Your Life ( and Style) IS American Idol!

YOUR LIFE AND STYLE IS AMERICAN IDOL

by Tamara Gold

Do you go through your day feeling kind of pitchy?

Or perhaps no one is listening to you and you want to yell out, “Hey dogg, listen up, listen up, listen up. Okay, dogg…..”

You even go to your favorite store, touch a few tubes of the new Tom Ford lipstick line and think, “I’m just not feeling it.”

Your husband hums in the shower and you find yourself saying, “Honey, I love you, but I’m worried about your song selection. With all the great pop songs out there what were you thinking by humming ‘Yellow Submarine?”

What I’m thinking is that life mirrors “American Idol.”

Think about it a moment: Just like on “Idol,” we wake up every morning, style ourselves in the best way possible and then go out on that great stage of life to put on our best performances. Sometimes we win; other times we’re stuck in the bottom three. A detractor can makes our lives miserable. Other times, our personal Simon says, “You went from zero to hero. Well done. ”

What are the deeper lessons of Idol that apply to your life, business and personal style?

Just like Simon tells us on Idol, please stay true to who you are.

It’s time to recognize your own unique talents and stay true to the best vision of you. Think about the singers on Idol who are some mish-mash of what they think everyone else wants them to be as an artist. Suddenly, they’re schitzo!  One week, they’re crooning a country song and the next they’re doing some Zeppelin. It’s confusing because everyone else wonders, “Who is this person?” Just like on Idol when you figure out the best version of you then stick with it. Think about Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry who were always true to their unique visions. No one had either of them singing show tunes. Those songs just didn’t fit. People who are true to themselves can’t be anything else but beautiful and authentic.

Just like Paula used to tell us on Idol, show us a little more personality.

Don’t hide out. Your personality makes you magnetic and unforgettable. This is true when it comes to your personal style. Perhaps you’re like Crystal Bowersox this season and you dress like you live in a Seattle coffee shop. You know what? She’s perfect because her clothing reflects her true personality. Can you imagine how uncomfortable she would feel if they forced her to wear a tight mini skirt and low-cut shirt? Don’t let others dictate how you will present yourself to the world.

Do it your own way – because the world has enough cookie cutter types.

Your goal is to stand out from all of those who are simply auditioning. You don’t want to look like that cookie cutter girl with the same outfit, the same hair and even the same makeup. Your individuality will make you rise from the pack, and often this does start with clothing. Siobhan Magnus might wear a short tulle skirt with legwarmers and cowboy boots next week, but somehow it all works because she has style to stand out for the rest. Look at Adam Lambert. Like him or not, he commands the room from his ever-growing hair to his pointy-shoes.

Realize that everyone isn’t always a fan.

You can’t go through the day worrying if everyone will vote for you. There will be people who don’t like you or those who judge you harshly. Remember that Simon was rude to Jennifer Hudson and basically told her that she stunk. She was low in the top ten when she got kicked off “Idol,” disappeared and came back to win an Oscar and have a hit CD. Your detractors can and will be wrong. I’m sure Daughtry isn’t still upset that he didn’t win Idol or even come in as the runner up.

Make sure to appreciate the Ellen in your life.

There will always be someone who desperately wants you to win and sees the positive in you. He or she will make you laugh and smile like Ellen does on “Idol.” Cherish this person and let their compliments sink in.

Realize that we all make bad song choices.

Big Mike, I feel your pain on Beatles week. But realize that we all make a bad decision or two in life. You might even do it in front of a lot of people like those Idol contestants. But the key is you put yourself out there and someone will “get” your tune.

Finally, just like on Idol, polish yourself, grow and evolve as you go on.

Think about the Idol contestants on week one vs. the finale of the show. Of course, they’ve had major makeovers from top industry pros. They’ve been polished up and the gold has been tumbled until it shines. Most of the ladies begin as regular people and look like beautiful stars when it’s over. You can work on your own hair, face and clothing in the same manner. Realize it’s not an overnight fix. Heck, it takes those idols all season to really look fabulous.

