Recently I shot with gorgeous, multi-talented Claudia Albons, European blogger/DJ/model/brand ambassador/fashion and beauty editor. I don’t know how she finds the time to stay in such great shape!
If you haven’t already checked out her blog, you don’t want to miss it: www.claudiaalbons.com It is filled with style, travel, music, beauty reviews, and festivals. She is definitely one to watch!
Bikini Poppy – Blue Crush by Triangl Swimwear
The Dutch are dynamic and welcoming, and none more so than in Amsterdam. Lifestyle and beauty journalist Danielle de Mol Moncourt gives us insider’s tips on where to shop, what to wear, what to eat, and where to party.
Fashion in Amsterdam is hip but easygoing. To get inspired for what to wear in the 020 (the area code used by locals as a nickname for their city) check out the top Dutch fashion and beauty style blogs of Linda Tol, lindatol.com and Sabrina Meijer’s AfterDRK. Linda is instantly recognizable at all the fashion collections in Europe, for her bold but chic style and platinum cropped haircut. Sabrina embodies a laid-back comfortable cool with a nod to the ease of menswear. Not only for Dutch followers, their blogs have an international flair and style that translates from Europe to Asia and all points along the way.
Local shopping is exciting and fresh. “De Negen Straatjes”, which means “The Nine Streets” is located in the center and is famous for its boutiques featuring local designers. The shop owners realized they had a huge following, so they created a website, The Nine Streets where you can get an idea of what treasures you can find in the boutiques. If you are looking for more high-end fashion then make a trip to P.C. on Hooftstraat where you will find Dior along with practically every other famous designer. Feast your eyes, but pity your wallet.
Absolutely not to be missed, is the Rijksmuseum, where the famous “Nightwatch” by Rembrandt is to be seen, along with other Dutch Masters. Catch this season’s exhibits in FOAM, a museum dedicated to photography. Upcoming exhibitions include “The Space Between Us” exploring perceptions of the human body and sense of self. This might change your own “selfies” forever.
Souvenir shopping is a real experience in the Haarlemmerstraat. It is one of the streets that is often used in movies for creating an image of the city, and is the perfect place to soak up some authentic Amsterdam spirit.
When you get tired of all the walking, sight-seeing, and bridges on the canals, head for a quiet zen-break at Babassu Skin Spa for the best massages and facials in town, or just to freshen your makeup.
Getting hungry? Dinner at Ron Gastrobar is affordable but trendy and the happening place to see and be seen. Just don’t forget to make reservations!
If you’re looking for something more quiet, try Sugarless (shhhhh – it’s a local secret), in the Bilderdijkstraat for gluten-free, super tasty, and healthy food. You can’t go wrong with Geisha when you crave asian food. Toscanini is such authentic Italian, you can almost imagine all the mamas arguing in the kitchen about who makes the best pasta sauce.
You didn’t go to Amsterdam to sit in your hotel room all night long, so where to go when you’re in the mood to party? Have a cocktail at Suzy Wong. Flash your new outfit in Jimmy Woo, or Club Air where it is next to impossible not to trip over international celebs. The Lion Noir lies in the Reguliersdwarsstraat, which is considered the gay-capital in the capital and is always the place for a stylish night of good fun.
That leaves me with only one more thing to say: enjoy your trip, have as much fun as you can, and return home with a great memories, some cool shopping finds, and a smile on your face! You’ll be back!
Dutch journalist Daniëlle de Mol Moncourt is beauty editor at FAB magazine and writes columns for Ze.nl. She does not wear Dutch wooden clogs, but knows how to appreciate beautiful wine, good food, and loves to have a great time. In high heels.
A classic “second act”, Shelley Goodstein went from the Miss USA as a young woman in North Dakota, to a model in Miami, to a mom of three. Around the age of 40, Shelley wanted to find her way back to her modeling days and to all the unfulfilled dreams she still had from that time of her life. She entered the national More Magazine Model Search and took first place, garnering her prizes that included a major fashion shoot in NYC for More, the host of online beauty segments, deals with Cover Girl and Olay, and a monetary package that she used to fulfill another of her dreams: to be come a published author.
