Yesterday was a sunny, not too cool, not too warm day. Perfect spring weather! I planned to run errands but I didn't want to drudge around and look dumpy. So, I pulled out my favorite white, bohemian skirt and a cute top, jumped in the shower, washed my hair and shaved my legs. Slapped on some lotion and stink-um's (perfume), got dressed and was feeling pretty spunky. Do you ever have those kind of days? Where you just feel as if you're gorgeous?
Anyway, one of my errands involved a shoe store. I need to find a cute pair for a wedding. I slipped off my sock to put on one of those terrible footie things and when I looked down I saw a little line of hair that had escaped the death of my razor that morning! I just stared at it for a few seconds, reason being, I hate being hairy and having to shave so, it's a self esteem issue for me most times. I then laughed and shook my head. I put on lotion, how did I MISS THAT?! But, I'm in the store, it's a beautiful day, I look cute, for goodness sake, I am wearing knee socks and boots no one is going to see that small line of missed hair. But, because I am self conscious about it it could have totally ruined my day, sad as it may seem.
Here's my revelation, we are all human. None of us look the models in the magazines (even they don't look like the models in magazines) Self image is 85% confidence in ourselves. So, when a mishap like that happens, even if the world would have seen it, just feel the dismay, laugh and keep it movin'! A little fashion faux pas never killed anyone ......... at least not anyone I know! I was a part of the 'Don'ts' club for a day, and it wasn't the first time nor the last.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Spring is in the Air
The sun is coming out more often and the weather is warming up. Hooray! We can't wait for Spring with all of it's beautiful colors! Who could blame us? Winter 2010's color scheme was all about black and gray. How dreary! So, now Spring is arriving with cheery pastels. Not your usual pastels either. Creamy, opaque, milky ones. We have to take this look on a little at a time or we risk looking like an Easter Egg. So, here are some suggestions:
With all the black and gray from winter we have the perfect 'basics' to pair with our spring looks. Robin's Egg Blue is a beautiful color on almost all skin tones. Wear this in a blouse or cardigan with black or gray slacks. Perriwinkle or Lavender make excellent handbag colors. The need to match your purse to your ensemble is taking a much needed holiday. Creamy pinks and beigey nudes make wonderful neutrals especially on your nails or in a patent leather pump. Eye makeup colors have gone a bit more sheer with shimmery golds and silvers. The lips are bold with bubble gum pinks and tangerine corals. Remember to exfoliate and use a lip primer if you are planning on a full lipstick to pull the 'bold lip' look off You can also use a gloss or stain if you are more on the shy side.
Welcome Spring in your own way. Sometimes we switch out our throw pillows or put flowers in a vase or we embrace pastels in our 'unmentionables'. However you approach it, it will bring a smile to your lips. Color therapy, my friends, is alive and well! Happy Blooms!
(as seen in Suwanee Magazine's March issue)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
My Soap Box
I was told there is a difference between being skilled and having a talent, referring to hair stylists. Some are skilled and some are talented, the difference between being able to cut hair and being a hair artist. So, I looked it up. The definition of skill is,'an ability that has been acquired by training.' The definition of talent is, 'natural abilities or qualities.'
OK. So, the definition of job is, 'occupation: the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money.' The definition of career is, 'the particular occupation for which you are trained.' So, combine that with skill and talent and add a dash of passion in the mix and you end up with the person I want doing my makeup or hair or surgery or taxes, etc... You get the drift.
The beauty industry is not a traditional career choice. It also has the stigma of being what you do because you can't do anything else. At one time that may have been true, however, now it IS a career choice. There is one woman I know personally working with MAC that has her Bachelor's of Science Degree but hated being stuck in a lab even though she was skilled. To her all that career training became a job. One she didn't like very much. Now, she trains MAC artists and does makeup for New York Fashion Week! This is her career. Another MAC Artist I know used to be a teacher. When I went to cosmetology school, my particular class was made up of graduates of high school, college and graduate school. People doing something they loved no matter the flack they received from family or friends for choosing something non-traditional.
It's hard work, let me tell you. Working with all different types of people and having to listen to what they want, tactfully tell them if it's not possible, have another idea in mind that will work for them, taking into consideration their work, lifestyle, personal style, comfort levels... Oh, and don't get me started on having to discern what they're NOT telling you!
