Monday, January 31, 2011

Beauty Tips for All Chicks: Smokey Eye Series Part 1


Things have been crazy busy lately and it's all catching up to me (I'm sick again, unfortunately), but I'm so excited to share with you guys the fun video and photos I did with Natural Models for Healthy is the New Skinny while in LA! Check it out!





We love smokey eyes!  Sometimes they seem intimidating, but Natural model and professional makeup artist Germaine shows us how with warm browns.

It’s so easy when she breaks it down, step by step.

Step 1: Fill in eyebrows and prep eyelid by using a lighter, neutral colored eye shadow all over lid.

Step 2:  Use a soft eyeliner pencil in a medium/dark brown shade to cover eyelid.

Step 3:  Blend eyeliner on lid with a clean flat brush.

Step 4:  Apply a warm neutral brown shadow along the seam of the eyeliner.

Step 5:  Pack a dark brown shadow (shimmery or matte finish) on top of your lid.

Step 6:  Line the inside waterline of your bottom eyelid with a dark liner.

Remember…WHEN IN DOUBT, BLEND IT OUT!

I had such a blast participating in this wonderful make-up tutorial for the Healthy is the New Skinny blog! I love the HITNS site, because it's not only about celebrating the beauty of the natural you, but it has fun tips and advice girls and women of all ages on how to enhance that natural beauty and make it your own. I also love the Healthy Dose of Reality/Body Project they're doing with Hugo Shwyzer - it's definitely a must-read, in my opinion. Indeed, Healthy is the New Skinny is doing some great things and I'm so honored to be a part!

xoxo coco

P.S. Want to see pictures from the shoot? Well you can check them out HERE!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

All The Girls Drop A Beat Like This.


Currently Listening to:
"Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani

(LA shines so bright!)

(Kristy looking fresh-faced and beautiful.)

(Alex rockin' her shades)

(The gorgeous Miss Katie H.)

(Kristy, Katie and Alex - beautiful girls, inside and out!)

(Germaine arrives.)

(Katie manning the camera.)

(Germaine's makeup stash!)

(Germaine looking beautiful while she beautifies me and Molly too!)

(The very, very handsome Farley :D)

On the fourth and final day in LA, we headed over to Natural Models to hang and shoot with Katie and the Healthy Is The New Skinny team before we headed back home. It was an absolute blast getting to meet co-owners Katie and Bradford, who were both getting over a big of a cold, but looked fabulous no matter, as well as Kristy, Alex, and Germaine, who are some of the gorgeous faces you can find on the Natural Models board. Not to mention Farley, that positively loveable bulldog you see above...

It was wonderful getting to know all of them. We chatted Katie up a bit who took some photos of us outside of the agency while we waited for Kristy and Germaine. Kristy radiantly rocked "No-Makeup Monday" and Germaine made me look and feel fabulous for a quick video makeup tutorial on the perfect smokey-eye (remember: when in doubt, blend it out ;D) for the Healthy Is The New Skinny blog before we test shot with Katie some more. Needless to say, I'm very excited and I can't wait to share the finished product with all of you! Even more so, Katie asked me to contribute a little to the HITNS blog, which I'm so, so excited to be a part of!

The six hours there and ten hours back were well worth the chance to meet these wonderful women!

xoxo coco

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

And The People Dance As They Clap Their Hands.

Currently Listening to:"I Want You" by Fefe Dobson





I'm sorry for my disappearance this weekend! I just got home from my trip to LA, which didn't seem long enough in my opinion, and I'm missing it so much already! (I'm definitely a Southern California girl.) Anyhoo! These are just a few quick pictures from the trip, but I promise there are more to come - including behind-the-scenes shots from my visit with Natural Models! :}

Stay tuned!

xoxo coco

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

To Rid Yourself Of Vanities And Just Go With The Seasons.

