Richard's new look would not have been complete without a visit to Ann Marie Flores' The Salon on Broadway. She took his shabby look and made it sleek and stylish.
Richard with Ann Marie and his "products" by Redken. Ann Marie enlightened Richard in the use of hair products to enhance his new hair style.
Richard greeted his guests in his "before" look {I told you he had a sense of humor}. A quick thank-you smooch for his personal stylist before the new Richard was let OUT OF THE CLOSET!
My new Dermalogica Lip Renewal Complex and Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment. These two products have made me very happy. Dry skin has plagued me my whole life. I am constantly looking for a product that will help my sorry Irish, raw red dry hands {pretty - huh?} get the relief they are so craving and I believe I have found it. I've been using it for a week. I am hooked. A little bit goes a long way. I'm also loving the Lip Renewal Complex which really delivers. This has been part of my make-up routine for a couple of months now. It smooths those fine lines around my lips, plumps them up a tad, and keep my lips soft and smooth all day. No more cracked leaky lipstick lips here! Under lipstick or alone - it's a great product to protect your lips from the elements and take a few years off your appearance! Available at Ann- Marie Flores' The Salon, 492 Broadway.
{Just so I'm clear - you are clear... This is purely editorial on my part. This is not a paid endorsement. Everything on DTSB is solely my opinion or the opinion of the guest bloggers. If ever it is a paid endorsement I will list it with the title as "dedicated post"}.
{The beautiful and talented Ann-Marie Flores at her salon on Broadway}
{Ann-Marie and her team made the Violet's girls more fabulous for the kick-off party}
Mascara Facts: Did you know that Maybelline sells a tube of Great Lash mascara every 1.9 seconds somewhere in the world? It continues to be the number one selling mascara of all time. My First? Maybelline Very black. Mascara is still the product of choice for me. I wouldn't walk out the door without wearing it. I've tried them all… from retailer and department store brands, from high to low end. It all comes down to finding the right wand/brush for your lash type. The most cutting edge product out there currently for mascara is a product called Blinc {a favorite of DTSB}. Blinc mascara forms tiny little water-resistant tubes around each lash. So, you can cry your eyes out, go from work to the gym, have an allergy attack and your lashes will look just as good as they did when you first applied it. Blinc will not smudge, flake or run… How cool is that? Find it at Spa Cascada.
Mascara Tips:
1.) When you first open the mascara. Don't pump the wand to prime it every time you use it. This pushes air into the tube which causes bacteria, and dries the mascara out.
2.) For a daytime application I prefer mascara to the upper lashes only. If you're applying to the Lower lids, hold the brush vertical for an easier application. Keep Q-tips on hand for quick clean ups. My pet peeve...mascara dots. If you have wide set eyes apply more toward the nose when finished, close set eyes more on the outer 1/3. Eyes too round? Mascara only on the outer 2/3.
3.) Mascara should be tossed away after 6 months anyway.
There are a new field of products out there that actually grows and enhances lashes. And you thought you had to be born with long and lushes lashes! These products promote the growth of new and healthier lashes. I recommend the natural, over the counter approach found at Spa Cascada. Amy carries Neulash. Neulash is a cosmetic grade protein in liquid form that when applied at night to the lash line this product will promote a healthier, longer, darker and stronger lash in just 4 weeks. Set up time with Amy to learn more about this product and check out http://www.neulash.com/ to see if this product is right for you.
Can't wait 4-6 weeks for lash growth, and need lashes NOW! There's always extensions, tints,fills,and faux lashes. Extensions are quite pricey and are a big commitment. But aren't all Diva's? If you want a quick, less expensive way to get lush lashes, faux is for you. You can purchase them anywhere. Sally Beauty Supply, Target, and Rite-Aid. They come individually, demi's, and full strips depending how demure or dramatic you want to look. Practice makes perfect. Use a white glue that dries clear, this won't show mistakes. Toothpicks will allow for guiding the amount of glue on each lash. A Tweezerman slanted tweezer is a sure and steady grab for placing. Always start on a clean oil free lid. You may want to add a pencil liner first. This help's the glue stick to the lid. Our natural oils break down glue. When using individuals or demi's, a pencil liner works best. A liquid liner can be applied after the full strip of lashes has been placed for the most dramatic effect.
