Briliant Style; Tom Ford

Gentlemen, this post is for you. If you haven't heard of Tom Ford, please allow me to introduce you. I recently viewed the film "A Single Man" by this designer - turned director - and the wardrobe was extraordinary. Mr. Ford (pictured above on the far left) has given me an altogether new appreciation for men's suiting. He has redefined a classic style. I love the charcoal grey suit he's wearing in the picture below. The wide lapels, knit tie, and stark white shirt with matching pocketsquare prove that style does not demand color; clean lines and rich textures are timeless.

Valentine's Day Flair Under $40

Someone please point my soon-t0-be-husband in the direction of friedasophia for Valentine's day! Today's inspiration board is just a snapshot of the gorgeous - and affordable - collection from this San Francisco-based designer... and what's not to love at $40 or less?

I love having unique accessories like these to throw on with a simple outfit. It's a great way to express my personal style when I'm in a hurry.

Makeup Style of the Week 1/24/10

Last week, we talked about nude and light pink lip color set off by bold eyeliner. This week, however, we're profiling Anglina Jolie's gorgeous red lips photographed at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild awards.

If you are someone who is afraid to wear color on your lips, I'm here to help. I too was like you and for years wore nothing but gloss. But ever since I became a makeup artist, I have become increasingly fond of lip liner... the trick is putting it on!

This weekend I attended a makeup workshop with celebrity makeup artist Robert Jones and he said the most fantastic thing about makeup, which I feel inclined to share here: He said "Makeup is all about staying in between the lines! Remember when you were a kid and colored in coloring books? It is the same concept."

When I was growing up, I loved - and I mean really loved - coloring books. I guess it's really no surprise that I love being a makeup artist now.

So, here's the deal with getting the lips you want: First, it's all about hydration. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, but also that you have a good lip balm. I don't recommend blistex or anything with a scent because you'll probably just eat it off. I use Mary Kay's extra emollient night cream at night (pink greasy stuff) and Carmex during the day, especially in the winter (yep, it's the stuff for cold sores, but I swear it's amazing). I rub my lips together alot so I have to constantly reapply lip balm. Those who know me can attest to the fact that I am a lip balm addict.

Now that your lips are moisturized, you can try to apply the liner. I start from the corners of the mouth and draw upward to the bow of the lip, which should be the highest point on the mouth. I then try to draw on the "dip" or the bow of the mouth, by making two separate strokes. From the left side of the lip, I draw down to the lowest point in the "ridge" of the bow, which should be halfway. From the right side of the mouth, I draw down to the trough to connect the line. Basically, I divide the upper lip into four sections: Left corner to peak, peak to trough, trough to peak, and peak to corner.

For the lower lip, I hold the pencil flush against the skin to make a wider line. Starting again from the corner, shade in gently to the middle of the lip, and then repeat with the opposite side. Remember, it doesn't have to be one continuous movement. Lightly shade in the lips wit the liner and then apply lipstick.

The trick to lip stick is not putting it on out of the tube. Get a good lip brush! I recommend the one by Shu Umera. Also, one coat of lipstick isn't going to get you Angelina's lips. Apply one coat, blot with a kleenex or paper towel, then apply another coat. Do this until you get the color you desire. Each time you blot, you will be removing emollients and only the pigment will remain on your lips. As you build up your coats, the color will become bolder.

If you want to set the lip color, dip the tip of your finger in some powder and lightly tap the lips with the powder. This gives a great matte lip.

I hope this helps!

Real Richmond Woman; LaDonna Bailey

LaDonna greeted me at the door yesterday with a huge smile and ushered me into her charming Woodlake home. It was her day off and she was dressed in work-out clothes. "Welcome to the cottage!" she said in an adorable british accent.

I was wearing black patent-leather ankle-boots, which she insisted I take off - not because she is obsessive compulsive, but because she wanted me to be comfortable. "It's just me, you don't have to be so formal!" she said with a giggle.

But this mother of three has just recently begun to relax and embrace this kind of lifestyle. As I began to apply her makeup, she related to me the pieces of her story. By the time I had finished with her hair and the finishing touches had been made to the wardrobe - a pair of jeans, an elegant black top with pleated neckline, and a necklace from her daughter - I knew just how special she was. Along with having three kids, she works full-time at a local library and attends evening classes at the University of Richmond, where she is pursuing a degree in Library Science.

LaDonna's marriage of eighteen years is now in the final stages of a bitter divorce. "I never wanted to be a divorced person" she said softly. "There is a sense of failure." But LaDonna is no failure, and it was clear to me as I took these photographs that she is a triumphant woman to whom I owe a great deal of respect. She plays the cards life deals her, while holding on to the most cherished gifts: her children.