Oh, one more. Everyone is a winner.

Yes, if you put yourself out there, stay true to who you are and focus on doing your best then how can you not become a winner?

Right, dogg?

The 5 Deadly Makeup Sins

The 5 Deadly Makeup Sins
By Tamara Gold

Thou shalt not cheat on your husband. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not wear the wrong color foundation!

Okay, that last one might not be Biblical, but it should be known to all women because a bad coat of face is one of the 5 Deadly Makeup Sins. I’m using a word as strong as SIN because these mistakes take all the fabulousness right out of your day.

Below are a collection of several beauty sins. Please repent now!

First Sin – Wearing the Wrong Color Foundation.

You’ve seen the woman at the mall or in a restaurant who is wearing someone’s else foundation color. It looks SO fake or as though she’s starring in a revival of “Cats.” Stop the insanity!  Instead, throw out that bottle and find what’s right for you. How do you know if your foundation color is wrong?

The Golden Rule: You will see that your neck and cheeks don’t match . This is called the line of demarcation. When you try on foundation at a makeup counter, don’t buy it right away. Walk around and go out in natural light so you can see if the color really matches. You won’t test it on your arm or hand, but on your jaw line. The right color dries clean and the line between the makeup and your skin disappears completely.

Remember that foundation that’s too heavy or opaque will make you look older because, it won’t blend into your skin, but sit on top of it. Your foundation should also feel like silk on your skin while it hides all your flaws.

Second Sin- Wearing Concealer That’s Too Light Under Your Eyes — Or Too Much.

Hello, raccoon eyes! Concealer that’s too light for your skin tone will look like you’re on your way to your own heavyweight boxing match or your child took a yellow crayon and colored under your eyes.  Instead of hiding your fine lines or wrinkles, you will be shining a spotlight in that direction.

The Golden Rule: Make sure that your concealer blends perfectly with your natural skin tone. Before buying from a makeup counter, ask for a sample, bring it home and try it out for a day or two in different lights. Test it under your foundation to make sure everything blends. Buy a concealer that’s creamy with a nice neutral tone. You can also add a drop of your foundation to your concealer before you put it on to make it appear unnoticeable. Make sure the foundation is not too white for your skin. My favorite comes from Kevyn Aucoin called The Senusal Skin Enhancer $31.50 (www.kevynaucoindirect.com)

Third Sin – Clumpy Mascara.

You need three coats of a mascara for that perfect look, but make sure you don’t create clumps because you put it on the wrong way. Clumps are often created when you “take a little break” to let each coat of mascara dry.

The Golden Rule: Put on your three coats of mascara quickly and one after each other, so it doesn’t dry sticky and create clumps. If it clumps do happen, use a tiny little eyelash comb to separate the lashes. Remember that my rule is to put on the mascara before your shadow, so you can easily do a quick fix if the mascara ends up in the wrong place.

Fourth Sin – Lipliner on the loose!

You know what I’m talking about here…the solid line that somehow sneaks outside your lipstick.

The Golden Rule: Find a good nude liner like my favorite from Chanel (www.Chanel.com). The next step is to color the entire inside of your lip, blot with a Kleenex to take off any excess and then apply lipstick or lip-gloss on top.  The nude liner is key because it will give you definition even if you use a red lipstick. If you’re doing on-camera work, be careful with the gloss. In this high-definition age, a little lipgloss can look like an oil slick on film and it’s distracting. Try a nice nude liner on your lips with  cream lipstick instead.

Fifth Sin - Too Much Bronzer.

Ooompa loompa, doopity don’t, indeed! Been there! Done that! Go easy on the color. And, make sure you blend.

