Pretty in the Queen City

Pretty in the Queen City Announces New Partnership

I've been kind of quiet lately and there are some really good reasons why. I have been working hard to to determine my next steps in taking Pretty in the Queen City (my brand) to a whole new level. With that said, I have some announcements to make.

I am proud to announce my new partnership with Relationship Expert Dr. Dar (Darshana Hawks). While we aren't prepared to spill ALL of our details on the partnership, we are thrilled to share with you that in the NEAR future we will be presenting a weekly web show, radio show, meetup group, events plus MUCH more. Yes, you read that right. Dr Dar and I will be hosting a web and radio show as well as hosting meetup groups and other events. Make sure you sign up for our websites to stay up to date. You can find Dr. Dar at www.drdar.com 

It is our passion to see your life transform with more love, passion and confidence.

It is TIME for a NEW YOU! 

Dr. Dar is a relationship expert for the Fox Television Affiliate in Charlotte, WBT Radio and host of her own Ask Dr. Dar radio show.

Dr. Dar’s flagship book Stop Being Single Now and the forthcoming Save Your Marriage Now, blog posts, articles, radio appearances and YouTube videos are seen and shared around the world. Dr. Dar’s workshops, private coaching, speaking and media contributions for dating singles and couples, makes a profound and lasting impact on clients who engage her intuitive and well-honed relationship coaching expertise.    Two approaches set Dr. Dar apart:  

• Weekend “live-in” marriage interventions.  Dubbed the “Super Marriage Nanny for Couples” by her clients, Dr. Dar actually spends a weekend in the homes of couples who are serious about saving their relationships.   Dozens of marriages since 1999 have literally been saved as a direct result of the intimacy, connection, and breakthroughs achieved under Dr. Dar’scompassionate, trusted, and skilled guidance.
• Unlike so many other relationship experts, Dr. Dar is in a very successful long-term marriage that proves her principles work.  It is important to Dr. Dar to walk the talk

Dr. Dar has been on a life-long experiential study of singles and couples during which she found that everyone has the same basic need when it comes to relationships – a need for belonging, to feel safe, for comfort, to understand and be understood, to be accepted, and to love and be loved.  She has invested decades of training and experience to guide clients to achieve their relationship goals.  She is a Master Licensed Relationship Coach for Singles and Couples, Certified Spirit in Business Coach, Certified Life Coach, Certified Transformation Game Facilitator, a Spiritual Counselor, and a Certified DDI Facilitator.  Dr. Dar earned her MBA in E-commerce and her PhD in philosophy.  She also earned a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.  

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Finally, in December I will be the big 3-0 and of course I have to do something BIG. Right? Well, for the month of December I will be partnering with iMpact color cosmetics to present you with a LIMITED EDITION RED LIPSTICK. That's right...my very own Pretty in the Queen City lipstick! I think it is the perfect way to celebrate the last 30 years of my life, a new chapter and of course share with you one of my loves-red lipstick!

The idea behind iMpact color cosmetics,created by Stanley Owings, was to reflect their philosophy of simplicity in their packaging and presentation.

The sleek minimalist design of each product is a subtle reminder that many times in life, less is more. The fashion houses of Calvin Klein, Prada and Armani were all inspirations for the final result. In a logo-obsessed world, they consciously made a decision to boldly be the brand of the anti-logo. They wanted the brand identifiable by more than just a logo. iMpact color cosmetics is recognized by its chic minimalism and its iconic “i” found on each product. From the “i’m special HD lip polish” to the “i’m humble lipstick” to the “i’m healthy foundation,” their underlying message with each of our products, is to use one’s life to make an iMpact on the lives of others.

Our limited edition lipstick, fitting in the theme of iMpact, will be "i'm pretty in the queen city". 

Stay tuned on purchasing information as it will be available via Pretty in the Queen City, iMpact color cosmetics as well as at the iMpact glam studio located in Fuze Salon -ONLY IN DECEMBER.    

So many amazing things happening and to stay up to date, make sure you subscribe to our emails. NO SPAMMING. You will receive one email per day (and not every day) . Thank you for all the support and get ready for the wild ride you are about to take with me as I kick Pretty in the Queen City up a few notches! 

