Pretty in the Queen City

Ombre Trend by Christine Zilinski (Guest Post)

Christine Zilinski tells you how to get the hottest hair color trend of the moment

Rachel Bilson, Drew Barrymore and Jessica Biel are just a few of the celebrities adopting Ombre hair color where hair roots are dark and gradually get lighter and lighter through to the tip.

Christine Zilinski, salon owner and artistic educator for Italian product line Davines, has created the Ombre hair trend for many of her salon clients in addition to teaching the trend to salon stylists and colorists across the country. Here, Zilinski gives us Ombre 101 with recommendations for selecting the best color for your hair.

For selecting the best Ombre look Zililnski recommends working with your hair’s natural undertones. She explains that the look actually includes three tones. Start at the roots with either your base color or one to two shades darker than your natural.  The middle tone is two shades lighter through the mid shaft then the ends are more towards a blonde. 

For example, someone with a natural dark blonde base might go darker then the natural midshaft, which would be a medium golden blonde, ends would be a light buttery blonde. Darker browns would a deep dark chocolate at the base, then a light milky warm chocolate at the midsection, and a honey blonde on the ends. 

When asking your colorist for Ombre hair color you should understand that this is not a foil highlighting technique. It's done with a hair painting method. It's best if you work with the color your hair would be if it was left in the sun. 

Some may think the Ombre trend looks like the person was too lazy to get their hair color touched up, but when done by an expert like Zilinski, the trend can look chic and sophisticated. Here is a photo from the Davines Nattura Collection.

Photo Credit:  “Náttúra” by Angelo Seminara for Davines

This is one of the Ombre looks that Zilinski specializes in both teaching and performing on clients. 

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About Salon Concrete

Salon Concrete, an award-winning salon in Red Bank, New Jersey offers signature precision hair cutting, color and an array of hair treatments personalized for every unique client look and style. Salon Concrete has received countless accolades including being featured as a top salon in Elle and Allure Magazine, identified as Salon Today’s Top 200 Salons and voted Best Salon in Red Bank three years in a row. For more information visit www.salonconcrete.com.

Aging Beautifully by Eve Michaels (Guest Post)

 

Eleanor Roosevelt often said, “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”

The first time I heard this quote, I thought how fabulous that this came from a woman who was not blessed with much physical beauty, yet appreciated the work it took for a woman to age well (and be beautiful). So many women in today’s society are either oblivious to or envious of women who take exquisite care of themselves, as they age. Sadly, most women in this country think beauty and aging are an oxymoron. It’s as if we have preprogrammed ourselves to not age well.

From my 20 some odd years of studying the “law of attraction”, I know with total certainty that we can’t have what we don’t believe in. Therefore the first step to attracting what you want in life, in this case ageless beauty, is to believe that it’s possible. In this regard I was lucky…

When I was just a teenager, all of 15 years old, I briefly dated a gorgeous 18 yr old named Michael. I will never forget what he told me as we stood on line outside the movie theatre some 43 years ago. He stared at me with those intense deep blue thoughtful eyes. Finally he said, “You are going to be one of those women who get more beautiful with age.” “What?” I said, wide eyed while I clung to his every word. “You just haven’t grown into your true beauty yet. But you will and you will be very beautiful as you age.”

Michael was my first lover and as such, my teacher in many ways. He was the free spirit I would never possess and the wisdom I yearned to have. He was like the elusive butterfly in the era of the “dawning of Aquarius”. I came to him like a moth to a flame…knowing I would learn something profound, yet not knowing at the time what that was. Almost everything he did seemed to impact me in a powerful way. When Michael spoke, I listened, deeply.

Here I am many years, three children and a few marriages later, at age 58, still proving him right. Michael was the first person to ever tell me that it was possible to get better with age. I came to discover through the study of ‘quantum physics and metaphysics’ that the mind is so powerful that we can actually change the way we age.

Years later I would also come to learn that the French believe that women aren’t really sexy until they mature and have “history and mystery”. I love that! It makes me feel that as a woman I have more value the older I get. All women can. We can also have more sex appeal in a smoldering sensual way as we age. Like a fine wine, that gets better with time. I can’t help but remember the movie, Harold and Maude. You must rent it if you don’t know what I mean.

I once heard that all teachers teach what they need to learn. Truer than true, I continue on my journey as I share my concepts of aging well with every woman I can.

