Pregnant and Perfectly Fashionable!

Okay you just found out your pregnant and it’s a wonderful thing and filled with a lot of emotions and feeling! Then you realize you have a fabulous wardrobe currently; but in a few months your body-shape is going to go through some MAJOR changes. Does this mean now your going to have to stop being so fashionable and start wearing baggy shirts, sweat pants and ugly shoes?! NO Never That! Lades you no longer have to worry about not looking as fashionable or elegant as you use to.


There are so many great maternity fashions out here as we saw on the runways with Bethany Frankel when she took center stage for the Red Dress for Heart Awareness at the 2010 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Bethany looked beautiful and confident and was showing off her baby bump. Ladies there are so many great fashion out here and just to name a few there is H&M which introduced its new Maternity collection for 2009-Autumn and 2010-Winter. They are very stylish and fashionable; you will look good and feel great!

This is a great look from the H&M collection
 
 
 

Then you know Nicole Richie has done a collection for the Pea in the Pod. Her collection has beautiful patterns and colors and celebrates the baby bump. She has made her collection a little eclectic or Bohemian and stylish for the young professional or the very fashion forward mom-to-be. Her style is for comfort and feeling sexy no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy.

I don’t want you to forget that even though your pregnant you still have beautiful legs and a nice pair of leggings with a really cute baby doll top will look fabulous on you and will give you a little shape. One thing that most women don’t realize even if you get pregnant your legs never gain weight and neither do your shoulders. You gain a beautiful bust line and curves that are to die for! Celebrate you pregnancy enjoy your baby bump and rock some of the hottest fashion that are out in the stores for mommies to be!

We have five (5) Great Tips for you to also keep in mind:


1. Invest in Maternity Wear:
    Ladies just as you have invested in your wardrobes now don’t be afraid to do the   same when you’re pregnant. You want to always look and feel as beautiful and confident as you did when you weren’t pregnant and you should be ready to enjoy your new baby bump and curves.

2. Embrace you Maternity Stores:

   They really aren’t that bad any more like we mentioned above H&M, Pea in The Pod, Stylehive.com, Isabellaoliver.com and many, many more have some great looks here are two fabulous looks:

Isabella Oliver (found online)

Stylehive.com

3. Give and Take:
    Make sure the fabrics you choose has a little give to them; think of knits, woven fabrics or Lycra. Don’t be afraid to wear some outfits with a little structure as well cause you want to show off your curves and give yourself a little definition.

4. Proportions:

     Remember when your accessorizing your outfits they should be larger or they will get lost. You have to remember that you have the best accessory going on which are the baby bump, fuller boobs and maybe heavier hips and buttocks. Choose dramatic pieces, like a large handbag, scarves or chunky jewelry (side note: if your bust has  become very large don’t but anything that stops on top of your bust because it will draw more attention to them) this will balance your look. Don’t be scared to POP-Color! Do this with your earrings, lipstick or make a dramatic eye but don’t over due the eye makeup if you’re tired you don’t want to look like a raccoon. When you have bright colored earrings on it draws the attention to your face and away from other areas you may not want those to notice or better yet draw attention to your feet with a great pair of shoes that are in a gorgeous shade like these!                                           

5. Shape- Shifting:
     It can be very hard to find outfits that give shape instead of the boxy-look. V-Necks are wonderful ways of creating the illusion of a longer neck and giving you a great line. Then there is the Empire-waist tops and baby dolls that look great when you’re pregnant. Here is a great example of a good look V-Neck top:

                                    

 
 
 
 
 
We want to remind you of a few stores that sell great maternity clothes as well:


Target: They have a wide selection and sizes

H&M: Very fashion forward

Pea in the Pod: eclectic or Bohemian

Stylehive.com: They have a little bit of everything for all styles and taste


Isabella Oliver: Very modern and clean lines

These are our fabulous tips for our Mommies-to-be and we would love to hear and see what you’re rocking; send us some photos of your fabulous pregnancy wear to lapazimageing@yahoo.com and in the subject line place Fabulous Maternity Wear!

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward
Where everything is Fabulous!
All articles are property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants

Comfortable High Heels: An Oxymoron?

I guess you all are thinking what are you talking about we all know that high heels aren’t comfortable! Well I decided to write this article after receiving from one of our readers and article that was posted on Shine which is apart of Yahoo. Their journalist Joanna Douglas did a piece on “Dangerous high heels: Women’s Shoes Reach Hazardous Heights during the Recession.”

