Style Champions: The Pencil Skirt

Happy Saturday friends! I love, love, love pencil skirts! It is a must have for every woman and is one of the few pieces that looks great on damn near everyone. Introduced in the late 1940s by Christian Dior, the pencil skirt is a slim fitting skirt that usually hits right at or below the knee. This classic piece has transformed from decade to decade from no split, to one two splits, black, colored, textured, etc...it will NEVER go out of style. The top 4 styles of pencil skirts in my book are the classic black (with a twist), patterned, color blocking and textured. The classic black (with a twist)- This look can work from the boardroom to date night, because black is a neutral, you can wear it with any and everything. The twist is zippers, buckles, high-waisted, splits, etc...and can still be worn with a blazer, sweater, blouse, tank-top, vest, etc.... Patterned- I love patterned pencil skirts because it lets your personality shine. With patterns it can be your culture, your favorite shapes, flowers, etc....the beauty is that there are no rules in wearing this other then a common ground, like color or shape but have fun with it. Color Blocking- Color blocking is the best of both worlds, it's the mix of classic and cool. Now for this solids or minimal print works but you have to be careful not to look like you are trying too hard. Textured- I love texture because it adds a layer of sophistication to any outfit, leather, suede, sequins, lace, LOVE it all. With which ever style you choose, one or all don't forget your heels and your blush to match the skirt with great legs and afresh face! Love you, mean it! Always your girl JeniqueK

Must have makeup tools for you.....

Happy Wednesday friends! So a lot of you have been asking me where do I begin with makeup, the brushes cost so much do I need them all, should I keep them on me, etc.... The truth of the matter is it depends on you and your morning and or daily routine. Being a makeup artist by trade my collection is huge, but that doesn't mean you can't get the basics. So here are the top 10 things you need in your makeup tool box. 1)Tweezers- Tweezers are awesome because you can use them to keep your brows up between appointments and they are very helpful when putting on lashes. 2)Sponges/Foundation brush- Depending in what type of foundation you use daily liquid ( my personal favorite ), cream, whip, mousse, studio fix....this tool lays the foundation. When choosing sponges, go with a thicker one that can hold and blend the product. I prefer the triangle shaped sponges, I can use every corner of it and the edges blend into the creases of my eyes, nose and neck well. Some people wash and reuse them but I don't, I'd rather buy a bag and toss and go. 3)Brow brush- The brow brush I like is double sided. It has a mascara like brush on one side, that is great for brushing those brows down when they get frisky and the other side has a stiff brush for filling my brows for a fuller or dramatic look. You can always get one or the other, but I like the double. 4)Shadow brush- A good shadow brush is something you use to add shadow to your entire eye, it's great with neutrals to add a pop of color or for my more advanced girls, it's great to create a nude eye when you want to rock a strong lip. 5)Small/Medium Shadow brush- This is the accent piece to your shadow brush. This allows you to add another color to your eye lid. With this brush and practice, you can work the crease, corners and even brow bone with color, highlighter and even contour. 6)Blending Shadow brush- This brush is the icing for your eyes. It allows you to blend all the product you put on your eyes so it looks soft and effortless. There is nothing worst then a straight line of color on our eye that's not eyeliner. 7)Powder brush- To seal your look you need powder, loose or pressed, you still want a god full brush to cover your entire face. It puts the finish on your face. 8) Blush brush- This is my favorite tool, mainly because I am a blush whore at heart. It is something every woman needs on her face. But the easiest blush brush to use is angled. It glides along your cheeks easy for a simple application every time. 9) Lip brush- My favorite part of every face is the mouth. I know it's easier to just put it on out of the tube but there is a certain elegance to using a lip brush. I feel like it blends it all together. 10)Makeup bag- You need something to put your new toys in. The don't cost a lot at all, pick one that is you favorite color or something that makes you smile, because makeup is fun. If all fails, a lot of times you get one free when you buy certain products. Well friends you can always add to you collection with a contour brush, angle brush, concealer brush, but again when you know how to use them, by all means please do. And remember, practices makes perfect. Always your girl JeniqueK