  This is a conversation that could go on for days! But I'll try and shorten it up! What does inspire us? Money? Success? The love of something that costs money? A beautiful roof over our head? Acquiring an education that nobody can take away from you? Inspiring others? Lifting yourself up while lifting up others? Creating something that will live beyond you? The love of something or someone? My mother who was a holocaust survivor used to tell me that Jewish people of her generation valued an education for themselves and their children because the Natzi’s took everything from them, but they could not take their mind or their education. Obviously being raised by two holocaust survivors shaped my view of the world. I still tell my friends even though I was born here in America my parents were not, and their experiences changed them and changed me. I have a beautiful quote from a teacher below........... “In one of the early years of my teaching career, I was given a very small class in a school that provided the teachers with a great deal of autonomy. I was not only allowed to—but was highly supported in—using Project-Based Learning in the classroom. I was also blessed to have a group of students that was excited about learning and willing to try just about anything. Over the course of the year, we completed Projects based on Women’s History, for which the students made a replica of Judy Chicago’s “Dinner Party” art exhibit; one on the topic of trees which integrated a photography study, including an exhibit of the students’ work with the work of Ansel Adams as their inspiration; and finally one on restaurants for which the students designed, created, financed, and executed a full-service restaurant for the entire school over the course of the week. The amount of engagement, critical thinking, cooperative learning, problem-solving, and learning that happened that year fueled my passion for this type of education, and was the guiding light for my work later as I founded The Emerson School, a PPS charter school that has Project Based Learning as its foundation.” – Joanna Sigmund, edTPA Coordinator, Concordia’s College of Education In my own experiences in teaching I have found that I always learn something from the students I teach and the students I lecture at local colleges. I have never come away from being a guest speaker or teaching a class that I didn’t learn something new from my students, and a new and more significant way to teach and inspire. It is a two way experience if you are open to it. I first started my education program because a friend told me I needed to be more profitable and “Utilize My Real Estate” Well I thought hmm interesting Idea. I made my first class outline and taught resume writing, skill building, transferable skills, interviewing preparation, advanced techniques in hair color correction, color placement techniques, advanced cutting, business strategies, and more. All the students leave with a higher education certification from my education program. Something surprising happened. The students that I had, left with a much higher self esteem and felt that they had greater value. Especially after the resume part. They had no idea how much experience and marketable qualities, and life skills they had to offer. They felt they had the foundation to go out into the competitive job market and succeed. Now, Educating others is one of the most fulfilling things that I have ever experienced. One time I received 70 Thank You notes from students where I had been the guest speaker at their college for one day. It was so unexpected, I was speechless. I feel the quote from the teacher above has three very important aspects that she mentioned.
Something that I feel gets lost in the noise of today. Check our website for upcoming class dates gmsartofbeauty.com Remember, everyday can be a Beautiful One! Gigi Stanley, *Cosmetologist* Business Owner* Educator   I just had a lovely new client come in to my salon yesterday.
She had her hair done about 3 months before seeing me, and was wondering why her hair was turning different colors. I asked her what kind of shampoo are you using? She told me that she was using something that was sulfate free and all natural. I seriously want to stick a hot poker in my eye when people come to me and tell me this. I understand that because they are not getting informed and have no knowledge about hair care…. that has brought them to this juncture. You can ask any chemist, sulfate is a natural element. (FYI she was very appreciative of the information and left with a couple of great take home products) The only reason you should use a sulfate free shampoo is if you have a Keratin Treatment. "Sulfate Free" for the last several years has been a marketing tool and buzz word, and nothing more. (Ask any Chemist that works in the lab for a professional hair care company, or any knowledgable, educated, licensed professional). You have probably heard the term, medulla, cortex and cuticle but aren't familiar with how chemical technology actually affects each layer of the hair. How if your shampoo is the wrong PH level it can actually break through the Cuticle and can cause a long list of changes to occur. I only use and sell products (Wet Line) those are the actual cleansers and conditioners and masks, that are produced by the color manufacturer that I use on my clients hair. Styling products are different. I have had people come to me and say that they make an "All Natural" product on their hair that they make in their KITCHEN!! I ask….. are you a chemist and have a cosmetology license? And believe me their hair looks like they made it in their kitchen. And I refuse to take them again as a client if they leave with out purchasing shampoo. I can not guarantee my work and refuse a return visit from them. And I try to explain why their long hair is in such unsightly condition. I try my best to convey that if you buy an "All Natural" product at whole foods and the PH level is higher or lower than the hair color that is used on your hair that it can remove or change the color. (They tell me it is PH balanced! ha ha ha ) But worse it can be VERY damaging. That is why people who color their hair themselves and use random products have hair that is dull and in less than adequate condition. Please don't scrimp on the shampoo that you use. Listen to your Certified Master, that has experience and knowledge about what he or she is doing when you sit in their chair. Chemical technology changes all the time, just like your I Phone. Using a random shampoo on your professionally colored hair is like watering your plants with brake fluid. It's really counter productive and damaging. Chemical Technology is not about Chemicals, it is about the Chemistry and Science that goes into all of the amazing products and developments that are available to licensed professionals. I could go on and on for pages but I'll give you one example…. Reds tend to fade very fast. About 10 years ago the company that I use, Micro-Encapsulated one of their Red Lines of color. Basically made the molecules smaller so that fading wouldn't be so rapid. You have probably heard the words Micro-Encapsulated when referring to make up and other products, but this was the first time that the science and technology was used in a penetrating process. Again I could go on and on and write a Thesis with 100 examples but hopefully if you decide to put down the home made products and go to a professional, please let them recommend what products you should be using. The results are truly transformative. Make sure They ask YOU questions before recommending. If they don't then it's time to move on. Remember, every day can be a Beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, Cosmetologist *Business Owner *Educator  These photos are from a professional trade magazine.
