Archive for June, 2010

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Garnish your look: Sparkle and Shine all Summer


2010
06.27

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Posted in Fashion Tips | 10 Comments »

Polishing your look is like mixing the perfect cocktail!  Of course we would all like to start with something top shelf , add a little mixer, then top with a pretty garnish. The problem is that summer looks tend to be casual, comfortable and well, slightly boring.

Garnishing your look by adding  a little sparkle and shine is a great way to take it from forgettable to fabulous!

I spoke with the folks at Tarina Tarantino, The QUEEN of Sparkle, and here’s Tarina’s  advice on shining this summer,

“Summertime means longer days so I always keep a few extra accessories in my purse to change an outfit from day to night.   Especially important are hair accessories! When the temperature goes up an updo is in order.  Having some pretty jeweled hair clips will make your chignon perfectly chic.  I also love to layer a long statement necklace over a maxi dress which is a great look to take you from the beach to a dinner party.”

Remember not to over-do it!  You want it to catch the eye, not blind someone!  Try adding just a few key pieces to really shine!

 

 

Shopping Links

Tarina Tarantino http://www.tarinatarantino.com/

TopShop  http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=13052&catalogId=32051

I am Super excited about this week’s giveaway!  Tarina Tarantino “the Queen of Sparkle” has partnered with me to give 1 lucky reader a little boost in her quest to Sparkle and Shine this summer! The winner will recieve one of Tarina’s “Anywhere Clips”! (photo below)

All you have to do to Enter is:

1. Scroll back to the top of this post and click on the comment icon at top right.

2. Leave a comment (between June 28 and July 3) telling me “How you plan to Sparkle and Shine through Summer”.

*Last weeks 6 lucky winners are: Elly B., Jessica, Alisa, Krystle, Kahshanna (so she never has to wear a gooey swimsuit again) and Susan!!  Congrats Ladies!!

 

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Model Bootcamp: Swimsuit Ready


2010
06.22

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Posted in Model Tips/Model Bootcamp | 14 Comments »

 

(above: Photographer:Jerry Metellus  Stylist:Christie Moeller  Makeup/Hair: Melissa Conner  Model: the always swimwear ready Anna)

(Last weeks Enter to Win winner is Kahshanna E. Congrats! Don’t forget to ENTER this week!  Instructions at end of this Post!)

 Just when I thought, again, that I might be running out of ideas for my Model Bootcamp section… POW..BLAM..WHAM , I work another job that slapped me in the face and left me scratching my head wondering “Why don’t they know this!”

Swimsuit ready.  What does it mean? 

 This stuff seems basic to some but there are tons of others out there that come to set with at least one of these categories NOT taken care of!

1.  Your bikini area must be properly maintained (waxed, shaved, depilatoried, trimmed etc) Both Ladies and Gents!  Come on please!  I have watched retouchers squirm as they zoomed in trying to clone out stray pubic hairs hanging out of swimsuits! I have handed out razor after razor on set sending girls to the bathroom to “trim up”.  I should seriously buy some stock in Gillette!  This needs to be done BEFORE you come to set!

2. Ladies make sure your legs and armpits are shaved..again gross!

3. Gents, make sure your chest and back are properly “Manscaped” please see my previous post for tips on this. 

4.  Make sure your body is tanned (NOT a SELF TANNER OR TEMPORARY TANNER YOU PUT ON THAT MORNING or ON THE WAY TO SET THAT WILL STINK UP or RUB OFF ON THE CLOTHING!)

5. NO TAN LINES! Fashion involves swimwear of all different shapes and cuts so having tans lines can be a problem! Guys especially watch out for sock tan lines!

When asked to bring swimwear to set please bring a variety of swimwear that doesn’t have  logos!  Guys you are the biggest offenders of this!  DO NOT BRING trunks that say “Quicksilver” or “Hurley” across them, you know we CANNOT shoot logos on ads and commercials.  And while we are at it:  FYI gentlemen, basketball shorts ARE NOT SWIMWEAR!  DO NOT BRING THESE TO A SWIMWEAR SHOOT and try to pass them off as your swim trunks!

