BAHTOH HAIR STUDIO

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN...i am getting older...

2012-02-09T20:51:00.000-05:00

belle of the ball is underway!

2012-02-07T21:10:00.003-05:00

It’s YOUR night…So let’s make it everything that you have ever dreamed of.

Bahtoh Studio’s “Belle of the Ball” project is an essay competition open to all New York area LGBTQ High School Seniors. To qualify, please copy and paste the application below, in an email and fill it out in its entirety. Along with the application is the essay portion. The essay question is your response to “HOW ADVERSITY MADE ME WHO I AM TODAY?” Essays should be submitted in a word document and be under 750 words. Email you essays to: www.bahtohstudios@gmail.com

You will receive an email confirming that your essay was received within 48 hours.

A panel of judges will carefully review the applications. Winners of the Belle of the Ball project will be announced on Friday, April 13th, 2012. Best wishes to all the applicants and we look forward to hearing from you.

Name:

Email:

Birthday: Age:

Address:

City: State Zip Code:

Contact Number:

High School:

Date of Prom:

Prom Location:

At Prom, I am most looking forward to:

images by: Lindsey Belle

graphic design by:Jane Trieu

falling for some sensual sensory.

2012-01-08T07:55:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard of RYAN JORDAN... then you are helllllllllla late! ByyyyYyyyyyyyE! I have featured him in my blog before and rave about him all the time, because he is FIERCE y'all. In 2011, this brotha didn't even graduate from Parsons yet and Nicola Formichetti and Lady Gaga already had their hands on his SENSUAL SENSORY collection. A few months later he was a part of Gaga's team and his clothing was accredited in US Vogue.

I am definitely a lucky boy, because he lent the actual pieces that Gaga wore, for my photo shoot with Lindsey Belle. On top of all this amazing craziness, Lindsey allowed me to do whatever I wanted for the shoot. Her trust in me, lead us to upstate New York to play in the fall foliage. Ryan's avant-garde pieces, mixed with some vintage and street clothing, out in the country side? I think it was a pretty good marriage.

Photograper: Lindsey Belle

Styling and Hair: Bobbie Yanoupeth

Make-up: Sharon Becker

Clothing: Ryan Jordan

Fendi

Wolford

Vintage Levi's

Bobbie Yanoupeth

we all want a chance to feel like a princess...

2012-01-02T12:18:00.012-05:00

Growing up is never easy. At some point, we all went through our awkward phases; bad acne, weight issues, being the shortest/tallest kid in class or questioning your sexuality.

As a teen, I was not fortunate enough to have my parents around and stability was not the norm. Each year found me in a different city, a different home and a different school. It was during high school in Seattle that I discovered youth empowerment organizations. I ended up working with TSB (The Service Board), YAMS (Young Asian Men’s Study) and APART (Asian Pacific American Reality Theater), all community based organizations that focused on marginalized youth and social justice. Working with these organizations gave me my first experiences in community service, peer education and using community organizing as a tool for change. Feeling a deep sense of community, interacting with mentors and having peer support was invaluable to me as a youth. As an adult reflecting back on that time in my life, I realize how important these experiences still are to me. They continue to shape who I am today still, which is why I am so excited and so passionate about my project, "BELLE OF THE BALL."

I created BAHTOH STUDIOS in 2009 as a platform to showcase my passion and love for the art of hair. As a way to begin the community service and volunteer work that I always envisioned would be a part of the work and purpose of BAHTOH STUDIOS, I decided to create an annual "Belle of the Ball."

Belle of the Ball is a volunteer project aimed at New York City LBGTQ High School Seniors that helps to make their Senior Prom a truly special night. Participating students will be asked to prepare written essays on, "How Has Adversity Made Me Who I Am.” Two essays will be selected from a judge's panel, comprised of myself and four other judges. Applications will be submitted via email and will be accepted from Jan 1st through March 1st, 2012. Each selected participant will be allowed to invite a +1 to join them in the enjoyment of being "Belle of the Ball".

On the day of Prom, the two chosen recipients and their invited +1 will be receiving a full make-over, including wardrobe styling, hair, make up, professional photos and will also be treated to fine dining. The wardrobe styling and hair styling will be done by myself, Bobbie Yanoupeth. Make up will be done by a professional MUA. As the seniors are being FABULIZED, there will be a professional photographer who will be shooting photos throughout the makeover and styling session. As this is the first annual Belle of the Ball, we want to be able to capture the entire experience. The photos will be compiled into a photo album that each couple will get to keep. Last but not least, car service will be provided for the couples to escort them to dinner, hosted by Maharlika, a chic restaurant in the lower east side, featuring Filipino Moderno cuisine. Following dinner, the car service will take the couples to the prom together.

This is just the start . . . This project has been cultivated from the sincerity of my heart. There is no budget to work with. What I do have at the moment for the project are services donated by my friends who believe in this project as well. What I am asking and maybe some of you are asking as well is,"HOW CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS PROJECT?"

DONATE, DONATE, AND DONATE. I don't mean MONEY, I mean clothing. I have plenty of FIERCE friends, who own CURRENT dresses, suits, and shoes, which you are not planning on wearing again since you already wore it to attend that "other event." If you want to help, send them to me. I am going to archive all the clothing and keep them as options for the winners. If you need me to send you a shipping label, let me know, I got you covered BOOBOO.

I love all of you and I am in love with this project. So whatever you can do to help would be amazing. I want to make some kids feel special for a night . . . and one night can change lives.

LOVE,
Bobbie Yanoupeth

reflecting...

2012-01-01T10:46:00.009-05:00

As I was reflecting yesterday in the shower, the thought of ushering in the new year was a little scary... but EXCITING! I had worked on so many project and began many ideas in 2011, that 2012 is guaranteed to be an AMAZING year, MY YEAR. I am grateful and thankful for all the opportunities I have had thus far. Also, I am blessed to have the best friends and family in the world. Because of their undying love and support, they enable me to be a better person and strive for more in life..

2011... started off with a new adopted attitude and a desire to really LIVE. Followed by features in CURVE magazine and DMAG magazine. I met a slew of amazing folks and gained a ridiculous amount of weight cause all we do is "BOONE"(the phrase coined by Alexin Tenefrancia, meaning; being a pig, glutenous, pigging the f**k out!). Traveled quite a bit with my wonderful cousins. I worked and became good friends with RYAN JORDAN, who is a young designer and a force to be reckoned with. Which led to my participation with "The Masterpiece" project by M.A.C Viva Glam and Lady Gaga. WHICH WAS THE FREAKIN HIGHLIGHT OF THE WHOLE SUMMMMMMMMMER! Then Kerry Crawford, the most beautiful woman and soul, made me a part of her fierce wedding team. I can never thank her enough, we already have brides booked way into the fall! INSANE! of course, the constant collaboration with Lindsey Belle... This woman really trusts me and lets me do whatever I want. I love you girl!!!! And how could I forget about MAHARLIKA, the Filipino Moderno Restaurant. They provide me weekly with spam fries, Tocilog, Ube waffles, the company of a terrific staff, and NICOLE PONSECA... who has become my guardian angel. As you get older, you really appreciate the people who can keep it real with you and who is really looking out, and that's her!

There are much more memories in 2011 to list them all, but they were all incredible...and I know, 2012, bouta knock my socks off!

p.s. LOVE MY LITTLE SISTER JEFFREY(my fierce little brother), welcome to NYC booboo!

LOL!!! had to show the world how fierce you are!!!

LOVE,

BOBBIE YANOUPETH

JACKIE AND JOHN

2011-12-17T06:40:00.005-05:00

The key to any successful relationship, is starting with a strong foundation... and these 2 Architects definitely took their time and drafted a beautiful blue print of their life together. And with love as the key tool in this building process, their marriage shall stand the test of time. CONGRATS Jackie and John.

photographer: LINDSEY BELLE

makeup artist: KERRY CRAWFORD

hair: BOBBIE YANOUPETH

LINDSEY rings my BELLE!

2011-12-10T06:13:00.002-05:00

It's been 2 years since I had met Lindsey Belle... and it has been one the best gifts ever! I never considered myself a stylist, but Lindsey kept pushing me to style for her. It's crazy when I think about it, someone who had barely known me, believed so much in my visions.
For this particular shoot, I had hoped to be been in LA during same time. Unfortunately the plans fell through, but I was gonna pull through for my girl still. I coordinated some looks and sent them off with her. Nervous of course, because things can always change once you show up to the set. But this formula we have going, works and the proof is in the pudding! The pics turned out AMAZING!

RYAN JORDAN... breath of fresh air.

2011-12-01T06:08:00.000-05:00

These past two weeks has been such an eye opener. I have done things that I have yet to do in my career. Styling hair for masks, work on a national campaign, and assist one of the biggest pop icon of our time... All possible because of the young and talented designer Ryan Jordan.

I was fortunate to have met Ryan Jordan a few months back and helped him on a photo shoot for his Senior Collection at Parsons School of Design. His collection was clean, edgy, and timeless. To me, his hunger and creativity is very reminiscent of great designers that have stood the test of time and we still desire, such as; Karl Largerfeld, Tom Ford, and Valentino.

He is just getting started and already his collection was debuted in WONDERMODE.COM. He has recently joined Nicola Formichetti's team and is designing for Formichettin Inc. His own collection has been debuted in a few pop-up shops in NYC. Of course, LADY GAGA herself has donned on his pieces during her European press tour and graced the pages of American Vogue's October 2011 issue, wearing his corset. And that insane white suit, was in Lady Gaga's most recent video, "Marry the Nght."

Cheers to you Ryan and Thank you for everything!

deceit...

2011-06-11T09:47:00.000-04:00

In any type of relationship, not only are you responsible for yourself, you have a responsibility to other people's feelings as well, because everything that you do, has a direct effect. No matter how carefully you weaved your web, and no matter how far we are placed on there, we all eventually feel the vibrations of every movement.

Summer 2010

Photographer: Kwesi Abbensetts

Accessories Designer: Ancho Poncho

Makeup: Andrew Jackson

Hair and Clothing: Bobbie Yanoupeth

my breath stopped with every frame

2011-06-04T00:26:00.002-04:00

Sometimes there are moments in your life, when you meet people and you just get that great feeling... like its just right. I met Kwesi randomly in Soho cause he wanted to shoot me, and since then, I have been a huge fan and have been honored that he calls on me to be apart of his projects.

This shoot was tons of fun. Everyone was super laid back, many laughs, and gorgeous dresses from J. Mendel, Valentino and Calvin Klein. I can't wait for our next project!

Photographer: Kwesi Abbensetts

Stylist: Pamela Shepard

Make-up Artist: Jewrel Gainey

Hair: Bobbie Yanoupeth

Model: Shyloh Wilkinson @ Identities

i am so late in posting this amazing tear sheet!!!

2011-05-17T16:28:00.001-04:00

I love La Chica Boom like no other. If you are ever around her, you would understand why. She embodies life at its best... She is amazingly talented and sooo smart that its disgusting. And of course, the bitch is drop dead GORGEOUS!!!!! Her burlesque shows aren't just about shaking nipple tassels and being sexy or humorous, she is about making a changes through her work and challenging social norms, ideas around sex and political movements.

She is a true friend for doing this shoot a year ago. We had now intentions of it getting anywhere really, we just wanted to do it for fun. I created a concept and the look and hair and clothes. Bousa signed on as a photographer, and La Chica Boom put on a show for us.. Low and behold, we made it into CURVE magazine and soon to be published in another magazine this fall.

