About Me

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Washington D.C. Metro, United States
A vivacious professional with a love for all things "woman". She is committed to each Client's well-being and complete satisfaction. She considers the "extra mile" just a part of the normal journey. Working with Vanessa was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my career. Her advice has paid off many times over. She knows her stuff. - S. Witten, Washington, DC - Elated Client

Saturday, August 27, 2011

"GlamScene" - The ImagiNeesta on Location



Where: Washington, DC - Networking at Cities Day Party

This time of the year, I am just a little sad. Summer is my favorite season and I am privately mourning the loss of halters, flip flops, backless sundresses and the warm ocean breeze. You know what I mean: dining outside and people-watching til the wee hours and not caring if you're parked 6 blocks away. Leaving work after 8 and the sunset greets you with hues of purple and orange; breathtaking!  Oooh, and don't get me started on those impulsive 50 minute drives to Georgetown at midnight to stand in line for a scoop of Coffee Oreo. I  eat it at the picnic table outside listening as the city starts to sleep. Whew, ok I'm back. Sooner than I prefer, the air will be cooler, the clothes heavier and although autumn is arguably the prettiest season, I know that it is winters' usher. The frigid temps, bare trees, icy roads and indoor dining will take a seat and wear out its' welcome. That being said, I must seize every opportunity to bask in summer's warm embrace with shoulders exposed and white pants ablaze! 


Enter the Day Party (great concept for those of us who fall asleep before the night party starts jumpin'). I'm meeting some nice people, talking a little biz when I notice some ladies, who like me, are embracing the humidity and rockin' it regardless. They gave me permission to show how they "keep it movin" in the hair department. 


ImagiNess is loving her freestyle Afro
with blond highlights tucked behind one ear!
Side View 
We love this cut and
the highlights add just
enough jazz! Great thing is when
 humidity hits and a little
puffiness occurs, the highlights
say, "it's supposed to be this way"!


Side view - sharp!


 Everyone can't do it but this 
"Diva in tie-dye" surely can!
 Adding a track or two for 
volume or color also help 
mask the effects  the 
humidity


I need this dress in my life! Girls,
you know I have mad love for
tasteful tie-dye! Sexy-chic...











Last but not least, a close barber
cut is chic and could care less
about the weather... Diva Power!

Your ImagiNeesta End of Summer Tip: It is not too late to shop for the great summer clothes deals. Clearance racks are still loaded with great stuff you can clean and store for next year or wear a little while now. Outlet stores have superb finds for ridiculous markdowns.  "I have to go shopping now" (Movie Trivia) 

Friday, August 26, 2011

What Can ImagiNess Style Do For Me?


 So you've probably heard the term, Image Consultant but maybe wondered what we do specifically and how it translates to helping you. Well, we do it all! Ok, ok, I'll narrow it down a bit. My job, my passion, is to help you look and be your absolute best. This can be achieved by a myriad of "formulas". It all depends on what you are looking to change, enhance, reinvent, etc. I know that beauty begins with spirit and attitude. It is reflected to the world in how we treat people, honor ourselves and of course the externals like makeup, hair and clothes. True beauty has an intangible magnetism that makes those who come in contact, want to linger in its' presence.

Maybe you are re-entering the job market or changing careers. Perhaps you feel you are in a rut (emotional, style or career). Life changes are a great reason to call me. You may need a Coach or cheerleader to help you stay accountable to your goals or may even need to establish goals so you can begin living your dream. Some just need to plan better and follow through. You could be an empty nester, newly divorced, remarrying, or marrying for the first time. Or maybe you're transitioning out of the soccer mom phase and need to get in touch with your "inner hottie"! I got her number (LOL)! And trust me, when I call her she comes out in full effect! Watch out girl!

My Partners and I have you covered literally from head (natural, permed, weave or wig) to toe (kittens, platforms, stilettos, etc.). We love what we do and have fun doing it. We have no cookie cutter solutions. Every ImagiNess client receives a customized consultation in complete privacy and confidentiality. Why would you want to look like someone else when "you" showed up? We don't duplicate, we celebrate: the beauty and flavor that is all you! We can't wait to hear from you! What are you waiting for?