One more tip before I end… I told you I am lash obsessed…Do you want a better way to make your lashes stay curled all day? Warm your lash curler! You wouldn't curl your hair with a cold curling iron! Simply run your blow dryer a few seconds on your lash curler. (test first on the back of your wrist a few times). Always curl a clean lash, prior to mascara, otherwise lash curler may pull lashes. My picks for lash curlers are: Laura Mercier. Try her pinch free version it's new for $16.00, or Tweezerman's Pro-Curl curler for $20 @ Sephora.
I will continue buy the latest mascara's and gadget's. I will always be in search of the perfect mascara. I will always have on hand a tube of Maybelline Great Lash mascara in very black just in case the new ones don't work out - the classics always do...
- Maria
I am thrilled to announce that Maria {one of my enhancement partners and dear friend} will be a guest contributor on DTSB. Maria has years of experience in the beauty industry. She worked for Redken/Pureology as a Salon Development Manager, Regional Sales/Education Trainer, Color Specialist, and worked behind the scenes at numerous hair shows. Maria is married and has a daughter. Like me, she may have left the working world but her passion for fashion and all things beautiful lives on... I asked her if DTSB could tap into some of her beauty secrets. She agreed. So listen up girls while we uncover exactly why she looks so darn {kids reading} good and how we can too. She has a plethora of tips to share and will tell you how to find them locally... Enjoy her first installment!!!I love the wrap dress. Erin went out of her comfort zone with this dress and has had amazing results! She looks sexy and confident! The wrap style plays up her girly figure in a very sophisticated way. Spanx and Fashion Tape is a girl's best kept secret for keeping things where they need to be.
I wanted to play up the color because it's all about color this season {especially orange and bright yellow}. I used the same blue peep toe wedges from the shop your closet post to play up the blue in the dress, but added an orange clutch, chunky necklace and fun flower cocktail ring to add pop! Take risks and have fun with color - it isn't always about matching.
{Dress from Frivolous, Necklace and clutch from 80 West, Spanx and Fashion Tape can be found at Frivolous}
Enjoy SaratogaArtsFest this week end!!
See you next week when we will celebrate DAD!
Pictures by Kim Purdy
We all have those moments when we feel like we have NOTHING to wear. This is when having the wardrobe staples comes in very handy. We took these classic khaki trousers that Erin already had in her closet and paired it with a black wrap blouse that Erin has had, but never wore. The blouse is the perfect silhouette for Erin. The wrap style works well because the v-neck adds length to Erin and flatters her bust. The top hits her right at the hip line and shows off her waist. The wide leg trouser adds balance to the whole silhouette giving it a classic and polished look. We made it Erin's own by adding funky jewelry. The chunky coral necklace and fun blue peep toe shoes adds just enough color to make it appropriate for any summer event!
{Coral necklace from 80 West}
{pictures by Kim Purdy}
I hate to give away all Erin's secret's {and mine}, but then again, that is why I'm here!
Secret #1 - Maria Brower. Amazing hairstylist. I've been using her for years, so this is the hardest one to divulge... A former New Yorker who takes beauty and style seriously {now you know why I love her}, but the best part is she wants YOU to be happy. She sits with you to discuss lifestyle and how much time you can realistically spend on your daily hair routine {ponytail not included}. She spent years working for Redken selling their products to salons, but always kept her hands in hair - her first love {sorry Chuck}. She knows product and how to execute the best current cuts and colors. Interested? E-mail me and I'll get you set up! Pass it on...
Secret #2 - Spa Cascada. OK - I haven't been so good at keeping Amy and her hacienda style spa a secret. It's made a few posts here and my spirit has been rehydrated there plenty of times. Amy and her dedication to her craft continues to be an inspiration to me. Her eyebrow designs, skin care treatments, facials, and makeup knowledge has enhanced many Saratogians. Add Erin to that growing list.
