How a Diva Accessorizes For Spring Part III

Hello Ladies!

Today I wanted to give you a heads up another Spring/Summer 2009 accessories trend...enamel or epoxy accessories.

Basically, "enameling is the fusion of a special powdered glass to metals. The glass can be applied using different techniques, but all methods use heat to melt the powder," according to http://www.jewelry.about.com/ .

Enamel or epoxy bangles and earrings in bold, vibrant colors and designs can really kick up basic fashions. They are sleek, comfortable, and very easy to wear. Try stacking them in many colors with a basic top and bottom, with a coordinating handbag for an ultra-chic look.

Here a few from http://www.asassyries.com/ for this upcoming season!

Stay tuned for more diva talk!

How a Diva Rocks Hues This Spring

Hello Ladies!

I have been off the blogging scene for almost a week now, which I am totally sorry about because I love blogging about fashion and beauty. I am in the process of working on getting my retail space up and running and it is time consuming and hard work.

But, today, I wanted to talk about mixing and matching colors in your ensembles this spring. There are some colors I love that look good together like fuschia and orange, blues and greens... and this Spring is all about mixing and matching colors together.

Spiegel is one of my all-time favorites catalogs to shop from and in their most current catalog, you can see where they are doing fabulous things with colors.

In the look above, the trend of color-mixing can be achieved with any neutral on the bottom. If she had been sporting the monochromatic color of the pink on top and bottom, other than a neutral, she would have, unfortunately looked like a bottle of Pepto-Bismol!

This trendy blazer paired with the crisp, white slacks is absolutely chic and effortlessly so, paired with the pumpkin accessories. You could have done this with jeans, khakis, black slacks, even gray; any neutral color.

So, this season, throw all of your color inhibitions out of the window and pair those pinks with those oranges and rock it like a diva!

Stay tuned for more diva talk!

How a Diva Rock Handbags

Happy Tuesday!

Today's trend I will be focusing on for the Spring 2009 is convertible handbags. These bags are basically a cross between clutches, totes, and shoulder bags, hence the term "convertible." They are versatile and tremendously chic for the Spring/Summer season coming in just a couple more weeks! When shopping for one, look for them in Spring colors, such as kelly green, fuschia, and purples.

Before I show you the bag that we are wild about on http://www.asassyries.com/, I also wanted to give you ladies a little bit of guidance and advise about choosing handbags to fit your body style. I know, I know.... you're probably thinking, " I see a cute bag, I get it; simple as that." But, believe it or not, there are actually some guidelines that can assist you in choosing the right bag for your figure. Check it out...

Tip #1- Choose a bag with a shape that is opposite your body shape/type. (I know there may be questions about how to access your body type, so I promise I will get a post up about that soon.)

For example, if you are more rounder or, voluptuous, you may want to pick up bags that are rectangular, elongated, or long and sleek. Clutches will a great option for you, as well as "kelly" style bags. A kelly bag is a classic-shaped bag that's usually larger and more structured. This bag is affectionately named after the beauty icon Grace Kelly because of her classic style. Call it irony, but I am voloptuous and before I was even aware of this tip, I had always gravitated to larger, more structured, rectangular/square bags.

On the contrary, if you are taller and thinner seek out larger, slouchy bags such as hobos, or large unstructed totes.

Tip #2- The size of the bag should also be in proportion to your size. If you are more voloptuous and maybe even taller, do not carry very small and dainty bags. It will make you appear larger and taller in reference to the small bag you are carrying. If you are shorter and more petite, do not allow your hand bag to overwhelm and overpower you; it will only make you look smaller and weighed down.

Tip #3- If you opt for a shoulder bag, whatever point on your body the bottom of the bag stops is where the eye will be drawn to and will instantly emphasize that point. If your bag stops at your hips, your hips will be played up. So, as a general rule, most women will do best by selecting bags that hits them at mid-to-low torso so as to flatter your mid-section.

Here is a convertible bag that we are offering at http://www.asassyries.com/ (remember, if you don't see it on the site, it is because we haven't uploaded it yet; just email me at Candice@asassyries.com for pre-orders) that is pretty universal for all sizes and heights. It is a Melie Bianco Convertible Clutch, currently available in fuschia, kelly green, and white. As you can see, it can be carried as a clutch, folded over and carried under your arm, or break out the chain-link strap; contrary to what you may hear, shoulder straps have made a huge comeback. For a very small price of 59.95, you get multiple bags in one. Get yours before they disappear!!

