Ladies Let’s Talk-Wearing too much makeup

Oct 1, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

Here is the latest installment of the Ladies Let’s Talk series where I address wearing too much makeup. Since this series is meant to help and not just criticize, here are some links to previous posts that include videos showing you how to apply makeup to get the most out of it. I am a big fan of makeup and I support everyone doing the same. However, caking it on is going to have the exact opposite effect. It won’t make you look better, it will make you look worse. Ladies, let’s work on using makeup to enhance our natural beauty and not as a cover up. It shouldn’t be a mask. I hope you take some time to browse around here because there are some great videos up that show makeup basics. Here are some links to a few:

http://cluelessfashionista.com/beauty…

-This post includes a great video that shows how to properly apply eye liner.

http://cluelessfashionista.com/beauty…

-This post features a video that shows how to apply different eye shadow colors and blend them.

http://cluelessfashionista.com/beauty…

-This post features a video that shows how to apply blush.

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Back to Basics: Why should I care about my face shape?

Sep 28, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

You may be wondering why you should take the time to figure out the shape of your face. First of all, your face is the first thing people see. If you are wearing a hair cut or earrings that don’t flatter your face, it will automatically take away from your overall look.

Have you ever gone to see your hair stylist and asked for a hair style of a famous celebrity or in one of those hair books only to have it look completely unflattering on you? Often times it’s because you do not have the right face shape for that particular hair style.

If you want to take your look up a notch, figuring out the basics is the best way to do it. Once you know the shape of your face, you can focus on finding hair styles and accessories that are the most flattering. Besides, it will only take a few minutes to put in the work but those few minutes can pay off for the rest of your life. Think about it, no matter what happens to your body (gain weight, lose weight, etc.) your face shape remains virtually the same.

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Designer Spotlight-Estylo Jewelry

Sep 24, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

In 2005, Sandra Callau began designing jewelry as a hobby, following in her mother’s footsteps. Five years later, she was moved to finally begin sharing her designs with the world via her online boutique, Estylo Jewelry. If you are like me and a budding accessories wearer, you may be looking for cool jewelry to add to your collection. If you aren’t like me and always looking for cool jewelry, you should still check out this website because she has some great pieces that are very reasonably priced and very pretty. She combines elements from South America, which gives each piece a unique flair.

She gave some great insight about what drives her to create and her thoughts about fashion overall.

What inspires you to create?
My inspiration for all my designs is to bring stylish jewelry to all women, no matter if it’s for work, evening out or a wedding I think that women should always look glamorous. Having said that, I also try to promote my country’s natural seeds by combining them with silver and crystals and making them look more elegant.

What is one tip you would give to an up and coming designer?
Be persistent and positive, but overall make what you enjoy making.

Finish this sentence
Fashion is a form of expression on how you feel in the inside.

Share a favorite quote that you use as a creative inspiration.
“Fashion Fades, only style remains the same” – Coco Chanel

Take some time and visit Estylo Jewelry and improve your jewelry collection. A pretty piece of jewelry can enhance any outfit!

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Curly/straight hair tips from Curlformers

Sep 22, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

Side note: Curlformers is a set of hair tools that make your hair nice and curly. They look really cool. They creators of Curlformers have some great tips on how to get great curls or great straight locks. Enjoy!

HOW TO CREATE SOFT BOUNCY CURLS

If your hair is damaged, weak and brittle you won’t be able to do anything with it let alone create glossy curls. So first up, make sure your hair is in great condition by using the best quality shampoo, conditioner and treatment you can afford. Once it’s looking healthy, shiny and manageable, soft curly hair is just a click away with Curlformers! Curlformers are creating ripples around the world as wannabe-curly-fashionistas are discovering the variety of sexy spirals, glossy curls and tousled waves they can achieve – without a damaging heat styling iron in sight! They can be used on all hair types and you can choose from a variety of lengths and widths, depending on the look you want to achieve. The website is packed with helpful hints and tips, tutorials and step-by-step demo videos to ensure you get the best from your Curlformers. They’re not a quick fix; you have to apply them to damp hair and either leave to dry naturally or blast with a hairdryer (a soft hood hairdryer attachment helps to speed up the process), but they’re SO versatile and ideal if you want to avoid using damaging straightening irons. You can apply to a full head for a cascade of curls, or at random for texture.

