Christmas is co.... Here!!

With our first "snow" a thing of the past, it is officially time for me to accept that it is Christmas time. For me, October and November basically disappeared so I haven't fully had time to wrap my head around Christmas. Too bad. It's coming whether I like it or not and now is the time to start considering what gifts to get people. Somehow during this time of year suddenly everyone you know become the impossible person to shop for. They have everything they need and if they want it they tend to buy it for themselves. I find this to be true most of the time. One of the exceptions to the rule is in the salon. Nine times out of ten people are going to buy the one product we use on their hair that seems to do it all. It's a weightless curl enhancer, straightner, anti-frizz, body builder and shine product all in one (hello Cremè for Style!). Generally we use more than one product per blow out and why not surprise your best friend or mom with the elusive second, maybe even thrift product? These are my two favorite and they just happen to be the most fun...

Oribe Dry:


Dry is perfect for that second day hair that's just a little too greasy and a little too flat. It's like a dry shampoo but better, it doesn't leave the white residue behind that grandma's baby powder does. It also smells incredible and makes it easy for anyone to achieve Brigitte Bardot sex kitten hair! On top of all this it will lock in any back combing and comes in purse size!

Kevin Murphy Color Bug:



I know you've seen that girl who makes rainbow hued hair look pretty much natural and you're jealous. I know you could pull of that pink without a problem but our 9-5 gets in the way. Jealousy be gone! With these cute little bugs you can have anywhere from a burst of bright pink, orange or purple to a lovely pastel shade meant to compliment your skin. Best part is as soon as you shower the color comes out an you look like a real adult again! At $25 these are a perfect addition to any stocking!

We have many more gifts up out sleeves including gift sets from Kevin Murphy, adorable holiday tweezers, make up brushes, and all the amazing products we carry every day. Happy shopping!

The World Wide Webs

Just invade you weren't wasting enough time on the Internet already, I have a website even more addictive than Facebook for you...

Just wanted to let people know that not only do we have a blog (that I swear I will use more often!) we have a Facebook page, aTwitter account (follow us @salonnfuse), and now a website, SalonNfuse.com (well, it's a step up from what we had and the real deal is coming soon!) that you can email any questions, comments, concerns or appointment bookings, we also have a Pintrest.

What is Pintrest you may ask? It's a virtual pin board where many, many users post images, ideas, and hilarious sarcastic and sometimes hopeful sayings, in about 20 different categories. Needless to say it is a fantastic tool to help you discover your next new 'do! We have everything on there from the everyday hair styles and colors, to bright crazy colors, traditional up-dos, some not so traditional up-styles, and even men's haircuts! So if your appointment is approaching and you feel clueless head on over to Pintrest.com, request an invite if you aren't already a member, and begin the search for 800 million things that you never knew you needed. I dare you to stay on there for less than 15 minutes...

And while you're at it don't forget to follow Oribe Hair Care and Kevin Murphy Hair on Facebook and Twitter as well, you won't be disappointed.

And keep an eye out for amazing gift sets from Kevin Murphy (the Surfer Girl will be a huge hit this year!) and all the perfect gifts and stocking stuffers we have for the holidays.

If you don't already have your holiday appointment better call in soon. We are booking up so fast! Why give your evil Great Aunt Ethel something to talk about this year, blow her away with your holiday hair!

Birmingham, AL

This past weekend the entire Salon Nfuse crew,well almost, drove down to Birmingham for the Premiere Beauty 2011 Hair Show and as we were pumping ourselves and our guests up for the new things we were going to see and learn,the general response was "Oh! That's so exciting! What's a hair show?"

A hair show is basically a trade show for hairstylists. There are various booths set up in a giant convention center with thousands of hairstylists looking for the next big thing. At these booths one can find anything from two crazy elaborate hairstylists dressed in sparkly bandannas chopping away at hair at a million miles a minute with four pairs of scissors in each hand (I am not making this up), to gel nails, tanning booths, make up, and some seriously legitimate hair stylists that really inspire.

