white christmas

So, not only am I dreaming of a white Christmas, I am actually experiencing it.  Not in the form of crisp snowflakes, but a powder hued Christmas tree we named ─Sugar Frost. I decided to branch out of the traditional green and upgrade to a more wintery shade─ White. The arrangements of candy colored ornaments complement my theme this year, "Bubblegum & Black Tie Christmas". I grew up with a glossy black Christmas tree, which my grandmother would trim with gold/silver accents and mini red velvet bows; so it isn’t my first time stepping out of the color trademark. I snapped some close up photos of my playful adornments. Season Greetings!

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 1&4. Glitter Hot Pink Star/Neon Green and Ruby Red Polka Dot shoe (courtesy of my sister Kiyana ), 2&3. Polka Dot balls/ Jeweled and Candy Shaped ornaments (courtesy of my local dollar store), 5&6. Crystal-like Cross and Silver Reindeer (courtesy of my Grandmother)

eye sparkle

Looking to glitter up those peepers for the holidays?  Avon has the perfect solution─ Glimmersticks Diamonds eyeliners. These festive pencils are retractable and self sharpening for easy application; leaving a 12 hour lasting impression. I presently own four snazzy shades─ Golden Diamond, Flashy Copper, Twilight Sparkle and Brown Glow. For a twinkling effect, double up on the sparkling fun by combining two shades at once. You’ll certainly gleam in the New Year with flickering color.

beauty secrets

We've all inquired about another’s beauty treatment(s); whether it was flawless make up, voluminous hair, lustrous skin, or kempt nails. Pondering what products reward such effortless looks, this sparked the idea to select four gorgeous ladies, that I've secretly wondered what keeps them looking oh’ so posh and prim. So to all you inquisitive beauty lovers, prepare to take some cosmetic notes.

Face:  I love makeup but have noticed that if little things aren't done to the canvas (your face) to maintain it, then the makeup will not look natural, it will have a cake-like appearance.  People who wear makeup should wash the makeup off with cold water prior to any normal face washing, also weekly exfoliation with their normal face wash.  I use the gloves that you can buy at local drug stores in the body wash aisle and rub gently to remove dead skin layers and stubborn makeup residue. Wash brushes daily with antibacterial dish soap and once a week with shampoo if they are real hair, like my MAC brushes. I use MAC Studio Fix makeup NC42 and NW35 select sheer pressed powder to set it. I use Physicians Formula Bronzer from CVS Bronze Booster Color medium to dark, CoverGirl Waterproof Mascara black and MAC Fibrelash Mascara. I use PeachyKeen MAC Blush and Permaplum Engraved waterproof eyeliner by MAC, Permaplum for the lower eye and engraved eyeliner for the upper lid for a slight cat eye look .I sometimes use stubborn brown waterproof eyeliner on top and bottom eyelid base for a more subtle look. Lastly the must have is MAC Fix+ Spray, it is the best moisturizer before and after makeup application and it helps the makeup look natural and gives a slight dewy look and is great to stop feeling dry and stiff-faced(lol ), Ps Tea Tree Oil is the best remedy to shrink a pimple and reduce swelling. Coco Care is what I use anytime I get a pimple.

Hair: I use a product line called Mixed Chicks, I use their shampoo, conditioner and I swear by their leave in conditioner which I use to style my hair with daily, it doesn't leave my hair stiff but full and flowy and good for a mixed chick like me (lol) 

Skin: I wash my face/body with Dove Unscented Sensitive Skin bar soap and my sole facial moisturizer is a 99% Aloe Vera Gel which I purchase from GNC for less than $4 for 2 oz. 

Nails: I love Nicole Miller's line for nails called Nicole which you can buy at Wal-Mart for under $9 the colors are awesome and stay on very long without chipping. I also think that using CocoCares Tea Tree Oil daily over your nails/cuticles with a cotton ball is a great way to prevent nail impurities and fungus especially when you get regular mani/pedis, which can put you at a higher risk for yellowish nail discoloration or fungus; I always use this!

Hair: Moroccanoil Oil Treatment ─My must have go-to hair product of choice. I have had natural hair my entire life and it's had it challenges. Finding a product that gives me that shiny sleek finish when its straightened without weighing it down and a soft bouncy curl pattern when its natural, has been life changing. I swear by this product as it has never let me down. It's a little pricey, but a little goes a long way.

