Hello there Ladies!

It’s the beginning of fall, leaves are changing, the weather is getting chillier, and Halloween décor is starting to appear on the shelves at the local stores. Witnessing all of this transformation got me thinking about the seasons we go through in our life, moments of heartbreak, periods of romance, and the times when we’re flying solo. Having a creative outlet during these different phases is so important. So, in the spirit of celebrating seasons of change, I interviewed the ultra-talented singer-songwriter, Sarah Nischwitz, about how she uses her talents to cope with life’s romantic twists and turns. Let’s see what she had to say!

Juliette: Sarah, I’ve seen you perform live in NYC and you are wildly talented! I’m totally a fan! How did you get where you are today? Tell us a little bit about how you discovered your love for music?

Sarah: I started writing songs when I was very young.  I would record radio shows on my little brown Mattel tape player with the handle-I still have the tapes!  I finally learned to accompany myself in 8th grade when my mom found a beautiful upright for $500.  I taught myself every song off of Jewel’s “Pieces of You” .  I finally picked up my parents’ old Yamaha guitar my sophomore year of college and the rest is history!  I started playing covers at the local coffee house every week, and really got a chance to work on my showmanship.  Now, in NYC I try to hit up open mics all the time and book showcases and gigs.  Some day soon, I would love to go on tour with a band!

Juliette: Wow! You sound mostly self-taught, that is so encouraging! Now, what I love about your music is that it deals with love during the fruitful seasons and during seasons of heartbreak. How is your personal life reflected in your art?

Sarah: How is it not!?  My music is always inspired by something that moves me deeply-a relationship, a break-up, an experience.  I have trouble sitting down and being like, “ok, let’s write a song”.  But something will happen that I really feel, and I cannot put down my pen.  I’m going through a lot of changes in my life right now and think I have 10 songs in my notebook already.  Gotta keep that paper handy!

Juliette: That is such an awesome way to vent your feelings! Thanks so much for your time Sarah! Now, I know my Ladies are going to want to hear your awesome music, where can they go to check you out?

Sarah: No problem Juliette, it was fun! Your girls can hear my music on the web at www.sarahnischwitz.com and www.myspace.com/sarahnisch . If you’re in the city, come show your support and see me perform live THIS Wednesday, September 24th at Mr. Dennehy’s in NYC from 8-11pm.

Juliette: I’m totally there!
Thanks for tuning in Ladies. Whether you’re a poet, a painter, a musician, or just have a imaginative soul, I encourage you to get creative about changes in your life too!

Hello my Fabulous Fashionistas!

So, a hot guy has caught your eye, or maybe you’ve already scored a first date with him, and now you want to look and feel your best in front of him. Yet, I know that the world is jam-packed with gorgeous guys, and who can afford to spend top dollar on a glamorous outfit hot off the runway every single time we run into one of these hotties?! Well, I am a big proponent of purchasing a new ensemble if the price is right. So, here are a few suggestions of affordable stores where you can stock up on reasonably priced items and not have to sacrifice looking hot!

1.) Necessary Clothing (www.necessaryclothes.com) is a great store in Manhattan with a few different locations. It is always up on the trends while maintaining really great prices!

2.) Forever 21 (www.forever21.com) is also on top of the latest trends, yet this store is located all across the country.

3.) Buffalo Exchange (www.buffaloexchange.com) is located in various cities across the country, check the website to see which store is nearest to your hometown. This store is really cool as it allows you to exchange your old clothes that you don’t wear anymore and get lightly worn clothes in return. The fashions here are often vintage and unique!

4.) H&M (www.hm.com) also has many locations across the U.S. and abroad, and it not only features many current trends, but H&M also blazes the trail for fashion forward new looks!

Happy shopping Ladies! Be sure to write in with any stores you suggest that have great fashion at great prices!