Unfortunately, the latter of these things is a rarity but we found a serious stylists that inspired each and every one of us. I am sure you all have seen the show What Not To Wear on TLC and remember the likable British stylist, who most of the time, got it right with the hair makeovers. His name is Nick Arrojo and we all had the pleasure of sitting in on his classes this past weekend.

Nick is truly a master of his trade. Having been in the business for over 30 years and having worked for the hair masters, he knows what he is talking about. His "thing" is ensuring the stylists under his empire (he owns a salon, a school, a product line, and teaches these classes all over the country) are as comfortable using a straight edge razor as they are with shears on almost any hair. I know that I am still a newbie, but I have heard plenty of times from my guests "DON'T USE THE RAZOR ON MY HAIR!" and in an effort to stay busy, I don't. Well, Nick Arrojo was there to tell us that the razor is a friend, not foe. So, if you have been feeling that your hair has been a little bulky on the ends and needs to be loosened up, or you are wanting a seamless, fluid haircut maybe you should talk to your stylist about the option of a razor cut. Also keep in mind, we are not razor happy so if it scares you or you are dying to have it and it won't work on your hair, we will tell you!

We also learned a beautiful new way to curl hair. It gives a beautiful soft wave that falls around your head, rather than down for a slightly more styled, '70s look than the waves that are all the rage in Hollywood right now. Think 1920s finger waves, meets 1970s brushed out blowouts, and the waves of today. It's really beautiful, I swear! Pictures to come as soon as I get Jordan's hair curled today.

We picked up a few other things along the way... Such as a jewelry cleaner that will even clean my Forever 21 bangles without removing the finish and adding sparkles. It will safely clean all metals and stones and they will look as radiant as the day you got them, I found the most perfect topcoat for nails, and we also just got in an assortment of hair accessories from headbands to sparkly bobby pins, and flowers. All would make perfect stocking stuffers or add something special to an up style or blow out.

Needless to say we are roaring and ready to go for the holidays so be sure to come in and see us in our freshly inspired state!

Pictures to come...

Again!

It's been so long again! This is crazy but we are all still here. I guess we could look at this as a good thing there have been no posts because we have all been so busy! So we left off at Nashville Fashion Week (forever ago...that was March!) and since then we have worked with Marchesa and the Nashville Symphony. That has most definitely been the highlight of my career and the girls and I are so incredibly honored to have worked with such an inspiring team. Two amazing women who have taken all things glamorous and sparkly and turned it into a sophisticated, world-renown empire pretty much right out of fashion school... What's not to love?! So thank you a million times over to the Nashville Symphony board members and Marchesa's Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig for allowing us all to be part of such a magical evening. It was truly a pleasure. And who says up dos have to be smooth and polished! Imagine a softr, less wide version of this under a veil or with a classic evening gown. So chic, modern, and fresh!

So that covers April...

In May, the lead lady behind salonNfuse took Las Vegas and Oribe's Backstage event by storm. Steph was lucky enough to fly to Vegas for a long weekend full of education, networking, and of course partying. She was taught by the one and only Oribe and the rest of us that were left behind get to have the class recreated for us in August so we will have to post our results and fill you in on what actually went down there...all I know is there is a new product coming out that you all will LOVE! Let's just say it will be the product that will bring us closest to Miami's South Beach without us leaving Nashville and with all the glamour and big hair-ness that is Oribe. I can't wait to try it!

In June while many Tennesseans were out in the lord-knows-how-hot heat at CMA Fest and Bonnaroo, all of us had the pleasure of being in the very well air conditioned guest locker room at LP Field. Once again we were lucky enough to participate in Nashville's biggest draw, CMA Fest at LP Field. In between all of us sneaking out to watch our favorites each night we were doing hair and make-up behind the scenes at the festivals biggest event. We had the opportunity to not only work with country music's biggest names and their bands, but some new-comers and non-country folk as well. We saw everyone from Chris Young to Amos Lee, and the new trio that is Pistol Annie. We even had the Governor of Tennessee Bill Haslam in our room! That is always a fun (but exhausting) event.

