We've Moved!

Hello! As of November 14, 2011, we've moved! Please visit us at out new home at SarahShah.com/blog

What Makes A Model Super?

At first blush, it looks like modeling is about having a pretty face, the right figure and getting pictures taken. Modeling is really about selling something – an outfit, jewelry, shoes, makeup, fragrance, or even a brand. The best models have a way of looking, posing or walking that makes consumers connect with them and want what they have. Some models shine in print, others in video, and still others in real life on a runway.

Last week, Fashion Houston was all about runway fashion. A great runway show is a collaboration between the designer (the clothes have to look good), stylist (the whole look has to be compelling), and the model. The model is a critical element in a successful show. The successful model doesn’t just wear the clothes, she/he makes the clothes (s)he wears look beautiful, cool, sensual or fun to wear.

I loved everything some models wore and nothing that some other models wore. The models actually “make” or “break” the look with the way they wear it. The models that “made” the looks had a little bounce in their step, grace in their walk, wiggle in their hip, and twinkle in their eye that made the clothes move in a way that showed them off and made them look great to wear. These models made me want to wear the clothes….I was actually bouncing, wiggling and smiling in my seat imagining myself walking in those clothes. That’s selling it! That’s the super in supermodel.

Here are the super models that really made the clothes stand out at Fashion Houston.

Alencia Lewis, Campbell Agency, Dallas (Photo 1 - Designer: Camilla, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops, Photo 2 - Designer: Douglas Hannant, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops)

Katelynn Denney, Page 713 (Photo 1 - Designer: Cesar Gallindo, Photographer: Jay Marroquin, Jay Marroquin Photography, Photo 2 - Designer: Carmen Marc Valvo, Photographer: Jay Marroquin, Jay Marroquin Photography)

Mariah Chaney (Photo 1 - Designer: Roberto Rodriguez, Photographer: Nenaji Media, Photo 2 - Designer: Cesar Gallindo, Photographer: Jay Marroquin, Jay Marroquin Photography)

Lindsey Schultz, Page 713 (Photo 1 - Designer: Douglas Hannant, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops, Photo 2 - Designer: Carmen Marc Valvo, Photographer: Michael Allendorf, Michael Allendorf Photography)

Phoenix Azul (Photo 1 - Becca Cason Thrash Collection, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops, Photo 2 - Designer: Roberto Rodriguez, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops)

Yuan Zhang (Photo 1 - Designer: Chloe Dao, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops, Photo 2 - Designer: Douglas Hannant, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops)

Inside Fashion Houston 2011

Fashion Houston 2011
Wortham Center, October 10-13, 2011

NYC Fashion, NYC production, internationally known fashion designers, with one special twist…Fashion Houston shows are open to the general public! This is huge! Fashion shows in New York, Paris, Milan and Tokyo are exclusively for buyers, celebrities, stylists, media and a few special guests. Real people can’t get near them.

Fashion Houston creator Jared Lang, owner of Momentum Audi, has a passion for fashion and for his community. For the second year in a row, he’s bringing cutting-edge runway fashion shows to Houston and made them accessible to everyone. Every seat has a great view and tickets start at $31 per person!

Fashion Houston is different from other fashion weeks in another important way – you’ll see collections for THIS season. While other cities are showing Spring 2012, you’ll see styles and looks that will inspire outfits that you can wear right now. You’ll see Fall 2011 collections up close and personal from up and comers like Patrick Schwarzenegger (yes, that Schwarzenegger) and Fabiola Arias, local favs like “Project Runway,” Season #2 Winner Chloe Dao and Lifetime TV’s “The Fashion Show” Contestant Caesar Galindo, as well as international super stars like Carmen Marc Valvo and Camilla.

High-end designers are thrilled to show here because they know that Houston takes their fashion seriously. They flock to Houston because there is a huge fashion base here and we spend more on fashion in department stores, boutiques and trunk shows than any other American city. WOW!

For a full list of designers, show schedules, videos of last year’s event and tickets (starting at $31 per person), go to FashionHouston.net.

TV Lesson - Answer THE Question!

The Background: The Fashion World went nuts yesterday...nuts for Missoni at Target. Target has a history of collaborating with with high-end designers to bring great design and fashion to the masses at affordable prices. Yesterday, Target launched it's biggest collection yet - a limited edition line from Missoni. Shoppers crashed Target's website and mobile website and swarmed stores like locusts in their excitement and the merchandise was gone in the blink of an eye.

