Hello, Bella

Passionate

2012-04-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

So, since I have been gone there has been a passionate love affair

that we have yet to discuss...

COLOR BLOCKING

...And while it's been around for a bit, I think it's worth revisiting

and I hope it's one that will stick around

Here are a few examples of some color blocking with my girlfriends and I

while we were out for my besties birthday (blue)

Each of these beautiful ladies blog too:

nestingblissfully and thewhimwhamlife, check them out!

Mmhhmm...Love it! I hope this will inspire you to play with what's already in your closet Bella...

It may surprise you what you already have!

{All photos}

Spring Forward: DIY shorts

2012-03-13T12:55:00.001-07:00

Hello Bella!

It's not even spring yet and I am already obsessed with shorts!

And I don't think I am alone...

Look at these adorable DIY

Studded

Colored

Scalloped

Eyelet Hem

...Of course the original Levi Jean cutoff/rolled hem

worn in Dirty Dancing (my all time favorite) by Baby

{Via}

Bella, any of these adorable do-it yourself shorts (originally Levi

or Wrangler brands and preferably high waisted fit) can be found at

any local used clothing store (ex: Value Village or Goodwill) and any

additional craft materials can be found at any local fabric or craft store.

...And here are a few more of my must haves!

{Via}

That's all for now Bella...What are you just itching for come spring time??

To the MAX

2011-04-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Bella,

So here is what I am on the hunt for...

{Maxi's}

Maxi skirts, to be exact but I am loving on maxi-dresses as well.

Something like these perhaps...

{Via}

I think the flow is key...

It needs to be ultra flowy.

Almost, over sized.

To create this beautifully feminine look.

Bella, have you spotted these lately??

Tell me where!!

How to Choose: Your Hairstyle

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Bella,

Some of you may know that my mother is a fashionista

and very talented hairdresser/salon owner.

In all my years of sitting in her salon

(since I can remember)

and after all the years of her mentoring....

I have picked up a few tips on

{How to Choose}

The best style or haircut for you.

Step #1 is defining your personal face shape.

This can be classified by geometrical shapes

[ie. heart, circle, oval, triangle or square]

Pay attention to the silhouette of the face

Emma Watson's face is heart shaped.

The heart shaped face can wear almost any hairstyle.

However, the most flattering looks are those that show the silhouette.

Therefore, it is best if the person with this face shape does not choose

a long hairstyle unless the hair is very full and stays off the face. If the

hair is too close to the face it can overrun the petite facial features.

Mila Kunis' face is a circle.

The circular face is complimented by those hairstyles that are

full and cut into the circular appearance. Her long hair and swooped

bangs are a perfect example.

Pay attention to how they cut into the circular shape.

Eva Longoria's face shape is oval.

Oval shape faces are complimented by a full figured top. The height

draws the eyes upward and keeps the face from looking long and

drawn out. Shorter hair is perfect for this face shape because it easier

to keep texture and a full figure toward the top. However, if you

are set on long hair, just make sure to tease and keep the top full.

Kim Kardashian's face shape is a triangle.

Kim is the perfect example of a triangular shape. However, you can

hardly recognize the corners of her face because she has

covered the edges by letting her bangs swoop into her face shape.

She also has a lot of body in her hair and therefore can keep it long.

If you have thin hair you can do a shorter cut and texture around the face.

Reece Witherspoon's face is a square shape.

The square face shape needs to have a soft appearance

in order to smooth the edges of the face. Swooping

soft bangs are a great look for a square face shape.

The square shape is also complimented by long

and soft hair (curls are ideal).

My face is Heart shaped...

And this is what my mom and I came up with.

What's your face shape Bella?
If you would like to send me a picture for some advice on
hair styles for you, I would be happy to help!
My e-mail is helena.albanese@gmail.com

Baby Doll

2011-04-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Bella,

I adore being called

{Baby Doll}

There is something so sweet and endearing about this nickname.

I also love all the sweet things that pertain to baby dolls...

[especially these baby doll shorts]

{Via}

I need a pair of these sweet shorts.