In July we have slowed down with all the extras enough for all of us to enjoy a bit of summer and just being in the salon! With all the new 70s inspired hair, feathers, and beachy highlights we are all keeping plenty busy! Here are some of summers biggest looks that you should keep in mind next time your in!

A feather and new red hair! Right on, Drew! But to be honest, she looks good with every color.

Here is a super subtle, gorgeous version of ombre and beautiful red lips!

Bright lips and dewy faces, so stunning!

A braided up do is the perfect way to beat the summer heat AND frizz!

Is It Really Almost June?!

Yep, it most certainly is! I can't even believe it but the last update was waaay back in March! Yikes! I sincerely apologize for the lack of updates but I swear it's because we have been so busy here at Salon Nfuse!

Where to begin...let's start back in March. March was the first annual Nashville Fashion Week and what a crazy success it was! NFW (as us insiders call it...) was five nights of runway shows, parties, fashion education, and of course, shopping! Each night several different designers had their Fall/Winter 2011 collections on display for all of Nashville to see. We were lucky enough here at Salon Nfuse, to do the hair for the biggest night of the week featuring Christian Siriano of Project Runway. His designs were absolutely stunning with a breathtaking palette of cool grays, emerald green, blush, and of course, black. Christian absolutely understands a woman's body and our innate desire to feel girlie, sexy, demure, mysterious, and gorgeous all at the same time. What a beautiful collection! The hair was so much fun to do and an absolute compliment to the designs. It was all about soft, flowing locks with just enough curve to add major sex appeal. The volume on the sides, opposed to all in the crown, is totally now and a look we can expect to see for a long time! There was also enough of a wave to keep a natural, hippie vibe to contrast the drama and glamour of the garments. What a beautiful, organic look. Lucky for all of you, each and every one of us here at the Salon knows how to do it! Don't be afraid of it just because it's a runway look, give it a try at your next appointment!

All photos courtesy Shelley Mays of The Tennessean.

There is plenty more to write about but I'm going to leave you all on pins and needles! Look forward to hearing more about Marchesa, Oribe, Kevin Murphy, and CMA Fest. What an exciting time!

Ch-ch-ch-Chelsea!

To continue our Getting to Know You series we have the spotlight on Mrs. Chelsea Burns!

Here is what she had to say:

Chances are. if you've called Salon Nfuse you've talked to me. My passion is people, especially people on reality TV. I know Camille on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills said that she is the busier than most, but I would have to disagree.

I have two jobs, I'm a mom to a seven year old that has a busier social life than most 20 year olds, and a wife that tries (unsuccessfully) to keep the laundry folded.

I love working here at Salon Nfuse and the best part is being able to see people feel their very best on a daily basis.

Survey Time:

1) Name: Chelsea Burns

2) Where are ya from? A small town in West Tennessee, where there are more cows than people.

3) How long have you been in Nashville? 10 years.

4) Do you have any children? (Fur and/or Human children) And if so, how many? I have an incredible seven year old girl named Maddie, that I'm convinced will take over the world. I also have a Chinese Crested Hairless wonder named Grendal.

5) What did you want to be when you were growing up? A veterinarian.

6) What would you do if you won the lottery? Take a day (or year!) off!

7) What is the last book you read? Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah

8) What is your favorite word? Boulevard.

9) What is the most embarrassing CD in your collection? Kidz Bop vol. 832 (It's Maddie's I swear!!)

10)Who is your ultimate style icon? Princess Diana

11) What is your favorite place in the world? Ireland

12) What is your idea of perfect happiness: Listening to Maddie giggle.

13) What is your all time, number one, most undeniably favorite quote?

"God gave us memories so we might have roses in December." JM Barrie

Yikes!

It has been too long! I have a full post coming (and hopefully everyone will finish their about me page!!!) but we just wanted to give a shout-out to Styleblueprint.com. They featured us on one of their weekly specials and now we have Coppoloa Keratin Treatments booked just in time for spring! Thank you to everyone who purchased one, your shiny, frizz free hair will be your best accessory for spring!

And if you missed it, here is a chance for you to see the entire staff if you haven't yet!

Stay dry!

You all know Gabrael Dunham.

