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I just got back the final images from the 2 shoots that I styled last month for Frank Bradford and I'm very happy with the results. These are from the Advanced Location Lighting Workshop:

And this is from the Vera Wang Shoot:

:-)

This is what I wore to work yesterday. Sorry about the crappy pic..I really need to go buy a replacement camera for the one that I spilled water on but I just don't have the time :-/. Hopefully this weekend I'll get a chance to run to Best Buy. Anyways, this is what i'm wearing:

Maxi Dress: Say What
Cardigan: Mossimo
Belt: Vintage
Shoes: Twisted

We just got in 3 super cute Salvatore Ferragamo flats in my store and I am so in love with their preppy chic-ness.

These Blue Boat shoes are gently worn and are a size 8.5. We are retailing them for $59.99 (which is a steal might I add!)

These pair are brand new and they are also a size 8.5. Our Price: $74.99

And last but not least these adorable brown ones with a tiny heel. They are a size 10A and we are selling them for only $59.99

What I love most about these Ferragamos are the fact that they are so well made and understated. They are perfect to wear everyday to work, school, while shopping or on your way to the hamptons. Here are a few things that I would wear them with...

Leggings by Topshop
Sunglasses by Prada

If you are interested in purchasing one of these items or just finding out more about what we sell, please feel free to call us at 516-759-5712 or drop by the boutique if you are in Glen Cove!

Samantha's Consignment Boutique
12 School Street
Glen Cove, NY 11542

I love animal print *sigh*. My closet is filled with animal print skirts, suits, dresse and bags but for some strange reasons, I hardly ever wear them. I think I just like to look at them more than anything else lol. I bought this jumper at DOTS a few days ago and I wore it to work yesterday. It's just simple, sleeveless, and plain comfy. The white shirt is by Reiss and the flat ballet slippers are by Delicious Shoes. Cute and comfy...the only way I like to dress.

It's technically still only spring, but with temperatures averaging in the high 70's and 80's recently (and reportedly will be in the high 90's in the next few days), we have to make sure that we get an early start on our summer skin regiment. Most of us, including myself, are so glad that winter is finally gone and have already pulled out our shorts, sundresses and flip flops. But what we sometimes forget is that this beautiful weather can also wreck and damage our skin. Heat, humidity and the sun's rays can cause wrinkles, age spots, breakouts, clogged pores, rashes and of course, skin cancer. Here are my top 10 summer tips that will not only keep you looking but also feeling fabulous, all summer long.

1) Exfoliate

Actually its a great idea to exfoliate all year long, not just in the summer because our skin sheds dead cell everyday, all day. In the summer though because of the sun, sweat and sand, we shed even more and if we don't remove these dead cells, they will just continue to build up all over our face and body (I know, that's not an attractive thought!). All you have to do is just use your favorite exfoliator 2-3 times a week while you are in the shower (mine is St. Ives Apricot Scrub) and you'll start seeing beautiful glowing skin in no time.

2)Moisturize

Just because the weather is hot outside does not mean that we should skip moisturizing our skin. Au contraire, my friends! No, you no longer need to slather on tubs of body butter like you did in the winter. Instead opt for lighter, water-based fomulas for both your face and body. Also, if you are use to using heavy face creams especially at night, switch to a light serum such as Lumene Time Lift Instant Serum.

3)Balm it up, baby!

Don't forget to keep your kisser supple and sun safe by using a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15. Lips can get cancer too you know..plus no one wants to walk around with dry, cracked lips in the summer anyways.

4)Sunscreen

Another thing that you should be using year round but it's even more important in the summer. Make sure that when you are searching for a sunscreen, that you pick one that provide broad-spectrum protection because they block both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The minimum SPF (sun protection factor) that it should have is 15. Sunscreen should be applied liberally all over before you go outside and it should be reapply every two hours and always after swimming. Remember, don't leave home without it! My sunscreen of choice is Aveeno's Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70.

5)Get a summer glow-Safely!

The best way to minimize your chances of getting wrinkles, age spots, etc is to minimize your exposure to the sun (and/or tanning beds). A few great alternatives are sunless tanners, spray tan, airbrushing or by using a lotion with an invigorating glow such as Jergen's Revitalizing Natural Glow.