Make sure the swimwear you bring is well maintained.  DO NOT bring the ones you have been surfing or wake-boarding in for the past 3 summers.  They should look new and clean. (Hand-washing your swimwear will give it a longer life).  You should have separate swimwear that you use for shoots than the ones you use on a daily basis.

Ladies. Unless you are asked to, DO NOT BRING THONG SWIMWEAR to a shoot! I know, I know,  you want to look sexy but trust me regular bikinis and uni-kinis are sexy enough…bring a variety of classy and upscale sexy swimwear. 

Ladies you should always,always,always have  nude thong underwear with you.  It should have string like sides and back (not lace, not thick, no bows or jewels) and should be smooth.   Le Mystere “Y-not string thong” is a great one as well as  the Cosabella “Talco G String”.

(above: Le Mystere Y-not string thong in nude)

 Wear the nude thong underwear underneath the swimsuit. NEVER put on a swimsuit you are given by the Stylist with NOTHING under it!  These swimsuits are usually samples worn by multiple models all around the world!  NEVER go commando!  Talk about a huge Petri dish of disgusting!  If the swimsuit has open sides then use a panty liner instead of the thong.  (You should always have a few of these in your model bag).

I recently discovered the Shibue Couture “Peel and Toss Disposable Strapless Panty”!  I love this because sometimes panty liners can tend to bunch up and these stay nice and smooth!  http://www.shibuecouture.com/

There are a couple extra things that you can bring with you that will make your day more pleasant.

Bring a robe!  The first thing you should do when arriving to a swimwear shoot is to take off all clothing that will leave any lines or indentations on your body (socks, bras, jeans, etc) and put on a robe.  This will help your body look smoother and toned on camera.  Do this BEFORE you head into makeup so the lines that are there have time to subside.  The robe will also come in handy when you have to take a long uncomfortable walk to set in a bikini with tons of patrons at that location staring at you.

Bring some flip flops or loose Ugg boots to wear to and from set.  Usually you cannot walk in the shoes for the shoot, not to mention it gives your feet a break from heels.

Being beautiful is only part of being a model.  There is a long list of rules, etiquette, and equipment you need to be successful!  Follow my tips, keep your model bag stocked, your attitude sunny and you’ll be booking swimwear shoots like crazy!

Ladies!  You are gonna LOVE this giveaway!  Shibue Couture, the makers of the  “Peel and Toss Disposable Strapless Panty” have partnered with me for an AMAZING Giveaway!  SEVERAL readers will receive a “Stylist on The Go Kit” which contains 1 Shibue Strapless panty, 1 pair of Shibue cover-ups, 1 pair of Shibue silicone cover-ups, and six Shibue repair adhesive strips! 

All you have to do to ENTER is:

 1. Scroll back to the top of this post and click on the comment icon (between June 23 and June 27)

2. Leave a comment there Telling me “Why you need a disposable strapless panty” or “What you would wear your strapless panty with”  Keep it Classy ladies!

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!

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I Wear My Sunglasses at Night: Summer Sunglass Trends


2010
06.17

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Posted in Fashion Tips | 13 Comments »

(at the end of this article don’t forget to enter to win! Last week’s winner is: Kat Munoz!  Congrats!)

Sunglasses are THE must-have accessory for summer, no matter what trend you follow.   Not only do they look cool, they hide wrinkles, protect you from the sun and shield you on non-makeup days!

It’s not about having the most expensive pair this season.  The goal is to add some fun, whimsy, color and personality to your eye-wear!   This summer you can’t go wrong with anything that feels retro or vintage.  Carrera, the sunglasses made famous on Miami Vice,  were all over the Fashion Week runways. Funky Ray-bans are being coveted by Celebrities and everywhere you look its ALL ABOUT COLOR!

