www.Christian-Michaels.com

Hi all, it's been a long time since I last posted anything. It's almost 2014, so I figure there's no time like the present to get back in the swing with my blog. First off, I must say, that I have been a very blessed and busy makeup artist, traveling from here and there, working on my craft. In the process, I have worked on a few celebs, a few ads and print work, and some amazing set assignments. I TRULY LOVE MY MAKEUP ARTISTRY!!! In addition, you all know I love fashion as well. With that said, I will be re-launching my online clothing boutique, Christian-Michaels (www.Christian-Michaels.com) I plan to kick off a soft launch on Black Friday, November 29, 2013! I will have the latest in ladies apparel; from daytime casual to careerwear and evening partywear! Stay tuned to catch some special codes for my Black Friday Debut Sale!!! Sneak Peaks are soon to come! Thank you for all of your support!

It's Been A Long Time, I Shouldn't Have Left You...

BLACK FRIDAY!!!!! RE-LAUNCH!!! DETAILS TO COME!!! www.christian-michaels.com

High Fashion in South Carolina?!?!

YESSS... High fashion and South Carolina may have been distant strangers a few years ago. However, thanks to Ayoka Lucas, those words are becoming synonymous with the Southeast's premier fashion event; Charleston Fashion Week 2012!!!!

It's that time of year again! Charleston has been putting the South on the fashion map since 2007. Ms. Lucas; my personal shero, is the founder and brainpower behind all this hype.(And yes I'm proud to boast this is a young, Black, woman... Calling Essence, Ebony, Jet, BET; please do a feature on her; just sayin.) ...I've been privileged to be a part of the backstage excitement for two years; first as an intern (2010), second as MUA(2011) after a testy audition!!! This is the real deal people. Here in the heart of the low country, some of the biggest names in fashion come out to play; such as Fern Malis, creator of NYFW; Anne Slowey, fashion editor for Elle Magazine; and Mychael Knight, fashion designer.

Each year the event draws more attention and displays some of the best new talent in fashion; as well as some very well-known established designers and retailers. Check out the 2012 promo video! I hope to see you there in March!!!

2012 Charleston Fashion Week Promotional Video from PDA Video on Vimeo.

(Check me out at the 2:23 mark...With the ponytail doing makeup...don't blink...LOL)

D. I. Y.....(Do It Yourself)

All it takes is a little inspiration......

From top to bottom, left to right...(In)Decorous Taste Spiked Shoe Harness $695; Christian Louboutin Bridgette $3965; Lorissa Nude Spiked Pump $195, Christian Louboutin for Rodarte $2793, Patricia Field Studded Boots $3700

And creativity..... You can rock your own spiked heels without the hoopla of someone else's name and saving thousands on the dollar. The ones below should be called Dollard; after Shamika Dollard..... She is the creative mind behind these awesome pumps and booties. I was on assignment at a fashion show this past weekend and fell in love with these shoes. Actually I had multiple shoe-gasms... They put me in a trance... I was overly impressed with the quality and meticulously crafted embellishments. Ms. Dollard is a licenced hairstylist, but may need to add fashion stylist in her repertoire. She and Myrtle Verner did an awesome job in the detailing and planning of the wardrobe for their show. Kudos to you ladies!! Looking forward to working with them again. With that said I'm putting in an order for a pair of those booties...Happy Shopping

Spray It On!

I was a bit skeptical about paying $15 for a can of aerosol spray water. The concept is a bit simple. However, as a makeup artist, I was convinced to try it. Well, needless to say, I LOVE this stuff!!!! It's so cooling and gives your skin a luminescence glow on a hot day! The small cans should be staples in every woman's bag year round. In the cold, dry, winter months, a few puffs of mist will leave you feeling hydrated and awake during those long cold days. During the summer, it keeps you cool; replenishes your skin. It's not heavy and drippy like water in a personal spray bottle. The mists are so fine and delicate. It keeps your makeup fresh all day. Perfect for use in an office building. Also, a must-have for those of you that are outdoor sports buffs and/or workout divas. This is my new staple; and a must-have for any MUA to use on clients under hot studio lights and/or outdoor shoots.

The Look for Less...

The $54,000.00 Crocodile Birkin Bag.......(Which is only available by special order through Hermes and in-store direct at specialty upscale dept stores; i.e Bergdorf Goodman, etc; buyer beware if you see it for sale anywhere else; especially online, in Chinatown, and out of the back of trunks!!!!LOL)

OR...

The $75.00 Urban Expressions Tote!!!... I found this bag on Amazon.com! Those that know me well, know that I despise a knock off. But I will rock a designer inspired; which is not pretentious, all day!!! I had to have this!!!...It's available in other colors, but I love this red. And check out the size! It's enormous! Perfect size to handle all of my daily goodies and trinkets... I hope you enjoy. Happy Shopping!!!

The Look for Less...

Gucci Helena Cut-out Boots...

These sought-after, in-demand boots from Gucci, from 2010 Spring Collection are regularly priced at $1550; on sale at Bergdorf's for $697... (That's a joke; sale is the funny word here.LOL)

OR...

