Palm Beach Swim Week: Misley Beltinor Swimwear

Here's a few looks from Misley Beltinor's Swimwear Collection. Misley is based in Orlando, and was featured in last fall's Palm Beach Fashion Week. Whether it's swimwear or ready-to-wear - her designs are comfortable, flattering, and very wearable.

Palm Beach Swim Week: Sandbar Collection (Photos)

Here's some stills I got of Sandbar Collection. I'm kind of in love with this line - I'm a fan of the bold prints, the cutouts, and the overall styling. These flattering suits are for those who want to stand out.

Video Palm Beach Swim Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZyRrsXmQ3Q

                                     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZXCWeneCkY

I recently had an amazing opportunity to work backstage at Palm Beach Swim Week as a wardrobe stylist/dresser. Here's some video footage I was able to capture of the Grand Finale. The designer is Sandbar Collection.

Like what you see? Here's a link to Sandbar's website: http://sandbarcollection.com/

Fashion Illustration

It's been a while since I've picked up a needle and thread - lately I've been heavy into sketching my designs. I'm thinking about creating scarves and other faith-based headwear (such as the Hijab, Kippah, etc.) Looks like I'll bust out that sewing machine soon enough.

I know controversy surrounds various religious headwear/accessories. I've heard the arguments that they're "demeaning", and "divisive". I disagree. All clothing is a form of expression: In this case, the wearer chooses to express personal beliefs and cultural pride. Many associate covering the head with respect for God; others enjoy the privacy it gives them while out in public.

Anyway, here's one of my sketches. Enjoy!:

Didn't realize it came out so distant. Here's a closer version:

Derma e Overnight Peel (with Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

I recently purchased derma e's Overnight Peel from Ulta. This is a quality Vegan resurfacing treatment. It boasts 5% Glycolic Acid (which is fantastic for skin), as well as a mix of other nourishing fruit acids. It is pH balanced at 3.5, which makes it acidic enough for thorough exfoliation/resurfacing without damaging skin's protective barrier. That said, it's too strong for daily treatment - the recommended use is once or twice a week.

Tangent for those wondering WTF is up with the recent "pH balanced" trend: A scale of 1-14 is employed to measure acidity. 1 is the most acidic; 14 is the most alkaline. 7 is smack dab in the middle. Skin's ideal phH balance is 5.5 (slightly acidic). You run into problems when skin pH ventures too far into either extreme of the scale. Too alkaline, and the protective barrier erodes, resulting in dry, wrinkle-prone skin. Overuse of peels and exfoliation treatments can result in overly acidic, easily irritated complexions. Hence, the recommended once to twice a week usage.

Back to the review: I'm in love with derma e's Overnight Peel. My skin has never felt so soft and balanced (no more dry, flaky patches or oily T-zone. Yay!) It makes my other products, such as Retinol moisturiser, more effective.

Tips for using this product: This product loosens up old, dead skin cells. I apply it at night, and wash my face the next morning with a natural exfoliating cleanser (I recommend St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub - it contains gentle, natural exfoliants. Once-a-day use of St. Ives completely eliminated the stubborn patch of acne under my chin).

Combining these two products improved my skin. The Overnight Peel will smooth and dissolve any scarring/discolouration left over from acne.

Bobcat Video Experiment

I started a new job at the beginning of August - I'm a photographer at a local studio. Senior portraits are a huge leap from landscapes and wildlife. Photographing people has its challenges, but I'm enjoying the experience. It's fun, and there's always something new to learn.

I've recently ventured into video. One lesson learned (the hard way): Tripods are essential. I didn't realize I had such shaky hands, lol. I did manage to capture a mother cat and her kitten. They regularly visit our backyard. We believe the mom is some type of bobcat and/or wildcat mix (her face/markings are quite interesting). Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video - she and her kitten are adorable!

