Fall 2012 Fashion Trends

As most of us know, California follows the seasons and trends of fashion to the beat of our own drum. While Europe and New York tend to be more structured and polished with each season, we are blessed with one year round.... summer.  So while the rest of the country is layered up in 'traditional' fall clothing, we tend to bare it all... all year round.  There are a multitude of different trends that hit the runway last spring, these are among my favorite and possibly the most wearable.

School girl chic

Now if any of you grew up with my generation, you would have immediate flashbacks of Alicia Silverstone circa "Clueless" with tartan micro-minis, knee highs and argyle prints. Scratch that image out of your minds before you read on. This upcoming season finds new ways to be inspired by the old schoolyard cliches. While most of us reference clueless or Gossip Girl for our school girl chic looks, you must look beyond those decades and get inspiration from a combination of decades. Hang on to those tartan minis, but add an element of surprise that makes you tilt your head and say, "I think this works". Be daring and mix sexuality with innocence, rebellion with conformity, and pull inspiration from moms generation and your older siblings generation.

Androgyny 2012

"In a society where the roles everyone plays are obvious, the refusal to conform to any standard will excite interest. Be both masculine and feminine, impudent and charming, subtle and outrageous. Let other people worry about being socially acceptable; those types are a dime a dozen, and you are after a power greater than they can imagine." - Robert Greene (american author known for his books on strategy, power and seduction)

Society's definition of what's 'acceptable' has also changed. A woman wearing a pantsuit, for example, is now common place and hardly thought as boundary-pushing. So in turn, for androgyny to be noticed the game has been upped considerably.  From one decade to the next, the 90's waif (kate moss) has evolved to almost genderless.  She evolved from the boyish figure to having edgy tattoos, piercings, attitude and a sexual confidence that is almost irrelevant. Now the fashion industry has embraced openly gay/ bisexual/ or transgender models such as Andrej Pejic or Freja Beha.    

 Lets take a piece of their confidence and transform ourselves into something sexy without being obvious with a push up bra and short skirt. Find a beautifully embellished blazer that gives you strong shoulders, but keeps you in your comfort zone with a girly print, or instead of curling your hair, slick it back and wear it down. Fall this year is going to get you out of your norm and thinking like the fashion icon you are.

Coral to Crimson and eveything inbetween

Im not going to lie, this part was totally influenced by Mister Freddie B himself. Sitting in the break-room, brainstorming what I was going to write about for this falls fashion trends, I hear him blurt out, "Well, I hear Crimson is very in this fall". With that, I did some research and, sure enough, fashion definitely painted the runways red this year.

From DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Peter Som, and Tom Ford, these designers displayed red with vengeance and elegance, and everything in between. Red. Its the most emotionally intense color, stimulates a faster heart beat. Its the color of love. This primary color is not just called a bold hue for nothing. Red clothing gets noticed. Red leather clothing gets noticed more.

Have fun with this year's trends. Be daring, get out of your box!!!! Try different textures, accesories and combinations. If you're not ready to buy that velvet peacoat that we could use once a year in california, strive for a statement belt or handbag. And when you have conquered that move on to a skirt or dress. You will get noticed, so wear it with confidence and I promise, you'll survive this year's fashion trends.



freddie b salon and spa

ventura, ca

805.628.3535



Why Massage?

A groundbreaking study at McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario, Canada was recently published in “The Science of Transitional Medicine”.  It demonstrated that massage therapy post exercise decreases inflammation & increases healing. This just proves what most people have always known, massage is a valuable alternative medical modality.

With so many massage modalities to choose from, what is best for you?

Here are a few of the many that we can offer you at Freddie B Salon & Spa...

 

Swedish – Uses long kneading strokes & sometimes

light rhythmic tapping. This technique can be both

relaxing and/or energizing.

 

Deep Tissue – Usually slow deliberate strokes are applied to the muscle layers & tendons.  Used to treat painful areas of the body to help relieve chronic patterns of tension & muscle injuries.

Sports – Used to aid muscles pre/post exercise to promote flexibility, prevent injury & aid in the healing process.

Hot Stone – Uses warm basalt stones on the body, providing a deep soothing heat for increased relaxation, also great for arthritis pain.

Pregnancy - A great way to help relieve swelling, joint pain & discomfort at a time when most medication cannot be used. Clearance from your Obstetrician is mandatory before receiving any alternative therapies.

