Behind The Scenes: SMG Model Styling

An SMG model came into the downtown Gene Juarez Salon a couple weeks ago in need of being styled for a local photo shoot in Seattle. Myself along with the extremely talented makeup artist, Crosbie, did our magic on her and brought her character to life. The inspiration that was given to us for the shoot was supposed to have a Victorian/Gothic feel to it, and this is what Crosbie and my interpretation was!

XOXO Dré

Model: SMG
Makeup: Shanie Crosbie w/ Gene Juarez Salons and Spas
Hair: Andrea Malczewski w/ Gene Juarez Salons and Spas
Wardrobe: Helene Hawthorne
Photography: Jiamin Zhu

This post was updated on 8/14/2018.

Deliciously Maleficient

Disney's villians never looked so good! Fortunately for me, I got to stare at these fabulous flats all day. [Stare and plot as to how I'm going to get my hands on a pair ASAP.]

Click here to take a look at these and other versions from the magical collaboration between Melissa Glam and Disney.

Featured: Melissa Glam + Vilâs Disney, Maleficient, $115.
Photo courtesy: Workman Publishing: New York
Scan courtesy: codename | drédin

More deliciousness | Just for fun...

xo | din

Kiss of Death

Spring is just around the corner and I can hardly wait for its blessed arrival! Blooms on the trees, birds singing, gorgeous sunshine....I could go on and on. But as forecasted in fashion week and spring/summer add campaigns, lips are keeping it cool.

While nature is starting to wake up and come out of hibernation, lips everywhere are deep in the grave. They are slathered in frost, icy cold, and I want to jump into this trend with both feet!

The Nicki Minaj for MAC VIVA GLAM 2013 collection has just come out and below we see her wearing the shade "VIVA GLAM NICKI 2". It's a vivid pastel lavender pink which is perfect for anyone who is a bit more cautious but still wants to get in on the trend. Because of the pink mixed with the lavender, it is a bit more subtle than just a pure lavender lip color.

And I can promise you right now that I will be adding this lipstick to my makeup bag this season! The shade shown below is "NO SHE DIDN'T" by Lime Crime and it's available on their website as of March 1st. I'm counting down the days until I can order this! I can hardly stand it!! EEEeeeeeeee!!!!!

XOXO Dré



2nd photo courtesy of Niki Weddle

See You In A [ NY ] Minute

Vant To Bite My Neck? by OPI

February has been an awesome month for me. As you've read, I had my easy coast anniversary, and this past Thursday I signed a new lease on an apartment, a promotion at work, and got a parcel in the mail that made my heart smile.

Vant To Bite My Neck? is from OPI's Euro Centrale Spring/Summer Collection and I love everything about it! What's more, great timing that a nail polish with such a title should arrive the same night as my favorite show: The Vampire Diaries.

It definitely has a dual personality. Initially it looks like it will compete with Lincoln Park After Dark, but when it catches the light just right it's actually a sultry royal purple.

All thanks goes to Dr. Dré. Not only do I love the polish, but the card was icing on the chocolate cake. Looking forward to reuniting in NYC this May!

xo | din

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LipService

Makeup may be one of the best inventions ever! It can beautify those who were not naturally blessed, and as for those that are....can we say bombshell?

As the seasons of fashion change, not only the clothing changes, but the makeup changes as well. I'm definitely in for trying anything new with my makeup, and lip color is always at the top of the list for makeup trends. As I flip through editorial spreads and thumb through the runway collections, my heart rate increases as I see the beautiful shades that stain each pout.

Here's the problem. When it comes to any lip color with lots of pigment such as red, orange, hot pink, burgundy, etc...my lipstick ALWAYS bleeds. I have read so many how-tos and followed just what they have said....concealer,liner, blotting....none of it works. It helps, but it doesn't work.

Just when I thought I would be stuck with nude or glossed-only lips the rest of my life, I found something magical! A lip liner by MIRABEllA! It's a clear outlining pencil that prevents the bleeding and feathering of lipstick for perfect lips all day long. It's loaded with emollients so it glides on smoothly and keeps moisture in, plus it's paraben free!

So leave the bleeding to cuts and scrapes, not to your lipstick!

XOXO Dré

Love is in the air

I don't know about you, but I love the day of LOVE! All the red and pink you see everywhere you look, PLUS flowers AND chocolate...what's not to love??

