YUM!

Never underestimate the power of a hot pink lip!

Today is an extra long Tuesday! I have a full day at the salon, a mid-day meeting about a cool new beauty product, more clients, a coffee break with a bride-to-be, and then a graduation party for my no-longer assistant as she’s now promoted and has her OWN chair. THAT’s a day. Couldn’t have done it without my lip color.

No, really. After a few hours of running around, my makeup looks average, far from it did when I left the house. A lip color with BAM really keeps me looking fresh, polished and awake through midnight.

Try Candy Yum Yum! I can’t imagine it looking less than glam on anyone!

XO AJ

Guest Post // Emilia Jane

Hello from Mexico! So glad Emilia is guest posting today! This girl is full of wisdom and constantly makes me want to be better at everything I do. Emilia is the talented photographer of Emilia Jane Photography, and her blog combines love, life, and signature cocktails. Enough said.

XO AJ

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So! Who knows someone that got engaged over the holidays?? I feel like my facebook has been wall to wall with relationship change notifications the past couple weeks.

Just a few helpful tips for all of you newly engaged lovelies :-) Though honestly, this first little treat is hilarious regardless of your relationship status!

1. If you haven’t yet, go check out http://practicalryangosling.tumblr.com/. A Practical Wedding’s Emily Gutman has crafted these goodies that keep me laughing. 2. Take a hot second to just enjoy being engaged! Don’t rush the planning right off the bat.

3. Have a real chat with your fiance about what you both want your wedding to look like. Maybe it’s in a ballroom with a big band? Maybe it’s just the two of you under a big tree in the middle of nowhere? Whatever you’re dreaming of, talk through it together before you take any further steps!

4. Remember that the marriage is way more important than the wedding! Don’t let the small stuff with planning make you sweat.

5. Hire vendors you trust to do an amazing job. And then let them do it!

6. Drink some bubbly and just enjoy it ;-) Okay…I may be skipping a few steps here. But I promise I’ve hit the most important ones!

XXOO Emilia Jane

Guest Post // Katie Haigh

  Get ready to fall in love with Katie. Katie Haigh is the sassy writer behind kphaigh.com. A marketing project manager and soon-to-be self published author living in Seattle, she is up for anything that involves words, polka dots, coffee, or sticky notes. I’ve been inspired by her since I was a freshman in high school.

XO AJ __

Most days, I absolutely adore the pants off of the internet. I love being able to Google who the sheriff is from The Young Riders when my sister and I have 90’s tv show marathon over the holidays, and I can’t figure out why he looks familiar. I heart the delicious recipes I find that make it easier to eat healthy. And I nearly burst with gratitude over the crazy easy ability to connect to the people I know and love and the people I want to get to know and love.

But then, some days, the internet throws me into a comparison tizzy. I’m sure you’ve been there too. It can be as impersonal as reading a blog post by someone you’ve never met and feeling like they’ve got it made while you’re still struggling just to figure out what your dream job description looks like. Or as personal as seeing your Facebook feed blow up with picture perfect weddings and old friends writing articles that make the front page of The New York Times.

Whew. Browsing the internet should come with a warning label for high risk of rousing the voice in your head that shrieks in an annoyingly, high pitch that you aren’t good enough.

Which is absolutely not even one measly ounce of true.

So, don’t forget to remind yourself… don’t let comparison steal your joy.

Remind yourself when you’re browsing Pinterest… that those amazing outfits that you’re pinning are helping you pull together the definition of your style and giving you new ideas to rework your closet.

Remind yourself when you’re reading about the top 20 bloggers to watch… that every single one of these bloggers started off on post #1 and followed up with post #2.

Remind yourself when you’re reading about home decor and DIY projects that are Martha Stewart perfect… that you’re not looking at the ten failed attempts or the glue gun burn marks. Seriously, those things get hot.

At the end of the day, you are a rock star whether or not you are like anybody else you see on the internet. You are your own particular brand of awesome exactly the way you are right now.