I have spent the last twenty years trying to raise the consciousness of women to feel good about themselves after the age of 30 to own their power, sensuality and beauty. Just as Eleanor said, “an older beautiful woman is a work of art.” Like anything we want, we need to work at it. But I must tell you, that after a woman gets this concept into her head and into her heart…looking good isn’t “work”. This “work of art” becomes an expression of joy!!

“I think that somehow, we learn who we really are and then live with that decision.” Eleanor Roosevelt so wisely said.

What have you decided? To age beautifully or that beauty is not for the aged?

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About Eve Michaels

Expertise: Beauty, Makeover, Transformation, Motivational Speaker, Image, Confidence, Self-respect

Eve Michaels is an internationally acclaimed “Transformational Makeover Expert” and the creator of the Fast Track To Fabulous program. Eve is a nationally recognized author and motivational speaker captivating audiences globally. She is known to television viewers in the US, Great Britain & Australia as one of the great makeover specialists of our time.

Eve Michaels has appeared on ABC, NBC News, Entertainment Tonight, The Discovery Channel, TV Land, VH1, Good Day L.A., The Style Channel, BBC and ITV in the UK, Australian 60 Minutes, NHK Tokyo Public Television, Telemundo & Univision. She has been featured in articles in numerous print media including the L.A. Times, The Wall Street Journal, Worth magazine, and Women’s World, as well as many online magazines, blogs and radio shows. Eve had the honor of opening the Nasdaq Stock Exchange in April 2009, in recognition of her work.

Eve teaches clients through her workshops, motivational seminars, and personal consultations how to understand the importance of having the right image and strategizing their image. Eve proves how having the right image can open doors and help people create the life they desire. They learn and implement techniques to truly make their image special and gain a sense of confidence and enhanced self-respect. Eve helps clients achieve their personal goals of becoming more successful and improving their relationships through the “power of image”.

Eve’s teaches people life changing, easy-to-follow skills that quickly transform their image and their attitude about dressing well. Eve has a gift for helping her clients understand what makes them special and how to create the right image that communicates their unique abilities and talents. No wonder her work is often called Makeover Magic!

Eve’s personal goal is to “Wake Up America” by bringing back elegance, class and style to this country.

She wants every person to understand that Comfort and Style are not enemies! Through her unique new age approach to image, Eve transforms her clients rapidly. She teaches practical, easy-to-follow techniques that helps her clients look great for a lifetime. Real skills to easily use in the real world.

 You may learn more about Eve at www.EveMichaels.com and on Twitter @evemichaels

 

 

The Relationship Between Inner Beauty, Health and Wellness (Guest Post)

Have you ever noticed that when you're feeling down or anxious, you're likely to get a cold? Some people have noticed how being stressed can affect their overall health as well. The good thing is you have the power to control your thinking and feeling, so you can prevent getting sick if by putting some effort into having a good positive attitude and practicing inner health.

The relationship between our feelings and our health is a growing topic among wellness experts, and with good reason. The connection between mind and body is a relatively new field expanding into traditional medicine, where we are beginning to understand how important it is to keep a healthy attitude to enjoy our overall health. The saying “Sound mind, sound body,” has never been more apparent as in our current lifestyle.

But how do we keep a sound mind? We all know the need to stay active and participate in physical fitness to stay healthy, but being active also determines our inner health. As we exercise, we not only burn calories and tone muscles, there is also a physical transformation inside our bodies that releases “feel good” substances called endorphins, which help us decrease our stress levels. When our stress levels are down, our body is healthier and we are less prone to illnesses. So listen to the doctor when he tells you, “Exercise is good for you.”

Another way to keep our inner health in check is to practice doing things we love, developing a hobby or craft that we can practice when we’re also feeling a little stressed or worried. These activities don’t need to be expensive nor complicated in order to enjoy them. Some people like crossword puzzles, other people like to meditate or read mystery novels. Whatever thing it is you like to do, and as simple as it may be, make time for it and time to enjoy it as often as you can. This helps you maintain your inner health because it promotes a happy state, contentment only you can enjoy, and eventually share with others.

Sharing with others is also a great way to keep your spirits up and your body healthy. Make it a point to see your loved ones and your friends. Go out and socialize, talk to people more often and you’ll be able to see you’re not alone in whatever daily troubles that may worry you. Yes, everybody has problems and it is easier to go on in life if you have a support group and friends to help you through them.

