Fashion View

By Shasta Boss Mother Knows Best…

Mothers should be celebrated everyday, but Mother’s Day is set aside as the day that we must reward our Mother’s for being such amazing women. It can be difficult to find the perfect present for someone who means so much to you. That is why I came up with some gift ideas to make Mom happier than ever with at least one or maybe even all of these goodies.

Top Mother’s Day Gifts 1. Spa/Beauty Treatments 2. Jewelry 3. Sleeping in and waking up to Breakfast in Bed (Clean up too) 4. Flowers/Plants

Deals Around Town in May

Mom’s Day of Pampering European Facial, Scalp Massage, Shampoo and Style, Mani and Pedi all included Good any day in May, $40 Safavi Institute/Paul Mitchell 3100 McHenry Ave.

Unique Boutiques and Ritzy Rags Mother’s Day Luncheon Sales and Transportation between both boutiques with lunch included Mother’s Day, May 13, $25

All About You Day Spa/ Facials By Sandra Orangeburg and College Ave. 4- 1-Hour Massages for $100

Fashion View

Keepin’ It Local

By Shasta Boss

Autumn’s leaves are falling and winter is peeking out from right around the corner. With a new year approaching, celebrations are always in the works. When gift shopping we should make the choice of doing it all locally. The Farmers Market is an easy weekly routine and it goes on through mid December (Saturdays only until it ends on the 17th). If you think that all the Farmers Market has to offer is food type items, you are in for a treat. You can find Bre’s Floral arrangements, plants, unique jewelry pieces, glimmering Swarovski crystal items, candles from Desert Garden, Inland Fog’s natural vegan homemade bath soap, wood works, crafts, and more. The downtown street market supplies the community with a huge variety of the freshest food products including baked goods, nuts, and dairy products. So many taste testings can be found throughout the market from hummus, to clam chowder, handmade caramels, jams, salsas, fruits, nuts, kettle corn, Bolani breads and spreads, Murphy’s Mustard, Edith’s Bread treats, and much more.

One of my favorite food items are the butter toffee glazed almonds from Four K Farms. They sell all kinds of sweet and savory flavoredalmonds and some seasoned walnuts (honey sesame are delish too), plain almonds, dried fruit, and pistachios. My family loves to mix the butter toffee almonds with Dale’s Kettle Corn for an easy and delicious movie or dessert snack. Bava Farms has great prices on tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and peppers. John, the owner or “The Pepper Guy” as I like to refer to him, has a nice variety of habaneros, Anaheims, bells, and other different varieties of peppers. Jammin’ Jams have a good variety of jams and pickled items. Taste a bunch and pick up a few for gifts since they are jarred up with a cute piece of fabric to top it off. Edith’s chocolate zucchini bread, peasant bread, and ciabatta rolls are scrumptious. Sciabica Olive Oil offers flavored oils that can be a perfect gift for any chef or food lover. Jer M Designs makes painted wooden banks, toy cars, and other quality made items. Everyone has to eat, so don’t be shy giving out these delicious treats as gifts.

Recently, I have came across a few new boutique style booths. Ultimate Elegance carries elegant and unique items made with Swarovski crystals and other jewelry products. Donna’s Designs also displays beautiful jewelry items handmade and uniquely designed. Silk Bloomers create handmadecraft items and wreaths focusing on the seasons and upcoming holidays. Cosmic Popsicle is a new and emerging company based in Turlock. They sell handmadebath, body, and skin care items, whipped body butters, and mineral makeup. These are all upscale gift items that are made locally and that will work within the budget.

The Dickens Victorian Faire takes place December 3^rd on 15^th Street where the usual market will be combined with morelocal craft booths aimed at holiday gifts.

Support our local farmers and artists by stocking up on goodies at The Farmers Market. Fill up a few gift baskets for your loved ones of locally made and grown quality items.

Fashion View

Enlighten Me…

By Shasta Boss

makeupboss@gmail.com

Leave your bad vibes behind to enter an incense infused atmosphere full of Intrinsic Elements, serenity, and uplifting secrets that will energize and enlighten your mind, body, and soul. Intrinsic Elements, found at 1214 J Street, focuses on retail gifts for people of all ages with a holistic type theme. Susie and Michelle, the owners, opened the boutique in December 2010 and have been serving the community with their metaphysical love that is in each item that they present. They specialize in mother nature’s secret powers to heal internal wounds, wash away despair, ignite positivity in ones self, and promote happiness. Many of their items can also make perfect gifts for those you love by focusing on their specific likes and desires. For example, the Vibes Up bracelets are created with liquid crystal, infused oil, and plant botanicals that offer a holistic approach to good health and a positive well-being. When you wear the bracelets they canhelp specifically in pain relief, will power, energy, stress relief, and much more. Mother Nature’s Therapy Bears are small organic stuffed bears to help“clean out your ickies” and make you feel safe and loved.

