Lagena striking a pose at Benefit

I began seeing Lagena, my brow esthetician at Benefit Cosmetics, almost 2 years ago.  After bouncing around from salon to salon in Chicago, I wandered into Benefit and the lady at the counter recommended that I see Lagena.  “She’s good”, she told me.  She wasn’t lying.  Lagena has taken my brows and transformed them from awkward brows with a cowlick to tamed, thick brows.  One day, as I was sitting in her chair, I asked her if I could interview her.  She had so much knowledge  and I had many questions for her.  She agreed and we met at a Starbucks for a one-on-one conversation.   With that, here is my interview with my Benefit brow esthetician,  Ms. Lagena:

How did you get started in this industry?

LaGena:  I grew up in the beauty industry.  My mother and aunt have a beauty school and growing up I  thought I wanted to do hair because that’s what my mother did.  Later I decided I wanted to get into fashion, so I went to school for fashion business.  I was a stylist and I had my own fashion show production company.  Then, I became pregnant and got married and decided I wanted to do something more low-key and not as busy.  So that’s when I went to beauty school and got my cosmetology license to specialize in aesthetics.  While I was in college, I worked at a hair salon as a shampoo assistant and the salon owner decided to open up a spa area in the salon.  At that time, you didn’t need a license to do facials, so I became certified to do facials there,and that piqued my interest in aesthetics .

How did you begin working at Benefit?

Lagena:  Going back to my fashion life,  I went to Columbia College where I went for fashion business.  I got a job at Lori’s as a shoe salesperson.  I was working there for about 5 years and while there, I met the the regional manager for Benefit at the time and helped her out with shoes.  She was so impressed with my customer service that she told me, “Take my number.  Call me whenever you have a sale, I’ll be right down the the street where I am opening up a boutique.”  So I inquired about the boutique and she told me that it was Benefit Cosmetics, where they have makeup and salon waxing services.  I told her I’d just received my license and I was looking for a new job in the industry. She told me that they were having auditions that Saturday and to come on in.  And the rest is  history.

Lagena getting ready for an eyebrow tint application.

So I wanted to ask you what are good tips for others if they are doing their eyebrows at home or what they should ask when  get their eyebrows professionally done?

LaGena:  If you are doing your eyebrows at home, you really want to follow the natural shape of your brow.  A lot of people tend to over-arch to where it’s a rounded shape or a fish-hook shape –and that is the common mistake that I see with a lot of people.  So you just want to just follow the natural shape of your brow.  So that is  the tip if you are doing them at home or even if you are keeping them up during your in-between visit.  Also,  clean up underneath the line of your brow shape so that you won’t mess up the shape that an esthetician  has created for you– or mess up your natural brow shape.  That’s pretty much what I do as an esthetician:  just tweak what you naturally have.  I don’t try to create a different shape than what you already have.  For your in-between salon visits, it’s good to fill the brows in.  That helps give the illusion of a fuller and cleaner brow when you’re not getting them done.  I fill in my brows everyday and it’s really quick and easy and helps define the shape.  As far as what to look for before you see an esthetician, you just  want to make sure they come highly recommended, because there are a lot of people who botch eyebrows.  So you can go on Yelp or it’s better to be referred by someone.

Applying the tint.

What do you think are the biggest faux-paus we see with the brows?

Gena:  Like I said, just over-tweezing them or just rounding the brow shape.  Not keeping them square or following the natural shape, that’s the biggest faux-paus  I’ve seen.

Lagena's tools

What about the color?

What we do at Benefit, which is a great service, which was actually created for people with lighter hair, and I would definitely recommend is a tint. That helps define the shape and really emphasize your eyes.  But people with darker hair can still benefit from a tint.  I tint my brows because I like them to look  defined and full.  Some people that have sparse areas in their brows, even if they have darker hair, can do tinting to help them look fuller.  I always recommend a tint or at least filling them in with a brow filler.

Of the methods waxing, tweezing or threading, which method do you think is the best?

