Notice lately the ‘going-Green’ twist more and more cosmetic companies are using in their marketing? It’s hitting home for them how aware the Facebook generation actually is. That, combined with the growing popularity of ridding your personal & home care products of non-Earth-Friendly chemicals, has pushed them to put this ‘green’ spin on things. But natural alternatives have always been available to us, they just aren’t commercialized as heavily as top brands like Neutrogena or L’Oreal.

It became so clear to me… Beauty school. Skincare Course. The year was 2005. Throughout our studies, my teacher always stressed the importance of knowing your product’s ingredients. I didn’t have a thorough understanding of why…until looking up each individual ingredient manually.

Products from my old beauty regimen contained some of, if not all, toxic ingredients.( FYI: I used REVLON ColorStay foundation, ALMAY concealer, COVERGIRL loose powder, and MAYBELLINE mascara ) Google your own cosmetic’s ingredients, or find them here. Some have been linked to serious long term health conditions & damage to the body’s organs and tissues. I was stunned at my findings!

This was the beginning of a personal quest (not so personal now since I’m sharing it with you, ha ha) to find an All-natural, organic, or mineral brand of make-up. The brands I’ve shown on the video snippet below are some of the options out there which can be alternatives to unknowingly toxic make-up & beauty products. Take a peek …..

Better yet, I also serendipitously got in contact with Marcie Lakin, a local to Miami and professional Make Up Artist who walks-the-walk and talks-the-talk on being Earth-friendly in beautification. Here are a few tidbits to look over to get even further insight:

Q1: What was the catalyst in making you stray away from using non-green
top name Brands on yourself and clients?

I would say it was a journey. I have always been interested in what makes a
healthy mind and body, yet I was a makeup artist in the fashion industry; an
industry not known for attention to purity. There was a paradox in my life. I started
first by using greener cleaning products in my home, when my 6 yr. old daughter
was small and crawling. I did not want her to ingest dangerous toxins.
It made sense then, if skin is the largest organ and absorbing what we use on, it
was important to use products that made us healthier as opposed to sicker. The
products I carry at peacelovemakeup.com contain ingredients that will add to
your well being and true beauty. For instance W3ll People Narcissist Stick
Foundation contains reishi mushroom, which is known for it’s miraculous health
benefits. When we nurture and care for ourselves, we are truly beautiful.

Q2: What would you say is the biggest misconception people have about
organic, mineral, and natural makeup ?

I think the biggest misconception is that it that it is not fashion forward (that it’s a
hippie thing) or does not work as well. Some of the textures are bit different than
what we are used to, but once you try them out you find that applying them is
quite easy. I love Mineral Makeups, such as Alima Pure. I find the texture on the
skin to be nicer than most liquid or cream makeups I have used, especially at the
end of the day. It adheres to your skin, making it look creamy & smooth, even
after perspiration. There is no creasing, such as you have with traditional
makeup. A few brands such as Revolution Organics have gorgeous & convenient
multi-use sticks. Their Freedom Glow Beauty Balm contains yummy ingredients
like coconut oil. Siren lipstick from Vapour Organic Beauty is an Allure magazine
favorite. All are available at www.peacelovemakeup.com

Q3: What do/will people immediately notice once they change their
makeup/skin care regimen from toxic to green:) ?

For one thing they will feel better about the healthier choices they are making. I always feel good when I do the best I can for myself.
Peace Love Makeup offers a service called “The Healthy Makeup Makeover.”
A Makeup Artist (Me) will come to your home and work with you to find just the
right products to be you most gorgeous healthy self. I also do private makeup
applications. It’s a great way to try out new natural & organic cosmetics and see
for yourself how great non-toxic beauty can be.

——————————————————————————

After this research (and reading a book or two) I discovered, good skincare is truly a ‘works-from-the-inside-out’ kind of thing. Going forward, look for these 3 key elements in your product’s brand: ingredient honesty, performance, and concern for the environment .

The time to go Organic, Mineral, and All-Natural, is N-O-W !

