In Memoriam:
• November 3, 2011

Late last year, a rising fashion model and her sister died in a horrific car accident after leaving Georgetown. This month, we remember Lizzie and Victoria Stefan.

I met Elizabeth Stefan when she was just 14 years old in the summer of 2004. I knew when I saw her she had an instinct for creating characters on the printed page. With her tall slender frame, angelic heart face and a perfect full mouth that relaxed into a pout, I was immediately inspired to shoot editorial pictures of her. She had a sharp wit and I thoroughly enjoyed her company. My photography team went to work and transformed this girl from Centreville, VA into a creature full of mystique and allure. The tall boots, bustier, couture shirt and long leather jacket made her look like she was born in the clothes. It was the beginning of a connected relationship that would last the rest of her life. As she developed her skills and traveled to all the model haunts, she became very comfortable with the world community of young women who are always en route to wherever the market and season dictated. She would return to Washington and drop in to show me the work she was doing.

?It was not an easy journey for Lizzie. She was truly her own person, even a little off rhythm at times, and struggled to fit in. Somehow she always found her way. We continued to work together and she gained the confidence I knew she would need to negotiate the tumultuous landscape of a business in constant flux. Lizzie’s career was just truly beginning to take shape and her client list was growing in New York when I called her to do a job for me. We had not worked together for a year or so and I was looking forward to it. I always got what I wanted whenever I worked with her, and knew the client would be happy. She stopped by to see me and we talked about it. That was in November 2009, she was coming home for Christmas and we were both excited. I was on location in South Carolina when I received a message on Facebook from the mother of another model, Amber, who had risen in the ranks alongside Lizzie. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. She asked me if I’d heard a rumor about Lizzie being killed in a car accident the night before. I was stunned. I was certain it wasn’t true. Lizzie would never miss a shoot!

?She had worked with my son Matthew Taylor doing short films. They were some of his favorite pieces. He had sold her the black Jaguar he bought when he graduated from college a while back and I felt a wave of sickness as I thought about her in my son’s car. My phone started buzzing and finally it was confirmed that she and her sister were returning from Washington late in the evening and hit a jersey wall head on. Her sister Victoria was driving. They were both killed instantly. I packed my gear and immediately left Hilton Head for home.

?We had gotten to know the family and immediately understood where all that personality and beauty came from. Lizzy’s mother was striking and we were not surprised to learn she had been a former Miss Sweden. Her other two sisters were just as lovely and each was distinctly different. Her father was the rock and spent time in Iraq while Eva, her mother, held everything together. I could see by all the family photos and having spent time with the girls they were a family of passion, and thoroughly enjoyed each other. If you knew Lizzie you would never forget her. She left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.

?We have lost a truly complex and vivacious woman whose humor and love for beauty will prevail. Lizzie’s mother was highly surprised when she received a portrait of Lizzie painted by Peter Max the artist. It was no surprise to me that the artist recognized her as a person worthy of being immortalized in the capture of the painter’s hand. Knowing Lizzie, or Lisi as she was known in the business, I can laugh even now at the casualness and ease of her ability to form lasting relationships with all kinds of people with little or no effort. She was truly the genuine article.
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Checkmate
• October 19, 2011

Every fall, we are shown the trends of what will be come spring. During Fashion Week, designers and “houses” display their latest collections in runway shows. These events let the industry know what’s “in” and what’s “out” for the season. Enjoy our pick of “ins” for 2012 and be a winner in the game of fashion.

Photographer: Yvonne Taylor
Make-Up Artist: Carl Ray, The Four Seasons
Hair: Consuella Lopez, assisted by Jason Paul,
Hela Salon & Spa, the Collection
Manicurist: Titilayo Bankole, www.titilayobankole.com
Stylist: Stara Pezeshkian, T.H.E. Artist Agency
Model: Leslie Caroline Wilcox
Producer: John Paul Hamilton [gallery ids="100296,107512,107520,107517" nav="thumbs"]

Always
• July 26, 2011

Dress: “Wallis” silk tulle drop waist ball gown designed by Modern Trousseau. “Wallis” sash with beaded embroidery. Available at Hitched Bridal Couture in Georgetown.