Pastels are not going away! It's funny that finely tuned natural looking hair color and, the opposite are totally in style right now. Both take time to achieve and time in the salon. In order to have pastels last, and any other fashion color last, one has to keep the hair in good condition. This is achievable with your stylist making sure during the lightening process that the right steps are taken to insure that our hair stays in good condition. And take home products that your stylist recommends. I've also learned that keeping those fashion and intense colors on the hair for longer than the recommended processing time comes in handy as well! To insure staying power. It's never blondes that want a pastel, it's always people with really dark thick hair! The result is fun and like a painter with a blank canvas artistry and technique can really shine. Pun intended! If you are lucky enough to have a career that you can have hair the color of your favorite cotton candy or beautiful flower enjoy! Remember every day can be a Beautiful one. Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist* Educator* Business Owner The biggest trend in Holiday Hair/Style is this slicked back look.
I have mixed feelings about this look. I feel that if you are 20 years old and have a perfectly symmetrical face like Gigi Hadid, or Kendal Jenner than yes it looks fab! If not then... not so much. And one needs to have a lovely hairline as well to carry this look off, and appear polished. For black tie events and evening Holiday parties I prefer the modern take on the 1940’s Hollywood glamour style, pictured here. It works for long and even medium length hair. The deep side part and exaggerated waves look good on a lot of different face shapes and is a classic. Also trending for Holiday Style is one item of sequins (Tank/Jacket) and another really unusual trend is The Sparkly Boot! Gosh hate to sound like a buzz kill but the sequin or jeweled boot is another trend I believe looks great if you are 6 feet tall and model thin. What am I saying! If you are reading this blog you already have an amazing sense of style!😜 I wish you all a Happy and Healthy Holiday and Happy New Year! Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator  Well, I don't know if you have been watching the new highly acclaimed
Netflix original series "MINDHUNTER" It is about the the birth and infancy of the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI. The Basic formation and implementation of the study of serial killers before the term "Serial" was even used! They first used the term "Sequence"! The series is based on a book, and it is a docudrama based on the facts of the original psychiatrist who helped develop and form this unit for the FBI. She also gathered funding and gave the unit an academia sort of credibility. And made the initial study highly respected in academic circles. This was instrumental to the growth and wider use of the program that is now so widely recognized. I personally had no idea that it was so new. (1970's) I just assumed that the FBI, Police and CIA had a profiling unit that went much further back. Who knew!!! The duo in this series, travel around the country and gives classes to local police departments. And they sometimes get involved with local cases, and offer a helping hand. (I don't want to give anything away) Lets Talk Hair… Well I have to tell you I was shocked at how poorly the Styling Team has attempted executing the time period properly. The cars, electronic equipment and the partners hair is the only thing that is spot on. With the exception of the partner, the hair is mostly wrong. The main character has his hair cut by instruments and technique's that didn't even exist then. There are a few mutton chop and messy hair styles on some of the men that are ok. There were also very popular styling products for the men that are completely absent. The women so far is just completely off the mark. The rebel girlfriend is about 60% accurate and I'd say the same thing about the lady psychiatrist. I don't have an excellent TV but even I can see that the fabric and buttons are ALL WRONG! The skirt length and shape on the women (I've only seen episode 1-5) is all wrong. The collar shape, tie shape, patterns, color, suit shape on the men. All wrong. The over coats on the men are decent. Funny thing, the local police the hats and jackets are pretty much the same as they are today! It's too bad that they didn't do their research, or maybe the team is really young and just looked at photo's but still, so wrong. When I'm Styling for time period events, weddings, parties it is down to the last detail. For a Netflix production, I'm really shocked at how far they are off. But not to worry, it is still a binge worthy series and I highly recommend it. It's a very stylishly produced series, it's just the actual style that they got wrong!!! Remember, every day can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator*  This photo was taken of my mother in the Philippines in the 1940's. My mother was born in 1925 in Breslau Germany. (Jewish) Breslau became Poland after WW2. She was an only child. She and her parents escaped far before the Kristallnacht in 1938. The three of them escaped to the Philippines. They spent a long time there and endured things that you could not imagine. Even after the war was over they could not get out. They needed a sponsor. Finally an American Soldier sponsored them. Far after the war was over. Some of her family would not leave Austria and they all perished in human ovens. My mother went to her grave with a bullet in her arm that she received in the Philippines. For an American president in the United States in 2017 to say that Nazi's carrying Swastika's and automatic weapons at a "Protest" which is supposed to be peaceful, have ANY side …..makes me physically ill. I am comforted that my parents are both not alive to see these