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"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing...kissing a lot. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls."
Audrey Hepburn


Monday, September 28, 2015

The Starlet Series Episode 2~1921

For those of you who didn't know, I am pursuing a project right now that involves quite a little bit of leg-work...creating a hair/makeup tutorial inspired by each year of cinema, starting with 1920. The first installment of this series is discussed in detail back in my November Post featuring that video. 1920's re-creation was dark and dramatic, inspired by the first horror film (debatably), The Cabinet of Dr Caligari. This one was no less daunting however, since it was inspired by another signature look of the decade.

1921 saw the monumental success of one of the world's first 'epic' films, Orphans of the Storm, starring the beautiful and precocious Gish sisters. The wan, almost feline face of Lillian Gish was especially appealing to me as was the dramatic makeup application that captured the youthful determination of the girls. The hair was another integral look of the decade, long untamed locks that hung in sausage-like ringlets at the ends.

About the Film:


Orphans of the Storm is set during the onset of the French Revolution, and plays out in a sweeping scale over the course of almost two and a half hours. Lillian and Dorothy play Henriette and Louise respectively, sisters who are suddenly orphaned and left to fend for themselves in a small village outside of Paris. Although they bear a striking resemblance, Louise is actually a child of the aristocratic class, who was abandoned by her mother during infancy. The sisters are as close as any fleshly sisters could be and depend on one another entirely, especially since Louise is blind.
Upon hearing that there may be a doctor in Paris who can possibly cure this affliction, Henriette and Louise journey to the city, where they are immediately taken advantage of and separated amidst the eruption of the Revolution. Henriette befriends a young man of the aristocracy, Chevalier de Vaudrey, who becomes infatuated with her and promises that he will help her find Louise no matter the cost.
As the world literally burns around them, the two sisters must decide whom they can trust and pray for salvation from the chaos that follows.
_______________

D.W. Griffith directed this movie with the same unique style that served him throughout his career. It's bold and daring...epic in every sense of the word. The sets are enormous and beautifully detailed, the costuming is elaborate, and the cast is huge. While some films of this kind, especially during the silent era, have a tendency to be long-winded and difficult to follow, Orphans does not fail in this regard. The title cards are placed frequently throughout the film, where needed, but not so often that they break up the flow of the moving story. He also capitalizes flawlessly on the popularity of Lillian at this time, giving her the largest, meatiest role. On multiple occasions, the camera zooms into her beautiful face and takes full advantage of the gift she had for conveying emotion with a look or a slight tilt of her coquettish mouth.

Orphans of the Storm should definitely be seen by any who have a love for the epic period-piece since almost all films of this genre were inspired by it.

My Rating: 9/10

________________


The Tutorial:

At the ripe old age of 40, I'll admit it was a bit difficult to capture the childish beauty of the Gish sisters, but hopefully the tutorial proves to helpful for all ages.


The secret of the look is the feline look of the eyes, while still keeping the lips distinctively small and the skin fresh. 'Fresh' is relative in this case, of course, since the look of the day was obviously on the pallid side. But that said, there is a youthfulness that is important to the aesthetic of this style, so starting with an illuminating and moisturizing base was important in the makeup application. For the hair, I utilized the 'Tressmerize' extensions again, pre-rolling them in small rollers and only brushing out the tops of the sections so as to blend them into my own hair, which was also rolled in small rollers and released carefully to preserve the locks. When styling the hair, please refer to the technique in the video, which focuses on preserving the outer curls and harnessing the natural frizz at the roots.

Product Info:

For the base, I applied Clarins Instant Light Skin Perfector, which is a radiance boosting base. A full coverage foundation with a satin finish is a good option. For this one, I used Estee Lauder's Double Wear foundation, in the shade Ecru. Set with Original Dermablend Setting Powder-no substitutes here, please.

My eyeshadows were all matte, and not brand specific. Any good quality shadow can be used for this tutorial and will have a similar effect. Eyes should feature waterproof eyeliners and mascaras, however, since the application must be somewhat heavy to mimic the look of the era. However, any brand will suffice.

The same goes for lip and cheek products, which are only going to be based on color and finish at this point. A recommendation for a good deep red shade would be Julie Hewett lipstick in Sin Noir. It's a long time favorite of mine for the classic vamp lip.