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Part of the modeling process is that you are usually required to attend a casting for a designer for numerous reasons in order to get booked for a photo shoot or runway show. In a nut shell at a casting you arrive with your portfolio, comp card, and in form fitting plain clothes. You usually want to wear heels in case they ask you to do a runway walk for them, makeup should be bare minimal, and hair and nails should be clean. This allows the designer to see your natural beauty and to give them an idea of how they can take what you have and turn it into what they need.

I generally don’t have much of a ritual before I attend any casting, but I do always play my “work out” playlist to get me pumped and full of energy. I also always make sure that I will be 5-10 minutes earlier than the casting call time since you haven’t been booked for the job yet and showing that you are responsible and well time managed (especially in Miami) will only help you in the long run. Other than that casting’s are about proving that you are capable to do the job at hand, so beyond looks your personality needs to really shine as it is always a persuader.

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It’s a well known fact that to be a model you generally need to have a certain waifer body type. This includes being a minimum height of 5’9″ with measurements that are in proportion to your body but keep you in that model type shape. However you’d be surprised how many times I’ve been approached about getting plastic surgery. In my case it is usually to get breast implants, and although I don’t particularly have any interest in it myself I do know many models in Miami that have gotten surgery to prolong their modeling career. There is no right or wrong thing to do when it comes to getting surgery for your career and it completely depends on the individual and the situation, however there are a few pro’s and con’s.

Firstly, the positive side of getting plastic surgery is that you will most likely open doors for your career that weren’t an option before. Specifically for modeling in Miami it is ideal to have a curvy body type for swim wear and lingerie jobs. However on the down side, once you get the surgery your stuck with that body type for the rest of your life. This subject is very sensitive and I feel that no one can be judged for what they decide or don’t decide to do, thus when it comes to plastic surgery there is no right or wrong answer, there is only the decision on what type of modeling your interested in marketing yourself for.

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As a fashion community we should help others in the industry reach their highest potential.  FASHIFY is a great website for talented individuals to gain opportunities in fashion. The editors of FASHIFY definitely have an eye for talent, which is why Ashley Garner will be an excellent guest blogger.

Who is Ashley Garner? She is a freelance fashion model who specializes in runway, print, commercial, swimwear, and convention work. She is also a full-time student at Florida International University, whose major is Fashion Styling. Eventually she wants to transfer to FIT in New York City where she hopes to work as a fashion stylist editor for a magazine. Not only has Ashley been a model in Miami for two years, she also runs a blog called The Scorpion Totem, which focuses on fashion modeling, and other aspects of the industry.

Photo Credit: Neil Chang » http://www.modelmayhem.com/1509684

As a guest blogger, Ashley will be sharing her thoughts on various trends in fashion.  Since she’s a model, we will be able to get a behind the scenes look into her career. There is a lot we as the public don’t know about modeling and Ashley will be able to give plenty of firsthand insight on being a model. I know lots of people who aspire to be in modeling, her blog will be a great help to rookie models. Her pictures are beautiful, and her looks are versatile.

Photo Credit: Janice Quijano » http://www.janicequijano.com/

In her blog post titled “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” on May 23^rd she talks about both sides of her personality.

“I have my frail and vulnerable side that spawns from my damn near perfect childhood in the country, then I have my fierce, bitchy side originating from a need to feel strong and empowered.”

That statement gave me more insight on her as a model. I feel her pictures show both sides of who she is. In some pictures she is dressed sweetly in flower print dresses and delicate white lace. While in others, she wears a sexy black dress, ripped leggings, and alluring smokey eyes. She goes on to say how in her personal life, she can be mistaken for weak because of her delicate features and her light red hair. If you follow Ashley on Twitter, you will learn that her personality is upfront and full of moxie!

Photo Credit: Octopustudio » http://octopustudio.com/

Ashley Garner is a fashion model who understands her industry well. Her blog reveals a little about herself and her experiences in fashion. I would suggest to anyone interested in modeling, to subscribe to Ashley’s blog. She gives great insight on being a model and on life in general.

As a guest blogger for FASHIFY, she is sure to be inspirational and a definite must read.

