Watching Halloween makeup tutorials is one of my favorite rainy day activities. I've seen some really incredible things, so I thought I'd share my favorites with you. Hopefully, these will give you a little push and through the inspiration you find along the way, you can unleash your inner character!
First up on the hit list is Michelle Phan. She's known for putting out quality videos with clear, concise instructions and unique ideas. I've used several of her tutorials to improve my own makeup application. Since she started releasing videos, Ms. Phan has become quite the dynamo. I urge you to check out her You Tube Channel and website for details. It's no wonder our first video is one of hers.
This Zombie Barbie video is my favorite right now, but overall, I think she has some of the best anime and manga tutorials on the internet...and with the rising number of anime, manga and jpop costumes Ive seen in the last few years, I think there's a lot to be learned from Michelle Phan (if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well...).
Now, for the video:
Pretty great, right? Go check out Michelle Phan, if you're not already familiar with her.
It's October, y'all!! It's that precious time of year when mild-mannered Americans go off in search of a healthy dose of terror. Ah, me. October is, as you know, my favorite month of the year. As such, we'll be celebrating all month long, right here on Goldiblog! Get excited!
First up, TV to curl your toes:
1. 31 Days of Halloween: Syfy (10/1-10/31)- From the network that brought us titles like Sharknado, Ghost Shark and Sharktopus, we have the first entry on our list. Now, say what you will, but I am a HUGE fan of the Syfy network. Their original movies are bananas. I think this is a fun channel for movie lovers and especially those that support original, independently made movies. Yes, it's true that some of them feel more like student films than blockbusters, but for the most part, the stories are unique, the acting is pretty top notch and the whole channel is endearingly nerdy. The lineup this year is a satisfying mix of Syfy Original Movies, independent films, and titles from Hollywood. I urge you to wade through the questionable reality programs and seek out some fun. Highlights: The Covenant, Zombie Night (10/26 starring, Darryl Hannah, Anthony Michael Hall and Shirley Jones...I die!!), and Grave Halloween
2. Fear Fest: AMC (10/14-10/31): As usual, I am super psyched for this one. AMC's annual celebration of horror begins with an all day Walking Dead marathon concluding with the Season 4 premier (aww yisss!). I cannot wait. As I've said before, this fest is known for showing big, blockbuster movies with some lesser known titles peppered throughout. You'll definitely run into a few repeats, but set your DVRs, y'all because this year is gonna be pretty spooktacular. Personally, I'll be focused on catching some titles I'm less familiar with, but will of course tune in to can't miss favorites. I suggest you do the same. Highlights: And Now the Screaming Starts (a ghost story set in the 19th Century-a new title for me!!), Candyman (I saw this for the first time at a junior high sleepover), The Cave, Return of the Living Dead, The Howling (easily one of the best werewolf films of all time!).
3. Friday Night Spooklight: TCM (Fridays in October): This year, in place of their Wednesday classic horror movie marathons, TCM will be turning their year-round feature Friday Night Spotlight into the aptly named Friday Night Spooklight (extra points for cuteness!). Hosted by Bill Hader, TCM will show 16 classic thrillers, Friday nights in October (starting at 8:00p EST). I love, love LOVE TCM and am super excited to grab some popcorn, turn off the iPad and settle in for some old school chills. Highlights: Dementia 13, A Bucket of Blood, Night of the Living Dead (the movie that started it all!), Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (this is a classic thriller starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford-Fun Fact: Modern day starlet spats had nothing on these ladies. Their real-life feud propelled this movie to box office success amid swirling rumors of on set antics).
