Gorgeous Glam

Lipstick and Stockings...

2012-02-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

Love is a game that two can play and both win. ~Eva Gabor

Yes love is in the air. Romantic as my heart is, I can ever wonder

what else life can be for but to love...

xx -Taj

Looking Sweet

2012-02-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

"The woman is the most perfect doll that I have dressed with delight and admiration."

— Karl Lagerfeld

I'm craving a shopping trip where I can fill my hands with every macaroon shade of

clothing I can get my hands on. Besides, one can only have so much black in

their closet before they disappear into the unkown.

Plus it's Valentine's Day coming up and who better to show my love

and affection to than myself! Don't you agree?

xo - Keep It Glam - Taj

Love is in the Air?

2012-02-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

Anouk De Heer by Mark Kean for Wonderland February/March 2012

I watched Pretty In Pink recently and I've been drawn to a lot of pink everything! Something about February and wearing girly clothes seems appropriate for some reason. I have this red silk blouse from BCBG with tiny pink hearts all over it that I can hardly wait to wear. I always love nude pink lips, but I've been experimenting with mauve's, pastel pinks, hot pinks, fuscia and the list goes on. Isn't a lip the most versatile thing in your wardrobe? Do you ever watch a movie and get inspired by everything? I know Breakfast at Tiffany's is a big one for us but what other movies influence your style?

Happy Monday! xx -Taj

Almost Friday

2012-02-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

A little something to get you to the weekend...xo

Makeup Review: Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse Makeup

2012-02-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm crushing on this product big time and had to share my review with you glamour dolls.

The Photoready Airbrush Mousse Makeup reminds me a lot of Elizabeth Arden's Flawless Finish Mousse

makeup that has a cult following. But Revlon's formula is much more superb and a fraction of the cost. Plus if you've been wanting the Jlo glow, this is your answer. This has been my experience with this product and everyone will be different, but I think with proper application, it is pretty amazing for a drugstore foundation.

Packaging & Price: A pump can. Comes out like a mousse. $8 at Target.

Coverage: The light-weight formula gives a medium coverage.

What I absolutely love is how light and airy it feels. I cannot stand heavy thick makeup and I love

how my skin breathes in this. It doesn't settle into fine lines and gives an airbrush finish.

If you have a lot of dark age spots, dark blemish spots and excessive freckles, this will only give you

medium coverage. It is buildable, but for those trouble areas you will need concealer.

Staying power: I've been wearing it for ten hour days and it has lasted pretty well. I have normal/oily combination skin. I usually touch-up midday with blotting powders on my t-zone.

Many beauty gurus on youtube have said that this is absolutely not for oily skin types. But I disagree. This formula is oil free.

If you have very oily skin you should be using a mattifying primer anyway which will counteract the oiliness, and also a non-oily sunscreen that is matte. You will be fine with this product, and in fact will enjoy how light it feels on your face.

Application: I recommend using a foundation brush for a flawless finish. (Sonia Kashuk- synthetic flat brush and Sigma- f80 flat top kabuki are my two favs) Apply the foam directly onto the brush as to not waste it on the back of your hands like I see many people doing. Buff into face. You will only need about two pumps if that. Dust with your favorite powder.

Color Selection: There are 8 shades to choose from.

Downside: Many people complain that the formula has a weird smell after it's pumped out of the can. Only 8 shades.

Shimmer: There is a slight shimmer in the product which I've read some people hate. But I prefer the Jlo glow look myself and think that it gives a nice warm effect to any skin tone. Who doesn't want Jlo skin?

I read many reviews online before making this post and I have to wonder if the ones who complained, in fact know how to apply makeup properly for their skin type! There were many issues of it not blending at all or emphasizing lines. None of which I find to be true. As a makeup artist I would never recommend a product that I haven't tested and found to be a worthwhile try. I think you will love the light-weight feel and can easily rotate it into your regular foundation routine as an alternative look. I believe every woman should have more than one foundation in her makeup bag anyway to achieve lighter or heavier coverage depending on the occasion. I hope you will give it a try. Choose two colors to begin with to find the best shade for your skin. Return the one that doesn't fit. Invest in a good foundation brush and get ready for beautiful glowing skin!