For $100, you can buy yourself, your friends, or your company a shout out in an upcoming FASHIFY.com blog post. Try ordering one today using the form below:

Shout Message

Website Link

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The iPad has brought a new advancement to the way portfolio’s are presented. Now a photographer, a model,  graphic designer, web designer and anyone who presents their work has a new edge to be technologically advanced with the ipad. The ipad takes new technology and imagery to make a unique way to present your work. The PadPort App creates a platform for users to load their portfolio and different ways to share the portfolio to clients. You are able to create your own customized portfolio, load images, and share your work.

One would never even remotely think of a laptop as a viable alternative to a real portfolio because it’s so cumbersome and awkward.  But an iPad is anything but cumbersome (from the looks of it).  Just hand it over and the Art Buyer, Photo Editor, or whoever you’re showing your portfolio to can grab it and swipe from photo to photo with their fingers.  They can throw it into a grid view to see all the photos and go to the ones they like the best.  Very easy.  No keyboard, no mouse, no muss, no fuss.  Want to show them some work that’s a bit different than what you normally keep in your portfolio, open up a different gallery and  there are even more images.

An image on a 1024×768 display, while not as big as an 11×14 print, still looks pretty good.  And, if the viewer wants, they can zoom in with the flick of their fingers and get to a level of detail a print won’t show.  A lot of people like the tactile feeling of holding an actual portfolio and flipping through prints, but the iPad provides the next best thing. Lets quickly jump to the Pros and Cons of using ipad as a portfolio over traditional portfolios.

Pros:

• Portability – nothing beats having a portfolio with you at all times for those chance encounters
• Ease of updating/customizing presentations
• Multiple “portfolio” apps available. I personally use (and highly recommend) FolioBook.
• Ability to share motion/multimedia presentations through a medium less bulky than a laptop
• Cutting edge technology and slick user interface keeps the photographer looking up-to-date
• Great way to supplement a print portfolio with your latest work or show images tailored to a specific client
• Option to show personal work in a personal setting.
• Cost is minimal when compared to the traditional custom print portfolio.

Cons:

• In my mind an iPad will never come close to the wow factor of a custom built portfolio with high-quality prints. There is something to be said for the tactile feel of fine art paper and beautiful prints.
• Viewing size – a little small.
• Finger prints – must clean after each use.

Follow the link below to watch a video representation of an iPad as a photo portfolio.

iPad as a Portfolio

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The beginning of the year is the BEST time to get rid of all that junk you have taking up space in the back of your closet. Nothing feels better than a fresh, clean closet. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Take everything out
Remove everything from the closet. (Clothes, shoes, hangers, dirty laundry, etc) This gives you a better look at how much room you have and how you can maximize the usage of your closet.

2. Sort through the mess
Go through EVERYTHING. Make two piles: Yes and No. Simple, the yes pile is everything you will keep and the no pile is everything you will give away (Plato’s Closet and/or Goodwil/Salvation Army etc.)  There is NO ‘Maybe’ pile. You know if you have a pair of shorts since middle school they a) probably don’t fit b) NOT in any kind of style c) you’re not wearing them! Let them go.

3. Organize
Before you put your yes pile back into your closet, figure out an organization method. What works best for me, is color coordination.  It’s easy; looking for a black shirt? Look in the black section of your closet. It gets kind of tricky with patterns and prints.  If you’re lucky enough to have a big closet space, you can even break down to dresses, skirts, tops, pants, etc.

Shoes belong with shoes. Putting them in boxes actually saves space. A shoe rack does the job just fine as well (aren’t those shoe-pocket-door-hanger-things so dreadful looking? Maybe it’s just me).

When you’ve figured out how you want your closet set up, put everything back in! Now step back, look at your new, neat, chic closet. Feels good doesn’t it?

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Here a few easy looks to get you started:

Bottoms
Sequin bottoms are very easy. Shorts and skirts are very similar.  Whether you like a loose-flowy pair of shorts or  tight, butt-hugging mini skirt, they’re the perfect way to look chic and feel casual.

Don’t be afraid to play around with different patterns and textures. You don’t have to play it safe with sequins.

Tops
A sequin dress is the easiest. There is not much to it. Be careful not to over accessorize a sequin dress; you do not want to cross the line. Tops and tunics are fun. Just add leggings and you’re ready to go. A sequin jacket is a great way to dress up your favorite pair of jeans and easily stand out in a crowd.
Good luck in all your sequin endeavors. I hope I helped you manage all that glitz.

