Fashion Steal and DIY

Alexander McQueen Clutch

Hey hope you had a great weekend :).
Last night was the SAG 2012 awards show and as always, no red-carpet style is ever really complete without a few glamorous add-ons. They were major jewel-drop earrings, megawatt arm candy, statement clutches, and standout heels with bold embellishments and metallic finishes. Each of these stunning accoutrements is out to prove it really is all in the details. But I'm choosing one of my favourite from the lot.

Actress Emma Stone, from the movie The Help, wore Alexander Macqueen from dress to clutch. Her overall look was flirty but very glamorous. The clutch was definately a statement piece in its own right where the lace and gold detail spoke sass and glamour.

So after pointing out to the husband what a great arm candy that would make, I immediately added it to my vision board of things ;). So I got to thinking....

  

Saw this clutch online and its $15.99.  The striping I think would look great under lace, choose a style clutch you desire. Now its time for choosing the lace. Once you have sourced the lace, fit it to clutch (almost like reupholstering a chair). Fit the lace a way that works and attach. Hot glue is best BUT the trick about using this type of glue is not to use too much as it could look tacky...like a craft project.

This double finger ring is $7.98, again choose a style you prefer (skull, flowers, cross, horses etc). When doing projects where I have to use glue, these are the ones I use: 2 Part Epoxy, Gorilla glue or E600 glue, you will be bonded for life.

Now to attach the ring.

1. Metal will adhere together better with the glue if it has something to grab unto. Take a piece of sand paper and rub it on the side of the ring that is to be glued. You could also do this for the metal band at the top of the clutch.  
2. Once they have been primed, attach the ring to the metal band of the clutch and clamp together and let dry.

And Voila! Bag is done! 

Have fun ;)

xxo

G

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Da Brat is now Lady Brat

Shawnate Harris popularly known as Da Brat, was released from prison last year. Known for her braids, barrettes and oversized clothes, she has shed the hair and will be putting a different a twist on her older style. Styled by one of my favourite stylists Mizz June Ambrose, who will be premiering a new VH1 show, called “Styled By June”.

For the show, she was recently out in the streets of New York, being taught a lesson in “Walking in Heels 101,” after picking up some challenging pumps from Guisseppe Zanotti on Madison Avenue. It has been rumoured that Ambrose is working with Da Brat on a total re-branding and will have her making appearances soon. The platinum-selling artist will be rocking a new style. 

Styled in a kilt, leather blazer, boots and wearing a shaggy honey blond layered hairstyle,   she was prepped to hit the Fashion Delivers red carpet last night.
Heyyyy Shawntae

Pics courtesy of YBF

Mizz June Ambrose

Stay tuned for more details on the show. "Styled By June" will be premiering March 19th (new date) on Vh1.
Will you be watching? 

G

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Crush alot? how to protect

Picture Courtesy of Concreteloop

Recently in the blogspere, I spotted this picture of singer Olivia - Love and Hip Hop cast member, at the Pre Grammy Awards Show in a dress on the crushed side.

If ever you happen to have faced this problem, here is a trick I use when styling and personally for myself too. The trick in having a oh-my-gawk effect, especially when wearing a beautiful dress is this: Fabrics such as satin are very tricky, place a slightly damp towel near a steamy shower, kettle or if you happen to have a steamer on hand is also a plus. Wrap the towel around your dress while you ride to your location. Voila you will not only save your look but feel confident to pull it off ;). I do have to thank my mama for all these tips! 

Have a Great Friday!

xxo
G

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Closet pulls for "Jazz and Blues" Festival

The 16th staging of the Jazz and Blues Festival takes place January 26-28, 2012 at the Greenfield stadium just outside of Falmouth, Trelawny's chief town, Jamaica. This event since its first inception, has been a go to event for most. The festival is also a favorite on the international jazz event circuit and it will also be the first major event to commemorate Jamaica’s 50th year of independence. 

The 2012 line-up will include multiple award winning Celine Dion, who will be performing for the first time in the Caribbean. The amazing list of other artists includes Assassin, the Grammy-award winning Cee Lo Green, Earl Klugh, Richard Stephenson (Richie Stephenson), Gentleman, Destra Garcia, Nicole Henry, Jully Black, Tessanne and Tami Chynn, Shaggy, Heads of State, Damian and Ky-Mani Marley, Christopher Martin, Half Pint, AJ Brown and Lloyd Parks and We the People Band.

The location that features this festival...is hmmm...not one for heels. So for all  my fabulous dolls out there tsk tsk you will have to be practical but fashionable for this one ;).

Thursday Night:

This night is in celebration of Jamaica's 50th birthday, wearing colours to show patronage can be done fashionable without looking overstated. For 2012 there are three distinguisable colour groups that are evident. 

Tender: For a more candid and im-not-trying-too-hard-to-be-sexy-look, are the clearest and palest of pastels.  You could choose something from this palette to show off your style. 

One option? Sheer maxi dresses have been the rave since 2011 but will be relived in 2o12. This style is cool and sexy and it says simple but chic. A cardigan or jacket is best to have on hand for this look.

Earthy: Tones of the earth in hues of copper,oranges along with colours that depict nature with matte or shiny effects along with with tribal and tye and dye patterns.