The video is linked for you here...enjoy and let me know if you have further questions about the film or the look.

xxoo,
Ashley




Thursday, August 13, 2015

Diamonds and Dames Does: Kate Nesbitt



I am enjoying blogging again...both reading and writing them. It's sort of a 'back to basics' thing that I can't help but embrace in the light of all the mayhem on Instagram and Facebook these days. I mean, is it just me, or are people getting to be especially sensitive and quick to offend? Enough about that though...

Last week, I posted a 'pre-haircut' video, showcasing a hair tutorial that I received a request for all the way back in 2009!! Can you all believe how long my channel has been going? (Speaking of the haircut, I still need to do a blog entry about that too!)

Anyway, this installment of Diamonds and Dames was dedicated to the lovely platinum locks of Rachel McAdams in 2007's Married Life. The style is one I've wanted to do for a while but in playing around with it, I discovered that I really didn't enjoy the look of it when I set my hair in a heated option. Something about that side curl was laying too flat or something. So I chose instead to make it a 2nd day style, using the remains of a foam roller set that had initially been quite a tight curl.

A little about the movie:

Married Life (2007)

______________________
The story involves a love triangle between Harry Allen (Chris Cooper), Richard Langley (Pierce Brosnan), and Kay Nesbitt (Rachel McAdams) and is modeled after 1940's film noir in the setting, the styling, and the way it plays out. Harry is a gentle man in a loveless marriage, who can't help but be swept away by the stunning Kay. Rather than subject his wife, Pat (played by Patricia Clarkson), to a humiliating divorce, he begins to toy with the idea of murdering her instead, and confesses his plans to his friend Richard in hopes of obtaining some worldly advice. Richard seeks out Kay to confirm whether or not she might actually be worth such a sacrifice and ends up falling for her himself, which of course leads to even more conspiring and plotting. For all intents and purposes, the movie mostly succeeds, mainly due to the professionalism of its cast and the general look of the piece. The direction by Ira Sachs lacks passion, but remains poised and interesting. I saw this years ago on television and honestly remember very little about it, other than McAdams' exquisite loveliness. Therefore, by way of review, I'd say that is a very pretty movie, if not especially memorable. Cooper and Clarkson are always standout, in almost everything they grace, but I do recall being pleasantly surprised by McAdams and how easily she slipped into this traditionally stoic sort of femme fatale, when compared to the very modernized 1940's girl she played in The Notebook.

My Rating: 6/10
_____________________

The Tutorial:

For this episode of Diamonds and Dames, I decided to take a little different approach by recreating the style in a more traditional 1940's way. The film being modern, a heated set seems to have been used in the hairstyles Rachel McAdams sports, much like her styles in The Notebook. Her hair was a platinum blonde for this one though , and naturally the curl seems to be more pronounced. If you didn't know, Platinum hair is supremely easy to style since the lightening process makes it more malleable.


The style I enjoyed the most, in the picture, was the one Kay sports in the diner/bar/whatever-sort-of-establishment-that-was when she meets up with Richard. The sides are swept back into simple pin curls (not really full victory rolls), and the top is simply styled.

I also really enjoyed the simple waves of the following look:

Therefore, the style I created in my tutorial is based on both and would be considered an 'asymmetrical' style of the 1940's. While hot rollers were probably used for the hair in the movie, and could undoubtedly be used for this one as well, I actually created my look with 2nd day foam roller set. The foam roller setting can be seen in my last Pin Up hairstyle for Youtube, inspired by Gil Elvgren. To preserve the curls from this pretty tight set, simply wrap them in a hair net at night and sleep gently. Or, if you're a tossy-turny type of person and you tend to sweat at night, wrap the dry curls up into large pin curls and then cover them up with a net or scarf before bed. In the morning you'll have a softer, wavier version of your initial set, even if you have stick straight and fine hair like me!

For this look, the technique is fairly basic and can be seen clearly in the tutorial. Of note would be the slightly different way of constructing the side pin curl since our natural tendency is to part the hair farther back and form a full victory roll. For this look, only a slim section is used, and the pin curl is placed over the TOP of the smoothed side hair, which creates a very different aesthetic.

