Pretty Convenient

There are certain things you come across in life that make everything just a little easier. An app, a recipe, an As Seen On TV product you were embarrassed to buy but you’re glad you did. And when you find such a thing, why keep it to yourself? Share the wealth. That’s exactly what I’m doing today…but in the category of beauty (no perfectly stacking lids or 30 minute meals here, sorry friends).

You no longer have to take care of those split ends yourself when you forget to schedule a haircut and your stylist is booked for the next week. PRETTY CONVENIENT, huh?

We now live in an age where we can pretty much get anything at the click of a button. It’s crazy to think we had to stick our arm out to hail a cab. Now we just click “request” and cross our fingers it’s not surge pricing. Although getting around in a convenient way is important, aren’t beauty services just as important? I think yes.

I shared with you a while ago my go-to services at my favorite salons and spas in the city. Those still hold true, but there are some new apps / websites / salons that have popped up in the last few years that you are going to want to take note of, because they all make our lives just a little bit easier. Added bonus? They’re ALL giving CCF readers exclusive discounts. So you’re just going to have to keep reading!

Let’s start off with DreamDry. I’ve been to blow dry bars in the past. I like the concept, but I’ve never really loved my blow out. The brainchild of Rachel Zoe and Robin Moraetes started in New York less than two years ago and I’m very happy they chose Chicago as their third location (the other two are in NYC). The blow outs are actually cool…you won’t look like you used to do (or still do) beauty pageants. Get what I’m saying? Like most blow dry bars, they have a style menu but at DreamDry all of them are named after style icons (think Edie, Farrah, Stevie, etc.) I always opt for Stevie (undone) as it’s the closest to how I typically wear my hair, but it looks a hell of a lot better. They also do dry styles like braids and up-dos (which I have yet to try), but if you’re looking for a fantastic blow out that costs less than your typical salon ($40 to be exact) this is where you need to be. If you want to pay even less than that, DreamDry is offering YOU 20% off your next booking with code CHICITY20 (when booking online) or mention ChiCityFashion at reception (offer valid until 3/31/2015, in Chicago only).

Another great place for quick beauty services is Goldplaited. The best way to describe this place is exactly how they do — a finishing salon. They specialize in dry styles, blow outs and makeup applications…so it’s basically a one-stop shop if you’re looking to get done up for a night out. It’s also great for weddings or other special occasions, like Lollapalooza for example (what?!) I thought it would be fun to do a cool braid this year for Lolla, as I typically wear my hair down (the usual). Then it ends up in some scary half-assed up-do due to humid weather, too many bodies surrounding me and “college amount” of beer. So having a braided ‘do (seen here) where I literally didn’t have to touch it for three days (don’t judge) was really the way to go. The aftermath was fun too. So if you haven’t tried this place yet, I highly recommend checking it out…plus they’re offering 50% off your next blowout when you mention ChiCityFashion (not valid on Saturday/Sunday, expires 3/31/2015).

So what if you don’t have time to get to the salon? Well the obvious answer is…have the salon come to you! That’s what Stylisted is all about. You book hair and makeup appointments online and the services come to you. How awesome is that? I tried it this summer before an event I was hosting and I was quite impressed with the results. I’m usually hesitant to get both my hair and makeup done, as I can look a little too “done” and when I’m typically more “undone,” I don’t want to look like a totally different person. The makeup artist and hair stylist did a perfect job and it was really convenient to not even have to leave my house to get pretty for the night. And now that it’s winter, who ever wants to leave their house? If you feel the same way, be sure to use code CCF10 for 10% off when booking with Stylisted (valid until 5/10/2015). Also great for those not in Chicago — you can get the same convenience in New York and LA!

Last but not least, this one is for the procrastinators. If you find yourself scrambling to get a last minute manicure, haircut, massage, etc. then you’re going to be so thankful I told you about PrettyQuick. And it’s exactly what I just said it is — you just go on their site or download their app and you can book appointments for pretty much any beauty service in Chicago, DC, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, or Dallas (whether it’s last minute, weeks, or months in advance). You can even book appointments for DreamDry and Goldplaited! My favorite part about it is that it’s totally cashless…so you can just leave the salon / spa and the card you have on file will be charged with tip automatically. I never have cash and I hate waiting in line to pay so this really is just 100% winning in my book. Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for…PrettyQuick is offering $15 off for new users (in any city they’re available) by clicking here. You can also get 20% off every Sunday through Wednesday appointment when booking at least once monthly, as you’re then officially a PrettyQuick VIP…not a bad deal, right?

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Have you used any of these apps / services? Any favorites? If you haven’t, which one are you going to try next?

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