2 October 2007
i’m so vain (i probably think this post is about me)
Last Friday, I was in the Marina thinking about how long I’d have to wait for a bus to get back up the mountain when I wandered by a hair salon run by the wife of one of P’s friends. I’ve never gone to her and, in fact, always felt a little guilty whenever I saw her because of it.
It so happened that two young guys from the village were getting haircuts there, and one offered me a ride if I wanted to wait. So I waited for them, figuring the bus would take much longer to arrive.
And then I felt guiltier and guiltier about never going there for my haircuts the longer I sat there.
So at the last snip, I worked up all the nerve I had and asked Giovanna if I could make an appointment with her and made a decision on the spot to not only cut, but color. I’ve never colored my hair before (some highlights, yes, but not in years–and not in Italy), but the little white ones were really just starting to annoy me far too much.
Plus my birthday’s coming up, so I thought I’d treat myself to some “me” time and count this as my present to myself.
Now you’re all dying to know how it turned out, right? Well humor me anyway.
Yesterday morning I looked like this:
Now I look like this:
I love the color, love the cut, and now I even have some private English lessons lined up as a result of finally going to see Giovanna. Turns out she wanted to ask me about them the previous day I was there but was too shy to ask. Seems we have at least one thing in common.
And? You want to know how much it set me back? Wash, cut, color, and style (including blowing out my not-so-straight-hair)?
Come on.
Guess.
Thirty euros ($42).
Happy early birthday to me!
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Technorati Tags: haircuts, new looks
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76 beans of wisdom »
Taffiny on 02 Oct 2007 at 7:08 pm #
you are sooo cute.
(pretty too, but really it is your cuteness that insists on being commented on. Must be)
I don’t see any grey in the before?
My grey is starting to stick up like alien antennae.
I admit it, I covet both your cute, and your non-grey.
Well your where you should be all the time, but when you’re not your with…….
???
Karen on 02 Oct 2007 at 7:43 pm #
Very stylish and suave. I love the colour too. I’ve been thinking of getting some colour - it’s been a long time. Maybe you’ll inspire me. However I have no chance of getting all that for $42. Lucky girl!
Annika on 02 Oct 2007 at 8:01 pm #
You look absolutely gorgeous! But €30??!!! That’s nothing!
Btw, I must second what Taffiny said. You really are sooo cute!
Sara, Ms Adventures in Italy on 02 Oct 2007 at 8:04 pm #
Are you sure that price isn’t missing a 1 in front of it?? I guess Milan IS different than Calabria
I am holding out on my next cut since I had the “asymmetrical” cut and I’m letting that grow out….unfortunately I have premature gray so I have been dyeing my hair since I was 18
I’m envious!! I like what she did, and the color looks natural but fun! (I also think you looked cute before, too)
sognatrice on 02 Oct 2007 at 8:13 pm #
Taffiny, well thank you, and believe me, the grey (white, actually) was there in the “before.” I should’ve taken a close-up and you would’ve seen it. But I’m far too vain to post something like that
Karen, do it do it do it! I think hair coloring is a lot like getting married/having babies…once you do it, you think *everyone* should
Annika, cyber-blushing here, and I know–30 euros is *insane* for what went on in that salon. Moral of the story for you is to *not* move to Calabria when it’s time to open up your place in Italy (not that I wouldn’t love you to work your magic on my hair, of course)
Sara, believe me, I took 200 euros with me just in case…when she said 30 my jaw literally dropped. I gave her a nice tip, needless to say, just because I was so excited to get change from the 100. I was planning on it being my birthday present to me, but I’m worth more than 30 euros right? Hee hee….
Hey if you want to “treat” yourself for your upcoming bday, I can hook you up
The (Mis)Adventures of a Single City Chick on 02 Oct 2007 at 8:20 pm #
Michelle, your new “do” looks fabulous! SO sassy!
Excellent new look…not that you needed one!
Christina
Wanderlust Scarlett on 02 Oct 2007 at 8:48 pm #
You look MAHVELOUS dahling!!!!!!!
I love it! We still have the same cut. ha ha ha… but yours is a little shorter.
I love the color, it’s beautiful!
