the beauty blog :: andre chreky :: the salon spa

Brides on the Loose!

Planning a spring or summer wedding? Set aside your preconceptions about “bridal hair” and let loose your imagination! If your tresses are long and healthy, don’t hide them in a complicated up-do. Instead, flaunt your crowning glory with hair that grazes your shoulders and floats beneath your veil like a cloud.

We’re getting lots of requests for natural-looking wedding locks, prompted perhaps by recent photos of two of our bridal clients, published on the Washington Post and Washingtonian websites. Jenny Clark wanted her May 14 wedding to be “timeless, classic, and fresh.” Her gleaming blonde hair – fastened with a bejeweled clip – looked effortlessly lovely in her formal wedding portraits as well as candid reception photos. Equally fabulous were Maura O’Connor’s long, loose, and oh-so-romantic deep red curls, which held up beautifully despite the heat and humidity of her August festivities (she's the gorgeous bride featured in the photo).

These “natural” styles are deceptive: brides are advised not to go it alone! The right color, volume, sheen and accouterments require an expert’s touch. Book a preview appointment with our Bridal Coordinator as soon as you pick up your veil. We’ll help you decide well in advance if this season’s long, loose style is right for your special day.

 

Aisle of White. Or Not.

Did your true love “pop the question” over the holidays? Were you taken by surprise… or have you surreptitiously been posting pictures of gowns, veils, cakes, and venues to your Pinterest “wedding” board for months now? Regardless, it’s not too soon to start pinning down the image you want to create on your Big Day. I’m always curious about bridal trends – here’s what Winnie, our Bridal Services Coordinator, predicts will be big for 2012.

Bridal Hair – We’re getting many more requests for long, loose, wavy wedding hair. The complex updos of recent years have given way to glossy, romantic locks. In ancient times, only maidens of the spotless virtue were allowed to wear their hair about their shoulders. Is there a subtle message to this new trend?  Regardless, we think the look is gorgeous – and much, much easier to maintain throughout the day’s long hours of festivities.

The Veil -- As with hair, popular veils are long and unstructured, reminiscent of traditional mantillas. We have Kate Middleton to thank for both of these beautiful trends: so natural and uncomplicated!

The Dress – For many years, strapless gowns were THE big thing in wedding regalia. And you know what? Guests spent way too many hours watching brides tug nervously at their slipping necklines – distracting, to say the least. Mothers-of-the-bride and photographers everywhere will be thrilled that illusion necklines are the most fashionable choice in gowns this year. The bride has the benefit of showing off her beautiful décolletage, throat, and shoulders through gossamer veils of transparent fabric. The result: all the beauty of a strapless gown, with none of the distractions. You can even carry the “illusion” one step further, creating nearly-see-through sleeves: modest and alluring at the same time. I think Carolina Herrera’s Spring 2012 collection does it best.

Neigh Sayers: Synthetic horsehair is having its moment. The semi-stiff fabric is used to construct underskirts for gowns, creating a strong, crisp line. Horsehair creates impressive volume (think: 1950’s ball gowns); depending on how avant garde you’re feeling, you can carry this to the extreme for a frothy, fantasy concoction that will certainly make a memorable entrance. Vera Wang is the designer who makes best use of this trend.

Blushing Brides – Let’s face it. Not everyone looks wonderful in white. For brides who are willing to push the envelope just a wee bit, I love the introduction of a soft blush pink tint to the traditional wedding silhouette. Reese Witherspoon was the first celebrity to veer from the “aisle of white” in a sophisticated pink dress by Monique Lhuillier. (Then again, it was a second wedding for Reese.)

Before you get too caught up in the “dress up” phase of your wedding plans, let me remind you to contact our Bridal Services Department and get on our calendar. Our specialists work magic when it comes to taking the image you have in mind, making it your very own, and assuring you Vow to Wow from the first engagement photos to the final toss of the bouquet.

Best wishes!

 

Costa Rica? Eureka!