Glitzy Missoni ads are still running on TV and in print, more than 40 magazines on newsstands have stories about the line, and consumers are hungry for the merchandise.

Meanwhile, Target store shelves are bare, Target's website is STILL down, The Missoni For Target merchandise is already selling on eBay for more 5 times the retail price, and every local and national news organization is covering the story.

The big question on Target shopper's mind is - WILL THERE BE MORE MERCHANDISE??? Most shoppers are disappointed, frustrated, and upset that they can't get the Missoni. Target VP of Communication Dustee Jenkins appeared on GMA this morning and had an incredible opportunity to speak directly to shoppers.

Here's what happened on TV:

The questions were: Will there be more merchandise? Did they plan properly? She could have thanked shoppers for their incredible response, acknowledged the situation directly, and provided some useful information - no, there's no more merchandise. Some shoppers will return items, so you may see some merchandise returned to stores, but we can't predict when and where that will happen. We thought we planned well - we ordered twice as much as we usually do for our designer collaborations, but we didn't anticipate THIS much demand! We're sorry if you didn't get what you want. We will use this information to plan future launches. Thank you for your patience, understanding and for turning out the way you did! This would have built trust with shoppers and helped them remain loyal to the brand despite a bad experience.

Instead, Dustee smugly patted herself on the back for running great pr campaign, flaunted the great line in front of customers that can't get it, and coyly said keep checking back to their stores to see if there's anymore. Way to slap customers in the face Dustee! Target blew the opportunity and fanned the flames of customer frustration instead of informing, appreciating and soothing customers. Bottom line, this is going to cost Target at the cash register and in customer loyalty.

Target knows how to handle this situation. Target has been doing a great job interacting with frustrated customers on Twitter and Facebook. Unfortunately, Dustee blew it in front of millions of viewers and customers. Time to give Dustee the boot (preferably the Missoni zigzag rainboot for Target).

Here's the segment so you can see for yourself...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

When Is It Okay To Break Fashion Rules?

Labor Day always brings the question…do you have to stop wearing white? The bigger question is “do traditional fashion rules still apply?” And” is it ever okay break the rules?“

From a fashion perspective, the traditional rules don't apply in fashion anymore. The rules of no white after labor day; match belts, bags and shoes; women over ___ shouldn’t wear ___ etc., were created decades ago. The world has changed since then, and so have fashion rules. Now, there's much more opportunity to wear what you like, express yourself, and only wear what's flattering, regardless of the current trends and rules of years gone by.

From an image perspective, it’s useful to look at the effect of breaking with tradition. What does that say about you and what is the impact on other people?

If you are an innovator or creative in the way you work or live, then breaking the old rules is consistent with who you are, what you do and makes sense for your image. If you are in a traditional industry or social setting where stability, predictability, and safety are important, then breaking the fashion rules would create an inconsistent message in your image.

Following or breaking the rules can help you connect with others more deeply or create disconnection. If the people you are working/meeting with are rule-breakers, breaking fashion rules will help you connect with them. They will appreciate your cutting edge approach and have a tendency to trust you more. If you follow the traditional fashion rules, you risk undermining that connection.

If they are more traditional, then breaking past fashion rules will create disconnection. They may make you wrong for breaking the rules and be distracted or put off by your disregard for tradition, and you risk loosing their respect or attention.

As always, the “right” answer depends on who you are, what you do, and who you are with.

Want To Be My Assistant At Fashion Houston?

In October, I'm covering all the action at Fashion Houston! It's Oct 10-13 - four nights of runway shows by designers from Houston and around the world! It's a big job, and I need help!! And it will be even more fun for me to be able to share the experience with you! If you want to go...keep reading. If not, stop reading now!

There are 4 passes - one for each night. Who gets to go? Anyone who is/has been a model, intern, assistant for me, been a client* of Imagine or Sarah Shah, or has bought a copy of Dress Yourself Skinny by Sept 11 can apply (see below for a full description). Here’s how it works:

You’ll be my assistant for the evening and help take photographs, videos and live blog/tweet/facebook during the event. You get to see the runway shows, meet the designers in the green room, check out the VIP lounges, and even get a glimpse back stage to see what goes on behind the scenes. You might even get a picture on the red carpet!