xx- Keep It Glam - Taj

Streets of Dragons

2012-01-31T10:37:00.000-08:00

Jessica Miller for Blugirl Spring 2012 Campaign by Michelangelo di Battista

I'm ready for color! We've been having 80 degree weather and it makes me want to pull out all my spring and summer clothes already! Over the weekend we went to Chinatown for the Chinese New Year Parade. It was the most packed I have ever seen it. I guess the year of the dragon really enticed people. After the parade we stopped at a few of my favorite bakeries and picked up almond cookies, coconut drops and creme puffs. We had dinner at a place the L.A. Times called the new "hot spot" of Chinatown and it should have been called the most unorganized spot. I don't think the poor place was ready for the lineups outside their door. They had no system of keeping track of who was next in line.(Or the lady couldn't read) Our broccoli beef and egg drop soup was delicious though and we'll be back to see how the place holds up without the parade crowds. After dinner we stopped right next door at a boba shop and got a yummy mango boba that was the perfect desert. As we left and walked down the streets filled with confetti and colored paper, two dragons serenaded all the shops with a dance and music to bring good fortune to the businesses. It was a perfect day to start the New Year. Gung Hay Fat Choy! xoxo -Taj

Pastels

2012-01-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

Oh Elie Saab!! You make me crazy for all of these dresses! I always look forward to his shows, they are always breathtaking. These colors will be hot for spring I'm sure. I am dreaming of silky blouses in every color! Powder blue, mint green, rose pink...le sigh! I'm loving the makeup palette too by makeup artist Tom Pecheux, rosey cheeks, light lips, simple but pretty. xx Keep It Glam -Taj

Elie Saab Spring 2012 Couture | Paris Haute Couture

Pink Heart

2012-01-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

On the way to work this morning I hit the biggest pothole --crater in the earth actually, on the freeway and it sounded like my wheel popped up to San Francisco. Living in Los Angeles, there's no getting around potholes but this one I'm sure you can see from space. Anyway, my point is, this got me in an even worse mood as I had already been sitting in traffic for over an hour and hadn't sleept at all the night before! Very Glamorous I know. It happens. Then, I started thinking about a woman who had e-mailed me named Jackie. She does outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance and had asked me if she could write a short article for my readers about cancer and still feeling beautiful. I thought, today is the perfect day to share her article. Here I am feeling saucy over traffic and a pothole and this is just what I need to refocus. I hope whatever you face today, this story will encourage you to feel beautiful too. xx -Taj

Feeling Beautiful Doesn't Have to End because of Cancer

By: Jackie Clark
Beauty is more than a narrowly defined term dealing with the aesthetic senses. It is a feeling. It is a motivator. It is power. Beauty for women creates confidence to face each day. Beauty gives women the strength to walk out the door and tackle the problems and issues that may arise. However, for those recently diagnosed with cancer, feeling beautiful can be a difficult, though not impossible a task. Women struggling to find their inner strength and confidence can use fashion as a means to an end.
Every woman knows how it feels to slip on a dress that compliments the body perfectly or wear an eyeshadow that seems to highlight and brighten the eyes. It is intoxicating and invigorating. There is more than one reason why shopaholics find fashion to be a sort of therapy. Looking great usually translates to feeling great. It translates to confidence and excitement to leave the house and turn heads. Too often women diagnosed with cancer want to hide themselves always as if they have some reason to be ashamed. There is no shame in being a fighter, in being a strong, independent and beautiful woman.
Mesothelioma, which is caused by asbestos exposure, is but one form of cancer women may face. In the past, the prognosis for mesothelioma patients was bleak, but there have been significant strides in treatment during recent years. Finding ways to feel beautiful during treatments like mesothelioma is absolutely essential if patients wish to enjoy a high quality of life.
While cancer may alter certain physical features, fashion can be used as a means to circumvent these effects. Find something you love about yourself and accent it. This can be done with a form-fitting shirt to show off a slim figure. A pair of pants can be used to accent long legs. A new pair of shoes can be used as a way to draw attention away from areas you may not be so thrilled about. While the exterior plays a rather significant role in a woman's perception of herself, beauty starts from the inside. Focus on what you love about yourself and don't let go. Cancer may be able to affect and alter a number of things, but it can't take away a person's inner beauty.

Thanks for the advice Jackie!