Currently Listening to:
"I'm Your's" by Jason Mraz


(Forever 21 Definition of Beauty tank, GoJane lace maxi skirt layered w/ black spanx)

Over this last weekend, I got a package from my new friends at GoJane.com! They were so kind as to send me this beeeeaaaauuutiful lace maxi skirt and words can't describe how much I love it! The lace is so soft and silky to the touch and it's perfectly sheer. It's wonderful to lounge around in, in this Sacramento weather (like I did today after packing), but I can't wait for the warmer temps and sunnier skies to come back; so I can make full use out of this great new piece of wardrobe! I can see myself wearing this just about anywhere... Especially this Summer over my swimsuit on the beach or a leotard - or (if you're a little shy about your thighs) over spanx too for more modest coverage - while shopping the sunny, outdoor mall downtown. However, I do see myself sporting this one while I'm in LA this weekend!!! Lol!

There are so many great ways to wear this skirt!

GoJane.com is quickly becoming one of my favorite online shopping spots. Their shoes selection is UH-mazing, they have so many to choose from - and all for under $50 - and they have some really great, trendy pieces (that are updated daily) at truly affordable prices. Many of the styles at GoJane.com are some of the same ones you see popping up in other boutiques for much, much more. Take my new lace maxi skirt for example...



The Sheer Lace Maxi Skirt on the left costs $68 at other online boutiques, but at GoJane.com (pictured right) you can get the same gorgeous Sheer Lace Maxi Skirt for $31.70! They also just added a super cute alternative take (without the tiers) to the Sheer Lace Maxi. Talk about great style for less! And this Sheer Lace Maxi style will undoubtedly be a staple in every serious fashionista's arsenal this upcoming Spring/Summer!

Now check out these other Shopping Steals provided by GoJane.com!


The Pleated Maxi Dress on the left will cost you $78, but GoJane.com's perfectly summer-y Accordion Pleat Maxi Dress (pictured right) costs a much more do-able $50.10! (It also comes in a gorgeous Cobalt Blue!) This is the perfect dress for the fashionista on-the-go, it's simple and sexy, yet sophisticated too.


The 'Censored' Maxi Skirt on the left costs $68 as well, but you can get this Sheer Paneled Maxi Skirt style at GoJane.com (pictured right) for only $27.60! A fraction of the cost for this scene-stealing style! I personally prefer the look of GoJane's sheer maxi, as the material isn't so sheer as the competing store, so it leaves a little more to the imagination, all the while still remaining hip and edgy! (Way to be stylish, yet sensible too, GoJane!)

So if you're looking for a way to re-vamp your wardrobe for this upcoming Spring/Summer with some of the newest styles and hottest trends (WITHOUT breaking your bank account) then be sure to check out GoJane.com! Enter GJSHIP50 at check out and get free shipping on your order of $50 or more! As well, if you're already on the look-out for prom 2011, be sure to check out their Formals section for some super cute styles! (And plus size prom wear!)

xoxo coco

P.S. If you haven't already, check out my last post on the new Healthy is the New Skinny campaign, created by Plus Model Katie Halchishick and Designer Jessica Svoboda!

Monday, January 17, 2011

One-Size Doesn't Fit All: Healthy is the New Skinny!

Currently Listening to:
"The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars

Companies using unrealistically thin bodies and overly-shopped models to advertise their products is nothing new, neither are the body issues that have been plaguing us for decades. Ever since the world saw the rise of uber skinny supermodel Twiggy back in the 1960s, healthy and full figures have been forced from the spotlight, never to be celebrated again. In fact, many people today are often ridiculed or mocked for having braces or pimples or cellulite or even a muffin top, and I know that many of you will agree that there is an overwhelming absence of variety, options, and positive body image re-enforcement for girls, women (and even men) everywhere! Luckily, Natural Model Management is here to change that!


(Natural Model & Co-Owner Katie)

Created in part by Plus size model, Katie Halchishick, Natural Model Management is a new agency here to meet the increasingly high demand for healthy, natural figures in the fashion industry. They are an agency created by models for models and are dedicated to upholding a high respect level between themselves, models, and clients. Natural values models and their natural build and body size and encourage models to find a healthy balance in life and in their bodies. Together, they have teamed up with designer Jessica Svoboda to create Healthy is the New Skinny, a campaign to help revolutionize the way we think and feel about our bodies!

