So I think I’ve had my first brush with fame..err, I mean I’ve met someone famous. In the BEAUTIFUL penthouse apartment that is being completely transformed into a designer’s (our client, Sherri Hill’s) dream showroom, I was cordially introduced to Stormi Henley, a veteran model for Sherri Hill. Of course that interesting, spunky name is familiar…why? Well, the nineteen year old, Southern model is actually a renowned pageant queen–any bells ringing yet? Stormi was crowned Miss Teen USA in 2009! No stranger to all things royal and feminine, Stormi was poised to become a favorite poster-girl of Sherri Hill. The pageant queen turned stunning model is equally smitten with Sherri’s original designs, many of which she has worn proudly on stage! I was so excited and surprised to see a model so happy with the apparel she’d be showing. Stormi loved every dress she modeled, and expressed no apprehension when she said (multiple times) ‘I call dibs on this one!’ I’m convinced that Stormi Henley and Sherri Hill make a perfect pairing…hmm SH and SH..maybe it’s ESP!

I’ve never been one to gush over floral designs… but for some unknown reason, I find my interest in floral patterning and decoration blooming this summer season. Come to think of it, as I look down at the sundress I’m wearing right now I see a vibrant combination of native Hawaiian orchid and hibiscus flowers. This trend obviously hasn’t taken off from nowhere, it’s been catalyst by some of the fashion industry’s most inspiring and inventive designers. Case in point: John Galliano’s couture collection for Christian Dior. I’ve never seen flowers used to make such a strong statement before. It’s almost ironic, too, how delicate fabrications like taffeta and silk can be paired with equally feminine iconic emblems of flowers and work to create an aggressive look. AND even though the interesting structuring and dramatic color combinations can definitely communicate an androgynous look on the runway, femininity and organic beauty is certainly not missing. Our client, Sherri Hill, is infusing this trend into so many of her own designs. Her collection of cocktail dresses features a number of cute mini dresses with rose-printed patterns and innovative use of rosettes to replace the fun, playful effect of ruffles. Her popular baby doll design is given an even more feminine touch by turning out the taffeta/tulle skirt at the end–almost to resemble a beautiful rose opening up its petals! I never thought i’d say it..but I guess I will, now..i’ve been entranced by flower power….

It’s already the second month of this sizzling summer (time flies!), but there’s at LEAST another solid month of sun and heat to serve as the perfect backdrop for some fierce fashion! A true ‘girly girl’ in every sense, I am QUITE the dress fanatic–so it’s inevitable that my summer wardrobe is flowing with dresses of every sort, shape and color. And I’m always looking for an occasion to flaunt a new fabulous find! The dresses designed by our client, Sherri Hill, are my match made in heaven. The collection of cocktail and party dresses are a sassy mix of cute, sexy and sophisticated. For the fun and flirty among us, pastels like mint green, lavender, blush pink, sky blue or carnation yellow are combined with chiffon, taffeta, tulle and silk satin for day or night occasions. For those of us who are more suave and sexy (or at least try to play the part every now and again), darker or, in contrast, VERY bright colors like magenta or turquoise are combined with more form-fitting materials like Lycra and/or sequined or Swarovski-crystal embellishments to create a tighter, more dramatic fit for a sultry night look. Either way you choose to go..Sherri Hill’s collection has it covered!

It’s been almost two months since some of country’s best boot-scootin’ stars gathered to celebrate Brooks & Dunn’s final concert tour (‘The Last Rodeo Tour’) in May. The American Country Music event was packed with adrenaline pumping performances of the duo’s chart-topping hits and sentimental tributes to the soon-to-be-veteran stars. Our favorite singing-sensation, Carrie Underwood, honored her own American idols by performing “Neon Moon.” The cowboy hats, studded boots and fringed vests have long since been put away, but the concert is STILL being talked about! The July issue of the People Country Special pays tribute to one of country music’s most exceptional nights. Brooks & Dunn are all smiles in the presence of their country comrades-particularly Carrie Underwood..who looks absolutely stunning in a silver, metallic sequined dress by JOVANI!

