Size 0 to 12 and Never Looked Better - Crystal Renn for Hungry

My mind is racing just thinking about the book I finished this afternoon! I don't even know where to begin. The book is Hungry: A Young Model's Story of Appetite, Ambition, and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves by Crystal Renn. Crystal went from a size 0 to 12 and her career has only just begun.

I borrowed this book from the office and wish it was my own copy. I filled pages of my personal notebook with things I didn't want to forget. I wrote down page numbers to go back to and quotes I found truly inspiring. I don't have the space in one blog post to state all the personal notes I made.

Did you know that the average American is a size 12?! A size 12 - I thought we were made to believe size 12 was overweight? Crystal shares her story of being a model and now a plus-size model. What's the difference - I'll let the book explain. For now, understand that there is more to beauty and fashion than fitting into runway clothes. In fact, you will learn after reading this book that studies have been done to learn if women are more likely to buy clothing or beauty from a women closer to a size 10 - than let's say a size 4. You will be amazed at what you learn, trust me.

She has truly inspired me to think twice before I say I don't like the way I look. And I realize that there's a difference between wanting to be skinny and wanting to feel good in the body you have. Crystal talks about how difference in body types can be fabulous and diversity is important.

Crystal also touched on something my mom always preached - wear what you want but within your size. Nobody wants to feel like they can't breath in a pair of jeans straight out of the wash. Nobody wants to bring their arms to their chest and feel the seams rip across their back. Wear a size that flatters you. And everyones weight fluctuates - especially with age. So instead of staying in a size that doesn't fit and screams "look at me I had to lay on my bed and wrestle these pants to get them on" go up a size to look and feel great!

Crystal encourages women to stop postponing life due to their never ending struggle with body image. She reminds us that life is to0 short to hate yourself - so get out there and live it. Diets don't work - but health and body awareness do. And how many people actually have long term success from dieting? Trust me the numbers aren't that high!

One thing I have always reminded people - jewelry can completely change an outfit. If you're feeling frumpy one day play-up your jewelry and see if that helps!

Image above is from Amazon - it's the cover of Crystal's book I just finished. I encourage you to buy your own copy - I know you'll have things to bookmark too!

Happy Birthday to my Aunt Missy today - I love and miss you!

Post your image barriers here and forget about them - pursue a better you and live your life!

The Beauty of Friendship

After my family, my friends are most important. My group of friends (girls and guys both) have been through a lot together. We have witnessed all of life's moments good and bad - birthday's, graduations, new careers, fights, milestones, break-ups, first car, death, graduation, getting into trouble, birth, engagements, weddings, moving to a new state, "first this" and "first that." I couldn't pick a better group of people than the ones I left in Iowa to share these memorable moments with.

Why talk about friendship today? Because I have been sick this week, worked a ton the last several weeks and have missed my friends like crazy! If you know even one thing about me, I have to spend as much time as I possibly can with my friends. Even if it means pulling an all-nighter, holding their hair back while they puke, threatening to kill the guy who broke her heart, or drinking b's with the boys - well you get the picture.

Today when I got home from work I had a package from my dear friend Jen. Inside I found some "favorites from home." Call me an emotional sap or maybe I was just really tired, but I read her card and cried. It feels amazing to know that my friends from back home have not forgotten the beauty behind a true friendship!

And.......the beauty of a true friendship is sharing each other's happiest moments in life! Yesterday my friend Nicole had her first baby and got engaged the moment she held her son for the first time. I'm happy for her and pray that her new little family is well.

So pictures above are of my friend Jen and I from this past Summer and the care package she sent me today! I love you Jen, thanks for the wonderful gift!

And to all my other friends back home - I miss you lots and want you to visit soon!

Share with me a memorable moment with a dear friend of yours - I'd love to hear!

