Colette's Blog

Fall Trends

Precise Pony's

Flat iron and then smooth out tresses using a rich shine serum like Label M. Hair Polish. Pull back tight and secure low with an elastic band. To add sophistication, part hair dramatically off to one side.

 Color Blocked Eyes

Get your shadow damp to create this look by dipping a brush into water and then gently swirling brush in shadow. Create depth by using lighter/luminescent colors to highlight and darker colors to up the anty. Get creative with it! I recommend that you use a little concealer around your eyes & apply your eye make-up before your face make-up. This way you can remove any excess shadow that falls onto your cheeks.  Remember...the great thing about make-up is, if you make a mistake you can wipe it away and start fresh.

Weathered Cheeks

The idea is to look like your cheeks have been gently swept by the wind. Use a pale peach, like bareMinerals vintage peach to create a soft girly cheek. Get your blush brush slightly wet and apply.

Dramatic Red Lip 

 If you are like me, you are saying, "But I don't look good in lipstick." We think this because we don't wear it enough. Partake in the lipstick challenge, religiously wear it for a week and tally how many compliments you get. Whenever I wear red lips, I am shocked how many men compliment my lip stick. Please note-So called long wearing lipsticks contain ingredients that are not safe to ingest into our bodies. Wear something natural like bareMinerals 100% natural lipcolor that keeps your lips hydrated with exotic oils.

 Geometric Eyeliner

This is a tricky look to master. The easiest way to achieve this look is to have a professional do it for you! However, if you are feeling brave I recommend applying wet eyeliner REALLY thick and winging it way out & up towards your brow. Don't worry about it being perfect, use q-tips to fine tune your lines.

Sketched Lashes

Eyes pop with this soft, feminine look. This look is best left to professionals. Its hard to get both eyes even, believe me I've tried.

 Squeaky Clean Tresses

Ultra sophisticated, this look is quite easy to replicate. Smooth hair using a flat iron and the use an anti frizz serum like Moroccan Oil to smooth ALL fly aways. Secure into a low, tight bun.

Bouffants

Yeah...my favorite...VOLUME...The best way to achieve this look is to back comb the heck out of slightly "unkept" hair (meaning not freshly washed). Secure back with satin ribbon.

Exceptional Extras

Add flair to simple updos by using vintage broaches secured into hair with bobby pins. Madison has great resale shops like Bethesda House of Thrift or the Treasure Mart. Both sell great vintage jewelry at reasonable prices.

Low Volume

This is the hottest of all the trends. Street inspired-with imperfect texture & low key appeal. Play up this look with big, bold make up. The gals pictured below are rocking the geometric eye as mentioned above.

Blunt Bangs

Precise, edgy and clean these bangs accentuate long hair beautifully. I also love the models soft, auburn ombre color.

With a Twist

Hair is manipulated into a new direction. At Studio Z, Jennifer is the braid queen! She can do the "maiden" braid seen below or a variety of other braids. 



Colette's Blog

Swimsuit Ready

I just had the delightful experience of swimsuit shopping. Eh gads. This year was worst than most because the styles are skimpier than years past. I came across something called a monokini. Like me you may be wondering what in the world is a monokini? Its a one piece swimsuit with various areas cut out leaving your skin exposed. Seriously, you'd have to be  really fit to pull this suit off I started to think of people I knew could wear this look appropriately. I thought of 4 women who could rock this suit. I left the monokini for those gals and went with a vintage pin up girl style one piece (to cover all incidentals and post baby problem areas).  Then, just in time for my debut in my new suit we received our new French body slimming treatment. It stated that it would smooth cellulite, burn fat, and detox the body. I was a sceptic. Brooke (our aesthetician) offered to give me a treatment to see if it lived up to its hype. First, Brooke measured my arms, waist, and legs. She then applied several creams (she said they were a unique formulation of caffeine & algae extracts) and wrapped those areas in plastic wrap. Immediately I felt a warming/tingling sensation in the wrapped areas. I began thinking, "OK, something is definitely happening." Brooke removed the creams and massaged in a thick gel. Suddenly, I was so cold  I began to shiver. I wrapped up in a blanket and waited about 10 minutes. The gel eventually soaked in & then it was time to re-measure. My post treatment measurements were incredible. I had lost two inches around my waist, 1/2 an inch from EACH arm, and 1 inch off EACH leg. My arms were noticeably more toned & my tush was smooth as my 2 years old daughters! My waist looked and felt amazing. Boy, was I pumped. The rest of my weekend was spent strutting around like I had my 18 year old body back and several trips to the mirror to examine my toned tush region. I recommend this treatment for anyone going on vacation, in a wedding, or anyone in need of a little boost (especially if you've just been swimsuit shopping). Also recommended for those who dare to bear a monokini.:) 

Call today and schedule your body slimming wrap with Brooke. $80

 Ironically enough, you'll notice the Bioslimming cover model (pictured above) is wearing a monokini.

Colette's Blog

Perfect Summer Recipe!