(Natural Model Emilee)

What is Healthy is the New Skinny?

This is not about a size. It’s about a movement.

Healthy is the New Skinny is about revolutionizing how we think about, talk about, live in and love our bodies. It’s about putting happiness and vibrant good health first and foremost. Generations of young women have assessed their own worth by how far they are from the ideal of unrealistic thinness. Healthy is the New Skinny believes in natural beauty, the kind that can’t be defined by a hip measurement, but is defined by fitness and fun.


(Natural Model Jennifer)

“You should love your body the way it is.” You’ve heard that message a million times, seen it a million places. But too often, that message is contradicted by the lifestyle and values of the messenger. That conflict between words and actions shows up in the disconnect between the fashion editorials and the articles in many magazines. It shows up in our friendships, where we’re on the receiving end of reassuring messages about self-love from people who clearly don’t love themselves. We’re not stupid – we can tell when someone isn’t practicing what they preach.


(Natural Model Jodi)

The size standards in fashion today are extremely unrealistic, even harmful. They give all of us a distorted image of true beauty, depriving all of us of a chance to see just how good healthy can look. Healthy is the New Skinny wants to show you a new vision of authentic beauty — and we want to show you in a big way.


(Natural Model Kit)

The Healthy is the New Skinny community invites you to join us. You’ll see how our models live out their commitment to natural, healthy, beauty. You’ll be able to interact with our models and our expert advisers, and you’ll be able to share your own story and read those of others. We’re here to support you, inspire you – and just as importantly, be inspired by you.


(Natural Model Merissa)

Healthy is the New Skinny is about fun, it’s about fashion, it’s about changing the world one girl, one woman, one body at a time. Join us...


Lets face it, each body will always differ from another. We're not all meant to be a size 2 and some of us are at our healthiest at a size 12. Some people who pride themselves on eating right and staying in shape are still a size 14! Why? Because that was the shape intended for them. I'm naturally thick in the thighs and I have wide upper body (a swimmer's back). That isn't a weight issue, that is how I'm naturally shaped and I refuse to change who I am to fit another person's standard of beauty. At this point it, shouldn't even be about being skinny or reaching one "ideal" type of beauty, it should be about being healthy and being happy with who you are; and that's exactly what Healthy is the New Skinny is all about.

Since it's creation, Healthy is the New Skinny is already making an impact with it's "Perfectly UnPerfect" Project (P.U.P.), which is an outreach program that presents exciting, powerful multi-media workshops designed to transform how young people think and feel about not only their bodies, but others' as well. The P.U.P. presentations are led by professional models as well as an experienced facilitator that can be tailored to high school, junior high, or college-age audiences. Pulling together and utilitizing their backgrounds in modeling and fashion as well as academia, they share their experiences and struggles for self-acceptance and their message for everyone: we are all perfectly unperfect. (If you would like the P.U.P. Team to visit your school, you can check out their Events page and Contact them to set up a presentation!)

All too often does the fashion industry jump on the "plus" or "healthy" or "curvy" band wagon for publicity, usually only after a dangerously thin model perishes as a result of her under-weight. Then just as quickly as it was here, the "movement" fades out within weeks. The industry is suddenly all aboom with healthy, healthy, healthy and then without warning, you never hear about it again and the industry reverts back to its old self. Personally, I am so glad that someone is finally taking a genuine step toward positive, healthy body image, because we as a society need to accept the idea of just being the healthiest, best versions of us that we can be and promote a healthy lifestyle rather than harmful, unrealistic expectations of weight and figure.

Afterall, beauty isn't one-size fits all!

xoxo coco

* Information and photos are property of Natural Model Management and Healthy is the New Skinny. Thank you to Katie H. for permission to use them! The models pictured are between size 6 and 16 and are sporting the official Healthy is the New Skinny tee-shirt, available for purchase on the official HITNS Facebook page.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

I'll Take You to The Dump, 'Cause You're My Queen.


