Street Style Sunnies

Sunglasses are one of the most essential items to have on your person for the summer, they are a staple item that if forgotten your entire day can ruined… Yes they are that important. Although sunglasses are an item of purpose and protect the two most importance organs on your face, they have evolved to more of a fashion statement with less emphasis on function ability.  With the evolution of Sunglasses has also come the evolution of Street Style, defined as “A distinctive style of street fashion. Rooted in West Coast surf and skate culture, it has grown to encompass elements of hip hop fashion, Japanese street fashion, and modern Haute couture fashion”. The achievement of unique and eclectic “Street Style” often times is not complete without the final touch of some fly Sunnies (Sunglasses) to finish the look.

Sunglasses have always made a splash in fashion and looking back in history, some decades used sunglasses as fashion statements more recurrently and elaborately. With the rebirth of “Street Style” and more diverse scope of sunglass trends, the collaboration is inevitable. The Fluff team did our research to find some of the hottest summer styles for “Summer Sunnies” and the some of the reasons why these shapes and styles are trending.

ROUND FRAMES:

• They are effortless and sexy, round shades help you channel the bohemian vibe of the 60s & 70’s.
• Mirrored lens round frames are all the rage for the summer and give your eyes that full coverage that they need.
• They are Fun and Flirty looking, round frames give the face an approachable free spirited look.
• Round frame are not suited for everyone’s face though, they tend to work best with square or oval face shapes, so make sure to try on before committing.

TRANSLUCENT:

• One of the hottest trends for the season is translucent lenses. With colors like pink, grey or purples, translucent frame will make a statement with a subtle yet confident charm.
• Translucent frames are a perfect addition to a monochromatic or all white look. It adds that pop of color that your outfit may needs without being too flashy.
• If you like to coordinate colors to the “T”, a translucent colored lens gives you that option as well.
• Translucent lenses also come in a variety of shapes and outer pattens and can be a bold accessory that grabs the attention you are looking for.

PRINTS & PATTERNS:

• A printed style makes are a conversation piece that works with any day look, they also serve well and are the perfect addition to your solid sundress or ripped denim and plain white t-shirt look.
• Don’t be afraid to try stripes, polka dots and florals, a host of designers are using these prints and pairing them for day and evening. Envision these patterned frames at your rooftop gathering right at sundown or at your Sunday brunch, they work for both occasions.
• Patterns and printed sunglasses are the perfect complement to an updo, especially the summer bun. It’s one of the easiest accessories you can add with subtle jewelry.
• Prints and patterns are for the fierce and fabulous who like to have fun with fashion and want to be seen.

Fluff encourages you to amp up your Street Style with a new pair of Sunnies and the attitude that matches the mood of your selection, be it bold, colorful or decorated, have fun!

Picture Perfect Makeup

With the general population being more picture obsessed than they once were and people, women in particular, looking to be seen as “picture perfect” as possible for social media and while on their day to day routine, the pressure mounds to make women’s makeup  something right out of a magazine, Fluff Magazine preferably.  With help from the expert makeup artist LeAndra France, we got the pro’s guide to keeping your face photo ready for anyone aiming to create the perfect visual effect that looks flawless on or off camera.

Name the top five makeup mistakes that unexperienced MUA’s or DIY gals make on a day to day basis?

1.  Using the wrong colors foundations and concealers. I see this a lot, either the colors are too dark or too red or pale .It is important to know undertones of the skin and match them with a concealer that hides imperfections, as opposed highlighting them.

2. Not blending makeup enough, leaving marks of demarcation at the jaw line and not applying
foundation and powders around the hairline and eyebrows are a hug No-No.

3. Misapplication of mascara is another pet peeve. One must always apply mascara on all the hairs of the lashes and making sure they apply mascara from the base of the eyelash, all the way to the top of the lash. A major mistake is when some ladies only apply mascara from the middle of the lash, to the tip which can make the lashes look very sparse.

4. I like to call it one stop contour. Not knowing your face’s shape can be a big problem, I see woman contouring and highlight every face the same way….it isn't a one technique fits all kind of deal. Everyone’s bone structure is unique and we all don't need to hollow out our cheekbones and slim our noses. Too much contouring and using the wrong technique can look very unflattering.

