You’ve got great Nippers…meaning…you’ve got great lips.

How do you accentuate the lips that you have?  Do you wear bold red lips? Nude lips?  Lip stains?  Candy pink?  How do you pair great lip color with the rest of your make up and look?
Here are just a few tricks to great Nippers:

10 Lip Tips

1.    Exfoliate. In the shower, with a soft brush, gently remove the dead skin on the lips.  Then hydrate with lip conditioner.  (Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner $20)
2.    Color Inside the Lines. Use a lip liner that is flesh tone to line the lips.  Also you can use the liner to act as a lipstick base.  (Sue Devitt Long Lasting Lipliner in St. Moritz $20)
3.    Here is a Red for You, Here is a Red for Me. Find the red that works for you.  If you have a pink undertone, try a red with plum tints.  If you have a yellow undertone, wear a red with brown base.  If you have both warm and cool tones, lucky you, you have more versatility…such as this lovely lady in the pictures below.

4.    Contrast Reds. If you have high contrast skin, hair, and eyes, you can pull off the dramatic bold red lips more so than someone with low contrast.  You are high contrast if you have dark hair, and eyes, but have pale skin.  If you are blond with fair skin, you have low contrast.  So depending on the contrast in your skin and hair tones, you can either wear bold red (high contrast), medium red with brown undertones (medium contrast), or a flesh tone red/lip stain (low contrast).  Nonetheless, if you have the confidence, you can pull off the dramatic red even if you have very low contrast.
5.    Bold Lips, Minimal Eyes. You don’t want to look like a clown, so when you wear a bold lip color, such as red, you want the minimalist look so that nothing else is competing against those lips.  This means, just mascara and red lips.

6.    Red on Red. When wearing bold red lipstick, your nail polish should match the color exactly.  If you can’t find the exact red, skip the nail color and go with a clean manicured look.
7.    Rouge Cheeks. If you are wear bold red lips and little else make up (as you should—rule 5), you may need just a hint of color in the cheeks.  Tap your fingers on your lips and transfer a little of the red lipstick onto your cheeks and blend.
8.    Glossy Transformation. Change up the lipstick color with gloss.  After you have on lipstick, apply lip gloss.  Warm up the color of your lipstick with a gloss that has gold undertones, or highlight the lips with a gloss that has pick/violet undertones.
9.    Nude Lips with a Hint of Stain. Although I enjoy the nude lip look, I still like to have some red in it.  So what I do is apply a lip tint (Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon $25) on the inside of my lips giving it the ‘just ate berries’ look (or the ‘vampiress afterparty’ look).  Then I use either translucent powder (SKII Air Touch Foundation $165) or a sheer nude lip color (Laura Mercier Stickgloss in Brown Sugar $20) mostly on the outer lips—try not to cover too much of the tint on the inner lips.  Click on the picture below for a video instruction of how-to create this nude lip look.

10.    Check, and Check Again. Bring a pocket mirror and check your lips every so often.  And if need be, reapply.  Nothing looks worse then feathering lips or flaking color.

If you have a Lip Tip, please leave a comment and tell us what it is.

I was once told that life would be so much easier, healthier, and stress-free if you could just get a massage a day.  I would love to live in that kind of world.  But most of the time, massages are very very expensive–a luxury.  Except now…

Here are two options that are free or truly affordable:

AVEDA:

FREE MINI-RITUAL (10 minutes)

When you first walk into the Aveda store, you are offered a cup of the tastiest tea ever.  (Be careful, sometimes it can be a little hot!)  And if you ask for a mini-ritual (hand-massage, scalp-massage, or back-massage), they will sit you down and give you one of the best 10 minutes of your shopping excursion.  They spritz the atmosphere around you with aromas that is matched with your needs (relaxation, energy, health, etc).  Then they begin to work on you…ahhh…very nice.

FOOT and BODY MASSAGE in Garden Grove/Westminster:

$15-20 (tip $5 and up) 1 hour of BLISS

I try to have this done as often as I do mani-pedis.  They are just as inexpensive and do wonders for your stress levels.  There are so many many massage parlors in Westminster/Garden Grove you’ve just got to try them all!  I am so amazed at the fact that I can get a full body massage from the hair on my scalp down to my tippy-toes for a whole hour for just around $25.  Of course you are in a room with others (you are fully clothed); but my goodness…I can’t get enough!  They work on you and work on you, until your muscles are mush and you are on the brink of falling asleep.  You can ask for gentle or strong fingers.  I, personally, enjoy the softer touch.