What's your favorite nickname bella?

Blast to The Past: Cozy Chic

2011-04-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hello bella,

As you know, I have been pining for spring to come...

The result has been a push of the envelope.

[ie. wearing skirts, sandals and light blouses in 45-55 degree weather]

However, this weekend my husband and I

[as well as our friends in Pharmacy school with my husband]

will be heading to the winter weather in Sunriver.

I am pleasantly surprised that I will be having a

{Blast to The Past}

Back to Winter Wonderland we go!

I am very excited to play with layers and

{Cozy Chic}

KNITS, HATS, SOCKS, MITTENS, BOOTS.

{Via}

{Via}

{Via}

I think this may be a bitter sweet moment...

Goodbye to winter and hello to Spring.

Bella, do you have any happy or sad fairwells to winter?

Or perhaps,

just joyous hello's to Spring!!

Guest Post at: http://www.jasondbay.com/blog/2011/4/5/well-suited-guest-post-by-helena-albanese.html

2011-04-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Bella,

A good friend from highschool recently asked me to create

a guest post for his blog (his blog pertains to building your own personal brand).

I chose a 'How-To' in proffessional suiting.

How do you dress in a way that sets you up to make

the best first impression?

Please Visit

http://www.jasondbay.com/blog/2011/4/5/well-suited-guest-post-by-helena-albanese.html

Sweet & Elegant

2011-04-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Bella,

We have experienced some warmer weather here in Oregon recently...

I have been watching the tree outside my house slowly begin to bud

and now there are even small blooms on each branch.

However, I still find myself pining for the

shades of Spring to flourish the entire tree.

The {{sweet and elegant}} nature of cherry trees can send

me into a dream-like happiness that inspires me...

To walk down the street wearing something like

{this}

{Via}

OR

{this}

{Via}

{this}

{Via}

What's inspiring you for Spring Bella??

Pregnancy Chic

2011-03-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Bellas,

This last week I had the pleasure of spending some

severely needed quality time with my sister.

Due to multiple requests and having my beautiful
[7 month pregnant] sister on hand
I was inspired to do a

'How To'
on
{{ Pregnancy Chic}}

The how to's for the every-day-fashionista who happens to
be pregnant. You may be on your first or you may be juggling
another munchkin similar to this one

{This is Weston}
My 1 & 1/2 year old nephew and joy of my life.

{This is Selena}
This beautiful bella is my sister.

Not only have I had the joy of helping my sister in finding
flattering looks during her pregnancy...

I have also consulted numerous pregnant women that have
visited a local boutique that I work at.

During these experiences I have picked up a few

{How To's}

1. long hair is best.
Many woman would like to cut their hair because it's easier
but truth be told, most woman become rounder in the face
and long hair compliments this face shape best.
Also, use moisturizing treatments, your hormones
may cause some dryness to the hair.

2. Choose a fitted top that outlines the growing bump.
By accentuating the bump you are proclaiming that you
are pregnant, not frumpy and that you ARE pregnant.

3. Choose a loose fitting jacket.
This will create a slender look for the arms and even
if the arms have grown it will appear that they are smaller.

4. Choose nicely fitting jeans.
These jeans don't need to be skinny but they should
show that your legs are smaller than your top half.

5. Take care of your skin.
Even if you don't prefer makeup, try a light foundation,
concealer, blush, and mascara. And don't forget to MOISTURIZE-
your skin is stretching around the belly so invest in quality Shea butter.

6. Lastly, accessorize.
Don't worry so much about accumulating piles of maternity clothing.
You will need a few basics that create a flattering appearance.

However, simple is best when you can accessorize. Long
necklaces are a great find because they split the middle line of the
body and breakup a wider appearance.

These tips should help in giving the appearance of a slim
and fit mom that is taking care of herself and her baby on the way.

{My sister and I}

{The Borne Family}

I hope this helps you now or in the future bella!

Wish List...

2011-03-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Happy weekend Bellas!

We are enjoying a beautiful day in Oregon today and I hope

wherever you are it is sunny as well.