No matter what career choice or job you choose there is training that goes with it. No one just walks into an office and instantly becomes a doctor. They have to go through the different steps in the career path. Same thing with makeup and hair. I guess my point is to show respect to those girls (or boys) putting on your lashes, matching your face color, cutting your hair and transforming your outer appearance to make you feel better about yourself. Be appreciative of the person that you find that has the passion, skill and talent combination, because they are rare. We do this because we love it! If it's just a skill that was acquired, those people don't last in this industry long. It's the ones that really love people and love what they do that are in this for the long haul!
Back to the woman in the chair, after her face was done she looks in the mirror in delight and says, 'This is beautiful! I could never do what you do!' Hmmm....
So this lead to another thought, spurred on by a conversation I overheard at a MAC cosmetics event I worked. A woman made an appointment for a full face makeup application and she and the MAC Artist were having a general 'get to know you' conversation. The MAC Artist mentioned that she was going to be graduating from college, but she loves working with MAC so much she is finding that what she went to school for might not be her career. The woman in the chair responds with, 'Well, this is a job, not a career.' Ouch!
OK. So, the definition of job is, 'occupation: the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money.' The definition of career is, 'the particular occupation for which you are trained.' So, combine that with skill and talent and add a dash of passion in the mix and you end up with the person I want doing my makeup or hair or surgery or taxes, etc... You get the drift.
The beauty industry is not a traditional career choice. It also has the stigma of being what you do because you can't do anything else. At one time that may have been true, however, now it IS a career choice. There is one woman I know personally working with MAC that has her Bachelor's of Science Degree but hated being stuck in a lab even though she was skilled. To her all that career training became a job. One she didn't like very much. Now, she trains MAC artists and does makeup for New York Fashion Week! This is her career. Another MAC Artist I know used to be a teacher. When I went to cosmetology school, my particular class was made up of graduates of high school, college and graduate school. People doing something they loved no matter the flack they received from family or friends for choosing something non-traditional.
It's hard work, let me tell you. Working with all different types of people and having to listen to what they want, tactfully tell them if it's not possible, have another idea in mind that will work for them, taking into consideration their work, lifestyle, personal style, comfort levels... Oh, and don't get me started on having to discern what they're NOT telling you!
No matter what career choice or job you choose there is training that goes with it. No one just walks into an office and instantly becomes a doctor. They have to go through the different steps in the career path. Same thing with makeup and hair. I guess my point is to show respect to those girls (or boys) putting on your lashes, matching your face color, cutting your hair and transforming your outer appearance to make you feel better about yourself. Be appreciative of the person that you find that has the passion, skill and talent combination, because they are rare. We do this because we love it! If it's just a skill that was acquired, those people don't last in this industry long. It's the ones that really love people and love what they do that are in this for the long haul!
Back to the woman in the chair, after her face was done she looks in the mirror in delight and says, 'This is beautiful! I could never do what you do!' Hmmm....
Sunday, January 16, 2011
"Substance" Abuse
I just finished watching The Miss America Pageant.... I am very disappointed. Granted I did not watch it from the beginning. However, I watched the swimsuit, evening dress, talent and the Q&A sections. I don't know what to say. I think the show was made to encourage young women to not just be pretty faces but to have something of substance to say, be aware of their surroundings, be creative and develop a talent, stand up tall and have self esteem.
I saw a lot of .... the same. Same hairstyles, some with bad weave and extensions to make the Stepford Wife connect. Where is the girl with jet black or short and edgy hair? Or a red head? What about a girl with natural curls or twists? Or even neat and tidy locks? Where is the diversity on stage that real girls see every day at school and on the street. Are we sending a message that these women are not considered intelligent, talented or beautiful?
The talent portion, Oy Vey. What to say? Well, how about this? The definition of the word talent is: natural abilities or qualities; a person who possesses unusual innate ability in some field or activity. Is that what was displayed tonight? Not by everyone. I can count four that made me say, 'Wow! That was good!' It is a huge challenge to perform in front of thousands of people. I applaud them for even getting that far. Maybe the talent showcase should be prefaced by the word ammature. What if your talent is writing? There was a contestant who had an interest blurb pop up on screen that read, she wrote her first poem at the age of four. Yet, she was singing a song by Nina Simone that was way too big for her. Maybe, her true talent is poetry! Another contestant's interests flashed on the screen while she too was trying to sing. It read, 'I secretly wish I was a rapper.' Why didn't she do it? Is it that she isn't good at it or that she felt that it was taboo? Or maybe it wasn't allowed? If it wasn't allowed maybe the talent guidelines need to be re thought or updated. Shouldn't we encourage our young women to strive for something even if it goes against the norm?
