A Night Of Wonderland At The Theatre
January 22, 2010
I must first begin this entry by stating how lucky and grateful I am. My hunny is the most amazing man in the world, and always filled with surprises. Last night was not only a treat but also a complete surprise!
I had no idea of the plans he made. Only as we were leaving for a cigar event did he mention I should consider a nice dress since we “may have other places to be” this evening. Wow, I love this man. So without the slightest idea of what would be going on, I dressed up in a favorite of mine: a floral pink dress from BCBG. I paired the dress with my suede GIVENCHY shoes of the same color, put on some pearls and I was ready to go.
We attended a lovely cigar event, socialized and enjoyed our time until suddenly it was apparently time to leave. We left the event early and made our way into town. At this point I still didn’t have the slightest idea where we were going, and I loved that. I didn’t want to even try to guess, I was just enjoying the experience. There’s nothing like the feeling of siting back, relaxing, and just observing every moment as you make the journey to what you know will be a great and welcoming surprise. You know it will be good, you just don’t know what it will be.
Finally we parked and walked our way through downtown. Again, still at this point I haven’t an answer to our evening, just that it is a fabulous one. We make our way to the steps of the theatre and I see the banner posted above, “Wonderland.”
Now, if you know me by now you know that Alice In Wonderland is my all time favorite tale. I love the writings of Lewis Carroll, and I absolutely adore going out to the theatre. Ballets, operas, the symphony, plays, you name it I adore it. What a delightful surprise.
Now this isn’t the traditional story, more of a modern styled performance and take. I am very traditional but I can appreciate new perspectives and it was an entertaining night. The seats were wonderful, the performers were fantastic, and the costume design was gorgeous.
This is the first version of the production and I am very happy to have been able to see it so early. Changes are made as shows continue in later productions as they decide what works and what needs to be transformed. I didn’t even know there was a production of Wonderland being made or that it was being played in our city. My hunny made an amazing surprise for me with this, what a perfect evening! I am still tickled about it. Yay!
Best unbirthday present ever 
Bigger Bows For An Adorable Updo
November 13, 2009
When it comes to accessories I love items that are bigger than life. Oversized sunglasses, handbags (to a certain limit of course), watches, rings, and bows. Something about the contrast appeals to me, and I love a challenge when incorporating them into my wardrobe.
The instant I saw this bow I knew it was mine- how I would wear it I did not know.
So this morning when I was putting my hair into a side swept updo, something felt missing. There was a bit more space than I had intended on having, and the updo seemed to tight and clean. Not neccessarily a bad thing, just not the look I was going for. Enter the bow. What a perfect finish- it is whimsical, adorable, black and elegant. The cute factor with the heart, designs, and enormous size fit in perfectly. I love it.
One side is very smooth and clear while the other is a collection of soft textures wraped in place by the giant bow. The silhouette it creates is a unique one with lots of character. I love the angles and feminine cute feel that comes from it.
It’s hard not to feel adorable when you have a bow this big in your hair. Even though one side is light and clear and the other is heavy and textured, the balance remains as each side gives a glimpse into the other. It plays of each other just right creating a uniformed look.
I think I’ll be incorporating this ridiculously large bow into more of my updos, giving elegance a playful and cute twist.
A Dose Of Liquid Hair
September 10, 2009
When my stylist handed me this tiny bottle containing a golden like liquid, I couldn’t help but feel like I had gotten away with the treasured item of a heist. He had mentioned its contents to me before, but at the time he handed it to me, it was quiet and done so in a manner that seemed like it should require a secret handshake. Love it.
So what is this intriguing item? “Liquid Hair” is what my stylist referred to it as, and the reason being that it is a bottle of Keratin oil. Keratin is the protein that our hair mainly consists of, thus the “liquid hair” term.
The idea is to distribute the oil evenly throughout the hair and allow it to penetrate through the porous zones of the hair- adding nutrition and shine. Keratin is an essensial oil to the hair, so it is a direct source for reviving the hair.
This is my first time trying this treatment out and I am looking forward to seeing the results tomorrow. After washing my hair and having it damp, I distributed the oil all throughout my hair- starting in the middle and working my way out, combing constantly until I was sure each and every spot was reached.
My stylist, Clemente Javier of ClementeJavier.com, gave me several options to consider for use of this product. His initial instructions to me was to coat my hair in the oil and comb thoroughly throughout my hair, then leaving it overnight to soak in the nutrients. Then in the morning I would wash my hair normally and see the results. But with my hair being as thick as it is, it would be wet for an unpleasantly long time. So instead, we decided to add a touch of heat to seal the oils in.
I began the process the same, covering my hair in the keratin oil, this one being from System Professional’s Wella line. After letting it rest, I then used my dryer to straighten my hair dry in my normal fashion. I never rinsed out the oils, just let the heat gently seal it in (very careful not to go overboard on the heat- just enough to do the job). So far I’m feeling pretty luxurious, like my hair is having its own cocktail or glass of champagne. Much needed, too.
