FREE Katie Kalsi Bag.

Buffalo leather bag, in black, with three interchangeable handles, all hand painted by Katie Kalsi.

A shot with a better view of the fabulous straps.

I bought one of these bags, in brown, at a trunk show here in town a few weeks ago and now – everyday – someone stops me to say how much they love my bag.  “Why, Thank you!” I beam. “I love it, too!”

If you missed our post, Katie Kalsi is a Memphis artist who turned her skills from the canvas to the handbag world.  Read more about her bags here, from our previous post.  Her bags were used as swag at the MTV Music Awards and have been tapped for swag at the 2011 Golden Globes.  This TN gal now operates an international company, from Memphis, while still being a hands-on mom to her young children.  See her entire fall 2010 collection here, on facebook.  Her website is www.katiekalsi.com.

Here is the same bag in bright pink. The interchangeable straps are great. Just change them out with a screwdriver. This bag is a favorite of Lisa Marie Presley, who now calls Katie the "Guitar Strap Girl."

The value of this package is $365 ($255 for the bag + 2 extra straps at $55 each)  Go ahead, share the love and forward this post to your friends.  You know they want a chance to win, too!

Click here, on our THIS WEEK section, to register for the big giveaway!  You must live within the United States to qualify for this giveaway.

September Deals:

Mention StyleBlueprint in September to receive:

• Free lash tinting at Trace Skin Care with any microdermabraision appointment made for the month of September
• 15% off the Jamie Button Down top at Habit, in the Courtyard at Bandywood
• really cool deals being added next week.  It’s so hard not to tell you about them right now!!

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

I remember last spring when I asked a few friends what they thought about a certain look — the whole combo scarf + statement long necklace.  There was much divided opinion here.  I noticed that the spring Garnet Hill catalog was filled with pictures highlighting this necklace w/scarf thing.  The magazines also had this look gracing their pages.  But, editorial and real life are two different things.  Well, I’d like to proclaim loud and clear that the answer has now been given a definitive YES through one picture: behold the cover of Town & Country:

I promise that this one picture will have women embracing this combination as Tory Burch looks hip, classy, stylish and age appropriate.  She’s over 40, and fabulous.  She’s also queen of the cool chicks and followers line up to mimic her.  Sigh, I’m sometimes one of these followers.

Here is follower me.  Wiff Harmer took my picture when she was photographing me for the lash tinting offer that Trace Skin Care has going on during the month of September for StyleBlueprint readers (see THIS WEEK section for details.).  Wiff made me dance and be a total goof, and to prove I’m not too proud, I’m actually posting the picture.

The stack of sandalwood bracelets are by Judith Bright.

When making such a strong statement at your neckline, limit your bracelets — which I wish I had done for this photo — and make sure your earrings are on the smaller size.  (note: I love these Judith Bright sandalwood bracelets.  They’re a little much paired with the neck candy I have going on, but probably wouldn’t be if I had taken off all my OTHER bracelets!  If you are in search of some ‘throw on with almost anything’ bracelets, check her out online: www.judithbright.com)

But, you see that the overall trend, scarf + necklace, can be worn by normal people.  And, as seen on Tory, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear this look while reading a book, on a picnic blanket, at the park.

ANKLE CANDY:

What am I talking about?  Last year, we pointed out that the socks w/pumps (or sandals) 80′s throwback look was starting to pop up.  Well, it’s back and I think this is the year where you’ll see this look go more mainstream.  WARNING: this is not a good thing. Sure, it’s a cute way to accessorize a classic outfit — if you are 18.  However, since I can guarantee that none of our readers are 18, I simply need to say, “Be careful.”  This look, for anyone over 25, is oh-so-easy to mess up.  Here is the look done well, on models with super skinny little calves, and they really do look great:

Picture from the New York Times. These cuties all make me want to say that this look is easy to pull off. Real life stinks as this look is actually difficult for anyone over the age of 25.

I know I’m going to notice with delight when an adult pulls off this look with ease.  We all know that certain someone who can always pull off the most current of looks, no matter what her age, and still she seems so right on. However, I’m mostly going to grimace when I notice fellow women missing the mark…which, with this look, will be often.  Just for you, I did try out this look below.  My daughters both made a point of telling me how bad I looked.  My husband, my photographer for the picture below, said my ankles looked big. Ouch!  Big ankles?  No, thank you!

The full body shot is just too embarrassing to post. Trust me, it's really bad.