One of our amazing apprentices, Christie Clatterbuck.

One of our talented stylists, Jordan Byers.

Another amazing apprentice, Danielle Finney.

Another incredible stylist, Ellen Luttrell.

The first face you'll see, our receptionist Chelsea Burns.

It's me! Bridget Murphy.

And, last but certainly not least, an outstanding stylist and the amazing proprietor, Stephanie Trail.

We can't wait to meet all of you!

Who's with me!?

I am totally wanting to cut my hair off and rock this super sexy, edgy, completely fresh "lob" (long bob) that Scarlett Johansson has in the new Mango ad campaign. And watch out 1970s! The styles of the '70s are on their way back in a huge way and I am totally on board. The look is all about mis-matched patterns, lots of camel, red and navy, and the rise on jeans is getting higher! The high rise jeans with heels make your legs look one million miles long, the camel, navy, red and pattern and the muted make-up and hair color (with just enough sparkle and depth to keep it modern) all come together in the absolutely perfect, all-American, beyond naturally fresh and sexy girl next door look. Who wouldn't love this? And stripes!! My absolute favorite print of all time! I cannot forget the stripes!

The hair is so soft, touchable, middle parted natural but better colors. Think Charlie's Angels, Love Story, and The Way We Were. These are all movies or TV shows with very strong looks that are totally current now.

Where are you Spring???

Here's the new ad campaign in all it's Oribe-rific glory...

I stole these pictures from lulus.com

Why, hello, Ms. Ball gown...

So I am a little behind. It's Fashion Week everyone! And I love to look at the shows for not only the hair and makeup, but the clothes! That's why I do what I do. I have loved clothes since the time I could pick them out for myself and will love them till the day I die. If you allow them to, clothes will speak to you. If you take away the price tag, the "Where am I going to ever wear THAT dress?" And "Who but the rail thin model would look good in that dress?" clothes will jump at you, saying "No one in the world is meant to wear this dress but you! Yes! YOU, Bridget!"

I have a wildly overactive imagination and often dream of myself walking the streets of Paris in an elaborate ball gown, eating a croissant, and wandering in and out of shops, cafes, and museums. Not only am I in a ball gown, everyone in Paris is! And the men are all in very well tailored Tom Ford-esque tuxedos with their hair parted and styled just so and they hold doors open for you, smile and say "S'il vous plait! Allow me, Mademoiselle!" All of us women give our flirtiest smile, and shyly look away as we glide inside to experience many more encounters just like this.

As I was browsing style.com this morning, I was left absolutely breathless. I found my wardrobe for this exact occasion. John Galliano has done it again. Everything is absolute perfection, from the perfectly cut suits inspired by the original "New Look", to the exquisite hand painted ball gowns and the hats that absolutely complete the look. The Golden Age of Glamour is rising again, ladies and gentlemen! It's time for us to stop looking like we don't give a care and to put forth a little effort! Am I suggesting we are styled like this everyday? Absolutely not, that would only happen in my imagination, but let's give it a whirl! It can be as easy as a blow out or putting on some red lipstick, but you owe it to yourself to be the best version of you that you got!

I am also devoted to my plaid shirt, leggings, and riding boots look, but add a bit of a glamours blow out and a hint of lips or eyeliner, and suddenly you are the most glamorous girl at the stable! Take a peek at these pictures and maybe think of them for a moment the next time you go out! Or head over to style.com (where I got these pictures from) and look at the Spring 2011 Couture shows. Armani Prive is quite space age-y and perfect for those Star Trek inspired fans. And Oribe and his team styled the hair for that show, so you know it's worth checking out!

Let the clothes do all the talking and you never know who you'll meet.

Next on Getting to Know You...

Is the super sunny, always up beat, incomparable Gabrael!

