Showing posts with label Special Occasion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Special Occasion. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Shimmer What Yo' Mama Gave Ya - Gold, Glowy, Gorgeous...

The best things in life are free,
but since we're living in a material world,
everything's better with some bling on it.
You know it's true. Glitter is one of 
your favorite colors, now isn't it?
This applies to skin too.
One of the great joys of the season is getting to show off some skin.
Let it breath a little. And flirt a little while you're at it.
May as well dress up the bare bits too, and what better way
than with a golden glow? 


Subtlety is fine and dandy. Put on the glitz with a 
gentle glimmer instead of a loud pop with 
or 
Agent Provocateur's Body Glamour Sauce.
They both smell like heaven as an added bonus.


Then again, sometimes a gold explosion
causes a veritable riot... the good kind.
Did someone say loud pop?
Right, I did.
If you want to rival the fireworks,
what's stopping you? 



Take this lovely inspiration from visionary photographer 
Laura Palm and go bold with your gold! 

Kryolan's Gold G Iridescent Body Powder
Kryolan Shimmer Body Wash Gold


Kryolan Shimmer Body Wash Bronze
  
Use Kryolan's Gold Iridescent Body Powder to get a blend-able lasting glint all over.

For those who dare to work their skills
and flaunt their skin to the max,
I have a project for you:

These body wash paints from Kryolan deliver surreal metallics that are safe and easy to use.

Try applying with different sponges, like a raw sponge for tricky textures, or brush it on with a paint brush and rock it like a goddess in gold, bronze, or copper! 




For the face, follow these wise steps to perfection:

              

Save the bold statement for the eyes and lips,
and give one of these stellar looks a go:
           
             

A perfect look for summer,
Michelle Phan is on top of her game as usual.

                                                      

Similar to the sunset eye, but with stunning highlights and contours,
the look above is sultry and sensual.
But you gotta think quick...
the colors fly by in this fast (forward) feature.

             

This look is not for the tame. There's some serious 
big kitty energy happening in this smokey eye.

If the above still leaving you feeling like you haven't got enough,
like it's sparkled and popped, but the bang, smash, boom wasn't there,
prepare for the grand finale:





Nothing does it like the real thing!
Gold Sin Jewels puts living the charmed life at your fingertips
with temporary skin appliqués made of real gold.
How far you take your midas-esque artistry is up to you.


Does it get more luxe? Of couse. We're human. 
We'll always find new ways to sparkle things up.
But for now, these put you on top of the golden stairway.
 Enjoy your reign while it lasts, ladies.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Save The Mermaid Parade!! - We're Talking About American Heritage At Its Freaky Best


What is the Mermaid Parade?
Well, kiddos, a long time ago, in the year 1983,
in the mythical world of Coney Island,
The Mermaid Parade was born.

Dick
The parade is the conceptualization of the Great Dick D. Zigun, founder of 
the non-profit art corporation Coney Island USA.
Their mission is to "defend the honor of American popular culture through innovative exhibitions and performances."
 But one of their largest celebrations is in peril!! 
So, again, what is the mermaid parade? Let me quote the source and 
hopefully that will paint the picture accurately:
"The Mermaid Parade is the largest art parade in the nation. A celebration of ancient mythology and honky-tonk rituals of the seaside, it showcases over 1,500 creative individuals from all over the five boroughs, opening the summer with incredible art, entrepreneurial spirit and community pride."
This holiday is free of religious, ethnic, or commercial affiliation.
"It’s a major New York holiday invented by artists!"
Make sure to visit This Page for the double scoop with a cherry on top.

Coney Island Mermaid Parade 2012

I'm a HUGE fan of the arts, festivals, and any combination in between. 
Especially when audience participation is encouraged. 
What else would we ladies do with all those pretty costumes and 
loads of make-up we hoard like treasure trolls?
Maybe that's just me and my girls, but it's never too late to start, ladies!
The Mermaid Parade is one of the best excuses in the nation to get prettied up in a way that would make royalty jealous and disgusted at the same time.


