PsyTrance

A few years ago, I was just another disgruntled copywriter, who was tired of the same old scene, the strained conversations, the stale atmosphere of overpriced, early-to-mid professional lounges and bars in New York City. I was looking for a change, most especially, when it came to music. As someone, who has always had a deep and broad appreciation for music, if I had to hear Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” one more time, I knew I would go postal.

It was another Friday night, after a week of hellish product descriptions, e-Commerce cataloguing, and daily productivity meetings, when a coworker from Merchandising asked me, if I wanted to go to a Psytrance party. ‘Psytrance?’ I must have looked at her like she had ten heads. I tried to think about what the word could have meant, trying the old and reliable grade school reading comprehension trick; breaking the word down to “Psy” and “Trance,” I reasoned, ‘it must be some kind of psychedelic rave.’ Feeling the added pressure of the holidays, knowing there would be teetering  piles of copy waiting on my desk Monday morning, I figured, ‘why not?’  “Sure Michelle, I’m definitely down to check it out.” She asked me if I needed an extra bathing suit. I wrinkled my brow, and assumed I misheard her over the excitement that had seized the entire office.  The weekend was just in reach, and everyone was sharing their plans between cubicles, much to the dismay of the company’s anal retentive Project Manager, who we dotingly knighted, Mr. Scrum. 

I popped into the bathroom on the third floor before hitting the elevator ‘Down’ button, I added a quick coat of my favorite shade of lip gloss (Oyster Girl by M.A.C.), before appraising myself in the mirror.  ‘My outfit should be fine,’ I thought, knowing I didn’t have a change of clothes, I showed up to a secret bathhouse location, decked out in Prada pumps, and a Tahari suit, complete with pearls, and the sleek-back bun. I looked morbidly out-of-place, but the minute the door opened, I was seized by the thumping bassline, and people, greeted me in the most extravagant psychedelic outfits I had ever seen. Ultraviolet Victorians in corsets, puffy-painted mandalas on jeans, and Technicolor dreads, everywhere I looked.

I had stepped into a completely surreal, fantasy-world, so far removed from my day-to-day reality. I stood in the center of a black-lit room with huge tapestries lining a two-floor bathhouse complex. People were in fluorescent bathing suits, smiling, and holding plastic cups containing screwdrivers, emerging out of steaming saunas, and cannonballing into the pool adjacent to the tiled dance-floor. A dj was spinning dark psytrance: ups and downs, melodic twists and turns, a cacophony of sounds, bouncing off the walls, and the electric-blue, tinted water.

After years of talking with the same crowd, the struggling and miserable entry-level financial analysts, and the aspiring social media queens, I felt completely drained, and hopeless. Every weekend, it was the same story: dinner at some trendy “eatery,” followed by cocktails at some bougie lounge, where I couldn’t walk to the bathroom without catcalls from business boys, who had loosened their ties, and their manners. Like a broken record, these conversations never changed, and always revolved around lavish purchases, made (of course) on an extension of good credit in a bad economy; the shiny toy cars, and metallic designer dresses, left me feeling more and more despondent. ‘This is what the next twenty years of my career will look like,’ I thought as I simultaneously feigned interest, listening to darling Karen, compare her 24k facial to religious ecstasy, and yes, she actually used the word,  “orgasmic.” At that point, I swigged back the contents of my rock-glass, not knowing, if I should feel sorry for Karen or laugh along with her.

Where were the intellectuals, the creators, the artists, people who lived and breathed anything, but unchecked capitalism, and void-stuffing, consumerism? Where were the people, who wanted to do something like write a book, learn to paint, or make music? The world around me was worse than 80’s Yuppie culture, so you can imagine the sense of relief, and inspiration that followed after having attended one of these little known events, somewhere, in-the-middle-of-nowhere Brooklyn.

