Category Archives: Fashion

Make your own Statement Bib Necklace….DIY cheap copy. NOT as good as the real thing but close. Keepin’ it Reals, YO.

I like to think I am an innovator. I like to think I do/style original things. I like to think I am unique.
BUT sometimes I see something I love and need/want/have to have it. Unfortunately I am not a Rockafella so if it’s crazy expensiveo I have to improvise and that is exactly what I plan to help you guys do. #DIY here we come…..
With that said….I like the rock/glam/deconstructed beauty kinda of look. TONS of jewelry is my bag. I cannot pile enough jewelry on no matter the occasion. It’s kind of a problem and I probably need an intervention soon. How many Italian horns is too many?
Okay, maybe this many.
Like a true ginzo I usually prefer gold…so I may do another post with Gold schtuff.  But for now…..I will expand on one of my earlier blogs a few days ago about the same subject…layering awesome necklaces to get a kind of Rock n’ Roll, edgy, sorta Rihannaesque look.
Last week I was in H&M returning some belts I didn’t use on a recent styling gig for Samsung and passed their accessories aisle.  See below:
accessories DUH
The sparkley rhinestones stopped me dead in my tracks. Like a Barracuda I am attracted to all things that glimmer. This probably stems from my days growing up as a beauty queen, which then transferred into my days as a showgirl. SPARKLE please!

yup thats me. standing next to the cheese.
The challenge is…..How to sparkle without the CHEESE factor??
i love cheese.
My solution is to add all types of metals to your sparkle. Mix & Match.  Thats just what a particular young, up and coming, NYdesigner did.
This very gorgeous, uber cool chick named Drew Ginsburg started her own line of statement piece necklaces. We have a lot in common in terms of our fashion sense. I would hope that wouldn’t insult her considering forth coming blog but to be honest….”immitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” said Charles Caleb (no idea who that is).
I would post photos of her but I don’t want to get in trouble so go look her up. @dylanlex She is an AWESOME follow on instagram. Her necklaces cost LOTS O’ MONEY. Money that until I am a huge star I do not have to spend on accessories. 
So basically I just took 5 different necklaces, threw em all together and BAM!
The KEY is to make sure each necklace is a bit similar yet different from the next.
for example….
Start with one signature main piece.
My base cheerleader was the sparkly one with the rectangular stones hanging down.
Then build around that guy.

Add some silver.
Add some more sparkle.
Add some length.
Add some chunky pieces.
Add some texture. (ex. the giant herringbone)

.

(This is the floor of H&M. Ha. I was literally sitting on the floor building my knock off necklace like a crazy person.)

It ain’t the real deal but it’s 950 bucks cheaper. It’s not gunna look quite as expensive but who cares. In instagram pics with a FILTER it will look like Harry fucking Winston.

See.

SO If you wanna do this….don’t be SCURRED…..go to Forever 21, or Urban or H&M and sit on the floor and start acting cray cray. No one will bother you if you look busy. Just start paring necklaces ’til it looks right and IF it don’t look right wear it with pride and pretend it does. Like I do.
It’s all about perception people.

This is me making a stupid face on my way out the door to a partay. This necklace combo is the one i built in the older post. Mostly Urban Outfitters and some vintage necklaces. But you get it….same idea.
You can see that I added a long dagger necklace from Fox’s NY in this one

And clearly…..not ready for this photo.

Happy Tuesday Rock N’ Rollers!!!! 

Fudge YOU!!!!!!

This was a hellofa good hair day if I do say so myself!

I don’t claim to be a hair stylist or a makeup artist BUT I have had lots of professional careers and hobbies that required me to get DAMN good at beautifying myself. (NBA Dancer, Beauty Queen, TV Host, Unemployed Wifey etc)  An ex-beau who is a NYC hair maestro and a Mom who was a hairdresser in the 70’s in London have helped a lot too.
I ADORE a deconstructed glamorous look. Beachy hair here I come!
Beachy hair can go OH SO WRONG…OH SO FAST. Curls too tight, curls too loose, or over spraying can make your desired airy, ethereal, beautiful look go drowning in a sea of crunch and drab.
A friend of mine threw some new products my way so I decided to try them, specifically the Fudge Urban Sea Salt Texturizing Spray.
I was ON board when Bumble and Bumble busted theirs out like 15 years ago. It smelled amazing and did the trick perfectly. IT’S EXPENSIVE though and the salt always clogs the spout and your 28 dollar bottle of free Ocean is useless.
HELLO Fudge Urban. I had no idea who or what you were until this weekend and NOW I have been saved! Hallelujah! LADIES- IT SMELLS LIKE COCONUT and BAD DECISIONS WITH A TAN, HOT, FOREIGN STRANGER ON AN ISLAND VACATION!!!!! 
(Hank the Hunk)

(do not eat it) (you may eat the hunk)

P.S. its a TERRIFIC PRICE> $10.99 at Target. I am SO into that.

