Gasoline Alley The Salon

INOA

Gasoline Alley The Salon introduces:  INOA.

 

The L'Oreal (Paris) haircolor with up to 100% gray coverage without ammonia or odor.

 

How?  Oil delivery system color. 

 

 

Why choose INOA? 

INOA has supreme respect for the hair as hair is smoother for a softer feel after coloring and hair fiber is well preserved color after color because of it's oil delivery system.  INOA also has infinite aircolor power, as there is an exact and predictable color palette; from neutralizing cool shades to vibrant and vibrant warm shades.  No turning hair ORANGE (cause I have NEVER done THAT before..heh heh).  There is unlimited creativity with 74 shades.  INOA can also lighten up to 3 levels and exceptionally  even color from scalp to ends..Color is even! Not darker at the root and lighter at the ends! How many of us has THAT happened to in our lifetime (Not at Gasoline Alley The Salon!)? INOA also can cover up to 100% of grays..Can I get a WAHHHHH-HOOOO?  And, of course, there is the shine factor.  Hair that shines like glass.  The kind of hair that you want to reach out and touch...Someone MAY try to touch your hair while in line for groceries...Just sayin'.

INOA is also ammonia free and has anti aging properties ( SIGN me UP ). The secret of INOA is that it uses an oil delivery system instead of water..."Oil delivery system maximizes the effectiveness of the permantent haircoloe process, while provideing 2x more lipid protection to the hair compared to other leading professional permanent haircolor brand in the world." (www.inoa-us.com)

 

Choose your color, choose infinite color power and beauty (choose no ammonia and no odor)...CHOOSE INOA.  

As always, choose Gasoline Alley The Salon for this cutting edge, innovative technology.

Beauty for Disaster Relief

Recently,  Gasoline Alley The Salon had a charity event for those that have been devastated by the recent tornados that touched down in the Springfield area.  Gasoline Alley The Salon teamed up with the Elias Brookings School to directly connect with the school and help the specific families attached with the school.

At this event were a TON of fun things to see, do and best of all, BUY! 

We, of course, had delicious food:

Yep. It WAS as good as it looks.  And there was WINE of course to accompany the cheese.  Is there any way to enjoy cheese otherwise?

Stella and Dot presented beautiful jewelry.

I have to admit.  I have never seen Stella and Dot jewelry or have ever been to a Stella and Dot party, so this was all new to me.  But here I stand CONVERTED! I fell in love with the pieces!  Especially the bracelets.  SO UNIQUE!

Silver? Gold? YOU PICK!!!

 

And "All About Me" Boutique located in the center of Hampden was at the salon displaying some of there clothing and accessories:

What to choose....HOW to choose????

Scarves galore..Sure to enhance every summer wardrobe. Tres CHIC!

Ok..So I had a SERIOUS case of lust for this clutch.  How can you not?!?!

And, of course we had haircuts to benefit the Tornado Relief Fund..And I am proud to say that all of the haircut slots were booked solid.  

Rachel doing her part and loving it!

Michelle working her magic..

And Abby hard at work for a good cause...

Next door at the Skin Salon

For donations, there were mini manicures and massages!

Ummmm..pencil me in for about 4 slots in a row..ok? Hey. I have two kids.

 

We also had Dr. Glen Brook on site to answer any questions anyone may have regarding plastic surgery, enhancement and skin care.  Oh boy.  Did I have LOTS of questions for Dr. Brooks.  Let's just say that there are things going on that need to be taken care of because 1.having kids and 2.gravity. Dr. Brooks brought a slide show on his computer that blew me away. The slideshow was all kinds of "before and afters" of his patients.  WOW.  Time to start saving up! Maybe I can have my nip and tuck in ten years if I start saving now!  He also created a skin care line that is very impressive.  But the one thing he did say is that it doesn't matter what skin care line you use..But every woman needs to wear sunscreen everyday.  He explained that it's not the burning and tanning of the skin that gives you problems in the end, but the every day things like walking in and out of the grocery store, and shoveling your driveway in the winter.  He explained all these things lead to fine lines and wrinkles. So SUNBLOCK people! SUNBLOCK!  Or you are risking your face looking like a leather shoe. 

 

Elizabeth Samay was also at the event with her "Fantabulous Beauty".  Elizabeth offers a unique line of cosmetics that offer custom liquid foundation, custom mineral powder, custom color palette, custom skincare analysis and custom 'Beauty from the Inside Out' analysis. 

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first because I am a Sephora shopper to my core.  But I decided to give Elizabeth a try.

Elizabeth first talked to me about my skin, what problems I have had, what problems I currently have and what do I expect and want from a foundation/makeup.  She also explained to me her process, which is quite the scientific procedure!

And all of Elizabeth's products won't even break your bank (which totally wasn't what I expected for custom makeup!) 

