Category: Uncategorized

Accessories /

7 Facts You Didn’t Know About Me: Plaid Blanket Wrap Shawl #OOTD or #WIW

 

My birthday was last Friday, which is the perfect opportunity to share seven facts you didn’t know about me.  I started this blog as a creative outlet but as time passed it has become more than I would’ve ever imagined.

I love my readers and want them (meaning you) to know more about me as an individual. So, here we go…

7 Facts You Didn’t Know About Me:

  1. I learned how to sew when I was seven years old.
  2. Throughout college I maintained a Theater Scholarship.  Never had an idea that I would actually use those skills from my television course.
  3. In middle school I participated in the Poetry Contest reciting pieces from Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni.
  4. I prefer a glass of Merlot over Chardonnay; it contains antioxidants.
  5. My favorite personal outlet is reading and obsessing over magazines.
  6. I am a huge 80’s fanatic from the movies, music, and clothing.
  7. My dream vacation would be visiting Egypt.

#OOTD – meaning Outfit of The Day

This particular day was no different from any other beyond the fact that the cold snap has come South.  Although living on the East Coast for several years, my body has become accustomed to seasonal warmth.

Therefore, I needed to layer-up and wear something that would protect me from the cool air.  I opted for a wrap shawl and sweater dress.  Another tidbit is that I’m a texture person and this dress had a soft blend.  Opaque tights and boots gave me extra warmth for a day of running errands.

To purchase a similar wrap shawl click here: Plaid Blanket Wrap Shawl

 

Beauty /

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna: The Galaxy Collection

Fenty Beauty hit the makeup airwaves this fall and has been soaring ever since. Rihanna’s officially declared as a new beauty guru and keeps bringing more cosmetics delights.

 

Just in time for the holiday season, The Galaxy Collection is rich in glitter and more glitter! The latest products are titled cute names such as Starlit Lipstick, Eclipse Eyeliner, and Galaxy Eye shadow Palette. 

I can’t wait to  share my personal review of this limited edition collection!

 

Accessories /

Supermodel Martha Hunt x Pluma Capsule Collection Inegal

Supermodel and Scoliosis survivor Martha Hunt teams up with PLUMA to create the capsule collection “Inégal” which debuted in June 2017.  Together Martha and PLUMA have created two beautiful and inspiring designs sales from which will benefit two charities: The Scoliosis Research Society and The Curvy Girls Scoliosis Foundation.

 Caroline 1 in Rhodium

($515.00 in Rhodium, and Gold)

Caroline 2 in Rhodium

($440 in Rhodium and Gold)

The “Caroline” necklaces in the Inégal collection benefit The Scoliosis Research Foundation. The two special edition designs are available in rhodium and 24 karat gold, is handcrafted in Italy and made of plated brass plates with leather straps.  Interlocked, the plates emulate vertebrae creating a metallic spine choker.  ​The designs themselves are named “Caroline” after Martha’s mother who gave Martha the love and support she needed to battle the disorder.  “Caroline 1” has scales or vertebrae that are 2 inches in length while the “Caroline 2” has 1 ½ inch vertebrae.

Alyson in Gold

($39)

Alyson in Silver (Gunmetal)

($39)

The “Alyson” necklaces in the Inégal collection benefit Curvy Girls Scoliosis Foundation – an international network of peer-led support groups for girls with scoliosis. Two special edition “Alyson” necklaces, available in gold and silver (gunmetal), are named after Alyson Gerber who is the author of Braced, a novel about a twelve-year old girl’s first year in her scoliosis brace.  With one side emblazoned with “Inégal” and the other with “Resilient,” the piece is meant to celebrate and honor those who have scoliosis.


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​Martha Hunt wears the Alyson in Gold ​

“We created pieces that would honor the beauty of the spine, its simplicity, and genius.  The design also calls to mind how integral the spine is to human life and the burden that Scoliosis causes to the people who suffer from it with elegant simplicity, which is also reflected in the name “Inégal” meaning unequal or uneven.” – Brendan Cannon, PLUMA Creative Director

“Brendan Cannon is a friend of mine and has a pure heart.  Together we discussed the idea of designing beautiful jewelry, inspired by the experience of having Scoliosis, the Inégal Collection.  As 100% of the proceeds of this portion of the collection will benefit Curvy Girl Scoliosis Foundation, I want women who wear the “Inégal” collection to feel beautiful and empowered.”- Martha Hunt

The Caroline​ necklaces from ​the Inégal collection are available online at  LUISAVIAROMA – www.LUISAVIAROMA.com

The complete Inégal collection is available online on the

​ ​PLUMA website – www.pluma-italia.net​
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About Martha Hunt

Raised in North Carolina, Martha moved to New York City to pursue a full-time modeling career in 2007. She has worked with many high-end brands and designers, and has been featured in top-tier magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Glamour.  Martha has the distinction of being a Victoria’s Secret Angel since 2015.