LaGena: I prefer waxing over tweezing–for sure–and over threading, personally.  There are many people who prefer threading.   I like to do waxing over both of those methods.  An alternative for people who just can’t wax because their skin is too sensitive or they are using any Retin-A or Benzol products, I recommend threading.  I prefer threading over tweezing because it just gives you a cleaner line like waxing and the results last much longer than tweezing.

Threading a client's brows

If someone gets a bad brow job or if someone has “bad” brows, how would you recommend they remedy them?

LaGena: If you get a bad brow wax or if you have over-plucked them , then you definitely want to grow them out and not touch them.  So when you come to see me or another esthetician, then they have a new, clean canvas to work from in creating a new shape for you.  There may be some areas where the hair may never grow back because they have been over-tweezed or over-waxed, but you want to give them the chance to grow.  A good product that has helped stimulate growth and I’ve had a lot of clients use is Rogaine for Men.  It helps with growing areas in your brows.  And if they just don’t grow, then you just want to fill them in– and tinting is a great option with helping them look fuller.  Otherwise,  just let them grow and don’t touch them for 6 weeks.

My brows after a wax and tint.

Is there anything else that you would like to add or mention?

LaGena:  We are known for our brows and our body waxing, but we also added a brand news service which is our airbrush spray tanning.  It’s really taking off for us and we’ve been getting rave reviews for it, so I definitely recommend people come in to Benefit and check that out.

Here are a few Benefit brow products Lagena suggested:

Brow zings keep your brows in shape

Brows a-go-go help you create the shape that you desire with all of the necessary tools.

Speed brow sets tames your brows and sets them in record time.

High Brow Conversation: My Interview with Benefit Brow Specialist, Lagena Cain]]> http://www.clandestinechic.com/2010/02/10/high-brow-conversation-my-interview-with-benefit-brow-specialist-lagena-cain/feed/ 9 http://www.clandestinechic.com/2009/09/27/sunday-musings-4/ http://www.clandestinechic.com/2009/09/27/sunday-musings-4/#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:21:32 +0000 clandestinechic http://www.clandestinechic.com/?p=900

It’s a nice, crisp Autumn day and  itching to get outside and enjoy it.   Here are some other things I’m enjoying this Sunday:

What I’m Reading: I always like to read the Alinea at Home blog on Sundays.  The author, Carol, is cooking her way through Chicago chef, Grant Achatz’s cookbook, which has recipes based on his award-winning restaurant.  I love the dedication, determination and explanation of the cooking process from Carol.  Plus, the food never fails to look yummy.

I was also checking out Web Designer Depot’s “Most Controversial Magazine Cover’s of All Time“  post.   Very interesting covers, indeed.

What I’m Listening To: I’ve been on a big Sia kick lately and I’ve just been listening to all of her music.   Here is my favorite song/video, “Soon  We’ll Be Found”.

What I Like: The S/S 2010 collection from Jil Sander.

And this quote from Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz from The Cut blog:

If you are not already, make sure you are having a great Sunday and enjoying the day!

Sources:  Style.com

Tell me a bit about your background.
My fashion background consists of a degree in Media Management from Columbia and several years in retail. I worked as a manager and merchandiser at stores including: Lacoste, Prada, and Adriano Goldschmied.

What inspired you to start The MidWasteland?
I got into fashion blogs in early 2007 before a big trip to Europe. Facehunter and Stil In Berlin are two that I really liked. When I was there I saw the most amazing style. When I came back I saw things differently so I picked up my camera and started capturing Chicago street style in July 2007.

Why did you name the blog The MidWasteland?
It’s been a while so I can’t remember the process but I know that I wanted a name that let people know that this wasn’t a blog you wanted to take seriously, like The Sartorialist, for example. I wanted to create a place for people, like me, that know firsthand that most Midwestern stereotypes ARE true. Though, on the same token, also know that style exists within our region, which is why I think The MidWasteland fits nicely. We’re all about having fun here.

Where in Chicago do you take most of your street style photos?
When I first started in 2007 I mostly shot in Wicker Park because that’s where I lived and it was always easy to spot a stylish person there. Now I take my camera everywhere I go. There are stylish people all over the city so I can’t say just one neighborhood.

