Curly Hair, Don't Care!

I'm not one of those girls that wishes my curly hair was straight.  

In fact- I'm getting sad that my curly hair is becoming more straight as I get older.  Or maybe it was the birth of my sweet little boy.  Those kids can be game changers for hair! 

Add in the fact that the product I had been using for a DECADE stopped producing the curl booster and leave in conditioner. 

DON'T THEY KNOW THEY CAN'T JUST TAKE AWAY CURLY HAIR PRODUCTS?!?

Anyways,  Deva Curls had been recommend to me by a couple people.  One a baller hair stylist that heard me complaining about it, the other a girl with super kinky curls.  

Sephora carried it, so I thought why the heck not.  Let's give it a whirl.  I love that Sephora lets you return products that don't work, so they tend to get most of my beauty business. 

I got the Must Have Curl Kit that had five different products:  No Poo, One Condition, Styling Cream, Spray Gel , and Ultra Defining Gel.  

There are different ways to produce different curls.  

I'm going to give it a whirl until my next hair appointment- which is in two weeks.  If I can get my curly to cooperate- the hair can stay.  If not- I'm chopping it off like Georgie chopped down that cherry tree.

I'll keep you posted- I know you'll be anxiously awaiting ;) Time to watch a few YouTube Tutorials so I get this right! 

Blaze on, 

Tara 

Smokey Eye and Nude Lip

Hey everyone! Thank you for stopping by to check out our blog! I'm new to this so forgive me for tardiness lol. 

I try and keep my looks affordable (I am a mom of three girls)- but high quality :) This is my go to Smokey eye! 

I did a very light highlight and contour along with a more natural brow and paired it with a nude lip. When I start my makeup I ALWAYS do my eyes first! THIS IS CRUCIAL! This will save you the time of having to go back and fix your foundation after you have eyeshadow fall out. 

So here we go- 

I started by priming my eyes with the age rewind concealer (only because my eye primer is at the salon). I'm using the Smash Box Full Disclosure Eye Palette.  I took the lightest shade of shadow and swept it all over my eyelids including my lashes! I like to add a bit of powder to my lashes so the mascara adheres better ;).    I kept all of the shadows matte for this look. After I had a good base I then took M3, they all have names in the palette, and put this shadow in my crease and blended it upwards avoiding under the eyebrows.   I did the same with M2 and then I put M7-which is a matte black on the lower part of my lid and blended into the crease, but did not bring it any higher. 

After I blended everything, I then took a flat brush and used the same matte black to line my lower lash line. I filled in my brows with the darkest brown in the same eyeshadow palette and then I finished with Telescopic mascara (my ABSOLUTE favorite mascara). 

VIOLA- your eyes are done! 

After my eyes were done I brushed away any fallout and put the age rewind concealer under my eyes and on the bridge of my nose. I set my highlight with Smashboxs contouring kit and then threw some gloss on my lips. I  will break down the  basics to the eyeshadow process and highlighting and contouring process in later posts! I just wanted to give you all a taste of what I can do :) I will posts links later and answer any questions as well! Thank you for stopping by!

 Blushfully yours,

 Jackie

Snap On, Snap Off... A New Jewelry Love Affair

This weekend I attended a Vendor event for my business-

 Red's Style Recon. 

I love mingling with other vendors and entrepreneurs to see what they craft.  I mean, the passion is EXCITING! 

One of the vendors I really enjoyed was a cute little 'mom & pop' shop that had really cool jewelry.  They called it "Interchangeable Jewelry."  I personally had a great time coming up with creative names for it- Snapables, Snip Snaps, Snappies.... given more time, I have faith I could make up a million different names! 

Anywho- it's a really neat concept, and it's so versatile because you can literally change your snaps instantly with any outfit. It was actually super affordable- and there were HUNDREDS of snaps.  Athletic, inspirational, trendy, sparkly, even ones for Direct Sales groups!  You just snap one of the buttons in, and unsnap when you are ready to change it up! 