Pendant: Enhancer featuring diamond brilliant round set in 5 hearts at Adeler Jewelers in Great Falls
18 KTY white gold and diamond over 12.0 carats of brilliant diamonds set in an open lattice work design.

Ring: 14KTY two tone, featuring Blue Spinel bezel mounted diamond set in half moon filligree details of Adeler Jewelers in Great Falls

Floral Design – Ultra Violet Flowers in Georgetown

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Charmed Life
•

A girl who plays the “enchanted knight” by day and glamorous “rock n roller” by night is, in the words of Mick Jagger and by my definition, living a “charmed life”.
Union of Angels fashion designer Cindy Bapst describes her A/W 2010 Collection as “equestrian meets rock n roll.” With easy to wear leather and velvet fitted jackets trimmed with rich brocade detailing over a ruffled blouse, or tops with extreme cuffs and riding pants that are staples for the stables but scream confidence, feminine, and
ultra sexy on the street. From the round table to the rock concert if you dare!

(www.unionofangels.com)[http://www.unionofangels.com]

Photography by Yvonne Taylor
[www.yvonnetaylorphoto.com](http://www.yvonnetaylorphoto.com)
Makeup an styling Lauretta McCoy
[www.laurettajmccoy.com](http://www.laurettajmccoy.com)
Hair, Master Stylist- Michelle Viscal{
Model: Stefanie Ball of Modelogic Wilhelmina

Beauty Notes By Lauretta McCoy
I recommend the Dior 5-Colour Designer Eye Palette. They come in 5 different color schemes that are all fabulous and easy to use.
Satin finish top shimmer
Light reflection
Creamy water proof eyeliner
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Secret Valor
•

In keeping with the season of designs, with strong military emphasis, sprinkled with soft, feminine undergarments being worn as outerwear, we celebrate the gallantry of bold garments that call to action our “Secret Valor”.

Photo by Yvonne Taylor
Styling & Makeup by Lauretta J McCoy
Model- Megan from Cima Fashions
Hair- Milory Harried [gallery ids="99573,104856,104849,104853" nav="thumbs"]

Skin Care for your Big Day
•

 

-You’re Engaged! You’ve landed the perfect guy, you’ve got a beautiful ring, you’ve found your dream dress, booked the perfect venue, hired an amazing photographer, arranged for stunning floral displays—the works. Your wedding is going to be perfect, and you are going to look gorgeous.

As a makeup artist, my philosophy is that every woman is beautiful; makeup is just the icing on the cake. When I make up a bride, I want everyone to say, “Wow! She looks stunning!”

What I don’t want people to say is, “I love your eye-shadow. Where can I get that?”

I believe makeup should enhance your natural beauty. Someone once told me, “Your fragrance should never occupy a room that you don’t.” I think we can apply this theory to makeup styles as well. You want your face to look beautiful and flawless, and a flawless look starts with your skin.

The most common request I hear from brides is that they don’t want a heavy foundation that is caked on, but they want their skin to look even and clear. Now, a good makeup artist can make your skin look flawless in any condition. It’s what we do! However, I always recommend that a bride begin a good skin care regimen well in advance.

Ideally, you should visit a skincare specialist at least four to six months in advance, and have your skin evaluated so that you can begin the proper regimen for your skin type. In case you are not able to do this, don’t worry. These tips will help you, even if you start as few as three weeks in advance.

Most important, and I can’t stress this enough, DRINK!

No, not shots. I’m talking about water! It is so important that you keep your body well hydrated. And those delicious Starbucks treats, packed with wonderfully energizing caffeine, can dehydrate and create the appearance of fine lines. Water helps to rid your body of toxins, and that will help improve your overall skin condition. Remember, if you enjoy a caffeinated or alcoholic beverage: add at least one to two glasses of water to what you normally drink.