What Chicago neighborhoods do you think have the most style?
I’ve lived here my entire life. I find beauty in every neighborhood in the city. From Hyde Park up to Andersonville and everything in between, I think each has their own individual style. Of course, not every neighborhood has the most mainstream or “style setting” aesthetic but I don’t think that matters. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

What do you think sums up Chicago style at the moment? Any specific looks or trends?
To be frank, I think everyone has started to dress like a “hipster”. The indie aesthetic has hit the mainstream and now it’s the thing to do because it’s everywhere. Girls in every subculture are wearing skinny jeans, scarves, and fedoras. Boys in every subculture are wearing Chucks, nerd glasses, and vests.

When taking street style photos, what look inspires you to take a photo of them?
I love interesting details and people. I also veer towards great ensembles. It’s rare that you see someone in a “complete look” but when you do, you know it and it’s a wonderful thing.


What has been a favorite look of yours to photograph so far?
I’m not sure if you mean one person in particular or a specific style. In general, I am not biased. I love taking photos of both men and women in every walk of life as long as they are eye-catching.

How would you describe your own personal style?
My style is pretty eclectic, maybe a little eccentric. I’m not really afraid to wear things that make me stand out like sequins, vintage fur, and bright colors. Though, my daily uniform is generally a basic dress/romper or jeans and a tee paired with a combination of funky accessories. Scarves, necklaces, handbags, big rings, and tons of bracelets. I love it all!

What are your recommendations for some cool Chicago shops?
Some of my favorite shops include:
Eskell: Beautiful vintage-inspired clothing and amazing accessories run by two great gals.
Pivot: Pick up eco-friendly fashion which includes my very own vintage collection, Elegantly Wasted
Hejfina: Out of my price league but super modern and fashion forward clothing.
Penelope’s: Cute and colorful pieces for girls and guys.

Images Sources: The MidWasteland

I think one of the biggest unspoken rules I’ve broken is wearing flat shoes with dresses.  Especially dresses that are made for heels.   And I love heels.  I really do.  But I love my flats and sometimes, I love feeling comfortable as well.   I admit feeling a little  vindicated once I started seeing photos of Michelle Obama wearing flats and/or kitten heels to her much more important events:

I also used the wonderful Looklet.com to put together some other outfits that break some rules that I’ve heard of.

Wearing blue and black together in an outfit.

Wearing beige and black together.

Mixing Prints

Wearing boots in the summer

Should some of these rules be “enforced” or can they work given the person wears them right and with confidence?

Source: TFS

I’m going to veer off  the fashion and beauty talk here for a second and share another budding passion of mine: travel.  Although, I suppose I haven’t really been anywhere to brag about.  However, traveling is becoming a major interest and if I could spend the rest of my career days traveling to different locations every rip,  I’d gladly do it.

When it came time for me to plan a trip for myself, I already knew a few things: I would be traveling alone; I would only be able to leave for a long weekend; and it had to be somewhere out of the United States.   Not even sunny Puerto Rico would entice me.   So what place would satisfy all of those prerequisites?

I picked Montreal, Quebec Canada.

Yes, I know it’s not some majorly exotic location.  Plus, I admit, I didn’t know much about Montreal, except what I could piece together from travel guides, informative blogs and websites like TripAdvisor.com.   And I’m not even close to being fluent in French.  I know English is spoken in Montreal,  but I would have liked to have been a bit more conversational in French when speaking to the locals.

But I couldn’t let that stop me if I was determined to use my vacation time and go.  I applied for and received my passport, booked my travel plans and got out of dodge.

What I Did:

When you travel, you have so many ideas and places that you want to see, especially when you are visiting for the first time.  I didn’t have an itinerary, but my plan was to just get lost walking around the city.