Hello there Ladies!
You guessed right, it’s me, Juliette your Faithful Guide to Dating. Don’t get me wrong, I adored my long red locks, but I thought it was time for a fun transformation! I’m a woman who loves to change my look as often as some people like to change the channel. Part of being a woman is getting to be a chameleon and discovering all the different sides of yourself. And no, it’s not because blondes have more fun, I believe whether you are a redhead, a brunette, or a notorious blonde bombshell, there are equally fun times to be had by all. And trust me, it’s soooo fun to explore the various ways to feel sexy. So, I am a huge proponent of switching up one’s look. If you are feeling the desire to experiment, I highly recommend Soon Salon(http://www.soonbeautylab.com/) in NYC. Ask for Ruthie! She does AMAZING cuts and dyes at really reasonable rates. So, this fall season, don’t let the leaves be the only colors changing, try out a hot new look!

Hello my Dashing Divas!
So, I have an extra special treat for you today! I interviewed the utterly fabulous Carmindy (www.Carmindy.com). I am sure all of you know her gorgeous face from TLC’s WHAT NOT TO WEAR. We had a very eye-opening conversation about makeup, and I am so excited to share her pearls of wisdom with you! Her advice has certainly made me rethink some less-than-glamorous makeup choices I’ve made in the past:-) Let’s all take in what she has to say, and discover how to be our most beautiful selves…

CARMINDY: Now, I actually did a case study to see what men like in terms of makeup. The results, less is more. Show exactly who you are. No false lashes, heavy lip gloss, and caked on foundation. Men say over and over again that they want to see what you look like. Check out my book “5 Minute Face” to see how to achieve your most natural and beautiful look without a lot of fuss.

JULIETTE: How can makeup help women to feel better about themselves on a date, and also in their everyday lives?

CARMINDY: My philosophy is this…always enhance your natural beauty. Rather then looking in the mirror and focusing on your flaws and then proceeding to cover everything up, look in the mirror and select your favorite features. Once you have honed in on your sexiest features, play those up. This allows you to celebrate who you are!

JULIETTE: Now, Carmindy, you are a professional, and you are extremely talented at your craft. So, how can the average Jane achieve glamorous makeup without the professional experience that you have?

CARMINDY: Men love it when you play up the eyes. This is actually really simple to do. All you need are two complimenting tones, a highlight for under the brow and inside the corner of the eye and a mid-tone shade from the lashline to the crease. Then just add some mascara to finish it off and you have an easy, natural and appealing look that anyone can do themselves. Just remember, for fair skinned women use a sheer white shimmer for the highlight, for medium toned women use a champagne color, and for darker women, pale gold is the most complimentary. Every woman can use a sparkling brown for on the lid. This is the universal color. My Mountain Eyeshadow palette is perfect for achieving this look. Next, a little rosy cheek is always nice. Again, keeping everything natural. I’d recommend Sheerest Cream Blush, and finish off the look with my Moisture Plump Lip Balm. It has a hint of color, but isn’t thick or sticky. All the products I mentioned are available from the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy makeup line.

JULIETTE: What is the biggest mistake to avoid when applying makeup for a date?

CARMINDY: No heavy lipstick or gloss. Nothing too red or shiny. You don’t want to wear anything on your mouth that will scare him from kissing you!

JULIETTE: What is a makeup trick that really attracts men?

CARMINDY: If it’s a 2^nd or 3^rd date and a woman wants to rock some more intense makeup, then try a smoky eye. Men looooove this look! Try my Storm Palet to get this effect. It has all the colors you need to get a very sexy smoky eye effect.

JULIETTE: Lastly, Carmindy, what does a woman’s makeup choices say about her to the world?

CARMINDY: Typically, a very confident woman will be comfortable just being natural; showing off who she is to the world, and playing up her natural beauty. A lot of times, insecure women feel the need to cover up, to wear lots of makeup, and hide their true selves.

JULIETTE: That makes a lot of sense! Thanks so much Carmindy! I’m sure all of my Ladies can’t wait to look in the mirror and pick out all their favorite features to play up, rather then searching for imperfections. Thanks again for all of your great advice. I know my Ladies will work your fabulous Sally Hansen line!