Here’s how to apply. Create some behind the scenes commentary of your life or a recent event along with pictures (5 max) or a video (2 mins max). Submit LINKS to the pics or video along with your commentary and the following info by September 11, 2011.

Here’s the info to include with your submital:

Your Name:
Age (must be over 21):
Cell phone number:
Email address:
Your preferred date(s) October 10, 11, 12 or 13:
Confirmation that you are available to be at the Wortham Center in Houston on your preferred day from 4:30 to 10:00 pm:
State whether you are/have been a client, model, intern or assistant with us:
Your Behind-The-Scenes commentary:
LINKS to your pictures (max 5) or video (max 2 mins): (LINKS only, my email box is too small for full videos or big pictures, so upload them to your face book page, flicker, youtube...whatever and send me the links)

To apply, submit the required materials and info by facebook to www.facebook.com/DressYourselfSkinny or by email to Sarah@SarahShah.com. All submittals must be received by 9:00 pm on September 11, 2001. Incomplete submittals will not be considered.

P.S. - You are a client, model, assistant or intern of Imagine/Sarah Shah if you have been my private client for image, tv, or other areas; hired me to speak to your group; attended a workshop; purchased the book Dress Yourself Skinny, been a model in my tv segments or fashion shows, or have been my intern or assistant in any of those activities.

Thanks you so much for applying!! I'll contact the winners and post their names on the Dress Yourself Skinny facebook page by September 30.

La Prairie Field Test (Part 6 -Week 13)

It's Week 18 of the La Prairie Field Test. I've used up the last of the White Caviar face serum and cream since the last post. The White Caviar serum lasted through week 9 and the cream lasted through Week 13. Since then, I've continued to use sunscreen to keep new spots from forming along with my usual skincare. In the meantime, friends, family and clients have continued to comment on how good my skin looks and how much more even it has become.

La Prairie has generously sent another batch of White Caviar face serum and cream…so the field test continues! I used it last night...and man, my face is super smooth again. How do you do that La Prairie? I’ll be back with an update in a couple weeks.

If you've missed any of the sesies, here are links to the rest of the posts in the La Prairie Field Test

Part I - The Products
Part II - The Canvas
Part III – First Week of The Test
Part IV – Day 8 Update
Part V – Day 38 Update
Part VI - Week 13

Bad Clothes Made Good

You've heard it a million times - a tailor is a critical element of a great wardrobe. Here are some examples of "bad clothes" that were given new love and life by a tailor.

"Pleather" Pants

These pleather pants were cute and fit well, but they were way too hot to wear in Houston. We collaborated with our tailor to turned them in to super hot shorts.

Our tailor cut off the pant legs, added a triangle gusset of extra fabric on the outside of each leg so they had a fashionable shape and made a cuff at the hem. Now the shorts are flattering and fit perfectly. Perfect to keep her cool in the summer heat.

Way Too Big Denim

This jacket and shorts were WAYYYY to big.

The jacket got a major overhaul - the front pockets were moved up and the hem was shortened, vertical pleats were added to the front and back to take in the volume in the sides, the sleves were made smaller and three pleats were added to shorten the sleeve to 3/4 length. The shorts just got minor adjustments - they were shortened and cuffs added to the hem. These have become regular basics in her wardrobe that she wears all the time.

Over-Sized Shirt

The red and white striped shirt is way to big and has some unflattering elements...but it has lots of potential.

Our tailor removed the collar and changed the neckline to a v-neck, took in the sides, shortened the sleeves to 3/4 length, and shortened the shirt to a more flattering length.

How about you? What are your ideas for changing or transforming things from your closet? Post or link to your projects so we can appreciate what you've done.

If you liked this post, you might like this one too:

Tips for finding and working with your tailor

Spa Sirens (TM), Calling Out The Cool And The Current In The World Of Resorts And Spas

I am so excited to be a part of The Spa Sirens! We are a collaboration of three experts in beauty, fashion and travel who travel the spa and resort world to seek out and spread the word about the latest in spa and resort experiences. The Sirens are Renae Virata (travel and fashion, WeareverTheWeather.com), Sarah Shah (fashion and image, SarahShah.com), and Stacey Adair (beauty, RadiantYouMagazine.com). We'll calling out the cool and the current in spas and resorts - treatments, amenities and locations that are unique, new, effective or interesting.

