Etsy Love - QA Create

Today I am showcasing a recent Etsy favorite - QA CREATE

I stumbled across their lovely shop while looking for some groomsman gifts (we ended up getting monogrammed cufflinks made of old typewriter keys, shown below)

And that beautiful ring up top?  It's a ring made of the refurbished interior of a swiss watch...  Yeah, that's right.  

I get so tired of typical jewelry and thanks to the creative genius of QA Create, future suffering is optional.  SWEET! 

Snotty Salespeople. Don't do it.

I must admit, spending money on clothes or shoes or purses or jewelry these days can be difficult enough - especially in my rat cage of a mind ... "How much do I have in my account? Do I need it? What will my significant other think about them? Can I justify this?  Crap, they're so pretty.  Ugh, I'm never going to be able to buy ANYTHING. I'm leaving."

But, lately something that has made it even less appealing to shop is snotty salespeople or just simply useless ones.

Now, I think I say this because I, too, worked as a salesperson for retail clothing stores, so I understand the dynamic.

I have a perfect example from this past weekend.

My mom and I are in Saks and we are both holding shopping bags from other stores that suggest we are doing more than merely window shopping.  We explain to the salesperson that we'd like to find shoes to go with a dress my mother is wearing to my wedding and that we are going to peek around a bit.  She tries on a few pairs and buys one pair of moderately priced flats (not for the wedding but for fun) and as we break the news to him that we won't be buying the other pairs she tried on, he huffs and puffs and starts slamming boxes around.  You would think that we had just severely insulted him or his mother.

Of course I know he works on commission and I tried to imagine him having the hardest day of his life but it just didn't make sense in light of the way he was acting.  In fact, the lady next to us witnessed his attitude and said she had a similar encounter with him and refuses to work with him anymore.

I set our encounter aside for a moment while reflecting on the other stores we had visited that day.  It was 9pm and we had been shopping since noon, so there were quite a few.

The first place we went that day was a local boutique in Richmond called Blythe.  It's a fine lingerie and linens store where the women are absolutely helpful and then some.  A very wise and successful person once said "Do what is expected and then some."

As I continued to reflect on the stores we had visited, I kept coming back to our experience with Blythe. They walked us to the car and know us by name.  They have my cell phone number and have even called me.

As much as I love big name stores like Saks and the extensive product lines they offer, I would rather shop at a local boutique and be confined to fewer product choices with a pleasurable experience than deal with snotty salespeople at the biggest retail storefronts.

I realized this and thought maybe other people feel the same way.  Who really wants to go shopping - something that is supposed to be fun - and have to put up with rudeness?  And suddenly I realized that this man's rude behavior towards me was just job security for me... As a stylist, I can go brave the front lines for you and come out unscathed in vicious battles with snotty salespeople.

So, snotty salespeople, snot on.  I'll be spending my money at Blythe.

Fall in love with "Preloved" fashion

I've often thought about making new clothes out of old ones. That is exactly what Preloved, a Canadian fashion line, has done. I love what they're about and what's not to love with ultra-fresh pieces like those seen above. How cute is the girls' little "coco" sweater? They have everything from aprons to cocktail dresses and can even customize your order in a variety of colors.

If eco-fashion is up your alley, check out Treehugger.com for more great ideas like these amazing rain boots made out of plastic bags.

Go "Greige"

I told my nail technician (yes, I have a nail technician... or at least when I have money) that I wanted something "beige" for my nails last month.  I was shocked when she replied "Why?" (as in "Why? Don't you like having friends?")

Perhaps I had become all too accustomed to our otherwise phatic exchange during which I say "I'll try Sole Mate this week" (a dark red almost black favorite of mine) and she says "Great!"

What I really wanted was "greige" (grey and beige) but I couldn't say that...  conservative women surrounded me at the nail bar and I could feel their eyes darting over to us; the overhead pendant light was suddenly a heat-lamp.

I ended up going with a light pink.  UGH...  But two weeks later I got greige.

I feel so empowered that today I'm thinking of designing a t-shirt.  But it won't be stupid like the ones that say "I love hot moms." 


P.S. I hope my readers (all 3 of you) will forgive me for not writing lately.  I'm recommitting to you today.  Love and belief,
Natalie

Wear Glasses? Makeup Style of the Week 3/5

A recent survey of elementary, middle, and high school students confirmed that the social attitude toward eyeglasses in the U.S. has changed drastically over the last 30 years. Students who participated in the survey responded, when asked how they felt about their glasses, that they felt "cool."

Because glasses are obviously going to magnify the area around the eyes, it's important to follow a few simple steps to ensure your makeup is actually helping you look your best!

Common problems include:

The Zebra Effect: Streaking of mascara on glasses lenses - I hate it when that happens!

The Droop: Frosted eye shadows (or shadows with lots of shimmer) can reduce the size your eyes appear to be through the lenses, making you look tired. (People say what in my opinion is the WORST thing "You look... tired...")

The Raccoon: The Audrey Hepburn look (with a thick black line on the lid) is great when you are spec-free, but it doesn't look the same with those glasses and you just don't get it! It's so frustrating!

I totally understand! I, too, wear glasses and feel your pain.

Here is my advice as both a patron of glasses and makeup artist:

1. The Zebra Effect.

First, make sure you are giving your mascara time to dry before you put your glasses back on. It only takes about a minute - you can do it, Alex!! (My friend with two young children) Next, invest in an eyelash curler. I never used to use one, but it was one of the major tools in makeup artistry, so I had to become familiar with the "dreaded" process. You should have seen me trying to curl the lashes on the first model I made up! My hand was shaking and I thought I was going to pull her eyelashes out! Much to my surprise, it's a very simple process that gets easier each time you do it. Now, I curl my lashes just about every time I am going to put on mascara because it takes only a few seconds and dramatically increases the effect of mascara.