One of the best ways to connect health and inner beauty is to smile. Practice genuine smile more often, and as corny and cliché as it sounds, it WILL make the world a happier place. This in turn will make you look and feel better. A person who smiles, in good times and bad, is most definitely a beautiful person inside and out.

 

Check out  www.lulyforma.com for more advice on the latest exercise programs, health information, beauty, nutrition and well-being

 

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About Luly Mitchell :

Expertise: Exercise, Fitness, Training, Well-being, Lifestyle, Alternative Medicine, Olympics, Dance, and Tourism

TV Appearance: http://tvguestpert.com/guestpert_details.asp?guestpert=205

I was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico and lived in the city of Chihuahua since I was 5 years old. At that age my father enrolled me in the city gym and I began training in Olympic gymnastics. I was part of the Chihuahua State Gymnastics Team and I also participated in other sports such as swimming, tennis, racketball and volleyball.

My other activities always included dance and music. I participated in various dance schools: Jazz, Mexican Folkloric and Hip-Hop, among others. I always enjoyed the discipline of the rehearsals and was very pleased to see results when the audience was entertained and happy with our performances.

In 1985 I began to take aerobic classes. I always felt good to exercise to the beat of music. That same year I traveled to Los Angeles, CA to learn English for 6 months. I was staying at an aunt’s house and worked in a gym in Hollywood. She invited me to her gym where I learned more about aerobics and also took a course for certification as an aerobics instructor. The teacher that taught that class gave me my first opportunity as an instructor in that gym. It was a great time for me!

I had to return to Mexico to finish my university studies. Back in Chihuahua, I taught aerobics in the best local gyms. At the same time I was working as a model and had a TV show where I also taught aerobics to all the viewers.

To obtain my certificate as a personal trainer, I prepared and trained very hard. I consider myself a very active and creative person. I’m always looking for new ways to improve in everything I do. In 1987 I won the Aerobics Marathon in which over 150 people participated. This was a great personal accomplishment, I knew that all my efforts, discipline and training had paid off.

Another personal achievment was obtaining my bachelor’s degree in tourism and presenting my professional exam. Although my heart had always been in physical fitness, I tried to combine both careers. I worked for the Chihuahua International Airport as head of Public Relations and afterwards as the Promotions Director for an important chain of hotels in Chihuahua.

This also gave me the opportunity to continue preparing myself as a fitness trainer. Every 6 months I traveled to Los Angeles to take different master classes in aerobics, jazz and dance to prepare myself and be updated with the latest exercise trends. In 1991 I took one of the biggest and most important decisions in my life: I decided to live in Los Angeles, California. I was offered a job as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. It was a hard decision because I left behind family, friends and my old job. But I loved Los Angeles and thought it was a magical place with the beaches, mountains and people from every country in one great package. Wow!

I have worked very hard and my reward has been the popularity of my Fiesta Latina class. One of my greatest satisfactions is to have taught in the best gyms in Los Angeles, like Sports Club LA, Spectrum Club, LA Fitness, Sports Connection, Crunch, Madonna Grimes Studios, to name a few.

In 1995 I got married to my wonderful husband and 3 years later I received the greatest joy in my life: the birth of my son.

During the year 2000 I had several difficulties to overcome. One of them was that I was diagnosed with MVP, Mitral Valve Prolapse. One of my heart valves was not functioning correctly and for over six months I was not able to exercise. I studied extensively about this condition and found a remedy based on alternative medicine which helped me recover completely. I thank God that everything was resolved and that I could continue with my workouts, which are a fundamental part of my life.

In 2003 my good friend and producer Alejandro Munguia and I began working on a exercise video to fill the need to promote health and well being through exercise that results in improving your lifestyle. We created this DVD which is informative, fun and effective.

Certificates:

ACE: AMERICAN COUNCIL OF EXERCISE

FEMARA: FEDERACION MEXICANA DE ACTIVIDADES RITMICAS AEROBICAS

FITKID AND AEROKID (Exercise and Activities for kids from pre-school to 18 years old)

 

 

Summer Hair Styles Made Easy by Nina Sutton (Guest Post)

Summer Hair Styles Made Easy by Nina Sutton

Author of “The Chic Mom’s Guide to Feeling Fabulous”

With the warmer weather upon us also comes summer fun parties and social activities. This is the perfect time to try some easy summer hairstyles to keep looking beautiful and versatile during this fun season! The 2011 summer hair trend is about natural, touchable style. The look is effortless (even if it does take time!) but so refreshing from polished hair. These looks are easy for everyone and can fit into every woman’s lifestyle. The tools you will need this season are texturizing sprays, curling irons (from 1 inch to 1 ½ inches), hair bands and clips.

