Age Of Adaline ~ Blake Lively's Costumes

We just went to the Corinna B's World Age Of Adaline screening.
It was fabulous - the perfect movie for a group of fashion forward, glam loving, makeup and hair loving girls to win VIP passes to!

Blake Lively was of course, gorgeous. The story tracks Adaline's (Lively's) life across 100+ years during which a scientific anomaly makes her impervious to aging, keeping her perpetually 29 years old.

The film mostly takes place in 2014, with flashbacks throughout the 20th century. For a story like this to work you are reliant on costuming. The wardrobe not only has to reflect each period in the story, but also has to marry the contemporary designs with flavors from Adaline's coming of age time (the 1940's). It would be easy for the fashions to eclipse the story, but instead under the direction of  Academy Award winning costumer Angus Strathie, the wardrobe skillfully keeps us believing Adaline's trajectory through the 20th century. The mix of contemporary with vintage is fabulous. Adaline's clothes steer clear of trendy, at all times maintaining classic lines and the good taste of a lady who hit her stride circa 1940.

Make sure you go see Age Of Adaline, opening in theaters Friday April 24th, but in the meantime check out some of the costuming, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

Gucci tea dress paired with a 1950's style cardigan

New Years eve 1940's style coat over her Gucci dress

This custom Gucci dress appears twice in the film, both times on New Year's Eve, but once in 1945 and then again in 2014.

Adaline in the 1960's

Adaline in the 1960's

The film's final, pivotal scene feature's Lively in this golden Grecian Gucci

Bridal Beauty Tip #12 ~ The Wedding Makeup Trial Checklist

I can't stress enough how important your pre-wedding day makeup trial is. Not only is it your opportunity to perfect your look for your big day, but it is also an opportunity to avoid a major disaster on the biggest day of your life.

Jenny Lee Wedding Dress

In the past few weeks I have had multiple brides call me the week of their wedding to tell me their makeup artist has cancelled on them. They wind up being totally stuck because all the good makeup artists have invariably been booked for months, and unless they get incredibly lucky they have to face their wedding day with no makeup artist.
I even had a maid of honor call me in tears 2 hours before the ceremony because the artist they booked didn't bother to show up. 
He decided he had something better to do.
The bride and all her bridesmaids came with no makeup because they were paying for  makeup artist. Can you even imagine walking down the aisle with no makeup on??
I was already booked and couldn't help her.

The common thread in each case was that the bride had gone the super budget route, and had chosen a makeup artist from Thumbtack. I'm sure on some level you can find a good makeup on a cut rate service, but I don't like your odds.


So how do you avoid a wedding day makeup nightmare?
Start with the clues you can spot at your makeup trial.

1. Beware the "free trial"
When someone offers a free trial they are telling you straight up that they don't attach value to their time, their skills, the products in their kit. If they don't see themselves as worthy, why should you?
A professional will attach value to your trial. 

2. Expect Punctuality.
A good artist will arrive to your trial on time and fully prepared.
If they arrive late to your trial you can't expect them to arrive on time to your wedding. The trial is the job interview - your artist needs to present their A game, show you that they respect your event.

3. Note Their Appearance.
As above, this is a job interview. Your artist needs to present looking like a great hire. That means clean hair, good grooming, nicely - not sloppily dressed, and they should be sporting nice makeup. If their makeup is poorly applied or looks overblown, you can take that as a warning sign!
Even if the artist's work is brilliant I would see a sloppy appearance as a giant red flag. 

4. Check Out Their Kit.
When that makeup kit opens up there is a goldmine of information looking right up at you!
My first concern is how clean is the kit? Does it look dusty and powdery? Are there broken powders and shadows floating around? Are the bottles of foundation and palettes of products looking clean and well cared for, or are they messy?
Next you want to glance at the makeup brushes. There is never, ever any excuse for anyone to arrive with dirty brushes. Artists carry brush cleaning fluid, and part of packing up from a job is cleaning your brushes before you head out to the next job. When an artist gets home the expectation is that they wash their brushes, no matter how late it is.
Think about a chef after a busy night at the restaurant. Does he say he's too tired to clean up and leave dirty dishes and food scraps everywhere? or does the entire restaurant get cleaned spotlessly?

5. What Products Are They Using?
We all use a variety of makeup products, but the majority, if not all of the products in your artist's kit should be quality products. Cheapie products aren't built to last 12 hours. You are paying for the artist to do a great job with quality products that have been designed to work well, be photographed and last all night.

6. Listen For The Questions.
Is your artist asking you a lot of questions? He or she needs to ask questions about you, your makeup style and preferences, your dress, the overall look of your wedding, the time of your ceremony - there are tons of questions to ask. A good artist will get the information and then create something fabulous to go with it. 

7. Where's The Contract?
You don't have a deal - a business deal - without a contract.
A contract binds the 2 of you together for your big day. I would be very wary of anyone who didn't give you a contract to fill out and sign. A freelance makeup artist is an owner operated business. The contract shows their commitment to their business, without a contract its all just talk. 

