SHOP for new MAKEUP…SWAP for new CLOTHES!
 Wednesday, April 25th – Friday, April 27th
 

Book a  20 Minute Makeup sesh and we’ll show you how to perfect amazing makeup looks for the season ahead.

We’re getting you ready for the sunny spring days and warm summer nights!   So excited to share Smashbox’s newly launched products like 15 hour cream eyeshadows in 10 gorgeous colors, 6 new High Reflection Gloss shades, Aluminizing Primers and more.

* Also, Friday the 27th visiting us from NYC, Smashbox Makeup Artist, Khristian,  will be here to teach us the latest and greatest in the makeup world.

After your equip with some new makeup,  we’re giving you a break from maxxinistaville with a chance to swap style instead of shopping for it!

If you’v never been to a swap,  you’re in  for a treat!

Here’s how it goes…

1. Bring in 3 pieces from your wardrobe that your just not that into and you can swap 3 from the rack!

2. Do bring…dresses, jeans, tops, bottoms, designer bags, brand new or gently worn
shoes, accessories.

3. Don’t bring….bathing suits, old shoes, undergarments, coats, exercise gear.

4. Be season conscience. Spring/Summer pieces, but if its colorful cashmere’s or designer something’s we’re talking about… we’ll bend the rules a little:)

5. Left behind pieces will be donated to a charitable organization.

And it’s that easy.

So book your 20 Minute Makeup, receive a Smashbox mini Photo Finish Primer AND full size Limitless Dark Denim Eye Liner gift with makeup purchase and Swap till you drop!

Call the studio to reserve your spot, 401.254.9333.

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Candas and Nat have been dating a REALLY long time. So long, in fact, their moms have become quite close. This couple has survived all sorts of challenges– college, law school, medical school…lots of long distance and LOTS of Skype.Getting married in New England in March poses more challenges…Maybe snow. Maybe 80 degree heat. Unpredictable? Perfect.

***

Candas came to me wanting Gisele hair. Um, sure, I do too. The difference with Candas was that she actually had it. Without any extensions.(You wouldn’t hate her once you met her, I promise). It’s that kind of long, healthy hair with just enough texture to hold a curl, but not enough to be unruly.

Here is how my usual ‘speil’ on wanting waves, not curl, on your wedding day always goes, to which Candas totally obliged. Ready? Okay…”I’m going to have to curl it with a little more oomph than you will want, so that your hair has a chance to settle in time for the ceremony. If I create waves now, it will be flat by the time you walk down the aisle.”

Now you have heard it, and you will hear the entire New Leaf wedding team chanting that mantra to you too when asking for loose waves. Don’t believe us? We hope you like flat hair;-)

***

All kidding aside, Candas listened to me at the trial, watched how her hair settled that day and later emailed to say that it was perfect in just a few hours. Smile. Amanda and I arrived at the Renaissance Hotel in Providence to beautify the ladies, what a spectacular hotel! A definite stay while in the city!

We must thank Candas for patiently listening to me blather on about brides forgetting to send us pictures after their weddings. She sent me the link to Justine Ungaro’s blog within a week of getting married. Not only do we love Candas, now we also love Justine for being so talented and sharing these photos! Without further adieu…

Candas was a vision with the State House in the background.

Candas was surrounded by some really amazing friends…

Have we mentioned we are suckers for great accessories? Loving the black flower headband…

Oh, this dress. As soon as Candas said it was from Anthropologie’s BHLDN line, Amanda and I were swooning.

Loved this custom birdcage veil. This veil sparked my favorite moment from the day, one that I went home telling my sister about. Candas and her mom had this really special relationship. You could just tell. The way they spoke to one another and really listened was amazing stuff. There was some debate on whether Candas would switch headpieces or wear this one a different way for the reception. A ‘typical’ mother versus bride dialogue on this issue would usually be a pretty uncomfortable debate, ending in some uncomfortable tension for the next 30 minutes or so.

In this experience, Candas’ mom said she liked the veil best and Candas  listened. Just like that. She didn’t  listen in an appeasing, I-want-mom’s-approval-kind-of-way. She listened to her mom because you could tell she trusted her. Let me be the first to admit it wouldn’t have gone down like that in my family. I was in awe.

Mom is always right.

The ‘first look’, one of our favorite wedding day moments…

Are you feeling the vintage vibe, because I know we are!

P.S. The fur stole was Candas’ grandmother’s….decades have gone by and still in vogue. That’s style.

We just love a  groom fixing his bride’s veil.

Just a walk through Providence is a photographer’s dream.

Candas isn’t a particularly ‘serious’ person but she nails it here!

Snuggling.

When you do the ‘first look’ photos beforehand, you allow yourself walking down the aisle hand in hand, together.

If you haven’t checked out the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, it’s another must-see in Providence. It is a very cool and unique wedding ceremony site.