For Beauty Inspiration Inside & Out - Read the March Issue of Latina Magaine

The Lancôme Boutique was not hush hush about their guest Monday night, Arlenis Sosa. Lancôme and Latina magazine gathered to celebrate the March cover featuring Arlenis Sosa! Sosa has recently walked the runways of Fashion Week Fall 2010 in NYC. She is the newest spokesmodel for jewelry designer David Yurman. I have had my eye on a couple pieces by Yurman for quite some time - for now they'll have to remain on the "wish list." Sosa has made quite an impact on the beauty and fashion industry. But one thing seems to be set in stone for Sosa - staying loyal to those that matter most in life, her family and friends.

I have had the privilege of working with Arlenis and visiting with her here and there. She is truly an inspiring young women. I can pick her out in almost any magazine by one characteristic - her thick, gorgeous eyebrows. Throughout high school and college I received compliments on my eyebrows (that are also black and thick but precise) and thought it was a little odd. It doesn't bother me one bit now!

Perhaps there's other reasons why Sosa makes me feel like I'm visiting with a friend from back home, her ability to relate to a small town. According to the article in Latina magazine, Sosa grew up in a town of 1,200 people. I grew up in a town of 4,000. We both understand what it's like to have close relationships with family and friends and the importance to keep those relationships strong. Sosa also Skype's with her family back home - which is something I try to do every Sunday!

Among guests at the Lancôme Boutique on the upper west side of Manhattan were Editor in Chief of Latina Mimi Valdes, Pop Singer Kat DeLuna and MTV host Julissa Bermudez (pictured above w/Sosa). Makeup Artist' Sandy Linter and Scott Barnes were there - of course both looked amazing as well.

Sorry my images are not clear - the place was packed and I was busy running around! Enjoy!

Celebrate Arlenis Sosa!

Last year while interning for Lancôme I had the opportunity to work on a how-to-video shoot with Lancôme's spokesmodel Arlenis Sosa. She was an instant delight to work with. Recently, she was featured in Harper's Bazaar magazine and looked fabulous! When it was time for us to pack up and go home after the shoot, she asked for my name and wanted to become friends on Facebook. She has been in the office a couple times since and has remembered my name each time! Arlenis is truly a genuine person.

Which is why I'm so excited for tomorrow evening! Lancôme is throwing a party to celebrate Arlenis Sosa being on the front cover of Latina Magazine this March. I have seen a copy and trust me she looks absolutely stunning. The event will be held at the Lancôme Boutique (Columbus Ave @69th ST) tomorrow night - I will definitely be back tomorrow with pictures to share.

The image above is of me and Arlenis last year at the how-to-video shoot! Enjoy!

One Fine Saturday

I had one of the most delightful Saturday's yet in "the city" today. I met my friend Maddy at Cafeteria for lunch - Cafeteria is actually the first place I ever went for lunch last time I was in NYC. I got there famous mac 'n cheese - it is to die for! And it reminds me of Bishop's back home! There were two women seated next to us - an older woman in her 70's I'd guess and her daughter who I would say is in her 50's. They were such fun - I realized right away they were Cafeteria "regulars." There server Sarah (who was extremely full of life) had given them each a special gift. Each time they peeled away more of the wrapping ribbon a new gift would fall in their lap. One of the gifts was a "fortune teller fish." Each of them tried it and couldn't seem to get it to work. I had been visiting with them and thought I'd give the little fish a try. And....

Instantly it curled it's head and tail up! According to the "fortune teller fish" I am passionate and in love. It was quite funny actually because as the older woman was unwrapping hers I asked her "Do you have something in there that will find me Mr. Right" and they both giggled at me. I'm not sure what to think of my "fortune" just yet - but I'm excited to see!

The rest of the story gets funnier - Maddy put that little fish in the palm of her hand and it went crazy. The woman in her 50's said "You are X Rated girl" and the older woman said "You are hot stuff." They weren't sure how to read Maddy's "fortune." I just had to laugh - they were such pleasant women and it felt good to be around people that felt like home.

The most interesting part of this story - I told them I was from Iowa and they said "You know your waitress is from Iowa too." My jaw hit the table. I love finding out there are more people from the Midwest in New York. So thanks to the luxury of having a BlackBerry we were Facebook friends within five minutes and planned to meet up sometime in the future! I had hot chocolate for dessert and my new friend had placed a chocolate "I" on top for IOWA!