Selena Gomez: Get the Look with Karan Mitchell and Maybelline

 

GET THE LOOK Photo Credit:Wire Image Selena Gomez stepped onto the red carpet on Sunday August 7th at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards looking absolutely radiant. Her red carpet look was created with the help of Makeup Artist Karan Mitchell for Maybelline New York. Karan was inspired by Selena’s inner vivacity and glowing personality and created a look using Maybelline New York’s new Limited Edition Vivienne Tam Great Lash Mascara in Very Black. To compliment her champagne-colored Erin Featherston dress, Karan kept Selena’s makeup fresh and chic but added a touch of color to her eyes and lips.   Maybelline New York Limited Edition Vivienne Tam Great Lash Mascara in Very Black, Available August 14 at Target.com, Available August 21 at Target Stores nationwide For Eyes Karan started with Selena’s eyes, using Maybelline EXPERTWEAR Eyeshadow Quad in Chai Latte, using the soft shimmery shade of the palette on her lids up to the crease.  She then used the lightest gold hue from the Maybelline EYE STUDIO Color Explosion Luminizing Eyeshadow in Caffeine Rush on the inside corners and as a highlight under her brow bone. Next, she used the deepest warm copper shade from the Maybelline EXPERTWEAR Eyeshadow Quad in Chai Latte on the outside corners of the eye, accentuating Selena’s beautiful brown eyes. Karan lined the upper and lower lash lines with Maybelline EYE STUDIO Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Charcoal. Karan then topped off the look with three coats of Maybelline New York’s Limited Edition Vivienne Tam Great Lash Mascara in Very Black.   For the Lips The lip look was finished with Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Pink Satin  – the perfect product to achieve Selena’s soft, fresh, feminine pout! For Face  Karan created a fresh-faced healthy glow for Selena, using Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation in Naturel as a base.  To set the base, she used Maybelline FIT ME Pressed Powder in Pure Beige. On the countour of the cheeks, she used Maybelline FIT ME Bronzer in Light Bronze.

Celebrity and Television Stylist: Jeni Elizabeth (Interview)

Jeni Elizabeth will be your favorite new fashion accessory. This Celebrity and Television Stylist has over 7 years of experience working with some of Hollywood’s most glamorous starlets including Carrie Underwood, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan,Holly Madison, Gwyneth Paltrow and many more.

With an education from FIT in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing and Design, and references such as working with Michael Palladino at the renowned Henri Bendel in NYC for 3 years heading the Women’s Department, Jeni has earned her spot on the “Best Dressed” list. She truly has a knack for personal style and an eye for fashion that can make anyone’s wardrobe worthy of the Red Carpet. With her charm, unmatched talent and bubbly personality--Jeni is a force to be reckoned with.

Jeni shared her bubbly (and quite funny) personality with us in this recent interview. She definitely knows her fashion and I agree.....LOVE the oversized bangles...HATE the acid washed jeans! She also stole my heart with her love of timeless beauties. 

What inspired your interest in becoming a wardrobe stylist? I am not quite sure that there was one thing that inspired my interest instyling. I am pretty sure it was a combination of interests that led me here.I love to play, just with clothes. I love color, I think it makes people happier,and I love stepping out of the everyday “norm” and making people look twice. I get to do that everyday and it makes my job absolutely fabulous.

Which Beauty/Fashion Icons inspires you and your work? I am a little all over the map when it comes to inspiration. Who doesn’t LOVE Coco Chanel and Jackie Kennedy for timeless elegance. I recently of course watched the Kennedy special and I kept the entire show on my DVR just to go back and look at the dresses they recreated for the special,just breathtaking. I adore the designs of Emilio Pucci and Valentino they are two designers that I could not live without. Although if I had to pick my favorite Fashion Icon it would hands down be Mrs. Kennedy. Grace,Elegance, Style, and Dignity the list could go on and on.

You're a celebrity stylist and have worked with tons of individuals,which client would you say has been the most fun to workwith..someone really willing to embrace your ideas and possibly beopen to change within their own personal style? That’s very hard. I would have to say my TWO favorite celebs to work with are Marissa Jaret Winokur and Jenni Farley. Both of these girls are two of my favorite people in the world, so when I get to work with them there is never a dull or boring moment! My job is even more amazing when I get to laugh so hard I pee my pants while doing it!! Jenni has been so open to change this past year that it has been an absolute blast to be a part of that. I have never met a more confident and beautiful person.Marissa embraces every change and idea and wraps it in her big smile with confidence and elegance, and that’s rare. Those are days I remember how lucky I am to have my job and how much I ADORE it!

What's your favorite trend for Summer 2011? Of course I could never pick one, I would have to do two. I love platform fun colored polka dot platform wedges!! (Alice and Olivia) I adore argyle varsity cardigans (JED Sweaters) you can pair them with any fun summer dress or romper and its just adorable! Can I sneak in the oversize Hermes Bangles!!?? I am the luckiest girl in the world that just got four of them and I haven’t found anything I can’t wear them with! (OK so that’s three, but I could have gone to five!)

Which trend would you love to see disappear from the fashion world altogether? Acid washed jeans. I cannot handle them. They were absolutely brutal in the 80’s on Jon Bon Jovi and they continue to be terrible today. They need to disappear and never come back! They give me panic attacks..

