today’s outfit: a signature style

Posted on 20. Sep, 2011 by Princess Lasertron.

I often write about my daily outfits–actually, not as “often” as I used to, which should change–but I never talk about my beauty routine really at all. It’s a really interesting subject to me–I have so many friends who are absolute bombshells (check out Sarah and Rebecca, for example) and their application skills and techniques have me in awe whenever I see them. My routine is simpler than theirs, maybe. You probably won’t be in awe. But it’s definitely a strong signature look and I love the way it makes me feel!

Every day I do pretty much the same routine. It’s short and easy and because I do it the same way every day, it doesn’t take any thought or concentration, which is important because Alice is starting to throw everything in the toilet or trash can and I need to keep an eye on her. So here it is, left-to-right:

Aveeno Ultra-Calming moisturizer, MAC Studio Fix in NC15 and Glo Minerals redness relief powder, NARS blush in Orgasm, MAC lipstick in Vegas Volt, Make Up For Ever lip rouge in #40, Cover Girl red lip pencil, Maybelline Lash Discovery mascara, Lolita Lempicka perfume

Step 1: After washing my face in the shower, I moisturize with Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer which helps with the redness in my face, I think. That’s what it claims to do anyway and I don’t have any complaints.

Step 2: I use a flat kabuki brush to dust Glo Minerals redness relief powder all over, and pat MAC Studio Fix over any problem spots. I tend to get redness and acne around my chin, and since having Alice I get it on my cheeks too. I want my skin to look natural–I like it when other people look really made-up but I don’t think I look good that way because of my freckles, so I just kind of use my foundation like concealer and try to even things out.

Step 3: Wearing a little blush always makes me look more awake and spritzig. I’ve been using NARS orgasm since high school when my mom let me buy stuff from Sephora with her credit card. I brush it on my cheekbones–the part that would be sunburned if I didn’t wear SPF every day. The part that gets red when my comfortable (but too big) maternity underwear falls down around my ankles when I walk past my coworker’s desk at CAMP. Yes, that happened.

Step 4: Lips are the only thing that I really do anything dramatic with. I always wear my glasses when I work, and my eyesight is getting such that I really need to wear them all the time. Adding bold eye makeup to the bold glasses would just be too much, so the place to go big is on the lip. I always do some kind of red, and right now it’s MAC Vegas Volt and Make Up Forever #40. Vegas Volt is on the orange side of coral, and #40 is just a straight up red-orange. I like to mix them, and I like them matte. This is the only step that I spend any considerable time on, because cleaning up red lipstick is a pain.

First I line and fill in my lips with a red or red-orange pencil. I like Cover Girl or Rimmel brand. Then I do a quick pat of powder over my lips to set it. Then one coat of lipstick, pat of powder, blot lips, coat of lipstick, blot lips. If I accidentally line outside my natural lip line, I dip my finger in makeup remover and carefully wipe it away.

Step 5: Minimal eye. Eyelash curler + Maybelline Lash Discovery in black. I like Lash Discovery because it has the tiniest brush on the market and you can really give a nice coat to every lash and separate them. I only do my top lashes and I don’t sweat it.

Step 6: Lolita Lempicka! I started using this pefume when I was single in my teens–it was my first “this is my perfume” perfume, which I wrote about earlier a bit. It makes me feel spontaneous, young, and excited about what could happen next. I spray it once in my hair, once on my chest, and once on my wrist which I wipe behind my knees.

Jacket: Target; Tank: Target; Skirt: Elevenses; Necklace: Erickson Beamon for Target; Hello pin: Little Big Pants; Yellow corsage: a gift from Cricut; Glasses: Oscar + Fitch; Nails: VuVu Nail Spa. Alice: Handmade cardigan and Baby Gap sundress; Shoes: See Kai Run

alice's face is killing me

hello badge from little big pants

Last week at The Creative Connection Event I made this little drawstring bag in the BurdaStyle booth. I love the print–it’s custom for BurdaStyle from Spoonflower! It’s perfect for my few makeup essentials and I’ve already gotten tons of comments about the cute pattern. You know, you can make a drawstring bag like this out of ANYTHING.