I hope I can run into these older women at Cafeteria again sometime. After paying there bill they were getting ready to leave and the younger of the two leaned over and said "You girls speak well for Iowa." I felt proud and was excited that other people enjoy the culture in NYC as much as I do!

Pictures above are from Cafeteria with my fortune teller fish, yummy mac 'n cheese and "I" hot chocolate! I have a cold so off to bed now - enjoy your night!

Chris Benz for Chris & Tell & Lancôme at SAKS

My first fashion show ever was Chris Benz. It was a year ago at Fashion Week Fall 2009. I immediately fell in love with all the colors, texture, patterns and fascination he had in his designs. I was excited to find out Lancôme and Chris Benz teamed up to create one of the most sought after lipsticks in recent lipstick history - Chris & Tell! The color is fantastic, and trust me when I say anybody can wear it.

Designer Chris Benz and Makeup Artist Daniel Martin along with Lancôme gave beauty and lipstick fanatics one more chance to get this highly sought after Chris & Tell color. By the time the event was over the additional Chris & Tell lipsticks were sold out! Am I surprised - not one bit. They sold out online within hours and have recently been selling on Ebay for $80. Legendary makeup artist to the celebs Sandy Linter also stopped by SAKS 5th Avenue - it is always a pleasure to visit with her.

Pictures above are from the Chris Benz at SAKS event tonight. The model is of course wearing Chris & Tell - doesn't it look great!?

Happy 8th Birthday Olivia!

Today was my cousin Olivia's 8th birthday! She is such a little diva - and has a big heart! She has a love for animals and a great passion for life at such a young age. My younger sister and I love to "play makeup" with her. We like to give my uncle a hard time because we tend to make her look older for the day - it's so fun though!

I called her on my way to the Subway tonight and wished her a happy birthday. I love how honest kids are and clueless in an innocent way. She told me what she did for her birthday and watching Black Beauty was a top priority. I made the comment that I hadn't seen that movie in years and this is what she told me "Well I will let you borrow mine!" How sweet of her - yet she knows I'm in an entirely different state! And doesn't realize the effort it would take to "borrow" her copy of Black Beauty.

I remember what it was like to be eight - I didn't have a care in the world. My biggest concern in life was whether or not Mom would let Kelli stay overnight both Friday and Saturday - or if I could stay at her place one night and hers at mine - you get the idea!

Anyways - I guess what I'm trying to say is don't forget the little things in life that make you happy. Take time each day for yourself and your family. Remind those you love that they are special to you. It's okay to act like a kid sometimes - it might trigger fond memories from your past.

Happy Birthday Olivia - I miss you! Hope you enjoy your gift I sent!

(Image above - Olivia and I at my Iowa State graduation ceremony)

**Tomorrow I'll be at SAKS 5th Avenue in Manhattan with the Lancome PR team. Designer Chris Benz and Makeup Artist Daniel Martin will be there to sign the highly sought after lipstick Chris & Tell. Purchase one there - good luck finding them anywhere right now - even ebay has them priced around $80!

"Fashion for Haiti" starts today - February 16th!

Beyonce has turned the "heat" up a notch - her career is at an all-time high! In New York City's Union Square on February 2nd in the old Tiffany's building she had a launch party for her new fragrance Beyonce Heat. Among celebrity guests were husband Jay-Z, Michelle Williams, Usher and her younger sister Solange (who was DJ for the night).

I stumbled across the event while reading another blog the day before. I decided that after work I would stop by - I mean why not Union Square is on my way home? While waiting for Beyonce to arrive - or so we thought she still had to arrive - I saw Michelle Williams and was able to take pictures of the building amazingly lit with bright red and green lights. Even from the ground level I could see the chandelier inside - which was absolutely breathtaking!

It seems like recently Beyonce has done a lot in the spotlight. Which didn't surprise me when I heard that she has teamed up with the Fashion Industry to become the official face of the t-shirts to help raise funds for Haiti. The earthquake in Haiti only lasted a few seconds but cut short the lives of too many civilians. Starting today, February 16th for $25 you can have the t-shirt Beyonce is pictured in above. All proceeds go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Victoria Beckham was seen wearing this fun t-shirt under a black blazer - I just so happen to have a new black blazer from Zara (an impulse purchase but glad I did) that I will wear because I'm planning on purchasing one of these t-shirts for myself!

