Interview with Candiceann - MAC Makeup Artist

When I was planning my my wedding, here in New Hampshire - I was living in NYC still.  I was desperate to find a MAC artist to do my makeup for my wedding.  Why?  They know it all, they have the best products and I mean...who wouldnt want a face full of amazing MAC makeup on their special day?!  I was lucky to find Candiceann Iannaco - She is an artist at the MAC counter in Macys, in Salem NH.  I called the store and made them give me their best artists phone number, so I could make an appointment for a makeover.  After I met Candiceann and she gave me a gorgeous makeover - I was sold.  I booked her for my wedding, where she also did the makeup for several others in my wedding party.  Shes amazing, hands down.  So I asked her to answer some questions about MAC, makeup trends and some stuff I really think you all would love to know!

Candiceann applying my MAC Red Lipstick and Redd Lipliner

CC:  How did you start doing makeup for MAC - and what keeps you doing it today?

Candiceann:  I started with MAC right after September 11, 2001. I was an American Airlines Flight Attendant that was too close to it all that morning and I just needed to take a leave. Luckily, they were just opening the counter at the Rockingham Park Mall in Salem NH. I got hired on after an intense interview and a makeup application interview with a regional trainer. While I had no real professional training, I was in art classes all my life and had a fierce addiction to makeup. While the airline industry changed in a more negative way, MAC Cosmetics continues to grow and recreate itself over and over. Its an inspiring company to be a part of. I seriously cannot imagine working with another cosmetic line!

CC:  What make-up looks never go out of style? Which ones need to go away never come back?!

Candiceann:  Hands down, the "smokey eye" is the most common request. Its a look that will never go out of style. Also the winged out eyeliner. And while a nude lip is always a 'go to' for most women, the classic red lip will never go out of style. It just takes some women a little more courage to wear it! - The past makeup style that most sticks out in my head that must never come back is the darker outlined lip with the lighter lipstick. I still see that "hot" look of the 90s and want to run to their rescue! One other common look that I try to get people to gravitate from is the black liner solely in the lower rim of the eye. This look pulls the eye down. If you must wear the black liner in the lower rim, balance it with black liner up on the upper lash line. This also helps the lashes to appear fuller.

Every girl should have a glass of wine - and a makeup artist, on their wedding day!

CC:  What are your five "Go-To" products, and why?

Candiceann:  

1. Prep & Prime Skin - A silica based product that smoothes out the skins surface, has subtle light diffusers, which make the skin appear flawless and gives your makeup a foundation to stick to, so that it lasts longer on the skin. It also helps to absorb excess oils.

2. Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - lightweight feeling, yet the coverage is amazing. I dont even use concealer with this foundation!

3. Studio Fix Foundation Powder - I wear this to set my liquid foundation, although it can be worn alone. Once again, amazing coverage for a powder. I like to 'set' this with our Fix + spray.

4. Stubborn Brown Powerpoint Eye Pencil - I love this waterproof eyeliner because of its staying power and because the color is dark enough, yet not harsh like black appears.

5. All That Glitters Eyeshadow - This is a veluxe pearl finish neutral shadow that goes with everything you can think of. I even like to wear it as a highlight on the tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and a smidge on the upper lip.

CC:  What is your favorite non-MAC product?

Candiceann:  My favorite non-MAC product is makeup at all. It Noodle & Boo's Glowology Sugar Mama Honey Scrub & The Balm. Makes my skin so smooth and glowing!

CC:  What are a few basic makeup products every woman should own?

Candiceann:  Every woman should own a dark brown/black eyeliner, an amazing mascara like MAC's Falselash, a powder or pencil to fill in the brow and foundation or tinted moisturizer with an SPF in it. I could go on, but you asked for just a few basic products!

CC:  Your top looks/trends for Spring/Summer 2012

Candiceann:  Soft washes of color on all areas of the face are trending for spring summer this year. Various shades of pink, peaches and bronzes. Even the brighter more neon shades are wearable when worn more sheered out. And, as always, skin is always in for spring/summer trend. The least amount of product is where its at. A tinted moisturizer with SPF and a touch of bronzer are always the freshest way to enjoy the warmer temps.