Summer Days:

1)            Try a half-up/half-down look: This is an easy, chic look that can go from work to play or even a wedding! After shampooing hair, put a dollop of mousse in hair and blow dry so it’s dry but not perfect (hair should be tousled). Next, pull the top half of your hair back and pin. You can also take the two front sections of your hair and pull them back. If you want some more polish, take a 1 inch curling iron and randomly wrap sections around the base of your hair. Spray with a light mist hair spray. If you are going to a formal event such as a wedding, this is the perfect look to try flowers in your hair.

2)            Side Braid: Another chic day time look is to pull your hair to one side of your head and create a large braid. It is best to push the braid up slightly to create volume at the top of your head; otherwise it might look too little girlish.

3)            Sport a hair band: Short hair looks great with hair bands or clips. Use these to pull hair back off of your face for a chic yet cool look. For daytime, it’s best to stick with simple bands in neutral colors, especially with the effortless chic trend. At night, go all out with bling and color.

 

Summer Nights:

1)            Low Pony: A low pony tail is a sexy and sophisticated look for a night out. Pull the ponytail and the nape of your neck and fasten. Add some curls around the temples of your face for a romantic twist.

2)            Beach Waves: For a night out dancing or date night, spray a surf spray on your hair and use a diffuser on your hair while you dry it or you can air dry (best option). You can even make your own beach spray by combining 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt with water in a plastic spray bottle. Add a dollop of coconut oil (for moisture and for the tropical scent!) and shake well. Now you can spray on your hair for sexy, natural beach-y hair.If your hair is really straight, you can twist 1 inch sections and pin and then dry your hair. Next, flip hair over to give it more volume and add a light mist of hairspray.

3)            Messy Bun: This is a great style if you are in a hurry. Spray a texturing spray to hair and tousle. Pull it back into a loose bun, keeping front pieces free. Either mist more texture spray onto the front pieces or curl with a 1 ½ inch curling iron for loose waves. You can try your bangs over to one side or have your hair parted in the middle

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About Nina Sutton : Author, Chic Mom's Guide

Expertise:
Online Shopping, How to Shop at a Sample Sale, How to Save Money when buying designer clothing, Look fabulous for Less! Stay chic once you are a mom, budget beauty, organize your life, work from home, easy mom fashion

Demo Reel Link: http://www.tvguestpert.com/guestpert_details.asp?guestpert=29

Nina is the author of "The Chic Mom's Guide to Feeling Fabulous". This book (available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com) provides easy tips to stay fabulous after the stork has arrived and beyond. 

With an MBA in Marketing from Loyola Marymount University and over 15 years experience in beauty and fashion, and two sons 17 months apart, Nina has the perfect background to share tips with moms on how to stay chic, stylish and in control (and in budget!).

L'Oreal Paris even sponsored an amazing book signing party for Nina and the book has been featured in many online, print and tv media.

Nina’s career started working with beauty and fashion companies (such as Sebastian International and the Christal Corporation) to create and launch products and marketing campaigns. With the rise of the internet, she then entered the world of online marketing- working with companies such as Nestlé and ConAgra on their online promotions and coupons.Her love for shopping (and saving money) next led her to work with a NY based company to launch a series of designer sample sales in the Los Angeles area.

Finally, with all of her experience combined, Nina had a brainstorm to create promotions for beauty and fashion companies, just as she had done with large consumer packaged goods companies. DealsforDivas.com provides deals and discounts to women age 21+ on beauty, fashion and lifestyle products. Nina also produces a series of beauty and shopping events called The Luxe Life.

Nina’s goal is to provide an avenue for women to save money, and still feel fabulous! After she had her first baby, she even further realized the importance of saving for the future. With the importance of saving money in today’s world (for retirement, mortgages, children, education and more!), Nina feels that it is even more important for women to find ways to budget - while not compromising their lifestyle or little luxuries!

Nina has also been quoted in the Los Angeles Times and appeared as a guest on The Tyra Banks Show for her knowledge of designer sample sales and online fashion shopping! As a final note, Nina is an excellent public speaker and has also interviewed celebrities at various red carpet events, such as the Golden Globe Awards.