So, tread carefully.  Do experiment this fall with new ways to modernize classic looks.  When you hit the mark, you’ll know deep down that it’s OK to leave the house.  If you can’t figure it out, call your friend over.  You know the one: the one that is so honest, it sometimes hurts.

-Liza

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Dear StyleBlueprint:

My mornings are too rushed and I’m constantly dropping my kids off at school and rushing to a meeting, or sometimes just errands, with little to no makeup on.  I don’t want to look too made up, but I do need to look fresher and more polished.  I’d love some pointers.

Jennifer, Nashville.

Jennifer-

When it comes to keeping your face looking its best, a routine is key: wash it each night and see a skin care specialist.   If finding the time to see a brow specialist seems impossible, make quarterly appointments and then keep up the shape yourself.  But, by taking the time to keep these appointments, you will save invaluable time each morning.

To speed up your morning routine, right after washing your face, put Vitamin C serum and eye cream on and walk away to get dressed, leaving time for these two things to soak in.

This picture was taken by Wiff after my 60 second makeup routine. I'm presentable but not too made up. I'd say I'm casual meeting ready, but not board room appropriate? Y'all know what I'm trying to say!!

Now for your AT MOST 90 second makeup routine.  Perfect for the busy person always on the go:

1. Colorscience primers are amazing on their own.  They even out skin tone and make your skin look great, but never “made up.”  They are available at skin care centers like Trace Skin Care, Maxwell Aesthetics, and Gold Skin Care, or online.  Something about this mineral primer allows me to skip powder if I so desire.  Apply with your hands and just rub on.  10 seconds (really more like 8!).
2. Apply concealer to your under eye area as bright eyes are what people notice the most.  I like both the Bobbi Brown creamy concealer, available at Woo, as well as the new Almay smart shade anti-aging concealer which changes color to match your skin tone.  But, find your personal favorite as this step is a biggie.  You may need a little on the shadows on either side of your nose.  Make sure this is rubbed in properly.  20 seconds
3. Add a bit of bronzer, or a little blush.  If you are like me you can add a little of both.  Use the bronzer brush on your eyelids, bridge of your nose, forehead and chin – with a very light touch!  I love the Bareminerals bronzer and the Nars, available at Cosmetic Market, and Bobbi Brown, available at Woo, blushes. 10 seconds.
4. I like a little eyeliner, but it’s not an everyday for me – it may be for you. 15 seconds.
5. Curl your eyelashes and brush your eyebrows into place. 20 seconds.
6. A little light powder will seal the whole face and keep you looking fresh all day.  I skip this step all the time but you will look better hours later if you take the time for this step.  My personal favorite is MAC set loose powder as it’s not as matte as other powders. 10 sec.
7. This leaves you 5 seconds if you needed to cover a pimple, which we all need to do from time to time!

“Foul!” you are screaming.  What about lips and mascara?

I keep a lipgloss and lipstick in my purse and I usually put in on at a red light while driving my kids to school.  My newest obsession is Plum Sugar by Fresh, but I love my Bobbi lip glosses and even the Say YES to Carrots lip butters.

For my lashes, I get my them tinted each month when I see Tracey Harris at Trace Skin Care for my microdermabrasion.  I like that the tinting saturates both sides of your lashes.  Tinting is $20 (but it’s free for you in September…keep reading!).  If I did use Latisse, the tinting would probably last longer and my lashes would be really thick and even longer.

Eyelash tinting, no mascara here.

Trace Skin Care, #829-7198, is offering StyleBlueprint readers a special deal: make a microdermabrasion appointment at Trace Skin Care for anytime in the month of Sept and get a free lash tinting. When booking your appointment, let them know you are getting both services, but that the lash tinting is free by mentioning StyleBlueprint.  Book today as September is NEXT WEEK!  See if you, too, aren’t hooked! *Word of caution: after getting your lashes tinted, your eyes will look like you have liner on as well from the 100% vegetable dye used.  No worries as any raccoon like feeling will go away once you are able to add some concealer under your eyes and by the next day, it is not an issue at all.

Because I get my eyelashes tinted, I don’t have to worry about mascara which is great as I’m not a fan of the way it feels.  This way, I only curl my lashes and I’m out the door.  Now, for an evening event, or something special, I will add mascara as it does give a more polished look.