I never fit in the box when I was younger and I still don't to this day. I am thankful to have had a mother that helped me dream and dream BIG! She brings me to reality on occasion but she has never discouraged me from being myself... whatever that happened to be at the time. I don't want to discredit the positive things these women achieve. I just wish the platform embraced more individuality.
Maybe there should be a pageant called: Real Girls, The Anti Cookie Cutters.
I saw a lot of .... the same. Same hairstyles, some with bad weave and extensions to make the Stepford Wife connect. Where is the girl with jet black or short and edgy hair? Or a red head? What about a girl with natural curls or twists? Or even neat and tidy locks? Where is the diversity on stage that real girls see every day at school and on the street. Are we sending a message that these women are not considered intelligent, talented or beautiful?
The talent portion, Oy Vey. What to say? Well, how about this? The definition of the word talent is: natural abilities or qualities; a person who possesses unusual innate ability in some field or activity. Is that what was displayed tonight? Not by everyone. I can count four that made me say, 'Wow! That was good!' It is a huge challenge to perform in front of thousands of people. I applaud them for even getting that far. Maybe the talent showcase should be prefaced by the word ammature. What if your talent is writing? There was a contestant who had an interest blurb pop up on screen that read, she wrote her first poem at the age of four. Yet, she was singing a song by Nina Simone that was way too big for her. Maybe, her true talent is poetry! Another contestant's interests flashed on the screen while she too was trying to sing. It read, 'I secretly wish I was a rapper.' Why didn't she do it? Is it that she isn't good at it or that she felt that it was taboo? Or maybe it wasn't allowed? If it wasn't allowed maybe the talent guidelines need to be re thought or updated. Shouldn't we encourage our young women to strive for something even if it goes against the norm?
I never fit in the box when I was younger and I still don't to this day. I am thankful to have had a mother that helped me dream and dream BIG! She brings me to reality on occasion but she has never discouraged me from being myself... whatever that happened to be at the time. I don't want to discredit the positive things these women achieve. I just wish the platform embraced more individuality.
Maybe there should be a pageant called: Real Girls, The Anti Cookie Cutters.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
My Thoughts on Resolutions
'Tis the month to start anew. Many are making New Year's resolutions. "This is the year that I am going to get organized!", "This is the year that I am going to lose weight and get into the jeans I wore back in high school!", "This is the year that I am going to find a man or woman!", etc....
So many years have gone by with people starting the exact same way... unrealistically. Let's start with a small goal and then work our way up. Many times we look at the entire year and make a plan that sounds really good and possible, but never include the things that pop up and throw us off course. So, I suggest start with the month of January. Make a goal that you can accomplish that month! Then, towards the end of the month, make another goal for February same for March and so on. This way your year is broken down in months and it's easier to actually accomplish some things!
Many popular resolutions have to do with self image. Losing weight, being fit, being more positive, getting organized... These are all great things! So, how does it fit into a beauty/fashion article?
1) Losing Weight/ Being Fit
There are two parts to this one. Lets say, your weight loss goal is a significant amount. As you succeed your body image will change. You will have to learn to dress differently for your new shape. Many times we look at those jeans that we are desperate to wear and see how far we have to go to get in them. Lets say we have twenty pounds to lose and so far we have lost five. Well, when we lose five. that's an accomplishment! But our jeans we have currently don't fit so well and our goal jeans don't either, just yet. Don't get discouraged! Go out and get a cute, cheap pair and wear them proudly until your next size down. A whole new wardrobe is not needed, but a couple essentials are!
Second part is, what if your weight loss goal is not that big? It's just more about toning up. OK! You go to the gym, or workout at home, and you admire your progress in the bathroom mirror.Then you put on the same clothes that hid your shape or made you feel out of shape in the first place! None of your friends are noticing your hard work because it's hidden under baggy, loose fitting clothes. So, you feel that you need to workout harder. These types of things play with our heads! Again, shop for a few essentials, get some of your favorites tailored, hire a stylist. (hint, hint.. and yes, they can be affordable and not just for reality shows) It will make you feel better, not to mention, look better!!
