...and then there was deb

New gig!

2013-04-12T15:57:00.004-05:00

Well, folks you can now get my services at a salon one day a week! Haha- I know it's not much, but hey..it's a start. I decided to try to fill the rest of my schedule by finding a great blow dry salon downtown. My sister, Beth, works at Drybar in L.A. and loves it; I've been waiting for one to open in Chicago, but no dice. So, I went browsing on my own for another great salon with the similar idea going on. Enter, Blowtique: a super cute blow dry/updo salon smack dab in one of the best parts of the city. Since I'm sort of out of the cutting/coloring game in terms of hair, I knew that a blow dry salon would be my best bet and doing what I actually like to do in the hair industry. Lucky for me the ladies at Blowtique thought I did a pretty good blowdry/style followed by an updo, and hired me on the spot. I'll just be starting out one day a week until I can figure out my schedule with all these weddings coming up (which I'm super excited for), but who knows after that! Here's a little more info on Blowtique for those of you that are interested:

Services

$35 blow dry $70 up styles

photos via Blowtique's Facebook page

Be sure to come visit me!!

CTP Workshop sneak peek

2013-04-12T08:30:00.000-05:00

Uh, yeah. I told ya...

Dress by Alice Padrul Bridal Couture
Hair & Makeup by Debra Petrielli
Florals by Larkspur
Hairpiece by Erin Lindsay Designs

Florida, family, and sun poisoning

2013-04-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

For spring break my family decided to take a trip down to Florida to visit my Uncle Vito. The old man retired there not long ago, and had been asking us when we were going to finally visit him. So, we packed oh, about eleven of us in the RV and drove down for almost a week long visit. I had a great time spending time with the family and hanging out with cousins that I hadn't seen in a long time. My family is very close so I still love taking vacations with them (we missed you, Beth!). We spent most of our time visiting beaches, sitting by a campfire, and warming our bones. I warmed my bones a little too much one day, what with the sun poisoning that was bestowed upon me, but that's neither here nor there. Here are a few shots from the trip-- mostly some pics from our day trip to Sanibel Island. Enjoy!

Our lovely host, Uncle Vito. Thanks a million, guy!

Check out my instagram for some more good'uns: @debrapetrielli

Trial run with Felicia E.

2013-04-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

The funniest thing happened to me recently with a client; I was emailed by a lovely bride about her wedding that would be taking place on the south side of Chicago. She would need hair services for herself and for her mother, and wanted to know all the basic information that all brides ask me when they first send me an email. I emailed Felicia back with all the information that she might need. In the mean time I received a phone call from the sweetest woman telling me that she found me on Yelp, and that she and her daughter needed hair services for an upcoming June wedding. I called her back and chatted about all the details and answered any questions about things that she might need to relay to her daughter. Five minutes later Marsha is calling me back on a three-way phone call with her daughter, and surprise! It's Felicia who sent the email a week or so before. Haha- they didn't know that they were both contacting me about Felicia's big day. I thought it was pretty funny, and it made me pretty happy that they were so interested in my services. So, we had our double trial run on Sunday morning (since Mom also wanted to know how her hair would look with her dress). They were two of the sweetest people and I am so excited to be apart of the big day in June! Here is Felicia's totally romantic updo that I came up with. She has the most beautiful naturally curly hair. I went through her entire head touching up and recurling her locks, and used her natural wave to help shape the perfect bridal updo for her. What do you guys think?

Trial run with Lauren M.

2013-04-09T08:30:00.001-05:00

I met the loveliest of brides recently through someone that I work for, and we had our trial run this past Friday. Lauren was such a doll and even supplied the two of us with mimosas-- um, awesome! She didn't have too specific of an idea as to what she wanted for her wedding hair; just that she wanted it off her face, romantic, and messy-put-together. So I came up with this!

What do you think? Super babe, right? I think Lauren can totalllly rock the faux hawk bride look (which we might even make a little more exaggerated), and I'm so excited to see it all put together on her big day!

Special shout out to Becca for sending Lauren my way! Thank you!!

Styled shoot for the CTP Workshop

2013-04-08T13:49:00.002-05:00

I had the best time Saturday getting the beautiful Erin ready to model for Christy Tyler's photography workshop styled shoot. Christy sent me a Pinterest board with her inspiration for the shoot, and then sort of let me have at it the morning of (in case you're wondering, she wanted a very J.Crew look for both the hair and makeup). She also entrusted me to be the sole makeup artist for the shoot-- a first for me. I was super nervous and Erin was such a trooper. Her hair took me a lousy 20 minutes to complete and then I spent another 40 panicking on her makeup application. I don't know why I was so nervous since I've done makeup on other people before, but this was going to be the first time the makeup was professionally photographed. Those cameras pick up everrrry little mistake and can wash out parts of the face as well. And since Christy takes the most gorgeous photographs I really didn't want to let her down. The makeup (shown below) was meant to be very clean with a bold lip. You can't appreciate it completely through this phone picture, but I think it turned out pretty well for my first time! Haha- and I really love how her hair turned out, as well (how about those real flowers for her hairpiece? gorgeous, right?)