Currently Listening to:
"Garbage Truck" by Beck



(A is for Audrey dress borrowed from Molly, my White | Black "Sweet Nothings" convertable clutch/purse, thigh-high F21 tights altered by me, F21 suedette platform mary-jane pumps, and the hair feather fascinator + veil was a gift from Jeanatte :D)

Today I had my shoot with Jeanatte and let me tell you: It. Was. A. Blast! I love getting together with Jeanatte, she's so much fun and again, super, super talented. That lady makes magic with her nikon and home studio and husband, Phil, who is sometimes made to hold reflectors for us when propping it against a computer chair doesn't work. Lol! We only shot for about an hour and a half, but we still ended up with a ton of great photos, and I'm so excited and anxious to see them finished! Jeanatte did send me a teaser from today's shoot! I was actually messing around and being a goofball when I struck the pose, but it ended up being one of our favorites! Funny how that works, huh? :}

She also gave me a couple of gorgeous hair flower fascinators that she'd originally bought to shoot with, but didn't end up using them - cuz she knows I'm a sucker for fun, pinup-inspired accessories! After we shot, we just chillaxed for a little bit and caught up, before I headed back to my side of town for lunch at my mom's restaurant. Then I went home and snapped these outfit shots for you guys real quick, before I took a much-needed and well-deserved napped! Lol! All in all, I was feeling kind of Moulin Rouge/vintage showgirl in this outfit for some reason.

I borrowed the dress, which I LOVE, from my friend Molly. She has the most amazing closet. (I could seriously shop in that thing for hours!) Even more so than the color and the adorable rose print, I think my favorite thing about this dress is the cut/shape. It's very curve-hugging and figure-flattering and I love the swag of the pockets that jet out from the hips. It creates even more of an hour-glass shape, and really accentuates the hips. It's a great shape for curvy girls!

Anyhoo... It's bed time for this gal! I wish you all a good night and sweet dreams <3

xoxo coco

Thursday, January 13, 2011

...And I’ll Remove The Spell You’ve Put On Me Again.


Currently Listening to:
"Abracadabra" by Brown Eyed Girls



(Photo by Jeanatte Salazar, Hair/MU by moi)

The last few days have been so busy, but so much fun! I apologize for not posting in favor of making mischief with my good friend, Molly. Right now I am sitting in her amazing bedroom, talking fun girl stuff with her and her long-time friend (and my new friend) Bri. Anyhoo! Molly and I have been up to some really exciting things, including planning a trip to LA next weekend, which has been a long-time coming! So you can bet I will have tons and tons of fun posts and photos for you guys. We're going to be shooting with some really amazing photographers while we're there, we're also hoping to visit Huntington Beach (my home-town) and get some shopping in. I also have a really important meeting that unfortunately I can't discuss right now, but I will have plenty of juicy details for you next week! :}

On Saturday, I'm going to be shooting with Jeanatte Salazar who is a really, really talented photographer here in Sac. (She took that photo above :D) Well, technically Roseville, but whatever. Lolol... I love Jeanatte. Not only is her work awesome, but she's such a great person too! We always have so much fun when we shoot together and I'm super excited about updating my portfolio with some newer, fresher looks. That shot above is one of my personal favorites that we've ever created, because we based the look on the Smoky Eye and Rhinestone Lip one used in the John Galliano SS08 Ready-to-wear show, which as you all know is one of my all-time favorite shows to date! Lol!

Anyhoo! I will definitely try to get in an outfit post (or something of equal fun) for you guys tomorrow or Saturday!

In the meantime... Do you guys have any fun plans for the weekend? :}

xoxo coco

P.S. I don't know why, but I've been on a super K-Pop kick for the past few days XD

Monday, January 10, 2011

Why So Serious?


