Last Minuet Prom Tips!

It’s prom season, and, with the first of many prom’s of many already going on last weekend – at Santa Fe Christian – are you prepared for your prom?

For preparing girls, it’s essential to make sure you already have appointments set up for things such as hair, nails, or spray tanning. Salons are super busy around prom season, and they will likely be pre-booked for the day of prom as well, so it’s important to plan ahead! When you get there, also try to already have ideas of what you want your hair or nails to look like. This will save you tons of time!

For guys, it’s typically your job to take care of the tickets, so hopefully you will already have done this. As far as corsages and boutonnières go, make sure you and your date have decided on who is going to get what, as well as what they will look like.

Prom can be very pricy, so it is nice if dinner is being served at prom, however, if it is not, or if you would just rather go to a restaurant, then make sure your group has confirmed plans of where you are going, in addition to where you are going to take pre-prom pictures.

Prom & Post-Prom doesn’t end until very late, and you will probably be tired going home, so be sure to drive safe or have someone ready to pick you up. Prom is supposed to be a fun and safe night with your friends, so be smart!

-Nicole Lawrence

Childhelp “Some Like it Hot” Gala

Hot Jazz, Hot Dinner, Hot Dancing, Hot Auction Items, Hot Entertainment

This Saturday, come turn up the heat at the “Some Like it Hot” Charity Gala at the Hotel Del Coronado. This night of charity will celebrate the theatrical era of Childhelp’s founding – a national non-profit dedicated to helping abused, neglected, and at-risk children – along with the release of the classics movie “Some Like it Hot” in 1959, filmed at the Hotel Del Coronado.

Go back in time for an evening of nostalgic elegance, while you help create a brighter future for children in need throughout our community and across the Country.

Attire for the evening will be Vintage 50’s, as well as black-tie optional.

Tickets: VIP $200 [$100 tax deductible]; General $150 [$75 tax deductible]
Where: Hotel Del Coronado
When: March 4, 2013
VIP Reception 5-6 PM
Gala from 6-11 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets, please CLICK HERE.
-Nicole Lawrence

San Diego Civic Theatre Presents Billy Elliot

Billy Elliot The Musical is the heartwarming celebration of one boy’s journey to find his true passion and artistic calling. Situated in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into ballet class, discovering an unexpected talent and love that inspires his family and his whole community and forever changes his life.


A grand musical with an even grander heart, Billy Elliot is opening tomorrow night at the San Diego Civic Theatre, and will captivate the dreamer in all of us. Based on the international hit film, Billy Elliot The Musical is brought to life by an exceptional cast and the Tony Award winning creative team – director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall – as well as with music superstar Elton John, who was written what the New York Post calls “his best score yet!”

When: 7 PM on April 30^th and May 1^st; 7:30 on May 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th; 6 PM on May 5^th. Matinee performances are at 2 PM on May 4^th and 1 PM on May 5^th.

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre
Tickets: Aprox. $30-&165
Online: http://sandiegotheatres.org/

-Nicole Lawrence

City Ballet Presents Elizabeth Wistrich’s “Carmina Burana”

Forty-four years ago, Elizabeth and Steven Wistrich danced in choreographer John Butler’s production of “Carmina Burana,” famously presented in a Belgian cathedral with a live orchestra and a chorus of monks, and widely held as one of the most popular epic pieces of music ever written.

It was an event that neither of the City Ballet of San Diego co-directors would ever forget. And this weekend, they will at last have the opportunity to re-create that same theatrical piece with their own ballet set to music by Carl Orff, with a live orchestra and a 100-voice chorus in the Spreckels Theatre (conducted by John Nettles).

Orff’s work was based on medieval poetry, discovered in the library of an ancient Bavarian monastery. The thirteenth century poems and songs were created by minstrels and monks who had freed themselves of monastic discipline. The ballet, however, is not a retelling of these poems, but rather an abstract interpretation. Shown in tandem with the company’s full-length “The Seasons,” the season-closer will be the biggest and most ambitious production in City Ballet’s 20-year history.

