fashion show – MUAHbyAlex

When opportunity knocks, open that door!

There is just something so incredibly optimistic about 2013. As we are approaching the end of February, I find myself asking a lot of questions about my goals, what I want to accomplish, what my intentions are and if I’m ready? I really feel that 2013 is full of possibilities. I believe you need to think about and even write down your goals every so often. Remind yourself to always chase after success. I am absolutely ready to dive in & devote all of my time into my work, and crawl up that ladder in my career. I love what I do! I wouldn’t waste my time pursing it so much, if I didn’t love it. I feel that the world would be much happier if everyone found work in what they love doing. I fully respect all other artists, experts & beginners. Especially the artists that have paved the way before me! I treat people, the way I want to be treated, and I’ll never stop learning. You are constantly learning in this industry. If you think you know it all… Think again, and maybe this industry is not the right one for you. It takes a lot of time. & with time your going to fail.. ACCEPT THAT! Better yourself from your mistakes that’d you have and will make. I love assisting more experienced, professional artists that have so much to teach. It gives you the opportunity to see how a very experienced person handles all aspects of a shoot, show, or job. I am confident that my 2013 will be a more thoughtful, lovely, strict mindset on being positive and thinking positive, and full of possibilities….. When opportunity knocks, open that door!

Last Monday, I enjoyed prepping models for the Mark Mcnairy show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Lucky for me the temperatures warmed up after blizzard Nemo… Who name’s a blizzard Nemo? Haha! I couldn’t help but notice Nigel Barkers twitter update during my train ride to NYC: “White is in. Nemo is making a dramatic fashion statement.” Working for a fashion show, always seems to inspire me & I couldn’t help but admire all the handsome, french, “Edward Cullen” vampire look-a-likes surrounding me. HELLO!

Our lead makeup artist was Victor Amos. Who is beyond fabulous and does amazing work. Be sure to check out his blog: Probeautyblog.com

I was so happy to work next to so many great artists including Tara Pagliara who is not only a friend, but an inspiration! The look Victor created was beautiful skin, with a strong highlight and light contour for both the men and women. For the women they used a deep cherry lip color (I believe a Tom Ford color, but can’t remember which shade).

As for the hair, the girls wore a low side, messy braid. And let’s not forget the fashion… A lot of fun prints and outerwear. I noticed a lot of oversized pockets and blazers. I read somewhere that Mark Mcnairy is collaborating a sneaker line with Adidas (which I didn’t know while I was at the show) but found interesting.

Last week I also had pleasure working for a Cross Fit photo shoot, doing makeup for Love In Bloom. Love In Bloom is an organization that Vivan Photography started in memory of her step daughter, helping young girls make healthy life choices. This Cross Fit gym was filled with young, smart (strong) girls that were chosen to represent this years Love In Bloom scholarship fund. I was really happy to work with fellow artists, Jenny Greene-Magliano and Tara Pross-Pellegrino and of course my fabulous hair crew from Salon 52! The Poughkeepsie Journal covered the event, which was nice too.

I’ve done a few more jobs, and making sure to keep staying busy. I’ll post photos of what I’ve been up to .. One of my DirecTV commercials I did makeup & grooming for should be airing during The Oscars .. So be on the lookout ! Starting with this image of Nastasia Scott (America’s Next Top Model cycle 19) taken by Lora Warnick.. Made it to the cover of a magazine! Hair by Anthony HollywoodStylist Terry & Styling by Dawn of New York. Second Image taken by Tess Johnson.

I was recently awarded Best of 2013 (Makeup artist) voted from local brides of The Knot.. Picked up this magazine yesterday..

And I will add that it is not easy eating healthy while running around, doing all this work. As much as I dread it at times, I can’t afford to get sick or feel unenergized. My favorite dinner meal is below. Bake chicken, then chop into tiny pieces, put chicken pieces in zip lock bag with hot sauce (no calories) .. Shake it up, then cook on skillet on high heat until the hot sauce caramelizes. To cool it down, I dip it in Non-Fat greek yogurt ( I add a tiny bit of hot sauce, garlic and pepper ) which is a great alternative opposed to ranch dressing or bleu cheese. Bake sweet potatoes on the side. Nom Nom nom…

-Lots of water, lemon water & Green tea!