Martha dealt with Scoliosis from the ages of 14-18 and finally had a spinal fusion at age 18.  It is a physical and emotional burden during adolescent years Martha felt lonely and insecure throughout the process and being able to relate to the thousands of people that undergo treatment for the condition, she’s passionate about spreading awareness. The need to bring awareness combined with how much research has evolved and needs to improve sparked her interest in becoming an advocate.

She visited Capitol Hill during the last two years, on behalf of The Scoliosis Research Society, asking Congress for more funding for all orthopedic research, through the National Institutes for Health (NIH).

About PLUMA and Creative Director Brendan Cannon

Brendan Cannon is the Creative Director of PLUMA, a collection of chic and elegant accessories produced in Italy by some of the premier luxury artisans in the world.

Cannon’s designs reflect the multifaceted lives and sophistication of women who covet and wear luxury accessories. The precise combinations of luxurious elements like brass with molded resin, high-grade leather, and enamel give an elegant sensuality, allowing the jewelry to become a wardrobe staple.

PLUMA debuted as a capsule collection that was shown alongside designer Jason Wu’s Pre-Fall 2013 collection. The ‘Oro’ suite, collaboration between Cannon and Wu, featured the brand’s signature gold links, brass, black enamel and molded resin. PLUMA officially launched with a full collection for the Spring 2014 season. PLUMA has attracted the attention of celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Robert, Vanessa Hudgens, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Kate Beckinsale, Lily Collins, Jessica Paré and Julianne Hough, among others.

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About The Scoliosis Research Society

The Scoliosis Research Society is a non-profit, professional organization, made up of physicians and allied health personnel. Our primary focus is on providing continuing medical education for health care professionals and on funding/supporting research in spinal deformities. Founded in 1966, SRS has gained recognition as the world’s premier spine deformity society. Please visit www.srs.org for further information.

About Curvy Girl Scoliosis Foundation

Curvy Girls is a network of peer-led support groups that reduce the emotional impact of scoliosis by empowering girls through mutual support and acceptance to become leaders, make healthy lifestyle choices, improve self-esteem while giving back to the Curvy Girls community. The organization was founded by Leah Stoltz when she was 13 years old on Long Island, NY and now there are about 90 chapters in 13 countries, all led by girls with scoliosis between the ages of 11-22. Learn more at www.curvygirlsscoliosis.com.

Beauty /

Halloween Beauty Looks Right At Home with YouCam Makeup

YouCam Makeup just released its first-ever 3D AR Halloween costume collection so users can now try out hyper-realistic Halloween beauty looks right at home. In addition to trying out these realistic beauty looks, YouCam Makeup partnered with Lancôme to help users bring these looks to life through product recommendations for in-app purchases – with just a few taps you can try on the looks and purchase the products!
This extensive Halloween beauty series marks the launch of YouCam Makeup’s newly revamped AR 3D engine that makes virtual beauty trials more accurate and realistic than ever before. The powerful new feature reconstructs a real-time three-dimensional face model based on a facial scan of 100+ landmarks per second allowing users to experience the styles in live camera for a unique true-to-life try-on. This advanced technology enables users to experience unprecedented virtual makeup effects that bring these striking Halloween styles to life.
Beauty /

Achieve Your Holiday Glam with Gold Products

Feeling festive? The holidays are the perfect excuse to be a little extra, especially with your makeup!

And the best way to step up your glam this season is with some GOLD! From 24k infused primers, to Glittery shadows, the options are endless. Check out some of the awesome new Gold launches listed below!

All about ingredients? Merle Norman’s 24k Gold Firming Foundation Primer doubles as skincare and makeup in one! This primer contains actual gold flakes designed to give your skin a boost of energy while restoring a youthful appearance and natural glow! It also contains patented biopolymers and 17 natural Amino Acids that result in a firming sensation, lifting and smoothing your skin, while also extending the wear of your foundation. $50, MerleNorman.com.

All about the eyes? Wunder2 Glitter Gelly in 24k Gold create a sophisticated, sparkly makeup look with these mess-free, long-wearing glitters. Formulated in a gel for precise application, the chunky glitter texture applies to the skin perfectly smooth and soft to the touch. Comfortable enough to be used all over, these head to toe wonderful glitters will give you that extra pop for a beautiful makeup look that lasts all day. $15.95, Wunder2.com.

