Camera Ready at Shear Ego

On Saturday I had the pleasure of going to Shear Ego Salon and Spa in Pittsford Plaza to test drive their special occasion hair and makeup services for Rochester A-List.

God knows I can use all the help I can get...

I walked in looking like this:

And walked out looking like this:

Necklace c/o Arwark

Isn't amazing what the right hair and makeup can do?

When I arrived, I was given the grand tour of the 18,000+ square foot salon, spa, and men's club.  I had no idea how big this place was.  This beautiful facility has a little something for everyone.  Whether you're a guys guy looking for a quick game of pool before a straight shave or a group of ladies looking for a mimosa-filled spa party with girlfriends, Shear Ego has got you covered.  I can't wait to go back and try out some of their spa services!  Don't worry, I'll be sure to write about that too, but for now let's get back to hair and makeup, shall we?

The first item on my agenda was an up-do with Valentina.  I left it up to her to do what she wanted with my hair.  I showed her a picture of the dress I was wearing that evening and made it clear that I didn't want to look like I was going to my 8th grade dance, but other than that she had free reign.  I wasn't disappointed with the side sweeping curls she had in mind.

She might be smiling back there, but I'm sure she was looking at the hair that I had slept on wet the night before thinking - this?  this is what I have to work with?  She never let on a bit though... what a doll!

Here I am getting my curl on:
 

What?  I don't have any makeup on yet!

This is what I really look like!
It takes A LOT of work to get this girl camera ready!

And the finished product:

After hair, it was time for makeup and lashes by Melissa.  Again, I pretty much gave her poetic license to do whatever she wanted aside from making me look like a drag queen.  Thankfully I was in very good hands.   Melissa used all Cargo products, was a complete sweetheart,  and I walked out looking every bit the lady.

I think one of the biggest wow factors of my makeup that night was the lashes.  Too many people are afraid of false lashes.  They really make your eyes pop.  Melissa used individual Ardell lashes with tinted glue to give me a seamless, natural look.  I absolutely love them.  While I definitely don't have the time to put on lashes for every day wear, I usually wear them for special occasions and events.   It was so nice to have someone else apply them for a change! 

Little, tiny miracles.

Can you believe the difference?!

You can't even compare the two!  The falsies look so natural, yet they really give that added oomph to my look, not to mention that they photograph really well.  Any time you want your eyes to stand out in pictures, lashes are the way to go.  And if you're too scared to apply them yourself, head on over to Shear Ego and have Melissa do them for you.  She is a lash master.

After two hours of being primped and pampered, I looked like this:

A far cry from this:

Yowzah!

After they indulged my need to take a few awkward #selfies in the mirror, they handed me my new client goodie bag (I love gifts!) and I was on my way home to get dressed for dinner.  

My new client welcome package included hair and skin care samples and
 a $25 gift card to use toward my next service!

You've heard the phrase "it takes a village?"  Well that applies to not only raising children, but also to getting a fashionista camera ready.  Don't get me wrong, I clean up pretty good on my own, but for a little extra pop on those special occasions, it definitely "takes a village" and Shear Ego is just the kind of village I need.  I would highly recommend having your hair styled and makeup done for the next special event in your life.  Updos and lashes aren't just for wedding and proms.  You only live once... why not look and feel your best?  And why not let Shear Ego help you do it?

Since I'm sure you're dying to know, here is the completed look for date night at 2Vine with my hubby:

Taylor Pink Bubble Dress c/o Lendperk
Sauvignon Blanc c/o 2 Vine
Hair and Makeup c/o Shear Ego
Best job ever c/o Rochester A-List

And for the rest of the month Shear Ego is offering some FABULOUS specials for A-List subscribers, but you have to get on The List to take advantage of these limited time offers.  Sign up for A-List and open up a world of fantastic spa deals here.