To quote Coney Island USA once more, the festival monumentalizes 3 goals:
"It brings mythology to life for local residents who live on streets named Mermaid and Neptune; it creates self-esteem in a district that is often disregarded as “entertainment;” and it lets artistic New Yorkers find self-expression in public."
alanshapiro.blogspot.com
Save the Memaids @
silver city light
Save the Mermaid Parade @ Animal New York
So why is this deliciously decadent celebration of the seas in jeopardy? Like so many other things, Hurricane Sandy destroyed the freakshow, museum, and performance space whose revenue provides funding for this year's parade.
This year, Coney Island USA set up a kickstarter to help raise $100,000 by July 3
Save the Mermaid Parade @
Meetup.com




If the picture show hasn't gotten you 
all the way hooked yet,
watch the kickstarter 
video below to reel in
all you need to know:
to keep the march a-marching!


WNYC - A Peek At The Mermaid Parade


                       

There are plenty of hands on deck helping to spread the word.
Do your part and donate, or commission your minion hoards to donate! 
For more on the current scouts of honor, review this itinerary:
and
Sourpuss Clothing

Want a really fun way to contribute? I'll take that as a resounding,"YES!"
This benefit show featuring Amanda Palmer is sure to 
blow the roof off the joint.
It's this Saturday, so get those hotdog buns a-movin'!


Why is this cause of such great importance to me?
Maybe it's the history of the place:

Photo courtesy of Deceptology
Maybe it's because I'm a fire-eater. If you think I'm bluffing...


 Ta Da!
(I'm even wearing my Mermaid Parade shirt 
from Lola Star in this shot.)

Or maybe it's the fond memories I have of Coney Island:


It's all of the above, really.

But more than all of that, it's about the children!!
Don't let our future generations suffer another loss 
of a Great American Tradition!

Coney Island Mermaid Parade
Support America's Freaky Arts and History!!
Tell your mama, your brothers, your sisters, and your friends.
And even (or especially) your weird uncle Randy.
If this place disappears before I have the chance to take my kids,
I will hunt you down.
Haha, just kidding. 
Or am I?
;)


Thursday, February 14, 2013

A Very Vintage Valentine's Mix + From Vanilla To Red Velvet To Dark Chocolate: I'm Not Talking About Cake

Guess what peeps?
I survived the most recent apocalypse, and though it may seem like I fell head first into the Bermuda Triangle, it's not far from the truth.
I'm right on the bottom corner, in fact. And I'm finding out Island Time is a very real thing.
Today I'm hoping the old saying, "Better late than never" still applies.

Happy Valentine's to all the world's migrating Love Birds!
Here's a mix to rock with your sweetie, or while you primp and powder.

Just for good measure, I didn't leave the Valentine's Day Massacre-istas out:
Skip the last song if your fire burns for your fella', or femme fatale,
'cause the last one is reserved for the furious foes of this cuddle-icious occasion.
Got to be all inclusive, right?



                                             


Believe it or not, Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays,

when solo, to decimate, when enamored, to celebrate.

So trust: I am givin' myself a swift kick in the derrière for the point-blank fire of this posting.

But I just made my plans this morning, and I'm going for it anyway.

If your still searching for some last-minute inspiration,
 lock your sites on this and put on your crafty 
pants quick!

Sweets for your Sweetheart

Clare Bare Lingerie
Silver Screen Starlet Pumps @ Plasticland

Sugar & Spice Aprons

Your mama may have told ya that the way to someone's heart is through their stomach,
but if you're wearing any of the above, cooking is officially optional to get the desired results.
beehive kitchenware
Kalorik Heart Waffle Maker @ Amazon
design 3000 Cookie Set for Two
Then again, the real thing never hurts your chances of making a heartfelt impression.
Sweeteeth Port Wine Caramel Sauce 
Whip something up and revel in the smiles caused by your confectionary genius. And if you have any left over frosting, no need to make more cookies. It's uses may come in handy elsewhere ;)

 



 The Serenadora

The Heart Tenor Ukulele by Celentano Woodworks






Even if you're not a professional, these are music to the eyes and will inspire the ears to follow suit.