horrifying events take place. They BOTH escaped Nazi Germany. In Germany today, Swastika's are not legal. In Germany the government has erected MEMORIALS and are apologetic. Confederate statues, and flags? What does that say about us. We as Americans have an embarrassing and savage history ourselves and the only people who are "Originals" here are Native American Indians. The fact that African American's in this Country have last names like Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson should be enough of a burning reminder of our violent past. But it's not. This is the part of the blog where I'm supposed to say "Let's Talk Hair". Wow look at my mom's hair. I made a promise to myself when I started this blog long ago that unless it was unifying I would never get "Political". Well, I broke that promise to myself and you. Remember, every day can be a beautiful one Gigi Stanley *Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator* If you haven’t heard of the Netflix original series Sense 8.... well it’s really something. It is described as Sci Fi but I find that it encompasses so much more than that. It is a truly a trail-blazing series. Gender Fluid is putting it mildly, but I find that it is a beautiful slice of individual characters that are just as diverse as the locales in which the series takes place. I almost said “Movie” because it is truly filmed like a motion picture.
In between the first and second series they had a two hour Christmas Special.
Wow, again it whisked you away, all around the globe, you could almost smell, and taste it. The music, the story line, so vibrant that it really transported you to another place. We go from Iceland to Asia. Africa to San Francisco. We have a beautiful female WhiteTransgender Computer Scientist who has a totally edgy, gorgeous Black girlfriend and they live in San Francisco. To a male Mexican gay actor, to a small town White American straight Police Officer. An Asian woman who pays the price for her brothers business indiscretions to a traditional Indian woman who is also a scientist (Of a Different Sort) They all have special attributes and skills that come in handy when transcending together as a team. And the list goes on. Let’s Talk Hair! This is a great smorgasbord of of hair and style in general! The men are just as diverse as the women. We have a blonde punk rocker to natural and blue Rasta dreads with shaved or corn rowed sides, to long dirty blonde beach waves, to a bob with bangs and literally everything in between! When it comes to style this series is inspiring!!! Remember everyday can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator*
The Reale, real Balayage/Ombre
This is one of my beautiful clients Kathryn Reale. Kathryn has a Travel Blog “The Reale Adventure” K showed me a picture of how she wanted her hair. Loved it! I shared with her that what she showed me was Baliage/Ombre, and It was beautiful! I also warned that the first time would take a while. But.... after all of the HORRIBLE jobs that are Impostured out there…. Let's Talk Hair! To Clarify, the term "Ombre" is a look, "Balayage" is a technique and a company. They are not Mutually exclusive. There are three separate steps and sometimes four but three for sure, that you HAVE to perform or it just looks like all of the horrible attempts that I see every day. And so do you!!!! The first step is NOT “Smuging or Breaking the Base” You have to go in and do a medium textured highlight throughout the entire head, only 1 to 1 1/2 to 2 shades lighter than the natural color, no more and no less. And “Almost to the Nape” remember this is supposed to look like it was done in the sun!. The second step is to lighten the ends about 1/3 from the bottom with no line of demarkation. Not giving that away,....that’s why I charge the big bucks for Education and Classes! And the last one or two steps is also strategically placed lightening.With a couple of different techniques. As you can see... the result when done properly is breath taking and Kathryn looks like a Sun Kissed natural Beauty that just got back from Malibu!....Or did she! The reason I decided to post this blog about Baliage/Ombre is because even after over 10 years of providing this service, when something is done properly and looks like it’s hard to tell if it was done in a salon, or you really did just get home from your beach house. It never really goes out of style. And.....even after all this time there are a lot of Celebrities and Models and my clients!, that are still showing off this beautiful Hair Artistry and looking gorgeous doing it!!! Remember, every day can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, Cosmetologist* Business Owner* Educator*  Well it's not just the beautiful Ariana Grande that is sportin the
sleek Pony. And here from Cosmo's beauty page are some interesting twists on the pony tail. If you'll notice on the "Twin Twist" where it says split and pull the pony through... that is a very old secret. Back in the day we used to call it the "Dynasty" pony tail. (From the series, before you were born! ha!) TIP: when you do that you need to have the ponytail a little higher and pull it through... that is what creates the pretty side folds and then take a hair pin or bobby pin and join the two sides at the center. Also if you have shorter hair and want a pony for working out and the like, you can do the Low Pony with a cute head band. So many styles to choose from. Very cute and stylish, not just for working out. Last Friday Eva Longoria was sporting a high Pony on the show Real Time where she is a frequent guest. So it's still popular, looks like the Pony isn't going anywhere soon!! Remember every day can be a beautiful one!. Gigi Stanley *Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator* With the Holiday's upon us there is one theme that is woven through hair and fashion. Jackets, purses, shoes, heads and necks.