Wanting to be festive for any occasion I can, Valentine's Day is definitely an opportunity I choose to spruce things up! Below is my polish choice for this day of romance,JAG-U-ARE, by Essie. I've also photographed the hot little number I'm hoping to turn my husband's head in by Free People.

And of course I have to keep you all updated on the hair I'm wearing! Although it was a blast, I was getting a bit bored with my purple ombré, so I decided to switch it up. They say blondes have more fun. I guess I shall find out tonight;-)

XOXO Dré

Lost in [ DC ]

Well I'll be...

2 years? Already? It's really hard to believe, but the 8th is a day that's hard to forget!

In January of 2011, I was coming towards a transition in life-- both social and in my job. Then, one day in early January I was speaking with one of my favorite cousins who lives in VA and she said: "Why don't you come out here?" It took me all of 2.5 seconds to assess the possibility and give my reply: "OK!"

Cover Story - { Feb13 }

Harper's Bazaar - February 2013 - Fashion Preview - Jennifer Lopez

Remember in 2011 when JLo was named the Most Beautiful Woman by People Magazine? It's no wonder why she graced the cover of Harper Bazaar's Fashion Preview.

Who needs a Knight in Shining Armour when you've got Jenny from the Block holding it down? You have to agree, there's no damsel in distress here!

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

The UNCF An Evening of Stars Fashion Show was a great success, but like all good things, it had to come to an end. And let me tell you, there was no better way to end the evening than with House Of Isaac Andrew.

The man behind the clothes, Isaiah Whitmore, is a true diamond in the rough. He is a breath of fresh air for the Seattle fashion scene with a fresh and original point of view. He said his collection that he designed for this particular evening was inspired by architecture. I believe that he executed this to a "T" and all eyes were glued to each and every piece that stomped the runway.

Critics that I had the opportunity to speak with say that House Of Isaac Andrew was "their favorite of the evening" as well as others that have seen numerous collections of his say, "He is so awesome! Everything he does is amazing! This is only the beginning for him....I know he is going to go far!"

Isaiah definitely "shines bright like a diamond". He's lighting up all of Seattle <3
 XOXO Dré

When the Stars Go Blue

The UNCF An Evening of Stars Fashion Show definitely went off with a bang as the high tempo beat to the music for Stateena's Dollhouse hit the runway. Then it was brought down a notch.

Nothing could have brought out the true essence of Seattle more than Peter Czar's collection and his music choice. The gloomy yet sultry music made me feel as if I were strutting down the streets of Seattle on a drizzly afternoon. The clothing was a mixture of masculine and feminine with an assortment of trenches, trousers, and ponchos. Although I did not get the opportunity to meet Peter himself, I thoroughly enjoyed the ensemble he designed for me to wear. As you can see, it has the perfect pieces for any Seattle woman's wardrobe.

Peter's accomplishments include:

• 1st place winner for Neiman Marcus styling competition 
• 1st place award for the Goodwill Glitter Gala, 2010 
• Designed and produced an evening gown for the Fashion Director for the AIS Fashion Show, 2011  

 XOXO Dré

UNCF Evening Of Stars

This last weekend I had the honor of walking in a fashion show for UNFC An Evening of Stars. This organization raises awareness and funds to support scholarships for minority and low-income students to attend colleges/universities across the country.

The first designer I walked for was Monique Sateena. Let me tell you, there is nothing little about this twinkling star other than her frame! Monique competed on cycle 7 of America's Next Top Model and since has done runway for 7 years along with appearing in movies and many commercials and print adds. She now is designing and has an online boutique called Stateena's Dollhouse.

 Below is a photo of the sexy romper I strutted in down the runway and beside me is Alexandra Wilson, 2011 winner of Spokane's Top Model!

It was an incredible night! Stay tuned for the other "Stars" I walked for!

XOXO Dré

Cover Story - { Jan13 }

W. is for Winner

She's a winner. Jessica Chastain's role in Zero Dark Thirty, a film directed by Kathyrn Bigelow about the decade long search for Osama Bin Laden, captured the attention of many in the film biz. If you've been following award season, then you know Critic's Choice and Golden Globes were very kind to Ms. Chastain awarding her with Best Actress in a category with very strong competition. Fortunately for her, the accolades don't stop there as she's been nominated in three more ceremonies-- all while her new horror flick Mama surpasses ZDT in the box office.

