Trying a new trend

I've been seeing this look all over Pinterest and in fashion magazines, so I thought I'd give it a try. I decided to do a darker lavender on my ring fingers. Next time, I think I'll just add some glitter polish to the ring fingers and leave the base color the same. I like this look. At first I thought, "Am I too old for this?". I asked my 17 year old cousin, and she informed me it's really a "age" trend, but more of a "fashion thing". I figured I could do it. Now I'm just waiting for one of the mini fashionistas to come ask me a reference question at work today....I think my nails will be a hit!

Couple new pics

I wanted to add another "commercial" look to my modeling book, so I had a few new pictures done last month. I'm wearing one of my Jason Wu for Target dresses and shoes by R.S.V.P. I got the shoes on 6pm.com for around $30 and the dress was really inexpensive too. I love it when I get great deals and then all my facebook friends compliment the clothes. Haha! Win win!

I'm really digging my makeup here. My bestie, Joey, did such a pretty smokey look and I feel like my eyes really POP! Too bad I can't look like this everyday.... ;)

Irish Trio

Modeling has really been picking up lately. I was chosen as the Harp Girl back in February for the Irish Trio. This is through a promotional company, and the work is fun and steady. I thought I'd share a cute photo of the three of us last weekend. I've also done some promotions for Captain Morgan Black Spice, Jose Cuervo and Ketel One. The two girls with me are such dolls, and we've become fast friends. In fact, I've met so many nice women through these jobs.

In other news, I got an amazing booking yesterday! I will be a makeup model on the local Fox 2 News tomorrow morning! This is a great opportunity for me to build my modeling resume and also some exposure on tv! I'm already nervous, even though I won't even need to speak. ;) I've been finding that with modeling, I'm always a bit nervous when I get a job that is new. Once I'm there, I feel fine. I guess it's just the fear of the unknown. I just do my best to assure myself that, yes, I can do this, and also, it's now or never! Sometimes you just have to convince yourself you're capable and, presto!, you become so!

This weekend will be busy with modeling jobs too. I have a whole 5 days off over Memorial Day weekend, and I am really looking forward to the break! What are your plans?

Here we are for Captain Morgan Black Spice. We worked three Detroit Tigers games at Comerica Park. Such a fun weekend! 

Bringing Up Bebe

When I was 15, I had the privilege of traveling to France as a member of a ballet ensemble. For three weeks, I traveled with a group of other young ballerinas around France and Germany. We stayed with host families and were very much emerged into the culture of the host country. If I were asked to pinpoint the moment when I began to fall in love with France, and yes, even the French, it was when I arrived in Lyon and met my lovely host family there. They had three girls who were all in their early 20s. To me, they could not have been sweeter or more glamorous. They took me everywhere with them, indulging my desire to shop and explore the city. Since that visit, I've read many books on French culture, fashion and lifestyle.

I just finished Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman. I've read many reviews- some enjoyed the book, others did not. Here, a French father responds to the book, sharing some of his own observations and opinions. Love it, or hate it, the book wasn't really meant to be a "Parenting Guide", more, the experiences of one American woman who found herself living in France and raising her children. She observed differences. The culture is different, and so is the parenting style in many ways.

Personally, I have not yet decided if I'd like to have a baby. I don't have any plans to start a family in the near future. One of the main concerns I have stems from my own daily observations of American children and their parents (I work in the children's section of a library): our society is very child centered, to a fault. Some of the attitudes and behaviors I witness not only turn me off from the idea of motherhood, but scare me. 

This book calmed my fears. It's good to learn that not every society sees motherhood as an all encompassing martyrdom. I was not raised in an overly child centered home. However, in 2012, I worry parents who don't make their lives all about the kids stick out a little bit.

