FREE Korres Lip Butter!

Tell your friends and spread the word...the next 50 new followers of my blog will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE Korres lip butter glaze in the color of her choice!  This award-winning, eco-friendly, moisturizing lip butter comes in gorgoeus colors and is perfect for dry lips in this hot weather.  In order to win, your friend must become a follower of my fabulous (tooting my horn here) blog and send me an email at amandacallas@hotmail.com.  I will notify the winner by email.  Stay tuned!

Luscious and Long-Lasting Lips for Fall

Ava Gardner, resplendent as always, in the perfect fall face (or anytime face, really!)

Summer refuses to do die this year, hoarding its final blasts of hellish heat until the last, as we all limp along and wonder when can we finally start wearing our fall clothes?  Our cunning tweeds, our sentimental lace, our school-girl skirts and our beloved boots?

It is only in our makeup that we can embrace a little of the crisp, jewel-pure tones that we normally love to wear in the early days of fall.

Everyone knows I am completely addicted to red lipstick, especially this time of year.  I'm always trying to convert friends and clients into realizing how glamorous and easy and flattering it is, with a shade for every skin tone and mood.  The only flaw in red is how quickly it fades; how eager it is to share itself with your napkins and glasses and friend's cheeks, until there's little left but that What-Happened-To-Baby-Jane-ish reddish-pink smear. 

So off to Sephora I go, exploring some staple and some brand-new long-lasting and utterly luscious reds...at least my lips are ready for fall!

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso $22.00 Sephora.com

Stila's All Day Liquid Lipstick comes in a thick texture that it is somewhere between a stain and a gloss.  It's an utterly ravishing color, incredibly brilliant, in a true red shade that recalls those glorious, rich, Technicolor shades of the 1930's-1950's.  It's my favorite color of all the reds I tried.  It has remarkable staying power.  It's only downside, like many long-lasting reds, is that it does feel a bit drying.  I applied a little lip balm over it which helped add a little moisture.

Kat Von D Foiled Love Liquid Lipstick in Hellbent $19.00 Sephora.com

Of all the liquid lipsticks, this one definitely earns points for originality.  It goes on wet and then in a minute or so transforms into a dry, powdery finish.  It has a completely metallic, foil-like texture with a hint of gold, that looks as if you painted your lips.  Hellbent (what a glorious name for these brutally hot days!) is a very deep, burlesque-dancer red with a whisper of maroon.  It's marvellously artificial and rather sinful.  VERY drying.

Urban Decay Lip Envy in Greedy-Berry $17.00 Sephora.com

This is a red that has deep notes of berry and cabernet and purple, and it colors your lips the most extraordinary shade that is an instant conversion to goth.  The moment I put this on I looked ten shades paler and rather glam in a dark sort of way.  It has a strange, appealing fragrance, and a very willful staying power.  It's a true lip stain, and it's medium drying.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Raven $28.00 Sephora.com

This one is very, very similar to the Stila liquid lipstick, with a medium-thick texture and a stain-like brilliance and depth of color.  It's more of an orange-red than a true red.  It's a tad more drying than the Stila.

per-fekt Lip Perfection Gel in Hollywood $24.00 Sephora.com

Saving the best for last, this lip gel is from the cult-line per-fekt, which the Beverly Center Sephora has recently started stalking (oh, all right, stocking!).  Per-fekt is a celebrity favorite, and you can see why: their products are about understated, long-lasting beauty with a glow.   This lip gel is something between a lip gloss and a liquid lipstick, and it's a very rich shade for its moist texture.  Of all these products, it is the least drying, but it has an impressive staying powder.  It's a lovely, ultra-flattering true red, not as a brilliant as the Stila shade, it's a bit more "natural" looking and would probably suit more occasions and complexions.  My lips are so parched in this weather and they loved, loved this product. 

The Single Thing that Ages You

So people ask me a lot, when I'm doing headshots or image-consulting, what is the thing that ages a person the most?  And the answer might surprise you....