If you get the chance, please check out her shows. She performs through out the Bay Area and recently had an amazing guest show at Teatri ZinZanni. Keep a look out for this spicy bombshell.

La Chica Boom, you rock my effen socks off!!!!!

Model: La Chica Boom

Photographer: Bousa Concepts

Creative Director and Designer of the complete look: Bobbie Yanoupeth

hiding behind me...

2011-05-08T15:28:00.002-04:00

Just thinking...

There are many sides of an individual, but for some reason, we can’t except that and only want to pin them to one identity…

From the way how a person dresses, to their interest, what type friends they have, we like to sum them up to one simple description or even, just one word. But as humans, we are more complex than that. We are compiled of millions of interests and those things can change with the direction of the wind. I personally go through 100 different phases a week. Some days I wanna wear skinny jeans and a bow tie, some days I wanna wear my sweats and a baseball cap, but this doesn’t mean I am selling myself out in any way by sporting these contradicting looks... I like to do hair and style clothing and shop, but there is the me that likes to read and visit museums and stay at home. Some days I rather be throwing a football, hitting the gym, or go hiking.

I guess what I am getting at… is what people expect out of you when you are“gay,” and when is it too “gay” or not “gay” enough? Why do we criticize and pigeon hole each other to these stereotypes? Why am I to color within the lines when I was always born outside these lines?

For this shoot, my friend Keshawna offered to be my model. I thought it would be hilarious to make a blonde wig for her to try out. It was weird at first and took a few minutes to get use too, but at the end, we both realized, that Keshawna still shined through the clothes, hair and makeup.

...i'm baaaaacccckkkk!

2011-05-01T07:50:00.000-04:00

I apologize for disapearring without a word... Cause I use to get annoyed with bloggers who use to do that. But I have a new understanding now, sometimes you just need a mental checkout, which is why some of us have to just withdrawal completely. I did just that. After the series, "CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK" was finished, I felt better, I got alot off of my chest, but there were things that still needed to heal and the real remedy to all of this, was time.

These past few months, I traveled a little, found inspirational art, saw some amazing exibits; inluding the Alexander Mcqueen exibit, and met a few very special young artist. All of this and turning 27 this year, has given me a new charge! Bobbie Yanoupeth is back and BAHTOH is in full affect! I promise not to leave you alone like that again, but I did it for a good cause... My sanity and for art!

Muah!!!!!!
B

i ♥ lindsey belle

2011-01-20T10:39:00.002-05:00

I have been so fortunate to have met and worked with Lindsey Belle. We started collaborating last fall by chance really. She found me on another blog and emailed me and asked if I would do a shoot with her and Hunter Dixon.

Since then, we've done a couple more projects together (and there will be many more to come). This Boulder, CO shoot was interesting, because I styled the shoot from New York! LOL! We played with some looks and sent them off with Lindsey to Colorado. As a stylist, you get nervous, because you don't know how the clothes will fit the models and you aren't there to tweak things. But Lindsey is a perfectionist and has such an eye, that everything turned out lovely.

These girls did there thing. Lindsey wanted to get the message across, even though it is winter, you can still get cute, you definitely can wear snow boots with your dresses and be glammed out still. And trust Lindsey, she said it was freezing the day of the shoot!

All I can say, is that Lindsey is absolutely amazing and my favorite photographer to work with. She is such a lovely person, you can see the honesty and the vulnerability through her pictures. Love you Lindsey!

Photographer: Lindsey Belle

MUA: Mary Wolfgang

Headpieces: Leah C.

Dresses: Hunter Dixon

Stylist: ME

My first tear-sheet!!!

2011-01-18T20:21:00.000-05:00

I am waiting for my issue to arrive still... hahahaha!! I am soooo excited. I had done a collaboration with Bousa Concepts a year ago with my great friend La Chica Boom as the model, turns out Curve Magazine just did an interview with her and used the pics for a full spread in this months issue!!!!! Please pick up a copy of this months Curve Magazine! My craziness paid off! Thank you to the whole team for doing this with me!

me getting her prepped for the shoot!

THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK: "The End"

2010-12-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

I hear people say that they can only count on "me, myself, and I," a lot... what does that really mean? A lot of times, I feel like the people who say that, only think about themselves most of the time anyways.

This year for me was a definite struggle. It is so hard to see things clearly once you are in the eye of the storm. All you are aware of, is the chaos happening around you and that this event has uprooted everything you've known these past few years. Why fight to get out at this point, when you see only rubbles left of what your life once was. You have become paralyzed by misery; catatonic, barely living now.

I am thankful that I have such amazing friends and family. As much as I fought for them to keep their distance and for me to figure out my life alone, they were persistent and stayed by my side, even when I was barely humane. They inspired me to channel my feelings someway... Which is how I came about creating this series.

There are so many emotions that you feel sometimes, some many unanswered questions, that you can't keep it all bottled inside. So I decided to create hair, to create looks, and stories to channel all of these things going on in my head. I had no intentions of sharing it or really thought people would care, but the response I have received have been overwhelming. I worked on it for the past few months, healed in the past few months, and you all have devotedly followed me in the past few months. Thank you soooooo much for all the emails and the support. We are all a product of our communities... and without you all, I wouldn't have been able to see the sun again. Thank you.

THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK: "drowning in despondency"

2010-11-08T07:28:00.002-05:00

Photo, Hair, Make-up, and Styling: ME
Model: Lorena Abenojar

Photo Editing: Riky Auyeun and Sahara

You have been treading through all the suspicion... Barely keeping your head afloat. You keep kicking but find yourself slowly choking on the truth. All the speculations confirmed and that pain starts filling your lungs, making them heavy as lead. You start to sink even faster now. Your memory start to jog and the lies he once told you comes alive again. Like waves they come back, crashing against you, pushing you further and deeper into this sea.

You slip even further now, your mind is struggling to see the shadows of what he once was, what you two once were. But you can barely focus on that now because as you fall further, your body starts to tingle. Then eventually you can't see anything, but only feel the burn, you are on fire now. You're like a large wound, falling into salty waters... and then you eventually feel nothing, numb, because you have just drowned in despondency.

-b-

will be back soon...

2010-10-31T22:28:00.000-04:00

I am still overseas. But I have found so many things that has inspired me to continue my series. I can't wait to share them with all of you. Thank you for all the support.
Au revoir,
Bobbie Yanoupeth

will return shortly...

2010-09-15T04:04:00.000-04:00

the baddest little serbian; natasha, daeng, and muah chillin in BrickLane area of London

Thank you to all of those who are following and wondering where have I disappeared to. I am currently traveling through London, Paris, Rome, and Florence. I have fallen in love out here... with the cities that is. And I have seen so many amazing and inspiring things. I am so anxious to get back stateside to start creating more pieces for the "Chronicles of a Heartbreak."

Please stay tuned, for I promise that the next few pieces will sure be worth the wait. AU REVOIR!!!

THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK: "off the leash"

2010-09-06T22:06:00.003-04:00

Model: Shana Barnes

Photographer, Stylist, Hairstylist, and MUA: ME

The haze that caused all the self-blame and confusion has finally cleared. You are finally starting to see things for what they really are... and right now you see red!

You are now able to read between the once blurred lines. You're replaying the last few months and you are now able to make sense of all the chaos. You understand now why they were so indifferent, why they weren't coming around as often, and why they laughed when you asked if their eyes were starting to wonder...

Yes, you shared time together and went through the motions of being a couple, but only cause you allowed the wool covers to be pulled over your eyes. All you wanted was to be with them, even if you didn't have all of their heart, you had a part of it still and you settled, like a sad puppy at the dinner table, waiting on her master's scraps.

But you aint that bitch no more.

THE CRHONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK: "you can't have your cake and eat it too!"

2010-08-13T14:49:00.005-04:00

Cake Design: The Great Jeffrey Norsouvanh

Hairstylist, Story, and Set Design: ME

You have compromised enough, to the point that you lost sight of who you are and what you needed from the relationship. You were patient all that time and hadn't asked for much; just to be heard and acknowledged. But your needs fell upon deaf ears.

You gave all you could and continue to give still, even after all has been said and done.

Things have changed in your lives and you still allow yourself to be strung along. There is a point when you need to start being honest with yourself and be kind to yourself. Recognize that you were never a priority and still, you won't be. Just Good Ol' Reliable.

This situation is tearing you up, so why do that to yourself? Where does this leave you? Who's loving and caring for you? Who's worried about your best interest? Not them, so why let them have their cake and eat it too?

THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK: "hope as ammunition"

2010-08-06T14:11:00.002-04:00

Photographer: ME

Hairstylist, Make-up Artist, Story: ME

Shoe Designer: ME

Model: Laura Andrighetti

Having hope is one of the most beautiful abilities in life. The trick to it, is giving up on hope in certain situations, or else it just becomes a pointless war.

You have been fighting a battle that has already been lost. Alliances were formed before you even entered the war. Knowing all of this, your heart convinces you to keep fighting. That if you love something that much and want it so bad, you have to hold onto it until your final breath.

Inexperienced to these war tactics, you had allowed yourself to be oblivious and blinded by love, skewing your perception of reality. You knew the truth, you felt it pierce though your heart time and time again, but your mind refused to acknowledge the large cavities in your chest. Instead, you fought back even harder, loved even harder; loving with every ounce of your soul, loving innocently and purely. You had suffered too many casualties but yet continued to give your trust unconditionally; hoping that this would win your war… but only left you naked and vulnerable in the middle of the battlefield. It was finally time to wave that white flag.

Even after the battle, you still deal from post-traumatic heartbreak syndrome. In your head... You had planted beautiful dreams, as they had planted beautiful lies; like land minds. As you are walking through these memories, the bombs continue to go off, you continue to suffer. You were ill equipped for this war, hope was never enough ammunition and still not at the end.

THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK: "dancing with destruction"

2010-07-29T22:20:00.009-04:00

Photographer: Tony Lapid
Makeup Artist: Jeralen Mascarinas
Hairstylist, Story, and Stylist: ME
Designer: Jeffrey Norsouvanh (my little brother)
Model: Annie Choi

You have been in many productions, danced with many partners, and some have been better than others. Needless to say, you have always put on a strong face, given every show your all, and danced till the curtains fell. Knowing that you especially put your blood, sweat, heart, and tears in this last dance; the reviews came back, one in particular, slamming you for your performance still. How do you digest that?

You are sitting in your dressing room, feeling like all your work was in vain. You are staring at your last pair of ballet slippers which you have hung up. The ribbons are tattered up by time, the points shredded by compromise and the pink satin is soiled by your bleeding heart. Your feet are calloused by broken promises and deception. You see the evidence that you have danced with all your might, but the only thing that stands in front of this truth, is the bold letters in that review; that you didn’t dance hard enough.

It’s absurd what has been said about you. You could have been dancing on top of water and this critic still wouldn’t have thought it were enough. But you feed into this and want to give up. You don’t want to dance anymore. The next partner you are willing to dance with at this point, is death.

The pain has become that unbearable. You loved this dance more than life itself… this dance became your life. But remember, that it is only one critic, one review. Don’t let them take away from your work. The audience gave you a standing ovation at the end and the applause are still lingering. That is a testament to who you are. You must not let one critic stand in your way, when the world knows it and you know it, that this was one of your greatest efforts.

THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK: "fragile, please handle with care"

2010-07-27T14:35:00.007-04:00

Photographer: Tony Lapid

Makeup Artist: Jeralen Mascarinas

Stylist and HairStylist: ME
Model: Lauren Jung

Once it’s all over… How do you bring your heart back to life?