Love you like I love the red carpet treatment, 

xoxo

Jenny

Boutique Crawlin'

Last night was Fashion Week of Rochester's March Madness Boutique Crawl.  For $20, you got chauffeured around for five hours as you shopped the best boutiques in Rochester, where you were treated to fabulous sales, complimentary cocktails, hors d-hourves, and freebies all to benefit The Center for Youth.  I can't think of a better way to spend a Thursday night... can you?

Here's the nitty gritty on my evening...

What I wore:

Can you believe my whole outfit (minus the shoes) is from JC Penney?!
They are really stepping it up.  Love!  (And so affordable!)
Photo taken @ A Different Point of View (who had THE best goodie bags BTW)

Who I went with:

What a fantastic group of women!  We had THE best time!
And aside from me, none of these girls knew each other when the night started.
Nothing like bonding over shopping and champagne!
Photo taken @ Chandeliers in Pittsford.

What I bought:

Necklace from Red Tiger Boutique in Pittsford

Shoes, Necklace, and Earrings from Shop Peppermint 
My inner geek couldn't resist the map print on those ballet flats!

MM Couture Dress from Dado

What I wish I bought:

Abigail Riggs ~ Miss Annie bag in Mud
This bag is made from the softest, to-die-for, leather and suede and features an authentic turquoise pendant.
You would think Gail designed it just for me...

With the beautiful, talented, and philanthropic Gail Riggs, Ph.D.
Founder and CEO of Abigail Riggs
"A Purse with a Purpose."

Last night was a perfect reminder of why I do what I do:  promote local boutique owners, businesses, beauty personnel, and designers.  There is so much talent and beauty in this little city of ours and it's filled with so many wonderful and inspiring people.  Somebody needs to spread the word!  It might as well be me.  :)

Have a fantastic weekend Rochester!

xoxo

Jenny

* Expect more on Abigail Riggs in the near future.  I'm officially OBSESSED.  :)

Hair and Makeup at the Del Monte

On Thursday, Rochester A-List sent me to The Spa at the Del Monte (one of my favorite places ever!!!) for a blow out and style and makeup application.   I know, I know - rough life.  Just try not to hate me forever.

Take solace in knowing that I looked like this when I arrived:

Yeah... this is what I really look like...

And now, the entire internet is able to see me in my greasy, bare faced glory.

Feeling better now?  Great.

Cuz now it's time to get a little jeal-ous.

Have you been to the Del Monte since their remodel?  If not, you have to go and check it out.  It's gorgeous.  They've taken serenity to a whole new level.  This is the new waiting area outside of the salon:

After I was greeted at the front desk, and my coat was taken, I took a seat on the sofa and waited for my hair appointment.  Jen Kaper was my stylist.  She came out to meet me and was super sweet.  She washed my hair, dried it, and then curled it with a fat curling iron.  I told her I needed it to still look good for an event the following night so don't be afraid to load on the hairspray.  (I'm from NJ, I'm used to it.)

These are the chocolate covered strawberries that I got to snack on with my fruit-infused water while my hair was being done:

And here is how my hair turned out:

I'm loving the lose curls.  They stayed put all night, and the next day I was able to wear my hair straight, but it had tons of body from being curled.  Any day I don't have to do my hair is a good day in my book.  Love!

On to the makeup portion of today's programming...

The Del Monte uses two makeup lines:  Le Metier de Beaute and La Bella Donna.

This age-fighting skin care line is the best of the best.
Sold at Nordrom, Neimans, and The Spa at the Delmonte.

La Bella Donna is a mineral makeup line based out of Los Angeles.
It's sold at Bergdorfs - but if getting there is a little too much of a hike,
you get head on over to the Spa at the Del Monte in Pittsford.
Made with natural ingredients, La Bella Donna is mineral makeup that is truly good for your skin.

I got to try La Metier.

Jennifer Gelb was my makeup artist.  She was such a doll.  She explained, in full detail, all of the products she was using and how she was applying them.  When she was done, my skin looked flawless, and my eyes, well, you'll just have to let me show you how they turned out...