-Protein!

-Spinach

-Sweet potatoes

-Hummus

-Chicken

-Non fat greek yogurt

-Egg whites

-Vitamins

-Almond Milk

-Ezekiel brand cereals & bread

Happy Monday followers! Have a great week… Looking forward to a lot of brides this week.. Bring it on xoxo

Happy holidays! Inspirational & Motivating

Hello Beauties!! Nothing better than waking up to a snow day, for me at least. Snow in the Hudson Valley is so very magical. The views here are breathtaking. National Geographic Traveler magazine named the Hudson Valley one of the best places to visit in 2013. That’s right, of the 20 places around the world the National Geographic deems most worth visiting, the Hudson Valley made the grade. We’re right up there with Kyoto, Japan, Thessaloniki, Greece, Uganda, Cape Breton Island and 15 other exotic international locales. Crazy right? I love it here. I’m writing this as I’m snuggled with with my kitten, sipping on hot tea facing the window, enjoying this view out back (with a karuna exfoliating mask on of course).

On another note, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, & have a Happy New Year–Happy Holidays to you and your families! I spent some of my week in NYC. There really isn’t anything quiet like Christmas in New York City. The tree, the lights, the shopping, the store front windows decorated perfectly, & the energy..

We even stopped to say hello to Kelly & Regis… at the Wax museum 😉

Here’s some more photos from holiday parties/get togethers with friends:

Me, Ashley, Marissa & Jessica’s annual Christmas fiesta!

Can’t forget Samantha’s house we had our cookie decorating contest!

And the salon dinner party!

Me & Chelsea got each other for our “Secret Ornament” which wasn’t so secret… can you guess who got who which ornament? LOL !

I bought my grandma this adorable book. It asks her tons of questions then she fills it out, every thing about her favorite memories, and childhood favorites. Once she fills it out she’ll give it back to me to treasure forever and pass down! How freaking cute?!

& just some other photos:

Remember this season, it isn’t about the gifts, decor, or even food (haha JK) but being around the people you love! Good people. Friends and family! Then comes all the food and cookies– Yikes..Friends, let me confess: I’m not the best when it comes to eating clean during Nov & Dec! Somewhere between all of the holiday parties, running around like a crazy makeup artist, and shopping marathons, I have completely lost my discipline. Haha, lets just say I could go toe-to-toe with Santa in a cookie eating contest. Not cute!

Instead of waiting until New Years to make my “healthy” resolutions, why not start early? I’m hoping to find that miraculous cleanse that will take that extra inch around my waist away to get me back in shape to look hot for NYE. But for now, here’s what’s on my grocery list,

-lemons

-green tea

-detox tea

-almond milk

-spinach (a lot!)

-plain nonfat greek yogurt

-low fat goat cheese (for my spinach salad)

-ground turkey or boneless/skinless chicken

-hummus

-honey

-eggs

-asaragus

-yams

-low-carb/low sugar cereal (gluten free options available)

-natural almond butter

-walnuts

-coconut oil

-balsamic vinegar

-salsa

-multi vitamins

-& remember A LOT of water !

After an absolutely amazing 2012, it’s time to celebrate this past historic year! Whether it’s low key or a night out, it’s still a celebration. As I always say, indulge in pampering yourself before the new year! Or start it off by booking a massage or facial! I plan on booking a trip to Cali asap to start my new year off !I also plan on hosting another charity event in 2013. I’m not sure if you know, but I used to host my own charity events. Way back when, I designed clothes. When I was 16 years old I started destroying jeans for fun. Back then, it was fun to spend my time crafting up my jeans. Girls in school started offering me money to customize their jeans and “wrecking” them. I would bleach, rip, cut, sew, spray paint all over them.

