The New Friends Magazine . . . !

Hi Friends & Bloggers: I am sent countless emails from women all over the country who read the friends blog and ask me questions about fashion, style, fitness, health, relationships, etc., as well as a large assortment of other questions.

So, the J. LaMore team and I decided to add a 'magazine style' element to the blog with articles on just about everything including answering questions from readers and post as many as we can for all to see and read. This is going to be a lot of work but I think it will be fun as well.

Here's a question I received yesterday:

". . . since you work with your husband, how do you handle the popularity when he's behind the scenes. . . ? "

That's actually a very good question, one I get asked often. Anyone who has met my husband knows he prefers being behind the scenes and intentionally propels me into the spotlight. Any popularity I have is a direct result of his tireless efforts to put me out in front at all times! I feel incredibly lucky to have a husband that is my number one fan and do all I can to share with everyone the important part he plays at J. LaMore.

Since J. LaMore and jlamore.com take a lot of people to operate I couldn't make it work without him so the negative connotations that 'you work with your husband?' may bring it doesn't necessarily apply here. I desperately need him. There are some women who have husbands that could never work in this type of relationship where a husband would compare his role to a wife's role and then measure the success rate of the two. If that happened here, J. LaMore would crumble and be half of what it's become.

We are husband and wife but we are business partners too and we have learned to combine and seperate the two when needed. Everything you see with jlamore.com, the photography, and the blog as well as all the other behind the scenes geek stuff is because of him, not me! I can't do any of that.

I hope this answered yor question.

Jennifer LaMore

If you have a question let me know and I post it here if you like.

Your own facial mask. . . !

Hi Jennifer, Friends & Bloggers:

Over the past weekend some friends and I had a 'girls day' at a local spa here in Dallas, TX that was offering all sorts of promotions after a remodel. It was great fun and the four of us vowed to do this more than once a year. The wine, the chatter, and the laughter made the afternoon priceless. I have to add that the place was crowded because of the promotion but the next time we go back I'm sure the place will have calmed down.

During my time at the spa. I had a facial mask made of honey and all sorts of other ingredients and the woman applying the mask said that they have their own special recipe but you can make face masks at home to that are just as good. Wow!

Making your own homemade facial masks isn't very hard. Try them and your skin will be glowing and feel great. Be sure to check which facial masks are good for your skin type. My skin seems dry so I have to use ingredients to will give moisture back to my skin. Be sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients before using the homemade facial masks you have created. You can test out a mask by using it as directed on the back of your ear first.

One of the best reasons to make your own facial masks is because you can normally find the ingredients right in your home - or at a quick trip to your grocery store. There are relatively easy and inexpensive to make, especially compared to the cost of facial masks you get in specialty beauty shops. As I mentioned earlier, this spa used their own formulas and facial recipes but for the most part you can buy all of these ingredients at. The next best reason to make your own is that you don't have to go out to use it. Creating your own spa at home and enjoying it adds to the stress-free relief of these facials.

Here is a great home recipe for women with dry skin.

Ingredients:

1/4 of an apple
1/2 tsp Half and half
1 Tsp honey
1 T oatmeal

Instructions:

Thoroughly mash ingrediatns with a fork or blender and place contents in a small bowl. Then apply it to your face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse off. You can do this once a week and you can try all sorts of ingrediants. It was a fun day and I learned a lot!

Sarah
Dallas, TX

Love the LinQ hoodie jacket!

Hi Friends~

I really like this LinQ hoodie jacket..I like that it's a little dressy like a blazer but the hoodie adds a casual element..I would definitely wear this out for a casual dinner or casual Fridays at work.....I love how it's styled with skinnies and heels. The blue top definitely adds a pop to the outfit....

My size is gone or I would be getting it and wearing it for Valentines Day dinner!

Mandy

Madison, WI

There is hope for all of you young college students

I really wanted to write a blog about my husband, although he would probably be mortified. But, I know that many young kids in college don't really know what they want to do. And I wanted to say that that is absolutely fine; don't stress about it. HAVE FUN WHILE YOU'RE IN COLLEGE!!! It will be the best time in your life. If you do go to college, you are lucky to have the opportunity, but don't be stressed about getting a job or even knowing what you want to do in your life. Case in point: my husband.