To Curl Your Lashes: Before you put on mascara, look down at a 45 degree angle. With the eyelash curlers in your hand, open the "door" of the tool by opening your fingers to a 45 degree angle. Insert the lashes into the opening of the tool, and gently press down to close the "door." (Make sure you are at the base of the lash line, or where you lashes begin and your eyelid ends) Gently press down to curl the lashes (I do not press down just once, I open and close the curler multiple times while moving down the lash to achieve a curl, much like curling hair; you don't want a "crimp" but rather a smooth curl). You should be able to notice a difference immediately. Repeat on the other eye.

Applying Mascara on Curled Lashes: I like to use a conditioning mascara called "Lash Lengthening Mascara" by Mary Kay ($10). It is super flexible and good for the eyelashes, just like a conditioner for your hair! Also, if you have long lashes, a conditioning mascara like this one won't flake or crumble off over the course of the day. (Remember, any little crumbles of black will be visible under your lenses.

2. The Droop.

First, never wear eyeliner on just the bottom lashline, no matter what! It is a sure-fire way to make you look droopy and old. I'm not joking!

Now about shimmer. Shimmer eyeshadows are very common. They are beautiful when giving the eyes a little sparkle, and I use them quite often as a contour color. However, when wearing glasses, we're already giving the eye a "sparkle" through the reflection of light in the lenses. (Even if they are glare-resistant)

Notice in the photos above (of Kate Beckinsale and Lisa Loeb) how the light hits their faces differently than if they were not wearing glasses. So, the first rule of thumb is this: The lighting is different and lighting is the number one factor in makeup application. Therefore, my makeup will need to be different when I'm wearing glasses than when I'm not. Simple.

Refer to the photos again. Notice how both ladies have lightly applied shadows on the eyes. It appears that they are wearing midtones (colors close to their natural skin tone). Celebrity makeup artist and founder of True Beauty says the midtone color should be the most boring color you have. It must be a matte color, so NO shimmers or frosts! Trust me!

Apply the midtone color lightly across the lid and from the browbone blend downward toward the eye. You may highlight your browbone with a light cream, ivory, or pink color (just under the skinniest part of your brow, which should be at the end closest to your ear). The effect of eyeshadow when wearing glasses should be to smooth out the natural color of your skin and create a nice clean, matte canvas on which your beautiful, clean, natural eyes (defined by those awesome lashes) are the center of attention.

3. The Raccoon.

Eyeliner is awesome, don't get me wrong. It can, however, get tricky with glasses. Every little smudge is going to show behind those lenses, so this is not the time to try liquid eyeliner.

I recommend using a powder eyeliner (you can use a dark eyeshadow with an angled brush)

Sweep the color gently across the lash line to achieve a subtle form of eyeliner.  You can do this multiple times to intensify the color.  Next, take a clean eyeshadow brush and sweep across the line to blend.

For advanced users, you can actually apply color under the lashes by pulling up on your eyelid in a technique called "pushing up through the lashes," which is exactly that:  Take the color on your brush and push it onto the part of the lid from which the lashes actually begin.  This is tricky and will definitely cause your eyes to water if you are sensitive, so don't try it if you have enough trouble putting on eyeliner in the traditional way.

If you prefer an eyeliner pencil, make sure it is sharpened.  This dramatically affects the line you make on the eyelid.  The sharper the pencil, the thinner the line, and you want a thin line when wearing glasses (and in general it is more flattering because it looks more natural).

I hope this was helpful rather than confusing!  Have a question that I didn't answer?  Email me at ave42designs@gmail.com  

Good Luck!!!!

No-Shower Sunday

A few years ago, some friends of mine coined the phrase "No-Shower Sunday." Although I'm pretty sure we all needed to shower, it was a title that stuck with me. Today's post is dedicated to the style that is characterized by the best - and most relaxed - day of the week (in my opinion).

It's up to you if you want to incorporate the no-shower part. Happy Sunday!

Top (from left to right) Toms, Laugh Cry Repeat, Ralph Lauren

Bottom (left to right) Laugh Cry Repeat, Aasics, T-Shirt

Bridal Makeup

I love doing bridal makeup.  As a makeup artist, I am one of the only people who gets an entire hour (more or less) with the bride on her big day.  When she's in my chair, she doesn't have to be anywhere else and she knows it.  I like giving brides this opportunity to become centered - mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally - amid the hustle and bustle of wedding-day activities.

The key to great bridal makeup, in my experience, is letting the bride look like herself!  I like to use an airbrush method for foundation because I feel it achieves the most natural-looking appearance.  When lightly applied, this method evens out skin tone without covering freckles or moles, which are the bride's unique and endearing features.  (However, if the bride covers these features on a daily basis, it will be important to use an application method that achieves greater coverage)

Most brides want to appear as though they are wearing just a little more makeup than usual.  This is achieved by using warm or neutral tones (brown, cream, pink, apricot).  These colors work great for any time of day or night and are universally flattering.  When in doubt, choose tones that are close to your natural skin-color.  Instead of eyeliner, I line the eyes with an angled brush and a powder (espresso or dark brown usually).  This helps the eyes pop without looking too dramatic.  Since the color will be heaviest on the area of skin where you first place the brush, start from the outside of the eye and line inwards.  Once you have lined them, gently sweep over the line with a clean eyeshadow brush to blend.

Weddings that are later in the evening require a slightly bolder makeup style (to show up in pictures under the flash of a camera), so these brides can go for glamour if they want!  I'm always happy to help a bride achieve the look she desires on her special day.  Feel free to contact me at ave42designs@gmail.com if you'd like to discuss your wedding-day makeup.