Physical Element...of Beauty: An Interview with Jo Carter

I was delighted to have the opportunity to interview Jo Carter, the owner of what I feel to be one of the most fashion-forward clothing stores in Portland,
PHYSICAL ELEMENT.

Jo and I share similar philosophies on what we choose to carry, the main difference being the translation to clothing and cosmetics. Like Fez Studio, Physical Element prefers to offer their selective customers exclusive unique products including offbeat, distinctive labels from Europe, Japan, as well as the United States ad Portland.

You can almost tell who is the Physical Element customer as opposed to the the mass-marketed consumer mall types. Her customers are true originals who are seen as trend setters. That's what we're about!

So ladies, if you want to lead, not follow, you know where to go!

1. For those who may not be familiar with your wonderful store, how would you describe "Physical Element"?

Physical Element was founded in the belief that clothing is an extension of a woman's personality and creativity.I search the globe for lines that blend art and fashion. At Physical Element, we specialize in the careful and thoughtful editing of European and domestic collections with a point of view. I am very happy to report that we are now the exclusive Portland retailer of Paris label, cop.copine.

2. What characteristics make clothing beautiful to you?

Beautiful fabrics and artful experimentation with shape and design. I love unexpected, but subtle details, as well as skillfully cut patterning that fits the body beautifully.

3. How has style preferences changed over the years since you opened in 2003?

Well, Physical Element has changed dramatically over the past 4 ½ years. When we opened in 2003, we were Portland's first women's fitness & yoga apparel store. Over the years, the store evolved to include fashion-forward European apparel. I was thrilled by the enthusiastic reaction by our customers and Pearl residents and slowly, the fashion portion of the store grew more and more. We had always carries elegant, directional activewear, but beginning in 2008, the store will focus all our attention on offering offbeat, distinctive labels from Europe, Japan, as well as the United States and Portland. My customers have been very enthusiastic and supportive of the change.

4. What is your favorite piece of clothing, right now?

Oh, that is a hard question! I suppose one of my favorite items right now would be the Emi skirt by Cop.Copine Paris. It’s a saucy little skirt that hits at your natural waist, is slim cut and finishes just below the knee. The Emi Skirt’s pinstriped outer layer rises ever-so-slightly in the back. The sheer ruffled underlayer is allowed to show off the back curve of your calf – so sexy! This skirt is so unabashedly feminine, even my UPS guy took note when I wore it - and he is a fellow of few words!

5. What role do you think makeup plays in fashion?

To me, fashion and makeup go hand in hand. Both are mediums with which we express ourselves and enhance our own beauty. I have difficulty imagining one without the other.

6. At FEZ Studio, we do make custom colors here, and many designers I have worked with envision colors and style of makeup to best represent their clothes. What type of look do you see when you look at your unique fall/winter lines?

I see a strong emphasis on the eye – either very smoky or with an unexpected strong color. The European palettes this year were very beautiful and neutral so bringing color into the makeup palette creates a wonderful drama! And of course, a beautiful foundation is key to any look.

7. What is your personal beauty routine?

I use mineral powder foundation which I love. Mineral makeup has improved the quality of my skin and reduces unpleasant breakouts. Since my lips are allergic to almost all lipsticks, I’ve compensated with a strong eye. I emphasize my eyebrows by defining them a little with dark eyeshadow. I like a grey, smoky eye so I use a combination of silvery greys and dark grey/blacks. I put a hint of color on my cheeks with a cream blush (peach). The only color my lips tolerate has been a lip gloss that uses only all natural products. I haven’t been able to pinpoint the source of my negative reactions. I so miss lipstick!

(Jo was quite happy to find out FEZ Studio has a pure mineral line that includes lipsticks. Many who have tried them have switched over from other mass-marketed mineral lines).

8. What is your definition of beauty?

Beauty is when a woman is completely comfortable and confident in her own skin. She is a woman who is unafraid of expressing her personal style and loves to experiment. It is relishing in our physical idiosyncrasies and celebrating them rather than trying to force ourselves into a mass-marketed image of beauty.

9. What do you feel are some advantages customers have by shopping independent and local as opposed to larger corporate "chain" stores?