Secret #3 - You can experience some enhancement for yourself. This week's giveaway is a free hair consultation from Maria with a complimentary Redken Shade's EQ Conditioning Crystal Clear Glaze treatment {I've had a few and love them!}. As Maria says, "this will give the winner exceptional shine and condition without any color change to the hair. It's ammonia free {gentle to the hair}, acid balanced, and fortified with wheat amino acids". What's this mean to you? A better conditioned, full of body, shiny mane!
I'm not done yet..... the second part of this brilliant giveaway is a free make up consultation with Amy at Spa Cascada. Amy will discuss make up trends with you, check out your skin, apply a little Glo Minerals and fill you in on what colors work best for you. Another secret you will walk away with - Blinc Mascara. The newest {and greatest} mascara on the market. You'll be ahead of your friends by "tubing" your lashes instead of the passe way of painting them!
Free hair consultation, hair glaze treatment, make up consultation and the newest mascara on the market - you will be on your way to the enhancement you always dreamed of! Make a comment on this post to make that dream come true! Winner announced on Friday! Good Luck!
Taaa dahhhh!!!! Doesn't she look great?!
Nothing says summer better than white. Crisp, clean and light is just what we are looking for on hot summer evenings. But, when the sun goes down it's best to be prepared with a soft light weight wrap. This is the perfect summer evening outfit for Polo, a dinner party, or a night poolside with friends. I love how the all white layer adds length to Erin, while the wrap when tied defines her waist. Silver chain necklace and matching earrings add length but are light weight and don't over take the outfit. A bold cuff and fun beaded bracelets complete the look.
{Pants, tank and wrap from Violet's of Saratoga. Earrings and Necklace from Frivolous. Silver cuff, beaded bracelets are from Erin's closet!}
Erin raves about how comfortable and easy this outfit is to wear. The truth is you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. Erin can easily chase after her three boys in this cool cotton black swing skirt that shows off her great legs! We paired this with her white tank {above} layered with a light weight blue tank. On cooler days or evenings at the baseball field she can layer on her blue wrap {above}, and a funky bright scarf to brighten up the ensemble. Dainty jewelry adds just the right detail.
Having key pieces in your closet will make mix and matching easy. This blue wrap will get tons of wear. To show how different it can be I tied it in the back for the second look and it gave it a much different look and feel.
One of these essential wraps can be yours!! Stop by Violet's of Saratoga, tell them DTSB sent you and they will give you 20% off a wrap in the color of your choice - they have a plethora of colors to choose from!! Run don't walk...
{Skirt, white tank , and scarf are from Violet's of Saratoga Blue tank from Old Navy Jewelry is Erin's own}
{Before - coffee at Saratoga Coffee Traders to talk strategy}
Mother, wife, Saratogian, all around do-gooder. Great laugh. Loves to hang with her family and friends. Enjoys the simple pleasures of life - BBQ's, watching her boys play baseball, Blue Moon, walks through town, gardening, her husband's quirky sense of humor, but best of all... embraces change.
{the unveiling party - picture by Kim Purdy}
We shopped her closet and downtown. We consulted Amy Snider at Spa Cascada and Maria {my favorite hair stylist} for make up, brow, skin care and hair suggestions. Did we find a look to match her lifestyle and personality? Come back all week and you be the judge...
Who: I'm not that easy {see below}
What: Kissable Sun Protected Lips by KaplanMD
Where: The ever hip and cool DTSB {thanks to the Sanctuary Spa}
When: Today.... But you are ALWAYS a winner in my eyes...
And the winner is......................
Dora "Spa me up!"
{please email me at susan@downtownsusiebrown.com to receive your giveaway!}
Grab your sunscreen & sneakers and come out for the Cantina Fun Run Sunday Morning to benefit Saratoga Hospital's Emergency Department!!!
Have a great week end!!!
