NEWS from juliet :-)

….For the past 4 years Hair By Juliet has been an amazing venture! What started as an “idea” blossomed into a full blown and insanely busy business! I have to say I am blessed and completely amazed at how it took off in such a short time and I am so incredibly thankful for all the brides I’ve been able to meet, get to know and work with! I have made so many great friends in the process, and for that I am also so grateful. I am also forever indebted to the planners, friends and past brides who have referred me and supported me! As some of you know, I have been trying to balance my life and juggle so many things including 2 businesses. Juliet Elizabeth Photography has taken off and it has put me at a “crossroads.” I have chosen to take a hiatus from Hair by Juliet and focus solely on photography beginning July 2009. I have many contracts and appointments that I will fulfill over the next 11 months, but will not be accepting any new appointments or bookings for wedding hair.

I am extremely excited about this decision and look forward to a new year of exciting possibilities!

Thanks so much to you ALL for your love, support, encouragement and friendship!!

Three brides.....

I have had so many trial runs for hair lately I can barely keep up! Here are some of the girls I worked with recently. All different looks for different locations and themes.
Check these pretty gals out!

Keeping hair healthy!

In the summertime it can be hard to keep hair healthy if you are swimming in a pool, going to the beach, and if you color or highlight your hair, sun can dry it out.
My secret weapon I've used forever is Sebastian Potion 9. I have never found any other leave-in conditioner that works better! (and trust me, I have tried many).
Use in hair after you towel dry and get most of the moisture out. Use about a dime size (rub between hands) and start at the ends, working up. I never put it directly at the roots.
Try it! It replaces deep conditioning and keeps hair shiny. :-)

Being Thankful

This is a photo of my mom and dad I took recently at folly beach on the river. I snuck up on them and took it!
One thing I've learned since my mom's illness is to notice the beauty around me. The world is full of it, not just in nature but in people. I really pay attention now.... Not that I didn't notice this before, but now it's so obvious to me.
I have watched my dad get thrown into a "role" he probably never imagined. He handles this with such patience, care and understanding. I don't think it was that easy for him at first, which is understandable. When I'm here for a week (like I am right now), I see such strength in him. I'm really proud of him.
Things like this never make sense or really matter until it happens to you. Life is different, but actually a "good" different. I pray daily my mom's brain and body will heal, but I am also very thankful for the lessons I've learned from all of this.

Old Hollywood Glamour

I am a huge fan of vintage-style and anything that reminds me of old hollywood. For Ann's wedding day, she wanted to add a little "vintage glamour" to the style we came up with for her trial run. I LOVE this! It's so elegant and timeless.
To see more of Ann's photos you can visit my photoblog or go to my photography site and browse "portraits."

Products I swear by!

Before I started doing hair, I was obsessed with skin products! I went through a phase where I had breakout problems and I tried everything you can imagine. I'm the type to research and try just about everything, and that's what I did.
I'm going to share with you what finally worked for me. I realize that what I use may not be the best according to the "books." I say that because I did also go to school for esthetics (skin/facials, etc), and learned that some of what I use may go against the "rules" of skincare, but it seriously works for me.
I keep it simple! Here are 4 of my favorite products.

Tazorac Cream........great for breakouts and keeping skin smooth. Be aware, this stuff is STRONG. I never overuse it and I don't use it every day! It will make you peel like crazy if you overuse it (you also must stay out of the sun!). It's only by prescription, and must be used sparingly, at least 20 minutes after you wash your face to make sure there is absolutely no moisture left.
Dove soap.....I know that most books say never use soap. It strips your skin of it's protective layer. Well, dove is great for me. I use the sensitive skin version.
Bobbi Brown blush.....I LOVE it, can't live without it. I am NOT a makeup girl but don't leave home without it. I can buy one and it lasts me over a year. Well worth the money.
Topix ultra lite moisture dew cream.....I have combination skin and have to be careful of heavy cream. this stuff is great. Very light and you have no idea it's on! Unfortunately there is no sunscreen in it. Sunscreen breaks me out, so I just have to watch being in the sun. You can find this online.

If you have any questions about these or your skin, ask!

fun friday!

So this has NOTHING to do with beauty.....well, maybe a little! This will definitely make you smile (always good for the soul!).
I found this a few years ago and LOVED it! If you haven't heard of him, his name is Tyson and he is a skateboarding bulldog! It's pretty amazing to watch. Here is his official website:
http://www.skateboardingbulldog.com/

yay for manicures & pedicures!