Skin: Raw Unrefined African Black Soap (Imported from Ghana) ─I use African Black Soap on my entire body. This product is used for a wide variety of things, such as clearing up acne, controlling oily skin and relieving skin from irritation to mention a few. Traditional black soap is rich with vitamin A & E which are both great for preventing premature facial lines and wrinkles. This soap is also great for thoroughly removing make-up. This is my fav skin care product!

Face: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer w/ SPF30 ─It is SO important to moisturize your face daily, especially when you wear make-up. I find that this product contributes greatly to the finished look of my make-up. Unlike most facial moisturizer that I've used with SPF in them, this product is very lightweight and it and it doesn't leave that white residue on your face. In addition to giving me a smooth vibrant look, the SPF 30 provides protection from the sun and the visible damages it can cause, which is a key component to having youthful skin. For these reasons I swear by this product!

Nails:Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener (Imported from Columbia) ─Ok, so this is hands down the best nail care product out! I use it as both a base and a clear nail polish. I've had natural nails for about 6 years now and I owe it all to this product. If you don't know acrylic tips are the worst for your nail. After deciding to go natural, my nails were paper thin, cracked and weak. I discovered this product and it began to treat and improve my nails instantly. Now my nails grow quicker than ever and are stronger than they've ever been. This is a must have for the mani-pedi girl!

Hair: I have to say my ultimate favorite product for my hair has to be Biosilk‘silk therapy serum. Not going to lie, it is kind of pricey, but you get what you pay for! It works awesome in wet or dry hair, but the bottle does last a while considering you really only need a drop.

Skin: Skin? It’s a touchy subject, but the best product out is Eucerin ‘Original Body Cream (with the blue top!)  I am one of the lady’s that lotions after every shower and this lotion is beyond awesome! It never leaves you feeling greasy, always just enough moisture for you to feel good. Always leaves your skin nice and soft!

Face: My favorite skin product would be St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I use this product every other day because it is a real scrubber!  It’s great! It has pieces of sand which helps with any blackheads or blemishes. Always leaves your face feelings fresh, squeaky clean, and smooth.

Nails: The one thing I swear by with my nails is the Burt’s Bee’s Lemon Cuticle Cream. Every night before bed I load my cuticles up with this! It leaves my cuticles nice and moisturized and they never look dry and overgrown! It’s great!

Hair: For dry-prone hair, the product I just can’t do without (and travel with) is Sexy Hair Organics Moisture Boost. It’s a gloss serum that gives texture and hydration to hair after styling without weighing it down. The light oil mixture provides some sculpting ability and leaves hair looking shiny and healthy.

Skin: You really start to notice the signs of aging around the age of 30. To keep my skin in taunt, top shape I use a variety of products, depending upon the season. During summer months, I go for lighter lotions – just about anything will do. For the chillier months GoldBond or Curel are my must-haves. They hydrate dry skin all day long and help keep elbows, knees and heels moistened. Of course, no crème or moisturizer is fully effective if it eventually disappears overnight. To keep nighttime treatments intact, I use a natural satin pillowcase. Disappointed with the run-of-the-mill polyester brands on the market, I created my own plant cellulose based brand – Satin Hydration Therapy. It not only keeps my hair hydrated and free from breakage, it’s also super moisturizing for my skin. At nearly 56 years old, I don’t have a wrinkle on my face and my skin is always supple and smooth. It’s a double-duty beauty foundation that I’d recommend to everyone. 

Face: At any age, you need a gentle facial cleanser. For me, it’s as simple as using Cetaphil® Daily FacialCleanser. You can find it any drugstore or mass merchandise. It’s extremely gentle, so you can use it morning, noon and night. My face is visibly cleaner after I rinse and my skin feels incredibly soft and fresh. And it’s affordable! 

Nails: I make sure I get a “real” manicure, not just a polish change at least every 7-10 days. To extend the life of my manicure, after about day 5, I top off my nail polish with a coat of Hoof Lacquer. It’s a strong, shiny top coat that was used initially by horse trainers to keep the hooves of horses strong & groomed. Nail polish looks amazingly new for nearly 2 weeks. 

video play

I marvel at the art of theatrical expression─ swanky costume changes, giddy scripts, mod dancing─ all blended in a vivid silhouette. Beyonce’s new video for ─“ Countdown”─ embodies all the energy of theater. She channels the charismatic character of Audrey Hepburn, in the 1957 film─ “Funny Faces”. I had a sneak peek of the video on rightupyouralyy.com, in which I repeatedly played, in zeal of seeing the actual finished project. This sparked my uncovered niche for dramatic performances.  

