November 2007

RIP Kanye’s Mom [Dirt Bag]

• Kanye West’s mother, Dr. Donda West, died Saturday in L.A. She was 58 years old. The cause of death has not been released. Dr. West was formerly the chair of Chicago State University’s English Department. In her book, Raising Kanye, her son wrote in the foreword: “I have known my mom since I was zero years old. She is quite dope.” [USA Today]
  
• Britney Spears has a new manager — her “friend” Sam Lufti. The same guy who may or may not have been trying to sell her emails to the tabloids. Stay classy, Brit! [Page Six]
  
• Uh, did Britney fail a drug test? [Perez Hilton]
  
• Maybe! The test came back positive, says a source. But the source also says it was a false postive. Maybe she had a poppy seed bagel? Also, did she run a red light with her kids (and court-appointed monitor) in the car — and not even notice, because she was texting? [TMZ]

• Oh, and is Britney on a medication called Provigil, which helps addicts kick cocaine? It was seen in her purse. Although it’s also used to treat narcolepsy. It’s hard to know what to think. [ONTD]
• View cohost Elisabeth Hasselbeck gave birth to a boy on Friday, and will call the show today to announce her son’s name. YAWN. [People]
• Prince Harry and girlfriend Chelsy Day have split up. Some claim that Chelsy was fed up with Harry’s playboy lifestyle. If you were a cute 23-year-old red-headed prince, would you settle down? [People]
• Amy Winehouse’s husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, has been “crying non-stop” in prison. He was moved to a medical unit, which is supposed to calm him down. “He’s crying for Amy,” says a source. “He’s more concerned about her.” Amy is said to be “furious” she can’t visit him until tomorrow. Messy stuff! [Mirror]
• Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis says his imprisonment is “an abuse of the criminal justice system.” And that someone is trying to get “revenge”on him. Hmm, we thought it was because he filmed underage drunk girls showering together? [ABC News]
• Hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons loves critters: He’s releasing an anti-dogfighting PSA. [Page Six]
• Rocker Lenny Kravitz worries when daughter Zoe’s skirts are too short. Why are devoted dads so hot??? [Page Six]
• While Ashley Olsen is seeing Lance Armstrong, Mary-Kate is dating hockey player Sean Avery, who’s apparently a cad. Watch out, M-K! [Page Six]
• Kate Hudson as seen making out with Heath Ledger??? Oy. We’re having trouble keeping up. Also, ew. [Page Six]
• Marilyn Manson’s girlfriend, Evan Rachel Wood, says she’s not bisexual, but “there have been times where I have been attracted to a woman. I’m not afraid of sexuality. I think too many people get shit and get called skanky or a whore just because they are sexual.” [Page Six]
• Is 43-year-old Desperate Housewives star Nicolette Sheridan pregnant? [Mirror]
• Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart sat down with “famous puppy” Iggy — of the Ellen DeGeneres debacle — for some “exclusive footage.” No, it’s not a joke. [ET]

Source: RIP Kanye’s Mom [Dirt Bag]

iStuff PhoneDock Speaker for iPhone and iPods

The iStuff PhoneDock is the perfect and a unique speaker solution for the iPhone and for iPods as it is uniquely compatible with both series of devices. Normal iPod docking speaker systems are not compatible with the iPhone since the iPhone interferes with the speaker unit causing noise inteference.

Additionally the iStuff PhoneDock is accoustically incredible, delivering a colossal sound from its piano-white finished natural wood enclosure housing two tweaters, two mid range woofers and a thumping 4” rear-frring sub-woofer.

Read more Here 

Source: iStuff PhoneDock Speaker for iPhone and iPods

10% Off at Jocasi All Month

So we know we’ve mentioned this, but it’s still Jocasi discount month. Isn’t this such a professional looking bag? The bag’s more professional looking than we ever have been. That’s probably because the bag’s never been too busy downloading Prison Break to get a good night’s sleep. And then we wake up in the morning, all, Fucking Prison Break. Argh.

Geneva Dagger bag (large), was about $230, with discount code “bunnyshop” about $207

Source: 10% Off at Jocasi All Month

Hannah Montana Tees [Style Tots]

Who else is the hottest girl star these days but Hannah Montana? I mean she’s so IN that her concert tickets are getting scalped and sold for WAY more than the original price. She herself admitted in an interview that she’s not that good to sell tickets for what scalpers are selling it for. Nevertheless, I think she’s a cute kid and is very grounded. Thanks to her wonderful upbringing from her parents of course. I must admit that I was bopping my head to one of her songs whenever it’s played in my XM satellite radio. It’s catchy

Here’s your chance to own a piece of Hannah Montana. Well clothing wise of course

Hannah Montana Verbiage Tee, on sale for $16.50. It also comes in purple tee.