ImagiNess Style Offerings
Corporate and Personal Consultation
Lifestyle Coaching
Closet/Wardrobe Sweep
Special Occasion Styling
Body Type Styling
Hair and/or Makeup Consultation
Make Up Artistry

Our Partners' Offerings
Clothing
Footwear
Accessories
Bra Fitting
Skin Care (Facials, micro-dermabrasion, peels, Botox, etc.)
Tanning
Lash Application (temporary and semi-permanent)
Permanent Make Up (Eyebrows, Eye liner, Lips, etc.)
Tattoo Removal

Lashin' Out!

Subtle lashes but sexy
Ladies, it is always a pleasure to share with you the goodies that make being a girl so much fun.  One of those fun chick things is wearing false eyelashes. Most of us use some sort of lash enhancement. Eyelash curler and/or mascara are staples in many of our cosmetic bags. But lately, those bags may be carrying around a couple of new items; lashes and glue.  If you haven't seen them, then you've had your head under your satin pillowcase. They are everywhere on just about everyone! Now of course, they've always been worn by the actresses, models, tv anchors, and the like. But there is a very good reason for it: they can make your eyes look GAWJUS!! Eyes smoldering with femininity and sex appeal and all kinds of flirtiness. We won't even talk about the difference they make in photos.

So, a brief rundown of what's out there. There are bands and individuals found at your nearby pharmacy or beauty supply. They are a temporary, relatively easy way to get the glam without the wait. Then there are the Lash Extensions and Extreme Lashes which require application by a certified "lashologist". These beauties last from 2 weeks to 3 months depending on the brand and type. Bands and Individuals are also being applied at the hair salons and nail shops if you're not in the DIY mood.


The Math $$

Band Lashes (no endorsement of this brand)
 Temporary
Bands and Individuals at Beauty Supply/Pharmacy -
Average Cost $3 - $10
Lash Adhesive - $3 - $7
My personal fave is DUO Eyelash Adhesive (Walgreens) Same one they use at MAC Counters




DUO Eyelash Adhesive
Semi-Permanent (applied by a professional)
Individuals - $35.00 - $600.00

     

Now, I've worn them for years but primarily for special occasions but in the last year or so, I've worn them almost daily. The band lashes are easy to put on and simple to remove at night. Boy, does it punch up my game! I look more alert and youthful.

Now of course there are extremes which I personally think should be avoided unless you have some sort of drag queen event to attend.  One of my latest "Neesta Peeves" is women with these ginormous, extra long, thick lashes and ZERO MAKEUP! It looks like they are on their way to the MAC counter but I have found (you know I asked politely) that they don't wear makeup.  Sorry chicks, it looks dumb! Unless you are choosing softer, light lashes, put on some powder and lip gloss at least.  And please, please! Don't wear these gorgeous additions and not have your brows groomed and skin looking smooth and glowy. It all goes together ladies, part of one fabulous package.
Individuals (No endorsement of this brand)

 
ImagiNeesta Rules for Lashin' Out:

1). Don't apply or have applied extreme lengths for everyday unless you are in the "business", i.e. a MAC girl, fragrance model, hairstylist, etc.
2). Choose a style of lash that is flattering and makes you look youthful without makeup. Try a few different ones until you get it just right and then record the brand and number. When you return they can all look similar.
3). When choosing the Individuals, during application check them periodically to make sure they are not being clumped together.  They will look fake and defeat the purpose.
4).  When choosing a technician, make sure they are using new or sterilized tools (gloves or freshly washed hands, sterilized  tweezers, etc.).
5). Make sure they are using eyelash adhesive! A very popular place not far from me, only charges $25 but they are using hair weave glue! OMG! Friends that tried them had stinging and blurred vision the whole two weeks they were on.  BAD!
6) Clean your eye area with oil-free makeup remover and don't use your eye cream the day of application for the semi-permanent ones.  Oils can break down the adhesive and in the case of individuals, if you lose a couple of lashes the empty spots are very noticeable. When applying or removing makeup be extra careful. (Stop rubbing your delicate eye area like you're scrubbing the kitchen floor).
7) LASH OUT - Bat those eyes, give long adoring stares and sexy uninterested glances. YOU ARE TOO FIERCE FOR COLORED TV!

Smooches!

Ness
Any specific questions or comments are always welcome.
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