For more information check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=dlHc4oEEQ0Q&feature=player_embedded

Image of Beyonce courtesy of InStyle.com. Images of Beyonce's launch party are my personal photos!

It's always great to lend a helping hand =)

Lancôme Makeup for Chris Benz Fall 2010 Collection

As promised here is a sneak peek from behind the scenes at the Chris Benz Fall 2010 Collection Presentation. Lancôme teamed up with Makeup Artist Daniel Martin to create another amazing look at the show today. For complexion Daniel chose Photogenic Lumessence liquid foundation- which happens to be a favorite of mine! I wore it in Bisque 4 to the show today! The look was on the edge of "gothic chic." Blush Subtil in Cappucine was gently applied to the cheeks for a subtle glow. Lancôme's new Hypnose Drama Mascara was used to coat the lashes. The lips were rich in Color Design Matte Lipstick in Bronze Show (also a new Lancôme item) and topped off with a thin coat of Juicy Tubes lipgloss in Hallucination. By the way - Juicy Tubes are celebrating their 10th Birthday this year! The nails were a new shade for Lancôme called sweet nude. I'm not a huge nailcolor person but I really loved this color!

If I had to describe the feeling backstage I'd say it was "organized chaos." As new models arrived we had to direct them to get either their hair, makeup or nails done. And there was no pattern once you started - so making sure all of the models had the entire transformation complete before showtime was a little hectic! The Lancôme PR team had everyone ready by showtime - with even a few minutes to spare for photos!

Among the amazing talent backstage was Alex Sanchez and Michelle Phan for Lancôme. Celebrity guest Kelly Osbourne had time for a picture with designer Chris Benz.

Please enjoy my pictures of backstage at Chris Benz - sorry I don't have more of the show my camera died! Stay tuned - tomorrow Lancôme has teamed up with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and their new line The Row.

*Happy Birthday to my aunt Kathy today - I miss you! God bless =)

One Person Who has Never Forgotten Me on Valentine's Day

There has been one man in my life who has never forgotten a single Valentine's Day. Each February 14th that comes along he has promptly had a single red rose waiting at home for me. When I moved out of the house for college he found a way to get them to my dorm. And for the last two years he has wrapped them gently and placed them in a box along with other goodies and sent to New York.

This man used to play just about every sport in the book - well almost. If you ask him he'll say all the "manly ones." He played football in college and still thinks he's a legend there - haha. Recently this man has helped with a hobby of mine - designing jewelry. If I stumble along something I really want but wish I could make it myself he finds a way to make it happen. I think it's safe to say he's a little addicted himself (and he is going to kill me for spilling all this info!).

Pictured above are the roses he shipped to New York and one of the two necklaces he designed for me and sent for Valentine's Day. They are gorgeous and I have received many compliments!

I think it's safe to say that all men do have a "softer" side. Football buff and baseball whiz now designing jewelry - I'd say that's pretty neat! Of course he hasn't given up on the "tougher" side - just last night we discussed the latest Topps cards that I'm sent to look for in New York. And one thing you might not guess about me - I always have a blank regulation size baseball and permanent marker in my handbag JUST IN CASE I RUN INTO A NEW YORK YANKEE BASEBALL PLAYER!

If you haven't guessed this important man in my life yet - it's my dad. He is truly one of the most amazing people in my life. And as I celebrate this Valentine's Day single for the first time in years, I hope that someday I can meet a guy just like my dad.

Stay tuned - tomorrow is my first show I'll be working backstage this year! I'll update frequently this week!

My First Show - Peter Som Fall Collection 2010

My boss is amazing. She was unable to attend this show and gave me her ticket, cool right?! So, I pulled up to the MAC & Milk Studios on 14th Street and realized this was my first time I was going to a fashion show in New York City alone. I was a little nervous but at this point in my life, I refuse to let any opportunity slip through my fingers!