Here’s me holding the bottle to my head cuz I thought it was cute. In retrospect, not so much.
Way over retouched this one. Eyes are super wonky. Please ignore.

MY TOOLS and PROCESS:
1.  Wash your damn hair.
2.  I use leave in conditioner because my hair is impossible to brush out.

3. MOUSSE. Once again got it as a freebie and wanted to test it so I used the Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry and Vanilla Styling Mousse. It smells like Razzles Candy and again, I want to eat it. It contains heat protectant in it which is great because I was about to hit my mane with a WICKED HOT curling iron. The hold level is 5 which I prefer, just enough- yet not too much. Goldilocks would approve.

(FOCUS the mousse on the ROOTS not the ends. HUGE mistake to put it all over the head/hair. Mousse will only make it crunchy, the point is to hold volume at the greasy scalp as well as the style.)

4 .DRY hair. However you do Gurl. I blow dry the front first with a round brush then randomly hit the back and underneath. I prefer the back and sides not be pin straight = more volume. The front has to be blown straight or its cowlick and frizz central station.

not my photo.
5. Use a curling iron. I like expensive ones. Cheap ones suck and don’t ever do the job well and YOU KNOW ME…. I am ALL about saving money. Do not skimp on an iron; you are just wasting money. An iron with a handle is fine like the one on the left. I used the blue phallic one for this do. You wrap the hair around the iron without burning your fingertips. THIS TAKES PRACTICE AND A LOT OF BANDAIDS. Or use the glove that comes with it. These f&*kers get HOT AS HELL. (also don’t burn your neck or forehead. I have done both) The price we pay for beauty. $$$$$$$$
SECRET TRICKS!!!! Always wrap the hair going BACK WARDS> NOT TOWARDS YOUR FACE!!!!! Away- towards your ass.
Also….leave the END of the hair uncurled. The bottom, the split ends….save them from the heat and iron. THAT makes a curl less perfect, deconstructed and more natural looking.
Should I do a youtube video on this???> comment please.
Hot tools 1/14 Inch Iron. Blue one is 1 inch, I think.
6. OKAY, now that the hair is curled/waved TIME TO SPRAY with this little bottle of deliciousness.  HOLD IT AWAY from your hair. Spray it from afar. throw your head upside down and mist with the Sea Salt and shake it like a polaroid picture.
WOAAALLLA!!!! OILA???? Walla Walla? Voila!!!! Presto!!!! Here it is!
Now the fruits of my LABOR! Effortless looking beachy waves that took a LOT of effort
(no extensions here).

Wanna buy it???? See Below….and GO FUDGE YOURSELF!!!!!

Iced Raspberry & Vanilla Mousse: $9.69 (Click to by from Target.com)

Close up of the label for ya.

Sea Salt: $10.99 (Click to buy from Target.com)
Obvi, another close up.

W.I.W.L.N. (What I wore last night) just made it up. I’m a genius.

#OOTN #OOTD What I wore last night… As if you care. Black, Denim and Gold was the theme of the evening.  I had to wear a hat because my hair was dirty. Lovely, I know. Decided on which filth disguise to wear and built an outfit around it. Dry shampoo would’ve been a tad easier.  

#guiseppezanotti black knee high leather wedge boots- #jbrand black jeggings – 

blue denim button down @forever21- 

black #LnA tank- 

kick ass gold necklace #urbanoutfitters @urbanoutfitters – leather Moto jacket #Joie @joie – 

Gold knit beret #Missoni  @shopwasteland  – 

lips @nyxcosmetics Monte Carlo red! 💋 

#fashion #stylist #stylista #datenight 

The Black Blazer…Tres Chic!!!!

TRES CHIC!!!!!!



Tres chic!!! #idontspeakfrench 

 NUMBER 1 ITEM every woman needs in their closet!!!!  
The Classic Black Blazer.