(above: Lady Gaga in Carrera Navigators)

Selecting the right style/shape sunglasses can be a little overwhelming.  There are so many types out there!  To give you a little knowledge BEFORE you hit the stores I’ve narrowed the Summer Sunglass trends down to six styles/shapes: Wayfarer, Aviator, Navigator, Square, Over-sized Round and Modified Cat’s Eye.

Wayfarer.   Wayfarer’s were first designed by Ray-Ban in 1952. They were among the first plastic sunglasses ever made. Wayfarer’s were extremely popular up until the 1970’s, They didn’t regain popularity until the early 80’s when movie stars, like Tom Cruise in Risky Business, began wearing them.  Fashionable for both men and women Wayfarers are hot again but this time in bright colors like neon, red, white, bubble-gum pink, etc. Check out Ray-Bans “Rare Prints” collection for something really unique and Zooey Deschanel’s line “Zooey” with Oliver Peoples.

(above: Ray-Ban “Original Wayfarer” with Orange on white Subway Text from Rare Prints Collection)

(above: Zooey  line by Zooey Deschanel for Oliver Peoples)

Aviator.  Aviators, also know as “Cop Shades”,  have an over sized teardrop-shaped lens (which looks similar to a pilots goggles) and a thin metal frame. The design was introduced in 1936 by  Ray-Ban  for issue to U.S. military pilots. Popular on both men and women.  This season make sure you have a pair with white frames!

(above: Ray-Ban  “Aviator” with white metal frame)

(above: David Beckham in Ray-Ban Aviators)

 Navigator.  Another Unisex style, navigator shades are similar to aviators but sporty with a more squared off lens shape (not as droopy of a teardrop as the Aviator). You’ll see them in both metal and plastic frames in a variety of colors. This is the style sported on Miami Vice that made Carrera so popular in the 80’s.

(above: Carrera “Speedway” sunglasses)

Square.  Definitely THE HOTTEST TREND this season.  They look AMAZING on everyone!  Fashionable and they give you tons of coverage!  Every Celebrity and Socialite has a pair of these.  Great for staying Incognito.

(above: Derek Lam “Gemma” sunglasses)

(above: Eva Mendes in Square shades)

Over-sized Round.  Think Jackie O.  Choosing over sized  eye-wear can be tricky. Make sure to select a frame that doesn’t swallow your whole face. These styles are great for adding glamour to an ordinary outfit. I prefer the round wrap styles.

(above: D&G “MGD” sunglasses designed by Madonna)

Modified Cat’s Eye.  These aren’t your typical “Pink Ladies” cat’s eye glasses.  They are Bigger and Funkier!  Spotted on everyone from Lady Gaga to Scarlett Johansson lately these shades are HOT!

(above: Model Dree Hemingway in modified cat’s eye glasses)

(Budget tip:  Are the brand names and thoughts of prices scaring you?  Most of these shapes and styles can be found at Fred Flare www.fredflare.com  and H&M for under $20)

No matter what shape you choose remember to have fun with it! Sunglasses shouldn’t be just an accessory!  They should complete and compliment your look and personality.

I have an  exciting Giveaway for you this week from one of my favorite lines Deborah Lippman.  To ENTER leave a comment (scroll back up to top of page and click on the comment icon at top right) (between Friday June 18 and Monday June 21) telling me what sunglass style you’ll be rockin’ this summer.  1 Lucky reader will win a Bottle of “Supermodel”the shade created with model Dree Hemingway!

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Polish up your look: Nail Trends for Summer/Fall


2010
06.14

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Posted in Fashion Tips | 26 Comments »

The biggest statement accessory this season is right at your fingertips!

Bold nail looks add a punch to any ensemble and can spice up even the most boring casual look. 

Here are the Top 6 nail trends for Summer/Fall.

