Dear 15-Year-Old Me: You’re Okay

This is hanging on my dad’s office wall. Me at 15. I saw this picture at my dad’s house, and it broke my heart.

Me at 15.

I saw a gorgeous 15-year-old girl, but that’s not the 15-year-old girl I remembered.

The 15-year-old I rememberer was chubby, with braces, looked like a boy, and was much too much.

Too much, physically.

Too much curly hair.

Too much love to give.

Too much of a talker.

Too much of a singer.

Too much of an actor.

Too much of a kiss-up.

Too much for her parents.

Too much for her brother.

Too much for boys.

Too much for herself.

Too much everything.

That is not who I see now. I see someone who was just enough.

I see this picture and see a gorgeous 15-year-old, with a big personality, who was painfully insecure. More than anything, I wish I could go back and tell myself: “Embrace your curves. You’re never going to be a size 0, so stop fighting it so hard. You’re only wasting time and energy. Embrace your talents and loving spirit. You don’t need to be your big brother, best friend, or anyone else for that matter. You just need to be you. It’s enough. Don’t be afraid of being different. It’s the very thing that will change your life for the better. You’re enough. You’re special. Life is going to be so sweet. And, lastly, you’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay.”

I dedicate this post to all girls in middle school and high school out there, and their parents. I promise it’s going to get better. YOU’RE okay, you’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay.

xoxo,

Dawn

Dream A Little Dream: The Golden Globes Luncheon Honoring Miss Golden Globe, Greer Grammer

'Tis the golden season!

‘Tis the season! Not that season. AWARD SEASON!

A sea of gold

And as an LA lady, I can tell you that award season is one of the most exciting times of the year here in Tinsel Town.

This year, The 72nd Annual Golden Globes Awards kicks the season off. And to kick off this year’s Golden Globes, I had the honor of attending a glam Golden Globes lunch with Moët at The Beverly Hilton yesterday, honoring Miss Golden Globe, Greer Grammer.

Here's Greer presenting a Golden Globe to me. Ok, I didn't get to keep it..but give it time.

I got prepped for the event, thanks to Danielle with GlamSquad, who gave me some fabulous retro-inspired curls that lasted all night long. I love GlamSquad because they come right to your home so you can get all primped and prettied, while sitting in your favorite chair, listening to your favorite tunes, sipping a flute of champagne or a cup of hot tea.

Getting glammed for the annual Golden Globes Luncheon by Danielle of GlamSquad

I headed over to The Beverly Hilton, but had to do something I NEVER do and snap an elevator selfie of my golden, Old Hollywood-inspired outfit for the luncheon, ℅ Nordstrom. (Top: Tildon short sleeve sequin top $58 and Skirt: Tildon Gold Glitter Skirt $48)

Gold in an elevator. Livin' it up while I'm goin' down.

We started with a sneak preview of one of the signature Golden Globes cocktails, The Sunset Starlet – created by Elettra Wiedemann of Impatient Foodie – which will be enjoyed by the guests on Sunday. *Recipe will be up tomorrow right here!

The Moët Sunset Starlet by Elettra Wiedemann of Impatient Foodie

Following our cocktails, we enjoyed a delicious lunch, which was followed by the delectable pastries that the pastry chef at The Beverly Hilton is famous for.

Sweet!

And we were delighted to take some magical Moët goodies home with us!

Standing next to a tower of champagne. Not too bad for a Thursday.

Afterwards, I headed out to the balcony of the famed Beverly Hilton and reflected upon all of the stars whose dreams would be at long last coming true on Sunday. And I couldn’t help but be thankful for my own dreams coming true…and for the dreams I harbor that will one day come true.

Dream a little dream...

xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: Who are you most excited to see on Sunday? 

Father’s Day Gift Guide: Ideas Fit for Dad

I’ve been sharing my favorite Father’s Day present picks all week long! And today, I’ve got some great ones for you. Perfect for any budget, in any location for any aged dad.

A gift of Nostalgia & Luxury. Let’s start with a stroll down Memory Lane. For a gift with a little bit of luxury from yesterday, get Dad a professional shave. There are shaving salons everywhere these days, it seems. To make it easy on yourself, use Google or Yelp to find the most highly reviewed shaving salons in your dad’s city. No specially designated shaving salon in your town yet? Your dad’s barber probably does a great shave or knows someone who does.
Ask him/her for a referral. Then get your dad a gift certificate so he can get the shave whenever he wants – before an important meeting, a high school reunion or for a date nigth out with mom. Or if you would rather give him a shaving set he can use at home, check out The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave from The Art of Shaving ($115 at Sephora).

The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave by The Art of Shaving ($115) available at Sephora

 

Royal Softness. Treat your dad like royalty with the brand that’s the king of softness – Royal Highnies ($79.50). Their boxers and pajamas are loved by southern gentlemen and celebrities alike. Between their 400 count Pima cotton boxer shorts (which won’t shrink, run true to size and come two pairs to a package) and their lounge, pajama-style pants($79.50 for one pair), Dad will feel comforted day and night. And with the Rolex-style crown insignia stitched on their products, any man who loves luxury will love these luxurious personal linens.

