Runways and Red Carpets

Victoria Beckham.  Photo:  Elle Magazine 2014

Bring on the spice! Over the past year, I've been working with stylists and makeup artists and health experts who make the stars look so good.  They've been sharing secrets from the runway to the red carpet. 

I was never one of those girls who's obsessed with fashion or makeup or perfectly flat abs. Now I have a new appreciation for the creative ones who work in those industries. Instead of shunning the culture of beauty, my goal has been to embrace it in a way that's helpful to women. 

One of the God-given desires of a woman's heart is to feel beautiful. I was being handed so many helpful ways that have transformed my confidence that I wanted to share them. Here's a compilation of videos with guests from my lifestyle webisodes. For more on any of the A-list tips, you can check out full videos on my YouTube channel.

I'm so grateful for you, creative ones. And for you, for sharing this beautiful adventure!

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10 Tips for Keeping it Classy from the Red Carpet

Catherine Zeta-Jones at the American Film Institute tribute to Jane Fonda. June 2014

classy \ adjective : having qualities that make someone special and attractive : showing impressive character (Merriam-Webster dictionary)
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What makes a person classy?  Take Catherine Zeta Jones.  She's fought bi-polar disorder, a stormy marriage, a stalled career. Yet she still exudes class - not with a designer dress and diamonds, but with warmth and a wave.

So what's the difference between classy and trashy?  Here's a few things I've observed from the red carpet: 

1.  Classy people have mastered the art of flirting to make others feel special - not necessarily to get them into bed. 

2.  Classy people don't drink too much - both to avoid acting like a fool and long lines for the restroom. Squatting somewhere is never classy. Neither is peeing in a bucket, Mr. Bieber.

3.  Classy people aren't afraid to apologize, like Reese Witherspoon when she pulled the, "Do you know who I am?" line on a cop.   

4.  Classy people are kind even when others don't deserve it; no Alec Baldwin tantrums.  "Never sacrifice your class to get even with someone who has none." (author unknown)

5.  Classy people have a mystique that somehow commands it; that's why they can leave the see-through dresses to Rihanna.


6.  Classy people look others in the eye.  Besides, wearing sunglasses at night makes anyone look like a douche.  Except maybe Bono. And Stevie Wonder.

7.  Classy people end conversations graciously, even if they're talking to someone creepy.  

8.  Classy people wear panties in public. 

9.  Classy people aren't threatened by others' success and don't try to make anyone feel insignificant; they're secure enough to let you be fabulous.

10.  Classy people don't obsess over their fame; they see it mainly as a platform to do good and inspire the world.

And the bonus observation - classy people don't waste time trying to make others love them. Instead, they unselfishly love the ones who matter most.  

"Too much of the time, we are blinded by our own pursuit of people [that don't even matter] to love us, while the people who do love us...watch us beg in the streets." (C. JoyBell)

Keep it classy.

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Pt. 2: Keeping Up with the Kardashians - Behind the Scenes of My TV Pilot

E! photo

The pampered Hollywood lifestyle is about as far from my background as you can get. Raised on US military bases, we learned how to salute and survive in the wilderness; in Hollywood, it's all about appearance - like how to apply airbrushed makeup or cover the breasts in sheer tops (Band-aids. Really).

For someone who still prefers combat boots to high heels, I have to step out of my comfort zone when I'm working on camera.  As part of my Keeping Up with the Kardashians series, I take you behind the scenes to show what it's like shooting a TV show pilot.  

I'm on set all week with the team behind blockbuster films like Chronicles of Narnia, The Passion of the Christ and The Secret Life of Bees as they expand their film-making success into TV (in case you're wondering, a "pilot" is basically a test episode for TV decision-makers to see.  Most shows start as pilots before getting picked up as series). 

Like any woman, the Kardashians don't roll out of bed looking flawless.  But unlike most of us, they have a team of stylists at hand.  To me, that's one of the best parts of working on camera - so nice to have someone else take care of hair, makeup and wardrobe while you simply relax, talk or even nap!

In the makeup room

I did channel my inner Kim K. a few times, vetoing some choices like airbrushed foundation that masked my skin's natural brightness and hairstyles needing extra hold since hairspray breaks off my fine hair.