Well, frankly we just care more than a large chain store does. The owners have a passion for what they do and customers benefit from their caring and knowledge. Sure, independent businesses are also trying to make a living, but we are in it for so many other reasons. We do what we do because we love it, and enjoy knowing all our customers. It’s the relationships we build that make it all worthwhile.

10. What is one piece of advice you would like to give our readers about beauty and fashion?

Have fun! Beauty and fashion should be an area where you can express your creativity and your vision.

Thank you very much for your time.

Remember, there's no time like the present to show your best self. Where to start?
Look no further.

Physical element

1124 NW Lovejoy Street, Portland OR 97209

Phone: 503.224.5425

website: www.physicalelement.com

FEZ Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave, Suite 108, Portland, OR 97209

Phone: 503.227.2226

The photo of Jo (above) was taken at her store, Physical Element, by Kenneth Aaron.

From Runway to Holiday

A lot of women ask me how they can get the simple, low maintenance hair they see on the runways. Well, having done a few runways myself, here is a a quick simple trick that will give you that model hair. Most importantly, it's translatable to everyday life.

Start with moose on wet hair. I personally like using the David Gardner Magical Mousse as it is literally a magic potion I keep in my kit for many needs. It adds volume and shine to straight styles as it also helps to hold and rejuvenate curls. Most importantly, it's rich with proteins to help protect from heat styling damage. You gotta love that! The trick mousse is to use enough for your hair, even a little bit more than you think you need for the proper hold and style. Moose has a light enough consistency that when you don't have enough, your hair may just eat it up.

Then, use a blow dryer with a diffuser (for wavy styles) or a concentrated nozzle with a round brush (for straighter styles), I like using the T3 myself, but most importantly, point the dryer away from your roots. If not, you will probably see some unwelcome frizz.

Once hair is dry, put on more mousse. Focus product mostly on the middle parts of the hair with left-overs on the ends and roots. It may be contrary from what you may have heard, but it will give you more control. This will make it look like you have 5 times more hair. Use your fingers to work in your style instead of a comb or brush. These simple techniques will give you a clean look, that's not completely undone, but softly structured. Who likes running their fingers through stiff hair, right? Ready? Now go work your model Holiday hair, girl!

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

Business Class

I work with many professional clients who couldn't be bothered with make up when they first come in. However, these same women usually become the best advertisements for what a polished makeup look can do for one's confidence and career.

When you perceive yourself in a better light, you are more confident and the world takes notice. With that said, there's a difference between looking polished and looking overdone. At the same time, a natural, refined look does not mean flat.

Makeup in a professional workplace generally works best when it's more low key, but subtly enhance your features. The first step to your polished look should be to even out your skin with foundation in your preferred formula and more importantly, your correct shade. It may be surprising to some, but not every line is going to carry your shade, so don't settle or give in to pressure from sales people when there is no match. This is why I choose to work with three different lines that offers matches for various undertones.

Cheeks

When it comes to cheek color, I wouldn't go more than two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Stick to earthier, close-to-flesh tones. Of course, there are no rules. This is just a suggestion for a work day setting. If you have darker skin tones, go a couple colors more vivid, because you will drab your skin out by making it darker. Apply with a light of had, just enough until you see that bit of color.

Eyes

It should be about definition. I would focus the lining on the top lashline. A lot of people feel naked unless they line around the entire top ad bottom. If you do line the bottom, please don't make it as bold as the top (this also applies to mascara). After the line has bee drawn, smudge it to give it a more natural effect. Then, use a neutral shadow to subtly enhance the eyes without taking away from the definition. Don't forget the brows!

Lips

Keep them lined and defined. I suggest filling the lip in with color because you don't always have time to touch up. You want an even color base on your lips and for lip color to adhere to, as opposed to seeing an outline once things fade. Avoid shades that are too matte and flat. It makes the lips look old and they are so dated. Opt for colors that have high pigment yet allows some of your natural lip color and texture to show through. Not only will your lips look healthier, but it will seem like you look great without even trying.

It's all about balance. You want to define and balance your features out so others will notice your strong presence as a whole. Your pulled-together look may even be part of the reason for your future promotion.

