Spotlight On.... Smart Bomb Cosmetics

About half a year ago, I was first introduced to the lushly decorated, gorgeously stocked Glam356 in Columbus, OH. The shop is full of dresses, jewelry, accessories, old fashion magazines, enough sparkly things to excite a magpie, and stunningly beautiful ladies shopping or working. Quite frankly, you feel like a Kardashian just from stepping into the shop.

Laura, the beautiful brains behind the brand, owns not just Glam356, but two other stores, and her own cosmetics line, Smart Bomb. I talked with her recently about Smart Bomb, and about her shops. Continue reading for her advice for women who want to open a boutique, and lots of insider information about her good-for-you skincare and cosmetics...

First off--- Smart Bomb Cosmetics. We have to talk about Smart Bomb. The packaging! The delicious smells! The colors! How long ago did you launch Smart Bomb?

- I launched Smart Bomb cosmetics about 6 years ago. I wanted a line that was really great for the skin & really fun to look at when applying the products.

 

(Just look at those beauties! Gimme gimme gimme!)

If a woman could only order one product from Smart Bomb, what must she ABSOLUTELY have?

- - My absolute must have product is my Elixirs. They are a moisturizer & a makeup primer in one product. These elixirs transform the skin to be healthy, radiant looking & extends the wear of your makeup.

The logo and packaging are to die for. Seriously, I want a t-shirt of it or something. So so so chic. But what's inside is even better. Tell us a little about what makes Smart Bomb such a safe and special choice in skincare and cosmetics?

- I created Smart Bomb cosmetics because of dealing with my clients & myself that had skin conditions that needed extra care (such as acne, aging & problematic skin conditions.) I created a line that is TALC & Bismuth Oxychloride free. I found when I put my clients on Smart Bomb products and their own personalized regimen, the skin dramatically improved the way it looked and performed. Once they see & feel the difference they are hooked.

Your lipsticks are amazing. Do they work for women of all skin tones?

-My lipsticks are created to look amazing on all skin tones. I have everything from a light nude color to vibrant red & everything in between.

You are also, of course, a store owner with two locations. Why did you decide to open your shops, and what is the vibe you're going for at those shops?

- I now have 3 locations. I opened my first boutique about 15 yrs ago. I wanted to share my love of all things glamorous and posh. I filled my store with clothing, beauty, and accessories. Women loved the combination of these items in one location ( one stop boutique shopping ).

I wanted to create the vibe of a really glamorous, sincerely happy place for women to shop.

You definitely achieved that; I always feel like even the Kardashians would be proud of your shop, since it really does have EVERYTHING! But okay... I've mentioned this to you before; I'm obsessed with your glamorous Marilyn Monroe-esque blonde hair! How do you keep your hair so beautiful and sparkling blonde?

- Oh you are so sweet Ms. Kendra ! I was born a blonde and have had much help over the years to keep it that way (;

I have naturally wavy hair but prefer to wear it straight. I try to not use too much heat on it and allow it to air dry whenever possible. I use a really good leave in conditioner on my hair after washing it and I like to use baking soda& vinegar at least once a week on my hair to get rid of all the hair spray & product build up.

Oooh, I might have to try that then! What is your advice for women who are thinking of opening a shop?

- Make sure that having a boutique is truly your passion. There are many wonderful things about being your own boss but make sure that you have a well thought out game plan for success. My best piece of advice is to fill your boutique with items that you are truly in love with. Create your own vibe and atmosphere. Do not try to replicate someone else’s look. Stay true to your likes and individuality when it comes to creating your environment. Be passionate, be your authentic self and you will succeed.

How can people order Smart Bomb?

- Smart Bomb Cosmetics is available @ www.smartbombcosmetics.com

I have a special place on my website called “ The Smarty Hotline.” Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have. I am here to help you find your smart, glamorous self!

Finally, what is your current favorite:

Online store:- www.shoptiques.com It is a website with the BEST boutiques from all over the world. Of course my boutique GLAM356 is found on this site at www.glam356.shoptiques.com (;

Song:- Honey I’m Good -by Andy Grammer. This song is about being happy with your spouse and I LOVE my hubby <3

City for visiting/vacationing: -Miami

Summertime drink:- Grapefruit Shandy by Illusive Traveler

Kendry Bird October Style Files

This month has been a tough one in a lot of respects, so far, but I've tried to make sure to keep true to my love of color, eccentricity and good old fun when it came to style, at least.

