Girlfriends and Glamour: Tips For Your At-Home Beauty Prep

Ever been in a bind for a fancy occasion and found yourself squirming over the thought of having to master your own hair and makeup? Or reached for the curling iron with no idea of the power you wield, or (shudder) the damage you could do? If you've ever poured helplessly over your eyeshadows with not a clue as to what you're going for, you'll agree that everyone needs a friend who's a beauty expert.

Luckily, my lady, Lydia Hopmann, who happens to also be one of the featured designers in this year's Alternative Fashion Week, was able to rescue me from my novice ways last Saturday as I prepped for a formal fund-raising event. In a little over an hour, this genius woman took me from drab to fab, all in the comfort of her own home, as we gabbed like a pair of high-schoolers getting ready for our first dance.

 

I've always relished the process of getting ready – be that constructing a head-to-toe outfit and readying myself from one day to the next, or letting stylists take the lead at fashion shows and photoshoots. As a model, taking on new looks is one of the most amazing parts of each new project, and it's rare that I'm left with anything less than wonder whenever I take a seat to have my hair or makeup done.

My girlfriend time with Lydia proved no different. Though we used my evening event as an excuse to catch up about everything and nothing, we were serious about the task at hand. I'd come to her with my wardrobe complete for the function, but had not the faintest idea about how handle the rest of my look. How could I dress up my pixie cut while still looking natural? Did I want a bold lip, or would that be too much?

 

The transformation I underwent was just the right dose of special yet subtle. Using one of her favorite eyeshadow palettes, Naked 2 by Urban Decay, Lydia blended the perfect smoky eye, combining touches of gold to mirror the gilded belt that encircled my flowy, mint green frock. Highlighting my face with swipes of blush, I appeared rosy yet refined (a far cry from anything I would have been able to accomplish on my own).

But the brilliance didn't stop there. Large barrel rollers, a couple twists of a straightener and a few sprays of hair spritz gave my cropped 'do more feminine shape. My stick straight locks, sometimes a nuisance, were suddenly red carpet ready. 

As Lydia worked her magic on my face and follicles, I tackled my nails. Choosing nail polish from a such a well-rounded collection was quite the feat, but I finally settled on a beautiful taupe color by Sonia Kashuk. This was complimented by a cool clear lacquer with holographic foil flakes by Formula X. Lydia finished off my nails with dainty dots of gold on the last two fingernails, a tiny yet irresistible detail that I haven't been able to keep my eyes off since.

And with that, I was off to enjoy the night ahead, feeling radiant from both the cosmetics and the conversation. Later, as glasses chinked and hors d'oeuvres were devoured, I took in the looks around me and could only imagine that I'd had one of the more pleasant prepping experiences. I've pretty much mastered my daily routine; I'm no longer leary of mascara, and can even apply a nice coat of lipstain, but nothing compares to having your makeup and hair done by someone who truly knows the ropes.

Ladies (and gents!), if you don't have a good pal who knows their way around a Sephora and can work a beauty miracle for you at the last minute, let me tell you, you're missing out. The only thing better than letting a friend take the beauty reigns is the bonding that inevitably happens. Having been saved from my ineptitude at the vanity was just a portion of why I left for the ball with such gusto in my high-heeled step. As anyone with loyalties to a favorite hair, makeup, or nail maven can attest, it's more than just the finished product that keeps you coming back. It's the friendship.

In an ode to how much we enjoy our dress-up time, behold:
Lydia (right) and I a few weeks back at an '80s themed roller skate party!

- Michaela Neu

Model and Alt Fashion Blogger

Meet the Mob: Style Director, Jefferey Steele

Matt Resse, photographer

Jefferey Steele is another of the founding Alternative Fashion Mob members.  Originally, he met designer Kelli Martin through a co-worker when the salon he was working for did hair and make-up for a runway show at her store, Black Market, a few years ago. They kept in touch, with Jeff doing hair and make-up whenever she had a runway show. Coincidentally, they were having a meeting about another project when she mentioned that she wanted to start her own fashion week. "I thought it was an amazing idea and needed to be a part of it. Alternative Fashion Mob (AFM) was officially started in November 2012." He came on-board with AFM with his role being Style Director.  His responsibilities include coordinating all hair and make-up for events as well as photo shoots. He also finds models for the designers and for any "flashion mobs" that may occur. Finding photographers for various shoots as well as making sure that they are present at all events to document the "fabulosity" of the AFM is another of his reported duties.