Scarlett & V.
sognatrice on 02 Oct 2007 at 8:55 pm #
Christina, thanks! My next step is to get some new sassy glasses (I’m nearly blind, but I’ve been living on contacts for a loooong time)
Scarlett, hah! What a surprise (sarcasm). For the color I wanted something pretty natural but with a little kick from my usual– and she gave me just what I was thinking
nyc/caribbean ragazza on 02 Oct 2007 at 9:03 pm #
wow! great cut and color. I cannot believe you only paid $42.
Looking forward to seeing you in your new sassy glasses.
Piccola on 02 Oct 2007 at 9:37 pm #
Very cute! You are very photogenic! You’ve inspired me since it’s been like 4 months since my last cut and color and the whitey’s are starting to become a little too obvious for my liking!! Isn’t it cool how so many door open if we just get past the initial shyness?? Good for you!
Piccola on 02 Oct 2007 at 9:38 pm #
P.S. $42 isn’t even a haircut these days!!
Sabine on 02 Oct 2007 at 9:53 pm #
Woohoo! You’re looking terrific!!
And you know what? Now that you’ve quoted one of my all-time favourite songs I like you even better than I did already. *grin*
jennifer on 02 Oct 2007 at 9:55 pm #
Che bella ragazza!
Ninotchka on 02 Oct 2007 at 10:23 pm #
You. are. a. doll. Love it!
somepinkflowers on 02 Oct 2007 at 10:30 pm #
you look
so *cutely stylish*
or
so ~~stylishly cute~~
i am not sure which one,
but it is all good…
no wonder
you have that hottie boyfiend!
when is your birthday
and will you be turning 21?
Audra on 02 Oct 2007 at 10:34 pm #
You’re soooooooooooooooo cute!!! *dies from the cuteness* It looks great on you!
I cut and colored my hair recently too (only my brother did it.. he’s a parrucchiere!). But wow.. 30 euro, what a steal! I don’t know if you’re up on prices in America but at my brother’s salon that could cost about $200.
And congrats with the English lessons too! Yay.
Caffienated Cowgirl on 02 Oct 2007 at 10:48 pm #
Oh man - 30 Euros! I am envious! Especially now that I have to hunt out a new salon in Germany…what we women put up with!
flutter on 02 Oct 2007 at 10:59 pm #
adorable!
Lisa Milton on 02 Oct 2007 at 11:14 pm #
You look so lovely - well, before and after.
So happy birthday a little early. You deserve it.
Live From Tuscany on 02 Oct 2007 at 11:14 pm #
Che bellllllla…
Erin on 02 Oct 2007 at 11:21 pm #
Very, very nice! You are too cute. It looks great. I wish my hair cut and color only cost me that little. Next week I’ll be dishing out over $100 for both and that’s cheap for me.
Christine on 02 Oct 2007 at 11:55 pm #
Happy early birthday indeed.
Pretty girl!
janeywan on 03 Oct 2007 at 12:07 am #
I think it’s a lovely do! Now lets talk about those grey hairs. Just kidding.
Happy Birthday!
Tejase on 03 Oct 2007 at 12:31 am #
Fabulous look!!! Isn’t it wonderful what a good stylish cut and color can do to us (externally and internally)? What a great way to start 31! …and what a price!
Thanks for reminding me that we don’t really know what we’re going to experience unless we take that first step. Looks like this may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship with Giovanna. English lessons and great hair… what a combo!
SUEB0B on 03 Oct 2007 at 1:46 am #
Wow. You look great!
Aimee on 03 Oct 2007 at 1:48 am #
Very cute! And, I couldn’t find any grays in the before, but I know exactly what you are talking about.
midnightbunny on 03 Oct 2007 at 2:06 am #
You look absolutely beautiful.
Texas Espresso on 03 Oct 2007 at 2:59 am #
Cute! young and fun! love it. I am SHOCKED at how inexpensive it was. Mine is 3 times that - I’ve been dying my hair since my early 20s due to a very prominent white streak that has sense spread a bit. And my hair grows really fast so I have to go alot. Maybe we should move there just to save some haircut money. hehe
Madelyne on 03 Oct 2007 at 3:14 am #
The new hair style looks great, especially the side fringe (bangs as Americans call it)softens up your face.
30 euros is so cheap, so no excuse to keep it up.
Shan on 03 Oct 2007 at 4:02 am #
You look great. I love it! Great gift to yourself.
ViVi on 03 Oct 2007 at 7:08 am #
Wow, look at you! You’re adorable!!