Currently Listening to:
"In This City" by Iglu & Hartly



(Forever 21 top, homemade "Penguin Tail" skirt, Jessica Simpson 'Dany' platforms,
White House | Black Market convertable "Sweet Nothings" purse/clutch)

This is what I wore today. Nothing too spiffy, but I felt good nonetheless. It was a nice day considering all the rainy, cold weather we've been having. Leave it to me to wear a mini skirt and open-toe platforms in the middle of Sacramento Winter! Lol!

I upcycled that skirt from an old top. I added "Penguin Suit" tails to the back of it, just because I thought it was cute. Lol. The good thing about this skirt though is that its made of a sweater material, so it's not too thin and it keeps you relatively warm! I couldn't help myself with the colors either. I've always loved purple and green together, and of course when you read Batman comics and graphic novels as much as I do, you can't help but think of the Joker when you see them together. I have to admit though, the only thing I liked about The Dark Knight was Heath Ledger's performance. (R.I.P. Heath!) Otherwise, I just plain don't like the new movies.

I ESPECIALLY don't like Christian Bale's horrible Clint Eastwood-Batsuit Voice XD

Today was sort of a lazy day. My friend, Molly, and I actually had a photoshoot scheduled, but the photographer, John, unfortunately had to cancel last minute. (Being sick sucks!) I was definitely bummed, but I know the feeling, so I definitely wasn't mad. I can't wait to re-schedule though, because his photography is so beautiful. He shoots only film and polaroids and I can't wait for you guys to see what we come up with. When he's feeling better, of course. Lol. So I went out to Beach Hut Deli (my favorite sandwich place) instead and ordered the love of my life for lunch: the Surfin' Bird (buh-buh-buh-bird, bird, bird, bird is the word!).

After I was nice and stuffed, I clunked about the mini mall in my Dany's and visited with some old friends/co-workers. I made some new ones too, including a very, very cute new guy at the surf and skate shop. It still baffles me why they have 'Surf' shops around here. Sacramento isn't anywhere close to a nice beach worth surfing, let alone a nice beach in general. (The ones in San Francisco don't count in my book.) Which then got me thinking just how much I miss SoCal. I grew up in Huntington Beach and I am much over-due on a visit! Luckily, my best friend Nikki will be coming up to SF in March to visit, which I'm sooooooooo excited for! We get to eat and shop and catch up! Nothing better than that.

I hope you're all off to a lovely start this week <3

xoxo coco

P.S. Hello to all of you new visitors and followers! I'm glad you decided to stop by ;}

Friday, January 7, 2011

I Love You, Jessica Simpson.


Currently Listening to:
"With You" by Jessica Simpson

My Dany's arrived!!!









As part of my birthday/Christmas gift to myself, I splurged and finally bought a pair of Dany's; and they are even more beautiful in person. When I opened the box, I almost didn't want to put them on. A part of me wanted to preserve them in their new-perfection for eternity, but then I remembered why I bought them in the first place... To rock the catwalkssidewalks in them! Lol! I've only ever seen other people with the Black Nappa or Tan Dallth Dany's, but I remember when I first saw these Plum Velvet monsters on the Jessica Simpson Collection website, thinking to myself: 'I have to have them!' And now I do (along with a free sample of JS' "Fancy Love" perfume, which I'm usually wary of celebrity fragrances, but this one smells UH-mazing) and I couldn't be more in love.

All I ever wear are heels, so I do consider myself somewhat of a master of the art of walking in them, but I have to admit that the 5.8 in wood platform heel even had me feeling a little intimidated at first. However, on top of being GORGEOUS, they are suprisingly easy to walk in and super comfortable. (I was even climb the hills of San Francisco yesterday for work without breaking a sweat!) Dare I say, I even like them more than the Jeffrey Campbell Foxy (blasphemy?). Not to mention, these are waaay more affordable. While the Foxy usually sells for about $116-$155, the Dany regularly sells for $98. What's even more awesome is the fact they're On Sale right now for $69.99 with an additional 25% OFF until January 10th!!! (With free shipping until the 11th!)