Want an all-over gold glow? Mehron’s Precious Gem Powders in Tigers Eye offer vibrant, highly pigmented-infused color, with dramatic sheen and luster. From every day to special occasions, these rich, silky, sparkling loose powders are versatile enough to be applied from head-to-toe for that really distinctive look.  Available in 19 colors! $10.50, Mehron.com.

Craving skin-prep fit for a queen? The Peter Thomas Roth 24k Gold Mask is the ultimate luxurious anti-aging treatment. This rich mask is infused with Pure 24k Gold and Colloidal Gold to help improve the appearance of firmness and impart an opulent glow. Known from the time of Cleopatra to have powerful anti-aging benefits, 24k Gold helps firm, lift, brighten and calm the appearance of skin. Caffeine helps skin appear firmer and tighter while Peridot, an exquisite gemstone rich in magnesium, re-energizes and helps reduce the look of aging and stress. Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin deliver intense hydration for a more lifted appearance. This lavish, pampering treatment helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking silky smooth, firmer, radiant, revitalized and youthful. $110.99, Fragrance.com.

Want to smell like 24k? To Michael Kors, nothing is more alluring than the rich indulgences of Gold. The ultimate symbol of luxury and glamour. Introducing 24k Brilliant Gold, which shimmers with orange mandarin, voluptuous floralcy and a rousing spark of woodiness. $81.99, Fragrance.com.

 

Accessories /

33rd Annual Southern Women’s Show Birmingham: Girls Day Out Recap

The Southern Women’s Show is an annual event that takes place in Birmingham, Alabama.  It’s a local tradition for women to view live shows; shop with vendors, and taste delicious southern treats.

This year, I attended the show with my mom and her two girlfriends.  We had an amazing time walking the pink carpet and snapped pictures at the SWS photo-booth. Of course, we shopped at the Belk perfume booth, purchased jewelry, and tasted authentic Cajun candy.

The trade show also included live shows from The Firefighter Fashion Show Benefiting the American Cancer Society and entertainment from The Six Sliders Line Dance / Fitness Ministry.

Attendees registered for fun prizes and participated in cooking demonstrations.  As stated on The Southern Women’s Show website, “the real excitement begins when you arrive!”

 

 

Accessories /

Carelle Fine Jewelry Trunk Show Recap: Structured and Modern Designs

Carelle Fine Jewelry hosted a trunk show at Saks Fifth Avenue, Birmingham on Friday, September 30, 2017.

The collection featured unique designs; mixing high fashion with a touch of architecture. Due to its simplistic sophistication, Carelle jewelry can be worn daily and not just for special occasions.

Several of the pieces were made from precious gemstones and metals. The Carelle Fine Jewelry Trunk Show displayed structured and stackable accessories that are created for the modern woman.

 

 

 

Uncategorized /

Sarah Hyland in Avon on Emmys 2017 Red Carpet

Inspiration: Sarah’s look was inspired by the bold color of her dress. Allan wanted to incorporate a pop of that same color into her makeup look on the eyes, while keeping her skin golden and glowing, finishing with a nude lip.

Eyes: To start, Allan prepped Sarah’s eyelids with Avon True Color Eyeshadow Primer. He gave her a wash of bronze and copper with the shades in the Avon True Color 8-in-1 Eyeshadow Palette in Smoky Nights over the entire lid and on the bottom lashline. Then, he used Shade #2 in the Avon True Color Matte Eyeshadow Quad in Desert Sunset all over the top lid and into the crease. He applied two coats of Avon True Color SuperExtend Nourishing Mascara to her top lashes and applied a soft coat to her bottom lashes. He defined Sarah’s beautiful, full brows with Avon Perfect Eyebrow Styling Duo in Soft Brown..

Face: After applying moisturizer, Allan used Avon True Color Flawless Liquid Foundation in Natural Beige to give her undetectable coverage and make her skin flawless in every angle and light. Then, he spot treated areas that needed extra coverage or areas that should be highlighted with Avon True Color Ideal Nude Cream Concealer in Netural. To add dimension and contour Sarah’s face, Allan used Avon True Color Bronzing Powder in Light Bronze and then applied Avon True Color Luminous Blush in Warm Honey to make her cheeks pop. To add a glow to her skin, Allan used the champagne color in Avon True Color 8-in-1 Eyeshadow Palette in Smoky Nights on all of the high points of her face like her cheekbones and down the bridge of her nose.

Lips: To finish the look, Allan lined and filled in Sarah’s lips with Avon True Color Glimmersticks Lip Liner in Peach Envy and topped off her lips with Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick in Marvelous Mocha.