To replicate this look:

Foundation: Creme-to-powder foundation for sensitive skin in Lily

Cheeks: La Bella Donna Blush in Brick

Eyes: Julie Hewett Los Angeles Palette in Soiree. Eyeliner in Smudge. Rose scented mascara in Black.

Brows: Kevyn Aucoin the Precision Brow Pencil

Lips: Julie Hewett Los Angeles liner in Hue # 004 (for a warm pink base a bit deeper than her natural lip tone) and lipstick in Biba (a sheer nude).

Fix: Then she fixes her makeup with Julie Hewett Los Angeles Pure Cucumber Extract spray (her favorite part).

As always, if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at:

FEZ Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Suite 108

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 227-2226

fezbeauty@gmail.com

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The Allan Stage Interview: Inspirations, style, and what makes him melt.

In my line of work, I have been fortunate enough to meet many talented people that radiate beauty from the courage to express a part of their souls. This includes, my good friend, Allan Stage. For those of you who are not familiar with his name, he is an up-and-coming singer/musician from Denmark who
is definitely making waves despite the fact that he is an independent artist.

While music is such an individual thing, you will find that his eclectic pop style exemplifies a fusion of
European pop well.

I am especially amazed that Allan manages to remain down-to-earth and keeps his great sense of humor, as I am sure you will discover for yourself. His support for independent artists is also to be commended as being an independent store owner, I can certainly relate. I'm proud to consider him a friend. Enjoy!

1. For my friends out here who are not familiar with your work, how would you describe your music?
pop with a twist of everythin really... I feel its kinda skizo.. hehe

2. What are some of your musical influences?
artist on myspace! You can find the coolest bands and artists there! I was listening to OneRepublic even before they had an album out! they rock...

3. Where do you get inspiration for your songs?
my everyday life and erm Love off course.. Its funny you can get inspired just by gettin a cop of coffe somewhere and just look around at people and kinda guess their story... stalker argh!

4. How do you classify your personal style (of dress)? Does your personal style differ from your stage style?
I am very casual. But sometimes like to dress it up a bit with a nice clean jacket a bit of formal wear and a bit of casual.. hehe.. my style I guess was branded european by some american fans.. hehe... I wear the same on stage as off... makes me feel more at ease...

5. What is your daily grooming/hair routine?
wash, condition(when I remember) and sometimes wax/clay... I have been told to blow dry... but hey who has time for that u guys?! hehe

6. You've had both short and long hair. What do you prefer and why?
somedays I would like to go short again, cause long hair sometimes needs a lot more attention and thats a but on the girley side... hehe

7. How would you classify your favorite cologne right now?
trendy/fresh

8. What makes a woman beautiful to you?
That she looks after hereself and smiles... a womans smile makes my world melt...

9. What advice do you have to both men and women about taking care of themselves? erm hmm... look after yourself and get a haircut hehe

10. Where can people find out more about you and hear some of your work? www.myspace.com/allanstage go on check it out and add me...

I know you are busy so thank you very much, Allan, for your time. Much continued success to you, my friend!

Fez Studio
1125 NW 9th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Discover your fragrance personality

I love the reaction people get when they discover that fragrance special enough to describe an essence of who they are.

However, some get attached to a certain scent so much that they feel they should be recognized for it...almost like a uniform. Like makeup or wardrobe, feel free to change it up from day to night or summer to winter.

The worst offense is when someone buys a fragrance solely based on the celebrity who endorse it or based on a brand name or advertisement. Who wants to wear what everyone else is wearing? It generally smells generic, and it certainly doesn't speak to your uniqueness. Would you have someone say, "You smell absolutely amazing" or "is that (brand x) you're wearing?"

With that said, here are a few tips that will help you to find your next unique essence. The strength of smells varies with the humidity, percentage of essential oils and how much they’re diluted. The difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette is that Eau de Parfum has a higher percentage of essentials.

Also available are water-based fragrances. The main benefit I have noticed from this category that we carry, is that there is no alcohol that can interfere with drying or interaction time on your skin. You can also more easily custom mix these fragrances and still not have them be too heavy or strong.