We're kicking off on August 17, 2011 at the Spa Waterway in The Woodlands. If you'd like to come along, we'll be chronicling our positive experiences on twitter (hashtag #spasirens), facebook and in each of our blogs. You're invited to share your experiences, favorite treatments/locations and ask any questions along the way.

Here's more about each of the Sirens and where to find us online:

Renae Virata, Blogger and Head Travelista
A Travelista at heart, Renae is the founder of the travel and fashion website WeareverTheWeather.com. She loves searching out fun destinations and shopping for travel attire and products. When she’s not collecting stamps in her passport, she’s taking up a new outdoor sport, tinkering with her sewing machine or reading a trashy novel on the beach.
e-Mail: Renae@WeareverTheWeather.com
Online Presence:
· Website & Blog www.WeareverTheWeather.com (10,000+ unique online visits per month)
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/WTWBlog
· Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WeareverTheWeather

Stacey Adair, Beauty Insider and Creator of Radiant You Magazine
Stacey is always on the search for new and innovative beauty products and medi-spa treatments. A beauty junkie since she could hold a tube of lip gloss, she loves to seek out new beauty finds around the world. She’s also the founder of Radiant You Magazine.
Phone: (832) 725-4252, e-Mail: Editor@RadiantYouMagazine.com
Online Presence:
· Spa and Beauty Magazine Website & Blog: www.RadiantYouMagazine.com
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/RadiantYouMag
· Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RadiantYouMagazine

Sarah Shah, Image & TV Expert, Speaker and Author
Sarah delivers entertaining, real and revolutionary image wisdom in the closet and on TV. She is always on the hunt for new beauty treatments and fashion items to share.
Phone: (617) 501-8055, e-Mail: Sarah@SarahShah.com
Online & Media Presence
· National & Regional TV (40+ appearances)
· Website & Blog: www.sarahshah.com (Klout Score: 50+)
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/sarahshah (2400+followers)
· Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarah.shah1 and www.facebook.com/dressyourselfskinny (1000+ visitors per month)
· YouTube: www.YouTube.com/SarahShahTV (5000+ views)

How To Get Taylor Swift Curls

Our intern Julia created a way to style her super curly hair like Taylor Swift. Here she is sharing her tips in her very first youtube video! Until now, how-to videos for this hairstyle have been made for straight hair…this is the first one that works for curly hair.

If you want more info, detailed descriptions of each step are below the video. If you try these tips, please post your pics…we want to see the styles you created too!




1. Before you get started with this hair style, your hair needs to be completely dry. Brush wet hair to get all the knots out. Twist your hair in a ShamWow-type towel for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb most of the water.

2. Work about a dime-size bit of heat protectant serum or anti-breakage spray throughout your hair. Julia likes Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum.

3. Seperate hair into two sections and use a hair dryer and round brush to dry your hair. Angle the blow dryer down in the direction you brush your hair to minimize frizz. The round brush she used in the video is made by Solano and it has a gel grip handle that's easy and comfy to hold.

4. Let hair sit for at least 10 minutes before curling to make sure your hair is completely dry.

5. Separate hair into layers. Start with the bottom layer. Spray on some heat protectant (Julia likes Chi Shine Infusion) to help protect hair, control frizz and add shine.

6. Divide hair into 1-inch sections. Wrap hair around a curling iron or wand in a spiral, making sure all the pieces of hair touch the wand. Hold hair on the curling wand for about 10-15 seconds. If you are using a wand, it’s helpful to have a heat resistant glove.

7. After about 10-15 seconds of curling, angle the tip of the curling wand/iron downwards and slowly glide the wand up and out of the curl. The curl will be pretty tight but don't worry, it will loosen up over time. Keep working the wand through each section and layer of your hair.

8. When you reach the top layer of hair, start the curls lower on your head to avoid the Shirley Temple Afro look.

9. Spray all the curls with hairspray. Julia used Alba Botanica hairspray. She likes it because it is non-aerosol, natural and has a medium hold for natural, touchable hair.

Julia is entering her senior year in high school. She took on this internship to learn more about the things she loves – business, communication, marketing, public relations and fashion. Thanks Julia, you're doing a great job!!

Thank you Creative Media Marketing for the Solano Power brush and Alba Botanicals hairspray samples!

Client Testimonial - Studio NiaMoves Gets On TV...A Lot!