Durango Crush Taupe Heart Cut-out Cowgirl Boots by Shepler's

Da'Love-Bomb-inatrix




Thought latex was played out?
Even the biggest stars beg to differ when it comes to the cutting edge elegance of designer 











Fuzzy handcuffs are a different story. Unless you're trying to recreate the rave era, they are way too played out for any self-respecting fashionista, 
even outside of the public eye.


Incoqnito Handcuffs in Black and Rose Gold

Now that's more like it!!
Black leather and rose gold bring the bling to the boudoir.
These mean business.

The Valentine's Day Massacre-ista 

All the single ladies: Put yo hands up and say,"Yeah, Yeah!!"

I've had plenty of single Valentine's days,
and I wish I could link you to my fav anti-valetine's shirt by She Bible.
Unfortunately it's out of production, but it was pink, with blood splatter and an axe on it,
and on the back it read, "Kiss my Axe."
It was glorious, but back to the here and now.

This may be a worthy substitute
for sharing your thoughts.
The most popular one-liner of all time:

Ana Linares It's Me Necklace

However, if you were on the receiving end of this prize piece,
you may be in need of some R&R.
Before your revenge and retribution,
let your mind settle with a solo spa day...

What's a massacre without a bloodbath? 

Blood Bath Set from CherryBox
The perfect combination of creepy and cute is sure to put an evil sneer on your face.
You can unwind in luxury fit for a queen. Or at least one iconic antagonistic countess.
Her name was Elizabeth Bathory. Ironic or no?

And then there's the "who needs a man" category:

Hustler Disco Stick Vibe

It's not the bird, it's not plain, and it is not Lady Gaga's new microphone.
I know, that last one surprised me, too.

If your imagination doesn't take you there, don't even try to peek into the territory of this next directory.
However, if you're over it, or you're into it,
or you just wanna call my bluff, the cards are on the table.
If you pick them up, that's in your hands, not mine.
And if you're under 18, you're sitting out for this round.

For the Bourgeoisie:

Coco De Mer

For the Ladies:

Toys in Babeland

For the Curious:

The Pleasure Chest

For the "Been there, done that, try harder":

JT's Stockroom

Proceed with caution, then go get some ice cream cake.
Happy V-Day to all the Love Birds and Birds of Prey out there!
XOXO


Monday, November 19, 2012

'Zat You, Santa Claus? - A Radical Idea For Holiday Charity

Loading... cocking... BAM!
Finally, on to the next round.
Sorry to keep you ladies in waiting, but sifting through ALL one's earthly possessions is
no small order.
I'm forcing myself to chisel out a chunk of time for this next topic,
which is of dire importance, especially before Black Friday descends upon us and creates a
Zombie hoard that hungers for sales as though it were a matter of life or death!
If you are among this massive gathering of consumerists, I'm not hatin' on ya.
But, I want to put this out there before you feel a massive pull on your wallet.
Maybe I can appeal to your heartstrings and give them a tug in the other direction.

There is a much more urgent congregation of citizens that need $20 more than Uncle Elmer needs another pair of Santa Socks.

Homelessness is at an all time high in the US with the devastated economy,
and worldwide it is an issue beyond comprehension!
Among the homeless are growing numbers of Women and Children,
50% of whom are fleeing domestic abuse, and other's who have simply had their veritable
woven-fabric-of-life rug pulled out from under them. Just how urgent am I talking here?

The statistics of homelessness on a Global scale are stifling:


Shine Global - Homelessness For Children in the US


Homeless World Cup - 100 Million People Worldwide Are Homeless

Even if you didn't read these word for word, the titles alone paint a rather dismal picture.
So what can we do about it?