Starts with the shoes, then very patterned and interesting hosiery.
Purses and Jackets are adorned with lots of decorative embellishments !!! The choker is probably the most outspoken and popular fashion accessory this season. It has edged above the statement necklace in popularity. It has been seen from casual to accompanied with business suits in the office. Straight to the top, beautiful head bands that are more like crowns. very dressy for the Holidays! I personally think they look best woven into the hair some what. VS just plopped on top. I do feel that the fancy head bands have an age expiration! (Well…. just speaking the truth) Because the choker is so popular and versatile, I have two pictured. So many ways to adorn everything this season. So happy Holiday's and remember, Everyday can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley *Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator* Mention this Blog and get 25% off your first appointment!  And hopefully coming together.
I have been quiet because I don't like to put anything too political on a blog even though I have very strong feelings. Let the healing begin... I watched SNL last night (Post Election Results) and what ever side you're on I think it made us feel better. (And Laugh) By "Us" I mean all the people of this country. The show started with a piano playing Hillary, singing the song "Hallelujah" by the great song writer Leonard Cohen who passed away this last week at the age of 82. It was an awe inspiring performance. Thank you Kate McKinnon xo Dave Chappelle gave an amazing opening monologue. I think he gave some much needed perspective to a lot of Americans. I say that because since Hillary won the "Popular" vote, it has left, at least Dave Chappelle thinking wow, this is different for me... seeing White people riot! Ha! Both performances filled with hope looking forward to the future. And brimming with respect for one another. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to watch it. Now… Let's talk Hair! Oye, That Hillary Wig is very yellow and monotone! I could have spruced that up a lot!!!! Ha! Dave is bald so there is that! The first sketch "Election Night" Featured Vanessa Bayer, Aidy Bryant, Cecily Strong, and Beck Bennet. Vanessa, Aidy and Cecily always have their hair on point and up to date. For some reason they always feel the need to make Beck Bennet have hair like a lawyer from a movie in the 80's, I don't know why!!! And FYI, Leonard Cohen had great hair even in his later years! Stylish! Remember, every day a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator* There a Bun everywhere a Bun Bun. And I'm not talkin about Cinnabon! The half Bun, as the cool kids are calling it is a "Hun". I love that! And I wear them as you can see pictured. I like wearing two kinds of Huns.
One with a doughnut in it, in the shape of a doughnut.
And the kind that I loop and pin down in the back, and sides. I have been along time proponent of architecturally intricate buns. Princess buns made out of flat round curls with a veil and tiara on top, to the low double Bun, fanned out like a slinky and attached on the sides. And sometimes with a roped figure 8 around it. And for the last 8 years or so the Man Bun. Only thing that has changed there, is different area's shaved. The only negative for women is that they have to be very careful how they section and, where the Bun is sitting. Both things do need a little thoughtful planning to be the most complimentary. And there is the youthful "Controlled Chaos" Bun. You know the one, a gorgeous young starlet with enough hair for two people, with a piled up Bun on top of their head. (Let you in on a little secret, it probably took three tries to get it to look like that!) Remember, every day can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, Cosmetologist* Business Owner* Educator*
Is the title of this article from a 1967 issue in Cosmopolitan magazine.
Well... in 1967, a girl trainee could expect to earn 8 thousand dollars a year. And a Senior Systems Analyst "Gets $20 thousand dollars a year and up! Quote, Explanation Point! And look at the SIZE of those bad boys! Whew! Interesting that IBM is still in the game, with some of the most innovative people in the industry. Thank goodness even back then, the author of the article, a woman, quoted a woman PHD. Yay Cosmo! Let's Talk Hair! At Defcon last month there were 20 Thousand people attending, and the girls who code and PHD's sported everything from Pink Mohawks, Long Platinum Blond hair, Shocking Strawberry, Black, Tiara's, and everything in between! I attended a lecture by a woman PHD who Beta tested all of the latest security camera's. Can you imagine what those women almost 50 years later would have thought about a hacker convention! Sadly I didn't see any women in their 70's attending, but they were the true trail blazers. Hat's off to you, and under them, maybe there's a pink mohawk! Remember, Everyday can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, *Business Owner*Cosmetologist*Educator  Well I'm always writing about what's trending.