Another great thing: craft services. Who doesn't love a buffet? I arrived at my call time each morning and fueled up on scrambled eggs, fresh strawberries, pineapple, grapes and melon. 

I try to avoid gluten and sugar so stayed away from the sandwich and dessert trays (although I did sneak a brownie or two!).  My vice: drinking caffeinated soda for the long hours on set.

Of course, there are the less glam times on a production, like long wait times between segments for set and lighting adjustments. And deadline pressures and creative differences can lead to friction but fortunately our cast and crew got along well.

On set of the talk show pilot

We shot four pilot episodes over two days dishing on everything from sex to marriage to afterlife but we won't know the show's future for several months.  
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Check out part 3 of my Kardashians series with tips on how to get a flawless face here.

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Managing Emotions before a Photo Shoot

I've been writing about my battle with camera shyness despite working in TV and dealing with emotions before a shoot. Then, almost as if it were timed, I get a call that a celebrity photographer wants to fit me into a last-minute opening. 

I knew I had to jump on the opportunity even though I was waiting to hear if a family member would make it through surgery 2,000 miles away. Here's how I managed the day in case it helps anyone else.
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9:00 am:  Shower. Wash/blow dry hair (yogurt facial mask applied day before).

10:00 am:  Photographer had suggested wearing black dress. I only wear LBD's at red carpet events and funerals. Picked one I wear to funerals. Pack:

• fuschia tank top and blouse, purple business top, black skirt
• skinny jeans, denim jacket, silver belt, black booties (oops, forgot pumps)
• necklace, diamond stud earrings 

10:30 am: Practice poses while waiting for call from hospital to take my mind off things (it may feel stupid but the mirror really helps!).

11:30 am:  Walk to mall to look for dress. Shopping fail.

2:15 pm:  Shower again. Style hair. Apply makeup in natural shades. Lancome Teint Idole foundation, blush, MAC Blotting Powder, YSL Golden Gloss, liner, mascara.

3:20 pm:  Finish packing (remember blotting cloths, lint remover, charger, etc.).  Get a call that my relative made it through surgery! 

4:00 pm:  Traffic, grrrr. Rush hour + construction + Dodgers game = tortuous crawl. Running late. Feeling tense.

5:10 pm:  Meet photographer.  Perfect light, known as 'magic hour' just before sunset when light is soft and casts few shadows.

6:30 pm:  Wrap! Photographer works fast.

1:30 am:   Night owls - photographer sends raw shots to review.

2:30 am: Winner!

Something that helped me focus despite the emotional challenges was to view things like an artist.  Artists often name their work and use it to channel their emotions so that's what I did.  I called the shoot, 'Surrender,"  as a statement of trusting God even when facing the possible loss of a loved one.

On the practical side, packing a day or two before the shoot helps reduce stress; so does avoiding sugar and caffeine.  For expert advice from the photographer on rocking your shoot, check out my article, 'Camera Shy?  Tips to Photograph Like a Celebrity.' 
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Model Jen Brook as some fantastic posing tips in her blog: http://jenbrookmodel.tumblr.com.  

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Fashion Giveaway Winner!

A million thanks to all who participated in my giveaway for the one-of-a-kind scarf Babette's designers created exclusively for Blot Your Lips! 

We had 3,000+ views on Facebook and the big winner was Jorge-Luis in Tampa who took home the scarf.

I capped off the fashion series with a visit to the set of E!'s Fashion Police at their Hollywood studio. Despite her reputation as the "queen of mean," Joan Rivers was a generous host and spent time between segments entertaining us with stories of the stars she loves and the ones she dislikes - passionately. 

We weren't allowed to bring our own cameras into the studio but to get a look at how designs are brought to life, check out my 'Design a Dream' fashion series with Babette creative director, Josephine Tchang here.

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Designing a Dream - Fashion Series pt. 2

Ever wonder how fabrics are hand-stitched and pleated into clothes we wear?  Babette's designers share this fascinating look at how it's done at their Oakland, CA workshop. (video by One Hundred Seconds) 

In Part 2 of my fashion series, designer Josephine Tchang shares why she's so passionate about Babette's signature textured garments PLUS an exclusive giveaway!