Three cheers for Rachel's hair stylist for the film, FRANCESCA PARIS.

Enjoy the video, and let me know, as always, if you have any additional questions Dearies!


XXOO
Ashley






Thursday, August 6, 2015

Things to Love About Memphis

Sometimes, when I say I live in Memphis, I get an admiring and fascinated look. Usually this comes from folks overseas who have an affinity for soul, for Elvis, and for history. For those who live in the States, especially the neighboring southern states, the reaction is entirely different. Memphis has a reputation, admittedly founded in some truth, for being a violent city, a city of unrest, a city of poverty and lots of petty crime. The last time I checked, on the City Data website, the crime rate was as high or higher than almost any other US city. Many are bent on getting out of the city, opting instead for the outer edges which are considered 'safer', such as Collierville, Cordova, and Germantown.

I am not one of those people. Living in Midtown Memphis has spoiled me for those generic outer-edge towns, and I'll admit to being something of a snob about it.

Yes, I have children and some people feel that I am crazy for conscientiously choosing to raise my family in a city like this one. But along with some great vintage photos of my hometown, obtained mostly from the wonderful 'I Love Memphis' blog, I thought I'd give you a few reasons that I love the city where I was born, and to which I returned after years of small-town living in Middle Tennessee.


1. A LOVE FOR HISTORY



In Midtown and Downtown Memphis, history is largely respected and preserved. There is a resurgence in restoring buildings and landmarks to their original splendor and keeping development in its place. Gentrification has its drawbacks, and these are roundly and understandably debated by those who are affected, but when it comes to appreciation of the past, most Memphians (a term that auto-correct is insisting doesn't exist) are in agreement. Midtown is known for it's gorgeous historical district and there are scads of businesses and residences that have remained largely the same since Hector was a Pup, that is, for generations. Street signs are allowed to deteriorate but not fall apart, signage is left in its peeling, faded state...but usually cleaned and maintained. Some of the reflective glass is still visible in the oldest buildings, which still boast intricate Art Deco design. The trees are enormous, and sometimes dangerous in storms, but respected for their age and allowed to grow old gracefully. They stand surrounded by beautiful flowering children in the form of crepe myrtles and lilac trees, some of which barely reach the knees of their stately elders. New construction exists, but must meet strict guidelines that will keep with the flow of the surrounding historical buildings. It gives me such a kick to be able to send my kids to a school that doesn't blend in with the low-lying, windowless cement buildings that are common in the rest of the country. Give me a mossy wall and peeling paint any old day.


2. LEGENDARY MUSIC

I admit to sometimes be puzzled by the lack of attendance at local shows, when it comes to touring acts. But that said, the city is militantly defensive of its own musical history, of its contribution in that regard, and passionate about the local flavor. The summer's yearly concerts at the Shell, in Overton Park, are widely attended and local acts still get the warmest reception. Although I do hope that Memphis goes the way of Nashville and eventually gets its act together when it comes to supporting and promoting traveling bands, I have to concede to the fact that we will always embrace what is our own...sometimes to a fault. Museums for Stax and Sun Studios show only a taste of what we have to our credit. Graceland only skims the surface.


3. FOOD, FOOD, AND BEER:

From the time I walk out my door to the time I come home in the evening, delicious smells fill the air. Generation after generation of local chefs continue to crank out barbecue, greens, fried chicken, and even organic vegan cuisine that rivals the best in the world. And the local smorgasbord is by no means limited to West Tennessee's classics, but also blended with cultures and flavors from all over the globe. Kwik Check deli, a local favorite, serves standard deli fare with a Korean twist. OSHI Burger, downtown's Asian Fusion diner, offers burgers and alcoholic milk shakes that rival anything I've ever tasted. La Michoacana is a Mexan owned and operated ice cream shop, boasting purely unique and fully decadent flavors that keep it bursting with patrons on almost every day of the week.

Local southern cooking is not to be overlooked, however. Payne's and Roxie's Grocery are located in parts of Memphis that most people would feel they need to avoid, but they'd be missing out on some of the best barbecue and burgers in town. Central Barbecue and The Rendezvous are world famous for a reason. The food trucks are becoming legendary as well, one of which specializes only in grilled cheese. Let's just say, there is something to be said for reputations.

