Jessica Simpson DANY in Coffee

Hello there fellow readers in the blogosphere!

I am Melissa, a current MFA student at Chatham University and a beauty and fashion addict.

While strolling through my local Macy’s the other day, I stumbled upon this fabulous Jessica Simpson Dany platform. It comes in three colors, but my favorite would be the suede coffee version. I can just picture them on my feet, a fresh pedicure on my toes, enjoying the last days of summer in a breezy skirt. What does everybody think?

A little bit more about guest blogger Melissa: I am a fashion junkie. When not obsessing about over sized Tiffany sunglasses and MAC cosmetics, I am a full time student at Chatham University, pursuing my Master’s of the Fine Arts in Creative Writing. While I dream about writing a best seller that inspires as much as Toni Morrison, I am currently working at a bank to satisfy my spending habits, and student loans of course. In addition to shoes and makeup, I also love animals, namely my nine hundred pound horse, Angelina, whom I show at local jumping shows around the Pittsburgh area. I adore buying her cute horse accessories, can you say leopard horse blanket and silver glitter spray? In other words, I am just a girl with a passion for words and beauty. I look forward to writing for you!

Fuji Sushi in Pittsburgh

After living in Los Angeles for several years, it’s kind of hard to acclimate myself to the sushi offerings in the Pittsburgh area. Sure, it’s good, but just doesn’t have the same taste as sushi from the West Coast. I found myself accepting of the offerings here, but not blown away by any means. This comes from a girl that used to savor excellent sushi several times a week while living in Cali. Fortunately, by word of mouth, I came across a new sushi place that has blown my socks off – and contributed to my unrelenting “sushi” addiction with twice weekly treks to this new favorite place in near Robinson Township.  Although the address technically lists “McKees Rocks” as the city, Fuji Sushi – located at 6093 Steubenville Pike, near Robinson Town Center.

My favorite item at Fuji Sushi is the spicy tuna roll. The owner and sushi chef, “Tommy” does spicy tuna rolls a little bit different that the other local sushi restaurants. Instead of minced tuna, he uses a solid piece of tuna inside and two types of hot sauce on the outside, including Srichacha sauce. He’s also very personable and likes to tell jokes as he makes the sushi. This place is also BYOB and they do not charge a cork fee.

Please don’t let the strip mall exterior scare you away. Once you try Fuji Sushi, you’ll be hooked. The interior is not very big and could use a little “freshening up”, but the food more than makes up for the lackluster appearance. Fuji Sushi is a locally-owned small business and run by what appears to be a husband and wife team. Since they do not have a large staff, please be forewarned that it does get very crowded on the weekends and wait time for your order can be about 30 minutes or more. I’ve been there at “non-peak” times and was served very promptly. To me, it’s worth the wait.

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Well this is mine…These items are in no particular order and I am not affiliated in any way with the companies that make these items. I just love them and hope that they never go away. Maybe this will inspire you to try something new. 

1. Creme de la Mer

You don’t have to be rich to afford this luxe facial moisturizer. Although it retails for $140 an ounce (and is worth every penny), sample sizes of .25 oz. can be found on Ebay for around $30…this sample size can last me up to a year, as a little goes along way. Very emollient. Great of fine lines under the eye or for dry, dehydrated skin.

Creme de la Mer

2. MAC Lipglass in shade “Underage”

I’ve been a fan of this shade of MAC Lipglass for years. It’s the perfect combination of sheer and shiny with the right amount of pigment to look great on it’s own or to lighten up too dark lipstick. A nice neutral beige pink. Retails for $14.50.

MAC Lipglass in "Underage"

3. Becca Loose Shimmer Powder in “Angel”

This has been a staple in my makeup bag for years. I use this as my eyeshadow base. It’s a perfect combination of a nude pinky beige with a light shimmer. Formerly sold at Sephora, this Australian cosmetic line is now increasingly hard to find in USA stores.  Becca Cosmetics are available on Apothica.com and Dermstore.com. Unfortunately, I have been having trouble finding this item in the featured shade of “Angel”. Retails for $20.00.

Becca Shimmer Powder in "Angel"

4. Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Filtration System

After moving into a new home, my hair became dry and brassy. Upon some research, I found that there was a high amount of iron in our local water supply. I stumbled upon this item while desperately searching for a shampoo that would bring back some life to my thin, dry hair. After reading many positive reviews, I decided to give it a try. I love it! My hair has been transformed, amen! Retails for $95.00. The filter cartridge (about $40.00) must be replaced about every 6 months.

Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Filter

5. Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Nonstreak Gel Bronzer

I have to say, I’ve been using this bronzing gel for probably at least ten years. Clinique, please never change the shade or formulation. This bronzing gel is great to apply over foundation for a sun-kissed glow, or mixed with body lotion for application on arms and legs. It’s nice because it washes off (unlike self-tanner), is odor-free and doesn’t have that “orange” tinge to it. 

Clinique Men's Bronzing Gel

6. La Femme Pressed Eyeshadow in “Iridescent Brown”

Although this item photographs lighter than it looks in person, La Femme’s Iridescent Brown eyeshadow is a must have staple in any girl’s makeup bag. Totally neutral, it works perfect on both cool and warm skin tones. It’s highly pigmented and has great staying power…The best part of all, it’s only $4.99. La Femme can be tricky to find in some small towns. I usually buy online or hit up theatrical makeup supply houses like Naimie’s when in Los Angeles or Alcone in New York City.

La Femme Eyeshadow in "Iridescent Brown"

7. Latisse Eyelash Growth Solution by Allergan

What can I say?…well for one thing, I’ve been asked if I was wearing false eyelashes after a couple months of using Latisse. Bravo Allergan…Latisse has transformed my sparse, short eyelashes back to the full, dark eyelashes that I had in my teens. It may sound pricey at $120 a bottle, but I get about 6 months’ use out of each bottle. Now that I’ve been using it for over a year, I only have to apply it 2-3 times a week to keep my eyelashes staying long, dark and full. 

Latisse Eyelash Growth Solution

8. Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Creme Foundation in “Glamour Girl”

This may be one of the most important items in my makeup bag. Created for actors on high definition television, Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Cream Foundation is my go-t0 ”secret weapon” for when I know I’ll be photographed. This highly pigmented cream foundation gives the appearance of flawless, airbrushed skin. For those of you familiar with Joe Blasco theatrical foundations, it’s similar – but better. Great for normal to dry skin. Retails for $14.99. Easy online ordering from CameraReadyCosmetics.com.

Graftobian Hi Def Cream Foundation in "Glamour Girl"

9. Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-in Conditioner

See item # 4 above. When I was on my quest to find something that would get my dry hair back in shape, I decided to look for hair products that contained natural ingredients and did not contain silicone. This leave-in conditioner is the perfect solution for tangle-free, protected hair. Just spray it on after towel drying and comb through. The amazing scent is to die for! Retails for around $9.00. Can be found at Vitamin Shoppe.

Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-in Conditioner

10. Philosophy the Fragrance

Ok, this fragrance has been discontinued, but I have to add it to my “fav” list because I love it so much. Please Philosophy, if you’re reading this, please bring “The Fragrance” back, even if only as a limited edition. The only way I can explain this scent is fresh laundry mixed with lemons, sunshine and love. A very light, unisex fragrance. I would bathe in it if I could.

Philosophy the Fragrance

11. DayWhite 38% Carbamide Peroxide Teeth Whitening Gel

Perfect for when I get a last minute invite, DayWhite’s 38% Carbamide Peroxide Teeth Whitening Gel whitens my teeth at least 2 shades in fifteen minutes flat. You can use it if you have teeth trays from your dentist, or as I do, use it with a rubber mouth tray purchased at the drugstore or at Walmart. No prescription is needed. Retails for about $20.00 for four syringes. I usually purchase mine on Ebay.

Day White 38% Carbamide Peroxide Whitening Gel

12. Tazorac Cream by Allergan

This product is my best anti-aging friend. Similar to Renova or Retin-A, this retinoid formula helps firm sagging facial skin and smoothes fine lines by promoting collagen production within the skin’s layers. Many people have trouble getting used to retinoids due to irritation and redness and give up before they have a chance to see results. Trust me…if you can get through the initial redness and irritation, you’ll be glad you stuck with it. Applied nightly (with a doctor’s prescription). Sunscreen is a must if you’re using this product.

