Monthly Archives: October 2011

Rock ‘n Roll Inspiration: St. Vincent

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St. Vincent performing at ACL Live, October 24, 2011, photo by Shelley Hiam

St. Vincent performing at ACL Live, 10/24/11, photo by Shelley Hiam

This past Monday night I had the lucky opportunity to see St. Vincent at ACL Live at Moody Theater.  St. Vincent is singer-songwriter and Dallas native Annie Clark; she’s a talented guitarist with an ethereal voice who sings over orchestral art-rock music. I had seen her short SXSW set at Antone’s a few years ago, and I was excited to see her perform in this awesome new venue.  The music was phenomenal, but she was also looking so rock chic that I was inspired to write a post about her cool look. Continue reading →

How to Look Younger Overnight – 8 Easy Steps!

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Unless you’re a 16 year old trying to buy Boone’s Farm (why??), no woman intentionally tries to look older than her years.  Yet sometimes we succumb to fashion trends that don’t have our best interests at heart.  Other times it’s less intentional – a “look” you were able to pull off in your 20s now looks harsh and unflattering.

Author at age 25 (left); age 40 (right)

Author at age 25 (left); age 40 (right)

Whatever the source, the following will make you look older than your years no matter what your current age.  Luckily the fix for each is pretty inexpensive or even free!  Where possible, I’m (gulp) including pictures of myself demonstrating both the unflattering look and the solution so you can judge for yourself!

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Prized Products: Davines Momo Conditioner

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Davines MOMO Conditioner

In this series of “Prized Products”, we’ll share those make-up, skincare, and hair products that we just can’t live without.

For the last two or three years, I’ve been growing my hair out, and as that’s been going on, I’ve been a little paranoid of keeping my hair healthy.  You can ask my stylist Mark, every time I go and see him, I seek affirmation that my hair isn’t fried.  I’m positive that using Davines Momo Conditioner has been key to keeping my hair healthy and shiny. Continue reading →

Make-up Styling for a Wedding, Part IV: Game Time!

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FRIDAY EVENING
I arrived in Seattle the Friday morning before the wedding on Saturday.  That evening, they hosted a fun barbecue at a park with the most spectacular view of the city.  Afterwards, we drove to Poulsbo out on the Olympic peninsula so that we could get an early start Saturday morning.  I had insisted that we do a make-up run-through sometime on Friday, so about 11 PM in our hotel room, we finally had our chance.

Texas Jenn and Oregon Jenn at the Rehearsal BBQ

Texas Jenn and Oregon Jenn at the Rehearsal BBQ

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24 Hours to Fabulous

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MONDAY NIGHT

7:00 PM:  While babysitting my BFF’s kids, I receive a text from a good friend inviting me to go to a fundraiser dinner with him tomorrow night. It’s a $1000/plate event benefiting Share Our Strength.  Umm, I guess I can skip ballet class for that.  What’s the attire?

Jenn's dress options

10:00 PM:  After much investigation, I receive confirmation that the dress is “Business/Dressy

Business”.  I interpret that as “Cocktail” for women.  Hmm, this may be difficult.  I know it’s odd, but I actually have more formal options than cocktail in the dress archives.  And as I mentioned in my Fashion on a Shoestring post, I haven’t been shopping in a looong time.


11:00 PM:  As suspected, my dress options are limited.  Let’s just say I would be in better shape (pun intended) if this were a stand-up cocktail affair.  I need to find a dress I can semi-comfortably sit in for a multi-course meal.  Yikes.

12:30 AM:  No decisions are being made tonight. I leave the dress options hanging on the door and go to bed. Will deal with it in the morning.

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Trend Try-On: Crackle Nail Polish Effect with Sephora by OPI Blasted Gold

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Jenn wearing OPI Nail Lacquer in Tease-y Does It

Ever wondered about that whole crackle nail polish trend?  Yea, me too.  I think we may be on the tail-end of this trend, however, I do see new crackle color shades coming out (e.g., OPI’s limited edition Pink Shatter for Breast Cancer Awareness Month), so maybe the crackle nail polish trend still has some legs.

I bought the Sephora by OPI Blasted Nail Colour in Blasted Gold.  I figured that the gold would work well with my warm skin tone.  According to Sephora’s website, the polish gives a “blasted effect [of] opaque gold with fine iridescent glitter”.  The way these products work is that you apply it as a top coat to your already applied and dried polish.  I’ve tried wearing this blasted gold with other colors and in this post, I pair it with OPI’s Tease-y Does It, a deep purple with glittery flecks.

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What I’m Wearing Now (on my skin)

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On our first Beauty-terrogation, Ashley posted a comment to ask what skin care products we use.  I don’t know about Jenn, but my lineup is pretty static: I have mild rosacea so I don’t switch products cavalierly.  I always read the ingredients list to see if it includes any known irritants, and if it has a strong fragrance I tend to avoid it.  I also like to keep it pretty simple; I don’t want to have to pack 20 bottles of products for a weekend trip.

I’ve used all the products below with good success and no adverse effects, so without further ado here’s the roster! Continue reading →

Judicial Review: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer

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http://beautypendence.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/neutrogena1.jpgSome might recall my dalliance with Almay’s foundation that ended in disappointment.  I’m thrilled to report that I have a new love and I think this time it’s the real thing: Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Enhancer foundation.

When I first saw the color selection I wasn’t going to bother: even their lightest shade looked way too dark for me.  But for under $10 what did I really have to lose by trying it?  I am SO glad I gave it a chance!

Fashion on a Shoestring: Doing My Own ‘Do and a Discounted Dress

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Gap cream-colored maxi dressI’ve been on a super tight budget these days; one where my only permitted shopping is at the grocery store for food.  However, THE fashion show of the year for TRIBEZA Style Week was coming up, and I didn’t have anything to pull from the dress archives to wear.  While short on cash, I did have some Banana Republic Rewards burning a hole in my pocket, so I visited the Gap (BR Rewards are redeemable there).

All sale items were an additional 30% off, so I carefully combed those racks in the far-reaching corner of the store.  I found this cream-colored maxi-dress, which was on sale for $29.99.  And with the additional 30% off, it was only $20.99.  SCORE!  It’s made of a silky fabric and has an interesting cutout in the back.  I knew properly styled with the right hair, make-up, and accessories, this could be a great look for the fashion show. Continue reading →