EASY as that. You can find them almost anywhere!  Club Monaco, Banana Republic, Gap, FOREVER 21!!!!! Barney’s, Saks….
YOU decide how much or how little you want to spend on it. $$$$$$$

Keep in mind it will be an item that is versatile and can generally be worn for all eternity. (caveat: if you keep it simple and modern.)

The one pictured below is Costume National.  (expensiveo!)
It came as a suit but I cannot squeeze my butt into the pants anymore so they stay on the hanger.
It’s pinstriped but still fairly simple. The edges are sharp which keeps it modern and edgy. Steers it clear of “boring officey look”. (leopard print shirt underneath is Forever 21)

I love to hike the sleeves up a bit. Show a little wrist ladies….it’s SEXY!



The “affordable” one below is from Nordstrom Rack!!!  I FRICKIN’ LOVE that store. Geez…..
It was originally $297.00 ….
I got it for $119. BAM!!!!  
#nordstromrack #blazer #fashion #stylist #stylehunter 

SO………..NO EXCUSES !!!  You can wear a simple black blazer with jeans and a T-shirt, over a pretty dress or even sass it up paired with cargo pants and sky high heels!!!! Go GET one. NOW! 

A blazer that is simple is easier to wear. This one has leather accents so it’s a bit more complicated.  If you find tyourself liking a more interesting look than just a plain old jacket….go for a blazer with cool accents like this one. If that’s is the one you choose dear fashionistas make sure the rest of the outfit isn’t too busy. For example, let the leather accents do the work. 



Chic Leather accents on collar and pockets.
HOLY GOOD DEAL BATMAN!





It’s like Butta!!!!



My Favorites!!!! Go get them ASAP! 
You can buy them at Ulta Cosmetics  or even at Target  for like $4.99 and $5.99. WHAT a steal! Nordstrom Rack also carries some colors. SURE BEATS a 19 dollar gloss that you end up losing a week later that isn’t that great anyway, am I RIGHT?!

The really peachy color in the video is Apple Strudel. YUM.

The more pinky color is Peaches and Cream….which makes so sense but I didn’t name them. Just go with it!
They smell so damn good you will want to eat them. I’m obsessed with #NYX 




IT’S LIKE BUTTA!!!!!

These glosses last FOREVER! They seriously smell so delicious. They taste okay too.
The pigment is so dense for a gloss. EVERYONE should have these. I want to go buy the entire color wheel.

The company website describes their BUTTER GLOSS this way:

“Buttery soft and silky smooth, our scrumptious new Butter Lip Gloss tastes as sweet as a sugar cookie—and makes your lips look downright luscious. Swipe it on alone or over your favorite lipstick for creamy sheer to medium coverage that melts onto your lips and is never sticky”



#beauty #My Favorites!!!! #beauty #fashion #stylist #lipgloss #delicious @nyxcosmetics #nyx #makeup Apple Strudel and Peaches and Cream!  

Vintage Tiger Pin! RAWWRR!!!!

This may be my most favorite #fleamarketfind EVER!
Seriously.
I am so in love with my little tiger pin I sleep with him. No, not really. 
But I should.
Vintage Lovers get ready to gush.
My beau actually spotted this striped, little, jungle gem at a vintage showcase that I dragged him to. He has quite a good eye, for a dude.
Tis’ a SHOULDER BROACH! 
You pin the Tiger over your shoulder so that it can be seen from the front AND the back. The tail hangs over your shoulder like its a little gecko just basking in the warmth of your sunny skin.  Weird analogy but go with it.

 This is an easy way to sass up a simple dress or tank!  You could even pin him onto a cardigan or a shawl. When people ask me HOW to vintage shop……I try to tell the to look for the interesting pieces that no one else will pick up. There were 3 of THESE cats!!!! Just sitting there. Another tiger and a leopard. The one I chose was in the best condition (most expensive of course). CAN YOU BELIEVE people were just strolling past and had NO idea of the amazingness sitting in the jewelry box before them. I think I paid 40 bucks for him. More than I wanted to spend but it is one of a kind and I couldn’t help myself.
When you shop a flea market, a vintage show or an estate sale look for the bizarre. The unexplainable items that other people wouldn’t even know what to do with. Take it home and figure out what to do with it! Be creative! Keep your eyes peeled for random cool things that are original, unique pieces that you have never seen before.

This is Zack, my tiger pin.

Here is my belly.

