My first Horseshoe Haircut

It has been such a long time since I have had a haircut and I have wanted a horseshoe cut for the longest. My hair was so long in the front that I could no longer manage my swoop. In order for it to look right, I had to use a million bobby pins and it took forever. It was time for a change. I am so happy that I met Lissete Trujillo at a meetup I attended with The Milwaukee Vintage Style Society. Lissete told me about her experience in Beauty School and about how she was taught by an instructor who knew how to do all of the vintage hair techniques and was due to retire the same year. She was so happy that she had the opportunity to learn all of the tricks of the trade from her before she left. I let her know that I hadn’t had my haircut since my big chop at the end of 2012 and I hadn’t had my hair professionally done in a salon since 2011. I was so nervous at first, only because it had been a while, but I knew that I was in good hands. Now my daughter wants her hair done as well.

It felt so relaxing having my hair washed after so many years of styling my hair myself. It kind of made me miss the salon days. She washed my hair and applied a conditioning mask that I am sure I was long overdue for.

This is how my hair looked as she blow dried it. It’s always interesting to see how much shrinkage there is after my hair is washed. While she blow dried my hair, she kept the cap on so that the rest of the hair and product she applied wouldn’t dry up. I actually might start incorporating this technique into my routine as well. My hair dries pretty fast so this is a good idea.

I love how she sectioned off my hair when she blow dried and flat ironed my hair. I let her know that I do the same thing when I do my hair. It felt good knowing that I have been doing it right all of these years. I also liked the fact that she didn’t use high heat on my hair. She told me that she usually keeps the heat around 310 and I told her I never go above 350. I am always nervous about heat damage because I like to be able to wear my hair in an afro or curly whenever I want. I told her that I use either Avocado Oil or Argan Oil as a heat protectant and she said that this was good.

She let me know that she didn’t have to cut that much hair off. There were some split ends since it hadn’t been trimmed in a while, but she mostly trimmed and shaped it. I also had to add a close up image of her cutting my hair especially since her nails were on point. I’m so glad my hubby captured that. I mean, who doesn’t love a good manicure right?

After pin curling my hair, I sat under the dryer for a few minutes. Luckily since she set it dry I didn’t have to sit under the dryer for very long. It may have been the quickest amount of time that I have ever been under a hooded dryer.

I am so glad that I finally took the plunge and got this haircut. I see so many cute hairstyles in my future and it will be so much easier to manage. Thank you so much Lissete for fitting me in and giving me this beautiful haircut. I can’t wait to play around with it.

Vintage Inspired Half Moon Manicure

I'm back!!! It has been such a long time since I've done a blog post. I have been such a busy bee lately, but for good reason. In January, I left my job of 12 years to pursue my singing career full time. Let's just say it has been a very interesting journey. I wouldn't have it any other way though. I feel that it was the best decision I could have ever made. 

For this entry, I would like to share how I do my half moon manicure. I get lots of questions about them all the time. Since I am now self employed I do my own nails for budget reasons. I have seen plenty of tutorials and pictorials on how to do this manicure, but they never seemed to work out for me. I am also on a mission to switch all products that I use to green beauty products (all natural). That has also been an interesting journey that I am enjoying at the moment. It's difficult to find products that are completely clean, but I try to get products that are the lesser of two evils I suppose. 

The products I use: 
▪Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover 
▪Cotton Balls or Squares
▪Nail Clipper
▪Nail File and Nail buffer
▪Cuticle Nipper
▪Mineral Fusion Top Coat
▪100% Pure Nail Polish in Tomato and Base Coat
▪Elf concealer brush 

Step 1: Remove any nail polish you have on your nails with Cotton Balls or Squares. 

Step 2: Clip and file nail into desired shape. I personally like the Almond Shape. I try to file in one direction. 

Step 3: Use Cuticle Nipper to remove any hangnails. I don't like to mess with my cuticles. I feel like they are there for a reason. 

Step 3: Lightly buff nail surface. This helps make the polish last longer

Step 4: Apply Base Coat

Step: 5: Apply a thin layer of polish to nails avoiding the cuticle area completely. Be sure to polish the ends of your nails as well. 

