Archive for July, 2010

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Model Bootcamp: Pack your Bags!


2010
07.25

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Posted in Model Tips/Model Bootcamp | 23 Comments »

My readers have spoken (through multiple emails, tweets, Facebook messages and on photo shoots) and what they want is more Model Boot Camp! 

So here you go!   

I have mentioned in previous posts about how models should have this or that in their Model Bag, readers have asked, “Exactly what should be in these Model Bags and what are they”?

A Model Bag is a suitcase or duffel that you ALWAYS have with you (no matter what type of shoot you are on.  Even if you are told to bring nothing, you still bring this bag!). 

Inside the Model Bag are essentials you need for shoots.  Sometimes you are asked to bring more, like specific clothing, but these are the basic items you should always have!

Model Bags contain separate items than the ones you use (for personal use) in daily life, in other words: the heels you wore whoring it up at the nightclub last night that are all sticky from alcohol and who knows what else on the floor should not be in here.  The items in this bag should be in relatively new condition.  These are tools of your trade!

The bag should always be well stocked with a variety of shoes, under garments, healthy snacks, and personal hygiene essentials.

I’ve put together images of 2 sample bags:  One for the Guys and one for the Gals with some of my favorite products! (For those of you that aren’t models these products are still big helpers to get you through your day!  Keep them in your handbag, gym bag or desk drawer!)

Kids its time to Pack your Bags with my TOP rated products!

1. You need an easy to carry spacious bag to put everything in.  Do NOT show up to a shoot with your items waded up in a grocery bag!  “Stag Bag” duffel from American Apparel.

2. When you finish a shoot its always nice to be able to wash the makeup off before heading out the door, especially for guys!   Rodial Glam Balm Makeup Remover Wipes.   Ideal for delicately removing all traces of makeup from the face, lips and around the eyes.  Natural, luxurious and paraben-free. www.beauty.com  LOVE these!  Your skin feels soft and clean after use!  http://www.drugstore.com/beauty.asp?catid=9730

3. You always need deodorant touch-ups throughout the day especially under the hot lights of a photoshoot or outdoors! Kiehls product is great for shoots because its unscented and leaves no residue, nothing to get on the clothing! Kiehls Antiperspirant Deodorant Cream.  An unscented, extremely gentle, yet efficient antiperspirant and deodorant cream offering unique skin care benefits. Leaves skin feeling soft, soothed and conditioned with 24-hour protection against sweat and odor. Reduces underarm perspiration utilizing advanced micro-sized drying molecules for sheer absorption with no residue. Available at Neiman Marcus or at http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/home/index.aspx   

4. On long shoots you need to keep the energy up!  I love Zizzazz because it doesn’t give you the upset stomach most energy drinks do and you don’t have a crash from it!  Zizzazz Energy Mix. Comes in four great tasting fruit flavors and is a low calorie, vitamin fortified energy powder which can be eaten straight from the stick like candy or mixed with water to make a great tasting energy drink. As it has less than one gram of sugar, there is no crash that is associated with typical energy drinks. http://zizzazz.com/   

5 and 6 . Always have both a black and brown belt in your bag!  Brown Leather Belt by Salvatore Ferragamo.  Black Slim Belt Topman.com  http://us.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=13051&catalogId=33059  

7. Black socks are a must-have in your bag!  Black Dress socks by Calvin Klein.

8 and 9.  Just like the black and brown belts you need black and brown dress shoes! Brown Classic Brogue shoe topman.com   Black lace-up shoe topman.com

10. It’s essential to carry both undershirts and tanks in your bag, these will help control sweat on set, no one wants to be shot with bologna slices under their arms!  White undershirt by Hanes. 

11.  Most of the time you aren’t allowed to walk distances in the shoes for a shoot.  Always have flip flops in your bag to wear to and from set.  Men’s flip-flop by Havaianas. 