Shay:  Babette has been making fashion news since the 1960's - what's the secret to your success?

Josephine:  We produce clothing nobody else does. Our garments are not mass-produced - every piece has a story.  We also use very unique textiles.  We look for the best fabrics all over the world to find what works for our brand. 

We always try to improve our designs.  I have to ask, "How am I going to give my customer a fresh take and give her a fresh color story?"  We might be able to sell a pink color this season but next season it might be a mint color or it might be colors and textures combined in new ways. 

Josephine (l) and Babette buy fabrics in Paris

Shay:  What are some of your favorite pieces? 

Josephine:  I love the pleated pieces.  We actually buy the fabrics flat and create the pleats and textures ourselves.  I'll wear one of our pleated dresses as a tunic with skinny jeans for work, then at night take off my jeans, add heels and a handbag and I'm ready for dinner.

Babette's Santa Monica, CA store

Shay:  How has opening more stores affected the brand?

Josephine:  Opening stores in warmer climates like Santa Monica (California) and Santa Fe (New Mexico) definitely plays a role in the direction of our line.  Designing for Los Angeles is different than designing for New York.  As a general trend, clothes are more form-fitted, more colorful and playful.  As a designer, you have to listen to your customer so our line has diversified.
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Fasion designers work a year in advance so Josephine is already creating clothes we'll see on the runways soon.  Find out what inspires her designs in part 1 of 'Designing a Dream'  here.

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY!
Babette has designed a one-of-a-kind scarf for a lucky fan!  To enter, simply like my new Facebook page and share today's post.  Sorry, this drawing is closed.

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Designing a Dream - Fashion Series

Fashion lovers!  I'm thrilled to give you a front row seat to one of Hollywood's emerging design hot spots.  Never dreamed of gracing the red carpet in a designer dress? Or, like me, live in yoga pants and flip flops?  No problem - anyone can appreciate this art.

The LA Times recently named Babette's newest store one of the LA's best places to shop.  The brand is known for its novelty fabrics and pleats.

Part 1 Babette's creative director, Josephine Tchang, tells how she went from working with IV needles to sewing needles.

Babette (2nd from left rear) and Josephine (2nd from rt rear) and the team

Shay:  How did you get started in fashion?

Josephine:  Before I went into design, my dream was to be a nurse.  My mom had a fashion school so I started helping her teach when I was 12 or 13 but I never wanted to get into the fashion world.

I went to nursing school and realized it wasn't my cup of tea.  A graphic artist friend said, "You have a good eye for putting things together. Why don't you try fashion design?" So I took some classes and absolutely loved it.

I got a job as Babette's assistant 21 years ago.  We had 3-4 employees so I got to do everything - from designing to learning the technical aspects of making a garment fit. I moved to go to New York's Fashion Institute of Technology and after I graduated, Babette called and said, "Come back." I've been designing ever since.

Shay:  I'm sure you get asked all the time where your inspiration comes from.

Josephine:  I'm very sensitive to textures and colors.  Babette and I travel to Paris twice a year and we're also art lovers. Inspiration comes from paintings, structures, architecture. Looking at the water or a sunset can give me ideas for a color story.  Fabric is an inspiration - I have to envision how to transform it into a garment.

One time I saw a roll of paper on the floor that had been stepped on and was folded in an origami way. I thought, "this is great texture for a new pleat." I tried it and it worked so inspiration can come from anywhere.

where it all starts - the pleating pattern

Shay:  What's your biggest design challenge?

Josephine:  Knowing when to stop.  When you design something, it's just like a painting - sometimes you over paint.  I try to make every collection different for my customer who already has a closet full of Babette. I need to pay attention to trends but I also have to ask, "Where is my customer going to wear this?"  All that can be challenging.

Shay:  How do you keep your designs fresh?

Josephine:  I try not to design for myself but for my customer. She doesn't want to buy just anything at the mall - she wants something unique.  She has a busy lifestyle, she travels. We capture that niche and design for that woman.  