Step 6: Dip concealer brush into the Nail Polish Remover and clean up the round shape (half moon) at the bottom of your cuticle.

Step 7: Carefully apply 2 more coats of polish, allowing at least 2 minutes between each coat.

Step 8: Clean up any areas needed with nail polish remover and apply top coat all the way to the ends of the nail. 

Of course you don't have to use the exact products that I used, but this is what works for me. It also lasts for quite a while (approx. 2 weeks). For an even longer lasting manicure, or if I'm feeling fancy, I apply Mineral Fusion Glitter Top Coat or either 100% Pure polish in the color Democrat over the polish, avoiding the cuticle area. If you happen to try this method, please let me know how it works out for you.

Here’s a quick video that shows the whole process. Enjoy! Let me know what you think. Have you done a half moon manicure? Let me know what works for you.

***Side Note: The song in this video is a cover I sang with my band called “As Long As I’m Movin”

Besame Cosmetics

I have been wanting to do a blog post about Besame Cosmetics for a while now. I love their products and would like to share with you some of my absolute favorites. I just recently got a chance to try out the Cashmere Foundation Stick. I'll give a brief review on that in a bit. I love the story behind Besame Cosmetics and how the products are based on actual vintage products. The designs are so adorable and cohesive. They make a lovely addition to my vanity.

My favorite products from Besame Cosmetics, hands down are the lipsticks. To be honest, I used to try out all kinds of lipsticks all the time, but once I received my first Besame lipstick I have not turned back. Pictured above are the top 4 colors that I use regularly. I feel that these colors look the best for my skin tone. 

I use Merlot when I am dressed casually. Although I don't put on a full face daily, I feel that Merlot is a perfect everyday lip color. It's not too light or dark for me. I usually use Cherry Red when I am on the stage or for when I dress up. It is definitely a more dramatic red that pops well. Blood Red is a little on the darker side, but I still like to wear it for special occasions. Carmine is not a color that I use alone. However, it is a great color to mix with the other colors that I use. If I want to do an ombre lip I will use Carmine to do it. Carmine alone is way too bright for my skin tone. The Masterliner Lip Pencil in Red/Cerise is also great for using when you want to achieve an ombre lip or to simply just use as a liner. I like to use both sides and play around with different color variations. 

I must admit that although I was super excited to try the new Cashmere Foundation Stick, I was a little nervous. I have a love hate relationship with foundations in general. I have used the same Foundation and Concealer for about 7 years. I currently use Clinique Acne Solutions liquid makeup and Clinique line smoothing concealer. I also use Clinique Acne Solutions Powder makeup as a setting powder. Anytime I try different brands I'm usually disappointed. I break out, or it doesn't match etc... You know the struggle. So I wanted to try these out a few times in order to give a good honest review. 

To my surprise it turned out good. I didn't wake up with a massive zit and the colors matched pretty well. I found that I have to use both Cocoa and Deep Bronze. I don't usually do the whole contour thing, but with these foundations, I can easily use the Deep Bronze as a contour color and the cocoa for the highlights for a perfect match. I then use the brightening powder for the areas where I use the cocoa foundation after smoothing it out with the Contour Brush. The Contour Brush is the best. It blends the colors in so well and is so soft. I still finish the look with my Acne Solutions Powder makeup to set it though. I guess old habits die hard.  

I must say that I was satisfied with the results. It was much faster to apply with the contour brush and it has very good coverage. I didn't have to put concealer on afterwards like I usually do in my normal routine. The finish seemed to be more of a semi-satin finish and it lasted pretty long. Honestly, my Clinique lasts a little longer on me though. It does transfer a bit, but so does every other foundation I've ever used. I will probably stick to my normal routine, but if I'm ever in a hurry this is a great go to. 

Last year I posted a photo of me wearing Cherry Red that showed how long I wore it. I did not reapply throughout the day at all and it lasted the entire day. The lighting was different because I was in a different location, but you can still see that the lipstick lasted much longer than even my hairstyle that day. 