Here's some snaps from October so far:

Fashion Blogger Spotlight: Fashion Nexus

One of the coolest things about the internet is getting to connect with people you might not have gotten to otherwise. One very cool person I've connected with is Shannon, the creator of Fashion Nexus. Recently I had the honor of being the very first person to interview her.

Read on to see what we chatted about...

So, I've got you on the other side of the interview desk, as it were! Cool! How long ago did Fashion Nexus get its start, and what was the initial inspiration?

Fashion Nexus came to actualization last summer, June 1st, 2013 to be exact. The initial inspiration I guess came from a desire to write. I was taking a class last year where I was encouraged to write about fashion law topics. So I did and worked with a couple of online publications who published my work. But soon I saw I was ready to go bigger, to do more. And so I thought, why not try to work with my own blog, do my own thing and so I did! I knew it would be a great way to learn more about fashion and meet a lot of great people along the journey.  

In your time running the blog, was there any one post that stands out for you as one you’re especially proud of?

I can't think of one just because so many of my posts are special to me for one reason or another. When I write about a fashion show I feel so honored because I've been invited. When I do one of my fashion features I feel proud because I was creative with the topic. If I create a best dressed list I have such fun looking thru all of the images and really using my own voice in spite of what all of the other commentators are saying. With my fashion law category, it's great to be doing something different, to be combining my love of fashion with why I'm going to school. And then with posts for Project Runway or Under the Gunn, I enjoy writing about shows I love and being able to interact so much with other fans.

You write recaps of Project Runway, which many people love to read. Was there a favorite PR season to blog about? Any favorite PR designers?

I've watched PR for many years now so sadly I missed out on blogging in the past. And unfortunately a lot of my faves are from those missed seasons of blogging. I only began the reality world fun of blogging with season 12 forward. But I guess that was why blogging for PR All-Stars was a lot fun -- I could see some faves again and get to blog with my thoughts & opinions. My fave designers would have to be Christian Siriano, Irina Shabayeva, Kenley Collins and a few more. In fact, here is my very first piece written before Season 12 began, a top 10 list!

Project Runway-First, A Look Back

			Project Runway-First, A Look Back I watch a good deal of reality competition shows. With that, I always love reading blogs and recaps. I have always wanted to do one myself. In starting Fashion Nexu...
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As a fashion and beauty blogger, do you receive a lot of cool products to try?

I've been very blessed & honored to be able to REALLY work and connect with the various designers I've covered for my blog. It's been great to have been gifted some amazing items. And even ones I am able to use on loan from time to time are still pretty awesome!

You’ve attended some great fashion shows. Which ones so far have been your favorites?

I pretty much love every fashion show I get invited to because it means a lot, it's always a good time, and I get so many unforgettable experiences in return. There have been some faves I attended, but I sadly didn't blog about. One was Monique Lhuillier for Fall 2013 and I was happy to attend, but my blog was not in formation as of yet. I also attended the Season 12 Project Runway finale, but didn't blog about at that time because I didn't want to share any spoilers! Nolcha Fashion Week at Chelsea Piers is always a blast -- so many amazingly talented emerging designers. I attended a pretty cool set-up with a show for Stephanie Burkhalter & KARO Swimwear. It stood out and was a lot of fun since it was at Ph-D lounge at the Dream Hotel Downtown. A few others to mention -- Desigual, Charlotte Ronson, Erin Fetherston, & Candela.

Many people know about my obsession with NYC. It's just the best city in America, in my humble opinion. I like to call it my future home, since I'm hoping to move there late this summer. You already live there, though. What’s your favorite thing about NYC?

I love what NYC represents for me -- a chance to live somewhere new after 25+ years in the same state. There is always new experiences to be had, new people to meet, and so much to do. It represents a new chapter in my life, actually more like several chapters! It's been such a joy to fill those pages.

Beautiful! Love it. What advice would you offer curvy fashionistas who want to look great?