Placing inspiring language around your personal space is known to create positive thoughts and energies. The boutique carries Letterosis which are photographs of letters that are seen in different types of objects in nature or landscapesthat can be personalized with names or encouraging phrases. Other positive messages and symbols etched into stones are placed throughout the shop for everlasting inspiration. Therapeutic, self help, and wellness books can be found on book racks towards the back.

Different types of crystals and geodes can be found around the boutique too. The different types of crystals and tumbled stones have specific meanings and natural powers if you keep the stones in your aura. For example, amethyst, I learned at the shop, “is known for its healing powers, it has the ability to attract spiritual energies and calm restless thoughts. Provides peace of mind. It is a good stone for meditation and to attract serene dreams.” The boutique has huge pieces of Amethyst around the store to enhance these natural heaing powers into the surrounding area and many other crystals that generate holistic healing properties.

Intrinsic Elements boutique is full of unique and stunning pieces of jewelry made with various materials like precious stones, pearls, and crystals. They carry beaded rings that look like fireworks on your fingers, zebra print stones, flowersmade out of bright colored jewels, and much more. Some of the newest items they offer include blinged out jewel shirts made for women and little girls. Feather headbands are so in style right now and you can find these throughout the boutique as well.

Some very popular items are the Buddahlicious massage and body lotion candles. Just light the candle and use some warm “wax” for massage or body lotion. Thank you again Susie for the relaxing hand massage with the tranquility scent:) Some other favorites are the birthstone fairies, mermaid figurines, and the pure essential oil perfumes.

Peaceful sounding instruments are placed in front of the boutique. They carry ancient singing bowls that are used by tapping a copper or iron bowl with a mallet and swirling it around the bowl to create a soft ringing of vibrational sound. They produce the sacred “Aum” sound that relates to meditation and destressing techniques. I found a wooden xylophone that was very fun to play along withother newly made ancient style instruments.

By making one stop into Intrinsic Elements you can start the journey you need to uplift your mind, body, and soul. You can easily obtain items that will create inspiration and energize your well-being. Go ahead make the change you’ve been searching for, create an unique gift, or add to your holistic collection, right here in downtown Modesto.

“The place where BLING meets BLISS”

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TOP 11 BLINGIN’ GIFTS

Just in time for 11/11/11 and the holidays

1. Intrinsic Elements

2. Yesterday’s Books

3. Unique Boutiques

4. Che’root Cigar Lounge

5. Kidsland

6. Beads of Contentment

7. Tressetti’s Wine World

8. Crow Trading Company

9. Ragamuffin

10. Bonanza Books and Comics

11. Farmer’s Market goodies

Visit these Modesto based shops to find perfect treasures for Men, Women, and Children.

Is it your Daydream or Nightmare?

By: Shasta Boss

October falls into the heart of Autumn with beautiful colors and falling leaves. It also holds cheerful times like Oktoberfest with the yummy beer and my favorite holiday of them all, Halloween and not just for the candy. Dressing up for a journey of fun creates amazing memories for all ages. Halloween holds the magic to transform yourself into a frightening creature or a glittery glamor queen or anything in between.

Exploring around the neighborhood I found the perfect local hot spot for finding all your Halloween needs, Daydreams and Nightmares (1408 Carpenter Rd). This place is “the one stop costume stop” yet they specialize in items for all holidays not just Halloween. The owner of Daydreams and Nightmares, Dana, is always around the store and willing to go the extra mile to help you find or create exactly what you are looking for. Yes, they will custom create costumes for you and transform simple products into your dream ensemble. Mostly everything they carry on the floor is for sale, they do have a back room that is filled with rentable costumes and accessories. They carry everything from Vampires, Pirates, Zoot suits, Gladiators, biblical, fairy tale, and all eras from Victorian to Graffiti inspired wardrobe. They also put entire ensembles together adding hats, shoes, gloves, ties, weapons, jewelry, wigs, headpieces, and more to make it complete. For the vampires who need their perfected K9 teeth sharp and fitted they will make a mold for your specific teeth and the adhesive is guaranteed to stick. They carry fun and scary props as well, like treasure boxes filled with gold coins and skull chandeliers. They specialize in teen and adult costumes and they carry plus size costumes that they can custom fit. They also love staying and working locally within our community. They supply the high schools and college with theatre makeup and mascot costumes.

