Shannon of Gloss + Dirt Blog, Allure's 2012 Beauty Blogger of the Year

Photo Credit: ageisbeauty.com

Blogger Spotlight! I was intrigued to speak with Allure magazine's 2012 Beauty of the Blogger, the bubbly Shannon of Gloss + Dirt Blog. From what I understand, this was Allure's first-ever "Beauty Blogger" Awards - and therefore I was delighted to catch up with Shannon to chat about the process and the experience itself.  

Hi Shannon! Congrats on becoming Allure’s 2012 Beauty Blogger of the Year! What an amazing accomplishment! 

Shannon, Gloss + Dirt Blog

Shannon: Hi Nikki! Thank you so much. The whole thing is really unbelievable to me. I don't think it has really hit me yet! I'm just so grateful and excited.

Tell me a little bit about the experience – from how you were chosen to your winning. 

Shannon: I followed Allure on Twitter, and I saw something about it there. I submitted on a whim, I never really try to put myself out there like that, and I just put it out of my mind. When Allure contacted me to tell me I was a finalist, I literally said, "Are you guys sure?" And that's how I felt the entire contest. Like this whole thing is a big mistake! I'm not supposed to be here with all these talented people! 

How long have you been blogging? How did you get started? 

Shannon: I just had my first year Blogiversary! I really started the blog as a creative outlet that I was missing. I have kind of weird, crazy ideas that come to me, and this has become a way for me to put them out there into the universe. Whether people read my craziness or not was not really important, and no one really did, it was more about a fun thing for me. 

Shannon's Eyebrows: Before and After

Your YouTube channel is very informative as it relates to makeup tutorials, and your personality is a big bowl of fun! Were you ever camera shy? If so, how did you overcome it? 

Shannon: Well, thank you! I wasn't really camera shy, more just a little nervous. I was probably a little more reserved on my first few videos, and then I became more myself with each one. I think you just have to put yourself out there, and as time goes on you will become more comfortable.  

What’s next in terms of your blogging/ vlogging endeavors? 

Shannon: I never really know. I really started this whole thing for fun, but I hope I can become more of a professional blogger. Be a big girl! 

Your Blogger Identity: "I think the most important thing is to be yourself." -Shannon

Any advice for up and coming beauty bloggers? 

Shannon: I think the most important thing is to be yourself. There are so many bloggers out there, but only one you. As cheesy as that may sound, it's true. Be you, and don't let anyone steal that shine! 

Thanks for chatting with me! And congrats again on your recent success! Tell readers how they can contact you? 

Shannon: Thanks for asking! Anyone is free to email me at shannon@glossanddirt.com, or just comment on my blog: glossanddirt.com, and I'll respond to you.

VIDEO - Psst! Meet Shannon...

EXCLUSIVE! Taliah's Signature Style

"I don't really follow trends (well just the right ones), I follow what feels right. Confidence is key." Taliah  

As a style blogger, I try to spark chats with people that embody a unique personal style, an overall presence that is unforgettable. For years I've been on this "embrace your individuality" movement, encouraging my readers to find a style that works "for her" -- and to feel completely comfortable  experimenting with trends.

Taliah of Fashion Was Here caught my attention, because she embraces [her own] style with confidence. Taliah has a keen eye for fashion, and a beautiful personality to match. Read on; get-to-know Taliah, a real stylista! 

Nikki: I’ve been following Fashion Was Here faithfully and absolutely love all the outfits you wear. (No really, I do!)

Taliah: Aw thank you! It’s fun to share my style with my readers and give them a taste of me. Of course I have my bad days, but you will never see that on the blog. [Laughs]

N: You’ve definitely mastered your ‘signature’ look! That being said, what inspires your overall personal style?

T: Well I didn’t know I had a signature look. I often think about how people define my style, because it’s usually hard for me to put myself in a box. I feel like I can be all over the place, but overall, I think culture inspires my personal style. I love to be different and take from different eras and ethnicities. I especially love anything from the 70s, like the movies and biopic films that showcase that style. I am a big advocate of vintage, so a lot of times I like to mix that with modern pieces to complete my look. Also, anything beautiful and romantic can inspire my style, like anything from a Japanese Geisha, to a Sudanese model, to great music. I love that!