8. Check Their References.
Check your artist out online before you make the commitment. If they have been doing weddings already (do you want to be their first?) they will probably have reviews that you can read. If they don't have reviews you can call around wedding planners and photographers and see what the word on the street is about this artist.  People love to praise artists who have been reliable and who have done a fabulous job.

Remember: when it comes to your wedding makeup, a bargain is seldom a bargain. Don't blow $5000 of photography on $50 worth of makeup

Beauty Tip of The Week #12 ~ Six Secrets To Having A Good Hair Day, Every Day

After one too many difficult hair days, I found this on Career Girl Daily.

May your week be full of good hair days...

What do you when you wake up and your hair looks like it’s been on an adventure that you weren’t invited to? Especially if you’ve got limited time to get ready anyway? Well, besides panic and scream and drag a brush through it with furious abandon, there are a few things you can do in advance to make sure you’re having a good hair day every day! So read on to see our six secrets to a good hair day every day!

image by Kristen Cesiro for Career Girl Daily

#1 Invest in a great pillowcase
It might seem farfetched but investing in a silk pillowcase has hundreds of benefits, while you sleep your hair will glide across the surface and won’t get tangled or messed up. A silk pillowcase will stop your face from creasing on one side too – and feels incredible!

#2 Prepare in advanceIf you know you like your hair a certain way, do some preparation before you wake up. Have a look at some comfortable ways to preserve your style while you’re sleeping, for example sleeping on a plait or with a scarf around your hair after applying serum.

#3 Add some oomph
Teasing the roots of your hair can go a long way in refreshing your look and making your hair look freshly styled. Use dry shampoo or salt spray to add texture to your look, teasing it with a comb or your fingers can help erase any sleep induced flatness.

#4 Treat your hairYour poor hair goes through a lot, set aside some time to treat it with a great mask. Don’t forget to use heat protection serum to avoid any damage or split ends, and look for a good mask that will keep your hair hydrated and fed. 

#5 Shower-right
It may seem obvious but using a great shampoo and conditioner can make a huge difference to how your hair falls. Rinse your hair through with cold water before you get out of the shower to tame frizz and seal in the moisture, and if possible let it naturally dry.

#6 Go easy on the heat
Let your hair have a breather if possible, go easy on the curling tongs and straightening irons and if you use a hair dryer, make sure you use a wide barreled brush and get the perfect blow out.

Go Totally Nude ~ The Coveted List April 2015

My favorite color palette for summer is crisp, vibrant white.
Its so fresh and clean, looks wonderful with a tan, and makes an easy transition from day to evening.
Whether the total look is white or whether white is an accent, I love it.

Eileen Fisher Summer 2015

This month's Coveted List looks at pieces to pair with whites, offsetting bright white with easy nude.

Go Totally Nude

Totally Nude Coveted List clockwise from top left:

Butter London Nail Lacquer in Crumpet
Kevyn Aucoin Expert Lip Color in Faith
Hermes Cape Cod Watch
Celine Butterfly Sunglasses in Transperant Saffron Acetate
Jimmy Choo Pledge Wedge
Scott Barnes Body Bling
 Chanel Large Tote in Nude





Expert Lip Color in Faith

Tips For Women Traveling Alone

Now more than ever women and girls are out there in the world, traveling alone. 
I am a huge advocate for solo travel and love to take off on my own at any given opportunity, be it a domestic opportunity or an international one.
But as a female traveling alone you need to be savvy, street smart, and safety conscious. 

 Tips For Women Traveling Alone

1. Be Location Savvy.
Learn about your destination before you leave home.
This can mean learning about the city you are traveling to, the immediate area you are staying in, and when traveling abroad, the local customs. A little research can show you that to get from your conference to your hotel you have to pass through a bad area, or that there is no public transport near where you are staying. Learning about the local culture can prevent you from dressing in a manner that although acceptable where you live, could be offensive to the locals, or could invite unwanted attention.
Checking in with TripAdvisor can be enormously helpful, from finding great hotels to reading reviews about areas rife with pickpockets.



2. Be Transport Savvy
Research the local transport near where you are staying. You can normally find out how close the nearest subway/bus stop/ taxi stand is, how safe they are, if the subway has escalators, where you buy tickets - sometimes you have to purchase tickets from the tobacco shop around the corner or some other unusual or unexpected location, and whether or not you need to have the exact change on you etc. 
If you are sightseeing find out what time the last bus leaves, and make sure you are at the bus stop in plenty of time to catch it.
If you will be driving take some time to look at local maps to see if you have one way systems to deal with, find out how to get from your hotel to the motorway, where is the nearest parking and is it safe.
You can view most places on google maps and actually look at the local streets. I've cancelled fantastic looking apartments or hotels after seeing the trash lined streets around them, or seeing that the immediate area didn't look too safe.