When I was reading this article that Ms. Douglas wrote made me stop and think and it raised a few flags for me as a stylist. In her article she stated that we “Stylist” push people or ladies into thinking that the higher the heel the better and we don’t stop to think about the consequences. Well I thought to myself that is not the case at all if you think of this fact most women in the United States of America cannot walk in a 5-inch heel. I know that may or may not sound true but that is the case. Most women are doing there best in just a 3-inch heel and some cannot seem to even balance that which is why they have made flat shoes (which use to be ugly) now they make very cute styles in a flat. Then there are a small percentage of women like myself that cannot live with out the 5-51/2-inch heels. My motto is the higher the better!! With that being said do I worry about my feet and what is taking place with my feet? Well of Course!!

My true Shoe Fashionistas I have something that is going to change your life and view of high heels and that is the shoes that Cole Haan and Nike have partnered up to make. I cannot begin to tell you how comfortable these shoes are and how sexy they are. For some of you who don’t know the designer Cole Haan here is a little background on them. Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan established or founded their company in Chicago, IL in 1928. They were dedicated to such style and perfection in men’s wear but decided to branch out into other areas such a women’s apparel and footwear… Thank you Cole Haan!!

Now back to what I was telling you regarding a comfortable high heel.. They have teamed up with Nike and utilized the Nike Air Cushioning. Now you are able to really wear your high heel shoes all day and feel like you have on a sneaker. I cannot begin to tell you how great they are even Oprah swears by them and we all know how Oprah is always looking for shoes that aren’t just nice to sit in.

The collection is offers a wide variety of styles like boots, wedges, platforms, pumps, Mary Jane and sling backs. I have several pair and I mean they are truly comfortable and they contour to your foot and they look fabulous they aren’t ugly shoes cause most things that are comfortable aren’t really sexy well tell me what you think:

They are really beautiful, sexy and comfortable shoes!! Now the Cole Haan Nike collection runs about $275 with the boots being a little more expensive like $300-$400 range but if you go to the website for Cole Haan you can find them on sale around $170 and up. Now I know this may sound a bit pricey but shoes are a lot like transportation- They get you from point A to B and if you can go without pain or discomfort it is a great investment into your footwear. Now if that is just a bit much for your budget look at Aerosols and Easy Spirit they have been making comfortable fashionable high heels for a long time. One other tip that I like to give you is to invest in a good pair of inserts for your shoes they may run you $4-$30 depending on your foot need you can go to any good department store and the key word here is “GOOD”. Inserts can be shaped to your particular foot shape and aide in the support and comfort of your shoes.

One thing that Joanne Douglas Journalist of Shine didn’t tell you about us stylist, is this we work with our clients to make them feel their best at all times and if you aren’t a high heel girl and you cannot pull of the high heels we will get you into a shoe that will make you feel just as sexy as the woman with the stilettos.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and if you see anything such as this topic or have any opinions regarding this topic please feel free to post your comments or send us your questions.

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward
Where everything is Fabulous

Minx Nails - Hot Nail Trend for 2010

Many of you may be very familiar with this technique but then they’re maybe some of you who aren’t. This has got to be one of the hottest tends for this year; we saw it on the runways at Bryant Park during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and we have spotted some of the biggest names in the business sporting this great nail trend. Just to name a few Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Rihanna doesn't get any bigger than that.


We decided to do some homework on this great new Nail art trend and thought we would find-out how this is done.


Well here is a little information on the technique:

The tiny sticker-like pieces flooded the market, making the newest design available for the great public. The process basically follows an ordinary nail care session. First the canvas for the nail art is prepared and spared from any nail polish residues or natural oils. For the successful sticking the cuticles are handled and the minx carefully selected.

The application method is simple and quick; the minx is a 2-4 millimeter thick film that is cut to the size of the nails. Then it is applied with the help of a heat-activated adhesive or warmed up beforehand under a lamp and then placed as a simple sticker to the nails.

The pattern and color palette are unlimited, raging from the portrayal of president Obama to famous brands and comic characters. The point is to find the one that reflect the personality of the wearer.

As the quintessential accessory of the year it can be paired with both casual and ultra-formal outfits. You can opt for the mono-colored as well as rainbow colored ones. Moreover nowadays more and more people engage into turning their own photos into stylish Minx nail stickers. Favorite pets, telling signs, polka dots and zebra stripes as well as artists glimpse back from the nails.

Besides the aesthetic pleasure this nail art has other benefits. You'll more than probably avoid any smudging, or other damages. Moreover you won't have to wait hours until you can touch anything. With your manicured nails; those who prefer the green and more eco-friendly beauty tricks will find this technique perfect to have some a sophisticated manicure. Now we did get a few cons that some salon owner stated such as Merci Johnston Bechman of Maryland stated "she found that the minx stayed better on natural nails and that if you applied the technique to acyclic nails you would have to do a shellac which turned out to be a problem".  We didn't get to many negatives in speaking with several salon owners in different parts of the United States. 