Your heart is one of the most delicate and precious thing that you posses. And when you fall in love, you give your heart to that person, entrusting that they will love it and care for it. So when that person starts neglecting it, your heart starts to dehydrate, becoming thirsty for love… It begins to slowly die and your relationship does as well.

But you have faith that things will turn around still. Even after you were given the prognosis, you refuse to believe that your heart’s condition is terminal. You hope that they will return and revive it again. Even as it lays in front of you, with a dagger piercing right through it, you still have hope… still hope that they will love this fragile heart and handle it with care. But you need to realize that they aren't coming back. The love was lost... it's up to you to pick up the pieces and stitch your life back together.

THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK: "an affair with old memories"

2010-07-18T21:35:00.015-04:00

Photographer: ME
Hairstylist: ME
Makeup Artist: ME
Stylist and Story: ME
Model: Shana Barnes and Brian Ferrell

The sleepless nights happen. Your mind is constantly replaying moments from your relationships, your analyzing your last conversations, and your dreaming about what could have been. Nights are also accompanied by discomfort... As the moon shifts, you shift, your tossing and turning. Your holding onto pillows that you desperately wished were them.

Even the thought of some other warm body next to you wouldn't suffice because you know you would always wish it were your original love. You want to feel the centuries of ancestry in their fingertips running along your body, to smell the sweet scent of day to day life upon their skin, and you want to taste the culture embedded in their tongue. It's their name you want to be whispering.

Why is it like this? Are you holding onto hope? No matter if you are in bed alone or not, you will always be having an affair with these old memories.

Hairstyle:
My girl Shana has been wearing her natural hair for the summer. If you've ever been in New York during the summer, you know how nasty it gets, and the last thing you want, is a full head of hair. But then she had a change of heart and decided that she'll give it a go since it's been cooling down a little.

When you are sectioning your hair, make sure to leave enough hair out for where the part is, to make sure that it covers the tracks. Also, make sure to leave the edges out as well, this will help give more versatility when styling. I do this so my clients can tie their hair up into a ponytail, or clip their hair up, whatever they want, but still concealing the tracks.

When stitching the hair onto the cornrows, I do a bed-stitching technique. As I am pulling the thread through, I bring it back through a loop. I feel like this makes the stitching a little more secure and makes the tracks lay a little flatter.
A lot of people hate cutting their weave once they are in, but you HAVE to, if you want it to look more realistic and blend with your natural hair. So I layered her hair with a slide cut technique. Cutting it will also help give movement and body and keeps your curls more bouncy too!

THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK: "eating my feelings"

2010-07-11T14:06:00.024-04:00

Photographer: Tony Lapid

Model: Ancho Poncho

Makeup Artist: Jeralen Mascarinas
Designer, Hairstylist, Story, Set Decorator: ME!

Cupcakes: My little brother Jeffrey

Dealing with your feelings... People channel their feelings into all kinds of venues to help them cope with their broken heart. Some people go on major shopping sprees, do self-makeovers, get into rebound relationships, starving themselves, binging, drugs and alcohol... The list goes on. All of these may feel great at first, but they are only temporary fixes.

You try to fill the void with something else. At first you are able to numb out reality with it. The pain at that point is no longer screaming, but just a distant muffled cry. You are elated that you are able to trick your heart out of being hurt. But overtime, and pretty quickly, that eventually doesn't do it anymore. Nothing is able to mask the pain, but you try to do it anyways and do it with exaggerated efforts. You become so desperate to be free of this agony. You start unraveling, falling apart all over again. You see it happening, but you are unable to stop, because you want the pain to stop. You begin to slowly deteriorate... you begin to slowly die.

Hairstyle:

I applied a little bit of REDKIN styling paste through out her hair and pulled it into a high ponytail. I also left out a 3inch by 3 inch section of her bangs. I wrapped synthetic braiding hair around her ponytail to create volume in her bun. I applied some HERBAL ESSENCE flexible bamboo hairspray onto her real hair and teased like crazy. I smoothed it out a little and tucked the hair around the synthetic hair. And for her bangs, i teased this as well and rolled and tucked it back as well. I randomly pulled out pieces to make her a little disheveled.

Dress and Style:

I made this the same morning of the shoot. I created three different looks with this dress already. this was the 4h variation. I will be featuring all the dress sided by side later on. But I wanted to create wedding dress that was fun and flirty. So I hacked the mermaid dress and reattached the bottom to the waist line instead. I took the organza flowers that were originally along the bottom hem line and used it as a strap instead. I paired the dress with some colorful floral tights to play down the severity of a wedding dress. I also spray painted some shoes a flourecent pink and white paint splatters to give it a little more edge.

the series: THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK

2010-07-07T07:45:00.004-04:00

Please stay tuned. I am currently putting together my new series called the, "THE CHRONICLES OF A HEARTBREAK." It's going to be a collection designed around the pain that love can cause at times. It is gonna be one of my most extensive work. What's the inspiration: misunderstandings, anger, lies, hurt, and love of course.

love,
bobbie

sneak peak of my crazy collaboration!

2010-06-28T22:38:00.004-04:00

I got a chance to work with the amazing photographer; Kwesi Abbensetts, make-up artist; Andrew Jackson and also jewelry extraordinaire; Ancho Poncho!!!! And you know LIPS and Miss Shana Barnes did there thing right here!!! Here is a sneak peak of the magic that happened on this Tar Beach Shoot.

chasing after your ghost

2010-06-18T15:55:00.000-04:00

Photography: Bousa Concepts

Editing: Abel Del Rio

Dress and Hair: Bobbie Yanoupeth
Model: La Chica Boom

Going through a breakup, is like grieving after a death. Something that you love so much, something you completely and whole heartedly devoted your life to, is no longer there. You feel cheated by time and as if life is one big bad patrical joke. Regardless of who broke it off, the pain is excruciating still.

I think there hasn't been a day yet that I haven't cried, and a single night that you haven't visited my dreams. People have told me to let the old memories lie in their place. To leave them barried deep in the back of my mind. It's dangerous to resurrect those feelings once the relationship is gone, because it will never rest in peace and constantly haunt you. And can I afford to keep feeling this pain? If the closest I can get to being with you again is remembering you, then I will continue. I will keep chasing your ghost till I find you again.

revisiting old things

2010-06-13T15:07:00.012-04:00

Model: Cousin Daeng

Photography and Editing: Me and Jeffrey (my little brother)

Styling and Hair: Me of course!

I was out in Boston awhile back visiting my sista jankobot and found the most gorgeous vintage hat at a Salvation Army. It was made up completely of feathers that were dyed this delicious navy blue. I literally gagged when it appeared in front of me! Like the Fashion Lord had secretly planted it in my path. So I brought it back home, and it just sat on top of one of my dolls since then.

But today I woke up and remembered this great hat!!! Sometime that happens... We forget these amazing things (or people) that we already have in our lives. In time, they reappear and we learn how to appreciate them again.

BTW... If you don't know this model, you probably don't know that she is deathly afraid of birds. So wearing this hat, was a huge ordeal. lol! Thanks anyways Daeng.

Clothing:

Everything that we put on Daeng was from her closet. The look was today, with a scent of 1950's. I didn't want to take the hat so seriously. Almost everything was Forever21 darling! The skirt was from a year ago and the tank was from this spring collection. Hat: vintage. Necklace: I made it from charms i randomly collected. Gloves: Neccessary Clothing. Shoes: Aldos' python leather peep-toes with wooden platforms.

Hairstyle:
I exaggerated her part, more than normal. I used a 1/2 inch barrel curling iron and did spiral curls all over her head. I sprayed her roots with some hair super hold hair spray and teased her hair with a bristle brush all over to create maximum volume. I then took the brush and brushed out the curls a little to smooth the whole thing out and to all break down some of the curls. I then place the hat on the top corner of her head and pinned it down. Throughout the shoot, I played with her bangs, pinning it into a curl-pin and later letting it flip over.

Behind The Scenes...

2010-06-02T21:29:00.010-04:00

The final picture is what most people gets to see. The perfect lighting, the gorgeous gowns, the flawless makeup, and the crazy hair. But

rarely do people get a glimpse of the chaotic efforts put forth the create these glossy images.

That's like everything else in life I guess. We work so hard to build this facade and play out this life that we want people to believe we live. Sometimes you have to wonder if it's worth all the stress.

The Shoot:
I got a chance to team up with Bousa Concepts again... which means FANTABULOUSNESS!!! Getting to the shoot, wasn't so amazing. LOL! The dress didn't fit miss LaChicaBoom cause this Latina has curves, which resulted in a broken zipper and ripped linings. The drive to the site, was 2 hours in nasty heat. And to get to the cemetery, meant a steep dirt path hike, and weaving in and out between cows. Here is a little look behind the scenes... wait for the actual picture, which will be coming soon.

The final picture is what most people gets to see. The perfect lighting, the gorgeous gowns, the flawless makeup, and the crazy hair. But rarely do people get a glimpse of the chaotic efforts put forth the create these glossy images.

That's like everything else in life I guess. We work so hard to build this facade and play out this life that we want people to believe we live. Sometimes you have to wonder if it's worth all the stress.

The Shoot:
I got a chance to team up with Bousa Concepts again... which means FANTABULOUSNESS!!! Getting to the shoot, wasn't so amazing. LOL! The dress didn't fit miss LaChicaBoom cause this Latina has curves, which resulted in a broken zipper and ripped linings. The drive to the site, was 2 hours in nasty heat. And to get to the cemetery, meant a steep dirt path hike, and weaving in and out between cows. Here is a little look behind the scenes... wait for the actual picture, which will be coming soon.

living

2010-05-09T12:46:00.011-04:00

Photographer: Kwesi Abbensetts

Designer: Sarah Williams

The hardest part in life... is living!

We get so overwhelmed with our day to day routines and it's so easy to let yourself slip and drown in misery. The pain fills your lungs and your limbs start to numb, inch by inch. The world darkens with each passing minute.

Before you lose complete sight of your life, remember that their is always hope for tomorrow and may that be enough to awaken your soul.

Hairstyle:

During this time and age of "Rihanna" and "Cassie" hairstyles, it was sooooo hard to do side fishtail braids. lol!!!! I had to get creative and throw some extensions in there and create an illusion of full and tossled hair with a side braid.

bousa concepts

2010-05-02T17:49:00.004-04:00

right after our shoot and before the glitter...

tah-dah!!!

the model is my photographer: Bousa!

photographer: Bobbie Yanoupeth

I totally forgot that while I was in California last time, not only did I collaborate on photo shoot with Bousa, I also cut her hair and gave her a little face time!!!!

Bousa and I worked together back in February on "The Little Black Sheep" and "Super Kawaii" shoot. From the moment the cameras started snapping, I knew that she totally understood me. She is such a hard worker and so detail oriented. Her personal aesthetic is anything but ordinary. She worked it out for me. The final product was amazing. And fortunately, I am gonna be back in the bay at the end of this month and we will be working with her again!!!! So please stay tuned!

Hairstyle:
I hacked off like 5inches of her hair. I made sure to slightly angle the hair forward as I was cutting the front pieces. The trick to the look and to give her more of an edge, I got crazy with the layers!!! I did a slide cutting technique, which is similar to using a razor. I pulled hair from the back of her crown forward and layered them into her bangs as well. I swept the hair in both directions as I was making her side swoop because I wanted to make sure that she was able to change the look and not give her a definite part.
I applied some Artec Texture Line BeachCream and blew the hair dry. I then took some pomade as well and scrunched the hair.

i remember being a little girl once

2010-04-24T06:30:00.001-04:00

rockstar before!

queen of the candyland kingdom after!