“I had contacted the press at least 30 times over 3 years with no results. Then I worked with Sarah. She taught me what producers really want and how to get my business on TV. Since then, we have been on TV 14 times and have been featured in more than 5 articles. Wahoo! I shifted my approach with the media from promoting the studio to offering interesting information about hot topics that were related to offerings at the studio. We are now regularly contacted by news organizations looking for stories. Sarah Shah ROCKS!” – Kristie Bryant, Owner and Nia Teacher, Studio NiaMoves.

Studio NiaMoves is a fun fitness studio in the Houston Heights with an eclectic offering of classes. When you walk into a class at NiaMoves, you will find all types of people, mostly women, different sizes, shapes, and fitness levels. We love to make moving your body a pleasurable experience. Come check us out! The July Special for Houston-area clients who are new to the studio is two weeks of free classes good for Nia, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba. For more info, go to www.NiaMoves.com

La Prairie Field Test - Cellular Power Infusion and White Caviar ( Part V - Day 38 Update)

It’s Week 6 of the La Prairie field test. As of June 24, I’ve been using Cellular Power Infusion (CPI) and the White Caviar System consistently morning and night for 38 days. I've missed about one application a week in weeks 2-6.

CPI lasted to day 35 (amazing since the two vials were only expected to last 20 days) and the sample of White Caviar eye serum lasted 37 days. The White Caviar face serum and cream live on, so I’ll be using them until they’re gone. Here are updated pictures and a video so you can see the progress since the beginning. The results show up better in the video than in the pics.


Day 1 (left) Day 38 (right)



Right Side Of Face: Day 8 (left), Day 38 (right)


Left Side Of Face: Day 8 (left), Day 38 ( right)

The thinking lines in my forehead have smoothed out a lot and my face is much softer and soother. The jowl skin might be firmer. The under eye area is significantly lighter.

The skintone on the right side of my face has evened out significantly! There are still some age spots/scars on the upper cheek, but even they are lighter and closer to my base skintone. I don’t use concealer on that side of my face at all anymore (except under my eye).

The left side of my face started out with much more sun damage and more dark spots. Some areas of the left side of my face have evened out and many age spots and scars are left. It usually takes 8 weeks to see significant skin evening…so I’ll keep going with the White Caviar and keep my fingers crossed.

Here is a video with close-ups of the results so far. I’m speaking slower than usual so the camera can keep up!



Here are links to the rest of the series:

Part I - The Products
Part II - The Canvas
Part III – First Week of The Test
Part IV – Day 8 Update
Part VI - Week 13

Client Testimonial - Steve's Trip To "Oprah's House" With BFF Gail!

My client Steve Mattus got invited to share his experience on the Gail King Show! Here's his story.

"I got booked for my first TV Appearance - an interview with Gayle King (OWN) celebrating the finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show - and it was LIVE! It was completely surreal to walk the hallways and sit in the green room at Harpo Studios where all the celebrities waited to go on Oprah's show. I am deeply grateful to have the honor to share my message on such a platform!"


"Sarah helped me with my image and prepared me for everything about TV. I looked great, I was authentic, and my image was consistent with my message. She also taught me everything I never knew I needed to know about TV – how to give the producers what they needed, how to work with the host and other guests, how to prepare, where to look, how to sit, what to bring, and how to say what I had to say.

"I only had 2 days notice, but when I got in front of the camera, I was ready - extremely well prepared, calm, totally authentic, confident, powerfully articulate and...bottom line...I nailed it! Viewers are still reaching out to me with their stories and questions. One person even said my appearance on the show helped her make a major shift in her thinking - ultimately changing her life for the better.

"Now that I know what I didn’t know about TV, if I have gone on TV without Sarah, it would have been embarrassing at worst, and marginal at best. Instead, I feel completely ecstatic about it, absolutely fulfilled, and actually, really proud of myself for pulling it off. Thank you Sarah!"

Steve Mattus is a Speaker and Authenticity Specialist. Everything he does is to inspire people to think different, so they can be who they want, do what they want and get what they want. For more about Steve, go to ActualInfinity.com.

Field Test - La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion and White Caviar (Part IV - Day 8 Update)

I’ve been using La Prairie’s Cellular Power Infusion and the White Caviar System consistently morning and night for 7 days so far. Here are updated pictures so you can see the progress.