2) Being more positive
When was the last time you were complimented on your hair or hair color or style? If it's been a while, or, heaven forbid, never, it's time to look into something different. Talk to your stylist discuss new ideas. If they don't have any, talk to some new ones. Consultations are usually free at salons. When you get complimented it makes you feel great, which in turn puts you in a great mood, which leads to positive energy, and BOOM, you have 'Being More Positive' accomplished!
3) Getting Organized
We think of the areas like the piles of bills or miscellaneous papers lying around, our garages, basements, closets, kids rooms, cars etc...
What about your cosmetic bag? Or under your bathroom sink? How many of us have fallen victim to sample hoarding or gift with purchase? What about the shampoo, conditioner, styling products we buy, just knowing it's going to make our life so much easier, and we end up with enough to start our own salon? Get rid of it! You can sift through it yourself or hire a professional (hint, hint) to help you keep the colors that flatter you or the hair products that actually work.
Having goals is wonderful! They keep us moving forward in a positive way, but not accomplishing them can be depressing. Keep it simple, small steps are still steps. It can be more enjoyable accomplishing goals with someone versus alone, so get some help! Wishing you all much success!
Edited version published in Suwanee Magazine
So many years have gone by with people starting the exact same way... unrealistically. Let's start with a small goal and then work our way up. Many times we look at the entire year and make a plan that sounds really good and possible, but never include the things that pop up and throw us off course. So, I suggest start with the month of January. Make a goal that you can accomplish that month! Then, towards the end of the month, make another goal for February same for March and so on. This way your year is broken down in months and it's easier to actually accomplish some things!
Many popular resolutions have to do with self image. Losing weight, being fit, being more positive, getting organized... These are all great things! So, how does it fit into a beauty/fashion article?
1) Losing Weight/ Being Fit
There are two parts to this one. Lets say, your weight loss goal is a significant amount. As you succeed your body image will change. You will have to learn to dress differently for your new shape. Many times we look at those jeans that we are desperate to wear and see how far we have to go to get in them. Lets say we have twenty pounds to lose and so far we have lost five. Well, when we lose five. that's an accomplishment! But our jeans we have currently don't fit so well and our goal jeans don't either, just yet. Don't get discouraged! Go out and get a cute, cheap pair and wear them proudly until your next size down. A whole new wardrobe is not needed, but a couple essentials are!
Second part is, what if your weight loss goal is not that big? It's just more about toning up. OK! You go to the gym, or workout at home, and you admire your progress in the bathroom mirror.Then you put on the same clothes that hid your shape or made you feel out of shape in the first place! None of your friends are noticing your hard work because it's hidden under baggy, loose fitting clothes. So, you feel that you need to workout harder. These types of things play with our heads! Again, shop for a few essentials, get some of your favorites tailored, hire a stylist. (hint, hint.. and yes, they can be affordable and not just for reality shows) It will make you feel better, not to mention, look better!!
2) Being more positive
When was the last time you were complimented on your hair or hair color or style? If it's been a while, or, heaven forbid, never, it's time to look into something different. Talk to your stylist discuss new ideas. If they don't have any, talk to some new ones. Consultations are usually free at salons. When you get complimented it makes you feel great, which in turn puts you in a great mood, which leads to positive energy, and BOOM, you have 'Being More Positive' accomplished!
3) Getting Organized
We think of the areas like the piles of bills or miscellaneous papers lying around, our garages, basements, closets, kids rooms, cars etc...
What about your cosmetic bag? Or under your bathroom sink? How many of us have fallen victim to sample hoarding or gift with purchase? What about the shampoo, conditioner, styling products we buy, just knowing it's going to make our life so much easier, and we end up with enough to start our own salon? Get rid of it! You can sift through it yourself or hire a professional (hint, hint) to help you keep the colors that flatter you or the hair products that actually work.
Having goals is wonderful! They keep us moving forward in a positive way, but not accomplishing them can be depressing. Keep it simple, small steps are still steps. It can be more enjoyable accomplishing goals with someone versus alone, so get some help! Wishing you all much success!