It's hair!  Seriously.  Yes, dear readers, those innocent little follicles of protein can turn into fatal follies.  Often the culprit is hair that has not changed style as times have changed.  Every woman in her 70's wears her hair in the rinsed, blue-tinged, short-cropped curls of the 50's, and baby boomers like to wear their hair 70's-style center-parted with bangs.  There are women stuck in the 80s and 90s, and men stuck with 'stashes and mullets and dingy beards.  Hair that is excessively styled and stiff, First Lady / newscaster style is very aging, but so are blunt, short cuts and bobs.   

OLD: Fashion model Agyness Deyn is only 29, but looks positively matronly in stiff blueish-blonde waves.  Is it a deliberate dip into middle-age by this frocliksome young thing, famous for her Armani campaign?

YOUNG: And back to her 20s in a slightly warmer blonde and a fierce punk cut!

OLD: The shades of blonde are a little off for her skin; the conversative, heavily styled bob gives her a middle-aged vibe

YOUNG: Radiant in soft, tousled, carefree curls and a warm, buttery gold that makes her skin creamy

Both men and women, as they age, should usually avoid harsh, cool tones of white-blond and blue-black, and instead should seek out hair colors that have a lot of warmth and subtle variation, tones of buttery gold in the lighter shades and warm eggplant and chocolate in the darker shades.  I recommend consulting with an excellent hair colorist and a good image-consultant or stylist (such as moi, I will add immodestly!).

OLD:  Christina is very cute in all her looks, and part of me really likes this, but blue-black bobs with choppy bangs can be a little aging and are generally best avoided if you're not Edith Head

YOUNG: Tones of cinammon and honey flatter her skin; bouncy waves take the years off and bring back her sex appeal

OLD: I dare you to find a picture of the lovely Jennifer where she actually looks bad, but the cool, dull brunette is a little harsh, and the stiff curls look conservative and maybe a little too grown-up for her

YOUNG: Back to caliente and young in warm, shiny caramel and a light cut with lots of movement

Dull, flat or frizzy hair ages; males and females can take 10 years off with a superior hair masque or leave-in conditioner that leaves hair full and shiny.  After samping more conditioners than Madonna has sampled back-up dancers, I most highly recommend this good stuff: 

Neuma is my favorite line of ultra-moisturizing, pampering hair goodness, with no animal testing/products or scary stuff, committed to sustainility and smelling great!  Leave in the moisturizing conditioner; it will tame your frizz and give you silky, shiny, bouncy hair.  Just watch out for the envy!  I buy it from Shades salon on Doheny Drive in Beverly Hills.  You can read about this great brand at: http://www.neumabeauty.com/ 

Also be sure you are getting enough oils in your diet; nuts, avocadoes, seeds, flaxseed, and olive oil.  I particularly recommend this olive oil, it reminds me of the peppery, divine oil I had at a villa in the countryside of Tuscany, and it will be the best medicine you have ever tasted!  Italians like to take a tablespoon or two in the morning as preventive care.  Good olive oil should be cloudy, a rich, viscuous green, and have lots of pepper, spice, and mineral in the taste.  It should have a real kick, like whisky, and burn your throat a little.  Be sure to store it in a dark cupboard so it doesn't oxidize.

Paesano Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Unfiltered, Hand-Picked, Estate Grown in Siciliy

At First Blush

Personally, I consider blush/bronzer to be a secret weapon.  I was reading an interview with Angelina Jolie's makeup artist, and he claimed that if he were to pick just one cosmetic, it would be bronzer or blush, which highlight and contour the face and give it a sensual, feminine, I-just-ate-chocolate (or Brad Pitt for breakfast!) glow.

That being said, there are lots of atrocious contour powerders and creams out there.  I don't like anything with chunky sparkles or extreme shades that make you resemble a ripe, slap-happy tangerine ready for its bottle-tan red carpet moment! 

The only-if-you-are-a-pornstar bronzer and bottle-tan look.  Christina honey, you're prettier than this!

Personally, as a pale person veering dangerously close to albino territory, I have to be very careful with blush and bronzer if I don't want to look like a psychotic doll.  I find that layering works best: I usually wear no fewer than 3 different products, worn over each other to give a soft, lit-from-within glow.  I like to combine bronzer and blush because they balance each other, giving you a sensuous rosiness without looking either too orange or too pink.  As if you were painting, it's better to apply more wispy-thin layers than one gloppy layer. 