6)Shaving

There is no law that said that you have to keep your legs shaved at all time in the winter but in the summer it's a must if you plan on donning shorts and little dresses. The key to shaving is to find a great razor. Getting nicks and razor burns from a cheap razor is just as bad as having hairy legs, if not worst. Personally, I like Gillette's Venus razor. Oh and while you're in the store picking up your razor, make sure to get a great shaving cream also. If you don't have one or can't find one, simple use whatever conditioner you have in your bathroom. This will ensure that your skin is nice and hydrated while you are shaving.

7)Switch up your makeup

Because it's so hot in the summer, no one wants to run around with a pound of makeup melting off their face throughout the day. If you like liquid foundations or full covered creams, trade them in temporarily for something lighter such as mineral based makeups or my favorite, airbrush makeup. Or, you can go even more natural looking by simply using a bronzer in place of foundation. It evens out the skin and gives you a nice healthy glow. Add a coat of your favorite waterproof mascara and a bit of tinted gloss and you have the perfect sun kissed summer face.

8)Pamper those feet

If you haven't been keeping your feet in tip top condition this past winter, don't fear! You can still run to the nearest salon to get your feet sandal ready or you can give yourself an at home pedicure. All you really need is a foot scrub such as Feet's Sake Foot Scrub, and a file that you can use whenever you are in the shower. Do this a few times a week and your feet will be looking great in those sexy sandals in no time.

9)Wear protective clothing

Protecting yourself from harmful sunrays goes beyond sunscreen. Whenever you are outside, throw on wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and even a long sleeve shirt. Contrary to popular beliefs, you should be wearing darker, tightly woven fabrics instead of lightweight, light colored garments in the summer. They are better at blocking your skin from the sun.

10) Drink Plently of water!

The last tip is also the simplest but the most important. You must stay hydrated all summer long and nothing is better for you and your body than those 8 glasses a day. Try and stay away from all that sugery stuff such as sodas and juices. Yes, they taste great but they are loaded with calories and do not keep you hydrated.

Follow these 10 tips to summer proof your skin. All my favorite, recommended items can be found in all the CVS's and Rite Aids here in Glen Cove. And speaking about Rite Aid, they just launched a summer skin care campaign, with the support of the Skin Cancer Foundation, which comprises of free informational guides in all of their stores and online, money-saving promotions on skin care products. Make sure to stop by your local Rite Aid to pick up one of your free guides and check them out online at riteaid.com. Have a fun and safe summer,

Samantha

I love CVS...no, I mean I really, really love CVS. It's definitely one of my favorites store and a guilty pleasure of mine. So today on my daily trip (yeah, you read that right...daily lol) I came across 2 items that I just simply could not resist. Actually it was four items...technically. The first item is a set that includes both the Nexxus Humectress shampoo AND conditioner for only $16.99!!! Now, I'm not at product junkie at all. I feel if somethings not broken, don't fix it especially when it comes to my hair. I currently use Organic Root Stimulator as my deep conditioner and Suave Humestress as my shampoo but honestly, I've been secretly dying to try the Nexxus conditioner but because its normally so pricey, I usually pass on it. But today, after seeing that I could try both for one price, I immediately grabbed it up. Tomorrow is my wash day, so I will try them out and hopefully they don't disappoint (don't you just hate when that happen? when you've been so hyped about a product and it just let you down?).

The second items that I got was the Eye Collection Kit by The Color Workshop in Browns, Greys and Blues. I was talked into buying them by a sales person after she saw that I was eyeing them. I figured that since they were only $4.99 each, why not give them a try. Let me start off by saying that these were the worst makeup that I have ever tried and I'm a Makeup Artist, so you know I've tried more makeup than the average person. First off, even with primer, the eyeshadows do not show up. They are also very chalky and flaky. I opened only one pencil in the Blue kit and the tip immediately broke off then crumbled in my hands. The only thing that was decent was the eyeliner. I knew that I shouldn't have been shocked that these were so bad, especially because of the price but I am. I use NYX and ELF, both pretty cheap brands but with superior quality makeup. These kits are sub-par and I would never, ever recommend that anyone buy them. I will be returning them first thing tomorrow on my next daily visit :-)

Yesterday was my store, Samantha's Consignment, 1 year Anniversary and I am so happy and grateful that I made it. The first year of any business is the toughest and this year was pretty tough for me. I had to fire an employee, sue someone, deal with crazy customers, etc. I had to be an accountant, a plumber, a cleaning crew, an employee, and a boss all in one. Honestly some days I was (and still am) mentally and physically exhausted. At times I questioned if this was the right thing I was doing. I had invested my entire life savings in my dream and feared that it wouldn't work out. I've worked in retail a long time ago, but nothing could prepare me for opening up my own store. Yeah, I knew it was going to be tough but I just didn't know how tough it was truly going to be (especially when you open up during a recession!).

