FAQ

Where is the Fox & Doll studio?

As of summer 2020 I have closed my mission studio location. Most of my work is on location traveling directly to my clients. But when I do need a studio space to meet at I usually work out of a space centrally located in San Francisco on Union Street at Steiner.

Where can I find Fox & Doll products?

Fox & Doll beauty products and jewelry are sold in the Fox & Doll online shop, all shipping from San Francisco and available for in person pick up.

The jewelry portion of my line is also available online and in these stores:
Foggy Notions, located in the Richmond district of San Francisco
Museum of Craft + Design, located in the Dogpatch district of San Francisco
Nooworks, in the Mission is San Francisco and online

What is your product return policy?

30 days

How far in advance do I need to book you?

The sooner the better, but if you want to book me a week out and I’m available, I’ll do it. If you are seeking wedding makeup and hair services I suggest booking me as soon as you have a date set and venue booked. Some clients book me over a year in advance, and some book me just weeks before. Please remember that the date isn’t booked until a signed contract and deposit have been received, and I only take on a limited number of weddings per month, so definitely let me know as soon as you’re ready to book! Once I give you a contract I ask that the contract and deposit be returned within 48 hours.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

For hair, come with your hair 100% dry, one day dirty is just fine and actually preferred as long as your hair doesn't tent to get oily right away. For makeup, your face should be clean and free of any sunscreen or products. Bring pictures or web links for makeup and/or hairstyles. Bring pictures of what you will be wearing. And wear a neutral color with either a open neckline or something that is easy to take off once your makeup and/or hair are complete. Want more info of you are a bride, read the next section of this page.

What is the mailing address for returns and product samples?

Attn: Shana Astrachan, 171 Guerrero Street, Unit #2, San Francisco, CA 94103 (different from physical studio address)

Visiting San Francisco and want to know what else is close by in the Mission? (listed in order of distance, check hours and days open in advance)

Gus's Market (everything you could want in a neighborhood market, plus a cafe and salad bar)
Stable Cafe (outdoor seating and wonderful breakfast and lunch food in a casual and beautiful setting, 1 block away)
Heath Ceramics (a bay area classic, and a popular spot for wedding registries)
Tartine Manufactory (one of the best bakeries in town, and coffee too - located on the corner of the Heath Ceramics Building)
Charles Chocolates (cafe, shop and factory)
Siteglass Coffee (3014 20th Street)
Flour and Water (one of the best salads I have ever had, the little gem, and a nice little market for cheese and fresh made pastas)

Getting married at City Hall and want to know what special food and drink spots are near City Hall and recommended to make the day special?

Bars & Cafes (all within walking distance from City Hall) -

Fig and Thistle (wine bar)
Raxakoule Wine & Cheese, the Cheese Cave in the back (sit down with wine and a cheese plate in their back patio)
Smuggler's Cove (one of the best Tiki Bars around, excellent drinks, especially the Hot Buttered Rum)
The Orbit Room (my FAVORITE cocktail bar, and a lovely art deco setting, crafted cocktails, over 20 years in business)
Noir Lounge (a great spot for cocktails and small plates)
Miette (cakes and candies, and pretty displays, a great spot to take some fun and colorful pictures)

Restaurants (some close to City Hall and some across town, but well worth the short cab ride) -

Absinthe (a classic spot for a special dinner, very close by to City Hall)
Beratta (contemporary italian food, in the Mission, private room for groups available)
Delfina and Locanda (any of the Delfina group restaurants, some of the best food in the city, in the Mission)
Foreign Cinema (a unique spot for a special dinner, in the Mission, private room for groups available)
Greens (vegetarian in a lovely setting, lunch and dinner, across town at Fort Mason, on the water, private room for groups available)
NOPA (open late, great food and excellent cocktails, weekend brunch is also popular, near Alamo Square Park)
Rich Table (great food and excellent cocktail, very close by to City Hall)
Slanted Door (a longtime favorite spot for a special lunch or dinner, at the Ferry Building, on the water, private room for groups available)
Wayfare Tavern (a classic downtown San Francisco restaurant, private room for groups available)

Hotels in Downtown SF -

The Alisa (a new hotel that quickly became my favorite)
The Clift (hip and luxurious)
The Fairmont (a San Francisco classic, and there is a legendary Tiki Bar in the basement - The Tonga Room)

I have lived in San Francisco over 20 years and like to keep up on the best spots to visit, both the old classic and the hot new locations. So if you are looking for something particular just ask, I am more than happy to make suggestions.

Preparing for Your Bridal Preview Appointment

Here is what you need to be prepared to meet for a hair and makeup preview for your wedding day services.

Please bring a picture of your dress (if you have it), picture of your shoes, jewelry, any possible hair accessories. It also helps to see inspiration images for your location, flowers, decor and any other contributing aesthetic design elements. Come with your face clean and free of any products, and your hair one day or more unwashed. The natural oils in your hair assist with hold and texture. Wear a light colored top with an open neckline, the idea here is that you aren’t wearing a black turtleneck. Arrive alone, while it is a fun idea to bring a friend it can also be distracting from our focus of figuring out the style and look that best suits you for your wedding day.

The best tool I have found to use for collecting inspiration images is Pinterest. I have a few boards you can look at here:
Various Makeup Styles
Updo Hair
Flowing Wedding Hair
60’s hair
Modern Vintage Looks

And I suggest you start your own to collect images of style you love, it is also great for inspiration from everything from decor, to cocktail, to flowers. And if you become addicted beyond wedding day planning you can follow all my boards:
http://pinterest.com/shana_astrachan/ or you can invite me to a private board by sending an invitation to: sastrachan (@) gmail (dot) com

Preview meetings for makeup and hair are usually about 2.5-3 hours. They include one makeup and one hair look. You do want to come prepared knowing what look you want. I of course will consult with you between options, but keep in mind that I can create any look that you seek, so it is best to really have an idea of what direction you want prior to your meeting. If you do want to try out two totally different looks please let me know in advance and we can discuss scheduling additional time and the added pricing.

Some ideas to get you started:
A stylized look from a specific era?
Hair up or down?
Sexy smokey bedroom eyes or wide eyed winged liner?
Bold red lips or rosy natural lips?
A updo that is smooth and structured or a loose textured?

I also love seeing examples of what you don’t like, it is surprising helpful for getting to the heart of what you like about particular looks.

If you are considering fresh flowers for your hair please take a look at this article from The Beauty Department. You don't need to bring them with you for the preview appointment but I always like to have an idea of what you have in mind when we meet. They also have this great article on Wedding Hair Accessories.

I look forward to being your wedding day stylist!