When women try on Babette clothes for the first time, they fall in love. You don't have to work hard to look fabulous in our clothes; you feel beautiful and comfortable at the same time.  A lot of labor and love goes into each garment and every piece is made in the U.S. so that all adds up to create a great product.

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To read part 2 of 'Designing a Dream', click here.

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY!

Josephine has designed a one-of-a kind Babette scarf for a lucky fan!  To enter, simply like my new Facebook page and share that day's post.  Sorry this drawing is closed.

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Camera Shy? Tips to Photograph Like a Celebrity

This article appears this month in a Dartmouth alumni publication

We all get the urge to smack someone who sticks a camera in our face:  Your old roommate who posts Facebook photos from hell.  Aunt Lucy who stalks you at family reunions. Your boss who bear hugs you in company photos.  Your local police officer who…scratch that, you don’t want to smack a cop taking your mug shot. 

Many of us are camera shy.  For me, it was rooted in a family history of shyness - so acute in some relatives, we don't have pictures of them - and in being a chubby kid.  Anyone who was bullied or teased about their looks understands.

As an adult, the problem got worse after gaining the freshman 15 (er, 30).  I perfected tricks to dodge even candid snaps - from ducking behind furniture to wearing sunglasses indoors.

Despite my career in TV, I learned to "hide" behind the camera by showcasing other people's stories.  I avoided headshots even though mine looked like relics from our frat row days.  When photos were inescapable, my smile was as fake as Lindsay Lohan trying to look innocent in court.

Camera shyness was sabotaging my career.

I finally called photographer Maria Peterson, whose clients range from celebrities to brides. I've known Maria forever so I could trust her for nonjudgmental advice.

"Even models struggle with self-consciousness," she said, "but they learn to embrace the awkwardness."

If you have a photo shoot on the horizon for graduation or a new job, read on for tips on how to photograph like a celebrity.

Prepare

"Preparation is the key to dealing with inhibition,” says Maria, who suggests starting a week before a photo session.  Some of her clients change how they eat; others get more sleep or do yoga to help relax.

Make that hair appointment, get a manicure, pack a tote with items you'll need the day of the shoot - basic advice but Maria finds too many people wait until the last minute and then are disappointed with their shots.  Taking control early was helpful for an Ivy League overachiever; I already felt more confident.

  

Plan

What should I wear, exactly?  Images of Helen Mirren in Calendar Girls flashed through my mind. 

I planned a trip to the mall.

Not so fast, says Maria.  "It's best not to go out and buy something you've never worn that may make you feel inhibited or may not be you.  It's better to wear simple clothes that accentuate the face."

So that just left the question of what colors to wear. In TV, we avoid green, brown and blue (they don't work well for 'green screen'), red, white and black.

I was surprised Maria said any colors would work. While she thinks most people photograph well in jewel tones, "It's more important to wear what makes you feel really confident, really hot. Keep it simple." 

Practice

In TV there's a term called 'cheating to camera' where we stand slightly angled. It feels silly but practicing flattering (i.e. slimming) poses in front of a mirror helps build confidence as you learn to play up your assets and accept how you look - Dumbo ears, double chin and all.

Confession: friends and I practice our red carpet pose. You know the one: chin down/shoulders back/hand on hip.  Forget copying Angelina Jolie’s thigh-baring Oscars pose but we pull off sexy ok.

You may not walk the red carpet but with practice posing for the PTA newsletter won't leave you a nervous, sweaty wreck either.

Play

Finally, your photo shoot should be fun; it's your chance to show what makes you unique inside. "The more you can drop your guard," says Maria, "the easier it is to capture the real you and have fun."

TV coach Marki Costello gave me the push I needed to finally confront camera shyness. Marki, who coaches stars from Stacy Keibler to Cee Lo in her Become A Host program, says the key is to think about your audience more than yourself.

"Think about what you want to convey to the person looking at the shot," says Marki.  "Are you witty, funny, devious, clever?  Have it come out in your face."

Getting a photo that 'pops' is about showing your personality most of all.  "People are so worried about being glamorous and dolled up," says Marki, "but I want to see something in their eyes and face that tells me who they are."

Even if paparazzi aren't hiding in your bushes, these tips should help combat the urge to act like Alec Baldwin and punch the next photographer who shoves a camera in your face. 