3. Be Hotel Savvy.
Try to get a room that is near the elevators (no walking down long, dimly lit hallways), away from emergency exits and on a higher floor, in a hotel that has decent security.
Always use the deadbolt on your door, and never open the door to anyone you don't know. Ideally you will have a peephole on the door and can check before opening it.
Don't travel with any unnecessary valuables. Wearing flashy jewelry and diamonds can make you a target, both while you are out and about, and also can draw unwanted attention at your hotel.

4. Be ATM Savvy
It's just basic street smarts. Plan any ATM activity ahead of time. Only use ATMs at, or preferably inside, banks during hours that the bank is open. Always be aware who is around you when you withdraw money.

5. Be Luggage Savvy
Weighing yourself down with bags is just asking for trouble. Pare down your packing and keep your luggage manageable. If you are buying new luggage look for something very lightweight with four 360 degree wheels so that it can roll upright and in any direction. Check that the telescopic handle raises to a comfortable and easily manageable height. (If the handle doesn't raise high enough the suitcase becomes difficult to wrangle.)

6. Be Handbag Savvy.

Cross-body bags are fabulous for travel, freeing up your hands, and allowing you to keep your bag in front of you. It's difficult to snatch a bag that is worn across the body, but a handheld bag is easy to grab. 
Make sure your bag has a functional zipper, and keep it fastened. Pickpockets are adept at slipping their hands inside bags and lifting wallets and passports without you even knowing. You will likely feel a zipper being undone, or perhaps be a less inviting target if you have a closed, zippered, crossbody bag.

7. Be Document Savvy.
Make copies of important documents, such as passport and drivers licence, travel insurance, and emergency contact numbers. Leave a copy at home with a family member or friend you trust, and/or email yourself a password protected file. Should you lose your passport or have your credit cards stolen you will need copies of your documents.

8. Be Street Savvy.
Walk with confidence and act like you belong. 
Check your street maps before you step outside - standing in the middle of the sidewalk looking at maps can make you look lost and vulnerable. If you need to consult your map step into a store or a cafe, or at least into a doorway.
Always be aware of your surroundings. If you turn onto a bad street, turn around and get back to the safer area.
Don't pull cash or your wallet out in the street.
Know that pickpockets like to hang around the main tourist spots, train stations and other busy areas, so keep your handbag closed and keep your hand on it. Always keep your eyes and ears open.

9. Be Instinct Savvy.
Trust your instincts.
If an area feels unsafe, don't go there.
If you think someone is following you, they probably are. 
If you think someone is acting suspiciously, they probably are.
If a warning bell goes off in your head, listen to it.

10. Be Savvy.
Just be smart. Don't be stupid. 
And have fun. 

Traveling alone is fantastic and fabulous. You will meet wonderful people, have tremendous experiences, have freedom to do what you want, when you want, have time to think, and come home  stronger, more confident you.

Sara Sampaio For Calzedonia Bikinis Summer 2015

Sara Sampaio has to be one of the most beautiful women of all time. 

With one of the greatest bodies of all time.
I can't decide if the Portuguese model's new campaign for Calzedonia bikinis is inspiring me to get to the gym and diet like it's the last day of the world, or if it makes me just want to give up!

Either way start planning your summer 2015 bikini game by checking out these gorgeous images.

See more from Calzedonia Summer 2015 here

Beauty Tip Of The Week #11 ~ The Best Lipstick Color For All Skin Tones

If you could only have one lipstick, what shade would you choose?

There is actually one shade of lipstick that looks gorgeous on everyone. In fact, I would call it the best lipstick color for all skin tones.

That shade is rose.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G in Stoned Rose

Not your grandma's rose, but soft, succulent, kissable, delectable rose.

Marion Cotillard in a topknot and rose lips

Rose lipstick or lip gloss is universally gorgeous. Every skin tone looks lovely with a rose lip. 

Marion Cotillard wears soft rose lips more than any other shade

Rose lips are fabulous dressed down with jeans and a tshirt, but also look stunning on the red carpet.

Kate Hudson wears rose lips on the red carpet and in daily life

A soft glossy rose will make the lip look just bitten and the teeth look fresh and white.

Swifty wearing rose lips instead of her trademark red

Rose lips will also take you through every season. If you are the girl who doesn't want to buy endless lip colors, or if you like having a good, faithful lipstick that you can always turn to, rose is perfect.

Lea Michelle wearing a rose lip

How to choose a rose lip:
When choosing a rose lipstick or lipgloss look for a shade that is 2 levels deeper than your own lip color.
If you have fair skin and pinkish lips, look for a shade that is 1 level deeper.
Never choose a shade that is lighter than your own lip color.

My Favorite Rose Lips

my favorite rose lips

Here are my personal favorite rose lip shades, clockwise from top left:
Tory Burch Ramble On Rose
Yves Saint Laurant Gloss Volupte in shade 202 (rose jersey)
Charlotte Tilbury Stoned Rose
Illamasqua Lip Gloss in Lily Rose
Nars Lipgloss in Rose Gitane
Dior Addict Lipstick in Dior Kiss