Lovely Readers!
Watch this space. Beauty Defined to return this afternoon, after a 6 month hiatus!
Until then, enjoy this fantastic image, courtesy of This is Colossal. You can read more about the pool there, also:
Jump!
Watch This Space!
January 14th, 2011 by zpetalsLara Miller Hosts Studio Sale!
December 17th, 2010 by zpetals
A favorite for the holiday season
This Sunday, December 19, from 12 to 8 pm, favorite Chicago designer Lara Miller will open the basement of her studio space for the second annual Birthday and Holiday Studio Sale.
Miller’s studio is located at 931 Cornelia Ave., in Lakeview, one block south of Addison. You can follow the signs to her basement space, where you will find great deals on Lara’s archived collections and her new line of accessories.
You can also take advantage of the opportunity to pre-order your favorite pieces from Miller’s Spring 2011 collection, which debuted at this year’s Fashion Focus Chicago.
If you spend $75 or more, you will receive a gift certificate towards personal training from Blakely F.I.T. Michelle Blakely—one of Lara’s biggest fans—is one of the best personal trainers around, with a smart and fun approach towards fitness.
Because it’s a birthday party as well, DJ Sye Young has prepared a fabulous music mix for the day, and Lara’s favorite KIND bars will be on hand, as will vegan cupcakes from Bleeding Heart Bakery.
It would be a shame to miss out on these deals!
Eyelash Goop and Me.
November 1st, 2010 by zpetals
I can't get it to rotate.
This is me, with the eyelash goop on my eyes, at Benefit. I had an eyelash tint the other day. I can’t get the image to rotate correctly, but wanted you to see what the dye looked like after application.
Seriously. I’ll be back for this treatment. It’s been pretty amazing to not have to put on mascara the past few days. I love it. I’m hooked.
Enjoy the sideways view of my face.
Eyelash Dash and Benefit Bash!
October 30th, 2010 by zpetals
The other evening, just the other night, I went to a Beauty Bash at Benefit in Evanston. My friend Elizabeth had won the Bash, simply by entering her name in a contest at the boutique when she had her eyebrows done.
The Beauty Bash consisted of us, a bunch of exhausted women on Mom’s Night Out, standing around, drinking champagne (bliss!), and each having one service (brows, lip wax, eyelash tint) taken care of while there.
After the first glass of champagne, after wavering about an eyebrow wax (I don’t wax; I have mine threaded), after smelling some of the lovely perfumes at the counter, I bravely decided to have an eyelash tint.
Basically, I had to take all of my eye makeup off with their lovely, gentle makeup remover; then, I sat in the chair while the esthetician with the calming-est voice ever put some vaseline under my eyes, close to my lower lashes. Over that, she put a small, moon-shaped pad, which would protect my undereye from excess dye.
Then, with a mascara wand (I think: my eyes were closed), she glopped on the natural vegetable dye all over my lower and upper lashes. I had to keep my eyes closed for 14 minutes (not a problem!) and when the time was over, she took the excess dye off and sort of sprayed saline solution all over my eyes while I blinked rapidly.
Not my eye, but LOOK at those lashes!
I kid you not: I looked like I had on mascara. I looked like a little kid, whose eyelashes you envy. I was so excited.
While I was sitting there, eyes closed for 14 minutes, I thought, “There’s no way this service is less than 50 bucks: all natural vegetable dye that doesn’t sting my eyes? Lasts 4 to 6 weeks? Has to be more than $50.”
It’s $20. TWENTY BUCKS!
I am so excited. I don’t have the best of luck with mascara; I haven’t found one that doesn’t get all clumpy, that doesn’t leave odd raccoon smudges under my eyes by the end of the day. I will definitely be back for this!
After we finished our Beauty Bash services, the gorgeous Benefit women redid our makeup, and some of us went out for yummy pizzas and drinks at Union; I’m fairly certain that the waiter, who was all of 20, thought I was slightly off my rocker—I felt all sassy with my new eyelashes, and kept blinking and winking them at my friends, for laughs.
And now, two days later, I’m still pretty darn excited about them. And that, Lovely Readers, is an indication that it’s worth it!!
Jean Cocteau Said This.
September 3rd, 2010 by zpetalsStyle is a simple way of saying complicated things.
Ms. Hepburn, on stairway
The September Issue
August 24th, 2010 by zpetalsYesterday, I received the September issue of Vogue. I went downstairs, just before dinner, to get the mail, and there it sat, with the boxes, too big to fit into our mailbox. I have to admit, I gasped a little bit, in excitement. It’s huge, a doorstop; it’s over an inch thick, and heavy. I haven’t weighed it, although I’m tempted to; I’m curious as to how much extra weight it will add to my bag on my commute downtown tomorrow.
Weighty tome!
On the cover, it says that it’s 726 pages. That’s a lot; of course, the first quarter is all stunningly shot advertisements, featuring glorious, gorgeous fashion.