Daydreams and Nightmares have many costumes for all holidays not just Halloween, that is why they are open year around. They offer Santa suits, Grinch masks, Easter bunny costumes, Mardi Gras outfits, car costumes for the fourth of July or the Graffiti parade, and much more. They have just received a new shipment of quality made corsets and skirts too. 

The employees, or should Ialso say Stylists and Makeup Artists, are very knowledgeable about all of the products that they carry. Personal crème kits are for those of you wanting to try your costume makeup yourself. For others wanting a professional make over, they offer full service Makeup Artists to create anything from “glitter to blood” or so Collin, a store associate, Makeup Artist and Wardrobe Designer, said it. So if your looking for the perfect quality made rental costume, custom made costume, or just want to go out casual with extreme makeup, then you must go visit Daydreams and Nightmares.

Thank you to Dana, the owner, Collin and Julie for all your help and letting us use the costume store forthis photo shoot. Models were Andrea Joyce (Ringmaster and Spider), CandaceMendes (Cinderella), and Annie Hollis (Saloon Girl). Photography by ChapmanMemories.com

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Did you know?

“Every Fifteen Minutes” a person dies from a drunk driver? Well, its pretty close and the local high schools know this first hand. As I was visiting Daydreams and Nightmares, who helps supply and do makeup for these films every year, I found out that all the local high schools take part in their own film, “Every Fifteen Minutes,” which I was able to watch at the local costume store. The film portrays real highschool students taking part in a drunk driving accident where they use realambulances, police officers, jail cells, and hospitals to put a life changing short film together to promote people of all ages to NOT drink and drive. This was extremely eye opening and should be viewed by all ages so they can see how one mistake can change or end your life forever. 

FashionView
Lights, Camera, Fashion!!

By Shasta Boss

As August rolls around and all the young people start getting excited and ready to start school again, us parents need to celebrate too. With summer ending and school beginning consider having an end of summer gathering, fun date night, or girl’s night out with your closest friends. Dress up and go enjoy the warm and beautiful weather while the hot August nights surround us.

Dressing up should not be limited to fancy parties or special events. Life should be celebrated everyday; and what better way to celebrate then dressing up and making yourself feel like a million bucks? It is obvious that our emotions and feelings radiate to our outer selves, but sometimes we need an extra boost on the outside to maximize our confidence on the inside. Jewelry is one thing that makes me feel special the instant I put it on and I add it into my daily ensemble to get that extra special addition for an overall complete look.

I was fortunate enough to meet local Jewelry Designer, Kim Klingborg, on a jewelry shoot for her business Spellbound Fashions. Before the shoot I was able to speak to Kim regarding some details of her jewelry business. Kim has been interested in how jewelry was made since she was a little girl. She majored in Fashion Design in college and has always loved being able to find vintage jewelry pieces, experimenting with their settings, and interchanging precious stones to create a one of a kind piece of jewelry. By adding layers of crystals, pearls, and/or chains to some of her pieces, she is able to transform an original piece into a masterpiece. These elegant, semi formal, and casual pieces can be easily added to an everyday outfit for a perfect special addition.

Although, you can find some Spellbound Fashions jewelry pieces at some local vintage art festivals and boutiques in the Stanislaus and Merced counties, she recommends having an in home jewelry party. Kim will travel all over Northern California for in home jewelry parties and she prefers the in home parties because she is able to connect more with her clients and personalize the pieces specifically for them. She loves being challenged and is able to create custom made pieces, add or change pieces depending on her client’s needs and tastes. With in home jewelry parties clients are able to see and hold the high end quality jewelry pieces and make their purchases right there. However, some of us like to shop with the extreme convenience of online shopping. Spellbound Fashions is now offering purchases right through Facebook. If you are a facebook user go check out their fan page Spellbound Fashions and if you click the “like” button you will receive 10% off your order online on facebook. Yes, facebook is now offering a “shop now” link on the right side of business fan pages so you can shop directly from their facebook page. Don’t have a facebook account? That’s fine, because purchases can also be made through their website www.spellboundfashions.com (it will bring you to the facebook page, but you don’t need a facebook account to order this way). I am ready to start my next girl’s night out with a Spellbound Fashions Jewelry Party and what I don’t end up getting that day I will make sure my husband knows exactly what I’m wishing for from Spellbound Fashions.

Photography by NCIStudios.com, Makeup done by Shasta Boss, Styling by Kim Klingborg, Spellbound Fashions.

