I know what you’ve been thinking. And you’re right. Gawd did I need a haircut. I’ve been returning from a fun foray into the depths of dramatic hair experimentation and desperately wanted to restore peace to my hair universe. I’d finally grown it out enough to get back to something resembling the classic bob I’ve sported since I was 7. But I couldn’t do it alone. I needed a fixer. A healer. A master in the art of color, cut, and unlicensed therapy.
I needed Annie!
So I hit the streets of Chelsea for a much needed hair rejuvenation session at Soon Beauty Lab West. Hailing from Ohio, senior stylist Annie has been doing hair for 6 years and I’ve been with her for most of it. In fact, I love Annie so much, I sent Gretchen to her as well and now we’re both regulars! What keeps us coming back for more? Annie clearly loves what she does and goes about her artistry in a really accessible manner. Her work is always simple, classic, and extremely wearable. Her cuts are meticulous and her color sessions are truly transformative. “I always want to work with the natural texture and undertones,” says Annie. “No ‘funky;’ I can’t stand that look or word for that matter… ick.”
While she doesn’t do funky (not to be confused with sassy, sexy, flirty, or fun – all of which she rocks), she does keep an open mind and always accommodates Gretchen and my affinity for a retro look. Annie’s own personal style is informed by the 1940s-70s, but she always puts a modern twist on the vintage trends. Perhaps that’s what keeps me coming back for more, Annie keeps me current while embracing my love of the past. Together we’ve gone from darkest raven to platinum blonde, but this time we’re going for the trifecta: a romantic dark auburn! Check it out:
heading to soon beauty lab west in the manhattan neighborhood of chelsea
EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda | HANDBAG: Kate Spade via Gilt | COAT: Vintage from jinglekell on eBay | GLOVES: LaCrasia, Grand Central Station | TIGHTS: Free People | SKIRT: Bettie Page Clothing via ModCloth | SHOES: Born | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
after visiting my pinterest hair story mood board for inspiration, annie got straight to work!
(don’t you love the ombre color she’s sporting?)
PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
highlights from our afternoon delights…
PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
annie’s all business as she gives me a twirl
PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
dave photo-bombs captures the magic
CARDIGAN: Knitted Dove via ModCloth | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda | BLOUSE: ModCloth | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
meet batman! (every salon needs a dog to boost morale)
PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
we tried voguing for the camera. it was a bust.
CARDIGAN: Knitted Dove via ModCloth | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda| BLOUSE: ModCloth | NECKLACE: Vintage, a gift from Courtney Loren Brown | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
Beyond her styling skills, Annie is an accomplished educator for Soon. “I never imagined I would get the opportunity to share this craft that I love with up-and-coming stylists,” Annie confessed. “It’s a great way to keep my own techniques in check, so I’m still always learning myself, staying fresh and on top of my game.”
With that in mind, I asked Annie to give us a simple lesson on the retro-inspired hair bump she finished me off with during our latest session:
1. you need to find the highest point of the head. do this by placing a comb on the top of the head usually right in front of the crown.
PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
2. starting at that highest point, make a triangle section that is the width of how big you want your bump to be, getting smaller towards the back over the crown of the head.
PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
3. start backcombing or teasing at the smallest point of that triangle and add more hair as you work towards the front.
PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
4. leave enough hair to make a veil over the teased up section. this should hide all the backcombing. (and remember: hairspray, hairspray, hairspray!)
PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
5. top it off with a headband, bow, or fabulous hair accessory of your choosing!
HEADBAND: J.Crew | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee
thanks for the tips and TLC, annie! see you again soon.
Wow… now recreate that at home in the morning!
I know, I know, but this at least seems a little plausible for home styling! I’m going to an event next wee end, and I’m going to try it! I’ll let you know how it goes.
-S
Love the new hair do (and also the outfit in the last photo.)
Your new blog is so inspiring to me!
Well I’m now officially following “Never Fully Dressed (Without a Style)” on bloglovin’! You are too cute. I love classic movies, too! Thanks for the love.
Short hair definitely suits you — you’re lucky!
Your photos are amazing, props to Dave. Keep these posts coming, girl. You’re awesome.
Thank you! I wish I could do long hair, but it’s so fine… it gets ratty the longer I grow it. If I had thick, long hair, I would wear it in braids around my head. Sigh. A girl can dream….
Special thanks for the shout out to Dave. He’s not always the most confident in his abilities, but he’s so talented and hard-working! Without his gorgeous pictures, this blog would be a lot of terrible selfies. His pictures bring the character of the site to life! I feel so lucky to have him as my partner in blog.