Stay Tuned for more diva talk!

How a Diva Accessorizes for Spring Part II

Hi Ladies!


I am so ready for the weekend to get here! I am on lunch at work so, this post will be short and sweet.

Today's trend I wanted to discuss is sassy, fierce, totally hot pumps for the Spring/Summer 2009 season. I can not tell you the sheer joy I feel when I see a pair of pumps that I know I will most likely be the only diva with them. Shoes can take jeans and a tee to a whole other level. That is why when I started my company, I wanted to focus on accessories because I have honestly wore the same pair of jeans or slacks multiple times, but, changed the accessories and it turns those basic jeans or slacks into a totally different look.

However, I am not rich yet, so I am always looking for a ways to stay trendy, hip and chic without breaking the bank. So, that is also why http://www.asassyries.com/ will extend our collections to include shoes and handbags.

**side note**

I know I post about items we will begin carrying; it is so time consuming to get the new products added to the site by the time I do these posts, so if you are interested in any of the products I blog about, please email me at Candice@aSASSYries.com and I can get the order processed for you before they appear on the site.

I have found an excellent vendor of shoes that I am sure I will be doing a lot of business with. They have budget-friendly styles with the Hollywood look. Check out these two pair of similar shoes with very different price tags.

Shoe #1 by: Report Signature *Photo courtesty of www.Victoriassecret.com *
Price: $199



















Shoe #2 By: Pink Duchess (will be available on http://www.asassyries.com/; accepting pre-orders)
Price: 49.99

Which one would your checkbook choose?

Stay Tuned for more diva talk!

How a Diva Rocks a Ponytail

-Contributed by: Leonna, Creative Director

Out of all the hairstyles that have come and gone (like the beehive, finger waves, and jerry curls... eekkkk!!), the ponytail has proven to have the most staying power. It’s versatile, convenient, and great for those bad hair days. I’ve rocked the pony since I was a little girl and I still do today, so I thought I’d give some tips to you ladies on how to wear a ponytail, no matter what the occasion.

If you’re going to the gym, the cheerleader pony is the way to go! This pony is pulled up tight and high, almost to the crown of the head—no bangs. Be careful not to pull too tight though, if you’re getting a headache…you need to loosen it up some. Flip the ends up with a large barrel curling iron and spritz with holding spray so you hold your style while working out.

For nights out with your girlfriends (or guy friend), sweeping the hair to the side and wearing the pony right underneath the ear is perfect. This is especially great for you ladies with long, wavy hair (to weave, or not to weave…lol!). It works well for those who have shorter hair in front that won’t pull back into the ponytail; those shorter pieces can be swept aside and hung over the ear. To keep this look sophisticated, you’ll need to accessorize with a few jazzy hair clips. And it shouldn’t be too “neat”. Try to finger-comb it as much as possible and don’t try to tame all the fly aways.

And finally, the totally diva-style pony…the dramatic pony! You may have seen Tyra Banks rocking this look; it’s one of her favs, and has become one of mine. You’ll need bangs that run straight across the forehead, and then get a little longer each side. And it works best with longer hair. Pull the hair up almost to the crown of the head, nice and tight (remember, not too tight). After it’s in place, wrap your hair around the base of the pony so it looks like your hair is actually holding the pony in place. Some extra pieces of hair may be required to achieve this if your hair is thin. Spray on a light holding spray and shine serum, and you’re done!

So, no ladies, ponies aren’t for little girls anymore! No matter what you’re wearing or where you’re going, the pony can be the perfect finish to any ensemble. And don’t forget to A”sassy”rize! Until next time, chao!


Stay Tuned for more diva talk!

How a Diva Accessorizes for Spring

Spring is definitely in the air; I am beginning to think about sexy sandals, pretty-pink-pedicured toes, flowers, golden-highlighted hair blowing in the wind. To be honest, Spring and Summer are two of the reasons I have committed to eating healthier, working out and taking Vitamin B12 shots for increased energy (will discuss in another post).