moon shine

photo courtesy of beautylish, CND nail polish

Nail décor is a pretentious way to add zest to a basic manicure. The eponymous half-moon nail manicure─ with its dual color combo─ has adorned the mani's of super trend-developers such as, Rihanna and Beyonce (aside from the futuristic Minx concoction). It’s the evolution of nail design, no more basic color-and-go. The 1940’s effect re-surfaces an era of tip techniques. I've already begin pairing my snappy shades, in preparation for a walk on the crescent side.

dear autumn,

Billie Holiday- Autumn in New York 

Today is the first day of a magical season; clad in a chunky knit sweater of new beginnings. It’s the effervescency of climate change and quixotic moods. And what better introduction, than a classic musical selection that’s irrefutably fitting to the start of─ Style!

lite brite

photo courtesy of beautylish, Milly spring/summer 2012 

Lately I've been attracted to the brighter things in life─ neon(y) matte lip colors, [glowing] dewy skin, peek-a-boo lashes, and bubbly nail colours. The photo above is a ─picture perfect─ visual of my aesthetic. With autumn two days away, it doesn't mean that we should refrain from vibrant spring/summer tones, but rather expressively combine them with fall's neutral palettes. They say, "a picture is worth a thousand words"; well this one holds a million inspirations

hair control

Sharing is hair caring, ok well maybe that's not exactly the way the statement goes, but you've guessed the topic. My co-worker/friend Shomekau introduced me to my new hair remedy. Prior to; I've aimed for products specifically to tame my fine edges. Commonly after a wash and set, my hair looks perfectly prim, but after a few days, my edges tend to frizz up, which leaves me with a half polished coif. I've subjected myself to gel and Soft Sheen’s jam (extra hold) but it doesn't seem to last or it becomes extremely greasy or flaky. At last my solution has come along─ a non-greasy, non-flaky, contains no alcohol, produces superior hold and is excellent for relaxed and natural hair─ Organic Root Stimulator, Olive Oil Edge Control. I've used Olive Oil products in the past; the relaxer and oil sheen are superb. Of course I had to test it out for proper referral, and I was very satisfied with the results, when I opened the disk shaped container, I could tell that it provided super control, the texture of the gel is a plus. My small sample lasted the whole day, without a dull moment, giving off sleek and shiny edge control.  Available at Sally Beauty Supply and Walgreens.

cute as a button

Saw this feature on Beautylish, and thought I would do a video share. I love quirky, girlish hair pieces and fun buttons too. It's a simple D.I.Y with an adorably dollish outcome. The video was originally uploaded here, amongst fresh make-up tutorials.  Would you try this cutesy quick fix to dress up your hair? I know I would at the drop of a button. Happy Friday!

fashion neighbor

(In the 'Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood' melody)

It’s a beautiful day for my favorite magazine,

A beautiful day I’m elated,

Can’t wait to read mines,

Teen Vogue is mines

I have always dreamed of working for a fashion magazine, just like you,

I’ve always dreamed of working one day, for you

So I’ll read the October issue on this beautiful day

Since it’s almost autumn, I might as well say

Can’t wait to read mines,

Teen Vogue is mines,

Gosh, I feel elated

beauty vote

Neero & Ana "sugarcoated secrets" satin hydrated pillowcase

beenalabella.com has partnered with Neero & Ana for their nomination as Beauty Brand of the Year, presented by HBA Global ( Health & Beauty Association). As an owner of this fabulous essential, I was more than thrilled to show my support. Why vote for Neero & Ana you ask?─ These organically hydrated satin pillowcases are formulated to perform a dual overnight regime; it’s contrived from botanical elements, 100% plant cellulose/wood pulp foundation. Their designed to breathe,"Offering overnight comfort, control and protection", locking in your hair and skins natural moisture; contrary to cotton pillowcases that defeat this purpose by absorbing moisture. With today’s industry targeting an eco-friendly approach, nature has become functional in relation to beauty treatments. Women today live immoderately multi-tasked lifestyles, working full-time, attending college, and participating in extra-curricular activities, which can cause a great deal of stress on their outer appearance. They'll invest in daily beauty rituals to keep themselves looking refreshed and youthful, but what about during the night? , When the skin loses its natural impurities and hair becomes dehydrated from moisture, causing dullness and breakage.