Spring’s blossoms have opened
with a medley of color. Now it’s time
for the summer to heat us up with more
colors, fragrant flowers, outdoor activities,
and extra special occasions. Summer
is known for thrilling events like
weddings, prom, and graduation so we
deserve to create the most incredible
fashionable memories.
Fashion radically changed in the
late 1950s and early 60s from a conservative
and uniformed era into an
independent fashion movement where
it was socially acceptable to challenge
the status quo. These fashion trends
and mentality changes were the basis of
an independent and rebellious generation.
It is apparent that throughout time
men and women have always relied on
the most popular celebrities and public
figures for their trendy wardrobe inspiration.
Although a trendy wardrobe is
an important factor of fashion, many
would agree that it’s not always what
you wear, but what you drive. Fast cars
and loud music made a huge impact on
the younger generation as well, in this
time.
The former First Lady Jackie Kennedy
inspired wardrobe was very sophisticated
and quite conservative. This
type of wardrobe collection created a
very covered up look with a high neckline,
tiny waistline, and always tailored
below the knee. Other additions were
gloves, hats, pearls, and the incognito
oversized sunglasses, which are all still
fashionable now. Women at this time
were comfortable with fitting in with
this conventional housewife persona.
However, times were changing and
fashion was changing as well.
This was the start of a new era and
women were now embracing their sexuality
and independence through their
fashion with mainstream provocative
styles. Bikinis, though they surfaced
in France in the 1940s, started to become
extremely popular by the early
60s, more socially accepted, and widespread,
especially in California because
of Hollywood and the beach culture.
The glamorous Marilyn Monroe was on
the cutting edge of fashion during this
time for her sexiness, diamonds, and
daringly provocative wardrobe. The
skin tight, flashy but elegant wardrobe
defined her into an eternal bombshell.
Her bleach blonde hair was piled high
probably with a whole can of hairspray,
curled and always parted to the side.
Her glamorous fashion sense combined
with her perfected and ageless pinup
style makeup has been envied by
women for decades. It is obvious that
the mystery blonde character driving
the corvette in American Graffiti was
inspired by Marilyn’s beautiful style.
Men’s styles are much more everlasting.
Comfort is key with them. From jeans to plaid button ups, plain
white t’s, cowboy boots, and the famous
Converse All Star shoes have all persevered
through the last half century. The
James Dean classic rebel inspired style
that gained popularity during the 50s
was also popular in the early 60s. This
greaser look always contained black or
blue fitted jeans with a white or black
t-shirt, cigarette hanging off the lip, and
a pack of smokes rolled up in the arm
sleeve, just like Milner in American
Graffiti. We cannot forget about one of
the most known attributes of this style,
the swooped up pompadour slicked
back hair.
Fashion and style are not always defined
by what you wear, but what you
drive and the music on your radio. Music
triggers emotions in all of us, while
fast cars offer an adrenaline rush and
extreme coolness. The movie American
Graffiti emblematized a new generation
of youngsters cruisin’ down the block
in their shiny and fast muscle cars striking
up flirty conversations with strangers
at stoplights. Back then this was
how guys met girls and it was possible
to embrace the highest level of confidence
and coolness by cruisin’ in your
American made, shiny, clean, and fast
hot rod. That is only if you have some
“boss” music to listen to on the radio.
At this time Rock n’ Roll and Motown
was extremely popular and folk music
was also growing. Music was helping to
break down the racial barriers and bring
people together like no other. Elvis had
swung, Johnny ignited a ring of fire,
and the barrier breaking counterculture
was born. This era of music and car lovers
triggered classic car shows and live
concerts for decades to come.
Even though these styles were
mainly of focus in the 1950s, we saw
the same styles becoming more popular
and mainstream during the early 60s
and even today. Jackie, Marilyn, and
James were idolized then for their famous
fashion trends and today they are
still some of the most influential fashion
icons. Car and music enthusiasts are
still interested in fixing up their cars to
near perfection and they enjoy installing
high quality and extremely loud sound
systems. Now looking back at these
styles I’m sure you can see how similar
they actually are to our popular present
trends. These styles have continuously
came back into style over the last half
century and will only keep flourishing
as time flies by.

Enlighten the Fashion Senses

By: Shasta Boss

Spring’s blossoms have opened with a medley of color. Now it’s time for the Summer to heat us up with more colors, fragrant flowers, outdoor activities, and extra special occasions. Summer is known for thrilling events like weddings, prom, and graduation so we deserve to create the most incredible fashionable memories.

Imagine running through an endless field of enchantingly colorful wildflowers. The magnificent fragrances inspiring serenity, happiness, and greatness. Although there are wildflower fields close to us here in the valley, some of us enjoy a quick stop to the flower market to bring the enlightening scents and beautiful blooms back home with us. Keeping fresh flowers or plants around has been proven to enhance your mood, energy, and motivation.