So thats it ladies!  There you have it!  Thank you Candiceann for your time and all of your amazing info!  I cant wait to hit up MAC! - And for those of you who want to have Candiceann make you beautiful for your wedding day or even a photo shoot - you can contact her HERE! - candice@promakeupnow.com

 The finished product - on my wedding day!

Vintage Shops That I Love

Being one of the thousands of vintage sellers on Etsy, a handful stick out in my mind as favorites.  Some offer unique pieces that are tough to find.  Others have a great aesthetic or brand that you cant seem to forget.

Here are a few of my favorite vintage shops on Etsy:

Bohemian Bisoux Vintage

Lauren always find a way to make every piece toothache sweet.  Im not sure if its her descriptions or her shabby chic background - either way, its cute overload!  Whenever she posts a new listing, I literally say, "Awwww!" out loud. :)

FabGabs

If you've ever wanted to know how to style a vintage outfit the way its supposed to be styled? - Julie is your girl.  Not only does she have some of THE best of the best vintage on Etsy, she presents it better than anyone, hands down.

The Greedy Seagull

When perusing around Etsy for a fab dress, The Greedy Seagull is one of my first stops.  So many unique pieces and not your typical vintage shop.  Just the way I like it.

Coldfish

Not only does Coldfish make everything look entirely wearable (by anyone!), I would KILL for those built-ins!

Zwzzy

She makes vintage look FUN and not so serious!  With eras ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s, I love seeing the broad range of colors, fabrics and styles - all presented with the most creativity and energy found on Etsy.

My Year in Vintage

I know its been a LONG time since Ive last blogged.  Shame on me :(

But Im back, and one of my many new year resolutions is to to blog away like crazy in 2012.  Photos, interviews and even videos!  So stay tuned!

Today I thought about the last year and all of the amazing pieces of vintage I have had the honor of coming into - and offering to you lovely people.  Well - without further adieu - my top TEN most favorite vintage pieces from 2011.

Number 10

1940s Moss Green Wool Green 2pc Skirt Set - it was in pristine condition when I found it, which is rare of a piece of this age - and wool.  This lovely outfit went to Finland!

Number 9

Probably the hottest pair of jeans I have ever seen.  SO hot, that the model's boyfriend ended up buying them for her.

Number 8

This is by far one of the most amazing coats - 60s bright coral red suede - totally Sgt. Pepper! - This went home with one of my most favorite customers!

Number 7

Talk about sexy!  This 40s draped rayon piece is beyond words! 

Number 6

Such a sweet wedding dress - crepe chiffon from the 30s.  Who needs poof and beading when you have this classy piece?

Number 5

Probably one of the most lovely things I have ever come into - and thats because I have a photo of the original bride wearing it.  Pristine in every way - this gorgeous thing went to CA for a young lady to wear for her wedding.

Number 4

At first glance, I thought I was purchasing a peignoir set from the 30s - but as I put it on the dress form, I realized that it wasnt meant to sleep in - but meant to STOP SHOWS!  This showstopper not only had a very unique color, but look at those sleeves!

Number 3

When I come into amazing pieces, I nearly die.  And this piece is a prime example of just that.  It came to me in two pieces (bodice separated from the skirt) but I had it expertly brought back together.  It was found in a trunk of a vacation home, nestled away on the coast of main.  And its still available - you can see more of it here.

Number 2

A lot of cocktail dresses look the same - even vintage.  But this one is not like the rest, and its the reason I love it so much.  Another unique beauty thats still available - you can see more of it here.

Number 1

Of course, I would pick this one, right?  Who wouldnt?! - 1930s Rayon Satin.  Um hello?! - The coat is not only dramatic with the leg-o-mutton sleeves, but the train - a whopping TWELVE feet from the shoulder! And the dress alone, is just as jaw-dropping.  If this dress doesnt make you feel like the most glamorous girl in the world, I dont know what will!  And yes, its still available, at a fraction of the price that most modern dresses go fore these days! - More here...