Tazorac Retinoid Cream by Allergan

13. Blue Lizard Chemical-Free Sunscreen 30 SPF

Blue Lizard sunscreen was recommended to me by a fellow Esthetician. This natural sunscreen provides both UVA and UVB protection in a chemical-free formulation. Turns sheer within a minute of application. It’s never irritated my sensitive skin, nor caused an breakouts. Retails for around $10.00 a tube. Find it at Drugstore.com, etc.

Blue Lizard SPF 30 Chemical-Free Sunscreen

14. Crede ER Treatment Conditioner

My hair saviour! First introduced to me about ten years ago by a friend in LA, I’ve never strayed from this rich conditioner. I found myself in a panic when a jar of this miracle worker was seized from me by TSA on a recent flight. Funny, the scissors I had in the same bag were apparently ok to board the plane with. I use this as a “special occasion” conditioner when I have to absolutely look my best. Retails for around $30.00. Hard to find in stores. Great deals for Crede ER Treatment can be found on Ebay.

Crede ER Treatment Conditioner

Sunset and Crescent Heights

You could feel the buzz in the air the moment I stepped off the plane in Burbank. I akin Oscar weekend to New Year’s Eve…with last minute frantic searching for the illusive accessory or shoe to complete the red carpet look.

As I sat at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf with my beloved fat-free iced vanilla concoction that I had so become addicted to when I live in LA, Oscar talk could be heard coming from just about everyone’s lips around me. Of course I wouldn’t be attending the Oscars…all of the industry contacts that I had so fervently built up in the seven years that I lived in LA were all but gone.

Early Sunday morning, I decided to reminisce and take a drive down Lauren Canyon to Sunset. With KROQ blaring in the background, I drove down the winding hills of Laurel Canyon to Crescent Heights where I spotted my old gym. Sunset boulevard was a sea of excitement. Workers were busy setting up camera crews, putting up party signage and blocking off streets for the after-parties. I could only imagine what craziness would take place at these parties later in the evening.

The Oscars preparation, Pittsburgh Girl in LA

I’d been invited to an informal after-party at an actor friend’s gorgeous house on Doheny Drive and another at the Chateau Marmont. Panic set in…somehow I didn’t feel that my Pittsburgh clothes were up to par. I’d been so busy lately with my clothing website and costume designs, that I hadn’t had a chance to shop for clothing in ages. Luckily, I packed a burgundy sequin tunic and black skinny pants that worked perfectly. I could devote an entire blog post to what took place that fine Oscars evening, but what happens in LA, stays in LA. I can tell you that there were very good desserts at both parties…

I've decided that french pastries go quite well with champagne.

View from the Chateau Marmont

In conclusion, things are never the same when we try to re-visit our past. I spent seven years living in LA doing the whole struggling actress bit (with some success – got my SAG card!). While I wouldn’t trade that time living in LA for anything in the world, I’m also eight years older, wiser, and now realize what’s truly important in life. Loved my visit, but it felt so good to come back home to Pittsburgh.

Who would’ve thought that little ol’ me would get to preview of the new issue of Pittsburgh’s Maniac Magazine? As I walked into Maniac Magazine‘s February/March 2012 live blogging event in Pittsburgh’s South Side Works, I jokingly thought to myself, “is this some cruel set-up akin to the movie Mean Girls“? That silly thought quickly passed as I was greeted with warmth by Maniac Magazine editor April Hubal and company. The room was buzzing with excitement as I joined fellow Pittsburgh area bloggers, photographers, and other “fashionistas” for a sneak preview of Maniac’s February/March 2012 issue.

Maniac Magazine February/March 2012 Live Blogging Event

I had always been a big fan of Maniac Magazine, but the February/March 2012 “LOVE” issue featuring Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale was a visual treat packed with gorgeous photography, well written articles, and Valentine’s Day fashion confections.

First up, an interesting in-depth article brilliantly written by Jennifer K. McGlincy on Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale, that was beautifully photographed by April Hubal.

Pamelyn McMahon Style Profile - Maniac Magazine February/March 2012

J'Adore Paris - Maniac Magazine February/March 2012

You’ll also find some great last minute inspiration for Valentine’s Day… 

Maniac Shops! - Valentine's Day Style - February/March 2012

I was also excited to see Comedy Magician Lee Terbosic in this month’s issue. I’ve worked with Lee, he really captivates his audience!

