What I Remembered Today :: Oh! Snap Studios

Last year, right around this time, I went to Scoot and Whitney’s wedding; two actors who threw a Great Gatsby themed wedding at the Roosevelt.  It was a swanky shin-dig, that’s for sure.

My favorite thing about the evening was the attention to detail that not only made the guests feel like they were transformed into an era where the ladies had finger-waved, bobbed hair-dos but also I was so impressed by how honored each of us felt to be apart of their extraordinary day.  Now that’s what I call classy.

{shhh…josh has no idea}

{a great gatsby worthy set}

One of the ways they honored their guests was by setting up a photo booth but on a larger scale, more of a photo set if you will.  Each guest had their picture taken several times and was given one picture to take home as a wedding favor by Oh! Snap Studios.

Oh! Snap does customized sets {as well as pre-made sets} to fit the theme of any evening.  They show up, set up, and oversee it all.

But since this is LA, the photo set is a film-worthy production design.  See: attention to detail.

{daisy buchanan :: give me money}

It was everything that I love: fun, creative, and put a smile on my face.

I give Oh! Snap two snaps up in a figure 8…

What I Remembered Today :: Miss USA 2011

Last night on NBC was the annual Miss USA Pageant.  For those of you who don’t know, Miss California USA won: Alyssa Campanella {she’s from LA!}.  Also, for those of you who don’t know, I competed at Miss USA as Miss Alaska USA {when talking about the Miss USA pageant, one distinguishes it from Miss America by adding the USA behind everything}.

{the crowning moment for Miss USA 2011 :: Alyssa Campanella}

It was a lot of hard work and perhaps the most didactic time in my life thus far.

Hours of working out, meeting with coaches {walking, diction, interview}, appearances and, for me, it was a time to overcome fears and start on a spiritual journey that continues to this day.

{my official shot :: i look like a newscaster}

{swimsuit competition :: i miss those abs}

{i designed my gown}

Many of us girls still keep in contact.  Susie Castillo {the gal who won my year} and I grab lunch on a regular basis {we even shot a Funny or Die vid earlier this year}; furthermore, she has become a leading advocate by asking Congress to change their TSA procedures.

I am hella proud of her and please join her petition if you are in agreement!

Congratulations, Miss USA 2011!  Rock on.

What I Remembered Today :: Fitting Guide :: Tips for Bra Shopping

Ill fitting bras suck.  Your boobs can “accidentally” look sagging.  You can have back fat and not even know it {who would tell you?!}.  Your under wire could be poking you in all the wrong places {ever have a wire to the nipple, not nice…}.

Ballet Flats

Here are some reminders for you to maximize what God gave you:

1.  {Make sure you are wearing a good shirt when you go.}  One that you either wear often or one that you have a hard time finding the perfect bra for or a basic tee {preferably one that is body-conscious} that will help you find the perfect t-shirt bra.  We all have different bra needs…which brings me to the next reminder…

2.  {Figure out beforehand why you are going bra shopping.}  Is it to get the perfect go-to bra?  Is it to get a bra that will accentuate your ta-tas in that new v-neck dress?  Make a list of your reasons and needs and reference the list often.  Does the bra fit those reasons listed?

3.  {Go nude.}  That probably doesn’t make sense; but, when in doubt of a color, nude is your best friend.  Not only will it hide your nips but it looks good under nearly everything.  I wear nude bras under sheer shirts and it all blends into diaphanous perfection.

4.  {Ever wonder why there are 3 latches on the back of your bra?}  Most bras are made of flexible materials, like Lycra and spandex.  Over time, with normal wear, they will eventually stretch out {it doesn’t mean you are getting fat, it just means your bra is getting worn}.  Get yourself a bra that fits best when it’s latched at the widest possible position, to account for the inevitable give in the fabric.  Ideally, you begin on the last hook, so as the bra stretches, you can tighten it and use that sucker for years.

5.  {Do your boobs a favor, get fitted.}  Things grow {in either direction}, things can move {sadly, in one direction}.  To avoid wire stabbings or back fat, get a proper fitting from the salesperson.

