Beauty Style

Mar 262012
 

I know it has been a while.  I have plans for two series for this blog that I am working on, but am not quite ready to start yet.  But in the mean time I thought I would give a quick thumbs up review of magnetic nail polish.  Have you heard of it?

My long time manicurist was so excited to share the new polish with me.  She knows I’m game to try new things.   I have to say I really love it.  The pictures don’t really do it justice.  It has a really pretty metallic shimmer.  Here is a quick snap shot I took of my nails.

Sorry I did not think to write down the brand name or color! But I can get it for you if you want it!

The nice thing is this is fairly simple to do.

  1. Apply one coat of polish to your nail.
  2. Hold the included magnet over your nail for about 3-5 seconds.
  3. Work one nail at a time.
  4. Finish with a coat or two of top coat.

Have fun with it!

Jan 132012
 

Braids have been a popular hair accessory in the past year or so.  If you have not seen any of them, here at Glamour Beauty is a good place to start.  Now that my hair is longer, I have been playing around with different up-dos, and all of the beautiful braids fascinate me.  But my darn fingers have a hard time figuring them out.  I feel like such a klutz.  You’d think someone who did intricate wire wrapping and beading could get a handle on this!

Recently I came up with a simple braid look that was EASY so I thought I would share for the rest of the fumble fingers out there.  I have to apologize in advance for the poor pics.

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  1. Start with dry hair and take the hair in the front and sides of your head (everything in front of your ears) and pull it up and back to the crown of your head like you were going to put it in a clip or pony tail.
  2. Instead of clipping it, separate it into three sections and make a simple braid, securing it at the very tip with a small band.
  3. Pull the braid over to one side and let it run down the line in your hair where the hair that has been pulled back meets the loose tresses hanging down in the back.  Secure the braid in place with a couple of bobby pins.  The end of the braid should tuck in behind your ear.
  4. Now take the remaining hair and pull it all the way over to the side of your head where the braid is secured and form a tight pony tail.  Include the loose end of your braid into the pony tail and secure it all just behind your ear about the level of your ear lobe.
  5. Wrap a loose bun with the remaining braid and pony tail.  Since my hair is baby fine, I teased it a bit before forming the bun so that it would have some body.  Use bobby pins to secure.
  6. Smooth out fly aways in the areas on your head where the hair has been pulled back and spray with finishing spray.  Let the bun be a bit messy and spray as well.  I like the contrast between the smooth braid and pulled back hair against the messy bun.

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I’d love to hear your braid success stories, and maybe failures too!  :)

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Oct 282011
 

I just found some pics I took of a recent hair up-do I did for myself.  I really liked the look.  My honey really liked the look.  And what’s more, I got quite a few compliments on it.  I thought I’d share a little of the how to in case you want to try this one yourself.

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Length:  My hair hits a couple of inches below the top of my shoulders.

Texture:  I have very fine hair, but a good deal of it.  If I put it in a pony tail, it is all of about 1/2″ thick.  It is mainly straight with a little bit of wave in the back.

Prep:  For me, this seems to work well as a 2nd day after washing look.)

Day 1 Look:  Set your hair with rollers.  I used velcro rollers and let my hair air dry.  Have them all going back and under.  Use super big ones down the center top.  Smaller ones as you work toward the back.  Set your final style with hair spray. (this can be done on the same day you wear the final look, just a suggestion to split the work up for two looks! :)

My hair probably looked something like this on Day 1.

My hair probably looked something like this on Day 1.

Day 2:  Tease away!  Tease hair across top and into crown area.  Leave a little of the bangs out so you have a smooth look in the front.  Smooth the bangs up and over the top and spray away the top and crown area with finishing spray.

Pick up about 1 square inch sections of curls starting by pulling a section on the side of your head.  Smooth the hair back, tightly against the side of your head and use your fingers to turn the curls into a circle about 1-2″ round.  Use a bobby pin to pin the circle down against your head, just above and behind your ear.  Continue working from the sides down, making circles and pinning them in a sort of reverse crown, keeping the circles near the bottom of your hair line.  Once everything is pinned and secure, spray away again with a finishing spray.