So head on over to JessicaSimpsonCollection.com right now and get yourself a pair too!

xoxo coco

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

All Of Your Pretty, Your Pretty Little Rags & Bones.


Currently Listening to:
"Rag & Bone" by The White Stripes




(Forever 21 top, skirt, bralette and shoes, knee-high tights altered by me, vintage
mink from Rogue Retro on Etsy, and White House | Black Market convertable purse/clutch.)

I still can't believe that it's already 2011. It seems like 2010 went by so fast! I definitely want to say thank you to everyone who gave this blog its chance last year! From you guys, my readers/followers, to the other awesome bloggers who featured me on their blogs too... Seriously, thank you for such a great start! <3

Now behold! Lol! My first outfit post for the new year! A.K.A. my Forever 21 Birthday/Christmas loot! Lolol! This is what I wore to the Agency on Friday (minus the fur) that I didn't get to take pictures of that day. So, after I color corrected the Orange Madness from the last post and a box of waaay too dark Brunette that my mom had picked up; out of my hair yesterday (now I'm a nice, tolerable Strawberry Blonde haha), I took some photos as part of my effort to keep to my New Year's Blog Resolution to post more personal outfits/style photos for you guys. I don't know why, but my skin looks super airbrushed in some of the shots. Its weird. Maybe it's the hair color? Lol :}

I'm super looking forward to this week. My Dany's should be here today, which I've been soooooo anxious to get since I ordered them. I've literally been counting down the days! Lol! The sweater and leggings that I told you guys about came in last Friday, but they aren't the size it said on the site and the sweater doesn't look anything like it was pictured/described. I'm beyond disappointed. I got in contact with the customer service reps so I could return them and get a refund and they are being super shady. They keep dancing around the fact that they lied about their products and don't want to give me my money back, which really sucks. I don't even want to say their name here, because I don't want you guys to look them up and fall victim to their misrepresentation too. I love you guys and I won't put you through that. Lol.

I also joined Chictopia! (And I'm actually liking it a lot more than LookBook.nu.) So if you're there, be sure to add me or leave me a comment here with a link to your profile so that I can add you :} I entered the Payless "Winter Shoe Contest" with my DIY Miu Miu's too, so wish me luck!

xoxo coco

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Ring In The New Year...

Currently Listening to:
"Hong Kong Garden" by Siouxsie and The Banshees


Happy 2011, everyone!!!

This year, more than ever, I feel like I have a new, clean slate to work with. A truly fresh start! I have so many reasons to celebrate 2011; I don't know where to begin! I think maybe I'll start with the getting offered a contract with the agency! They asked me to go back to my red, so I'm currently working on that. (Bye bye, blonde!) I put a filler in (to counter-act the bleach) with an Auburn color on Friday after I met with them and it actually turned my hair Orange, which was really surprising. Lolol. Tomorrow I have to pick up some Color Oops and some new dye. Good news is though that you can now add me to the very small list of people in the world who can pull off Orange. Right up there with Haley and Johnny! Lol! Anyhoo...

I'm so beyond excited to be signed again, though technically I haven't actually filled out the paperwork yet, but I have my first job this week with my friend Molly and I can't wait. (We're going to be in a video game!) I didn't go out for NYE, so I don't have an outfit to share, but Molly and I did do a shoot together (that shot up there is a teaser for you guys), we're just waiting to see if it'll get picked up. You'll all be the very first to know when/if it does :D

This year promises to be an exciting one, and although I didn't go out and celebrate on New Years Eve like most people, I still made resolutions. Personally, I'm going to take better care of myself and be a healthier version of me. Not that I'm not healthy now, but I could eat a little bit better and spend a little more time being active. I don't want to say that I'm going to lose weight and be super skinny either - especially not now that I got signed lolol - but I could make some better choices when it comes to what I eat and how I spend my time. Then when it comes to the blog, I promise to post more personal style/outfit photos! That seemed to be a running desire in the survey I made. So, time for me to step it up a notch!

What about you guys? What were your New Year's Resolutions? :}

xoxo coco