Hannah Montana Foil-Print Tee, on sale for $16.50. It also comes in white.

Hanna Montana Fashion, Hannah Montana, Hannah Montana Girls Clothes, Hannah Montana Girls Tees, Hannah Montana Tees

Source: Hannah Montana Tees [Style Tots]

The Most Splendid Reads! [The Scented Life: All about fragrance]

From our Splendicity members, comes some of the best posts of the week.

BEAUTY
Shades of U dishes out her reviews of MAC’s upcoming Curiositease pigment and glitter sets, including swatches and product pictures.

Kyle falls in love with Revive Moisturizing Renewal Cream at Face Candy.

The one-year-old A Touch of Blusher brings you highlights from the past 12 months.

Makeup Loves Me gives all the details of Mac’s Antiquitease Holiday Collection.

Who doesn’t like free beauty products?! Beauty Banter combs the web for the best beauty discounts and freebies this week!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic discovers Bond No. 9’s Newest Fragrance, Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory.

Check out the luxurious Acca Kappa 8 piece Solingen Steel Manicure Set, and Beauty Gizmo wonders if it’s worth the investment.

Vanity Vibe shares her Kerastase Vita Ciment Salon Experience.

Wardrobe Oxygen tries out and reviews Sephora’s Smokey Eye Kit.
FASHION
STYLEnosh shows WhatWentWrong when bad jeans happen to good people.

She Knows Best compiled a comprehensive list of Men’s Fashion Don’ts.

StyleTots found Ralph Lauren Under $30 Items For Boys and Girls.

TeenStyleLounge is hosting a contest where the prize is beautiful skin!

Snarkstress gets verclempt over the reunion of some Friends-ly stars.

Spork Fashion Exclusive! Actress Shannyn Sossamon shares Her Style.

Haute and Bothered says These Prints are Poutrageous.

The Fashionable Kiffen asks “what are the top ten must-haves in your wardrobe?”

Who made UsMagazine.com ’s Best Dressed Bumps list? Check out Hot Mama Daily to find out…

SHOPPING
Style Goodies needs no excuse to shop at Sephora!

Style It Less Dug 30 Under $30 Brand Name Items From Nordstrom.

The Latest Luxe plays innocent with these Christian Louboutin Penny Loafers.

The Scented Life has Five Can’t Miss Perfume Presents for Her.

Let’s Go Shopping found 3 Fabulous SkinCare Kits.

Chic by Nature wonders if you are still searching for that perfect winter coat? Check out grace & cello’s latest additions.

Kikay Kits has the Kikay Girl of the Week: Ms. Juniorproblogger!

Have a splendid week!

Uncategorized

Source: The Most Splendid Reads! [The Scented Life: All about fragrance]

Makeup Artist Corner

This post is for the makeup artist just starting out or a veteran needing a refresher. Over the past weekend I attended Michael DeVellis’ seminar Portfolio Building and Marketing Your Career at The Canadian Makeup Show. If you’ve ever been to any of The Powder Group seminars and heard Michael speak then you know how amazing, funny, and inspiring his seminar’s are. What you get from these seminars are real experiences and honest advice. Here is what I took away from the seminar that will change your career and life forever!

Marketing Your Career:

1. Your full name is your brand. You are selling yourself and your work so don’t just use part of your name. Michael hit on this point a lot. It makes sense right?

2. Making relationships are important and so are maintaining them. Everyone you meet will somehow change your career or your life.

3. When you meet someone for the first time always find a way to talk about what you do. You never know who you’re talking to!

4. If you’re shy (I’ll admit - I can be like this sometimes!), it is up to you to get out there and build connections. No one will know your work or how talented you are if you’re at home practicing on your sister or friend (but thank god for them!). It is up to you to familiarize yourself with all the resources available to you like seminars and workshops, agencies, photographers, blogs (Michael was so awesome to give my blog and Ellen’s Lipstick, Powder, ‘n Paint some love during his seminar!), anything and everything that has to do with your career.

5. 3 things your business card should have:

• your full name and what you do (i.e. if you only specialize in sfx or bridal makeup state that “sfx makeup artist” or “bridal makeup artist”). Also, make sure it’s big enough to read (Michael pointed out that my name is too small to read on my card! I don’t know why I didn’t notice this before??)
• a consistent style: make a style that is true to you and your work. Be consistent with your colour choices, fonts, etc.
• your contact info: leave out extra details like “email”, “phone number”, or “http://www.”. It’s pretty self-explanatory.