It was such a pleasure to give LaDonna a makeover. What a beautiful Richmond woman! As I left, I looked over my shoulder at her standing in the doorway. The feeling came over me that I had just witnessed a woman being brought back to life.

Would you like to nominate a Richmond woman for a makeover? Send me an email at ave42designs@gmail.com describing your Real Richmond Woman nominee and why you have chosen her.

Grey Street

It's the must-have color for Spring... Just ask my bridesmaids!  My ladies will be wearing light pewter dresses from Jcrew for our June wedding in Richmond, Virginia.

I love the way a grey color palette looks great on both fair and dark skin tones.

 And just throw on some blingy accessories to take a look from day to evening in less than 60 seconds...  That's right, it's okay to fall in love with grey.

Need help with your wedding wardrobe?  Give me a shout at ave42designs@gmail.com

Contemporary Style with Vintage Charm; Ladies' Gloves

I received the Spring 2010 runway DVDs for Carlisle and Per Se last week. I sat in my pajamas with a cup of coffee and started my day off on the right foot by watching these amazing Spring looks come down the runway.

Per Se and Carlisle have an amazing line-up for Spring and I highly recommend both companies for their superior quality and attention to detail; and speaking of details, I love, love, love these wrist-length ladies' gloves. Think you'll look like a bank-robber? Stack on some bangle bracelets to break things up and add style.

When I wear a piece of clothing by either of these companies, the number of compliments I get is absolutely astonishing. Contact me if you're interested in personal wardrobe styling and start feeling good about the way you look!

Rachel Comey Rocks!

  The "Rockaway Summer Loaf" by Rachel Comey has my attention today.  While browsing an online eco-boutique, Beklina, I came across these amazing crocheted loafers.  Made in Brazil and designed in NYC, these will be perfect for late spring/early summer.  I picture them paired with shorts, an organic cotton tee, and perhaps this lightweight cardigan from Anthropologie. (pictured below)

Makeup Style of the Week

This is a beautiful makeup style that I love right now: Flawless skin, sharply contoured cheeks, bold eyes, and light pink lips.

Notice how the model's skin is matte - meaning not shiny or "dewy." I believe giving the skin a matte finish allows you to make eyes more dramatic, so if that is the effect you're seeking, try a foundation with plenty of moisture followed by a finishing powder (applied with a sponge).

The contouring of the cheeks is achieved by blending a darker foundation or powder in the hollows of the cheeks and on the sides of the nose (you can notice the appearance of shadows on those areas in the photo).

Next, line the eyes with a dark grey or black liner. To prevent the liner from running, apply eyeshadow in a dark color of the same hue (grey, black, dark brown) over the liner to set.

For the lips, the makeup artist for this model may have used a nude or light pink liner, followed by a light gloss or balm for slight shine.

Tied Up

I have just become a faithful follower of Elie Saab, designer extraordinaire. I almost fell out of my chair as I watched the clips from his Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Saab has taken asymmetrical design and knot-detailing to a new level this season by literally tying together a rich color palette with brilliant texture and shaping.

Please Be Pleated.

Pleats are a fun, flirty design element that I really like to incorporate into my wardrobe. These dresses are from the "Indie Treasure Trove" Modcloth. As you can see, pleats aren't just for cheerleaders or mens trousers.

The Betsy Johnson dress (shown in red) uses pleats to accomplish a whimsical look, whereas the two black dresses add flare to an otherwise simple design.

Already using pleats in your wardrobe? Send me an email (ave42designs@gmail.com) with a picture of your best pleated ensemble and you could win a professional fashion photo shoot and be featured on our blog and website!

Spring 2010: Makeup Goes Matte and Wardrobe Goes Glam!

(From left to right: Ralph Lauren Collection, Carolina Herrera, Burberry, Carolina Herrera, and Reem Acra)

As a makeup artist, I'm in full support of this Spring's big beauty trend: matte makeup. I'm ready to say goodbye to bronzers and faux-tans for a while.

But, if you're like me, you'll still want to shine on occasions other than New Year's Eve (this year I was so excited to wear my sequin leggings). The designers featured above are just a small sampling of those who opted for lustre in their Spring collections. Nothing says glamour like silk and it's a must-have for Spring.

The Anti-Gender Stereotype

Ladies, don't be scared to rock some menswear inspired pieces this spring. I'm impressed by Rag and Bone's spring collection. I love wearing men's ties with a tailored button-up and a blazer. Although this is a look that has traditionally been defined by designers like Ralph Lauren, I think Rag and Bone has done a great job infusing the spring collection with an 80's rocker theme; great job, R&B.

Stella McCartney for Adidas!

Stella McCartney is a favorite designer of mine.  With cruelty-free design principles and green manufacturing, who wouldn't love her?

Now you no longer have to compromise runway style when you're running or working out.  Check out this women's "Run Image" jacket from the collection