The Golden Rule: First, don’t put bronzer everywhere. It’s not necessary. Use it to add a little sun-kissed look just where the sun would naturally tan your face.  Second, make sure to find a great blush brush and lightly dust your bronzer on your cheeks. You can use a bit of it to go down both sides of your neck and use a little swirl on your chest. If you’re going sleeveless then hit the top of your shoulders with a bit of bronzer.  For my ladies on camera, skip the  sparkling bronzer, which is distracting when filmed. Use a matte powder bronzer if you need a little more color.

7 Simple Style Strategies

Busy women, with businesses and families, still want to look great, but may find it hard to juggle it all and still look fabulous. The don’t want to spend too much time thinking about their looks, but they know it makes a difference when it comes to their business. First impressions do matter, but spending time on their wardrobe, isn’t a priority. Building a solid wardrobe can help you feel more confident and in the lng run, save you time and money.

1. Purchase the best quality you can afford. Good quality clothing will last longer and over the long run save you money.

2. Go for shapes and designs that are flattering on your body type. Stay away from trendy pieces that don’t do anything for your figure. Spend money on pieces that will be staples. Pick up a trend piece to add to your wardrobe for a season, but don’t break the bank on this item.

3. Look at color in a new way. If you usually play it safe by wearing only black and other shades of neutral, add color into the mix buy using your eye color. Buy a shirt in your eye color and notice how people compliment  you and listen to what you have to say.

4. Edit your closet. Get rid of anything that doesn’t speak to your soul, makes you feel sloppy, or doesn’t represent who you really want to be. Be ruthless. Too many clothes hanging in your closet can actually make it more difficult to get ready when you’re in a hurry.

5. Create a Style File. Look through magazines and catalogs and pull images of items you would like to own or ensembles you could duplicate on your own. Keep your Style File in your closet, in a binder, and flip through it whenever you need a little inspiration putting together a chic new look.

6. Be Creative. Mix and match pieces in a new way. Add a pair of texture tights, accessorize your outfit in a new way. Think outside the box. Outfits don’t have to be matchy-matchy. An unusual piece in the mix can add flair and interest.

7. Layer pieces to add interest to an outfit. A dress you’ve worn before will have an entirely different feel if you pair it with tights, add a short fitted jacket and a pair of boots.

Keep in mind that it should be fun to play with your style. If it’s not, you can hire a Wardrobe Stylist. Nordstrom’s Department Stores have a wonderful personal shopper system set in place.  Give them a call; make an appointment. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have great style. Wear your clothes with confidence and remember, style is an every evolving process.

Do You Know the Difference Between an Actress and an Icon?

The Foley Factory

The Power of a Dream Team

The team behind the curtain can make the difference between an Actress and an Icon. Working with a  Experienced Professionals increases the quality of  your finished product. Stepping into the Spotlight can seem like a  daunting task, especially for those of us who are used to hiding in the shadows. (Trust me, I’ve been there.) Hiring the right team is what will set YOU apart. A Wardrobe Stylist, Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, Photographer, Video Team and Publicist will take you and your business to next big level. 

You might be thinking, “I’m not a model. I’ll never look like that.” The truth is, when you surround yourself with talented people, living in their passion, you will look and feel incredible. It is important that you work with your team before hand to insure you create an authentic image that resonates with you and  your niche market.  Shooting your publicity pictures, speaking from the stage or filming your marketing videos with a highly qualified team of professionals will save you time, money and can increase your profits.  Your Upscale Image and Professional quality photos and video will send a powerful message to  your clients. It shows you care about  the quality of your business. And your clients will know that you’ll care about them too. 

Behind the Scenes Video Credits:  

Bringing together Creative Minds and the Top Industry Pro’s is the spark that ignites the flow of unstoppable creative energy!  I was in heaven doing what I love, makeup!  Working with an amazing team is a gift.  With her keen eye for creative direction, Christa Foley, an exceptional hairdresser and makeup artist, and her husband, Celebrity Photographer, Kevin Foley, made the perfect combination for a unbelievable shoot. Houda Shretah and Erica Taylor from Elite Modeling Agency and Emma from Wilhelmina Agency, were outstanding models.

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