When I say the words ‘Award Show,’ I can already read everyones’ minds…Grammy’s, Oscar’s, Emmy’s..Am I right? Well, while these shows certainly eclipse any pop culture aficionado’s most anticipated night of television watching, they always seem to outshine other award events. Music, film, and television industries, we love you, but you can’t possibly deserve ALL the credit! Enter: the beauty industry. Last night, July 18th, the NAHA (North American Hairstyling Awards) show took off with style in Las Vegas, Nevada. Recognized as the most prestigious photographic beauty competition in North America, the NAHA’s applaud the most skilled and cutting-edge visionaries in the professional salon industry. In addition to adding some volume to their portfolios, individuals who enter NAHA are poised to join the impressive ranks of the most well-regarded and credited players in the salon biz! Anyone who attends the NAHA’s is a certified god or goddess in the salon world…take, for instance, Elan Sassoon. Sassoon’s newest line of professional quality, biodegradable products, Sojourn, is a true testament to his “Positive Chemistry” mantra. The photo below pictures the hair care expert with Tabatha Coffey (on the right of Sassoon), star of the hit BRAVO reality show ‘Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.’ Sassoon is also joined by Sojourn’s Creative Director, Melissa Stone (third from left) and Amanda (last on the right).

The increasingly social and technologically savvy world that we live in has made it easy for anyone who wants to create and connect. Businesses and professional organizations are never immune to these strategic patterns – The smartest and most progressive businesses are also linking in to participate in this Web 2.0 phenomenon. How to? Social Media 101. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, whichever you choose, a well-crafted social media platform can successfully bridge the gap between consumer and company. The even more astute companies (ahem..C.I. Visions) will use a layered approach to boost their online presence and garner the GREATEST consumer support and following. What do we mean by layered? Well, take the omnipresence of Facebook and couple it with exciting, fun product promotions and gift giveaways..and VOILA! Total PR Perfection! This is our task RIGHT NOW! Excited yet? See details below!!!!

‎$500 GIVEAWAY!!

C.I. Visions is giving away $100 worth of beauty products to 5 lucky winners! ENTER NOW!

Here’s how:

1. Go to C.i. Visions page

2. Friend request us & “like” this post.

3. Copy & paste this entire post on YOUR wall, tagging C.I. Visions to enter the contest! (to tag type @C.i. Visions)

Dressing nicely is pretty simple if you ask me..I mean, it really only takes looking at the latest fashion trends forecast, observing the current season and weather patterns, evaluating your body type and personal style, and visiting your favorite department store or boutique to put together the ultimate stocked ensemble. The BEST dressed will ALWAYS go one step further, though. Pushing the envelope with tricks to turn their own fashion-forward magic. If you don’t realize what I’m alluding to already, I’ll address more boldly.. ACCESSORIES! Yes, true fashionistas, vogue gurus and style sages are pros at accessorizing themselves-they know what scarves look best, which sunglass styles will frame their faces best, and what type of jewelry or gem accoutrement will match their day/evening choices. Now, even though these skills are seemingly perfected by leaders in the world of fashion and beauty, there is still hope for all of the rest of us..paying attention to the following tips and suggestions is the first step to enhancing your fashion credentials!

P.S. Even if you wouldn’t classify yourself as a fashion superstar, your outfit can be revolutionized by the right combination of accessories..did I calm your nerves? Okay, good!

So the first thing you’ll always want to assess is the occasion for your next attire appearance. Unless you’re a runway saavy model or an A-list celebrity, chances are that your work wardrobe will be chic (of course), but slightly less exaggerated and more classy, professional. These types of outfits find great partnering with sets of pearls, thin, skinny belts, brooches (keep in mind, these would be modern, contemporary types, let’s not date ourselves yet!), and a simple sterling silver or more regal gold wristwatches. If it’s the weekend and your flaunting a weather appropriate Bohemian-inspired look, feel free to pair with chunky antiqued bangle bracelets, hoop earrings, loosely fitting tassel belts, or an eye-catching sequined or embellished oversized handbag.

Never be afraid to use some color. Even though it might be intimidating and/or risky, adding color to any outfit will undoubtedly give it a pop. Monochromatic ensembles definitely do work, but sometimes adding a cutting, contrasting color can add some drama and edge (all white, try some gold accents). Jewel tones like deep amethyst, turquoise, emerald, and ruby reds look fantastic against a black backdrop.

Hair up/Hair down tips. I would argue that longer, sassier hair styles add sophistication to an outfit and would be complimented (with a feminine touch) by floral or crystal barrettes. I’m a big proponent of head bands too–especially with a bow or other elaborate applique–These aren’t always overwhelming. Hair up can be extremely fun when matched with large dangling, hoops or oversized studs (roses or other floral designs are my fave!)

Most people would forget about the subtle accessorizing of perfume and makeup, but these are two additions that should not be missed! While perfume is invisible, the scent is definitely noticed. Daily routines that include work or school may only need a light misting of floral tones or vanilla, musky aromas. More grandiose, special occasions can be scent-sationalized with bolder fragrances. And don’t forget, seasons dictate how light or heavy the scent should be. Try to keep makeup simple and natural-looking during the day, highlighting your key facial features (the eyes, cheeks, and lips) with subtle color and light glossing. Deep lipsticks, smoky shadows, exaggerated eye lining, and heavier bronzing can create a more night-vixen look.