Speaking of local favorites, I can't finish this entry without mentioning the breweries of Memphis as well. Memphis Made, Wiseacre, and others have made a name for themselves and rightly so. Some of my favorite beers were brewed here, crafted using local ingredients, contributing to the South with all its heart and soul in one of the best ways possible. But I'll admit to being biased...after all, that Memphis Artesian well water has to have some bearing on the taste.

4. A REGARD FOR CULTURE

In spite of its gritty notoriety, Memphis has held its own when it comes to the arts. Museums, art walks, art schools, centers for the performing arts, festivals dedicated to the creativity of its citizens...these are things that, not only exist, but abound. Coffee shops showcase the art of Memphis on their walls, murals are plentiful and encouraged. Film-Makers and performers don't just stop in our city as they move on to greater things; they call it their home, grow roots, and help it develop. Some of the best productions I've seen have been the local ones, even though Memphis also takes pride in it's grand theater, the Orpheum, and theater touring groups are warmly received.

All in all, I feel very proud to live here and to be exposing my children to what the city of my birth has to offer. They are not shielded from the negatives, and yes, there are negatives that require caution. But I can honestly say that my feelings about Memphis are definitely not simply based on a necessary adaptation to my surroundings. I am happy to help build it up in the minds of those who would tear it down and I will continue to call it my truest 'home'.

Home Sweet Home...and all that jive.



Friday, April 24, 2015

The Ultimate Gift With Purchase!!

I posted a brief link about this on Instagram today but the details might be a bit confusing so I'll clarify here and share it to my social media. :)

I've been given a challenge by Dillard's to use my social media contacts to promote our yearly spring 'Sensational' or 'SUNsational' event, which will this year focus on summer/vacation beauty routines and ways to revamp your makeup and skincare for warmer weather. Clarins, the counter I manage, is especially focused on these subjects since sun and skincare are what we specialize in.

Therefore, I'm reaching out to all of you by offering the 'Ultimate Gift With Purchase' to one happy customer who purchases two products from me before May 1st. The gift basket is summer skincare themed and includes over 300.00 worth of Clarins products, including a full skincare regimen AND suncare/self tanning collection!!



The products in the basket will be suitable for all skin types, so no worries there! And let me just say, that SPF 50 UV Plus/Anti Pollution fluid is unbelievable!!

Okay so here are the rules:

1. You must order two products at a 40.00 total minimum purchase price. Orders over 50.00 though, will be FREE SHIPPING, so keep that in mind.

To order:
a. Call me at Dillard's before May 1st...I am off on Tuesday the 28th, but I'll be there Saturday through Wednesday of next week otherwise. The number is 901-685-0382 ext 5016. My hours vary but anyone who answers should be able to tell you when I'll be in for that day. You MUST order from me to be eligible for this offer since I am the one hosting this particular giveaway.

b. If you can't reach me, simply email your contact info to lisafreemontstreet@gmail.com. I will call you or text you lickety split!!

2. You may order any two products from any two brands, to qualify. The brands we carry at my location are:

1. St Tropez Tanning
2. Strivectin Cosmeceuticals
3. Osmotics Cosmeceuticals
4. XEN Tan-Self Tanning
5. Philosophy Skincare
6. Anastasia Brow Products
7. Deborah Lippman nail products
8. Studio Gear Cosmetics
9. Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics
10. Stila Cosmetics
11. Clarisonic Skincare
12. Murad Skincare
13. Clarins
14. Clinique
15. Estee Lauder
16. Lancome
17. Elizabeth Arden
18. Fashion Fair

We also carry most designer fragrances.

3. This offer is open within the US only, no international orders can be accepted (unfortunately).

4. Your payment will not be processed until the 1st. Orders will ship on or around the 2nd. The drawing for the giveaway will take place on the 2nd of May.

5. A free gift will be included with EVERY order. However, one of you will also receive the gift basket, which means that if you need products anyway, this makes it a special deal!!

