Category Archives: style

This&That

{J. Mendel. I am in love with these dresses.}

New York Fashion Week was in early September. I’m no fashion blogger, but I certainly enjoy a wide array of activities. There’s something about watching the models walk the runway in clothes I can only dream of wearing that makes me smile. I love fashion and am a sucker for all the television shows about the industry. Designers aren’t typically something “every day” people can afford, but you can certainly draw inspiration from the fabrics, colors and the way items are pieced together for an outfit. Something about what I saw during Fashion Week makes me want to break out of my Mom Uniform [jeans and sweatpants!] and start to dress more ‘put together’ when I leave the house…

{Michael Kors. This really makes me want to find a knee length skirt for Fall. Definitely do-able.}

{Betsey Johnson. She makes clothes fun, bright, and interesting.  I could never pull off something this ‘loud,’ but Betsey’s show is amazing to watch!}

{Rag & Bone. Plain fabrics with bright pops of color. Yes please.}

I looked in my closet and found neutral colors and black. Over 15 pairs of jeans and many shoes {partly because I can’t wear heels to work anymore} that I haven’t touched in a while. Piles of sweaters {there’s those plain colors again} and of course my shelf of sweatpants. I think “dress better” and “step out of the Mom Uniform” were just added as a goals for the coming months!

Have a great weekend!

BellaVeda Salon

The same person had been doing my hair for over 20 years. Wanting a fresh perspective and a change, I took a chance and made an appointment at a local cosmetology school. I received a fresh set of highlights and a hair cut from Jenny and, once she graduated, I decided to follow her in order for her to continue doing my hair. She now owns a salon in her home in Naperville, IL and during a recent visit allowed me to interview her and take photographs. So if you’re in the Chicagoland area {or ever visiting} give her a call to make an appointment. You will be in good hands, as well as in the presence of someone who truly loves what they do.

BellaVeda Salon… Relax, Refresh, Rebeautify

Meet Jenny Pendley, owner of BellaVeda Salon in Naperville, IL…

Jenny has a history of dyeing and re-dyeing her own hair, and became invested in color-correcting. When she graduated high school and told her father she either wanted to teach or do hair, her father told her she would not be doing hair and informed her she should attend college. She pursued many other career options and spent time in high-stress positions, but was not truly enjoying what she was doing. Jenny moved from Michigan 3 years ago when she married her husband {who can be found competing in various Triathalons and Iron Man events!}, and chose to attend a cosmetology school in a Chicago suburb. After graduating she began weighing her options, and an online search for a salon chair for her home provided her with an opportunity she couldn’t refuse. She went to check out a couple Chicago salons who were going out of business and couldn’t pass up the deals she found. So she rented a truck and went back the next day, and purchased what she needed to start her own salon. It was a chance opportunity, but Jenny believes it was meant to be, is now booked consistently, and genuinely loves what she does.

Welcome to BellaVeda Salon

"My husband, family and friends are all very supportive that I’m getting to do what I love to do."

"My husband is a people-person and enjoys meeting my clients."

"My neighbors are supportive, they all come to me to get their hair done."

"If I couldn’t do hair I would work with animals or go back to school to be a nurse. I like taking care of others."

"I don’t have a lot of time to pamper myself anymore, but when I do I love to trade services with my friends."

"I love to go to trade shows and learn. I want to learn it all."

"I wanted to go to school for hair, but I loved it all {hair, facials, nails, spray tans, etc} and wanted to do everything."

"I was never really nervous, just excited. It has been real from the start. This was all just meant to be."

Jenny’s cat Bella, is part of the inspiration behind her salon’s name. Bella still hides at times, and is somewhat fearful of children, but is getting used to having people in her home. Even when she can’t be seen, she is one of Jenny’s biggest supporters.

"When a person would do something for free, you know they love what they do."

Jenny really does do it all… Here’s just a few of her services. Feel free to contact her with questions and to schedule an appointment!

Cut & Style ~ Special Occasion Hair ~ Partial Highlight ~ No Chip Manicure

Jenny also offers waxing and facial services, as well as comprehensive spa packages. Gift certificates are also available.

Jenny Pendley ~ Owner & Stylist (810)275-4494

Naperville, Illinois

*note: none of these photographs may be used without permission

A Great Pair of Boots

I love a great pair of boots that can be worn either dressed up or casually. I found these and immediately loved them. And yes, I have them in black too. I couldn’t help myself…

Fergalicious L-Ryder