Beauty / December 14, 2013

Tai Beauchamp Interview: Hair, Product, and Style Tips for Enjoying The Holiday Season

Style Life Fashion had the opportunity to chat with beauty and style expert, Tai Beauchamp. She shared with us a few hair, product, and style tips for women during the holiday season.

I enjoyed speaking with Tai and listening to her suggestions! Our initial conversation started as an interview but concluded with a “girlfriends” chat about things we love: such as metallic shoes, statement necklaces, and the importance of maintaining healthy hair.

Tai’s not only a stylista but she’s also a Celebrity Ambassador for Target’s ” A Bullseye View” campaign; helping women look and feel their best this holiday season. We hope that you enjoy, like, and use the tips provided through the interview shown below!

What are some tips that women can use to look their best this holiday season?

Number one, this is a good time to try something new! Go out with a bang because you want to start the new year…with a bang. A great suggestion is to switch up your hair but women can also dress up their little black dress by adding statement jewels. By wearing statement jewels, this is a great way to save money on your wardrobe.

When we talk about hair, jazz it up by going from texture to straight, or vice versa. During the winter months, it’s important to keep the hair hydrated and conditioned. Some really great products to use are Mixed Chicks, Leave In Conditioner (at Target.) It’s a lightweight conditioner for all textures. Lastly, don’t forget to try Hair Rules product for hydrating your hair.

What are some style trends that we should know when preparing for a Holiday Party?

Anything that’s metallic is one of the hottest trends whether for the holiday or upcoming spring season. Also, we can’t leave out anything with studs, whether it’s dresses, skirts, sweaters, metal chains are very hot. In addition, consider buying a metallic blouse or metallic pumps (shoes are big) and pumps are back! They are hot, hot, hot, for the holiday season because they make a look appear pulled together.

Can you provide a list of products that women of all hair types can use to maintain their tresses during the holiday rush?

Mixed Chicks, Leave In Conditioner and Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner. The holiday season is also a time to do something new and to also treat yourself. While you’re relaxing in a long bath this is the perfect time to deep conditioner your hair. Use Shea Moisture products and let it sit there. For relaxed hair and problems with “fly aways” the Twisting Butter from Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter helps to create textures. Another fabulous trick you can do at home is to give yourself a deep conditioning with Olive Oil right from your pantry. The foundation for gorgeous hair is healthy hair and hair gets drier in the winter months.

Are there any additional tips that you want to leave with us?

The key to enjoying the holiday season is to celebrate life; when we talk about celebrating you want to make sure your hair is fabulous, outfit fierce, perspective’s centered around love, friendship, and family. No one thing stands alone but most importantly have a fabulous attitude!

Accessories / November 15, 2013

Red Dress and Fashionable Accessories for Holiday Season

Every girl needs a red dress to wear, not just for the holiday season (so that we can look smashing) but also for a dinner date on Valentines Day. As women, we are reluctante to wear the color red because it’s such a bold hue. But most importantly, we like to purchase and wear items that accentuate our figure.

The dress below compliments my curves (after having two boys) and my skin tone. I wanted to give a special touch to the look by adding accessories and wearing a pair of gold chain ankle bracelets.

To find this dress and ankle bracelets click right here: Shop.StyleLifeFashion.com

Beauty / November 7, 2013

Hair Tips for The Holiday: The Braided Bun Blend from Boston Salon Owner

Mario Russo, owner & lead stylist of Salon Mario Russo in Boston just shared with us some good news for braid and bun lovers: they no longer have to choose between the two! For those preparing for holiday parties, a high school reunion or even a girl’s night out, it’s time to cue the braid bun blend.

With the popularity of the fishtail braid and sock bun, it is no secret that braids and buns are enjoying the spotlight in the hair world; but trust us, the star power is even stronger when you combine the two styles. Oh and did we mention it’s a side bun? Nothing says classy and fabulous like a side bun! To help you achieve the perfect balance between the two, Mario Russo has compiled step-by-step instructions for this new look for your locks.

How to Create the Braid Bun Blend

Step 1: Begin by blow-drying wet hair to its smoothest state by utilizing a boar bristle brush. For added volume, we recommend using Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray.

Step 2: Part hair slightly off to the side and begin to French braid the hair starting from the temple of the side with less hair. Continue to braid hair all the way around your head until you reach the spot just beneath the ear on the other side. Once you have reached this point, tie the end of the braid with a clear elastic.