Here are some places for you to begin your journey to a stress-free life:

LH Hand and Foot Massage

9741 Bosla Ave, Suite #112

Westminster, CA 92683

(714) 775-0586

(Larger room, many people, $20/hr)

King’s Foot Massage

10161 Bolsa Ave, Second Floor

Westminster, CA 92683

(Smaller Atmosphere, Quieter and Better Ambiance, $15/hr)

There is no need for you to make an appointment, you just drop in and they will have someone at your hand and foot.  Also, be sure to tip at least $5.  Also, ask for their stamp card; every 10 massages you get 1 free.

If you know of any other places or better ways of relaxing, please drop a comment and let me know…I’d love to find new places or discover new activities.

Have a gift yet for your father for Father’s Day?  Give him something that is personal and just for him…give him a custom-made luxury J. Hilburn shirt that has his initials monogrammed.  Since it’s custom-made, he will have the only shirt that is just for him, not an off-the-rack-shirt made for millions of men.  And for those men who are picky (you know those guys: you buy him something and you have to go back to the store to return or exchange several times until he feels satisfied), not to worry…he gets to choose the fabric, the cut of the collars, the cuffs, long sleeves/short sleeves and so much more–he is essentially designing his very own shirt.

Don’t let him know, but the pricing is phenomenal–$79, $99, or $149 (when custom shirts usually range in the $200 and up).  In addition, for your first shirt with J. Hilburn, you get a $20 off discount.  If you want to surprise him with this gift, you can also choose to purchase a gift certificate of any amount.

If you would like to give the man in your life something he will use and love that no one else in the world has, give him a J. Hilburn custom luxury shirt.  For more information or to schedule an appointment to have your man measured, please contact me at (310) 430-6684 or email me at christine @illuminartstyle.com.

Click on picture to enlarge.

Some of you knew that I was styling for a swimwear photoshoot.  Here are just a few pictures from the day before the shoot in which we did a fitting–just to make sure the suits fit and to start putting the outfits together.  The good thing about Swimwear Fashion Photoshoots is that they are not as complicated.  I just have to think about the swimsuits, jewelry, shoes/no shoes, and maybe some other accessories.

And here is a few pictures I took from the actual photoshoot.  This is later in the day when the sun was setting.  Once I have the actual photographs that the photographer took…I will put them up for you to see.

Another thing…one of the bracelets I pulled from the A’maree’s Boutique in Newport Beach is designed by Sandy Simonian.  She makes these beautiful creations with antique glass beads and charms.

When I first saw this bracelet, I just thought it was simply beautiful and fun–just an old ivory binocular charm hanging from a two strand glass bead bracelet. While I was wrapping the bracelet back up, getting the jewelry ready for transport back to the boutique, I actually took a look at the tag on the bracelet.  It said: “Antique Bone Binoculars with ‘Monte Carlo’ scenes…”  So I looked through the teeney tiny binoculars (you can see how small they are in the photo with the white swimsuit on the model’s wrist) and saw black and white images from the movie Monte Carlo.  How incredible is that!  No wonder they were so expensive–an antique bone charm that is so unique!  I’m in love with it…but alas…it went back to the boutique…so if anyone wants to purchase it for themselves…it is at the A’maree’s Boutique:

1649 Westcliff Drive
Newport Beach, CA

Also, in addition to this photoshoot above…I was the assistant stylist for the June Edition of the Orange Coast Magazine Underwater Swimsuit Editorial…so if you want to pick up a copy to see the wonderful pictures I had the opportunity to take part in…  It should be coming out soon.  Let me know what you think!

With the company’s mission statement “to spoil girls with fashion, beauty, and fun”…you just love where this is going already.  Shecky’s Girls Night Out is any gal’s dream!  All at one destination for once a year:  You can SHOP hundreds of hot, one-of-a-kind items from indie designers and boutiques across the U.S.–all at up to 75% off!  SAMPLE cocktails, beauty treats, games, and more.  And you get to take home of the famed Shecky’s GOODIE BAG.   This event happens in select cities in the US.

Today (May 21st) is the last day for you to see what Sheckys is all about if you live in or near Los Angeles.  I will be there!

Time: 5pm to 10pm

Where:

Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main St. (Pico Blvd. & Colorado Ave.)

How to register:

visit http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/

There are other destinations where Shecky’s will visit…so check out the tour schedule to see if they are coming to your city.

AND IT’S FREE!

One more thing:  Must be 21 and older as there will be alcoholic beverages.

Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and refreshments as we celebrate the launch of illuminART Style and Image Consulting!

WHAT:     Launch Party – Style and Image Workshops

WHEN:    Saturday, May 9th  1:00pm – 5:00pm

WHERE:

NewSong Church
18842 Teller Ave,
Irvine, CA 92612

WHO:      Open to the public.

