by Annette Quinet | Sep 3, 2016 | Fashion, Five Questions, Giveaway, My Blog |
#amalified was an expression I came up with several years ago when I would leave the salon after Amal Abi Farah would blow dry my hair. On a recent visit to Suite 13 Hair Design I took the opportunity to ask Amal the following 5 questions for this feature:
For your chance to be #amalified see below on how you can enter to win a Blow Dry Gift Certificate from Suite 13 Hair Design
1- Is there a Hairstyle that is universal and all women can wear?
The LOB (combo of long and bob) …is a fabulous cut that not only flatters all face shapes but also works with all hair types. It is always fashionable . Women can personalise their LOB by introducing colour, adding highlights and or bangs and of course with this length there are many styling options to offer versatility.
2- In the last few years I have noticed an abundance of women forsaking their colour treatments and going natural. For someone who may be considering this change what is the best way to go about it?
Grey hair is now fashionable as well as a fast-growing trend. No longer is it exclusive to those who are naturally grey, prematurely or otherwise, due to many younger women adopting the grey hair colour trend by using a colour application. Kelly Osbourne was one of several young celebrity women to start this movement. The transition process will depend on your hair length and how fast your hair grows. Most Professional Salon companies now carry advanced grey colour formula’s so my suggestion would be to apply highlights in a grey shade (as close to your natural grey colour as possible) for a smoother transition. Another important consideration will be to use a shampoo specifically for grey hair, these “purple shampoos” are clarifying shampoos which can eliminate the product build-up on your hair that causes that undesirable yellow casting. We have seen a lot of great results with the UNITE
Amal Suite Thirteen Hair Design
BLONDA shampoo and conditioner (of course fabulous with blonde shades too!).
3- Why should we be using salon products versus drugstore products?
When it comes to drugstore shampoo & conditioners, many contain chemicals, which can strip your hair of its natural oils, essentially drying it out. Many also use fillers to dilute their products thus causing that soft silky feeling but instead of penetrating the hair it’s coating. Salon products have less filler,sulphates and are more concentrated with better ingredients that are good for your hair such as mineral, oils & vitamins. Due to its concentration, you require less product and while salon products are initially more expensive they last longer, therefore the costs between drugstore and salon products are quite similar. I always recommend salon products and show my clients which products are right for their hair and how to use it properly.
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UNITE Product Line
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UNITE 7SECONDS Refresher
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UNITE BLONDA
*There is also an advantage to having your hair professionally colour treated because the stylist is able to create a specific formula based on your hair type and colour to get the best results. This is difficult to achieve with drug store brands as illustrated in this article .
4-How often should we wash our hair?
Generally speaking, for most people I recommend every 2-3 days. You want your hair to produce its natural oil (sebum)which prevents hair from drying out and breakage. Some people are uncomfortable going this long between shampoos and may want to consider using a “dry shampoo” these products act as a hair refresher. They come in an aerosol formula which works very well on fine hair (use it all over your head and it will add body) and powder formulas which work great when you want to target an area, this product can also be used as a styling tool. In our salon, we carry products from UNITE and Aveda both lines have a dry shampoo and a hair refresher where we have seen great results.
5-Final question…What is trending for hair this fall?
Lately, we have been getting lots of requests for “Balayage” which is basically a softer version of “Ombre” click here for a comparison. As a stylist, my goal is to help my clients achieve the most flattering hairstyle for their face shape, hair type and lifestyle. When someone likes their hair and style they exude confidence and that in my opinion is the best trend.
Amal Abi Farah has been a hairstylist for 15 years. She is knowledgeable, talented and passionate about hair and her clients. You can contact Amal here. For your chance to win a Blow Dry GC from Suite 13 Hair Design and be #amalified subscribe to this blog here & share this blog post on your FB page .Contest closes on Friday, September 9th,2016 and winner will be notified by email
by Annette Quinet | Aug 13, 2016 | Capelet, Fashion, Giveaway, My Blog, summer |
Are you going to be the fortunate one to win this fabulous summer essential , this Capelet in Black?