 

Get Your Skin Ready for Summer With Epsom Salt (Guest Post)

GET YOUR SKIN READY FOR SUMMER WITH EPSOM SALT

(Article Provided By the Epsom Salt Council)

Experts Say Epsom Salt is Perfect for Manicures, Pedicures and Relaxing Soaks That Will Brighten Your Skin

June 22, 2010 - As the summer heats up, several beauty experts suggest using Epsom salt to get your feet ready for sandals season, to brighten your skin and to lighten your stress.

"It's one of the least expensive beauty products on the market," says Marsha Bialo, an award-winning celebrity manicurist who has worked with the nation's top photographers and on advertising campaigns for clients such as Bebe, Nordstrom, Estee Lauder, Jessica Simpson and Victoria Secret. "It doesn't matter if you're a celebrity, or an average person on a budget. Epsom salt has a multitude of uses."

Bialo recommends bi-weekly pedicures to ease aches and pains, reduce swelling and disinfect blisters or lesions. Her step-by-step suggestions: give your feet a comfortable place to rest by folding a bath towel and positioning it at the bottom of a bucket. Mix half a cup of Epsom salt with some warm, soapy water to soften skin and calluses and dry out the bacteria from blisters. Next, remove old polish with a cotton pad soaked with nail polish remover, cut nails straight across with clippers then file them square to remove sharp edges. Soak for five minutes, dip a file into the water and use it to smooth your heels, the balls of your feet and the outer edges of your pinkie toes. Afterward, Bialo suggests Calcium Gel Fortifier or Ridge Filling Base Coat by China Glaze followed by a bright, summery coat of polish, and then finish with Seche Vite top coat for a lasting shine.

At the Spa at the Intercontinental San Francisco, you can pamper yourself with an ice cream manicure or pedicure that's made from Epsom salt, a blend of six oils, minerals and fragrances. The treatments are crafted to smell like ice cream - either chocolate, vanilla or pomegranate - and Spa Director Ryan O'Connor says it helps soothe muscles, reduce stress and improve your skin.

"It removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, so your feet and hands look rejuvenated, your skin is going to be more supple and it will look brighter," O'Connor says. "Relaxing your hands and feet is one of the best things people can do for themselves."

O'Connor says he also recommends people soak in Epsom salt and essential oils at home, once a week for 20 minutes, as a way to detox and reduce tension in the spine and throughout the body.

"It actually knocks me out, it's so relaxing," O'Connor said.

Here are some other tips for using Epsom salt to create an at-home spa:

* GLOWING SKIN EXFOLIATING TREATMENT: Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.

* MICRODERMABRASION FACIAL: Mix 1/2 TSP of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

* HOMEMADE BATH CRYSTALS: Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. Add a few drops of food coloring or 1/2 TSP of glycerin if you like. Store in an air-tight container.

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About Spa at the Intercontinental San Francisco

The elegant I-SPA draws from San Francisco's diverse cultures, green practices and high-tech influences to create experiences that feel just right in today's world. Each visit begins with a guided consultation to address personal goals, and treatments are customized with Murad products, modalities, oils and music based on individual preferences and needs. After an indulgent foot soak, treatments are conducted in state-of-the-art rooms complete with iPod access. For more information, please visit http://www.interconspasf.com/.

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About Marsha Bialo 

Marsha Bialo's manicures have appeared on the hands of models and celebrities in magazine and television advertisements as well as fashion magazine spreads, including Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazaar, Allure, Self, Movie Line, ELLE, Glamour and Angeleno. In 2003, Marsha was awarded best nail artist of the year for her tissue paper nail art creation "Decoupage Couteur," which was developed for the movie Intolerable Cruelty. She is the west coast celebrity manicurist for China Glaze. For more information, please visit www.bpolished.com.

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About Epsom salt

Epsom salt - actually magnesium sulfate - is one of the most versatile household products, with uses ranging from creating at-home spa treatments to soothing achy muscles to helping start or improve gardens. It's been used therapeutically for hundreds of years, and it's gaining a new generation of fans looking for a safe, economical alternative in a sea of expensive, over-the-counter remedies. Epsom salt is easy to use, easy to find in your local pharmacy or grocery store and it costs about the same per use as a cup of coffee.

You can find the Epsom Salt Council on the Web at http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org or you can click the images below to find them on Facebook and Twitter! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 Fabulous Ways To Look Like A Star For Prom (Exclusive Guest Post!)