Royal Highnies luxuriously soft boxers and pajamas ($79.50)

Cologne at a fraction of the cost. If you’re on a budget – and who isn’t –  buy Dad his favorite cologne or help him discover a new one. These days, discount stores such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Loehman’s, Nordstrom Rack and more have a bevy of fragrances that Dad will love – at a deeply discounted price. Not only will he smell like the handsome man he is but he’ll feel good knowing that his wife and kids have good taste.

Happy Father’s Day to all of you dapper dads out there! Hope you’re spoiled silly on Sunday!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What are you getting Dad for Father’s Day?

 

Blown Away by Blow Angels

Oh Blow Angels! You had me at $29 blowout.

Blow Angels - I designate thee, The Primping Palace

Blow Angels - I designate thee, The Primping Palace

And then you add parking in the back, mint-infused spa water, talented stylists and superb customer service?
Oh no. Now I’m really in love.

You see, I love to love. I really do. But when it comes to primping salons, I have been broken-hearted a few times.

Not this time, Romeo. This time, Cupid’s arrow has made a match.

I have found the ultimate primping palace that won’t pummel your pocketbook.

And I’m reallllly excited about it? Seeeee!

BF Really Excited!

BF Really Excited! I mean, this was my hair 4 hours after my visit!

And not one of my friends knows about this beauty mecca so I feel like I’m Oprah debuting one of my favorite things to the world. Or at least, in this case, to my friends and readers.

YOU get a blowout! YOU get lashes! YOU get makeup!

And all for under $30 each!
Now, that’s just something I can feel good about. Right?

Here’s the scoop:

From the ladylike, Tiffany-robin’s egg-blue and white theme to the master stylists who do truly exceptional work, I am seriously blown away by Blow Angels.

The thrones at The Primping Palace that is Blow Angels

The thrones at The Primping Palace that is Blow Angels

I decided to get the works for my Hotel Cafe show on a Saturday night. My family was in town and I was going to be onstage and visiting with tons of people so I really needed to look my best!

I told the Angels this. I felt a little bit like Charlie from Charlie’s Angels to be honest.

“Angels, I have an assignment for you. I need glamorous hair, makeup and lashes that will last as long as I do this evening.”
The Blow Angels, Libni and Ziggy accepted their challenge.

In a little under an hour and a half, I was walking out with gorgeous, Jaclyn Smith/Farrah Fawcett winged hair, Victoria’s Secret Angel-worthy runway makeup and faux lashes that didn’t look false at all – just lush, lush, lush.

BF's Angels: Libni and Ziggy
 BF’s Angels: Libni (hair) and Ziggy (makeup)

And all for UNDER $100!!! No, you’re not imagining things. The styled, voluminous blowout was $29, the makeup $30 and the lashes $15. Wowsers.

FYI, I got the Angels Blow – seen here:

Blow Angels - Angels Blow

Blow Angels - Angels Blow

As I was leaving, I told them (yes, really), that I felt like I needed to get in my car and sing that famous ditty from West Side Story, “I Feel Pretty”. Um, I think I may have lost them there.

But you know what isn’t lost on me? Talented stylists who love what they do and make me love the way I look..if only for a night!

At dinner – 4 hours later –

Flaunthing my angel's wings with my friend, Jenn

Flaunthing my angel's wings with my friend, Jenn

And, guess what, 8 hours later, I still felt like singing the “pretty” song.

My angelic 'do - 7 hours later

My angelic 'do - 7 hours later

Thank you, Blow Angels!!

I’ll see you soon with another “Angels assignment”.

xoxo,
BF

p.s. It was also an added bonus when I said “Gosh, I’m nervous! I could really use a glass of wine.” And the angels heard me and brought me a glass of chocolate-infused red wine. Is that you, God? It’s me, deliriously delighted Dawn.

*
BF Asks: Have you ever tried Blow Angels? Or how ’bout just “winged” angel hair? Dying to hear your answers, angels! 

I love them, and I know you will too!

Shindig Shoppe
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This is where you need to go.
The brilliant, always-stylish, Vanessa York’s Shindig Shoppe.
She is my design fairy godmother for all of your beautiful graphic needs.

Amy Opoka Photography
“Who did your photos?”
I get this. A LOT.
Amy Opoka did them and she has done lots more where that comes from.
Music, fashion, editorial, headshots, live performances: she’s your girl.

Bonjour+Hola

I heart this blog. It has taught me so much. Like, to eat a bowl of corn the night before a photo shoot to make your skin glow.
And its creator, Elizabeth Baker, is one of my favorite ladies. I’ve known her since she was in high school and she has always been an icon waiting to happen.

Neiman Marcus
I grew up at Neiman Marcus Northpark. I jokingly refer to it as The Mothership. My first job was here, working for Trish McEvoy. I always visit when I’m home and, during a shopping job at the Beverly Hills location, I love grabbing lunch at their cozy restaurant.

Beauty Collection
Lots of shopping for my clients takes place here, both in-store and online. They’re accommodating, kind and super-informed.

Woo Skincare & Cosmetics
I worked at Woo, years ago, as a Bobbi Brown counter manager and helped introduce the Armani Beauty line to Nashville, as Armani’s Counter Manager.
More importantly, you can find almost everything I write about at Woo!

Uptown Country Home
Can’t get enough of the darling home decor that Jenny offers at her adorable store. If you like shabby chic, you will be in heaven here.


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