I have been meaning to do a kids edition forever. Originally I wanted to do a group of girls, but I never got around to it. But it just so happen that I needed to babysit Hennessey last minute and she asked for a photo session. She said that she wanted to be featured on here. LOL. So we played dress up and dipped into grown women stuff. She is really cute! and Sassy!

It's funny how we were so desperate to grow up when we were kids. Playing "grown-up" and wearing our parents clothing. I remember wearing my momma's dress, heels, blush and lipstick to walk around the block as a youngster. Hoping that I looked older and more mature.

But now as we are older, we are desperately trying to reverse time and regain our youth. The beauty industry has monopolized on our insecurities and even help create new ones. With photoshopped photos of flawless women and men being fed to us daily, we are led to believe that this is how we should look, and for a small price, we too can look as beautiful.

According to a report released by the YWCA called "Beauty at Any Cost," American women spend about $7billion dollars annually on beauty products. Which equates to $100 monthly for each women in the states! This total doesn't even include how much is spent on cosmetic surgery. Isn't is crazy? I rarely have that much to save a month.

Sad..

Photoshoot:
Pink is her color, thank GOD, cause I just happened to have hella pink stuff lying around my apartment. I decided that we were gonna give her a Candyland theme and that she ruled this candy kingdom. LOL! I also decided that her look would be a play on little girls being cute and dabbling in their momma's thangs! Basically, she was me at 6!

Hairstyle:
I slicked it into a tight ponytail with some gel. I then applied mouse through out her ponytail and curled strands with a 1/2 inch curling iron. You should form some sort of strong foundation so you can stack the curls on top of so it securely. I make almost a bunk-like thing of pin-curls, then I roll and tuck curls randomly through out over that. Letting some hang and so forth, you are the creator and do it based off of your personal aesthetic. And of course, make sure to spray that bad boy down, especially with the children, they like to fuss and do all kinds of madness.

SHE IS TOO FIERCE!

2010-04-18T19:10:00.004-04:00

I blogged about her below, but didn't post a pic of her. Here she is with me from this past Friday night at Machine. She was everything!!!!!!

Don't act like you don't know who Miss JujuBee is. Please vote for her! #realityJUJUBEE

love is blooming all over!

2010-04-17T09:00:00.010-04:00

Photographer: Jeffrey Zhang
Stylists: Stephanie Wu and Alexander Liang
Hair: Bobbie Yanoupeth
Makeup: Giro Iriarte
Models: Kevin Paik, Graziella Barrette, Mwaji the dog

I was out last night in Boston celebrating Laos New Years with my sistas and was sooooo happy to see Miss JujuBee as well!!!!!!! She was so amazing. I now understand what Rupaul was referring to when she told Miss JujuBee that she was a special queen... You can just feel it in her presence. I am not gassing her up because she is Laotian (but that is a plus cause she is representing our folks real well and btw we normally say that we are Laos and the "S" is silent), but she is honestly the most humble, sweet, and gorgeous person I have ever met.

In the chaos of the club and use taking pics with her, she didn't forget her boyfriend. She even made sure to introduce him to us as well. And what inspired this posting, other than her, is the love that the two have. She loves her man, and he definitely adores her. Their body language, their stares, the way he smiled as he watched her be greeted by her fans, it was sooo cute and contagious even! We were left wanting that same love. LOL!

It is spring girls, and we are all clutching our pearls, hoping that Mr. Right is gonna be coming along...

Which brings me to Mochi Magazine. I had the honor to collaborate with this online based magazine for their spring issue. The story was about spring, romance and love, in life and in your wardrobe. If you are not up on it, you gottta be. This magazine was created to give Asian American teenage girls a positive resource for beauty and fashion. There is a lack of representation of Asians on the silver screen and in the glossy pages of major publications, so Mochi Magazine is trying to shed some light on our community by addressing beauty and cultural identity issue that affects us. Please click here for more MOCHI!!!

Hairstyle:

I pin curled her hair. That's it really. Just make sure to use a 1 1/2 in barrel and curl the hair away from her face. I sprayed her down and teased a bit. But to give it different looks throughout the day, I threw in a quick braid across, I clipped it with some pins in the center, and I even pulled it back into a messy bun, pinning it variously and leaving some pieces straggly.

the modern girl

2010-04-13T20:55:00.005-04:00

Hair, Makeup, Styling, and Photography: Bobbie Yanoupeth

I am surrounded by beautiful, smart, and successful women, who are all doing their own thang!!! But they all have one thing in common... None of them has a man! And they all feel like they have failed some social standard and their ovaries are gonna close for business soon. But nothing is wrong with them, they are just modern woman!

All of my girls are the bosses in their companies and making that PAPER! They are so driven to succeed and to be independent, that one would naturally praise them for their hard work. But with all of their success, there is a backlash... Their strengths are blamed for why they don't got a MAN!!!

Graduate at 18, and then finish college by 22. Land a great job and get married a few years after that, and have kids before 30. I feel as though there is so much pressure put on people to fulfill these unrealistic time lines. Maybe 20+ years ago, it would have applied, but not in toady's world.

Photoshoot:
I decided that since wedding season is coming up... I will start doing some wedding looks. And first for this season, is the "Modern Bride," in honor of my girls who are too bad ass to have men (but i figured when ya do, here is how you may possibly look. lol!!!!). Not everyone wants to do big poofy Cinderella dresses, nothing is wrong with that style, but some girls just wanna be sexy, fierce, and chic on their big day.

P.s. My partner-in-crime, Daeng Boonmanee(my cousin/roomie) was in Boston! She helps me with all of my shoots and usually does the makeup for me... I was left fending for myself this time. But I think that we had success still!!! Whoop whoop!

Hairstyles:
On Miss Shana Barnes, I did a full weave for her, leaving all of her edges out. But to give this look more drama, I tied the front section into a high pony tail. You better make sure to use some gel to slick those sides! I wrapped tracks around that ponytail. But before i made a bun with that hair, I made a bun with Braiding Hair, so that the bun would be a lot bigger and more dramatic. With the tracks of hair hanging out, I smoothed it around the bun to cover the synthetic hair. Spray, spray, and more spray as you are smoothing the tracks over. I used Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold hairspray. I put some Artec Texture Line Hot Volume Foam and hot rollers in the rest of the hair. I took that out as soon as it cooled and combed the curls through with my fingers. I used a little Beach Cream from Artec Texture Line as well, to give the curls more texture. To finish off the look, I put on a little ornamental cap, with feathers, crystals, and a veil.

Mr. Tyrone Tapia is not a stranger on my blog. We redid his lace weave. You can refer to earlier post on how he gets his wig snatched by me!!!

blondes have more fun!

2010-04-07T20:46:00.005-04:00

but of course she is eating icecream!

my two sistas
she made Tyrone take her solo photos
maria got cut off!!!!

The age old question of whether blondes have more fun than brunettes... Daeng proved that she had soooo much more fun as a blonde.

We celebrated her 30th birthday this weekend and the girl wild out!!! Woohoooooo! She wanted to break the curse of always looking so tragic on our b-days, so she enlisted BAHTOH Studios to glam her up for her big day.

Hairstyle:
My biggest pet peeve, Asian girls with orangey hair. gross! so when we took Daeng from black to blonde, we promised each other that if that happened to her, we are gonna dye it right back to black, immediately!
I did a triple process. This is so important, because it gives the hair different dimensions of color. instead of having some super stripey highlights. I used a lighter and did highlights, one on top of the other. After that is finished processing, I throw on an all over color.
This step is so important, I don't put the color on the roots. I stay about 2 inches away. I start from the back section and work my way up. My favorite brand, is SOCO Color by Matrix. I use a 7AA (this double ash is what helps knock out that orange) with a 40 volume developer. I then mix another bowl of color, to do the roots. But I use a 30 developer instead. The roots are closer to the scalp, which means more heat, which means that the color will process faster, which equal "hot roots" if you are not careful.
I then do highlights with the lightener on top of the color, while it is working it's thang. You must work fast cause lightener does not stop and will keep working... which means uneven colors and possibly breakage if you don't watch it. A little note, to speed up those last packs so they catch up to the ones you did first, hit it with a little heat.

life is a big party!

2010-04-03T04:00:00.005-04:00

There are moments when you are overcome by the joy that life has to offer... and there are moments when you feel like you are gonna die because life has just robbed you of opportunities... I have been totally feeling the extremes of these emotions lately, but you hit the town with your girls either way.

When Sarah Rhoads approached me and asked me to be apart of her "girls night out" shoot, I thought how appropriate. I was super juiced!!!

Originally she asked me to just style the hair for her lifestyle shoot during her quick trip to the east coast. And when she didn't have a stylist, I told her that I had her covered. I definitely went crazy and into overdrive mode for this shoot. I had a couple days and went shopping like the world depended on these outfits! But all because I love and believe in her work. We had a small window to shoot these pics, but we pulled it together. Along with Sarah and Chris, I had a chance to team up with make-up artist, Kerry Craword. She is soooo sick. She treated it like a true aritst paiting on canvas. The end result... obviously amaizing!

Sarah is such a visionary and a true artist. She captures all the beautiful moments in life that a lot of people miss. She has such a fresh eye. It was a true honor to work with her and her husband Chris.

Photography: Sarah and Chris Rhoads
Ridiculously Amazing Makeup: Kerry Crawford
Styling of Hair and Clothing: Bobbie Yanoupeth

the greatest power man has, the ability to give life

2010-03-26T15:22:00.014-04:00

All my closest friends are getting married and many are starting to have babies!!!! It is crazy how fast life is moving. I just turned 26 and I feel like a child still. But now I have children calling me uncle/auntie already!

My friend Michelle Reyes Nuccio is such a gorgeous person. I don't just mean physically, but the spirit that she carries as well. I am constantly in awe by her intelligence, creativity, and how she is always so light hearted. She is an amazing friend, mother... she is just super freakin' cool!!!!!

When she was carrying her fist baby, we didn't get a chance to do a shoot. So when she asked me to do a pregnancy photo shoot with her this time, I was totally up for it! I even made a top for one of the looks. My mind was racing during the couple of weeks leading to this shoot and I was sketching up all these looks, I was soooooo ecstatic!

We settled on an organic, natural theme. So I decided that I was gonna channel Marchesa... Organic, natural colors but not lacking on the fabulous department what so ever. So I made a top using powder pink silk-organza. I pleated fabric along the bust area. I then overlapped that with a series of flowers with raw edges, climbing up one shoulder.

Hairstyle:

I applied styling mouse to her hair. Using a 1 1/1 inch barrel iron, I wrapped her hair around the barrel, never clamping the handle down. I pinned the the curls with little duck bill clips, while the hair cools down. Once I was finished, I removed all the clips. Using my favorite product, Artec Texture Line Beach Cream, I applied it through out the hair and scrunching it. This product is light and creates gritty/cool texture. As if you were swimming all in the ocean and let your hair dry naturally with all that sea salt! Love it!!!!!!!!!

bound by life

2010-03-22T19:21:00.008-04:00

Stereotypes... we are all bounded by it. The minute that another gay guy meets me, they automatically assume that I am a meek Asian boy. Someone who isn't a threat and is weak. Of course submissive and a "bottom" at that.