6.  {Take care of your lovely bra once purchased.}  Handwash when you can.  Never put in the dryer.  {This is your opportunity to be nostalgic and clothesline your undergarments.}  When laundering undergarments with a washing machine, get one of those netted laundry bag {yep, that’s what that is for!} will protect the hooks from clasping onto other articles of clothing, as well as prevent the bra from twisting and turning out of shape.

Until tomorrow, ta-ta for now…

What I Remembered Today :: Style Icon :: Diane Kruger

The woman knows how to pick a dress.  Whether it is a red carpet event or out and about in her fedora, she knows what she is doing.  She isn’t afraid to take chances and defy rules.  Guten Tag, indeed.

She tops my list as the best and here are some examples of her awesomeness.

Items to help you channel Kruger Couture:

{fedora}

{leopard print shoes}

{short dress to show off your gams}

{don’t be afraid to wear white}

{incorporate red lipstick into your rotation}

Auf Wiedersehen! {She’s German and I am channeling, leave me alone.}

What I Remembered Today :: Meditation

Meditation is the single most important thing I do on a daily basis.

In the morning, it centers me for the day and allows me to state my intention. In the evening, it prepares me for sleep and allows me to feel connected to what is going on around me.

People often ask me “how to meditate” since they don’t know where to begin. My response is, ask yourself “what is meditation” and you will know how to meditate.

Love. Kindness. Joy.

What I Remembered Today :: Modeling :: Put Your Best Foot Forward

I realize that I am using the word “modeling” here but let’s be honest, we are always modeling.  Whether we choose to recognize it or not, we are a walking billboard for our clothes, our skin, even the products that we use look a certain way.  Think about it, we’ve all been asked where you got your jacket or what kind of perfume you are wearing; see, you are a walking model at all times.  So, play the part.

{i photographed my friend, jen, working it}

We all have our go-to face.  While I am a fan of the “go-to,” experiment and don’t be afraid to take a bad picture, Jesse Eisenberg Mark Zuckerburg was smart enough to give us the option of “untagging” a picture.

{look, ma!  that’s me!}

Also, when taking pictures, feel free to move.  People want to freeze in one solid pose but guess what?  You will look like you are froze.  In.  One.  Solid.  Pose.  That’s what they mean when they say: work it!!!

Watch the master, Gisele, below as she moves and allows the photographer to capture her as she was intended to be seen by the world.  Notice the movement in her freeze frames and the life that it adds.

Do your own personal billboard a favor and add some élan!

What I Remembered Today :: Style Tip :: The Power of a Picture

When headed out for the day, be sure to take a minute and photograph your outfit.  It will just take a moment (the quickness of the camera phone or the iSight on a Mac) and it is amazing what you may discover.

It can be rather eye opening to see how you look to other people.  Perhaps your blouse is see-through, your top makes you look dumpy, or your belt really ties the entire outfit together.

I photograph myself often, especially when going out at night and when buying new clothes.  It either confirms my awesome choice or makes me think: this is so not the look I was going for…yikes.  And the ever so famous: what does my butt look like in these jeans?!

{Taking constant outfit pictures of myself is how I discovered I need to fill in my brows every day.  The picture above proves that brows do a lady justice.}

A picture really is worth a thousand words.  {Or at least 171, according to my word count.}

What I Remembered Today :: Make-Up Tip

Wanna instantly look refreshed, vibrant, and ready to go?  One of my favorite time saving tips is to throw on red lipstick.  Even with a bare face, I immediately look enlivened, dolled up, and, frankly, a little less tired.

{Bonus: my teeth look crazy white even though I have drank enough coffee in the last 3 years to keep me up a lifetime…}

The red draws all the attention to the lips so people pay less time noticing my circles from late nights of blogging partying and more time on how glamorous I look.  Ish.

There is an essential key to this look though: picking the right shade of red.  My go-to all time favorite: MAC Russian Red.  Matte.  Hot.  Red hot to be exact.

What I Remembered Today :: Up-Do Style Tip

While I maybe a tyro when it comes to how-to-style hair, one thing I have learned over the years, when out on the town and you don’t want to constantly worry about whether or not your hair looks fabulous, go with an up-do.

Of course, using plenty of hair pins and hairspray is essential in the whole “not worrying” aspect of this tip.  Trust me though, not only can you concentrate more on dancing and/or great conversation, your face will look slimmer and you will immediately looked dressed to the nines.