It is that simple.  The only tricky part is getting your fingers to cooperate in making the curls.  Same problem I have with training mine to do braids, but this is much easier than trying to teach them to do a french braid.  I like that this looks both dressy and casual, dramatic and romantic, at the same time.

Enjoy your “un-crowned” curly do!

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Lori's Look - Flower Power 026Hurray, I got another chance to snap an outfit on Sunday so I am excited to offer you my second installment of “Lori’s Look.”

This one was a lot of fun to wear.  Bold black and white graphic pattern, playful whimsy with floral jewelry and pops of bright red are just up my alley.

Black and white is a great color combination for me because the high contrast combo works well with my high contrast (fair skin/dark hair) coloring.  And a bright pop of color is great for this spring’s trends.

Put it Together Yourself:
Head to Toe

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Makeup: I kept the colors on my face light and shimmery, and then hit it with a bright red lip.  This color is fabulous, Artistry’s Creme Lip Color in Rouge!

Earrings: I carried in the red with a dainty pair of red rose earrings.  I didn’t need a lot on my ears since my necklace is a show stopper, so these little carved coral ear studs are perfect.  You can get theses “Rose of Sharon” ear studs from me!

Necklace: People go crazy over this piece, “Light in the Darkness Flower Necklace” by Lori Delisle.  This piece is great for spring and summer and I can custom design one for you in other colors as well!

Trench Coat: This was a great find!!!  The nice wide neckline means it does not squash or hide my fabo necklace.  An important item on this coat is the waist line.  It is super flattering.  The second thing to note, aside from the great pattern is the 3/4 length sleeves which are great for taking some weight out of the look.  I got this coat by Ambition at Macy’s a couple seasons ago, and found it in an Overstock Auction here!  You could also invest in something with similar lines in a bold color like this Dolce & Gabanna coat in red.  My other color recommendation for this look would be white, not black.

Lori's Look - Flower Power 004Blouse: This simple blouse has a lot of great things going for it, nice wide v-neckline to showcase the necklace, sweet sleeves, accented waistline and simple design so it works as a great wardrobe basic (especially since it is machine washable and does not need pressing!)  As an alternative, you could try this blouse from White House Black Market.

Slacks: These are awesome full legged black denim slacks.  They are high waisted, have a great fit and are flattering in the tummy (my problem area) because there are no pockets and the zipper lays nice and flat.  Nice long hem lines make my short legs look longer.  Good fit is key, so be sure to shop in the right department, petites is essential for me.  Try something like these trousers from Talbots.

Red Patent Leather Envelope Clutch by Patkas

Red Patent Leather Envelope Clutch by Patkas

The Bag: A bright hand bag should be an essential for you for this spring and summer.  It will especially help cheer up an outfit as we transition out of our winter clothes.  I like to choose bags in one color, I’m not a big fan of patchwork color blocking, and instead bring in interest and versatility by making sure the bag has a variety of textures.  Mine is a Red bag by Mark Ecko and has red patent leather, silver leather and red fabric.  The three different textures ensure that it can be worn with a variety of shoes, and a variety of reds.  Keeping the bag small will not add any weight at the hip line where the trench coat flares.  This awesome bag from Patkas has the same great red patent leather look of my bag.

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The Shoes: More red patent leather!  I love them!  Nice little peep toe, about a 2″ heel and they are comfy!  These were a great investment and you can read more about them here.  These Madden pumps at DSW will do the trick.

Bracelets: I used the black strands from my “Light in the Darkness” stretch bracelet set for this look.  The crystal strand is gorgeous but not necessary for today’s outfit.  Just goes to show some of the versatility of that set.

Light in the Darkness Flower Necklace by Lori Delisle

Light in the Darkness Flower Necklace by Lori Delisle

Ring: This very playful cocktail ring is also from my “Light in the Darkness” collection.  It is fun to wear and I can also custom make this with different colored flowers.