Let me know if you have any questions via email at lisafreemontstreet@gmail.com

I hope to speak to some of you in person very soon! I'm excited about this and know you'll love every flippin' thing in this basket!!

xxoo,

Ashley



Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Foundation & Flowers

Llast week on my channel, I visited a couple of topics for which I've gotten requests, and tried to knock them out together.

One is about a simple every-day foundation routine for the face, and the other deals with that age-old challenge of properly placing flower clips into a vintage hairstyle. I tried to keep both of the videos accessible and simple enough for the beauty novice, while still appealing to those of us who have been developing our routines for years.

Foundation:

I've been playing around with my foundation routine a lot lately, mainly because my job at the Clarins counter makes it necessary to become familiar with not only foundation in general, but also different application techniques for the different formulas as well.

For now, I'm enjoying a natural-finish foundation that lasts all day and doesn't mask imperfections, but instead blurs them. You'll hear me say this a lot but I can't seem to mention it enough because I feel it's so important.

Here are the steps I've been following, sorely lacking pictures, but hopefully the embedded video will substitute for that somewhat.

Step One:
Make sure skin is cleansed, toned, and ready for product. I always use a serum and a moisturizer in the morning, because I like the radiance it gives my skin and how much easier it makes it to smooth on my foundation product. However, my Beauty Flash Balm by Clarins also provides this so it's just sort of a little bonus. That brings us to:

Step Two:

Primer. Again, I'm using the Beauty Flash Balm, but I also like to use Clinque's Moisture Surge on occasion, and if you have oily skin, a nice mattifying, silicone based primer like Lancome's La Base, works well. For drug store options, I haven't found a good base that I feel has the finish I prefer. So feel free to make some recommendations in the comments if you want to help out. I'm stumped.

Step Three:

Foundation. I usually use my fingers to warm up the product and then pat it onto my skin, focusing on getting it evenly distributed.

Step Four:

Blend. I've been using the Flawless Face Brush by Real Techniques with good results. I love a nice densely rounded brush for this purpose. There are definitely better ones than this out there...the Studio Gearl rounded foundation brush is absolutely phenomenal. But it's pricey, at 40.00

The latter brush can be used in buffing, circular motions and will provide a flawless airbrushed finish using almost any formula of liquid or cream foundation. The one I'm using in the video works better if the blending is in firm downward strokes until no brush lines are visible.

Step Five:

Conceal. Use concealer minimally. I focus mine on the inner under-eye and I do use a high coverage product and a blending brush. However, a brightening appearance without a cakey look can be achieved by using a lighter concealer formula like the Clarins Instant Light Brush On Perfector.

Step Six:

Sculpt/ Add Color. I next apply a bronzer just at my hairline and jawbone to add some color. I rarely 'contour', but you can also take the time to do this, if you like. Blush comes next, in a powder or cream, applied at the apples of the cheeks and blended toward the hairline.

Step Seven:

Set. A nice loose powder like the Dermablend Original Setting powder, works beautifully for dryer skins. For those of you who have oily skin, a pressed powder can be utilized, but just be carefully to pat it on and not rub your foundation off with the puff, brush, or sponge you use.


Here is the video, and please let me know if you have any questions about this or any other technique. I'll certainly try to assist.



Flower Placement:

When it comes to placing flowers in vintage styles, it's hard to find a better resource than in Old Hollywood Photos or Classic Pin Up Art. Here are a few photos that can help make the job easier.


1. Small flowers can be clustered or placed on either side of a center parted style or pompadour. The latter was quite common in the 1940's for sure.



2. Mid-Sized flowers work beautifully in clusters or placed at the side of the head.



3. Large flowers work beautifully when supporting a 1940's updo or a simple tropical style, as was common in many of Alberto Vargas' paintings of the era.



Continue to play around with your own collection and see what looks most flattering for you. And here is a rambling little video on the subject as well.


To purchase flower clips, there are numerous companies to visit. I vouch for the quality of these two companies, for sure, but there are many popular options so make sure to visit the sites that your favorite pin up models also promote...

Belle Blossoms:
http://www.belleblossoms.com

Vintage Box 1947:
http://www.vintagebox1947.com


Til Next Time,

So Long Dearies!


Thursday, March 26, 2015

Viva Approaches!