French mother's seem to have a good balance. Motherhood is a beautiful part of life, but not life in and of itself. From Druckerman's point of view, French mothers don't forget that they are more than just mothers. American mothers are more too, but nine times out of ten, I wouldn't know that to look at them. I spend time with many mothers, and even after spending time with them, I still wouldn't know that they are anything but mothers. For me, knowing that I can be both mother and still me is a calming idea. I can certainly at least try, right? 

I could really go on and on about all the concepts in this book I liked. Manners, food education, giving children freedom and autonomy (I was offered freedom and can't imagine how I would be now had my experiences growing up been like this), sleep habits, learning your child's rhythm, breast feeding, and not constantly hovering over your child, over stimulating him, are all concepts covered in the book I found very interesting. 

I am not a parent. I am not an expert. I know enough to know that I know very very little. I just felt relief after reading this book, because in a way, it kind of took some of the pressure off. Even with no plans to start a family, I already feel a sense of pressure about motherhood. Pressure and stress that would only have gotten worse. It's just nice to know that there might actually be a parenting philosophy out there which would work for me. Calming.

I'd like to add that I just read TIME's article on "attachment parenting". The complete opposite end of the spectrum to say the least! I am close with a person who follows this philosophy. I do not agree with it. Some people might not agree with the more French approach, or even me for blogging about this book and my praise of it. People might think that because I don't have kids, I shouldn't have an opinion. Bottom line: children need love, consistency, safety and support. If you think breast feeding for half a decade is the best way, I pass no judgement. I might never even have the chance to try my own philosophy out, but if I do, I'll be taking a different approach, and certainly borrow from my Parisian motherhood muses. Women need to support one another. As long as a mom is offering her child those basic and important necessities, I think we should keep the judgement to ourselves. Even if I choose to not have a baby, I wouldn't want to be judged for that choice either. However, I do draw the line at exploiting your children in a magazine. I feel really bad for those toddlers, because those photos are "out there" forever now, and I don't see how a parent could make a decision to expose their child like that. If those kids are bullied someday, I bet their mothers will be the first to express concern and probably quite loudly. Problem is, they chose to expose their kids. That choice is the only choice I'll judge. I think it's irresponsible and shameful.

Pop of Color

Also known as, how to wear pink jeans with a bright shirt and still look appropriate.

Pop of Color Spring 2012 by princessfreckles featuring cap sleeve tops

Jason Wu cap sleeve top, $27
Mini Plasteramic - White, $195
Tory Burch leather shoes, $195
A V Max stackable jewelry, $60
Forever 21 bangles jewelry, $5.80
Tory burch jewelry, $24
MAC Cosmetics lip makeup, $15

I swapped in bracelets for vintage ones my grandmother gave me. The MAC Viva Glam lipstick is such a great color! Especially if you're fair like me. :)

 Hope this helps anyone who wants to buy some bright jeans and wear this trend without looking like you're trying to be 16. Anyone can wear this trend, even on a budget. Happy Spring!

The Look for Less

Over the weekend my husband I went shopping, and over lunch I decided I really want one of those huge, gold watches I see everywhere. The trend has been on-going and I felt like making an investment in another watch wasn't a terrible idea. Plus, gold looks great with Summer clothes and a Summer tan.

Off to Nordsrom we went to look at the Michael Kors watches. They retail for around $250, which isn't a terrible price point for a name brand watch. However, over lunch, I read a few reviews to find that the gold eventually rubs off the watch. This happened with my Juicy Couture charm bracelet and I rarely wear that. The sales associate assured me Nordstrom would replace the watch if/when (probably when) this happened.

So I tried on a few:

This was my favorite, but to be honest, it felt cheap. Very cheap. A few years ago I bought myself a Tag Heuer, which was a much more expensive investment, but one with which I felt comfortable because I knew I'd wear and love this watch for years and years. The Michael Kors watches are not investment quality, and I get the impression that the company found the highest price point people are willing to pay, because the consumer is mistakenly thinking that because the watch has the Michael Kors name, it's good quality. This is not to say I don't love Michael Kors as a designer, I really do! He's one of my favorites. I'm just not a fan of the lower end accessories from the brand.