We have a few reputable Salons that we were able to speak with and would love for you to visit if you are in the area:

Atlanta, GA

Owner: Sharlinda Parker - Minx Certified

2 Tu La 2 Nails

404-869-3600

375 Pharr Road

Ste 212

Atlanta, GA 30305

Price Range: Manicures $55.00 application only $45.00

Pedicures: $70.00 application only $55.00

Takes about 35min or more

NW Washington, DC

Owner: Misha Parham

Sassy Nail Salon & SPA

202-726-5557

6910 4th Street

NW Washington, DC 20012

4 Technicians Minx Certified

Price Range: Manicures: $55.00

Pedicures: $70.00

Philadelphia, PA

Owner: Christie

Christie's Nails & Tanning

215-508-1224

4436 Main Street

Philadelphia, PA 19127

Minx Certified Technicians

Price Range: Manicures: $45.00-$50.00

Pedicures: $65.00 and up

New York, NY

Owner: Irene Mahon- Minx Certified

Fifi International Nail Salon

866-441-2764

47 W. 57 Street, 5th Floor

New York, NY 10019

4 Minx Certified Technicians

Price Range: Manicures: $50.00 takes about 1 hour

Pedicures: $65.00 takes about 1 hour

Dallas, TX

Owner: Janell- Minx Certified

Janell Exclusive Beauty Studio

214-477-6666

11909 Preston Road, Ste 6

Dallas, TX 75230

Price Range: Manicures: $45.00 takes about 1 hour

Pedicures: $55.00 takes about 11/2hours

Chicago, IL

Owner: Erin - Minx Certified

A Simply Beautiful You

312-733-1699

1255 S. Halsted Street

Chicago, IL 60608

Price Range: Manicures: $65.00 takes about 1 hour

Pedicures: $65.00 takes about 1 hour

When you go for your next nail appointment ask you Nail Technician if she/he is Minx Certified and how long they have been doing the techniques you don't want to end up with a bad manicure.

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward
Where everything is Fabulous

Junior Drake "Fabulous" Handbag!

Hello Fashionistas!

I have to tell you I found the most beautiful handbag you will ever find and it was also at a great price!  I'm  speaking of the beautiful Junior Drake "Morgan" Leather Tote.  This is now my new go-to-bag because it fits everything I need for my busy lifestyle..

Here is a little more details about this great Tote:

· Medium black leather tote with decorative straps and gold-tone stud accents throughout (you now that studs are the must have for this season)


· Can hold a wallet, day planner, an extra pair of ballet flats, small umbrella, digital camera, and the latest fashion magazine

· Approximately 13.75in wide x 12in tall x 6in deep

· Handles approximately 21in long with an 8in drop

· Flat leather handles connected to bag by large gold-tone O-rings

· Open top with inner zipper closure

· Draping leather tassel tied at the upper front

· Pleated accents on front

· Open top side pockets

· Small strap accents with gold-tone metal studs throughout

· Four gold-tone metal studs on the base

If you would like to purchase your own Junior Drake handbag, clothing or whatever is your weakness visit the site at www.juniordrake.com You will love the collection!
 
Lapazimageing Fashion Forward
Where everything is Fabulous!

What is Airbrush Makeup

We had several questions come in lately about airbrush makeup and how exactly does it work?  We at LaPaz Image/Event Consultants have two of the most talented Makeup Artist in the business.  LaHanna and Sonya both have very unique styles.and here is some information they imparted regarding this subject:

HOW DOES AIRBRUSH MAKEUP WORK?

Airbrush makeup is sprayed on through an air compressor as a fine mist of color that gently covers the skin, giving the appearance of a flawless complexion. Spraying microdots of makeup that rest on the surface of the face looks more natural than traditional makeup because it isn't rubbed into the skin and doesn’t exaggerate the pores. This process allows the Airbrush makeup to conceal better while enabling your skin to breathe.

HOW IS AIRBRUSH MAKEUP DIFFERENT?
Traditional foundations can look obvious, caked-on or thick and always feel like you are wearing makeup. Airbrush makeup leaves a light, seamless veil of color over the skin, creating the illusion of a perfect face because it is misted on, allowing your true skin tone to show through without masking your face. The ability to mix Airbrush foundation colors for individual custom blends is unsurpassed, resulting in a more natural look that covers skin imperfections effortlessly.

