myretroperspective

There’s no place in the world like New York City. It’s the place where dreams come true and nightlife is haute! On my recent trip, I had several events to attend in the course of just 72 hours. Therefore, finding a perfect balance between glam and cocktail chic meant one thing—assemble a mini glam squad! Every glam squad needs a hair stylist… so I turned to “Glam God” Karli Harvey in Atlanta. She gave my super straight bob curls that I’ve never had before. When it came to makeup… I went to the Mac store where the artist paired a sultry eye with neutral lips. Finally, What should I wear to my first event? A dress that’s haute (check)… once I ran the color choice by Style Strategist Tonya Seavers Evans, it was a tribute to gold metallic. My girl Maureen Martin from Rock The Look helped me play with accessories like jewelry and wraps to finish off a polished look allowing a fun night in the city! How do you achieve your glam look?

As the holiday season gets into full swing, I decided to forgo the traditional red and rock jewel tones. I’ve been working with style consultant on abandoning my black for colors that pop next to my complexion. She’s got me wearing all kinds of hues like purple, gold, navy and loving it! She suggests that I always focus on shape and silhouette because once you get that down it’s easy to select figure flattering garments according to your body type. Since my body type is more hour glass… it’s important that I select great fitting garments with emphasis on a cinched waist. But it’s not easy working with curves! I’m always conscious as the style consultant suggests of the image and message that I’m conveying through fashion. She suggests the following when selecting your HAUTE look: -Understand your body type -Blend out to create an effective image -The power of color Don’t be afraid to step out in color and embrace your curves… it’s all about body type not your size that keeps you lookin

Beauty icon Princess Grace Kelly exuded glamour, style and elegance. So it’s no wonder why I’ve always been a fan and decided to channel my inner Kelly with a modern day version of her shoulder-length bob. To start, you’ll need a simple, just below the shoulder bob that flatters you. In fact, the Kelly style suits most girls with round or long faces. To get my version of the Princess Grace look… I washed my hair with a keratin shampoo and moisturizing conditioner like Global Keratin’s Juvexin. I generally blow dry my hair out straight using a rounded brush, lifting from the base to add volume using Oscar Blandi’s Volumizing Spray at the root. It’s easier for me because I have a keratin treatment that protects against frizz and keeps my hair silky straight. The next step, flat iron to smooth and use medium size rollers turning them under or pin curl your hair over night to get bouncing curls. When you’re satisfied with your curls simply brush your hair enough to style. I also part my ha

The Fifth Annual L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth program recognized ten extraordinary women on December 9th in New York City. All of the honorees are committed to making a beautiful difference in the lives of others. Each woman honored, through her example, made all of us proud. L’Oreal Paris is making a $5,000 donation to the charitable cause of each 2010 Woman of Worth Honoree. The beauty brand is also making another $5,000 donation in the name of each honoree to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. In addition, one of the honorees, Taryn Davis, The American Widow Project also received a $25,000 donation to her cause thanks to a public online vote. Throughout the evening, I was amazed and grateful for all of the women recognized for their courage and empathy for other people… motivating and inspiring all of us to find some way on our own to improve the world. This night really brought home the message that we’re all worth it and that’s why we were in that space on that day to suppo

If you’re a Haute Travels girl headed to New York City remember to travel in style… schedule car service! It’s actually about the same price compared to most taxi rides, but you’ll appreciate a town car compared to the yellow taxi. You’ll also enjoy a smoother, more comfortable ride as you pull up at your fabulous hotel or friends’ house for the weekend looking like you own the moment. Coastal Car Service provided transportation for me to a recent event in New York City. The drivers were very friendly, efficient and professional. I loved the vehicles and I felt taken care of… I left the driving through the busy Manhattan city streets to them and simply sat back to enjoy the ride and bright lights of the big apple. When I arrived at my destination, I stepped out in Haute Travels style. What’s your haute travel tip for New York City?

Let’s face it—we’re all aging! But we don’t want to look like it. And that’s why I’m loving Priori Age Defying Body Cream because it repairs, rebuilds and smooths the appearance of visible signs of aging. It’s formulated with antioxidants to protect and prevent future damage to the skin. It also protects the cell from oxidative stress, provides the environment for cells to repair themselves while leaving the skin firm and toned. But the best part, it offers amazing moisture for the skin. I think that I’ll add my complimentary sample to my travel tote! Retail price $120.00 Which products are you using to defy the aging process

If you’re looking for clean, smooth and even-toned skin try Ambi’s Essential Gentle Cleanser. As a woman of color, I understand the challenges of flawless skin. But I also look for products that are not harmful because I have sensitive skin. I love the Ambi Essential Gentle Cleanser because it deep cleans my skin without leaving it too dry. I often suffer from dry skin as a result of the weather change so I’m forever looking for a travel-ready product that will keep me glowing on the go! Haute Tip: I also use Ambi Essentials Daily Moisturizer when I’m traveling to sunny haute spots… it comes with spf 15 protector. What are you using on your face?

When it comes to hair… there’s nobody in Atlanta like Karli Harvey, also known as “the Glam God!” This fashionista, stylist and all-around haute girl knew just what to do when I wanted ‘L’Oreal Paris Cocktail Party” hair. She took one look at my hair and decided to give me soft, sexy, bedroom curls with bounce! Harvey isn’t a stranger to making women look haute… she’s been turning heads since she was a teen with her amazing hairstyles. She says that she loves helping women achieve a look that makes them feel “confident and beautiful.” When I arrived at U Salon in Buckhead (with less than 24 hours before my L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Awards Dinner in New York City) Harvey went right to work. She started by washing and conditioning my hair that had fallen victim to changing seasons. Blow drying, curling and styling followed an intense conditioning leaving my hair fresh, shiny and full of body! Let’s just say once she handed me the mirror, I fell in love. As Harvey would say, “Looking g

Secretly tucked away near the small Puerto Morelos fishing village along the Gulf of Mexico is the charming resort, Ceiba del Mar, housed in the heart of the Mayan Riviera.   On a recent trip to Mexico, I made my way to this secret paradise that’s quiet and unassuming and known only to insiders seeking a path to wellness. Set against a backdrop of the tranquil blue waters of the sea and the lush tropical jungle is a beautiful Holistic and Aromatherapy Spa that offers a refuge for those like me who seek to restore balance in their lives. A short meditative walk with flowing ponds along the path to the sea was the perfect complement to a beautiful spa retreat. The powdery white sands and warm waters from the sea offered a sort of “meeting of the minds” making way to a space that creates harmony, encourages creativity and self-improvement through ancient Mayan rituals… just think of a wellness-inspired cultural exchange. A 90 minute massage was just the beginning in efforts to restore my