So if you are going to Viva this year, chances are that this time next week you'll be catching a flight or high-tailing it down to the Orleans lobby for a cup of coffee...well, maybe not. Maybe in a couple of hours you'll be doing that.

I won't be attending VLV this year; the dates conflicted with some other plans of mine and this was probably evident by my lack of Viva related posts on Youtube or Facebook for 2015. I am going to the Nashville Boogie in about a month, so right now all of my planning and outfit selections are based around that. But I'll truly miss Las Vegas and the Orleans and that heady blend of smoke, bacon, coffee, beer, and perfume that hits the nose when you first step through the doors and spy those giant cheesy alligators. Don't forget to snap a photo or two...it will be your yearly tradition.


So this year, it's the Boogie for me. But for those of you who are headed out this week and haven't started packing (and if you have been following me for any length of time, you know that you should have packed a MONTH ago, ya slacker!), here is a video that will be helpful to you in that endeavor.



I have also taken the time to create a playlist of all of my VLV videos of years past, whether they be prep videos, post videos, or my 'Viva Spoils' haul videos from the event. And here's that:



So enjoy your event, guys! And as always, don't miss the Doubledown Saloon, The Sonics (playing at the car show), or Frankie's Tiki Room!

xxoo,
Ashley



Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Diamonds & Dames - Barbara Wayne

So I had this ambitious idea to do a weekly post, sharing all of my Social Media activity over the past week and calling it the 'Week in Lisa Freemont Street'...unfortunately, I just don't always have the time to post , so I hated to see that be such a sporadic entry. Therefore, I've removed those posts so as not to mislead my readers, and am going back to my blog 'formula', such as it is.

My 'formula', initially, was to create posts around my YouTube videos, so there would be a place to put supplemental info like product information, inspiration photos etc. That's what this post will be, and in the future, if I am inspired to do other entries (as I'm sure I will be), those will come as well. It's just not logical for me to think that having the time to post regular weekly posts will be a reachable thing at this juncture. I'm busy and I embrace that.

So anyhoo, last week's entry to the 'All Request' series, 'Diamonds & Dames', was one that I've been requested to do for a while, the casual bathtub updo that Shirley Ross wears in Paris Honeymoon.



The movie is not a great one. 1939 was a pivotal and spectacular year for movies (I mean, come on...Gone With the Wind, Mr Smith Goes to Washington, The Wizard of Oz, Goodbye Mr Chips...the list goes on and on), so the less fabulous movies sort of faded into insignificance over time. Unfortunately, this was a mediocre offering at best. I think it was originally supposed to be conceived in title as a sequel to Waikiki Wedding (1937) but it is definitely not. Instead it's just a simple little love triangle situation with a few good songs thrown in. While the story is tepid and the performances a bit stilted, one can't deny the power of Bing's vocals and his duet with Shirley Ross, 'I Have Eyes', which is undeniably appealing.

The hairstyle I did for this video is one that is based on the aforementioned 'bathtub hair' and it's suitable for pretty much any occasion, though it was definitely worn as a 'casual' style in the film. The hair was meticulously set, yes, but it was also supposed to suggest that it had been just 'thrown up' for the bath, and therefore not too much care was taken in my version to construct or polish the curls.

Shirley Ross (as Barbara Wayne, in the film):



Yours Truly, hamming it up:



Supply List:

You will need the following items.

1. A head o' hair. At least shoulder length.
2. Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion. Another setting lotion can also be used.
3. Foam Rollers, smaller sizes.
4. Hot Sticks (or you can use bendable rollers on damp hair alternatively)
5. A Denman Styling brush (yep, I'm specific about the brand.)
6. Grip Tuth Styling combs (yep, I'm specific about that too)
7. Hair Spray (not so specific here, but I love Elnett and Vintage Glam, from Sally Beauty)

Steps:
*Please follow along with the following video, as you read these steps. That way I ain't gotta take pictures too...ya get me?

1. While hair is damp from a shower,prep it with a setting lotion and part it on the side. Then roll the top, front section away from the part, using smaller rollers. This is especially important if you have bangs, since wet setting them will make them more durable.