You are so lucky to have found such an amazing deal! Is that the price for everyone or because you the stylist? Last time I got a haircut here they butchered it for 45€ so I’m not in a hurry to go back!
I have to admit, though, I’ve been coloring my own hair for years. Way less expensive and the only reason my extended family even noticed was because I went through a period where I kept changing colors until I found a new one I liked.
ViVi on 03 Oct 2007 at 7:09 am #
*because you KNOW the stylist
sorry it’s very early here!
sognatrice on 03 Oct 2007 at 8:11 am #
NYC, I’m excited for the glasses too–it’s been years since I got a new pair!
Piccola, doors opening all around, yes! Sometimes you just have to take the hair by the roots, so to speak
Sabine, glad you caught that–one of my all-time favorites as well. I think that’s the song that taught me about irony in fact
Jennifer, Nino, grazie
SPF, 21? You’re funny…but the 1 at the end is right
Audra, you’re so lucky to have a parucchiere in the family! I think I’d be much more adventurous with my hair if that were the case. Well or maybe not. I’m still a scaredy cat with my hair! I was expecting to pay about 120 euros–I even asked her to repeat it b/c I was in disbelief! When I got a cut and highlights in Philly 5 years ago, I paid somewhere around $130.
Cowgirl, ain’t it the truth?! An American friend who lives in Germany is visiting now and she was recounting her tales of trying to find a good hair person–and then of course found one who promptly moved to Italy or something. Isn’t that always the way?
Flutter, Lisa, Live, grazie, grazie, grazie
Erin, best of luck with your hair–if only a flight to Calabria were cheaper!
Christine, thanks, and thanks
Janeywan, what grey hairs?! Hee hee….
Tejase, this really was an all around great experience, so I just had to share; glad you saw all the different aspects of “great” here
Sueb0b, why thanks!
Aimee, that’s why there was no zoom on this one
Bunny, thanks
Stacy, you know now that I’m thinking about it, for those in London who can get a really cheap flight down here, it’d probably actually pay to make the trip for a hair cut! Crazy!
Madelyne, I decided on the fringe/bangs at the last minute. Giovanna has them (and I like them) plus I haven’t had them in about 2 years–I figured why not go all out?
Shan, thanks! Now I’m working on another gift b/c I got off too easy
Vivi, honestly didn’t even notice the missing word the first time I read your comment! Anyway, I wondered too whether it was a special price–wouldn’t be because I know her since it’s such a small town that everyone does(!), but maybe like a first time client thing. Guess I’ll find out in a couple months
I thought pretty hard about doing the color myself too and still may someday, but for now, I’ve found a good hair home
I should add here that I felt kind of weird posting this as I don’t think I’ve ever even posted another photo of me on the blog (except for the little avatar thingee)–but a haircut is something you just have to share with your girlfriends (especially when you get a great deal!), so thank you all for sharing in this one
I can only ask P whether he likes it (he does!) so many times you know
MB on 03 Oct 2007 at 8:37 am #
Great haircut (and song choice)! That’s about what I pay around here too. It’s funny, when I first moved here I continued dying my hair at home like I did in the States to save money. Then O talked me into having it done at the hair dresser and now I won’t do it at home at all.
grace on 03 Oct 2007 at 8:46 am #
You look fab! I like the new look!
alexmom on 03 Oct 2007 at 11:59 am #
Doesn’t a new haircut and color just make you feel great? Your’s is adorable. And I crave some new Italian frames for my glasses. They’re so cool. Hmmmmm, better put those on my list.
sognatrice on 03 Oct 2007 at 12:10 pm #
MB, yeah, when it’s cheap enough to go let someone else worry about the color, it’s definitely better than my playing around with it!
Grace, thanks!
Alexmom, hmm, maybe we can go frames-shopping together?
Vee on 03 Oct 2007 at 12:40 pm #
You look gorgeous ! Great haircut and great price.
Leanne on 03 Oct 2007 at 1:10 pm #
I like the (semi) fringe too. And nice to see photos of you!
Confessions of Cleopantha on 03 Oct 2007 at 3:38 pm #
You look great! What a lovely way to celebrate another year of wisdom in Earth school :0)
stefanie on 03 Oct 2007 at 3:45 pm #
Cute! And just 42 bucks?? What a deal! Almost worth the flight over there, huh?