With Zero Day's out, and Snowden coming out in September, I thought I'd write about hair of course, algorithms, and millennial's ! Yep, I can never stick to one thing. Think about Euclid, the great mathematician of his time. Thousands of years ago he wrote the first recorded Algorithm solving the common divisor problem. Simple and elegant. A set of instructions that works every time! Then we had Bubble Sort in 1963 and then Merge Sort. (Also Simple and Elegant) The amazing thing about algorithms is that they are not just limited to the world of technology. They are ever present in everything we do, all day long! THEN…. da, da, da da, I always wish there was a note Icon, in 1998 two Stanford PHD students in a garage in Palo Alto California developed Page Rank. We all know what happened with that! (Google) Over Mother's Day weekend I spent the day with some dear friends that I've known for close to 3 decades. Three generations. The one and only grand daughter (22) was so exhausted from studying and trying to learn code in her fourth year at a community college. (I'll call her Dana) Speaking to me like I have no idea what she is talking about. (I'm the same age as her mom) Her parents are divorced and dad is an engineer. I just looked at her and smiled. I thought about how she wasn't born yet when I opened my first business AND started a dot com company :*) (I was just a few years older than she is now!) I thought to myself, she was in elementary school when I was instructing and composing code with my IT people. I have to say, this was a new experience to me. Most Millennials that I have met, and clients, have not been quite so sheltered in their thinking. Maria, pictured, is the same age as Dana, going to college, working full time, and understands that modern technology, if you are employed, plays a huge role in your every day life. And all of my twenty something clients are coming from that way of thinking as well. In their defense they are gainfully employed unlike Dana. I always tell my clients that chemical technology is moving extremely fast. And what I mean by that is that chemistry/science is moving at light speed when it comes to hair. Just recently a product was developed, to address the fact that as we age our hair follicles get smaller in diameter. I read it in an article written by physicians. Not only does this product increase the diameter of the hair follicle over time, but it increases volume by a minimum of 9% immediately. I can't keep in on the shelves! That is just one example of sooooo many I could give. And lets face it, people, by having a public blog, I have increased the hits on my website by 700 per month. So even though in the next few months Stuxnet, Nitro Zeus, PLC's and Unit 8200 will be trending… Lets Talk Hair!, What's trending with Millennials is jewel and pastel tones. I love Maria's hair because of it's placement of color. Sometimes an entire head of lime green makes me want to reach for a Xanax. But strategically placed it can be artful, complimentary and striking. Remember, everyday can be a beautiful one! (And a technologically exiting one too!) Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist* Business Owner* Educator  Yup, I said it!
I love Larry Wilmore and I was thrilled when he came on the air with the Nightly Show. But Mike, Mike, Mike. Everything that comes out of your mouth, I was already thinking. And sometimes I think I SHOULD have thought of that! Ha! We are of one mind. I'm so bummed that you live in New York! Well, the proposal is serious, so think about it! Let's Talk Hair! Nightly show contributors: Grace Parra, Always lovely! Franchesca Ramsey Always different and beautiful! Ricky Velez Your hair looks like a high school senior! ha! Larry is bald (By Choice He always says!) Larry you are always a snappy dresser and as I have mentioned on my blog before (How Important a good fit is) , your suits are always extremely well tailored. Brava! And Mike, well….. I adore you Dahling, with hair, with no hair, I'll take it! Before I sign off I have to mention what happened in Orlando. I'm still recovering from it. I have blogged before about the highest risk population for being murdered in the united states. African American Trans people. Larry Wilmore put it so eloquently when he explained how a place like Pulse is like a church. People gathered there to feel safe, share commonalities, peace, love, and celebration. Some of these people had not even come out to their families. So it was an especially sacred place! The Hate Crime part of this, is what is so devastating to me. I'm devastated for the lives lost and the family and friends who have lost so much. And Mike Yard was so on point when he said…After 9/11 we put the squeeze on airport security and everything associated with aircraft safety etc. I'm not going to state the obvious here. Remember, everyday can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, Cosmetologist* Business Owner *Educator  The Death of a Marriage.