Day 1 (left) Day 8 (right)

Day 8 - Right side of face, Day 8 - Left side of face

Day 1 (Left), Day 8 (Right)

It’s already making a difference. My face is softer, smoother, the “thinking” lines in my forehead and brow are softening, the under-eye darkness is lighter, and my skin-tone is more even.

On Day 6, I realized that I consistently missed applying the products to the apples of my cheeks...I could tell because the skin-tone on rest of my cheeks was evening out, but the apples were still spotty. That morning I changed the way I applied the products to I get even application across my whole face. I also got very consistent about applying sunscreen every morning to minimize creating any new dark spots.

At the beginning of this test, I used concealer under my eyes, under my nose, on the spots on my cheeks and around the sides of my mouth. Now, I don’t need concealer anywhere on the right side of my face (only under the eye)!

Here is a little video with the results and what I’ve learned so far.



My dream is to be able to skip concealer AND foundation all together. I’m definitely headed in that direction. Will check back in another week with the next update!

Additional updates:
Day 10: the gentle sloughing ended today. My face is still soft, smooth and dewy. I'm not seeing a significant daily lightening of the dark spots as I had up to this point. I guess the spots that are left are deeper in the skin and will take more time to fade.
Day 12: The first vial of Cellular Power Infusion lasted until today. The instructions estimate it will last 7-10 days, but it lasted 12 days.

Here are links to the rest of the series:

Part I - The Products
Part II - The Canvas
Part III – First Week of The Test
Part V – Day 38 Update
Part VI - Week 13

Thank you Kevin Hong for shooting my homemade video!

Tie One On

Yes, women can wear ties too! Here's a cool way for women (and men) to wear a tie. Flip it "ascot style" and secure it with a tie tack/pin or broach.

Here's how Jennifer Dean (President & CEO of Dean's Professional Services) wore it today when she spoke to BPW's monthly networking meeting. She paired the tie with a matching button-down shirt and fitted feminine linnen suit...so chic! Thanks for the creative idea Jennifer! (P.S. Jennifer mentioned that someday she might start a company offering ties and french cuff shirts for women).



For other creative ways to wear a tie, check out this video from Rebecca Spera with Mirror/Mirror.



if you liked this post,you might also like A Professional Twist On A Strapless Dress.

Field Test - La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion and White Caviar (Part III - Test Day 1)

This is Part III Of The Field Test Series.

Day 1 of my field test is here! I opened up all the packages and gave the products a try. They look, feel and smell so luxurious! Here is a video of my first experience of the products. I’ll be using them morning and night for the next 30 days. I’ll check back in a week with an update on the progress to see if/how it’s all working.



Update (May 19): I didn't expect to see any results yet, but I'm already noticing a change, so here's an update.

Day 1 (May 18): after the second application in the evening, my skin already felt softer.
Day 2 (May 19): a couple hours after the evening application, I noticed a very thin layer of skin began sloughing off when I rubbed the skin on my face. There is no discomfort, redness, or freaky face...just softer, smoother skin.
Day 5 (May 22): Husband says, "Your face is lighter." Translation: "The scars are lighter and your skin-tone is more even." :D I've noticed that the surface scars around my mouth and lower cheeks are getting lighter.
Day 6 (May 23): I realized that I consistently miss applying the products to the apples of my cheeks...I can tell because the skin-tone rest of my cheeks is evening out. This morning I changed the way I apply the products to I get even application across my whole face. I'm stunned by how well this stuff is working! I never expected to see results this fast and can't wait to take pics on Wednesday for show you the progress.

Here are links to the rest of the series

Here are links to the rest of the series:
Part I - The Products
Part II - The Canvas
Part IV – Day 8 Update
Part V – Day 38 Update
Part VI - Week 13

Field Test - La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion and White Caviar (Part II - The Canvas)

This is Part II in the Field Test series, trying out La Prairie's Cellular Power Infusion and White Caviar. Links to the other parts of the series are at the bottom of this post.

Here is my face at the beginning of the field test – the baseline"BEFORE" pictures (5/17/11). This goes without saying...but just for the record, the pictures haven't been touched, retouched, photoshopped..etc. This is me in my raw, natural state.

What do I like about my face? Hmmm, I haven't asked that question in a while. I like
· Base color of my skin,
· Soft, healthy lips and
· Pudgy little nose.