Happy New Year! 
Here's to another year filled with vintage goodness!

Concetta's Closet is Looking for Models!

With some recent events (models moving, starting college, etc) - I have been put in the position of needing to hire on a few new models.

While I know that modeling for little old me isnt anything glamorous or anything - its fun!

Plus, there are so many perks (to be discussed later)

Here is what I need from you:

• be polished, stylish and put together

• be a size 4 or smaller (this has nothing to do with being a size-ish, but more so because its easier to pin larger clothes to a smaller model - rather than hiring several models for every size of clothing)

• be a seacoast NH area resident

• be available one day a week - during daytime hours - for at least 2hr

• be dependable, reliable and serious (this is a paid freelance position - you will also have access to all photos if requested as well as a shop discount)

• love vintage, love style, love vintage style!

• Please send me a message via facebook with the following information

- Name

- Age

- Location

- Height/Measurements (Bust/Waist/Hips)

- Prior Modeling Experience (none is necessary, but if you have some, lemme know!)

- Anything else youd like to add :)

There are THREE model slots open - I need to fill all three in the next week or two.

THANKS!

Off the Vintage Subject - Muffins!

Its a crappy rainy (VERY rainy) day here in New Hampshire, so the domestic goddess in me decided to bake and cook.  I cant help it, its in my blood. 

With the abundance of wild blackberry bushes in my backyard, I was trying to think of something neat to do with them, besides put them in cereal and oatmeal.  I came across this recipe on the Two Peas and Their Pod Blog. (be sure to check it out, so many amazing recipes!) - It seemed pretty easy - but when I bake from scratch, it often turns out bland and boring.  But I gave it a shot.  Here are the ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 2 lemons
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup ricotta cheese (whole or low-fat is fine)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh blackberries
Turbinado sugar-for sprinkling on muffin tops

(NOTE! - make sure to leave some batter after you fill the cups - to cover the berries.  I forgot and had to improvise by pushing them down into the cups)

 I think my vintage ice cream scoop was too big, because I was only able to get 10 muffins out of the batch..

They POOF pretty big!

All done!  Golden brown and very light and airy!

Of course, I had to taste them - they are AMAZING!  The lemon really adds the perfect taste - and the ricotta makes them so light!

Vintage vs. Thrift

The question has been asked 100 times in my shop.  People ask me all the time.  I guess its because lately, the real definition of vintage has been clouded by this new term that has come onto the scene, "Thrifting".  I think that as of the last few years, the two terms have been confused with each other and have blurred the lines that define them both.  So, below I will express MY opinion of them both.  By no means is this pointing fingers at anyone who thinks any differently, it is just how I define the two.

THRIFT Stores:

(Haltom Thrift in Dallas-Fort Worth)

 Thrift stores are often massive, with endless racks and include an enormous variety of items.  Its often overwhelming!  Everything from clothing & accessories to housewares and electronics.  The clothes are often donated by local people, which also means they are not cleaned, mended and are sold "as is".  Thrift stores are a good place to find name brand modern clothing (meaning current) at a fraction of the price you would pay in the designer/department stores.  Is there vintage here?  Sometimes.  But, I will touch on that below.  

VINTAGE Stores:

(Vintage Collections in NYC)

Vintage Clothing Stores are usually small, sometimes a bit cramped, and most of the time packed full.  But sometimes, you find one thats small, but carefully curated with hand selected vintage items.  They often carry clothes from every era, in several sizes.  The clothing you will find here is most likely washed and/or dry cleaned, mended and unique in that you will have a hard time finding another piece like it, anywhere!  The clothing is often received from auction, estate sales, private sales or sometimes (but rarely) by thrifting.  (see below on vintage clothing found out thrift stores!)

