Style Bust
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The Spotlights Hitting Something – Haley Reinhart
14 years ago
Idol was yet another week of disappointment. I think the only way that last night could have been enjoyed is if you are a die hard Elton John fan, but maybe I’m wrong, let me know if I am. I was more or less bored to tears.
Haley was hands down the best performance of the night. I am beyond proud of her for just killing “Bennie and the Jets.” It was just perfect. Like Jimmy Iovine said, she put it all together with this song. Her voice is amazing, she was confident and beautiful on stage. I don’t know if there is anything bad you can say about her performance. I was smiling ear to ear. It was a wonderful ending to a subpar night of Idol.
Casey, phenomenal. He sang, “Your Song.” He mellowed out a little bit which I think will cater to the mainstream audience. Personally I think his craziness but there’s a time and a place. He was stripped down and I think this was a smart move for him. After last week’s surprise save, he killed it. The song choice was perfect and it gave the audience a chance to connect with him again.
Lauren – Ah, the old “Candle in the Wind.” She sang it so beautifully. I was so impressed. She has such a great country voice and I love what she did with that song.
Pia, the judges want to see her move and take over the stage. Watch her tonight on the elimination episode when she’s doing the group performance. Talk about someone that can’t dance. It’s not a dancing show so I don’t care if she can dance or not, but the girl seriously has no rhythm. It’s no wonder she plays it safe on the stage during her performances.
Paul’s performance, I just didn’t connect to it. And if I didn’t, I guarantee those that are on the fence about Paul didn’t either. Total bummer. Paul is a sincere, honest, amazing artist. He’s so out of place on the Idol stage. To try and make people understand and feel him when he’s singing cover songs week after week… it’s no easy feat. He doesn’t belong here. I need the Indie rocker back, singing songs that he believes in.
James performance was not visually appealing to me. It was probably wonderful if you were in the audience but there was too much going on. The camera was chasing him around the place and a piano on fire. Not to mention his performances are all starting to sound the same to me. I thought this week would suit him well because he would be forced to change it up and show another side. Didn’t happen, oh well.
Personally I’m ready for Naima and Thia to get the boot. What Naima tried to do this week was hard, changing a classic Elton John song. As always, I appreciate her efforts. She wants to make a song her own, but this wasn’t the week to mess around. And Thia, she’s just not that entertaining. If anyone else goes home I will probably be disappointed.
Interview with Ashley Ording of Fancy Fine
14 years ago
{Ashley and I in the dressing room- photo taken on my phone}
Just over a week ago I went to the fabulous vintage clothing expo (mentioned hereand here) and while there I spotted one of my favorite fashion bloggers (Ashley of Fancy Fine, who also lives in S.F.). I instantly felt butterflies take over my stomach, almost like I was a little kid again. My boyfriend and sister encouraged me to introduce myself but me being the shy girl that I am was hesitant at first. It wasn’t until it was just me and Ashley in the dressing room that I got up the courage to talk to her. It was one of the most surreal experiences I have had and her humble and sweet personality will always stick with me. I took this opportunity to ask Ashley a few questions and I hope her answers are as inspiring to you as they were to me. Enjoy!
1. What made you start your blog, Fancy Fine?
I found myself reading more and more style blogs a few years ago (when they first became popular) and I was so inspired by the interesting and eclectic style that was represented. I was already comfortable with having a personal site because I’d kept an online journal of sorts since I was 13, which then became a photography portfolio. But seeing that it could be this very specific thing, a place to share my vintage obsession, is what finally motivated me to make the blog. I really had to convince myself it wasn’t a silly, pointless endeavor… but I’m so glad I went for it!
2. Your style is unbelievably sweet, fun & vibrant. What tips do you have for vintage shopping and ‘thrifting’?
Thank you! The only “tip” that ever really comes to mind is to buy what you love. I am rarely searching for anything specific when I go to a thrift store, flea market or vintage shop. I just look at everything and buy what speaks to me (corny as that sounds). I keep my mind open and sometimes let myself go for something crazy without a second thought just because it makes me happy to look at it. This way of shopping means that every piece in my wardrobe feels like a favorite… I don’t buy basics just because I think I “need” them. I’d rather spend my money on a beautiful lace dress! I also try not to let other people influence me too much when I’m shopping, which is why I usually go alone. That way I can take my sweet time and not have to seek the approval of anyone else.
3. What are some of your favorite spots and/or vintage shops in S.F.?
There are so many… we’re lucky folks here! The best thrift shops are in the Mission district. Thrift Town, Mission Thrift and Clothes Contact are a few of my favorites. As for vintage, I have excellent luck on Haight Street at Wasteland, Held Over and Static. I also do love getting out of the city from time to time and checking in one on some of my top secret favorite vintage places! But you’d have to get me quite drunk before I gave those up. 🙂
4. If you could choose a different decade to live in which one would it be and why?
I think it would have been amazing to be a young adult in the 20’s for a million different reasons: jazz music, the clothes, the hilarious dances that were all the rage, the general excitement of things being so new and fresh. But I also think I would have fit into the early 60’s quite well too. I’ve always had a soft spot for early 60’s music and fashion.
