Say WHAT?! While cleaning brushes at Un-Named Overpriced Department Store in San Francisco this past weekend I felt a tap on my shoulder and I hear, "Bobbi Brown! I need some help with Bobbi Brown!" Well, that would be me now, wouldn't it? So I turn to face this hyperactive sounding voice and see a middle-aged gentleman who reminds me of the UPS guy from MadTV and begin a strange conversation that involves way too many playful punches on the shoulder... my shoulder.
"Hi, hi. I was wondering if you could help me. I just started dating this woman. Well, I shouldn't call her just "this woman" should I? *punch* She really is a lady! *punch* The problem is I'm a political consultant and I am very concerned about image. Now I have this plan and I need your help with it."
Uh oh.
"My plan is to bring her here to the makeup counter to get her makeup done. See, she does this thing where she makes her eyes look like a raccoon! *punch* I just need her to bring it down a notch because she could really look so much better." Say WHAT?! Uhh, great plan buddy. This is totally what I imagine "this woman" to look like.
Ha. I dare you UPS guy, to say raccoon to HER FACE. Long story short, and after a few more punches, he said he would come by next week where he is going to say he has a friend who does makeup and he would really like to buy "this woman" some new things. How is it going to make "this woman" feel? I think he's cowardly and going about it all wrong. But really, how would you go about something like this? We've all seen that one lady who needs a push in the right direction, but if that direction is to tell her to wash her face off and start over, I most certainly am not the person who is going to do it. And somehow I am now part of some sneaky plan. I'm not a fan of making people feel badly about themselves, raccoon eyes or not.
After UPS guy left, with a warning that we did not think this was a good idea, the girls and I chatted about what an a$$ you have to be to tell a woman you've just started dating that you do not like her face. Maybe she'll lose him instead of the eyeliner? If they do come in, I'll be sure to update you on how it all goes!
Yoda. What does the ancient one know about weddings? Well he sure is great at making them cute! 
You'll be surprised to know you can make outer space sophisticated. Wouldn't you have liked to sit at Cloud City? 
What do you get when you mix theatrics, geeky galactic details and two life-loving people? A fun-filled wedding at Berkeley's Brazilian room! The reason I loved this wedding is that Amanda and G didn't take themselves or their wedding too seriously. Below you'll find more wonderful photos taken by the talented Davis Lee. Check out his portfolio! It's quite impressive.
We started the morning at the Shattuck Plaza, with Hazelle and I standing patiently outside the hotel room while Amanda and G practiced the steps to their first dance. I then got to setting Amanda's hair into a low, curled up-do while bridemaids noshed on tasty pizza from Berkeley's Cheese Board. They were a fun group; very enthusiastic, laid back and happy! And they wore quite possibly the cutest bridesmaids dresses I've ever seen. Golden brocaded frocks found on etsy.com where you can find anything vintage inspired! And yes, totally re-wearable. 
We kept the makeup simple with deeper lip tones, appropriate for a December wedding. Eyes were highlighted with smokey metallic shadows, a sweep of white matte shadow on the brow bone for lift, clean black eyeliner and flirty lashes. A pop of blush was all that was needed to tie their looks together.
The standout of the day was Amanda's mom, my friend Nick's Auntie Sandy, a former makeup artist herself. Nick and his girlfriend Hazelle (who was my brush cleaning assistant that day!) tease me for constantly calling Auntie Sandy "fabulous" but there really is no other way to describe her. She rolled into the hotel room with a leopard print fur coat and sunglasses on. More ladies should put the time and effort into their looks that Auntie Sandy does. She was the one who inspired Amanda to wear red lipstick. I couldn't have thought of a better shade myself! Clearly Auntie Sandy's sophistication has rubbed off on Amanda. Look at that cute stole! 
Here are my tips for a clean red lip:
- Start by pressing your foundation into your lip (no need to buy an extra lip primer). It will act as a primer but will also neutralize your natural color to allow for a clean application.