That night, I felt like I was back in Brazil; some of the songs I heard took me back to 2004. When, I had first heard south-of-the-equator djs spin imports from the UK and elsewhere in Europe; it was an instant attraction, and for years, I had lost touch with the music that had first moved me. Music that was so different than anything I had ever heard in the States prior to my two-year adventure in South America. Finally, after years of aimless parties, I had found everything I loved; art, music, and culture had miraculously come together, and week-after-week, I wanted more.

And, it’s strange, because only very recently, has this world risen from the underground to enter the mainstream music scene. Today, it seems,  you can’t turn a dial or flip through channels without hearing electronic music. Dubstep, electronica, house, and Psytrance are everywhere: from hip-hop to Indie Rock to Britney Spears; djs, and their remixes are laying their distinctive marks on mainstream artists’ records.  The question, I’m left with is: ‘Why did it take so long?’ 

The Things I Love (November)

It's been a while since I have updated my blog, but I've been a busy girl, writing Arts & Crafts articles for Bounty, and chasing around thirty, sugar-high third graders. I love them all, but October was one action-packed adventure. Now, that I've had a moment to breathe, I've had a chance to review some new products from Sephora and M.A.C as well as some classic Drugstore brands. So ladies and gentlemen... here are my latest finds (or as I like to call them), "The Things I Love."

The Holidays are around the corner. I like to shop about a month in advance so I'm not left in last-minute lines that are twisting and winding to the back of the store. Imagine the holiday hell on Christmas Eve, when two women in front of you are ready to knock each other out of the last snowman sweater in size Medium. So think about the bliss and joy you'll receive, knowing you're not a part of the "survival of the fittest."

If you're anything like my twenty-six-year-old self, you're probably broke, paying credit statements, grad school tuition, monthly transportation, and all of Life's "wonderful" little (to astronomical) expenses. So here are some great gifts that won't stress your wallet or break the bank:

Philosophy has some great holiday beauty sets. I really love the
Sugar Plum Frost™ Set. It features a 3-in-1 Sugar Plum-scented Shampoo, Bubble Bath and Shower Gel, and a gorgeous  high-gloss, sweet-plum lip gloss for a perfectly sheer, shimmering pout.

Things I Love

Okay, it's Fall, so naturally, I'm broke. And, honestly who isn't these days? Paying for higher education, health insurance, food, pet food, and well,  let's be real, we're all familiar with the words, "Bills, Bills, Bills!"

Being on a responsible and reformed kick, I no longer swipe to burn plastic-- with the state of the economy, the job market, and the stock market plunges, I cannot and will not go to the realm of "charge, and worry about it when you get the statement." So, while I still do shed a tear, when I see a must-have Chanel bag or Nanette Lepore cocktail dress, I have gradually gotten over my haute-couture shopping addiction.


Things I Love: 

Engineer Ophelia Platform by Jeffrey Campbell*

 (Available at Free People)

I love the whole steam-punk look, if done in moderation. These railroad conductor, chunky heel wedges are really cute, even if I'm not crazy about the wood heel (I would definitely change to black) to give it an edgier look. Think Edward Scissorhands meets Lydia Deetz; Jeffrey Campbell had the right idea, and the best part is that these Regis Wedge (Engineer Ophelia Platforms) are ON SALE! They we're originally priced at $158.00, now they're marked down to $99.95. Saving $60, not bad on these classic shoes, but if you're like me, something like a wooden (off-color) heel is enough to dim your love down to like.

Crochet Halter Tunic (Copper)

*Available at FreePeople

Okay, here's another great and versatile tunic, the color is perfect for fall, and it's ideal for layering (the sides are crocheted, so you would probably want to go with a cami or tank (mustard yellow, gold, or chocolate/mocha brown), you can even play with sheer, metallic henleys or wear it as a dress with burgundy leggings (or tights), paired with a high-platform wedge-style shoe. I am not crazy about the hat with this outfit (as shown), but with tights, and the right shoes, would create more space, and allow for a better distribution of weight for a more balanced look. It's accessory overload. Just wear one dramatic accessory. You don't need ten. It's overkill.