Please RSVP by Monday, April 27, 2009 (leave a comment to request an evite)

Workshop Sessions

Dress for Success (Men and Women)
In these tough times, how can you afford not to look your best everyday at work?  Your visual impression can be the deciding factor on that sales or promotion. The way you dress shows the world who you are–credible, intelligent, successful, and a team-player.  Learn the tips and tricks to help you discover the style that supports you in your career objectives.

Recession-Proof Your Wardrobe (Men and Women)
Now is the time to save.  But don’t compromise your style! Be creative instead. Learn what pieces are essential for every closet (both men and women), how to find the best deals, and how to mix investment pieces with lower-end clothes the right way.

Enhance Your Features (Men and Women)
Wide hips?  Large thighs?  Short legs?  Flat chest?  No matter what your body challenges, clothing can be an amazing tool if chosen properly.  Find out how to dress the body you have to create the body you want.

Undergarment Fit Expert (Women ONLY)
“Lingerie Can Change a Woman’s Life”
Beyond making or breaking an outfit, undergarments have the ability to transform, allowing a woman to reinvent and revitalize herself, or simply to remember who she is.  Lingerie Expert Lisa Cole, President of www.lingeriefitexpert.com will share how you can look your best everyday with lingerie that really fits!  Private fittings are available after her mini clinic.  Shop online right at the event!  Over 100 brands of lingerie.  Raffle prizes, gifts and more.

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments.  You can also email me at christine@illuminartstyle.com or call me at (310) 430-6684.

Sometimes there are creations of art that tell a story and touches your heart.  I remember the first time I set eyes on a gorgeous pearl wrap necklace with delicate antique nic knacks which included an old antique locket and a silver Eiffel tower charm strung together with antique rosary beads, antique gem stones, and pearls.  I was in love!  I think I even came back to that boutique every week just to see what new pieces there were.  The artist had put together antique charms, trinkets, and jewelry and made them modern and very wearable.  There is this elegant charm and edginess to each necklace, earring, and bracelet.  The necklace I finally decided on is two-stranded.  It has an old gold rosary skull on one strand and a vintage 1910 watch face on the other.  When I turn the watch-face over, I can see the intricacies of the mechanics inside the watch.  It was truly marvelous.  It had so much history and I knew it would be something I would pass on as an inheritance.

When I was given the chance to meet the artist of that necklace…I jumped at the opportunity.  I’ve had time to get to know her, and Tami’s story truly inspiring.  That is why she is the illuminARTIST of the month.  Here are the interview questions and answers about herself, her inspiration, and her art: (Click on the photos to enlarge)

1.  What adjectives would you use to describe your jewelry?

You can visit Tami’s website for more information about where you can find her jewelry.  http://www.relicsbytami.com/

I realized that I should have explained what it is that I do as a style and image consultant.

To summarize in a sentence…As a style and image consultant using clothing fit and style, accessories, grooming and much more, I help men and women put forth an appeal that is amazing and appropriate for the situation–whether it be for the everyday look, for the workplace, special event, or for those who are turning over a new leaf.

The first thing I do when meeting a client is to listen and observe to determine their needs and how I can go about fulfilling those needs.  As a client of mine, I take in who you are and determine the best way to translate that into a style that is completely you. 

Level I Style and Fit Consultation: I would like to start with assessing what colors look the best with your skin tone, hair, eyes, and personality…what style and fit matches your body shape and proportion. From there, we do a Closet Audit: Together, we will go through your closet to clear out the clothes that should not be in there and find the missing essential pieces that should be there.  Personal Shopping: We then go shopping to purchase those missing essential pieces.  From there it’s back to the closet to do a Wardrobe Analysis, and this is where I show you how to create amazing outfits for every occasion and situation using the clothes you already have and clothes that were purchased.

From this point on…it’s just maintenance…we can update your look seasonally, yearly, or for that special event.

Remember, this is a process and not an overnight transformation.  It takes time and focus to develop your own style.

For more information, please feel free to contact me at christine@illuminart.com or (310) 430-6684.

I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of celebrities walking out on the town in a dress and blazer.  Case in point: Gwenyth Paltrow, and Rachel Bilson as shown below.

That’s because it’s classy yet comfortable.  The blazer tones down the overt femininity of the dress with a typically masculine clothing item–the blazer…nonetheless…the look remains chic.

Try pairing a dark dress with a dark blazer.  When wearing a lighter colored dress…pair it with a light colored blazer.

When looking for an essential blazer to pair with dresses or skirts…try to find a blazer that ends between your belly button and (for lack of better words) bottom of your crotch.   Roll up or push up the sleeves for added flair.

Situations suited for the blazer and dress combination: dinner with friends, out on the town, etc.

Also, you can wear a summer dress or casual dress paired with a blazer with rolled up sleeves for a day look.