Naturally, people started calling me “Fashion Wreck” so hmmm.. perfect name for my “label” ..no? Before I knew it I had parents from all over the area calling me offering me money to “wreck” their daughters (and son’s) jeans. With that said my Fash!onWreck brand grew without me even realizing what I was doing. I had my first charity fashion show when I was 17 years old with my friend Amanda. What better way to raise money for good cause. I had professional hair stylists and makeup artists come to beautify my models. We raised money for a fellow student of ours Steven, who had passed away terrible brain tumor. We wanted his name to be remembered and live on in a positive way so we had hundreds of people donating and attending our fashion show with a lot of help from Steve’s friends and family. We raised 8 thousand dollars and it was put into an Art Scholarship in his memory. I still keep in touch with his mother, who is very dear to me. I love her.

Second Charity fashion show I did with 2 other of my girl friends was for St. Jude Children’s hospital, again raising 8 thousand dollars at the age of 18.

My last show I did last year with sponsorship from Capri Cosmetology, I raised more than my goal of 8 thousand and reached 11 thousand dollars for St. Jude.

My brand had grew, at that point I was designing shirts also that were being produced for me. Some of the cast members of E! & Style Networks Jerseylicious wore my designs and agreed to have the entire cast of the show, travel to my hometown to model for my event and some photoshoots!

The first two shirts I made by hand… On my kitchen floor.. lol second two I had produced in bulk which sold out immediately.

Over 450 people attended my last fashion & had a lot of people reach out to me! It was the best feeling, I can still cry thinking about it.

Here is Tracy from Jerseylicious cat walking it with my little cousin Lindsay.

I stopped doing the clothes thing, because, well– it just wasn’t my passion. It was just fun at the time. I love doing makeup and that’s what I will stick with. This past year, I’m so busy with work it’s hard to put another show together although I try to do makeup for as many charity fashion shows as I can. That year I won youngest, independent donator for St. Judes! I also won an award at the college I was attending. 2013 I’d love to put another event together.

haha dad’s face looks funny here!

Another event that took place recently, has truly inspired me to be kind and do good to others. At the salon I work at, a friend was in one morning last week telling us girls about how she woke up to her apartment crumbling and collapsing. She got out safely with her dog, but lost all her personal belongings and everything important to her. Another young client (20s) that didn’t know our friend, had not said a word during her story. She paid for her color and left. She returned about 2 hours later with a gift card $100 to Victoria Secret and $50 to Sephora for us to give to our friend. Truly inspiring and humbling. So motivated to do good for others!

2013 I vow to do good, work hard and expand with my makeup jobs. In the next year you can look forward to videos! I will be doing tutorials, so if there is anything you want to see please let me know!

Remember these important factors for 2013!

-be the person that makes others feel special

-visualize daily

-meditate everyday

-learn to control your mind

-work hard at what you love

-relax!

-take great care of your skin!

-splurge on good quality makeup

-be mysterious

-stop complaining (esp on Facebook)

-appreciate the little things

-get good at something

-read something inspirational every day

-choose your friends wisely

-make an appointment with me to learn how to correctly use your makeup (haha had to throw that in there)

-LOVE LOVE LOVE! INHALE LOVE & EXHALE HATE

Cheers!!!

xo,

Victoria Secret Fashion show TONIGHT!

Well ladies, its been a year. A year since you saw last years show. A year since you promised yourself you’d go to the gym religiously, a year since you vowed to stop eating Chilis & ordering Dominos pizza every week, a year since you’d promised you would replace all the shoes in your closet with the hottest running shoes…. (sighs) Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is upon us, and is nothing less of a holiday. A holiday where no big meals can be consumed. Tonight is THE night that all you girls and yes, even guys gather around the big screen to admire the glitz, glamour, the over the top lingerie, all the LEGS and of course of the angel’s and their iconic wings.