“Face This: Real Advice from Real Models”, a guide to looking your best in photos, quickly rose to be one of the highest ranking beauty guides on Amazon. Her blog “A Model’s Secrets” is one of the premier beauty blogs in the world. Today Shelley is a Ford model, guest host for The Morning Blend KGUN9 (abc affiliate, southern Arizona), beauty correspondent for KPNX, (nbc affiliate Phoenix) and continues to write for her beauty blog while contributing to other blogs and online websites around the world. Spend a few minutes on her You Tube channel and you will feel like you are listening to a friend who is giving you all the inside scoop on beauty, fashion, and how to look like the best version of yourself whatever the occasion.
No one is more surprised than Shelley at where are her dreams have taken her, never planning on a career as a tv host or beauty expert, but who doesn’t want to know more about a woman you can’t take your eyes off of, all while being captivated by what she has to say? Everyone needs a friend like Shelley to show you how to put your best self forward, demystifying beauty and fashion trends, and leaving you hoping to have just a little of her stardust fall your way.
What is your “signature fashion style”, go-to look for your TV appearances?
As a model, who is known for her legs, I of course love to wear skirts and dresses. When hosting, I have to wear bulky microphone packs IFB (ear mic) and lavaliere voice mics so it is often easier to attach them to the waistline of a skirt than underneath a dress on my bra strap. For this reason I like to wear tops and skirts mostly. I love to color block and you can often find me adding a pop of yellow. I find this draws attention to my small waistline and gives my body some curves. Color is important to me because it adds warmth to my face. Plus the director forbids white and black – it makes lighting a nightmare. I love fashion so it’s important to me that I incorporate my personal style into my outfits, and often I do this with shoes. Leopard print pumps, neon yellow or strappy sandals.
How is your TV makeup different from your everyday makeup?
With HD television, on camera makeup has become trickier. It’s important to have flawless skin, but pancake makeup will look caked on. For this reason I rely on Makeup Forever’s HD foundation and concealer. It has great coverage but light finish. I use highlighter on the top of my cheekbones to draw attention upward to my eyes. You can get away with products with more light reflecting properties on television than in photos because there is no flash. I love YSL Touche Eclat for under eyes. It is a cross between a highlighter and concealer. I also use this on my brow bone instead of the old fashioned white shimmery shadow which is far too much contrast on film. Lashes are important, so always curl and use several coats of mascara! For special days I like to use false lashes on the outer corners of my eyes. My co-host used to use hairspray on her lashes to make them hold a curl. Shine on your face can translate into oil slick, so I always have blotting papers on hand between segments for a quick touch up.
What tricks do you use to make your segments go off without a hitch?
LISTEN. LISTEN. LISTEN. It can be difficult to always be present, especially if the topic is boring to you. There have been times when a guest was talking and when they stopped I literally had no idea what they had just said. If you are listening however, it is easy to get to your next questing just by repeating a fact they just told you such as “So you said that many people don’t realize that (insert subject). Why do you think there is such a disconnect?” What I try to always remember is that my job is to make my guest look good and sound their best.
What fashion trend will we see you wearing on TV this winter and spring?
A line skirts and dresses are very flattering on me and totally on trend. Also, color blocking is a technique I will never tire of and I am always on alert to finding new color combinations. At the moment I am sort of obsessed with burgundy and bright blue for the winter, not sure for spring, but turquoise is catching my attention. Hmmm maybe with emerald.
Teleprompter or live: what do you prefer?
I love them both for different reasons. Of course the teleprompter is easy, but being live gives you the opportunity to show off and interject your own personality to let your viewer engage and get to know and hopefully love you.
Most interesting segment so far?
My favorite interview was with the Blue Man Group. My most interesting segment which ended up to be a little sassy, was one I did for Valentine’s day. I talked about how to sext if you had never done so before: talk about what you want to do, what you’re going to do, and how you’re going to do it! By the way, a little goes a long way. Just a hint a guy will be thinking about you all day long! HA
Dream segment?
I would love to do a beauty segment for the Today Show of course!
Where can our readers find you online?
Blog: A Model’s Secrets @ http://facethis.blogspot.com/
Book: “Face This: Real Advice from Real Models” @ http://www.amazon.com/Face-This-photographers-artists-ebook/dp/B004M8SYCC/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
You Tube: Shelley Goodstein: A Model’s Secrets @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMQE-lfCkpJpehlTT3A3Cw
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