Some have become accustomed to instant results, when it comes to hair and skin care; opting to purchase an ample amount of products based on high price and mass ingredients,(I myself have fallen victim to this philosophy). The hydrated pillowcase are beneficial yet sufficient for those who don’t have the time to prep hair and pamper skin before going to bed. The pillowcases range in a punchy assortment of therapeutic hues creating a rejuvenating sleeping experience, I purchased an electric pink shade. As a young woman living an active lifestyle, this product puts less stress on my nightly routines(no night scarf needed). Its around-the-clock skin and hair care prepping stimulates a luminous subtle appearance. With this indispensable product, you’re bound to define the true meaning of beauty sleep. Now that I've pretty much informatively summed up potential questions, its time to Vote!, simply click on the icon at the upper right-hand side of my blog. The winner will be announced on Sept 21, 2011. I sincerely thank all my readers for your support!

missoni mayhem

In my witty reporter tone:  Italian fashion house Missoni, launched its highly anticipated Target line today. The Westbury, N.Y Target was in for a fashion fiasco, when it was reported that avid fans of the quaintly patterned 400-piece collection here, awaited at the mist of dawn (4:30am to be approximate) for the glass doors to glide open allowing them to pursue their covetable needs. Imani L,18, a Westbury Target sales associate, started her shift at 8a.m. She declared the scene- “worse than Black Friday”, she stated that frantic customers were impulsively grabbing items off the racks; with no remorse for the shoppers to come, sporadic quarrels spurred up over the limited amount of pieces that were left─"I felt shocked and nervous, it got really violent, I was scared for the safety of me and other shoppers. This just makes me look at some people different when it comes to material things"; she exclaimed . One customer as Imani explains; spent a steeping $4,000 in one purchase, talk about chic chaos. Via online sources (www.bostonherald.com), Target.com crashed early a.m due to the over consumption of online shoppers; causing the site to become un-accessible. But that’s not the completion of my mode report, I took it upon myself to inspect the specified commentary, and visited the Westbury Target store this evening, I would have to say the Missoni billboard was the only indication of its debut, not a stitch of multihued knit wear insight.  On a preliminary sales note, I predict a lucrative increase. I’m Karina Hill reporting via blogspot, on beenalabella.com. 

pillow talk

Today my mom sent me some amazing photos of my grandmother’s latest re-upholstering  projects; I was in awe at the whimsy selection of fabrics used to revamp her pillows, so cheerful and inviting; an elaborate display of glee. The combinational prints are a fitting touch for the plush black couch. Wondering where I get my flair for mod patterns and punchy colours?;the photos above are an ideal hint.

3 times a charm #idreamofteen

Teen Vogue cronies, from left to right: Leigh Belz, Victoria Lewis and Eva Chen

Do you believe in magic? Well that's how the day seemed yesterday at the Teen Vogue HauteSpot event, held at the Lincoln Center for fashion week, surreally magical! The weather did an absolute 360 from dreary heavy showers to warm sun kissed skies (God was definitely in my favor). Arriving at the TV event with longtime friend/style blogger Aly from rightupyouralyy.com; we entered the chic mix with super excitement, the room was brightly clad in all things Teen Vogue. Of course I was overly ecstatic, being that this is my 3rd Teen Vogue event, (hence the blog title). We spontaneously dipped and dabbled into all that the HauteSpot offered; glamorous makeovers by Maybelline, a live performance by American Idol phenom─Pia Toscano(actually new to my musical ear), a bloggers corner, where we tweeted our pretty little hearts away, and the finale (my unmentioned mission). A chance to meet the teen queen herself; the editor in chief of Teen Vogue, Amy Astley (yes I was actually anxious, as if it was my first time) along with her charming assistant─Victoria Lewis, dashing Beauty Director ─Eva Chen and sweetheart Senior Features Director─Leigh Belz. And when that time finally approached, let's just say I made it worth every dreamy minute. Check out the cool pix from a day @ the HauteSpot!

Ps. my vintage cognac leather pencil skirt was a shop RUYA fall staple 

style power

2.Jenna Lyons, President and Creative Director of J. Crew 3.Savannah and Sienna Miller, Co-Creative Directors of Twenty8Twelve 4. Wen Zhou, CEO of Phillip Lim, 11. June Haynes, Senior Vice President for Retail at Valentino

Living in a relatively male dominated world; the fashion industry is one, that women have an equal, yet rather influential status because their dominantly the muse. From senior year beginnings, I knew fashion would be my definitive career choice; which was explained here. My aunt Kecia, a fashion aficionado, emailed me this article from More.com, a few days ago- Fierce Female Fashion Executives (read here).  Not only were the 12 featured women pretty powerful, but it activated an enthusiastic urgency to get my career going, as a notable fashion writer/CEO of beenalabella.