As you may know the fashion show was filmed a few weeks ago in NYC. I wasn’t lucky enough to be there, (I think I would kill to be there doing makeup, maybe next year) but lucky enough to know a handful of people that were there. I talked to a makeup artist that participated. She told me that they were instructed to do very natural makeup this year. Only my favorite look. Hello brides! This look is for you! The bronzed look is gone. BYE! See you later. There was NO bronzer applied to the face. The look they created this year was “A healthy, sophisticated glow.” Trying to embrace my paleness this winter just got a hell of a lot easier for me. The big dramatic smokey eyes from last year got replaced with a light, neutral smokey eye. Individual lashes were used to create more fullness. Individuals are so much more natural than strip lashes but still makes a big difference in making your eyes pop. You will notice that the Angel’s skin, cheeks and lips are glowing and radiating with a healthy warm pink color. This year black mascara was used for the top lashes, and brown mascara for the bottom lashes. (Note: this is especially great for girls with lighter colored eyes, which will make them pop)

As for the hair, extensions were applied to every girl after getting a fresh blowout. Watching youtube videos, I noticed the blow driers are the T3 driers which I have and love!

The hair stylus created soft waves, which is so easy to do on yourself I’ll have to do a future post on this, since it is a question I receive often. They curled the extensions before putting them in the hair, which makes the job so much easier. Ladies please, if you wear clip in extensions, which I know more than half of you do, curl them before you put them on your head! That way you can style them before placing them on yourself, and all you need to do is clip them, this way your not clipping them in, then pulling with the curling iron which is pulling on your real hair. They used the extensions not for length, but for volume. Using the VS so sexy mousse all over, spritzing a little VS Volumizing Spray on the top, in the roots, giving it that perfect lift. The hair styles matched the makeup looks, looking soft, healthy and oh, so gorgeous.

And the model’s diets? You mean they aren’t born with super flat stomachs, amazing legs, and perfectly in shape everything else? Eating healthy and very clean is a must! Healthy food, organic protein and vegetables. Working out an 1-2 hours a day. Yoga, kickboxing and running seem to be the most popular.

Make sure to keep an eye out for their shoes! Designer Nicolas Kirkwood designed EXCLUSIVE shoes for each individual model to go with the different stories that will be featured on tonights show.

The designs are divine if you ask me. The three looks tonight are Circus, Silver screen, and Angel bloom.

Of course I will be attending the fashion show tonight at 10pm in my living room sporting my Victoria Secret undies, comfy PINK yoga pants and a PINK sweatshirt, maybe my new VS slippers also that were free with my pajama purchase last week, that is if I don’t go to the screening of the show in NYC tonight with my friend. 😉 I was an angel once for Halloween one year, so maybe I’ll pull those wings out from my Halloween decorations in the attic and run around wearing that too. For you’s that don’t know, I dedicated my closet to Victoria’s Secret. Haha obsessed much?

So ladies, have no shame, feel free to indulge in whatever you want today…. because tomorrow starts the diets and back to the gym. Bring on all the Facebook statuses tonight, the “I want to be that skinny,” “She’s not even that pretty,” “Those girls are too thin,” “I would kill someone to look like that,” “Well, I’m embracing my curves,” haha I’m ready for them all. I’m also looking forward to the performances, especially Justin Beiber’s since Selena Gomez broke up with him, after seeing a photo on twitter of him with a VS model in his hotel room after the show. But no worries, Justin & Selena are back together. Oh, young love, nothing wrong with getting a little action from a Victoria Secret model! haha cheers ladies! Last year I was pleasantly surprised to see a model on stage dancing along side Candice Swanepoel that I once did makeup for, hopefully I’ll see someone I know again!

Below I’m posting the latest music video I did makeup and grooming for featuring singer Michelle Sangalli and model/actor Christopher Lykins directed by Edwin Escobar. Enjoy 🙂

XO,

Keep Calm & Give Thanks!

Hey beauties! This week has been crazy with Thanksgiving, my 23rd birthday, and tons of work! Thanksgiving is always the time that it really begins to feel like the holidays. I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving with your loved ones and favorite people. I spent my Thanksgiving (which happened to land on my birthday this year) in Westchester at my family’s house, stuffing my face with fatty foods, opening gifts and appreciating my loved ones. This time of year I tend to reflect on my life and what I’m thankful for.

My family, who love me and support me unconditionally no matter what

My amazing friends who I adore dearly

Andrew, who always seems to guide me in the right path

My furry friends whom I’ve adopted and love so much and for all the cute things they do, that melts my heart every single day

The little things in life that make me happy like my daily morning cup of tea

Opportunities and experiences that have come my way

The support of all my readers & followers that constantly motivate me to work hard and be successful!