On top of that, I am getting tons of clothing magazines in my mailbox featuring these awesome colors palettes and trends for the Spring/Summer 2009 season. So, after studying many clothing and style magazines and searching the web, I really wanted to share some of the trends with you that are sure to keep you fly all season long! For the next few posts, I will be highlighting trends for this upcoming season and give recommendations and reviews on where to find clothing and accessories that are chic, affordable, and will definitely make you stand out in the crowd this Spring and Summer.

Trend Highlight for today: Tribal Accessories-

It was once thought that only people from tribal regions could adorn themselves with beautiful, hand-made accessories, made of natural materials like horn, wood, even nuts. But, for Spring/Summer 2009 trend forecast, tribal-inspired accessories were all over the runways of Fashion Week. What does that mean for us? It means that every diva must have a piece of tribal-inspired jewelry in her box. You can choose from an array of materials including: semi-precious gemstones, wood, resin and even nuts.

Pair these dramatic and alluring pieces with simple tops. If you are truly looking to make a true statement, find matching earrings to really push this trend over the top. But, remember, balance your look out with simple tops, jeans, a cute pair of heel or flats, and large handbag, or clutch. As far as your hair goes with this look, opt for a sleek ponytail, messy up-do, or sexy and short bed head to ensure an effortlessly chic and tribal look. Speaking of ponytails, on tomorrow, Leonna, aSASSYries Creative Director will be talking about how to wear ponytails in her blog posting.

Here a few pieces that we carry at www.aSASSYries.com that will give you that chic, tribal look. These will be up on the site within this week; I have to update the site because of all of the new and awesome Spring pieces we have coming in! Stay tuned for more diva talk!

Photo Shoot of Divas Part II Slideshow

Hi Ladies! Happy Wednesday!


I was finally able to upload a couple of photos from our photo shoot. Please check these out. The theme was minimalist, natural-looking makeup because the shoot was centered around the hairstyles and coloring.

The photography was by Markeith Horace of http://www.horacephotography.com/, the hair styling was done by Ray Torregano and Hosea Hicks of Rhythm Salon, voted number 1 hair salon here in Columbus, Georgia. Kim, is the model with the very fierce asymmetrical 'do, who also happens to be my hair stylist, and Falana is the vixen with the long hair. You would never know that neither of these two ladies have ever modeled or, done any photoshoots. It goes to show how beautiful some women really are, and don't know it.


Kim's makeup was applied by myself and Falana's makeup was applied by Leonna.

I have some great posts planned in the next week or so, including:

• How a Diva Assesses Her Body Type for Jean Shopping



• How a Diva Adopts a Healthy Lifestyle



• How a Diva Creates a Fantasy Lip Look



• How a Diva Accessorizes for the Spring/Summer '09

Stay Tuned for more Diva Talk!

Photo Shoot of Divas!

Hi Ladies! I dropped off the blogging scene for the last week just due to a long holiday weekend, and Valentine's Day. Also, this Monday past, Leonna (Creative Director of aSASSYries) and myself completed a photo shoot for the cover of http://www.salonsunlimitedmagazine.com/ . This is a publication based in Atlanta, Georgia that is distributed to over 145,000 readers per month. We have begun building our portfolio of make up artistry. We have been doing make up artistry on a private client basis solely for our Image Consulting clients for a few months, and now we are ready to put it all out there to really begin growing the make-up artistry part of our business.

I am currently waiting for the copyright release, as well as, the retouched pictures from our photographer, http://www.horacephotography.com/ based here in Columbus, Georgia. As soon as I get those from him, I will definitely post pictures.

I wanted to offer you ladies and guys a few tips for making sure your shoot goes smoothly:

1. I know sometimes it is tempting to want to use friends or family members as models, but, you have to have an eye for how a face can photograph from many different angles. So, your sister or, best friend may not necessarily be the best model for the look you are trying to accomplish.

2. In our case, we were calling the shots on the set of this shoot. So, definitely be adamant, while remaining courteous to the hairstylists and photographers about your vision for the shoot. They aren't mind readers; if you don't communicate it to them, they won't know.

3. If you are fortunate enough to be conducting a shoot where you have had a chance to assess the models' features and undertones beforehand, I would recommend planning your look by either writing it down, or coloring in face charts. That way, you aren't looking through your entire kit for shadows, glosses, or whatever. You could even go so far as to place everything you need for your look in a zip loc baggie. It keeps me organized. Leonna will disagree with me; she prefers to "freestyle" her look on the model as if it were the first time she has seen her. No matter how you bring your vision to fruition, make sure it reflects the overall theme of the shoot and make sure it meshes well with the hair and the set the photographer has.