Well, the plan would have worked perfectly if it hadn’t rained most of the time I was there.  Not that I’m complaining, but it’s kind of hard to be comfortable sight-seeing in cold, rainy weather.   Where I did manage to stake out by foot and the Metro was the Rue St- Denis.  I’d asked the concierge where I should go for sight-seeing and he suggested that the street would suit me just fine and he was right.  I spent hours upon countless hours walking into every boutique and specialty shop that I passed.   And I’d go into a warm cafe and grab a beverage whenever the rain really began to beat down.

After tiring of the rain and getting soaking wet (even with an umbrella), I found refuge in the Underground City.   To say you can get lost as a first timer is an understatement.   I was able to access Zara, DKNY, Club Monaco, Simons and many more stores and eateries without ever having to consider going out to battle the cold.

What I Ate:

I knew that I could get some great food in Montreal, with the vast array of restaurants and different types of foods.   Crepes were a must have for breakfast, because I knew they were much more common in a “fast food” setting than would be in Chicago.  Also, I definitely made sure to get a smoked meat sandwich from Reuben’s, which I attacked after a long day in the rain.  I wanted to go to Schwartz’s deli for the meat, as I’ve heard that it was the number one choice for many, but I never made it to Saint Laurent Boulevard.  Either way, the smoked meat sandwich from Reuben’s was delicious:

Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of the before and only remembered after.

Where I Shopped:

I was staying pretty  close to what I would take is the shopping mecca in Montreal, Rue  St-Catherine.   So,  I was only a couple of blocks from the famous  Ogilvy department store, who’s  beauty counter is wonderfully stocked with just about any brand you can imagine.  People told me that I had to visit Simons, so I made sure to stop in, but I had to leave due to some serious heavy crowding.

Toward the end of the day, my jeans were soaking wet from all of the walking and I’d planned on wearing them back on the plane the next day.   Cleaning service in my hotel was closed on Sundays, so I had to find somewhere fairly inexpensive and close to buy a new pair of jeans from.  Where do I end up?  Urban Outfitters.

What I wanted to See (but didn’t):

One location immediately comes to mind: Old Montreal.  I hoped I would be able to make it to Old Montreal during my rained-out tour, but time wouldn’t allow for it.  I also never made it to the Latin Quarter, though I’ve been told that I was pretty close if I’d hopped back on the Metro for a couple more stops.

Hopefully, I can visit Montreal again sometime soon and have a better plan mapped out.  I can vaguely identify some of the streets and the Metro is much easier to navigate than I’d thought as a foreigner.  Overall, this trip did serve it’s purpose: I went on my first trip out of the country.  I traveled alone.  And I was able to be  as unrestrained and spontaneous as I’d liked.

I couldn’t have asked for much more.

Chicago Social magazine is a part of the Modern Luxury magazine group and I can usually find it throughout the city for free in various locations.  It’s not a magazine that I keep an eye out for, but I grab it when I think to do so.  Well I was looking through last month’s issue, and I found this editorial titled “Hollywood and Divine”.  I love the look of the model they used and the editorial that harks back to the 50’s-60’s glamor.   No comment on the blond wig, though.  Either way, I thought I would share some of the images:

These Corso Cormo sandals are not exactly gladiator, which is a continuing trend this season, but they are well within the spirit.   I’m thinking these would be perfect for shopping and/or brunch with a friend/significant other.  Selling for $129 on Piperlime, they are a bit steep, but I’ve found Corso Como to be of good quality, so plan on these being a keeper for a few seasons.

These braided sandals by Wanted are adorable and the braiding displays intricate detail.  For $50 at Piperlime, they are a steal.

Generally, I don’t like wooden platforms and no, they are not showing any toe.  However, these Seychelles platforms have caught my attention. They are adorable and come in black and purple.  For $100 on Piperlime, someone might think I’m sporting a pair of Chloe wedges instead.

Leave it to J. Crew to to provide comfy and stylish flats for multiple occasions.  Wear it on a casual day to work or dress them up with a cute dress.  A little boring?  Maybe.  If I wanted to revert to my usual safe route, I’d snatch them up in a minute.