Known as the Spa City - we take our spa's seriously. It's our history. It's part of who we are. One spa that doesn't mess around is Sanctuary Spa {72 Railroad Place}. The minute you enter you know you are some place special. The sophisticated and soothing atmosphere allows you to start to decompress and wipe the stress away. {What job? What kids? What wedding plans?}
Treat yourself to one of MiMi Roy's Signature Mani/Pedi's {complete with a sugar scrub and paraffin treatment} and you'll quickly turn off the Blackberry and relaaaaaaax.... MiMi is an amazing nail technician who takes pride in her craft, but her talents don't end there. She has a classical music background {you can find her songs on itunes}. If you are lucky, she'll break out a little song while your tootsies are made sandal ready. She'll lull you with a sweet tune and the message chair calm your tight muscles. You will never want to leave...
So don't! Slip on a pair of Oka b. flip flops and head back to the relaxation room. Sip on some water {add some Pure Inventions for a healthy boost}, or Tea forte tea. Nibble on some nuts and fruit. Embrace turning off the stress.
Next try a Signature Spa Facial. 75 minutes of pure bliss.... It's all natural using Jurlique {so natural and pure the company runs it's own farm to source it's ingredients to ensure purity} and Yonka products. The aromas of citrus are so pleasant. Combine all this with a with a scalp, arms, hands and feet message and you are reduced to a puddle.
Wake Up!!
Duty calls.... The boss is wondering where you disappeared to {is that possible in this PDA era???}. The kids will be off the bus soon. The dreaded table assignments for the wedding....
Just say... Spaaaaaahhhhhh.............
Before you leave don't forget to get your SPF for you face and lips. Now you are ready for the SUN and whatever else life throws at you.
This week's giveaway... KaplanMD Lip 20 Treatment {pictured above}... "the first complete, dermatologist formulated lip treatment created to moisturize, contour, plump, and protect". The 3 colors - sheer ruby, sheer berry shine and natural shine add just enough color to give your lips a nice glossy glow.
Make a comment on this post for your chance at this week's giveaway! Winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday!!!
Let's say it together....
Spaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
I'm tired, girls... You wore me out! It was a great night!!! I have so many people to thank! First of all, PaperDolls for putting together an amazing coupon book filled with savings from the best stores Saratoga Springs has to offer. If you need stationery or any type of paper product {invitations, wrapping paper, pens, scrap booking supplies, etc} PaperDolls is your place. All the stores: Aggie's, 80 West, Violet's, Compliments to the Chef, Lucia, Pangea, Speck, Frivolous, Impressions, Dawgdom, Twinkle-Studio, PaperDolls, Saratoga Saddlery, Spa Cascada, Saratoga Beads, Shari Voce Jewelry Designs, Beverly Tracy Home Design, Ever After, and Sanctuary Spa for offering great deals and providing amazing giveaways!! Thank you, Cantina for serving delicious food and {maybe too many?} margarita's! We have stocked Franklin Community Center's pantry with tons of baby essentials and raised money too! See, doesn't it feel good to support our local non profits and brick and mortars? We were all winners last night!
Whew.... I need some more coffee..... Have a great week end and come back next week for more DTSB!!!
OH! How I hate to see a party end... But, here we are at the end of the week and the end of Margyt's Enhancement Celebration. I cannot end without saying a HUGE thanks to Margyt! Without you none of this would have been possible and my exposure has grown thanks to your courage, humor, patience, faith in me, beauty {inside and out} and most of all your friendship. A special thanks to Amy Snider for allowing all this to take place in her beautiful Spa Cascada. My dear friend, Maria, who worked behind the scenes and made Margyt's hair look fabulous. Much appreciation to Cindy Shaw from WhatIsCooking.com for the yummy appetizers, Jordy Baker from HeavenScentFloralArt.com for supplying us with gorgeous green floral art, Amber LaPointe from ReKindle.com for her brillant eco friendly candles, Sara Vaccarielli from Twinkle-Studio.com {see special promotion from March 23rd post} for allowing us to borrow some of her sparkling gems, all the amazing boutique owners in town for offering a wide range of quality merchandise to choose from, and last but not least Niki Rossi - your pictures helped to capture the night, Margyt's new look and attitude in an artistic light and I THANK YOU for that and truly applaud your talent.