Fragrances consist of three notes: top (what you smell after application), middle, and base. The middle and mostly the base notes are those that mainly interact with your skin chemistry. In my opinion, the best fragrances are those in which the three notes vary enough to almost constitute their own fragrance, but complement each other in a way that gives the scent its rare complexity.

To make the most of YOUR scent, it's not a matter of covering yourself with it, but rather using enough to know that it's there and making an impact. It's more intoxicating to leave that lingering veil with them as you pass by as opposed to being too overpowering. Try walking into a scent or misting your hairbrush before it touches your hair. Also very effective is to apply the fragrance to your pulse points such as the neck, cleavage, wrists and folds of elbows and knees. Never rub in a fragrance.

Hopefully, now that I have convinced you not to buy scents based on marketing and popular hype, choosing one that's right for you has to account for your personality... among other factors. The majority of perfumes on the market are generally divided into five categories, such as floral, fruity, woodsy, oceanic or oriental.

However, since I have a knack for the unique, we also carry those inventive creations called symphonies (a balanced fusion of fruit and floral), invitation to voyage (combining Eastern sensuality Islands exotics, and scents of Sweet Italian summers), and primal scents (based on pure natural scents of memory-evoking elements) among many others.

To find a category that fits you best, ask yourself, "what smells am I drawn to?" Do you prefer something that reminds you of a lush rose garden, a breezy ocean, or fresh pines? Are you more outgoing or mysterious? Do you want your perfume to convey pprofessionalism, power and strength or an accessible girl next door? Determine the scents that have the biggest impact on you and look for them in a perfume.

If you need extra help, you will probably have your best luck in more independent locations that focuses more on uniqueness and knowledge than marketing, hype or commission. Those who are knowledgeable can even tell you the proper ways to store your purchase to keep the product quality for as long as possible.

Feel free to come in with a list of descriptions of what you like, no matter how strange it may seem. Do you like smells of tomato vines, burning leaves, old books, white flowers or orange groves? Bring them over and have fun choosing your best options. You may even discover something new about yourself.

If you would like me to personally help you uncover your fragrance personality or would like me to help you select the perfect gift for your loved one, you are welcome to e-mail me at fezbeauty@gmail .com. Better yet, stop by at FEZ Studio for the full experience.

I wish you the sweet smell of success!

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

Client Makeovers

Clients are often surprised that they can look like the models they have seen from my work even without professional lighting, photographers or photo shop.

To prove that it can be done, here's a photo of one of my clients, Danni, who had me do her makeup for a commercial shoot. Only a regular 35mm camera was used. No photo shop or special lighting was involved. Just makeup, hair, click and done!

I strongly feel that makeup is not a frivolous thing. Even though it is a lot of fun to bring out your artistic side and play with color, it can also work wonders by increasing confidence, and inspiring one relate to the world in a more positive way.

I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you, and who knows, you could be a FEZ Model too!

What I noticed about my first featured client and friend is how full of life and laughter she is. She's obviously beautiful, but does not focus on it or even seem to know it. Another surprise is how raunchy her humor can be. However, she's always tasteful. Ever since our first meeting, she told me that she would never want to work with anyone else because I seem to know how bring out who aspects of who she wants to be in her looks. I hope you can see a part of who she is in this photo.

Here's how I achieved this classic, yet polished look for Danni:

1. I used the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer as a base to even out pores, or any uneven texture in the skin to give it a smooth canvas for makeup.

2. Next the Julie Hewett Creme Foundation for Sensitive Skin in Lily was applied with her foundation brush to even out redness and unevenness. it was then, buffed into the skin with a sponge.

3. The Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer (the best concealer EVER!) was applied mainly under the eyes, around the lower nose ad lip area for extra perfection with the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting brush (perfect for giving concealer an airbrushed look). For smaller areas, the precise Kevyn Aucoin Concealer brush was used.

4. I set the makeup with the Julie Hewett Ora Mineral Mix Translucent Oat Powder.

5. Next, I used the Julie Hewett Cheekie in Jami for cheeks, lips and eyes on the apples of her cheeks and blended it out to her hairline with the Julie Hewett Concealer Brush. I also used this color on the eyes as a base color and applied it from lash line to the upper crease. Next I dabbed it onto the lips for some moisturizing and to give it an even base of color.