(OK, not quite.)
Karina on 03 Oct 2007 at 3:58 pm #
Great haircut! And I ditto what everyone else already said about you being so cute! The cut really suits the image I have of your personality from reading you.
About the glasses, I had to stop wearing contacts a few years ago, and have a new found love of glasses now. I own 5 different pairs that I change according to my moods or outfits. There is so much fun to be had with eyeglass frames. Enjoy shopping for them.
Sara on 03 Oct 2007 at 4:11 pm #
Looks great! Also — and this is a silly thing for someone who’s never been to Italy to say, but — I think it makes you look more Italian.
KC on 03 Oct 2007 at 4:34 pm #
I love the cut! I pay just a little more when I go to the salon. Isn’t living in the south great (sometimes)?
sognatrice on 03 Oct 2007 at 5:29 pm #
Vee, thanks, and to be honest it’s the great price that’s making me smile so widely
Leanne, I was ready for a change–glad you like the fringers
Cleopantha, Earth School! Love it!
Stefanie, but as a bonus you’d get to hang out with the dogs!
Karina, I’m *so* excited to get new glasses. Perhaps I’ll post photos of my old pairs and then the new ones when I get them. So, so, so excited!
Sara, that’s a compliment, right? Hee hee….
KC, there are definitely some advantages to living down here. Every now and again. Sometimes
witnessing am i on 03 Oct 2007 at 7:41 pm #
Love the haircut, love the angles. It does good things for your face, me thinks.
I suggest you and P go dancing somewhere — what an amazingly attractive couple — and let all the other men and woman slither jealously in your wake.
Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Roam2Rome on 03 Oct 2007 at 7:58 pm #
Bellissima!
Both pictures look great Michelle
Happy early birthday! Hehe… my sister also starts to celebrate her birthday early, I like that…
La Casalinga on 03 Oct 2007 at 8:17 pm #
I love the haircut, the color, and your blog. I just got my hair cut to shoulder length but I’m feeling the need to go even shorter 9up to the chin) before my trip to Italy on Sunday….for the price you paid, maybe I should wait until I get to Italy to do it!!
anno on 03 Oct 2007 at 10:26 pm #
Gorgeous! I love the cut and warm color, but the smile is a winner — before & after!
SabineM on 03 Oct 2007 at 11:21 pm #
Wow the cut and color really changes you! LOVELY!!!! And what a bargain on the price!!!
Kelli Estes on 04 Oct 2007 at 7:06 am #
You look wonderful! Of course, you did before, but your new color and cut really suit you. And, what a bargain!
Now I’m thinking I’m in need of a change. Hmm…
sognatrice on 04 Oct 2007 at 8:50 am #
David, good luck getting P to go dancing (truth be told I’m not much of a dancer either, so it works out well)
And thanks for all those other lovely words, including the birthday wishes!
Roamer, thanks! I think birthdays should really be month-long celebrations…are you in?
Casalinga, be aware that prices vary greatly throughout Italy, but if you’re coming to Calabria by chance, I can hook you up
Thanks for stopping by!
Anno, thanks–and I’ll pass that compliment along to my mom as well
Sabine, grazie
Kelli, woohoo! Change is good! Thanks for visiting
Enza on 04 Oct 2007 at 11:43 am #
love the color! i agree, i didn’t see any little grey hairs. What’s P think? My hubby wants mine long and luxurious. U know men! I just got mine cut about 6 inches this summer but he actually loved it. BTW, i pay 40.00 here for a cut, blow dry and style and that does not include tip!
sognatrice on 04 Oct 2007 at 12:06 pm #
Enza, P loves it! Luckily he’s not one of those guys who just loooove long hair–good thing b/c I can’t handle it anymore. I had long hair most of my life, and I’m pretty sure I’m done with it now (unless, of course, I look into wigs)!
The problem with the white hairs was that they weren’t little–full grown and starting to get comfortable! So I said “ciao” and wouldn’t it be nice if they just took the hint?
Jen on 04 Oct 2007 at 1:24 pm #
What an amazing haircut! It looks fabulous on you. Congrats for working up your nerve. Also, thanks for the Burma post today - I didn’t know this was going on and now I have a post up, too.