If I were to take a look into your closet, what would I find? Lots and lots of leg warmers! I am always cold!! You would always find my Bear Paw Boots and my Christian Louboutin sneakers right in front! I love easy boyfriend jeans and sexy tee shirts, but for working mainly I am a spandex girl with an oversize tee or sweater! Comfy and cozy are the best way to work so my closet in overloaded in comfy! Of course there is also my amazing collection of bags, which warm my heart to even talk about.

What is your beauty product must have? My Nars Bronzer. I swear I cannot exist without it. When I wake up in the morning I always feel pale and dead. I love adding some color before I run out the door.

What spa/salon service can you not live without and where do you goto get this service done? Manicure and Pedicures twice a week. The Painted Nail in Sherman Oaks is my go-to for a manicure. I adore the girls that work there and Katie Cazorla who owns the salon is a friend of mine. Its an amazing chic and fun place to grab the must have mani.

What is your definition of Beauty? Simplicity and natural are the two strongest words behind Beauty.

Any final words? I have had an amazing year both personally and professionally. I am so grateful for every experience I have had in my life! So many amazing things coming this year so stay tuned and remember when in doubt buy a fabulous pair of shoes ! XXOO

Award Winning Actress: Alexandra DiNovi (Interview)

Alexandra DiNovi, the daughter of Domenica Piragine, a former drama teacher, and Vincent Louis DiTommaso, a high profile class action lawyer, was born and raised in Hinsdale, Illinois. Her love of the arts began at the age of 3 when she began violin and ballet. 

She later was discovered in a restaurant while in high school. Alexandra then landed the featured dancer role in the motion picture, The Break-Up (2006) starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. As busy as Alexandra was, between acting, singing, and dancing, she still made the Deans list and the National Honors Society.                                                                                                                                                                         

She was the youngest person to ever graduate the Second City Chicago Conservatory in 2008.

In 2010, Alexandra won Best Actress for Purity: A Dark Film, at the New York International Film Festival. She also wrote, directed and produced Purity and continues to write, direct and produce independent films.                                                                                                                                                                                              Alexandra DiNovi's move from Chicago to Los Angeles became a major step for her career.  She became a resident singer at the House of Blues (Sunset) three months after her move.  She showed off her soccer skills while playing a high school soccer star in four episodes of Pretty Tough (A Canadian TV Show.)  Alexandra studied Theatre, Communications and Screenwriting at Loyola Marymount University. She graduated from LMU - Los Angeles in May 2011.

 

Alexandra took some time out of her busy schedule (I thought I had lots going on!) to share with us her inspiration, how she keeps herself balanced and even shares a few of her favorite beauty secrets.

What inspired your interest in acting? When I was little my Nana taught me all the Shirley Temple songs. I wanted to be just like her.  My Auntie Mel, (who incidentally is close friends/high school buddies with Hugh Hefner) always called me "Movie Star," as a child. I thought I was a movie star by age 4.

 

As a L.A. Socialite and Actress, you are a busy lady, how do you keep a balance within your life?  I have a strong core group of close friends.  I have dinner with my three best friends at least once a week.  It's important to have true friends.  Exercise helps me maintain a balance within my life.  I try to run 5 miles a day and box with my trainer twice a week.  It helps me focus.  I also drink plenty of water and green tea.  I grill a lot of good fish and vegetables. I love to grill and chill by my pool.  It's the best.

 

What do you ultimately want to achieve in life?  Growing up, my parents hosted a Cancer Ball every fall at the Drake Hotel in Chicago.  I always wanted to go and my dad would say, "When you are older, you can come to the ball." I never got to go to the Cancer Ball.  My ultimate goal in life is to help find a cure for cancer.  I currently run races for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation but I want to host my own annual Cancer Ball.  Furthermore, I would like to establish a solid reputation as an intelligent and highly respected film actress/writer/director.  I want people to say, "I love working with Alex.  She is professional, smart and surprises me."  I also want to have a strong family life.  I grew up in a really close Italian family.  I was taught that family is the most important thing.  I believe in soulmates.

 

What beauty product can you not live without? The Lip Slip by Sara Happ, Breeze Comfort Sports Bras. & DOLL EYE by NYX.  (I honestly cannot live without any of these.)

 

If I were to take a look in your makeup bag, what would I find?  The Lip Slip by Sara Happ. NYX Doll Eye (black mascara) (I literally have dozens of it.) Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder, Smashbox Bronze Lights SunTan Matte, Nars Turkish Delight lipgloss, Carbon Matte Mac eyeshadow, Mini Mark "Mark It" Stick (I use it on my lips), Mark: "Glow Baby Glow" Hook It Up Lip Gloss in Peek-A-Boo, Giselle Cosmetics Starry Night (millions of theses stackables), millions of Mac eyeshadows, Lorac "TanTalizer", NYX Goddess Shimmer, millions of NYX loose eye pigment colors, "Perfect" Victoria Secret Lotion...