Okay, so I never do this! Today I had a very rare day off.....I decided to head out and get a manicure (on my sad little nails) and a pampering pedicure.
I made my way over to "Prince's Nails" behind the Tanger outlets in N. Charleston. My friend Leslie recommended, and I listen to her because she is always so put together and stylie. (My own lingo....sorry).
Anyway, I was impressed! I haven't had that many mani/pedi's in my life, but the ones I have had were just so-so. The girl that did them for me was Katie, and I have never seen anyone take so much time on cuticles. Seriously. I was so relaxed when I left!
For you girls who are getting married and want a place for you and your maids to go? This place is perfect...it's so big! They have alot of room for a big group. It's nice, clean and fancy compared to your run-of-the-mill nail place.
Check it out. It's on the "Staples" side across from walmart. The address is 4950 Centre Pointe #154, N. Charleston, 29418. (843-566-9729).

beauty in being YOU

Ever have a day where you feel out of place? I think everyone does! From the time I was a little girl, I always felt "different," not like alot of other kids. Part of that was me being super intuitive, artsy, a deep thinker. I'd often times hide this by being super silly and make people laugh! The truth is, inside I felt like no one really "knew" me. I'd only let them see that silly side, the side that seemed to be the most comfortable or appealing.
As an adult, I still feel this way sometimes. A little dorky, sometimes not "fitting in." I have to stop and think "who" really fits in and what does that mean? Following the crowd and do we think others want us to be? Dressing a certain way, watching popular shows on tv, having the same hobbies?
If you are reading this and have ever felt like that, I know you know what I'm talking about!
Getting into the "wedding industry" wasn't easy for me. I honestly didn't know what I was up against until about a year into the biz. I realized quickly that this wasn't your typical stylist job, the energy surrounding it was a bit uncomfortable for me at first. Kind of like when I first moved to Folly and realized that Folly Beach does not equal Downtown. haha! ("I'm supposed to wear high heals while shopping???? What's wrong with flip flops?!).
Then one day it occurred to me, a little moment in time where I stopped, took a look at the big picture and just got it. I realized I needed to accept in myself what I'm always saying about the world. I've always had this motto,"how boring the world would be if we all looked and acted the same."
My job isn't to impress people or wear the "right" clothes. My job is so personal, to make a difference and help a girl and her friends have a ton of fun on the wedding day! To talk, to listen to share those moments and help them feel beautiful.
Do I still have days where I feel like a complete dork? Of COURSE! BUT, I will never ever compromise who I am....I will always give the best of who I am and try every day to be thankful for the way God made me.
Be thankful for the way God made YOU....Always be your true authentic self. The world will love you for it.
:-) This is beauty. BE Real, BE honest, BE you.

Jennifer

I met Jennifer this week to do hair for her portrait! I had the best time talking to her about all kinds of things! We ended up with a very classic "audrey" type style. She looked so beautiful.
Jennifer also SINGS! If you are looking for someone to sing at your wedding, you should totally contact me for her info. She is classically trained.

Caroline

I met with Caroline the other day for her hair trial and had so much fun! Afterwards I did some "headshots" of her for the paper. She looked stunning! Check her out. :-)

Meg's wedding!

I met Meg last year in July and was really looking forward to her day at the Rivercourse! She was so much fun and has a smile that lights up the room. Leslie did an awesome job on everyone's makeup, Cris Bernstein was on top of things (like she always is!), and Heather Barrie did all the tent decorations. What a great group--I had so much fun with them and got creative with alot of different styles!
Check them out....

Feedback Please!

So because I don't keep a "stats" page for my blog(s), I always wonder who in the world (literally) is reading my posts! I would love to hear from you......Where you live, what you enjoy about what I've posted, and if you have questions. I'm contemplating doing an "ask juliet" section for beauty, style, and photography. If I get enough responses I may do that! (like I really NEED another hobby-haha!). Please email me: hairbyjuliet@hotmail.com
I can't wait to hear from you. Thanks in advance!!
juliet

Ann

I met Ann back in April and did her hair for Jodi's anniversary party. She contacted me later and I'm going to be working with her this month for her wedding! I'm really excited about it because she is so sweet AND I'm doing hair and photos for her wedding!
I saw her yesterday for her hair trial and met her super cute finance with a cool accent and her sweet kitty witty Oscar.

Rachel

I have known Rachel for a few years now and I am so excited for her! She's getting married in a few weeks at East Cooper Baptist, to a cutie patootie air force guy! I met with her this week for her hair trial and to get the full affect, she put on her dress, veil and accessories! We had a great time. Her mom and sis were there to join in the fun. :-)
Check out her do, and how pretty she looks! (and a shot of her making her best "bridezilla" face).

Alice Gets Married!