 

Behind the Scenes at Maniac Magazine’s February/March 2012 Blogger Event

Dog Blog at Maniac Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 MANIAC MAGAZINE Website

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It was the anticipation of fervent shoe lust that made me nearly drop the package handed to me by the UPS man…he looked frightened…and with good cause.

Michael Kors Gibson Boot

This package was my much awaited pair of the Michael Kors Gibson Boot. From what I could tell of the image online, this boot was everything that I’d been looking for. When I opened the package, it was even better than I had anticipated.

Michael Kors Gibson Boots - Platform Square Toe Boot

This leather beauty has a 5″ stacked heel with a 1″ platform and 7″ shaft with silver hardware and zipper. Althought it doesn’t show it in the photo, it has an ever so slightly squared toe! Two things that I love about this boot is the sturdy, thicker heel and the softly squared toe. Living in Pittsburgh, the last thing you want to do is to try to navigate the snow and ice in stiletto boots.

These boots will be perfect with this great grey boatneck sweater dress that I’ve been dying to wear…add some black tights…Maybe this will be my outfit for the Maniac Magazine blogger party tomorrow night in Pittsburgh?

South Beach Miami - Ocean Drive

Hotel Breakwater – South Beach, Miami – January 2012

I wanted to get away, away from the snow, gray skies and 10 degree temperatures. However, my bank account wasn’t cooperating. What’s a girl to do, you may ask?

After an exhaustive search on discount travel sites, I ended up buying a package deal on Hotwire that included both my flight and hotel. Booking the flight and hotel together saved me about $300, and made the trip totally “do-able”. I also played around with the days that I would arrive and return home. I found by flying in on Wednesday and departing on Saturday, I could lower the trip cost even more than by staying over the weekend.

From the moment I stepped out of the Miami airport, the air filled with the salty slight smell of clams, I knew that this is where I needed to be. I hadn’t been to South Beach in a couple years and I was anxious to see what was new. The cab ride from the airport left a bad taste in my mouth after I realized that I had been overcharged by the cab driver by ten dollars. 

I was a bit apprehensive about the hotel staff’s attitude as I checked into this 4.5 star hotel that is located right on Ocean Drive. When I had stayed in random South Beach hotels in the past, the reception was, let’s just say, less than welcoming. That aside, I was greeted by a very friendly staff at South Beach’s Breakwater Hotel.

My room was small, but this is normal for “boutique” hotels along Ocean Drive. The room was very clean with modern chic decor. Wireless internet access was included in the room price.  The bathroom was a knock-out with a glass shower with ”rainfall” shower heads and a lighted over sink mirror that made my skin look like it did ten years ago. One of the best parts of the room was the plush mattress. I slept better on that hotel bed than I have in years.

Hotel Breakwater Miami, Ocean Drive South Beach Hotels

The Hotel Breakwater had a quiet, roof-top terrace pool area with a small infinity pool. The hotel also offered lounge chairs on the beach (2 complimentary per room), which I took advantage of. Beach umbrellas could be rented for $12. They also had a drink stand out on the beach where you could buy beverages without having to walk back to the hotel.

Hotel Breakwater Pool Area

I decided to depart Saturday on a 5:15pm flight out of Miami, so I could enjoy an almost extra day of sun and fun. The hotel was a great sport about locking up my luggage until I had to leave for the airport. When I explained to the front desk about my late return flight home, they offered to move my check out time from 11am to 12:30pm without me even asking. 

Next up…shopping, dining, clubs, and what I did for fun while in South Beach.

Breakwater Hotel beach access

As a Photo Stylist, Esthetician and Make-up Artist, I will share my personal  insights on modeling, beauty, style and my fear of my favorite products being discontinued.  I will also share some honest product reviews, informative tidbits and tutorials. Please note that I am not paid to do these reviews of products, all items were purchased by me for personal use.

As a former Los Angeleno, I will share musings of my life living in the Valley as a struggling actress/model.

As a former New York city dweller, I will share rants about my former life in NYC and the way I viewed the world from my tiny apartment on East 77th.

As a business owner, I will share my struggles, travels, achievements, and how I got to where I am today. I will share the my latest foray into the world of costume design.

As a girl who’s “not in her 20′s” anymore, I will share laughs, fashion and style tricks, and other personal insight that has helped me along the way to becoming the woman and mother that I am today.

Enjoy the journey…I hope I make you smile…