And of course, Alice is never one to be left out of the fun. She has her own glittery brushes.

Bloom Beauty (fun fact: based in Omaha) is holding a contest to win a bunch of awesome product from makeup artist Jemma Kidd. All you have to do is tweet a picture to them showing you with your signature makeup look. Three entrants will win a prize valued at $200, $100, or $50 so send those pictures! The contest ends at 3 pm CDT on Wednesday.

xo
meg

P.S.

• Congratulations to Tina who won our Turkish Peshtemal giveaway from Beauty and Spa! For those readers who didn’t win, fear not–use code “beautyandspa5″ in checkout and get 5% off your order. These towels are already well-priced and will make amazing Christmas gifts.
• Read Kat from Rock N’ Roll Bride’s kind words about walking for me in Omaha Fashion Week. Also find out how you can get a free posie bouquet when you order our limited-edition Rock N Roll Bride dress!
• If you need something to do tomorrow, I’m speaking on the panel for Verizon’s 4g Launch Party in Omaha. There will be free drinks, appetizers, and you can win one of the new Droid Charge phones I have been testing for the past several weeks!
• I just signed up for Gertie’s Bombshell Dresses sewing class on Craftsy. Did you know you could take really inexpensive but extensive and in-depth sewing classes online? I can’t wait to get started.
• If you’ve never been to CAMP yet, come down this weekend…we’re bringing in all new furniture!

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My outfits for The Creative Connection Event…

Posted on 15. Jul, 2011 by Princess Lasertron.

Every night before I go to bed
(and lots of times during the day),
I think about what it’s going to be like at The Creative Connection Event in September.

I visualize arriving at the hotel with my suitcases and walking through the lobby, seeing groups of women gathered all over laughing, talking, trading calling cards and comparing class schedules. Or fiddling with their handbags, looking around shyly. Or sitting in the lounge sipping cocktails with friends after being on the together road for days, on the road to St. Paul. (I’m always one of the nervous, shy ones.)

The Creative Connection Event is different from other creative workshop conventions in a few ways. First, you can register for classes, keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions à la carte and only pay for the sessions you really want. The topics and classes also aren’t limited to one focus. TCC brings in experts to teach and speak about everything from new media topics like blogging, and self-publishing, to business topics like copyrighting, branding, and making money while doing what you love, to awesome FOOD classes and sessions from MaryJanesFarm. And of course there are so many amazing handmade classes taught by industry experts from all over the world in knitting, book binding, jewelry making, sewing, and everything in between.

❤ I’m excited to for the long trip to St. Paul with my two employees Emma and Shannon, my mom and dad, and baby Alice. ❤ I’m excited to see Holly Becker from Decor8′s keynote talk. ❤ I’m excited for Jo to meet Alice for the first time. ❤ I’m excited to stay in a nice hotel room. ❤ I’m excited to teach my first class to a room full of people. ❤ I’m excited to see what the attendees create in my classes, and how they put their own unique spins on my tried-and-true techniques. ❤ I’m excited to sell dresses from my new collection at our booth in the Marketplace. ❤ I’m excited to see what everyone’s going to wear. ❤ I’m excited to connect with some old friends from Silver Bella ❤ I’m excited for my parents to see me in my element ❤ I’m excited to network with some awesome new businessowners ❤ I’m excited for my mom to take some classes that she is genuinely interested in ❤ I’m excited to meet you ❤

If you want to learn more about attending The Creative Connection Event, here is where you should start:

…Page through the list of classes offered in the TCC Handmade sessions (and be sure to check out my prize ribbon and headband classes).
…Read about the cool special events happening at the TCC Marketplace (BurdaStyle make & takes! Where Women Cook book launch!) and look through the list of vendors who will be selling their wares. (Maybe you could even sign up to join us!)
…Learn more about the organizers of TCCE, publisher Jo Packham and Nancy Soriano.
…The list of panels you can attend will inspire you to learn more about a topic you’ve always wanted to delve more into. Self publishing? Community building? Planning an event? Working with an agent or a publicist? Sooooo much to learn…
…and begin your registration! You can register for everything or you can select the à la carte option and only sign up for the classes and keynotes you really want.

