New Blog and Website!

Greetings! Please visit the emily j. hair + makeup team at www.emilyj.com and www.emilyj.com/the-gab.

Blog Hold

Greetings! As you can see I have not been updating the blog. I am having my website redeveloped and along with that a brand new blog. I am excited to launch this and it should be ready soon after the New Year. Stay tuned!!!

Happy Holidays!

Emily

New Skin Care Regimen

I recently started a new skin care regimen by Keys. I wanted to try something a little more "green." And that is what I got. They are all natural, gluten free products. And when I say natural, I mean natural. The ingredient list includes Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Carrot Seed Oil, Cumin Oil, Aloe Vera and Rosemary Extract to name a few.

I ordered from Organic Diva the Wendy's Day Time Skin Care Regime because I was able to get face wash, eye cream, a day time moisturizer with SPF and a nighttime moisturizer in a value pack for $69.95.

So far so good. No major breakouts after the change and it has been over two weeks. I will keep you updated on the progress. I think I made a wise move.

MN Bride Party!

Here are some photos from the party at the Varsity Theater!

Lisa of Flora Bella + Maribeth of Red Ribbon Studio + emily j.

Molly of Apiary Design + Joy of Joynoelle + emily j. + Lisa of Flora Bella

emily j. + Mike (my fun, supportive & loving husband!)

Metro Update

I have been doing some editorial hair and makeup work for Metro Magazine for the past year or so. Photographer Eliesa, owner of Photogen-Inc, creates the magic for this Self-Styled column. Here are the covers and images from the past 3 months and some photos taken of what happens behind the scenes. Enjoy!

Eleisa working it....

Mary O'Regan - Style Editor

emily j. beautifying....

August

July

June

Che Bella

Friends of emily j. -- Make sure to check out the Fall/Winter issue of Minnesota Bride magazine “Best of 2009" wedding vendors feature. emily j. hair + make-up is honored, as is our good friend, Che Bella Boutique, voted best Attendant Gifts in Minnesota. Che Bella is an incredible source of handcrafted bridal jewelry and hairpieces, and has just launched a selection of bridal dresses that are “perfect for the style-minded bride with a smart budget.” Check out their fun attendant gifts as well as a signature line of bridal accessories online at http://chebella.com/index.html or visit their beautiful new shop located on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul.

Braids are Back

A braid framing your face is a great style to try – especially for summer. The look can be easy-going or classy, stays in place, and works well with all different types of hair. Braids are also a stylish solution for keeping hair out of your face, especially for controlling unruly bangs.

How to style it: Begin by parting you hair to the side. Gather the section framing your face in a piece approximately one inch thick (take a thinner or thicker section of hair depending on how thick you want the braid). French braid sideways across the forehead and secure the end with a bobby pin above your ear or near the back of the hairline at your neck.

Here are some looks to try:



For a casual windswept look (perfect for a day at the beach), try the Hills’ Lauren Conrad’s loose braid – casual but still flattering – that she wore to an event at the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas last April.



For a slightly more formal affair, try making the braid a little tighter and neater while also slightly curling the hair to give more body as Jennifer Aniston did for her trip down the red carpet at the 2009 Academy Awards.

For a special event, such as a wedding, where you want your hair up, but also unique, try a braided updo. A braid sweeping into a side chignon is a very chic option. You can vary the size of braid for different looks – from a single large section to many tiny braids gathered and swept to one side. Nicole Richie opted for a larger braid above, while Jessica Alba pulled off a smaller plait at the 2009 Academy Awards.

The Herringbone braid is another option for dressing up a look, especially for those with long hair. Hair gathered loosely at the top makes for a more unstudied and romantic effect.

Tip: For these stylish looks, use a light gel before braiding or mist with hairspray to avoid frizz and flyaways.