I am also thankful that I celebrated Thanksgiving not once but twice this year. The day after Thanksgiving I did makeup for an amazing fashion show/benefit, that Rose Kneer put together for Adopt-A-Solider Platoon.

On my way, I couldn’t help but admire the sunset!

For me this event was like celebrating Thanksgiving twice, because it made me realize, and appreciate life and everything in it. The show was hosted by actor and comedian Carlos Gonzalez and co-hosted by Mrs. NJ America 2012, Robin Vitale. Here’s a photo of my Logo on screen of the show…

The show helped raise awareness and funds for deployed soldiers in need. The mission of Adopt A Soldier Platoon is to improve the morale of service men and women, as well as their families. There were amazing performances, and some great designers that blew my mind! Recording Artist Apryl Evans performed and her voice was unbelievable. David J. Bixler who was an injured Colonel during his third tour in Afghanistan, made an amazing speech that was really moving. He shared his reasons for joining the military, and his dedication to fight for the freedoms that have been afforded to him. He described how he felt guilty taking advantage of the freedom we are all given without doing something to earn it. He didn’t complain once, he was very thankful for the Adopt a Solider Platoon contributions. It’s the smallest things that makes the biggest differences, for these soldiers.

I attended this event to do makeup for models, and after David’s speech, I realized I was there for SO MUCH MORE.

It made me thankful for everything I have in life, and motivated me to help. During the fashion show part there was a designer that immediately caught my attention. I liked how she came backstage and introduced herself to me, and described to me what looks she wanted me to create on her models. Her designs were lovely. The makeup she chose was bold. Bold blue eyeliner. But… I couldn’t help but notice her age. She appeared to be very young, and made it almost unbelievable that she was the designer! Well, my assumptions were right. Her name? Jazmin Brown. Her age? 14 YEARS OLD! Such great talent at such a young age! Check out this commercial her work is featured in!

Alexandria Gilleo: Your such an inspiration, I can’t believe how young you are! What age did you start designing?

Jazmin Brown: Thank you. I started designing about two years ago, at the age of 12. I started off modeling first, then became a designer. I was also on the Tyra Banks show when I was 11 years old.

AG: Ah, something we have in common. I was also once a guest host on the Tyra Banks show ! What is your biggest accomplishment?

JB: My biggest accomplishment was definitely getting booked with Kraft foods!

AG: What was it like filming and being chosen for the Honey Grahams commercial?

JB: Amazing! I was sent to San Francisco to film the commercial. My designs were featured in NJ Fashion week. It was a great experience.

AG: What projects do you have in the works, and where do you see yourself in 5 years?

JB: Right now I’m working on my pieces going into boutiques. That’s what I’m working out now. In the future I see myself having my own boutique. I make all the kids pieces myself. For adult wear, I’m still learning. Right now I have someone sit along with me.

Other designers included Dana Bands, Nikkay Fashions, HR Fashion, E & J Bridal Boutique, Stache Haus, Jerzy bling, and a few more. I was truly honored to work this event! This week, I also was booked to do makeup for a music video. Fun! Love these types of jobs. Incredible singer, Michelle Sangalli called me to come on set of her video and do makeup and hair. I got to work with director Edwin Escobar, for the second time. His work is great and I love working with him. He means business! I also got to meet Christopher Lykins, the male actor in the video. He is a model and upcoming actor. Look out for him in tv series Revolution, and movie Safe Haven. Here’s a photo of some of the crew.

I am so thankful for my career. I truly love meeting so many different people, and working with young talent CONSTANTLY!

Again, I hope you readers all had a great Thanksgiving. Christmas is next! Christmas is no doubt the most exciting time of the year! I adore everything about this season, except the cold weather 😉 I decorated the whole house, and very excited that I put up my PINK Christmas tree in my closet room. Along with Victoria Secret gifts under the tree (Yes, I’m stocking up on those secret reward cards!) Here’s some photos of my week and Christmas decor! Enjoy!

Celebrating my 23rd Birthday!