In The Woods

N: So, for those who are in the midst of trying to develop his/her own personal style can you give some tips for success?

T: I would say to stay true to yourself by going with what feels right. Make sure you know your sizes and body type and let the clothes compliment your look. So for example, if you have short legs you may want to stay away from ankle strap shoes, because they can cut off the length of your leg and make you look shorter. Solid colors also make people look taller. Try different things like wearing a hint of color with an all black ensemble or playing with prints. Read and study magazines that give tips on how-to style looks. Also, find a celebrity or style muse who has a similar taste, or body shape as you—and let them inspire you. That always helps.

N: I understand that you have lots of love for classic pieces—and so do I! Which vintage stores do you enjoy shopping at?

T: I love Wasteland in LA, Spitalfield and Bricklane Flea markets and Notting Hill in London, Screaming Mimis in Manhattan, this store in Brooklyn (can’t remember the name), Killer Trash and The Zone in Baltimore, and the Little Five Points area in Atlanta, GA. 

N: What are some of your must-have staple wardrobe items?

T: Black patent leather pumps, a nice chunky sweater/cardigan, of course a great blazer (I like all lengths), an over-sized bag (I love black), I love wooden bangles and other styles, cocktail rings, sequin top or dress (I love sparkly things) and I have to have a great pair of skinny jeans.

N: Let’s switch gears and talk a little bit about your style blog, Fashion Was Here. Great name, by the way! What made you [want-to] create the site in the first place?

T: Thanks! I originally started my blog in '06 and the name was inspired by one of my favorite artists, Kelis, from the title of her album, “Kelis Was Here.” I felt it was a great title, because I was leaving my mark in fashion...like my permanent signature. I have been into fashion for almost forever, so once I started seeing these blogs on the Internet, it was my opportunity to share my passion for fashion. It wasn’t personal at first, just random write-ups on “What’s Hot,” celebrity style, magazine editorials, and style spotlights. I wasn’t too consistent with it but my friends loved it and supported it, so that made me happy. [Laughs] It was fun to do but I just didn’t keep it up like I wanted to. Now I look at it as my job more than just a hobby, so I take my blog very seriously.

LadyLike in Spring

N: The images of you on your style blog look professional. Who is the person behind the lens?

T: Well sometimes it's my good friend Jason—and other times it’s random folks like my friends and co-workers. Honestly, whoever can click the button for me on the camera is who I will ask, by any means necessary. I don’t have a personal photographer yet, so it can get hard at times to have style posts. 

Kimono Style

N: What do you like to do when you’re not blogging and talking about fashion?

T: I love to cook or eat out. Trying on shoes and shoe shopping, reading and going to the movies are my favorite pastimes. I am also a huge Internet geek, so I stay browsing other people’s blogs, websites, and doing massive research. But lately, I’ve become a couch potato, so I love to watch my favorite shows on TV like Gossip Girl, Real Housewives, True Blood and movies I’ve seen over and over.

N: So, what’s next for Taliah? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon?

T: I am working on getting Fashion Was Here more features and sponsorships. I think it is vital to have more exposure and coverage for my blog so I can gain more readers and followers. I’m also going to launch an online store for my fashion readers to shop from my closet. There are so many supplements and additions I want to add to Fashion Was Here, but right now, I’m still working on the blog’s layout. I’m taking it day by day.

Editor's Picks! You all should know that it was incredibly hard for me to choose my favorite "Taliah Looks!" Because as I mentioned previously, I love all her outfits! There is always some special piece that I obsess over ... that's so #taliahstyle

Pink and Red

Pearls, Chains and Yellow Clutch

Winter White

Top Knot

Camel Coated

Corduroys x Red Lips

Romanticism

Big Brown Bear

Botanical Garden

Leather in the Evening

I Fell off my Pink Cloud

Russian Roulette

To see more of Taliah's personal style, visit Fashion Was Here.

ELLE MAGAZINE'S Kyle Anderson Talks Spring 2011 Trends For nikkistyle.net

As promised, here's Part II of my interview with Elle magazine's Senior Accessories Editor, Kyle Anderson!