5. Using mineral makeup products is not a great idea. These products contain Mica, a mineral that can make your skin appear oily and very shiny, especially when the photographer’s light and flash hit it.


  What do you recommend doing to ensure that a face photographs well?

1.  Sometimes photographers lighting can be too little bright on the skin’s pigment and it in turn makes the model look very pale or ashy. It is best to darken your foundation a shade and blend it on to the ears, neck and décolletage.

*Trick of the Trade: If you get foundation on the hairline use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to wipe it off gently.

2. Using lots of shimmer and glitter is a HUGE faux pas. Glitters and shimmery products make the skin appear very shiny, or wet when the flash and lighting hit it.  Professionals call these shiny areas, Hot spots. We often recommend using matte makeup because matte makeup products won't reflect any light on camera.

*Trick of the Trade: Not using a setting powder is a big mistake. Apply setting powder to the forehead, nose and chin to avoid excess shine. Setting powders are great for protecting your foundation and concealers and keeps your beautiful makeup from melting under the hot photography lights or sun. So the more the better just make sure to pat and blend very well

3.Skin care is very important! Foundations and concealers can emphasize the look of dehydrated cracking skin and wrinkles it’s always best to do a mini facial before shoot. Doing light exfoliation on your face and lips while using of a good moisturizer and primer will help your makeup blend into your skin allowing your makeup to look flawless.

No that your camera ready and have all the tips you need to guarantee that you look your best on camera, it time to delete the filter apps and embrace the instructions that will promise perfection when it comes to makeup application for photos.

For more info on Makeup Artist LeAndra France visit her website: www.leandrafrance.com

Miami Swim Week 2015 - Indah did it best!

Miami Swim Week 2015 made its way to the beautiful shores of South beach this past week, with a monstrous lineup of designers that gave swimwear enthusiasts all they could ever dream of and more. One show in particular definitely delivered HEAT with the debut of her 2016 resort swimsuit collection for Indah Swimwear. The Bali-based women’s swim and beachwear brand, founded in 1997 was designed by Libby DeSantis, the self-proclaimed rock star diplomat who conjured up a line full of beautifully exotic pieces mixed with a 1970’s punk rock and 90’s minimalist feel. The words “Bad Ass” are what DeSantis thinks best defines the collection and the garments definitely speak true to that description. “There are chains and studs, mixed with leather and lace, there is shag and there are bones” – L.DeSantis. This line had no shortage of sex appeal, from python and animal prints, to sheer cover up and geometric deep v’s and cut outs, followed by barely there Brazilian bikini cut bottoms and simply miniature tops. This line is for the “women who want to sing their own song, leaving men wanting more and for the woman who is radiating her own light, according to DeSantis. The garments that stole the show on the catwalk were the overlays and cover-ups, there were made from a variety of luxe fabrics, patterns, textures and colors. From sequins, to zebra print, to sheer lace and furs and metallics the cover-up made a statement within itself, lending an elements of a girl’s inner “Diva” splashed with a bit of “Free-Spirt”.  For some swimwear shows the models can often time make the swimsuits, but this collection shined on its own with the distinctive and impulsive aesthetic of each pieces of swimwear.

For more info on Indah, please visit http://indahclothing.com and to purchase from the line, it is carried in retail boutiques nationwide including Planet Blue, Urban Outfitters, Revolve Clothing, iShine365, Shopbop and Nasty Gal.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

@IndahClothing 

 

Homemade Haircare

Being a continuous customer and purchasing pricey hair care products can be a daunting task and also drain your pockets to no end. The products that women pay the most for, are hair care products, specifically conditioners. On average women spend over $ 10,000 a year on products for their hair and in most cases, a third of that number are wasted by women who are searching for the right products that have the best results for dry damaged hair. As consumers, we are persuaded to believe that only store bought products will treat our hair issues, when in fact we have a slew of ingredients in our own homes that can treat and repair damaged or dry hair more effectively. Want to know which ingredients are most effective? Team Fluff has got you covered. Here are the top five ingredients in your home that will help you with curing your dry hair issues.