Not too complicated right? If you learn more from example, feel free to flip through popular fashion and beauty publications. More likely than not, celebrities are go-to role models for anything accessory!

I think that as humans with particularly sensitive noses, we are ALWAYS sniffing out pleasant, sweet-smelling things to shift our moods and transport us to more serene and tranquil places.. Familiar scents can enlighten our spirits, calm our nerves, and return us to times past in nostalgic bliss. Now perfumes can certainly do this, but candles have a certain organic way of entrancing our senses while soothing our minds and also brightening our homes. We’re far removed from using natural beeswax candles..for some, these candles are even antiquated at this point. We’re better acquainted with the more synthetic paraffin candles. Unfortunately though, other than a nice vanilla scent or pretty pastel color, these candles are unhealthy for both the user and their environment. Solution? Try a Soy Candle. Soy candles (made from hydrogenated soybean oil) are a clean and natural choice on the inside — but the way they look on the outside no longer has to say “Birkenstocks and crunchy granola.” There are a host of new soy brands out there that make superior products and look very fashion-forward as well! Look no further than Aglowecoliving.com.

Soy is a natural candle alternative that does not have to burn a hole in your wallet! Soy is born out of a renewable resource, making it cost-effective.

For anyone who’s ever felt woozy and nauseous from inhaling too many flagrantly faux fragrances, it’s likely that the petroleum concentration in the wax can make the scent overwhelming. That is why it is important to choose a candle company that approaches their fragrancing the same way a fine perfume nose does. (check out Jimmybelascolifestyle.com) All soy candles are made with very little or no petroleum whatsoever, which leads to a candle fragrance that is gentle on the senses and friendly to the environment *no CO(2) emission here!

And Soy candles can last up to 50% longer than their paraffin counterparts..they “throw well” (candle vernacular for a great scent quality or intensity). Not to mention, with less chemical content, these candles produce far less soot or blackish gray residue on your walls and furniture. A clean house is a happy house after all!

And if I haven’t convinced you to join the soy bandwagon yet..maybe this fun fact will get you! Soy is an American-grown product-so with greater consumer support, our US farmers (and national economy) will get a well-deserved boost. C.I. Visions has worked with Er’go Candles, Aglow Eco Living, Jimmy Belasco Lifestyle and Fruits & Passion who all make great home-fragrancing products. Check out the July issue of Houston Family for our latest placement for Aglow…

Harvest what you plant.  All around us life is moving a breakneck speeds.  Technology and business is all about how fast we can deliver communication and moving at lightning speed from one idea to another.  Our society receives and disseminates information in constant sound bits often without any regard to where we are going, and why we were heading there in the first place.   We can not forget that planting seeds, laying out intentions and visualizing our next is a process of growth and transformation that when cultivated with consistancy and patience yields some of the juiciest and ripest fruits of our labor…

Have you ever looked at a large, old tree and wondered how long it has been there? It’s amazing to think that at one point that gigantic tree was merely a tiny seed. In the same way, our words and actions and intentions are seeds with which we will always reap a harvest on what we sow when tended and looked after.

Think about the types of seeds you have been sowing in your personal and professional lives.   Are you sowing encouragement, hope, blessing, love and passion in everything you say and do?  Then that’s what you’ll reap in the future. But if you’ve been sowing criticism, judgment, anger and fear you’re probably already reaping a bad harvest. It’s time to start changing your seed.

Today, I encourage you to uproot any negative seeds you may have planted in the past and begin sowing good seeds for your future. As you stay in the joy of all that you are planting, with every thought, word, action and deed – you’ll see those seeds grow.   And just like that strong, vibrant tree – you’ll see all your relationships, your passions and enjoyment of life rise up higher and enjoy a full harvest.  Plant seed and let the sun rise…

How can Social Media work for your brand?  By building your online presence and directly targeting consumers with a strong, relevant, interesting, engaging communications program that includes Social Media that speaks directly to your audience.  When we partner to grow this important area of marketing I ask our clients to ask themselves these four questions:

Are you…

Using Facebook and Twitter to build meaningful communities…and leveraging them to their full potential?

Effectively engaging the bloggers who can put you in touch with influential brand ambassadors?

Up-to-speed on viable measures and metrics – and do you know which methods really drive business?

Using promotions and contests to engage consumers online, and then convert them to customer?

More bright ideas to make your brand more social…