Parade Rain or Shine

2012-01-23T12:53:00.000-08:00

It's raining today in L.A. and I wished I could have stayed in bed all day. The weekend seemed to

fly by so fast did it not? We made a trip to Godiva on Saturday to pick up a raspberry white chocolate shake, a box of dark chocolate cocoa and a few bags of coffee. Have you ever tried their coffee? It's heavenly. I also stopped by the Zara sale and didn't see too much, I'm looking forward to spring already and can't wait for the new color palette to arrive in stores. I also organized my bathroom drawers and cabinets. I realized I have way too much shampoo and conditioner! No more sales and coupons for me! I have enough to last me for 400 years. I see the clouds are breaking up over the ocean and the light is trying to peak thru. Maybe the sun is on his way back. I can't wait to go home tonight, take a hot bath, and curl up with my pups and a good book in bed. What did you do this weekend? xoxo -Taj

Love is Not Love Which Alters When it Alteration Finds...

2012-01-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Hi Sweets! I couldn't be happier that it's Friday! I've got plans to do Valentine's crafts and make pretty cards. I'm also thinking of making a big caldo (Spanish for soup-stew) with lots of veggies and chicken. And most importantly, do some reading by the fire. Thank you for all of your sweet comments you are the best! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! xx -Taj

Luisa Bianchin by Alexander Neumann for L’Officiel Paris

(I love this look!)

Where Butterflies Live

2012-01-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

I did a lot of thinking this morning, trying to decide what to do about the photos of my

first collection of art. I'm just not happy with it. I'm a perfectionist and I have a hard

time sharing with you something that is so dear to my heart if I am not completely satisfied with the

quality of the photos. I've decided to reshoot everything. One thing I have promised myself this year

is to really focus on the things I love and to take more chances on my hopes and dreams. Being creative, for me is the air I breathe. Weather it's doing a innovative makeup look for a photoshoot or styling the costumes of an Indie film, I love working with a blank canvas and transforming it into something magical. My art collection is another layer of this obession that I have with glamour. Working with gorgeous makeup colors and textures, mixing fabrics and patterns, working with a never ending palette of paints, is all dreamlike to me. Like a pen to a blank piece of paper...the possibilities of your imagination are endless. But how few people are brave enough to put that pen down onto the paper and begin to write without fear, transforming reality, diving into to abyss of dreams. What is one of your dreams this year? Have you written it down? Have you made it into a reality almost by just believing in it's power because it makes your heart beat faster when you think about it? What's wrong with today, isn't it a beautiful day to dream! Let's dream together and then step out into the abyss...

xoxo -Taj

Walkinig In Clouds With You

2012-01-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hi sweets! I miss you so much!! I've been under the weather since last week, hence the lack of posting. And today I forgot to bring my usb to upload my artwork pics! So tomorrow I will share with you my very first collection!! I have to admit, I am so excited to see what you think about it! In the meantime here's some lovely treats for you! xoxo Keep it Glam! -Taj

Anais

2012-01-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

I'm obsessed with my new Alexander Wang Anais loafers. I want to wear them even while I'm vacuuming and washing the dishes!

Everytime I go to the store lately I pick up a pastel shade of polish. I'm not over glitter yet, I actually left out two bottles of Essie glitter polish from this picture because, well, I need help. I'm addicted to polish to begin with and then add glitter on top of it and you might as well lock me up! xx -Taj

Secret Moments of Beauty and Grace

2012-01-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

"Each person comes into this world with a specific destiny - he has something to fulfill, some message has to be delivered, some work has to be completed. You are not here accidentally - you are here meaningfully. There is a purpose behind you. The whole intends to do something through you."
O S H O

"The beauty seen is partly in him who sees it."
C H R I S T I A N N E S T E L L E

Another weekend spent fullfilling dreams and envisioning new ones..The sun is ripe today and I can see its reflection on the ocean, which streches out before me like a magical abyss. I wonder if the sun looks upon his refelction and sees the same blanket of gold dust he leaves behind over the water that I do. Little glimpses of love and beauty not to be taken for granted. I hope your week is filled with secret moments of beauty and grace. xoxo -Taj

"He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life..."