7 Fabulous Ways To Look Like A Star For Prom

by Cher Coulter (Co-Founder of JewelMint and Celebrity Stylist)

As a celebrity stylist, my clients are always in need of star power for red carpet events. I’m dishing out my top style tips to make sure you look like a star this prom. Prepare for camera flashes, because you'll be making the best-dressed list!

1.) Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend! Add diamonds to your look for an Old Hollywood sparkle that lasts all nightlong. The Antoinette Necklace (http://jmnt.co/lhcaFx) is the perfect piece to add a touch of shine!  (Editor's note. This piece is GORGEOUS. I've given this one as a gift.) 

2.) Bat Those Lashes! When it comes to dressing up, stars love the look of a longer lash. Add a set of false eyelashes to complete your glamorous look!

3.) Accessorize In Gold. If you are wearing a simple elegant gown, make sure to accessorize your look with sparkling gold jewelry. Wear Casati Necklace (http://jmnt.co/iv9Cie) to glimmer in gold on your big night!

 

4. Flawless Tan: Whenever stars hit the red carpet, a flawless tan is always necessary.Give yourself a spray tan for a sun kissed look no matter the weather! Opt for a spray tan bottle for easy application, you’ll get an even coat and avoid orange palms.

 

5. Fresh Hair and Make-up Treatment: Look and feel like a star this prom by getting a professional makeover! Steal your favorite look from a magazine, and have a professional stylist imitate the look. Add some fabulous earrings (http://jmnt.co/lLown6) to complete your look.

 

6. Rent A Car! Arrive like a star in a rented vintage car. You will feel like a celebrity all night long as the camera flashes continuously go off.

7. This tip is a fashion rule: Be true to yourself! Have fun with new styles and make every trend your own. Finally, dress boldly because confidence will never goes out of style!

Kate Bosworth on the Red Carpet

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Stylist Cher Coulter has become one of the most dynamic names in fashion and celebrity styling of the past decade. Possessing an extraordinary sense of chic and internationally renowned reputation for forward thinking style, Cher’s singular talent has made an indelible mark on the world of fashion.

Cher grew up just outside of London, and at the precocious age of 14 she began working as a dresser for fashion shows including Hermes and Alexander McQueen. Throughout her youth, she made constant trips to London and eventually enrolled at the prestigious Central St. Martin’s University to study fashion design. Upon leaving school, Cher began to work with several leading British designers and eventually co-founded AKA, a menswear line that was sold at stores including Barney’s New York, Colette in Paris and Browns in London. During this time, Cher also worked on design projects with musicians Richard Ashcroft, Star Sailor and All Saints. Designing on-stage costumes and styling celebrities soon became a consulting passion for Cher and a legendary styling career was born.

Seeking a change of pace and the chance to deepen her foray into celebrity styling, Cher moved from London to Los Angeles in 2003. Her experience, intelligence and effortless cool were an instant hit and she quickly garnered a celebrity client list filled with the top leading actresses in the business, including Kate Bosworth, Katie Holmes, Kirsten Dunst, and Scarlett Johansson. In February 2006, Cher dressed actress Emily Mortimer in one of her own creations for the premiere of ‘The Pink Panther’, and set fashion blogs and best-dressed lists on fire with her inspiring creation.

Known for combining easy avant garde with absolute glamour in her women’s styling, Cher possesses an equal talent for men’s fashion. She counts actors and musicians including Ashton Kutcher, Brad Pitt, Colin Farrell, Jude law, and Orlando Bloom among the ranks of her men’s client list. Cher also created one-of-a-kind garments for actor Jared Leto and his band, 30 Seconds to Mars. 

Cher’s arresting vision and obsessive creativity has also made her a favorite among the fashion industry’s top photographers, including Carter Smith, Sante D’Orazio, Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton, Cliff Watts, Matt Jones, Laurie Bartley and Wolfgang Ludes. Among the editorial and advertising clients who look to Cher to create innovative and exceptional looks are: Diesel, BCBG, Details, ELLE, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, i-D, Instyle, and Teen Vogue, Coach, Gap, L’Oreal, Nine West and Shiseido.

Cher is also co-founder of JewelMint, a jewelry line created by her and friend, Kate Bosworth. JewelMint co-founder Cher Coulter was presented the Stylist of the Year award at the 7th Annual Hollywood Style Awards in 2010. 

Cher currently resides in both New York and Los Angeles, working on top fashion ad campaigns and editorials as well as styling for celebrity red carpet moments.  

