FYI

Hey Lovelies!!!

I just wanted to reach out and give a short explanation for our sporadic posting as of late. Kenya and I are very collaborative with almost every post, since I’ve moved into the new apartment I don’t have internet access outside of work and I haven’t been able to do my part. Please bear with us and continue to check back because we have some very cool posts in the works.

Luv Ya,
Teneasha

Capture Your Essence

Hey Lovelies!!!

Since we are all family, I guess we can go ahead and make a little confession to you guys. Guess what? We LOVE taking photos! To go along with our obsession, we snagged a little saying called "capturing the essence". To have your essence captured is to look your very best in a photo.

Whether a beauty junkie, fashion addict, or neither, everyone wants to look great on film, and with a few tips it’s completely doable. Many times people leave it up to the photographer to make sure the picture is flawless but a great photo is a group effort.

Here are the VB tips to capture your essence:

Watch the Bronzer: I (Teneasha) am absolutely in love with bronzer. On my clear skin days sometimes I’ll dab on a little bronzer and that will be my whole face. However, if your bronzer is like mine with a fine shimmer watch the amount you put on before a photo. Once the flash hits the shimmer it can look oily rather than sun kissed.

Clear Eyes: A few drops of visine can do wonders before a photo. The solution is soothing to the eyes and will get rid of any red or tiredness and it will help those with smaller or lazier eyes keep them open so you don’t look like you’re a step from falling asleep or intoxicated.

Work It!: We like to live by the little saying that states, "Everywhere we is a runway!" The VB girls started using this phrase after we noticed that some of our best photos were in the most random places (ie in the train station or stairwell). Don’t spend so much time finding the perfect background. Embracing scenic options will offer a great variety to your photos, and it gives you more to play with in posing because you can use it as inspiration.

Practice in the Mirror: Get to know your face. The easiest way to do this is to look in the mirror. Practice your perfect smile or expressions. Be crazy and do unexpected things. Roll your eyes, blow kisses, or even scream. You might end up with a very high fashion photo.

Check your Sources: Look in magazines or one of the many fashion/beauty reality shows and determine why you like the picture and try to duplicate it.

Strike A Pose!: You don’t have to have the perfect body, to look like you have the perfect body in a photo. Don’t you love that?! Posing to the side instead of head on can take 20 lbs off in 5 seconds. If you’re butt is not as large as you wish it was than stick it out and give yourself something extra. Suck in the stomach and tuck the extra arm jiggle.

Be Natural: An over posed picture looks just that...overdone. Make sure your smile is natural. Having friends around is helpful because they usually make the atmosphere really relaxed. Its cool to have informal photo shoots with your friends, you’ll feel more comfortable letting go. The VB girls have taken the best picture of each other cause we don’t care if we look silly in front of each other.

Improvise: Wear colors that compliment your complexion and personality (which you should be doing any way). Props are a fun way to throw an unexpected element in a photo and it helps to challenge your creativity.

These are just a few tips we’ve learned along the way. Let us know how you make your pictures fabulous. Let us know if you want us to interview a photographer and provide some professional insight. We love hearing from you!

Keep it BLUE!!!

Blue Bargains: Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palettes

Hey Lovelies!


Today's Blue Bargains comes from none other than Coastal Scents. We've done reviews on their items before, and we must say that when it comes to dishing out the affordable prices, this company definitely does it right. This past weekend they announced the availability of their much high demanded eyeshadow palettes.

These palettes are great if you're new to the make up world and interested in building your collection up, as well as an option for the make up savvy artist who's looking for a little more variety. Here are some of the products they are offering...

This palette is 9"x6.5" closed and features 88 highly pigmented shades for only $21.95

This palette is 9"x6.5" closed as well, and features 88 ultra shimmery shades for $24.95

A mixed palette that contains 60 eyeshadows, 12 highlighting & liner shades, and 6 blushes for $21.95

An array of 24 shimmery eyeshadows come in this palette filled with 1 1/8" round shadow pans for $21.95

This 28 piece eyeshadow with defining colors comes with an assortment of neutral tones in both shmmer, as well as matte with pans that measure 1" round. Alot of these tones work well for but blush & sculpting as well. All for the price of $21.95

This 15 piece empty tin palette comes with 26 mm round pots that work great for pressing powders and is also the same size as MAC pots and can be yours for the price of $7.95

These items have been highly anticipated for quite some time, so if you're interested, i'd suggest finalizing your purchase ASAP. For more info, visit http://www.coastalscents.com/


Have you ever tried any Coastal Scents shadows? Do any of these palettes seem like they could make a comfy fit into your make up collection? Feel free to give us your input on the products. We love hearing from you. Oh, and don't forget to KEEP IT BLUE! ;-)

Just Belt It

Hey Lovelies,

The VB girls are absolutely in love with accessories. Accessories can provide endless options of turning a simple jeans and t-shirt into a dressed up or dressed down look. One of our favorite accessories is a belt. A belt can serve as an instant tailor to any shapeless garment and you have the option to accentuate the best part of you.