Grace and Frankie A NetFlix Original Series, that stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen. The series is about two couples who have been married for over 40 years. The Law Partner husbands sit down their wives in the first episode at a restaurant. The wives think they are going to announce their retirement, but they announce that the have been in love with each other, for the past 20 years and want to get married ! It's a great series, that has surprisingly reached across lots of different age groups. One of the largest demographics is women in their 20's Not Unlike New York was the 5th Character on Sex and the City, the Fifth Character in Grace and Frankie is Jane Fonda's HAIR! Ha! Let's Talk Hair! For a woman who is Ah Hem shall we say "Mature" Jane Fonda has the most spectacular head of hair. Yes, in one episode she has an up-do and took a piece out for dramatic affect, but that's all it was. Drama. It's actually quite the cast of hair! Lily Tomlin has a grey hippy wig, the daughter's, son's and cast of characters are truly a bonanza of a very colorful and interesting smattering of style's! The writing, and cast of characters is just as good as the tapas of hair! Remember, everyday can be a Beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, *Cosmetologist,* Business Owner, *Educator  Essay Writer, Film maker, Screenplay writer, Author.
Nora Ephron was One of a Kind!! Heartburn, Silkwood, When Harry met Sally, You've got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, Julia and Julia. I encourage people in their 20's and 30's who don't know who she was to watch "Everything is Copy" an HBO Documentary co-directed by her elder son, the New York Times reporter Jacob Bernstein, and Nick Hooker. If you are of the generation who doesn't know that much about Nora Ephron…. you should! And… if you miss her, I urge you to watch this Film! And if you are a young person and are considering a career in writing or journalism this film is a MUST SEE! To say she was a trail blazer is like saying there is a true comparison between and drop of water and the ocean. I had know idea that Nora was sick or battling anything. Neither did most of her friends. (Her choice to live and die on her terms) But it was a huge shock to me. When she passed away in 2012 I felt that I had lost a dear friend I never met, and that the world just got a little less bright. She had a very unusual childhood. When she was 5 years old she was moved from New York to Beverly Hills. Her parents were BOTH screenwriters! She was the Only person she knew that had a mother that worked! This could be ten pages long so, Lets Talk Hair! Nora always changed her style and was very up to date with all her hairstyles and personal style. When you watch everything is copy, it starts out with an interview with Dick Cavett and she has THE most Glamorous and Stylish bob for that time! Terrific Hair Styles all the way through! I just wish we had a little more time with her. Thank you Jacob for giving us a little more. And inviting us in! Remember, every day can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, *Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator  This Photo of Mayim Bialik the "Big Bang Theory" star, was taken in Jerusalem's Old City.
Most of you know that Mayim is Jewish and is observant. She says she feels a deep connection to Israel. Her marriage to husband Michael Stone ended two years ago. This is really a two part post. I'm going to take some quotes from a GREAT article in Cosmo April. # Realtalk 46% of all adults ages 25 to 34 are unmarried. "If you are single you know that feeling when you're working until 9:00pm and your colleagues left hours ago to relieve the sitter, make it to the in-laws dinner or attend their spouses office party. Of course the struggle to manage familial obligations with work is real" But all of this is a choice. "The assumption is that a single woman's life is somehow less crowded and stressful or her schedule is more flexible, stems from OLD assumptions about what exactly gives a woman's life meaning. "For generations, women were defined by their worth and measured based on their roles as wives and mothers. Just because you aren't married or don't have kids, doesn't mean your time isn't valuable" Trust me, I opened my first salon in my twenties, In my thirties I discovered (Docs Were a little slow) I had Crohn's disease. There wasn't a soul that was their to help me financially or otherwise while I was the sole provider and had to keep up with my mortgage payments, had to keep my salon afloat with people who were depending on me for THIER mortgage payments and supporting THEIR families and I was in the hospital every month with a gut infection. (For about a year) I went to work the next day after I had my gall bladder out, and after I had a port surgically implanted in my chest. I had no one to pick up the slack for me. Now that's stress! And obligation! Let's Talk Hair! What a beautiful picture of Mayim! She looks so lovely in this picture. Great hair! Actually this is the best I've seen her hair! Keep it up single lady! Remember, every day can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist, Business Owner, Educator  April is always the month of...