Elle on 04 Oct 2007 at 3:35 pm #
How pretty, really looks lovely. Happy early Birthday!
sognatrice on 04 Oct 2007 at 5:43 pm #
Thanks Jen and Elle
Poppy Fields on 04 Oct 2007 at 5:59 pm #
Your new do looks great! And what a great deal, too.
Dana on 05 Oct 2007 at 12:18 am #
Love the new cut and color! It looks fabulous on you. The english lessons are a fabulous bonus too!!
Fran on 05 Oct 2007 at 3:34 am #
I love the haircut! And you look so pretty. Thank you for the picture. Maybe one day I will get up the nerve to post one of Frannycakes herself! Thanks for such wonderful posts. I look forward to your blog everyday!
Fran
sognatrice on 05 Oct 2007 at 11:30 am #
Meredith and Dana, thanks!
And Frannycakes, can’t wait to see you
Alex on 05 Oct 2007 at 4:24 pm #
LOVE LOVE LOVE your new look! She did a great job!
2ciaos
JetSetBaby
Dee on 05 Oct 2007 at 4:38 pm #
First off, great to put a face to the sea of words!. You look lovely pre and post (read sophisticated) hair cut. Just as I had imagined you to be ! (Well..almost!).
Second, is hair styling that cheap all over Italy..? If so, I am moving there!
A Novelist on 05 Oct 2007 at 9:19 pm #
You look fabulous! I love your new style!
sognatrice on 06 Oct 2007 at 10:09 am #
Alex and Novelist, thanks
Dee, glad to oblige, and nah–prices aren’t this low all over Italy. The further north you go (Rome and up), the higher they get. In a city like Milan, I think the prices are pretty comparable to other major cities elsewhere.
Gumby on 07 Oct 2007 at 2:15 am #
che bella!!!
Jessica on 07 Oct 2007 at 6:18 pm #
Fantastic cut & color (I’m a wannabe redhead myself, so I’m partial to red color); is it something you can do easily on your own? That’s the thing I struggle with most - my ornery hair behaves nicely for my stylist, but trying to recreate what she does when I’m at home is another matter entirely.
ChristinaG on 08 Oct 2007 at 8:14 am #
Wow! You look great! And €30 is such a bargain. Here in Germany, €30 will only get you granny-style helmet hair, or maybe a mullet. I’ve got to go in for a cut and highlights soon and I’m looking at well over €100!
My Melange on 08 Oct 2007 at 5:42 pm #
Well, I know I am very late on this…but Happy Birthday to you Michelle!!!!! Just tryin to catch up on your blog..I have been away too long!!! I love the new hair. Seems like birthdays are a good time for a little change. I got a new do and new glasses in Paris for my 40th. Oh God…leaves me wondering what the he#* is my 50th gonna be…a little lipo, tummy tuck…Nah..I would never!!! Don’t beleive in the stuff! So…what does *P* think of the new you?
sognatrice on 09 Oct 2007 at 2:06 pm #
Gumby, thanks–and great name
Jessica, it’s reasonably easy to recreate at home if I wanted to put the time into it; I’m just not one to spend a lot of time on my hair, though, and since I have naturally wavy/somewhat curly hair, I wear it wavy most of the time–luckily I like that too
Christina, it really was a true bargain–I hope you get a great cut and color for whatever price you end up paying
Robin, well you’re not late with the bday wishes (you still have 9 more days as of this writing)…P loves the new hair, and now I’m turning my attention to new glasses
Emma on 10 Oct 2007 at 6:22 pm #
I love your hair, too. It really suits you.
It costs the same for me in Sardinia.
As for the English lessons, it must be something in the (h)air (sorry, couldn’t resist). Last time I went in for a cut, I came out with English lessons, too.
Anyway, looking forward to seeing the new glasses…
sognatrice on 11 Oct 2007 at 1:20 pm #
Emma, see, yet another reason why people should come and see you in Sardinia! Thanks for stopping by…and stay tuned for glasses!
Rob Kistner on 14 Oct 2007 at 3:08 pm #
From beautiful to more beautiful — and brilliant as well… OooLaLa
sognatrice on 15 Oct 2007 at 12:38 pm #
Rob, you’re too kind…but I’ll take it
elena jane on 16 Oct 2007 at 4:29 pm #
love the new hair, suits you very nicely!!
been meaning to stop by your blog again and actually reply….so here i am
sognatrice on 18 Oct 2007 at 9:30 am #
Elena Jane, so happy to see you