A belt is perfect for vintage items or flowy dresses that have been ever so popular this summer. Check out the belts below and share your experiences.

(click the image to enlarge)

(from left to right)

1. Braided Skinny Belt $7.80 forever21.com 2. Double Latch Elastic Waist Belt $8.80 forever21.com 3. Textured O-Ring Waist Belt $9.50 wetseal.com 4. Skinny Faux Patent Belt $12.50 oldnavy.com 5. Leather Wide Boyfriend Knot Belt $38.93 asos.com 6. Skinny Oval Cut-Out Belt $29.50 gap.com 7. Leather Oblong Hardware Belt $59.00 bananarepublic.com 8. Rectangle Stretch Belt $54.00 bebe.com

Keep it BLUE!!!

Heart to Heart: The Beauty of Rejection

Hello Bluetiful Ones!

It's Kenya signing in and today's Heart to Heart segment features embracing rejection. And I know that can seem like quite the paradox, but it's actually possible to appreciate the things that we cannot have. Case in point...this story...

A young highschool student was preparing to progress to the next stage of her life and had a college that was at the very top of her list. But much to her dismay, this school placed her on the waiting list and she did not receive guaranteed admission. Upon researching her second choice, she began to discover that institution actually had many qualities that suited her. After attending, she gained so many valuable memories, and also contributed to the campus by becoming involved in activities, founding an organization to encourage women, and countless hours of community service. You see, one door had closed in her life and a new door had opened. Who would have known what course her life would have taken had circumstances turned out differently?

Well ladies in gentleman, that young lady was/is me. After being waitlisted from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, I decided to step out on a limb and attend a school that was waaaaay on the other side of the country, and far away from the only family, friends, and environment I had ever known. But taking that chance & embracing that risk exposed me to so many experiences that have drastically changed my life and shaped me into the woman that I am today.

If you find yourself being turned down in some area of your life, I know it may hurt at first, but keep in mind that there are more things to come. Where one door may close, another may open, and you never know what new & exciting possibilities lie ahead. You are a prize and worth SO much. So when you are rejected, just know that one person/place is losing you, while another just may be gaining you.

Color Theory

Hey Lovelies!!!

The ladies of VB are all grown up and we officially started renting our very 1st apartment last week. Many students venture out during their collegiate career but we chose the convenience of dorm living. However, we are super excited that chapter of our life has come to an end.

We have temporarily transferred our love of color that we usually express through makeup and wardrobe to home décor. Its all we talk about these days, and even our parents, close relatives and friends have been sucked in. One definite decision we've made is painting the walls, however, we’ve been going back and forth on what colors to choose since it won’t likely change.

While searching all the various paint company sites I found this cool little tool that connects emotion with colors. Check it out.

Red:
Pure Red is a statement color and highly individual—dramatic, vibrant and stimulating. By contrast, the Muted and Shaded tones of red are soft, cozy, personal and intimate, with just a hint of passion and romance.

Orange:
Combining the drama of red with the cheerfulness of yellow, Pure Orange is luminous, bright, glowing and bold. The Muted and Shaded tones offer a bright but subtle glow that’s restful, earthy, natural and soothing.

Yellow:
Closest to sunlight, Pure Yellow conveys hospitality and promotes deep feelings of well-being. The Muted hues make quiet backgrounds for busy lives, while the Shaded Yellows have a soft, glowing presence that speaks of home, harvest and abundance.

Green:
The most neutral color in the spectrum, Pure Green is strongly associated with nature. Muted Greens are calm, restful and soothing, while the Shaded variants project trust and order, encouraging contemplation, serenity and repose.

Blue:
Evoking the emotions of sky and sea, Pure Blue is calming, expansive and cool. Appearing to recede, it raises ceilings and pushes back walls. The Muted hues recall summer skies, azure mountain lakes and blue-green ocean depths, while the dignified Shaded Blues exude comfort and ease.