Bio taken from http://www.starworksartists.com

Simple Cold Weather Skincare Tips

A few months ago I shared a fabulous interview with Dr. Stuart Kaplan, founder of the skincare line kaplanMD (which I LOVE) You can check out the interview HERE.

Cold weather is quickly approaching and for some has already arrived!  Dr. Kaplan has some great and simple skincare tips for the winter weather.

(Photo By: Marek Bernat)

Cold weather can be especially harsh on your skin. During the fall and winter seasons, the combination of cold temperatures and low humidity pulls moisture from your skin. It is this loss of moisture that causes our skin to become dry, red, and scaly. But not to worry - here are 6 simple cold weather tips to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

1. Turning up the heat? Turn on the humidifier! Air inside your home becomes very dry in winter, especially if your windows are closed and the heat is on. A humidifier will replace moisture in the air. Keep indoor air moisture levels at 40 to 50 percent.

2. Switch your moisturizer from lotions to thicker creams or ointments and use them often. Moisturizers protect your skin from the elements. Think of moisturizers as a daily barrier between your skin and the air. Even if you have oily skin, you still may need a moisturizer in the winter.

3. Use mild soaps, and avoid deodorant, fragranced, antibacterial or abrasive soaps, as these are more drying for your skin. Instead look for a milky textured cleanser like kaplanMD Cleansing Lotion, which features a gentle amino acid based surfactant obtained from apples along with soothing, anti-inflammatory actives like Soy, Panthenol and Chamomile.

4. Remember to use sun protection. Even though it is cold and overcast, your skin is still vulnerable to damage from the sun’s UV rays. Apply a moisturizing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on any part of your skin that is exposed to the elements. This will not only protect your skin from chafing and drying, but also protect against the winter sun, which can still cause sun damage and burns. Remember, even on overcast days, 80% of UV rays still filter thru. Use a moisturizer plus SPF daily, such as the kaplanMD Day Cream SPF 15, which is an ultra hydrating, lightweight moisturizer, anti-wrinkle cream and sun protectant- All in One. Also look for sunscreens with physical, rather than chemical sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens are more effective, and less irritating to skin.

5. Remember to use a lip balm that also has at least SPF 15. This will protect against chapped lips, as well as sun damage, which the thin skin on the lips is extra vulnerable to. The lips are often the first place to exhibit signs of aging, so they must not be neglected! For excellent protection that features the added skincare benefits of 10 active ingredients plus a touch of color and shine, try kaplanMD Lip 20 Treatment or kaplanMD Lip 20 Treatment Gloss, both with a sun protection factor of 20.

6. Review your skin care regimen. If you are using products with tretinoin, such as Retin-A or Renova, or are using alpha-hydroxy acids or glycolic acids, you may want to use these less frequently, as they may cause your skin to exfoliate and become more sensitive and dry. Avoid microdermabrasion and abrasive skin treatments, as these exfoliate the top layer of the skin, and leave the new layer of skin unprotected to the harsh elements. If you do use an exfoliant, remember to always apply a moisturizer immediately after rinsing your face to help seal in moisture and prevent skin from chafing. (Article written by Dr. Stuart Kaplan, Beverly Hills Dermatologist)

Interested in purchasing products from the kaplanMD product line? Check out Pretty in the Queen City's Beauty Boutique where you can purchase products from this line as well as several others. Every line in my store has been personally reviewed by me! 

Total Beauty Thursday:Awareness

Awareness

The unaware life is not worth living. –Socrates

Wow. I love that. Recently, I sat down with myself and asked “What are you doing, really?”

(Photo By: Patrick Hajzler )

I seemed to be stuck in a rut and just felt like life was standing still. Am I aware of what I do on a daily basis? What am I trying to accomplish? What are my goals and am I truly trying to meet them? So I made a list of what was important to me. Here it is: Health/well being, Home and family, Friends, A sense of community (belonging), and Giving back

You might ask “What goes on my “A” list? Well, my list came from completing this sentence:

It feels good to me to.....

1. It feels good to me to have a healthy energetic body. (health/well being)

2. It feels good to me to have a loving family relationship and provide a comfortable and safe home for them. (home and family)

3. It feels good to me to have a circle of friends that are like-minded. (friends)

4. It feels good to me to be connected and involved with my community. (community/belonging)

5. It feels good to me to help others. (giving back)

If this is my “A” list, then what am I doing to make it happen, to make sure everything on this list is being done or taken care of?