As you know by now, I’m a huge fan of day trips – check out the archived entries to the right and see some of the great, last-minute adventures I’ve squeezed in over the past few months. But sometimes a day’s respite…or even an overnight retreat…simply isn’t enough. Our family found ourselves itching for a REAL vacation during the Thanksgiving holiday. Believe it or not, our last-minute planning yielded one of the best vacations ever: a five day adventure in Costa Rica. Here are some tips for how you might be able to swing a seat-of-the-pants getaway to this tropical paradise.

1. Getting there: unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find a non-stop flight from DC. We opted to connect through Charlotte on USAir. My one word of advice: allow plenty of time for a layover between flights. We darn near missed our connection, even with our fleet-footed sprint between terminals!

2. Ground transportation: you want to be able to explore the beautiful countryside at leisure, so arrange to rent a car in advance. We found the best rates through Dollar, but shop around. Word to the wise: spring for the GPS (a lifesaver!). Also, insurance is a mandatory add-on in Costa Rica, so factor that into your budget.

3. Accommodations: we LOVED the Marriott Los Suenos, a gorgeous hotel located on the Pacific Ocean. A gated resort community, Los Suenos has a spectacular water views, a marina, and golg course.

4. Side trips: tempting as it was to laze around Los Suenos, we maximized our time in Costa Rica with some really interesting day trips. Among our favorites was the Manual Antonio National Park (hire a guide with a telescopic camera lens and take home some spectacular wildlife photos), Poas Volcano (just one hour outside of the capital, San Jose), and the surfing village of Jaco, just 10 miles from the Los Suenos hotel.

5. Activities: you want to park yourself on the beach with a good book and a tall frosty drink? I get it! But for the restless in your entourage, there are lots of ways to stay active. We booked a zip-lining adventure through Canopy Vista Los Suenos, horseback riding with Discovery Horseback Tours and a tour of Pura Waterfall Gardens. Those who are even bolder will want to engage in some ATVing with Adventure Tours, the Crocodile Man Tour on Playa Tarcoles, or bungee jumping (!!!) with Pacific Bungee Costa Rica. Another great idea: charter a boat and local captain and spend the day deep sea fishing.

6. Dining: The Marriott had some fabulous options but half the fun is venturing "off property" for some local cuising.  In nearby Jaco, we particularly liked Tsunami Sushi, the Taco Bar, and Parrilla Argentina for the best steak north of Buenos Aires. I also highly recommend Juanita’s at Playa Herradura.

7. Souvenirs: Costa Rica is ALL about coffee and you’ll want to stock up while you’re here. Grab sacks of beans for your friends, your house-sitter, your boss…and then line the rest of your suitcase with a year-long supply of your own.  The locals’ favorite brand is 1820 – you can find it at any supermarket! Delicious!!!

I just can’t say enough about our wonderful Costa Rican holiday. If you want to learn more about this not-so-far away destination, check out the Department of State’s website or visitcostarica.com, site of the local tourist board. Happy Travels!

 

FulsomeFinish15: Kenra Volume Spray 25

Every month during 2012, we’ll be celebrating our 15^th Anniversary with a special product at the celebratory price of just $15! This month, I’ve chosen one of Andre’s very favorite products: Kenra Volume Spray 25. Even at its regular price of $23, this multi-tasking spray is super popular with our clients. Unlike many hair sprays which can actually flatten your beautiful blow out, Kenra Volume Spray 25 lives up to its name, adding luscious volume even as it fights frizz. Even with its all day, super-hold strength, Kenra Volume Spray is not stiff or sticky – your hair will be controlled, not “helmet-y.” Hurry to our retail counter and nab the full-size, 16-ounce can of Kenra Volume Spray 25 for just $15…then prepare to turn up the Volume/Control!

(Offer good while supplies last; Offer expires January 31, 2012. Limit: one per customer, please.)

 

'12 Kicks off Our Fabulous 15

What are you looking forward to in 2012? I have many things I’m eagerly anticipating, but none more than celebrating Andre Chreky the salon spa’s 15^th Anniversary! Suffice it to say, when it comes to celebrating this big occasion, once is not enough: we’ll be feting our Fifteenth all year long. Let’s get this party started!