Katie kphaigh.com

Makeup.com

 

Your Stylist AJ is featured on MAKEUP.COM today! You might remember the above photo from THIS TUTORIAL. When I created this tutorial, it was a last minute, “shoot I need to post a hair tutorial… what have I done lately” situation, and it has somehow BLOWN UP on Pinterest with 892 pins! (what!)

When MAKEUP.COM contacted me about the feature I was smitten. Thank you!

To view their post, CLICK HERE.

XO AJ

Nail Tutorial // Scallops

I fell in love with all things scalloped in the Spring, and yes it’s now November, but I’m far from over it. 

After my last sassy mani, I decided to do something a bit sweeter. What do you think?

The colors above are both Essie. The base color is “Love and Acceptance” and the tip color is “Fiji”. 

1. Paint your nails as usual, then with a toothpick or nail dotting tool, create small dots of paint
2. Connect the dots toward the tip of the nail
3. Spread the bubble of polish in a circular motion until your desired scallops are set
4. Top coat (not pictured)

Stay sweet! AJ

Live on the Edge

HAPPY Tuesday!

If you follow @YourStylistAJ on instagram you already know my favorite fall mani is in full force!

No tutorial necessary, just replace traditional white tips, with edgy black for a sophisticated risk-taking look. I get more compliments on this paint job than ANY other mani I do.

For this, I chose OPI “Black Onyx” and Essie “Starter Wife”.

Would you ever?

In other news, I’ve stared a fresh challenge this week! I am going to use alllll of my energy to NOT COMPLAIN! Wanna join me? Lets shoot for a complain free week. Our friends will love us and we might just trick ourselves into thinking there’s not even anything to complain about!

Ready? Set? GO! AJ

Vulnerability

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Vulnerability. It’s a word that we tend to shutter at. Reading it, thinking about it, is enough to make us feel it. We associate being vulnerable as a negative thing. I think it’s a beautiful thing.

Instead of using the word vulnerable, I wanted to think of what it means to me, to better explain my concept here. I’ve decided on replacing “vulnerable” with “being open”. Being open to ideas, judgment and newness can be scary, or has left us jaded, but being open to these beautiful life experiences is LIVING. I want to be open to LIFE.

For me, being open to life has been dating long distance, moving from city to city, following my dreams, breaking the rules and sharing it all with you on this blog. All of this makes me vulnerable, and it’s amazing. Special even.

We could all open up to life more. Whether it’s wearing that adorably obnoxious hot pink coat you so want to wear but are afraid you’ll look like Elle Woods, or approaching the dreamy guy you just so happen to share the same commute with, or asking for the promotion you deserve. Be open, and yeah, be vulnerable.

Love, AJ

September

September is ending… but fall is officially here, and I’m EXCITED. 

Double French Knot

Time for a hair tutorial! Lets get right into it! 

• Begin by sectioning your hair into two sections
• French braid each side
• Tie braids in a knot
• Tuck ends of the braids beneath the knot and secure with a bobby pin
• Smile

This look is SO easy and could be worn on anyone from a bride to you grocery shopping. OWN IT.

XO AJ

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THINGS I LEARNED THIS WEEK:

• I need my friends, and the laughter we share
• Wearing my beats on my way to work= a better day
• Keratase’s new oil for damaged hair is my new best friend
• Being booked with weddings through NYE makes me feel downright awesome
• My clients trust me with the private details of their lives, and this is an honor, a goosebump worthy honor
• Gilt bar has the best caesar salad in Chicago
• My boyfriend will always be a kid… he had a longboard and tambourine delivered to the apartment
• I feel better with extensions in!
• I deserve a monthly massage… and so do you

Have a perfect Friday! P.S. Congrats to Rachel W. for winning the $50 gift card on the facebook page today :)

XO AJ

Made in the USA

The United States now makes only TWO PERCENT of the apparel its consumers purchase.  

Did your jaw just drop? I hope I have your attention.

Our nation has chosen low-priced clothing made in other countries, and the loss of trades has contributed to a decline in domestic wages, the loss of the middle class, and increase in unemployment. 