4. Star of the Month: Vincent Price- TCM (Thursdays in October): Each month, TCM chooses an actor for a month long look at their filmography. This month, the star is none other than Vincent Price. Vincent Price (1911-1993) was born into St. Louis high society and grew up to become a Yale educated Art History/English major. His posh voice and good looks may have served him well in the industry but it was his talent and magnetic charm that solidified his iconic status as a horror film star. He has starred in some of my favorite films, and TCM is showing 35 of the best. Highlights: House of Wax, Theater of Blood, Story of Mankind
5. American Horror Story: Coven- FX (Wednesdays, beginning 10/9 @ 10:00p EST): OK, I am freaking out about this y'all! In my opinion, the explosive series from Ryan Murphy is one of the best in recent history and I am dying for the season 3 premier. The ad campaign is captivating, the cast is superb and the subject matter is killah! Coven takes place during two time periods in New Orleans. That is all I'm going to tell you. Besides, the entirety of the horrosphere is ablaze with AHS:Coven buzz, not to mention the official trailer dropped last week. So, if you want to know more, it's out there. This is my favorite teaser for the show:
There you have it, dolls! I hope this gets you thinking about hosting your own Fright Fest! Be careful out there!
I am OBSESSED with Paolo Sebastian. I stumbled upon this designer somewhat recently and upon discovery, I devoured every photo I could find. So far, this is my favorite:
Isn't this just the dreamiest?! From the website:
At just twenty three, Vasileff’s achievements include featuring at
London Fashion Week 2010 and graduating from Milan’s Europeo Istituto di
Design. A ground-breaking show at Sydney’s 2012 Fashion Palette
launched the label into the international sphere.
I also found these words about the signature Paolo Sebastian look:
Classic designs reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour exude timeless
elegance, paired with a contemporary edge. Often featuring impeccably
tailored boning and the tiniest of hand sewn floral appliques, Paolo
Sebastian creations encapsulate both the boldness of high fashion and
the delicate innocence of beauty.
Le sigh. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Take a spin through the website, won't you?
Carolina Herrera. Silk-devore. I love the color, the print, the cut, you name it. This is a total '10' for me. I'll admit, at $4290, it's a bit pricey, but this is one dress for which I could justify a splurge. Ah. Mah. Zing.
I found something awesome, you guys!! I stumbled upon Amanda Wakeley's website somewhere in the avalanche of e-mails I swept out of my inbox this weekend. I let my fingers do the walking and hopped on over to her site. I was not disappointed. So much beauty! I thought you might like to see what I found.
British designer, Amanda Wakeley launched her namesake line in 1990. Since then, she's spent her time making a splash in the womensware and bridal world.
From the website:
Amanda intuitively started designing clothes based on a personal
passion to create utterly beautiful clothes that women love to wear. Her
look is calculatedly understated but alluring. The Amanda Wakeley woman is ageless – she has an attitude to dressing rather than being a specific age. She wears the clothes because they are sexy yet not overt…. they are body enhancing yet comfortable…. they are relevant yet appropriate to her lifestyle…. she has an enviable ease.
I love that description of the Amanda Wakeley woman. She sounds lovely, doesn't she?
These are three of my favorite looks from Amanda Wakeley's Morocco Lookbook:
1. AW136. A loverly halter dress. The black silk satin halter adds an edge to this breezy silhouette. The pintucked detailing on the bust is to die for!
2. AW137. For me, this was love at first sight. That draped train is a killah.
3. AW142. My favorite thing about this gown is the beading at the neck and waist. I would love to see this at a lake house. Can you imagine, the sun, the sand, the rolling waves. Ah, glammah!
Although her bridal line is amazing, Amanda Wakeley is no one trick pony, folks. Check out her website for the latest in accessories (the metallic Poppy purse, is mah wants!) and womensware (yowza!!).
photo credit: all photos belong to amanda wakeley dot com, unless otherwise specified
Let's continue with Part Two of Destination Dazzling! Bring on the beauty!
Beachy Baubles: Who doesn't love a little sparkle? The right
jazzicle can spice up your look without weighing you down or
overpowering the scene you and Mother Nature have created. Look for
pieces that pick up the colors of your surroundings. Bright, tropical
colors are killah against the creamy tones of sand and skin. Here's
what I'm craving right now:
This Aquamarine Necklace from Uncovet is simple and sophisticated. I'm also loving the $49 price tag. A little sparkle that won't break the bank.
This is the enchanting Reflecting Pools Necklace from Ranjana Khan for BHLDN. It's a bit pricey, coming in at $600, but the handmade mother of pearl stunner is worth the splurge.
