My Jo-Ann Superstore Experience

-Jo-Ann Superstore- Experience the creativity.-

I'm so excited about this! Friday, I experienced the creativity! I went to the Jo-Ann Superstore for the first time and -WOW- what an awesome experience! I finally got some of my craft shopping done and I got some really great stuff! 

Only a few more items needed and then I can officially get started on a project!

So, I got some Mod Podge and some brushes. I got a pack of small clothes pins and one large one. I also got two cute little jars and a small round cardboard box and a couple of flameless tea lights. 


Next time, I need to remember to grab a cart. I was carrying way too much stuff and my arms got tired. I don't know why I didn't think to get a cart -duh!


We use to have a Jo-Ann's close by, it was not even 5 minutes away, that's if you were to drive to it. It was right down the street. It was a lot smaller and they didn't have a whole lot to offer. So, when my dad suggested it, I wasn't all that thrilled about going. I really wanted to go to Michaels, but I decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I let him talk us into it!


From the moment we stepped foot into that place, I was like a kid in a candy store. I would have gone down every aisle if I could have, but the store is so huge, it would take years. You would have to go a couple more times in order to get through the entire store. 


Eventually, I had to get out of there, I got a little overwhelmed by all of the cool stuff I kept seeing. I spent under $20, had I stayed I would have just kept on going, and then I would have been really embarrassed at check out, because I wouldn't have been able to pay for it all.


This week my goal is to invest in a glue gun. I also need scrapbook paper, ribbon, glitter, paint, more jars and I saw some other things I might want to use.


I have a question regarding the tea lights though. I'm thinking I might put them at the bottom of some sort of jar, they won't fit in the jars I got, but I'll be getting some bigger ones. I'm wondering, how I would go about keeping it in place at the bottom of the jar? I don't think I'd want to glue it, because then I won't be able to turn it on or off. Any ideas?


Have you been yet? What did you think? Which do you like better Michaels, JoAnn's or do you like Hobby Lobby? I've not been to Hobby Lobby before. I'm thinking I might head over there tomorrow and see what it's all about.

I had so much fun! If you haven't been, you are really missing out on a truly amazing experience. I cannot wait to go back!

My Summer Wardrobe Essentials Challenge: Item # 3......

-suit 1- by ASOS, suit 2- by Lisa Maree, suit 3- by Kore.-

Here we are at the end of May and I still haven't started this challenge. I have yet to buy one thing from my summer essentials list. I'm not bummed about it though, there is still plenty of time.


Item number 3 on the list is not really a must-have. I already have a swimsuit, but I wouldn't mind having an extra.


As far as what kind of suit I want, I am undecided. I've found several candidates and they are all really, really cute. I am torn.


I've lost a lot of my winter weight and I feel fantastic lately. I'm not sure how much I've lost, because I don't ever get on the scale, but I know I've dropped some lbs, I can feel it. It's not from going to the gym either.

That's the one New Years resolution I haven't gotten around to, I just haven't been motivated to go, but I'm really not all that worried about it.


The reason I have lost so much weight is because it's summer. I'm getting out more, I'm much more active and I'm feeling more energetic, more so than last summer. Plus, I'm not as hungry, I don't eat as much in the summertime.


I also have very fair skin, I'm very, very pale. I use to be so insecure about it, but I've grown to accept it. I realize now that there is nothing wrong with being pale and there is nothing I can do to change it. No matter how hard I try, the sun will not tan my skin. 


I refuse to use the tanning bed and I've tried the sunless tanning methods and those don't work for me either. All they do is turn my skin orange -YUCK! No thank you! I'd much rather be pale then look like I bathed in Dorito's. I'm just going to embrace it. I no longer see it as a flaw.


So, I've got all of this new confidence but, there is still a tiny part of me that is hesitant about wearing a bikini and showing off my legs. It's not so much about weight or my pale skin, it's just that I've become very shy about showing a lot of skin, especially my legs.

In my younger days I was much more bold, I use to love wearing crop tops. I was always comfortable showing my tummy, of course it was in much better shape then it is now. It's not quite as flat. So I haven't worn anything like that in a long time. I haven't worn shorts in years! However, it seems like that boldness is starting to come back.


I don't know if I will end up buying a new suit, but I've been scoping them out just in case. I've seen some really nice one-pieces, but I'm tempted to go with a bikini. I already have a tankini, so it would be nice to have something different.


Swimsuits are so expensive though now a days. I remember when I worked at Victoria's Secret, they had plenty of affordable suits. The prices generally varied. There were some that were a lot higher priced, but you could also get some great deals during sales. 


When I went to their site recently, I could not believe how expensive they are now and I did not see any under a hundred. That's just insane!


So, anyway here is what I've found so far...


The Potentials

These are the suits I am considering, if I do decide to buy a suit this year.

One Pieces




1)

So, I didn't find too many affordable one-pieces, at least not any I would wear, most of the reasonably priced ones I saw were actually very unflattering and downright awful looking. 


I did find these 2 Monokini's at Target, they are only $18.00, but I'm not totally enthused. They're just okay, but they are wearable. If I'm not able to find a bikini that I feel comfortable in, I might opt for them or I might just stick with my tankini.

2)

-Suit 1, Suit 2-

Bikinis


1)

This patchwork printed bikini is on sale for $35.66 and is one of the cutest I've seen so far. 

2)

This one is also on sale for $35.66. And, I love the stripes!

3)

Polka-dots are my favorite print, so naturally this would be my favorite bikini. It's not the most affordable, but $37.40 isn't bad, it's just not the right price for me at this time. I love hipster style bottoms. I'm hoping I'll be able to get it on clearance at the end of summer.

4)

I was able to find a few affordable bikini's that were on clearance at Victoria's Secret, I really love this girly polka-dot one. It is $34.98.