When: May 3-5, 2013
Where: Spreckels Theatre, San Diego
Tickets: $29-69
Phone: (858) 272-8663

-Nicole Lawrence

A Mother’s Day Gift Guide For The Fashionable Mom

As you may be able to tell from the cards, candy and chocolate that has been filling store shelves, Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and the annual challenge of finding the right gift before May 12^th is officially upon us.

For the mother with a love for fashion, this year, show her just how much you appreciate her with a trendy Mother’s Day gift. Fabulous, fashionable, and inspired – here is FINE Magazine’s 2013 Mother’s Day Gift Guide:

1. A Handbag

There’s a never ending list of things any mom carries in her purse, but this Rebecca Minkoff’s M.A.B Mini Bombe ($550) satchel will keep her on-trend this fashion season with it’s python animal print. It is not only  versatile, but it’s stylish.

Or, keep your mom smiling with a perfect-for-spring clutch, such as this fashion-forward black-and-white one by Jil Sanders (Nemo Croco-Embossed Leather Clutch, $1,114)

2. Jewelry

A gift you’ll want to steal (or at least borrow), this David Yurman X Collection Diamond Heart necklace ($450) is a gorgeous addition to any woman’s jewelry collection, and it will remind her how much you <3 her every time she wears it.

3. The Flower Alternative

If your looking for an alternative to flowers, this is just the thing! Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Mother’s Day Gift Set ($99) smells of flowers, but will last a lot longer than any real flowers can!

4. Box of Love
I love this sweet cream heart box by AERIN ($130), which is perfect for holding jewelry or trinkets. For a more personal touch you can also slip a note inside telling your mom much you appreciate her.

3. Picture Perfect

This cream, sterling-silverplated frame, by Ralph Lauren ($95), provides elegance and charm to your favorite photo of you and your mom. 

4. A Chiffon Scarf

If you haven’t noticed yet, I have a thing for Alexander McQueen designs. Get you mom one of these skull-print chiffon scarves ($295), adding a delightfully dark appeal to any to any of her looks, either by wearing it in lieu of a necklace, or tied to her favorite purse.

5. Vosges Truffles

Send a sweet toothed mother flowers and chocolates in one, with these colorful Vosges Truffles ($42)! Topped with a pretty organic flower petal, these limited-edition truffles are infused with flavors like mirabelle plum and orange-flower water, or jasmine tea and lemongrass.

6. A Monthly Box Subscription

Get her the gift that keeps on giving! These nifty box subscriptions literally provide whatever your mom’s heart desires, from new clothing, to jewels, as well as cosmetics. Check out, for instance, the one from Tog + Porter ($200-1,500), who offer an online service that will set your mom up with her very own style-savvy expert who, after a virtual consolation, will send her a box of garments and accessories catered to her taste and needs. Or, consider Birch Box ($10 a month): a beauty subscription service that will send products based on her coloring and needs.

7. The Gospel According to Coco Chanel

Filled with memoirs of the world’s most elegant woman, The Gospel According to Coco Chanel  ($19.95) can surely ring true with your chic mom.

8. Transparent Heels

Shoes such as these statement-making Lanvin Black Suede Trompe L’oeil Wedge’s ($1,635), are a clear-pick for a fashionista mother. Not only will she make a statement while wearing them, but they look great worn with anything – from sharp tailoring to cocktail dresses.

9. Stunner Shades

Dior’s cat-eye sunglasses ($315) are a super glam gift for a trendy mom. Young, hip, and totally timeless, she’s the one the other moms will long to be.

10. Leather Lover

What mom wouldn’t want to be as stylish as the next wearing a high fashion staple piece such as Catherine Maladrino’s perforated leather jacket ($995). Giving your mom’s look a modern edge, it will have her opening her present with joy this Mothers Day.

-Nicole Lawrence

War Of The Wardrobe: How To Plan Your Perfect (Spring) Wardrobe

Everyday, whether we want them to or not, our clothes make a statement about who we are. On top of this, what someone wears often has an influence on their body language and how they feel. How many times have you purchased a new outfit and, as a result, physically felt a shift in your demeanor? Its crazy how a great fitting pair of jeans can affect us so much!

