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Posted by on Jul 17, 2011 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

Karl Lagerfeld strokes his PENchant for polish with Shu Uemura and S.T. Dupont

Lagerfeld is a self-professed paper junkie, and nothing goes better with paper than a stellar fountain pen. I spent years penning all sorts of terrible poetry and DMV applications and what-not with my drugstore version in teal ink. It was bliss, and I shed a tear recently when I discovered they were no more. 

I had no sooner tried to track down a replacement, when what to my wondering eyes should appear? A brief glimpse into beauty/nails/fountain pen nirvana, courtesy Karl Lagerfeld. I was hoping we’d have more photos to feast on by now, what with a swanky party at his bookshop in Paris and all, but no. It appears these meager offerings from WWD are all we have regarding the “long term collaboration” between Karl Lagerfeld and S.T. Dupont. Niblets. Barely snack worthy.

Alain Crevet, S.T. Dupont and Lagerfeld

If you couldn’t get the gist from the scribs, turns out Karl wanted to channel his love for jotting down thoughts using Shu UemuraNail Polish.  Yes, the designer has created a pen that flows crimson lacquer.  Wouldn’t that be the talk of the salon!

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Posted by on Jul 16, 2011 in Uncategorized | 4 comments

I’ve Moved! New Location for Nails, New CND certification

Hello everyone – it’s been a crazy last couple of weeks but I’m excited to finally be able to announce a new location. I’ve moved just streets over from Whitefish Bay to Shorewood Wisconsin and am now doing Shellac, Minx and everything else for the Milwaukee area at 2317 E Capitol Drive (inside Scenario Hair Design). We’re just steps from City Market, Atwater Park and that fabulous Lake!

Non-metered parking is available, and I have a wonderful room for all of your semi-private manicure/pedicure services. You can even make your appointments 24/7 now by  booking online here . 

In other news, last Monday I attended the first in a three part series for Master certification with CND.  I’m happy to announce I now have my Master Painter Certificate for Shellac and the Colours & Effects lacquer line. 

The ride started out beautiful, even though severe storms were forecasted.  The instant we parked, I kid you not, the skies opened up.  We had arrived very early to make sure we’d be on time and as we sat in the hotel cafe, tables and chairs outdoors were blown over, branches came down and we had a few brownouts.  Over 80K people were without power.  Luckily we didn’t have that problem.

My boot camp mentor Angi Wingle was training,  and people came from all over the US to attend.  We were sat randomly as we came in.  I got a very pleasant surprise when someone at my table said she followed on Facebook and my blog.  Hello to Jessica from Indiana if you are reading this right now!  Angi was actually in need of a model and Jessica drove the 4 hours up herself.  She has gorgeous nails, she was a perfect candidate.

Angi & Jessica

Oh my, I was so tired I hit publish last night instead of draft! I wanted to add that if you are thinking about CND training I will be adding information to the site calendar here, and you should also call CND or go to their website at cnd.com

Aside from techniques and knowledge, the goodies alone were shocking!  For this Master Painter were were supplied with a CND Shellac lamp, curette, productproductproduct, C&E lacquers and a very cool purse style bag.  Each Master certification level has a different bag to reflect the style of training.  I’d also received the faux patent leather from boot camp that is given for the L&P class and I have to say, these bags are surprisingly well made.  They are durable, very attractive and fit everything without being bulky. 

If you don’t feel ready for Master level, there are many other courses for introduction or Skill Building.  It’s such a great way to meet new people in your industry while improving your craft.

I’ll update later today to show you the Mood Ring nail we learned for Boot Camp, created by CND EA Candice Manacchio.  It is a gorgeous 5 color layer nail and was also shared during the Master class.  Enjoy your Saturday!

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Posted by on Jul 8, 2011 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

I die! Rachel Zoe collection launches at Neiman Marcus (and you could meet her)


Bananas!

 

Everyone loves an exclusive, and Neiman Marcus caters in the most fabulous way with early access to fashion darling Rachel Zoe. The Rachel Zoe collection debuts at Neiman Marcus online only through July 18th. 

If you aren’t quick enough on the clicks, the collection will make it nationwide to all 41 Neiman Marcus stores in August.  But why wait? 

CONTEST: In the meantime, Neiman Marcus has included an interactive opportunity with the launch that is sure to please Polyvorephiles.  Express yourself through Zoe’s line by taking a scenario and styling it.  Simply LIKE the facebook page and start styling. Someone will be lucky enough to impress and win:

  •  $2500 gift card
  • “priceless, private meeting” with Rachel and Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing

TRUNK SHOW: Chicago’s Neiman Marcus has a little secret – they are possibly getting the Rachel Zoe line as soon as the end of July.  On August 11th, they’ll be holding a trunk show with a Zoe representative.  Whatever you didn’t snatch up online you’ll want to see in person.