It’s easy all you need to do to enter is one of the following:
Share and like this blog on your FB page
Follow me on twitter and Retweet
Or follow me on Instagram and Re-gram (Yes, you can Re-gram using this free app)
First featured in this July blog post , The F-word Paradox is offering you another chance to win a Black Capelet. This versatile piece can be worn several ways and will become a favorite summer essential (great for early fall too!). The draw will take place in 5 days ( all about the F-words here) Thursday, August 18th. The Winner will be notified by email.
Good Luck, Bonne chance!
by Annette Quinet | Aug 9, 2016 | Family, Fashion, Fitness, Five Questions, Food & Drink, My Blog, Shopping, summer |
Most people in Ottawa eagerly await our summer season. It is relatively short and before you know it , it will be September with Fall just around the corner. So for the remainder of August, my 4 featured F-words will be:
Fitness, Food, Family and Focus
Fitness at the beginning of this summer was my nemesis. I injured my Achilles at the end of June and was unable to run for a month. Since I started running , over 20 years ago, I have been fortunate with only a few minor injuries. Running has been mentally therapeutic for me and it was frustrating when I was unable to run. After a month off, I have finally been able to get out there and pound the pavement but it has not been easy. After time off it almost feels like you are starting over, your cardio/stamina has diminished and breathing has been more difficult,…perhaps the hot humid temps have also been a factor. So as most people, I turn to the internet for tips, pointers, and motivators. This is a great article on shortness of breath while exercising. I also find running to music helps and use the Rock my Run app that I have on my phone which allows me ($) to download or stream music …nothing like running to an awesome playlist, it’s totally motivating. I also have my four legged friend, Oscar, that accompanies me and with this fabulous leash… our
runs have been so much more enjoyable (for runs, I wrap it around my waist=handsfree yippee) Isabelle also now joins us now that she has mastered riding her bike (thank you Pedalheads) This has been freeing and I really like that feeling. Here’s hoping I have run far enough away from any more injuries.
Food is synonymous with summer. We are fortunate to be able to purchase lots of local produce whether it be at one of the areas farmers market or at our local grocery store. It’s a great way to incorporate fresh produce into our meals while supporting local growers. Recently, our household has become “mostly” gluten free and I am continuously searching for websites that offer healthy,easy and fast recipes to try.
Here are 4 recipes that look tasty and worthy of trying this month:
Eating Bird Food -Almond Butter Chicken Salad
Detoxnista -Garden Vegetable Salad Rolls with “Peanut” dipping sauce (like those at Whole Foods)
Running with Spoons- Almond butter & jelly Banana Bread Bars
MBG – Vegan Banoffee Pie Cups (already made these last night-AWESOME!)
Family time is important and we have just planned a getaway to Mont Tremblant for a few days in hopes of some fun and R&R! Friends recommended a property that we are excited to try. It has the amenities that are important when travelling with kids (21 & 6) such as a swimming pool and internet I am so looking forward to sitting by the pool and being so much more relaxed now that Isabelle is swimming. Her fear of getting her head wet has totally dissipated thanks to a $4.49 swim mask and of course swimming lessons. Hiking, biking, exploring will also be on the agenda as will be a new summer read. I just finished my first summer read which no doubt will now be read by hubby. Nothing says summer like a good John Grisham novel.
Finally, with a focus or maybe just a glance towards fall, for now, I look forward to reading some of these fall Fashion magazines for inspiration. I also look forward to the day when I can wear what I consider a fabulous fashion find ,this pair of Mackage black leather stretch leggings . Another focus is writing more blog posts featuring five questions with Dr. Mamta Gautam, Catherine Ennis and Julie Nott, in addition to continuing regular blog posts with more F-words!
For now, I will be focusing on enjoying the remainder of summer and I hope you will too.
by Annette Quinet | Jul 29, 2016 | Fashion, Shopping, summer |
Fashion Finds – Focus on Ottawa
This weekend marks the midpoint of Summer 2016. In Ontario and 5 other provinces (AB, BC, SK, NB, NV) Monday, August 1st is a Civic Holiday which means a long weekend for many of us. Whether you are about to embark on a staycation or perhaps you are visiting the Nations Capital, the downtown core in Ottawa is a great destination for both residents and tourists alike. The Byward Market is a hub for restaurants , bars, galleries and of course a great place to shop. The CF Rideau Centre is a huge magnet for those who want to shop. Nordstroms, a big draw especially with their Anniversary sale, which offers brand new arrivals at sale prices. So popular is this sale it has it’s on hashtag #NSALE with over 60,000 tweets but venturing out of the mall is a must.To get a true sense of Ottawa’s character and flavor, shoppers & visitors will discover several independent boutiques that have flair, uniqueness, and personality which are worthy of a visit.