I had a great time in college, but I actually did study and made every moment count so that I could have fun on the weekends, but not all people are the same. When I met my future husband, he was a college dropout. Yes. He went to the University of Wisconsin and had a 0.00 gradepoint average when he dropped out. This was incomprehensible to me. How is that possible????? Well, he never went to class. He told me stories of how he would start going up this very, very steep hill on campus called "Bascom Hill". He would start up the hill and then climb right back down and go back to bed. UGHHHH!!!! I was mortified.

He also looked very cool. Had black, spiky hair and wore eyeliner. Yes. It's true. I still dated him. He thought he was a member of "The Cure". Well, years later, he wrote the University and explained how he was not ready for college, didn't know what he wanted to do with his life, but he wanted to come back and finish. They let him back in!!! It's a miracle, and that's how we found ourselves in Madison, Wisconsin.

He graduated a day before he turned thirty and then went on to get his MBA. He no longer wears eyeliner. He exchanged that look for polo shirts and khakis. I, on the other hand, like to dress myself in the latest styles, which is why I shop at J. LaMore. Where has our youth gone???? We are in our forties now, and I am proud of what we have accomplished and experienced in life. It was a fun journey, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, for all of you young ones out there, just have fun and follow your heart. You don't need to know what you want to do; just let life take its course. It's the best path to success and happiness!!! Take care. Lila.

This is our little story. I just wanted to share this with all of you lost souls out there!!!

Bring on the Olympics. . . !

Hi Friends & Bloggers! Now that the Super Bowl is over and the Saints pulled off an amazing victory, I am now ready for the Vancouver Olympics and it's only four days until they light the torch. I love the Olympics, especially today, and with the technological improvements in television watching the Olympics is almost like being there. Jennifer and I have a 50" HD plasma and it's incredible! The sound when watching sports or concerts is also unbelievable.

As I mentioned in my post on the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the 2010 Olympics will now be available in 3D. Does anyone remember when Dorothy Hamil won the gold medal in 1976 and what it looked like on your 19" tube TV?

Well now there's 60" plasma flat screens that are so clear it's freaky cool. They also have camera's on a wire that actually fly with ski jumpers and these cameras will be 3D capable. OMG, that is the coolest thing ever. Why would you need to actually go to the Olympics and fight the crowds when you can watch the experience like this. I understand that going to the Olympics would be great fun and the experience would be incredible but, wow, watching the Olympics is completely amazing with today's technological advancements. Jennifer and I have a close friend who's going to the Olympics and she is staying with a friend who has a house in Vancouver. Going like that would really be fun!

I like the behind the scenes portions of the Olympics and the individual stories of some of the athletes and I always cheer for the underdog too! Like the Jamaican bobsled team. Think about it: a bobsled team from Jamaica? They have my support, automatically!

I've never been to Vancouver but I'll bet it's a great place to visit. After the Olympics comes the Masters Golf tournament.

Jim
J.LaMore

Show Off Your Style, Fashionistas!

Hey J. LaMore Friends!

If your reading this blog, you must be a fashionista. Why not show off your style? Sign up for Weardrobe and Chictopia! They are where social networking meets fashion blog. Not only are the insightful, sweet comments you receive a confidence booster but a great way to promote your blog, this blog or make friends. Oh and one more thing...if and when you get featured on the front page of either, you have major bragging rights and proof you are a true style-maven!

Look out for me and J.LaMore blogger Terra on both sites. Hope to see you there!

Jade

www.lowbrowstyle.com

Boston, MA

Trend Report!

Hi Jennifer & Friends! I've begun to notice a big trend in pendant necklaces that are hitting the runways and it seems that it doesn't matter if the pendant is on multiple chain necklaces or single chain. I like both styles equally but I think the size of the pendant should be proportionate to the thickness of the chain, or at least the strength of the chain.

In LA, the stores will show both styles merchandised in a casual way or even dressy which is very interesting as I would have never thought to do that but they made all of these looks really cute and fashionable. I've also seen big stones and charms on multiple chains mixed into bracelets and necklaces that are really cool and trendy.