Check out that shadow!  Love, love, loved my eyes!

La Metier's Kaleidoscope Color Theory sure is working!
Look how those eye shadow shades interact and play off each other.  Simply stunning.

Here's the finished product.  Isn't it amazing what professional hair and makeup can do?

Think it doesn't make a difference?  The proof is in the pudding - or in this case, the picmonkey photo collage...

There is no denying that I left the Del Monte a much-improved version of myself.  

If you have a special event coming up I would highly recommend visiting the Spa at the Delmonte for hair and makeup.  Both services are reasonably priced, the atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful, and the service is always impeccable.  The Del Monte has been go-to spot for a spa day for years, and now... for hair and makeup too!

Let me share a little trick of the trade with you...

Want to know one of their best kept secrets?  Makeup lessons.  You can book a makeup lesson for $50 to learn how to do your makeup like a pro.  Want to know the best part?  That $50 can be applied toward product!!!  So technically makeup lessons are FREE (at least that's what you can tell your husband!) See you're saving him money AGAIN!  

Think that's fantastic?  Well, you're going to LOVE this:  Feb. 8-9 & Feb. 22-23 the Delmonte is hosting Makup clinics so so you can look your best for Valentine's Day, a special "Date Night" or "Girls Night Out." All sessions are complimentary and can be customized to fit your needs. Reservations are required (585) 419-3000.

Seriously, why are you even still reading this?  Go ahead schedule your appointment... or at least go tell your husband he doesn't have to shop for Valentines Day (you know he hasn't bought anything yet) because you would love a Del Monte spa gift card.

I'll wait here.

Ok fine...

Be like that...

I guess I'll just have to leave...

Hope to bump into you at your next spa day!

xoxo

Jenny

The Flower City Fashionista

PS- Did you know Rochester A-List is giving away free spa visits each month through April?  To enter to win, be sure to get on the list.  It's free!  Click here to sign up now.

Holiday Shopping in Pittsford Village

Tomorrow is Pittsford's Candle Light Night and six Main Street businesses have partnered to promote holiday shopping in the Village of Pittsford.

To celebrate the season and encourage a stroll down Main Street, each participating business is offering a joint shopping card with $10 off a purchase of $35 or more.  The Pittsford Shopping Card has a value of $60 and can be picked up at any of the participating stores.  Store include:  SJ's Village Boutique, Chandeliers Boutique & Accessories, Embrasse-Moi, Life is Good, Sullivan Shoes, and Salon Bella Vita.

You can find gifts for everyone on your list, all while sipping a latte and strolling alongside the historic buildings on Main Street.  This unique charm cannot be found in a mall, so support small business, shop local, and save some money with The Pittsford Shopping Card this holiday season.

Sock It to Me

So...

I have this weird affinity for holiday socks.  I love them.  I have an entire drawer of them:  Christmas socks, Halloween Socks, Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day, but I could never find Thanksgiving socks.  After years of searching and contemplating designing my own line of Turkey Day Sockwear (pretty sure that's not a word, but just go with it) - I found them at SJ's Village Boutique in Pittsford.  Hallelujah!

My life is now complete.

SJ's has a great selection of "fun" socks - so if you're like me and enjoy a little party going on underneath your on-trend footwear, head on over to SJ's and check them out.

Happy sock shopping!

Smile, tomorrow is Friday, so rock out with your sock out.

Okay was pretty bad...  I'll leave you all in peace.

xoxo

Jenny

Rochester Boutique News

Just got my ticket for the Dado Fashion Show on the 16th.  All seats are sold out, but standing room is still available.  Get yours while you still can!

Also, look what's new at Suzanne's:

Do you have some inside scoop on the Rochester fashion scene?  Please e-mail me at jennifersanzo@yahoo.com or message me on facebook to share events, sales, and promos that you would like me to publicize.  Shop local!  Support small businesses!  And keep your favorite fashionista in the loop!

xoxo

Jenny
The Flower City Fashionista