In light of this, then, it is so important to put a little effort into planning your wardrobe. This does not mean, however, going out and purchasing a bunch of random pieces to fill your closet. This is because, despite what many people believe, the more clothes you have does not mean the more choices you have. More often than not, an unorganized closet that gets built up, year after year, instead just ends up leaving one feeling overwhelmed. Faced with this mess, our closets progressively fills with pieces that we don’t ever wear, and we instead continuously opt for that same shirt and pants combination. In this way, a smaller amount clothing (that is well thought out) can actually mean you end up wearing more outfit combinations.

YOUR WARDROBE SHOULD WORK FOR YOU! It should be able to help you fashion a “put together” outfit that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and gives off a positive impression to others. If your wardrobe does not do this for you, it’s time to rebuild it properly into a wardrobe that embodies your fashion, contains all your essentials, and comes across as modern and exciting. And the way to get there? Edit, plan and shop.

Edit:In order to determine what should stay and what should go ask yourself:
1. Have I worn this outfit in the last year? 2. Does it fit me? 3. Do I have a lot of this piece? 4. Is it worn out? 5. Is it outdated? 6. Do I feel good when I wear it? 7. Does it enhance the way I look
Frankly answering such questions ought to make it apparent for you which things should stay and which things should go.

Plan:After editing, when constructing your wardrobe, follow the subsequent Wardrobe Rules for all major fashion buys –

1. Be blunt about your lifestyle, and only purchase what you love (what makes you feel confident!).

Your clothes should be in sync with your lifestyle. If you are a woman who spends her day moving in 30 various directions, then a wardrobe of skirts and six-inch pumps is probably not the best choice.

2. Stick to a color theme

This allows for ideal mixing and matching, which keeps your clothing feeling fresh.

3. Quality over quantity

Buy less but buy the best, whatever your “best” is. Expensive yet poorly-fitting clothing is a waste.

After you have abided by these basic guidelines, get your core pieces in place (i.e., a pencil skirt, blazer, little black dress, etc.), then indulge on more fun pieces. For spring, try a leather moto jacket, gladiator heels, or a bold colored handbag!

Bottom line? Your clothing should make you feel and look good in all circumstances while also being appropriate. Don’t forget, your wardrobe is there to work for you, not the other way around.

-Nicole Lawrence

Spring Trend: Ruffles

Good news for girly-girls! Flirty ruffles showed up on everything from hemlines to sleeves on the spring fashion runways of Balenciaga, Ralph Lauren and Gucci. No matter if they were fringing around the face or curling off the hips, the structural ruffles of this season are more modern than the more relaxed ones of previous seasons, updating this feminine detail to make it feel new once more. I suggest if you haven’t already tried out this spring look, then add some drama and some panache to your closet with a ruffled piece such as a feminine dress, sheer blouse, or hot minidress!

How to Wear:

In all honesty ruffles looked stunning on the runway, but their conversion into real life have proved to be a slight challenge. For an easy way to wear them try out a frilly skirt or two. Or, try a dramatic ruffled blouse paired with streamlined pants. On the other hand, if you decide to go for a more bold look – wearing ruffles that wind around your neck or fall down your shoulder – put your locks back in a smooth hairdo so it doesn’t clash or get in the way of the ruffles. These large ruffles also pair well with heels or sandals in a complementary (NOT matching) color.

-Nicole Lawrence

Trendy Tuesday: Leather In Spring

Throughout fall and winter leather was the trendy item to wear, from leggings to dresses, leather could be seen everywhere. For Spring, on the other hand, we often move our leather pieces to the back of the closet as the weather heats up and it becomes more challenging to wear the (typically) heavy fabric.

Thanks to designers like Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, and Phillip Lim you no longer have to shy away from wearing leather in this warmer weather. Light weight leather and laser etched cutouts and islets (which add both an airiness and more sporty feel to leather), are allowing leather skirts, shorts and blouses to make the conversion to the warmer months of fashion, and, when worn correctly, the luxurious material will have you looking and feeling cool.

The secret to rocking this leather in spring is to wear pastel and bright colors (such as lavender, mint or any other color that reflects the colors of spring flowers), or leather in light nude tones (such as tan, cream, white and beige). Also, it is important to find leather pieces that have spring cuts, such as short hem lines and cropped sleeves, as well as pieces that have some movement. In turn, your outfit will be more flirty and fun.