Wednesday, January 4 ~ Holiday houseguests can eat you out of house and home. They also have a sneaky way of using up all of your favorite beauty products. Restock your shelves during today’s Retail Roundup. Toiletries, treatments, lotions, and potions: all are 20% off! In-salon purchases only. 7am-7pm.

Thursday, January 5 ~ New Year + New Hue = New You! Refresh your current color or try a new tint and you’ll save 20% on all color services today. Add a blow dry for an additional $40. 7am-7pm.

Thursday, January 12-Friday, January 13 ~ Sally forth into the New Year 2012 with a fresh face! Book a Signature Facial for $75 (regularly $90) and receive a complimentary BioElements Luxe Clutch Bag, filled with travel-sized Sleepwear, Flash Foam Cleanser, and Quick Refiner. It’s a $30 value. 9am-7pm.

Thursday January 19 ~You’ve untrimmed your tree and un-decked your halls leaving your hands as dry as tinder. It’s your lucky day! Book any nail treatment and receive a complimentary, moisturizing paraffin treatment. 9am-7pm.

Wednesday January 25 ~ Everyone loves our monthly discounts during Gift Cards to Go. This month, in honor of our big “one-five” we’re offering even bigger savings! Buy your gift cards today and enjoy a 15% discount. In-salon purchases only; web sales do not apply. 7am-7pm.

Friday, January 27 ~ Give your post-holiday hair a new lease on life with our Moroccan Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment. It’s specially priced today at $30 (regularly $60).

 

New Year’s Plans? Don’t Drop the Ball!

If your sweetie (or a gaggle of girlfriends) is relying on YOU to coordinate the fond farewell to 2011, don’t panic. Despite the fact that New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, there are several great alternatives to hosting the fete Chez Moi. Check out some of these lively “around town” celebrations.

Odyssey River Cruise: Ring in the New Year aboard the Odyssey as you spend an unforgettable evening cruising the Potomac River. Stroll the outside decks and enjoy the spectacular monuments of Washington, beautifully illuminated. There will be live a special chef’s menu, entertainment and dancing, a Viennese dessert table with chocolate Fountain, premium open bar package and, of course, the requisite champagne toast at midnight. 8:00pm-1:00am Priced from $219.90 per adult.

Patti Austin at the Kennedy Center: Jazz superstar vocalist Patti Austin and a six-piece band will showcase selections from her forthcoming recording of the music of Duke Ellington. Ring in the New Year with what will undoubtedly be one of the most-talked-about concerts of the season. After the performance, enjoy festive dancing, a countdown to 2012, and a balloon drop in the Grand Foyer, all included in the price of your concert ticket.

“Hairspray” and Dance Party at Signature Theatre: Nobody throws a New Year’s bash like Signature Theatre. The evening begins with an effervescent performance of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Hairspray,” starring the host of “Around Town,” Robert Aubrey Davis in the divine drag role of Edna Turnblatt. After the show, shake, shimmy, and dance the night away with a live DJ, delicious hors d’oeuvres, Signature drinks from Ali’s bar, and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are available for the show and party or for the party only. To reserve, call the Box Office at 703 820 9771. (Insider tip: The Hilton Garden Inn is offering a special rate for Signature patrons. To book, call 703 820 0440; tell them you’re a Signature Theatre patron and receive 15% off your room rate. Beats a DUI!)

First Night, Alexandria: this family oriented, non-alcohol New Year's Eve celebration spans dozens of venues throughout historic Old Town Alexandria. This year includes 100 live indoor performances, the Annual Fun Hunt, children’s entertainment and interactive games, and a spectacular midnight finale with lasers, video, and music at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. The grand finale warms up at 10 pm with a dance party on the Memorial lawn featuring tunes by DJ Ray Casino. At 11:30 pm the show goes multimedia, with video, music, and a swirling spectrum of colorful lasers, culminating in a midnight countdown and ball drop. Six thousand balls will descend (lightly) on revelers. Snag a ball and enter to win a prize! Free DASH shuttles and the King Street Trolley will transport participants to activities along King St.