Nikki: I read that you loved the Giuseppe Zanotti Mirror High Heel sandals last spring (2010). In regards to footwear, what do you love this spring?

Kyle: I tend to love things that are sexy, sparkly, very high heels and a bit crazy. I love Rock n’ Roll—and I always love leopard for shoes. For spring we are seeing a lot of bright colors, natural materials, and very high heels and wedges. One of my favorite shoes this season is the men-inspired Oxford Lace-Up Platform wedges from Prada in black; and I love the sexy strappy Python Knee-High sandal boots from Pucci.

Nikki: In terms of accessories (handbags, jewelry, shoes, etc.), what are the hottest color trends this season? Are you feeling bright neon colors?

Kyle: Not so much neon. But yes, a lot of bright colors and python. For bags and shoes, I think color and python are great. If you aren't into bright-colored accessories go for something python (in a classic shape, and in a natural python color like tan or brown). For jewelry, our stylists go for statement pieces instead of personal little things. I’d say this season is more about gold; we always love the jewelry at Lanvin.

"I think in fashion there are no rules anymore..."

-Kyle Anderson

Photo Credit: closetconfections

Nikki: “Mixing Metals”—do or don’t?

Kyle: I think in fashion there are no rules anymore. Yes you can mix metals—you can do whatever you want. I personally don’t mix. But last year we saw a really big trend in mixed metal pieces and that really kind of made me think differently: So many designers (especially Balenciaga) had jewelry collections with gold and silver mixed colors. Now I’m open to it ... maybe for styling, but not for me personally. I wear silver colors. And I don’t wear jewelry except maybe my Rolex or something from Chrome Hearts.

Nikki: What are some timeless accessory pieces that should remain in a woman's and man’s wardrobe, regardless of the current trends?

Kyle: I can probably talk more about women’s accessories than men’s. But if you want to spend some money and invest in something that you can wear for the rest of your life, you will not waste your money buying a black Kelly or Birkin bag. You can wear [it] every day for the rest of your life! Or the classic Chanel quilted bag in black ... you will wear it literally thousands of times—everyone loves them. I always tell people if you look at the pictures of “It girls” from the 50s, 60s, 70s, they wear the same bags as the “It girls” do today. So buy those bags and wear them to death! You will love them.

kyle on shoes - Buy a few classics like a pointy toe Manolo pump in black, tan and/or nude, or a Louboutin pump in the same colors.

kyle on watches - Invest in a beautiful watch like a gold Rolex or Cartier and just wear it every day. You don’t need tons of shoes, watches and bags ... just get the right ones and wear them often. I’d rather invest in a bag or a watch and wear cheaper clothes (in basics) from Zara or something—and enjoy my accessories and let them speak for my style instead of the clothes. I like basic clothes ... and love fab accessories!

Click here to read part one of my interview with Kyle Anderson.

EXCLUSIVE! INTERVIEW with Elle's Senior Accessories Editor, Kyle Anderson

By Jahn Hall

A Chat with Kyle... I almost crapped my pants (kidding!) when I found out that Elle magazine’s SENIOR ACCESSORIES EDITOR, Kyle Anderson, agreed to an interview for nikkistyle.net. This was a MAJUR ‘O-M-G’ moment! Com’on ...  Elle? Anyone who’s anyone reads Elle magazine—and I am lucky enough to get the inside scoop from an accessories editor guru who works for a top fashion publication.  

Kyle and I covered so much fabulousness that this is only part one of a two-part interview. So grab a fruity cocktail—poolside if you’re a rock star—your laptop or Smartphone and get-to-know Kyle Anderson the person, and how he landed the gig at Elle (the job a million girls would kill for, including me!)

Bryanboy and Kyle Anderson in Morocco

Nikki: Darling! How are you? How was Morocco?

Kyle: Hi Nikki, doing great! Morocco was amazing. It was somewhere that I had always dreamed of visiting, a sort of mysterious place that not everyone has the opportunity to visit. I had a great time traveling with [renowned fashion blogger] Bryanboy as well. We definitely have a lot of stories to tell.