 

Try, for instance, going sleeveless when wearing leather. No sleeves not only means no sweat, but by wearing this layering piece you can give casual outfits more attitude, and will instantaneously create a more glamorous look.

Or, think about wearing leather shorts or pants! Wear them with a thin blouse or some elegant gladiator sandals for an effortless look that is perfect for any sunny day.

A bright leather dress with a pair of chic heals is also a sexy and edgy way to embrace this trend.

->TIP: Look for leather dresses (as well as other leather pieces) that have a peplum at the waist, as it will lighten up your look, and make it more suitable for spring. 

-Nicole Lawrence

Designer Spotlight: Gianluca Tamburini's Heel Collection Conspiracy

Shoe and fashion fanatic Carrie Bradshaw would die if she saw the new spring/summer shoe collection by Conspiracy, which has to be one of the most unusual shoe labels I have ever come across, blending design, art and jewelry.

The designer of these shoes, Gianluca Tamburini, was one of the winners of the 8^th edition of Who is on Next? last year, which is a fashion scouting project for young talents of fashion Made in Italy. Created and developed by AltaRoma in partnership with Vogue Italia, WION is held to be the Italian platform through which fresh talented designers have a space to network with an esteemed jury of international experts; a jury which includes Mrs. Fraca Sozzani, Director of Vouge Italia, who called Sozzani’s work both “special and unique.”

These sculptural masterpieces do away with the verbal rule that traditional textiles, such as hide, leather and wood are what ought to be used, instead sculpturing his shoes from unusual materials and technologies, such as aeronautical aluminum, titanium and nanoceramic coatings, which are all adorned with precious embroidery, jewels, feathers, wood, spikes or corals. Moreover, all their Italian shoes are handmade, hand-polished, and can be personalized according to your style straight through the Conspiracy’s website.

Each standing on 12-cm heels, these extraordinary shoes are a true work of art, and, if you yearn for exclusive and special shoes such as these (and can pay the price) you will not be disappointed.

-Nicole Lawrence

Accessory Trend Spotlight: The Spring Hat

If the latest street style is any indication, this season must-have accessory is the versatile spring hat. A classic look, from sun hats to baseball caps, all kinds of this cool-girl style were could also marched down the Spring 2013 runways. Besides looking cute though (and being a lifesaver on those bad hair days), it also has the functional value of providing sun protection. As such, FINE Magazine has created a guide to help you sort through the many types of hats that will dominate spring (and summer!) this year.

Eric Javits Maribel Cutout Sun Hat ($295)

Sun hat: 

Trendy sun hats, with their LARGE brims, look chic, and pair well with flirty and breezy spring outfits, particularly a great maxi dresses. Whether you are rocking your sun hat to the beach or to lunch with girlfriends, these hats are the ideal accessory.

TIP: Wavy hair looks great with these hats.

Trouvé Straw Panama Hat ($28)

The Panama:

This straw hat is made in Ecuador, but, even if you are nowhere near Central America, you can still wear this perfect “I’m on vacation” hat. Wear it with a pair of skinny jeans, a t-shirt and gladiator sandals for a great androgynous look. Or, wear this hat with a side braid – one of the top hairstyle looks of this season – giving a more cute and girly look.

Visor: 

Visors exude a cool and sporty vibe that’s great for these warmer, sunny months, without making you look like a pro-tennis player.

Baseball: 

Free People Felt Boater ($69.95)

You can give this classic tomboy look a feminine touch by wearing one that is embellished or leather brimmed. They are adorable to pair with easy, casual looks for an relaxed outfit that still looks cute, taking your look from the minor to the major leagues.

Boater:

Even if you’re no where near a beach, this flat top, flat-rimmed hat can’t help but be reminiscent of a sailing voyage. Worn slightly tilted, either to the front or the side, this hat looks great with short hair or an up-do, such as a low ballerina bun.

Trilby: 

Cousin of the fedora, a trilby hat has a menswear inspired feel. Nevertheless, a well-placed decal and straw materials make it stylish and fitting for spring.