This crocheted halter tunic, is a great buy because it's so versatile, and was made for layering. It's marked down to $19.95, and was originally, $88.00, so it's seriously a steal. It comes in two colors: Copper (above), and Charcoal (medium-light grey). Personally, I definitely prefer the copper one, since it has more mixing, color blending options. Plus, the Copper version really picks up on this season's color trends: bold, vibrant solid hues. Plus, it's all about high- impact, bigger, rawer and riskier jewelry and accessories this Fall. Being a shoe, scarf, handbag, and accessory whore, I would definitely play it simple, and spice up your personal style with really probably the most diverse range (styles) of accessories this year: from soft and romantic to bold and abstract, the options are virtually endless.

Fall Fashion Trends

With Fashion Week around the corner, you're probably wondering what's in this season? Whether your glamorous, casual, sporty chic or Bohemian there are some exciting trends this Fall that can be incorporated into your own personal sense of style.

Lace is back! It's everywhere-- from the runway to Hollywood as celebrities like Emma Stone and Michelle Williams were seen rocking this trend. Nothing says sexy like the elegant touches of sexy-black lace to any outfit from the runway to the real-way. And, the best thing about lace is that it doesn't have to be overkill-- you can simply add a few touches of sophisticated sex-appeal with a clutch or a beautiful blouse like the Blouson Sheer Lace Top available at Bebe.com It's perfect for the office, or for after work drinks with coworkers. Going on a first date? No worries, you'll be the center of attention, just pair it with a sleek, pencil skirt, and you're ready to shine.

Not a fan of lace? Well, the good thing is stripped pants are making a huge comeback this Fall. Tired of jeans? Give your style a mini-makeover with pants with vertical stripes. Not only will they make you look taller, but they also provide an incredible slimming effect. They're great especially since "thin is in."

Another trend that's popping up this season are collage-inspired prints, making their way on everything from tees to leggings. Kick up your style by pairing solids with floral pants for a look that will help you seamlessly transition from Summer's African and Middle Eastern inspired pieces to Fall's more subtle prints. And, whether you're looking for a hot Fall look for the office or for the weekend, you'll be sure to love the Inspired True Romance Pant available at Urban Outfitters.

So, whether you're into prints, lace, or subtle details, you can always add a little flair to your unique personal style. Sometimes, it's about taking risks, other times it's about finding clothes or an accessory that make you feel great. 90% of the game is confidence, so rock your Fall look with pride. Never forget that you're totally amazing and awesome.

Mascara 101: Hygiene & Application

Did You Know...

Mascara is a cosmetic that's used to thicken, lengthen and usually darken lashes. The word, 'Mascara' was first used in 1886, and most likely comes from the Italian word, 'maschera' (mask).  

I am a firm believer in investing in good eye makeup because a lot of the "cheaper brands" (Wet n' Wild or Discount Store Brands) do not use the best dyes or ingredients. Did you know that the average person blinks once every 5 seconds? That's 17,000 times per day! Now, think about how much of that mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow is actually making it past your lashes; potentially causing irritation and infection. 

Air=Germs 

One thing you won't see too often in Beauty Mags, is how to actually use (not apply) mascara; most people simply tear open the mascara of their choice, and raise and dunk the wand into the bottle to saturate the brush with color. You should NEVER do this! Why?!? Saturating the wand with color this way, actually allows a lot more air (oxygen=bacateria) to enter the mascara bottle, both promoting the growth of bacteria and the drying, clumping and caking within your favorite tube. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Mascara

Instead of a clunky up and down motion, twist the wand (circular motions) out the bottle, and twist it back inside your tube, using the same circular motions. Doing this, will not only extend the life of your mascara by preventing too much air from entering the tube and drying it up, but most importantly, it will drastically reduce the potential for eye infections. 