Bebe's Camilla inspired version; regularly priced at $169. You decide.

Happy Shopping!!!

2010 Emmy Awards!!!

Will you be watching the 2010 Emmy Awards, or what the stars are wearing on the Red Carpet?

The 62nd Primetime Emmy® Awards, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, will take place this Sunday, August 29, at NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles, and will air exclusively on NBC. For the first time in more than 30 years the show will air live coast-to-coast (5-8 p.m. PT, 8-11 p.m. ET). -from Emmy site

Let me know... Take a wild guess at which will have my attention(*_ *hymph)!

Fashion's Night Out...

Fashion's Night Out 2010 PSA from Fashion's Night Out on Vimeo.

Ladies and gents, mark your calendar, and save the date! The second annual Fashion's Night Out(FNO) takes place Sept-10. This year it's not just for New Yorkers; it's globally! Retailers, designers, fashion-houses, singers, artists, all the creatively inclined will come together to put on the biggest fashion event this century! And it's all for a great cause; to benefit AIDS/ HIV patients and local charities.

FNO began as the brainchild of, Fashion's Highness, Anna Wintour, Editor of Vogue Magazine. It's purpose was to promote the fashion industry during Fashion Week in a recession-climate economy. It worked! This year promises to be the biggest fashion party on the planet! Coast to coast, country to country, many retailers will be open late with entertainment, prizes, fashion shows, hors d'oeuvres and sippy-sippies to lure you in to shop! And prices will be way below norm!! Many celebs are scheduled to make in-store appearances/performances!(Heck many celebs will be out and about shopping!!!) Late night fashion shows are also scheduled from some of the most respected fashion houses!(Click here to see if any events are scheduled near you.)

So set your mark, get set, and go to Fashion's Night Out 2010!!! Shop like a rock star, with the rock stars, for one night only!!!LOL Happy Shopping!!!

Meanwhile, Back on the Beach...

I'm not quite prepared for fall just yet. I've got one last summer fling in Jamaica. So I'm not mentally ready to think about all the deep rich jewel tones, leather, lace, fur embellishments, and vintage jewelry to come! LOL. My mind is still on bikini or one-piece, wedges or flat sandals, maxi or mini-dress??? So meanwhile, as I get back on the beach, I put together my top 5 seasonal transition do's to get you through this odd weather of what to wear....

#1) DO wear white after Labor Day!!!Pair it with dark jewel tones and basic black. Add textures of leathers, furs, and tweeds to create a warm elude to fall.

2)DO layer, layer, layer. Keep out those soft, drapey dresses, wrap dresses, and muted florals. Add your favorite cardi-wrap, blazer, leather jacket for texture.

3) DO wear your leggings/jeggings year-round...

4) DO wear open-toe shoes in transition and into fall; (unless there's a blizzard, temp is below freezing. Use common sense!) On colder days, pair them with opaque tights...

5) DO continue to rock pastel and nude tones. These will be your neutral foundation to pop with the rich, bright jewel tones for fall!!.. Do have fun! It's not rocket science. If you feel good in it, wear it with confidence!!!

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Please forgive me for staying away so long. I'm back now!!! What better time to come back than pre-season to fall fashion. Which brings about the beginning of the biggest time of year for American Fashion; Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week (MBNYFW)!

My hubby came in last night from the mailbox and laid it on the kitchen counter(*_*)...The mother of all September issues; the "Queen-Vee" of all fashion mags; The September Issue>>of Vogue Magazine.! I've been waiting for this issue all year! I tweeted a few weeks ago of my excitement for the uber-beautiful Halle Berry making the cover. Alas, it's here! All 726 pages of fashion elation!!!! For those that don't know the significance of the September issue, let alone the historic meaning of THIS issue, let me break it down...

You may, or may not have noticed the most important fashion mags> ELLE, Cosmo, InStyle, etc., are all extra thick this time of year. However, none are as respected as the one that started it all>Vogue! Heck they made a movie documenting the drama behind this proverbial issue titled The September Issue. September marks the start of fall fashion and the showcasing of the upcoming spring collections. It's the time for new. It's like the New Years for the fashion industry. The September issue introduces Fashion Week and forecasts all that's to come for fall; PERIOD!

This issue of Vogue, featuring Ms. Berry, is only the second time a Black woman made cover at this time of year(the first was Naomi Campbell). And it's also special to note that Halle is not in the fashion industry; she may be a fashion-icon(on the red-carpet), but totally out of the box for Vogue's September Issue!!! I love it and I love her as well!!! If you are not a subscriber to Vogue, (and you call yourself a fashionista *_*smh) you must run out and pick up this issue!

I'm moving>>>>>But still will be here!!!

Hi All!!!!!!!!!!!

It's truly been a while I know, but I'll be back.. My site is under construction. But soon my blog, web store, shopper services, and social networking will all be in one! Hold on; the wait is almost ova!!!!!!!!!!!!!...The new url will be http://www.christian-michaels.com/ But meanwhile, I'm still here!

See you at the new location!

The Look for Less...