How do you celebrate New Year’s? Do you go out or hunker down at home for the evening? 

 

Puppy Love

Are you one of those love-struck sweethearts (or “can’t say no” parents) who’s planning to surprise your loved one with a warm, squirmy, snuggly ball of fluff for Christmas? Puppies are a popular holiday present – and I can understand why. Who can resist all that unconditional, wet-nosed affection? But here’s some advice. Instead of wrapping your canine with a candy cane and ribbon, attach a very special – and VERY important – gift card to its collar: a certificate good for AKC Canine’s Good Citizen® Program. This is NOT for purebreds only: pound puppies are encouraged to attend, too! Started in 1989, the CGC Program rewards dogs who have “good manners” at home and in the ‘hood (think “Dog Park”). The two-part program stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. Training will enhance the bond between your loved one and their Holiday Hound…after all, dogs with obedience education are so much easier to live with! They respond well to household routines, behave well around people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of their owners. Dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. For information, costs, and a schedule of classes near you, contact: www.akc.org/events. Yip-yip-Hooray!

 

Day Tripper: Christmas in New York

When it comes to holiday spirit, no city surpasses New York. (Well, maybe London does, but that’s hardly a day trip!) Every hall in New York seems to be decked to the nines, and the avenues, parks and building facades are trimmed and lit so gloriously, it’s a sight you’ll never forget. You owe it to yourself to experience a New York holiday visit at least once…why not this year!

Although you can easily go up and back to New York in one day, I suggest you spend the night. Beautiful as the city is during the day – particularly after a light dusting of snow – the full beauty of its Christmas pageantry is best appreciated after dark. The citywide display of dazzling lights gives Times Square a run for its money.

Start your visit at Grand Central Station. Although the terminal no longer hosts its traditional laser light show (money, honey), the foyer with its domed glass ceiling is still a sight to behold during the holidays. In the terminal’s historic Vanderbilt Hall get a head start on shopping at the Grand Central Holiday Fair, which runs through December 24. Browse through the wares of 76 vendors to find that perfect one-of-a-kind present. Then, pop in next door at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex Gallery; the Holiday Train Show features Lionel trains running on eight separate loops of track through a 34-foot-long miniature New York City scene. Vintage trains from the museum's collection, including models made by American Flyer and Louis Marx & Company, will also be displayed. If trains are your “thing,” don’t stop now! Head to the New York Botanical Gardens. This holiday train show boasts 140 minute replicas of New York through the ages, the perfect backdrops for an amazing collection of miniature trains.

If you’re in the market for some creative stocking stuffers, visit the European-style open air holiday market at Bryant Park. Stroll among the booths, sipping hot cocoa, before heading to Bryant Park Pond for an hour of ice-skating beneath the fairy lights. This is my favorite skating park in the city, less crowded (but admittedly less iconic) than the Wollman Rink at Central Park or the world-famous skating at Rockefeller Center.

Skating or no, Rockefeller Center is THE not-to-be-missed stop on your holiday tour of New York. Take in the jaw-dropping beauty of the world’s most famous – and fabulous – Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, best enjoyed after twilight. Can you believe the size of that massive Swarovski crystal star??? Then duck into Radio City Music Hall and get a kick out of seeing the Rockettes in their 78^th Annual Christmas Spectacular. The show has been revamped with new costumes and new choreography. I can’t wait to see it!

Dusk comes early to New York City in December and that’s great news: holiday lights wash the sidewalks in twinkles of red, green, and gold… animated shop windows with festive holiday tableaus beckon…and the stores stay open late to tempt you with presents you had no intention of buying but hey…it’s Christmas! While most of the big shops do a grand job of decorating, my “best dressed” awards go to FAO Schwartz, Bloomies, Lord & Taylor, Saks, and of course, Macy’s. (I’ve heard that Barney’s window will feature Lady Gaga…I’ll withhold comment until I’ve had a look.)

