Here at BRAVA, we love nothing more that a email full of feedback from our readers. Seriously! Someone’s got to keep an eye on us—and local optometrist Kathy Beerntsen did just that. The following is some constructive feedback she sent about the “Walk the Line” eyeliner feature from our January issue.
I enjoy your magazine but as an optometrist, I cringed when I read the recommendation [...] to apply eyeliner on the lower lid “above the bottom lashes.” I have had to correct this behavior countless times in my 20 years of practice as it can cause infections in the eyelid, and can interfere with the normal function of the Meibomian glands within the lids [...]. Please check your information more carefully as I’m sure you do not want to encourage unhealthy practices.
I emailed Kathy back, and asked her to expand a bit more so I could accurately explain to our readers why applying eyeliner above the bottom lashes isn’t a healthy practice. Here is her professional advice:
Why is it important to replace our eye makeup often?
Infection can happen in two ways. Any eye makeup product will become contaminated with bacteria even through normal use. Our skin is populated by Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis, and the make-up applicators will transfer these bacteria into the product, which is often a good culture media for bacterial growth. So as a general rule, all eye makeup products should be replaced frequently, probably no less often than every 3 months, to prevent this type of contamination. The eye can become infected either in the conjunctiva (commonly referred to as “pink eye”), or in the eyelid, known as a “stye” or hordeolum.
Why should we discontinue the practice of applying eyeliner above the bottom lash line?
Applying eyeliner along the lid margin above the lashes also interferes with the normal tear film. Inside the eyelid are oil glands known as Meibomian glands. These tiny glands secrete oil into the tear film, which acts as a stabilizer to prevent evaporation of the watery part of the tear film. When the openings of these glands are blocked by eyeliner, they cannot function properly, which can contribute to dry eyes. The glands also can become infected due to stagnation of their contents. This is often how a “stye” or hordeolum originates.
What about contact lenses? Do contact lens wearers have extra issues to worry about?
Yes, eyeliner on the lid margin can cause problems with contact lens wear. Since any product placed on the lid margin ultimately works its way into the tear film, it will tend to stick to the contact lens surface, causing blur and discomfort. Infection is also a consideration here, as the contaminated product is sticking to the contact lens and therefore spending significant time on the ocular surface. In general, hypo-allergenic products are preferable for this reason. Avoid any “waterproof” products as they form clumps in the tear film as opposed to dissolving.
If you didn’t have a chance to catch the January issue, the following are a few of the other tips on how to wear colored eyeliner from Kati Corbett, makeup and hair stylist with Julia Grace Salon in Madison.
- Don’t match your eye makeup with your clothes.
- To make eyes appear bigger, avoid applying eyeliner all the way to the inner corner of the eye.
- Any eye color or skin tone can jive with any eye makeup colors—the key is ensuring the color schemes complement each other.
- Avoid bold sparkles in your eyeliner or shadow—they enhance harsh lines and wrinkles.
And as a bonus tidbit, here’s the information on where to buy the pencils shown above (clockwise from top):
- 24/7 Glide-on Waterproof Eye pencil. A little golden accent goes a long way when topping a neutral, shimmery shadow. Shown in Honey. $17 by Urban Decay
- Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner. An ocean-inspired hue brightens blue eyes. Shown in Caribbean Sea. $25 by mally
- Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil. A classic deep blue is a perfect pair to a soft, gray smokey eye. Shown in Royal Blue. $3 by Rimmel London
- JobaColors Eyeliner. If jeweltones make you cringe, try a sultry smudge of charcoal. Shown in Smoking Gun. $7 By Honeybee Gardens
- HIP Color Chrome Eyeliner. Pair a pretty plum with a subtle brown palette for the ultimate in sophistication. Shown in Violet. $10 by L’Oreal Paris
- Precision Eye Definer. A bold green complements skin-colored neutrals. Shown in Black Jade. $4 by Black Opal
- “Take me out Liner.” For daring (and girly) souls, partner pink with a shimmering gray or brown shadow. Shown in Sushi. $5 by Hard Candy
This particular fashion shoot holds a special place in my heart.
Not necessarily because we made it through a monstrous snowstorm (inclement weather conditions are common on BRAVA fashion shoot days…we’re used to it now).
Not necessarily because it took over eight (eight!) hours from start to finish either.
It’s not even because our fabulous model, Dione Laufenberg, owner of Indulge Spa on Madison’s east side, was 11 weeks pregnant. (No joke: Can you believe it? 11 weeks!)
This was a special shoot for me because it was my first time working with vintage fashion in BRAVA! I shop vintage myself but have just never had the opportunity to work with vintage goods for a shoot like this. And let me tell you, it renewed an entirely new love of resale shopping for me. The glory of hunting for the perfect piece; the jaw-dropping affordable prices; the touch of history, packed into each piece. I loved every minute of it!