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Caption: Vintage headband from a fashion boutique. Photo by: Aristotle Olay

Thrift stores are the perfect places to find rare, one of a kind, high quality (if you’re lucky) items. Most items are reasonably priced and are often giveaways! I personally enjoy thrifting for jewelry. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

Earrings:

Rings:

Watches/Bracelets:

Three things to remember while thrifting:

1. Think outside the box.

It’s not wise to go to a thrift store looking for a specific item I think the whole point is to find something. The great thing about a thrift store is that they have items you usually will not find at your local mall.

2. Be Creative

Going along with number 1, you have to be creative. It might look like an ugly dress, but maybe you can turn it into a beautiful skirt.

3. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure!

So cliché but so true!

Here are a couple shops I like to stop by here in Atlanta:

Good Will
Buckhead Store
3906 Roswell Road
Atlanta,GA 30342
404.869.3112

I find  a little bit of everything when I go to Good Will. Each store is different so I like to visit them all! The Buckhead location is my favorite becasue well, it’s in Buckhead

(Be sure to check out their website to find a location near you)

Psycho Sisters
428 Moreland Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307
404.523.0100

Psycho sisters is a good mix between The Breakfast Club and Saturday Night Fever. They have a good variety of fun, funky clothes!

Stefan’s Vintage Clothing
1160 Euclid Avenue N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30307
404.688.4929

I go to Stefan’s  to find items from 20s-50s. Definitely a classic Hollywood feel -brings out my inner Greta Garbo and Grace Kelly.

America’s Thrift Store
3344 Canton Road
Marietta, GA 30066
770.423.0094

America’s Thrift Store is the best place to find simple pieces that you can add to your closet. From blazers to acid wash jeans, they have it all!

The Lucky Exchange
212 Ponce De Leon Ave Ne
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.817.7715

The Lucky Exhcange has a great variety of vintage clothing. I personally like their collection of sweaters, blazers, and outerwear.

Couture Consigner
79 S Main St
Alpharetta, GA 30009
(678) 242-0000

Couture Consigner is just that — couture consigner! Gucci, vintage Chanel, and Christian Dior to name a few. Why anyone gives away vintage Chanel is beyond me. Nonetheless, I am forever grateful.

Happy Thrifting!

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J.Aristotle – Lead Photographer / Josh Ott – Photographer’s Assistant / Model : Bren Z.

Set #2 -  Special Thanks to the following crew members:

J.Aristotle – Lead Photographer / Jenn S. – MakeUp / Tish H. – Hair / Johann C. – Wardrobe / Model: Sugouri B.

Set #3 – Special Thanks to the following crew members :

J.Aristotle – Lead Photographer / Piare – MakeUp / Model: Mel W.

Set #4 – Special Thanks to the following crew members :

J.Aristotle – Lead Photographer / Josie M. – MakeUp / Nisha R. – Hair / Model: Yours Truly

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Beach: Thongs
No, not the kind in your boudoir

I have been know to parade around everywhere in 5-inchers (yes, even at the supermarket!) but sometimes you just need something practical. Beach sandals should be durable, but always cute! An alternative to the boring old flip-flop? The ‘Fit’ by Havaianas is an adorable rubber slingback thong and comes in a rainbow of colors.  At just $28, get a pair to match each of your bikinis.

Brunch: Gladiators
Sparta never looked this good

Yep, they’re still around and better than ever. Gladiator sandals are gracing the displays of every shoe shop and department store window.  This summer there is nothing more chic for your feet. Splurge on a pair in a neutral tone— you’ll keep reaching for them time and time again. Try BCBG’s ‘Irmah’ sandal, $111 at bluefly.com.

Bar: Wedges
A step up on the competition

Tall and chunky meet to make the perfect, sexy summer shoe. From jeans and leggings, to sundresses and shorts, a wedge complements any look and makes your legs worthy of a double take. Bebe makes some of the fiercest shoes, and their summery espadrille-style denim wedge is no exception. Pick your poision–‘Steffi’ is available in black, white or traditional blue denim,  $114.95 from zappos.com.

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