The HEAD, legs and tail all move fluidly, sort of like its a bracelet. I even considered making it into a bracelet but the shoulder broach concept is just so unique I didn’t dare.

How gorgeous are his faux emerald eyes and fatty paws!?!

Sexy Tiger pose.

Let me know if you want one! I have the seller’s number!
RAWRRRRR!!!!!!!!

Gentlemen Please….

Converse are A OKAY! Sleek High-tops are Awesome…BUT if the shoes are meant to be worn on a track, in a gym, for kickboxing or on a treadmill LEAVE THEM IN THE LOCKER ROOM!
I see SO many men doing this! SO MANY making this simple, terrible, awful, heinous mistake.
(Who am I to talk..my eyebrows look terrible in this video.)
HELP ME HELP YOU!! USE me and my talents to make your wardrobe better. I once went on a date with a super nice guy and he showed up in a pair of New Balance athletic sneaks paired with way-too-baggy jeans. 
NO THANKS> I spent two hours shaving my legs, poofing my hair and putting on a dress to look nice for our date and you wear athletic trainers to take me out? 
NO DEAL HOWIE!
No, my date wasn’t Howie.
It doesn’t take much. I bought the cute kicks seen in my last post at a second hand store!
(so they were WAY cheap) BUT…..you don’t have to spend a ton to look like a MILLION NO DEAL BUCKS!
All very affordable options. Between 50 and 150 bucks! What a STEAL! ALL fantastic with your favorite pair of jeans. OR slacks!
http://www.cr8rec.com/mens/viewall.html 
They are in NO way sponsoring me or giving me free crap. Photo from CR site.
SO Re cap………to be clear….
YES!!!

HELL YES!

SI Senor!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOT WITH JEANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!
and I’m spent.

My STYLING Kit & the 1 GLAM-SQUAD Weapon You Should Own!!!!

Every Hollywood Stylist, Makeup Artist and Hair Dresser carries a kit with them to work. I have a larger kit and the one below is my ‘on set’ kit. My larger kit carries a more extensive line-up of wardrobe and styling necessities for shoots. (like extra panties and socks, random bits) The fanny pack below has a limited amount of essentials, essentially. I often have to run back and forth between the set and backstage….or from the desert to the trailer etc. This kit needs to be small, durable and easy to carry. It ALSO helps that it is a FANNY PACK! Before you go and giggle your little hearts out…..it’s handy because I NEED my hands to work. If a dress just won’t stay up I need access to safety pins as well as my hands free to pin the attire properly without stabbing my client.
See! Hands free!

(Above pic is from a music video shoot that I styled called ‘How We End Up Alone’  by a Rock band named Hurt.  Link below. It was challenging because the abandoned building we shot in is one of the most HAUNTED places in the world. Linda Vista Community Hospital in Los Angeles. Go visit the basement crematorium. Have fun. I almost peed my pants…. numerous times.)
I DIGRESS……

My ‘On Set’ Kit
MAIN CONTENTS of small Kit: Scissors. Lint Roller. Needle and Thread options. ‘Top Stick’ tape. Safety Pins. STICKY DOTS! etc.
Some of the Contents of said Kit
BAM!!!!!!! STICK IT DOTS!!! Whatever…I  call ’em, ‘Sticky Dots’. My name is better. 
They are GENIUS. 
They are teeny, little circles that are double stick tape. They are a MASSIVE help when it comes to keeping men’s lapels stuck down. Or keeping up a hem on an unruly dress. They even work to keep straps in place. They are less surface area than the usual skin tape strips like Fashion fix or Top Stick (which I love).  You can see all types of skin tape sold everywhere now but Sticky Dots require NO cutting if you need tiny pieces. These are SPECIAL!!!! 
HOW TO USE:

Make that ornery lapel stay put! 1. Stick it. 2. Peel one side. 3. peel other side. 4. Push fabric together. 5. pat yourself on the back.

They are clear, round, double sided, high tack adhesive little buggers…..which means THEY STICK TO YOUR SKIN….and damn GOOD>
They can be used fabric to fabric, fabric to skin, or “used to bond paper, leather, wood and other surfaces,” so says the Manhattan Wardrobe Supply people.
Beware spray tan users!

photo courtesy Western Costume Co.


They range in prince anywhere from $3-$7 depending where you buy them. WELL worth it. One package will last your a long time.