12. Take care of your skin when shooting in the sun.  I love Ocean Potion because it gives great protection and smells like a yummy Orangesicle, none of that typical stink associated with sunscreens!  Ocean Potion  50SPF  Broad Spectrum Anti-aging Sunscreen.   Available at most drug stores.  http://www.opotion.com/

13. You never know when you’ll need to shave on a shoot.  I love this sleek travel shaver both for power and compactability!  Braun Mobile Shave M-90.  You don’t have to fear your afternoon beard shadow any longer. With Braun’s new MobileShave it’s easy and convenient to restore a freshly groomed appearance whenever and wherever you need to look your best.  Compact size and powered by 2 AA batteries.   http://www.braun.com/us/series-shavers/mobileshave/mobileshave-models.html

 

 

1.You need a spacious bag to put everything in, so why not make it a cute one!  Denim Shiny Duffel by American Apparel.

2. When you finish a shoot its always nice to be able to wash the makeup off before heading out the door.  Who wants to stop to get gas with “editorial” makeup on!  Rodial Glam Balm Makeup Remover Wipes.   Ideal for delicately removing all traces of makeup from the face, lips and around the eyes.  Natural, luxurious and paraben-free. www.beauty.com   http://www.drugstore.com/beauty.asp?catid=9730

3. You always need to bring your makeup to a shoot “just in case” and the cool-it caddy is amazing!  No more melted make-up!  Working in Las Vegas I am in Love with this product!  Cool-it Caddy.  Revolutionary Cool-it Caddy™ “grab and go” clutch bag conveniently travels with you in high temperatures keeping your costly beauty products protected from “heat meltdown”.  Simply freeze, grab and go. No need to place a gel pack or ice pack into the bag. Cool-it Caddy™ has the coolant integrated into the design. Your items stay cool as the temperature rises. 

4, 5, 6.  Always, Always have nude, black and metallic heels in you bag!  Nude Tribute Heel by YSL, Black Suede Mary Jane by YSL,Gold Caryssa Pump by Steve Madden.

7. Make sure you have a nude strapless bra that is smooth, no lace or jewels.  This one is perfect!  Papillion Nude Strapless Bra by Cosabella.  (and ladies an old white one that has turned gray does not count as “nude”, ewe.)   http://cosabella.com/

8. One of my Favorite secret stylist tools!   Shibue Couture Stylist on the Go Kit.   Contains a strapless panty, cover ups, silicone cover ups and adhesive strips. http://www.shibuecouture.com/

9.  You never know when you are going to get a snack or what it will be on set.  Its a good idea to keep a healthy snack like Julie Anne’s Super Delicious granola in your bag!  Julie Annes All Natural Granola.  The perfect combination of crunchy clusters and tart dried fruit makes Julie Anne’s granola ideal. Available at Whole Foods or at http://www.julieannes.com/

10. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Always Always Always have nude thong underwear with you on a shoot!  Cosabella’s is Perfect!  Come on Ladies, I’m going broke supplying you with undies!  Talco Nude G-String by Cosabella.    http://cosabella.com/

11.   Same as the guys, ladies need to keep the energy up on long shoots!  I love zizzazz because it doesn’t give you the upset stomach most energy drink do, it tastes AMAZING and you don’t have a crash from it!  Zizzazz Energy Mix. Comes in four great tasting fruit flavors and is a low calorie, vitamin fortified energy powder which can be eaten straight from the stick like candy or mixed with water to make a great tasting energy drink. As it has less than one gram of sugar, there is no crash that is associated with typical energy drinks. http://zizzazz.com/  

12. Take care of your skin when shooting in the sun.  I love Ocean Potion because it gives great protection and smells like a yummy Orangesicle!  Ocean Potion 50SPF Broad Spectrum Anti-aging Sunscreen.  Available at Most Drug Stores.  http://www.opotion.com/

13. Most of the time you aren’t allowed to walk distances in the shoes for a shoot.  Always have flip flops in your bag to wear to set and give your feet a break from heels!  Ladies flip-flop by Havaianas. 

 

I have another great Enter to Win Giveaway for you this week!  Some of my Favorite Product lines from above have teamed up with me to give you a jump-start on your Model Bag, or for those who aren’t models some great products!