Edited version published in Suwanee Magazine
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
It's all about the Flavor!
It's approaching fall, or it already is if you are like me who gages the seasons when school begins and ends, and all the designers and beauty editors are giving us the latest looks for the season.
It can be a little daunting as a reader on what really is 'do-able'. We might think, should I really put this purple eyeshadow all over my lid? These 'Harem Pants' really look like 'Hammer Pants', is it really a good idea to wear? The eighties brights are back?! Didn't we all look back on the eighties and grimace just a little?
As far as the Harem Pants the flavor is eastern culture. Think Eat, Pray Love... if you mimic the feel of the clothes, you're in!
It can be a little daunting as a reader on what really is 'do-able'. We might think, should I really put this purple eyeshadow all over my lid? These 'Harem Pants' really look like 'Hammer Pants', is it really a good idea to wear? The eighties brights are back?! Didn't we all look back on the eighties and grimace just a little?
Well, let's think about this a little... do we have to do exactly what we see in the magazines or on the internet to be in style? Or are the things that are shown to us really intended to be a guide? I think the latter. What we see as the final product in the magazines have been sifted and edited countless times! So focus on the flavor of a style. Purple eyeshadow that's featured in a magazine might make you feel like you're auditioning for a Broadway Show, which might not be the look you're going for.
I really do love this picture above! It's Nars, one of my favorite cosmetic lines! But this is my flavor, yours might be different. Ok, so back to the point...
This style, like I said, might be too much. Does that mean purple is not for you? NO! Try purple eyeliner instead, or a wash of lavender, which BTW is beautiful paired with silver hair!
As far as the Harem Pants the flavor is eastern culture. Think Eat, Pray Love... if you mimic the feel of the clothes, you're in! The eighties is a stigma some of us just might have to go to therapy for....LOL
In review, don't look so literal at trends. There are plenty of styles for us to look at and we may relate more to one or we might see ourselves a little in all of them. Either way, look for the flavor and adapt it to your lifestyle and comfort level. This way you will always feel current and comfortable!
Monday, August 23, 2010
A Sincere Beauty
I have a girlfriend who has a beautiful family, but it's her daughter that captures my thoughts the most. She has long spirals of sandy blond hair and she looks as if she should permanently remain in a field of wild flowers. She is quietly satisfied with herself and comfortable with her abundant thirst for knowledge.
At seven years old (yes, seven), she possesses such positive self esteem that I at.... my age, am just now starting to find! I think that she has become a little role model for me. She doesn't always match, appreciates makeup and girly things but they hardly influence her life, has an extensive knowledge on animal behavior and is comfortable to shrug her shoulders at the thought of anyone calling her a nerd.
Her mother frets over potentially failing her children, as all loving mothers do, but what greater gift can a mother give a daughter than the gift of healthy self esteem? The gift of shoes that are comfortable to stand in no matter the trend or the pressure of peers? This isn't to say that this child won't go through a period of self uncertainty, doing things to 'find herself'. However, through all the horrible haircuts, bad fashion choices, heartache of disappointing friends, heartbreak ...etc. she will find that gift that has always been there, re- establish it and appreciate it's value.
My mother gave the gift to me, although I didn't realize I had it until recently, and now seeing my friend passing it along to her daughter makes my heart swell with joy. I only hope to follow in their footsteps!
At seven years old (yes, seven), she possesses such positive self esteem that I at.... my age, am just now starting to find! I think that she has become a little role model for me. She doesn't always match, appreciates makeup and girly things but they hardly influence her life, has an extensive knowledge on animal behavior and is comfortable to shrug her shoulders at the thought of anyone calling her a nerd.
Her mother frets over potentially failing her children, as all loving mothers do, but what greater gift can a mother give a daughter than the gift of healthy self esteem? The gift of shoes that are comfortable to stand in no matter the trend or the pressure of peers? This isn't to say that this child won't go through a period of self uncertainty, doing things to 'find herself'. However, through all the horrible haircuts, bad fashion choices, heartache of disappointing friends, heartbreak ...etc. she will find that gift that has always been there, re- establish it and appreciate it's value.
My mother gave the gift to me, although I didn't realize I had it until recently, and now seeing my friend passing it along to her daughter makes my heart swell with joy. I only hope to follow in their footsteps!
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