BCBGMAXARZIA Cloche ($58)

Cloche: 

Cloche, which is French for “bell,” is a flashback to the ‘20s, a decade centralized around the infamous flapper. Take inspiration form this era, then, and wear this hat with a flapper inspired fringe dress!

-Nicole Lawrence

Designer Watch: Adolfo Sanchez and nOia by Evelyne

The FINE magazine Spring Xposure Fashion Show showcased two up and coming designers Adolfo Sanchez and nOia by Evelyne!

Adolfo-Sanchez-with-the-models-at-the-Spring-Xposure-Fashion-Show

Adolfo Sanchez, based in Los Angeles, creates timeless high-end pieces for the empowered, independent and beautiful women. Sanchez’s passion for fashion began at an early age from the L.A. social scene.  He designs elegant dresses for any occasion and offers women’s ready-to-wear, accessories. Adolfo Sanchez has several boutiques in Souther California and also has his collections available online at www.adolfosanchezdesigns.com 

nOia

Evelyn Agulair is the face behind nOia which means “women”. Her designs exude strength and beauty. Her background from Mexico brings her exotic designs to life. Agulair’s style is described as feminine and vintage. For more on her Spring 2013 collection visit her website at noia.com.mx.

-Natalie Neece

FINE Magazine's Top 5 DIY Coconut Beauty Secrets

Lately it feels like everywhere I look I come across another “Uses for Coconut Oil” list that promises energy boosts, faster metabolisms, protection against health risks (including various forms of cancer), anti-aging benefits and more; All with NO harmful side effects!

Often, however, when things are built up that much I tend to doubt that very thing. In spite of this, the more I read about this kitchen staple, the more it does appear to truly be the new magic beauty potion everyone claims it to be! As such, I have made up a list of some of my personal favorites.

Here is FINE Magazines Top 5 DIY Coconut Beauty Secrets:

1. Deep conditioner

Do you yearn for softer, shiner hair? Then give your hair some TLC by adding raw coconut oil to your hair care routine twice a week.

For best results, liberally work it from the ends of your hair up to a few inches from your scalp (particularly if your hair is fine). After, wrap your hair into a shower cap, leave it on for 30 minuets. You can also optionally add heat to make the treatment even more conditioning. Then, wash it out and get ready to be amazed at how much softer and more controllable your hair is!

2. DIY coconut oil tooth scrub

Why go through the trouble of making your own tooth paste? Because a majority of the tooth pastes on the market are polluted with fluoride, sulfates and chemicals that are damaging to the body, that’s why! By making a mixture out of the following natural ingredients which include coconut oil (which brings antibacterial and antifungal qualities to this tooth paste), you will make a recipe that not only tastes good, but leaves your mouth minty and teeth feeling clean and slick!

To make, simply blend all of the ingredients until they are smooth – 4 tbs. of coconut oil (whipped or melted), 2 tbs. of bentonite clay, 2 tbs. of baking soda, ½ tsp. of natural green stevia, and 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil – then store this mixture in an airtight container, and use the mixture like you would any other tooth paste!

3. Combine To Mineral Foundation

Rather than layering on lotion, sunscreen, and a mineral powder, foundation, or heavy concealer, try this! Combine coconut oil with a loose mineral powder in your hand. After mixing it, blend it on your face, starting from the center. Not only does this tip appeal to my lazy side, but it is great for people with sensitive, allergenic skin like me because the pure oil has known qualities, so there are no unforeseen reactions to unfamiliar ingredients. Also, because the minerals can look so bad on dry skin, this abolishes that issue completely by providing moisture and sheen. Although I wouldn’t use this for everyday, its perfect for a quick skin moisture boost.

4. Moisturizing Shower Scrub

Create a moisturizing shower scrub by mixing 1 cut coconut oil; ½ cup aloe vera gel; ¼ cup baking soda, OR mix it with sugar for an exfoliating sugar scrub. The vitamin E in the coconut oil, which is rich in antioxidants will help revitalize your skin to look softer and younger.

5. Strengthening nails Oil

Add a drop of lavender to a small cup of coconut oil and massage it into your nails, strengthening both your nails and cuticles.