Perfectly executed, sexy/wholesome rosy cheeks on the catwalk at Michael Kors, Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week.  I also want this nummy sweater so I have a reason to travel to Europe this autumn (to wear the sweater, obviously!).

And now, drumdroll, my own personal way to gain perfect, Gainsborough-worthy, sexy-rosy cheeks:

Thomas Gainsborough's 18th century portrait of his beautiful nephew, Gainsborough Dupont.  Put this guy on the CW!

After I've applied a light coat of moisturizer and foundation, I always start with this cheek stain, rubbing in wide circles with my fingers and using only a small amount.   If you have a round face, you will want to create more angularity with your cheekbones by using your contour in a triangle-shape.  If you have a long face or a thin face, you want to give more roundness to your cheeks by using a wide circular motion over your whole cheeks.  :

Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush, $30.00, sephora.com

I let the cheek stain settle in for a minute or two.  Next I use this blush, lightly, over my whole cheeks and a little below, making round, circular sweeping motions.  I use a mid-sized, big fluffy brush blush, Chanel brush #7:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends, PURE, $11.49.

I conclude with a melon-y, warm coral.  I use this as my bronzer, applying it with my fluffy blush-brush, going over the top of my cheeks, my forehead, my jawline, and my clavicles, the places where I would get sun if I were not a vampire.  To open up my eyes, I also sweep it just along my eyebrows to the sides of my temples:

Benefit Georgia, unfortunately discontinued!  Horde your stash or steal one from your friends!  Of the other Benefit shades I recommend Hoola, which is a little more toasty brown, and CORALista, which is a little pinker.  $28, sephora.com or that sweet little Benefit Store on 3rd Street that always looks empty and is right near a cupcake place.  Num.  

And now, your cheeks look cute as a chipmunk! 

Coats for Spring and Summer -- Yes, It's Possible!

Hellooooo to all my wonderful fans!  I have become so wrapped up in other parts of my career that I have been absent lately from my fashion blog.  Thanks everyone for your patience!

Do you ever have a day in your life that is absolutely perfect?  I had a day like that recently.  I was the creative director and photographer for an epic, day-long shoot at designer Dori's estate in Beverly Hills.  There were so many fabulous photos from that shoot that I will spread them out through a few posts.   The models I cast turned up bubbly, gorgeous, and delightful, the clothes were ooo-la-la fabulous, the jewelry and bling was sparkling, the makeup and hair people worked magic, the stylist pulled some additional lovely clothes, my enterpising photography assistant Vince was a dream -- and it was the perfect day, warm, sunny, one of those California spring days that make you feel dreamy, all tingly and content.  It was like one big fashion party, but even better -- a photo-shoot!  

In this post I am lingering over the phenomenon of the light, spring/summer coat...

As my devotees know, I am in love with the bombshells of classic Hollywood.  As I photographed and posed model Jaylynn, she reminded me of sultry-sweet sirens like Marilyn Monroe and Kim Novak.  Especially in this coat!  A great coat from the Dori Collection,  with a divine collar that frames the face so beautifully.  It's a luscious, seductive satin, and every girl needs a white satin coat to wear with her jewels and her mules at home, or with a little black dress at a summer Hollywood pool party. The jewels are from the Dori Collection, which Dori imported from Italy. I'm a great lover of bling and this spring and summer, the rule is, the bigger the better, and pile it on!  I stole the luscious push-up bra from another model, Jill -- thanks Jill! 

Jaylynn in the Dori white satin coat.  I love it's pearl-like lustre in the light.    I've been focusing on local LA designers lately, and Dori and her seamstress work on all her clothes locally.  Each is hand-made, with couture-worthy care.  The attention to detail in her clothes is exquisite. I loved photographing model and rapper Jaylynn in this sensuous, silver-screen glam coat!

Lovely Russian model Olga was exquisite in this coat.  Look at this coat!  The lace is so delicate, with its frothy sleaves and its winsome little bow.  This gem is from the Dori Collection.  You could wear this with the lightest slip underneath, or with a sheath during the day, and a stunning evening gown in the evening.  It has no heavy, suffocating weight, so it's the perfect summer coat, for those air-conditioned crispy days or chilly LA nights, and it could be sweet-whimsical or ravishing-glamorous, depending on your mood.  It fit Olga so perfectly!