The Silicon Valley Humane Society's "Fur Ball" I attended the very first one back in 2003 and for years after, had donated all kinds of wonderful (And Breathtakingly Beautiful) Packages and things, for auction and of course bought tickets etc. And had been involved in underwriting. When I stopped getting invitations in the mail it was a little confusing. Then after several calls, the person on the other end of the phone finally told me (Wasn't easy pulling it out of her) Only people who donate $1000,00 dollars per year plus I think (It was very unclear) purchase some kind of underwriting. and then you receive one or two tickets. I'm not really sure how much the tickets are now because it doesn't seem like you can purchase them. (On Their Own) they used to be $250.00 and went to, also unclear. ($350-$500.00) And if you donate $1000.00 through the year, you are also eligible to purchase tables for several thousands of dollars depending on the level you would like to donate. It was very difficult to get a straight answer out of her, it took several phone calls. I find this to be the most distasteful and ugly kind of fundraising event. They need to take the Humane part out and just keep the Society part in…the name. I can afford to do all of the above (Not the point) it seems to me that they have taken a name that actually stood for something good and sullied it. Think about this political climate. Even if you could care less about Bernie Sanders, isn't it kind of cool that (7) SEVEN MILLION people had been moved enough to donate money? Regular citizen's? That is so cool. The joy of giving. Not just the one percent. Anthony Slaughter our local Meteorologist, took my dog Missy and my picture and it ended up on the local news. Since the party's sometimes had been themed you can only imagine how accurate I had been! (Hair, make up, costume, dog's costume!) Pictured above is, yes you guessed it , Kathy Griffin!!! and me. One of my favorite people! She was the queen of the Fur Ball that year! Missy and I also ended up on her show that year, "My Life on the D List". She was sitting next to Steve Wozniak who has always been a big supporter of the SVHS. I now donate to every other shelter but the SVHS. Rescued my present dog Sophie from 3R Rescue in Winter's California. I also go to all kinds of events and fund raisers for local and not so local animal advocate groups. I am so soured by the thought and the meaning/message behind this event now, and I had to share my feelings with you. What do you think? The meaning of the Yiddish word Mitzvah…. A good deed without taking credit. So my darling Kathy Griffin, Let's Talk Hair, Kathy has always been stylish and glamorous. Her hair always beautifully coiffed. Kathy always has serious style for a funny lady! I think it is very interesting that when she is performing she is always in a plain black outfit True to her craft. Basically she is not distracting the audience while delivering the goods! A smart, funny, witty, political and adult humored gossipy fun fest! She does usually wear a very beautiful necklace and hair and make up are always gorge. Remember, everyday can be a beautiful one. Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist, Business Owner, Educator  From Left to Right
Bonnie Hammer of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Caitlyn Jenner Frances Berwick president of NBCU's Lifestyle brands (Bravo, EsquireNetwork, Oxygen and E!) I may paraphrase a little from Elle Magazine and Seth Plattne'rs article Love, Hate, it doesn't matter…. the fact that 2.73 Million viewers tuned in to the premier of this Docu Series is a fact. I think the most profound statement from this article is that everyone who has tuned in, "Knows a Transgender Person" The cast that has joined Caitlyn are amazing women in their own right. Love Chandi, Candis and….. Ella Giselle is probably one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen. Ok so my heart broke a little this week when Candis had a bad experience with a guy. Candis, let me tell you one thing. You need to educate. One of the ladies on the show said something like "What's down below is personal" Eeh, I don't know. (Not if you want to get personal with a man you like!!!) If a man would know up front that you look and feel in every way like a girl uh... Everywhere and it is completely undetectable that you had once been male, may not be so hard to get their mind wrapped around it? Candis, I wish you the best personally and professionally, you are a beautiful woman, inside and out. And side bar, Soooooo funny Cait finally realizing the actual issues and who is on who's side! That's all I'll say about that! My motto is Equal rights for all humans. Ok, Let's talk hair!!! First of all the three ladies pictured all have fab hair. Cait, a little more wave would be more becoming to your angular face. Chandi always a surprise and Candis, beautiful hair, Style, color. Actually I have nothing negative to say about any of Cait's girl posy! Beautifully Coiffed. Thank you for this show. For saving lives, informing the public and for the lives that are saved, may there be hope. Remember, everyday can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley, Cosmetologist, Business owner, Educator  Well,
With "Boxer Braids" and the like, I decided to write about two glamorous leading funny ladies. (Boxer Braids are fine if your age ends in the word "Teen") Or you're a Boxer! Eee Gads. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are not only funny ladies but have come full circle with their sense of style and polish. Let's Talk Hair and review some of our favorite funny ladies. If you remember Tina Fey was one of my best dressed picks for Oscar Night from head to toe. Amy and Tina as of late have grown up and grown in, to wonderfully glamorous and finished hair styles that are becoming and age appropriate. I would be remiss if I did not mention Amy Schumer. A funny lady who has always had and has a fabulous and ever changing look to her great head of hair! No matter what the occasion. Well done Amy! I haven't seen WTF starring Tina Fey. Uh yeah that's Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Can't wait! Remember, Every day can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist* Business OwnerEducator  Awwe
The end of an Era. Downton Abbey is over! I'm so sad. It truly is the end of something beautiful in every way. I do have to say what is old in new. Lot's of things that had been worn in the last episode could have easily danced the night away today! 1920-25 was really a beautiful fashion era. From head to toe. Let's talk hair. Even some of the hairstyles could have been worn today and even the make up trends. Bob's, Up Do's, Cloche hats, and Brimmed for church! Most of the retro hair fashions of today are usually a modified 1940's hollywood glamour. And now the latest trend is bright Red Lipstick! Yes I even joined the trend, reluctantly. Definitely a blast from the past! Until next time, Remember,... Everyday can be a Beautiful one! Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator  So much to say, and so little space.