You’re currently Elle’s senior accessories editor; previously you worked as the magazine’s associate accessories editor. WOW—that’s a major leap! What has [that] transition been like?

Kyle: I started off at Elle over 6 years ago as an intern, then a freelancer, assistant, associate, editor, and now senior editor. I was lucky. Elle was my dream job—and I got it! I cover a pretty big market, all American and Italian designers. I really feel like it’s a good fit for me. Working in New York … it’s great to be able to have Americans as my market, and also I really love Italian fashion. I’m not that Avant-garde. I really like Milan’s sexy and more wearable style than Paris. I love Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Cavalli, Pucci, and Prada.

"I had 6 internships and loved magazines. I loved everything about it!"

At what moment did you know you wanted to become an accessories editor?

Kyle: Well, originally as a child I thought I wanted to be a designer or a stylist. I took some classes at FIT and I realized being a designer isn’t anything I wanted to do at all—maybe accessories, but not RTW [Ready To Wear]. I had 6 internships and loved magazines. I loved everything about it! Seeing the most beautiful things in the world as they come in the office for our shoots is exciting. We never get bored because we do something new and different every day. So to answer the question: I knew since elementary school that I wanted to work in fashion. And I definitely only wanted to be an editor probably after I started interning. I interned at Esquire, CosmoGirl, Marie Clarie, Vogue and Elle.

You are always going to the coolest appointments and sharing the most rock star behind-the-scenes pictures via your Tumblr page. I think the other day you were rubbing elbows with folks at the Victoria’s Secret headquarters—I’m so jelly! Walk me through a typical day as a senior accessories editor at Elle.

Kyle: Usually I start my appointments at the designers’ showrooms about 8:30 A.M. and finish appointments around lunchtime. I usually do like 6 per day. I cover everything in America from mass market brands to major designers like Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren. In the afternoon I work on finding and calling-in things I've seen all season at the many appointments. I take digital pictures of everything I see and email them with the shoot info to get the samples. It’s fun! It’s like a scavenger hunt for the coolest best things to fit each story.

Andrej Pejic, Kyle Anderson and Andrew Young at the Dossier Party NYC.

What is the best thing about your job?

Kyle: The best thing is seeing new things. I get bored very easily. The newness makes me excited! After a show or an appointment it’s like taking a drug, you feel high and excited to have seen amazing things, or on the other hand, disappointed when you don’t. Though, every designer has their off season so there is always something amazing waiting around the next corner.

Tune in next week, as Kyle Anderson talks all about SPRING/SUMMER TRENDS! You don't want to miss it!

Photo Credit: Kyle Anderson's Tumblr

EXCLUSIVE! INTERVIEW with Fashion and Beauty Photographer, Michelle Du Xuan

Meet Michelle Du Xuan

My style blog is all about highlighting unique fashion and beauty. Basically, if something is interesting and thought-provoking chances are I'll dedicate a post about it. 

So, it goes without great surprise that I would feature none other than photographer, Michelle Du Xuan, who recently shot an editorial for TUSH magazine (Winter 10/11), where she captured the complexity of  beauty. And the shoot certainly raised a lot of eyebrows. Michelle gives the lowdown on what inspired the TUSH shoot ...

Nikki: When I saw your editorial for TUSH magazine, the winter issue, I just had to get an interview with you.

Michelle: Thank you, Nikki. I think I do deserve an interview. [smiling]

Editorial: TUSH

Nikki: Some would say that the TUSH shoot is controversial, in terms of glorifying plastic surgery. Do you believe that to be true? 

Michelle: It has always been a controversial subject. Especially since recent years, plastic surgery has become a trend. It's no longer mysterious or the patent of celebrities. It is becoming a revolution of re-defying age and natural-born face and body. The opinion toward plastic surgery has changed a lot along the years too. Just like the revolution of make-up, mico-surgery is bringing a new definition to beauty. 

Nikki: And what message were you hoping to convey?