(shes tired of searching for vintage)

Now, for the part you've been waiting for.  Can you find these amazing vintage pieces at thrift stores?  YES!  YOU CAN!  But...... its not going to be in abundance.  Nor is it going to be at every thrift store, in every town, in every state.  Finding vintage at thrift stores is like panning for gold in Nevada.  Youll look and look and look...maybe thats vintage!?! - Nope, just a Forever 21 knockoff.  Get the idea?  In my younger years, yes - vintage could be found at your local Goodwill and Salvation Army in abundance.  It was easy to spot out and it was super cheap.  But with the recent trends in vintage, places like Goodwill and SA have already gotten wind of the trend - and have hired "spotters" that pull vintage before it hits the racks, in the back when sorting through the clothes and sell it on websites like "ShopGoodwill.com" or send it off to bigger cities to get more money for the pieces.  Now, not EVERY Goodwill or SA has spotters, and sometimes a few vintage pieces slip through the cracks, but its rare.  (This IS true, people.  I have my sources ;)

And now, the line blurring.  Recently, a lot of vintage "experts" have been telling the public that vintage can be found in your local thrift store, for practically pennies!  This saddens me as a vintage dealer because it cheapens what I do.  It makes people in my profession out to be garbage pickers who get cheap stuff and sell it to you, the consumer, for pennies on the dollar.  I stress to you - THIS IS NOT TRUE (at least in my case).  Now, you probably ask, "Well, even if you got it for free, why am I paying you so much money for it?!" - As vintage dealers, we seek out the stuff that you are searching for, clean it, mend it and bring it to a platform.  That platform is either an e-Commerce website (like Etsy or Ebay) OR to a Brick & Mortar shop.  In each platform, we have expenses and overhead.  So this is the premium you pay.  Vintage dealers save you the time, gas, mileage and perhaps that endless search for that one-of-a-kind item that you have been looking for!

And what do you get out of thrifting?  Perhaps some designer jeans for $10.  A cool wool sweater for $7.  And the list goes on.  If you were to search for vintage to sell, ONLY at thrift shops, you would spend your entire career doing just that - searching.  

I hope this clears up any confusion that there may be out there - and also, sets the record straight.  :)

FUTURE VINTAGE!

These days, I feel we live in a disposable world.  We buy cheap stuff and throw it out when we are done - only to land in a landfill or pollute the Earth.  Many years ago, people bought good stuff, and kept it because it was good stuff.  Even if they couldnt afford the real good stuff, they still bought quality things because they appreciated them.  In the recent years, I have manged to buy quite a few quality things for myself.  Whether it be a dress, a coat, good jewelry and even good quality makeup. 

Ive also manged to do something to further the buying/selling of vintage clothing.  I call it, FUTURE VINTAGE! (well, I didnt actually name it that, my friend Alison did - but its something Ive been doing - so I thank her for putting a title on it!).  I take between 5-8 pieces a year from my wardrobe of modern clothing, and neatly pack it away into a box or in a garment bag to save for the future.  Not MY future, but the future of vintage clothing wearers.  What do I put into these boxes/bags you ask?  Lets see, from what I can recall, there is currently a blue chiffon party dress (I wore to a wedding), a gold brocade sheath dress (I wore to my bridal shower), a coral beaded 30s inspired formal dress (another wedding), my OWN wedding dress (LaSposa - Miradir!), a great pair of black low-slung cargo pants that looked KILLER on me in 2002 (H&M) and a bunch of other things.  

So what should you put away for your FUTURE VINTAGE stash?  Trendy items:  Items that defined the era, that were popular and that will be remembered.  Luxury Items:  Perhaps youve outgrown it but dont want to donate it because its expensive.  And anything else you think will be a HIT in the future.  But dont get your hopes up, this stash will not making a comeback anytime soon.  We apparently coin vintage as anything being over 20 years old - but that doesnt mean it will be popular!  God knows I am cringing seeing all that 90s vintage on Etsy!  Happy Future Vintage Stashing!

Here are a few pieces that are currently in my future vintage stash!