I think the best advice I could offer is to embrace your body. I am not a size 2 so even I worry what a certain outfit might look like on me. But I find that when I'm not thinking about my body and just focusing on how much I love my look that I'm truly happy. There are some things you could do to achieve that mindset -- dress a little looser, not so skintight; bold prints/colors; or for dresses, ones that are not super short.

What’s the best way for people to keep up with your stylish adventures?

To keep up with my stylish adventures, you can check out 2 pages on my blog. My Fashion Diary & Fashion Week looks. On these pages, I catalog my fave looks, who I'm wearing, etc. I also share so much on Twitter so anyone who wants to stay in touch should definitely follow me -- @fashion_nexus!

My Fashion Diary

			My Fashion Diary YOU CAN CLICK ON ALL IMAGES TO MAKE THEM LARGER!! These are images I can best describe as personal faves of my own wardrobe. Also, a bit o...
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Fashion Week -- Feb. 2014

			Fashion Week -- Feb. 2014 Springing off from My Fashion Diary page, I wanted to share designer and brand information about my various looks for when I attend various fashion shows...
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Finally, what’s your current favorite:

Lipstick -- My fave brand is Cover Girl, not sure of the shade I particularly wear all the time, the sticker fell off, but it's a nude with a pink tint. It's a great look to create a clean, fresh beauty look.

Movie -- Pitch Perfect


Thank you so much, Shannon! Can't wait to team up with you for some fashion-y adventures once I'm back in the city!

GoBank Shopping Trip Haul...

Here's a few of the outfits I got on my shopping trip with GoBank! Thank you, GoBank!

My NYC Adventures with Dom Streater

GoBank was kind enough to offer a shopping trip for 2 to NYC as a contest prize, following Project Runway Season 12. I won! Seeing as I never win anything and want to move to NYC in September, AND love Project Runway, this was a perfect contest to win.

We arrived at JFK airport and were taken to our hotel in true celebrity style by way of a Boston Coach car. The Ace Hotel, situated in Midtown, was hip and fun from the very beginning, thanks to a huge lobby, music-related flourishes, a fun staff and spacious, comfortable rooms. (And the pillows? Heavenly!)

My sister Brittany was my companion on the trip. We left our bags with the hotel staff and breezed directly out into the city with Dom Streater (Project Runway S12 winner) and her lovely publicist Courtney. We visited a fancy boutique in SoHo just to look at the pretty designer clothes, and then hit up H&M for some serious (reasonably-priced) shopping. Dom and I eyeballed a crazy sparkly sequin skirt and ended up both buying one! #sequinskirtsisters forever.

That night, Dom and I hung out at our wonderful hotel with Karen Batts and Alexander Pope, talking Alexander McQueen, fashion and New York City. So much fun! 

In the morning, we journeyed into the city once again to OKTV studios so Dom could tape an interview. It was amazing, since I’m working on a book right now called Dating an Alien Pop Star, a sexy rom-com about Griffin and Dev, two aliens from a politically and environmentally troubled planet who come to our world with very little knowledge about our ways other than what they learned from a wayward E! News signal. Their mission is to pretend to be the most influential people on our planet— English pop stars, of course!—and gain the help of a powerful secret society.

Getting to attend a real TV taping and see the behind the scenes action was very cool and helpful and I found that I’d described it very accurately in Dating an Alien Pop Star! And to add to that unexpected research, the paparazzi showed up outside our hotel the next day while we were waiting for our car, and I got to see first-hand what they’re like. (They were waiting for Taylor Swift to leave our hotel).

After a yummy and impromptu lunch, Dom and Courtney and I had to say goodbye, and I headed off for a bit more shopping and a night in the city with my sister. We visited Organika, home of the most delicious gnocchi ever, and Big Gay Ice Cream, both places I’ve visited multiple times for their delicious offerings, then hit up Chelsea Market and walked part of the High Line in the dark. So beautiful! After all that, we headed back to Times Square and, finally, back to our hotel. I was happy to put on my robe and snuggle in the comfy hotel bed to watch some bad TV and get some sleep!

In the morning I visited Ann Taylor in hopes of snagging one of Kate Hudson’s LBD capsule collection dresses. Success! Everyone at the store was super nice and let me buy my dress early, even though they weren’t officially going on sale until that night. It’s such a gorgeous dress, but I’ll save news of that for another post!

