Illustrations That Inspire

Few things in life are really flattering. It's nice to get compliments on clothes we wear, the makeup we apply, the fly shoes we rock and even the food I cook.

But when an unknown [to me] artist sees an image of yourself and asks if they can do a sketch or illustration of it, for no reason other than because they thought the shot was awesome, the feeling is pretty darn good. It's humbling.

I met Leah Podurgiel through my friend and hairstylist. They're friends and were hanging out one day while I was getting my hair done, sitting with my laptop as my hair got colored. I happen to be showing my friend some images just taken by my right hand photographer, Dave P. and my former intern, Nikki. Leah immediately stopped me and pulled out her materials.

I was totally caught off guard and paid her little mind. I was watching my hair turn kinda blond. After about an hour or so, she handed these to me and said they were "rough drafts!"

I was speechless! You can imagine, right?!? Sketches of moi. The girl is talented. To have sketched 4 images (one not pictured) in an hour, was impressive but beyond that, her detail to attention was convincing that I may want her to look at other pictures... Truthfully, they're just fun, if nothing else. The colorful distortions in my legs and shoes are done in a weird way, but that's what art is all about --- interpretation. She captured a different smile than what I think I really portrayed, but I love it.

Art.

These illustrations were just rough sketches of something special she said she wants to do. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying them and the last one, which has a working title of 'Fro Girl' is my favorite. I actually think it's great as is. She captured the essence of my expression in the original image (below). And the fun part: it's not a fro, rather a vintage fur topper (as featured in Essence, Jan. 2012).

Following are the images that inspired her work, blogged about in these looks: 'Faux Me Got Not' and this 'Color Me Wild'. I'm looking forward to seeing her amazing artistry and skill come to life. I'm wondering if she'll add color or keep some of them black and white. Whatever she does, I'm tickled and honored to have original sketches made for me to frame and hang in my office.

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Flat is Fly! For the Unfortunate Situation

If you're a girl like me and don't wear flats unless you're chasing the dog or running to the mailbox, flat shoes don't really take up real estate in the closet. But, sometimes the most of unfortunate and untimely accidents happen that force us to consider perusing the flat section... and they must be on sale!

I sprained my ankle almost 4 weeks ago and have only worn heels twice... and those two fabulous times turned out to be a miserable aftermath. Shooting pain in my heel has taken over and I've now resigned to using crutches while I heal.

Yes, I'm on crutches. So while my Dr. sis has put me on foot rest and instructed me to stay off any kind of sexy stiletto, I've been pretending to want to own some flats. I did some virtual shopping and found some really cute options! I'd actually wear all of these... now.

After getting over the idea of having to wear flats for a few more weeks, I went to my closet and actually found a few pair...most of which hadn't seen my feet in more years than I can remember. These two are faves and not bad options for everyday styling.

If I was bold enough to spend $170 (on sale) on the fabulously chic leopard print Kate Spade one's, I might, just might get really excited about flats!

Flat can be Fly! 

How do you rock your flats? Share a link to your fave pair! I want to see what you like!

XO!

My own: 

Classic "All Star" Chuck Taylor's in blue c/o J.C. Penny
Zebra print flats with rhinestones, Yellow Box (<3 <3 <3)

Lusting: 

1. Miu Miu "Crystal Bow" ballet flat

2. Prada oxfords

3. Halogen "Haley" oxford

4. Patagonia "Addie" boot

5. Timberland "Wiltshire" knee boot

6. Valentino "Rockstud" pointy toe flat

7. Vera Wang Lavender "Lanie"

8. Missoni rubber ballet flat

9. House of Harlow "Maddison" moccasin

10. Kate Spade leopard pony hair flat

11. Jeffrey Campbell "Dauphine" studded flat

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CoverGirls' New Line & The Sexy Latina Sofia Vergara Rocks It!

Every new year should begin with a new repertoire of beauty products. At least ideally. Not sure how practical that is, but it sounds good, right! I actually started mine with testing out some new yumminess by the all American brand, Covergirl. I remember wearing the powder when I was in High School-- I think more because I really liked the way it smelled vs. a true need.

When I got to try a few products from the new 2012 lineup, now repp'd by the sassy and sexy Sofia Vergara, I went for the kill in channeling my inner accent. The one I've been practicing for years. While I applied the 24-hour mascara and Blast FlipStick lip color,  I spoke with thick accent and told myself how fabulous it was to try makeup before it was even out in the market.  I was in candy land. The mascara, like most I use did in fact last all day and night... good! I hate reapplying and admittedly, it's my one must have on when I walk out my door. And gloss too, but the duo lip color was lovely. The test color I tried worked perfectly with the hues in my fall/winter wardrobe. I can't wait to get my hands on all the other colors! I'm particularly lusting over the color mix of red and gold. Ooh wee. Speaks to me, I tell you. 

For the price point, you can't go wrong. Stick it in your clutch for night's out and worry not if a girlfriend accidentally walks away with yours... cuz yeah, she'll like that much.

I'm tickled a Latina, full of curves and phenom looks is gracing the ad campaigns of Covergirl. She just needs to leave room for us up and coming types! 

The 2012 collection is available now in stores and includes:

o   Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation

o  Blast FlipStick LipColor

o   LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara

o   LineBlast 24 Hour Eyeliner

Check out what the lovely Sofia and other reps, like Taylor Swift are up to by visiting Covergirls' Facebook Page. 

In the meantime, tell me: What's your favorite lip color? 

Moi in CoverGirl 24-hr mascara and blast flip lipstick duo no.  810. Darker applied first, then lighter pink. Taken on my lovely iPhone so you know the quality is {NOT!}100%! ;)

*I received one mascara and one blast flipstick color as consideration for the review in this post. No other monetary or product compensation was provided. All opinions are my very own. 

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Sparkles & Shoes for the New Year!

My Christmas was short of spectacular. My new year was no different. I won't go into detail but it emotionally took me off track and I was unable to really enjoy my holiday. But not for my parents and my pup Paris, I would have stayed in bed the entire time. In fact, I did that NYE. Pathetic, I know.

I've been told I need to work on my attitude when dealing with unfortunate situations. But, when you just don't see a silver lining in that dark cloud, how can you transfer those negative emotions into a happy, happy, joy, joy state of real existence?

It's now Jan. 2nd and I'm determined to make the best out of the most inconvenient, most painful and daunting occurrence that's had me in a royal funk for 9 days now. In that, I spent hours perusing designer deal websites that offer glitz and glam to make every girls nightmares go away.

For starters, anything bling-y makes you smile! Doesn't it do it for you, too? Chic for sure, but all those flashy sparkles always make me giddy. Then there's green. The color of grass and money. You can't go wrong with that. There are shoes and hats, of course, two accessories, which by I allow myself to fix all woes! And perfume, especially personalized ones. Those are a sure way to make you feel .

So for Christmas, I relished in the sweet (and some practical) gifts I received and those that remain on my wishlist... because there's always the hope of that Prince charming making his way to my heart by Valentines... or my birthday... or Christmas, again!

Here's to hoping you had a marvelous Christmas and lovely New Year's Eve celebration! May all of your wishes come true this 2012!

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T to B: 
Personalized Coco Chanel perfume
Missoni knit hat
"Zipper" crystal bracelets from J. Crew
"Lorna" studded pump by Sam Edelman




* all pictures except the Missoni hat were taken by my lovely iPhone and edited in Instagram, which by the way, I love! Follow me there at "BrenHerrera"

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