Portfolio:

1. You portfolio should tell a story and it should say most importantly that you’re an amazing artist!

2. The only person that matters is the photographer. If you want amazing images you might have to pay a little money (unless you are fortunate to work with an amazing photographer who will give you free prints for your time also known as TFP’s). You can do beautiful makeup and a bad photographer will make it look bad. I’ve always tried to find photographers who’s work I admire or have the same style as I do. So, do your research!

3. Narrow down your portfolio to your best pictures. Less than 10 pictures is not a portfolio. If you have less than 10 pictures, always let the client or the person you’re working with know that you are building your portfolio.

4. Not sure what images to include in your portfolio? Ask yourself 3 questions about each image:

• Am I proud of this image?
• Does it represent my best work at this moment in my career?
• Would I hire me based on this image?

Michael’s seminar had everyone nodding their heads and probably some if not all had an epiphany about their career! I kid you not! It was too bad he ran out of time because it felt like we were just getting started. But don’t worry! Michael will be back at Industry Cosmetics for Billy B.’s seminar (which I’m soo excited for!) on November 25th from 6-8 pm discussing this same topics! So, if you haven’t signed up yet get to it! The seminar fee for Michael is $65 (CAD). If you can’t make it, you can always check out thepowdergroup.com for upcoming seminars and shows in an area closes to you (you may have to get on a plane but it will be so worth it!). If you’re going to Billy’s and Michael’s seminars let me know! If I don’t know you already, I’d love to meet you! My interview with Michael will be posted this week so be on the look out!

Source: Makeup Artist Corner

Nothing on the Internet is Private, Including the Burberry Private Sale

Right? It’s here. We are thinking it is actually a public sale.

In any case: There’s plenty of Burberry stuff we’d love to own, but this, tragically, and expectedly, is not it. Of course, someone else might fare better than we did. Burberry 3/4 trench, apparently $1095. And this is supposedly on sale. The mind boggles.

Source: Nothing on the Internet is Private, Including the Burberry Private Sale

Around Splendcity Network [11-09-07] [Style Tots]

From our Splendicity members, comes some of the best posts of the week.

BEAUTY
Shades of U dishes out her reviews of MAC’s upcoming Curiositease pigment and glitter sets, including swatches and product pictures.

Kyle falls in love with Revive Moisturizing Renewal Cream at Face Candy.

The one-year-old A Touch of Blusher brings you highlights from the past 12 months.

Makeup Loves Me gives all the details of Mac’s Antiquitease Holiday Collection.

Who doesn’t like free beauty products?! Beauty Banter combs the web for the best beauty discounts and freebies this week!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic discovers Bond No. 9’s Newest Fragrance, Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory.

Check out the luxurious Acca Kappa 8 piece Solingen Steel Manicure Set, and Beauty Gizmo wonders if it’s worth the investment.

Vanity Vibe shares her Kerastase Vita Ciment Salon Experience.

Wardrobe Oxygen tries out and reviews Sephora’s Smokey Eye Kit.
FASHION
STYLEnosh shows WhatWentWrong when bad jeans happen to good people.

She Knows Best compiled a comprehensive list of Men’s Fashion Don’ts.

StyleTots found Ralph Lauren Under $30 Items For Boys and Girls.

TeenStyleLounge is hosting a contest where the prize is beautiful skin!

Snarkstress gets verclempt over the reunion of some Friends-ly stars.

Spork Fashion Exclusive! Actress Shannyn Sossamon shares Her Style.

Haute and Bothered says These Prints are Poutrageous.

The Fashionable Kiffen asks “what are the top ten must-haves in your wardrobe?”

Who made UsMagazine.com ’s Best Dressed Bumps list? Check out Hot Mama Daily to find out…

SHOPPING
Style Goodies needs no excuse to shop at Sephora!

Style It Less Dug 30 Under $30 Brand Name Items From Nordstrom.

The Latest Luxe plays innocent with these Christian Louboutin Penny Loafers.

The Scented Life has Five Can’t Miss Perfume Presents for Her.

Let’s Go Shopping found 3 Fabulous SkinCare Kits.

Chic by Nature wonders if you are still searching for that perfect winter coat? Check out grace & cello’s latest additions.