Country Shelf Floral in Orangeberg Square has been supplying the area with unique floral arrangements, the freshest cuts of flowers, reasonable prices, and more for over several years. Pat, the owner, and her floral designers display their unique talents by combining stems, custom color matching, and adding a hint of unique flair into their flower creations to construct a one of a kind masterpiece. They were able to make a corsage that matched a prom dress exactly by transforming white orchids into a beautiful violet shade by mixing hues of rich pinks and purples with bright blues. Even the tiniest little hint of a rhinestone, orange or purple dragonfly, or small jewel design can be added to any arrangement to make it a one of a kind personalized creation. My absolute favorites here are the fresh flower designs that are combined with trendy jewelry pieces to make the most outstanding and elegant fashion statement that will definitely be remembered and envied by all. Country Shelf offers their incredible unique services for all occasions and flower needs here in the Modesto area.

With summer here more of us like to start redecorating or designing new household projects. Are you feeling crafty or have a special party coming up? For those of you that are inspired to design your own creations should definitely check out Simi Floral Supply on the corner of McHenry and Bangs Avenue. They supply a lot more than just artificial flowers and floral supplies, they carry a huge assortment of ribbons, party supplies for all occasions and holidays, wedding decorations and memorabilia, crafts, and much more. The staff is very friendly and willing to share brief tutorials on how to construct various projects like layered bows for hair clips or dresses, artificial flower crowns, bouquets, and more. The area in the back holds unique tree branches, baskets, and more to decorate with an all natural inspired style. Craft enthusiasts, interior designers, and soon to be brides can literally run wild through this warehouse and fill their carts full of craft and party goods. This supply store is a great place to find those unique items to add the finishing touches on a renovated or new living space or just to add some new flavor back into your home or office. 

Looking for more specific type of plants for your garden? The Scenic Nursery, located on Scenic and Coffee, has a huge assortment of plants, roses, trees, ground covering, and vegetables along with all the fertilizer, soil, and supplies that you will need to plant the perfect landscape. The small children’s garden is fun for the kids to play, plant, and sample some blackberries, blueberries, herbs, and more. The garden experts are happy to help with any questions and plan out a garden that will be perfect for your specific needs and sun exposure.

Networking and socializing with other talented professionals in your area is necessary to get your business name out to colleagues and grow your business.

 Studio K, a local photography studio, is bringing together some of the best Central Valley Photographers, Models, Makeup Artists, Hairstylists, and other talented individuals for a networking based Meet and Greet.

 There is also going to be a Special Event that will include an optional Photo-Shoot Challenge. Names will be drawn and the teams will have 20 minutes to come up with a concept. Twenty-five photos will be taken by the teams that will be judged at a later date and the winning photo will be added to Studio K’s Wall of Fame.

 Don’t forget to bring your business and promotion cards!

Central Valley Meet and Greet

Saturday, March 26, 2011, 3p.m. until the lights go off

@ Studio K, 503 Bangs Avenue, Suite K, Modesto

The most important details of fashion start from within ourselves. Our decisions on how we treat our bodies are some of the most important key ingredients to our personal style. Choosing to make time for ourselves is a great first step towards a positive change.

 To be our personal best we need to find a balance within our minds, bodies, and souls to empower us towards a happier and healthier lifestyle. A consistent routine which is easily customizable to each individual’s needs and schedules should revolve around a good night’s rest, healthy diet, and regular exercise to achieve internal balance, energy, confidence, and much more.

Not only will these tips keep your inner body healthy they can improve your outer beauty as well by enhancing the quality of your hair, nails, and skin. 

 How amazing would it be if all these needs and more could be fullfilled in one place? Watch out Stanislaus, because they can!

 Imagine my surprise when I entered the new cutting edge Fusion Studio in Turlock and was greeted with a full-size Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) style ring set up for MMA and Women’s Self Defense classes. The other side of the studio consists of many different areas decorated by all of the skilled professionals showcasing their artistic talents here. Suprena, the founder of Fusion Studio, is not only intelligent for combining a fitness, beauty, and creative outlet for the community, she is also multi-talented. She has a second degree Black Belt specializing in Shoshou, she teaches the women’s self defense classes, has her Cosmetology License, and has a hair styling station in the studio. Fusion’s unique vision of a full service salon includes professional services including hair, nails, massage therapy, makeup artistry, body piercing, and tattoo art by highly skilled professionals.

 Women’s Self Defense Classes are held Monday and Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.

Mixed Martial Arts class is held every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Fusion Studio, 323 West Canal Drive, Turlock