All in all, it was an incredible time. Thank you so much to GoBank, to Project Runway, to Dom Streater and to the Ace Hotel for making it such a great trip. I’m including the mini documentary I filmed during the trip, so enjoy!

More about the Kate Hudson dress soon…

                                                               (Look, the paparazzi!)

10 Lbs

they say the camera adds 10 lbs
I think it adds 10 flaws
it flattens your hair but won't flatten your belly
stretches your skin too thin
smudges your 12-hour eyeliner, waterproof mascara
adds a ring to the bags under your eyes
highlights every wrinkle
sends you in a nervous rush to the drugstore for concealer
midlife crisis, 15 years early

add 10 stories to every picture
the laughter that made your eyes water
until your makeup slid down your cheeks
the drink that sent your brain to fizzy heights
the wink your friend cast across the table at you
just before he admitted he kind of liked you
the smile that made your eyes look squinty
the sweet, cold rain that refreshed you but ruined your hair
when you kissed him the first time
your quarter-life miracle, just in time



(For more of my poetry, check out my collection: GEMINIS AND PAST LIVES)

Signs...

(Found this sign in Chinatown. Perfection.)

Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunglasses

Just because you don't have a million bucks doesn't mean you can't feel like you do... ;)

Daffodils, Spring and New Earrings!

Despite waking up almost every morning to snowflakes, I keep saying "Spring is coming, Spring is coming!" Maybe if we say it enough, it'll happen. In the meantime, though, I'm working on a new pair of Babecatcher Earrings. These ones are inspired by my favorite flowers, daffodils. They're almost done, and here they are making their first appearance in the world!

**You can get your own pair of Babecatcher Earrings from Half-Lucid Jewelry for $27.99. Just shoot me a tweet (@kendrybird) or comment here for more information!

Dmitry Sholokhov: Game of Thrones, Daft Punk and a Daring New Collection

Sexy. Daring. Insanely unique. All of these words describe Dmitry Sholokhov’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection, which he calls a ‘transition’ collection.

New York City-based Dmitry Sholokhov, of Project Runway fame, has slowly been building his fashion empire for many years before his appearance on the reality television show.  He’s created luxurious dresses, trousers and shirts and has long played with cutouts, sheer material and fringe details. When he was formally introduced to the world via Project Runway, he debuted a tasteful perspective on cocktail dresses and other pieces that fit perfectly in a working woman’s closet.

Now, though, with more than a year of whirlwind international recognition under his belt, Dmitry has created a collection that is daring, exciting and different from anything he’s shown the world before.

The SS2014 collection first sashayed into the world at Panama Fashion Week in late 2013, complete with dresses made for warrior queens, a menswear inspired black jacket worn as a top (with nothing underneath!) and a gold jacket with fabulous fringe sleeves. Perhaps most surprisingly, though, the collection includes splashes of delicate cotton candy pink and blue denim. While these two polarized styles might clash in less capable hands, here they connect, one after another, as if telling a story of a family of sisters. The common thread, of course, is the designer.

 (A dress made for the warrior party-girl princess in all of us)

_______

In person, Dmitry is both gracious and graceful, standing a little taller than everyone else and possessing an old-world charm in manner and speech. At once professional and keenly intelligent, he’s also able to surprise you with a quick sense of disarming humor when least expected. He’s a conversationalist who truly knows a little about everything… from pop culture (Grumpy Cat! Game of Thrones!) to worldwide travel (Russia, Europe, dreamy beach locales) to spiritualism and beyond.

And he designs clothes that can be worn with confidence by women of a variety of sizes.

When I first met Dmitry for his Lord & Taylor presentation, the line of fans waiting to meet him all shared a similar palpable excitement to meet the designer. At Book Expo America 2013, when he was gracious enough to join me for a brief appearance, he was met around every corner with delight from fans who wanted to say hello or snap a picture. Dmitry’s fans are a varied lot, covering every corner of our little planet, but they’re also a creative lot, making gif images of some of his quips from Project Runway and fanart that pops up on Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. He’s inspired fan accounts on almost every social media platform, both because of his incredible talent for fashion and his affable personality.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Dmitry recently, to talk about his SS2014 collection. Read on to learn more about his inspiration, how you can purchase your own Dmitry Sholokhov piece, his least favorite Game of Thrones character and his love for Daft Punk…

It’s great to chat with you again, Dmitry. It’s been almost a year since I had you as a guest on my radio show. A lot has happened with you since then!  You showed your beautiful Spring 2014 collection at Panama Fashion Week, unleashing some really exciting new shapes on the world. You’ve said that Game of Thrones had a bit of an influence on you for this collection, and I can see some definite Daenerys-worthy pieces in it. Can you tell us how the show inspired you?