Here we have the uber chic Alexander McQueen black and red striped hooded dress.. Available at Net-a-porter.com ...$1655.00

OR......

This very similar and savvy-chic black and red striped hooded dress by Voom... Available on Rumor.com...$196.00

Happy Shopping!!!

Statement Dress of the Year..

Last night Glamour Magazine honored Rihanna, among others, as a triumphant woman of the year. I'd like to honor her for wearing the best statement dress of the year!!!

She's never afraid to take a risk and embodies all that fashion and style is all about. As I am always saying, "fashion has rules; style does not". Rih-Rih (or should I say Mariel Haenn, her stylist), knows how to take basic fashion rules and incorporate them into a style of her own. She knows how to break the rules and make it work...

Last night, Rhianna wore this most intriguing, drama-filled, statement gown; yet it was still very elegant and sophisticated. The gown is by Stephane Rolland from the '09/Spring-Summer collection.

On the runway....

Speechless!!! I love it!!! What do you think?

Top 5 Ways To Dress for the Holidays

Can u believe it's already November??? I went to visit an old friend recently(last month), and she had her Christmas tree up and decorated!!(I'm not joking)... It seems as if we busily rush through the days and months to get to this most wonderful and festive time; no matter how you celebrate it... Fall and winter fashions are my favorite; so full of drama and possibilities. Leather, fur, lace, and layers- oh my!!! Most of all, it's the time of year to party!!!!!!!!

Families come together to give thanks. Students have long holiday breaks. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa; no matter what the occasion, we all have one thing in common when we party and celebrate. We all want to look fabulous!!!! Therefore, I came up with 5 must-have options to be at your best for this time of year.

Embellished Jackets

First up......The Office Party..... Dazzle in the office with a sleek embellished, jacquard jacket. Pair over a sheath dress or those basic tailored trousers for a festive, yet professional, holiday ensemble.

One Shoulder Dress
Secondly...The Cocktail Party....One shoulder dress, no matter if it's long or short, is the perfect option for the holiday cocktail party. If it's a gathering of co-workers or mingling with the girls; this look says sexy and sophisticated, but still fun and mysterious.

Draped Jumper

Next up... The Dinner Party...An easy party alternative is the draped jumper... Pair with ballet flats and bold statement jewelry for a casual look as hostess of that holiday dinner party. Or rock some strappy stilettos as a guest. Look for satin fabrics and jewel tone shades of the season.

Statement Dress
Next up...Bell of the Ball...For the seriously-formal affair, make a statement without uttering a word! Go for a "statement" dress that embodies all the trends of the season: hues of red and gold, embellishment, drama, and shine...Speechless!!!!

Metallic Ice

And finally... Toast of the Town.... Ring the alarm and party like it's 2010!!! Part long, part short, all the way hottt!!! Look for that perfect touch of sparkle to light the halls...

Happy Shopping!!!

The Perfect Red Lips for Fall

As I mentioned before, red lipstick is making a big, bold, sexy comeback for Fall. Don't be afraid. The key is to take it on and experiment to find the perfect shade for your skin tone. One key to remember is that orange-reds work best on fair to light skin tones. Blue-reds are perfect for medium to dark tones. I found one lipstick that works well for most skin tones; Mac Viva Glam I. It's a mixture of orange and blue-red, and seems to be mainly universal.

Always keep in mind that when doing a serious red lip, keep the eyes to a minimum. It's perfectly okay to outline your eyes for definiton, but do not go smokey. A basic rule of thumb is when the lips are heavy in color, the eyes should be soft; and vice versa for the eyes. When you are doing a heavy smokey eye, go soft on the lip color. Now there are always exceptions, but if you are a novice when it comes to make-up follow the basic guidelines...

Here is a short tutorial video on how to apply the perfect, glamour red lip. Happy Shopping!!!

2009 VMA....Love 'em or Don't Look at 'em....

It was an interesting night, to say the least. The 2009 VMA's put the MTV awards shows back on the map; non-stop great performances, unexpected debochery, and an annoying host! All the ingredients for top-ratings. This was also the time for artists to show off their creative fashion style; or lack thereof. Here are some of my fav's of the night.

Y'all know my girl comes first... Beyonce wore this Roberto Cavalli dress and Cesare Paciotti shoes.... I've seen her in better. I wasn't crazy for the "balloon pouch" in the front of the dress...

Jenny From The Block chose this Louis Vuitton dress and Christian Louboutin shoes. The shoes rock!!!! The dress looks better on the runway. And who paired this dress with these shoes???.....Anyway....

Whoa!!! Ahhmm.........I love Lady Gaga!!!!! She scares me a little, but that only adds to the excitement..LOL... She wore Jean Paul Gaultier all night....

My dear, sweet Taylor Swift... She looks just like lady that she is growing into... Such class in this Kaufman Franco gown...

Oops!!! Shakira and Pink wore this Balmain studded dress! Who rocked it better????? I like the way Shakira added the trendy OTK boots for drama....

Love'em, but..........Speechless!!!! Don't know who/what they are wearing...LOL...
Happy Shopping!!!