- Next, fill in with your choice of red lipstick. My favorite shades are any of the reds by MAC (like Amanda is wearing) or Bobbi Brown's Burnt Red which has just enough brown in it so it's not too obnoxiously bright.
- Lip liner is key. Trace the outline of your lips with a lip pencil (like Sangria by Bobbi Brown) and color inwards to blend. Lining after applying lipstick will create a heavier wax barrier that will prevent feathering or bleeding.
-Touch up often for optimal photos as red lipstick is a bit high maintenance.
-Lastly, apologize to your groom because he's definitely going to get a red stain for your first kiss! Keep a hanky on hand to touch him up too.
Another fun tip? Amanda borrowed some free weights from the hotel gym and did a few reps to get those arms and chest toned for photos! Not a bad idea if you're wearing a strapless dress. No weights available? Just hit the floor for a few sets of push-ups!
Amanda and her mom even invited me and the bf to fill in empty seats for the reception. Totally wish I had gone. Nick and Hazelle said they had a blast in Amanda's photobooth, complete with silly props. Thanks Nick (pictured below), for introducing me to this "fabulous" family. Definitely one of the more memorable weddings I've worked on! 
Postcards. Some of you know I've been helping my beau's sister plan her wedding for September 2010. The bride and groom to be have been together for about ten years so this wedding was a long time coming! I was happy to help the mom of two with the wedding plans since I know what a handful the little ones can be. And since I have a thing for weddings I'll be posting some inspiration and final looks here from time to time. I just met with my friend Clarice, designer of Happenstance Designs. She's agreed to make a birdcage veil for the bride, a ring pillow and fabric flower accessories for the bridesmaids to compliment the rustic look of the venue. I'm so excited!
Thought I would share the Save the Date I designed. The postcards will be sent out next week with handwritten messages (there is a smaller guest list, we thought this would be pretty manageable). The postcards, ordered from costco.com were a bargain and I thought the lower price of postcard stamps would be a good way to save a little green (both money and paper envelopes). I couldn't think of a more fun way to incorporate the kids into the wedding decor. Here's the original photo taken by the talented Paul Bothwell at a Berkeley Park. Aren't they cute? I can't wait to see them in their little suits!
And here is the Save the Date, inspired by their fall wedding's color pallete, which includes granite, smokey purples and fawn browns. 
The venue, caterer and dj are all booked and invites are done. Now comes the fun part... thinking of decor and designing hair and makeup looks! I can't wait for everything to come together! Stay tuned for my inspiration board.
My first white girl wedding. A lot of my friends have jokingly told me that I need to expand my portfolio by seeking out some white girl brides. Luckily, Kristin found me via Denielle (thanks Denielle!)! I have many Caucasian clients at work but in my bridal business, they have been scarce as most clients find me through word of mouth where one Asian girl leads to another. On Saturday I will be using Carrie and Christina as my inspirations for bride to be, Kristin and her friends.
I am SO excited to see the bridal party. Kristin has been telling me about the details of her wedding, including a fabulous peacock head piece to go with her custom made dress and bridesmaid dresses designed by a former costumer for Teatro Zinzanni in San Francisco. Sounds amazing! The wedding will take place at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland as per the request of Kristin's Star Trek loving fiance. Surrounded by stars, telescopes, friends and family, Kristin's wedding is sure to be out of this world!
Ha. I dare you UPS guy, to say raccoon to HER FACE. Long story short, and after a few more punches, he said he would come by next week where he is going to say he has a friend who does makeup and he would really like to buy "this woman" some new things. How is it going to make "this woman" feel? I think he's cowardly and going about it all wrong. But really, how would you go about something like this? We've all seen that one lady who needs a push in the right direction, but if that direction is to tell her to wash her face off and start over, I most certainly am not the person who is going to do it. And somehow I am now part of some sneaky plan. I'm not a fan of making people feel badly about themselves, raccoon eyes or not. 