Below are a couple of photos of my hair, still soaking in the oil but after having been sealed with the heat of the blowdryer. After a day with the treatment, I’ll be rinsing it out tomorrow, washing it and styling it in my normal manner.
I’m looking forward to the morning to see the difference- and I will be certain to let you know the moment I do, too!
Volume In Control: A Must Fashion Accessory
August 27, 2009
I love volume, and there is definitely a certain balance to be maintained in order for it to work wonders. There are also many options to be explored, and all of them have to do with playing around with the silhouette.
Dresses are a particular favorite of mine, and those cozy, voluminous, short ones that have been in style are a dream. Nothing like looking fabulous while being comfortable, some of them feel like silk or even as cozy as a blanket. My latest favorite, from STAR.MIMI, feels like silk against the skin. It is soft, delicate, and moves so elegantly. On it’s own, it has a good amount of volume that is in good balance because of the length (pictured above).
But what about those options? Volume is put into control with this must fashion accessory: the cinched waist belt.
Oh, the cinched waist belt, how I heart the many styles you give me. It is simple, yet can drastically change the silhouette and feel of a style. It is also my little cheat into being able to wear those cute tops and dresses that may be otherwise sold out in my size. The belt allows me to make it work- so brilliant.
I also love belts that come with an outfit- and then taking that belt to mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe. Ribbons make a great belt alternative as well. I don’t like letting good packaging go to waste!
A collection of belts leaves lots of room for creativity. And vintage belts are a thing of beauty. A simple top or dress gets a whole new personality in an instant. (Some belts.. especially the chain-like ones… depending on their weight, can also make crazy-awesome necklaces or chokers. Just a thought!)
I love the mix in fabrics on this dress- from incredibly soft cloth to a gorgeous silky shine. Fabulous. Both the STAR.MIMI dress and With Mocha heels are from yesstyle.com, I’m hooked on their products. Beautiful one-of-a-kind fashion that always keeps me in my style. And they have something for every personality and feel.
The Stylist Perspective: Guest Blogger Clemente Javier On Kerastase
July 28, 2009
Guest Blogger and renowned Hair-Stylist, Clemente Javier, gives us the inside-scoop perspective on what we can do for pretty, fabulous, and gorgeous hair.
He is my personal stylist- I credit him with the condition of my hair, keeping it long and healthy with a beautiful shine. I asked Clemente what the best option would be to survive the humidity, lose the frizz, and not sacrifice the texture of our hair. As always, he has the answer and this is a refreshing one!
Clemente Javier:
I’m generally not a big fan of hairspray, especially on longer hair. Shorter hair sometimes requires the shape to be set and held into place, sometimes. But on longer hair I believe the hair should be movable, touchable, and feel soft.
The problem is hairspray is often necessary, as in more humid climates where my arch nemesis humidity haunts all hair types. It threatens any blowout, taunts straight hair, and down right mocks curly tresses.
“FRIZZ!” I scream waking up in a panic, its a nightmare. I’m not a fan of hairsprays, because I’m not a fan of stiff untouchable hair, but I despise frizzy hair.
Luckily Kerastase makes a spray that cares: Double Force Controle Ultime. This is a wonderful product. Double Force is actually a protective spray, with its UV filter and Ceramide, as well a unique control spray. I say it’s unique because of the way that it does the job of controlling frizz and maintaining shape while not making your hair stiff or robbing your hair of its touchable soft feel.
Just as important to acknowledge is the protective benefits I mentioned. The UV filter technology protects your hair from sun damage, a very important step in maintaining beautiful hair.
While ceramide is a synthetic version of a chemical by the same name naturally produced by your hair follicle to maintain the hair structure. When the hair shaft becomes damaged this is lost, synthetic Ceramide replaces the lost natural Ceramide .
A genius product made by an amazing company. So, if you too are not a fan of hair spray or you just want to love your hair the way it deserves to be loved find your local Kerastase salon and pick up a can of Double Force Controle Ultime.
To discover more about Clemente Javier, visit his site http://www.ClementeJavier.com
The “After The Pool” Hair Look
July 12, 2009
It was a hot summer day and I was fortunate enough to spend it in the pool with my family yesterday. When you have as much hair as I do, it can sometimes feel like a fur coat- gorgeous but very warm. So I opted to have my hair in two braids to keep cool from the heat.
It is a rare occasion that I actually get in the pool, normally I am like a cat and like to observe while soaking in the sun. Oh, I might let a foot in just for curiosity- but not too much further than that. But it was hot and the water was calling, so I went in.
And of course this means my hair would be soaked. Humidity is enough to add curls to my hair but add water and it becomes extreme as you can see here, lol.
