Thriftstore And Goodwill Hauling Over The Holidays

Here are some of my thrifting finds that I scored over my holiday break!  The leather Rampage jacket is my favorite!

Holiday Makeup: Nightime Makeup For The Holidays

 

If your going out for dinner or dancing and want to look festive, why not add a little bit of glitter with those red lips and give your holiday look some pop!

What I used:

Eyes :  Flesh toned eyeshadow(no name), LASplash glitter eyeliner (gold), Maybeline creme eyeliner(black)

Cheeks: MAC - Dolly mix(pink)

Lips: MAC - Ruby Woo (matte red), L'oreal Shine Struck Liquid  - Turbulent(red) 

I applied the eyeshadow with my fingers just a bit above my crease and blended it out.  I then applied black creme liner to my upper and lover lashlines. I put some of the glitter liner over the black creme liner and added black mascara.  I added my cheek color and lips and bam! Easy Peasy!

*Tip:  Although I didn't do it here, to get your red lipstick to last a big longer and to prevent it from migrating above or below your lipline, line your lips with a pencil prior to applying your lipstick.  With red lipstick I like to also use the blotting technique.  This is wear you apply the lipstick and then blot your lips with a paper towel so that a stain from the lipstick is left behind and then reapply.

DIY Manicure: Give This Frosty Tip French Mani A Try

Keeping the holidays in mind, I did this french manicure that reminded me of snow.  the 2 nail polish colors that I used for this were both under $2.00.  I first applied 2 coats of the sparkle blue and allowed it to dry. I then painted over it with the silver glitter.  The silver glitter isn't so much of a glitter as it is plastic like pieces...and I didn't so much as paint the silver pieces on as I placed them.  It may not sound like it but it was super easy.  If you are doing a holiday themed look, I think this would look good with green, red, gold, or silver as a base as well.

What I used:

Sinful Colors - Hottie - $1.99

Klean Colors - Chunky Silver - $1.00

DIY Manicure: Stripes Lines And Dots Oh My!

My camera for some reason or other decided to make this color appear orange when in fact it's more of a coral color.  Anyhow, this was a very easy and CHEAP manicure.  You can use any color combination and/or choose different nails to put the design on.

What I used:

Base color: Icing - Sweet Thang

Black nail art - Kiss

Silver nail art - Claire's Cosmetics

I did this design free hand and didn't use any nail design tools. I prepped my nails with a clear top coat and then two coats on my base color.  I then painted to diagonal lines on my thumb and ring fingers.  I painted a silver line above the bottom black line and then placed silver dots above the top black line.  Easy peasy!

If you have a favorite DIY manicure that you love to do, I'd love to see it and possibly use your photo as one of my "viewer posts"  You can email me at adimeonadime@gmail.com.

Full Figured Models Are Changing The Pace Of The Modeling Industry

I had the pleasure of interviewing the up and coming model, Kristy Brown.  Kristy is representing the full-figured ladies with both style and grace.  I saw some of Kristy's modeling photos on Facebook and I instantly admired the way her photos captured her beauty and spirit.  With her busy schedule, she found time to interview with me.  As you can see from this interview, Kristy is not only a beauty on the outside but even more beautiful on the inside. Read what she has to say about the full-figured modeling industry.

DOAD: When and why did you start modeling? 


Kristy: I started modeling this past April when I wanted to start a portfolio to kick off my birthday. I was always into modeling and fashion so I just decided that I would just go for it and make it happen. Sometimes your worst enemy can be your own fears.

DOAD: What was your favorite photo shoot experience?  


Kristy:  This past Sunday I did a shoot with Patrick Covington of Patrickcphotography.com in which I had a chance to work with a group of other models and I had a blast! The vibe was great,everyone was positive and supportive.

DOAD: What is your favorite type of modeling? Print? Runway? Couture?


Kristy:  My favorite type of modeling would have to be...Hmmmmm Print! But that's not final, I love it all!

DOAD: As a full figured model do you feel it is more difficult to break into the industry?


Kristy:  If so, Why, If not, Why? Well, right now I see the market shifting a little and full-figure, plus size models are booking more jobs and are more visible.  You have to want it, be willing to WORK and never accept failure. In order to achieve anything in life one has to to be willing to fall,dust themselves off and get back up again.