You can really see the wonderful textures of the coat here, from the hand-made lace to the light-as-air, frothy sleaves, to the touch-me satin of the bow.  A note about the background: fashion designer Dori shared a story about Annie Leibovitz shooting by this pool, and I was honored to share the same hallowed ground!  I was really feeling a louche, Helmnut Newton, glam vibe that day, and Dori's home couldn't have been lovelier or more perfect.  Jewels again from the Dori Collection.

Model Carla is wearing a coat from the Dori Collection.  I think it has a light, delicious, classic Chanel feeling.  Utterly fell in love with it!  The colorful, candy-bright jewelry is by Anike, another local designer who creates and models her own designs.  Stylist Adriana supplied the peach blouse and skirt.

Model Carla with my friend celebrity publicist and author Michael Levine.  Michael always photographs well, and I was delighted to shoot him again!   Another angle of Dori's cunning, Chanel-ish spring/summer coat.  Light, minty pastels are the mood of this spring and summer, with little touches of warmth like peach and icy- cool hues like mint and aqua.  There really is such a thing as delightful, absolutely required summer coats, and I would be proud to waste my days sipping whisky sours by the pool in any of these classic, vintage-inspired numbers!

I want to do a little Academy-Award number here and thank everybody so much for their passion, talent and patience during this shoot!  I'm also listing everyone's websites so you can learn more about these gorgeous and talented folks...Thanks to Leanne Hare, hair artist extraordinaire, who did insanely good  hair on all the models, http://www.modelmayhem.com/1442445.  Sarah Michel, makeup artist, who did striking, ravishing different looks for each and every model, http://www.modelmayhem.com/1624385.  Dori, fashion designer, who loaned use of her home and atelier as well as her clothes, and thanks to her husband who made me the best cappuccino ever! http://thedoricollection.com.  Adriana Sanchez, fashion stylist, who worked tirelessly on this shoot, what a great eye!, http://palette2palate.blogspot.com.  Jewelry designer Anike and her husband, thanks for the unique, handcrafted jewels and all your help on set, http://www.anikejewels.com.  PR wizard Michael Levine, it's always great to work with you, http://www.lcoonline.com.  Models, you were so beautiful, each in your own way, and amazing!  Model/rapper Jaylynn, http://www.jaylynnprovenzano.com.  Model/personal trainer/life coach Jill, http://www.fuelrxfitness.com/professionals.htm. Model Olga, http://www.facebook.com/olgaaleksa.k.  Model/actress Carla, http://www.modelmayhem.com/2499463.  Model/actress Arlene, http://www.modelmayhem.com/1859936.  Vince Tanzilli, my assitant photographer, who worked like a demon and made my job possible and much more fun! www.vincetanzilli.com.  And thank you so much to all the other good people who made the shoot sparkle!

The King of Melrose

This post was inspired by my fortutious discovery of the new boutique "King" by costumer Terri King on Melrose.  Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, BB King, Billy Idol, Bon Jovi, Chicago, The Cranberries, David Bowie, Enya, Grace Jones, Guns n' Roses, Gloria Estefan, INXS, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Natalie Imbruglia, Nine Inch Nails,  Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Peter Gabriel, Ringo Starr, Will Smith, and The Rolling Stones are among some of the many celebrities who have called Terri King their costumer.  Now she is bringing her sexy rock star clothes to Melrose.

Terri's clothes are unusual, one might even say, poetic, and I have been wanting to focus more on the amazing fashion scene in LA.  I decided to do a shoot exploring the dark glamor and sensuality of her clothes.  Working as stylist and creative director, I pulled my favorite pieces from her store, and brought them to the studio of Johanna Siegmann, a photographer whose iconoclastic portrait style has earned her comparisons to Annie Leibovitz.  Together, we collaborated during one long afternoon in Los Feliz on a magical shoot.  Photographer Johanna captured us beautifully, as you can see in all these great photos.  It was our first time working together, but she read my mind about the vision I had for this shoot, and brought her own considerable creativity and inspiration.  The models in the photos are me and dear friend and fellow model Arlene Sara.  Arlene and I have done a couple runway shows together, and I asked her to model with me because I knew that her exotic, feline looks and sweet soul would be perfect for the shoot.  Mario, Angel, and Angel's assistant all did hair + makeup wizardry on us.  I loved my huge curls and dramatic eyes and lips.  