Here are a few behind the scenes shots from February’s fashion spread, “What Goes Around Comes Around:”
The blustery view from the dash of my car (a.k.a. Trudy) on the way to Lake Mills for the shoot.
Art Director Kristin (clearly) busy organizing props.
Scott Staples of i du hair, hard at work styling model Dione's lovely locks.
Delicious vintage clothing.
Here's everyone's favorite part: jewelry and shoes. (Let the ooh's and aah's commence!)
And without further adieu, here are a list of resources we utilized this month, and be sure to check out the whole spread in your February issue:
For jeans:
Atticus | 18 N. Carroll St., Madison; (608) 204-9001
For props:
Century House | 3029 University Ave., Madison; (608) 233-4488
DiMaggio’s Euro Design | 7475 Mineral Point Rd., Madison; (608) 833-4790
Iconi Interiors | 534 W. Washington Ave., Madison; (608) 441-0077
Rubin’s Furniture | 317 E. Wilson St., Madison; (608) 255-8998
For vintage clothing and accessories:
Good Style Shop | 402 E. Washington Ave., Madison; (608) 441-1323
Lou Rags | 944 Williamson St., Madison; (608) 441-3450
Hair and makeup, respectively:
i du hair | 21 N. Butler St., Madison; (608) 630-0766
Julia Grace Salon | 8012 Watts Rd., Madison; (608) 833-8454
For shoes:
Macy’s | Hilldale, Madison; (608) 232-2400
Shot on location:
Narella Studio | 112 S. Main St., Lake Mills; (608) 206-4733
I get REALLY excited about little things on a pretty regular basis.
You name it, I’ve loved it, from random people I’ve met to excellent food I’ve sampled to entertainment I’ve enjoyed. And when I get pumped about something, I won’t let it go until someone agrees. Ask Sarah, she and I share an office (lucky her!) and she witnesses the flurry of excitement each time I’m raving about my new “thing.” This dramatic entrance is what we call, “Comin’ in HOT!”
Current obsessions include the meatloaf at Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery on Atwood Ave., the movie “The Hangover,” my Kindle and The Lucas Cates Band. And when it comes to fashion, this month I’m loving sweater headbands and infinity scarves.
Lets start with the sweater headband:
More stylish than the plain ear-warmers you wear skiing, yet cozier than your average headband, the sweater headband is one of my favorite accessories this winter (the variety shown is from The Purple Goose). And check out the adorable little rosette on the side! Especially for someone with hair my length, it’s a cute (and warm) way to easily style your hair quickly, or turn a bad hair day into an excellent hair day.
Leave a little hair in front, and fluff your hair out in back for a great sweater headband style.
Next up—the infinity scarf:
Commonly called “circle scarves,” these little puppies are quite perplexing at first glance. How does one wear a scarf with no ends and no ties? Ladies—it’s all about draping.
Start with an infinity scarf (with no beginning and no end).
For a more shawl-like effect, put the scarf over your head and pull it down over your shoulders.
For more of a layered look, wrap the scarf multiple times around your neck (perhaps your scarf is long enough for more than the two times around shown here). Make sure to fluff it a little, too.
If you have a perplexing fashion question, I want to hear it and blog about the answer! E-mail me at mollie@bravaenterprises.com.
So it’s mid-winter, and if you’re anything like me, your closet is probably having an identity crisis. Tucked amongst the bulky knits and trouser pants is a tank top you “borrowed” from a friend, a blazer with a missing button and that sweater Aunt Lou knit by hand. No, I’m not saying you should get rid of anything…yet. To clear out space and determine if you should truly part ways with those old pieces, try using a “hold box” once a season.
It’s this really simple concept (for which I will give credit to a good friend of mine, Jenna, for explaining to me). Simply sort through your closet and pull the items that you haven’t worn lately (that includes anything you’re “hoping to fit into next year”). Box them up and store for the season. If you find yourself sifting through the box throughout the season, feel free to pull a piece only if you’re set on wearing it. In that case, said piece gains admittance to your closet again.
Come the new season, donate whatever you haven’t worn from your “hold box” to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill and start the whole process again.
Also make a “repair” box—if it’s missing a button, needs to be hemmed or any other such repair, pile them together and put them in your car for easy access the next time you pass the tailor.
If you need more time than just one season to ponder tossing an item, things banished to the hold box can carry over from season to season. But, as a rule of thumb—don’t keep it for over a year!
What a great way to spend a snowy Saturday afternoon!