What do I wish were different?
· More even skin tone – I want to erase the scarring and hyper-pigmentation on my face (especially on cheeks, upper lip, chin and temples) and lighten my under-eye area.
· Reduce fine lines and wrinkles – I want to unfurrow my brow, smooth the under eye area, and bring back the glow to the skin all over my face.

The products arrive today...I can’t wait to get started!

Here are links to the rest of the series:

Part I - The Products
Part II - The Canvas
Part III – First Week of The Test
Part IV – Day 8 Update
Part V – Day 38 Update
Part VI - Week 13

Field Test - La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion and White Caviar (Part 1 - The Products)

There are lots of ways to fight the signs of aging. Medical spa treatments use lasers, peels, and medicines to remove dark spots and wrinkles. These treatments can be expensive ($250-$500+ per office visit); involve down time (time for the skin on your face to recover from the treatment); some ingredients, such as hydroquinone, used in the treatments are harsh or have scary side effects; and often a series of treatments is needed to get the desired results.

I’ve been on the hunt for home treatments that provide professional results. Almost every cosmetic line in boutiques, department stores, and drug stores claims to have products that reduce wrinkles and fade dark spots. Most over-the-counter home treatments promise significant results, but often don’t deliver. In my experience, they work best for preventative maintenance, but don’t significantly transform or restore the skin.

These are the best I've found so far in my quest, and reKinerase PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System does a good job reducing wrinkles and fine lines and restoring glowing skin. Mary Kay’s Timewise Even Complexion Essence does a good job lightening age spots without harsh ingredients. Note, dark spots are tricky and hard to fade because they begin deep in the skin layers. Fading them takes time (about 8 weeks) and takes committed daily application.

The “word on the street” is that the most effective over the counter treatments for wrinkles and age spots come from La Prairie. La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion reverses fine lines and wrinkles and White Caviar fades dark spots. Yeow! They are pricey!! But if they work, the price of a full treatment is about the same as one office visit for a medispa treatment, so it may be worth the price tag. That's what I plan to find out.

La Prairie has generously offered samples of these two treatments for me to try. So, I’ll be testing them out to see how they work and posting before and after pictures along the way, so you can come along for the ride. My field test begins next week (May 18).

Here’s what I’ll be using:

La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion

La Prairie White Caviar (Illuminating Serum, Illuminating Cream, and Illuminating Eye Serum)

I’d love to hear if you’ve used them and about your experiences with them and other anti-aging products you’ve tried.

Here are links to the rest of the series:

Part I - The Products
Part II - The Canvas
Part III – First Week of The Test
Part IV – Day 8 Update
Part V – Day 38 Update
Part VI - Week 13

Decoding The Dress - What Kate Middleton's Dress "Says"

Every outfit we wear evokes an emotional reaction and conveys a message that sets the tone for our communication and actions.

Catherine Middleton’s wedding dress is more than a pretty gown to get married in. The wedding is a union and beginning for the individuals and also the formal start of their official royal positions. This wedding dress sets the tone for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s royal roles and future rein.

The underlying message of any outfit can be "decoded" by analyzing the elements - style, color, and fabric.

Style - The dress is modest, reserved, elegant, and retro in style. It reflects the fashion of the 1940s - 1950s, and also speaks to the values of that time. This also happens to be the period of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding. It’s the counter to Princess Diana’s elaborate, showy, complicated gown of the 1980s.

Catherine’s dress showed respect for tradition. Catherine’s veil covered her face and reinforced the traditional message. The whole look signaled the couple’s embrace of a simpler time, a time when royalty behaved like the Queen - regally, honorably and respectfully in public. It says we are not going to continue the public display of dirty laundry of Charles, Diana, Camilla and Sarah Ferguson.


Color – Catherine chose the color ivory for her dress. Ivory is classic, aged, soft and warm. It doesn’t scream for attention the way white does. William and Catherine plan to live outside the spotlight. At 28, Catherine is older than past royal brides and has had more time to come to terms with the expectations and restrictions of her new role. Ivory expresses Catherine’s maturity, respect for tradition, and preference to be in the background.


Fabric – The fabrics used in the wedding gown were classic wedding fabrics – silk satin, French and English lace, and silk tulle. The intricate lace veil was hand-crafted at London’s Royal School of Needlework and much of the lace on the gown was made in Derbyshire. The fabrics reinforce the traditional message and also demonstrate a respect and appreciation for traditional English crafts.