Elizabeth worked her magic and VIOLA! 

Yes! I was wearing makeup, but did I look like I was? NO!!! 

It was a weird feeling to look in the mirror and know that I was wearing makeup because there was no color change on my face, but my flaws were covered up and my skin tone was even.  It was great! It was like magic potion!

So I declare this evetn a COMPLETE SUCCESS.  Gasoline Alley The Salon was hopping with so many people that the parking lot was jam packed and overflow parking was made.  There was a busy hum over the salon as people shopped, bought, talked and got their manicures, massages and haircuts. It was exciting to see everyone doing their part for the Tornado Relief which is a very real thing right now.  

Cheers to Gasoline Alley The Salon!

Hip Hip Horray! 

Here's to paying it forward....

Sustainable Beauty Day UPDATE

Since the three EF3 tornados hit the Western Massachusetts area, Gasoline Alley The Salon has decided to donate ALL generated proceeds from Sustainable Beauty Day to the tornado relief fund in the Springfield area.  

Specifically, Gasoline Alley The Salon, has teamed up with Elias Brookings K-8 Museum Magnet School.

Here is a brief description of the school:

"Elias Brookings Expeditionary Learning Museum Magnet School is one of two schools in Springfield serving both elementary and middle school students. It is located in the Six Corners section of the city next to Ruth Elizabeth Park. The school opened in 1926 and was named after Civil War veteran and educator, Elias Brookings. It is anticipated that the middle school grades will be completely phased out by June, 2010.

Elias Brookings Expeditionary Learning Museum Magnet School is a school where staff and students work on grade level or school wide projects that help transform the school into a living museum. Museum studies offer students opportunities to explore how artifacts provide a glimpse into our past and impact our view of history. In Expeditionary Learning, the teachers involve students in learning through rigorous academic content and service to the community, which are embedded in learning expeditions. Visits to local museums are also used as springboards to meaningful exploration in all areas of the curriculum. At Elias Brookings EL Museum Magnet School, the school becomes a museum during public exhibit openings where every student has a project they can be proud of on display in our classrooms, hallways and display galleries.

The Elias Brookings Museum School family is thrilled to be able to offer these unique learning opportunities to our students. As the only museum school in Western Massachusetts, we will continue to strive for proficiency and excellence in education." (www.sps.springfield.ma.us/websites/EliasBrookingsSchool.asp)

 

This particular school is located on Hancock Street (right near "Six Corners"), which is in the heart of where the first Springfield South End tornado hit.  What is unique about this area, is the diversity of cultures and backgrounds.  And the high population of people housed in this area.  Brookings School is now closed due to the massive destruction in and around the immediate area.

I took a drive around the Elias Brookings School area today and this is what I found.

 

Pure Devestation 

The orange "X" means the house will be destroyed because it is condemned.

Notice the American flag still intact.

Trees could not withstand this EF3 tornado..Even thru this downtown area.

The backside of the destruction

Full of grief and sadness. 

Imagine the families....

A neighborhood...Completely flattened.

 

So THIS is the community that Sustainable Beauty Day is going to help.  This is where the children and families of Brookings School live and now where they attempt to try to put their lives back together.  Elias Brookings School is not open for the rest of this school year and the children are being bussed to other schools in the district because of the devastation of the building and the neighborhood.  Nothing is stable and solid right now.  These families need help, both financially and supported with our thoughts and prayers.  

Please come to Sustainable Beauty Day.  Show your support.  Give back.  You are needed.  Make a difference.  

Sustainable Beauty Day

On June 20th from 4-8pm Gasoline Alley The Salon is having an OPEN HOUSE! 

 

But it is not a normal OPEN HOUSE....Because, of course, this OPEN HOUSE is like an OPEN HOUSE on steroids.  

First of all, this is a charity event that the salon is participating in thru Davines.  There will be haircuts for $15!!!!!!!!!  And all money raised is to go to the planting of fruit trees in Africa.  What a great cause!

Is that a STEAL or WHAT?  Call now because space is extremely limited.

So, not only are there going to be haircut for a fantastic cause, but there is going to be MUCH MUCH more!

 

Not only is Gasoline Alley The Salon taking part in Sustainable Beauty day, but they are opening their door to a Stella and Dot representative who will be ready with some fabulous jewelry that even the celebs wear!

And.........Dr. Glenn Brooks (plastic surgeon) will be there (this is the one I am most excited about..For selfish reasons, I know...Yes. I love fruit trees and giving back and paying forward.  But I also love info about BOTOX and ummmm....Maybe a little tummy tuck?  I have that "baby jelly donut" that won't go away no matter HOW much I work on it....But nothing a little suck, nip and tuck can't fix! HA!) .  So, yes, Dr. Brooks will be giving consultations and information about certain procedures and things that can let us "SUSTAIN" our beauty.  Not that a little wrinkle would crimp our beauty, but if we can stop it....