Here is what Gaby (as we affectionately call her) had to say for herself:

I am a born and bred midwesterner that loves animals. Some would say to an unhealthy point. I CANNOT drive by a stray dog without stopping and taking it home to nurse it back to health.
I've been fortunate to have amazing opportunities to do hair all over the country, including Orlando, Salt Lake City, and Washington DC. These different cultures have enabled me to be a well rounded stylist by learning and applying different hair styles and trends.
When I am not being a crazy dog mom, I'm at SalonNfuse making people feel and look beautiful. I love to pamper and give all my guests a moment of relaxation and peace in our crazy busy everyday lives. We all need it no matter how much we think we don't.
I hope you will come in to SalonNfuse and receive the hair experience you've always wanted!

Survey!

1) Name: Gabrael Rebekah

2) Where are ya from? Northern Indiana...plenty of corn.

3) How long have you been in Nashville? 2 1/2 years

4) Do you have any children (fur children and/or human children)? And, if so, how many? I have 3 amazing dogs. The oldest and most bossy a Jack Russell Terrier named Maitlen. My middle fur baby is a girly girl princess Doberman named Ellie. Our youngest we think, is our rescue Pit Bull that wandered into our lives. He is the most gentle and relaxed of any dog I know. We creatively named him Pit Bull.

5) What did you want to be when you were growing up? Meteorologist

6) What would you do if you won the lottery? Open a dog rescue, probably targeting Pit Bulls

7) What is the last book you read? Power of a Praying Wife

8) What is your favorite word? Gazebo

9) What is the most embarrassing CD in your collection? Gloria Estefan...don't judge.

10) Who is your ultimate style icon? Jacqueline Kennedy

11) What is your favorite place in the world? Anywhere that my family can be together...dogs and all

12) What is your idea of perfect happiness? Heaven

13) What is your all time favorite quote? God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. ~C.S.Lewis

Getting to know you!

I was talking with our amazing front desk girl Mrs. Chelsea Burns this morning (or maybe yesterday morning...) and we came up with the idea of giving each lovely lady (and, of course, Robert) their own blog post so each of you in cyberspace can get to know us! We are quite a unique group, and some of us are a bit shy so I gathered up some survey questions that I felt would give each of you a pretty good indication of how we really are.

Let us begin with me! Well, I am the one writing the blog so I was the first one to respond to all the questions. I said I would post each person in the order that they responded to me so here goes nothin'!

Bridget Murphy

When I'm not at work doin' what I do best, connecting with people while doing their hair at salonNfuse or at a runway show or photo shoot, you can almost always find me at home with the children, Archie and Lucille. The fact that my children bark and walk on four legs hasn't struck me as strange, that's just who they are and I love them for it.

While I am at home you can find me avoiding laundry and all other responsible duties by watching my guilty pleasure, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I often ponder the everyday dilemmas these women must face...Which pool will I be lounging about at today? Where is my limo? and What time is my facial?... And wonder how they make it through life with all these road blocks in the way. ::sigh::

When I'm not wondering what it's like to be a BH Housewife I can also be found reading, (yes, even though I am addicted to trash television, I can still read... it's all about being well-rounded), wandering aimlessly about on the Internet, at the gym attempting to train for the Country Music Half Marathon in April, and trying to convince myself that cooking is fun. I made the most delicious Green Goddess pasta the other day and you must try it! It was to die for!

I really do love what I do. One of the most wonderful feelings in the world is to know that you have connected with someone and helped them, even in a tiny way, and I get to experience that on a daily basis. How cool is that?

Survey Time!

1) Name: Bridget Murphy

2) Where are ya from? Tucson, AZ

3) How long have you been in Nashville? Just a little over 4 years.

4) Do you have any children? (Fur and/or Human children) And if so, how many? Yes! 2... Archie and Lucille.

5) What did you want to be when you were growing up? An Actress, Pediatrician, Miss America, and a Florist.

6) What would you do if you won the lottery? I would first pass out. Then I would pay off my own debt and the debt of those close to me, buy a house in the Southern Hemisphere to ensure I never had to endure winter ever again, travel the world, start a dog rescue, shop, shop, shop, and continue to live my life with (hopefully!) much less stress!

7) What is the last book you read? Tie. An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin and Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.

8) What is your favorite word? Happy.

9) What is the most embarrassing CD in your collection? So many, probably anything by Celine Dion.

