All's Hair in Love and Aura - Bridal Hair Competition

A few weeks ago, I was super kindly invited along to judge a Bridal Hair competition at Aura hair salon, Aigburth, South Liverpool.  Aura’s proprietors, Janet and Vicky, host an annual in-house competition amongst their stylists, awarding each winner with a motivational cutting course prize to TIGI International.

Celebrating Aura’s tenth successful year, this year’s theme was, ta- dah, weddings, meaning I got the chance to play judge for a day! Honoured by this wonderful task, and imagining myself as a Super Scouse Danni Minogue, on arrival I realised I was to be Danni, Cheryl, Louis and Simon all rolled into one! Such a very hard task was ahead of me as entering the salon was like walking onto a page of a very elite bridal magazine!
There were seven stylists with their seven muses, all dressed in the latest wedding designs, from Ian Stuart to Amanda Wyatt, supplied by Cloud 9, Liverpool. Simone the makeup artist had just finished working her magic and the model brides were happily sipping bucks fizz, awaiting the photographer’s arrival. Right on cue, husband and wife photography team Sarah and David Jones arrived and transformed Aura’s hair salon into a very elegant wedding set. Passion for Flowers of Aigburth Road provided the girls with an array of beautiful contemporary and classic bouquets. I think I felt more nervous than on my own wedding day! Each model looked beautiful and I wish there could’ve been seven winners. With not an inch of Cowell’s callousness, a glass of fizz put my nerves at ease as I set about scribbling my notes, watching each model bride enjoy 15 minutes of fame with the photographers.


And so here are my scribbles!

1) Liz (Stylist) and Kate (model)

Classic Floral Romance

Structured and chic, Kate’s low classic chignon style with a modern twist flattered her collar bone, shoulders and low backed dress beautifully! The floral hair accessories complemented the floral appliqué on the fairytale gown.

2) Lauren (Stylist) and Kim (model)

Dramatic Romance

Kim’s dramatic half up/down ‘do’ set off her Ian Stuart gown perfectly. The volume added drama and glamour, and her soft curls added overall romance! The braid enhanced Kim’s youth and gave a touch of ‘fashionista’ to this look.

3) Billie (Stylist) and Kate (Model)

Extravagantly Chic

Kate’s structured high bun complemented the ‘Senorita’ ruffles on her gown, a big look for 2011 brides. This look screamed glamour and the flower hair accessories gave our Baby Bride a playful look too. Although structured, this style is quite versatile and could easily transform into a romantic Ballerina Bride, also hot for 2011.

4) Cathy (Stylist) and Jackie (Bride)

Art Deco Bride

Jackie was the epitome of vintage glamour! Rocking the Vintage Bride with her glamorous wavy bob, the antique-esque slide and vintage lace completed the striking look. A look that’s here to stay!

5) Sandra (Stylist) and Jodie (Bride)


Sunkissed Pretty Romance

Perfect for a beach wedding, Jodie’s soft-around-the-face look was reminiscent of casual beach waves and the detail of hair decoration and braids gave the look a mermaid feel! Beach Chic!

6) Ashley (Stylist) and Toni (Bride)


Classic meets Modern

LOVED how the loose braiding framed Toni’s face giving her an edgy look. The use of the necklace as an alternative to a tiara gave a new freshness whilst the loose curls ‘married’ up to her romantic, fairytale dress.

7) Helen (Stylist) and Lesley (Bride)

Old School Glamour

Lesley so worked the 50’s inspired look! With her deep parting, front roll and hairpiece to add volume, there was nothing shabby about this 50’s chic! The feathered accessory gave a fun, feminine feel.

Sophisticated Bride

One dress change later, we were amazed how versatile Lesley’s hairstyle was, shifting from 50’s to Sophist-ies! The jewels and slinky dress gave Lesley a real Regal look, a contender for Princess Catherine perhaps?! The low chignon and deep side part added a splash of sophistication.

And without further ado, the winners are:

Winner
Billie (Stylist) and Kate (Model) Extravagantly Chic – Senorita/Ballerina

Runner Up
Cathy (Stylist) and Jackie (Bride) Art Deco Bride

Congratulations to ALL who took part, you were all amazing!


Happy Birthday Aura

With Love x

Aura Hair Salon
204 Aigburth Road
Liverpool
Merseyside
L17 9PE

0151 222 0820

Bespoken Dreams Professional Dream...

A short and sweet post to reveal my new logo!  I LOVE it and hope you do too.  The planning and design that went into it was like Military Operation Bespoken Dreams, but I suppose that is why I am good (no time for modesty here ; ) and love what I do - planning and designing!

Much Love x

Enchantingly Charming Wedding Day Memories...

"The idea of encapsulating precious memories and keepsakes in silver is something that I regard as beautiul and I feel privileged to be able to create unique jewellery which will be treasured."

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something....silver?

I am an huge fan of capturing wedding day memories, both traditional and non-traditional.  So when I was invited by skilled silversmith Catherine Ann McRae of Enchanting Charms  to view her site and wares, I couldn't wait to share!

"Capture a leaf or petals from a bride's bouquet, corsage or buttenhole and turn it into a precious piece of bespoke jewellery to last for a lifetime....

We also create a range of charms made from a loved ones fingerpints, hand or footprints, artwork or a special message.

All our beautiful keepsake jewellery is made from 99.9% pure silver, and each piece is unique.  Creations can be made from
 

•Flowers
•Footprints
•Bride's Bouquets
•Pet's Paw Prints
•Fingerprints
•Leaves

Creating a family heirloom which will last forever!

Each piece of jewellery will be unique as no two leaves or flower petals are ever the same.

Your precious mementos can be turned into

•Earrings
•Pendants
•Charms
•Cufflinks
•Keyrings

My Love of Silver

Being soft and pliable it offers the silversmith a greater degree of workability than most other precious metals.
I had been a lover of silver jewellery for as long as I can remember and when I was given an opportunity to study the work of experienced craftsmen, creating silver jewellery in Yorkshire, I jumped at the chance. They opened up to me a fascinating world of alternative ways of working with silver jewellery and it was there that the idea of Enchanting Charms was born.

Since the birth of Enchanting Charms I have gone on to further extend my skills and knowledge of how a skilled silversmith creates silver jewellery and have mastered the skills necessary to produce the stunning pieces of silver jewellery you see here.  It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to take the process of creating stunning silver jewellery from a client's basic idea through the various production stages to eventually deliver a personalised silver jewellery keepsake which they will treasure forever. That is what Enchanting Charms is all about..

For more information visit http://www.enchantingcharms.co.uk/