Michelle: The shoot is about the obsession behind plastic surgery and how it challenges the way we look at natural-beauty and artificial beauty. The message I am trying to send out is that plastic surgery is a double-edged sword. It fixes some flaws of our face and body but also leaves sequela. Before preparing for the "beauty suffer," think about what it will bring us besides the physical change. Plastic surgery isn't just about changing physical appearance, what’s behind the physical change may raise bigger psychological problems. Treat micro-surgery wisely—is my advice.

Nikki: Switching gears … tell me where you’re originally from.

Michelle: I'm originally from China. I was a curator working for galleries before. Art and photography exhibitions made me realize my passion for photography. I moved to Paris two years ago and became a fashion photographer, and I am currently based in Paris and travel all over the world taking photos.

Nikki: Tell me a little bit about your portfolio. What other magazines (and/or other media outlets) have published your work?

Michelle: I am mostly doing fashion and beauty photography. My works can be seen on magazines such as TUSH, Cosmopolitan, Harpar's Bazaar, and Twój Styl. And I am going to work with some online fashion magazines too as they express the other perspective of fashion.

Nikki: Which celebrity do you want to shoot one day and why?

Michelle: I would like to shoot Sinéad O'Connor one day. She is so unique—both her look and her music. And her edgy style always inspires me.

Nikki: What is the best thing about working on the set of a photo shoot?

Michelle: The best thing is doing what your heart leads you to. I love the freedom of creating what's in my mind and transfer it into photos.

Nikki: Do you have any exciting projects in the pipeline?

Michelle: I am working on a very exciting exhibition now. It's a lingerie shoot about complicity and intimate moments of a woman. This is something I wanted to do for a long time—and this time we will have a stunning model and team to realize it with exquisite lingerie and jewelries. The whole series of the shoot will be divided into two parts and exhibit both in NYC, Las Vegas and Paris.

Nikki: How can people contact you? 

Michelle: Go to my website (I currently changed my website into a blog): www.michelleduxuan.com or email me at: michelle.duxuan@gmail.com.

Nikki: Thanks for taking the time to chit-chat with me. Please keep in touch, as I would love to continue following your amazing work.

Michelle: Thank you very much, Nikki, for taking the time with me and have a successful New Year! I hope to talk to you very soon about my new works.

Photo Credit: Michelle Du Xuan

Model Spotlight: Katerina Savenkova

Nationality: Originally from Russia; now living in Miami.

Measurements: 34b-24.5-34.5; Dress 2; Shoe 8.5.

Career Highlights: My career is growing and blossoming every day; every project is a highlight!

Agent: Wilhelmina Modelogic

Known For: Legs, face and wonderful personality.

psst! Come get-to-know the Russian beauty, Katerina Savenkova!

Nikki: Your Levi’s Curve ID commercial screamed all sorts of sexiness. How was the commercial-making process?

Katerina: It was my first-ever commercial ... and was amazing, fun and exciting. It was definitely an experience I look to repeat again and again. Video and still are so much different from each other—each is exhilarating.

The 'Levi Curve ID' Commercial

N: So tell me, how do the Curve IDs really fit?

K: Great fit! Curve ID is all about the fit and not the size. There is an ID for every type!

N: "An ID for every type..."  I like that. Will you be doing more work with Levi’s?

K: Hope so!

N: What are you working on now? And how can people contact you?

K: Each day brings new opportunities and challenges—that’s what makes this business so great! People can contact me at katerina.v.savenkova@gmail.com. For projects, I will forward  to the appropriate agency.

Katerina’s Favorites…

• Favorite color? Blue.
• Favorite beauty product? Organic and natural products. Love pure Aloe Vera!
• Favorite fashion designer? Many! All designers are unique and bring special things I love.
• Favorite fall trend? Boots.

Katerina is actively seeking global representation. Photo Credit: Katerina Savenkova

Designer Spotlight: The Gretchen Christine Collection

Style Notes | Check out this month's fashion starlet! I am featuring the recently launched Gretchen Christine Collection (GCC) designed by the Orange County Housewife herself, Gretchen Rossi. GCC launched in July 2010.

Click the image to enlarge, or write to request a copy.

Design/ Layout Credit: nikkistyle.net 
Photo Credit: Shop NBC and Chad Schubert of EMC | Bowery