2. Roll the rest of the hair in bendy rollers, if damp, or blow hair dry like I did and apply my favorite heated rollers, Hot Sticks. The placement of the rollers isn't really important for this style. Just get it up there and try to be gentle.

3. When hair is set, (I usually wait about an hour with Hot Sticks, if I can. So they'll have plenty of time to cool...)unroll the curlers carefully and brush through so that hair is nice and frizzy. You're mainly trying to break up the product here. If you're concerned about damage, brush carefully from the tips to the roots.

4. After brushing the hair out, smooth out the front section first. Arrange it however you feel it looks best; don't mimic me too closely here, since not all faces are the same. Focus on smoothing it into shiny waves and pinning as you see fit.

5.Now brush out the rest of the curls a little more smoothly. Gather them and bring them to the top of the head, securing with a Grip Tuth comb facing downward into the upswept hair.

6. A lot of hair will have fallen loose over the top of your head. Now grab individual sections and brush them over your fingers until they shine...pin and arrange them as you like. Keep some of the 'frizz' in there since that's sort of the point, in these era specific styles. Little tendrils falling over and around your forehead are a plus; they add softness and femininity.

7. That's pretty much it. From there you can run a natural bristle brush up the back and spray those baby hairs into submission, add a flower clip, a ribbon...whatever.



Hopefully this little video sufficed for those of you who requested it. It was fun to do and I have so much more in store for you!!

Til Next Time,

xxoo,
Ashley


Monday, January 26, 2015

The Best of 2014

When we get back to formula on Lisa Freemont Street, I will be doing a weekly post, showcasing all that happened on my channel and on social media during that week. So stay tuned for that. Until then, this post is dedicated to last year and I'm sorry it's running so late. I know some of you look forward to this post and honestly, I do as well. It's fun to go back and take stock, so to speak, of your year, determining what things remain the most memorable and which ones deserve top honors.

So let's get started.

1.Product of the Year:FAB Eye Duty Triple Remedy
Since I started my job at Dillard's department store, I've had the liberty of trying a lot of products and really boosting the quality of my current skincare routine. My favorite product this year was the First Aid Beauty Triple Eye Remedy. It's a too-wordy name, but this little product packs a very solid punch and I still use it daily. See more about the Eye Remedy here, in this post.



2. Favorite Book:Foxfire-Anya Seton (1953)

I lived up to my ambition last year and visited the library quite a few times. There are a few books that I enjoyed this year, but the one I enjoyed the most was Foxfire, by Anya Seton. If you're not familiar with Anya and her brilliant works of historically based fiction, you'll do well to consider her. If you've ever seen the Vincent Price/ Gene Tierney film 'Dragonwyck', you're familiar with her gothic style, as the novel was written by her. Foxfire is similar, in that the hero of the story is a dark and brooding sort, but takes place mostly in the desert southwest of the U.S. during the Great Depression. Again, her descriptive capacity and means of engaging the reader in the evolving storyline, is palpable. I believe this is the last of her books that I haven't read...I'm strongly considering reading them all again.


3. Favorite Album:Metamodern Sounds in Country Music-Sturgill Simpson

Of all the year's albums that I have discovered, this one stayed most frequently at the top of our Spotify playlist. We have heard it too many times to count and are even more avid supporters of this artist. Sturgill's rendition of 'When in Rome's' classic song, 'The Promise', is the stuff of dreams. Seriously...it will make you cry.


4. Favorite Television Show: Parks and Recreation

I got rid of my satellite service in 2014, so we have mostly been enjoying classic re-runs of Good Times, All in the Family, and the like. It's a rare thing for us to stream a new television show on Hulu or Netflix, so I think it bears mentioning that Parks and Recreation is the only one that I've really attempted to 'keep up' with. After all, when you have no option for recording via DVR, you tend to lose your motivation to watch something...unless it's really good. And this show is REALLY good, as most of you know. I think Ron Swanson is even more a hero, in the newer seasons, and April & Andy remain one of my all time favorite comedy couples.



