Eyeglasses: Coastal Review

This is the third part of my eyeglasses series.

Today we are featuring Coastal. This online optical store features designer glasses at an affordable price.

I was not paid to do this video and I'm not affiliated with Coastal. This is my own opinion on what I purchased. I took advantage of their BOGO sale. They arrived about 7 days before their estimated arrival date.

These are the frames that are featured in the video.

Main And Central - Friday -- CLICK HERE

Main And Central - Thursday -- CLICK HERE

Eyeglasses: Firmoo Review

This is the second part of my eyeglasses series.

Today we are featuring Firmoo Global Online Optical Store. Firmoo offers inexpensive glasses giving folks the opportunity to buy trendy, fashionable vision wear and classics at good prices.

I was not paid to do this video. I have no affiliation with Firmoo. The company had a sale that offered a free pair of glasses...you just pay shipping and handling. A discount code was included with my glasses for 50% off my next purchase. I forgot to mention in the video that my prescription was spot on in the glasses. This is my opinion on what I received. 

Check out my video review below.

These are the frames that are featured in the video.

#DBSN62354A (the purple and brown color I have apparently are no longer available in that color but there are other color options) -- CLICK HERE

Eyeglasses: Zenni Optical Review

I was in the market for new eyeglasses and decided to try out a few online retailers. I haven't had new glasses in about ten years though I have had my eyes examined several times over the years. My prescription changed very little and even now is still not much different so I never bothered to get new frames. 

After my last eye exam, I went glasses shopping online. I was able to get several pairs of glasses for less than the one pair of single vision glasses I was retiring. If you're on a budget, just don't want to pay optometrist prices or just like having multiple pairs without spending a fortune, shopping online is a nice option.

This is the first part of my eyeglasses series.

Today we are featuring Zenni Optical. They're an online optical store that offers inexpensive eyeglasses...their frame price starting point is $6.95. As a new customer who signed up for their mailing list, I was able to take advantage of the 10% discount that's offered to first-time customers.

When I was looking at the various online companies I watched video reviews seeing what people thought of the various companies. Some of them were very helpful. Now that I have my glasses in hand, I thought I'd offer my own "review." 

First things first, the prescription in all of the glasses I received were spot on. I know that's a big concern when ordering glasses online.

I wasn't paid to make this video and I have no affiliation with Zenni Optical. This is my opinion of what I purchased.

Check out my video review below. 

These are the frames that are featured in the video:

• Acetate Full-Rim Frame 4411615 -- CLICK HERE
• Rectangle Glasses 2020718 -- CLICK HERE
• Plastic Full-Rim Frame 124417 -- CLICK HERE
• Women's Plum Square Eyeglasses 124218 -- CLICK HERE

Jewelry Rewind: Mickey Lynn

Back in 2011, I attended a Southern Designer showcase.  One of the designers there was Atlanta based Mickey Lynn.  I left that day with a pair of round Agate druzy earrings which I love.  I wrote about that back then in a more official manner, here.  This time around, I write as simply a happy wearer.

Sometime in the latter half of 2012, a pair of earrings show up in my Facebook feed. I email my Mom with a note, "aren't these CUTE?!"  She responds back, "CUTE!!!"  We often share these types of exchanges.  Come Christmas, she hands me a package.  I pull out a box stamped "Mickey Lynn."  I probably, kinda, sorta squealed because I knew exactly what it was going to be.  Yep, the earrings.

The earrings in question, Druzy Wrapped in Gold Rings.  Aside from being incredibly cute, they are extremely comfortable and easy to wear.  Not only that, they make me smile every time I put them on.  Swing by the Mickey Lynn site and check out the new Spring Collection.

Druzy Wrapped in Gold Rings (mobile device photo)

Jewelry: Mickey Lynn Jewelry

Southern Designer Collections Showcase: May 25 @ Openhouse Gallery, New York, NY
 
In this piece, we're featuring Mickey Lynn Jewelry.
 