So, I LOVE tomatoes with fresh basil, mozzarella, and a little olive oil. However, I was looking to up the ante a little and then I came across this recipe I had buried in my ever growing recipe collection. You'll probably be thinking, "Peaches with tomatoes? Is this girl crazy?!!?" Trust me, I thought the same. This recipe is sweet, savory, and refreshing. I recommend romancing it a little by pulling a card table outside, add a tablecloth, candle, a great bottle of wine, and someone you love. My husband and I sat and talked the night (and the wine) away & enjoyed a delicious, relaxing meal together.

Farfalle Pasta with Peaches, Heirloom Tomatoes, & Mozzarella

Ingredients

1 head of fresh fennel, cut into a small dice

2 shallots, peeled & cut into a small dice

Grated lemon zest

3 T. Red Wine Vinegar

1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil

4-6 white &/or yellow peaches

4-7 heirloom tomatoes, cut into a large dice

1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, cut into squares

1/2 cup fresh basil, cut into thin ribbons

1 pound farfalle pasta, cooked according to package directions

Salt & pepper to taste

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saute pan until hot. Turn heat to low.

2. Add the fennel and shallots. Cook about 2 minutes.

3. Turn off heat. Add grated lemon zest & vinegar. Let cool.

4. Add peaches, tomatoes, mozzarella, & basil to vinaigrette mixture.

5. Toss lightly with pasta, check seasoning, and serve immediately.

Great as a cold dish too!

Summer Hair Trends via Colette's Blog

Ponytails-Keep them simple & sleek. Use a medium hold gel like Aveda's Brilliant Retexturizing Gel and slick ponytail back tight.

Side Part- Make it extreme and part from almost the end of your eyebrow all the way back. Use a smoothing serum like Moroccan Oil to soften the look.

Accessorized Updo's-This look is from Louis Vuitton. They did a very tousled updo and then added sweet, sparkly headbands (even a tiara!) to make the look extra feminine. This look is so fun for a night out with girl friends.

Glamorous Blow Outs-There is nothing better than a fabulous blowout! This was the look on the runway at Ana Sui. Blow outs are reasonably priced, starting at $25. Book an appointment before a special event. I recommend booking with Todd, his blow outs are amazing!

Wet Look-My least favorite look, but it was all over the runways. Use your favorite hard hold gel (yes, gel. Like we used in the 90's.) Apply a lot to wet hair, mold into place and voila! EHH GADS!

Braids and Twists-Braids are so hot right now, but can be difficult to do on yourself. Twists, on the other hand are easy. Pick up sections and start twisting towards the back. Do not worry if they aren't perfect, undone is best. Twist into a small bun in the middle of your crown. Spray with a light hold hold hair spray.

Volume- Become one with a pick teaser. They are inexpensive and add height to updo's and down do's. I love this look reminiscent of Bee Hives from the 1950's.

Center Part-What a great, easy, sophisticated look. Spray hair with a sea salt spray to add texture and curl the bottom sections of your hair. Run fingers through and part somewhere in the center without using a comb. If you want a sleeker look leave hair straight, run a comb straight down the center and spray with a firm hair spray. Note the foiling they did below her eye. Get your favorite silver eye shadow wet and dot below eye.

Colette's Blog

Best Commercials of 2011

Ad week recently released their list of top 10 commercials from 2011. It comes as no surprise that Volkswagen's Force Commercial took the top spot. In the video, a child dressed as Darth Vader attempts (and fails) to bend things in his home using The Force, until his Dad activates their Passat via a remote starter, making his son believe he's done it with Jedi mind tricks. However, I think that Chipotle Grill's "Back to the Start" was the most lovely, simple, tasteful commercial that I have ever seen. Proceeds from this commercial were given to Chipotles Cultivate Foundation. You've probably seen this commercial, but really pay attention to the message it sends, its a beautiful thing!

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Colette's Blog

Here's a Healthy Take on P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps

My husbands family is visiting from Boston, so I made this dish last night . I found it only appropriate to make something using Boston lettuce, :). It's light & crisp, great for hot summer dinners. There are so many variations to try with this recipe. It's great with beef & peanuts or even serve over brown rice for a more hearty meal.

Ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes

1 can water chestnuts, diced

1 red pepper, diced

1 red onion, minced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

A sprinkle of red pepper flakes

1/2 c. toasted cashew, chopped

1-4 T. reduced sodium soy sauce

1-2 T. rice vinegar

Peanut Oil

Salt & pepper to taste

Boston Lettuce & Radicchio. cleaned and separated.

Cilantro, garnish

Directions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 T. peanut oil and add chicken. Cook completely through.

2. In a separate pan, heat 1 t. peanut oil. Cook onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes until onions are translucent. Add red pepper and cook until tender.

3. When chicken is cooked, add to onion, garlic, and red pepper mixture. Add soy sauce, flavor to your liking.

4. Remove from heat and stir in rice vinegar & cashews.

5. Just before serving, garnish with cilantro.

Place a leaf of radicchio inside of a Boston lettuce cup. Scoop a spoonful of chicken mixture into the lettuce duo and enjoy. If you like a little heat, spice it up with a squirt of sriracha hot sauce.