1. Toss the Gloss ladies!  Matte is Back!  Get rid of those glossy polishes.  Fashion is moving forward with an ultra modern Matte look.  My favorite Matte line is Manglaze  http://www.manglaze.com/   , the “Originators” of  matte polish.   I spoke with Marc from Manglaze and here is what he had to say about the Matte Trend, ” I think its great that the industry has discovered that besides just color, there is a whole world of textures people would like to consider on their nails.  You still get the mall masses who can only appreciate glossy but some really cool chicks and a bunch of guys really appreciate some more hard core finishes”.  Manglaze is worn by about 50/50 men/women. Packaged in super cool bottles with punk rock/indie label style graphics, the colors have great names like ”Fuggen Ugly Matte Grey” and “Matte is Murder Matte Black”, that make you proud to tell someone the name of the shade you have on!

(above: Manglaze “Fuggen Ugly” matte grey polish)

2. Say  au revoir to boring French manicures and welcome in the “New Moon”.  Moon manicures (also known as the “Gatsby”) were originally popular on silver screen stars in the 1920s and 1930s.  This classic sophisticated look is BACK!  Polish is applied to the nail but not to the moon, creating a chic retro inspired look.  Can also be done in a two tone style with the moon one color and the rest of the nail another. (to get a “perfect” moon manicure make an appointment with Tricia Mesa at 702.395.6665 ext. 119)

(above: Moon Manicure by Tricia Mesa for Ceasars Player Magazine)

3. Step back Black!  Grey is the new “it” color for nails.  Softer than black but just as edgy. Grey nails made a huge showing at New Yorks Fashion Week and all the Celebs are rocking this trend.  From graphite to dove and the new color “griege”, grey nails definitely make a statement. 

(above: Lilly Allen in Chanel’s Griege color “Particuliere”)

4. Sparkle.  Sparkle.  Sparkle.  Glitter  polishes will shine you through summer and into fall! Who doesn’t feel great in something sparkly and bonus, they last a VERY long time!  My favorite is Deborah Lippman “Happy Birthday”, its a party in a bottle.  http://lippmanncollection.com/07/LC007_index.html

(above: Deborah Lippman “Happy Birthday”)

5. Feeling Blue?  In general all blue hues are hip.  Celebrities are going crazy for it!  For summer I am loving the turquoise and teals.   They create a fresh, sophisticated and trendy look!  According to Neiman Marcus NARS “Blue Lagoon” from the Vintage Polish Collection is the NOW color that they can barely keep stocked!

6. Vibrant Red. Red nails are another must-have this season. Red is the classic color that will never lose its charm.   Whether you choose a powerful and elegant classic red or a more youthful one like coral red, red nail polish  is one of the hottest trends when it comes to nail polish.   Selecting the perfect shade of red can be difficult so I spoke with the folks at Deborah Lippman and here is what Deborah has to say about red nails, “ Here is my rule of thumb: Think about if you’re going to wear a lip shade, try to use what would look good on your face when looking for your nail color.  In the summer a lot of us like to tan, which you shouldn’t do. But if you have an olive tone to your skin during the summer months than an orange red will look better on that skin tone.  A blue or more blood red is better if you have a pale/pink skin tone. A person with darker skin can wear almost any shade, colors on dark skin don’t make as much of a statement as they do on light skin tones.  Remember when wearing red polish in these modern times it is never necessary to wear your nails long. It is however necessary for the length to be the same.  A rounder tip is more modern on a short nail. A slightly almond shape on a slightly longer nail is very chic.”  I am in love Deborah Lippmans “Supermodel”.  A shade that was created with model Dree Hemingway.  http://lippmanncollection.com/07/LC007_index.html

(above: Deborah Lippman “Supermodel”)

 

The Rockin’ folks at Manglaze have partnered with me on a great promotion!  We will be giving away a set of their entire line! 

All you have to do to ENTER  is leave a comment on this blog post (scroll back up to the top of this page and click on the comment icon) between June 14 and June 18, telling me how you put a little “polish”  on your look, along with your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

The product will ship within 30 days (they are waiting for their new and out of stock colors to come in, so you will be one of the first to have them!)