Purple:
Pure Purple has the clarity of blue and the warmth of red. The deep colors convey grandeur and luxury, while the lighter shades are elusive and intriguing. Muted Purples are airy and peaceful, and the Shaded Purples are soft, shadowy and undeniably romantic.

What does your favorite color say about you? Does your personality correlate with the emotions evoked by your favorite color?



Keep it BLUE!!! (which according to the description means calm and cool…we can dig that)

Color Me Bluetiful: Fun With Face Paint

Hello Bluetiful Ones!

Today's Color Me Bluetiful segment sort of combines a FOTD & "Blue Review" all in one. Consider it a "blue for one special" *wink*. It features an artsy look that I tried out with colors from the Wolfe Brothers Face Art & FX metallic/neon palette.

After Teneasha gifted me with this lovely palette recommended by world reknown make up artist Denessa Myricks at a workshop a few months back, I was dying for an opportunity to play with some of the colors. I must say that I was not disappointed. All it takes is a few drops of water to activate the color, and you're left with highly pigmented & long lasting shades. And trust, these colors are quite true to the name; it's certainly paint, so quick and even application is crucial for best results. Because once it dries, it's SET, and there is no turning back (unless you have some remover handy).

The look I played with features a thin metallic teal line on the lower lash line & extending towards the temple, soft metallic pink infused with a deep purple on the upper lid, a soft shimmer to create a subtle glow, and funky lashes. Check it out...

Products used:

Face

Black Radiance Perfect Blend Stick Foundation w/SPF 15 in shade 6815

Black Radiance Mosaic Bronzer in Golden Shimmer

Joya Blush

Eyes

Face Art Palette- pink metallic color as base on upper inner lid

Face Art Palette - purple metallic color as base on upper outer lid

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics pigment in Red Light on inner upper & lower lid (comes out as a pink on top of base)

HiP duo in Flamboyant - purple hue on upper outer lid over base

Wet & Wild Sand Castle Palette - copper hue, followed by bronze hue blended into crease

Wet & Wild Sand Castle Palette - pearl & sandy hue as a highlight

Face Art Palette - teal metallic on lower lash line

MAC Prolash Mascara

MAC Fluidline in Black Track for upper lash line

Lips

Joya Liner in Risky Me

Joya Lipstick in Venus

MAC lustreglass in Love Nectar

One Stop Shop: Mod Cloth

Hey Lovelies,

This weeks One Stop Shop features items from Mod Cloth. Mod Cloth is an online store that caries a great variety of retro indie clothing and an amazing vintage section that often sells out quickly...lol...I know from personal experience.

The Mod Cloth team describes it as "ModCloth is a small team of people who work like crazy and love every minute of it. We believe that every man, woman, and child needs a closet full of clothes that express their unique personality."

Check out these amazing items, they can all be purchased at http://www.modcloth.com/ along with many other fabulous items.

1. Farrah Sunglasses $11.99 2. Banana Split Heels $39.99 3. Emerald City Heels $84.99 4.Grisaille Dress $54.99 5. Wood Block Earrings $5.99 6. Central Park Bag $49.99

Keep it BLUE!!!

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

The Fabulous people at Oh So Chic Boutique have offered VB readers and Oh So Chic Discount. Enter: BlueChic at checkout for 15% off and free priority shipping.

Site Alert:Oh So Chic Boutique

Hey Bluetiful Ones!

I don't know about you all, but I must admit that I'm an absolute shopping fanatic. I can sometimes stay in a store (or online) for hours going gah gah over hot shoes, clothes, and accessories. And it certainly doesn't help when I stumble across a store or site that not only has stylish items, but also has them for affordable prices. So it should come as no surprise, that when I stumbled across OhSoChicBoutique.com that i'd be an automatic fan.

The name truly does speak for itself. This site offers an array of hip blouses, dresses, skirts, shoes, accessories, and even plus size items that could rival just about anything you'd find at your nearest mall. They also have positive affirmation tees, and if that isn't a way to add some "virtuous" love into something "blue", then I don't know what is.

For those of you who are still searching for some staple items for this season's wardrobe, they have a few maxi dresses, minis, and sun dresses that would be absolutely fab for the summer. Why not heat up your summer in style with some new chic items?...and affordable ones at that :-)

Here's a few items that we thought were so blue...

(left to right)1. white and brown polka dot dress $60 2. Burgandy leather belt $15 3. high waisted shorts $33 4. Brown ruffled top $37 5. Yellow striped dress $54 6. Cream & multi-colored mini $42

Check out these selections and many more at http://www.ohsochicboutique.com/. And don't forget to keep it blue!