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All That Glitters...

All that glitters...that saying about fake worth is so true in Hollywood, where breasts, lips, buttocks are traded like used cars.  Even though I'm used to being around women with enough fillers and implants to make a mannequin jealous, I find myself battling the image pressure.

That's why Alissa and I went for every beauty trick in the book (excluding plastic surgery) for the Emmys: brow jobs, false lashes, hair extensions, exfoliators, bright red mani/pedis, fake tan, Spanx, more makeup than the Kardashians.

And in the end we were left feeling...not very beautiful.  We lost ourselves.  

"I felt so overdone with crazy eyelashes out to here and these big red lips," said Alissa. "It was too much. I felt like a tranny."

The makeup counter promises and dressing room skinny mirrors were like fool's gold.  Yet the over-the-top glam  left us feeling fake and awkward, especially me since I let others convince me to buy a girly dress instead of a simple one so I was squirming like a six-year-old in a church pew.

Our experience proved that nothing is as alluring as a woman at ease in her own skin.

"We tortured ourselves," said Alissa, "wanting to be who we're not." 

After the show we came home, washed our faces and went out - sans the glitter. 

"Your drinks are on me," said the first man who saw us, "because you are the most beautiful women here." 

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Emmys: Red Carpet Ready - Part 3

Ryan Seacrest interviewing "The Good Wife" Julianna Margulies

We sizzled at the Emmys!  The show literally heated up Sunday night — with the temperature climbing to 100 degrees by the time we hit the red carpet.  

The arrivals usually offer the best view to see TV's leading stars on their biggest night and even the heat was no competition for the steamy fashions.  

Our day started with a quick run to the mall for last minute accessories before meeting HMU (hair and makeup) artists at my apartment. And that's when I discovered the air conditioning had gone out!  With no maintenance around to fix it on a Sunday, we turned one little fan on blast and did our best to match the glitz of nominees like Zooey Deschanel, Tina Fey, Sofia Vergara, Claire Danes and Nicole Kidman. 

Ryan Seacrest was interviewing The Good Wife's Julianna Margulies on the "E" Entertainment podium when we arrived. We took our time heading into Nokia Theater, where late-night talk show comedian Jimmel Kimmel was set to host the three-hour salute to TV's best. 

The show came off very safe, nothing outrageous or offensive. Even the biggest prank—Saturday Night Live comedian Tracy Morgan appearing to pass out on stage—somehow fell flat.

The big surprise award went to Outstanding Drama Series, with Showtime's Homeland, beating out perennial winner and darling, Mad Men. The Outstanding Comedy series award was no surprise, going to ABC's Modern Family for the third year in a row.

Mad Men set a new record after being shutout in every award category despite 17 noms, a record previously held by Northern Exposure.  Mad Men had won awards the past four years but perhaps much like the Emmy's three-hour running time, it may have outrun it's charm. 

Honestly, the show itself feels even longer live than it does sitting at home in the comfort of your living room. The live audience invariably ends up missing segments during commercial breaks with too little time time to head to the lobby, wait in line for beverages and get back to your seat before it's time for the next segment.
 That's a wrap. Enjoy our view from the red carpet!

red carpet arrival

I'm not sure all the craziness of awards shows are worth the massive amount of time and expense they entail but even so, it's a Hollywood rite of passage so we'll be back.  

Michael J Fox to the left of his wife in the green dress

yours truly rockin the red carpet

Michael J Fox received a standing ovation during his awards presentation

Zachary Quinto from Heroes and Star Trek

Nominee Julianna Margulies (one of my favs) at the E! press line

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Red Carpet Ready - Part 2

Good news:  received our Emmy tickets.  Bad news:  still haven't found a gown.  Seems like I've tried on every dress in LA - driving miles in 100 degree heat just to be zipped and cinched like a Hefty sack.