There is no better time to try out these great DIY ideas so get started! Throw away your bathroom chemical products and stock up on some quality organic, raw, extra virgin coconut oil, and comment to let us know your own favorite DIY Coconut Oil Beauty Secrets!

-Nicole Lawrence

FINE Magazine's Spring Xposure Fashion Show

On Thursday April 11th, 2013 FINE magazine hosted their 2nd annual Spring Xposure fashion show at Bentley’s Steakhouse in Rancho Santa Fe. It was a gorgeous evening filled with a variety of vendors and fine fashion. The Spring Xposure Fashion show sponsored Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Fresh Start Surgical Gifts helps improve the lives of disadvantaged infants, children, and teens with physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse, or disease through the gift of reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services.  Boutiques and designers featured at the show were, Maggie B’s, Mister B’s, Queen Eileen’s,Pebbles by the Beach, Deja Chic Boutique, Satori and designers Adolfo Sanchez and Noia by Evelyne. Models were done up by Studio Savvy located in Solana Beach.  Vendors included Facelogic, Encinitas Dental Boutique, Guaranteed Rate and more. Guests enjoyed beer from Stella Artois and hor'devours from Bentley’s Steakhouse while watching the live runway show.

-Natalie Neece

Tips On How to Look Good In Photos!

How to look good in a picture is a question that so many girls often try to figure out. Although a majority of women do have a tried and true make-up routine for everyday –

one that is generally a more simple look – putting on make-up for a photo session is often a little different. “Everyday make-up” wont always photograph well, might not even appear at all, and often makes faces look plain and pale. As such, FINE Magazine is here to help, and I have created a list of make-up tips to assist you in creating a look great for the camera.

Wear Mattes
Mattes are flat colors, which do not have any glitter or shimmer. You want to use mattes because when you are going to be photographed the flash of the camera and the added sparkle will make you look oily and/or washed out. As such, you want to stay away from make-up that is going to reflect light on your face, and opt for powders with a yellow hue, which will work to make skin appear soft and silky. 

 

Apply In Natural Light

We have all looked at pictures of ourselves where we thought our make-up looked good prior to walking out the door, and, yet, we are left questioning what went wrong and how we can look better. The reason is because indoor lighting can change the look of your make-up, for instance, by washing you out. As such, always apply your make up in natural light.

Blend in eye concealer

Most woman work to hide under eye dark circles with some concealer. This is usually ok for everyday use, however, in photos under eye concealer can appear a little severe. This is because, although your concealer may seem all right under normal light, it looks lighter under the bright light of a camera flash. To avoid this be sure to blend your concealer thoroughly. If it is not well blended it will have the opposite of the desired effect, causing the appearance of reverse raccoon eyes, and exposing fine wrinkles. 

Use Black Mascara & Liner

If you usually apply brown mascara or eyeliner, go instead for black. The darker shade will provide you with a better contrast – making your eyes stand out, and your lighter features pop. Tip: try a set of false lashes. They look breathtaking on camera!

Wear Blush & Bronzer

Under the flash of the camera without blush your face will look washed out, particularly if you have lighter skin, or if the photo session is in bright light outside. Blush also adds definition to your face by (once again) creating a contrast and define your cheekbones. It will moreover give a striking and young look.

Create further contouring effects by using a bronzer that is one or two shades darker than your natural color to brush under your cheekbones and chin, along the sides of your nose, and on the outer parts of your forehead. Then, put on a lighter color on the parts of your face that the light hits, such as the tops of your cheeks, the center of your forehead, and the bridge of your nose. 

Apply Lipstick

Always wear lipstick in photos, no matter if it’s a bright lip your going for or a nude one. Not wearing it will tend to make your mouth blend in with the rest of your face because there isn’t enough contrast, so make your smile stand out! You need to contrast your features for best results.

Brighten Eyes

Make your eyes look bigger and clearer by applying a little light shadow (such as white or peach for instance) on the inside corners of both your eyes. This will make you look instantly look brighter and more rested. You can also put in eye drops to give your eyes a clearer and whiter look.

-Nicole Lawrence