Schad…is described as a Fashion Haven by many local fashionistas. The store carries many coveted designer clothing lines for both men and women. Presently they are having their summer sale where you can find some great garments at awesome price points. You will also find new fall arrivals from such popular designers as Smythe, a line which has been worn by Kate Middleton and Kate Hudson…..another favorite is The Kooples and of course, local designer Krista Norris whose scarves were gifted to the Obama girls by the Trudeau’s on a recent visit. Men can find John Varvatos, Denham and much more. Also in store, WOLF & Zed, shoe counterpart to Schad, carrying several eclectic and trendy lines such as Camper (men and women) Coclico, Cole Haan (men).
STUNNING ! is another fabulous destination. This truly eclectic boutique carries many one of a kind accessory pieces that owner, Mandy, personally selects on buying trips in addition to sourcing out local talent and designing some of her own signature pieces. The store’s Instagram is true eye candy, highlighting many of these unique pieces but act fast as there usually is just one! When you visit you will find an enthusiastic style maven who is passionate about her boutique and her commitment to supporting local. Bonus , Stunning is also having its summer sale!
Amanda May Lingerie is an upscale lingerie store locally owned by Amanda Beaubien, carrying a wide assortment of lingerie pieces from such lines as Stella McCartney, Hanky Panky & Claudette, customers will find the emphasis is on customer service ensuring a great shopping experience . As Dolce and Gabbana said “Lingerie is the maximum expression of a woman’s feminity” and women will truly tune into their feminity wearing some of these pieces.
There are many other unique finds in the Byward Market to satisfy all tastes and budgets. With a fabulous weather forecast in- store do take advantage and venture to the Byward Market and take in all that if has to offer. Let me know what your favorites are. Wishing you a Safe and Happy long weekend.
More independent stores in the Byward Market to visit:
Trustfund
Roadtrip
Poised Boutique
Envied
Justine’s
For a more enhanced list of stores and restaurants click here Byward Market
by Annette Quinet | Jul 24, 2016 | Fashion |
Recently, I have been working as a stylist for an Ottawa Law Firm. This firm is in the process of updating their website. In this day and age, they understand the importance of image not only the individual images of the lawyers but the overall image of the firm as well. The reality is we live in a visual society and we are judged based on our appearance. Social media plays a significant role in how we market our businesses’ and ourselves and savvy people and corporations understand this significance in a competitive workplace environment. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and the relevance of this statement is even more impactful than it was due to technology and our online presence. Perception is key if the pictures are old and dated the perception could be that so is the thinking of the individual and the company…our image is our brand and it stands to reason that we make it work for us not against us.
Do not underestimate the importance of a headshot. Most people do not update their headshots regularly and keep an existing picture for several years. These pictures can act as the first point of reference for a potential client and the firm they are associated with and or represent. There are advance considerations that can be made to ensure a successful shoot resulting in a headshot that captures the image you want to project.
-Bring a few pieces of clothing and accessories to select from. Colour is key especially in headshots. The goal is to frame the individual, not the garments. You may consider a colour analysis prior to determining your best and most flattering colours.
-For those that wear glasses and are considering a new pair, this would be a great opportunity to pursue prior to the shoot. Glasses can be an image enhancer or spoiler…having complimentary & current style frames visually illustrates that you are current, which also says so, is your thinking.
-Pay attention to the details; For example, wear all season type clothing in neutral colours and fabrics (avoid season specific garments i.e. linen suits, summer dresses etc.)
-The focus should be the face, therefore, you want the eye to move upwards placing the interesting visuals on the upper torso. As an image consultant, I always speak to my clients about the rule of 3. Individuals should always wear 3 pieces on their upper torso. This would include, glasses, necklaces, earrings, ties, layered garments, scarves, watch, cufflinks, pocket square, tie pins (yes they are back) This rule completes the look and illustrates an attention to detail.