It’s here—we’re in that stretch of winter that seems to last a lifetime. Slippers are a must, you’re starting to see Lifetime and Hallmark movies two—maybe three—times now (er, is that just me?), and lets face it: You don’t feel like moving from the couch. That’s OK! It only happens once a year right? Right…
In honor of staying indoors, I suggest you don a cozy robe, pour a glass of wine and crank up your favorite tunes for a well-earned day at the (home) spa with these fabulous products we’ve selected to fit your body’s every need.
(Clockwise from left)
Bracing Silver Birch Thermal Muscle Soak. A capful of this soothing, rustic-scented soak is sure to help you unwind after a long day. $28 by Molton Brown
Bodywash Infused Body Buffer. A scrubber made of nourishing lemongrass, sea kelp extract and olive oil sloughs away dead skin for a silky smooth finish. $10 by Spongelle
Rose Petal Pedicure Soak. Your pre-polish routine just got an upgrade—soak your feet in this luxe blend of sea salt, milk, roses and tapioca. $12.50 by Carol’s Daughter
Purifying Cleansing Gel. A quick rub of this blend of rosemary and tangerine oxygenates the skin like a breath of fresh air. $50 by Tammy Fender
Myrrhea Anti-Frizz Silkening Shampoo. Let your locks soak up five minutes of intense nourishment from this blend of avocado oil and other frizz-fighting extracts. $30 by Rene Furterer
Makeover Ridge Filler. This pink-hued polish not only conceals imperfections, but moonlights as a nail treatment that pumps protein, vitamins and moisture into your nails. $18 by DERMELECT
Honey Scrub. This decadent, sweetly scented scrub renews skin’s moisture by turning to a luxe, moisturizing oil on contact. $105 by Natura Bisse
Photo credit: wkowtv.com
If you had a chance to catch Wake up Wisconsin Monday morning on WKOW, you might have seen little ol’ me talking about holiday fashion with Barbara Vaughan. Barbara and I headed to The Purple Goose in Verona to chat about a few quick and inexpensive updates for holiday dressing.
Here are a few of my tips:
1. Stand out with statement jewelry. Give new life to those detailed dresses that have been in your closet for years by adding a statement necklace or glamorous earrings. Just be sure the necklace doesn’t compete with any detailing.
- (Shown above: Dress courtesy of The Purple Goose; Necklace courtesy of Anthropologie)
2. Add a cardigan and a scarf. Thought you could never get more use out of those cotton dresses? Think again! A cardigan over the top provides a colorful twist, and a scarf with a hint of sparkle is the perfect icing on your (style) cake. Click here for instructions on tying the scarf as shown in the segment.
- (Dress and cardigan courtesy of The Purple Goose; Scarf courtesy of Cornblooms, Hilldale)
3. Belt it! Even those shapeless bags in the back of your closet can look refreshed and refined! Sling a belt across your hips or try a thicker, waist belt for an hourglass figure.
- (Belt courtesy of Cornblooms, Hilldale; Dress courtesy of J. LaMore)
4. Try some tights. No matter what dress you’ve planned on wearing for your outings, chances are you’ll want a little leg coverage to prepare for chilly weather. Throw out those nude pantyhose and choose colored tights for a chic accessory. If this season’s trendy lace, patterns or colors aren’t your style, there’s nothing wrong with basic, opaque black tights.
- (Tights courtesy of Cornblooms, Hilldale)
Some require a quick walk outside or breath of fresh air. Others just need to vent their frustration on someone close by. But for me? I relieve my stress by painting my nails. There’s something about slathering on a new coat of polish on my fingernails that soothes my soul. Especially when I’m utilizing one of the hottest colors of the season—purple!
Try my method for stress relief with any of these pretty purple selections, and you’re sure to surface energized—and more importantly—stylish!
Enjoy!
Left to right:
“Angora Cardi.” $8 by essie; essie.com
“Bruised.” $18 by rescue beauty lounge; rescuebeauty.com
“Vintage Merlot.” $7 by Honeybee Gardens; honeybeegardens.com
“Deliciously Dark.” $3.50 by Rimmel London; Wal-Mart
“Black Cherry.” $8 by BORGHESE; Walgreens
Upon seeing the Sarah B. Fine Stationery booth at our Madison Women’s Expo a few weeks back, I was reminded of a great gift-wrapping idea I got from the shop’s two owners—Jan and Renee—that I thought would be a great addition to my latest obsession with scarves. This is scarf-tying with a holiday gift-giving twist!
It’s called the Bobo scarf (shown at left), and it not only serves as just that—a scarf—but also an elegant gift-wrapping option! When I first saw it, I could hardly believe that those stylishly wrapped gifts were easy to do at home…until I watched the following video. Check it out for yourself! This scarf is wrapping paper’s NEW, glamorous eco-friendly cousin.
