AudreyBeaulacStyle

Diamonds Really Are Your Best Friend.

audrey — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:33:29 +0000

Well, they say invest in what you love…

There are street level jewelry stores that beckon with all that sparkles, but upstairs is where the real deals are made. Private jewelry purchases are on the rise over the last decade. Hidden behind office doors in generic office buildings are daily transactions of the finest stones and jewelry. Whether square cut or pear shape these rocks don’t lose their shape or their value.

The reason I’m now sitting in a private room 31 floors above Manhattan that required three levels of security to enter is because it’s a relationship business. In front of me is a fortune in fine jewelry, across from me, my jewelry mentor. Joseph Koren, CEO of Daniel K, www.danielk.net, award winning international entrepreneur, is my advisor, educator and newest friend. Joseph shares with me his thoughts on investing in fine jewelry; he’s pro, of course. “Diamonds are a unique investment. After three generations of building and maintaining relationships with our clients, we’ve come to know their style and what they’re looking for whether it’s an emotional or strategic buying decision. Our reputation is well established in the finest stones and designed pieces. We provide value security to our clients, its about superb service and integrity.” As investment demands for diamonds increases working with a trusted advisor is key. The quality makes all the difference in ascending value; the place of purchase plays a critical role in credibility.

In the April 14^th New York Times article Diamonds as a Commodity; Nathaniel Popper discusses a push to make diamonds a traded commodity. “A small number ofinvestment professionals around the world are competing behind the scenes to turn gems into a commodity that would be available to investors in the way that gold has been traded through funds on exchanges.”

Both the New York Times and WWD March 28th China File also discuss the rise of demand in China and India for gem stones particularly diamonds as investment purchases. Demand is up and supply is in flux, interesting conditions for those who like a little risk.

The three things to consider before investing in loose stones or fine jewelry are:

1. Know who you’re buying from, reputation is everything. Due diligence is essential

2. Are you purchasing jewelry to use? In that decision the design, color and usage all come into consideration. Does it become an heirloom; is it part of a larger collection of beloved pieces? Is it more an accessory to be traded after a few seasons?

3. Is it a strategic investment purchase? In which case, loose round cut brilliant diamonds are the classic standard and most sellable shape. Emotions play no part in this decision, buy what sells.

Diamonds are the most concentrated store of value that exists. They are tangible, portable and liquid investments that investors make privately. They’re an investment you can use without diminishing the value. The ability to see, wear and enjoy my investment is an enhanced value that exceeds a quarterly statement. I love the beautiful and the tangible, that’s part of my Style Signature.

Make Mine Orange!

audrey — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:15:18 +0000

Make Mine Orange!

Color is magic. It’s a visceral relationship twined with our individuality, a marriage that creates a palette as unique as our fingerprints. Finding your personal colors involves a little more than a packet of swatches. Those are just the raw material. It’s taking that information to the next level that creates your personal palette.

If you’re creating a morass of black in your wardrobe, it’s time to write a new script. Color used well infuses us with vitality and confidence as well as making us appear more attractive, slimmer (even better than black) and more interesting. The universal quality of black can be achieved with anthracite, espresso brown or charcoal. If you’re not a color aficionado, then let a discerning professional paint a more exciting palette for you.

A color professional is going to help you interpret your personal colors and make applying them to your wardrobe easier and more satisfying. Make sure you stop and cover some particulars before you let someone overhaul your appearance. Colorful mistakes are expensive and may have to be lived with for awhile. It’s a cooperative effort, not a decree.

Know what you like. You may think you don’t know color but you make decisions about it everyday. You have feelings about what you do and don’t like. Identify your current favorites and your loyal neutrals. Avoid prescriptive color palettes and look for a kinetic experience of color draping. No one can ever show you representations of all your colors. It’s more valuable if someone can show you how color lights you up or lets you down.

Set your expectations. Often when someone wants their colors done it’s usually a portion of a larger question, “How do I pull my whole look together” or “How do I look more current?” Being specific with how you want to apply the information gives you more overall value.

It’s a working relationship. Color is visual, emotional and practical. It’s nice if you become friends with your consultant but good conversation isn’t the point. You want someone who’ll help you make informed choices by showing you options. The luxury of working with a professional is choice. Be receptive to exploring but not pressured into agreeing.

Speak up. There are estimates of five million or more colors visual to the human eye. The reality is your palette contains more colors than you’ll ever use. So explore together to find the ones you love, think together to create harmonious palettes and work together to strengthen your identification acuity.

Remember these simple color tips for best results:

Is always harder to go to darker hair than lighter.

If your make-up looks bruise-y or orange, the colors are off.

Between shoes, belt and bag it’s better to match two and coordinate one.

Bright colors are more fun but considered less sophisticated and neutrals are seemingly boring but suitably breathtaking if done well.

Any color you love to wear is good for you.

Don’t underestimate the impact of color; it can change your life in an instant.

“The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.” -Coco Channel-

Come On, Let’s Vogue

audrey — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:59:04 +0000

The Vogue Style Guide

Wraphabillement

audrey — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:56:14 +0000

No longer is looking chic in inclement weather a trick commanded by icons and magicians. Thanks to Elizabeth Roberts for bring us outwear that’s urban chic. It isn’t just about staying dry or the newest technology in textiles, rather the composition of all elements into a unique vision.One of looking well turned out for all of life’s adventures from morning walks with two or four legged friends to slipping on a taffeta skirt, cashmere sweater and making it to the ballet just in time.