 If you want to check them out (which you SHOULD!) head over to their Facebook Page: Wyldflower Chic Changeable Snap Jewelry  

Jessica is pretty fantastic there, and will get you set up!

Here's what I purchased- (all for under $50!) 

Wondering how to style them?  Here are a few ideas that range from classy- to trendy, simple to bulky! 

Who doesn't love a little animal print
 as an accent?

I picked 'breathe' to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the process of life. 

A Tree for family and how we are ALL connected.

I LOVE CAMEOS! 

Any Harry Potter fans??  I mean, I HAD to snatch this one up- I absolutely love this quote, and any one that knows me knows that I'm often up to "no good" ;) 

 You can layer them...

 A couple of my bracelets to make more of a arm candy statement

 Orange is SUCH a great accent color and really complements a wide range of colors. 

Don't be afraid to use it ;) 

This may be my favorite. You can really wear this combo with a solid tank and light-weight cardi to make a statement. 

Next snaps on my list will be some solid colors and some sparkles.  I may have started a new obsession...

blaze on,

Tara

Style

Developing your Style is an Evolution- and a process.

What a leading statement this is, right?

Style is defined by Wikipedia as: a prevailing mode of expression.

My sister doesn't know that I'm writing this post and using her as an example.  She just knows that I asked to use her last Instagram picture she posted.  As I was thinking about my clients, and potential clients- something that really spoke to me was that they may feel lost. They don't know what style they want, what STYLE (I'm not talking about a purple cardigan vs a maroon sweater style) is in their closet or how they want to implement the style that they dream of. 

My sister's style has become REFINED and has evolved in a beautiful way over the last 5 years.  

I'm going to put her on blast for just a sec -- and talk about how she used to just wear what was popular at the time- I remember a lot of Hollister Tees and Abercrombie Sweaters.  Now I'm not judging you if that's your style, or saying you should change it. 

Then her style become all about her SPORT.  She was a great basketball player- so it became all about the basketball cut offs, the baggy shorts, athletic shoes, etc.  I mean, the amount of Nikes this girl owned was mind boggling. 

But-neither of those were really her.   Those styles did  not CAPTURE her personality at all.  She is funny, and witty, brave,a bit bratty (I can say that- she's my sis), and her personality is COLORFUL.   She wasn't living the definition of Style- and it wasn't expressing who she was as a person.

It was a slow progression to her style evolution.  We used to have FaceTime chats every time she had to dress up; or when she had to dress professional for her jobs.  We used to mix colors over the phone.  I would get URGENT texts asking if things coordinated.  And I would gift her accessories for Christmas and Birthdays to help her outfitting.  

And now- my sister has a particular style.  This picture is her.  I stole it because it makes me so happy to see her shine stylistically. She is great at rocking Unisex clothing, menswear, but still blending in earthy clothes that still make her feminine.  She accessories JUST enough to really pop her vintage style and her sock game is always ON POINT.  Most importantly, it is EASY for her now & effortless. That's really my goal for everyone. 

Anyways- this post is really for 2 things:

A. To let you know that if you don't feel like you're THERE with your Style and feel confused, it's fine ladies and gents.   You'll get there.  If you don't know how- I'm here.  I'll guide you.  Pinky promise <3 

and B. 

To let you all know how PROUD and inspired I am by my sister's style evolution.  I do miss our FaceTime calls.  I miss feeling needed when it comes to her getting dressed.  But ya know what, I also feel inspired and refreshed by her sense of style.  Sometimes I'm even jealous of her outfit.  That would've never happened in her Hollister days ;) 

Love ya sis, and thanks for letting me show you to the world.

Blaze on, 

tara 

A Spring Time Photo Shoot!

Jackie and I got together to kick off our partnership with a little photo shoot!  

I mean, what better way to show off her amazing makeup skills AND Spring time Fashion! 

I don't love close-ups of my face, especially makeup free- but we wanted you to see the 'canvas' Jackie was working with! ;) 

Ana- the photog (and Jackie's Sis- YEY!) snapped this mid application.  Contouring? What's that?!  