2012-01-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

I've got a closet full of winter clothes that are useless to me right now. We've been having this heat wave here in Los Angeles and you wouldn't want to be caught in a coat in this weather. We've got sunshine for miles and I'm not complaining! I'm so excited for this weekend as I'll be getting my first collection of paintings ready for a photo shoot. If you follow me on twitter, you'll know that I've been putting in long hours in my studio just painting my heart away. I can't wait to share them with you next week! Have a great weekend! xoxo -Keep It Glam -Taj

Maryna Linchuk for Vogue Russia by Mariano Vivanco

Miss Charming

2012-01-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas break I devoured the Emmy award winning series, Dowton Abbey. (Thank goodness for Netflix!) I'm totally hooked on it and can't wait for the new season to begin this coming Sunday! (pbs) If you love Jane Austin you will love this storyline. It's set in England in the early 1900's and follows the lives of an Earl and his 3 daughters. They live in the most beautiful castle and have a boat load of servants which, relentlessly seem to stir up more drama than a telenovela! Of course I am drawn to the costume design and hairdo's of the period, they are just exquisite! But also, I love the etiquette and the traditions of housekeeping that have been lost today. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not pinning away after all of those tedious chores but some of them are quite lovely. One beautiful tradition is the setting of the formal table.
For those of us who need a refresher course, I found Emily Post’s instructions most helpful. For a special dinner, a well set table is most charming, and ever so glam! xoxo -Taj

For a basic table setting, here are two great tips to help you -- or your kids -- remember the order of plates and utensils:

Picture the word "FORKS." The order, left to right, is: F for Fork, O for the Plate (the shape!), K for Knives and S for Spoons. (Okay -- you have to forget the R, but you get the idea!)
Holding your hands in front of you, touch the tips of your thumbs to the tips of your forefingers to make a lowercase 'b' with your left hand and a lowercase 'd' with your right hand. This reminds you that "bread and butter" go to the left of the place setting and "drinks" go on the right. Emily Post could have used that trick -- she was often confused about which bread and butter belonged to her -- and sometimes she used her neighbor's! In which case, when it was called to her attention, she would say to the dismayed lady or gentleman, "Oh, I am always mixing them up. Here, please take mine!"

Some other things to know:

Knife blades always face the plate
The napkin goes to the left of the fork, or on the plate

The bread and butter knife are optional
(via Emily Post)

Star Across My Sky

2012-01-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Dears! I know I know, I've been gone for over a week! I needed to do absolutely nothing for a little while. I had a wonderful Christmas and ate lots of good meals! The Director and I rang in the New Year with friends and I am looking forward to a year filled with many wonderful things. Every year I always

write in my journal all the blessings of the past year and the most memorable things that have happened. I also write down my goals, hopes and dreams. One of my goals is to read one book a month. I've got a stack of books I want to read and the months just seem to fly by, I hardly get through all of them. What are some of your goals?

I finally watched Doctor Zhivago over the weekend and when I saw this editorial it reminded me of it! For those of you who have seen it, what did you think of the ending? I was like what! I can't wait to dive into more classic movies though. I got the Greta Garbo collection for Christmas and I can hardly wait to watch them all! Hope you are having a great week so far! xo -Taj

Daria Strokous for Vogue Russia December 2011 by Mariano Vivanco

Land of Dreams

2011-12-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

“All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers” Orison Swett Marden

I'm into dreaming lately, and not only dreaming but putting action behind my dreams.

If we only dream and never step out in faith and try them then what good are they?

It's like sitting in a rocking chair all day, rocking and rocking and never getting anywhere...

Join me as we approach the New Year to try that something new, something that makes your heart shine!

I'll blow some sparkle dust your way....xoxo -Taj

Baby It's Cold Outside...

2011-12-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hi dolls, with just a few days left until Christmas, I have one gift left to find! She's the girl who

has everything! Every year I have to get very creative to find something for her that is

meaningful and not a million bucks! Do you have anyone like that on your list?

They are just so hard to shop for! I bought her something earlier and then the very

next week there she was carrying it around! ughh! I've made a little list

of a few treats for those of you who still have some last minute shopping to do!

xoxo -Keep it glam- Taj

Sequins clutch (Target)

(Christian Louboutin Book -Neiman's)

(Kate Spade iPhone Case)

(Forever 21 Studded Bracelet $12!!)

(Cabanna Bar Set- ZGallerie)

And don't forget to wrap it in pretty paper and bows!!