I arrived early and while I waited I had time to see lots of amazing people arrive to watch the show. Of course everyone had fashion on their mind - and body. One woman had on the largest, chunkiest, most amazing necklace I have ever seen. The next time I have a "free" weekend I'm going to try and design one for myself - it was so cool!

One color I saw replicated throughout this show a lot - turquoise - how did he know it was my favorite color?! There was also lots of purple and decor on the shoulders - shoes that came up mid-calf of every color. The makeup was a pale face with a dark lipstick. The show was very neat!

Enjoy my pictures above from my first Fashion Week 2010 Show! Stay tuned as I have a busy schedule the next few days!

Look What YouTube has Done!

Where were you when you first logged onto the Internet? I'm assuming it was not high-speed or on your Blackberry. I remember my family's first computer - it was a Gateway desktop that we actually used out of my bedroom. My first e-mail account was with Hotmail. And I can still remember the sound of dial-up connections. But those days are gone - and have been replaced with website's like YouTube.

Michelle Phan is a YouTube sensation. Millions have watched her makeup how-to-videos. Millions have learned how to create the perfect "smoky eye" and the best look for a first date - how to wear makeup like Lady Gaga and perfect the quality of their skin from Phan.

So I'm not surprised that a luxury beauty brand like Lancome has teamed up with Phan to become the first company to have a video makeup artist. Phan films all her YouTube videos in the comfort of her own home and has zero special equipment to get the job done! Amazing!

I had the privilege of meeting Phan today - she is as pleasant as she seems on YouTube. It is so refreshing that a reputable company like Lancome is giving an average person like myself such an amazing opportunity. Congrats Lancome and Michelle!

Here is the link to Michelle's exciting announcement! What better timing then during Fashion Week where beauty is an important ingredient to runway shows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoAWFqUwJy8

Trendy Fashion Finds for Less

I spend my days now on 5th Avenue. That's where "work" is located. And trust me it's a blast - but not always kind to my wallet. Especially when my route back to the Subway consists of some of my favorite stores along the way. I've had to find ways to get great looks - for less - and I'm happy to share!

I like to frequent H & M. They have everything from casual to "fashion business professional" and I can usually find what I'm looking for. Two weeks ago when I stopped in I felt like I was back in grade school. There were Mickey Mouse over-sized sweatshirts, every color of leggings one could imagine, and flat fabric white shoes. Remember when everyone had a pair of plain white shoes? Usually Keds or something similar! Some were even shiny. And you would have tall colored socks to go with your top - well guess what that's all coming back!

Now I would suggest not picking up a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt and wearing it to your next dinner party - but have a little fun w/your casual wear every now and then. At low prices why not have a little fun.

Tonight I stopped in H & M to find a gift for my cousin's birthday and of course had to browse the jewelry and accessories section. Naturally, I was drawn to the turquoise and gold earrings (pictured above). Turquoise is my all-time favorite color and I'm really into gold accessories right now. Forget about the old rule "you can't wear silver and gold at the same time!" I love mixing both and making my outfit over the top! The best part about my jewelry finds tonight - they were practically a steal!

Pictured above are the headbands and pair of earrings I bought. My total was less than $11! What if you don't live near a H & M? Shop online at http://www.hm.com/us/#/startns/. Another reason I love their website - you can go to the Fashion Studio and put clothes combinations together before purchasing! No need to worry if that top and bottom will go together - see if before you buy it!

Happy Shopping!

Fashion Week is Approaching in "High Style"

As I walked to the Post Office at Rockefeller Center this afternoon I couldn't help but hear loud whistles across the street. One, I'm not surprised there was a loud noise coming from across the street on 5th Avenue. Two, I was not surprised to learn that it was a group of protesters - all busy blowing on their whistles and waving their signs high in the air. I never got close enough to see what they were protesting, but one clip from a movie came to mind. Remember in Sex and the City the Movie when Samantha was leaving a fashion show in NYC and an animal rights protester threw red juice on her beautiful white fur coat - yeah that image came to mind. And for a minute I had to remind myself I was in New York City and it was days away from Fashion Week 2010!