4. Make sure your models are comfortable. It seems like they are just sitting there being pampered, but, it really is exhausting to be shuffled from hair to makeup and then to a photographer asking you to pose continuously until he or she captures that "money shot." Carry extra water and cereal bars, or something similar, with you just in case your models don't have anything to snack on. Our shoot started at 9:00 and ended at about 3:00 pm.

5. Have a damn good time!! When I tell you I loved every minute of that shoot....!!! It was exhausting for us as well, but, we felt accomplished, proud, and powerful after that shoot was over and we were looking at the images. This is something I very rarely feel after my 9 to 5.

The freedom of creativity you have as a make-up artist will send you into a whirlwind of ideas and visions that will keep you up at night. You know you are a true make-up artist when......

You can look at the supermarket clerk and imagine her with a smokey eye, nude lip, and contoured cheeks and think how gorgeous she REALLY is when everyone else just sees a supermarket clerk.

Stay tuned for more diva talk!

How to Be a Beautiful Diva From the Inside Out

Hi Ladies,

Today's blog posting is coming from http://www.asassyries.com/ 's Creative Director, Leonna Hart, pictured below looking fabulous at one of our make-up gigs. You will be seeing posts from the both of us as we build and nurture this blog. Please enjoy!


Being a diva isn’t just about looking great; actually, I think looking great is only a result of the qualities you must have in order to call yourself a true diva. The looking great part only happens when everything else falls into place. I’m talking about who you are inside, and how you present yourself to everyone. So, let’s start from the inside, out. After all, beauty is only skin-deep, right?

I’m sure all of us have known women, and perhaps we’ve been that woman, that was absolutely gorgeous…great hair, beautiful skin, a face to die for, and a smile that could blow you away; but when you really looked at her for who she was, she was lacking so many things; you could even have said she was ugly; I mean just plain dreadful!

True beauty is something that radiates from within and can’t be compensated for. I call it your “divahood.” This is something that can never be taken away (makes me think of Whitney Houston’s song, “no matter what they take from me, they can’t take away my dignity”). Foreheads will wrinkle, eyes will droop, breasts will sag, but, poise, confidence, self-worth, self-respect, humility, compassion…these are all things that won’t tarnish with time. Besides, people aren’t going to remember you for how beautiful you were, or how nice your hair always was, or how you always dressed to impress; they are going to remember you for how you treated yourself, and those around you…how beautiful you were on the outside, is just a bonus.

Blush Like a Diva

Happy Hump Day!


I wanted to do a post on my favorite pick for the absolutely best blush I have ever used. There are many opinions out there about which blush brands and consistencies (cream, powder....) are the best, so, being the diva I am, I wanted to put in my two cents! Avon's Be Blushed Cheek Color is absolutely awesome!



Being a professional make-up artist, I have tried many blushes. As a general rule, cream blush has been recommended for more mature skin, or skin prone to drying. However, I have learned that powder blush can show up ashy in person, and definitely in photos. This blush goes on smooth and blends beautifully into skin, giving a natural, bee-stung look. Top off with a nice bronzer, contour and highlight, and some nice peachy, glossy lips, and you are ready to go! There are millions of articles and videos out there about highlighting and contouring, so I won't bore you with another, so, one of the best I have seen is Professional Make-Up Artist Ren Ren's YouTube video on this topic. Check it out here. Tune in for more Diva Talk tomorrow!

5 Things A Diva Must Live By

Hi Ladies, Happy Tuesday!! So...I was thinking of about 5 things I absolutely live by as a diva; things that I think a diva must do and absolutely NOT do. Check it out. If we need to add anything to this Diva List, please post your comments and suggestions.

1. A Diva must not ever wear chipped nail polish!**Hello!!! If you are watching your dollars, as we all are, that is totally ok. Just soak and moisturize your cuticles and carefully trim any skin growth, then, shape and file your nails and apply a nice color and a top coat for that 'wet' look. If possible, treat yourself to a manicure and hand massage every two weeks, but when you can't make it, try http://www.sallyhansen.com/ for nail nutrition products and they even have an interactive Nail Selector tool you can play with to see how different shades will look on your hand.