6. The cheek color was then enhanced with the Julie Hewett Bud of Rose Blush (a natural pink/peach glow).

7. For the eyes, the Kevyn Aucoin Essential Eye Shadow Set Palette #1 was used. The white sheen was used as a highlighter under the brow bone. The light and medium brown from the palette was mixed for a more dimensional brown and applied to the lid. Then, blend, blend, blend. The brush you use depends on how intense you want the shadow to apply on the lid. Like an artist who paints on a canvas, QUALITY brushes are very, very important as each brush serves a purpose. This will also give you the most professional finish.

8. The Kevyn Aucoin Eye Pencil Primatif in Basic Black was applied to the lash line around the eyes and then smudged for a more natural effect. Them, I applied the darkest color from the eye palette over the liner and smudged it even more.

9. Danni's lashes stick straight and down, so we used the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler (that she described as the most luxurious and comfortable curler she ever used) to open up her eyes. Then, just one coat of the Kevyn Aucoin Curling Mascara in Rich Pitch Black was applied mostly concentrating on the upper lashes. The lower lash line was only lightly done.

10. The brows were defined with the Kevyn Aucoin Precision Brow Pencil. I love the way I can adjust the color of this product by just varying the pressure of my hand.

11. Lips were lined with the Kevyn Aucoin Flesh Tone Lip Pencil and the Elegant Lip Gloss in Anastasia was applied to the lips with the Precise Kevyn Aucoin Lip Brush. Lips were blotted to leave a stain before a second layer was applied. Then, it was lightly blotted again to give the soft sheen you see.

12. For the finishing touch, we enhanced her glow by applying the Julie Hewett Ora Mineral Mix in Bronze around her hairline, temples, cheeks, chin and nose. The Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight was applied to the upper cheeks for natural luminescence.

For her hair, we used:

1. The David Gardner Hair Relax and Shine on damp hair from root to ends and simply blow dried with a large round brush.

2. David Gardner Gloss Drops were applied to the ends and

3. Hair was sprayed with the David Gardner Shine Me Spray Shine Mist (this is a Miracle for enhancing golden tones in blond hair as well).

Viola, there you have it! I know reading the step-by-step details seems like it would take forever. However, once you get to it, you will find it takes very little time to achieve this look. Experiment, think outside of the box, and most of all, HAVE FUN!

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

Product Spotlight - The Liquid Airbrush

In the first of our Product Spotlight series, I decided to begin with makeup to help get your canvas flawless just in time for the holiday season.

The Kevyn Aucoin Liquid Airbrush Foundation is loved by many of my clients because it perfects your skin with a wash of beautiful sheer to medium coverage.

Infused with soy, this liquid foundation completely evens out your skin tone while creating a soft, buffed effect...ultimately helping you to achieve your most flawless skin. Soy increases skin elasticity, provides better skin tone, more firmness and a smoother surface.

Finish your "retouched photo" look with our Gossamer Loose Powder or the Kevyn Aucoin Ethereal Pressed Powder to take your look to new levels of flawless!

So what are you waiting for? Get color matched and get gorgeous! The Liquid Airbrush and the complete line of Kevyn Aucoin products are available in Portland at FEZ Studio.

FEZ Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave, Suite 108

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 227-2226

Thank you for another successful First Thursday!

Wow, what a fun night! The food was just about wiped out and we even had husbands involved with makeovers! That was quite interesting to see! People from different walks of life (including models, accountants, event planners, architects, and photographers) seem to talk effortlessly as they got to know their neighbors.

Of course, seeing people's extremely positive reactions after a makeover was extra special for me. To hear women say they've never imagined they could look a certain way and they have not seen such a difference in their life means so much. This is why I do what I do.

For those of you who were not able to make it, we hope to see you next time.

Please mark your calendars for our Holiday Launch Party, Wine Tastings 2007 on Saturday, November 10th. I will post the details and the wine-inspired looks that were created shortly. Thank you so much once again to everyone who make our First Thursdays so special!

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Portland, OR 97209