WHAT PRODUCTS ARE AIRBRUSHED?
Airbrush makeup products include foundation, blush and eyeshadow. The entire face can be made up entirely with Airbrush products, and/or incorporated with traditional cosmetic eyeshadows and blush as well.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AIRBRUSH MAKEUP?
Since Airbrush makeup is water-resistant, perspiration and tears are no longer a cosmetic problem. Simply blotting, not wiping, away any moisture will leave the Airbrush makeup in place without a streak. With over 18 hours of wear, Airbrush makeup will not fade or rub off on clothes, but yet can be easily washed away with facial cleanser. Once Airbrush makeup is sprayed on, it dries instantly to a matte finish and does not require powder or re-applying at any time.

CAN AIRBRUSH MAKEUP COVER ANY SKIN IMPERFECTION?

The wide range of colors and the Airbrush technique allow the artist to cover virtually any skin imperfection effortlessly. Bruises, birthmarks, tan lines, Rosacea, Psoriasis, Vitiligio, tattoos, scars and even freckles can be camouflaged completely or significantly improved in appearance, while still looking natural.

IS AIRBRUSH MAKEUP RIGHT FOR EVERYONE?
Women of any age can benefit from an Airbrush makeup application. Even men can enjoy the benefits when traditional makeup would have never been an option. Airbrush makeup is hypoallergenic, oil and alcohol free, so it’s safe for even the most sensitive skin, no matter what age or condition.

We hope that this information was beneficial and that we answered your questions.  If you would like to schedule a consultation please feel free to e-mail us at lapazimageing@yahoo.com

LaPaz Image/Event Consultants
Where everything is Fabulous!

Fashionable in Hot Weather!

Hello Fashionistas!


Tis the season to be sweating!! I know all of you are still wanting to look "Fabulous" even though it is so very hot out. We here at LaPaz Image/Event Consultants totally understand so we're going to share a few tips with you that should keep you looking just as Fabulous even though it is blazing outside!

TOP 5 Tips:

1. Dark Colors: Remember dark colors draw heat to you. Instead of going with a very heavy color during the summer reach for lighter colors such as: Pastels, muted-colors, white, soft blues and corals

2. Make-up: should be very light and breathable almost as if you aren't wearing any.. Make sure that your make-up isn't oil base because you will see your face melt before your very eyes.. Great products to try is Arbonne they are natural and look and feel great on your skin. Visit the website at www.arbonne.com or contact Marianne Hoosier at mhoosier@nycapp.rr.com for more information regarding the products and how to order.

3. Hydration: It starts from inside drink plenty of water this way your skin doesn't dehydrate. Hydration is the key to looking your best. The other reason you should stay hydrated is it will give you more energy, power and will help you to stay cooler longer.

4. Sun Screen: No matter what your skin tone is you must protect yourself from the sun. If your skin tone is light, medium or dark you need to make sure your using the proper SPF. No one wants to look older than they really are so be mindful of the time your laying out in the sun. (Less is best)

5. Hats: Hats are a great trend for the summer invest in a few fabulous brims. Think of how fabulous you will look going to meet frineds for lunch or just running around the city many of your top fashionistas are dawning great fedoras.

These are just a few tips for staying cool and still looking your best for the summer!

If you would like other great tips or you want us to cover a certain topic e-mail us at lapazimageing@yahoo.com

9 Myth’s that Plus-Size Women Should Know

Working with some of the most Fabulous plus-size women there came to my attention things that they were not totally aware of.  I decided to post a few myth's that my curve girls needed to know so here they are:

1. Myth: Getting dressed up is no fun when you're overweight.


Reality: "Plus-size women want what every woman wants -- to look and feel good in her clothes. The size 18 wants to wear the same trends that the size 8 does, and why not?

Every woman needs a killer cocktail dress, no matter her size or shape.

Tip: For dressy styles that flatter the figure, look for empire waistlines, wrap styles and a-line shapes with eye-catching details like sweetheart or scalloped necklines, ruching or asymmetrical hemlines.

2. Myth: The more covered up, the better.

Reality: Curvy girls can absolutely wear tanks and tubes that show off their arms, if you feel self-conscious, she says, top off tanks with a cute cropped jacket or cardigan.

Tip: Layering is a trend right now, so take advantage of it.

3. Myth: Anything that clings is evil.

Reality: "Jersey Knit is wonderful on plus-size women for the same reason some women shy away from it -- it follows your curves,” That’s because, jersey is sexy and fluid, and has enough stretch to hold its shape.

Tip: Try wearing a shape wear tank underneath for flawless, smooth lines.

4. Myth: Plus-sized girls should avoid fitted jackets.

Reality: "Curves crave apparel with shape to it," Look for fitted jackets in fabrics that stretch and move with you. You don’t want to look stiff.

Tip: Pair a fitted jacket with trousers and long necklaces for a polished and trendy look.