One lucky reader will win a huge prize pack: Rodial Glam Balm Wipes, a Braun Mobile Shave M-90, Julie Anne’s All Natural Granola, a Variety of Ocean PotionSuncreens, a Cool-it Caddy, a TALCO thong  from Cosabella, Zizzazz Energy Mix, and a Shibue Couture Stylist On The Go Kit!

To Enter:

1. click on the comment icon at bottom of this page or at top right of page.

2. Leave a comment (between July 26 and July 31) Telling me how the Model Bag items could help you be “prepared” for any situation.

Good Luck!  Keep reading and re-post on your Facebook and Twitter!

(Last weeks winner is : Elizabeth A.!  Congrats!!)

19 comments

Atelier Cologne: Fresh Scents inspired by Treasured Moments


2010
07.18

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Posted in Some of my Favorite Things | 19 Comments »

There is nothing more magical than the perfect scent.  The right scent can take us on a sensory journey through cherished memories.  Ever smell the scent of a fresh baked pie and you are immediately transported back to being a child in your Grandmother’s kitchen?  Or the smell of Coconut instantly brings on thoughts of a Romantic Caribbean Vacation?  A scent is a powerful thing.

This is the idea behind Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel’s (formerly of Hermes and Fresh) new line Atelier Cologne.  “The master perfumers of Atelier Cologne blend unexpected and rare extracts with signature fresh citruses to create Colognes Absolues, concentrated formulas with distinctive long-lasting silage. 

The collection depicts five moments, five characters:

1.  Orange Sanguine, “a zesty and energizing burst of crushed ripe fruit, plays off sweet blood orange juice against bitter orange peel and sensual notes of geranium”.

2. Grand Neroli, ” elegant orange blossom flower around layers of clean herbal notes, warm musks and addictive brushstrokes of vanilla”. 

3. Bois Blonds ,”entwines unique and precious woods and incense with sensual orange flower and vetiver”.

4. Trefle Pur, ” violet leaves in green woods,freshly cut grass and dewy earth”. 

5. Oolang Infini, “captures blue tea and bergamot in the warmth of smoke and leather”.

“Each scent captures treasured emotions and powerful memories.”  The classic looking bottles have enchanting short stories on the back that describe the moment in time that the particular scent captures.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sylvie and Christophe at their Neiman Marcus event where the charming French duo discussed with me their line, inspiration and the type of person who would wear each scent.

Q: What inspired you to create this line?

S: It is actually an idea that has been in our heads for a very long time.  Christophe and I have always worked in perfumes but we actually don’t wear perfumes, which may sound a little bit unusual.  We have only worn, for our entire lives, Cologne.  Cologne here may mean different things, it may mean a fragrance for men or a light concentration scent, but the true meaning of Cologne is a Citrusy smelling scent.  We like Citrus because its fresh, easy and energizing but usually they don’t last.  So we wanted to create  a line of  concentrated unisex colognes that would last.

C: We like to refer to scent pioneers.  Cologne was first created over 300 years ago  by an Italian perfumer established in Cologne, Germany.   He blended fresh citrus oils which reminded him of his homeland and offered a revolutionary alternative to the heavy perfume scents of the time. 

C: We found some interesting colognes with famous fragrance  brands but too many were lacking personality.  We have talked to many people who have told us  want they want is a fresh fragrance with personality that lasts, no one wants a fragrance that doesn’t last.  So the magic formula would be to create a fragrance or line of fragrances that are light, fresh, with personality and that last.  This is what we have tried to do with our line.

S: Each scent should bring a olfactory memory of a nice moment

Q: What kind of person wears each scent?

S: Orange Sanguine is an energetic, lively, playful, person with a happy spirit.

C: Trefle Pur is the one I wear, it is probably in appearance a gentlemen.   A nice, easy going, Irish guy but inside he’s a bit crazy.

S: Not as classic as he shows.

S: Bois Blonds I would say is probably the most sensual.  Its not a fragrance that you wear so much for the outside or for others to smell.  It is something that is close to you and others only get to smell when they come close.  Very much the scent of the skin.  An adventurer.  Confidence.

C: Oolang Infini is the artist, writer, crazy scent.  Tobacco, blue tea, something smokey and  mysterious.

