I love surfing the web and discovering cool items, recipes, fashion, make-up, etc. This weekend for LA's Carmageddon (The 405 freeway was closed for the weekend) I had a chance to stay home and do some surfing. There are some really great bloggers out there sharing fabulous tips and surprises. Here are my summer picks....
I am counting the days until the opening of the movie "The Help," co-starring my friend, Octavia Spencer as Minny. I met Octavia over 5 years ago when we were both working on a Comedy Central show that she co-starred in called "Halfway Home." Now, years later, it is so exiting to see Octavia in a hot new film and her picture on the poster and books! I am so proud ofOctaviaand can't wait to see the film. P.S. I had a chance and was thrilled to meet co-star Viola Davis and Kathryn Stockett(writer) at the press junket.... Be sure to check out "The Help,"opening on August, 10th.
One of my favorite sites is Stylelikeu, a style blog that celebrates the individuality of one's personal style. You get to see a variety of people and check out their closets and find out their feelings on why they wear what they wear. I love the inspirational stories of people who dare to be different regardless of age, size, gender...... Check out this video of one of my favorite inspirationsIlona Royce Smithkin ....
I have known for a while that I have a gluten intolerance (which for me also includes rice and pasta). So, I am always looking for ways to get a rice or pasta alternative. I have discovered Quinoa and have started to experiment with it. The bloggers at OurBestBites.com have a great recipe for cooking Quinoa....check it out
For the last year and a half, photographer, Dimitry Loiseauand I have been publishing our own magazine (Regard Magazine). It started as a way to give fashion designers some visibility but has now turned into a fashion and celebrity editorial book. My hat goes off to the extreme talent that is Dimitry, as he photographs and often styles all of our editorials. I, of course, do all the hair and make-up and we have been lucky enough to work with some fabulous celebs along the way.
Check out our current issue, withKarina Smirnoff(This season's winner of Dancing with the Stars) on the cover. The issues are always available to view anytime on-line (don't forget to look at the past issues) and can be ordered as a coffee table magazine. And be sure to check out the blog for current fashion trend reports and behind the scenes videos of all of our photoshoots.
As you know, I am the beauty editor and co-founder of REGARD Magazine. It is a fabulous job because I get to work with so many cool, talented and stylish people including the other co-founder and my partner in crime, Dimitry Loieasu. So, last night the currentMiss California, Alyssa Campanella, took the title ofMiss USA. We had a chance to work with her (she is featured inRegardMag.com issue 6) shortly after she won theMiss Californiatitle. As you can see, she was stunning in our photoshoot and we are not surprised that she took theMiss USAtitle. Congratulations,Alyssa, on a job well done.... Here's to theMiss Universewin!!
It's a new year and I was thinking back to all of my industry relationships and wanted to give a shout out to some of my friends who are successfully working their own projects.
One of my favorite celebrity photographers, Alan Mercer, is doing an amazing job with his online magazine, Alan Mercer's Profiles. For the last two years, Alan has been doing amazing photoshoots and interviews with some of Hollywood's most glamourous legends and newcomers. Along with stunning photography, people like John Schneider, Gilles Marini, Ruth Buzzi, Jackee' Harry, Greg Allman, Jane Lynch, Dayanara Torres and many more, give in-dept insights to their careers and longevity in the business. Check out his fabulous magazine, Alan Mercer's Profiles and be sure to check back often as he promises more interviews and more stars......
p.s. Check out this shoot with legendary jazz singer Marlena Shaw.... Alan providing the stunning image of her, of course, that I did with him a few years back. Check out his updated interview with Miss Shaw. from March 2010....
My next friend, international celebrity photographer, Jonas Mohr, has a fantastic project that he put together called Mugshots, which takes an interesting look at 38 portraits of redemption and inspiration from the people who lived through it. Even a few celebrities like Coolio, Antwone Fisher, Manny Jimenez, Eric Roberts tell their stories. Each story provides a universal tale of triumph over adversity and is accompanied by Jonas' beautiful black and white images. Check out the website for more information on the book and feel free to contact Jonas to get your copy of this beautiful coffee table book.
Check out this video of Danielle Bisutti(True Jackson VP) during our photoshoot for Orlando Style Magazine. Photographer, Dimitry Loiseau worked his magic and Danielle provided the beauty and energy.
My favorite Photographer, Dimitry L.and I are always doing shoots in between our regular projects. This gives us a chance to try new concepts and work with some of our favorite models. We did this amazing shoot with soon to be (in my opinion) Top Model, Krista, and models Sydney and Zee. The results were amazing......
Models: Zee, Krista, Sydney, Photo: DimitryL.com
Krista and Valerie during Hair and Make-up
Looking at this picture.....I think we could both sign up for Colgate commercials.....