5. Who is your personal favorite style icon?
I have a few: Anna Karina, Chloe Sevigny, Eva Fontanelli, and a smattering of fellow bloggers who inspire me daily!
6. What advice can you give to new girls starting fashion blogs?
Be bold and have fun! Also, creating as much original content as possible is very important to me. The blogs that I enjoy the most are the ones that feature the style and surroundings of the person behind them, and not necessarily a lot of content culled from other places. So, invest in a great camera and just document the hell out of everything. I also find it’s helpful to join a site like Chictopia or Lookbook.nu and post photos on there as well because the audience is built-in and they will visit your blog if they like what they see.
Lusk Steals The Show
14 years ago
Mo-town week on Idol is always enjoyable for me and this year it wasn’t any different. In fact everyone performed so well that it could have been one of the most entertaining shows in Idol history. It was the exact kind of revival I needed to get back into the show. (editors note: as requested each week I will start linking the performances to the article, all you need to do is click on the contestants name when listed in the post – but I don’t always talk about all the performances so you can always catch them on the American Idol website).
Outside of the changing of judges this year on Idol they have added so much to the show by giving the viewers an inside look into the performers studio time. I think this adds more credibility to the show. It makes it less karaoke every week and more music business centered. I love that they show this side of the artistry. Last night there was a feature on Mo-town that really moved me. It was a short feature but fairly in depth when it came to capturing the vision of Mo-town and the entire movement.
So where to begin… Jacob Lusk. I was ready for him to go home last week, he’s not one of my favorites by a long shot. But OMG his performance last night, brilliant. So captivating and perfect. He was coached well, thank God this year for Jimmy Iovine. This is a performance that you need to watch here on YouTube or on the American Idol website. It was truly a magical moment.
Haley’s voice suits Mo-town music well, so I was looking forward to her performance this week. I thought the chances of her choosing a bad song were pretty low. I think she delivered, however, I don’t feel like she is choosing songs that showcase her unique voice. I love her sound and I can see the potential in her, I just wish someone would push her to make better song choices.
Paul brought out his guitar this week, something I have been really looking forward to. I’m biased so I enjoyed it. I just feel like Paul is representing everything I love about the music industry, like I finally have someone on my team on the show. But as I try to watch the show and get in the mindset of the average viewer it worries me. Like Jimmy said prior to Paul’s performance he thought he could have a moment, I’m not so sure he had that “moment.” But he will, I have confidence that he will have a really special performance, sitting with his guitar and playing a quiet, acoustic song. The judges are asking him to give them more of his tender voice. I can envision a special Paul performance acoustically. So we shall see.
I wasn’t disappointed this week by any of the performers. I thought Pia and Stefano were kind of boring but they sang their butts off. Scotty did a phenomenal job keeping his classic sound during Mo-town week, proving that he is a true artist. It was nice to see Thia change it up, it was like I was watching a completely different girl. She’s just so young. It’s great that Idol has opened up the competition to 15 year olds but they just look out of place when they are competing against the more seasoned artists. I wish someone would coach her for what to say in front of the judges. I feel bad that she’s constantly slipping up and talking herself in circles.
I don’t know who is going home tonight. It’s a tough call. I will be surprised however if they use the wild card and what happens when they do. Typically the week after the wild card they send two people home the following week. In this case there are 11 contestants left so if they use the wild card it will drop to 9 contestants next week. They take the top 10 on tour, so I don’t know how they would figure that out if they use the wild card this week. Overall I thought last night was fabulous but it seems every week there’s such an array of differing opinions. I like to hear your thoughts, join Style Bust on facebook to join in on the discussion!
Copacabana – a spring essential!!
14 years ago
Rio’s most popular neighborhood but my favorite highlighter for all skintones which is no easy feat. Think about it, what shade can possibly work on gold, pink, peach undertones – answer: NARS illuminator in “Copacabana”, this released early spring.
NARS Copacabana Illuminator
Like the others you can rock it alone or blend with your moisturizers or liquid foundations. Wear it on the face & body because its meant for two purposes (“don’t we just love the convertible products that can be used for multi-use”).
Let’s talk packaging for a second, the old Copacabana was housed in a black tube called the Multiple (stick), it was revolutionary because you could use it on eyes, lips, cheeks – perfect for the novice or pro because it was mistake proof. You had good control by winding it up to your use – 
the new version comes in a see-thru tube requiring more control, sure you can dispense at your discretion but don’t over squeeze – you’ll WASTE. 
All the press say this product “lights the skin” from within, its true! This baby glides on, melts away and produces the most ahhhmazzzzzing glow; there’s a difference between disco shimmer and a healthy glow – NARS gets’ it. The texture of this is sheer so you can build it to your individual wants/needs. I like two layers because radiant skin is my signature, I’m no matte girl.
Makeup shades, formulas are forever changing but beauties, I’m here to say — this needs to stay forever put!!