And rumor has it Sarah B. is getting tons of new colors and styles in for the holiday season—one in every color for every lucky lady on your list!
Sarah B. Fine Stationery is located in Hilldale, Madison; (608) 233-5100. The mother-daughter owners also write a blog: http://swankystationery.blogspot.com
Industry Icon: Halley Jones
Owner, The Purple Goose
By Chelsea Roehl
“Fashion is a right, not a privilege.” This quote completely epitomizes the philosophy behind Verona’s (and now downtown Madison’s) best kept secret—The Purple Goose!
What a fun shopping stop! Once a house, now a great place to shop, The Purple Goose in Verona is quaint, stylish women and children’s boutique. Owner Halley Jones says the shop was originally created just for children then later, she transitioned into clothes for kids, moms and all-around fashionable females alike.
When you walk in, you’ll find trendy, brightly pattered clothes, adorable hats, scarves and jewelry hanging from every fixture. The eye is constantly wandering and finding new treasures.
My favorite part about the shop is that every item in the store is under $99. Jones wanted to give her customers affordable fashion—hence, the “fashion is a right” quote. Along with being affordable, all items are current and trendy. If you are looking for the perfect gift (for yourself or otherwise!), you are going to find it at the Purple Goose.
Also, it’s worth noting that Jones just launched her new, user-friendly Web site, AND opened a second location downtown Madison right across from Marigold Kitchen at 117 S. Pinckney St., sharing space with Studio Quest! Jones has been a busy woman these past few months.
Tip: If you visit, make sure you check out the “Last One” rack located near the kid’s play area. The rack is filled with items that were immediate hot sellers and there are only one left of each item!
Chelsea’s top picks at The Purple Goose:
1. “Live Free” tees by Little Bay, $38
2. Blue cocktail dress, $70
3. Rose gold plated belt bracelets, $30 for a set of 2
The Purple Goose | 400 W. Verona Ave., Verona; (608) 845-2368 or shopthepurplegoose.com
Chelsea is a fashion intern at BRAVA, and can be reached at chelsea@bravaenterprises.com.
If you’ve gotten your hands on BRAVA Magazine’s December issue, then I hope you were able to peruse the fashion feature, “Puttin’ on the Glitz.” The BRAVA crew headed to the glamorous Mansion Hill Inn in downtown Madison for of playing dress up—in the most glamorous sense of the word, including statement jewelry, gorgeous gowns and my personal favorite: high heels. Below, you’ll find an exclusive photo that wasn’t included in the spread. Thanks to our model, Amy Strohfeldt.
And an aside—if you haven’t been to the Mansion Hill Inn since its recent renovation, it’s a must-see, especially if you have special guests coming into town for the holidays. The Inn is impeccably clean with gorgeous architecture. We had such an excellent time there, as did our models. Thank you Mansion Hill!
On Amy: Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo Collection, $640, necklace by R.J. Graziano, $68; Woldenberg’s. “Opal” heels by Steve Madden Luxe, $70; DSW Shoe Warehouse.
"Elizabeth ruffle cocktail dress" by Milly, $360
Also, I’m proud to report that the purchase of one of the dresses used in our December fashion spread (shown at left) directly benefits VH1’s Save the Music Campaign! Madison’s own Twigs has partnered with VH1 to donate 5 percent of the proceeds from various items available at shoptwigs.com (and in the store) to the Save the Music Foundation.
Popular brands featured for the foundation at shoptwigs.com include Shaesby, Milly, Ben Amun, Archive, Gerard Yosca and so many more.
In a statement on their Web site, the Twigs crew says, “VH1 Save the Music Foundation has made a positive difference in the lives of millions of children and we at shoptwigs.com are proud to be part of their ongoing effort to ensure children everywhere have the opportunity of expression through music.”
What a feel-good idea! We were honored to showcase this dress in our December issue. For a peek at the Twigs VH1 Save the Music catalog, click here, or click on the dress to purchase it directly. Just be sure to enter the promotion code: SAVETHEMUSIC at the checkout, and you’ll also receive free shipping and a VH1 Save the Music T-shirt (while supplies last).
Thanks to…
DSW Shoe Warehouse | Greenway Station, Middleton; (608) 831-7766
Elevation Salon and Spa | 302 E. Washington Ave., Madison; (608) 661-3636
i du hair | 21 N. Butler St., Madison; (608) 630-0766
Jazzman | 340 State St., Madison; (608) 256-2062
Mansion Hill Inn | 424 N. Pinckney St., Madison; (608) 255-0172
Twigs | 1925 Monroe St., Madison; (608) 255-4363
Woldenberg’s | Greenway Station, Middleton; (608) 829-2002