 

Even with all this information, what it really boils down to is how your feeling on the day you come in for your massage.  Even if your not an Olympian, you could still need a sports massage.  This could be because you stand, walk all day or lift things for your job.  Did you just come back from that great vacation where you walked all over the place? If yes was the answer to any of these, then maybe a sports massage is right for you!

It could also be as simple as you feeling stressed/overwhelmed by work, a relationship or some other life change.  If that’s the case, then we can do a more relaxing massage to get you centered and on your way back to normal.

So whatever your feeling on the day of your massage we can offer a variety of modalities to meet your needs... because everyday is different and demands a different massage  :)

We look forward to seeing you soon ...

 

freddie b salon and spa

ventura, ca

805.628.3535

Your Wedding Day... Your Most Important Time to Shine!

     Who doesn't like to shine?  Well, on your wedding day, that's your most important time to shine!

The 2012 wedding season is now in full throttle.  From hairstyles to makeup, Freddie B Salon & Spa is every bride's beauty dream come true!

     This year, and every year, our salon stays current with the newest trends and techniques by hosting photo shoots, fashion shows and tons of educational events for all you forward focused beauty's!

    

This season, wedding hair trends include: chignons of every level, loose waves cascading up or down, and vintage/classical looks.

 Chignons are side sweeping, centered back or top chic.  They allow for tons of creative expression and can go very structured and smoothed to loose and earthy.  To make this your style must-have for your special day, add any type of braid, twist or lacing.

Loose waves are soft, flowy and ethereal and are all the rage for today's bride.  For a glamorous look, sweep the sides up and add your favorite type of braid.  For a more natural and native look, keep it down and add your ideal flower.

Vintage is always a brides sought after style.  If this is what you envision for your big day think up, like Audrey Hepburn or down like Dita Von Teese.  Take it up a notch by adding some pin curls, finger waves or a victory roll! 


 

The 2012 wedding hair trends can be customized to incorporate many of these style elements to create a unique look, especially suited to the bride and her style!

This years wedding makeup ranges from dramatic to natural and everything in between.  There are two really trendy dramatic looks and two very sought after natural looks.

There's the dramatic smokey eye with a soft lip.  Although this season the smokey eye doesn't have to be the traditional black, it can be done with all different color palettes!

The other must have dramatic look is the strong lip shade and vivid eye color.  Many of this years brides are choosing berry and flower inspired shades of lip color to accentuate their look, but they are still keeping a good amount of the focus and attention on the eye.




2012's natural makeup looks are inspired by the bride's unique look.


The unique natural look is tailored to the individual bride, keeping her every day profile but glaming it up slightly.



The vintage look is a soft neutral eye with strong liner; most brides typically pair a striking lip color to complete this look.

The go-to makeup technique this year is... Airbrush!  It's lightweight, flawless, water resistant and provides full coverage for hours.  It's a perfect addition to every bride's beauty dream, and at our salon that's what we love to do!

Every bride has envisioned their special day's look, and at Freddie B Salon & Spa we transform all our brides in to the shining stars they've always dreamed of!

 

freddie b salon and spa

ventura, ca

805.628.3535

Rugged, Rough and Textured 2012 Mens Guide

    Unlike women's hairstyles/trends, which are short lived not usually lasting longer than a year, men's hairstyles evolve slowly.  Each and every 2012 style has its roots in the hairstyles that were popular in 2010 and 2011.  Many have subtly evolved while others have split into several different hairstyles!

    

    Spring/Summer styles and key looks will involve texture and volume.  Both long and short hair will be texturized, giving a uniform groomed but undone look for the season.  You will begin to see longer lengths through the top combined with disconnected sides.  

   

    Short haired men your in luck!  Quiffs, parts and texture aren't going anywhere soon.  The undercut is a key haircut for 2012.  It is said to be one of the most fashionable and versitile options of the year.  Not to mention its a great hairstyle to conceal a receding hairline and works with most every man's hair type.  






    




     For men with medium to short hair 2012 is the year to just go for it!  Embrace the  heavily influenced 1920's era.  Start the season out with a new profound sense of style.  Slicked back hair with a deep side parting will give you a very classic and timeless style.  Its a simple change that gets immense fashion props and is worn by the style conscious. 










           
    This season is full of innovative cuts that are pushing the envelope of the classic male styles.  It's a youthful yet, sexy and sophisticated look inspired by vintage screen plays.  The elegant business styles have recently become many of those featured by the award winning TV series Mad Men.




    

    For you longer haired guys, the trend is leaning toward a more lived-in, non chalant masculine edge.  Hair will be freer, looser and less sculpted.  Using an almost no-hold approach to product application to achieve these longer looks.  