BUY EM:
I love this place ….Western Costume Company has everything your little heart desires for styling needs.
http://www.lawardrobesupplies.com/SUPER-STICK-IT-DOTS-50-Double-Stick-Dots-p/4011s.htm.

http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/products/stick-it-dots-36-ct

http://www.filmtools.com/super-stick-it-dots.html?gclid=CIKPgNDg37gCFSFyQgodbngAPg

PSSSST!!!! Got Dirty Hair?

Psssstttt……
I have a secret for ya….

Instant Dry Shampoo.

Washing and blow drying your hair every day is NOT good for it. Go a few days….skip some of that harsh destruction. Your hairs will thank you.
Or maybe you are in a rush? can’t take the time to dry your entire head of hair….USE this stuff ladies. (AND GENTS!)

I freaking LOVE this stuff. A makeup artist at NBC turned me on to this little gem years ago.
I prefer the old packaging to be honest…. this is what it used to look like. So retro. Love. Clearly it has been around  for a long time.

New packaging: “New Look” Booooo!

Still works like a champ.
Since I am on camera so often I pretty much torture my hair. Curling Irons, flatirons, blow dryers, hairspray, mousse…etc etc etc. Sooooo, (dirty secret alert!!!!!) often I go a few days without washing it in order to try and save some time and the health of my head. Like Adele!

I love this woman and her Beauty Queen mane.

Part 1. Use a tail comb or your fingers to part and section your dirty, oily hair and spray where it needs some body and lift. NO agua needed!

Part 2: Lightly fluff the hair with your fingers and/or hit the area with a blow dryer for a few seconds.

this is a hairdryer.

AND Done….time to look clean as a whistle with more POOF to your hair than ever before! (Some people like to brush the hair out after spraying)

The smell is….just sort of there. NOT harsh or overpowering at all. A lot of the newer dry shampoos smell so flowery I cant stand it.

It is fairly affordable compared to the other dry shampoos on the market as well.

found this lovely ad on this lovely lady’s blog
http://thebeautybrains.com/2009/03/24/have-you-ever-heard-of-a-dry-shampoo/

BUY IT:
At walgreens….Ulta. I think I have seen it at cvs too.
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3900585

YAY! PERKS:
NOT tested on animals.
Available in travel size
ABSORBS OIL
ELIMINATES ODOR
BOOSTS VOLUME
Formula for Curly hair!

Vintage Belts

Most people forget about the ever omnipotent belt. It can be a very powerful tool in your closet. Cinching in your waist. Giving a pop of color or texture to an otherwise dull affair. They have become conversation starters for me many times over.
I am a FIRM belieber in the power of the BELT> Especially a vintage, one of-a-kind, interesting, sexy one.
Think colorful, think leather, think fringe, think grommets, think animals!!!! A super cool belt can up the ante on a simple black/white/red dress. Take that dress and put it with a few different belts and you have spent your money wisely. Numerous outfit options! WHOOT WHOOT!
Below……from top to bottom:
Brown rose belt- Wasteland Vintage $28
Tan with Fringe- Mom’s from 70’s
Red 80’s Elephant- Wasteland $20
Silver stretchy- Ex Boyfriend’s Mom’s from 70’s
WrestleMania Gold and Brown- Also Wasteland $17 BUCKS!

OKAY – Below I paired a silk maxi dress from H &M (69.95- I had a gift card) with the fancy gold, black and red elephant belt pictured above. The dress can be very versatile based on the accessories. This look is great for going on a hot date, a casual cocktail party or to pick the kids up from school. Do what you will.  I don’t recommend sitting down in it in a dirty garage though.

MY Point being…..source some belts from flea markets or local thrift shops. NO ONE EVER buys them I don’t know why. It’s super weird. Lucky for me…I nab all the good ones. Me is smart.

PHOTOS BY @HARMONIEVERETT www.harmonijoyphotography.com

I call this one ‘Puts Baby in The Corner’

Alice and Olivia Heels, H&M Silk Dress in Stores now. This is a size 10 which is a bit big for me but I bought it because I couldn’t leave without it! Belt- VINTAGE

And here is the Brown leather…..Hair in a sloppy bun….peach NYX lips, and an edgy gladiator heel. You could put a denim jacket with this and it would be great for a day trip wine tasting, or brunch! (I overdress….for everything)

sort of a messy photo so I tried to filter it to trick you out of seeing how badly this is tucked.
Steve Madden

PS:
Behind the Scenes photo of my amazing studio.