This shoot was all about that. My girl Kizamu isn't some geisha girl. She is a bad ass break dancer and such a cute little boy!!! LOL! She is the boy that I would want to be or date! She has a cool, hip b-girl style. I thought for her look, I would do the total opposite. I figured that we should play up how society fantasizes Asian people.

But we know in reality, this isn't really us and we aren't bounded by these stereotypes and ideals. We are too cool for school!!!!!!

Hairstyle:

I shaved off her sides real low. I glued in 5 tracks to her bangs, and I also added 1 blue track for a little extra dimension. I applied a little Heat Protecting Mouse from Artec Texture Line and curled pin her hair. I let it set. As soon as it cooled, I took down the curls. I lightly brushed her hair so the curls flowed together and made beautiful waves.

a little spring cleaning

2010-03-12T20:48:00.006-05:00

My cousin Daeng Boonmanee is out of retirement!!!!! She is gonna be smashing it on my blog for more postings to come. LOL!

It’s almost time for that spring cleaning again!!! Can you believe how fast the year has flown by already? It’s so scary. I am still processing thanksgiving, let alone March of 2010.

As time keeps progressing, the season is changing, and 2010 spring collection are hitting the racks… It’s time to clear your closet to make room for your new garments. And it’s time to clear your mind of past drama, to make room for the new life experiences to come.

In the past 4 years of living in New York, the one thing that I learned, was that in order for me to progress with time, I had to let go of my fears and the past that is surrounded by it, so I can make room for the new amazing things that are coming. It’s almost impossible to move forward if you are still holding on to the past.

I am not saying to forget them; you can remember them, learn from them, and cherish them… but don’t let them run your life. Spring forward.

Hairstyle:
I chopped all her hair off!!! Almost 6 inches. I redid her color as well, using Matrix SoCo color; 7AA. It made is a really nice caramel color.
I applied Texture Line Styling Mouse through out her hair while it was dry. I then curled her hair with a 1 ½ inch barrel curling iron. Make sure to curl the hair away from the face. I sprayed the roots of the crown section with Regis Extreme Hold hairspray and used a rat-tail comb to tease. TEASE, TEASE, and TEASE like there is no tomorrow. I sectioned the front like I was doing a pompadour. I finished the look by placing a big bow head band that I made on top, and leaving the sides out.

It's my birthday!!!!!

2010-03-05T10:54:00.003-05:00

It's my birthday today. Stay tuned for my birthday pics because it's gonna be crazy. It's a kareokee party and everyone has to come themed out as their musical alter-egos!!! Fierceness!!!

"god bless you mami"

2010-03-05T09:16:00.018-05:00

The Big Boss from our local Bodega

It was a definite culture shock when Daeng and I moved to New York... cause the people out here are so bold. Especially the men!!!!!

Usually Daeng and all my other girlfriends back home hate going out anywhere with me cause I am always blocking their game. We could be shopping or out at a bar, and there is not a single guy who would approach them for the night cause they assume that we are together. I feel terrible and definitely do not want to be the reason why later in life they are alone and in a house with 5 cats, especially Daeng.

But sometimes there are instances that we wished that it would work when we needed it to. Like, all the time here in New York. We could be walking to the local Bodega(corner store) and the girls get attacked by the guys posted out front. The brothas here, don't even see me. You hear the whistles, the cat calls, and the so so so famous "God bless you mami!" What the hell is that about?

... or maybe they are talking to me! Cause in that case, HEY PAPI!!!!!!! lol!

We died when we first heard that!!! They are so bold with it. And they will stare you down and lick their lips. I wanna tell the boys, "excuse me sweety, get some chapstick for that problem. And she isn't a piece of pork chop, all right?!" You gotta love New York men for their humorous mating calls.

Hairstyle:

Shana has short hair, and there are some uneven pieces cause she's had one too many incidents trying to take out her own weaves. But none the less, she has beautiful hair. This time I didn't do a full weave. I just did some extensions.

Shana had a short straight pre-existing bob, so I wanted to update it and add a little fierceness to it. I sewed in about 5 track in the back of her hair and 3 on the sides. I made sure to sew in 4 small track on top as well, running them across the top.

I gave her a longer bob with dramatic and thick swoopy bangs. I Chopped tons of layers on top to give it bounce and life. I ran a little bit of Mizani Smoothing Serum(which I can not live without!) throughout her hair and pressed her hair out out with my CHI flat iron.

little black sheep

2010-02-26T10:55:00.006-05:00

Photography: Bousa Concepts

Photo Editing: Jane Trieu and Bobbie Yanoupeth

Hair, Make-up, and Clothing: Bobbie Yanoupeth

Model: La Chica Boom

It's amazing how much pressure comes from religion, media, and your own community for you to be a certain way. Growing up, I always felt like the black sheep, the weird one. The little boy who was always trying to please and blend in with everyone but always stuck out like a sore thumb. Being honest with myself and my family about who I was... was really scary, like for any other gay person.

But I learned how to love myself and embrace who I was. I finally came to a point that I was not going to allow anything or anyone else dictate my life and control who I was. Half the battle in life, is with yourself and learning how to love who you are.

Life has taken a complete 180 since I was 13. Turns out black sheeps, weird people, and sore thumbs are the "it" thing and will be a staple like a LBD. Who would have known?

This shoot is dedicated to my little brother and sister... these two are my amazing little black sheeps and the people who fuel my creativity and craziness!

Hairstyle:
La Chica Boom is my freakin girl!!!!!!! She has such an amazing and beautiful spirit. She is a freaking genius and of course, freaking GORGEOUS. I was introduced to her by her girlfriend 5 years ago actually, who is one of my greatest friends. From that first moment that we shared honey walnut prawns and house special low-mein at the Honey Court Restaurant in Seattle, I loved her.
For this look, I started the hair by tying it into a complete tight ponytail. I used some "Beach Serum" from Texture Line, to create a texture to the hair so I could work with it easier. I secured an elastic band around the ponytail and wrapped the hair into a bun (doesn't have to be fancy, just tight and secure).
I attached a bun that I built, over her own natural hair. I braided a series of ponytails, all in different patterns, shape, and sizes. Some I did a fish tail braid, some I used the 3 strand braid, some I just did a twist braid, you should just go crazy!!!!! I took the braids and started layering them on top of each other, securing them with large bobby pins. There is no particular pattern, just drape one after another. You are the architect here, so have fun with it.
Lastly, I did a second bun as her bangs. Using an additional hair piece that I teased out, I shaped it into a large pin curl. I then took another braid and lined it along the base to give a dramatic bang, and to tie the look together.

The Dress:
I am not a great sewer, but I will reconstruct and put together an outfit for the GODS!!!!!! I used a lace jumpsuit actually, and built a detachable skirt over it. I used tiers and tiers of tulle. Just layering one ontop of the other to create a full skirt (8 yards actually). I then cut black felt into oval shapes and glues feathers onto them to create the large shoulders. I stitched that on afterwards. Everything can be deconstructed and worn separately.

The Shoes:
They were actually a FOREVER 21 purchase. I was crazy about the original shoe, but I needed it more dazzlely and so that it would stand out in the woods, so I sprayed painted the platform a neon paint!

The Photographer:
Bousa Tatpaporn is SIIICKKKKKKKK!!!! From our first email, I knew that she totally gets me. I have never worked with anyone like her and she is so versatile, packed with flavor and so smart. I am honored that she took on this project with me and gave my vision life. I am so sure that there are many more projects to come. Please check out her work on her face book!!!! Again, Bousa, Thank you sooooooOOOoooooo much!

super kawaii!!!!!

2010-02-19T20:36:00.017-05:00

Photos by: Bousa Tatpaporn

My girl Kizamu (a.k.a Jenna) is the shit!!!!! She is a total B-girl, hair shaved up on the sides, has the sickest sneaker collection, and strays far away from frilly things. But for this shoot, because she loves me, she did everything totally opposite of herself... or is this really her inside after all?

Either way, her girlfriend, Xandra, and I think she is soooo hot still! lol! Thanks Kiz

Hairstyle:

I made a wig for this shoot. I alternated blonde, purple, and magenta hair as I glued them onto a wig cap. I cut long layers in the hair so we can show off the colors a little. I also cut the bangs diagonally and did them in 2 sections. One section being a little longer than the other so the colors can peek through this way as well.

Clothes:

The skirt is a gathering of different types of tulle and in 4 different colors. I had some left over mardi gras beads and draped them on the skirt too. The cropped hoodie was a super cute find. But I decided that I needed to dazzle it up a little, so I sewed on a bunch on buttons on her shoulder and stitched on a felt elephant that I made, a Bahtoh signature for sure. BECAUSE LAOS PEOPLE ARE OBSESSED WITH ELEPHANTS!!!!!

Photographer:

Bousa... is ridiculous. I don't even know where to begin, but her work definitely stands out and says so much about her on it's own. She is such a sweet person and was a definite joy to work with. Please check out some more of her stuff on her facebook or my other postings that will be coming up on my blog soon!!! She, herself will be on this blog too. We decided to cut her hair after the shoot and she gave a little face time for the camera.

there's no place like home... (i am clicking my heels)

2010-01-31T08:36:00.003-05:00

I have not been back to the Bay Area for a little over a year now and It is finally gonna happen next week. I am so excited that I can barely hold my bladder!!!!!!!

There is no where like the Bay. It's one of the main places I grew up at, besides Seattle. It has tons of restaurants, night life, shopping, beautiful parks and of course, the best bunch of friends and family a girl could ever ask for! lol!

I haven't been able to post much this week or will I next week cause I have been trying to prepare for this trip. Between making dresses and wigs for a shoot out there, and trying to pack outfits for myself so I can be presentable while I am out there, has been a challange. But I promise you, the pictures that will come from this trip will be absolutely AMAZING and make you gag!!!!

Love,

Bobbie

lorena aka baby whisper (old school tag names)

2010-01-21T00:20:00.008-05:00

the beginning of the transformation...

the after...

photography by: bobbie yanoupeth and daeng boonmanee

photo editing: janetrieu

I am a nomad and have moved around so much. It totally sucks, but I have been blessed with the opportunity of meeting soooooo many amazing people. But one of the girls that stands out from the rest of the pack, is my bestfriend in the whole wide world, Miss Lorena Abenojar (aka baby kaotic on the party lines, LOL!!!!!).

We have been through so much together. We have been through dark moment, bad fads, "what the hell were we thinking" adventures, and love/heat breaks. I swear if I had never met her in 8th grade, I would have been lost. Those were the hardest times in my life. I was trying to figure out who I was, while I was still trying to find a place I called "home."

But Lo has always reassured me of all the great qualities that I possessed but may not have necessarily seen in myself. She has been the shoulder to cry on, the ears that listened to all of my confessions, eyes, smile, arms, legs... you get the point, she has been everything to me.

I can honestly say, at the very first moment we became friends, I found home in her heart. Thank you Lo!!!!! I love you dearly.

Hairstyle:
So Lo was coming here spur of the moment and I told that I was gonna give her a makeover and chop off all of her hair. She was definitely scared but agreed to it.

I completely hacked off the back, aside from a little tail. I used a scissor over comb method to taper the back. I angel forward the front half of her hair and did a lot of choppy layers. But I made sure to comb all of it to the front as if it were all of her bangs while i did this, so it would flow. And it would also give her the chance to change up the parting for different looks and still have everything blend in nicely.

I bleached out highlights and then threw on a violet demi-permanent dye over it. When you are outside, you can totally see it!!!! I love the peekaboo effect. Appropriate for work, but a total surprise when you get outside!

what an eventful and glamorous weekend!