We LOVE Your Opinion

Hey Lovelies,

I hope you all had a fun and food filled weekend.

Kenya and I are always brainstorming the steps we need to take to achieve the goals we've set for Virtuous Blue. One of our immediate goals is to get our business basics together, beginning with a logo. A logo seems like it should be an easy decision but trust me...it isn't. We realize our logo will be our 1st impression to the world, so it has to be perfect...and So BLUE

We need your help to create an image that fully embodies VB.

Let us know what images come to mind when you think of "Virtuous Blue": color combinations, size, shape, or any other form of inspiration. Feel free to drop us a line in the comments and if you really get motivated you can send us an email at virtuousblue@gmail.com

Check out the masterpieces that represent some of our favorite blogs.




(from left to right...all blogs linked on our blog roll)
1. Afrobella 2. The Fashion Bomb 3. Clumps of Mascara 4. I like Her Style

Thanks for helping us stay fabulous. As always...Keep it BLUE!!!

A Brief Intermission

Hello Bluetiful Ones!

We just wanted to do a brief post to inform all of our lovely readers that we will both be out of town for the 4th of July weekend and unable to post during that time period. Teneasha will be doing it up in the "Windy City" of Chicago, Illionois and I will be melting in the sweltering heat of Las Vegas, Nevada. However, Virtuous Blue will be back in full effect on Monday, so feel free to come back and check out the updates.

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend...and don't forget to keep it BLUE (oh, and feel free to throw in a little red & white for the 4th while you're at it hehe)

Someone Needs to Have It: Patent Peeptoe

Greetings Lovelies,

Forever 21 has not been failing us this summer. I'm extremely impressed. I remember a few years ago when I couldn't fit anything in there (and I was thinner then), nor did many items catch my eye. Now I wouldn't be mad if they wrapped up one of everything and shipped it to me directly.

Check out this weeks "Someone Needs to Have It" item.



Forever 21 brings us style on a budget. If you're like us and constantly referencing the wise words of Kanye West "Wait Til I Get My Money Right", then these Chloe inspired options are perfect for you. Check out the Chloe originals...


How do they compare?

1. Forever 21 Patent Peeptoes $27.80 2. Chloe Leather Shoe-Boot, ON SALE for $387 at http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/30946

Keep it BLUE!!!

Are You 1 In A Million?

Hello Bluetiful Ones! It's Kenya signing in. Here at Virtuous Blue, we believe that beauty encompasses many areas; one of which includes good health. We cannot truly be at our best unless we not only care for ourselves externally, but internally as well. One prominent health concern that has affected millions across the globe is the ever growing epidemic of HIV and AIDS.

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 27th the Black AIDS Institute, The Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper, 102.3 FM KJLH, the NAACP, and many other organizations combined forces for the 2nd Annual "Test 1 Million" HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. This event included free HIV screenings and a press conference featuring celebrities themselves being tested for HIV right in front of the cameras. The goal of these efforts are to urge at least 1 million African Americans to get tested by December 2009. However, I'd like to go one step further by not only encouraging African Americans to get tested, but every single living person around the world as well.

As a marketing intern at 102.3 KJLH, I had the opportunity to assist at this event, and it was truly an inspiration. Here are a few pics that I snapped while in attendance (sorry for the poor quality. My cam was misbehaving) *click the pics to enlarge*

Men Are One In A Million

Actor/Comedian Flex & Singer Ralph Tresvant from New Edition

Lil Eazy-E, son of the late rapper Eazy-E who passed away of AIDS, gives his take on awareness.

Women Are One In A Million

Actress/Singer Tatiana Ali receiving her test instructions (swab method)

Actress Tamala Jones proclaiming to be One In A Million

Actress Tasha Smith getting suited up in her One In A Million t-shirt by fellow intern Ray

Couples Are One In A Million

Actress Kimberly Elise & boo conduct their tests together

Families Are One In A Million

Basketball Star Doug Christie and wife & daughter talk about the importance of getting tested.

Children Are One In a Million

Even a 5th Grader is smart enough to know the importance of getting tested. "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" star Alana Ethridge proclaiming to be 1 In A Million.

Are YOU one in a million? If not, I urge you to PLEASE get tested as soon as you can. Regardless of race, and whether man, woman, or child, we are all in this fight together. Knowing is power. Knowing is healthy. Knowing is BEAUTIFUL and SO BLUE.