If you would prefer to use straightening irons, always apply them to hair that has been freshly washed with moisture-rich products and apply the best thermal protector you can afford. Kevin Murphy does a complete line called Protection, which contains exclusive technology and wattle seed extracts from the Australian rain forest to protect hair from heat styling damage. Take your pick from Protection Wash and Rinse, Heated Defense and Damage Manager!

THE ALTERNATIVE TO ‘FRAZZLED’ STRAIGHT!

If you value your hair but you’re addicted to ‘straight’ there are a number of professional salons offering a new keratin smoothing treatment or ‘Brazilian blow dry’ to help you to achieve sleek, shiny locks. It won’t make your hair poker straight but will infuse it with super-conditioning ingredients that make it easier to manage and blow dry into a smooth, glossy style. Although they might sound expensive – from £150 upwards depending on the length or your hair – the results will last from between 2 – 4 months, dissipating gradually with washing, so it’s a worthwhile investment and the condition of your hair improves every time you have one! The best around is La Brasiliana, which contains nourishing keratin for strength and collagen for elasticity.

I hope some of these straight and curly hair tips help you perk up your hair situation. If you decide to take some of these tips, please share pictures! Send them to me at info at cluelessfashionista dot com.

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Boutique Spotlight: LAB Consignment

Sep 17, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

Founded in 2009 by Lauren Baker, LAB Consignment is a boutique that sells a variety of clothes and accessories. The great thing about LAB Consignment is that the items vary in price and era. She has created a boutique that successfully mixes fabulous vintage pieces from years past along with great contemporary pieces that are on trend and brand new. You will definitely find the more high end, expensive items but there are also very reasonably priced items as well. I saw some cute purses for under $20!

Lauren shares her creative inspiration behind why she chooses the pieces she has in her store and her thoughts on fashion.

What inspires you to create?

I go on my gut instinct when curating my collection. I know what I feel will sell and I know what is on trend. I try not to over think my picks, I now within the first 5 seconds of touching a garment whether I want it or not. Then I inspect it for flaws, etc.

What is one tip you would give to an up and coming boutique owner?

My advice to a new boutique owner is to be determined and set realistic goals. Start small, and get a great publicist. I love the team at Clutch PR, I owe them a lot of gratitude.

Finish this sentence

Fashion is subjective.

Share a favorite quote that you use as a creative inspiration.

All you need is love, love is all you need. (a quote for life in general)

Even if you aren’t a fan of consignment shops, you should definitely stop by LAB Consignment. With her great eye for detail, Lauren chooses great items that will appeal to any shopper. Plus, if you live in the Toronto area, you can stop by the physical version of LAB Consignment on 15 Ossington Avenue and see the pieces in person!

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Doing the big chop-short hair tips by Mandrill Hardge

Sep 14, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

Thinking of going short with your tresses? NOW, is the ideal time to do it. I have been giving consultations based on my clients’ desire to cut it off! This is exciting, not only to the client but also to the stylist. It shows versatility in the client’s lifestyle as well as the stylist’s skills. Listed below are a few of the reasons why now is the time to go short!

1) It reduces time and stress on the hair! ~ Lets face it, we all HATE getting up early in the morning, especially during the fall and winter months when temperatures are chilly. Going short now will aid in hitting the snooze button one more time…lol. Also, it protects the hair from the need of heat daily, especially if you are rocking a sexy spiked style.

2) A cut shows your confidence! ~ Only a secure lady can go from 14″ to 2″ spiked with confidence! Going short commands the attention of any diva and lets not even mention going short WITH color. Talk about a traffic jam!!!

3) Shorter is more professional! ~ FORGET WHAT YOU HEARD..short hair in the office sets a standard for excellence and lets your coworkers know without a doubt that you mean business. Short hair can be sexy and feminine for those after hour dinner meetings. 

4) Most importantly, short hair has the tendency to make you look younger and more lively! ~ Long hair on some occasions can make you appear matronly and boring. Going shorter or even adding shape can brighten your style as well as personality.

These are all points that I mention during consultations with my clients in the salon and although some choose to keep it long and just add a punch of color for the fall, others are excited about the change and LOVE it!. I challenge you, my readers, to spice it up this fall and GO SHORT!

If you want more information about Mandrill Hardge or will be in Atlanta and want to schedule an appointment with him, visit http://mandrillhardge.com.

PS: I’ve seen one of his short hair cuts and it is fierce!

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