Braun version. The rotation is proven to be more effective in removing plaque and stains. So, as a self proclaimed coffee addict, an electric toothbrush is truly a must have.

XO

Feature Friday by Lindsay Milan - "Just Peachy!"

Feature Friday by Lindsay Milan

Just Peachy!

(photo credit: sean cunningham via harpersbazaar.com)

I don't know about you, but I am so ready to say buh-bye to this winter weather! I've never been a fan of the cold, so you can imagine my delight when I heard the weatherman predict temperatures in the 50s for the weekend! Let's face it, after this season, that's practically beach weather!

While I don't recommend packing up the car with beach chairs juuuust yet, I do have another idea to celebrate spring. Here at JFBL, we are known for our natural, fresh-faced approach to makeup, and lo-and-behold, that's just the look that has been popping up all over the spring 2010 runways! Keep it fresh and gorgeous with peach - one of the hottest beauty makeup trends this season. One of the best parts about it? It's a multitasker! Sweep a sheer dusting over eyes and cheeks, and mix a little with your favorite clear gloss (or heck, even Vaseline!) and you've got a complete look! For a little extra glow, pick a color with a bit of shimmer in it! Here's a tip: Be sure to choose a "pinky" peach if you have a cooler skintone, as true peach works best on gals with warmer complexions.

Have a great weekend, beauties!

xo, Lindsay

Relationship Thursday: Moving in Together

For a lot of couples, moving in together can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. Of course it's important to work out such things as how to split the financial responsibilities and household chores, but deciding on a design style can be equally important. Combining his and hers can be tough, but if you go into this new living arrangement with a clear picture in mind, you will have a comfy cozy space that both you will be happy to live in.

If he's moving into your "bachelorette" pad, pink walls and stuffed animals on the bed may not be the best way to start things off. Don't get me wrong. If I had my way, my house would look like something out of a Shabby Chic catalog. However, that would not make my husband a happy camper. Try finding a balance of masculine and feminine by choosing a neutral color for the walls and adding a few splashes of color with throw pillows or area rugs. Hey, maybe you can even throw some pink pillows on the couch and he won't even notice.

If you're moving in to his "bachelor" pad and the thought of sitting on his old futon from college is making you cringe, don't fret. Spend a weekend hitting the local tag sales and thrift stores together. You can find great pieces at prices that won't break the bank. You might not find furniture "sets" but that's half the fun. Mixing and matching pieces adds character to your new space and reflects your style as a couple. If you're handy, you could even strip and paint pieces of furniture to completely fit your vision.

Roderick N. Shade is a New York interior designer with some great ideas for combining your style with your man's. Here are a few of his tips from Smitten, Glamour magazine's relationship blog:

1. Understand what is important to each of you. I have found that men are more interested in media/lighting/computer and a comfortable chair. Women tend to be more interested in style, color, and specific items. Divide this amongst your strengths.

2. Use strong color/pattern in areas that you tend to pass through or in areas that you don't spend a lot of time in. You walk by, get a good blast of color and keep moving. For adding color to the master bedroom, put it on the headboard wall thereby you aren't laying there staring at a red wall while trying to sleep. Nothing wrong with punctuating a neutral room with small bursts of color or pattern.

3. (This is one of my favorite tips) Provide individual work/private areas for each partner. Work spaces don't have to be entire rooms; could be desk areas in separate parts of the new home. Everyone needs space to work or just get away too, without having to share it or clean it up for someone else.

4. Create new "instant art collection" by reframing everything in the same frame and hanging gallery style. Remember, all art goes with all art. No rules here or correct way to proceed. I do find that most couples can agree on simple photography.

For more of Roderick's style tips, visit his website at roderickshade.com

So there you have it. Grab a can of paint, hit those tag sales and have a blast!

xoxo, Kelly

What's Happening Wednesday: Specials at Beneath the Gown

My friend Josie Jolan is the owner of the most precious lingerie boutique, Beneath the Gown, which happens to be located right next door to the Beauty Library in Clinton CT.  Lucky me! 

Earlier this week, Josie told me about these new, adorable items that she is carrying!  I couldn't resist sharing the news!  Is anyone going a trip?!  You'll need your Passport Panties!

I love the packaging!!!

Check out these cute and sexy boy shorts ( I WANT!!) and thong!!

Miss Josie also makes custom undergarments and does bra-fittings!  If you're like me and have been the wearing the wrong size bra forever, Josie can help!!  For more information on Josie and her boutique, please visit her website:  www.beneaththegown.com

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Doing Laundry Stinks!

I'm so sentimental with my perfume bottles.  When they are brand new, I like to display them like little pieces of art on my chest.  When they are empty I never want to part with them.  But why?  

Here's a good reason to keep them, even when they are empty:

Stick an old, empty perfume bottle (or a drier sheet) at the bottom of your laundry basket to counteract the pong of socks and dirty, sweaty clothes.

Doing Laundry doesn't have to stink after all!

XO

Must Have Monday-Guerlain's "Morning After" Lotion

Whether you're up all night painting the town red or burning the midnight oil, this treatment is a must have for perking up tired, stressed skin.  Just apply Guerlain Issima Midnight Secret at night before you go to bed and you'll have a smoother, fresh-faced complexion by the time the sun comes up!  

Enjoy!

XO