MORE GIVEAWAYS TO COME!

Keep up with my Blog June 18-21 I will be running a giveaway Promotion with Deborah Lippman and 1 lucky reader will win a bottle of “Supermodel”!!!

Good Luck and thanks for reading!

 

 

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Underneath it All: the art of wearing a bra


2010
06.08

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Posted in Fashion Tips | 5 Comments »

I have sat quietly for years watching models, friends, even family members commit a serious crime against themselves!  I see it everywhere: at home, in a dressing room, at a restaurant and on photoshoots.  Bad bra application and technique followed by  ill fitting bras worn past their expiration date resulting in  bumpy boobs, uniboob, false back fat, underboobs, falling straps, red marks and cups runnething over!

It begins with the simple act of getting dressed.  First with the closure in front they take the bra and hook it underneath their breasts, then they spin it around and stick their arms into the straps and off they go.

Alright, enough already ladies!  I can stay silent no longer!  THAT IS NOT THE CORRECT WAY TO PUT A BRA ON! No More Clip and Spin!!!

Putting your bra on in this way does nothing to help “the ladies”.  Its the difference between having your “head down at your desk” and “standing at attention”.  You are in there all smooshed and willy-nilly.  You don’t look your best and its uncomfortable!

My friends at Freya http://www.freyalingerie.com/  perfectly explain how to properly put on a bra.  (good news for larger breasted women, Freya goes up to a J-cup and offers “active wear” bras)

Swoop and Scoop.  

“First, lean forward and allow your breasts to fall into your bra so they sit in place naturally and comfortably(what we call the swoop). Then fasten the bra on the loosest hook and stand up. Next, scoop each breast gently into place in the bra (remember that breast tissue goes all the way to the underarm) to ensure they are comfortably positioned and not caught in the underwire or spilling out of the sides and use your index finger to smooth across the top cup edge to ensure there is no overspill.  And there you have it; it really is as simple as that.”

(above: Freya “Frankie” underwire plunge bra)

Knowing how to put the bra on properly is just the first step.  Now you need to make sure you buy the right kind of bra!

I spoke with my friends at Elle Macpherson lingerie (one of my personal favorite lines) http://www.ellemacphersonintimates.com/

and here are some tips from Elle herself on purchasing a bra:

Q: What are the keys to getting a bra that fits comfortably?

E:  “A professional bra-fitting is the first and most important step in finding a bra that fits comfortably”

Q: What should women look for when shopping for a bra?

E: “Fit, function. fashion and affordability”.

Q: What is the expiration date on a bra?

E: “bras should be replaced every six months.  When a bra starts to ride up in the back, wrinkle in the cup or slips off your shoulders it’s a sign of fabric weakening and your need for a new bra.  Hand washing your lingerie makes it last a bit longer”.

(above: Elle Macpherson “Artistry” bra)

The fit.

 The experts at Neiman Marcus  (who carry amazing lines like La Perla, Marlies Dekkers, and Costabella)  provided me with  some great advice on  “getting the perfect fit”:

  • Lean forward to make sure your breasts fit comfortably in the cups: they should not bulge out.
  • You should be able to slip two fingers underneath the center of the band easily with some resistance.
  • Support is achieved through the cups and band, not through the straps.
  • Center front of bra should lay flat against the body.

According to Neimans “80% of women are wearing the wrong bra. Not only can a poor-fitting bra be extremely unflattering, it can also be harmful to your breasts.”  

HEALTH risks caused by ill-fitting bras that don’t offer the correct support can range from constricted breathing, back pain and restricted circulation to muscle strain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and tissue damage to the breasts!

Neimans specialists will measure you for free and help you select the proper fit!