susie shop

Nothing like an early morning browse of refreshingly clever style; my a.m coveting began at approximately, 7a.m. The subject: London based, Susie Lau of Style Bubble ; one fashion blogger with an idiosyncratically smart fashion sense. Susie was selected to showcase her style for Topshop's Edited space at Oxford Circus (Manchester's Arndale Centre, London Flagship). Her unconventional niche for garment layering, chunky prints, and opaque accents; quirkishly adorns the fall presentation for Topshop. Visit Topshop.com for more online sample staples from Susie’s Edited space.

september issue

 The promises we keep; are the ones we truly mean, with that said the image above is more than self explanatory, its sufficient evidence and supporting detail to the context of here. To refresh a new readers eye, I explicated in a previous post (fall addiction), that I made a self-pact to collect every September issue of my fav fashion magazines. Long behold, I have successfully adhered to doing so; not in attempt to exemplify superficial behavior, but to exude my sincere appreciation for the 3 f's─ fall, fashion and fabulousness!

sweet thank you'

Every good deed deserves a scrumptious desert. Last month I volunteered to assist with my jobs Kiosk, located at Roosevelt Field Mall, and I was rewarded in the form of delectable perfection. Our Membership Development department personally thanked me with a dappled box of Dylan's Candy Bar Gourmet Graham Crackers covered in assorted toppings ─peanut butter chips, mini chocolate buttons, rich dark chocolate, and covered rainbow nonpareils. I love the insert on the back of the box after the toppings description─ Go on & have some. Have ∙a ∙lot because too much of a good thing is wonderful─ my thoughts precisely.

wintour wisdom

Browsing through noteworthy style blogger, BryanBoy blog site, I was enthused by a video he featured from Forbes Power Women 2011; it was an interview with Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. The content of the video is effortlessly inspiring for any individual attempting to break in to the fashion industry. After watching The September Issue documentary a few months ago, my perspective of Wintour’s scrupulous character totally altered, as if  her persona was originally a condescending fit and needed to be charmingly tailored, (pretty far-fetched for a metaphor, but you get my drift). I respect the organic delivery that Anna emitted during the documentary and the Forbes feature. I found her outlook of the industry to be absolutely opposing to my initial views, and gained a true conception of who she truly is─ "being true to herself", her final envelope of advice (stated in the video) to all venturing into the industry. 

The leaves aren’t the only illustration of change this season. The fall is the mother of all that is ever-changing, giving birth to a plethora of trends. This autumn, fashion is taking a round trip to the past, visiting silhouettes from the tailored 40's to the punk 80's, but does that mean, we as the consumer should as well? I project that it all depends on the shopper, and what they plan on frolicking in during the cozy weather.  As a fashion researcher and magazine subscriber, I’ve studied former looks and noticed a redundancy in trends. At times, fashion can feel forced, and as a style enthusiast one may infer that dressing parallel to a magazine editorial will make them stylishly adequate. I suggest, if you’re going to exercise your style strength, it is necessary that you include a touch of you. Your personal style, combined with an existing trend (that you truly respect), builds a lucrative look, take heed and proceed.

style block

Experiencing a teeny bit of writers block, I decided to collage a tear-sheet of looks that I propose for the fall. On a visual aspect, textures and layers are a double dose of my expectations. Shabby fabrics, hints of leopard, gemstone hues, faux fur embellishing, gold baubles, polka dot prints, controlled pencil skirts and structured shapes are on my list of ─ la´experimental.  

décor inspired

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been a dreamer. I can revisit sitting in my room, and fantasying about my future, pondering what I wanted to be and what role I would play in life. Day dreaming was a keen characteristic of mine, my imagination would run vigorously. In school was one of the primary places that I would exercise such a trait, because I always saw beyond the classroom walls.  At age 9, I remember telling my grandmother that I wanted to open a salon for kids because I enjoyed doing hair. As I reached my early teens I took on a debate quality; which lead me to wanting to become a lawyer (Criminal Justice). Then my senior year of high school approached and I took on a new found Love─ (deep sigh )─ Fashion!. Technically I shouldn't label it new found because it was always there, just suppressed within my wonderland of career chooses. Presently, I've combined my love for fashion with my God-given gift─ writing. I have aspirations of one day contributing to a fashion magazine, particularly ─Teen Vogue, hence ─I dream of teen─ here and here. Reverting back to my dreamer demeanor, the photo above is one of my wall decors. I purchased the Dream poppy graphic letter blocks from Target a few months ago; I have it hanging in the corner wall of my room at eye level for daily inspiration.