Halloween Humor – Flying My Flag

If people had flags like states, Rhode Montijo created mine…

Goth Humor – The Queen Of Darkness At Dinner

Had I seen this earlier in life, I’d have insisted my parents get one for the dining room. Seeing as I’d have been the ONLY person willing (*cough*…desiring) to sit in it, there’d have been no need to fight over who sits where. 

Seriously… This dark and dreary investment could have single-handedly prevented sibling-fueled fights.  . .

Chair by Bobby Grace

 

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Mom

Today is my mother’s birthday, so I thought I’d honor her by sharing her absolutely phenomenal talent.  What’s even more wonderful than these beautiful arrangements is the reason behind them. . .

For as long as I can remember, my mother has participated in some kind of volunteer or charitable work.  She’s done countless classes for children, in particular, over the years, and loves nothing than giving, sharing, and seeing others surprise themselves with talents of their own.

She recently spearheaded an event, Flowers, Fashion, and Footwear, that raised money for a local social service agency that she has worked with for many years, Community Centers Of Greenwich. CCI services children, adults with special needs, and seniors, and provides educational and financial assistance for lower-income families.

I am convinced that my love and passion for volunteering with these communities was passed down by her and my father’s dedication to helping where they can.  I am honored to be their child and thankful for the early exposure to these wonderful aspects of community service.

For the CCI event, flower arrangers were called upon to pick a pair of Louboutin shoes – owned by Kent Russell, perennial specialist – and design an arrangement to match.

I looked at the photos in the Fairfield County Look article (event link above) and without knowing hers, I gravitated to them as my “favorites.”

I grew up with the great fortune of having flowers and nature in our home all year round (yes, even in the throes of wintertime!) And it wasn’t just the beautiful blooms or branches, which I, for one, adore… The unreal sculptures and art she always manages to create look more like they belong in THE fanciest spas, homes, hotels…whatever!…in the world. They’re always breathtaking.

The shoes, of course, were art of their own.  Having been in the footwear and fashion industry for many moons, I watched the birth to death of many a pair…and I know exactly what goes into them.  I’d personally steer clear of stepping out in these if I were him, however, simply in fear of dirtying their impeccable polish!

In any case, I’ll maintain my mother has a supernal gift because there’s no explaining the talent – it’s an inherent spark I wish I had.  But I’m so very proud of her, and I’m inspired by the things she does to raise money to help wonderful causes…all the time. I can only hope to make as much difference in my life, and am blessed to have the example. (Keeping in mind I won’t ever quite get the hang of flower arranging!)

 

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Electric Ink…Keeping Skin Art At It’s Most Vibrant

I’ve actually seen a lot more tattoo goos lately – in store and advertised on-line.  And by “goos” I lovingly mean ointments, creams, lotions and potions to keep one’s skin art looking it’s best.  A decade ago you’d need to take a trip to the shop to get something of the ilk, while everyone else looked at your cross-eyed. 

Not anymore!  CVS has one such tattoo protectant gracing the shelves (the one I  noted being SkinFix Tattoo Balm.) While the formula isn’t necessarily novel, I love that a mass market retailer actually jumped on the tattoo bandwagon – talk about making the stuff more accessible! 

Electric Ink is a new name to me, but I saw these new goodies by way of BritishBeautyBlogger this morning (April 10) and thought they were worth sharing.  

Again, the formulas aren’t necessarily mind-bending as far as ingredients or what they can actually do – most of it is about hydration and keeping the skin looking it’s best (which makes for a healthier, glossy tattoo!) That said, I like that the ingredients are nourishing, and even take inflammation into account (which, yes, can last for a time after the initial inking.)

It’s pretty awesome that companies are embracing the idea that those with art often DO care about keeping things bright and beautiful as long as possible (why wouldn’t we?!)  I think we’ve all seen those well-weathered, and sun-beaten ones, which the wearing is more than entitled to…but many of us hope to have ones that “age” a little more gracefully.