Hi Kendra, it’s always a pleasure! Yes, a lot happened since I won PR. I had an amazing and very busy year.

Panama was a great experience. I was invited to show my latest collection as VIP international guest designer.

The show was a great success. It turns out I have a lot of fans in Central and Latin America as well.

I love Game of Thrones, and the show was a starting point for my latest collection. I was inspired by the historic costumes with the fairytale flavor to them. And I wanted to create a collection that is wearable but special. I love what I did. I think the collection is modern, young and cool with the historic twist to it. And most important, it’s wearable!

Of course, many of your fans wanted me to ask you if you have a favorite character or characters from Game of Thrones!

I am obsessed with pretty much everyone; no big fan of Joffrey though!)

Oh God, right! Joffrey is only one of the most despicable characters in TV history. Okay, but we have to talk about that fabulous gold jacket. It has some definite Dmitry elements, with the fringe on the sleeves, but it’s got this fabulous punch of gold color. Why did you choose gold for that jacket?

Gold is making its way back in fashion and it’s such a statement color. Love it! And I think it’s always a challenge to create something loud but not tacky. As for the fringe, now all of a sudden everyone is doing fringe and it’s very much in style. But I never get tired of it, and I think you will see more fringe from me in the future.)

The front cutout (in some of the dresses) is a daring and very sexy move! Were you intentionally creating a sexy silhouette in this collection?

I think this collection was a bit of a transition from old me to new me. It’s important to constantly reinvent yourself but never lose your aesthetic authenticity. Artistic expression is always a reflection of who we are at the moment.

On your website (www.dmitrysholokhov.com) you have your O. Jen collection up for sale, including a lot of luxe statement pieces like faux fur jackets, dresses and extraordinary trousers.  Will your Spring 2014 collection be up for sale as well?

The Spring 2014 collection is available for special orders only.

                        (You could steal the throne, raise dragons AND look amazing with this dress)

Your art student fan Maki wanted me to say that you’ve been an inspiration to her, and ask if you’ll do another fan meet and greet at some point?

Hi Maki!) I will definitely do a fan meeting in the future, perhaps when I show my next collection in NY during MBFW.

                                  (Possibly the sexiest menswear-inspired jacket I've ever seen)

Of course your fans should keep up with you on twitter and Instagram (both @dmitrysholokhov) as well as facebook. But where should they expect to see you next? Runway shows, cover of Vogue, maybe sitting on the Iron Throne with your own direwolf?

I am in the process of building Dmitry Sholokhov brand and taking it to the next level. The best way to see all the latest updates is by following me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and dmitrysholokhov.com.

I am pretty sure that you will see me everywhere sooner rather than later. Not sure about the Iron Throne, but you never know!)  

Well, someone’s got to take the Iron Throne away from Joffrey!

                                             (Fan art by Slake Saunders... yes, my sister.)

Finally, what’s your current….

*Song you can’t stop listening to?

Can’t control myself when I hear Get Lucky by Daft Punk

*Book you can’t put down?

Need to find one!

*Favorite item of clothing or accessory?

My leather pants and YSL boots

Daft Punk, great choice! Can't stop listening to that one, either! Thank you so much for stopping by! 

Like Dmitry on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmitry.sholokhov

Twitter: @dmitrysholokhov

Instagram: @dmitrysholokhov

Order your own Dmitry Sholokhov dress from his SS2014 collection through his website: http://dmitrysholokhov.com/contact

Dmitry fan tumblr: http://all-about-dmitry.tumblr.com/ 

Listen to my April 2013 interview with Dmitry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcGvBxiiQ9k

And check out some shots of my own Dmitry dress making its big appearance at BEA: http://kendralsaunders.com/BEA2013.html

**Note: All photographs in this post are courtesy/property of Dmitry Sholokhov.