-Liza

Each Thursday we answer one question from a reader for both StyleBlueprint and the Her Q’s blog found at HerNashville.com. We also answer two questions each Tuesday just on the Her Q’s blog.  Please send us your questions at: email@styleblueprint.com

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Pre-party prep for skin by Tracey Harris:

In the realm of pre-party prep, I don’t ever recall considering the purchase of a new facial cleanser, Retin A, or scheduling a chemical peel…..when in fact, if I were truly wanting that party glow, I would have considered the largest organ in my body, THE SKIN, as a great place to begin prepping….and what better place to invest in than your skin?  Don’t we all want that glow, a reduction in pore size, and that wonderful ‘taut’ feeling (if you haven’t experienced that tautness, you are really missing out.)  There are many in-office treatments I can help you with.  But, there are some steps you can take on your own.

Confidence will exude when all you have to do is apply as little make up as you want, focusing on glossing up the lips and creating either a soft or smoky eye.  Your world will totally change.

Here are a few suggestions to create a smooth canvas for a stunning application of make-up (or to just have that glow every day!)

At home musts:

•    Cleanser. Select a pH-balanced cleanser designed to leave the skin at its normal pH. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.  Any lingering residue will cause a chemical reaction that will begin to break down the moisturizer and/or makeup in less than 2 hours after application.

•   Exfoliate. Exfoliate,  exfoliate, exfoliate to ensure smooth skin. There are two main different means to do this, mechanically and chemically.  Purchase the Clarisonic Facial Brush for a mechanical exfoliation.  This is to be used twice daily and ensures a full 60 second wash dividing the face into four quadrants.  After completion, your skin will absorb all your much needed lotions and potions 61% more than just cleansing by hand, and you’ve begun thinning that dull outer layer that is accentuating uneven skin texture.

Use a chemical exfoliation for skin discoloration and blemishes. Most skin types respond well to glycolic and salicylic acids which provide a smoother and softer appearance for the foundation.  These are often found in certain toners and treatment lotions. However, you can’t go wrong adding in a one step Tretinoin 0.05%, Refissa, recently FDA approved to improve the appearance of fine lines, hyper-pigmentation, and skin texture.

(StyleBlueprint talking: For a quick start to beautiful exfoliation, get the in-office treatment called a Diamond Tome Microdermabrasion.  We LOVE this treatment– normally $100.  It makes your skin look instantly brighter, softer and more glowing.  It’s like having the best facial ever.  It also helps clear up some acne within minutes (personal testimony here!)  See our Deals Email– sent out today– for a 20% off coupon for both the Diamond Tome and/or chemical peels from Trace Skin Care for StyleBlueprint readers through Jan 15!)

•    Moisturize. Don’t forget to moisturize your face as well as the eye area.  The right moisturizer will increase the longevity of your makeup application.  Understanding the difference between humectants and emollient moisturizers is important.  Most contain both elements, but one type usually dominates depending on the purpose of the product.

For best use under makeup, chose one with MORE emollients and LESS humectants.  Humectants are usually found in night creams and/or corrective creams, lotions or serums.  They moisturize by attracting water from the dermis into the epidermis and when humidity is high, they moisturize by attracting water from the atmosphere into the epidermis.  This will cause the makeup to melt.  Emolients, on the other hand, bind humectants and remain in the stratum corneum to act as lubricants, hold moisture in the skin and prevent the skin’s chemistry from affecting the makeup.  They help maintain the benefits of humectants that were applied the night before and provide a soft, pliable complexion for an easy makeup application.  Colorescience pep up gel is a wonderful way to moisturize as it contains hyaluaronic acid and many other yummy ingredients to help give you that glow, along with firming, brightening, calming and protecting the skin.

•   Silicone. Finally, silicone is one of the best kept secrets in preparing the face for makeup application.  It helps to decrease the appearance of fine lines and large pores by “filling” them.  This helps foundation and powders not seep into any hidden crevices.  It should be applied under makeup and on top of your moisturizer with sunscreen or can be blended with it.  Colorescience primers not only correct but help treat certain skin conditions as well. Other favorites of Trace Skin Care are, Line Tamer, Wild to Mild, and About Face.

From StyleBlueprint Tracey is truly a skin guru.  We will continue to feature her suggestions for skin on this site.  Liza and several friends/readers have started to carry her cards around as so many people ask “What’s up with your skin?  It’s g-l-o-w-i-n-g!”  And, Liza really enjoyed being mistaken for the babysitter several times this past fall (Thank you Tracey!)  Trace Skin Care is offering 15% off all laser treatments until Jan 15th.  She is further discounting two of our FAVORITE treatments, the Diamond Tome Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels, by 20% — just for StyleBlueprint readers!  The makeup artists love her because they can send their clients to Tracey and get the canvas they need to create the look their clients want.  Read the Deals of the Week email today for more details!