Which leads me to my next point - I might as well have titled this post in "high demand." For all those fashion and beauty lovers who aren't with me here in New York City to witness the craziness - Fashion Week 2010 starts February 11th. For me this has meant many hours of preparation in the beauty world that now consumes my life - but I can't complain one bit! Even if I'd be lucky enough to score a ticket to see first-hand a much loved designer's Fall preview I'd still have one thing in mind - the makeup and "beauty" behind the clothes.

What does this mean for you? I mean let's be real right - even if you happen to score a ticket to a great show previewing the latest trends - can you afford to go out and buy it? First, I'm going to do my best to bring you the best fashion news I can. Secondly, I want to help you find the places that have great fashion at a price everyone can afford. Most importantly, if you can't afford the clothes - there's always great makeup to make an outfit complete.

In my mind the makeup is just as important at these shows as the clothes and models who wear them - so I promise to keep you posted on all the fun things I discover in the next week to come!

The picture above was taken during Fashion Week 2009 in New York. My mom came for a visit (more like a couple) when I was an intern last Spring. Enjoy!

Need Help Applying Makeup?

To say I love makeup is an understatement. I love everything about it. The colors, the texture, the intensity it can create. Makeup can make or break an outfit - dress up or dress down an outfit. Makeup makes people come alive on the "big screen." One can never have enough makeup - unless there's more than enough on your face.

When I first expressed an interest in makeup Mom always told me to make it look natural. That's just what I did - and spiced it up a bit. I had my standard "natural" look with neutral colors and fun glosses, but that wasn't the case every day. I began buying colors that matched my clothes and jewelry.

One thing that always gets to me though is when women think they need a lot of makeup to make a dramatic look. Not true gals - less can mean more. It's all in the application and what look you're trying to create.

I suggest watching makeup how-to-videos online. Lots of young and older women have started creating how-to's of their favorite looks. This is super helpful for those of us NOT YET BRAVE ENOUGH to try new makeup trends. So I am going to try and post a few of my favorite how-to guru's on my blog. I encourage you - yes you - to try and refresh your makeup routine. And don't tell me you don't need to wear makeup to work - everyone should feel like a GLAMAZON inside and out.

Michelle Phan is a YouTube sensation as millions of women watch her make how-to video's daily!

http://www.youtube.com/user/MichellePhan#p/u/14/69w6io4j_gM

Now that you're inspired - start mixing color and have fun already =)

The "Beauty" in Giving

I was visiting with someone close to me the other day from back in Iowa. They had recently read an article that encouraged Americans to give three gifts to people at random before Valentine's Day. The catch - don't let that person know the gift was from you - let it remain anonymous. Personally, I love seeing the reaction on people's faces when they open a gift from me. There's something about seeing a smile stretch ear to ear when I've thought long and hard about what I wanted to give them. But maybe there's something more "beautiful" about giving when you can give and not worry about a thank you or "will they like what I bought?"

One of the most "beautiful" gifts I received in college was from a relative who re-gifted their own birthday money so I could buy groceries and a "little fun" for the next week. My goal this month is to pay-it-forward the same "beautiful"gift this relative gave me to someone I think who could use a little money for food and fun!

So before I turn the lights out tonight - I'm going to encourage all of you to find the "beauty" in giving. Maybe it's to a family or friend - or a donation to Haiti - size and amount doesn't matter it's the "beauty" behind giving that counts.

If the person who told me about this article remembers where they saw it I will post it on here for you to read. Share with me the most "beautiful" gift you've ever received? Or something "beautiful" you want to give!

I'm New To This

Hello! Welcome to my blog! I can't wait to explore the fun there is to be made in talking and sharing all I know about love, city, life, and beauty!

I'm new to this. I mean how hard can it be right? I'm just trying to post about love, city, life and beauty right? Or is it loving the beauty of city life? That's for you to decide - I'm just going to do my best at telling you what I know, experience, learn, feel and want from love, "my city" life and beauty.

And I just so happen to work at a luxury beauty brand right now - so I'll keep you posted on my favorite beauty tips and secrets. I'll make sure you know what beauty trends to explore!