So you think about that, and I’ll think about what to pack!!

Day 1: Sept 14 – in the car:

Scarf: Target; Jacket: ModCloth; Pens: Stabilo; Shoes: Vintage; Sunglasses: ModCloth; Shirt: ModCloth; Watch: Vintage; Shorts: ModCloth; Planner: MMMG; Tote bag: Shinzi Katoh; iPod

Day 2: Sept. 15 – Arriving. Figuring it all out. BlogHer Handmade, Pitch Slams, and listening to Holly Becker from Decor8, Cristina Ferrare, and Nora Abousteit of BudaStyle!

Necklace: Erickson Beamon for Target; Top: ModCloth: Sweater: ModCloth; Watch: Michael Kors; Shoes: Betsey Johnson; Tote: Kate Spade; Bracelet: Vintage; Skirt: Anthropologie

Day 3: Sept. 16 – Teaching my first two classes, working the TCC Handmade booth, taking measurements for custom dresses.

Cardigan: ModCloth; Necklace: Erickson Beamon for Target; Scarf: Target; Watch: ModCloth; Shoes: Kate Spade; Sunglasses: Fred Flare; Dress: ModCloth; Tote: Shinzi Katoh

Day 4: Sept. 27 – A busy day teaching our last two classes, and the cupcake farewell party.

Planner: MMMG; Jacket: ModCloth; Top: ModCloth; Watch: ModCloth; Bracelet: Vintage; Pens: Stabilo; Burt’s Bees rhubarb lip shimmer; Revlon coral lipstick; Jeans: J Brand; Sunglasses: Fred Flare; Shoes: Betsey Johnson; Necklace: Cupcakes and Mace; Tote: Kate Spade; Wallet: Deena and Ozzie

Planning outfits is the best part of traveling. There are going to be thousands of BEST PARTS at TCC. I am so excited.

xo
meg

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lakeside: today’s outfit from shabby apple!

Posted on 08. Jul, 2011 by Princess Lasertron.

I recently resolved to wear more orange and this beautiful dress from Shabby Apple is my confident first attempt! My skin and hair have red tones, so sometimes orange is a little scary for me, but this pumpkin-colored cotton day dress was the perfect shade of burnt orange that will be perfect to wear all summer into late fall.

Even the beautifully embellished collar connotes soft petals or falling leaves. I’m planning on adding a few embellishments of my own to add a pop of color next time I wear it.

A great day dress like this is important for every wardrobe because it is a perfect blank canvas that you can use to say anything, to be anything. I’ve worn it unaccessorized with keds and a big drawstring tote, which is perfect for running to the store with my baby. I’ve also worn it with a grey and white striped cardigan, a statement necklace, and silver peep-toes from an afternoon meeting straight to an evening event. Super versatile.

We are using a really saturated red-orange tomato fabric in our next collection which is launching August 25th. It’s a washable cotton with a little bit of stretch, which will add more versatility and wearability. It was really important for me this year to offer more practical day-to-evening options, like the dresses I typically wear every day.

Dress: Shabby Apple (I’m wearing the Cider dress)
Belt: Anthropologie
Shoes: Vintage
Necklace: Erickson Beamon for Target
Sunglasses: Vintage
Bag: Borrowed from my mom!
Peshtemal Towel: Beauty and Spa

(On Shannon: Dress: Thrifted; Sunglasses: Icing; Necklace: Kate Spade. On Emma: Top: Rick Rack; Jeans: J Brand; Scarf: Vintage Ecco, Sunglasses: Vintage.)

Cool news! Save 20% on everything this month at Shabby Apple! Just enter code SUMMER20 at checkout. xo

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today’s outfit: date night!

Posted on 10. Jun, 2011 by Princess Lasertron.