2010-01-20T15:52:00.001-05:00

Besides honoring the man that changed all of our lives, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, I partied my tail feather off this past weekend. It was my good friend/model, Shana Barnes's and also my other good friend/extraordinary artist, Jane Trieu's (check out trieubeauty.com) birthday weekend!!!! And on top of all of this, my bestfriend, Lorena Abenojar flew into town to get away from the sad mood of Seattle, WA

I started the weekend by finishing up Shana's dress for her party. Which she killed!!!!!! I sewed a new weave in for her as well. I redid some cheap shoes for my cousin Daeng Boonmanee because it needed that BAHTOH touch. And Then I cut and dyed Lorena's hair and then found a few items in my closet to style her with for the night.

We went to 3 different parties and chased cabs throughout the whole city, but I made sure that they all looked fierce while doing it.

Make sure to look out for Lorena's modeling debut in a few days...

Hairstyle:

Shana is an addict now and can not be with out her weaves!!!! LOL!!! So the challenge was to figure out how to convert her everyday weave into something that would compliment her bday look. I decided that the dress being a bit extreme with the print and the flower on her should, I should leave her hair sleek. I sewed in her usual weave, leaving the top and edges out. I glued in a bang so that she can remove it later because she normally wears her hair parted in the center. I then pulled everything to the opposite side of her flower and created large bun by teasing and doing pin curls. I finished it off by spraying the bad-boy down with Regis Extreme Hold Hairspray.

thinking back

2010-01-18T11:55:00.015-05:00

After a weekend of partying with my bestfriend, Lorena Abenojar, I am just getting over a hangover (jk!!!! or maybe just a tinnnyyy little one). We did a lot of walking down memory lane and ran into many old friends from our childhood while she was here in New York.

It made me think back about the journey that led me to New York, to become who I am today, and also this blog. It has been an amazing adventure and I would say that I have had so much fun, and in some eyes, success. Which was a funny concept to me, because alot of the time we measure success by money and fame, but with time, I have learned that success is finding happy moments in your life.

It has a been a ridiculously amazing life so far... and I see that there is more to come. Thank you to everyone for the support and love.

the faces we wear

2010-01-01T12:40:00.011-05:00

Photos By: Tony Lapid
Make-up: Jeralen Mascarinas and Bobbie Yanoupeth

I spent New Year's Eve with my girl Josie Mascarinas. Just us two girls stuffing our faces with finger foods and sipping on Lychee Mojitos and red wine, which led us to the topic of relationships...

It is incredible how much pressure we put on ourselves to wear these different masks to make a relationship work. No matter how wrong someone can be for us, sometimes we want it so bad that we comprise ourselves... to the point that we loose our own identity and our needs.

Sometimes the changes are just little physical things. Maybe make-up, a style of clothing, hair length, weight... and then there are times when the changes are mental things. Regardless of how big or small these changes are, you shouldn't have to do it to please anybody. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your own sense of self, to create this facade that they want you to be, because at the end of the day, they aren't really seeing you for who you are and they aren't loving you for you!

So after a few drinks too many, we decided once that we woke up(and after our hangover wore off), we would do a shoot based on this!

Hairstyle:
I just went crazy on her. Lol! I tied 2 pony tails toward the front of her face. Anchoring them on opposite corners of her crown with elastic hair-ties. I literally wrapped a pack of tracks around each ponytail and secured them with Large Bobby pins. I sprayed everything with Regis Extreme Hold Hairspray and started teasing everything like a maniac! I then brushed the hair into chaotic buns and smoothed it out in certain parts and secured the whole thing with bobby pins. I clipped on ornamental butterflies onto the bun as well.

tough as nails

2009-12-26T18:55:00.017-05:00

Photos By: Alfred Espin

Why can't a girl be tough? I think has to do in part that social norms doesn't allow us to step outside of these "gender-roles." Girls are suppose to be vulnerable, love pink, and delicate... and the list goes on and on.

I have someone dear to me, who unfortunately is always questioned to be a tranny. Nothing wrong with being a tranny, but she isn't one... and there isn't anything in her appearance to indicate that she could possibly be a male, except for the fact that she is taller than 6' with heels. I always think of her as a glamazon. Always intact, clothing fierce, face is always painted for the GODS (an expression: meaning her make-up and face is gorgeous!!!), the sweetest person when you get to know her, but it is the tough exterior that I guess makes people question her gender?

I mean, she is super independent, doesn't allow anyone to push her around, can do whatever she wants and do it on her own, She can carry ME home when I am drunk! She is always refusing drinks from guys at the bar and in turn, she buys them drinks instead... She is a no nonsense kind of girl and doesn't need a man to make her feel validated. I think people can't grasp that it is possible because we've been spoon fed these ideas of how girls are suppose to be. So when someone goes against the grain, we question why that is. And normally people conclude that she has either had a traumatic childhood experience with a man, bitter because of failed relationships, a lesbian, or a tranny!

Why can't girls just be tough? ROCK ON TOUGH GIRLS!

Hairstyle:

Krystal's hair is already cut into a mohawk. I applied a little bit of Regis Pomade to slick her sides down. I gave the top portion a light mist of Volumizing Hair Spray from the same manufacturer all over before I used a 1 1/2 inch curling iron to curl the hair back. I rolled some of the hair back and pinned them to give a little tousled romance and some pieces cascade along her face. I finished with another spray of Regis Extreme Holding Spray.

room service?

2009-12-06T20:12:00.008-05:00

Photo By: Aflred Espin

I think the idea of bell-boys are soooo cute. And I saw this similar look on a model. I thought that maybe I would give it a mod touch, just to jazz it up a little. So it was all about color!!! So if I were to run a mod/chic hotel, this is how my bell-girls would look like.

Shana is a trooper through all of this. She is the only person who is willing to put up with my craziness and then give it just as much excitement as I have.

Hairstyle:

I slicked the hair down with Got2Be gel and tied here hair into 2 pony tails. One at the temple and the one in the back on the opposite side. I wrapped some tracks of hair around the pony tails and created these loop type buns. I tucked the hair in itself and secured them with bobby pins in X formation so that they were secure. I sprayed to whole thing down with Regis Extreme hold hairspray to finish it.

my computer is down...

2009-12-02T13:41:00.001-05:00

I have not been able to update because my laptop broke! I will be uupdating everything this weekend. Thanks for following and being so patient!

little red riding hood

2009-11-22T22:13:00.007-05:00

Photos by: Alfred Espin

I love pictures outdoors. I forget how beautiful nature can be while being in New York. The closest thing that I see to nature, is the trees in planters in font of my building!

Krystal is one of my most vibrant friends. She is a definite diva. I enjoyed this shoot especially because she was so versatile in her poses. She even climbed onto a broken tree hanging over a huge ditch for me. It was soooo scary and we had so many close calls to her falling off the tree. LOL!

Hairstyle:
She has a mohawk already. So I needed to figure how to play it up and make it fun besides putting it up into a obvious mohawk. So I figured why not do cute braided buns!
I applied some Regis Pomade through out her hair. I tied the crown section of her hair into 4 ponytails. I braided some red extension into fishtail braids and wrapped them around her ponytails and secured them with bobby pins. I made some tighter than others so they weren't exactly the same and so they also stood at various heights.
I then used a flat iron to flip up the back portion of her hair. To finish off her look, I used some Regis Texturizing Cream to the sides of her hair and brushed them down.

hunting in the concrete jungle

2009-11-12T23:12:00.008-05:00

Photos By: Alfred Espin

New York city is one of the most amazing cities that I have ever lived in. Yes, people say it all the time, but it honestly is a place of its own. The convenience of everything, the shopping, the delicious restaurants, all the beautiful people, and fall time in New York is the best!!!!

But as amazing as the city is, it can also be a dark place. Drugs, hustlers, streets piled with garbage and rats running rapid. This concrete jungle devours the weak.

Hairstyle:
I left the crown section of Shana's hair out. I used Regis Texturizing Cream on her sides to slick it into a tight ponytail. I also sprayed it down with Regis Volumizing Spray and used a dense boar bristle brush to snatch those sides and baby hairs.

I wrapped her ponytail with 18" weave. Then I applied some cream on this as well and created three large bun/pin curls type things and fastened it with bobby pins. There wasn't a real strategic way of doing it, I just played with it till I liked it. I then did the same with her bangs.

Instead of doing a regular pompadour, I wanted to create a little more interest in the front. So I teased it of course, to build some volume. I wanted the front to be cohesive and flow with the rest of the hair, so I rolled and pinned it down adjacently to the other buns.

dress up your own way

2009-11-08T09:31:00.007-05:00

Photo By: Tony Lapid and Daeng Boonmanee

Tyrone and Chantelle are super cute, yes we know, but they have their own style. I though it would have been fun to dress them up a little but infuse their style with it as well. Tyrone kept warning me from the jump, that this was not his aesthetic at all, but I reassured him that he will be fine. By then end, he tried to run off to the club with the outfit on. Chantelle on the other hand was excited the minute I pulled the dress out. She immediately equated sparkles=glamour. At the end, she looked absolutely divine.

The Hairstyles:

Tyrone and Chantelle are both wearing the same weaves that I had done in the earlier pictures.

This time for Tyrone, I smoothed his hair out with a flat iron. I applied Regis Pomade in his hair and tousled it with my fingers a bit. Pulling pieces randomly and playing with it till I felt comfortable. Yes his hair cut is a little edgier, but I wanted to create a more modern come-over to fit his look for the day. So we swept it over, but didn't make it perfectly done. And for the back, I curled the mohawk under. I finished the look by spraying Regis Volumizing Spray for a firm hold.

Chantelle's hair is in bohemian curls. With the dress and the rabbit fur coat, I thought about Beyonce. I gave her higher layers to create more volume and so there also wouldn't be so much weight on the bottom. I defined her curls with some Olive Oil Sheen Spray. I applied Regis Pomade in her hair as well to give it a texture and I especially used it on her natural hair. Reason being, I wanted it to bond with the weave. With it being really windy and us on top of a 30 story building, I didn't want it to flap around and for people to see the separation. Chantelle has thick natural hair (no relaxers or any other chemical treatments), which meant applying a little more heat to beat the tight curls down as well. We then pulled all the curls apart and teased it to make it more fuller.

more woman... means more beauty!

2009-11-03T06:14:00.007-05:00

Photos By: Alfred Espin

I've always been criticized for having such a broad idea of beauty. But I honestly believe there is beauty in everything in life. When I started putting together my hair portfolio (same time as when i started this blog), I decided that there wasn't gonna be any exceptions to this. I wanted to use everybody I loved.

I went on with my plans and shared it to a few friends who were in the fashion industry. I was horrified by their responses (but I shouldn't have been surprised). They all told me that I MUST be selective with my models. If I wanted to get hired for a gig, I had to find girls who weren't "girls from around the way." My book must have as much "white" models as possible. "You only get one chance, and you must be fierce in this delivery," I was told. It honestly shook me up. I started feeling insecure and fed into it for a minute and almost completely gave in... Until I was awaken by Tanisha.

I see her almost everyday. And everyday I always think to myself how gorgeous and sweet she is. She has such a presence and exudes so much beauty through her smile and laughter. And not to mention, that she dresses for the GODS!!! We were talking one day about finding beautiful and flattering clothes in bigger sizes was such the task. At that moment, something finally clicked in my head. I decided that had to have her in my book!