Interview with San Francisco Fashion Designer Catalina Alcala
14 years ago
San Francisco based fashion designer Catalina Alcala will début her new collection next weekend at the Give Back Gala Charity Event in San Francisco. The event will be held on April 2nd at the J.W. Marriott. As the fashion show producer I have spent a good amount of time with Catalina. She has been a pleasure to work with, and I’m getting very anxious to see what her collection looks like (I get a sneak peek this Saturday at our Dress Rehearsal!).
I spent some time with Catalina and put together this interview for you to read.
Style Bust: How did you get into fashion design?
I was a wee little one when I would see my mom working on her sewing machine; she scolded me once for holding pins in my lips in a seamstress manner! I loved drawing and would scavenge the house looking for anything to fill with my 3 year old interpretation of fashion. At 7 I learned the definition of fashion designer and decided that’s what I wanted to be!
Catalina's sketch of the rad, belt movement of the 1980's
A more recent fashion sketch of Catalina's.
Style Bust: What is your philosophy on fashion?
Innovation, explore the impossible.
Style Bust: Where and what did you study in college?
Lovely San Francisco, The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Fashion Design of course. I would re-live those years in a heartbeat, as heavy as the work load was and as long as those late nights seemed, doing it.
Style Bust: Are you working on your fashion line full time? If not, what else do you do for work?
No, I’m here and there freelancing for the Gap Inc. assisting both technical and design teams. I was also doing some freelance writing for Fashion Nomad. They developed a new shopping app, where you can find my reviews for stores and boutiques from around the world.
Style Bust: What’s your favorite part about designing?
Spilling my ideas and everything that is swimming in my brain on to that sheet of paper. Going as far out…as you dream. Then seeing the final work come to life!
Style Bust: Describe the collection you’ll be showing at the Give Back Gala.
Dresses galore! Body hugging pieces to dainty, breezy ones with a forties flare in vibrant colors. Very Copacabana, skipping to a fresher, prismatic beat.
Style Bust: What inspires you?
I’m always inspired by fashion from the past twisted with my love for color, architecture and of course the beauty of nature. Even my best friend has the ability to inspire me through her words.
Style Bust: How can people get in touch with you?
Drop me a line at: [email protected]
Top Four Mascaras for Great Eyelashes
14 years ago
During the holidays I bought a Sephora Gift Set that included 10 mascaras and since then I’ve been using them and rating them. I was blessed with my father’s eyelashes, which thanks to Lash Enhancement Products have increased in length, but not in manageability. They are still straight and difficult to keep curly; so even though the mascaras I used might work wonders with the lucky ones who have great lashes, I need the works.
So the following are my top four favorite mascaras. These all made a great job in staying on and helping my eyelashes stay curly for hours.
This one was not in the gift set, but I’m still impressed with the results. It’s Clinique’s High Length Mascara.
In Third Place is Make Up For Ever Professional.
A mascara that gives the lashes curl, volume, length, and intense pigment. This ultra-pigmented mascara was specially designed to give the lashes an exceptional volume-enhancing effect with infinite lengthening and immediate curling.
In Second Place is Smashbox Bionic Mascara.
Smashbox Bionic is the first ionic mascara—it will leave you with longer, stronger, and more voluminous lashes! The specially-engineered brush coats lashes with our revolutionary long-wearing, water-resistant formula for a dramatic full lash. Aloe, silk, and wheat protein strengthen and condition.
And in First Place with me loving it for ever and ever: Cargo Triple Action Mascara.
Unique styling polymers and a special brush separate and curl your lashes while thickening and lengthening, while 11 essential Amino Acids condition and fortify your lashes.
So there you have it. The other ones were very good as well, but only these made my cut. I had fun trying all these products and the only sad thing is that I can’t in good conscience buy new ones for the rest of the year…..OK, maybe just trial sizes.
Classic Stripes
14 years ago
{jumper:vintage nicole miller blazer:elizabeth & james shoes:jeffrey campbell bag:vintage chanel necklace:marc jacobs}
I have the same relationship with stripes as I do with polka dots (mentioned here). Stripes, like polka dots, are a classic pattern that when worn right, can never get old or go out of style. I recently bought this vintage Nicole Miller jumper (yes, there are bike shorts built in), from a friend of mine and I’ve been dying to wear it. The weather lately hasn’t been cooperating so in return I decided to brave the windy wet outdoors with my playful yet sophisticated look; you can always make a jumper more mature if you pair it with a structured blazer. It’s not like I was trying to be professional while shopping at the vintage clothing expo, I just couldn’t bare putting a raincoat on that would cover my outfit.
Spring fever
14 years ago
You’ve probably noticed that this Spring designers and fashionistas around the globe are adding bold colors to their looks. Whether it be wearing head-to-toe jewel tones (Gucci) or just adding a bright bag or shoe to an all black ensemble, people are catching on and brightening up their Spring – one outfit at a time.
Here are a few of my favorite personal style bloggers, rocking a little Springtime cheer.
Pop Culture Late Afternoon
But when there isn’t a color out there that will liven up your day, try mixing patterns and silhouettes for a fresh Spring look.