I'm not going to say anything bad about the things I don't like. Ill fitting garments, side boob's, sloppy boobies, and bottom's that should have been wearing spanks. Not because their shape is not nice, but because under certain fabrics you need to look smooth. Not going to say anything about messy and un-finished looking hair. Even though braids are sooooo in right now, I find them a little casual for a white tie affair. (Tuxedo is not "Optional" when White Tie is expected) I feel that there are four things that make the look. Since I have styled for the red carpet before. And this IS the biggest red carpet event! Let's Talk Hair/ and Oscar style FOUR THINGS You have to have the garment FIT It has to be the right COLOR for you. Your HAIR should fit the style and outfit. And you should be properly ACCESSORIZED. My Fav's were Kerry Washington, Lady Gaga and Tina Fey I loved Jennifer Garners dress and Charlize Therons, Julianne Moore, and Cate Blanchett However, Julianne Moore since she is a red head, the black wore her a little, although I love Chanel, if it were navy, SHE would have worn IT. Keep in mind I didn't see it in person. I couldn't tell what color the beading was, and up close it could have softened the black. I'm limited to my Samsung TV And Cate, if you are not 6 feet tall, willowy, and fair that dress would not have worked, but it did. I liked Brie Larson's gown too! The two couples that I thought were stunning….. Liev Schreiber and his wife Naomi and Sly and his wife Jennifer. Beautiful,seamless, and elegant. Maybe their relationships are that way too!!! Not enough room for the men, let me just say that Kevin Hart always makes me smile!!! Remember every day can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist* Business Owner* Educator.  I've decided to do a different post this week on account of the Oscar
controversy. After all, it is the Super Bowl of Fashion and Hair! So I felt compelled to address this issue. A little background on me. I am Jewish and my parents were Holocaust survivors so I tend to have very strong political feelings. I did not grow up in a typical American household, and English was my parents third language. I was so INCENSED when in 1985 the Color Purple did not win ONE oscar. I walked out of that theatre in Campbell California and the first thought I had was OSCAR! I did not watch the Academy Awards the following year. Why was I the only one that was so shocked and horrified? I felt like I was in an alternate universe. I feel that this issue is not as simple as who see's what and how many. Things need to change from the bottom up. Meaning, the foundation. (Just like a good haircut!) The people who vote and are members of the Academy should look like our population….. the United Colors of Benetonn. I do feel that things will change with our next generation and the next generation of the voters in the Academy. When I talk about this issue with my friends/clients, I always say at least Shondra Rhimes owns the night! Well one night and it's Thursday! Ha! That wouldn't have happened in 1985, and thank you Shondra for your amazing talent and courage. Now lets talk hair …..about Shondra's Thursday night! In "Scandal" the women own the night with their hair, and did you know that Mellie's hair is two wigs sewn together! Ahh it's a southern masterpiece! But I have to say that on "How to Get Away with Murder" all the flash goes to the young men! Anyway I wish this controversial issue would unite people instead of widen the gap. I'll be watching for my homework. And I'll let you know what I think (Regarding the Hair of course!) I feel very fortunate to have grown up and live in the Silicon Valley. Very diverse and I love it this way. Remember, everyday can be a Beautiful one. Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist*Business Owner*Educator  All of you who love entertainment know about Netflix…..
Chelsea Handlers' "Chelsea Does" Is a four part Docu Series on some very serious subjects. But the Chelsea we all know and love has an amazing way of bringing it all to the surface. With fun and grace and... her clever wit. She turns some introspective and and sensitive subjects into something we examine out loud. And find value in, but can't help laughing out loud when it touches a nerve with in ourselves! Ok lets talk HAIR For the past 12 months the Bob has been BACK with a bang in hollywood. (Pun intended) In the form of these two very important words. Layered and Textured. Jennifer Lawrence started it and it just keeps going and going. BTW Jennifer has already moved on to something new! Ha! But now everyone from Todd Chrisley's Daughter to yes Chelsea and her good friend Mary have jumped on the new bob band wagon. The staying part (Pun intended) Is the way this Hairstyle looks good on so many facial types and ages. The key here is to make sure it is brushing the shoulders, above the shoulders it can take a very bad turn depending on the shape of your face and the length and width of your neck. Remember, every day can be a beautiful one! Gigi Stanley Cosmetologist *Business owner* Educator |
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July 2019
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