We are constantly bombarded by images and fed ideas of what beauty is "suppose" to be. We live with false perceptions and kill ourselves to achieve being "beautiful." Life is beautiful, and we all posses it. In response to the person who told me that I needed to be fierce in my delivery; being fierce to me, was never bound by color, size, or height. As my girls and I would say, "it's how you serve it to the masses honey!" And sweety, Tanisha always GIVES it to the girls!

The Wig:

Its a custom wig. We fitted a wig cap on Tanisha. And made the actual wig on her. The reason why I did this, was so that it would sit properly on her head. I started gluing the hair on by the nape of her neck. And you just keep stacking strips of hair right on top of each other. Refer to my second posting on the step-by-step process.

happy halloween!!!!

2009-10-29T23:22:00.006-04:00

Every year Empire Beauty School does their annual Halloween themed competition. I entered last year when I first started school and won 1st place! I was so ecstatic about it, but the moment was kind of dampened by stipulation from other students that I may have cheated. Something about me not doing the work at school, and that I may not have done the actual work myself. There was talk of whether or not to revoke my trophy even!

This year, I wasn't sure if I would do it again because of last year, but at the end, with the encouragement and support from my friends, I said why not. So I made sure to do everything at school this time. So this Tuesday, I did cornrows on my mannequin. On Wednesday, I constructed my braided tree stump and branches. And today, I spent an hour doing all the little details that would make it festive. Like the tombstome made of hair, the hanging spiders, and all the leaves. I finished just in time and awaited their judgement...

AND I WON 1ST PLACE AGAIN! YAY!!!!!! 2nd year in a row!

hair from the 4th Annual Thurgood Marshall Fashion Show

2009-10-26T23:36:00.004-04:00

She is just as gorgeous in person (her hair was not by me, but I wish)!

It was a crazy experience backstage, but it was soOOOoooo worth it. Here are only some of the girls that I did. It was work getting these pics, unfortunately I can't find the others. These barely capture the vibe and the beauty of the event, but it will have to suffice.

honoring the legacy of thurgood marshall

2009-10-25T01:18:00.024-04:00

Thurgood Marshall

they were still building the stage back stage before i had sweat out my hair
Ira!!! my fierce snowboarding Russian
for the Project Runway junkies, it's Amerie, a model from this season
Rocky, the hardest working model!

Mr. Sam Fine with Neci!!!

Thurgood Marshall revolutionized the school system and made such an impact in the justice system. He overcame adversity and climbed his way to become one of the most successful judges in the supreme court. Throughout his whole life he had fought and we have all benefited greatly from it.

Every year they host a fashion show in honor of Mr. Thurgood Marshall and his college fund. This year, I was so blessed to be apart of the event. It was such a great experience and I met so many great people. It gave me a first-hand experience of fashion shows and the beautiful chaos behind it.

Through out the night, there were many honorees. Among the pack, Naomi Campbell was a recipient of the 2009 Fashion Icon Award, and Michael Jackson's brother, Marlon Jackson, excepted an AvantGarde Award in his honor.

We had 40 gorgeous models, and I was able to work on 9 of them. All of them were super sweet and I had my favorites by the end of the night (hence the pictures above). They too, helped give me insight on the fashion scene, and on own their lives as well. If you thought modeling was just playing dress up and looking fabulous all the time... it's not, it's one of the toughest hustles.

And of course, the FASHION!!! There were so many amazing pieces, and unfortunately I didn't get to capture all of it on camera. Amsale had a beautiful wedding line, Kai Milla (Stevie Wonder's wife) played with textures and muted colors that still stood out so well, and Ana Segura's swimsuits were so romantic, flattering, but still oober sexy!!! But the highlight, was Russel Simmons's Argyle line... yes the clothes was fierce, but the men were so GORGEOUS!

my little work space

2009-10-23T22:27:00.008-04:00

Do you see who is on the cover of my GQ?

I remember when school dances came around, I use to convert my bedroom into a little makeshift hair studio. LOL! We are talking about a 6'X'8 bedroom. I would have about 10 girls lined up for the day, but there would be normally 3 girls there at one time. All sitting on my full size bed. Rubber bands, curling irons, bobby pins, everything spilled everywhere! What a disastrous scene. But the hair was always together at the end.

My cousin is one of my biggest supporters. So when we came out to New York three years ago, she encouraged me to create a space for my work. So with the help of my boyfriend, and a gorgeous mirror from my friend Michelle, I have my own little studio!!!!!

It has made all the difference. When prepping the models, doing my clients hair, or just dressing Daeng up, it's been so much more fun and easier. I feel like a real stylist! I am not that little girl any more, I am a grown woman now!!!!!

you don't always have to play nice

2009-10-18T11:14:00.018-04:00

Photography by: Daeng Boonmanee

These two are horrible to each other. They are constantly bickering and cutting each other down. I spend about 4 hours a day with these two, and maybe 5 minutes of those 4 hours, they are actually nice to each other or it is silent. . . And that's only because one person left to use the powder room.

Which is what made it fun to pair them together for this photo shoot!

Hairstyle:
I weaved hair extensions for both Tyrone and Chantelle. Those who know them would ask why, because both of them have such beautiful and thick hair. I only did it for the drama and to also get instant color to break things up a little.

Why not just color their hair? Color can be a tricky thing with relaxed hair, because if it isn't done carefully. . . You won't be washing out just color, but all their hair!

I braided both of their hair into cornrows. It doesn't matter too much the pattern, because it's how you stitch it that makes the impact. But it does help to make the cornrows as small as possible so the hair lays flat. Remember to leave the edges out, you want to conceal the tracks of hair and to make it look realistic as possible. I then layered the hair by slice-cutting panels of hair. If you want the hair to flow naturally, grab the panels vertically instead of horizontally.

Tyrone: I used Regis "Pomade" and applied it through out his hair before styling. I took a flat iron and curled the top portion of his hair inwards. The back, I flipped up so that it would flow into his Mohawk. I sprayed "Volumizing Spray" by Regis. I teased all of his hair to build volume. I then smoothed out pieces with my fingers to finish the look.

Chantelle: I applied Regis "Pomade" through out her hair as well. I then curled her hair with a 1/2 inch curling iron and stretched the hair before I released the clamp to make a wave instead of a curl. I then spayed Regis "Medium Flexible Hold" hairspray and teased her hair. I swooped everything to one side and secured the back with bobby pin by crossing them in a "X" pattern.

losing things, doesn't mean that you have to lose yourself. . .

2009-10-10T23:48:00.019-04:00

Because of circumstances, I lived in 4 different states before I was 5. I attended 2 different elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 1 high school, and 3 colleges. I have more mailing addresses than some people have shoes in a lifetime!

When I was younger it was difficult. I felt as though I was being ripped out from my setting and cheated out of my childhood. I was constantly leaving behind friends, toys, favorite blankies, and essentially; apart of myself. I had to constantly start over. It became too tiring to be miserable over lost things. So I decided that I wasn't gonna feel sorry for myself and make the best of my situation.

As I got older, I learned how to appreciate my experiences. I was able to meet so many different people, I saw the country, I was allotted the opportunity to be exposed to so many different cultures. At the end, it made me who I am . . . and it also brought me to New York.

Starring: Daeng B., playing ME!

Hairstyle:
This super easy!!!! I prepped the hair by spraying her hair with Regis "volumizing spray." I made the loose waves by wrapping locks of hair around a 1 1/2 inch curling iron for a few seconds. Don't clamp it down. I then let it drop. I sprayed her hair again once I was finished. I made sure to tease her hair underneath, all the way to the crown of her head. I combed over the front part of her hair and smooth everything out. I grabbed her bangs and twisted it and pinned it back with 2 bobby pins. I took a butterfly and pinned it to her hair just for a little fun detail.

make play-dates with your inner child

2009-10-05T22:36:00.006-04:00

You are never too old to play in playgrounds and you can never be too fabulous while playing in them!!!!! These pictures totally captures my cousin Daeng's personality. She is no stranger to my blog and will be featured in many more of them. So get use to the face.

If anyone knows her, knows that she is the sweetest person. The type of person who will do anything and everything for the people she loves. She is super goofy and is pretty much an overgrown kid. Have you ever heard of that expression; "act your age and not your shoe size?" Well, Daeng is the poster child for that saying. But when it comes down to business, she is headstrong and fierce at what ever she does!!!! Her sense of fashion is amazing! We are totally in sync when it comes to creating looks. She is my partner in crime. I am the crazy wild one, and she reels me back in... just a little bit.

Hairstyle:
This look is a very simple one to recreate. I sprayed her hair with Regis "Workable Hold" hairspray as a brushed it into a pony-tail. I tied the pony-tail at the top corner of her head. You can choose to place it anywhere really. Just depending on the outfit and the occasion, you could set different tones with this hairstyle with the buns placement.

I wrapped some tracks of hair around the pony-tail and secured it with bobby pins. Adding hair isn't necessary, but I wanted to make the pony-tail thicker. I curled all of the hair with an 1 inch curling iron. I again sprayed the hair with hairspray and backcombed the curls. I pinned them into a bun-like shape. I went through and pulled certain pieces out a bit, so it wasn't too structured and more natural looking.

just like the movies

2009-10-01T19:07:00.007-04:00

As I mentioned before, I absolutely love old movies. The women were always super glamorous, no matter what the situation was. They could be taking out the trash, but their hair will be perfectly intact and wearing the most impossibly stunning gown while doing it! Who lives like this. It's a sick portrayal of life, but I love it!!!!!!!

Michelle Reyes again starred in this little photo session of ours. I followed her as she did her house keeping in a green chiffon dress and pearls. Hair in sleek finger-waves and curls, while being adorned by a matching velvet band and some peacock feathers.

Honestly, she did run around doing some chores while she was all dressed up. She even changed Nicco's poopy diaper while she was all dazzling. LOL! And really, people should start dressing up more like this. Everything you do looks so much better while you are in your finest.

Hairstyle:

I curled her hair with a 1 inch curling iron and then pin curled everything. The hair cooled as she applied her makeup and served her son some lunch. I then took everything down and brushed it lightly. I put a ton of gel on the crown section of her hair and then combed it in. I like to use Got2Be "kicked up hard jelly." I sprayed the hair with my spray bottle to dilute the gel a little, because you don't want it super sticky, but playable. I then did a deep part. You wanna start combing everything on that one side that you are working on, into a "C" formation. You then push up the tail end of the "C" formation and pinch it in between you fingers, hence the name "finger-waves." You are creating a ridge. You comb the hair underneath the ridge in the opposite direction, making a backwards "C." And keep alternating this. I only did her crown section. Let it set and dry. I combed the rest into curled groupings. I tied a velvet string around her head and tucked some peacock feather in on the side. And of course, one last final spray!!!!!!

For an instant look... I put it into a side pontail and wrapped the hair into a messy bun. I also threw a black feather clip on the opposite side of the bun.

absolutely dapper

2009-09-27T23:34:00.023-04:00

before (we just finished her weave). . .

after!

Shana and I sat next to each other on the first day of school and hit it off from that moment. Anything that I need, she is there for me without a question. Just like this photoshoot. Well... I tricked her actually. Because I told her that I would do her weave... but since she was here, we barricaded the door and forced her to get dressed up! She didn't put up much of a fight.

Shana is super sweet and likes to keep things simple. This translates into her personal style as well. She is a t-shirt and jeans kinda gal and doesn't wear a stick of make-up, EVER! So I decided for her look, we were channeling the early days of Coco Chanel. She would pair men's riding trousers with a silk blouses. Or structured blazer with ball gowns. I love the contrast of feminine lines with hard structure. Women can look absolutely gorgeous in men's wear.