On a sunny day like today I feel especially fortunate to have the day

[off work]

I like to go for a little workout, relax, walk outside

and everyone once and a while...create a

{Wishlist}

Today my list is all about:

TRAVEL/comfort/relaxation, fashion, and food.

{Via}

And lucky for me my hubbs is planning a trip for our

one year anniversary (end of June) here:

{Via}

(Via)

What's inspiring your wishlist Bella?

Don't be afraid to color.

2011-03-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Bella,

This Spring

{Don't be afraid to color}

{Via}

Obsessions

2011-03-03T09:45:00.001-08:00

Hello Bella,

Have you ever been

{OBSESSED}

You know...Those decadent delights--people, desserts, smells, anything.

Well... I have a few things that I am currently obsessing over.

{Including}

Oh Kim... While the media may love to hate her at times...

there is no denying, she is a

{Beautiful Bella}

I adore everything from her fashion sense to her makeup.

Bella, if you are at a loss of inspiration... look to Kim.

Next...

My clothing/accessory Obsessions

Thigh high socks (I am dying to grab a pair)

Strappy/Ankle boots

Tying belts (you can do this with any belt that's a little longer)

Jackets/cardigans with draping lapels

Layer upon layers of bracelets

Mini dresses w/ tights and layered thigh highs over top

Dramatically long feather earrings

Bow hair pieces

[this is especially cute with a little knot bun on top of the head

that Whitney Port wears so well]

{Via}

I hope this gives you a few things to

{OBSESS}

over for now...

What are some of your current obsessions Bella??

Obsessions by Helena.Albanese

Olivia Rose

2011-03-01T23:04:00.001-08:00

Hello Bella,

Along with many of my blog themes I would like to incorporate the

{bellas of my life}

The first one is something special...

This posting is a tribute to one of the lovely women who continually inspires me.

{Olivia Rose}

The outfit posted bellow is inspired by Olivia

and infused with some of my own flair.

In the years I have known this bella, it would not be unusual for her to

{effortlessly}

throw on something like this...

Her fashion sense is uniquely characterized by

a sort of European--relaxed & natural look.

This bella (daily) carries herself in such a way that one would assume
she were on a stroll through Paris.

I aspire to be like this bella...

Mostly in the way she

{lives and loves}

Meet, Ms. Olivia Rose

Olivia Rose by Helena.Albanese featuring Inspired by my lovely and oh, so chic friend {Olivia Rose}

Dressing formal after 20

2011-02-26T18:36:00.000-08:00

Hello Bella,

A week ago my husband and I chose to attend the

{Apothecary Ball}

hosted by the Oregon State Pharmacy school.

The dilemma I encountered was finding a dress that would not shout

{Prom repeat}

Let's be honest...most gowns out there are created for the
sole purpose of highschool.

As I began my search for the perfect dress, trying them on one by one...
I found that there were natural rules that developed in the back of my mind.

#1
{Choose a dress with a slim silhoutte}

...not a princess dress.

#2
{No more 'value' finds}

Face it, we can't get away with
cheap materials that are used for Highschool dresses anymore.

#3
{Be careful with sparkle}

I have found that sparkle is best when there is little amounts or fine sparkle.
Fine sparkles may be over the entire dress but not overpowering.

{Formal wear after 20}

{Via}

[An example of fine sparkles]

{Via}

[Quality materials & detail]

{Via}

[Sleek Silhoutte]

{Via}

[Little amounts of Sparkle]

I felt very elegant and dressed appropriately mature for my age.
Bella, I hope this helps next time you need to dress for that

{{something special}}

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Bella,

I must apologize for my long absence...

I am a full time student, working part time--with a list of

{Excuses}

However, today is

Enjoy this day.