But despite all the things I previous said, I absolutely LOVE it! My store is pretty damn awesome lol. I love the location (downtown Glen Cove), I love my customers who I know by name, I love my employee Kat who is like a mentor, friend and lifeline all rolled up in one (lord knows I couldn't do it without her). I simply love everything about it. Never once in the one year that I've been open have I ever said "damn, I have to go to work today!". NEVER! The freedom you get from owning your own business is priceless...you just can't buy it. If I have to open late, I do. If I want to close early, I do. If I don't want to work that day, I just tell Kat and she always covers me. I answer to no one (except my bill collectors hahaha). I adore the fact that my store is cute and quirky and that it has enable me to be a real stylist. I love helping women find the perfect outfit for a date night, for prom, or as a gift for a loved one. I love being surrounded by beautiful things on a daily basis..tons and tons of jewelry, clothings, antiques, bags..I love the fact that now, I almost shop exclusively at my store so that the money is coming right back to me (hey, that you can't beat!). I am truly happy and I know that this is what I was meant to do. If it's God's will, (please Jesus!!!!), I hope to be here for the next 25 years at least. Do I see myself opening up another store in the future? NO... but I do see myself having this one for a very long time and I hope that does come to fruition. :-)

This past Tuesday, I had another shoot with Frank Bradford at the beautiful Planting Fields Arboreum here on Long Island. This was another event in his and DJ LaDez's lighting seminar week and it was sponsored by Berger Brothers (www.berger-bros.com). This was my first time at the Arboreum and it was breathtaking! We had 2 great models for the day, Svetlana Kapralova and Marianna Postma and me and Flor (Makeup Artist) decided to split Makeup duties for the day (Me with Svetlana and Flor with Marianna). The best thing about that day though was the Vera Wang dress that was loan to us. This dress was just beyond...It's from their Fall 2011 collection (right off the runway from last Fashion Week) and one of the most beautiful wedding dresses that I've ever seen. Besides the Vera Wang gown, I styled both models for a total of 3 looks that day. Here are a few behind-the-scenes photo. And as always, as soon as I get the final images, I will post them here :-)

Svetland wearing the Vera Wang gown

Makeup by me

Frank Shooting Svetlana

Makeup done by me

One of the looks

And another rocked by Marianna

(one of the looks from that day)

Last Saturday, May 21st (the day that the world was suppose to end lol), I had a photoshoot at the fabulous Studio 385 in Tribeca (www2.ExposureCapture.com). The shoot was put together by my photographer Frank Bradford and lighting expert DJ Dez. It was sponsored by Lumedyne and it kicked off a week of four Lighting Seminars given by Frank and DJ throughout NY. I was the stylist for this event and I had an amazing time! Here are just a few of the behind the scenes photos from that day. We had 2 models and a total of 5 different looks between them. I've seen a few of the final shots, like the one above, but as soon as I get them all I will post them here.

Me and the team getting a model ready (Flor Diaz, Makeup artist and Julius Toussaint, Hair Stylist)

Some of the Wardrobe for the day

Jewelry

A few more

Flor and Julius doing their thing!

A few shoes

Pinning the model into the clothes

I love steamers...

I live for this dress *sigh*

This is what I wore to work yesterday. Even though its nice and hot here in NY, I still keep a light jacket with me when I'm in my store because the A/C is usally running and it gets a little nippy in there. Oh and btw, these are the other pair of jeans that my boyfriend got me about 2 weeks ago (I like these ones the best..still big but really soft and comfy).

Jacket/blazer: Jones New York
Top: The Gap
Jeans: Guess
Shoes:Urban Outfitters