(above: Marlies Dekkers “striped balcony bra” available at Neiman Marcus)

Another thing to consider when buying a bra is what type of clothing and activities you will be doing.  Bras come in a variety of shapes and types for different uses!  Neiman Marcus gave me this great chart to show the styles and uses for a variety of bra types:

Remember when selecting a bra keep in mind: technique, fit, expiration, and activity.  Your new mantra: If  your “white” bra has turned gray throw it away!  The proper fit and type of bra will ensure both comfort and a smooth look throughout the day.  Your bra lays the foundation for how the rest of your clothing looks!

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Model Bootcamp: Modelus Perfectus


2010
06.07

Posted in Model Tips/Model Bootcamp | 3 Comments »

Welcome to The Urban Jungle.  Today we will examine the Endangered Species Modelus Perfectus. 

Modelus Perfectus is a mammal sub-species coming  from the diverse yet thriving general class of Modelus Commonus.  They range in color and size from tiny to muscular, dark to light.  One of the most beautiful creatures of our world the Modelus Perfectus is on the brink of extinction.  These elusive animals are rarely seen in the wild and seldom held in captivity.

Unique characteristics of Modelus Perfectus include:

  • arrives to photo-shoots at  least 15 minutes before call time.
  • carries a ”model bag” armed with various kinds of undergarments, snacks , a variety of shoes, hair extensions, and clothing choices.
  • always bikini ready
  • perfectly manicured hands and feet
  • clean/dry face and hair
  • an absence of visible roots
  • a professional and sunny disposition
  • the ability to follow photographers instructions
  • the absence of complaints
  • does NOT mess with clothing or makeup after the Stylist/Makeup artist are finished
  • carries “current” updated Comp Card that shows their “current”  hair color and length along with “current” body type (not ones from 10 years ago like their cousins Modelus Commonus)
  • will never eat, drink, or smoke in their shooting wardrobe
  • always drinks from a straw as to avoid messing up lips

Modelus Perfectus evolved from their Modelus Commonus ancestors by useing  their limbs to cat-walk, pose, and overall out beautify other Modelus species, setting themselves apart. 

Many Modelus Perfectus have adopted certain “moves” when in a photo session which make them easy to distinguish such as elbows forward not back, elongated neck i.e. turtle neck , and the infamous slouchy shoulders and rounded back.

In order to maintain a high constant body quality the Modelus Perfectus needs a nutritious and plentiful diet along with an energetic workout regimen.  The most common out of captivity sightings of Modelus Perfectus occur at gyms, pilates classes and health food stores.

Conservation of this species is vital.   Destructive Modelus Commonus activities  and bad set habits have spread over to the Modelus Perfectus group and led to the current rate of species extinction, which is at least 100–1,000 times higher than the expected natural rate.  We must direct our conservation efforts toward youthful Modelus Commonus who have the potential to evolve into Modelus Perfectus but have not been shown the way or have developed these bad habits!  The key is to encourage and teach this next generation  or we will lose this sub-species all together! 

Please join our conservation efforts by encouraging all Modelus Commonus to read these Model Bootcamp Blog Tips and hopefully together we can help to rebuild the invaluable and irreplaceable Modelus Perfectus species as well as protect and save it  so that future generations can experience their presence, value, and majestic beauty.

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Summer Camoflage: Spanx me! Spanx me!


2010
06.03

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Posted in Fashion Tips | 6 Comments »

Summer.  Oh Joy.  Time to start baring all our jiggly parts for the whole world to see. 

The ladies will spend hours  in badly lit dressing rooms agonizing  over how  not to look fat in a swimsuit and the guys clothing decisions will hinge on how to keep their shirt on at pool parties. 

All the bad eating and drinking decisions from the winter that you kept hidden under layers of stylish clothing are now out bouncing around in the bright sunlight screaming “Look at me!  Look at me!”

Not to fear….SPANX are HERE!

Spanx..the amazing secret weapon of Red Carpet walkers and Brides has made some BIG expansions this season!  The slimming garment women have been wearing for years now has a mens line and swimwear!  Whoo hoo!