Step 3: Take the side of the hair that has not yet been braided, and use a curling iron to curl the hair away from the face. Make sure to keep these curls loose so they look wavy, and beachy. For even more texture on this side, we recommend using Oribe Texturizing Spray.

Step 4: Take a few random pieces from the curled side and form a loose twist over the ear. This is the ear that’s opposite the side of the head where you started your braid.

Step 5: Begin to twist the curled side of your hair and the end of the braid around each other to form a very loose side bun. Secure with bobby pins.

Step 6: The look should be very whimsical and loosely secured. Fasten your bun with bobby pins and finish with shine hairspray like MoroccanOil Luminous Hairspray.

Accessories / October 31, 2013

Handbag Accessories: Take Your Purse from Drab to Fab {VIDEO}

Handbags are one of my favorite accessories. I like having my items organized and in one place when it’s time head out.

But aside from having a beautiful designer purse, I also enjoy adding my personal style to bags with a few accessories. It’s great to own several handbags (whether they’re designer, vintage, or just a good deal) but here’s a question, “are they enhancing your overall look or simply blending in with your trousers?”

The video below talks more about how we can add a special touch to our handbags while looking fabulous. I hope it encourages everyone to place a charm, scarf, or have their initials stamped on their bag.

[youtube height=”” width=””]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyEdmE7YC1M[/youtube]

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / October 15, 2013

Makeup Organization Tools: Quick Video

I received my acrylic makeup box in the mail and instantly wanted to share my excitement with readers.

I am passionate about this product because it’s sturdy, holds the majority of my cosmetics, and I can see all of the products that are inside!

It’s the perfect compliment to my rotating desk organizer which I shared on Instagram. Stop for a few minutes and enjoy the video which discusses a few of my makeup organization tools.

[youtube height=”” width=””]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2zRSrhD–Y[/youtube]

Celebrity / September 23, 2013

Keyshia Cole Interview: Launch of Steve Madden Collection in Baltimore Maryland

To my suprise and excitement, Style Life Fashion was asked to interview Keyshia Cole on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Keyshia was visiting the Baltimore area (Towson Town Center) to promote her new shoe collection with Steve Madden.

Of course, I was very excited to interview Keyshia Cole because I do like her music (we all have our favorite song) and personal style. But, I could also relate to her in terms of fashion, music, and relationships.

I truly enjoyed interviewing Keyshia Cole because she is very down to earth and passionate about her upcoming projects. From our conversation, she is trying to expand her brand beyond music and aspires to have a lipgloss collaboration (Hello MAC, you have Rihanna…why not Keyshia.)

Aside from the interview, her new shoe collection is hot. I wanted to see the shoes for myself because in addition to being a fan of Keyshia Cole, I also like Steve Madden pumps and boots.

From color assorted pumps to lace up pointed stilletos, the Keyshia Cole collection will definitely be the shoe that every girl will want. Most importantly, the shoes are affordable and I am secretly plotting when I will purchase a pair of shoes (the DIVA in black) from the collection.

Lastly, fans in the Baltimore area did a fantastic job of welcoming Keyshia Cole to the area and truly showed support for the artist. The event ended with Keyshia connecting with her fans while singing songs, playing games, and promoting her Steve Madden collection.

Beauty / September 16, 2013

Nina Davuluri Crowned Miss America 2014

Congratulations to Nina Davuluri (former Miss New York) for being crowned the 2014 winner of the Miss America Pageant.

Stay tuned for style inspiration as she graced the stage wearing a stunning yellow dress!

Featured / August 13, 2013

Mommy-ista Dressing and Beauty Tips: Look Fabulous while Being a Mom

As a mom you’re busy going to school meetings, shopping for groceries, and picking up socks. Honestly, there’s barely enough time in the day to get it all done, let alone time to fix yourself up. But mommy-istas, today is a new day! We need to embrace motherhood with a sense of vengeance and look fabulous while on this journey.

There’s a few rules that every mom should remember as “the going gets tough.” Rule number one: In order for everyone to be happy (and sane) in your home, your sense of happiness is very important. Number two: It’s completely okay to pick up a new tube of lipstick while shopping for pampers. And number three: Find a gym that has mommy daycare so everyone can have a “time out.”

Now that the rules have been established, let’s talk about looking fabulous. With so many celebrity moms like Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian, and Jessica Simpson, they have opened the doors for better apparel and beauty products.

Your probably saying to yourself, “good for them” but becoming a mom’s truly a unique sisterhood. When you enter this girls club, there’s always the uncontrollable issue of time. Which means we need (better) products that get us out of the door quickly, make us look good, and are cost efficient.