I love this town!
{Photos by Niki Rossi Photography}
Margyt can't always be sporting the rocker look. So, on thos occassion when she must embrace the resposibilities of being a mature adult, this is a no-fail classic look that should be a staple in everyone's wardrobe. A classic white shirt, dark wide leg denim trousers, a trench coat, and ballet flats are the go-to items when a polished look is needed. We topped it off with accessories that give a nod to Margyt's bohemian side. Love the impact the scarf makes to finish off the outfit.
Every mom, whether working or stay-at-home can benefit from Cindy Shaw's, What is Cooking personal chef services. She will make a home cooked {in her kitchen} meal and deliver it to your doorstep. Weekly e-mails are sent out to let you know what's cooking that week. No event is too big or too small. Cindy sent over these yummy appetizers for my event, but has catered dinner parties, First Holy Communion brunch and Christmas parties for me in the past and they have always been amazing.
{Jeans and trench coat from Talbot's. Ballet flats from from the Gap, Earrings from TwinkleStudio.com, Ring from 80 West and Scarf from Violet's}
Come back next week and see more looks unveiled! Have a great week end and HAPPY SPRING!!!
{photos by Niki Rossi Photography}
Margyt embraces her youthful and laid back spirit. Let's face it, jeans and t-shirts are the stay-at-home mom's uniform. The look doesn't have to be all about comfort and function. It should show off your style and say something about you. These impeccable fitting jeans paired with an edgy tee, amazingly soft and comfy shrug, hip gold boho earrings, and a bold gold ring subtly tells you Margyt is not about to exchange her urban flair for dowdy looks.
Invest in a great fittinng pair of jeans - trust me, it's worth the investment. Why throw your money away on 5 poor fitting drab jeans when you can get a pair that fit you fabulously and you feel great in? There are great choices out there - but you need to get fitted by knowledgable "masters" right here in town.
At the end of the day the Rocker Mom needs to chill out. Get the kids to bed, pour a glass of wine, turn on some tunes, light some pretty scented candles, and read her favorite blogs....
{Jeans, t-shirt, and shrug from Aggie's Boutique. Earrings and Ring from 80 West. Candles from the very eco-friendly candle company, ReKindle}.
I asked Margyt to do a write up on the experience, so I could share with you what she got out of this shopping adventure. Here is what she had to say... In her words.
"It all started so innocently over pizza. I was asking Ms. Downtown Susie Brown how her blog was developing. She was bubbling over with creativity and mentioned the possibility of doing a make-over. I was shocked to hear my own voice offering up my own fashion starved body. The rest is history.
I was shortly thereafter immersed in a tsunami of scarves, bangles, and pencil skirts. At first I was overwhelmed by terms which sounded so foriegn to me, ballet slippers, embellishments, SPANX??? I decided to put full trust in my talented friend Susan, whose attention to detail and style always impressed me... It took me downtown.
I learned at the feet of the master and she introduced me to other masters, right here in Saratoga, who knew? I, a person who normally shunned sales people who asked if I needed help, was taught to embrace them. The various sales staff I met downtown were delightful and very in tune with what was right for me. Susan took me out of my comfort zone without letting me lose my own identity. Still not sure how she did it. I did learn how much pop a colorful ring, bracelet, or a zebra print clutch could add to an outfit. I did in fact learn about Spanx, this information should not be withheld from any woman {just be prepared to gasp when you open the package - one of our funnier moments}. I met Maria, a fabulous hairstylist who taught me so much about my own curls, an incredible make up artist and esthetician, Amy Snyder from Spa Cascada, who showed me the true value of well kept eyebrows and blended concealer.
So, here I am a better {looking} Margyt. I may never be a true fashionista, but I do now realize the skill of dressing with fashion, flair and function is an art unto itself. My wardrobe is no longer fashion starved, rather my closet is well nourished.
Thank you Susan and all the wonderful women I met downtown!"
You've now seen the before, come back and see the AFTER!
An extra bonus...Tell the girls at Spa Cascada that DTSB sent you and receive 20% off you first spa treatment.
