7.21.2009

Jill Barber's Favourite Dresses

We, here at FC, enjoy listening to the charming melodies of this artiste almost as much as fitting and styling her for her many performances. Jill Barber's music is definitely worth uploading to your library; our favorite album is "Chances".
We anticipate some fresh lovesongs from this lyricist, as she recently disclosed her new engagement!

Jill performing at a Jazz FM Fundraiser. Photograpy: Romy Shinder.


Here, Jill is pictured with David Fransen, Canadian Consul General in Los Angeles
at his official residence where she recently performed.

GUNK: The Daily Strokes of a Make-Up Artist

Vol. 2
Fellow Fashion Crimes stylist Robyn Lianne gets a Zooey Deschanel inspired make-up look.
Here’s how you can snag it with (with MAC)!


A liberal application of Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 was applied to Robyn’s face to give her that milky complexion and powder pressed pores, for the perfect photograph.

Paint Pot in Bare Study was then stippled onto the eyelid using the 249 large shadow brush. Special attention was paid to the lower lash line, blending Paint Pot slightly with the foundation under the eye which gives a smooth transition from pinkish tones to more yellow in the foundation.

A crease is then defined by patting Wedge eye shadow, which is a medium brown, into the crease line and then blending outward to contour the eye.

Jet black liquid liner is applied over the upper lash line and plucked out in a slight wisp, building its thickness mid-eye to give a ‘cuter-than-cute’ baby doll eye shape.

Using Silver Dusk Iridescent Powder and a small fluff brush, a small dusting is applied to the brow bone and eyelid. Doing this can blur harsh edges and give a nice glow to the eye area.

A small coating of mascara is used to intensify the eyes, opening them up and giving them a ‘wide-awake’ appearance; just like Miss Deschanel.

After the eyes are complete the lips are next to be defined.

Using Pinky Eyeliner, which is exclusively sold at MAC Pro stores only, line the lips in a sweetheart cut, dipping down on the cupids bow of the lips. This will give that carved look that Zoey is known for. With a clean brush blend Mauvelous Lipstick over top and seal the deal with a top coat of clear lip gloss.

Use these two blushes to get the flushed and contoured look. Layer both Tantone and Breath of Plum blushers to the face. Both have a matte finish so it will appear more natural and will be more striking when photographed.


7.15.2009

Montreal Jazz Festival

One of the highlight performances this year at the festival was the ravishing Terri Oliver. Check out her tunes and moves, styled head-to-toe in FC.

7.08.2009

GUNK: The Daily Strokes of a Make-Up Artist

Vol. 1

Dana Brushette shoots for Stephanie Connell Designs

Accessories by Fashion Crimes



When Dana and I were dreaming up a story for this editorial, the words, ‘What would a fashionable alien do if she came to Earth,’ came to mind.

Recently I was asked by photographer, and close friend Dana Brushette, to be on set as a make-up artist for an editorial shoot for London based designer Stephanie Connell.

I quickly responded with a “YES!” Having worked with her before many times I knew there was nothing more exiting than being on set with her.

After days of mulling over the make-up looks to be delivered for this shoot, I thought that a little improvisation would be best. Since I had never worked with designer Stephanie Connell, hair stylist Andrea Harrison, or model Joanna Eggett before, I thought I would wait until I got the full team together to create any make-up looks.

Upon meeting the fabulous trio, getting a closer look at the designs, and meeting with Andrew and bouncing ideas off one another, I knew I had a vision in mind.



With studio fix fluid, and a heavy dusting of powder, I matted Joanna’s face; giving it that dried up look. After we finished the base I swept a soft brown under her eyes, and etched an angular shape into the inner corners of her lids, highlighting it with a white to intensify her eye shape.

Her brows were strong, and stood alone, so I simply extended them to reach the contours of her eye shadow.

I applied a thick coat of mascara to her top lashes only, and rimmed her waterline with my favorite eyeliner Smolder, by MAC Cosmetics. For the first two looks I dulled her lips, concealing them, giving her a very high fashion look. I reminded the team about the importance of the balance in make-up artistry. Because of her strong brow, dark hair and the complexity of Stephanie’s designs, going over board on the made-up could potentially ruin the look. “Always find the balance.”



The last time I shot with Dana Brushette was late winter, at the Gladstone Hotel here in Toronto. We were shooting for local street wear designer, Christopher J. Nevin, in room 314, the Billio room. We had to hide out from the cold, and crank the heat, crammed in the small room shooting for hours. Luckily, this was not the case for this photo shoot.


This time we had sunlight! And summer heat! So, after two hours or so of hair and make-up we all packed up our kits and moved outside to catch some rays while we watched the model work her wear, and showcase some elegant Fashion Crimes pieces.

Model Joanna Eggett elegantly portrays a fashionable alien, wearing her futuristic outfit by designer Stephanie Connell. The silver and metallic plum colors played well with one of Fashion Crimes most lovable pieces; THE BENDY!


Follow my blog and see the world through my eyes!

Your one and only boy,

Logan Salter



6.22.2009

Cutaneous Care with Carly

BEAUTIFUL DRESS, PERFECT SHOES, CUTE DATE; NOW WHAT....?!

What about your skin? This column will entail a few basic things every girl should know about skin care and how to keep it glowing!

First thing is first, keep your germy hands away from your beautiful face! No really! Think about how many different surfaces you touch daily compared to how often you thoroughly wash your hands.