10)Who is your ultimate style icon? Also so many! I'll break it down into two categories:

1) Modern: Blake Lively, not really my own style but she always looks incredible!
2) Historical: Again!! Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly.

11) What is your favorite place in the world? Cuddled up with the fur children, and someone who always makes me smile!

12) What is your idea of perfect happiness: Feeling completely at ease with the world around me and everything in it's right place.

13) What is your all time, number one, most undeniably favorite quote?

"People should fall in love with their eyes closed. Just close your eyes. Don't look. And it's magic." Andy Warhol

I can't wait to see who's next!

Blushing Brides...

Last Sunday, January 9th, the team at salonNfuse had the wonderful opportunity to work with two local publications, her Nashville and Nfocus magazines, on their annual Bridal Brunch!

What a lovely group of people and a beautiful set up we had at the Vanderbilt Commodore Ballroom. This was a brunch that future brides could purchase a ticket to and in one magically convenient room all (well most) of their bridal needs could be met. There were vendors from the Party Bus people, to Flowered Hair Pieces and bakeries! Anything that could possibly be a part of a couples big day was present! During this lovely convention there is a bridal fashion show that goes on so all the excited brides can get a sneak peek into the seasons newest styles!

Two of Nashville's most popular wedding dress suppliers, Arzell's and Glitz, were presenting us with the season's hottest looks. And we had the lovely opportunity to provide the hair and makeup.

We had the most amazing set up with the most amount of space I have ever seen for a backstage, which is always an amazing bonus, and a wonderful group of real women to work with.

We got there early that morning to begin glamming up the 14 girls with the season's poppiest lip colors and most stunning swept back and romantic hairdos! Who says that just because you are a bride that you have to put all of your hair back? If you've got the locks then show 'em off!

And there is no need to keep your makeup simple and understated. After all, the classic wedding look is winged eyeliner and bright red lips, so why not take it to the next level and got for a bright fuchsia with a barely there eye? Or take that classic wedding dress and vamp it up (ever so slightly) with long, loose curls, smoky eyes, and barely there lips? The opportunities for a wedding look are endless! Just because you are a bride doesn't mean you are cornered into the "bridal" look. Have fun! This is your day! Just do something that makes you feel like the best possible version of you and you will always be sparkling!

And don't forget about the amazing bridal packages we offer at salonNfuse! Call us at (615)-649-0501 for more details!

What's In Your Makeup Bag?

So, from time to time I get really bored and find myself browsing the Internet for hours. Many, many hours. As I was browsing the other day I discovered a new feature over on style.com, a favorite of mine for all things fashion, and it's called Beauty Essentials. I see the word "essential" in a beauty blog and I immediately think "I MUST HAVE THIS!!!", but it gets better!

This is a feature showcasing what is inside the makeup bags of fashion's elite that keeps them looking fresh and healthy.

I die, as Rachel Zoe would say.

On top of amazing makeup finds (a lot of which I knew about...I have to give myself some props) there are also beauty tools, skin and hair care products. While there are many fantastic hair care lines in the world, I can't say that I have found one that tops Oribe. Funny how that is salonNfuse's new brand of choice, isn't it? And it's also funny that Amber Valletta and Dree Hemingway both cannot live without a little Oribe in their life.

Have you tried the Signature Moisture Mask yet? It's kind of like when you can feel that your skin is getting really flaky, and dry, and tight and you decide that you are going to risk being a sticky mess and slather yourself in a super thick body butter because you know the hydrated, glowy, touchable skin is totally worth the sticky-ness. That is how you will feel about your hair after using this mask. It is a totally luxurious pick me up and only takes 10 minutes!

And Dree Hemingway is a fan of the Shampoo and Conditioner for Brilliance and Shine. With a name like that how could you not be? The name also says it all. The clients I have that have tried this are absolutely in love! Who wouldn't want to wake up to brilliant, shiny hair everyday?

With all this being said, aside from trying Oribe, I want to know....what are some of your beauty essentials?

Here is the link to the style.com Beauty Essentials page:

http://www.style.com/beauty/beautyessentials/