C: Grand Neroli is probably the most romantic

S: It’s Feminine, classic, pretty.

C: Its easy to jump into our world because we really tried to have each scent with a very different atmosphere.

Q: There is a growing trend in scents to use a higher ratio of synthetic essences than pure/natural essences.  What is your opinion on this?

S: It’s like everything.  You need both.  A balance.  We can’t say only naturals are good or only synthetics are good.  Without synthetics there is alot we couldn’t achieve.  Its true for us that is was very important to have as many naturals as possible.  High quality naturals.  We scouted the world for the best vanilla, the best neroli, the best citruses and orange trees but we also need synthetics like everyone else.  Our proportion of naturals is really really high but building today a repertoire of fragrances just with naturals restricts you alot.  There is alot you cannot do from a creative standpoint and a lasting effect standpoint without them.  So we don’t want to say synthetics are bad, but for us Naturals were very very important.

Christophe is right.  It is easy to jump into their world.  The amazing stories on the backs of the bottles are a perfect prelude to the scent you are about to smell.  The vivid descriptions combined with the scents transport you to a magical and mysterious place.  More than just an amazing smelling and long lasting cologne  Atelier  warms the heart.

 I am definatley an Orange Sanguine girl.  I wore the scent all day and it lasted!  In a nice soft comforting way, not a overpowering “I’m wearing perfume” kind of way! I think I have found my new signature scent! 

All 5 of the Atelier Scents can be purchased exclusively at Neiman Marcus. (Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show Mall 702.731.3636)  Stop in today and pick your scent “personality”.

Scentual Giveaway!  Sylvie and Christophe have partnered with me to give away a full size bottle of their Atelier Orange Sanguine Cologne.

To Enter:

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

2. Leave a comment (between July 19 and July 25) Telling me which Atelier Scent matches your personality and why.

(Last weeks winner is Karen G.!  Congrats and thanks for reading!)

27 comments

Its all in the Bag: One bag many personalities


2010
07.11

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Posted in Fashion Tips | 27 Comments »

It can be frustrating trying to get one bag to fit the many roles we play each day, especially on vacation!  Who wants to pack multiple handbags for different looks! Not a traveling Fashionista.

I recently discovered  Parazul handbags and I must say, they flow seamlessly with a variety of outfits for day and into night.  http://www.parazul.com/ 

Parazul is perfect for vacation.  The versatile bags have a easy, sophisticated, tropical look with a spacious interior which allows you to carry everything you need for every situation.  You can even “customize” a unique bag that’s all your own on their website with colorful silk scarves and custom-crafted leather charms inspired by the beautiful vacation destinations where Parazul was first launched.!  (Parazul has developed a discount code specifically for my readers, PARAZULPERK16  for an additional 30% off!) Visit the Parazul website and discover your own, “Parazul Personality”.

 I decided to match the Parazul White Scarf Bag with looks for Travel, the Beach, a Luncheon and Evening.. the bag makes a subtle classic statement everytime!

Here take a look at some fabulous combinations with a Parazul must have!

Exciting Enter To Win Promotion this week!  1 Lucky reader will win a beige “Classic” Parazul Handbag (see image below)

All you have to do to enter is:

1. go to the Parazul website and pick out your favorite style. http://www.parazul.com/

2. come back to my blog and click on the comment icon at the top right of the page.

3. leave a comment (between July 12 and July 18) telling me which Parazul Style is your favorite.

(Last weeks winner of the Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Giveaway is Lauren G!  Congrats and keep reading!)

33 comments

The Modern Southern Belle: Ah Sookie Sookie


2010
07.06

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Posted in Fashion Tips | 33 Comments »

Ah Sookie, Sookie!  

The supernatural birth of  HBO’s “True Blood” has remade our idea of Southern Style. Sookie Stackhouse is the Modern Southern Bell (MSB).  

(above: HBO’s “True Blood” Sookie and Bill)

MSB’s are sweet (bless their hearts) but also tough cookies! Often described as “Bulldozers disguised as powder- puffs”, they are women that are kicking-ass and taking names — while looking perfect-as-punch doing it!  