Now that we got that reality check out of the way, time to get down to business.
Let’s talk sebum glands (Sebaceous glands) they are microscopic glands in the skin which secrete an oily matter (sebum), in the hair follicles, to lubricate the skin and hair of animals. In humans, they are found in their greatest abundance on the face and scalp, though they are distributed throughout all skin sites, excluding the palms and soles, of your hands and feet respectively. Basically, these glands produce your natural skin oils. Sometimes you have oily skin and its because these glands are over producing the oils. In that case you need to suppress the glands so they don’t produce as much oil.

Ways to mange oily skin include; using a cleanser with bacteria fighting oils but also ingredients that absorb excess oil. Ingredients such as charcoal & liquorish root mattify the skin. These can be found in Lush Cosmetics Coal Face Soap ($10.95 per 100 grams). Another important ingredient is Tea Tree oil, which acts as a natural antibacterial/antiseptic formula to disinfect from the bacteria that can be caused by over active oil production. A few products with tea tree oil to keep your skin and even oiler body looking good are Lush Cosmetics Fresh Farmacy ($9.95 per 100grams) or Body shop’s Foaming Tea Tree Oil face Soap($16.50 per 100ml)
When you have under productive Sebaceous glands your skin is not producing enough of its own natural oils. In this case, you still need to maintain your healthy skin by cleansing regularly and using more gentle ingredients. Ingredients such as lavender, chamomile, and aloe vera are all very soothing to dry skin but will also help to calm down any redness or irritation (also good for sunburned skin!). Even seaweed is another good ingredient that promotes moisture in the skin. Try a Paradise Regained Moisturizer from Lush Cosmetics ($45.95 per 45gram pot) rich with Vitamin E, Green Tea and Jojoba oil! (That is my moisturizer! I Love it!) Or Body Shop’s Vitamin E Line; Vitamin E can be found in essential oils such as lavender and almond oils which promotes elasticity in the skin.

Now that we recognize our type of sebum glands we must understand them. Despite having oily or dry skin we still need a good moisturizer!
When you have overactive sebum glands, to put it simply, you need to tell them to calm down. When we sleep our body relaxes and that is when most of our natural oils are produced. In order to have them calm down you actually need to use a heavier moisturizer at night. Using this heavier moisturizer encourages your sebum glands to not need to work as hard, through continuing this pattern it should over time help to suppress your sebum glands and cause your skin to become more ‘normal’.
Just the opposite is necessary to speed up your sebum glands in dry skin. By using a light moisturizer at night, or none at all, will wake up your lazy glands and let them know they need to start producing.

One last little tip about these glands, they do not exist around your eyes or on your neck which is why the effects of ageing appear there first causing you to use a eye and neck cream. Try finding one with JOBJA Oil this is a natural oil that is almost identical in texture to your sebum oils. This will help to prevent or prolong the effects of aging around the eyes and sagging of the neck.
These are just a few simple things to help you understand your skin. They are some of the most important things that can help you in the future to maintaining the youthfulness of your skin.

For more information on Products Mentioned Check out Lush and the Body Shop.

Stay tuned for Part II – fast fixes and home remedies!

6.18.2009

Steph's First Post!

So, my very first blog entry!
Whatever will I write? I did wonder…

I decided on a subject that is very close to my heart and everyone should have some sort of experience with it….can you guess what it is??? PROM!!!!!

Ok, so, let me take you back 5 years. I’m 15, finishing my final exams at school in a small English town, Rugby (yes, like the games). The world is my oyster and I have to find my prom dress.

At first I wanted an Indian themed dress (sari), but after weeks of searching to no avail, I looked to broaden my horizons.

I was shopping in Birmingham (home of Ozzy Osbourne, Cat Deeley and Nick Rhodes) and I spotted a black corset, which, at first, I did not care much for, but was forced to try it on by my Mother. I surprisingly felt like a million bucks! My next mission was to find a bottom to match my top. Soon after I found a tutu for £20 and my Mum slaved over a sewing machine, made in the 50’s, to make a crinoline for me to wear underneath. If only there was a Fashion Crimes in Rugby.

I also decided that that my short brown hair was waaaayyyyyyy to boring, so I spent six and a half hours in the hairdressers getting it cut and dyed. Into what? I hear you asking. Isn’t it obvious? A peroxide blonde Mohawk, of course.

Next, SHOES! I spotted these OUTSTANDING ‘New Rock’ boots (which I would not dare wear now, but thought they were cool at the time). As for the jewelry I wore, I decided to accessorize with a dainty rhinestone, heart necklace with matching earrings and vintage lace gloves. To complete the look I was going for I was literally covered in glitter; my entire face was covered (I love shiny things :).

So, the night finally arrives. My Mum and I went to pick up my two very best friends, Rachel and Hanns. Rachel is wearing pink and black (same look as myself, which is a bit of a faux pas, but oh well) and Hanns in yellow and white.

We arrived at the venue and I literally felt like a rockstar. Everywhere there were people with cameras. There were drunken teachers, limos, men in suits; just another day in Rugby.

All of my friends looked amazing, like I had never seen them before, or since for that matter. It was an unforgettable night filled with dancing and laughter.


I hope everyone has an amazing prom this year! PLEASE send us your photos and stories in your Fashion Crimes dresses and you, too, could be featured in our blog.
Until next time,
Your British Best Friend
Steph x