Ready for some culture? As ever, New York City is here to accommodate. Although you can see The Nutcracker at home (and Washington Ballet’s version is one of my all time favorites), you can’t go wrong seeing the production that New York City Ballet stages; with choreography by George Balanchine, this glittery performance will transport even the most jaded balletomane. An avid collector of ornaments, I’m always eager to see what’s on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year, the Medieval Sculpture Hall will display a glorious carved nativity scene from Naples, a colossal tree bedecked with original 18^th-century ornaments, and seasonal music. See you there!

Have you been to New York at Christmastime? What should I add to my list of things to do and see?

 

Gifts that do a World of Good

I like presents. I love holding a beautifully wrapped box and shaking it gently, trying to guess what’s inside. I love carefully unfurling the ribbon (which I stealthily pocket to repurpose). I love being surprised and touched by the imagination and creativity that went into the present. And of course, I love wearing or using my gift and remembering the friend or family member who made a special effort on my behalf.

But the gifts Andre and I have come to love the most are the gifts made to our favorite charities and not-for-profit organizations. Many organizations are feeling the pinch of the weak economy – a downturn in charitable giving means a downturn in the breadth and depth of a charity’s important work. This year, we’ve asked those closest to us to consider making a contribution to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Humane Society, Capital Area Food Bank, or Make a Wish Foundation. Other friends of ours have selected arts organizations as the recipients of holiday generosity – DC is brimming with worthy theatres, dance companies, and visual artists’ consortiums, all of which could use a financial boost.  Some families we know have turned their holiday tradition of volunteering at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter to a year ‘round activity: volunteering is a form of giving too.

May the holidays bring you inspired gifts, to give and receive! And may the season also inspire you to give to an organization that could really use your support. That kind of generosity has a ripple effect that lasts long after the ornaments have been packed away.

 

12 Days of Christmas: Too Few for Movie Lovers

Our family LOVES movies… but for some reason, we don’t get around to going to the movies very often. The holiday season is the exception. Our daughters come home from college for a long Thanksgiving and an even longer December break and our tradition is to spend as many hours as possible in cinemas around town. We’ve been known to see two or more movies at a time! But this season, the choices are so spectacular… and so many… we’re going to have to make tough decisions. These are among our top contenders.

"The Descendants" - In Alexander Payne's first film since "Sideways" in 2004, George Clooney portrays a wealthy man trying to reconnect with his two daughters after his wife slips into a coma. 

"The Artist" - An audience favorite at the Cannes Film Festival, this black-and-white silent French film tells the story of a fading actor and a rising actress at the end of the silent-film era.

"War Horse" - Steven Spielberg tells the story of a young English farmhand who enlists during World War I, hoping to find his beloved colt that was sold to the cavalry.

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" - Directed by Stephen Daldry ("The Hours"), this film is based on Jonathan Safran Foer's novel about a young boy grieving the loss of his father who died in the 9/11 World Trade Center attack. With Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock and James Gandolfini.

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" - At last! The anxiously awaited English-language version of the Swedish bestseller comes to the big screen. With Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig.

"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" - Gary Oldman is spymaster George Smiley in a new adaptation of the John le Carre novel. Directed by Tomas Alfredson ("Let the Right One In") and with 2011 Oscar winner Colin Firth.

I’m always on the lookout for strong performances by women, so I will add several of these to our list:

Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn"

Meryl Streep as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady"

Glenn Close as a 19^th-century Irish woman who passes for man in "Albert Nobbs,” a film Close wrote.

Kate Winslet in "Carnage,” an adaptation of Yasmina Reza's Tony Award-winning play, "God of Carnage." (Too bad the film is directed by the controversial Roman Polanski.)

We haven’t heard from Ralph Fiennes in a while. He stars in and directs one of Shakespeare's lesser-known plays, "Coriolanus,” with Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave and Jessica Chastain.

3-D is also tempting us this season with Martin Scorsese’s "Hugo" from the children's adventure book "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," with Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley and Jude Law  as well as Spielberg’s "The Adventures of Tintin,” based on the acclaimed Belgian graphic novels.

Phew! I’m already overwhelmed with choices – and I’ve left out a slew of sequels that look intriguing. Decisions, decisions! What’s on your holiday film list?