California Love: Coachella Valley (Continued)

Okay, here's the desert mountains (as promised). I loved those clear blue skies! Many view deserts as desolate and isolated - Coachella doesn't fall under either category. Besides its famous music festival, it is home to spa retreats, film festivals, scenic nature trails, and plenty of shopping. 

California Love: Griffith Park

I stayed right down the road from Griffith Park. I spent the better part of an evening photographing the scenery. I only saw a fraction of it - I didn't realize how expansive it was. Griffith Park is home to the famous Hollywood sign, the LA Zoo, the Greek Theatre, a Bird Sanctuary, and the Griffith Observatory. Looks like I have plenty to check out next time!

The park offers hiking trails, and gorgeous mountain views. The sunset isn't bad, either. I managed to sneak in a few photos as the sun went down.

California Love: Coachella Valley

I'm enjoying my time out here in California. Yesterday my friend and I hit up Wet n Wild water park out in the desert (close to Palm Springs). I'm still in awe of the desert (native Floridian here - naturally we don't see too many of them, lol). Wet n Wild was lots of fun - my naturally pale skin now has a bit of color (don't worry - I wore sunblock). Anyway, I took a few photos from the passenger seat on the way home.

I was intrigued by the windmills and barren landscape. It's interesting, the things you learn while travelling. Apparently, the windmills provide energy for all of Southern California. Next up: Beautiful desert mountains!

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturiser

I'd been curious about Neutrogena's new line of anti-ageing products for quite some time now. The products boast "Accelerated" Retinol SA: This is an effective combination of Retinol SA, Glucose Complex, and Hyaluronic Acid.

I purchased the Rapid Tone Repair Moisturiser. In addition to the accelerated Retinol SA forumula, it contains Vitamin C. Unlike many products, its Vitamin C is potent enough to be effective. (Tip: "Ascorbic Acid" should be listed among the ingredients).

I've used this product for nearly a month - I'm pleasantly surprised by the results! My skin is more smooth, balanced, and a bit "glow-y" (I know, I know, so cliché). It even gave my pale complexion a healthy flush, and diminished acne scars. Rapid Tone Repair absorbs quickly & won't dry you out (Hyaluronic Acid is great for hydrating skin). That said, I find it more effective when I use it every other day (as opposed to every day). Overall, this is a great moisturiser & exfoliator - I'm a big fan of multi-tasking products. It should fit into just about any skin care routine.

Los Angeles

Summer is (almost) here! I just confirmed my travel plans for this year. I'm heading to Los Angeles for 10 days to visit a good friend. I plan on attending a few networking events, & taking a fashion design illustration class while I'm out there.

My friend & I were debating hitting up Las Vegas, Santa Monica, or San Diego. Any recommendations? I've never been to LA before - any places/events I should see while I'm there? I'll be there around the middle of June. Also, it'll be my first time flying (yes I'm serious, lol. Any time I've travelled, it's been by train or car).

Derma e Product Review: Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Creme

For all the beauty junkies out there: It takes lots of money, trial, & error to find something that works for you. Not to mention, everyone's skin is unique - what works on one person may not work on another. Product reviews/testimonials have been extremely helpful for me. This is why I'm doing a series of product reviews myself.

I'm a big stickler for ingredients. (Seriously, you should see my friends laugh at me inspecting each product at the store, lol). I'm also big on anti-ageing: It's easier to prevent problems than to treat them. Key ingredients for antiaging products are Retinol (Vitamin A), Alpha Hydroxy Acids (such as Glycolic Acid), Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Vitamin E.

Derma e Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Crème contains several key ingredients. Besides the advertised Vitamin A derivative, it lists Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycerin, and Panthenol (Provitamin B5) among its ingredients. It also contains a number of moisturising oils derived from all-natural sources: Safflower Seeds, Avocados, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Soybeans, and Cedar wood.