 

Also, Elizabeth Samay will be in the salon and be available to mix high end customizable makeup for all skin types.  Imagine. A foundation mixed to your exact skin color for prime coverage that is natural! Sign me up!

Also "It's All About Me" will be present with all their boutique beauty...Bring you credit card, as I am sure that they will be bringing their finest, as they always do!

AND refeshments!!!!!!!!! YUM! 

Bring your beauty, charity and support!  We will see you there! I'll be the one near the refreshments and the plastic surgeon (do you think that if I blogged for him her would give me a discount??).

Our Girls...

Here are our Rock Star Stylists from Gasoline Alley The Salon at the "Dress for Success" Runway Show.

Ashley!  We love you!  Cutest haircut ever!

 

And here they are....Rachel, Ashley, Michelle, Lauren and Allyson.  (we miss you Abby!)

Dress for Success Part 2

Simply beautiful.  Long and curly.  And it looks like her hair would stay all day like this.  Again. Jealous! My hair would MAYBE stay this pretty for an hour.

Stunning.

Fabulous curls that stand the test of the work day.

 

Office chic. Can't go wrong!

This woman is ready to get down to business..She MAY have a resume in her pocket..Or briefcase. 

OMG. All I can say. OMG.

Are we sure that this girl wasn't planted?? Is she a professional MODEL?

So beautiful and soft looking.  Perfect for her skin tone and face.

Again. STUNNING.

I love the back...Shows off the color and highlights under the lighting.

 

And there are the ladies.  Off and ready for a re-entry into the work force.  And they sure look like a force to be reckoned with.  These girls now have the look that they need to feel proud and confident. Go get them girls.

And the thanks to the team at the BEST salon: GASOLINE ALLEY THE SALON

 

Dress For Success Part 1

Gasoline Alley The Salon was in tip top buzzing shape as they participated in the "Dress for Success" event held in Springfield on May 3rd, 2010.  The event was held for ladies who are getting ready to enter into the workplace , but need help looking "professional" and "interview ready".  

The ladies first hit Gasoline Alley The Salon for the works when it came to their makeovers.  Hair was being cut, colored and highlighted at lightening speed and women were being transformed into fabulous professionals ready to hit the business scene.

 

Take a peek at the before pics:

Red Hot Ready

 

Sun kissed Strategy

Strawberry Madness

Long and Sexy

The styling begins......Long and languid

The styling begins for the sun kissed beauty...

 

And here are the astonishing after pics (although they are not so astonishing because Gasoline Alley The Salon is the BOMB!)

Gorgeous color and cut....

Sassy and daring....My favorite.

 

 

And here are the women ready for runway action for the "Dress for Success" runway show.  

SHOW STOPPERS!!! 

If I were an employer? I would hire them in a quick second. Just sayin'.

She looks WAY more professional than I could EVER pull off (as I sit here in my yoga pants).

Another angle of the gorgeous updo.

Loose curls and long hair...A perfect combination.

 

SO STRIKING! I am JEALOUS.

Show-stopping RED.

The Gold Standard

I guess that I have ALWAYS known that I go to the BEST salon in the area.  I mean really.  Let's look at the facts:

In 2003, the salon expanded from 700 sq. feet to taking on an additional 1500 sq. feet.  And THEN MIchelle reinvented Gasoline alley with a totally new look and design.

The stylists are the best in the area because they are mentored and nurtured by each other and by Michelle.  

All the new products that the salon is carrying are all natural and most organic.  Most are environmentally conscious and some even keep track of their "carbon footprint".  

Stylists are constantly educated on new developments in the business and are trained appropriately.  

So what evidence did I need to REALLY convince me (none really...BUT I have an example!!).

So I went to Gasoline Alley The Salon and had the famous (or infamous) "Brazilian Blowout".  I was educated in the process, product and Michelle walked me through the entire process, and explained to me the difference between all of the hair straightening and smoothing systems.  It was great.  I left happy and the "Blowout" rocked my world.

But here's the thing.  I received an email a few weeks after my treatment from Michelle telling me that Gasoline Alley The Salon wouldn't be offering any of these treatments any longer...Whhhhaaaaat??  I was floored!  How could this be?  My hair frizzed at the thought!  And then relaxed at the explanation.  

OSHA just released a report that the hair smoothing systems contain formaldehyde.  Formaldehyde is dangerous and put both the stylist AND the consumer at risk.

Does the salon make BANK on the systems?  Maybe...But Gasoline Alley The Salon puts health first and definitely does not want to put ANYONE at risk.

If you ask me, if that isn't the gold standard, I don't know what is.