I'm wearing the V-Moda trench dress, which is convertible using its zippers into gloves, a waist-cincher, a bolero, a skirt, a jacket and more.  Currently on sale $575.  V-Moda is a lifestyle brand that Terri designs for, in addition to her own eponymous Terri King line.  She carries both lines in her store.  This piece has a great sheen and fit that I loved.  Like many of Terri's pieces, it has an element of conservatism mixed with a sexy silhouette.  Terri cites Gaultier and European tailoring as a big influence in pieces like this.  I am wearing my own Charles David boots.

You can see the convertible trench's lovely corset detailing in this shot from behind.  Terri loves doing convertible pieces that can change into other things with a woman's mood and occasion.  Terri: "I love designing bridal gowns and do it on a custom basis only. My favorite one was made from 30 yards of silk taffeta. It was worn as a ballgown for the ceremony and converted into a mermaid silhouette for the reception. "

Arlene is wearing a few incredible pieces here.  The bustier is made from Italian prada leather.  It looks like an armored breastplate, but the metallic details are actually recycled V-Moda headphones!  The skirt is made with the same metallic shrunken leather and has a removable peplum with pockets.  The "wings" are a piece she calls "the butterfly bolero."  Commissioned by Genlux magazine for a sculptural shoot, these wings have become a cult favorite.  They are made of airy tulle and come in multiple colors.  Corset: $1750.  Skirt: $450.  Butterfly bolero: $300.  Like Arlene, designer Terri loves bright lipstick, saying that she couldn't live without Mac Russian Red and Ruby Woo lipstick.

Another great shot of Arlene wearing the metallic silver corset and skirt.  Terri King has a very diverse clientele, making clothing for everyone from business executives to musicians and athletes. When I was in the store, several people came in purchasing pieces for the Grammy's.  She  frequently creates custom pieces for her clients, which are made in her  loft in the Brewery in downtown Los Angeles, and all her clothes are made by local contractors in LA.  Terri on her craft: "I love everything about it. I love sketching, fitting the client, and finding the right fabric for each piece. I love seeing my projects go from a concept and sketch to fruition, and my favorite part is seeing the clients face when they try their custom piece on for the first time."

We had a lot of fun with this sultry, playful look.  The purple shorts are high-waisted and made from Italian leather.  The corset is made of embroidered Chinese silk and has flexible spiral boning.  Terri studied ballerina costumes to find a way to make a corset that would still allow the wearer to breathe and dance.  Spandex on the sides gives everyone an hourglass silhouette.  The necklace is fashioned by King's mother, Sandra King.  Sandra is a visual artist as well as a jewelry designer.  She sifts through thrift stores, estate sales, yard sales, and antique stores for vintage jewelry treasures that she re-fashions into something more fresh.  She and her daughter share a certain fashion sensibility, and even though she didn't plan to orient her jewelry collection around Terri's pieces, they fit naturally and gorgeously together.   Necklace: $145.  Corset: $325.  Shorts: $375.

Here I am wearing a pinstriped dress that comes with its own detachable shrug, inspired by the film Beetlejuice.  It's an hourglass, princess-seamed dress, something you can imagine Sophia Loren wearing.  Terri's styled philosophy is simple: "Think less about trends and dress for your body. Always make sure what you are wearing speaks for who you are as a person."  I find that her pieces tend to flatter female curves and have a certain timeless, iconic quality.   Dress: $225.  Butterfly bolero: $300.  Vintage art deco pendant by Sandra King: $45.

Another great shot of the "Beetlejuice" pinstriped dress.  Designer and costumer Terri King has been working in the industry for many years, and had this to share with my readers as advice for those breaking into the industry: "My best advise is to become educated and perfect your craft. Be tenacious and never give up, even when the road isn't smooth."  A woman after my own heart!