What spa/salon service can you not live without and where do you go to get it done? Christian at Umberto in Beverly Hills--he is amazing!! and Britney Nahaku for my keratine treatments (Umberto Beverly Hills), Tolland Weems is my trainer at Equinox.  Adam Farino (Equinox) is my dietician.  I like to call him my "nutrition coach." (He is also Lindsay Lohan's coach.)

Who is your beauty icon? Natalie Portman because she is classy and keeps it simple.

What is your definition of True Beauty?  Loving yourself unconditionally.

So, what are you currently working on? I am thankful for my life, my family, and close friends.  I also realize that the work I do in entertainment is personal, subjective, and I am thankful for all of it.

 I'm really looking forward to my new radio show.  "Late Nights with Lexi" is moving to KABC...which is amazing!  It is an incredible studio with a great vibe.  I had a great line-up of funny, interesting, and accomplished guests last season.  Dane Cook was on my first episode so the show really kicked off to an incredible start and was picked up by a local TV network in Marina del Rey.  It ran for six months as a radio/T.V. show. The plan is after the KABC move, we get it picked up by a much larger T.V. network...so basically the same thing all over again, ten times better!

 I also consistently keep up my work in the Masters Class at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.  It's so important to continually develop my craft.  In addition, I am directing the comedic film, Practicing Murder, starring Eddie Navarro (of 90210, Broken Dreams) at the end of June, which I also wrote.  Besides, I wrote a pilot that I am currently pitching to Sony Pictures Television/Happy Madison.  

Any Last words?  "Love and do what you like." -St. Augustine

 

Interested in learning more about Alexandra?

http://www.alexandradinovi.com/

You can also check out her IMDB page ->  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3583022/

And don't forget Twitter and Facebook!

 

Keep an eye on this young lady, this Pretty is not only talented but is full of passion, drive and is extremely goal-oriented.  I have no doubts that you have not seen the last of her. 

First look at ABC's Fall line-up: Once Upon A Time and Charlie's Angels

You know I LOVE exclusives so when I received the opportunity to get a glimpse of what's to come this fall on ABC, I was pretty excited. ABC just announced this morning that they will be picking up Charlie's Angels, "a big, loud, fun take on the 1970's smash hit series, and Once Upon A Time, a modern day fairytale from two of Lost's master storytellers" for their fall line up.  With the constant of reality tv (which I am at fault for falling for), it's nice to see there are some more drama series right around the corner! I had the opportunity to take a look at exclusive videos of the upcoming shows and I'm actually pretty impressed.

The first is ONCE UPON A TIME , which REALLY has me intrigued. The exclusive video I was able to see reminded me of a movie rather than a television drama. The costumes, the effects, the fantasy......I'm pretty excited about this show. I will be setting my DVR when the time comes!

 

Welcome to a world where fairytales are real. Anna Swan is like any other 28 year old, until she discovers she's a lost princess destined to save her world from darkness. Experience the passion project of executive producers/creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (Lost, Tron). Once Upon A Time is a thrilling twist of our most beloved stories.

I can assure you, this won't be the fairytale you read your little ones at night. Modern day and Fairytales will collide. 

 

The cast includes Robert Carlyle, Josh Dallas, James Dornan, Jared Gilmore, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Lana Parilla and Raphael Sbarge 

You can learn more about ONCE UPON A TIME below: 

http://abc.go.com/shows/once-upon-a-time

http://www.Facebook.com/OnceUponATimeABC

http://www.twitter.com/OnceABC

 

The next on the line-up .......drum roll please.........CHARLIE'S ANGELS.

 

"Get ready for the knockout hit of the year. Charlie's Angels is back and hotter than ever. Meet three ex-bad girls who are earning their wings by busting the really bad guys". With plenty of eye candy, action and brilliant minds behind the series, I am curious to see if die-hard Angels fans will gravitate towards the show.

This show, obviously a remake of the classic show, is written and executive produced by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, the team that launched "Smallville.".It's also executive produced by Drew Barrymore and Nancy Juvonen, who were behind the recent "Charlie's Angels"and Leonard Goldberg from the original series. Additionally, the show is directed and executive produced by Marcos Siega of "The Vampire Diaries"

 

They're Angels......Not Saints.......

The CAST includes Annie Ilonzeh, Minka Kelly , Rachel Taylor, Ramon Rodriguez, Robert Wagner - Voice of Charlie.

You can learn more about CHARLIE'S ANGELS below: 

http://abc.go.com/shows/charlies-angels

http://www.Facebook.com/CharliesAngelsABC

http://www.twitter.com/AngelsABC



 I want to know YOUR thoughts on these upcoming shows from ABC!!! Leave your comments below!!