Cleaning Your Wand (If Absolutely Necessary)

By the way, you should never really share your mascara (I do with my sister and few close friends, but I usually keep hand-sanitizer like Purell (or some other brand). Choose a sanitizer containing aloe vera (if possible); just apply a small drop of the hand sanitizer to a Kleenex (crumple to saturate), and give the wand a quick wipe over; (do not squeeze the Kleenex against the wand; surround the tip, and wipe gently, applying the least amount of pressure possible). This is great option, when you're not at home or do not have a mineral-based brush cleaner on hand. 

Invest in/"Borrow" Extra Applicators 

Another great alternative to help promote mascara-sharing hygiene, is buying or asking a M.A.C sales associate [they're usually nice] for an extra wand-applicator. If you're too shy to ask, Sephora has them available in store. Once you've gotten a hold of these extra wands, store them in a Ziploc bag. Doing this will prevent the wands from coming in contact with other potential contaminents; for instance, do not let the applicators sit at the bottom of your bag, and do not keep them loose in a cosmetic bag or drawer. 

Keep it or Toss It? 

While experts have varying opinions on how long you should keep mascara; the general consensus in 3 months maximum (yes, toss it, even if it's half-full). A good way to keep track of how long you've been using your mascara is by getting a permanent marker, and writing the date on the tube. If the tube color is dark, use a piece of masking tape or Avery-style label, and keep track of the date that way. 

Makeup Essentials

Fall Eye Makeup: 4-Shadow YSL Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eye Shadow Palette 

Review

Purple is all the rage this Fall, but how do you do plums and burgundies without looking like an overdone clown? The trick is subtlety, and of course it comes down to knowing how to blend, blend and blend. Bright eyeshadows like blues, reds and purples will make a bold statement, but it's important to differentiate between shades that are appropriate for day and night. There are certain colors, you shouldn't wear to the office, and there are certain ones, that were just made for night time glamour. So, whether you're going out for brunch or the hottest new nightclub, it's important to choose colors that will excentuate your look without attracting the wrong type of attention.  

One of my top choices for Fall is Yves Saint Laurent's Pure Chromatics 4-Wet & Dry Eye Shadow Palette. It's priced at $48, (which comes to $12 per eye shadow), and broken down this way, individual shadows are actually less expensive than shadows by other comparable speciality makeup brands like M.A.C, Smashbox, Elizabeth Arden, Benefit, and Stila.

The best thing about this palette is that these eye shadows can be used both dry or wet; use dry for a subtle shimmer, or wet for an intense metallic finish. The YSL Pure Chromatics Palette offers a ton of versatility; it's compact and lightweight, making it the perfect addition to your Fall makeup collection.

So, if you're looking for a compact solution without investing a ton on individual shadows, pigment powder or eyeliner, this compact has it all; you can even use these shadows as liquid liner. Simply take an angled brush (synthetic fibers work best), and dip the brush into water. Next, gently pat the angled tip into the dry shadow (make sure the brush is well-saturated with pigment); apply above the lashline, starting at the middle of your eyelid, sweeping from the center of the lid to the outer corner. Re-wet brush and saturate with pigment; return to the center of the eyelid, sweeping from the middle of the lid to the inner corner [in the direction facing your nose].

Yves Saint Laurent has several eyeshadow palettes available in variety of different colors; for Fall, I recommend YSL Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eye Shadow Palette 06, featuring mossy green, soft gold, tea rose pink and dark purple. It has all of the classic shades you'll need this season. 

Day & Night

For a daytime look, use tea rose pink on your eyelid, and soft gold to highlight your brow bone. Finish it off with a subtle sweep of dark purple on the outermost corner of the lid (apply in a circular motion sweeping upward and inward). For a night time look, sweep mossy green on your lid, and use tea rose pink to highlight the space between your browbone and eyelid. To finish off your dramatic night time look, wet an angled synthetic brush, and dip it into the dark purple shadow, and use that color to line your eyes as if your were using liquid liner. Curl Lashes using an eyelash curler, and apply a generous coat of carbon black mascara.  For an even more dramatic night time look, use a deep plum mascara (like tokidoki's Punk Lash Mascara in "Sabochan" (purple) available at Sephora $18). 