Whether you are single, dating, or married please treat yourself to some

{fashion & chocolate}

{{Chic ideas to spice up your Valentine's Day this year}}

{Chocolate shoes...yumm x 2}

{Sweet & Pretty}

{Red lips & falsy lashes}

{Let's try nontraditional pinks & red shades this year}

{Flats have a sexy flare with a baby-doll skirt--shown in second photo}

{Make some fabulous treats & invite others to share}

{Gossip Girl}

2011-02-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

Hello Bella,

We all have those days... Filled with a lack of fashion inspiration.

Mostly, because on days like these, fashion hardly seems to be the most important priority.

Today was nothing short of...

{rough}

Until, that is... I engaged in some therapeutic cooking and sat down to watch

And to my surprise, there was not only one, but two new episodes.

{Instant inspiration pick me-up}

Always fabulous. Thanks Gossip Girl.

Where do you find your inspiration Bella??

Hello Bello

2011-02-05T10:00:00.001-08:00

Hello Bello,

I have decided, upon request...

to do a {menswear} feature every couple weeks.

Menswear is simple--all you need is...

[The Jacket]

[The Cardigan]

[The Sweater/Button Up]

[The Dark Denim]

[The Skinny Tie]

[The Henley]

[The T-Shirt]

[Charcoal Denim]

[The Blazer]

[The Vest]

[The Blazer/Jean Combo]

[The Plaid]

[The Boots]

[[The Spring Line Up]]

[Short sleeve button ups]

[Fitted Cuttoff Shorts]

Whether you are a gentlemen's Lady or you are the gentlemen reading this post...

[all you need to know is]

Menswear is simple, yet it walks a thin line.

[The Line]

Make sure that the denim is dark

Be aware of the shoe's purpose-- athletics or streetwear?

The best shirt fit is when the shoulder seem lines up with the shoulder

Baggie jeans are out, skinny/fitted jeans are in

[Need more lines?]

Write me a post or e-mail me at helena.albanese@gmail.com

Looking fab when you're feeling drab.

2011-02-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Bella,

So...the last few days I have been feeling very sick and it seems I have come down with the flu.

After spending nearly twelve hours in bed and still feeling awful...

I found that I needed some refreshing.

I got up, went to the bathroom and realized I nearly looked as awful as I felt,

so I took a nice warm shower and thought to myself...

What is something quick, easy and comfortable to throw on?

Here it is...the go to's when you need a

{ Fashion pick-me-up}

#1 As my husband [Pharmacy student at Oregon State] would point out-
nothing masks the symptoms like a little:
--Ibuprofen (pain/fever)
-- Dextromethorphen (cough)
--Phenylephrine (decongestant)
--Throat coat tea.

#2 Throw on your loose fitting and most comfortable pair of trouser jeans.

#3 Begin applying layers

--I wrapped myself in my comfy drape sweater along with a cozy scarf.

#4 Keep your makeup simple

--concealer will be your best friend for covering dark circles and a red nose.

--apply a light layer of foundation

--use a light color around the entire eye to restore brightness

--apply pink to cheeks and cheek bones to give the appearance of rejuvenation

--for lips, apply a shade of pink to uplift the lip color

--finally apply mascara

{This makeup should only take 10 min. max.}

{Hair}

#5 Pick something simple yet flattering

--I always default to backcombing on the crown to give me an extra lift

--simple pony tails or buns are easy and [luckily] unusually fashionable lately

I have to say this was successful all around for me...

I went to pick up a few groceries and some coffee with hubbs and the lady at

Starbucks asked what I was up to today...

I responded with the truth--

"This is the first time out of the house today, due to running a fever."

She responded with a sweet compliment-- "Well you look nice, I couldn't tell."

{God bless that woman at Starbucks}

Well, Bella... I hope this helps next time your sick or even just in a hurry.

30 items 30 days...

2011-02-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Bella,

So here it is...

{The challenge}

If you are up for it...

One of my dear friends is facilitating a challenge through her blog that includes picking 30 clothing items (excluding: scarfs, hats, jewelery, etc.) and wearing only those items over the course of 30 days.

I have only been doing this challenge for seven days and I have found it to be surprisingly fun and exciting!

I have felt that by sectioning off 30 items, I am forced to look at and appreciate select pieces and mix/match them.