Matt Resse, Photographer

Jeff has been in the hair business for 20 years, since attending Nationwide Beauty Academy. Currently, he works four days a week doing hair and make-up at CutNBlow Hair Salon On North High. Some of his favorite advice for working the in the beauty and fashion industries:
"...if you want to be successful in the hair, make-up, and/or fashion business, you need to treat your peers and co-workers the same way you would like to be treated. Nobody has time for attitudes."

Elina Khachaturyan, Photographer

Troy Mueller, Photographer

In addition, he is a self-taught fashion designer out of necessity. Jeff says, "When I started making garments, it was because I was doing photo shoots of my own concept and needed certain things. I knew no designers at the time so I just started making things myself." He is excited to be showing his very first collection at the 2014 Alternative Fashion Week Grand Finale Runway Show. More than anything, he just likes to create things and gets inspiration from random daily events and things he observes, both small and large.

In addition to all of his work with AFM and his day job, he has several events in the works. He worked on a photo shoot, providing hair, make-up, and fashion styling recently with Photographer Troy Mueller that will be displayed at Substance Boutique in the Short North for April's Gallery Hop. He will also have a private reviewing of his collection from AFW 2014  at the June Gallery Hop in CutNBlow Salon; unveiling the photos from the collection shot as well as a 2-3 minute movie based on the collection. As if that isn't enough, this summer he will be working on a 12-photo series concept with Photographer Matt Reese. After being approached by Matt, he jumped at the chance because they have worked together for years and he loved the proposed concept. No more can be said at this time but all will be revealed in the fall!

Elina Khachaturyan, photographer

  

Contact info for readers:

You can check out some of Jeff's portfolio on his Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/jefferey.steele

Or stop in and see him at CutNBlow Hair Salon for your own styling needs!

http://www.cutnblow.net/

1244 North High St Columbus, Ohio 43201

614.824.1619

Written by Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

Meet the Mob: Sponsorship Director, Educator, and Fine Artist, Rachel Murdock

Rachel Murdock is one of the founding member of the Alternate Fashion Mob and a dear friend of mine so I am pleased to provide some background on this lovely young lady for the AFM!  Rachel and I met several years ago through membership in another arts-related organization and after many interactions on behalf of that group, became friends. During the time I have known her, I have been impressed by her enthusiasm, work ethic, and tireless efforts on behalf of the arts in our fair city. She is also very creative in a multitude of artistic genres, including painting, mixed media, and fashion accessories.

She graduated with a Bachelor's in Art Education with an emphasis on Art Therapy from Capital University (she's a West side native). In addition to being an educator, she is also a fine artist and crafter. Currently, she teaches art at a suburban elementary school and loves it (the kids definitely love her, too, as I have seen from her FB posts!)  So every day she has the opportunity to use her training and creativity to inspire little ones to express themselves.  She will also be completing a Master's Degree this summer in  Curriculum and Instruction Design.

When asked to define her art, she said: Perhaps it is due to my art therapy background, but I tend to focus more on the process. My painting style is very organic in that I tend to allow myself to be inspired by how I'm feeling, the textures I want to create, the colors. I'm big on color theory and I guess you could describe my art as experiments in that. I gravitate towards mixed media and have an eye for papers and findings that could be incorporated into my work. I guess I'm a little magpie. I look for things that I consider to be special.

One of her passions is creating hair pieces (headbands, combs, fascinators, etc.) that have a retro quality to them using cruelty-free feathers, vintage brooches, and hand-dyed lace. She also

Crystals, Bullets, and Guinea Pigs: Catching Up with Phyllis + Hazel

This week I caught up with fellow Mobster and local designer of Phyllis + Hazel, Madeleine Etter, at her design loft inside of Substance, where she also serves as store manager. You may have seen her in the shop or around town. She'd be the pixie-like girl with the technicolor hair...