DOAD: Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like you were being patronized by other models, photograpers, agencies? If so, what happened?


Kristy: I must say I have not......I'm not saying it has never happened but only that it never registered with me. I'm all about being of light..which means being a positive, spiritual being of growth. Anything opposite of that is curled up in the furtherest corner of my universe. I am the sun and my light touches everything!

DOAD: I rarely see plus size models on the runway or in print even though the average women is a size 14. Why do you think this is? 


Kristy: Mainly they are just doing what has worked in the past and has proven to sell.......For them to have continuous success, they will have get with the times and learn to market toward the changing demographic. Some think a size 2 is the only acceptable beauty...Well that is about to change.

DOAD: In the next 10 years, where do you see your modeling career and the plus size modeling industry on a whole?


Kristy: My career will transition to more of the creative side of things. I will not only create opportunity for myself but for the plus model market. Which in turn will affect the modeling industry as a whole.

DOAD: Where can we see some of your work? 


Kristy: Modelmayhem and Facebook. I currently have a commercial in rotation on comcast cable on the following networks: MTV,Vh1,Style network,Oxygen, and E! And spokesmodel for www.curvydivastore.com which is a partner with www.nikkitfashions.com  You can also see my video's on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/bkristy25

DOAD: Do you have anything in the works that we can look forward to? 


Kristy: I am the New Creative Director for Diva By Design Online magazine and will be kicking off the new year with hot editorial segments In the January 2011 Issue.   www.divabydesignonline.com

DOAD: With your experiences, what advice would you give a young lady that is trying to break into the plus size modeling business? 


Kristy: Stay focused and hold tight to your faith....What's for you is for you but don't sit around and wait for it to happen. God has given you everything that you need in order to be successful in this life. So get out there and make it happen.

DOAD: Lastly, You are extremely confident and gorgeous on the inside and outside. Unfortunately, our society has made this difficult
to do as a woman and even more difficult as a plus size woman. What message would you give to the plus size girls that 
may need a bit of a confidence boost?  


Kristy: Believe in yourself enough and know what you want and nothing nor no one will be able to hold you back.

When I asked Kristy to tell me something about herself that most people wouldn't know, her response was, "I was really shy growing up and had a hard time talking to people. Now you can't shut me up."  I can hardly believe this young lady was ever shy.  I'm glad that she broke out of her shell and is now showing the world what she's made of!  Check her out at Model Mayhem, Facebook or one of her various business endeavors.  I wish you the best Kristy!

Makeup Look: Friday Night Makeup Look Using Plums And Purples

So, you're going out with the girls or with your significant other?  This look is bold and fun!  Most importantly, it is super easy!

What I used: 

Eyes:  MAC - Parfait Amour (frost lavender), MAC - My Dark Magic (deep purple), BFTE - Big Ego (bright grape), MAC - Carbon (black)

Cheeks: Milani - Sunset Beach (peach)

Lips: MAC - Cyber ( deep plum)

For the eyes, I applied Parfait Amour on the lid up to my crease.  On the outer half of my lid I applied My Dark Magic.  I used carbon for the outer V to create a little depth.  I lined my upper and lower lid with a black creme liner.  On the lower lid, I went over the creme liner with Big Ego.  I added a heft coat of mascara to both top and bottom lashes and the eyes were done!  I popped on a bit of blush to the apples of my cheeks and complete the look with a dark lipstick.  Voila!  You are ready for a night on the town!

Earrings - Forever 21 - $6.80

Music Muse: Marving Gaye - Just To Keep You Satisfied

Music is such a big part of my life.  I'm a singer and songwriter.  I also sing with my band (when I can find the time!)  I love to share songs that move me in one way or another.  This is none other than the late great Marvin Gaye.  As sweet as this song is, it's so hard to believe that it's a break up song.  The performance here is so real and the lyrics so painstakingly sung.  So beautiful...I love this song to pieces!

Thriftstore Finds: Louis Vuitton For Under $10

And this, my friends is the reason to thrift shop!  This photo was submitted by one of my viewers.  She was able to snag this authentic Louis Vuitton bag for under $10 and the strap was free!  Is this awesome or what? Great find girl!  You can check her out on Youtube here:

All About Hair: Big Chop Or Not To Big Chop?

Many of you who are thinking about going natural or are currently transitioning have wondered if  a "big chop" is necessary to began your natural journey. It is not.