For this month's cover of W. Magazine, Jessica muses in the literal portrayal of when art and fashion meet. It must have been a blast to work creatively with these different artists. After wrapping two box office hits, it's probably just what she needed.

{ Inside Story }

In September, I was asked to do a shoot for a surfboarding/snowboarding/skateboarding magazine. Of course I assumed that I'd be doing hair. Wrong. I later found out that I would in fact be posing along with another model and a pro-snowboarder of a smaller stature....in a bikini.

I was down for the experience! It seemed like it could be fun! After all, it would give me a chance to come into contact with some new people to make connections with, and bring out my inner snowboarder(or something! haha)!

Turns out the young man below is Austen Sweetin. He graced the cover of Snowboarder magazine in 2010, and now he was being shot for a French magazine called Desillusion. It's a magazine for anyone that has a sport on a board. The story for the photograph is "Here is this short snowboarder kid, surrounded by these tall sexy ladies! A whole lot of woman for him!" I'm the mistress on the left ;)

The photograph was shot by Peter Line, who is actually on the cover of this issue of the magazine. While he shot, there were some French videographers filming the whole thing. It was a great time and definitely different from anything I've ever done! If anyone is interested in getting their hands on a copy of this, you can go to Dslmag.com. It ships from France so it can take up to 8 weeks to receive.

Happy Winter! And if this doesn't inspire you to hit the slopes....maybe you can just be inspired to look like a cute snow bunny;)

XOXO Dré

Hair Rx

If anyone out there is like me in the morning, you're constantly running late! Between showering, trying to find something fabulous to wear, and painting my face to perfection, it seems that I always spend the least amount of time styling my hair. Lucky for me, I'm a professional, so I can whip up a terrific 'do in no time! But for those without as much skill, I have a new find that will dry your hair in about one third less time (at least that was the case for me)!!

Whether your hair is crazy long, crazy thick, or you really are just crazy late, check out this spray by 12 Benefits! Besides the fact that this is a quick dry spray, here is a list of what you can expect from this product.

• Shortens blow dry time
• Protects cuticle with Moroccan argan oil
• Reduces stress on hair from brushing
• Prevents blow-dryer dry out
• Provides exquisite shine
• Moisturizes hair
• Controls frizz
• Flat iron sealer
• Prevents static
• Gives curly or hard to manage hair discipline
• Adds softness and a silky feel
• Anti-age formula keeps hair youthful

You can go to 12benefits.com to find a local retailer.

XOXO Dré

Going Baroque for Must Have Fashion

Sometimes when there's a hot new trend,
                    you just have to step out  
                                           boldly... 

 

| Style Me | 

It may be some time before we're donning a complete wardrobe of Dolce & Gabbana, but that's where creative minds come out right. Hot off the runway? Not quite. Wearable, affordable, and hella cute? Triple check.

There's no need to go Baroque over this hot trend. Just take note of the exquisitely crafted embellishments and make it your own! Check out these finds:

Black Swan

I love mixing the "expected" with the "unexpected", and that's what I was really going for in my latest photo shoot.

I am ever inspired by ballet as I used to dance myself and find it so fluid and beautiful. This passion of mine had to be put into print and so it began.

The movie Black Swan was the perfect feeling for the direction I wanted my photos to go. It was such a dark movie with so much mystery, it would be the perfect piece of art left for each individuals interpretation. Now for the surprise factor...my five year old daughter Kiya! She is a little ballerina herself with a love for the camera. Although a child posing for something seeming so dark may be controversial for some, we really had a blast. We just told her to do whatever she felt and these are the results! We took care of the lighting to give it the effect I was going for and the rest of the magic was played out by my little star! There is nothing ugly about this little duckling:)

 

Model: Kiya Malczewska
Hair: Dré Malczewski
Wardrobe: Dré Malczewski
Makeup: Monet
Photography: Miguel Gaona


XOXO Dré

studs & spikes

I don't know how long my obsession with studs and spikes will last, but I'm in no rush to send this trend to the back of my closet. Here's a few bold looks I've been eyeing:

Spiked finger clutch; Jeffrey Campbell Holy Cross wedge, here; Nasty Gal Spiked Moto Jacket, here; Bardot heart studded clutch, here; Nasty Gal Spiked Chiffon Moto Jacket, here; McQueen gold Pavé skull clutch; vintage clutch found during my visit to the French Quarters; Giuseppe Zanotti 'Wild Africa' sandals, here; Giuseppe Zanotti Swarovski crystal spiked wedge, here.