Or you may remember her from Phyllis + Hazel's vibrant collection at last year's Alternative Fashion Week...

But when I met with Etter, I wasn't there to talk about her fashion line, which the designer has temporarily put on hold, but rather to learn more about her latest passion: the Phyllis + Hazel jewelry line. The line's minimal, industrial aesthetic is a clear departure from her bright and whimsical clothing line. When asked about the differing styles, she explained that because she generally likes to wear a lot of colors and patterns, she likes to keep her jewelry simple. And though I had never really analyzed my own aesthetic in that way, from one "loud" dresser to the next, this makes perfect sense. I've got a closet full of patterns and a simple gold engagement ring to prove it. 

But whatever you do, don't take minimal to mean boring. No, if there's one thing you should know about Etter, it's that she's far from boring. In fact, one of the first questions I asked her, "Where did you get the name Phyllis + Hazel?" produced a very unexpected response. You see, I had just assumed it was after her grandmothers. Makes perfect sense, right? But no, the brand's name is actually an ode to Etter's guinea pigs that she had in college. She says she prefers animals to have "old lady names." 

And that quirky (I know it's a total cliche word, but when it's right, it's right...) charm is apparent in each and every piece of the Phyllis + Hazel jewelry line. The 2009 CCAD grad is drawn to crystals and natural rock formations, like the pieces seen below, but she uses them in unexpected, even humorous, ways. My personal favorite from her collection are what I dubbed the "lipstick bullets," made from actual bullet shells that Etter collected herself while shooting with her grandfather. See, you didn't expect that one either, did you?

Growing up with a mother who worked in a jewelry store, Etter has been making jewelry since she was seven years old, but it wasn't until a metal working class at Columbus' Cultural Arts Center that her drive for jewelry-making was fully realized. Each piece in the Phyllis + Hazel line is hand-crafted, like this patina'd triangle bracelet and these lacquered vintage lockets...

By this point, I'm guessing you're liking what you're seeing. So where can you see more of it? Well, Phyllis + Hazel available via the brand's website, as well as Substance stores (in Columbus, Cincinnati, and online), and will soon be on Scout Mob. And you can also check Phyllis + Hazel's newest pieces (I haven't even seen them yet!) at Skully's Pixels by RAW event showcasing Columbus-based artists.

Oh, and make sure to look out for Phyllis + Hazel jewelry at Alternative Fashion Week events!

Written by Ashley Wills 

(Designer, Stylist, and Blogger at StyleOnHigh)

Photo Credit: Michael Powers, Alternative Fashion Mob, and Phyllis + Hazel

Puttin' on the Ritz: Behind the Scenes with an AFM Model

Call it fate. Call it coincidence. I consider it no small matter that I found myself dressed to the nines in Daisy Buchanan fashion two Sundays ago, mere hours after watching Baz Luhrmann's movie masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. Seeing Carey Mulligan flit from one decadent outfit to another was nothing short of spectacular, but by the time the credits were rolling and I'd drained my champagne glass, I was ready to don some sparkles of my own.

I couldn't have foreseen that my photo shoot the next day would indulge this very craving. The roaring Twenties were all too apparent in Rox + Royalty's latest collection, Modern Gatbsy. Coupled with a fair dose of flapper-approved sequins, fur, and beading, Rox + Royalty's newest pieces also incorporate the studs, spikes and fun-loving vibe that has become the line's edgy signature.

The creation of Annie Weihrauch, Rox + Royalty is a staple in the Columbus fashion scene. Awarded the grand prize at HighBall 2013, the citywide Halloween bonanza, Annie further cemented herself as one of the Capital city's most exciting designers. Her plans for 2014 are just as thrilling. On February 6^th, Rox + Royalty will show at New York Fashion Week – an experience coveted by most any clothing designer.

The photo shoot that ensued for Rox + Royalty's NYFW lookbook was a fabulous fusion of bad-ass grandeur. Reporting for hair and makeup, I was promptly transformed by stylist Marissa Bender with a wavy, slicked-down 'do to compliment my pixie cut. Smoky eyes, rouged cheeks, and maroon lips were next on Marissa's list. From the salon, I toted by model bag and my high spirits to the studio, where I was greeted with an energetic Annie putting the finishing touches on her marvelous pieces.