Kikay Kits has the Kikay Girl of the Week: Ms. Juniorproblogger!

Have a splendid week!

Beauty and Fashion Blogs, splendicity links, Splendicity Round Up

Source: Around Splendcity Network [11-09-07] [Style Tots]

Coal Face by Lush [Shopaholics Daily]

No, you aren’t really using coal to wash your face… you are using powdered charcoal and I only wish that I had tried it sooner. Actually, I have had the soap laying in my “to try” bin for a couple of years. We were in Banff, Alberta a few years ago and I discovered a Lush shop. I met the most amazing sales clerk and when I told her that I wanted to buy little bits and pieces to do product reviews, she went nuts, slicing off little bits of solid shampoos, facial bars and even little scrubs that she spooned into plastic tubs. Lets just say that I did quite well that day. One of the products was the Coal Face complexion bar.

First of all, I should point out that it’s for oily skin… which I still have. The first thing that I waited for was my skin to begin to tighten. It didn’t happen, but it did absorb a whole lot of oil. That shine was instantly gone. That’s not saying that I didn’t apply moisturizer though. It’s become a habit so I applied a tiny bit of Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion which is becoming a must for every inch of me these days.

And for you guys out there, there is nothing girly about this cleanser at all. There is supposedly a licorice scent, but my allergies must be preventing me from smelling it… I smelled nothing. So there you go… my product review for today!!

*Coal Face by Lush

Technorati Tags: Coal Face, complexion bars, Lush, Shopaholics Daily

Source: Coal Face by Lush [Shopaholics Daily]

Renegade Masterclasses

To say that Miami was a surreal experience would be an understatement.  I was invited not just as a bumbling amateur but as someone who supposedly has some knowledge, some insight and has a degree of professionalism… you’re thinking ‘Yeah right!’ aren’t you? 

First off, being asked to take part in a conference to about 400 people (see pic to the left of the gallery crammed with people) was a daunting experience enough.  So I probably got a lot of people bored listening to me blah on about the topic of whether blogs can be considered to be legitimate fashion media.  Those of you who did attend hopefully got a rounded insight on the subject as I have expressed before, it’s not as simple as saying ‘Blogs will take over media!’.  Let’s just say Susan Scafaldi, with her interesting and professional presentation about copyright in fashion and Ann Claes (working for Veronique Branquinho in marketing) and her talk on the business of a young label were far more exhilarating than me going ‘Um…so….blogs eh?’. 

Then there was the four day masterclass which I taught together with graphic whiz Etienne Mineur; ‘Fashion Pizel’.  With five students (could not have asked for a better class really!), we guided them into making a behind the scenes short video on the other masterclasses going on using Final Cut and Adobe After Effects.  Etienne was the technical wizard whereas I hopefully offered some creative advice on the style/direction.  Without being self indulgent, once they’re up online, I’d like to share a few.  It did feel a little odd offering advice, giving suggestions and basically acting like some sort of voice of authority throughout the experience.  Hopefully the students got something out of it (mainly the technical know-how of Final Cut… which can be a pain in the arse to use…).

As for the other masterclasses, I can only say that the difference between the teaching methods in the fashion schools of US and Europe were further heightened for me as I observed them, and it’s a subject that was touched upon last year in Texas.  Students were eager to show their portfolios to the masterclass teaching collective to get some ‘outside US’ advice that seemed quite invaluable to them.  Even I got to take an indepth look at some students’ work who wanted to get an opinion from me (for what reason, I haven’t a clue…).  Talking with the students, they revealed that teachers at their American schools seemed to stifle their creativity and push them towards something of a more commercial nature.  That is not to say, it’s as simple as commercial US vs. creative Europe.  That would be too compact way of summarising it all but it was quite amazing to see how marked the differences are between fashion students there and the students here. 

With organisations like the Arts of Fashion endeavouring to bring a taster course of European fashion schooling to the USA, who get the chance to learn from people like Tony Delcampe (director of La Cambre’s fashion dept.), Laurent Edmond (1st asstn. to Martin Margiela in the Artisanal line), the designers behind the label Own, Natalia Brilli (an accessories designer) and Hermann Fankhauser from the label Wendy and Jim, it’s no wonder the scale of the Arts of Fashion event grows each year.  I also got to know students from the States who realised that their opportunities are not limited to graduating in their own country and staying there to find a job, and that their options are more fluid than that. 

My bish-bosh-bash of a video about the masterclasses and the final show is nowhere near as professional as the ones my students made but anyway…to summarise… 

Source: Renegade Masterclasses