Elizabeth Roberts created Wraphabillement to capture the unique combination of form and function into a chic outerwear coat that doesn’t just feel utilitarian. Combining distinctive Parisian influences of sophisticated colors (love the Turmeric /Graphite combination), grosgrain trim and joie de vie with technical fabric, attentive construction, thoughtful details including even protection from our never without technology, Elizabeth created a coat to fit our lifestyle. Whether it’s the jaunty profile of Le Romantique, the ideal finish to a skirt with tights or boots over skinny jeans that catches your eye; or the curvaceous nature of Le Sportif, with a streamline silhouette that lengthens and leans the form underneath, you’ll take home the prize. One of these coats could be the next staple you add to your wardrobe, don’t hesitate if looking pulled together works for you.

http://www.wraphabillement.com/

Tools- HeadShot

audrey — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:41:44 +0000

Every professional needs to have a current headshot as an essential part of their business toolbox. There’s a natural inclination to put off originating or updating as the need is only urgent when it presents itself. However as every good scout knows, be prepared.

There are three things to remember about headshots:
• They’re worth it.
• They’re always best scheduled before you need them.
• A nice picture isn’t a substitute for a professional shot.

Getting a Great Head Shot:
Working with professionals on both coasts I wanted the expertise of those I trust to give an insider view on getting a great head shot.

New York Based Fashion Stylist Karen Kleber says:
• Bring wardrobe options. I thought my favorite Fendi jacket was perfect for my new headshot look. But as my photographer Bill pointed out, it looked like a choir robe from the shoulders up. Take in to consideration the cropping will be very tight. After all it’s called a head shot. We settled on a black dress with a simple clean neckline.

• Don’t overdo it with the accessories. Choose classic clean pieces that do not draw your eye to the accessories, but compliment your total look.

• Trust your photographer. The photographer’s job is to make you look and feel your best. Let the photographer do their job. No micro managing.

• Don’t forget to breathe! Have fun and enjoy the moment. It’s all about you!

Contact through www.audreybeaulacstyle.com

New York Based Make Up Artist, Hair Stylist and Photographer Bill Westmorland says:
• Wear something comfortable, yet stylish….don’t wear something that does not feel like “you”. Even if it looks great and is uncomfortable it usually shows through in the photo. Avoid busy patterns and keep jewelry to a minimum.

• Having your makeup done for a photo is usually a must…but by someone that understands photography and lighting. Being overly made up or using products that are too shiny can really hinder the outcome of a photo.

• The same holds true for having your hair done. Make sure that you are comfortable and that “you” look like “you”. Trendy styles can quickly date a photo.

• Keep the background of your photo plain and simple…your headshot is about you, not your surroundings.

• If you have a phobia of having your photo taken make sure that you establish a friendly rapport with your photographer. If you are nervous tell them that you would feel more comfortable if you engaged in a conversation while you are shooting. This may help you relax. Note that the photographer will ask you occasionally to “close your mouth” so that he doesn’t catch you in mid-sentence, which will not look good.

www.billwestmoreland.com

Seattle Based Celebrity Photographer David Hiller says:
• Use a professional photographer who specializes in headshot-portraits. Don’t use your
friends if you want to stay friends!!! Do your research. Check out their work, speak
with them and get information. This goes for make-up and clothing stylists
(It’s a good idea to use them).

• Provide direction for the photographer and stylists. Bring samples if necessary,
but be open minded to what the photographer and stylist has to say, they are working
for you to get the best possible shot.

• Relax at the session. Bring music to set the mood. Keep your negative thoughts at home or best yet throw them away.

• Let everything in the shot (clothes, jewelry, hair, make-up and props) compliment
you, not work against you.

• It’s in the eyes, they say it all in a portrait. Something I pay close attention to when I
shoot. Very important to look at the camera and not stare.

• A few basic rules…No haircuts day of shoot, stay away from salty foods and alcohol
the night before, usually mid to late morning are best times for a shoot if it has to be
in the afternoon make sure you freshen up before.

• Relax and have a good time. Remember to ask questions if you have any concerns.

http://www.davidhiller.com/

How to Build Your Perfect Wardrobe

travis — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:18:46 +0000

The key to chic is a well-edited closet. Here are seven simple steps to creating your own wardrobe oasis.

1. Know thyself. That includes clothing personality, body architecture and lifestyle. Defining your essential style enables you to maintain a cohesive image irrespective of seasonal trends.

2. Edit your closet; it’s a toolbox not a junk drawer. Remove anything that doesn’t either light you up or is a useful tool even if only used occasionally. Studies show that most individuals wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time.

3. Look at your lifestyle and put your money where you’ll use it. For the most part everyone has a chameleon like life where in one day you may need to be appropriate in a multitude of venues. To that end, create a silhouette that works for your body shape and personality. This is where you’ll find the most value for your dollar and usability in your wardrobe.

4. Your basic apparel pieces are the foundation of your style and the substructure of your wardrobe. There’s nothing better than being able to grab and go on necessary mornings.

5. Color used well infuses us with vitality and confidence as well as making us appear more attractive, slimmer and more interesting. The universal quality of black can be achieved with anthracite, espresso brown or charcoal, injecting needed coordination into your wardrobe.

6. The power finish. A great coat makes whatever else you’re wearing look better.

7. Learn to recognize those items that make your impeccable basics come alive. The collectables that give you rock star confidence; those are your Style Signature pieces. You are shaped by them and they are your memories. An ideal wardrobe is what’s ideal for you.