I once said that if Dolce Vita was the last moderately-priced maker of shoes, then I’d be content for the rest of my life.   Loving these black platforms and I could see wearing these shoes whenever I get ready to make a statement.  Not too bad for $162.

And I found these Dolce Vita shoes on the Urban Outfitters website.  Cheaper than the aforementioned Dolce Vita shoes for $128, but I’m still a bit unsure.  Maybe it’s the 5″ heel.   Still, I can envision so many outfits that these shoes would be perfectly paired with.

Overall, I haven’t done much shopping for Spring clothes, let alone shoes.  I did relent and bought two pairs of comfortable and moderately chic everyday shoes from Payless.  Yup, you got it, Payless.  They are the shoes that I wear everyday to work and  since my $195 Tory Burch Reva flats need to be replaced for the 2nd time,  I refuse to another pricey pair right now.  Feast your eyes on these:

Both pairs were $11.99 each.  Not bad at all.  And no, I am not showing any toe yet.

Spring is in the air]]> http://www.clandestinechic.com/2009/03/24/spring-is-in-the-air/feed/ 9 http://www.clandestinechic.com/2009/02/06/fits-like-a-glove/ http://www.clandestinechic.com/2009/02/06/fits-like-a-glove/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:02:08 +0000 clandestinechic http://clandestinechic.wordpress.com/?p=206

I was just perusing the Nylon Magazine mall when I came across the Ben Sherman gloves above.   They were regularly priced at $74.99, and now they are $52.49.  Not too bad for nice leather driving gloves.  Yes, I know the winter is coming to an end soon (hopefully) soon, but these gloves would still look cool during a chilly Spring day with a nice leather jacket.

Here are some other alternatives as well:

Ralphlauren.com

Ralph Lauren Leather gloves for $19.99.

RavinStyle.com

These Echo driving gloves in tan or red on sale for $40, originally $50.

Bluefly.com

And if you are feeling decadent, these Hermes driving gloves at Bluefly for $518.00.

Photo from The Fashion Spot

So it’s a little over a month until March 5th, the day that McQueen arrives in Target stores. As noted in a previous post, Alexander McQueen is probably one of my favorite designers of his generation.  So of course, I was excited (and I still somewhat am) about his clothing line landing in my local Target store.   And Ms. Jennifer Hudson wearing an Alexander McQueen military-style jacket while singing the National Anthem made me even more anxious.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not crazy about all of the looks or even most of the looks.  Mainly because it looks like it is geared towards a younger and spunkier demographic than myself, where I felt the Thakoon for Target line had a broader appeal.  However, this is Lee McQueen and frankly, I doubt he gives a damn.   I have already picked out some pieces that I’m looking foreward to checking out when it arrives in stores.  I’m not expecting it to be comprable to his RTW or even his McQ line, but I really want to give it a chance.

Here are some of my favorite looks:

Pictures from Nylon magazine

Yes.  My old school Dr. Martens.  I’d had them since I was about 13 or so.  I’d actually had a pair when I was in 2nd grade that were the lace-up high top style boots.    I quickly tired of those and by third grade, they were out.  However, the other Dr. Martens were the 5 Eye Cap Lace to Toe style shoes.  Yellow trip and the thick sole I always felt looked like gristle.   Those shoes got me through Jr. High School, but I only wore them sometimes on weekends.  However, high school is where it counted as these Docs (as I called em) went perfectly with my wool skirt and white monogrammed shirt and tall knee socks.   In college, the shoes were always a fall back and a comfy alternative for walking around on campus.

Over the past couple of weeks as I looked at the scuff marks and the wear and tear, I noticed that first, the shoes held up pretty damn good for all of the trauma I probably put them through.   Then I reminisced about chance meetings with new friends, reconnecting with old friends,  going to the pizza place after school and the joyrides around town.   After sitting there and looking at my Dr. Martens for 15 minutes, I realized that I couldn’t throw them away.   I put them back in the corner of my old closet and threw every other meaningless Express T shirt and NY and Company pair of jeans away.  I can only hope that I find more items Dr. Martens that actually mean something to me.