Since I'm drawn to jewelry, the first table that caught my eye was that of Atlanta based jeweler Mickey Lynn. 
 
I walked in and there at the table to my left was a whole table of sparkly pretties!  The collection on display that day was jewelry mainly made of mineral stones and some adorable charms.  Lynn's pieces were all very feminine and a bit flirty.  The pieces work dressed up (that all important little black dress) or dressed down (jeans and tee-shirt) and are a must for the fashion chic flirty gal.  But, they're also perfect for a bohemian chic sort of gal who likes natural materials.  I love versatility!
 
Not being a wearer of big dangly earrings, I sadly had to pass up most of that side of the collection.  But, I did happen upon a small set of drop earrings made of agate and (if I'm remembering what Lynn's partner Seth Shindeldecker told me correctly) reclaimed gold. They're comfortable, lightweight and very easy to wear.  They're the kind of earring that you put in and forget you're wearing because of their comfort; you forget until someone mentions how pretty your earrings are! 
 
If you're in New York, Mickey Lynn Jewelry can be found at Arcadia and Museum of Arts and Design in Manhattan and at Catbird in Brooklyn.  Check their website for locations in other parts of New York and the rest of the country.

Earrings by Mickey Lynn Jewelry (press image)

Necklaces by Mickey Lynn Jewelry (stock image)

Bracelets by Mickey Lynn Jewelry (press image)

 

Though I didn't come home with one of these bracelets, I'd love to add one and the blow ring to my collection!

Ring by Mickey Lynn Jewelry

Bracelets by Mickey Lynn Jewelry

Jewelry: Amy Bubes Jewelry

Southern Designer Collections Showcase: May 25 @ Openhouse Gallery, New York, NY

In this piece, we're featuring Amy Bubes Jewelry.

Atlanta based designer Amy Bubes launched her line of jewelry in early 2009.  In that time she has produced some distinctive, classic, fun and easy to wear pieces.

Bubes uses Argentium silver, a silver that's more pure and more tarnish resistant than sterling.  Her line caught my eye because it was bold, but not overwhelming or bulky, yet still manages to maintain elegant simplicity.

I'm a big fan of rings and keep one on my finger at all times.  And, Bubes' rings caught my eyes.  I tried on a couple to see how they felt.  They were lightweight but not in a chintzy way.  You can definitely feel the silver on your hand.  I fell in love with one ring in particular, the 5 band stacked ribbon ring.  The ring consists of five twisted silver bands soldered together.  As a big ring lover, one of the first things that runs through my mind when I see a ring of size is, "will it be comfortable?"  Being a rather humid day, my hands were a bit puffy as they tend to be in the summer months.  I admit, I'm one of those people who has summer rings and winter rings.  I slid the ring on which, happened to be a perfect fit and it was extremely comfortable!  It didn't rub against my other fingers in that weird annoying way (as big rings often do) that makes you wish for some sort of cushion between it and your other fingers. It's also not something that's going to get in the way of reaching your hand into the pocket of your extra tight skinny jeans.  It is simply, a fun and easy ring to wear.

While I'm a fan of big rings, I don't generally like big earrings.  They're either too heavy, move too much and or annoy me by banging against my neck.  But, Amy Bubes may well have converted me!  Her silver ribbon hoop earrings are terrific!  They're light, but not so light that you're constantly checking your ear to see if you've lost them.  I spent the day wearing a pair.  Movement is minimal and not once did they bang against my neck.  Needless to say, I'm very pleasantly surprised to have found a pair of larger size hoop earrings that I can comfortably wear.

This is a line for people who like simple, pretty, elegant and classic pieces that are easy to wear.  They are pieces that work dressed up or dressed down.  Yes, they're high fashion, but this isn't a flavor of the month line that you'll toss aside when the next flavor comes along.  You'll find yourself returning to these pieces for years to come.

New Yorkers can find Amy Bubes Jewelry at Fragments in Soho.  Check the Amy Bubes Jewelry website for locations near you.