Shinning Bright

2011-12-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

Are we really only one week away from Christmas already! I'm sure glad it's the weekend so I can get all my gifts wrapped. The Director and I are headed out for ice skating and brunch tomorrow. Last night we made peppermint candycane milkshakes that are my favorite this time of year! I've got to pull out all of my holiday china and tablewear and get it cleaned up for next weekend. I'm dreaming of an all white tablescape with pretty white feathers and white poinsettias...maybe some glam gold and silver confetti sprinkled here and there to mix it up! Hope you have a fab weekend dolls! xoxo -Taj

Things I'm loving....

(The most gorgeous office!)

(Reminder to keep dreaming and moving towards it)

(I love books!!)

(Don't let the Holidays stress you out!)

( I need this wallpaper in my life...)

(Keeping it glam at all times!)

(Pretty soft makeup, glam earrings, and fluff! Soo me!) Hugs!!

The Joy of Cooking

2011-12-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

One thing I love about this time of year is cooking, baking and decorating my table with little sweet treasures. I also love pulling out my treasured Christmas recipes and cookbooks and trying new treats. I've been meaning to stop by Pier One and pick up a fancy little Christmas Apron to wear while I cook. It makes everything just a little bit more fun! I love baking sweet desserts for my loved ones and seeing their faces as they bite into each piece. I hope your tables are filled with the ones you love this month and lots of delicious foods!
Here are a few lovely things to inspire your table. xoxo -Taj

p.s. the winner of my Shabby Apple giveaway is Rubiiee! congrats!

My fav Christmas cookbook!!

It's True What They Say

2011-12-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Taj, and I'm addicted to sparkle and glitter. There I said it. I've been a little elf in my workshop adding glitter and sparkle to everything this past week and I'm quite happy to admit that it makes me utterly content! First I started with pinecones, and then I moved on to ornaments and I'm sure by this evening I'll be rolling my two pups in glitter!! Wouldn't my Chihuahua Vida loook divine in a dusting of pink glitter? Ok, I digress! I'm baking cookies this weekend, writing out Christmas cards, hopping to a festive party and drinking lots of spiked eggnogg! Hope you dolls have a lovely weekend! Keep it Glam! xoxo -Taj

*Last weekend to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway here!

(Glitter how I love thee...)

(One lonely pinecone needing a makeover bad!)

(Magic!)

(34 little bottles of sparkly potions! from Michael's)

(My new Ipad case)

(Fav new shoes from Kate Spade)

(Pretty sparkly pillow)

Paris

2011-12-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

Hello darlings! I've got a scrumptious editorial for you! Of course Paris would be the culprit behind all of these gorgeous clothes! And I just love the hair! I've been busy this week with glitter, I'll show you the pics soon of my creations!
Keep It Glam! xoxo -Taj

*p.s. Enter my Shabby Apple Skirt giveaway here!

Naomi Preizler by Alexander Neumann for L’Officiel Paris

Most Wonderful Time of The Year

2011-12-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hello darlings! I hope you had a great weekend! I put up another tree this weekend, this time a little light pink one in my bedroom! I decorated it with mini hats that have the most gorgeous feathers and bows on them! So that brings my total up to 3 trees! My excuse is that I'm not putting up our huge tree this year so the smaller ones make up for it. I love Christmas! The Director and I did some Christmas shopping this weekend, and he surprised me with the sweetest cupcake and sundae ornaments from Macy's, you'll see them below. I made a late brunch yesterday with chocolate peppermint pancakes and watched the Grinch. Have you watched any Christmas movies yet? Here are some pics of a few things that bring me joy around the house. xoxo Keep It Glam! - Taj

(Pretty green branches I found outside)

(Silver Sparkle)

(One of my little trees!)

(Pretty ornaments)

(Little hat for my pink tree)

Gorgeous Glam: Shabby Apple Skirt Giveaway

2011-12-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

Now that it's officially the season of giving, I am happy to partner with the wonderful Shabby Apple to bring a lovely giveaway to my most glamorous readers! This Andes skirt is a fabulous pattern to add to your wardrobe, which can be mixed with many items to spice up the dreary winter weather months! I'm envisioning it with some gorgeous warm colored tights, a luxurious long wool cardigan sweater over a simple tucked in silk blouse and a hot pair of suede booties!

To win this just do the following...

1. Follow Shabby Apple on Facebook

For extra entries...

Follow Shabby Apple's Twitter

Gorgeous Glam's Twitter

This giveaway is for U.S. residents only.

Giveaway ends December 11th at midnight. Winner announced on December 12th

xoxo -Taj