What do I need to give up or devote less time to in order to dedicate myself to that which is most precious and important to me?

OK…the first step for me was to literally become AWARE!!! of the things I was doing. If I were to rank my A list items on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being most important, each item would get a ‘5’ of course (that’s why they’re on the list!).

HOWEVER, in reality, my efforts towards those items could only be ranked at best a ‘2’ on a good day. WHAT. A. REVELATION. Duh.

What can I do to close the gap (from a ‘2’ to a ‘5’)? Be AWARE of what I’m actually doing versus what I really (really!) want to be doing. 

WHAT DO I WANT?

which begs the question – What’s STOPPING me from doing what I want? 

What’s stopping you?

Let me know. In the meantime, love yourself.

Loving you at Loving U,

Janice

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About : After 25 years in corporate America, Janice Ward pursued her lifelong passion in the wellness industry in 1999 by opening her first wellness spa. A fan of yoga and meditation since the age of 16, her wellness education and background comes from studies in the United States, Canada, Peru, Nepal, Tibet and Thailand.

Fashion Must-Haves for the Fall

I wrote a guest blog for Lazy Beautiful about fashion must-haves for the fall!!!! 

Check it out!!!

It’s that time ladies. Put away the tanks and flip flops and bring out the cardigans and boots. If you live in the South like I do, it surely doesn’t feel like fall is near. The temp is STILL in the 90s but the cooler weather is right around the corner.

Since the season is changing that means so is our wardrobe! A new excuse to go shopping!!! I wanted to share with you five must-haves for your closet this fall.

Simple, Stylish, Fabulous and best of all AFFORDABLE.

Continue Reading HERE

Make sure you comment on my Guest Post for Lazy Beautiful and subscribe to her Blog. It's fabulous!! 

xoxoxox

5 Drugstore Beauty Products to Try This Fall (Guest Blog)

5 Drugstore Beauty Products to Try This Fall

Makeup from prestige brands may rule the runways, but that doesn’t mean drugstore beauty brands don’t keep up with what’s hot every season. Here are five products that will help you wear the trends for Fall without having to dip into your savings account.

1. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder ($13) Naked, flawless skin is in this Fall. In fact, it’s in every season. This talc-free powder will set your makeup and stave off shine, minus any ingredients that can irritate your skin. A mini brush is included in the compact, but the bristles are stiff and can literally hurt your skin. I suggest using a separate, retractable powder brush. The Recycled Aluminum Retractable Kabuki from EcoTools ($9) is my favorite.

2. e.l.f. Eyelid Primer ($1) The weather may be cooling down, but that won’t keep your eye makeup from creasing or fading. Make sure your look, whether it’s neutral or smokey, stays put by using an eye primer.  This one from e.l.f. Cosmetics rivals the pricey prestige versions sold at Sephora.

3. Milani Liquif’eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil ($6) The appearance of larger eyes and thicker lashes is always in season. This eye liner will give you the illusion of both without breaking the bank. Use Black or Brown for your work-friendly day time look, and then try Gold, Silver or Aqua for your night out with the girls. Bonus: This eye liner is budge-proof, even on the waterline!

4. N.Y.C. Cosmetics Blushable Crème Stick ($4) Get a natural-looking flush on your cheeks with this affordable cream blush.  With six colors in the permanent line, plus limited edition shades every season, you’ll definitely find a shade to suit your skin tone. Tip: These also work great as lip colors when you’re in a pinch.

5. Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain ($9) Bold-colored lips are big this season, but what good is wearing a rich lip color if it doesn’t stay in place? Try using a lip stain for sexy color that won’t migrate on you. This one from Revlon comes complete with the color in a marker-tip on one end and a moisturizing lip balm on the other. Not only is it easy to use, it’s easy to carry.

 

image sources: physiciansformula.com, eyeslipsface.com, milanicosmetics.com, revlon.com, photo of NYC Blushable Creme Stick was taken by Tammy of Lazy Beautiful

 

Written by Tammy of Lazy Beautiful

This post was written by Tammy of Lazy Beautiful. She has a BA from Cal State University, Northridge and is aspiring to break into the beauty business, and become a freelance writer. When she’s not blogging, you can find her hiking on various trails around Los Angeles, trying new food at restaurants (or food trucks), or playing with her ultra-cute bunny named Luna.