***

This photo warms my heart. Strange, right? I mean, yes, Nat is  looking so lovingly at Candas, but the real explanation is the #546th reason of why we love Candas. We always try to remind our brides that if their hair is half-down or all down, make sure to pull some forward during the ceremony. Candas listened and it makes this hairstylist smile.

Wondering if Justine Ungaro took this photo just for New Leaf;-)?

Vintage vibes all around…

Aw, the breaking of the glass! Mazel tov!

Always a special moment…(notice the hair still pulled forward;-)!

It should be publicly announced here on this blog that Nat picked out this custom suit all on his own to surprise Candas. How many brides out there are brave enough to agree to this? I’d like to take a poll…

In school terms…4.0, Nat!

Twinkly lit reception at CAV Restaurant…notice the birdcage veil was folded back…nice touch and idea for other brides!

Hair still looking Gisele-ish even during the toasts!

A perfect finishing photo for a perfect evening…amazing!

***

We have to share one of the nicest notes from Candas after her wedding…

“Courtney,

You and Amanda were just spectacular this past Sunday. I just can’t imagine my wedding day without you. Every single lady who got their hair done was 150% satisfied with the end result – from my sister-in-law looking for a hippie chic look, to my friends in search of high fashion styles, and my mom and mother-in-law who wanted classic, chic dos. Not only did they love their hair, but they absolutely loved your company too! My friends can’t stop talking about how much they enjoyed chatting with you as we all got ready at the Renaissance. And then there was my hair…without a doubt the highlight of my “vintage” look (aside from the dress, of course). Simply put, I looked like a better version of myself, which is exactly what I wanted for my wedding day. I loved my hair, but even more importantly, my now husband adored it. It held up all day and all night – my curls looked natural and beautiful even after hours of dancing at the reception! I can’t thank you enough, and I really am searching for another excuse to come and get my hair done again by you ladies.

I’ll make sure to forward you official photos as well when I receive them.

Much love to all of you – my wedding heroes – at New Leaf!”

***

Thanks Candas for choosing New Leaf, we are so glad we could make your vintage vision complete! You were an absolute dream…enjoy wedding celebration #2 in Turkey…we’d be lying if we told you we aren’t jealous:)

Stay tuned….this is just the beginning of Wedding Season 2012!!!!!

Soooo, if you’re ever in the mood for something fresh (and complimentary ), our girls are always looking for models to spruce up while refining their talents. Who can resist such an enticing offer?!  For all of you New Leaf groupies out there – there is one in all of us – be sure to check back as we’ll be posting the new class schedule for May and showcasing pictures of everyone’s fabulous work and progress.

Without further adieu, we’d like to introduce our newest graduates in a fun little interview.

Drum roll Pleeeeease…

Amanda

Q ~ As fun, interactive and ever changing our industry might be, is there something else you could picture yourself doing?

A ~ I would love to be a professional organizer, someone who goes into individuals’ homes and businesses to help them with clutter control and home or office organization. As long as I can remember I’ve enjoyed organizing and de-cluttering spaces. I’ve always been a ‘neat freak’, so why not consider making a living utilizing those skills?!

Q ~ So… We’ve heard through the grapevine that you’re an amazing calligrapher, any other hidden talents up your sleeve?

A ~ Currently, I’m trying my hand at custom book binding. I’ve created a few things for the new moms here at the salon, mostly memory keeping books where they can write notes or add pictures of their new bundles of joy. I also recently started making my own recycled paper out of scrap paper.  By blending the scraps with water and draining the pulp through a custom made screen, I’ve been able to create my own beautiful pieces of paper. I even add fresh flowers or spices to the pulp to make each piece unique. If you want to check out my calligraphy work, visit  www.calligragirl.etsy.com.  

Q ~ What are the must have products you would recommend coming out of the dry winter season (if you could call this winter…)?

A ~ We all know that during the winter months, the harsh conditions make it tough to keep our hair moisturized and avoid those nasty split ends. Aside from getting regular trims, I recommend coming in for one of our Kerastase conditioning treatments. We custom mix each treatment to suit each client’s hair needs. Next, I love working with Kerastase’s Nectar Thermique through towel dried hair to help protect dry ends from the heat of the blow dryer. Finally, for my favorite finishing product, I’d suggest Bumble & Bumble’s Brilliantine on dry hair for ultimate shine and definition.

Nicole V.

Q ~ Having grown up here in Bristol, you seem to know everyone you come across. Ever think of running for Mayor? 

A ~ So, wait… I’m not the Mayor?! *wink wink*

Q ~ Which celebrity’s hair are you dying to get your hands on? What products would you send them home with?

A ~ This is a tough one… I’d have to say the Kardashians. They are glamorous, with gorgeous hair and each with a different hair personality.

For instance, Kim loves that sleek and full body blowout. With a little of Oribe’s Royal Blowout for a polished shine and Volumista for extra bounce you achieve the perfect va va-voom that has made Kim’s style so signature. For Kourtney, she’s always up for something new and fun – especially braids. Bumble & Bumble’s sumo tech is my fave to give a little hold and liveliness to the style. And last but not least there is Kloe. She’s fearless with color and here at New Leaf we have an abundance of amazing products to help in the preservation of every shade, my first choice being Oribe’s Beautiful Color shampoo and conditioner.