I bring all of this up because, like most women, I love jewelry and sometimes I never know what to pair a trendy top or outfit with the latest trend in jewelry. I really like the simplicity of Jordan Alexander and the detailing of jenny designs that I see on jlamore.com and have many pieces but I wish I had a "trend report" like book to guide me along the way.

I have a lot of clothing and a very nice selection of jewelry but it still takes me forever to get dressed because the 'what-goes-with-what' can really stress me out. I use the friends blog to get advice and see the latest trends so, I have a question. (it's actually more of a thought) Does J. LaMore offer a written form of a trend report? That would be nice to have.

I'm sure you could probably find a trend report online some where but who has time to look for that and there is probably thousands of them and how do I know these trend report writters know what they're talking about. I've know Jennifer LaMore for many years and her credibility in the fashion biz is matched by very few people so I would believe what she told me.

I remember what Jennifer told me about the 'bubble pant' that was supposed to be a big trend in 2008. She laughed and told me to ". . . stay away from it. Nobody looks good in this pant. . . !" I did and she was right.

Go Saints!

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

I got a new camera. . . !

Hi Jennifer & friends & bloggers! I love the friends blog and really enjoy the new personalities that have joined the fun! How great is that!

I got a great new digital camera as a birthday gift from my fiance' and after seeing all the beautiful fashion images that jlamore.com produces, I thought it would be fun to try my hand at photography. It's so much fun but it's hard too! I'm a little intimidated by it. I only had smaller point and shoot pocket cameras but this thing is a serious piece of work. It's a Canon Rebel XRT.

I only have one lens but can now appreciate the work and the eye of people who are really good at this. This camera came with some software to store all the pictures and can even edit them if you like.

So this weekend, I'm going out in the cold and rainy London streets and I'm going to take some pictures and see what happens. I'll post them on the friends blog so everyone can comment if they like. If the J. LaMore photographers would like to comment I would REALLY appreciate it. Hint! Hint! :)

I really enjoyed the article below on the green eyed "Afghan Girl". What a fantastic story!

Wish me luck!

Clare
London, England

"jenny designs" Trunk Show

I clearly remember the day Jenny Campbell walked into J. LaMore. She was dressed adorable; I could tell she had a great sense of style. While we were talking I became obsessed with her gorgeous necklace. Of course, being in the business I immediately had to know where she got it from. She replied, "Oh, I made it." It was then we began our friendship and my love of her designs.

At the time, her collection was named Zhenya and it was truly amazing. Each piece hand crafted with the most beautiful stones and a whole lot of love. Jenny moved from Madison, settled in Chicago, and took a break from designing jewelry to have two adorable daughters. In the early part of 2009, I received a wonderful message from Jenny. "I'm working on a new jewelry collection for the fall of this year. Would you like to see it?" Sold. Her new collection is named "jenny" and it is stunning. A bit bolder than her Zhenya collection, "jenny" embodies a spirit of life, bold yet tranquil and soothing. I love her new creations, original and definitely Jenny.

Join us this Saturday, February 6th, for mimosas and view the exquisite collection from “jenny” jewelry. Designer, Jenny Campbell will be on hand to guide you to the perfect piece. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect time for you to meet a certified lingerie specialist! Katherine Bice is also joining us for complimentary bra fittings. Finally, find out your true bra size!

I truly hope you are able to make it to our "jenny" trunk show. I'd love for you to meet Jenny and take advantage of Katherine's expertise! We're hoping to make this a day about YOU!

Jennifer

Steve Who?

Ok...pretend you can't see the Steve Madden label on any of these shoes. Can you tell which ones are from Steve Madden and which ones are from TARGET?! I'm a huge Steve Madden shoe fan. J. LaMore used to carry Steven shoes (the designer line) and every shoe they got in was fabulous. I still wear my tan Steven pumps, Jennifer!

Anyway... even though Steve Madden has always been my "cheaper" shoe option, even Madden's shoes are getting a bit expensive for me these days. I'm in need of new pumps and I'm already craving spring shoes, so I decided to check out the Target shoe section today. I was prepared to not find anything because their shoe section is always so hit or miss. Today, target was a MAJOR hit!! They hit so many styles right on... I felt like I was in the Steve Madden store! Some of the styles don't look very cute off, but once I tried them on they looked great. I was a 6 in all styles I tried on, so their sizing was consistent, too! Check out their website, but I'd definitely recommend going in the store to try them on. Like I said, many of the styles look cuter on!