The past few years, due to the recession, the September issue, while still arguably the thickest and best of all year, has been thinner and less weighty than before. It looks like this year’s is back to its full glory. I hope this means the economy is recovering nicely!
I’ve only started to page through it this morning, during breakfast. I haven’t even gotten halfway through, and I’ve already torn out about 10 ads that inspire me. I’m excited to page through the rest, to read the articles and drool over the fall fashion.
Tonight, while the Bean and Carpenter Boy take in a White Sox game, I’ll curl up in the leather chair in the corner, glass of wine in one hand and Vogue on my lap. Bliss. Pure bliss.
Self of Steam
August 19th, 2010 by zpetalsLast week, amidst the heat wave that hit Chicago like a ton of bricks, I took a steam. Twice.
It seemed counter-intuitive at first, when I took off my sweaty running clothes at the Y, covered myself with a towel, and walked towards the steam room. Why would I spend time in a room dedicated to heat and moisture to make myself sweat even more than I had on my 3 mile speed training run? Why bother doing it inside, when outside was steamy, humid and hot already?
Not at all my steam bath.
I sat in the steam room, alone, naked, with the steam setting up to full blast. Sweat rolled down my forehead. Down my arms. All down my legs. I breathed in the air deeply, filling my lungs with a moistness that was oddly soothing. My mind wandered, and, when I left the steam room after about 20 minutes, I was all noodle-ly and completely, utterly relaxed. I took a shower, dressed slowly, and got ready to pick up the Bean at his camp; the rest of the day, I was in a delightful, calm, weirdly energized fog. Lovely.
I enjoyed it so much that I did it again on Thursday. I texted a friend, blaming her outright for this experiment, as she and I had had a conversation the previous Sunday about how hard it is as working mothers to really take ‘me’ time (and, when I’m running, I’m still cognizant of the fact that it is kind of part of one of my jobs—I’m a marathon coach with Team to End AIDS).
But the steam baths that I took last week were all for me. And were all worth it for the lasting effects of the noodle-ness!
According to the Wise Geek website, a steam bath opens pores, soothes sore muscles, increases circulation, and provides a generally relaxing and healthy experience. Which is what we all need, right?
My steam room, which I will definitely frequent as often as possible, is at my gym, the Y, in the women’s locker room. Next door to the steam room is the sauna, which is a dry heat. I plan on trying the sauna soon, as well.
Check with your gym to see if there is a steam room or sauna available for use; you can thank me for it later. All around Chicago, too, are spas that directly cater to steam baths and massage; some offer a low entrance fee and wonderful sounding add-ons, such as scrubs and salt baths. You can look at some options here and here and here.
*the title of this post comes from a student survey of an arts-integration activity at his school. He said that “Project AIM did wonders for his self of steam.”—meaning, of course, ‘self-esteem.’ I have been thinking of that apt metaphor since I heard it. And here, I used it! Thanks, Unknown Seventh Grader!
Hiatus.
August 9th, 2010 by zpetals
Summer, in its glory
So, I’ve been on quite a hiatus these past few weeks; I’ve been taking summer pretty seriously. Not only have I been reading a lot of library books, and going to the beach with my son Bean, but I’ve also been trying to force myself to relax, which is often hard for me to do. Generally, I run at top speed, stopping only to sleep. And then, only rarely, it seems.
But this summer, this past month, I’ve tried really hard to breathe and reboot. Thus, I’ve not been posting on Head to Toe. I’ve had some interesting conversations about beauty with friends, but have not had them Define Beauty as such.
I’ve been to a couple of fashion sales and events that I should have told you about, but put it off to the point where now, it wouldn’t matter.
But I most earnestly promise I will be back to old business soon, as these last days of summer wane and move into a glorious fall. A few more days, maybe another week, and I’ll be completely refreshed and ready to get back to school, as it were.
Cheers and happy remaining summer days to you, Lovely Readers!!
Beauty, Defined: Sherry Shimel
July 2nd, 2010 by zpetalsIt’s funny—as I get older, I look back on the hazy days of high school (and junior high) and am awed by the girls (now women) that I knew then. Thanks to Facebook, I’ve reconnected with a lot of old friends that I haven’t spoken to or seen in twenty-odd years. It’s been fun.
I love this picture of Sherry!
One woman that I’m particularly glad to have reconnected with is my friend Sherry. We were friends most of our elementary school days, through those tough junior high years, and on into high school. We were in band together, ate countless lunches together, talked about boys together…all those things you do in a small town. She and I went to different colleges, and, of course, drifted apart. I always will remember her smile and her honesty. A great lady, this one. Here are her thoughts on beauty, Lovely Readers. Enjoy.
How do you define beauty?
Beauty, simply put is the factor or factors that attract people to you. So everyone has some sort of beauty. It is as individual as each of us, and changes with us as we change.
How does that definition show up in your everyday life?
Sherry and her husband Chris
I love options and like to experiment with different things, hair, make-up, especially clothes. You can transform your look with very minor changes.