– Personal grooming, individuals should consider a manicure (neutral colour) prior, ensuring facial hair is appropriate (i.e. eyebrows, ear hair, facial hair etc.) Ladies may consider having a blowout the day before since they generally last a few days and minimal touch ups can be done the day of. Makeup should be natural.
-Do not get a haircut the day before a shoot
-Ladies will want to bring their own cosmetics for a touch-up prior to their photos. Depending on the type shoot and location many companies and photographers can arrange and make available the services of a stylist, makeup artist, and hairstylist.
With advance preparation, you will feel more confident, relaxed and this will translate into a fabulous headshot!
by Annette Quinet | Jul 11, 2016 | Fashion, Five Questions, My Blog, summer |
Have you ever wondered why some women have the most beautiful looking natural eyelashes? Is it genetics? luck? mascara? Latisse ?or are they Eyelash extensions?
The eyes are a focal point of the face. Some say that our eyes are the windows to our souls. Studies show that long eyelashes and large eyes are considered a sign of youth and beauty. Fuller and longer lashes will emphasize and frame your eyes, giving you a more refreshed, awake appearance.
I have been wearing eyelash extensions for several years now. Needless, to say I am a fan. For myself, they are a time saver and I love the look….no other make-up is necessary on the eyes. Most days all I wear is a tinted sunscreen and some lipstick or gloss! Over the years I have tried different people and places for my lashes, for the last few years, I have been going to
Eileen Sculnick in Ottawa. Eileen has been working with cosmetics and esthetics her entire career and eyelash extensions were a natural extension (intended pun) for her business and her clientele.
The F-word Paradox will be starting a new blog feature entitled Five Questions. We will feature fabulous people with what I am sure will be fascinating and interesting information about their area of expertise. Eileen Sculnick of
Nails by Eileen has graciously agreed to be our first guest. I recently asked Eileen Five Questions on Eyelash Extensions.
1-Who are the right candidates for eye lash extensions?
Anyone who has lashes and wants to enhance them. But you must have some lashes that are long enough and strong enough to withstand a lash being glued to it and not damaging it. Unfortunately anyone who has lost there lashes and nothing has grown back cannot have lash extensions.
2-What are the benefits of having eyelash extensions?
The main benefit to have eyelash extensions is that you no longer need to wear mascara. You no longer have to worry about black circles under your eyes because your mascara has smudged and of course there is nothing to remove before going to bed. Most women find that they need to wear less eye makeup and they still feel very put together.
3- Are there any disadvantages to having eyelash extensions?
There really aren’t any disadvantages to having eyelash extensions, but of course there is maintenance necessary once you have your initial application.
Refills are necessary between 2-4 weeks and can cost $50-$100 depending on who you go to and if they charge based on time or just a set price.
Other than cost and maintenance it’s really important that the health of the lashes are never compromised.
Everyone wants the thickest, longest lashes and that’s ok if your lashes can handle that. Ultimately it is recommended to take a break every 6-8months and let the lashes regenerate for about 6-8 weeks.
4- With lots of different options now on the market for eyelash extensions how should client chose where to go and what questions should they ask?
Ultimately word of mouth is the best way to choose any esthetic service. Price is always a concern but this is a very expensive service to do and therefore the costs can be higher . Your choice should not just be made based on price. The worst possible scenario is
if a salon is not clean and welcoming. Especially with eyelash extensions, because it is a very delicate service. It can also be nerve wracking the first few times because your eyes are taped shut and this can cause anxiety. What products the technician uses is very important as well because not all products are created equal. A calm, tranquil atmosphere is so nice so that the client can relax and the technician can easily work on this very delicate and sensitive area.
A good technician will explain exactly how the procedure is done and what the client’s hope for the final look is and together make the proper choice. As far as the final look goes, I love taking the “look” as far as I can, but still having a natural look. It’s always nicer when it’s not obvious that you are wearing extensions,
5-Final thoughts and tips for eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are a wonderful way to enhance your eyes with very little necessary upkeep. A cleanser and protector(the protector seals the lashes and extends the life of the extensions) are really the only two products you need. Cleaning the lashes nightly even if you don’t wear any other make-up is very important as well. It’s a bit of a learning curve initially but ultimately becomes second nature.
Woman’s lives are generally so busy that having one less thing to do is such a treat!!
Annette Quinet