I've only recently begun using this as an overnight cream. I can already see the difference in my skin - it's more smooth and even. It completely smoothed out my nasolabial lines (granted, they were slight to begin with). It also helped "fill out" my acne scars, making them much less noticeable. This product wasn't overly drying like other Retinol derivatives I've used - this could be due to the Vitamin E and other moisturising oils in the mix.

The only downside: Jar packaging. Air-exposure can weaken ingredients, causing them to lose effectiveness over time. Overall though, I highly recommend this product. It has kept my skin looking fresh and smooth.

Great Site For Artwork

Don't know about ya'll, but I'm enjoying, art.com. They offer a variety of quality art, supplies, and services. They seem to have some nice deals, too (35% off all orders, etc.). Between this:

And this:

I'm in love. You can also join their community to share your own art, and follow others' work.

My Latest Article

My latest column for Write Vault: A review of Scripted.com. Now-a-days, there are tons of sites geared toward freelance writers and artists. It takes time and energy to discover which ones are effective. My review of Scripted is based off my personal experience. Scripted has proven itself as a good resource for the freelance writer. Here's the full review:
https://writevault.com/blog/guest-writers-artists/scripted-review-goldapple/

Palm Beach Swim Week

Florida's fashion scene isn't limited to Miami - Palm Beach has its fair share of events and runway shows. Palm Beach Swim Week is right around the corner (not sure what the exact dates are). In honor of the upcoming show, here's a couple highlights from Palm Beach Fashion Week (from a male swimwear line, naturally). The designer is Ivan Sanchez Hernandez. Enjoy!

Steve Madden Iggy Azalea

It's funny, I remember wearing Steve Maddens when I was younger. I've always loved their fun sense of style. And yes, I did squee when I saw the store at St. Johns Town Center. I'm loving the collaboration with Iggy Azalea - I think had a shoe-gasm over these.

Fashion Bloggers I Love

I was pleasantly surprised with US Weekly. I <3 the fact that they featured Gabi Fresh. She has a unique, refreshing voice & a fun sense of style. Here's a clip of US's article:

Photography/Art work

Where are my fellow photographers/animal lovers at? I'd love to connect with ya'll.

Here's a link to my photography work:  My website

Kazakhstan

As we've all heard, one of the suspects arrested was from Kazakhstan. I can't be the only one who thought of Borat & his Motherland. Is that bad?

Latest Designing/Sewing Adventure

I started crafting again after a loooooong hiatus. Here's some photos of my first scarf:

Nightscape Photography

Yesterday I attended a neat seminar (sponsored by the Jacksonville Camera Club). Royce Bair spoke about his tips and techniques for nightscape photography. I've had fun photographing wildlife, but I've yet to venture into night scenes. I think I have my next photo adventure!
Here's his blog (which has some amazing work):
http://intothenightphoto.blogspot.com/2013/11/royce-bairs-2014-photography-workshop.html

List Verse

If you enjoy alternate views of the world at large, you'll like listverse.com. The site hosts a variety of Top 10 lists, which cover everything from science, history/mythology, religion, to the unusual & disturbing. I recently submitted an article to them - we'll see how it goes.
Here is their site:
http://listverse.com/

Starship Farragut

This week I visited the set of Farragut Film Studios. Starship Farragut is a web series based on Star Trek. It is created by fans, for the fans. It was easy to see the passion put into this project, with the detailed costumes, makeup, and set construction (the majority of which were created by volunteers). The cast and crew come from all over the U.S. to make this series happen. It has developed a large following - they exceeded their fundraising goal on Kickstarter.


The project I was involved with filmed on the premises (non-related to Starship Farragut, though several of their crew members were kind enough to donate their time). I provided wardrobe and took behind the scenes photos. Here is a link to Starship Farragut's site, so you can see their amazing set design (and watch episodes!)
http://www.starshipfarragut.com/aboutus.html

New Year, New Beginnings

Happy (belated) New Year everyone! 'Tis the start of a "new beginning" (or so they say). I'm still adjusting to writing "2015" on my checks, lol.