2. A Diva must not ever leave her home with rollers or, a headscarf on!** Ladies, please don't do this. If you are caught, you risk having your Diva Licenses revoked! If you are in that in -between stages with your hair length, or, you are just simply having a bad hair day, try some really cute hair accessories like headbands. On my site http://www.asassyries.com/ we will be adding hair accessories this week. Pair a chic headband with some rhinestone hoops ,or, some nice long linear earrings to elongate your face, and you will look effortlessly stylish. Check out this headband. How cute is this?! These will be featured on http://www.asassyries.com/ this week. The colors are among those that will be hot this Spring/Summer 2009.

3. A Diva must always have a sexy pair of heels in her arsenal** You don't always have to have on a sexy pair of shoes, BUT, you must have at least one pair of shoes in your closet that make you feel absolutely stunning and maybe even a little naughty! Since I am a huge shoe fanatic, this is another accessory that we will begin carrying in the next month or so at http://www.asassyries.com/.

No matter if you are wearing 5" stilletos, a kitten heel, or, even tennis shoes, please make sure they are in good shape. When I say good shape, I mean no talking soles, all taps in place if you are wearing heels, and if your shoes look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa from behind, it is time to trash them! Invest in a pair of Dr. Scholl's step-ins and they will make your experience trying and buying new shoes a more comfortable one.

4. A Diva must always have a fierce handbag in her closet** What good would an awesome pair of heels be without a totally, undeniably fierce handbag, or clutch? Yes, you guessed it, we will also be adding handbags and clutches to our website soon. I am a firm believer that a handbag speaks volumes about a woman. What would your handbag say about you?...... If you decide to purchase high-end bags, opt for classic shapes and colors to be able to enjoy it for years to come. Or, if you have a severe case of "price -tag -itis" cure it by checking out http://www.bagborroworsteal.com/. This is a site where you can actually rent luxury handbags!

and finally,

5. A Diva must always have.......a smile!!** I can not express enough how important attitude, and demeanor is to being a diva. You can have the fiercest shoes, or, the most expensive handbags, if you don't radiate and exude kindess, you are just someone that happens to have on a pair of Christian Louboutins with a Louis Vuitton Alma bag. Would you rather be remembered for the shoes on your feet, or, the smile on your face?

Exactly What is a Diva??!!

According to Merriam-Webster's definition, a diva is "a usually glamorous and successful female performer or personality." The origin of the word comes from an Italian derivation meaning "goddess." So, what does it take to be glamorous, successful, or diva-like?.... Confidence.

I have always been a voloputuous girl and I have always been what people called "cute and pretty". But, at times, I still would feel like I was unworthy of the attention I received from men and women, alike because I was more "amazonian", or, "thicker" than many other females. As I progressed in life and received my degree and landing a very respectable job as a Banker/Loan Officer at a large bank, I began to look around me and saw that what I was being blessed with in my life, was not the norm; it was special. So, therefore, I began to develop confidence that no matter where I was or how much I weighed, I had it going on!

I am happily married to a NCO in the U.S. Army and I have a very cute, and mischevious 2 year old little boy named Caleb. Two years ago I drove a Saturn, today I drive a BMW 745Li. This is not to say that these things in my life are required to be a "Diva", but these are things that I set out to accomplish and put my mind to obtaining. When you have confidence, success follows usually. So it's kind of one of those questions like, does the chicken or the egg come first? Does the diva-mode set in and then we are determined to be successful, or, do we obtain success first and then set into diva-mode?

Another huge tip to being a diva, treat people right. I promise not to make this a religious blog, but, what I have learned in my 26 years on this earth is that no matter what your religion, or what symbol is on the hood of your car, diva or not, treat everyone with kindness and you will receive blessings beyond your wildest imagination.

This is the first post of many on How to be a Diva and I am excited about this journey as I continue to figure myself out. There is more to being a diva than being pretty, or having sex appeal, ladies. It is the sway of your hips, your smile lighting up a room, and your kindness and courtesy extending to those you meet.

Another huge part of my life at this time is http://www.asassyries.com/, this is my company that I developed to offer chic, sassy and totally affordable accessories to all the divas out there! I am planning some collaborations with a very special YouTube makeup guru to offer our audiences a one-stop-shop for tips and advice on beauty, fashion and all things diva! Stay tuned.