MSB’s make us all long to aquire that sweet southern drawl, grace, ease and quick wit.

While I can’t help you with the accent, I can help you with some key components to achieveing  the MSB style.

Here is my Recipe for the Modern Southern Bell 

  • Always offer Firefly “Sweet Tea Vodka”, to everyone who visits your home and smile!  Didn’t your momma teach you that smiling uses less muscles than frowning?  Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka was created on a small still in South Carolina and is distilled 4 times, infused with tea grown on a plantation 5 miles from the distillery and then blended with real Louisiana sugar cane.  Visit their website for some down-home drink recipes  http://www.fireflyvodka.com/

  • MSB’s peddle their way from Farmers Markets to Roadside Stands picking up fresh fruits, carrying them home in the baskets of their classic bikes to make pies and jams for their friends and neighbors.  You’ll turn heads on Electra Gypsy 3i cruiser bike.

(above: Electra Gypsy 3i cruiser bike in  forest green  http://www.electrabike.com/   )

  

 

  • Southern girls appreciate their natural assets! For Dewy fresh southern skin try Benefit’s“Bathina:Take a Picture it Lasts Longer” Glistening Body Balm  

  

  • MSBs have a distinct way with fond expressions:
     

1. Y’all come back!  Keep some “Pink Lemonade” cupcakes from Retro Bakery on hand to keep your guests coming back! (Lemon cake topped with pink lemonade buttercream and hot pink glitter sugar) mmm mmm good!                              

          

2. Well Bless your heart this expression can have two connotations- be careful–So if you choose to excuse yourself from speaking ill of someone else or address any particular male, who showers upon you flattering but unwanted compliments simply place your hand over this sweet Heart Charm Necklace from Topshop.com and say those 3 enchanting words.

3. How’s your momma? That’s right ladies, all Momma’s are right! My momma always said  “Never leave the house without clean undies!”  Try the Bluebell Frill set from Topshop.com

         

4. Love your hair! Except in the summer heat, lawd that humidity is sho’ nuf’ a pain in the patoot — try the Frizz line by Living Proof to help tame the southern mane!  Available at Sephora.

  •  MSBs know that having some sweet southern tunes on a “Roberts Revival Radio” from Anthropologie will help bring on the best mood from her elegant gentleman suitor.

 

  •  Honey, MSBs know how important summer dresses are!  Pair them with some darlin’ wedges and Ah do declahr, you’ll sure to have some mouths waterin’.
(above: Anthropologie “Sweet Shop” dress)
 
  • Darlin’ don’t forget your gloves, I mean some protective hand cream!  Try Sea Island Cotton anti-bacterial hand lotion from Bath and Body Works. Sea Island Cotton fragrance is a clean scent, inspired by pure white cotton flowing in fresh ocean air of Sea Island Georgia!
    Key fragrance notes: Cotton Blossom, Drenched Air, Fresh Linen, Soft Powder

  •   Grab your wide brimmed hat sugah, the larger the better! And even in the shade keep your sunglasses handy ‘cause you know that sun is gonna shift any minute.

 

(above: “Santa Barbara” sun hat by UGG Australia)

(above: “Myriam” by Paul Smith Spectacles)

 Now that you’ve read my Recipe, ya’ll need to go grab some Sweet Tea and practice your saunter. Remember you are not sweating, you are GLISTENING!
 
Dripping with Southern Charm,
 
Your MSB Christie
 
This weeks enter to win giveaway is from my Favorite Southern Spirit “Firefly: Sweet Tea Vodka”.  1 lucky winner will receive a HUGE surprise Firefly merchandise gift pack!  My gentlemen readers have been complaining there haven’t been giveaways for them…so here you go guys!  This one is Unisex!
 
To Enter:
1. Scroll back to top of this post and click on the comment icon on top right.
2. Leave a comment (between July 6 and July 11) telling me how you’re gonna put a little “Southern Flair” in your summer!
 
(The Lucky Winner of Last Weeks Giveaway is: Jennifer K.!  Congrats!  Keep reading and Entering!  More giveaways to come!)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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