With lower price-points often comes a difference in quality. Trends have been evolving so quickly, that consumers choose to purchase from stores like Forever 21 and Target, but many don’t understand how that affects our economy here in the U.S.

Consider yourself informed. In today’s economy it’s crucial to work together and buy local when possible. This will help create and keep American jobs, and help the economy.

As a buyer for Bonnie & Clyde, the core of our independent business and PERSONALIZED fashion drives me. To me, that beats driving to a mall and buying predetermined styles owned by thousands of others. Not everything we stock, is made in the USA, BUT, we carry OVER TWENTY lines made here! The story of the United States garment and textile trades and the high-quality, well-made clothing available is a beautiful thing that I appreciate as a hard working citizen myself!

Though it's not practical to shop ONLY domestic, making an effort to change the ratio, helps.

Support Small. XO AJ

Photo by Stoffer Photography

Washington Post // Sammy Palace

As much as I love talking about nail polish and cap sleeves, one of my favorite things to deliver is inspiration.

My love was posted in the Washington Post a few days ago, and I can’t help but share it! [CLICK HERE FOR GOOSEBUMPS] 

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to be a Sam Palace fan. When we met, baseball was the last thing on my mind—- I didn’t even know the difference between a ball and a strike. But Sammy was this dreamy guitar playin flirt, who at the time was the perfect candidate for my summer fling. We’ve been long distance for three years now, and he inspires me every single day. 

Sammy’s story is a long one, it’s incredible, exhausting, RARE… and his own. It’s not one that he shares, or I share even. It’s too long… hard to understand it if you’re not in it. The minor leagues are so close yet so far from the glamorous televised big leagues.

No matter what kind of day I’ve had, it’s nothing compared to his- yet he NEVER complains! No matter how much work goes seemingly unnoticed, he doesn’t slow down. He’s beating the odds every game, every homestand, every season.

This article is just a TINY itty bitty glimpse at Sammy’s story. I hope it inspires you too! STAY TUNED.

XO AJ

Earlybird Quest

WARNING: If you’re not a morning person, you will be tempted to roll your eyes. Please don’t. I’m not a morning person either. I actually despise it. I start work at eleven every day. If I can be open minded and excited about this, you can too.

So here it goes. My public commitment… to become not necessarily a morning person, but a person who utilizes the morning.

Turning a desire into a ritual takes some serious willpower. I believe willpower to be like a muscle you can work out and strengthen. I know that with a ton of discipline I can become a person who takes advantage of each day. Life is short, this is no new news, and I’m not going to wait around for things to happen for me. LET ALONE SLEEP THROUGH THEM.

I hit snooze every. day. I’m typically very dramatic, but this is no exaggeration. I seriously hit snooze over and over everyday. Not anymore.

Why is this newfound idea of waking with the sun so important to me?

The morning has so much potential, so much opportunity. We’re fresh. Think about how you feel in the evening. If you’re planning to work out in the evening, you may have been dreading it all day. If you have bills to pay and companies to call, they’re closed, and now you’re stressed. In the morning, after a night’s rest, we’re more inclined to be positive!

Starting Monday morning, I will be waking up three hours earlier every day. I will work out in the morning. I will run errands in the morning. I will pack my lunch every morning. I will BLOG in the morning. I will take my time getting to work and not be rushed.

The best part is… I’M SO EXCITED. I KNOW how much this is going to alter my lifestyle for the better. I know it will be tough, and I can’t wait to keep y’all posted.

Goodnight, AJ

Making Time for

Today I’m in deep thought about relationships and love… how we spend our time- or lack there of really- nurturing our relationships and showing gratitude. We’re all guilty of acting busier than we are.

I just read that dual-income couples could only find 12 minutes a day to talk with each other. There are 168 hours in a week.

So lets say you work 10 hour days 5 days a week and sleep 8 hours per night, that leaves 62 HOURS for anything you decide! I’m sure more than 84 minutes can be found to dedicate to the person loved the most.

Try not to take time for granted, especially with the person you’ve chosen to spend your life with.

Some of us only have the phone.