D&G Dea Lace Clutch

Anyone else in la-la-love? Tell me about it, Stud. (;

Top photo courtesy of A Bold Statement blog. Don't know who created those shoes, they were probably sent from the heavens!

xo | din

Predictions Please!

I recently read a 2013 prediction. It is forecasting that 2013 will be the year of the double accent nail! Only time will tell if it will be true or false, but either way, we hope you heard the breaking news here first! Let us know your thoughts! Love it or hate it? Let us have it! Below is an image of what to expect!

XOXO Dré

Happy New Year!!

I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year's celebration! I know I did! drédin wants to know what your fashion picks were for the evening, so please send them to us!

Here is what I turned heads in:

Dress: BCBG | Shoes: Steve Madden | Earrings: Forever 21 | Ring: Forever 21 | Nail polish: OPI "The Living Daylights" from the Skyfall collection; also seen here. Happy 2013!! XOXO Dré

New Year's Bling

Happy New Year's Eve my fellow fashionistas! Drink responsibly, be safe, ad PLEASE be FASHIONABLE!!!! Here's what I'm rockin' on my hands tonight!

Ring: Forever 21
Nail polish: OPI Skyfall collection "The Living Daylights"

8 Jewels of Christmas

Add sparkle and cheer to your holiday with [ Gold & Magenta ] !!

8 Jewels of Christmas

"City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in Holiday style
In the air, there's a feeling of Christmas."

8 Jewels of Christmas

8 Jewels of Christmas

Season's Greetings, Lovelies! 

You may recall our 8 Days of Christmas posts from last year, well, we had so much fun and received a ton of great feedback that we are doing it again. This time with the gems!

How about a splash of COLOR??

It was a typical morning in November. I woke up, made my way to the bathroom, and looked in the mirror. Before me stood a person who just a few weeks ago I thought was beautiful, but somehow that had faded(literally) more quickly than I had anticipated :(

I recently got back from a trip to Mexico for a fairytale wedding and my favorite souvenir was my golden tan! It went hand in hand with my fabulous ombré hair, which I had worked so long to achieve! But now, it was gone....my tan that is..I had become as pale as I could be, my hair blended into my skin, and I felt officially BLAH!!

Tired of the typical "go blonde in the summer" and "go dark in the fall", I decided to give my locks a bit more variety. Purple it is!

Jumping for Julep!!

Fall/Winter 2012 is upon us....and you know what that means...CHANGE IN FASHION!!! While the majority of us are eager to hit up our favorite stores to indulge in the season's latest trends, others may be more limited due to insufficient funds in their pocketbook.

Don't despair! Changing your nail color may possibly be one of your most inexpensive options while giving an always appreciated "pick me up". And what's even more exciting is that this season there is a nail color sure to suit you...don't believe me? How about Oprah!?!!

Oprah's favorite things are here again, and on the list is Julep! This unique nail salon started in Seattle, Washington back in 2007 and has really grown into something amazing! There are now four locations all in the Seattle area, but for those that live far away, there is an option for you to get in on the action! By clicking on this link, www.julep.com you can start to explore! Take their quiz and find out what your style profile is. You can then decide if you would like to become a Maven and get a personalized box of nail colors and product delivered to you every month! And it gets better...ALL of the polishes are FREE of toxins! Now that's a reason to be jolly!

XOXO Dré

j'adore dior

The minute I saw these shoes, I knew it would be a life or death situation for Dré.

Dior RTW Fall 2012 Ballet heel has been seen on runways and magazine spreads like Mila's Dior campaign to the left.

Owning a pair would be nothing short of divine. Until then, we'll love the trend, and its substitute.

TOMS has got our Vote

Today's election day, and no matter which side you're rooting for, it doesn't matter unless you VOTE. And what better way to vote in style than with TOMS.

Look trendy AND help someone in need? TOMS One for One Canvass Classics have got our vote!

TOMS Vote 2012 Classics are available here, in the above style and others.