So, forward this to your friends ’cause friends don’t let friends have bad skin!

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

I got a sample of this lotion at Trace Skin Care.  My crow’s feet are astoundingly better (and believe me I have tried MANY options…..)  Use just a bit in the morning after your Vitamin C.  I’m seriously addicted after two weeks and my sample is almost gone.  I need to go buy some TODAY.  Check out her blog at  http://traceskincare.com for more fun skincare options.  Call to ask for a sample or just go ahead and BUY it.  This lotion works to firm and diminish lines within 4 hours, with intermediate and long term effects as well.  Forehead, eyes, tighten your jawline…..It’s GREAT!  Product is $56 for .33 oz. and $135 for the 1.25 oz.  Seriously, THE BEST!

Aquaphor:

I use this on my heels at night and then put socks on.  I wake to soft skin.  I put it on my lips and I also have abandoned my night eye cream in favor of Aquaphor.  Who knew?  I think it works better than any previous night cream tried .$5 drugstores.

Mac ‘Press and Prime’ Powder:

I stopped using powders as they seemed too cakey.  I found the perfect one just last week.  I add it as my last step and my face still has that glow, but not nearly the shine.  You can still maintain that dewy look, but you are not matte.  If this is what you strive for, try this powder. $21 Available at MAC, Green Hills Mall.

le metier de beaute Classic Flawless Finish Concealer:

Always on the lookout for the PERFECT concealer, I got close with this one.  It swivels up like a lipstick and you use your brush to slowly apply.  Or, smear your fingers across it and blend it in with some eye cream (like I always do!) When I find perfect, I’ll holler. But I may never find perfect.  This is close.  $55 Available at Woo.

Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder:

Spray just a bit in your hair and wait a couple minutes for it to dry.  Instantly you can get through your day without a shampoo.  I’m one of those unlucky people who needs a shampoo everyday, so this is a time saving life saver some days.  Great for a Sunday morning getting ready for church.  Available in platinum (which works for most colors of blond and grey) Dark blonde, brunette and red head. $37 Available at Trim Classic Barber and Private Edition.

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

You may remember last week when I was writing about recently going in to see Tracey Harris, owner of Trace Skin Care.  I’ve been to to several med-spas and no one has ever taken the time to explain skincare the way Tracey did.  Two fun areas to blog about today: basic skin care and EYELASHES! (read through this post to read about how both Tracey and I dislike mascara and a solution, with a 30% off offer!)

I told Tracey that I get overwhelmed with all the products out there.  I mean, I love that Bliss catalog but the information overload paralyzes me and I just don’t know where to begin.  So, she started by walking me through a basic skincare routine.  Here it is:

Morning:

• Wash face with cleanser, not body soap (if you have the clarisonic, use it here for one minute) If you don’t know what the clarisonic is, click here.
• Toner: depends on your face wash as to whether or not you need it.  Tracey completely understands that some people may never do this step.  If this is you, work with your skincare professional to pick a good cleanser that you will not need a toner with.
• Vitamin C Cream: ladies, if you are not using Vitamin C cream, consider investing in this.  Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is one of the relatively few topical agents whose effectiveness against wrinkles and fine lines is backed by a fair amount of reliable scientific evidence (from www.smartskincare.com)
• Notice this is basic skin care and Tracey has it listed.  The pricey factor here is because how hard it is to get Vitamin C to be shelf stable.  My $15 formula from Target didn’t cut it.  See Tracey’s website for some options.
• Eye Cream: the thinner more delicate skin here needs its own moisturizer formulated with smaller particles to penetrate those tiny pores.
• Moisturizer with SPF.  Everyday.  Again, EVERYDAY.

Nightime:

• Wash face, if you have your clarisonic, use it twice a day. (if you are going to only use it once a day, pick night time to use it)
• Tone
• Retinoid product (Tazorac, Retin A, etc)
• Night cream if needed
• Eye Cream

Going Out Routine:

As long as it’s night time and no risk of sun exposure exists….

• Cleanse, tone, eye cream, night cream or a hydrating serum and then apply make-up…It will go on very nice. Tracey recommends the Colorescience primers that she carries with antioxidants, spf 20 (then you don’t have to worry about not having sunscreen on), and silicone for diminishing the appearance of fine lines and pores.