Credits for the shoot.  Clothes: "King" boutique by Terri King 7218 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles and phone 323 271 8372.   Jewelry: Sandra King, carried by "King" boutique.  You can explore her visual art at: http://sandrakingart.com. Photographer: Johanna Siegmann http://www.johannasiegmann.com/.  Arlene's hair and makeup: Mario Llamas.  Contact me for his info.  My hair and makeup: Angel V Prado and assistant.  http://www.angelvprado.com/.  Models: Arlene Sara http://www.arlenesara.com/.  Special thanks to Sugano, Johanna, and Debbie Rankin.  I had lots of fun playing the many roles of model, fashion stylist, and creative director of the shoot: Amanda Callas, www.amandacallas.com, www.amandalive.com, and www.glamorandsoul.com.  Thanks for tuning in to my blog!

Secrets for New Year's!

One of my New Year's resolutions this year is to be more generous, sooo....I'm spilling some of my tightest-kept beauty and fashion secrets!

The Thread Bar was recommended to me by a dear friend, and now I'm passing the goodness on to you!  How do we love the Thread Bar, let me count the ways:  it's very fast, no appointments necessary, the threading stings but is faster and far less agonizing than tweezing, and I was given a nice, neat, sexy look -- no overplucking!  And the real surprise: it's about $9 for deliciously good eyebrows!  In my area, it's standard to pay $40-$60 for brows , so this is a real treat.   It's located on the second-story of a little building on the Little Tehran stretch of Westwood, with delicious ice cream just a block or so away.  Street parking, bring money for the meters, and prepare to be wowed.

1321 Westwood Blvd, Upstairs, Los Angeles 90024 310 444 9494 

http://thethreadbar.com/

It's a Wrap is my permanent home-away-from-home.  I have found absolutely everything here: exquisite vintage jewelry, workout clothes, hats, scarfs, evening gowns, cute tops for headshots -- everything.  It's a Wrap features clothes from the studios, and if you're lucky, the day you come will be sale and there will be lots of great stuff everywhere.  It's not always super-cheap, but it can be, and the quality of the clothes is often good.  This shop is THE place to go around Halloween, when the costumes are unbelievably detailed and gorgeous and totally affordable.  It's always a good place to go for browsing, and for getting great clothes for headshots or costumes for a film without spending a lot of money.  Occasionally you will find treasures -- one of the studios was liquidating some of its vintage stock here and I found the most lovely sequined clothes from shows like "The Brady Bunch Variety Hour" and "Laugh-In."  Priceless.  Parking is abundant in the rear lot -- take the alleyway just south of the building and you'll find it.  There's also metered street parking.  Wear comfy shoes, the floors are a little hard.  Each piece of clothing will have a tag with letters on it -- it's the abbreviation of the show/film in which the clothes appeared.  At the front desk, there is usually a list that will tell you what the abbreviations stand for.  There are two sites -- one in Burbank and one on Robertson.  I slightly lean towards the one on Robertson, but they are both good.  There are great clothes for men too!

1164 South Robertson Boulevard  Los Angeles, CA 90035-1404.  http://www.itsawraphollywood.com/

(310) 246-9727

DryBar is an amazing invention: a beautiful, loft-like, princess-y ode to the blowout.  For a while I never understood the blowout craze.  Now I have drunk the keratin kool-aid.  Why is this place the best?  Well, the charge is only $35 a blowout, much less than most salons, and they truly spend time doing your hair, not trying to rush you out for the next appointment.  They have a book of looks and you can also bring a photo showing what you want.  The products they use are good and smell fantastic.  Romantic comedies frolic on the silent, subtitled TV screens, and there are usually free cookies near the front desk.  I repeat, free cookies alert!  If you need your hair done for a film, an audition, a photoshoot, and so on, this is a fantastic option.  It's also a great pick-me-up, for a life-is-beautiful, my-hair-now-belongs-in-a-shampoo-commercial kind of day too.  Nothing inspires joie de vivre like the perfect supermodel blowout.  They accept walk-ins but they can be very busy, so it might be best to make an appointment.  There are multiple locations across LA including Studio City and Brentwood but I'm partial to the one in Sunset Plaza.  Lots of free parking behind the building.

8595 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA - (310) 442-6084

http://www.thedrybar.com/