It is also critical that you eat healthy. Try and cut back on salty and greasy foods. Although snacks are tasty, salt can make your body retain fluids, which can cause your face to appear puffy. Greasy foods may cause breakouts. Try to eat a healthy, well balanced diet and avoid junk foods.

Now that we’ve covered crunch-time skin care musts, let’s talk about my favorite topic: makeup! You want to look perfect, but everyone’s idea of perfection is different.

Look at bridal magazines and find looks that you love and looks that you hate. This will help both you and your makeup artist when discussing how you want to look. Remember to take the advice of your artist as well. Your makeup artist should be able to discuss with you exactly what you like, explain how it will look on you, and recommend a lip color or eye shade that might better suit your skin tone and enhance your features. Your makeup should always be an enhancement of your natural beauty.

Schedule a makeup trial. Try and schedule this for a day that you plan on going out with your friends. That way you get to wear the makeup out for a night, get your friends opinions, and see how you feel about the look. If you have decided that you would like to wear false lashes for your wedding, have them applied for the trial. This way you will know what they feel like for several hours and you will know what to expect on your wedding day.

Finally, take a personal day. Every bride-to-be should find some time, even if it’s only for an afternoon one to two days before the wedding, to de-stress. Schedule a massage or a manicure and pedicure. This will help you relax and l….

For more information or tips visit Gina online! or email Gina@GinaRobinsonMUA.com

Splash: 2010 Swimsuits
•

No time for scrambling to the gym to carve off those extra inches. The heat is on! But don’t worry. Don’t break a sweat. I got your back. Whether you, like supermodel and Victoria’s Secret siren Naomi Campbell, choose to work out with gyrotonics or you’re into brisk power walks around the neighborhood like me, get ready to shed the clothes. Make a splash this season with color, style and whimsy. Sip your favorite poolside refreshment while showing off those sexy curves.

From the nostalgia-inspired ruffle bikini by Jean Paul Gaultier to the divine daisy print, rainbow-colored vintage swim wear of the ’50s, these suits have been masterfully crafted to show off and create those flattering feminine lines. Skillfully positioned darts and bias cut patterns place the right attention in the right places — if you know what I mean. Skin in or skin out, wet or dry, you’ll turn heads and make the fabulous fashion list. Oh, and don’t forget your SPF 30. You’ll need it, because these swimsuits are sizzling and oh-so-cool.

Credits:
Fashion Editor, Photography: Yvonne Taylor
Creative Director for Fashion, Stylist: Lauretta McCoy
Makeup: Lauretta McCoy
Hair: Milroy Harried
Lighting: Michael Wilson
Model: Gabby, for CIMA Talent
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The Original Rules of Tennis
•

It’s tennis season, and you need to know what it takes to look fashion-savvy in Washington or Wimbledon. Let us give you some ideas for looking great on and off the court. Game, set, match!

Fashion Editor/Photographer:
Yvonne Taylor
www.yvonnetaylorphoto.com

Creative Director/Makeup Artist:
Lauretta J. McCoy
www.laurettajmccoy.com

Model:
Juanita for CIMA Fashion
www.cimafashion.com

Hair:
Milroy Harried [gallery ids="99181,103244,103260,103249,103257,103254" nav="thumbs"]

Going Places
•

Fall fashion is elegant, easy and just right for you girls on the go! From the runways to your closet, looking fabulous for fall is here.

Yvonne Taylor: Fashion Editor and Photographer

Lauretta McCoy: Creative Director for Fashion [gallery ids="99193,103331,103324,103328" nav="thumbs"]

It’s A Wonderful Life
• January 19, 2011

Custom, consignment, vintage and fresh off the runways of Paris, London and Milan, right in your own backyard. Fashion to fit your Holiday budget and properly accessorize and brighten your special occasions with yuletide and cheer.

Yvonne Taylor, Fashion Editor/Photographer
Lauretta McCoy, Creative Director for Fashion/Makeup and Styling

www.YvonneTaylorPhoto.com
www.LaurettJMcCoy.com
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