Love, AJ

B&b Sunday Shampoo

It’s summerrrrr! Can you believe this week we’ll be celebrating the 4th of July?

With summer comes all kinds of terrifying territory… chlorine deposit, sunblock buildup, sea salt and product build up… and the list goes…

Bumble & Bumble has a Sunday shampoo perfect to incorporate during the summer months. It’s just that—- a shampoo to be used on Sundays. A weekly detox if you will. It cleanses your hair and scalp big time! I do my deep treatments the same day. It’s like a fresh start. Ridding your hair of all the impurities followed by nourishing it.

Come Monday, your hair is happy.

Make it a great week, AJ

Country Nails

I’m going to my first country concert everrr. Yes, ever.

I know what you’re thinking, and yes, it IS a miracle I’ve never seen Taylor Swift live. It’s equally surprising we’re not bffs. I will do her hair one day. You watch.

BUT, I’m not going to Taylor Swift, I’m going to Sugarland in a couple of weeks. Pretty excited for the whole sundress and cowgirl boots getup! I decided to find something to separate myself from the crowd… COUNTRY NAILS!

• Choose a base color and paint
• Choose one or more accent colors and paint one coat onto tape
• Allow to dry and cut into thin strips
• Apply in desired pattern and cut to your nail shape and size
• Apply a top coat

XO AJ

Simple Nail Art

How I keep busy while listening to my man’s baseball games online! 

Base color- Essie Marshmallow Tips- OPI Lincoln Park After Dark Top coat- OPI Top Coat Tool- (my nail bff) Can be found here! 

XO AJ

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Beauty doesn’t always come in a bottle, and what’s trending now doesn’t even come with a price tag. The beauty industry is always evolving, and trends constantly morph. We play an adult game of follow the leader. It’s exciting to keep up on the current nail tutorials, hair DIYs and beauty pinboards, but sometimes it’s totally fine to step away from the scene, and model your best look.

I’m talking about optimism. Noticeable, contagious, beautiful, positivity. 

I promise, (and my mom taught us young to never make promises you can’t keep), your positive attitude this season, is a REVOLUTIONARY trend, one that is timeless, and should last more than just this season. When those around you, strangers or not, witness and feel this positive energy radiating from your smile, they won’t be able to help but smile back… making optimism the most contagious trend, and a smile your best accessory. 

:) AJ 

Triple (braid) Threat

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Braids have been around since 3000 B.C. in Egypt, then were heavily showcased in the 80’s, and are back now in major variety. Braiding has expanded from simple to intricate and polished to disheveled. This look is quick, convenient, femininity at it’s finest.

• Begin with three regular three strand braids and wrap with clear elastic
• Loosely braid all three strands together in a regular three strand braid and wrap with clear elastic
• Roll the braid up, hiding the tail, and secure with bobby pins
• Pull apart and loosen up the bundle of braids and continue pinning until the foundation is somewhat symmetrical

Seriously simple, yet looks difficult and intriguing.

Have fun playing, AJ

What's in my bag?

We all carry a few essentials with us ALL the time… here are mine! :)

iPad: I’m constantly traveling and throwing this in my bag versus packing up my MacBook. I blog wherever I am from my iPad, show my clients my portfolio in the salon, FaceTime with my long distance love… the list goes on.

Moleskin planner: My iPad is my BFF, but being able to actually write out and cross things off my to do list is so satisfying!

Polish: Whatever polish I’m wearing, I’m usually carrying. Never know when you’ll need a touch up. Right now I’m wearing OPI’s Alpine Snow.

My staple gloss: Valerie of Beverly Hills in “Playboy”.

M.A.C. Red: To add instant effort to any look or for taking my look from day to night, I always have red lipstick!

Bobby pins: I’m not cool with a sea of bobbies and gum wrappers in the bottom of my bag. This “Baggu” bag keeps bobby pins collected and ready for a quick updo.

Book: Public Transportation and airports call for reading time. You can’t be a better writer if you’re not a reader. Currently reading “The Happiness Project” and loving it.

XO AJ