Another cutie from Uncovet: Spiked Punch Earrings! I just think these are adorable! A perfect pop of color! You can pick up a pair at Uncovet for $39.
Hello, nurse! I am dying for these Large Feather Plume bangles from Sequin. They're hinged, which I think is especially nice for warmer climates and are a great way to pull in tropical color! The teal one is my favorite!
Hair Affair: So, unless
you plan to have a team of twenty following you around, get used to the
idea that tropical weather may anger your hair. It's okay. It happens
to (almost) everyone. However, the answer will NOT be found in dousing
your tresses in sticky, harmful (to both you and to the enviro)
products. Beachy waves, dreamy updos, and airy chignons will be aces in
your locale. Consider anchoring pesky flyaways with embellished pins
or work them into braids.
Snail braids! Cute, playful, and it gets your hair off your neck, which can be invaluable for an outdoor, tropical wedding. J'adore The Beauty Department! This place is lousy with amazing tutorials! Check it out!
Can we just talk about braids for a minute? Suh. Kyoot. Suh. Easy. I
would love this even more if it was a waterfall braid. Also, more waves. It's perfect for the bohemian beach bride!
The messy bun is such a lifesaver, y'all! Easy to do, easy to maintain, and easy to dress up. Just throw a jeweled clip or a chic little fascinator in there and voila! Perfection! I found this particular one while browsing Brunch at Saks. Supa cute blog!
I hope this has helped you get the wheels turning. There is so much greatness out there, I encourage you to get lost in it for awhile and see what you come up with! You can't go wrong....well, I'm sure you could, but if I know my dolls, then we are in for one amazing summah!
There's something so magical about tropical, seaside affairs, isn't there? The magnificently blue skies, the soothing sounds of rolling water, the birds singing happily in swaying palm trees....le sigh. All that atmosphere makes us wish that, even for a moment, our beauty could radiate as flawlessly as that of Mother Nature. Well, with a destination wedding we are given that chance.
Today, let's take a peek at what's out there, shall we?
First up: Dresses! Season, location, and venue can and should inform your choice, here. The best advice I have is this: Consider lightweight, breathable fabrics that complement your frame and can withstand travel with minimal difficulty. You might let yourself be drawn to understated elegance that won't detract from the natural beauty of your location. Although, a little glamour never killed anyone...so keep that in mind. My of the moment loves:
Say 'hello!' to Ursula! Gorg, right? At $595 (a MIRACLE at J. Crew), this little J. Crew number is perfect for the beach. I LOVE the length of cotton cord that forms the halter. Suh. Kyoot.
We return to BHLDN for this stunner from James Coviello. The Charlene Maxi is the right mix of drama and demure. Go. Take a look at the back. I'll wait. Pretty great, right? The price tag is a shocker at only $650.
Also from BHLDN (I know...I could go on and on!) is this sweet little Ribboned Silk Gown. Designed specifically for BHLDN, this Ve Et Vien gown is sure to thrill at your seaside nuptials. I'd pair with either a sash or statement necklace for full effect (Oh! The editors agree with me!). It's a little pricier, coming in at $1600, but well worth the coin, if you ask me.
For the Tootsies: A friend of mine got hitched on sand and had this to say, "I should've worn shoes! My poor feet were scorched by the end of the ceremony." She went on to say that while she bought the dreamiest little sandals for din din and dancing, she wished she'd had some daytime protection. Take from that what you will. I for one am living for these beachy finds:
Maroma Sandal, by Heiress. BHLDN exclusive, y'all. Handmade in India. I die. A friggin' steal at $170
The Kira sandal from J. Crew is kill. ing. me. Made in Italy and sporting a $138 pricetag...forgeddaboudit!
Vince Camuto's Macalia is another Perfect 10, for me. At $78.95, these are the perfect mix of passion and pragmatism. These Vince Camuto darlings are also available in black and are currently in my shopping cart...I'm a Vince Camuto junkie, what can I say?
Whew! That's a lot of glamma! Tune in tomorrow because I'll be sharing more dazzling selections for your destination celebration!