What are five products you cannot live without (desert island picks)?
- deodorant: Secret-clinical strength (I have a physical job)
- body lotion: Victoria’s Secret Pink: warm & cozy
- sunscreen
- curling iron
- hair spray
Of those five, which is the number one thing you can’t live without?
I guess it would have to be the curling iron, I have fought flat hair all my life.
How would you describe your style?
I guess you could call it eclectic; I’m not fond of the word, but in my work and in my personal style I am always looking for inspiration. A new way to use an old item or alter the look of that little black dress. I try to take the best of all the different styles I see and incorporate them into my own.
Who would you consider your style mentor, and why?
My sister Dana is several years older than me so she was always a style mentor for me growing up. I looked to her for advice on make-up, clothes all that stuff. I knew she would always be honest, even if that wasn’t what I was looking for.
What did your mother teach you about beauty?
My mom taught me about self-confidence and hard work, and how that translates into beauty.
When in your life do you/did you feel the most beautiful? And why?
I am at a point in my life now that I feel beautiful. I am comfortable with the way I look and especially the person that I have become. I like to think that each day is a new opportunity to better yourself in some way.
Thanks for talking with me, Sherry! I appreciate you, and your beauty!
Beauty, Defined: Jody Anderson
June 18th, 2010 by zpetalsMy sister Jody is two years older than me. Sometimes, I think we are completely different, and other times, I’m struck by how much alike we are; I doubt she knows I see our similarites. She’s about 5 inches shorter than I am (which is easy to be, as I’m 6 feet tall), and was the cheerleader in high school, seemingly always dressed in her uniform, all cute and cheerleader-y, while I was the awkward basketball player and the bookworm.
For a short time in college, we shared a room in a tiny apartment, and had so many clothes strewn all over the place (we could share shirts and dresses, but not pants, obviously). Some of my favorite memories of my sister are when we’d stay in all day on rainy Saturdays or Sundays, watching movies on our tiny T.V., all ensconced in blankets. Planet of the Apes marathon? Bring it on, with soup and popcorn!
Jody's wedding day
After college, we both found our future husbands around the same time; she married hers a year before I got hitched. Her son was still an infant at my small wedding. Her twin daughters were born just before we moved to Chicago. It’s often how I mark time, by my big sister’s life—she’s always going to be older. I’m always going to be taller. We’re always going to be sisters.
Nowadays, she lives in a small town and loves it, while I live in a city and, likewise, love it. Our everyday lives couldn’t be more different, but the ways they are similar in the big picture stand out—we’re both still married to our sweethearts (we’ve had good examples); we’re both mothers; we both found influence and inspiration in our Grandma Arnold.
This week, I asked Jody what she thought about beauty. For your pleasure, Lovely Readers, let me introduce you to my gorgeous big sister, Jody.
How do you define beauty?
Beauty is as beauty is… Kind of a misquote from Forrest Gump. That is my definition now, at almost 41 years old.
I have changed the definition of beauty as I have gotten older. When I was younger, I had a more shallow definition of beauty and I didn’t feel beautiful at all. I let others define beauty for me, and I didn’t feel I fit into
Pretty smile!
that definition. As I have matured and hit the old 4-0 (which I dreaded, but have now embraced), I have found that I don’t let those “others” define beauty or define me.
How does that definition show up in your everyday life?
I am me and you can take me or leave me. I don’t let others define me. I am who I am and if it doesn’t fit into whatever situation, I leave. I don’t have to stay with people or in situations that I don’t want to. I feel that I am a stronger person now.
What are five products you cannot live without (desert island picks)?
Hairbrush, sunscreen, lotion, Oil of Olay In-shower Lotion, Toothbrush
Of those five, which is the number one thing you can’t live without?
The one that I can’t do without, most especially in the winter, is the Oil of Olay In-Shower Lotion.
How would you describe your style?
I suppose you could call my style simple. I don’t spend a lot of money on things. I am the wife of a teacher in Missouri, and we just don’t have a lot of extra money. But even if we had a bunch of money, I don’t think I would spend it on me.
Who would you consider your style mentor, and why?
Grandpa & Grandma
Lately it feels like it is Grandma Arnold. Grandma was into genealogy and I have been working with her old pictures so I have felt more connected with her. She had a beautiful smile that covered her whole face. I strive for that same smile.
What did Mom teach you about beauty?
Fake it till you make it. Smile even if you don’t feel like it and eventually you will feel like it.
What would you like your daughters to learn?
The world’s definition of beauty doesn’t have to be your definition. If you feel beautiful, you will be beautiful.
When in your life do you/did you feel the most beautiful? And why?
I feel beautiful now when I am hanging out with my three teens. I have always loved being around them, but they are becoming young adults and it is fun to see them trying to figure out who they are. I also have some really good friends here in my hometown. They really love me for me and I haven’t felt like I had that until now.
Thanks for answering my questions about beauty, Jo! I appreciate you and your beauty!
Jo with the girls, years ago
