I, like many women, spend oodles of time paging through Vogue and admiring celebrities wearing the latest couture. Seeking the latest in anti aging products, the best mascara, the hot new lip stick color, all the tips and tricks that make those women so glamorous! They seem to be able to achieve these looks so effortlessly. What we forget, is that often times, there is a TEAM of people working with them. Someone following them around making sure their make up is flawless, their skirt is not tucked into their underwear, and they don't have lipstick on their teeth. I want a team! Where is my team??? I know I am not alone- right ladies?
As women we spend billions of dollars chasing "the look". This industry has proven to be recession proof! After all when you are stressed out and feeling down what could be better than a new tube of bright lipstick? It's an instant pick me up. So the question is, with so many trends and products, where do we start??? How do we snag a little piece of the red carpet for us gals here in suburbia?
It can sometimes be hard to translate the runway to real life. The key is to focus on an aspect of the look.
We all love Drew Barrymore's perfect Ombre hair. It is stunning! Problem is here in real life it can look like we just have roots waiting to be colored. Keep it a very soft and subtle transition from dark to light and it will look like your hair has been kissed by the sun. if you prefer a more dramatic style make sure that the color has deliberate placement and tone. Make sure there is enough contrast between the darkest and lightest color to show that it was intentional. This look is actually very user friendly and easy to maintain. Since your roots are typically a little darker, that means more time in between retouches!
Another trend hitting the runways for fall is Metallics! I am so excited for this! Its time to shine ladies! The trick to this is not to over do it. Do not outfit your self in gold and silver from head to toe. This trend is best done in small doses. Think accessories! A gold statement necklace paired with a black or neutral top will stand out and look beautiful. Remember those bangle bracelets from the 80's? Bring them back out and stack them on your wrist. Mixed metals can be used in this way also. They don't need to be matchey matchey- gold, silver, copper, bring it on! There are some great metallic nail polish colors coming out for fall also. A shimmery copper will look beautiful on both fingers and toes. Perhaps my favorite way to be on trend is a pop of silver or gold in your eye makeup. A light silver or champagne color just under the brow bone will serve as a highlighter and will open up the eye. Another trick is to place a metallic shadow in the center of the eye lid. This will make your eyes pop and appear brighter. If you are feeling extra daring add a little sparkle to your look with a little bit of glitter over the top of your eye liner. A great product for this is the Urban Decay Heavy Metal liner. This product has just the right amount of sophisticated shimmer and is so simple to apply!
So as you can see staying on trend does not have to be a struggle or break the bank! Focus on staying true to your own style while incorporating the latest trends. Make every step you take your own little walk down the red carpet!
Buffy Reitter Smith
2:39 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
LOVE the blog and now I am wanting to go buy Urban Decay Heavy Metal eyeliner. Can I get this at Ulta? Great advice! Makes me want to have my hair colored now too :)
Nikki Johnson
2:43 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
Yes- It is available at both Ulta and Sephora! Thanks Buffy!
A. Meisner
2:39 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
What a GREAT first blog, Nikki!!! As someone in the indusrty myself, I can't thank you enough for translating modern style for the everyday woman (I think sometimes, we can get overwhelmed and not choose not to do a darn thing!).
I look forward to reading your blogs to keep me looking glamorous, yet appoachable in Fridley!
Nikki Johnson
2:42 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
Thank you Mandy!!! I have a few ideas up my sleeve and will be hopefully blogging weekly!
Maggie Helsper
2:47 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
Great work Nicole!
Ross Meisner
3:04 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
Oh ladies, ladies -- you poor, poor, lovely creatures. Why do you put yourselves through this? There is a billion dollar industry focused on just one thing: making you feel inadequate! It's unconscionable. Hell, it's almost criminal to make people feel that way.
The magazines ("see how much more beautiful you could be if just buy our products and clothes and act like us!").
The makeup ("yes it's expensive, but now you'll look like the way we tell you you should look!").
The runway ("Don't mind the team of 6 experts behind the screen, really, this is how I always look! Really!").
Why buy into it? Why support them? You are beautiful, human, natural women. BOYCOTT BEAUTY! That's my new motto.
Oh boy, am I going to be in trouble with the missus...
A. Meisner
10:22 am on Saturday, July 28, 2012
Oh my! Spoken like a scientific, logical... man. Well, I could debate you on an intellicual level, as you make very good points, some of which I agree to, to a certain extent.
But as a woman, and also a "professional", I promise you, there is a very real connection to self-esteem, self confidence and (therefore) how you perform in the world to your appearance,
Don't believe me? Perhaps I should take you up on your suggestion, boycott all things "superficial" and see how you, and the general population respond to me as an unkempt, but natural, individual....
Thanks for sharing a different, male, perspective on this. I'm glad to know you think I'm beauriful no matter what I do-- or don't do!
Nikki Johnson
2:20 pm on Saturday, July 28, 2012
Ross it is very refreshing to hear this point of view from a man! Thank you! The truth is though I really enjoy it. I do these things for me, not for anyone else. I am a fashion junkie and proud of it!!!
Kristy Dennstedt
8:37 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
I love the new ZOYA metallic nail colors-this is such a easy trend..Fall is right around the corner & I can't wait!!
LOVE THE BLOG:)
Jen Nalls
10:01 am on Saturday, July 28, 2012
Enjoyed the tips, NJ!