Foundation 101: How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin

Choosing the right foundation can be an absolute nightmare. And, while there are many great, affordable drugstore options, it's hard to pick the right color, especially, when sales associates are constantly asking you if "you need help," when in reality, all you need is damn tester. 

Light, Medium or Heavy Coverage

Some things to consider when purchasing foundation are: how much coverage do you want or need? Do you have relatively smooth skin, or do you have a couple of blemishes or pimples you're looking to coverup? If you don't fall into the "flawless skin" category, you have a couple of options; for instance, if you have a red undertone to your skin, you may want to invest in a green color corrector in addition to foundation (Physicians Formula, a drugstore brand makes a great and easy-to-blend corrector: Physicians Formula Conceal Rx Physicians Strength Concealer, Soft Green, $6-8). Using this type of color corrector, you can opt for a lighter-base foundation since green will help neutralize the redness of your skin; you won't have to cake on layers of heavy liquid foundation, concealer or loose powder. Apply (before foundation, and make sure the green fades to a soft white/green-- it should be very faint). Next, apply foundation over the green color corrector, and make sure to blend well (especially by your ears, jawbone and crown). Using this option, you can achieve a more natural look instead of an overdone, plastered matte finish. 

SPF:  The Anti-aging Solution 

 Another question to ask yourself: do I want a foundation with sunscreen protection? Sure, we're entering Fall, but the Sun's damaging rays are still affecting your skin even as the weather gets colder. You may want to invest in a long-wearing foundation with UV protection, but you have to be careful when making your decision, because there are two forms of UV radiation. For full-protection, you'll want to purchase a foundation with both UVA/UVB SPF protection; otherwise, you'll still be getting sun-damage. An excellent choice for natural, buildable medium-to-full coverage with both UVA/UVB protection is Smashbox's Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation SPF 10 (priced at $42; available at Sephora). This incredible foundation is water-based, and oil-free, keeping your skin hydrated and shine-free. It's great for people with blemishes, slight-to-medium imperfections and discoloration, but I wouldn't recommend this foundation for people with heavy acne, and/or other more serious skin problems. 

Tinted Moisturizer

If you're anything like me, and you're into the quick, low-hassle solution, and have relatively clear skin, you may want to skip foundation, and opt for a tinted moisturizer. It's quick and easy-to-apply, and gives your skin a nice rosy or golden glow. As a licensed makeup artist, I'll admit that I'm the first one to detest wearing makeup outside of an event or demo, and I'll also admit that wearing foundation daily, is really bad for your pores (even if you're a zealot, when it comes to removing makeup). The reality is, your skin needs to breathe, and even the lightest or mineral-based foundations do not give your skin enough oxygen it needs, if you're plastering layers of heavy-based liquid foundation on a day-to-day basis. And, if you're one of those people that have to leave the house with makeup on, I'd recommend you use tinted moisturizer a few days out of the week as an alternative to foundation. You'll notice a dramatic improvement in the smoothness, color and hydration of your skin. 

My favorite tinted moisturizer is Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($42; available at Sephora); it provides a sheer hint of color and gives my skin a healthy, natural-looking glow. If you don't feel like dropping $42 dollars on a tinted moisturizer, I'll share this affordable alternative. Buy a drugstore brand, hydrating, SPF Moisturizer, and take your existing foundation, or purchase a drugstore brand of your choice (I recommend Loreal; it's made by Lancome, and offers better coverage than other comparable brands). Take the moisturizer of your choice (about a quarter-sized dollop and add 2-3 small drops of foundation; mix well), and Voila! You've just created your very own custom tinted moisturizer at about quarter of the price of Sephora or other luxury brands. 