There you have it.  Your MUST need products. Sure, there is more that you can add, but how much are you really going to read today?:-) This is a 90-120 second routine twice a day.  You can do this.  You will love the results. For more information, click here to see Tracey’s blog on skincare consultation.  Trace Skin Care can be reached at 615.519.7136.  Further contact information is listed on her home page, bottom right hand corner.  www.traceskincare.com

If you want to go further, Tracey Harris can help you get there.  I left off most specific products as I don’t know what YOU need. I will tell you that you can load up all your crazy array of products and dump them on Tracey and she’ll tell you what to keep and what to ditch.  I love that.

Now, for the deal Tracey is offering to YOU!  Tracey doesn’t like mascara and, quite frankly, I don’t either. I wear it, but more often than not I just curl my lashes and out the door I go.  Well, Tracey has these AMAZING lashes and I simply could not believe that she wasn’t wearing mascara (ok, in this picture she has on mascara, but you would too for a professional photo shoot!) Well, her trick is this: Latisse and an Eye Lash Tint.  You’ve probably heard of Latisse or seen Brook Shields in an ad about it.  If you’ve been toying with the idea of trying it, take advantage of this promotion as 30% off is a deal.   You’ll find Latisse at numerous doctors offices including Ophthalmologists, Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists and at Trace Skin Care.

StyleBluePrint readers are getting 30% off a three month supply of Latisse AND a free eyelash tint ($15 value) at Trace Skin Care!  That’s $123 in savings and just $252 for that three month supply and eyelash tint. Offer is good until the end of October.  Start soon and have your eyelashes in drop-dead gorgeous shape by the Holiday season.

Latisse makes your eyelashes grow longer, thicker and darker.  Tracey uses it and wanted even darker lashes, so she was trained in how to tint eyelashes.  Tinting is $15 and Latisse, at $120 for a month’s supply, is a pricey investment.  However, Tracey promises to show you how to make that 3 month supply s-t-r-e-t-c-h as she knows the price is steep, but the benefits are amazing.  You may be able to make that 3 month supply last 5-6 months.

Look out for more tips in the future from Trace Skin Care.  Did I mention how fun Tracey is just to be with?  Try her out.  She’ll steer you right, and you know I wouldn’t write this if I didn’t 100% believe it.

-Liza

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

I have some friends who have crossed the 40 year old mark or are teetering on its edge. The remarkable thing is this: they are suddenly looking better than ever and it’s not the use of Botox that is getting them there. It’s a skin regimen that is setting the canvas (their skin) up beautifully and I am following suit!  Sure, some are using injectables, which I honestly have no problem with.  But, their skin is GLOWING and they are wearing less makeup, not more.  I have slowly found out the two-part secret to their skin: the Clarisonic and Trace Skin Care. I guess Oprah was right to have it as one of her favorite things a couple of years ago.

First off, Tracey Harris, MSN, RNC, is the owner of Trace Skin Care (and I will write far more about my visit with Tracey in the coming weeks.  So, be on the lookout for all my trade tips which I will pass along to you.)  If you are interested in setting up an appointment, call Trace Skin Care at 615-519-7136.  She is offering all StyleBluePrint readers a true deal…but you are going to have to wait until next week to find out what it is!

Now: the Clarisonic.  At $195, it’s not cheap.  But, that’s about the price of two facials and you won’t need another one again as long as you use this devise twice a day.  You can get away with nightly uses if you just don’t have that extra minute in the morning to give to your skincare routine.  But, besides the raves from my friends, what sold me was the fact that my skincare products will absorb up to 61% better because of how well the Clarisonic cleans your face.  61%.  Wow.  If I’m going to spend all this money on my skincare products, I want them to work at their peek levels.  Tracey agrees: this product is da bomb.

I have my 15 year college reunion coming up in October.  The Clarisonic is now part of my arsenal for looking my best.  It even helps to “erase” those fine lines around your eyes.  I’m so excited.  A call out to all my friends who have been telling me about Tracey and the clarisonic for the past few months!  Thank you!

The Clarisonic is only available online and through professionals like Trace Skin Care.  See the clarisonic website for distributors in Nashville.

Some of you may remember our interview with local makeup artist Lorrie Turk who gushed about the Clarisonic facial brush.  You can click on that interview at the bottom of this post.

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.