Here's your detour to some Charities of Choice that are helping put the pieces back together for those who are seeking them out:


These organizations focus on Families, Women and Children who have found themselves in the ultimate of unfortunate conditions. Within their sites, you can find ways to help,
from donating to volunteering:

http://barrettfoundation.org/

http://www.women-in-need.org/

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/families.html

http://www.bfwc.org/homeless_services.php

If you've ever had a hard time being grateful for the cards you've been dealt in life,
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
I think my most valuable life lessons have been gained from
buying a homeless person a cup of coffee, and listening to their life story.
How they still have a sense of humor through all that life has thrown their way, I don't know, but some of them are the most interesting and inspiring people on the planet.
The World Cup agrees, and is a key player in fighting for the people:
Homeless World Cup

And speaking of planet, if you're feeling extra adventurous and need a true revelation,
volunteering abroad will open up your crown chakra in a whole new way.
You may have noticed these listings in my random rounds, but today they deserve a spotlight:


crossculturalsolutions.org


goabroad.com/volunteer-abroad
You will discover a whole new world, and a whole new you, in one go!

If you don't have the time to volunteer, you may also think you don't have the money.
But, you can donate anything from $5 to $50,000 dollars to most organizations.
As many have said before me, sacrifice one Starbucks, feed one who is starving.

I love this organization, because it lets you single out exactly where your money is focused, and it doesn't take much to make a big difference in someone's life:


  Seva Foundation

On the other hand, this organization let's you single out a person or family in need, but you go beyond a one time donation to helping them start a business of their own.
This goes into the "teach them how to fish" category, and can make a world of difference
around the globe. It's a gift that literally keeps on giving:


Kiva - Loans That Change Lives

There are tons of ways to contribute to those in need, as you can see above.

But, I mentioned a Radical Idea for Holiday Charity in the title.
If that caught your attention, then that's all I wanted.
While these take some guts to do,
they stay within the confines of what is safe and expected.

I had a radical idea, but as it turns out, it is too radical.
However, I can't just lead you on like that and still sleep at night,
so "Don't Try This At Home".

My idea was to hand out Santa Costumes to the Homeless.
Crazy, I know.
But I used to live in Downtown LA very near Skid Row, and as I mentioned, most of the Homeless people I've talked to have a very good sense of humor.
I was thinking, Pros:
1) They would have something warm to wear.
2) They could probably earn more money for themselves.
3) Smiles for everyone! You can't be sad while wearing a Santa suit.


And just imagine what SantaCon would be like this year!

But, eventually the Cons caught up to me:
1) I do not want to compete with the Salvation Army. They do really good work!
2) Someone is going to think this is NOT funny at all, and perhaps insulting.
(once again, this doesn't include my comrades in Downtown)
3) With the price of one Santa Costume, you could feed 10 Homeless people!

So, it doesn't fly, but it was fun to think about while it lasted.

Even still, there stands the fact that no one can help but smile at Santa.
So, if you are planning on volunteering, especially for a children's charity,
why not switch the roles around?



Did you smile? Yeah, ya did! 
Share those smiles, since laughter is the best medicine. It's a universal truth.

It was quite the challenge to find a Well Priced and Non-Sexy Pink Santa Suit, BTW.
So take advantage, because there is no dress code for entertaining at a soup kitchen, but I certainly would not recommend anything sexy. That would just be tasteless and humiliating, for you.
Not to mention, Rockin' the Bearded Lady look is totally in this season ;)

On that note, I'm off to the Salvation Army myself to donate three huge boxes of warm clothes and items I will not be needing for my move. I trust they will find their rightful place in the world.
Spring cleaning comes early for this chick.

While you ponder the above propositions, let Louis lighten the mood for you.
Then you can figure out where your Santa-like service would be
best suited for this Holiday season:


Creative Commons License
The Pretty Pink Arsenal by Lauryn Otten is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.