Raised in the Baptist South, fashion and makeup were not priorities. The few style lessons we were taught included: 

1. Avoid red lipstick; people will think you're a whore
2. ALWAYS make sure your skirt hem covers the knee
3. Exposed cleavage? that is the unpardonable sin (raising a tomboy who wouldn't be caught dead showing cleavage probably saved my parents a heart attack) 

While I outgrew overalls and learned to 'paint my face,' I'm not sure the Baptists were totally off base in thinking that caked on makeup was an attempt to mask poor self-esteem or that splurging on exorbitant fads was wasted opportunity to help the needy.

But after working in Hollywood, I've come to find a balance between the Baptists and the beauty-makers.  Seeing a makeup artist transform a face or a fashion designer create a garment out of shapeless fabric is as inspiring as when any artist turns the ordinary into the divine.

Emmy host Jimmy Kimmel and execs roll out the red carpet for Sunday's show

Fortunately we have stylists for the Emmys. I might even go strapless. Or wear red lipstick. Yes, my Baptist friends may feel the need to host an intervention.
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Check out photos of my road to the red carpet here.

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Red Carpet Ready

Kerry Washington at the 2011 Emmy Awards Photo:  International Business Times

Starting a series on the road to the red carpet!  I'll be live at the Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012 www.emmys.com

Designer gowns, tuxes, celebrities...Hollywood produces more red carpet events than anywhere in the world.  Next up: the Emmys!  Thankfully I've become more fashion savvy since moving to LA.

Hired by Backstage magazine to cover a film premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theater, the assignment didn't include a stylist. Thus, I committed the cardinal sin: wearing flats on the red carpet.

"How could you?" a friend actually said to me.  Well, as an investigative reporter I'd spent more time behind crime tape than velvet ropes.  Try perching in Christian Louboutins at an all-night hostage standoff.

Soon after going to work at The Hollywood Reporter, my boss told me I'd be attending the BAFTA Awards (British version of the Oscars) - that night.

I felt like Cinderella.  I'd be rubbing elbows with guests like Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts and I didn't have a gown.  My former TV stations had taken care of everything when we needed formal attire so there'd been no need to buy a gown that could only be worn once on-air.

Enter fairy godmother (they do exist!). A co-worker must have heard me sniffling in my cubicle. "Stand up," she ordered, visually taking in my measurements.  "Come with me."

My fairy godmother drove me to her Hollywood Hills home where a lady-in-waiting (ok, her daughter) met us.  An aspiring stylist, she'd seen to every detail from gowns to makeup to glass slippers (ok, high heels).

The ballroom, a sea of silk and diamonds, was just like the fairytale.  At the end of the enchanted evening, my chariot (ok, taxi) was waiting.  

I didn't think of it before but one detail was missing.  Where was Prince Charming?

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Check out part 2 of my road to the red carpet here.

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Girls Who Wear Pink

Kendra Wilkinson & Hank Baskett.

As a kid, I did not wear pink.  I lived in sneakers and overalls and my dad's army boots.  I loved clomping around in  his big, spiffy combat boots.  They were black and shiny and made me feel fierce and unstoppable.  

I still prefer to wear combat boots over high heels but thanks to a Playboy Playmate, I'm finally becoming one of those girls who wear pink (not a bunny suit!). 

I tuned in to the TV show Kendra on Top to watch a friend's guest appearance on reality the show. The show follows a racy former Playmate and her husband, Hank, as they leave the fast lane for family life. I caught an episode about Hank training to break into TV after retiring from the NFL. 

Watching Hank work with a TV hosting coach, I wondered if she might be able to help me, too.  Newscasters have a distinct on-air style that's gotten in my way when I audition for more creative roles.  At one commercial test, a cranky agent even snapped, "I want you to sell the sugar, not put it on the news." 

A phone call and $600 later, I was signed up for a weekend with Hollywood's self-professed Queen of Hosting. Marki Costello's roster includes celebrities like Cee Lo, Khloe Kardashian and many more.  

Time to step up my game fast. Hosting Boot Camp was just a month away. 

Since we'd be filming against in a green screen studio, I knew I'd need new clothes.  My closet is full of dark and neutral colors that look fine for reporting in the field but that are way too dull in the studio.  

Time had come to join the girls who wear...

Yep.  Pink would perfectly "pop" with my skin tone.  Bought my first-ever pink blouse.  Hope it looks okay with combat boots.

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