If you are concerned about length retention and are not yet ready to do a big chop, don't.  There are plenty of transitioning and protective styles that you can keep your hair in until it grows to an acceptable length for you.  One of the important things to keep in mind if you are transitioning is to be mindful of the two different textures you are supporting. I would shy away from styles such as "wash and goes" or "afro puffs".  It's best to keep your textured hair fairly straight.  I don't mean flat ironing and blow drying, but try twist or braid outs, or styles where your textured hair isn't allowed to coil back onto itself and cause breakage at the point where the natural hair and the textured hair meet.  I've seen people successfully transition to shoulder length before they decided to cut off the chemically treated hair, so it definitely can be done.  You can also do an inch trim every 2 to 3 months.  This will slowly get rid of chemically treated hair while your hair stays at its current length.

This is all to say that the big chop is not necessary but it is definitely your choice. Either way, the ending result will be a head full of beautiful curly locks! 

Fashion Fun: What Type Of Hat Are You Wearing On Your Head This Winter?

pom-pom knitted cap

I never really pictured myself as a hat person until I started trying them on.  I am definitely a hat person!  Here are some fall fashion hat trends that are pretty stylish and will keep your head warm this winter!

Military hat with flare

Classic knit cap

Different variations of military hats

Lumberjack hat

Boy cap

Pakistani hat

Fashion Fun: Aldo Ankle Boots Are On The Radar.

Vanderau - $110

Although knee boots and over the knee boots are still on the radar, these boot are hot on the radar as well. I love LOVE these boots.  These are all Aldo brand (one of my favorite shoe stores).  I will definitely be looking for something similar while thrifting, however, I will have to purchase one of these babies brand new!  You have to check there site (the above link) to see all of the great ankle boots they have.

Tyms - $69.98

Audria -$80

Aldo - $140

Prestia - $69.68

Harsin - $99.98

Mcclurkin - $70

Crankshaw - $99.98

Shreiner - $89.98

Thriftstore Fashion: Finding Jewelry At The Thrift store

(Abalone Earrings - $2.99)

Again I want to apologize for the picture quality.  Once I get my camera situation handled, the picture quality will improve. 

Here are a few fun jewelry items that I purchased while thrifting.  When I first started thrifting I was so caught up in purchasing clothing and other things that I would pass up the jewelry section. One day I stopped at the jewelry counter because a bracelet caught my eye.  Ever since then I make certain to stop by the jewelry counter every single time.  You never know what little trinkets and treasure you may find.

(Gold & Turquoise Earrings - $1.99)

(Silver & Turquoise Earrings -$1.99)

 (Silver Earrings - $2.50)

(Gold Leaf Earrings - $1.50)

                             

(Gold Links Bracelet - $2.50)

 

(Gold Cuff Bracelet - $2.00)

(Gold & Black Cuff Bracelet - $1.50)

(Colorful Washer & Gold Bracelet - $2.00)

Makeup Review: Wet N Wild Lipstick; Affordable Fab & Fun

(910D - On The Collar;bright pinkish red. This one is my favorite)

I am such a big fan of Wet N Wild Mega Last lipsticks!  I picked up these colors at my local Walgreen's. They were on sales for $1.49 each.  Normally they are $2.99, which is also a steal!  The colors are very pigmented and the lipstick is very creamy and thick how I like it. They color really does last for quite a while.  I did a slight touch up after about 4 hours.  This was after eating food and drinking coffee, so it may have lasted even longer!   If you're looking for some great lipstick and at a good price, I'd give these a try for sure.  Wet N Wild only gives the lipsticks a number by which to identify them, so I made up names for them, because lipstick this great deserves a name.

I'm having some difficulty with my camera and am using a different camera, so I apologize for the picture quality.

(916D-Flirt;a deep mauve)

(918D-Harlem;deep brown)

Fashion Fun: Inspirational Photos In Fashion & Beauty

(source) 

While perusing the web, I found a few eye catching photos that exemplify fashion and beauty.  The above photo is such an awesome pose.  The model makes it look so effortless and beautiful.

The sand and the print work well in this one.

This is just a really cool photo.

Alek Wek is one of my favorites, her look has so much depth.

This is another cool photo.

Beautiful.

another beauty.

I love this one.

This woman's features are very sriking.

Naomi just looks really good here.