Although the mens looks mentioned are few there is reason for this!  The looks that have emerged for 2012 have much less to do with a particular cut, but far more to do with how the hair is styled.  If anything, 2012 is a year in which one particular mens cut can be styled in a number of different ways.  Its going to be a year of haircut versatility.  So what are you waiting for? Start discovering your new look today ! 

 

freddie b salon and spa

ventura, ca

805.628.3535

Express Yourself with a SPLASH of COLOR

Springtime is my favorite time of the year! The world is blossoming with beautiful flowers and bright new colors are popping up all around us!  It is a time filled with new life and renewal. A perfect time to make a change and add some fun color into your life! What better way to step out of the box and express yourself than with fresh highlights or even a pop of some awesome funky color such as hot pink or soft lavender?

Everyone wants to be seen as an individual and to be able to set themselves apart from others. If we all looked and dressed the same, the world would be a boring place. The ability to accessorize your outfit through hair and nail polish makes a night and day difference both with your physical and mental appearance.

Katy Perry, Nikki Minaj, and Lady Gaga are known for being fun, spontaneous, up and coming pop stars. They are constantly changing their hair color to keep up with their image. Their creative and energetic personality flows out of them and they choose to express themselves through vibrant colors and daring new styles.

Here is Katy Perry and her infamous jewel toned blue hair. Nikki Minaj is sporting the multi-color Dip-Dyed look.  

When you think of celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Amy Adams and Katie Holmes, a certain girl next door image and great hair comes to mind. These celebs are known for their beautiful locks and for being consistent with hair colors that enhance their natural beauty.

These looks are stunning and closer to what the average client comes into the salon asking for. It happens so often that I have clients that sit down in my chair and tell me they are in a funk and need something new. They are bored with their same style that they've had for years and want something fun and flirty. Being more on the edgy side myself, I often recommend spicing up their color . It is amazing what stepping out of the box can do for your self-image.

There are many different ways that we can add color and spice into our life. Some people like to be really brave and color their whole head. For those daring ladies out there or those wanting something new and exciting but can not quite commit to an entire head of blue or purple, how about trying just a splash of color or a hidden peek-a-boo to make your hair and personality pop! Or even playing around with a few different colors and dip-dying your ends? A splash of color like the pictures on either side are better to try if you have shorter hair, where as the dip-dye look goes great with women that have longer hair.

Color is an option that is available for EVERY client. So do not think just because you have a 9 to 5 office job that you can not be a part of this....YOU CAN! Simply ask your stylist to make you an extension weft that you can clip in for the weekend or for your days off of work. Brightly colored extensions are a great way to be able to change up your style constantly and your stylist has the ability to match it perfectly to your existing hair color. In the picture above, Carrie Underwood gave her all-American girl image a streak of hot pink rebellion by adding a few extensions.

Color is such an amazing tool and your hair is not the only way to be able to express yourself! Your finger and toe nails can make just as loud a statement as hair can.


Madonna has always been known for her fashion forward ideas and her ability to express herself through so many artistic outlets. She stayed more natural with her hair color, but uses her neon yellow nails to show her wild side.  Actresses like Eva Longoria and Mischa Barton added some pop to their outfits with hot pink and pastel blue nails.

Spring is the the time when all the new designer sandals or wedges come out that you just have to buy. What better way to get your feet sandal ready than by treating yourself to a relaxing manicure and pedicure. OPI and Essie nail polish have launched so many new bright colors and the options are endless! You can still show the world that you have a fun and artistic spirit through neon nails!

For as long as I can remember, I have been chemically addicted.....to COLOR! I remember the summer of 8th grade when I colored my hair for the first time...bright red. It was amazing and from that moment I was hooked. I get a rush every time I put a new bright color in my hair and additional excitement when people comment. My clients are always excited to see what new color is in my hair or what fun idea I am going to have for their hair. It is fun to keep people on their toes by constantly changing your look. Now I know there are many of you out there in the same boat as me. Constantly wanting the latest styles and the newest, most fabulous colors. I have never been one to be natural or drab. I am not saying that natural colors aren't amazing but it is so fun and freeing to put funky bright colors in our hair!  I like to think of my hair as an accessory to me. An explanation of my personality to a complete stranger.

So if you decide you need a little extra pizazz or want to brighten up your look with a splash of color, now is the time to do it! At Freddie B Salon and Spa, we can give your hair and nails the look that will give you that much needed spring in your step to take on the world!

 

freddie b salon and spa

ventura, ca

805.628.3535