 

Beauty /

NYFW and Nordstrom Beauty Trend Events

In the spirit of NYFW, I’m excited to announce that this month, Nordstrom Beauty Trend Events are back!
If you’re not familiar, Nordstrom goes backstage every New York Fashion Week to bring the hottest trends from the runway to the consumer. For the Fall 2017 season (as previewed in February), they’ve identified the beauty trends as Bold Berries, Decadent Browns and Flawless Skin (see below for the trend images).
Now through December, you can visit the leading beauty retailer and receive one-on-one time with renowned beauty experts (previous special guests have included Jen Atkin, Charlotte Tilbury, etc.) who will teach you how to achieve the freshest runway-inspired looks with products specific to you. Plus, you’ll get free samples and exclusive gifts with your purchases (while supplies last)!
To find a Nordstrom location near you and it’s upcoming Beauty Trend Week/Show dates, please follow this link: http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/fall-trend-week-by-store
*Note, Beauty Trend Week dates vary per location and run from Sunday to Saturday. Only some locations have a Beauty Trend Show, which will always take place on Saturday morning.
Beauty /

Intensive Recovery Japanese Binchotan Zumi Mask: Beauty Review

I receive a lot of questions about my skincare routine. The hidden secret is that I use a weekly face mask.

Face masks are different from the ordinary scrub or toner because it hydrates the skin and removes oils.  It’s the perfect option for those life events that require healthy skin with flawless makeup application.

Beauty Review:

I had the opportunity to review the Intensive Recovery Japanese Binchotan Zumi Mask. Upon placing the mask on my face, I was skeptical about the unique shape.

I wanted to review the product during a time that I was suffering from breakouts. To my surprise the mask left my face looking and feeling incredibly smooth.  After researching the product I discovered the charcoal has detoxifying ingredients.

The Zumi Mask package included a serum that serves as a natural purifier.  To learn more about the product and review for yourself, check out the information below:

What: Tresor Rare is a high-end luxury skincare line featuring the Intensive Recovery Japanese Binchotan Zumi Mask. This $5000 beauty mask is made from Japanese Kishu Binchotan charcoal which is the highest quality charcoal. This is the same charcoal used for water filtration. Avid campers and mountain climbers use it and… it is expensive and rare.

Why the hefty pricetag?

The Kishu Binchotan has unparalleled detoxifying benefits. Kishu Binchotan charcoal is the best in the world due to its unique structure and origin (Japan). It comes from a tree that grows there since 1688. When the tree is grown, hard wood is collected from it then burned. The remaining natural powder is then carbonized in a traditional Japanese carbonizing technique at 1200 Celsius which give it this rich, dense, pasty texture. It’s knows as “the golden charcoal.”

Products containing activated charcoal are usually more expensive. In fact, the more expensive products out there have two things warranting the price first… great packaging and secondly… higher amounts of binchotan activated charcoal. Porous binchotan has a solid structure with irregular holes which maximizes its ability to absorb toxins (hence it’s use in water filtration). This Tresor Rare mask is made of 100% Kishu Binchotan and it offers the highest level of skin detoxification on the market. The price…$5000.

This mask does not appear black as it dissolves into the skin. The mask is gold and once the serum is applied to the skin, the gold mask is applied on top.

The product was produced with natural plant extracts and emollients, organic ingredients, essential oils, natural plant and seed based oils and no artificial colors.

Additional Information:

This ultra-precise, high-performance, intensive age defying treatment mask is perfectly adapted to the skin. Its excellent fit assures ultimate penetration of unique double-layered specialty ingredients into the skin. An incredible formula with advanced technology that helps in detoxifying, lifting, refining skin texture and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Once applied to the face, this mask made of active charcoal, releases negative ions also known as “Vitamins in the Air.” They can balance the skin and returning its natural balance. Skin looks younger and more radiant.

This amazing serum starts off black and disappears into the skin – containing active charcoal; Mother Nature’s natural skin purifier.

Bottle

 This luxurious, active charcoal mask is saturated with beneficial ingredients and moisture. Leaves skin feeling amazingly smooth, detoxified and younger looking.

Mask

 Structure of the skin

This double-layered mask contains positive ions and excellent age defying and lifting plant extracts for a complete over all skin treatment.

Application

Use once a week. Onto clean skin, open the single mask pack and apply to the face, allow it to infuse the skin for 10 minutes or more. To fully experience, massage the mask with your fingers, this will cause more negative ions to be released, rinse with warm water.

The mask is made from 100% pure, mild, skin friendly plant fiber, and is 100% fully biodegradable. Contains 12 masks.

Retail Price: 5k

Available at Tresor Rare Stores Nationwide