Kramer (Seinfeld) was ahead of his time!  Gentlemen the Manzier is here…or at least this is pretty close. 

In March Spanx released their first mens line that will “comfortably firm the chest, flatten the stomach, improve posture, support the lower back and eliminate bulk under clothes”. 

No more beer bellies guys (at least not while you keep these shirts on) ! 

They are especially useful worn under fashion-trendy “slim cut” shirts! No more jiggle jiggle, muffin tops or man boobs!

Available in t-shirts, tanks and undershirts, you can pick them up at Neiman Marcus or online at  http://www.spanx.com/home/index.jsp?clickid=topnav_logo_img but hurry according to Neiman Marcus they are selling faster than they can get them on the shelves!

…..and there’s more!

“The brand known for revolutionizing women’s undergarments is answering the call of women yet again and diving in with the launch of SPANX Swimsuits.”

 I must admit I was doubtful and expected to see some “Old Lady” swim styles but  these are seriously cute! 

Offering 1 and 2 piece styles that you can mix and match! Spanx swimwear  “offers comfortable yet powerful compression and chic styling” with “just the right amount of support”. Check out their website for stores and locations near you!

(above: Spanx “All the Wave” bandeau 1 piece)

So on behalf of all the “wish they had worked out more before summer so I wasn’t so jiggly” people out there, I would like to say “ Thank you Spanx!  Thank you!”

10 comments

Forever in Blue Jeans Baby!


2010
06.02

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Posted in Fashion Tips | 10 Comments »

Jeans.  Ah the ongoing search for the perfect pair.  The ones that fit you flawlessly in the butt, waist, and hips.  Whether you are looking for the  perfect wash or just the right amount of distress,  when you finally find them they become like a best friend.  (roll musical montage of you in the jeans) You go all in, no matter what the cost.  You share good times and bad ..but then..something starts to happen..they loose their color or get those tell-tale friction holes in the crotch, at the pocket and in the knees.  You gain or loose weight and they just don’t fit like they used to.  You panic…How will I ever replace these?  I will never find a pair like this again!

Good Jeans truly are hard to find.  

Here are 4  ways to make use of your old denim:

 1. Turn them into boyfriend shorts.  They’re  called ‘Boyfriend’ shorts, much like boyfriend jeans, because they look like you’re wearing your boyfriend’s clothing, and they’re totally in.  To achieve this all you need is a pair of jeans that are a bit too big (Come on ladies get them out.  We all have our “fat” jeans laying around in our closets!).

(above: Boyfriend Shorts)

 Gather what you need:

A pair of jeans (ones that are a bit too big)

Measuring tape

Scissors

Pencil

Now  measure the length you want to trim it at and mark it. You need to decide how long you want them to be for wearing, then add a couple of inches. Since you’re going to cuff these, you don’t need to sew up the frayed end, but I would recommend you use something like Fray Check or a similar product to stop the fraying… it could look silly if it goes overboard and your fraying gets in the way of the cuff! Now cut them to your mark.

Next cut a small V on the outer edges of the shorts, the size of one cuff fold. This will give you a little extra breathing room… believe me, you’ll want it, and it will help promote the boyfriend look.

Then Put them on! Yeah, I know, they’re going to look a little long and a little silly. This is why we cuff them! With the jeans on (and comparing lengths in detail… you don’t want one side longer than the other!) and preferably while standing up, cuff them once at the length of the cut V. Cuff them one more time after that.

And your done!  You have cute, cropped boyfriend shorts…  you didn’t have to spend a bunch of money on them and you recycled some old jeans!

2. Repair.  Unless you are adding patches to your jeans (um hello 1960’s) I wouldn’t attempt repairing them yourself.  Home repairs tend to look like..well..home repairs!  There is an AMAZING company call Denim Therapy http://denimtherapy.com/  that magically repairs the holes in your jeans!  Seriously!  I’ve never seen anything like it!  For an average cost of $7 an inch  they do a genuine reconstruction of the original denim material. It is not a patch. It is new cotton thread and stitch applied to the broken denim area. Crazy cool! They can even make any jean into maternity jeans!