I get massive curls- sometimes in my favor sometimes just out of control. This time wasn’t too bad and I am actually enjoying the look. I may have to do this again, just braid my hair- soak it in water and let dry after a decent towel drying.
I have a lot of hair so natural drying for me means hours, which isn’t always a fun thing. But when you are relaxing and spending time with family time moves so quickly and before you know it- hair is dry and filled with curls, ha.
I ended up changing my outfit afterward (having damp hair isn’t the best thing for your dress, either!) and took some more pictures. The curls are really holding up on their own. This is a look I may have to incorporate more often.
Shoes From Philosophy: A Nature Theme
July 8, 2009
I love a shoe with a theme, one that’s playful but not obnoxious. These are some of my favorite shoes to this day, I have had them for years and my fascination with them has yet to go away. They are elegant and dazzling, not to mention inspiring!
They are Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti high heels. I couldn’t begin to tell you their exact age, but I do know I have had them for years. I keep them with great care, in their bag, nice and protected until their next appearance. These shoes liven up any outfit and look so adorable with a spring dress. I am thinking my Adela Smocked dress will be just the perfect match with these.
The details go very far in this pair- the stitching of the leaves, the color of the vine and how long it wraps- finished off by another leaf at each end. A gorgeous flower decorates one side of each shoe for a soft and feminine look. It’s almost like a fairy tale.
These are the shoes I bring out whenever I want to make it an extra cheery day or to celebrate a very special occasion (even if it is one I make up just for the shoes). They are such a unique pair.
I constantly seek shoes of this style- “insane” without over doing any one theme or design. It works together completely. At most, I’ll occasionally wear my pink nail polish that matches the shoe exactly! It looks darling in the spring time. But in the other months, like summer- I’ll wear a darker color to contrast and give it a bit more attitude.
Oh, shoes, I heart you!
I Heart Target’s GO International Collection: Gorgeous New Dress!
July 2, 2009
Target continues to give me more reasons to keep visiting, and the fact that my style can grow without spending a fortune is a lovely treat. Many of their new styles look so rich and elegant you would never imagine the tag attached to them, and it doesn’t matter. As long as you look and feel pretty and fabulous then that is all that matters.
I discovered this dress the other day and wow, what a find. I’ll be posting some pictures up here too so you can see the detail-(my camera died on me! Must wait for it to charge) but in the meantime I was able to put up a video so you can get a feel of this glamorous dress!
The material feels like heaven, so light and silky, and moves beautifully with every step. This is something I look for in my clothes. Design plays a lot into how a dress will fit, look, move, and feel. And this one performs beautifully.
Enjoy the video for now, I’ll see if I can update with photos later
Nailene Gives Nails A New Look And Style
June 30, 2009
Having lovely nails is a necessity at all times- whether we are wearing nail polish or not. I know I prefer to have no nail polish over chipped nail polish at any time. Bad nails will ruin any fabulous look in an instant.
I am very grateful to have now discovered Nailene- not only are their products inexpensive but they are for the fashionista on the go. With fabulous press-on nails in beautiful designs, they also have many options for adding your own personal style into the mix. Like for instance, my new favorite toy:
This is the “French Tip Pen” and it comes in two colors- black or white. The beauty of this is how it makes applying a smooth line simple and quick. But do be aware that like anything else it takes some practice with your non dominant hand since it does act like a pen. I know I’ve gotten so used to a brush it took me a moment- but honestly by the second nail I forgot all about it and fell in love once again.
You could actually fill in the entire nail, too, if you wanted. I am going to explore the options available with this incredible tool- polka dots, little designs, stripes- oh so much to explore! A brush cannot give you that kind of flexibility or control. It applies smoothly with no glopping- just clean and beautiful.
Another luxury I have found out about this pen throughout the week is that as my nails do begin to chip, touching up takes seconds! It mixes in flawlessly and I can just fill in to missing pieces without anyone being the wiser. Love it.
If control is an issue for you they also offer these stickers you can put in place to provide a clean line. Just put them into place, swipe away with this nail polish pen- and you have a gorgeous look waiting for you.
The strips are great if you need them, though honestly I like to freehand it as I feel pretty comfortable and in control. It is especially nice, however, when you are in a hurry and don’t want to worry about it. There’s no excuse for bad nails, even on the rush.
I think I may use the stickers for playing with designs- placing them one over the other or next to each other for strips and zig zags. I’ll show you as I experiment and see what comes up.
They have so many fun options to play with, whether you are in a hurry or you have the time to really dress your nails up. I’ve been playing with some of their stickers they also offer- everything from little gems to pretty designs- just place them on the nail, layer a clear coat to keep it clean and in place, and you are done. I’ll give you a sneak peak at some of what I’ve done so far- but much more is to come soon.
Speak with you soon- if you start experimenting with your own ideas be sure to share them, I would love to see them!