Based upon my own experiences, I have decided to share a few “mommy” secrets in regards to dress and my daily beauty regimen.

Mommy-ista Dressing Must Haves

1. A cute pair of flats: They can be purchased from Target or Channel but you need a pair of flats in your wardrobe…it’s difficult to chase kids in stilettos (honestly.) Also, flats are perfect for when you wear heels and need to take a break. You can carry flats in your purse and use them when needed.

2. Jeans are purchased in three categories: You have date night jeans that are sexy, stylish, and slightly trendy. You have parent/teacher conference jeans that look appropriate with a blazer…not too tight or sexy. You have shopping jeans that are comfortable…not “mom jeans” and can be worn with any pair of shoes.

3. Stylish pair of pumps/heels: Eventually you will have a “Girls Night Out” or need to wear them to the office. Every mom should have a pair in her wardrobe. When starting out, purchase them in basic colors and progress towards “fun” heels.

4. A blazer can do wonders: Wearing a blazer instantly makes you look stylish but can also hide a few figure imperfections. They can also go with anything (depending on the color and fabric texture) so this is a must have in your “mommy” wardrobe.

5. Proper undergarments: Once you become a mom (no matter what size) you will have a case of the “jiggles.” And that’s okay because as a grown woman, you want to have curves but undergarments assist with the shape/fit of your attire. Stop by your favorite lingerie store and purchase a cami top, hosiery, and body shaper.

Mommy-ista Beauty Tips

1. Buy Concealer and Foundation: This particular beauty product is your best friend! You have long nights, and early mornings (very different from college.) Therefore at some point, you will want to look awake and refreshed. Concealer and Foundation can be purchased at Saks or at a local drugstore. For more questions about concealer, download my e-book Beauty Tips Back to The Basics.

2. Neutral Lipstick and Red Lipstick: Wearing a neutral lipstick will make your face appear upbeat and match any color blouse (or dress) in your wardrobe. Wearing a red lipstick will brighten the eyes and refresh your face as well.

3. Groom those Eyebrows: Your eyebrows are truly a window to the face! They can be groomed at any local salon for $10.00 or a kit can be purchased from a local drugstore.

4. Fragrance, Fragrance, Fragrance: Wearing a fragrance can boost any mood but most importantly, you will smell pleasant at all times (while running errands.)

5. Buy Quick Dry Nail Polish or Nail Stickers: At some point, you will need to “appear” as if you’ve had a manicure. Owning nail polish provides the luxury of making your hands look polished but also good for in-home touch ups. Nail stickers are inexpensive and trendy.

Accessories / August 11, 2013

Fall 2013 Fashion Designer Trends and Collections Part II

Below are photos that provide inspiration for Fall 2013, when we consider building our wardrobe. Based upon my previous post, “Fall 2013 Beauty Trends and Accessories” I like to stay abreast of what’s current and new as it relates to fashion, beauty, and style.

My motivation behind this post series (or more so incorporating a trends element to this blog) steams from my family and friends asking what’s popular for the upcoming season. The people in my life acknowledge that this is my passion and therefore come to me for wardrobe advice.

Therefore, this particular write – up centers around designer trends (for the fall) that have graced the runway last Spring. I decided to compile a few looks and hopefully they will help “spruce” up a few items you already own. And don’t forget, it’s always great to find inspiration but learn to make every look your own!

Marc Jacobs

Celine

Diane von Furstenberg

Rebecca Minkoff

Giueseppe Zanotti

Alexander McQueen

Beauty / August 9, 2013

Product Review: Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup

Last week I received a package in the mail from Tonja, the CEO of Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup. Of course, I was super excited to test out the products because I love makeup. But most importantly, this line of cosmetics is considered to be a mineral product.

For those that are not savvy about the use of mineral based makeup, the Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup line’s considered to, “give skin a natural glow and feel as if you have nothing on.” According to sources, mineral makeup is also helpful for women with sensitive skin and need assistance covering blemishes.

Many people are not aware that I suffer from having eczema (all over.) Having this skin care issue is my driving force behind developing a regiman and wearing the proper makeup for my skin type (to protect my skin from environmental debris.) That purpose alone is a positive incentive for anyone to test out this brand.

Upon opening the package, I received several makeup brushes, shimmering bronzer, and foundation. And I have to agree that this product did indeed live up to it’s testimony! When applying the foundation and bronzer, I only needed to use a small amount of each product. The makeup brushes felt wonderful and my face looked great throughout the remainder of the evening.