Q ~ If you were a super hero, what would your claim to fame be?

A ~  Ha ha… “The Batman of Blowouts”

Where better to start a great night, meet the girls for a special day,  or even some out of office networking than our Beauty Bar?!

New Leaf Hair Studio is now booking YOU as our Host along with up to five friends to join our Professional Makeup Artist Danielle Crugnale for some FACE Time@the Beauty Bar.

Recently, Leah one of our lovely clients,  helped us launch the occasion. Leah picked the time and day;  we took care of the rest. The ladies arrived to meet their hostess on a Thursday evening to have their makeup done, get some great cosmetic tips, and relax before their next destination. It was the perfect start for a night with friends! Everyone had a great time (plus looked beautiful) and we are excited to open the doors for you…

For more information about booking your own FACE Time@the Beauty Bar,  please contact Danielle for details at….

beautybar@newleafhairstudio.com

We must mention that both Robin and John have amazing taste, beauty, and they are also (as we say in New England)…wicked smart (pronounced sma-H-t…r’s do not exist in this dialect). Both Harvard grads, they had to plan their Rhody wedding from San Francisco, quite a task!

****

In honor of their Harvard alma mater, let’s create a mathematical equation to see how Robin and John created such an incredible wedding.

First: add 1 beautiful bride, 1 super handsome groom, 12, yes 12, attendants.

Second: add an infinite number of vintage details, 1 amazing photographer,  and dreamy August weather.

Third: divide all that by the perfect Linden Place locale.

What does this formula mean? (Remember, you must show your work.)

bride+ groom+ attendants+vintage-y details + photographer + weather

———————————————————————-

                                  Linden Place Bristol, Rhode Island                             

= feature on stylemepretty.com

****

Yes, that’s right, another New Leaf bride featured on stylemepretty.com, the holy grail of weddings.

Here are a sampling of the feature on stylemepretty.com, all photos by the talented

Rachel Kate Photography

Getting ready…

hair by Pam

Putting the dress on at Linden Place…

Oh, the coming down the stairs shot…love her expression! (Keep scrolling, you’ll see why…)

Um, because THIS is her groom! Robin & John are a perfect match, both winning all sorts of genetic pools.

Just a lil’ kissing in fields…

Summery light. We love Bristol! So many nooks for photos…

More kissing by an antique Rolls Royce…

Robin’s bridesmaids went for a natural and simple ‘look’, total knockouts as you can see. John is a lucky guy to be surrounded by all this beauty!

You just can not go wrong with classic hair and make-up. Love this photo, could be seen on the pages of J.Crew’s Wedding Shop, which ironically is where the dresses were found.

This shot isn’t about hair or make-up but here at New Leaf, we are suckers for a great shoe. Especially when they are held by man hands.

Shoes by Hey Lady.

More canoodling in the beautiful sun filled room at Linden Place…

Since Robin is so smart and stunning, John must be a catch too. Shoe holding AND bouquet man-posing? John displaying his good-sportedness…I think I just made up a word. Actually, I know I did.  It works.

We always love to show off the late night dancing photo to prove that good hair and make-up can in fact last all night. Look at this crazy dancing and not a hair out of place. Perfection!

Let’s finish off with one last smooch on the porch at  Linden Place.

If you simply MUST see more from this amazing wedding,

click to see the whole gallery at:

http://www.stylemepretty.com/massachusetts-weddings/2012/02/15/linden-place-wedding-by-rachel-kate-photography/

Thank you Robin for choosing New Leaf! Your wedding party was so much fun…it was like a real party having 13 + in the salon! Congrats and we hope you have been enjoying ‘married life’;-) Cheers!

“If winter comes,  can spring be far behind?”… Well, NYC Fashion Week has just come to a close and I am ready to dive into some color.  The show was filled with  lavenders, and all shades of oranges, pinks, and reds…a make-up artist’s dream palette!

The look calls for a contrast of even complexions with a spa like finish and bold lips. Not only “red” but lots of pigment filled hues and there’s one to suit everyone.

Eyes are clean. One bold shadow. A colored liner. Minimal blush.  Brows are a highlight focus as well. Shaped and finished with pencil or powder to look groomed and slightly thicker.

Of course extra full lashes are still the trend.  And if you can never have enough lash, the Beauty Bar is now selling Revitalash,  which is proven to lengthen and thicken your lashes within the first month of application.

This season don’t be afraid of color, think bold, not abstract 1980′s. More like Andy Warhol meets Jane Austen. Confront color, and it won’t take over your whole look. I have to say I find Spring 2012 so fun and beautiful.  It truly departs from monochromatic and makes you want to spring clean your makeup bag!   Hope to see you all soon…

Have a flawless day,
Danielle