So I ordered this watch:

This Mark by Avon watch is $40. And if the gold rubs off, I'm out less than it would cost to fill my gas tank. Plus, it's kinda cuter.... I don't love the fake diamonds around it, but I think once it's on, it'll look amazing. I'll be sure to post pics!

So, how much are you willing to invest in a trend? I find that I tend to naturally gravitate toward a classic style. Sometimes I buy trendy items, like the colored jeans. Sometimes I invest in trendier items because the lower priced version looks terrible and I really like it, or because I know I'll still want to wear the item after the trend fades and it falls into my personal style, so I won't mind wearing it after the trend fades.

Bardot

Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest

To me Bridget Bardot has always been the hair idol, the one with the most perfect hair. Blonde, long, full of body and with that "effortless" look. I spent four hours at my salon on Friday for color. I typically get highlights and low lights. But I recently decided I don't really want the golden shades of blonde I usually get. I want really blonde, white blonde, hair. After a long morning at the salon, I got it! Bridget Bardot Blonde.

I love Instagram pics, but you can't really see the level of blondeness I now posess (feeling stupider already.....), so I posted two pics!

With part one of my "Bardot mission" completed, two products are required to achieve the sexy fullness of Bardot's hair. Enter Oribe.Oribe, or Mr. Oribe as I like to call him, though Oribe is his first name, has a full line of wonderful hair products. I'm sure they all work well and are worth the investment. However, my amazing stylist never tries to sell me on products just because the salon carries them. I use Clairol Purple Shampoo to "keep the yellow out" and it cost $5 at Sally's. So, when she told me the Oribe Dry would change my life, I figured she meant business. This product is amazing and truly works! It adds body without flaking, smells amazing (if you've ever stayed at The Swan at WWD, these products literally smell like the hotel lobby. Seriously! it's the only way I can describe it, and when my husband smelled it, he immediately said, "This smells just like The Swan!") and works to add texture to freshly washed hair, boost the roots and also works as a dry shampoo between washings.

The other product my stylist uses herself and suggested to me is a Kerastase at home treatment. It's actually for meant thinning hair, but has added so much body and fullness to my hair, I think anyone with thin/fine hair will benefit from it! It runs $60 for a full kit and since I wash my hair twice a week (you should not be washing you hair daily*. I know, I know, you think you need to, but you don't! Start with every other day and you'll be happy to notice your scalp will get less and less oily. You just have to get through the first few days at every other day and then go to every third day. HONESTLY, washing every day is actually causing your oily scalp because you strip your hair of natural oils. Once your scalp gets used to fewer washings, you'll notice it'll be way less oily and the texture will improve....) it's more than a month's worth and I'm seeing serious results.

Both of these products are available on amazon or your salon if they carry these lines.

*Gosh, I am one bossy blogger....

Huff Post!

Check this out! I had so much fun interviewing with Alice and also promoting the GAP. If you haven't been in there in a while, you need to check it out! I bought a great pair of bright green skinny chinos, and the prices are always appropriate in my opinion. I also restocked on tees over the weekend, as all the tees were 40% off. Now that's a great deal!

Let me know if you all find anything good!!

Highlight

I mentioned in my previous post that I've recently started using Benefit High Beam highlighter. This product is pretty spectacular, as highlighting certain areas of your face can really bring out the features you want to....highlight? ;) You can also use bronzer- non shimmery, of course (but really, shimmery bronzer is basically only for tweens with no parental supervision), to remove focus from areas, and also to make your cheekbones appear higher.

Benefit's High Beam is a beautiful shade of light pink, which disappears right into the skin.

Source: benefitcosmetics.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: benefitcosmetics.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Personally, I have a high (as in large) forehead. Therefore, I use the highlighter, sparingly, in the very center of my forehead, on my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and above my upper lip (above the "angel's bow").