This year I did the same thing, but at different times and this time I used Besame Cosmetics for my full face. I used the foundation, the Cream Mascara for my eyebrows, my eyelashes, my beauty mark and as an eyeliner. I used Crimson Creme Rouge as blush and American Beauty lined with Cerise Masterliner. I love how this look turned out. The lipstick lasted once again. The only difference I noticed was that it faded a bit in the corners. Considering that I had dinner and went out to a show afterwards and came back with a lip on is a good thing. The Creme Rouge faded a little but it still looked nice. I'm used to a more matte finish, but the finish on this foundation doesn't bother me much. Would I wear this everyday? Probably not, but I would definitely wear it for special occasions. 

Have you tried Besame Cosmetics? Let me know what you think of it in the comments below. Also, let me know if you have any questions. I'm not an expert, but I can try to answer any questions to the best of my ability. I can't wait to hear from you.

Pink Seersucker Sabrina Dress by Wax Poetic Clothing

Hello Lovelies. When I was approached about doing a review for Wax Poetic Clothing, I knew right away that this was the dress for me. I love everything about it. It has the 50's style that I love, the details are gorgeous and it is one of my favorite colors. 

This dress has adorable pockets with bows, it also has eyelet lace trim, and it is made with Pink and White striped Seersucker material. I feel like a doll when I wear this dress. It is also the perfect dress for twirling. I don't know about you, but that is always a main factor when choosing a 50's style swing dress for me.

As far as the fit for me, the only issue that I had was the fact that it was a bit large on top, so if you have a small chest, you may want to get it altered. Other than that, this dress is perfect.

How I styled this look:

• Lucite Purse: Vintage

• Necklace: Unique Vintage

• Belt: Collectif Clothing

• Stockings: What Katie Did

• Shoes: Rita by Remix Vintage Shoes and Hanalee by Bait Footwear

This dress is on sale now at Wax Poetic Clothing. While you're there, be sure to use the coupon code TAMMI to get 15% off of your order. This offer ends 6/23/17. Don't miss it. 

Retro Sunnies Giveaway

I am so excited to announce that Retro Sunnies was kind enough to team up with me and allow me to host my very first giveaway! I'm noticing lots of firsts lately. This giveaway is just in time for the new Summer Collection launch. The winner will have plenty of new gorgeous styles to choose from.

This giveaway is also just in time for the 20th Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender. You will need some Retro Sunnies while you enjoy your time in the Vegas sun. 

There will be 2 lucky winners!

1st place gets $100 credit and 2nd place gets $75 credit towards any Retro Sunnies of your choice. This giveaway ends April 7th. Don't miss out.

To enter head over to my Instagram page for the full details. Best of Luck! 

I would like to give a special thank you to Retro Sunnies for the opportunity to host this giveaway and to Stop Staring for the beautiful dresses. I would also like to give a special thanks to my hubby for the beautiful photos.

Fortune Gold dress by Stop Staring

Hello beautiful people. I am so excited because this is my first blog post. So I thought what better way to kick things off than by reviewing this gorgeous Fortune Gold dress I received from Stop Staring.

I have always loved the quality of Stop Staring dresses and this dress does not disappoint. Now I know what you're thinking. The dress looks Silver right? I actually thought that it was silver at first myself. The metallic color of the material used can look either gold or silver depending on the lighting which gives you options for accessorizing. 

Not only is this dress gorgeous, it is also figure-flattering. The ruching is strategically placed and hides my "mom pooch" perfectly. I also love that it has a nice stretch to it. 

Sometimes it's hard to find dresses that fit right on me. According to "body shape standards" I am considered pear shaped although that doesn't seem to be the case. I also have a super long torso. This dress fit perfectly. I like the wrap twist bust detail because I have a smaller chest. This dress gives me all the right curves. I absolutely love it.

You can find this dress and so many other beautiful dresses here. Also, don't forget to check out their Instagram page here.

I would also like to give a special thanks to My Hubby for taking these beautiful photos.