Alice and her family...... One of the kindest and amazing groups I've ever met. They have really been dealing with some hard things, but still have such a great outlook on life and their love for each other is obvious!
Alice was married last friday on a pier behind the Charleston Harbor Resort Hotel. Rory from Jubilation was her coordinator (always alot of fun to work with!) and Karen from OK florist did an amazing job on the flowers! I got to meet one of her photographers from Olive Productions--so sweet!
The flowers in the girl's hair were from whole foods. I ran by there originally looking for daisies but I thought these were so pretty and feminine. They were called "lisianthus."
Here are some images I captured of the girls and their 'dos!

yesterday take 2...

My second wedding yesterday was on seabrook island. Cindy was the bride! My friend Kelly did an awesome job making all the girls look gorgeous and the fabulous Melanie Murphy with By Invitation Only was Cindy's coordinator. I was a happy camper doing hair right next to the ocean! I could see it out the window in the room where we were. It was SOOOOO beautiful!
Here's a glimpse of Cindy's beach wedding 'do....

Yesterday......

Yesterday I had 2 weddings. The first was out at Middleton Place, and the bride was Amanda. Her Photographer was Rod from Red Shutter studios. Rod is SO hilarious and a seriously talented photoguy. Between him and Amanda I was so wound up when I left I felt like a kid that ate way too much candy at halloween! HaHa!
Anyway! Here are some shots of amanda's hair, from her trial yesterday and 2 of her attendants. Congrats amanda!!

...BANGS?

So I've had tons going on lately and have SO MUCH to blog about!! I have no idea where to begin.
I will start with my hair change......
I was getting very mad at my hair yesterday. You know, one of those annoying BAD hair days that you have sometimes? I have been 'trying' to grow my bangs out and they were getting so long. I go through this I think at least once a year and then I just get to a point where I can't stand it! SO...... I CUT THEM I think 4 inches!! Back to the starting point! haha. I kind of like them. It reminded me of Erin Fetherston. I actually didn't think of this until I was done. I thought," this reminds me of that designer chick." So girls, here's one way of an instant change with your 'do. ;-)

Sharon

Sharon was one of the brides I had the pleasure of working with last saturday! She was married at the Rivercourse on kiawah, and got ready at the Sanctuary. Thanks to Cris from Premier Events, I got hooked up with this group. The whole famliy was awesome! So much fun and down-to-earth. Sharon, her sis and mom all looked stunning! All three were just beautiful--check them out. :-)

ROCK STAR HAIR!

I posted a blurb about Jessica the day we did her hair for her portrait back in February. I have been dying to post some photos to show off her seriously awesome hair! Corrie from MCG photography (She and hubby James were Jessica's photographers) was so sweet to send me these today. (thanks girl!!). If you've thought about getting extensions for your portrait or wedding day and weren't sure, this should convince you. To get this amount of fullness, I used almost two full sets of extensions. ALOT of hair! Check her out!

Sarah Silver

Sarah was married last weekend Saturday on Sullivan's Island! I met her a few days before to do a practice run with her hair. It was such a great photo-op I couldn't resist!! I decided to feature her on the front page of my hairbyjuliet site. I gave her a simple but elegant low chignon, and she looked radiant without a stitch of makeup! Congrats Sarah!

Beach wedding?

Remember when you are planning for a wedding outside, you DO have to consider weather. It may be very windy (near the ocean or river), humid & hot, especially here in Charleston! Depending on the time of year it's much worse in certain months...Don't fret, just be aware and prepared!
The best styles for outside are either updos that are very secure, OR styles that can be blown and still look good if a piece falls here and there.
Here are some great ideas....

Ionic "anti frizz" Hairdryer! 2 thumbs up!!

My (not-so) old hair dryer blew up a few weeks ago and I was forced to get out and buy a new one. I decided to try something new. While I have been very sceptical of these "anti-frizz" dryers, I thought, "what the heck! It wouldn't hurt to try one"....
I took a trip to sally beauty supply. While this store isn't typically my favorite for products, I have had really great results with their curling irons. I went in and found this hairdryer by "ion." I have to say it WORKS. I've got naturally wavy hair that I straighten every day with a brush as I dry it. I noticed a difference the first day I used it! It's lightweight and not nearly as loud as my old dryer. It costs about 2x the amount of the one I had before from target, but that one only lasted about 6 months! I even like it better than my "pro" one.
To check this out, click HERE.

short sassy hair!

Who says you can't wear short hair for your wedding day?! Stacy says you CAN, and she wears it well.
She told me she normally has a "pixie" cut and this was long for her. She grew it out to have something "to work with."
Of course I tend to lean toward full blown fingerwaves for this length of hair, but I don't think that is quite her style. Here is an idea we tried the other day at her trial run. In the end (but I have no picture of this) I flipped the back out a little. That was cute too! I tried out a clip I had from Claire's boutique, but I think we may go for some shoe clips!