Necklaces with diamond accents by Amy Bubes Jewelry

Bracelets by Amy Bubes Jewelry

Rings by Amy Bubes Jewelry

Necklace with diamond bands by Amy Bubes Jewelry

Oxidized silver bangle bracelets by Amy Bubes Jewelry

Five band stacked ribbon ring by Amy Bubes Jewelry (press image)

Beauty: Dirty Beauty, Nature-Based Skincare

Southern Designer Collections Showcase: May 25 @ Openhouse Gallery, New York, NY
 

In this piece, we're featuring Dirty Beauty.
 
Dirty Beauty is a nature-based skin care line.  Company founder Samantha Dickey, a down-to-Earth, eco-friendly lady, is steadfast in her belief that what goes on your body is just as important as what goes in your body.  What does that mean for consumers?  It means we get healthy glowing skin from products without hard to pronounce chemicals and preservatives.  As a matter of fact, the body creams and butters are made fresh before shipping to avoid the use of preservatives.
 
I've had the opportunity to try a few of the products first hand.  The Lavender Lemon Balm Toner which will be available May 31, not only smells wonderful but feels wonderful as well.  It's refreshing.  It's non-drying.  It leaves your skin soft and glowing. 
 
I have a hard time finding skin care products to use in the summer that don't one, make my face feel like an oil slick and two, feel like I have five pounds of goop slopped on.  My first day out using this toner it was a bit humid out.  I'm one of those people who perspires a lot.  The first thing I noticed was it didn't feel like my face was running off.  Secondly, my face didn't feel gritty and grimy by the end of the day.  I still felt soft and reasonably fresh after a day in the elements.
 
The second product I tried was the lavender Sleepy Body Cream.  It's rich and creamy.  It blends into the skin well and doesn't leave behind a waxy feeling build-up.  I could snap my fingers immediately after applying and it left my skin soft and silky.  The soothing scent is perfect for after your nighttime bath.
 
The final product I tried was the Georgia Lip Balm.  The creamy, minty beeswax lip balm gives that cool, refreshing feeling.  It's goes on smooth and makes your lips feel luxurious and kissably soft.  I'm a big fan of mint tea and the wonderful mint scent has me reaching for my mug only to realize it's my lips that smell so delicious! 
 
Good, yet affordable skin care can be hard to find but, Dirty Beauty covers both aspects. 

Bath Salt from the Dirty Beauty product line

  

Being an eco-friendly company, Dirty Beauty believes in re-use and recycle.  All packaging includes home compostable, bio-degradable and recycled components.  To encourage re-use, the company offers refills.  The lovely green bottles above, once they're empty, just order a refill which comes in packaging that is bio-degradable and refill your bottle.

Dirty Beauty founder Samantha Dickey

Jewelry: MooMoo Designs

Southern Designer Collections Showcase: May 25 @ Openhouse Gallery, New York, NY

I paid a visit to Southern Designer Collections; a one day event showcasing Southern designers.  A lot of the designs, I noticed, were eco-friendly.  All of them were high-end yet functional.  Over the next several pieces, I'll be featuring some of the designers.

In this piece, we're featuring MooMoo Designs.

MooMoo Designs is Atlanta based and offers a wholesale line of women's jewelry, handbags, home accessories and gifts.  

The company unveiled their 2011 Fall/Winter jewelry collection earlier this month.  But, I got my up close look at the collection yesterday and they are beautiful pieces.  

Designer Juan Hernandez uses all organic material.  He makes liberal use of horn, bone and hides that come from by-products of the food and farm industry.  He also makes use of minerals.  The warm tones of the jewelry are glamorous, edgy and showcase just how beautiful nature is.  Upon first look, I thought some of the pieces were made of stones.  I was surprised that the highly polished pieces were actually bone and horn.  

This is a line you'll fall in love with if you like unique and bold natural beauty.