Almost like bringing home a bag of 30 new items!

{almost}

Below are photos of my own 30 items and please visit {Urban Nester} for more information and to enter the contest to potentially win a handcrafted prize!

{please join this challenge with me and begin the journey of a sustainable lifestyle}

1 pair of khaki shorts

3 pairs denim

2 Dresses

6 cardigans

4 jackets

2 skirts

6 tops

6 pairs of shoes

While we love fashion...everything is about balance.

Obsession: Short hair

2011-01-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, Bella

So I have seen a trend in Hollywood that includes either

{Very short}

{Very long}

...Locks...

and I am obsessed with...

{very short}

I have decided to cut my hair something like this...

{as soon as possible}

Oh Emma...

Oh Twiggy...

Ohh...Audrey

{Via}

Do you see a pattern?

I am in aww of these women and their beautiful features

that come forward through their lack of locks...

I just can't wait...

Is this tempting to you bella or do you prefer long locks?

Talented Bellas

2011-01-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

The Bellas I spend my time with are extremely talented individuals...

{They amaze me}

I would like to highlight and share with you a few of their many talents.

This is only ten shots from one individual shoot that my sweet husband and I modeled for...

You will be desperate to see more of their work

{Trust me}

Dress & Bow tie: Margaret Saunders

{Via}

Photography: Niki Rhodes of r Photography

{Via}

Hair Piece: Austie Eckley

{Via}

Makeup: Destiney Taylor

{Via}

Hair: Helena {me}

{Via}

Wishful thinking...

2011-01-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Bella,

We had some beautiful weather in Oregon this week and it got me thinking about spring...

{wishfully}

I began to think about my approach to spring this year.

This is the color scheme I have fallen in love with...

A bella who I work and go to school with is doing fashion forecasting

for a boutique in New York...

She tells me they call this color

{Via}

I believe this will be my attack plan on spring...What will yours be Bella?

Let's be optomistic and hope for an early spring!

The fine line.

2011-01-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

Hello, Bella

Do you ever find yourself longing to be an early adopter of a

trendy look but you're too afraid that you won't pull it off?

{it's a fine line.}

Here are some of my favorite new trends and their

{do's & dont's.}

{Via}

{DO}

Wear nicely fitting Harem trousers with a fitted top.

{Via}

{DON'T}

Wear baggie harem pants with an inseam that hangs to the knee.

{Via}

{DO}

Wear fur complemented by sleek layers underneath.

{Via}

{DON'T}

Let fur wear you by overdoing it.

{Via}

{DO}

Wear feminine literal prints.

{Via}

{DON'T}

Let literal prints take over by masking your shape.

{Either way}

Go out there and be bold.

Allow yourself to experiment and the fun part about fashion

is that it is always changing and you can always try again.

Look Book

2011-01-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Bella,

This is my first posting so I will introduce myself.
My name is Helena... I am a Fashion Merchandising student
at Oregon State University and I will be graduating this Spring.
Soon after, I will be heading to Portland to
attend Aveda Institute (cosmotology school).
As I progress in this design journey
I would like to document in hopes of helping
every beautiful (Bella) woman out there with some beauty tips.

Here is what I have been up to...

This is another Bella named Maggie Saunders...

Second Glance boutique in Corvallis asked me to create a

look book to go along with free makeup consultations

I will be doing on the 26th of January {Wednesday}...

...And I thought, who better than this bella {with beautiful brown eyes} to use as my model?

All of these looks are very {{wearable}} and simple.

                                Sometimes simplicity is the most beautiful.

                                                      To get this look:

                                                           {I used}

                                                            Brushes:

Bare Minerals concealer brush
Bare Minerals Flawless Face brushes
MAC angled brush (for liner)

Makeup:

Motives Celebrity pallette {eyes}

-Ivory for the entire eye

-Bronze for the arch and along the bottom of the eye

Bare Minerals Mineral Vail

Bare Minerals Matte

Motives flushed blush

This is what I used but it is very easy to get these simple looks with other stand in products.