Under a mass of fabric and hardware, amid glitter, tulle, and chains, I spied fashion glory – a floor length gown with a white bustier bodice, its seams outlined in silver beads to mimic the chrome hued sequins of the cutaway skirt. With so many pieces to outfit us models, I could only hope I'd be chosen for that heavenly creation! It was with much enthusiasm that I skipped to the dressing room a few minutes later after Annie dubbed me the Daisy of the shoot.

I emerged with a huge smile, strapped on a killer pair of heels and bent down as I was adorned with yet more Jazz Age finery. That's right! Rox + Royalty's wears also extend into jewelry and accessories! The feather headband and chunky necklace were just the glitz I needed to complete my look.

Anita (left) and I on set!

Gatsby girls.

As I took in the rest of the room, I realized I wasn't the only model feeling the glamor that day. Everywhere I turned, the other girls were just as entranced with their looks as I was with mine. Taking to the camera, the rapid succession of clicks was accompanied by my unstoppable ponderings. How fabulous would it have been to live in a time when life was about making a statement, whether at teatime or at the city's most exclusive party?

I consider myself lucky to have glimpsed this awesome merger of historically lavish aesthetic made modern. The Lookbook had proven to be a complete success thanks to the grand designs of Rox + Royalty's reigning queen, Annie. Visit the the Rox + Royalty site today get a dose of twinkling Twenties style with that irresistible sass.

Best of luck at NYFW, Annie! In true Rox + Royalty style, we know you'll show 'em who's boss. This debutante is honored to be a part of your journey.

Here is the fabulous result of the shoot, and a peak at Annie's line. 


Photos by Dalong Yang

http://www.roxandroyalty.com/

http://plitzs.com/nycfashionweek/schedule-2/ 

- Michaela Neu

Model and Alt Fashion Blogger

A Retail Orgasm: The Story of One Alternative Fashion Blogger's Shopping Haul

Friday afternoon, after working from 5am-10am (yeah, don’t ask!), I found myself on one of those random missions to Easton Towne Center that we've all tried to accomplish: Do one thing, and get the heck out.

I had only planned to take my foundation back to exchange it for the correct shade. (After all, later on that night I had to attend Columbus' new monthly event called “Fashion & Fame” at Shadowbox Live and I hadn’t had any rest since 4am.) So the plan was to hit the M.A.C counter and promptly leave.

Ha! You know it never works out like we plan.

A voice in in the back of my head demanded, “Go to H&M and look around. You might find a dress on sale to wear tonight.” So I did.

Initially, nothing was really tickling my fancy. I saw one jacket with chains on the shoulders that was really cool -- but it was also full price, so it went back on the rack fairly quickly. Then I started to make my way to the back where the sale items live. And to my surprise, there were two round racks in the middle with a sign above them that read, “50% off.” BINGO, I had action!

As I begin to survey the racks, I saw the tags with stickers on them that read $20, $15, and $7. I thought to myself, “Hmm these aren’t bad at all.”

Then I looked back up at the sign on the top of the rack. “50% off MARKED DOWN prices.” Whaaat?

I asked the sales lady (just to make sure before I got myself all worked up for nothing), “does this sign mean the prices are ALREADY marked 50% off?” She looked at me, smiled like an angel and said, “oh no, it means 50% off THAT price on the sticker on the tag. So if it says, $7.00, it will be $3.50 at the register.”

I swear I went deaf and blind for a minute! I composed myself, looked back at the tags, and said, “So wayment (that's surprised talk for "wait a minute"). You mean to tell me that all of these dresses are only $3.50?”

She politely reiterated, “Yes ma’am, that’s right.” I immediately started scrolling through everything on the rack like I was a contestant on that old show “Supermarket Sweep,” except this was a new show called “H&M Winter Clearance Sweep,” starring ME, and I had to liberate everything great off that rack!

I swept up all the dresses and every blazer in my size and sashayed merrily to the dressing room, both arms laden with clothes. The dressing room attendant looked at me and, seeing I was obviously ready to shop, uttered a statement that was music to my little ears: “You know we have more clearance items in the back of the store, right?”

