Birds and Rain

via thewoodenspool

I love the sound of birds singing on a rainy morning.  It makes me want to buy a bright rain coat and embrace the rain.  This cute pink raincoat would do the trick for me.  Yesterday, I had a scary little fall and my whole right side is so sore today.  Lucky for me there were no serious injuries.  So, I'm just taking it easy today and listening to the birds sing as the rain continues to fall.  Have a bright fun weekend! 

The Timeless Oxford

The Oxford shoe is timeless.  They come in some many different styles, I'm sure you'll be able to find one that suites you.  You can pull off an oxford shoe not matter what's the current trend is.  It's famous for taking really feminine outfits and bring them down a notch.  For example, in yesterday's post the girl was actually wearing oxford shoes!  Do you think Oxford shoes could fit into your wardrobe?  

(images via Solestruck)

Piece by piece

Isn't she a doll?  I wish I could pull off an outfit like that and look so fashionable.  Asians do this best (sorry for the generalization).  Right now, my closet is full of mix matched items just waiting to be explored.  But I have a sneaking suspicion I would do this look injustice.    

(image via Elle via Josie Gealer)

Happy Weekend!

Jared and I are planning to go hiking this weekend with Rusty (our golden retriever).  It's been so beautiful in Portland this week.  I could just stay outside all day!  We may even head to Bend, OR.  What are you up to?  Any special plans?    

(imagine via Patagonia via Justin Bastien)

Posh Baby

In the spirit of equality, its only natural for me to present you with the posh baby line, Makie.  The baby sets are drool worthy even if you faint over the prices.  Just think, your little one could be a fashion icon if you dressed them in these clothes.  *Say cheese for the papparazi*    

Tights

Are you seeing tights too?  My prediction, we're going to be seeing more tights this Spring.  Will you be wearing them?  I'm in between.  They can look cute and hip with the right outfit.  Shorter skirts are my preference.  Worn wrong it just looks like you're stuck in the past.  A very fine line indeed.  My other issue with tights is how they cut me off and then poof an exaggerated muffin top appears.  The only way I've been able to prevent this is wearing them just under my bra and feeling like a stuffed bird all day.  Hmmm.  I can't decide.

image via haironthebrain     

Wild Fig Designs

The feminine designs by Wild Fig drew my attention immediately.  They are based out of Johannesburg, South Africa and just showed their 2010 line at Audi Joburg Fashion Week.  iFashion recently did an interview with one of the designers (Wild Fig 2010).  Too bad they're not selling in the States yet.

Maternity Wear and Heidi Klum

Lavish

Loved

Ok, so I've got fashion and growing belly on the brain.  It could be because I had a check up this morning.  I just found out that Heidi Klum has just released two new maternity lines!  I think every woman has Heidi envy.  She glows during pregnancy and gets in perfect shape afterwards.

Her Lavish line looks like clothes you see her wear on Project Runway; they range from $68-$550.  The Loved line is more casual but still really stylish and range from $17-$40.  I have avoided buying any real maternity items and probably will until absolutely necessary.  But I'm thinking that dress from Loved will probably be number one on my list when that time comes.  My heart beats dresses! 

     

Hot in Portland!

It is always a joy doing hair and makeup!  Yesterday was no exception.  For this shoot, I played around with some contouring and highlighting around Eryka's beautiful face.  I went heavy on the bottom eyeliner and choose to do no eyeliner on the top lid.  The hair in the top pictures is pinned under to make her appear to have a shorter bob.  For the fashion underwear photographs, inspired by Calvin Klein, her hair was made wavy using a straightening iron.

Working with such great photographers like KIM+PHIL and model Eryka makes it so hard to choose just a few pictures.  So today in the spirit of Chinese New Year, enjoy the eye candy!     

Alexandar McQueen

It is a very sad day in the world of fashion.  Designer extraordinaire Alexander McQueen died today at the young age of 40.  His designs were always one of a kind and challenged each person in the fashion industry to creative excellence.  A legend that is sure to live on.   

(images via instyle.com)      

Portland model/photographer Lavenda

On Tuesday KIM+PHIL and I worked with another Portland photographer/model, Lavenda.  Lavenda has a 4 month old little girl.  You would never know; she looks so good!  I hope that's me in 8 months (:  If you would like to check out her photography click here: lavendamemory    

model shots outside

These are the latest pictures with Kim+Phil.  It was the first chance of the New Year to get some shots with them outside.  I can't wait to get outdoors again.  It creates a completely different perspective.           

HD foundation-make up for ever

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation is a favorite among many pro makeup artists.  It's easy to tell why.  The end result is near flawless complexion when professionally photographed. It's full coverage without looking caked on.  This would be also be something  you would wear for your wedding, prom, or other special event where you are being professionally photographed and want to look your absolute best. 

This has been my staple foundation product on the majority of my shoots.  I've actually found that the color #118 works on most Caucasians with fair-medium skin tones.  With a price tag of $40 it has been money well spent.  I still have my eyes open for other great HD foundations but they will be tested against a fierce competitor.         

Weekend Makeup-mascara

Last weekend, I mentioned that lip gloss was #1 on my weekend makeup must have.  In very close second is mascara.  I need mascara to make my eyes look open and awake.  My favorite right now is Maybelline's Define-A-Lash lengthening mascara.  I never get clumps and it lengthens just right for my lashes.  Oh, and I always wear any mascara in very black.      

What are you doing this first weekend in February?  Jared & I are going over to Phil & Kim's to watch the Super Bowl.  Go Saints!   

Red Hair

It has been the week of red heads!  Kind of funny how that happened.  I have really been enjoying the challenge of creating different hairstyles and makeup looks with each model.  It keeps me on my toes.  These pictures were taken by the talented KIM+PHIL team.  Heather was the model for this Portland shoot.                    

Australia Gray Hair Trend

(images via refinery29 via fashiongonerogue)

Jared's mom, Karen, lives in Australia and has noticed a huge hair trend.  The chic new look that is popping up all over Australia is "going gray".  There are actually severals ways people are getting this look and it's not the natural way.  I'm hoping Karen can get us some street pictures of this look soon!  The fashion magazines are also showcasing this look.  Would you "go gray" to make a fashion statement?    

Oregon Teen Model

Madison is such a cutie!  I just love her red hair, pale skin, and blue eyes.  It was fun visiting with her and her mom,Cindy, during the photo shoot with Michael Andrus.  Michael was his usual great self.  This was my first teenager to do makeup and hair for on a set.  The makeup is more on the pink and natural side to bring out her fabulous features.  My favorite element is the top french braid.  It has been showing up all over the runways lately and I was dying to try it out.   Madison was the perfect model for this style.  

New pictures from KIM+PHIL tomorrow!    

Vancouver High Key Shoot

For the last two Saturdays, I've been working with Michael Andrus and learning all about high key photography.  He's really great with the models and you can tell he loves his job.  As the hair and makeup artist I tried to play up her eyes, lips, and beautiful red hair.  The model is Lacie Eastlick who has a very cool job in Experimental Biology.  The wardrobe for this shoot was a vintage 1920's flapper dress that worked perfectly!            

Portland Baby, girl or boy?

(baby's face profile with hand at open mouth)

It's official, we're having a baby girl!  Her name is Annalise Lydia Ray.

It was incredible to see how much the baby has grown since week 13.  Today she is 19 weeks 6 days.  We had Five Guys Burgers to celebrate.  It's crazy how much food I can eat these days!  After lunch, we went to check out all the little girl clothes at Washington Square.  Such sweetness.  The book on my wish list now is "Happiest Baby on the Block".  Have you read it?  I've heard it's a lifesaver (or should I say sleep saver).