Hairstyle:

I gave Shana a full headed weave. You don't have to do this, but we were already planning on doing it before I decided to do this shoot. I curled her hair with a 1 inch curling iron and pin curled it after. Some may wonder why do i do this step so often, because it keeps the hair curled and volumized longer. After Daeng applied her make-up, I took out all the pins. Clipped on some golden blonde hair underneath a track, because she wouldn't wear it on a daily basis. Though I needed to break up the black for this photoshoot. I sprayed Regis volumizing spray and then started teasing all over. I made a deep part for the front section and did a two strand braid along the right side. I took the left side and wrapped it around to the back and did a low side-ponytail at the base of the neck. I continued teasing the ponytail to create a large strategically messy ball. I love having smooth lines and contrasting it with what I call, "organized chaos."

i wish i was michelle!

2009-09-27T05:00:00.010-04:00

photography: Bobbie Yanoupeth and Matt Nuccio

Michelle Reyes is one of the most incredible people I know. She moves through life with such elegance and beauty, even through the most trying times. She's an amazing mother, a great friend, super creative and makes the most amazing things... This girl would put Martha Stewart to shame. I always told to her, "if i were a girl, i would want to be just like you!"

When I asked her if she would be a model for my portfolio, she enthusiastically said "YES!" I had so many ideas and wanted to create all these different looks, but at the end, I decided I wanted to recreate her wedding photos. Reason being, I knew that she wasn't so crazy about how she looked that day (even though she looked freaking amazing).

Hairstyle:
I started off by applying Regis pomade. I then pin curled all of her hair after curling it with a 1 inch curling iron. I let it cool down for about a half an hour as I steamed her dress. I then made 2 french braids along her front hairline. I teased all of the crown section, leaving a 2 inch section in the front alone, later this will be used to cover the section which was backcombed. I then applied a little medium hold spray by Design Line on the front section, and loosely combed it back with my fingers. I pinned some of the pieces into the pompadour to help the curls from falling apart. I tied the remainder of the hair at the lower occipital bone. I took some extensions and wrapped it around the ponytail and created a simple chignon!!!!! This look is more natural and organic, I added a flower to the side of her hair-do to give a little color and compliment it. Finish it off with a final spray

A picnic in Paris...

2009-09-19T17:07:00.008-04:00

I love Gregory Peck and Cary Grant... these are strong, dazzling, and leading men of the 1940's. Men, who I as a young lady dreamt of as my leading man... LOL!

Scene: I am alone in Paris after a flopped fashion line, and my long time lover left me. I am totally distraught, but still glamorous as ever. I bump into this handsome and mysterious stranger at a cafe, on a rainy day. We converse, and hit it off. We have an intense affair throughout this romantic city. Picnics, cafes, ballets, fashion shows and weekend trips to Capri. We fall madly in love and he saves my broken heart and basically my life.

I always imagined myself as a Judy Garland or a Veronica Lake character, but with dark hair. Hair is always intact, clothes are well fitted and pressed. Make-up and skin, is flawless. A soft but strong character, who is well poised and graceful. Obviously I could never be her, so I turned Daeng into her today (God bless her heart for putting up with me).

Hairstyle:
Everything in the 40's was about being glamorous. Flowy waves, and perfectly pinned curls. I started off by spraying her hair with Regis Volumizing Spray, so her hair would hold the curls and be playable. I took my 1 1/4 curling iron and curled the hair at a 90 degree angle. I pinned curled 2 inch sections. Once finished with the whole head, I let it cool down for 20 minutes (this helps the curls to last all day and also gives maximum volume). Then I took everything down. I carefully manipulated the curls with a paddle brush, so that it all flowed together. Sectioned the front pieces in three and rolled pinned them away from the face and into a pattern I liked. I pinned them with 2 Bobby Pins each, making an "X" formation for more security.

haircut done a few months back, but she's too cute to be left out

2009-09-19T02:18:00.023-04:00

in the beginning ...

... this is at 3am

after!

My little cousin Sandy, is the most sweet and sincere person. She won't say much, but you will always hear her giggle. She was here a few months ago helping me out by orchestrating this extravagant surprise birthday party for Daeng (our other cousin and a permanent fixture on my blog).

She has super long hair and her ends were all lightened by heat damage. She decided to take a seat in my chair and allowed me the honor of giving her a little haircut.

Color:
To blend some of her pre-existing color and to liven the cut a little, we broke it up with highlights. I first started by lifting her hair color with Goldwell 4A with a 30 volume developer since she is naturally a level 2. I wanted a rich natural brown without too much red undertone. I then came back with a lightener, mixed with 20 volume developer to give some subtle highlights. I normally don't fuss with a toner afterwards, because if you watch it carefully, you can control the levels and Goldwell colors tend to tone itself.

Hairstyle:
She has long and super thick hair. To achieve this Angle Forward Bob, we had to create volume and depth. I started off by hacking almost 6 inches right off the bat. Then I cut the back section right at the nape and slowly start angling the cut downwards as you come past the ear. This part you can go as subtle or dramatic as you want. For Sandy, we made it a little longer to compliment her heart shaped face.
Afterwards, I went through out the hair and did a twist cut and razor like cut with my shears through out to remove bulk and to give her volume. Gave her swooped bangs by slicing downwards and then point-cutting afterwards to break it up.
Finished the style by putting a little Matrix Smoothing Serum through out the hair and blowing it out with a 1 1/2 round brush.

every girl wants a little glamour in her life

2009-09-13T21:35:00.012-04:00

Yohko is my upstairs neighbor and is super cute!!!! She was gracious enough to model for me aside from her super busy schedule. Originally I wanted to do her photo shoot in a studio next month, but she is actually gonna be shooting a film all of next month. So I insisted that we did an inpromtu photo session because I wanted to have the chance to glam her up.

Fortunately for me she was totally game. Yohko's personal style is very cute, casual, and understated. She normally wears her hair down and straight, and not much makeup. So for this make-over, we went the opposite direction.

Hair Style:

Just like many Asian people, Yohko has really straight and thick hair. Which normally presents an obstacle when trying to curl or style it in anyway. My answer for this, become bestfriends with hair spray. I used Regis Design Line "Volumizing Spray." Spraying all throughout the hair to create a texture so its playable. I back-combed (teased) the crown section, leaving the bangs out. Lightly comb the bangs over the Pompadour afterwards to finish the top section and pin it together in the back with a couple of bobby pins. Pull the rest of the hair into three separate ponytails right on top of each other along her occipital area. I curled the pony tail with a 1 1/2 inch curling iron. Lightly backcomb subsections and roll and pin them into place. Finish off with a mist of spray again.

a little makeover

2009-09-07T19:37:00.004-04:00

before...

after!

My cousin Melinda is amazingly hilarious and always down to have fun (i.e. her before picture is after a visit at a local NYC Irish Pub on St. Patrick's day, hence green lips). She is from our hometown of Holland, MI. A Dutch town known for its tulip festivals and clogs. What I am really trying to say, it is so VANILLA out there. So when we met up in Seattle for our cousin's wedding not too long ago, we both concluded that we have to desperately give her a makeover!

Haircut:

To give her a subtle glimmer of color, but not go crazy, we gave her nice chocolate brown highlights (using Matrix Soco Color 4A with a 20 volume developer). You have to understand, that Melinda has super thick and coarse hair. So we had to eliminate some of the bulk with thinning shears and I then came back again and did a twist cut (twisting a lock of hair and cutting downwards). I gave her high layers as well, so when she curled her hair, that the curls wouldn't be weighed down. This is part of the misconception; tons of girls want big voluminous hair but are not willing to put any layers in. It takes more than just teasing and hair spray.

I then do the bangs last, by sectioning a deep triangle on the top of her head to make thick and dramatic bangs. The bangs aren't necessarily blunt bangs, but more of a fringe. I accomplished this by point cutting the bangs in a rainbow like shape.

Hair Style:

Apply some mousse while the hair is towel damp. This will help the curls last all day. Give a quick blow dry. With a 2 inch barrel curling iron, curl the hair away from the face. Make sure to start from the bottom up.

oh how these kids grow up so fast...

2009-09-07T18:42:00.000-04:00

Since I moved out here to New York, I have met so many people and some of them have become fixtures in my life.

For instance, Cynthia. When I originally met her, she only believed in lycra spandex (jk, but serious at the same time). In the past three and a half years, she has evolved and been more adventurous in her clothing and adapted a more confident and glamorous attitude. Wherever this new woman has emerged from, we love it and I love you Cynthia!

Hair Style:

Cynthia has naturally curly hair and tons of it. I prepped the hair with gel to get it sticky, so i can get a good grip on it. With a paddle brush, I pulled everything to the side and tied it (she has so much hair that we had to use 4 hair ties). With a 11/2 inch curling iron, start curling 1 inch sections of the hair. Roll and pin the hair in a circular pattern. I normally pin bigger sections for the bottom to create a stronger base and build smaller curls on top to cover it. There is no right or wrong way, just do it by eye and what you think looks amazing. I finished it with a finishing spray (a lot of it, I had to even pull out Aquanet because humidity in New York isn't too kind to curly hair). And lastly, I did a light mist of oil sheen to make it more sleek.

wigs aren't always bad

2009-09-07T12:56:00.001-04:00

There is always negative stigma when it comes to wigs. Cause you always imagine nasty synthetic and super glossy pieces that looks like they are about to take flight off of the person's head. I had created this wig for Daeng before we colored her hair. So to ease her into going lighter we gave the wig look a whirl, because she was a bit apprehensive about coloring her hair since she hadn't done so in over 10years.

The Wig:

You have to cover the individual or a mannequin first with paper towel, and then a layer of Saran Wrap. You are doing this to protect the real hair from the glue when you are making the wig. I then put on a stocking cap over the head, making sure to not cover the ears. You want to start from the base of the head. Take the track of hair, measure it along head and cut it at the desired width. apply the glue onto the track and place it on the stocking cap. Make sure to blow dry the glue so it sets faster. Start stacking one track on top of the next. Eventually you'll be making a horse shoe shape as you glue. Stop this as you get to the crown, cause from here, you are gonna start laying and gluing the hair the way you want it parted at the top.

Hair Style:

I cut her hair into a angle forward bob and some fringed bangs. I also razored a lot innerlayers to take away the bulk. Then I finished the style with the flat iron and a little silk drops from Regis Design Line

our first photoshoot

2009-09-07T12:12:00.002-04:00

Here is my first photo shoot with my wonderful cousin Daeng, who allowed me to play dress up with her.

Color:

We started off by doing a three-step dye job on her hair. First foiling hair lightener through out her hair (which was a natural black). Then doing an all over color (we used a Matrix Soco Color 7A with a 30 volume developer). What you achieve by doing this process, is having a base color with subtle highlights that will add depth to the hair. And then we did more highlights with the lightener afterwards to add more color to break up the the hair.

Hair Style:

We shall call this look "Beyonce." I achieved this look by evenly applying pomade throughout her towel dried hair. Starting from underneath the hair and working our way up. I then rolled her hair in a combination of pink sponge rollers and pink perm rods. Alternating between the two allowed us to have different textures in the curls and creating more body. After a quick blow dry, I took out the rollers and combed the hair out with my fingers.

Teased the roots and did one cornrow across the front to add a solid structure amongst the chaos or curls.