My outer voice said, "Oh, great! Thank you!" But my inner voice said, "You’ve got to be sh*ttin' me! You mean to tell me there are more $3.50 dresses back there, too? Have I died and gone to retail heaven?!"

I couldn’t believe that all of this could be happening to me. On this day. At this moment. When I had money to spend!

So of course, I stuffed all the items I grabbed from the first two racks into the oversized H&M mesh shopping bag I picked up in the dressing room and made my way to the back of the store. Low and behold, I found pants, shirts, sweaters, skirts, more blazers, jackets, and more dresses. Pants for $7.50, skirts for $2.50, sweaters for $5.00, the list goes on and the prices continue to drop.
 
Okay, so at this point I am literally HIGH: My heart is pounding, my pupils are dilated, my hands are shaking, my anxiety is through the roof, and I am floating through the store in a euphoric trance. I can’t hear anything (except for the voices in my head tallying up my total, $2.50+ $7.50+ $10.00+….) and I don’t see anyone else in the store (except for the people who get in my way -- you know the ones who obviously have a death wish). It’s just me, the sale racks, marked down tags, the 50% off signs, and the clothes... Yes people, my name is Simon'e and I am addicted to retail, sales, and all things fashion.

I tried things on, made my selections, and took them to the register. As I slung my oversized shopping bag full of goodies onto the counter, I confessed, “yeah, sh*t just got real. Please don’t judge me.” My high was lingering but it was wearing off.

Until the cashier said my total in so lovely a voice, it must have been given to her by sweet baby Jesus himself!! “That will be $94.16.”

I felt the adrenaline rush back through my entire body. It was a retail orgasm! (And we all know how hard those are to come by -- amIright, ladies?) Proudly, with a smile from here to the runways of Paris, I swiped my card. I took my receipt and slung my huge bag of Winter Clearance greatness over my shoulder as I floated out of the store looking like Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

After it was all said and done, I walked away with 15 items:

• 6 pairs of pants
• 4 dresses
• 1 sweater
• 2 jackets
• 2 skirts

For less than $100.00!

Here the beauties are:

The moral of this story is: SHOP OFF-SEASON AND SAVE MONEY!

If you have the patience to wait to purchase items between seasons -- at the end of one season, beginning of the next -- you can really get the most for your money. I know what you’re thinking... “Simon'e, I don’t have time to wait until the end of spring to purchase spring clothes. I need them now!” And you’re absolutely right but if that top is marked $39.50 and it will cost you only $3.50 in a couple of months, isn’t that worth the wait? And the best thing about it is that I just got clothes on winter clearance and it is still winter! I can wear them now and even transition some of them into the upcoming seasons.

With that being said:
Happy clearance hunting and may the fashion force be with you!

 

Here's me with my flushed-cheek, starry-eyed new clothes glow:

 

And here's the cool fashion event where I wore my new look:

 

Written by Simon’e Lightfoot

 

Let the mess begin!

This week the Alternative Fashion Mob had its first meeting with the prospective designers for Alternative Fashion Week 2014, and there was a spectacular turn out. I don't think anyone anticipated there being SO MANY PEOPLE! It seems like just yesterday we were wrapping up a glorious runway finale after a whole week of alternative fashion events for 2013, and I personally can't believe that it's already time to do it again. I. CAN'T. WAIT.

If you haven't checked out last year's finale show, you should really take a peek at This Photo Album Right Here to get an idea of how much awesome is about to happen in April. The picture above is a fantastic reminder that this city really is A Fashion Hub with exceptional talent all around it.

And while we count down the days to Alternative Fashion Week 2014 (April 19th-26th), we're gearing up to cover as much of the behind the scenes as possible here on AFBlog. We've taken on three wonderful contributing writers to help tackle as many things as we can, and there will be A LOT. From designer spotlights and interviews, to tutorials, event coverage, fashion reviews, mood boards, and more! We will have weekly updates to help build your anticipation (and beyond!) of the big event. As always, if there's something particular that you'd like us to cover or write on, please let us know in the comments!