So, how did I do?

I am so excited to see how the shoot turned out-- I've already seen a peek or two (which I'll be sharing with you shortly), and as usual Christy does not disappoint. And Erin and her boyfriend Evan were the most beautiful, precious couple I have ever seen. Seriously.

Surprise Wedding Hair

2013-03-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

So, last Saturday I went to the always lovely Sylvi Davidson's house for a client that she set up for the both of us. We were both under the impression that she was going to a wedding, when in fact it turned out it was her wedding. Surprise wedding hair! Haha- so we fixed her up reallll nice and sent her off to her intimate ceremony with just a few close friends and family. I hope her wedding day was just perfect, and that she loved her hair for her big day!

Thanks, Sylvi for setting me up with that lovely client!

Trial run with Rachel T.

2013-03-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hey folks! The blog has been a little slow lately I know, but I promise I've got some good stuff coming up. These past few weeks and been busy, busy and now I'm back with a little bit of wedding hair, and a trial run with the adorable Rachel.

So, Rachel who was referred to me by Christy Tyler of Christy Tyler Photography (shout out to you, love-- thanks for sending me the cutest client ever!), and I had such a lovely morning trying out some hair ideas for her wedding. She wanted something loose and romantic, and her only requirement was that it wasn't slicked back from the front. I didn't get a shot of the front, but I think we figured out something that was perfect for her. She seemed to really like it and I'm super excited for her July wedding!

Thanks for a fun morning, Rachel!!

Committed

2013-02-28T07:19:00.000-06:00

The Green Wedding Alliance had their bridal show on Sunday, and Kpoene of Mignonette Bridal asked me to do some models' hair for the big fashion show. Little did I know when I was signing up I'd be doing 15+ models. Yipes! Everything went smoothly and fabulously, and the models couldn't have been lovelier. Here are some great photos from the day thanks to CALM Skin Care. Be sure to check them out-- they just launched their natural & refillable makeup line (which can be seen on all the models). Pretty gorgeous, right?

Enjoy!

Short hair

2013-02-21T12:27:00.001-06:00

The lovely model, Grace, is an active participant in the hair shows that come around in March. If you've ever seen or heard about these, you know that the stylists and pretty much allowed to do whatever they want to your hair for 3 days. Her hair always gets chopped. This is the growth (minus some trims, I'm sure) she's gotten over the past year with her asymmetrical cut. So, needless to say I had to be a little creative when I was pinning up a 'do for the WGN segment where she'd be wearing a veil. This is what I came up with-- and I swear the left side of her head wasn't as flat as it looks in the first picture : ) I'll share more photos from the studio as soon as I get my hands on them!

Washington D.C.

2013-02-21T12:22:00.001-06:00

This past long weekend I helped chaperone the 8th grade trip to D.C. My mom is an 8th grade teacher and Kate & I were lucky enough to go along for the trip. I do say "lucky" because it was an amazing trip seeing all the monuments, memorials, and museums..the 43 8th graders were just the interesting little souls we had to travel with. Growing up in a house full of 4 girls you forget how much farting a group of boys can do when they are together. Gross. Haha- aside from their obvious tummy issues the trip was great, and I do enjoy spending time in hotels. Here are a few snapshots from our trip there!

Featured on WGN!

2013-02-20T16:08:00.000-06:00

Check out the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance feature on WGN today-- I did the hair for the Mignonette models wearing Violet Bells veils & hairpieces.

Sorry!

2013-02-19T22:27:00.001-06:00

I'm sorry I've been totally MIA lately. I promise I'll get back at it as soon as some of my life-craziness slows down. I'm moving in to a new place pretty soon, so I've been busy prepping for that. I also went to Washington D.C. this past weekend and I've got a bunch of hair stuff coming up. Busy, busy! I'll have some hair + bridal goodness tomorrow after I have a little work. I'm doing some models' hair for a WGN segment featuring Mignonette Bridal! So. Very. Exciting! I'll keep you posted!! For now, here are some photos Kate took of some of the painting business that went on in my new bedroom. I'll show you a proper before + after once I'm officially moved in!

Sally W. wedding photos

2013-02-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Remember Sally? Well, she was so lovely to work with and her wedding was totally gorgeous. I've finally got my hands on the photos by Maypole Studios (check Bethany out-- she's crazy talented) and I wanted to share a few of them with you guys here! Take a look and let me know what you think!!

Gah- she and Jesse are just way too cute!

Some of the updos from her wedding are still some of my favorites (parts 1, 2, & 3)

if you want to give them another look!

Trial Run with Kelly U.

2013-02-12T10:04:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I partner with the fabulous Nika Vaughan for weddings-- she books weddings for me as part of her team. Here is a trial run from yesterday's booking with the very lovely Kelly. Kelly is the amaaazing talent behind the pretty well known floral shop in downtown Chicago, Fleur. The flowers and arrangements that come out of that shop are to die for-- you should definitely go check it out. Anyway, back to our trial-- Kelly wanted something natural, messy but put together, and pretty. Easy enough, right? So we came up with this:

That stray curl was pinned in place after this photo was taken, don't worry. What do you think? We're going to set it slightly more off to the side, but other than that this is basicall it! I think it's perfect for her Indie campground wedding in June!