Every element of the wedding look reinforces the message of traditional, reserved royalty. Catherine Middleton’s wedding dress says “I respect tradition, my country, and my royal duties.”

If you liked this post, you might like tese too. For more outfits decoded, click these links.

Michelle Obama – Decoding The Inauguration Look
Michelle Obama – It’s Not Really About The Shorts
Jennifer Lopez – How Image Gets In The Way
What Is Ines Sainz Asking For?

For info about decoding color, click here.

The Evolution Of Mineral Foundation

Mineral foundations have become a staple in many women’s makeup bags.
They love this new generation of foundations because the makeup is lightweight, provides good coverage for spots and other imperfections, and is all natural. The down side – many mineral makeups are messy powders that have to be custom color blended for every application.

Advanced Mineral Makeup’s new liquid mineral makeup is the best of both worlds. It’s super lightweight, looks very natural – like your skin, but better, and is easily applied with fingers or a foundation brush. The best thing? The shades match real women’s skin tones (many foundation companies are still using a warm/neutral/cool system that makes foundation matching a real challenge). This foundation comes in 7 easy-to-match shades ranging from fair to medium…think Nicole Kidman to Angela Bassett. Fingers crossed that they will add darker shades so everyone can wear it.



Here are a few more high lights:
· The makeup is all pigment, so a little goes a long. Apply over your moisturizer before it dries so the foundation goes on and blends smoothly.
· It won’t settle in creases and it contains antioxidants, botanicals and anti-aging ingredients, so it gives you a more youthful appearance.
· Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory
· Contains no perfumes, FD&C dyes, binders, talc, or parabens
· Oil-free and non-comedogenic

Thank you so much Stacey Adair for introducing me to the makeup and sending the sample to try! I fell in love with it and it’s become my secret for looking good on “no makeup” days.

In Houston, Advanced Mineral Makeup’s liquid foundation is available at Soteria Skin and Spiegel Spa. For more info about the makeup, visit www.AdvancedMineralMakeup.com or contact Stacey Adair at www.SkinWisePlus.com.

Professional Twist On A Strapless Dress

Runways and stores are full of strapless dress this season. Lots of women are hesitant to wear them for fear of falling out or appearing unprofessional. Here's an all-business twist to solve both challenges...Joy Sewing (Fashion and Beauty Editor at the Houston Chronicle) was spotted this morning wearing her brilliant combination of white button-down blouse under a tailored strapless dress.

She couldn't be more chic and professional. This combination is so going in my arsenal of creative fashion fixes! Thanks Joy, for a great idea!

Nail Shellac

Nail Shellac, is the latest nail process to hit salons - a cross between nail polish and acrylic tips – that’s reported to last up to 14 days. My networking buddy Nikki gave it a try and reviewed the process for us. Here’s her report.

The process began with a regular manicure and then the Shellac-ing began. The application process is similar to regular polish, but you dry your nails under UV light for about 1 ½ minutes after each coat of Shellac is applied. The UV light cures and hardens the Shellac, otherwise it will become soft and sticky after about 3 days. Four coats are applied – a clear base coat, 2 coats of colored Shellac and a top clear coat. The manicurist said the Shellac dries so completely under the UV light that you could Shellas your toes and then lace up your sneakers and go jogging immediately after the process.

Shellac isn't "bullet-proof" and how well you take care of your nails determines how long it lasts. As with acrylic tips or regular nail polish, the rate of your nail growth is going to affect how long the beauty of the Shellac-ing lasts.

Nikki was pleased with how long the Shellac lasted - it looked good for over a week. She typed a lot, washed her hands quite a bit, and washed a few dishes in hot water and a little bleach and the Shellac lasted through all that. After about a week, she could see the space between the polish and the cuticles was widening as her nails grew out. As of day 10, she noticed that the polish began lifting off one side of a nail. It didn’t last 14 days for Nikki.

The Shellac is removed by soaking nails in acetone for 10 minutes. The residual softened shellac may be removed/scraped off with an orange stick or cuticle tool.

All in all, Nikki liked her Shellac experience and would do it again.

Nikki’s Shellac manicure was $35 at the Sensia Studio & Japanese Day Spa. For more about Shellac or to find a Shellac manicurist in your area, visit Creative Nail Design.

For more about Nikki Johnson, The Millionaire's Assistant™ visit www.assistantnikki.com, follow her on twitter or find her on facebook .

Thanks so much for your review Nikki!!