Another Fashion Illustration

Omg, it's been a while. December was a crazy month. I still have more videos from the fashion show to go through. 

In the mean time, here's another fashion illustration involving the kippah. Oh yeah - Happy New Year! :)

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!