I'm so looking forward to her wedding day--

and I'll be sure to share plenty of photos the day of, so be sure to check back!

Hey, sexy lady

2013-02-09T11:55:00.002-06:00

So, I hate this song. I just thought I would preface this post with that statement. I mostly wish it would go away, especially after hearing what the song was actually about. But, check these two girls out cover the song-- they are amazing. And the song is actually tolerable! Haha- thanks Amanda for showing me this.

Enjoy!

Jayesslee

Gangnam Style Cover

And also this:

Quote of the week

2013-02-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

Back to the Future

2013-02-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

I have always loved seeing those old photos recreated by the people in them. I think it's awesome how accurately the replications can be. I happened upon this project by Irina Werning and it sort of freaks me out--some of the pictures are crazy similar. I know it has something to do with the fliters and effects put on the modern photos, but still. Check them out and you'll see what I mean.

Awesome, right?

Mignonette Models at Indie Wed

2013-02-05T09:27:00.003-06:00

TCMcG Photography got a few shots of the models' hair that we did on Saturday, so I thought I'd share them here. We had very limited time in between setting up the table and the models getting fitted in to their gowns & getting makeup done, but here are the quick styles that were asked of us. Enjoy!

Kate's view from Indie Wed

2013-02-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Indie Wed 2013

2013-02-03T08:00:00.001-06:00

I had such a good time at Indie Wed yesterday with all the other amazing vendors and lovely brides + guests. It's always such a fun event and this past weekend was no exception. Kate came out with me to set up my table and hang out with me for the day-- she also drew those amazing hair photos for my back drop and brought to fruition my banner for the table. She the bomb. Anyway, the whole day was great and my girlfriends even swung by to show their support (love them). If you were able to attend I hope you had as great of a time as I did!

maiden braids tutorial

2013-02-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

For Indie Wed I decided to do my first photo hair tutorial as hand outs for guests and brides. I chose the ever so lovely maiden braids updo. I personally love to wear this look. It's a crazy easy option for freshly washed to second day hair. I've done this on both brides and flower girls- it looks great on everybody!

Let me know what you think & if you're going to give this look a try!

maiden braids tutorial

Step 1: Start with manageable hair (straight or curled).

Step 2: Part hair down the middle and give yourself pig tail braids.

Step 3: Take one braid and bring it up and over your head. Pin in to place with a bobby pin.

Step 4: Repeat on other side. Tuck the ends of the braids underneath the opposite braid.

You’re done! It’s as easy as that; super quick + super cute!

(quick note: second day hair is when you go with out washing your hair for two days)

Haircuts: for round faces

2013-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

via

People are always searching for the most flattering haircuts for themselves, so I thought I'd give some advice on the topic here. First up, hair cuts and facial shapes.

For starters, the ideal face shape is oval. Those blessed with this face shape can basically pull off any cut they so please. Not fair, right? Well, for those of us who didn't hit this particular aspect of the genetic lottery, there are certain haircuts that are best for your face shape and will be the most flattering for you. This week's post will focus on haircuts for round faces.

A round face can lack definition due to the ampleness of the cheeks, so you'll want to choose a cut that elongates the face (ie: gives you the optical illusion of the oval look). Short, blunt cuts or cuts with too much fullness at the sides only emphasizes that roundness of the cheeks. Instead, try a long layer cut, face framing layers, or choppy bangs. The best length for you is going to be shoulder length or longer. But if you're just dying for a shorter cut, opt for razored ends; so as to add angles where they don't naturally exist and break up the fullness of the cheeks.

Hopefully this brings some clarity for you and next time you're heading out for your haircut you'll some idea of what you should be getting done!

Products I love: detangler

2013-01-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

Recently I've gotten a few inquiries about detanglers, so I thought I'd share my top picks for getting through those nasty knots. I've listed below my top 5 ranging from a bit pricey to super cheap. My personal favorite has been Redken's Clear Moisture- it works like a charm and it smells super good. My sister, Kate, (also a hairstylist) recently recommended to me Redken's All Soft which is also a great choice; we're big Redken fans in our house. If you're looking for a cheap option Johnson and Johnson's "No More Tangles" is a classic and works just as well as you might remember at a crazy low price. Whichever you choose just remember to start combing out the knots working from the bottom of the hair shaft to the top. It's the most efficient way to comb out the tangles with out making a bigger mess along the way.

I'd love to know which ones work the best for you, so remember to comment below!

1. Redken Clear Moisture $12.99

2. Redken All Soft $15.99

3. Johnson & Johnson No More Tears $3.99

4. Bumble and Bumble Prep $20.00

5. VO5 Detangle and Shine $9.99

Quote of the week

2013-01-30T08:30:00.000-06:00