1.   Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is considered nature’s magical serum that is good for just about any and everything, including serving as a wonderful leave in treatment for dry hair. The application of coconut oil is just as easy as 1-2-3. Apply to hair and leave in for 4-6 hours and rinse.

Another alternative for the use of Coconut Oil is creating a Coconut Lavender Conditioner made from the following.

1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
1 cup of organic coconut oil

Mix all of these ingredients in a bowl and warm in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes and place in a plastic container to cool for use.

2.   Eggs - Although this is not the most smell friendly approach to hair conditioning, it does work wonders for conditioning hair. Mix two eggs with half cup of olive oil. Stir the mixture and apply to your hair, leave in for an hour and rinse.

When trying to solve issues regarding dandruff, the following  egg and vinegar hair mask will work its magic and make all your dry scalp worries disappear.

Beat one egg in a bowl and mix it with 1 table spoon of vinegar and olive oil. Apply it on your hair roots and strands using a brush. Let it stay for minimum 45 minutes and wash with shampoo and rinse. No additional conditioning needed.

3.   Apple Cider Vinegar – A very effective remedy for dry hair, apply Apple Cider Vinegar to a cotton ball and gently pat to the roots of your hair, let sit for 5 minutes and rinse.

If you are looking to cleanse your hair of excess oils and buildup , Apple Cider Vinegars serves as the perfect hair clarifier .

Mix a 8 oz water bottle with half Apple Cider Vinegar and the other half with water. Rinse your hair with the mixture and leave in your hair for 5 minutes and rinse.

4.    Yogurt – Another remedy for dry brittle hair that you will need to combine with Apple Cider Vinegar and place on hair as a mask for 15 minutes and rinse.

If frizz is a problem you deal with, yogurt is also great for eliminating frizz and making your hair more manageable.

5.    Avocado – Also used as mask for conditioning, Avocado used with Apple Cider Vinegar and olive oil will serve as the perfect hydrant and detangler for unmanageable and dry hair.

Avocado is a fantastic remedy for hair loss and can help your roots maintain its elasticity to avoid breakage.

All of these all-natural ingredients will be sure to keep your mane smooth and shiny and are some of the best options aside from the chemically infused store bought products that don’t always to the trick.   

Hottest Lip Colors for the Summer

"That's a lot of money to spend on a lipstick! It was then that I knew we could never be friends." -Unknown Valley Girl

You can never go wrong with a good lip color and there's no better time than now to begin stepping out the box. I'll show you a few of my favorites and just promise me that if you love it, you'll buy it! 

1. Coloured Raine: This brand has some of the best lip colors that I've seen in awhile and it's my personal favorite. The most popular colors, which can be found as a lip gloss, matte, or lip stick are: Arabian Night, Intimidate, Malibu Barbie and Rebel Raine. Now, the honest truth about this brand is they often times sell out and most of the time I have to pre-order Arabian Night since it is one of their most gorgeous and trendy hue. The orders do come in quickly when there is no wait, which I love about the company. But do you want to know what I love most about Coloured Raine? The names of their lip colors! Who wouldn't want to go out on a date wearing Arabian Night? I'm feeling exotic!

2. Estee Lauder: Recently, Kendall Jenner became the spokesmodel for Estee Lauder and it was announced that her custom designed lipstick known as, "Restless" is now available. It's a hot, steamy, and youthful red. Very smart move, Estee Lauder! Estee Lauder is a brand that has a diverse age range and after reviewing some of their shades I think not only should red-hot Restless be a shade to rock, but the Pure Color Envy collection is in the running for having many shades for the on-the-go girl.

3. J'adore Dior: Dior has one of the smoothest lipsticks and glosses with colors that are undeniably chic and girl's night out ready. If you're a lip gloss lover then the Dior Addict Fluid Stick is for you. With flirtatious colors such as Tiny Pink, Vie D'Enfer, and Intrigue as a part of the collection,  your lips are sure to feel the flawless effect with one single sweep of application. I must say, the Dior lipsticks are equally in the running for a must-have during the summer. 

Let's face it, the only thing you really need this summer is your swim suit and a lip color that has a nice glow in the sun.