 

And kimono jackets are the rave again this season.

 

 

Flower Power: Tropic thunder is evident among prints, somewhat of a nuance, but they are essential and charming prints. 

Apart from prints, cuts also come in floral patterns.

And Kimonos

Friday:

International night, so this calls for the "big-guns attire". Here are some trends and styles that will speak fashionably comfortable. 

The wide leg pants can be dressed up or down. Choose a style in denim or light material for flexibility and comfort.

The Tuxedo Jacket is chic and very style savvy. Can be worn with cigarette pants, denim, denim shorts, shorts, over dresses or skirts choose your pick. 

High slit dresses although seen in 2011 has entered over into 2012. This style can be worn casually elegant.

Saturday Night:

A mixture of high tempo, cultural and funky music. That should say it all go prepared to party.  

Shorts, denim jackets, flowy dresses, tights, t-shirts (dressed up), jeans and comfortable but  fun savvy looks.

On another note: Platform heels with chunky heels, wedges, combat boots, deserts, thong slippers, gladiators, strappy slippers whatever your style is, just to make sure comfort is one of your priority.  

Makeup: The night may be humid so ensure to have blotting sheets on hand and try to keep foundation minimal. Applying wall to wall is not necessary especially if you have great skin, but if there are concerns of blemishes conceal heavy handed and apply foundation lightly and blend.

Have fun and a safe journey. Jamaica, land of beautiful people and music ;).      

xxo
G

  

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How to build your makeup kit: Face

Hello dollface...the last time I posted I ran through some of the essentials you will need, in building your makeup kit, eyeshadow brushes in particular.  There are so many different type of brushes and amiss the mass amounts of makeup brushes out there; deciding how and which to choose may be a problem. I have broken down the basic brushes needed for your face, so you may get the best results. Hopefully this will help you save money and eliminate useless brushes.

Three main brushes that should reside in your kit and they are:

Foundation brush

This brush is normally flat, and is made to cover all areas of the face with foundation. Although various other styles are available on the market, this style is essential.

Foundation: Stippling Brush

This brush is just as the foundation brush, only difference is that this style is round and with a flat head. Perfect for stippling foundation onto the skin and for a more airbrushed finish. Ensure the bristles are stiff, as they need to be in order to hold up to the foundation and not streak. As a MUA this is my essential brush in my kit, you may not get this one if you prefer a flatter head.

Tip: If on a budget makeup sponges could be used too, although reasonably priced brushes are now in the market. It all depends on your preference and also what you are comfortable in using for application.
 

Dual Foundation Brush 

This double-duty brush serves as a foundation and concealer brush. Applying Concealer under the eye is always best with the finger and wedge but if you prefer - this style is perfect in following the curves of the face for truly flawless coverage.

Powder brush

Big and fluffy in size, this brush allows easy application of powder and mineral products.

Blush Brush

Similar in shape to the powder brush, but smaller and designed for better control when applying blush.

"Pretty is as pretty does" ;) 

xxo
G

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Hmmmm Honey

Hey honey! Suffering from acne, bad blemishes or maybe a blister? Use Honey. The reason this works is because honey is antibacterial and can be used to prevent a burn from turning into a blister. Its best too always apply overnight as the skin rejuvenates while asleep.

xxo

G

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Let's call it a Wrap

For 2012 it isn't all about ascribing to hair trends or hair styles. If you are one who is always willing to experiment, headscarves will definatly feed your desire to stand out from the crowd. The humble headscarf makes its return, pushing the turban aside and taking on a casual air. Hair accessories will seldom rate a mention but I will do another post on such trends for 2012. 
Three distinct decades has started a trend rivalry in 2012: 1940s, 1960s and 1970s fashion. Compatibility is definately a no no amongst these decades BUT the headscarf certainly is. 
A perfect opportunity has been created by 2012 for headscarf to be galvanized and definately be fashionable again.

Romance Period: 1940s

This era played to high society and glamour but inspiration can definately be drawn for everyone. For 2012 its more inline with 1940s Rosie The Riveter iconography.

Boho Chic: 1960s

Jennifer Lopez

This scarf style is very simple. Place halfway on your head and either tie the ends into a bun or knot them.

The 60s is also associated with oversized sunglasses and convertible cars. Audrey Hepburn was a regular vision of incognito glamour. Fold headscarf into a triangular shape and tie under the chin.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn

Revival: 1970s 

This era actually borrows from an earlier period of fashion: the 1930s. This look is now very urban, modern, flowy and long.

Some other trends are borrowed and imported from various cultures.

Ethnic

The prominence of headscarves are not limited to when it’s worn in line with decade-influenced trends. Ever true to fashion, the headscarf is interpreted through the lens of ethnic fashion in 2012. 

Long live the Turban

Although I started off saying that headscarves are the way to go in 2012, the turban is still the fashionable headpiece than can be worked in 2012. Not to say that the turban has disappeared from the scene altogether – it’s just no longer the main piece of choice.

Stylist June Ambrose in her signature look, who still works this look glamorously

If you cant achieve this look on your own, check out Designer and fellow blogger James Black designs. Facebook fanpage: Glamhead and you may email her glamheadja@gmail.com

Wrap it up in Glamour ;)

xxo

G

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