5. Favorite Live Musical Performance: Graveyard-Hitone, Memphis

I saw a few live performances this year but Graveyard remains my favorite. It's a tough call too, because Muddy Roots was especially great this year, as was Viva Las Vegas. But there is something about seeing this group of not-so-attractive fellas do something so great with their genre of seventies influenced rock and roll. In spite of standing for a significant amount of time, I wasn't ready for it to be over and that's really saying something. Let's just restate the obvious here: the Swedes understand music and they understand how to pay homage to the past without sounding dated. This was an incredible performance and the sound at the Hitone has really upped the game, in Memphis.


6. Favorite Movie:Mockingjay Part 1

While there were definitely better movies to be released this past year, this remains my favorite. It proved that the 'Part 1', 'Part 2' trend for final movies in a planned trilogy is not always a bad choice. While some critics labeled it as slow, I thought it was perfectly cast and well paced. It brought the viewer into the story deliberately, methodically, and with a sense of dread that really showcased the skill of the director, Francis Lawrence. The performances, score, and cinematography also increased the momentum of the franchise. I felt it was the best yet, in the series.


7.Favorite Clothing Purchase: Whirling Turban Wing Bust

It has been a privilege and an honor to represent Whirling Turban for the past few years at Viva Las Vegas, and 2014 was no exception. My favorite item of clothing of the year, was this spectacular wing bust evening dress that Katherine custom designed for me. The brocade and lace combine to make it an eye-catching but entirely period authentic piece. And the fit, is perfect as always.


8.Favorite Photo:Bellows Rouge Test Shot

Since I don't post photos of my children online, typically, I will leave my actual favorites out and settle for another shot that makes me very happy. This was a 'test shoot' for a new photo adventure that I'm embarking on for the coming year. It's a project/ collaboration with Memphis photographer Jerry Plunk, that will aim to re-create the best in Old Hollywood Glamour portraits. Taking Inspiration from famous Hollywood head shots as well as the unmistakable style of George Hurrell, Bellows Rouge intends to make every lady or gent feel as though they are ready for their close-up, in the truest sense of the expression. It's the next step in my styling endeavors, and I couldn't be happier with our 'trial run'.


9.Favorite Beer: Scottish Ale by High Cotton

I don't remember being as impressed this year with another beer as I was with the Scottish Ale by High Cotton Brewing. The fact that it's local gives it a bit of an edge as well.



10.Favorite Moment:The Wedding of a Moose

I had a lot of good and great moments in 2014. But seeing two of my favorite people join their lives was a definite highlight of, not only the year, but of my life in general. Words can't express how happy I am for the both of them. In addition, my dear friends from California got to join in the merriment! How could I not be overjoyed?


11.Favorite Tutorial of Mine: Jane

It was great fun and very motivating to get back to my Starlet Series. This one turned out pretty well, I thought.



12.Video Tutorial of the Year:

Kayley Melissa is someone I just started following this past year and she did a SPOT ON rendition of Cersei Lannister's 'Purple Wedding' hairstyle from the Game of Thrones television show that blew me away. Not only does it showcase a great amount of skill, as a self-taught hair artist, but she got the technique down by simply looking at photos, from what I understand. As someone who does this on a daily basis, and has for years, I can vouch for how difficult such a thing can be. She, quite simply, nailed it.



So that's my year in a nutshell. See you next time, Dearies!!


xxoo,
Ashley


Friday, January 2, 2015

Fashion Flashback Friday: Pierre Balmain

I have been doing a Fashion Flashback feature on Facebook and Instagram for a while now, but there are always so many great photos to share. So I decided that starting in 2015, I'd devote a blog entry to the week's featured designer as well.


This week, it was Pierre Balmain's vintage designs.


Four facts about Balmain:

1. He was quoted as saying that 'Dressmaking is the architecture of movement'.




2.Balmain worked closely with Dior and credited the conception of 'New Look Fashion' to himself, although ultimately the credit has remained with the former.



3.Classically designed ballgowns were one of his signatures, showcasing exquisite detailing and extravagantly full skirts.


The above masterpiece is credited to Balmain much of the time but I am still uncertain, since the internet is notorious for misleading folks in this respect. Regardless, it definitely speaks of his style and it is fascinating, so I included it here.



4.Balmain also designed for theater, ballet, and film, as well as royalty. Queen Sirikit of Thailand commissioned him to design her 1960 wardrobe for her visit to the US.