Choosing the Right Shade of Foundation

The hardest part about choosing foundation is determining which shade is right for your skin. Often, you'll pick up a bottle or use the color swatches against your skin, and you'll get home, apply your newly purchased foundation only to find that you look like a ghost or the newest cast member of The Jersey Shore. If you don't have a tester readily available (especially in a drugstore), I recommend keeping your receipt, and returning it immediately, if you find the color is an awful match. Most drugstores like CVS and Duane Reade have decent return policies, and I recommend that you do some research, and familiarize yourself with a store's return policy before making your purchase. 

A cardinal rule of thumb: when in doubt, always go lighter! Let's say your skin tone is Honey Beige, but you're looking at the bottle, and think it's too light; the shade above that color choice is a Classic Tan. Do not go for the Classic Tan because it will most likely be too dark. Even if you purchase the Honey Beige, you can apply this shade of foundation, and darken it up using, a darker shade of loose powder or bronzer, but you cannot lighten foundation using loose powder or bronzer of a lighter shade. In makeup, it's always wet before dry. So the guiding philosophy is: you can buy a foundation two shades lighter than your actual color, and still use powder/bronzer to achieve a desired look that's truest to your skin tone without making you look too unnatural, too dark or worse... too orange. 

Fall 2011: Jewelry Trends

Big, bold, and extravagant are the words that should come to mind, when you go accessory shopping this season. Metal (lightweight) jewelry is a hot trend this fall, especially in yellows and whites. Layering necklaces is also in vogue as are extra-long earrings, feathers, and geometric, angular and irregular pieces that make a daring statement. Square bangles, extravagant bracelets, and huge Retro rings are all the rage. Adding any of these pieces to your look, will showcase your fierce, and fashion-forward sense of style. But, if you do go down the daring route; remember to tone-down the rest of your wardrobe. You don't want to attract the wrong kind of attention; so choose your look carefully, and add one or two dramatic accessories. Most importantly, use your judgement.  If at first glance, you think it's "too much," go with your instinct; otherwise you'll probably end up overdoing it!

The Revealed Necklace by Anthropologie features rough-cut-then-polished rose quartz and hammered rings. It's fierce and feminine, and is a perfect embellishment to Fall's "Romantic Femininity" trend.  And, the best part is, The Revealed Necklace is on sale at $29.95 (Orig: $58). And, at that price, it's a steal!

Peacock Ring by Presh 


I absolutely fell in love with this Peacock Ring by Presh. It's fierce, and features three of the season's hottest fashion trends: bold colors, yellow metals, and zoological inspiration. It's a classic piece, you'll be sure to rock season after season. While it's a bit pricey at $149.95 (Orig: $258), it's worth the splurge. The best part about this gorgeous ring, is that it's adjustable, so even if your fingers are temporarily swollen, you'll never have to worry about sizing.

Looking for something less pricey? I absolutely adore the Ancient Rings Bib Necklace by Free People. It's made of lightweight brass, and is part of yet another hot trend this season: yellow metals, and it's layered. It's super versatile, and makes a bold statement. Pair it with a deep-cut solid blouse, and a navy blue or black cropped-blazer or short-suit jacket, and wide-leg trousers for a fabulously chic look. Perfect for the office or weekend; priced at $19.95 (Orig: $38), it's the perfect accessory for any budget.

Ancient Rings Bib Necklace by Free People



Ocean's Floor Ring by Dara Ettinger 


Once again, bold colors like sky blues and cobalt are among the hottest trends this Fall. Make a dramatic statement with The Ocean's Floor Ring; its a truly unique ring that's made from natural stones, so it will vary in color, shape and size. Giving you a one-of-a-kind personal flair, featuring fused metal, and a wrapped design. Priced at $49.95 (Orig: $80), The Ocean's Floor Ring, is an awesome Retro addition to your jewelry collection.

The Brown Printed Resin Bangle by Kenneth Jay Lane makes a bold statement, and features this Fall's zoological trend. Priced at $23.99 (Orig: $45; available at Bluefly, it's a perfect accessory for the office or the weekend. Super versatile, and chic. You'll be sure to showcase your individual style with this great piece.