Bone and mineral rings by MooMoo Designs

Bone ring by MooMoo Designs

These unique geometric rings make bold statements. They're fun, funky personality pieces.

Studded bone bracelet by MooMoo Designs

Bone bracelet by MooMoo Designs

The above bracelet, I fell in love with.  Sadly, it didn't get to come home with me.

Designer Juan Hernandez of MooMoo Designs

Fashion Photography: Black & White

 

Model: Steph Rai l Designer: DUROSEAu l MUA: Meg Hoyt

This is another shot from the fashion photography workshop I participated in.  When I started out, I wanted stark, edgy black and white photos.  Some of the fashions and makeup screamed for that treatment and frankly, that's the kind of image that appeals to me as a viewer.  Being my first foray into fashion photography and working with models, I wasn't sure if what was in my head was going to translate to my images.

All of the models were beautiful and I got some lovely shots.  I'm still sorting and processing images.  But, as I get deeper into the processing side of things, I've discovered that my camera really took to Rai who is pictured above.  This photo was taken while she was waiting for the next photographer to take over.  I cropped it close and made it a darkish black and white shot.  I think it's both dramatic and romantic.  When I look at this photo, I can envision her walking along a cobblestone street in the rain on her way to a little French cafe.  This was the kind of image I saw in my head when I began the workshop.

Fashion Photography: Strike A Pose

Learn as I grow, grow as I learn.  That's my approach to photography.  Well, that and have fun.  In addition to that, I feel I need a more diverse body of work.  It was a combination of these things that had me venturing into the world of fashion photography. 

It has already been determined that if a person isn't on a stage with an instrument, then I'm pants at capturing them.  But, I'm determined to at least become okay at posed photos.  When you see a finished fashion photo, you pretty much just think, oh that's a killer shot or not, depending on the photo.  However, when you're behind the camera, a whole boatload of thoughts pop into your head.  You have the whole lighting thing to think about.  Then you have the models.  I've discovered I'm no good at directing models into poses!  This is not something that comes natural to me.

My goal was to add at least one fashion photo to my portfolio.  There are a couple that I knew what I wanted them to look like when I was taking them.  And, I'm happy with those.  Other photos, I look at and see more than one end vision.  I started out wanting dark, edgy, black and white photos.  But as I started the beginning stages of processing, some of them I started to see slightly blown, edgy and desaturated.  Others called out to be soft and dreamy.  It is possible I should spend a day or two away from them, give some distance between them and me so I can see them more objectively before continuing to process.  In the meantime, this is a small bit of what my foray into fashion produced.

Model: Kate l Designer: DUROSEAu l MUA: Angelica V

 

The moment Kate walked out in that dress in the above photo, I thought DRAMA!  An outfit as dramatic as that screams to be captured.  So I attempted to capture the dress as much and as best as possible.  Combined with the model and makeup, I got it in my head that I wanted edgy and urban.  I think I kind of, sort of accomplished that.

Model: Kate l Designer: DUROSEAu l MUA: Angelica V

When I first envisioned the end result of the above shot, it was in color, full-length and with a slight retro vibe to it. It was lovely enough but, something just didn't feel right. First I turned it black and white but, that still didn't feel right.  So, I softened it a bit.  That made me feel better but I still felt like it was asking for something else.  That was when I realized it was asking to be cropped.

Model: Steph Rai l Designer: DUROSEAu l MUA: Meg Hoyt

In the above photo, I knew I wanted open space to the side.  I also wanted it to be dark and edgy.  However, when I made it way, it just didn't work for me.  I needed some softness to it.  I've found that I really like doing the off center images.  There's something fun and sexy about them.  This image may be my favorite shot from the day.

Model: Steph Rai l Designer: DUROSEAu l MUA: Meg Hoyt

I was tempted not to do any editing to this one other than a few basic touch ups.  But, as I kept looking at it, I started to think of spring time.  Huh?  I associate feminine and soft with Spring.  So, in the end, I attempted soft, romantic and sexy.