Here are some helpful diagrams:
This shows where to put the bronzer if you want to enhance your cheekbones.

This next diagrams shows how to contour to make the forehead appear smaller. I blend along my entire hairline though, because I'm fair. It's look really odd to have random lines on my face. this can also be done with varying shades of foundation, though it's tricky, and my makeup artist bestie says "stick with bronzer".

This picture shows where to highlight on your cheekbones.

This last photo explains "jaw line contouring". I don't really do this, but I do blend my bronzer along my jawline.
Click here for some photos another blogger took using Benefit High Beam. You can see it makes a huge difference and literally highlights features to make your face look young, healthy, fresh and glowy (not shimmery, like a tween hooker).
Click here for the link to the below photo. It's a bit more technical, but if you use this photo with my instructions, you'll get the technique down perfectly!

Red Lips

It's Spring. Early this year, but I'm sure welcoming it with opened arms! This is also a great time of year to try a new look or trend. If you've been wanting a change, Spring is a great time to cut your hair or color it. It's also a fun time to switch up your makeup routine. The weather is warmer, the sun is shining, so why not try a new look? Brighter lipstick perhaps?

Red lipstick has always terrified me. Mainly because I have very full lips. I love my lips, but have always felt like I didn't want to draw extra attention to them. Until now. This Spring, I've decided it's time to do the red lips thing. I don't know if all this modeling has something to do with it or not, but I will admit that I'm certainly a little more adventurous with my makeup and clothing since I've been modeling. I guess I want to look the part of something.

Here I am with red lips wearing my new Jason Wu for Target dress.The trick is keep your eye makeup super simple and just use a little blush. I also use a highlighter on my cheek bones, forehead and sometimes on my brow bone. The one by Benefit is great!

I had a Sephora gift card from Christmas, so I headed there and bought lots of lipsticks. My two favorites are "The Red" and "It Girl". Below is "The Red" lipstick, lip stain and lip liner.Below is "It Girl". It's a bit more orange and such a cool color.
I like Sephora brand makeup because it's not crazy expensive, but it's decent quality. Also, you can go there and test all the shades and really make an informed decision. They also have a great return policy if you get home and think, "What was I thinking?" ;)

Sometimes "The Red" is a little too dark, so I layer the "It Girl" over it. I also blot a lot. That feels kinda retro and very cool to me for some reason. I am easily pleased....

I you ready to try some bold lips? First, head to Sephora, Ulta, or your favorite makeup counter. Even if you don't want to spend the money, you can find the right shade, then match it closely with a drugstore brand. Side note--- Personally, my mother taught me to always buy the best skincare, foundation, concealer and eye cream I can afford. She says most mascaras are alike and eye shadow, forget it! I adhere to this advice, though i do think some products are made better than others. For example, I use Maybelline or Loreal mascara. They're great (especially Falsies! LOVE!), but I'd imagine Dior Show is better. I'd just rather put that money toward amazing eye cream or to save for a new bag. It's all relative....

ANYWAY, once you determine the right shade for you, exfoliate your lips. There are many ways to do this. I use my Clarisonic, or I make a little scrub with sugar and Vaseline. When I'm ready to apply the lipstick, I apply a small amount of chap stick, then line my lips with a nude/neutral pencil (I also use the red liner sometimes, but that takes precision and I often use this after I've already applied the lipstick and I'm touching it up) and fill in the lip color with a lip brush. Blot, reapply and then lightly blot again. You'll get the hang of it after you do it a few times.

The lip stain, like all lip stains, is very drying, so I apply that first, then put the lipstick (either color) over to moisturize. There are lots of online tutorials and tips if you do a search. Bleeding can be an issue, so a way to avoid that is to powder your lips and around your mouth before starting. I'm just really careful, but I have full lips. if your lips are a little thinner, bleeding can occur, so powder away!

Happy Spring!