The first and last shoe pictured are from Target and the other two are Steve Madden. I got the sling back ruffle pump from Target and love them. The picture does them no justice...they look glamorous on. I'm thinking about getting the first shoe (the fabric sandal). What do you friends think? Should I get them? They looked adorable on, I'm just worried they won't look cute with dresses, skirts, and shorts. They are only $24.99! But every penny counts these days... Thoughts??

Charlotte

Chicago, IL

Red Carpet Fashion

I loved Keri Hilson's dress (left)! It's chic but classic, and completely red carpet worthy. Even though the red carpet attire has become more casual, this floor length gown is what I like to see and how I think the stars should be dressing. If you can't go glamorous for the Grammy's, when can you!?

But since the red carpet look is now more casual, with cocktail attire common, this Glee star Lea Michele does the look right. It's classy but sexy, and it incorporates ruffled feathers (a huge trend and one that I adore.) I loved Fergie's dress, too, but it was definitely more club friendly than red carpet worthy. And Britney... what in the world. She looked glowing and beautiful, but her outfit is horrible...

What was your favorite or least favorite red carpet look??

Charlotte

Chicago, IL

The art of photography. . . !

Hi friends and fellow bloggers: As the photographer for J. LaMore I shoot thousands of images every week of fashion models for countless promotional campaigns. I love it but doing this will never give me the chance to take a photograph that becomes listed in the top 100 photographs of all time. I don't have the time to explore the challenge, if you can call it that. Those kinds of things happen instantly, without warning or a plan. You're just there at the right place at the right time.

As a long suffering artist and painter I never used to think that "photographers" were deserving of the notoriety that some of them receive and that they weren't in the same league as the old (or current) art masters. I understand it's not completely fair to compare the two but I think you know what I mean.

In my mind, photographers didn't seem to suffer enough, if at all, and taking a picture is so much easier compared to, let's say; painting the Mona Lisa or the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel! How about Picasso's, Geurnica! Anyone! I rest my case. It's very similar to my thoughts on music where you can only sing the blues if you've suffered. In my mind photogrpahers were rich and didn't suffer anything.

I used to think that painters were artists who created something and photographers took pictures of what someone else created and were not artists, they were photographers. How hard is to take a picture? I was young and obviously not very bright at the time and I considered myself an artist who occasional took photo's. But was carefull how I phrased it.

And then it happened! I saw the above photograph a long time ago and was completely mesmerized by the fearful and haunting look of this young girls eyes and I had to know more about this photo, who took it, and what was going on at the time that made her look so fascinating. Every time I see this photo I can't stop staring at those beautiful eyes! Have you ever seen a pair of eyes like this? They almost look like they belong in an animal. That's a powerful image and it's one photograph taken in a split second. Imagine that! I discovered that there was no need to compare the two mediums, they were both at the same level in so many ways.

I was hooked on photography ever since and it only took one photograph, widely considered the most recognizable photograph of all time to do it, but I was hooked on one photo none the less . . ! (For a close up of those eyes, click the image to view it large in a browser window. Amazing!)

This photo was taken in 1984 as part of a National Geographic "Green Eyes" project tracking the genetic traits of green eyes passed down through the Mongols during the time of Genghis Kahn. (1206-1227) National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry took the photo and when it made the cover of National Geographic in 1985 it was instantly vaulted to the top 100 portraits of all time. At the time of the photograph no one knew the girls name and she was known to the world only as the "Afghan girl."

It wasn't until 17 years later that McCurry went back to Afghan with his famous picture that she was identified as Sharbat Gula. Sharbat was thought to be twelve years old at the time and she had never been photographed before or since. You can read about what happened to Sharbat here. Incredible!

I never forgot this hauntingly beautiful photograph which gave me a new found respect for photographers. I can easily drop the brushes now and pick up the bag. Unfortunately, photography is a hell of a lot more expensive than painting but I love it. I'm a photographer now and occasionally I'll paint.

Jim
jlamore.com