So let's make a vow today to just forget our towels and air dry simply because it's summertime.

Who's That Girl? SZA is Trending Now!

When one has Vogue giving them props and they've also been the opening act for Coldplay then it's only obvious that there is something special about that creature (crea: to create) . The orange haired, freckle faced beauty in the photo above is the well-known singer on the rise known as SZA. To put it simply, the doll has the voice of an angel and the spunk of a rocker. I wouldn't dare give her music a genre or category as that would likely offend her due to the uniqueness of her sound, but I challenge you to listen to some of her tunes while you're painting, driving, jogging, or even winding down before bed. It's a melodic mood with a frowzy twist, yet also very difficult to explain in words.

SZA's real name is Solana Rowe with even a birth title that sounds harmonious. She is also affectionately known as the first lady of Top Dawg Entertainment, which she shares with label mates: Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q. Her story is that of a rebel soul with a love for music as she grew up listening to artist such as Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, and Wu Tang Clan (per her Complex article in 2013).

Her music beseeches reverberations that are both admirable and firm in tune. The sounds are also fanciful, inviting, and comforting, which is unique during a time where most music sounds quite enigmatic. SZA is unapologetic in her assertiveness and that is ultimately a refreshing trait for someone that is so young and in the industry of music as both an artist and songwriter. Take a listen below and I'll be amazed if you don't love it. However, I'm almost sure you will.

Become a Bonaroovian : 2015 Bonaroo Music Festival

It is one of the most eclectic and ethereal Music and Art festivals to hit the U.S. Summer festival scene and it showcased some of the most diverse musical acts to perform on one stage.  The Bonaroo Festival took place just last week at Great Stage Park in Manchester, TN, located just outside of Nashville Tennessee. The 650-acre outdoor event space is home to the four-day music festival created and produced by Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment. The Festival served to be an escape into Music, Art and Discovery. With Activities such as a mini film festival, graffiti walls, parades, costume parties, Christmas barns and plethora of musical acts that would touch every possible genre of music your ears could handle. With performances from artist such Billy Joel, Childish Gambino, Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Florence & the Machine, D’Angelo & the Vanguard, DeadMau5, Def Loaf and Earth Wind & Fire to name a few, Bonaroo was “The” festival to attend and the perfect kick off to summer.

The acts start their performances at around 12:00pm and finish late into the next morning on the “Farm” as the “Bonaroovians” call it, which is the park that they call home while camping out and partaking in all the festivities and facilities that are provided to them, on their little adult version of Magic Kingdom. This wristband society plays and explores various stages and tents and living by an understood code they like to name the “Bonnaroovian Code” which requires the following. 1) Prepare Thy Self, 2) Play as a Team, 3) Radiate Positivity, 4) Respect the Farm, 5) Don’t be that Guy/Gal , 6) Stay true to the Roo. After one visit to the Farm you will be a changed person and become a true Bonnarovian who is a "person that has had their mind blown by the full Bonnaroo whammy and has great passion for find and celebrating good stuff.

 Interested in becoming a Bonaroovian or for more info on the festival, check out http://www.bonnaroo.com/.

Janet Jackson World Tour-2015

From the hit 1989 single Rhythm Nation, to the 1998 hit single Together Again; Janet Jackson has just announced her “Unbreakable World Tour”.  This will be the first tour since her “Number Ones Tour” in 2011. The 49-year old singer is preparing for her long overdue world tour, beginning at the end of August.

Janet Jackson is the youngest of her family, sister of The Jackson Five, and older brother, the late Michael Jackson.  The Jackson singer, songwriter, and actress, is known lyrically for her own innovative music to her sophisticated stage shows.  She has been a major figure in the pop culture for over 25 years having sold over 160 million records; she has proven that she is truly unbreakable.

Janet’s “Unbreakable World Tour” is set to begin in Vancouver, Canada and travel nationwide with more concert dates being added later. Along with the announcement of her up and coming world tour, she also is set to release a new album, the first in seven years this fall with her new single “No Sleep”.  Her anticipating album is available for pre-order and the “Unbreakable World Tour” tickets are on sale now.