Remember, in the end, this is “Lori’s Look.”  Don’t copy me, be who God created YOU to be.  I’m just here to Inspire.

Be Inspired!

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Lori Delisle

Lori Delisle

I don’t consider myself any kind of fashion icon, as a matter of fact I don’t consider myself a style guru or even a diva. But I do like to dress nicely and I love new clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry… and I love to get dressed up.

I am also a practical girl so although I love being current in my looks, I am not in ANY way a label chaser. I know what I like, I tend to buy trendy pieces that are also very classic in nature so they are passed on from wear, not because the fad is long gone.

I thought it would be fun to post pictures of “Lori’s Look” from time to time to let you see what I’m wearing and how you can do similar things with your daily wardrobe, NOT TO BE ME, but to help you find you and what you like.

Monochromatic Me

Since I am short (5′ 1/2″) I often like to dress nearly monochromatic because it helps make me (and you!) look taller.

Monochromatic Me:  Long and Lean Look

Monochromatic Me: Long and Lean Look

For this brisk day I went for monochromatic comfort.  I am wearing a long gray jersey knit skirt and a fitted gray turtle neck (it has a cute cut out peep hole in the back).  I wore some knee high black boots to keep my legs warm.  I like about a 2.5″ heal.  That gives me height and a lengthened leg without being ridiculously uncomfortable.  For warmth and a seamless look (this skirt has several slits in it) I wore a pair of charcoal hose.  I gave a nod to my waistline with a matching fabric belt.

To draw the eye I looped two coordinating oblong scarves around my neck with just a simple knot tied at the ends, added a simple punch with a ring on my finger, blended with a pair of earrings and added a little wow factor with a fabulous bag.  Comfortable, classy & trendy!

Get the Look Yourself!  Top to Bottom

Make-up: Everything by Artistry… I can hook you up!  I chose a bright fuschia lip to add a whimsical punch at the end.

Earrings: “Thunder” by Salt & Light by Lori Delisle.  Currently exclusively at the Jubilee Christian Center bookstore.

Turtleneck: I got this one a year or two ago at Macy’s.  I cut the tag out because it itched, so sorry I don’t know the brand.  But try this cute one with a little lace inset.

Belt: NO idea where my belt originated(I think it came with a pair of pants), but this great one by Cassie Stevens is reversible!

Scarves: I have had these for YEARS.  A good scarf is something to keep around…. and guess what, they are back.  Check them out all over Bloomingdales website as “The Spring Essential.”  Try this one by my friend at Muse Silk Paintings.

Skirt: Another ancient member of my wardrobe.  Again, I have NO idea when or where it came from.  The tag says “SEKWANG.”  But this one has stayed for its comfort level and the way it fits and holds its shape so nicely.  Note that this is a straight skirt, important for my height.  This one is cool but it looks like it will show off every curve weather you like it or not.  I also found this great black one at Nordstroms.

Ring: “Salt of the Earth” bead ring by Salt & Light by Lori Delisle.  I love this great casual, but chic ring.

IMG_2573 Bag: Oh my gosh, the bag!  I love this bag.  It was a splurge, but I still did not pay retail for it.  I picked it up at Loehmann’s about 2 years ago.  It is by Adrienne Vittadini and is a mix of yummy gray suede and dyed rabbit fur with a gorgeous red satin interior.   It will be hard to find another bag like it, and since it is very winter centric, maybe try something like this snakeskin bag instead.

Boot: These are Alfani Step n Flex boots.  They are really comfortable and I get many compliments on them.  They have the slim and feminine shape of these boots by Stuart Weitzman, but have a nice piping detail up the side.  I would not recommend a chunky boot with this look.  I would however, recommend looking for gray boots because I have seen them around this winter including at Nordstrom Rack.

That’s Lori’s Look of the day… maybe week or month… takes a lot of time to put it together.

Hope you enjoyed!

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