Today Mr. Lasertron planned a date for us and had the best time.
I really needed some grownup time.
Not business time.
Not baby time.
But laughing, drinking, relaxing, planning, and a little gazing.
(We went to Aksarben Village and saw a movie, went for a walk, and grabbed some drinks at Brother’s.)

I’ve mentioned before that I loved Dave at first sight.
I first saw him–and I remember exactly where I was sitting, where he was standing, how he looked, how I felt–at a friend’s Thanksgiving party. I asked my friend who he was, and sensing my infatuation, he replied, “Oh that’s Dave. Don’t go out with him.”
I did that awkward thing where I sort of followed him around the whole party but never engaged him in conversation–like I was always about three feet away, just creeping.
He sat next to me on the couch after an hour or so and asked me my name. I was so nervous I said “I know your name but you don’t know mine.” Then he rolled his eyes and got up and walked away.

At least by not telling him my name I got a second chance when I ran into him at another party!
I invited him to a late breakfast with me and he declined. As I was leaving in my car, I saw him running back down the sidewalk toward me, and we went off together and talked all night.

I often wonder.
What made you go out with me that night?
What made you turn around?
If you hadn’t turned around, I wouldn’t have any of my favorite things in my life.
Not Alice.
(What if Alice grows up to save someone’s life, or develop an amazing new scientific theory, or start a business that helps solve a huge problem, or found a school, or cure cancer?)
I’m so glad you turned around and went out with me that night. That night changed our lives.

Top: Collective Concepts (it’s actually a dress with a skirt over it)
Skirt: Merona
Cape: Vintage
Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft
Bag: Petunia Picklebottom (it’s a diaper bag!)
Bracelet: Forever 21
Pin: J. Crew

(Dave: Express shirt; Tallia jacket; Seven jeans; Macbeth shoes)

xo
meg

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today’s outfit

Posted on 01. Jun, 2011 by Princess Lasertron.

1. Happy three-year anniversary to Mr. Lasertron who I loved at first sight.

2. There’s a little confusion about our upcoming Felt Flower Fascinator Headband/Birdcage Veil class. When the class starts, you get a link to watch the class video any time you want, as many times as you want. So you don’t have to be present to watch it live or anything like that, and it’s open to everyone internationally! I’ve been working on putting the kits together for the participants…so fun sourcing great materials.

Just ordered this cute dress from Shabby Apple to wear in the video. Tee hee.

3. Hugely busy time of the year. Many people assume we have most of our business in May/June, but September and October have been the busiest months for me every year for the last five years since our bouquets first took off. We usually work ahead so we’re starting to get into that busy fall time. I wonder why fall is always so much busier–maybe because nontraditional brides choose nontraditional dates?

We do have a few summer interns so I am chomping at the bit for a few more summer/fall brides. Fill out our bridal inquiry form and I can get back to you with a price quote.

4. Working on analyzing the survey results. Because of the problem we had with publishing posts in the last few weeks, I’m leaving the giveaway open until Friday–so you still have time to enter by filling out our reader survey. I appreciate SO MUCH all of the feedback I’ve gotten. Every one of you is playing a role in our growth. I am living my dream and it’s thanks to you.

5. Got the best birthday present from my husband–he installed LONG clothing rods across the entire length of my big closet, hung up all of my dresses and organized them by color, and organized the whole thing. I was out at work and he did it super-stealthily…thumbs up, Dave! I can’t wait to show pictures. My closet is the bomb. Talk about knowing the key to my heart.

6. Today during our anniversary date, we moved forward a little on our scheme to relocate to Berlin for a year when Alice is older. Maybe in 4 years. Junge das ist hammer!

Blouse: Odille
Skirt: Worthington…yes….from J.C. Penney.
Belt: Moulinette Soeurs
Bag: Gift from Grand Catherine (for those catching up, this is my grandma)
Tights: DKNY
Shoes: Michael Kors
Brooches: Vintage

Alice’s outfit: Circo dress, See Kai Run shoes
Dave’s outfit: Ben Sherman shirt, grody free t-shirt from when I worked in a record store, D&G jeans

xo
meg

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