Grace Meets Kelli

Grace Kelly’s Engagement Photo

Grace Kelly was a woman with style, class and.. well…grace. She was always elegant and opted for a simple and understated style that’s certainly worth emulating, even today.

Kelli’s classic bone structure, blond up-swept hair and pearl necklace made her a perfect choice for a Grace Kelly inspired bride. 

Photo by Dee at Shutterdee.com

Learn how to get this look in 3 easy steps!

1. Less is more – when it comes to make up, choose flattering shades (neutral colors are a safe choice) and apply with a light touch. For Kelli, I used mineral eyeshadows in shades of gray and white with a touch of glimmery beige on the lid.  Soft pinks on cheeks and lips add color without being too overdone. I opted for cluster lashes over a strip lash to keep with the natural look.  Using a mineral foundation, which will cover imperfections but still allow your own skin to show through, is best.
2. Keep hair soft – think up swept, waves, looser hair styles with pretty accessories. Nothing harsh or too pulled back.
3. Speaking of accessories – Grace Kelly was known for wearing a single strand of pearls. Try updating this look with the Charlotte Statement Necklace from Stella & Dot. I can picture this necklace with a cardigan and jeans, just as easy as I can a beautiful wedding gown. 

Stay tuned for another Hollywood inspired bride!

Old Hollywood Made New – Part 1

“Nothing Makes a Woman More Beautiful Than the Belief That She is Beautiful.” – Sophia Lauren

My inspiration for this post is Sophia Loren.  She is gorgeous and her look is sultry and timeless.

Photo by Jack Cardiff

Recently, I had the privilege of working on a photo shoot for Couture Wedding Collection, where the models reminded me of Classic Hollywood Stars. Here’s Cynthia. She’s my “Sophia Loren” inspired bride:

Photo by Dee at Shutterdee.com

How can you get that  “Sophia” look? It’s all about the eye! Here are 3 easy steps to achieve it:

 1) I used Sephora’s Nano Eyeliner in Glitter Black to achieve that smokey yet soft eye. It’s really easy to work with. 

2) Equally important is to highlight the brow bone. Try Bare Minerals eyecolor in Snow. It’s the perfect glow without being too shimmery.

3) A strong brow is a must, but you want it to look natural in order to stay current. I love tarte waterproof Amazonian clay brow mousse. It makes it really goof proof to get the brows you’ve always dreamed about!

By coincidence, Cynthia’s little girl is named…. Sophia. 🙂

She's as sweet as she is cute!

To see more of the photo shoot visit www.coutureweddingcollection.com.

Stayed tuned for more Hollywood inspired brides!

The Power of Red

When I think of  “instant confidence” for any woman, I think red lipstick. A woman wearing red lipstick translates to others “I’m sassy, bold and self-assured”. Even when on the inside you may be feeling otherwise. Case in point: my close friend and client, Dee, a talented photographer (Shutterdee Photography) who rocks it when it comes to being behind the camera and is adorably shy when it comes to being in front of one. For the shoot, I applied a daring red lip and voila! I don’t see an ounce of shy. I see the beautiful and confident woman that she is.

All hail to the power of red!

Details – for the photo shoot I used stila long wear lip color shade in lover and long wear lip liner in passionate. These colors are universally flattering on just about everyone.