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Posted by on Jul 8, 2011 in Uncategorized | 8 comments

Christian Louboutin – Fall 2011: Knockoffs you can live with

Not  your Whistler’s Mother’s shoe? 

Louboutin’s Fall 2011 Ad Campaign is creating a revival of sorts that art teachers and historians would envy – getting people in droves to notice the masters. 

Reportedly shot by Peter Lippmann, the new Look Book features recreations from famous paintings, updated with a little Lou.  The resulting photos are beautiful, with a little “Where’s Waldo?” thrown in.  Although a similar feel pops up now an again (the old “models with ballgowns and lions is back – I still have my 2005 Vogue with Drew Barrymore) this is the first time in memory art is imitating, um, art so specifically. To see originals and the rest of the campaign, click the gallery. Do you have a favorite?

Note: Although many are saying the ‘shoe in the lap portrait’ is Francois Clouet’s “Elizabeth of Austria” ( a headshot) I feel the recreation is closer to Petrus-Paulus Rubens portrait d’Elisabeth de Bourbon (Anne d’Autriche)

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Posted by on Jul 6, 2011 in Uncategorized | 7 comments

Makeup tips & tricks with MUA Mally Roncal & VISINE®

Twitter/Facebook darling makeup artist Mally Roncal has such a fun personality online, it’s not surprising she must be enjoyable in person as well.  Her client list includes the likes of Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Mariska Hargitay.  Mally doesn’t leave all of her tips to the elite – she’s happy to share ways to enjoy the summer with Solessence readers.

Mally’s signature is a flirtatious eye, and she believes it is important to wear makeup everywhere.  This reminds me of a “Do you wear makeup when running?” conversation that was on Twitter.  I believe it was @roclobster that said something along the lines of  “Of course. I’m not a farmer.”  But I digress.  Right into more makeup discussions!  So does Mally wear makeup to the beach?

   Mally says “Of course I wear makeup to the beach!  And don’t think just because you’re sun-kissed you don’t need to wear makeup.  The key is to look polished but not overdone. ”

She also agrees to keep it a bit easy, and recommends this routine:

  • Slather on the SPF everywhere!
  • Curl your lashes and coat with waterproof mascara to avoid runaway eye makeup
  • Give definition to your face with a waterproof brow pencil 
  • Peach is the new pink and that goes double for lip gloss.  Mally Beauty Lip Gloss in Be a Peach or Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick in Summer Peach
  • Don’t skip concealer or you’ll look tired.  Mally Beauty Cancellation Conditioning Concealer SPF 25 is the perfect summertime option
    …And when the elements get the best of you:
    Diffuse a sunburn and bring your skin tone to more of a natural color with a dusting of powder foundation, then make sure to work with neutral colors so you don’t draw attention to the redness
    Even the most flawless makeup can’t hide red, irritated eyes – luckily VISINE® Summer Spectrum Relief™ is specifically formulated to soothe irritation and redness caused by chlorine, salt water, sun and wind so keep one in your beach bag at all times

After a day at the beach, have fun with a colorful summer look:

  • Pink up your pout with fuchsia lipstick and make eyes pop with a bold blue, green or even yellow eyeline
  • If you go bright, go big…don’t mix bright hues like hot pink, electric blue or green with anything too dark and earthy

 At the end of a long summer day:

  • Before you wash your face, gently remove eye makeup (even stubborn waterproof mascara!) with VISINE® Soothing Wipes. 
  •  Store them in the fridge for an extra-cool, refreshing treat.  These are also great on the go!

She doesn’t mention mention allergies in her tips, but this is the first year I had a lot of trouble with my eyes.  I had a chance to try the Visine Total Eye Soothing Wipes and they work very well.  Even when washing was not bringing any relief to my eyes, these pads somehow removed the gunk, for the best description possible.  The best part?  I did not have to tug or rub the delicate tissue around my eyes.  Also, the pad wasn’t saturated in a way that made them too wet.  It just easily and effectively removed whatever was irritating, and at night it also helped remove makeup.  Bonus. This product is a CEW beauty winner, and I can see why. 

  • Coconut and fruit sugar derived cleanser
  • 8 moisturizers
  • Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • Opthamologist and dermatologist tested

 30 generously sized pads are included. You could easily cut them in half to extend use, using one side for the left and one side for the right.  At $6.99 it is a beauty aid that can’t be beat

Go forth and be Mally Beautiful, beach babes

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