Just need lips and we are ready to go!  Didn't Jackie do a FAB job?!?  Want to know what she used?  Check out the blog later in the week to see her post! 

 While I was in Mall of America in February, I came across this amazing store called Foreign Exchange and found this Orchid Skirt.  Orchid may have been the color of the year last year- but it's too beautiful of a color to toss into the back of the closet.  I'm still planning on rocking it this year.  (Full disclose- I also bought this skirt in Navy!)  

 The first thing that happens when I see a style I like is I HAVE to touch it.  I am big on texture, and clothes have to FEEL good.  I mean, if I'm uncomfortable in it- there is NO room in my closet in it.  This  box, pleat skirt  (click the link to be directed to the site)  is SO soft and moveable- hence why I bought it in two colors ;)  It was also a steal at $24.

Next thing is that I think through if it can coordinate with what I have in my closet.  I try not to buy clothing that only has one use. Then the 'cost per wear' to me is too high.  That's when I put it back and walk away. 

With this skirt, I was fully confident that I could rock this day- to- night, every day to special occasion.  Check out how I styled it below!

 The first thing that I have to say- is that I LOVE that sneakers are so on trend right now.  If that doesn't scream comfort, I don't know what does!  I picked up these grey embellished sneakers for just $24 from here.  The cute little floral ones you see featured are from a tiny little store in Minnesota, so no links for you on those! 

I'm only 5'4" so sometimes the Mid-Skirt can appear too long on me.  It's easy to manipulate shapes by tying, tucking and moving the focus to different parts of your outfit.  Think scarves, necklaces, shoes, jackets, and side ties of slouchy tops!

I absolutely love the combo of small pinstripes with the floral.  My grammie gave me this beautiful pinstripe button up with touched shoulders.  It's a classic piece that will never go out of style.   You can switch out these sneakers for pumps and wear it for career wear also! 

 Next up was transition this skirt to nightwear.  I pulled out the long sleeve, leather paneled top that I had dug out of a clearance rack for a measly $5 knowing that one day I could find it's purpose.  I love how it instantly adds edge the the outfit.  I tucked it in to keep it polished and added a cage show and a long necklace.  This picture doesn't do justice on how incredible it looked.   The cream crop was such a fun piece that I picked up at the same time as the skirt.  We all know crops are in and have been sneaking into everyone's heart for a year now.  This is an easy way to show this style, without bearing too much skin.   I paired it with long gold and pearl accessories, and I will be rocking floral pumps with this outfit!

 Jackies's night time look!  She just added a new shadow and a different lip and viola! I was ready!  Seriously, check out the blog later for makeup sets from this day of fun!

Blaze on, 

*tara

About Us...

Jackie and I (and I’m Tara, if you’re wondering!) dreamed up this baby.  

You see, I’m decent with makeup.  I play with it, I love the way it looks, I don’t really have any boundaries- and BOY, wearing lipstick makes me feel fabulous.  What I have no clue on?  This thing called contouring, highlighting or even better- how to cover these dark purple mommy circles under my eyes.  I mean, when did those pop up anyway?!  Jackie is a makeup and hairstyling guru!  The passion the girl has for this stuff is incredible, and has graciously agreed to share her knowledge with you and I!  Even better- she likes to work out drugstore hacks.  Ain’t no one got time for buying out expensive product to realize that it still doesn’t work!  

What do I bring to this equation, you ask??  Style, fashion, and wardrobe enhancement.  Some people think that if you love to shop, that you can be a stylist.  Nope, not true.  I LOVE to go into my client’s closets, rummage around, and help them get a handle on their style and organization! You see, people spend more $$ when their closet is unorganized. I’m not just talking about clothes on the floor unorganized- I’m really talking about not knowing how to use the clothes they HAVE.  That’s where I come in!

Stick around the blog- we will post a variety of tips, pictures, Video tutorials, maybe a few pictures of my dogs- who knows.  You’ll come to love us AND our quirky personalities, I promise!

blaze on, 

tara