Well, companies and retailers are making it a lot easier for your to protect your investments so there’s no reason (or excuse) for you to end up looking too much like a pirate. Unless, of course, that’s your thing…then, more power to you and your mysteriously faded artwork!

 

Spring / Summer 2017 – MAC Sneak Peek

MAC has always been a fav of mine – for performances, it’s hard to beat the incredibly cool array of products, colors and finishes…and honestly, it is just such and innovative and funky brand.

Here were are just at the front end of Fall, and less Autumnal, more Spring / Summer is cropping up (isn’t that the ay, though – Fashion works on the same, seemingly quirky timeline!)  

Britishbeautyblogger recently posted about what’s coming for 2017 – Keep in mind that there is ALWAYS something new – a new collaboration, color, collection, whatever! – from MAC.  But she shares a lot of photos of new stuff that you might want to keep your eyes open for next year…so check out the link above to see what’s new.

Apparently it’s everything from colored mascaras, to fancy gilded powders, colorful palettes, and some magic thrown into the mix… 

 

 

Winter 2017 – MAC Art Collection (Spring / Summer)

Sharing ChicProfile’s 2017 MAC post!  Available January 2017 (Winter), but for Spring / Summer (the timing always seems so off, I know – in Fashion it was the same deal.  Spring sandals out when it’s still snowing?  Yep!)

Disney, Tim Burton Style

So this has nothing to do with…well, nothing…BUT…I can’t help but share this awesome article about artist Andrew Tarusov and his newest series.

My inner Goth vampiness about burst at the seams when I saw these Tim Burton-esque renditions of traditional Disney characters (Tarusov has done saucy versions too – also pretty fabulous, albeit in more of a Betty Page kind of way!)

Andrew Tarusov

Andrew Tarusov

In my mind, this is more the way Disney should be…but then that bean bag bat with glowing, ruby, rhinestone eyes WAS my favorite toy at age 5. . .

Andrew Tarusov

Andrew Tarusov

At 4, my favorite “movie” as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. . .so I guess that also lends a clue to my, er, eccentricity?  Who’s to say – just knowing someone took the time to do all this is fair indication that I’m not alone, oddity or not! 

Andrew Tarusov

Andrew Tarusov

I’d like to follow that with a resounding “HA!”

Creep on, Mr. Burton.  Creep on.

 

 

Be Yourself!

I’ve said it time and time again… I may not be as “outwardly” so as back in my college youth…but…my “gothieness” is still more than evident! 

I’m a Vamp at heart, a lover, and a fighter for what I care most about.  I never fit in, never really wanted to…and am relatively certain I never will.  I don’t care much for molds, though neither is it in utter defiance of authority, nor in effort to gain attention by breaking the rules.  It just IS.  

I just AM.

This particular image, of course, was one I ever and always adored – the Vamp aesthetic was the very one to which I aspired all my years.  Yes, the ghostly pallor, Night-hued locks, ruby lips (not to mention the second-skin black apparel – my daily uniform!)  

While I am scarcely so stand-out, leaning to the sporty side of things these days, it is simply the look which resonates most deeply with me. ❤  It was that way when I was a little girl, and has not wavered an ounce.  

Be Creepy

I will always appreciate and recognize beauty in other forms, but at my core, I am Vamp 1,000%.  Forgive me…or do not...but I shall make no effort to alter my heart in pursuit of some other aesthetic as, in my own mind, our propensities are the spice of Life!  

Proof is in the pudding…

Nail IT Halloween

If your nail polish obsession happens to coincide with a love of Halloween, Nail It Magazine has you covered!

I love that it is approached as art, too, because let’s face it…it takes skill, patience, creativity and a super steady hand to do this!  

The fun part about this gallery is that it is user-submitted, so you might be selected and featured for your own designs! 

Per the site:

To enter your nails, tag your submissions on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with hashtag #nailitdaily

OR

Submit your photos to nailit@creativeage.com with your name and Instagram handle. Then check back here to see if you are selected!