3. Faded jeans? Give them a dye job.  My advice DO NOT USE RIT Dye on denim.  They will become a horrible color that looks fake and cheesey!  Use coffee grounds to give them a cool “vintage tint”. (if you want to go with a bright color wash check out the dyes at Dharma Trading Company http://www.dharmatrading.com/   or ProChemical 1-8002BUYDYE  they are much better quality than RIT).

To make the dye you will need:

 2 bags of coffee grounds preferable Espresso. (cheap brand is fine)

3-5 gallon bucket

Filter. Use old stocking or socks.

Fill the “filter” with the coffee grounds and tie the top tightly.  Put the ”filter” into the bucket and fill it about 3/4 to the top with hot water. Make sure there’s enough room for the jeans without the water spilling over.

Let the coffee brew for about 15 to 20 min. Note: The darker the brew, the darker the stain. When its the right shade remove the “filter”

Then drop your jeans in and let them sit overnight.

The next morning throw them into the washer/dryer and BAM there you have it!  Perfectly “vintage tinted” jeans.

4.   Donate them to Cotton From Blue to Green  http://www.cottonfrombluetogreen.org/ an amazing organization!  Here’s what they do:

 ”Trying to change our World one pair of jeans at a time”  Cotton from Blue to Green “denim drive is a call-to-action to donate denim and give it “new life” by converting it to UltraTouch™ Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation. The insulation is then provided to communities in need to assist with building efforts. UltraTouch™ is composed of 85% recycled cotton fibers and is an environmentally safe, non-itch insulation without carcinogenic warnings, formaldehyde or chemical irritants. It provides exceptional thermal performance and acoustically provides 30% better sound absorption than traditional fiberglass insulation. ”

“Since the start of the COTTON. FROM BLUE TO GREEN.® denim drive in 2006, the program has received a total of 270,617 pieces of denim and provided enough UltraTouch™ Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation for 540 houses in areas of the country affected by natural disasters, and more notably, preventing 200 tons of denim from being sent to landfills.”

Ah Yes Neil Diamond you’re right..we’ll do okay forever in blue jeans baby!

2 comments

Happy Happy Joy Joy: Taking care of your inner child!


2010
06.01

Tags:
Posted in What's on my mind | 2 Comments »

This  past weekend I realized something as I sat, eating a heaping bowl of Captain Crunch Cereal and watching my favorite cartoons…I was happy.

 Was it the childhood memory or the simple act that made me smile?  Either way, I was smiling without a care in the world, all of the crap I had to do didn’t faze me.  My eight year old self was telling me to chill out and I listened.

(above: my niece..she knows how to truely enjoy a cupcake)

We  get so wrapped up with work, paying bills, long hours and getting through day to day life that we often miss out or pass on the little things that make us feel that childlike  sense of  joy.

We all  need  that!  The child inside us keeps us from getting burnt out.  That child inspires us to be creative, to hope and to dream!   Take care of it!   Nurture it!

So the question is   “How can you have your cereal and eat it too?”   Try these things and I promise your inner child will thank you and your mood with get an instant boost!

Swing on a swing-set.

Buy some ice cream from the ice cream man.

Eat a cupcake (Retro Bakery is my Fav).

Watch cartoons (Invader Zim is a must).

Ride a bike (preferably with a bell you can ding).

Color in a coloring book.

Jump on a bed.

Make a funny face in a photo.

Jump up and down in a elevator (while its moving).

Wear a candy necklace.

Look up and count the stars.

Take a bubble bath with a rubber duckie.

Make a flip book.

Although the days when the biggest decision you had to make was between regular or chocolate milk are long gone, you can still capture moments that make you feel like a kid again.

As the great Ferris Bueller said “ Life moves pretty fast.  If you don’t stop and look around once and awhile you could miss it”.

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