5)

I like a nice push-up style, because it gives you a nice little lift and they are a little more supportive of the sisters, not that my sisters need a lot of support. The print is gorgeous, but it looks like this pretty little thing is no longer available -bummer-.


-suit 1- ASOS, suit 2- ASOS, suit 3- top, bottoms - ASOS, suit 4- Victoria's Secret, suit 5- Victoria's Secret.- 

The Fantasies

These are the suits I can only dream about wearing.

One Pieces


1)

-See graphic at the top for where to buy.-

I don't know if they are the right colors for me, but I love the tribal print and I love this style and the back is super cool with the crossed straps and the wooden bead detailing. 

2)

- Suit by Noelle via -Urban Outfitters.-


Though, I didn't find many suits at Urban Outfitters that I liked, this one did catch my eye. I like the shape and the hint of ruching at the side. It's a very flattering, feminine and classy suit. I love a suit that complements curves. 


It wouldn't be my print of choice though. Supposidly there are Tigers printed on the suit, even when you zoom in, you can't tell. From what I gathered from the reviews I read, they are more like Tabby kitties. As much as I love kitties, including my own, I don't know if I would want to wear them on my suit.

I wasn't all that impressed with the suits I saw at Urban Outfitters and I think the reason I'm not so attracted to them is because the models are so tiny, they look a bit frail to me. It's a bit distracting and kind of disturbing. 

I'm more likely to go for a suit worn by a healthier looking model. 

At least the Victoria's Secret models are toned and wholesome looking -though there are a few tiny Vici Secret girls-.

3) 

Retro style swimwear is my favorite! I think this suit would be more flattering on a curvier model (In my opinion I think the model wearing it is a little to skinny for it), but I think it's a very attractive suit and I'm always drawn to classy patterns like Gingham. The bow detail is so charming.

4)

I am utterly in love with turquoise! In fact, it is officially my favorite hue. I've always gone back and forth with purple, pink, blue and turquoise, but the more I see this color the more I fall. I love this style, I love the circle print, I think it is a gorgeous looking suit. Unfortunately, there were a few customers who weren't happy with the quality or construction, that's too bad. 

5)

Black is such a classy and slimming color and I love the fit and shape of this suit and the fun lace up detail on the side. This is a tricky color though. For those who are as fair as I am, it can go either way. It can either look vampire-ish, but it can also look really pretty on milky white skin. It's a little iffy.

6)

This one is GORGEOUS! I love the shape, the pleated panels, the nifty cutouts and the deep v-neckline. I also love how it creates flattering feminine curves. It is a beauty!

7)

 

Never have I ever worn anything strapless. I'm trying to take more risks with my wearables, but I must admit I'm a little timid. I would be so embarrassed if my little sisters decided to grace our community with their presence. They aren't too big nor too small, but they're there and they are noticable. 

What I love about this little cutie is the tease effect that it gives. It's kind of daring, but subtle at the same time. It shows just a little but not too much. Plus the twisty cutout detail is a lot of fun.

8)

I'm starting to gain a lot of respect for these Monokini's. Again it's kind of a tease, it shows just the right amount of skin, but doesn't reveal too much. I love the silhouette. I'm also a crochet fan. 

Some of those Monokini's can be a little too on the wild side, too revealing. Not to say I wouldn't wear one if I didn't share the pool with neighbors who are mostly 40 plus years of age.

9)

This is just adorable! The green is so pretty and the stripes and buttons are perfect.

10)

This plunge style one-piece is very lovely and I admire the girly-romantic floral print.

11)

I'm loving the nautical these days, this was definitely one of my favorites and really $48.71 isn't too horrible, but it's just a little over my budget right now. It is sooo cute though! I'm hoping it will go on clearance and I can possibly grab it by the end of summer.

-suit 1- by Tallow, suit 2- by Noelle, suit 3- Anthropologie, suit 4- Anthropologie, suit 5- Nasty Gal, suit 6- by Seventh Wonderland, suit 7- by Diva, suit 8- by Eternal Sunshine Creations, suit 9- by Princesse Tam Tam, suit 10- by Sunseeker, suit 11- by Marie Meili.-

Bikinis


1)

This would be the perfect style for me, it looks comfortable, the bottoms aren't too low or to high cut, I love the style of the top and I just love all the different textures. 

2)

This 2 piece is fabulous! The red is so pretty and I'm really into button detail these days.

3)

The toucan print is so fun. I've never tried that style of top before, I'm curious about how it would fit me. Like I said, they aren't too big or too small, but depending on what I wear, they can be a little busty. So, I'm not sure if this style would work. Definitely a cutie though.

4)

The floral print is so beautiful. I love the high waist retro style bikinis. It kind of looks like lingerie though, but hey what's the difference?

5)

I'm really attracted to the neat colorblocking in this bikini, this style and the fit would be very ideal.

6)

The stripes are interesting and I think I'd feel comfortable in a halter style like this. It's different and different can be fun.

-suit 1- by Maaji Swimwear, suit 2- by Panache, suit 3- Marc by Marc Jacobs, suit 4- Seafolly, suit 5- by Kore, suit 6- by Dawn.-

Have you gotten your suit yet? If so what kind did you get? If you haven't found it yet, what kind are you looking for?

Want to show it off on Skylar? Send your swimsuit photos to skylarmagazine.sarah@gmail.com. 

You can also send beach, pool and other summer activity photos anytime* 

Be The Superstar You Were 
Born to Be.......

One of the reasons I created Skylar was so I could discover people. I wanted to give aspiring individuals a chance to do what they have always wanted to do.


Whether you are a student going to college, a mom- working, stay at home or work from home, working part time or full time, a nurse, a doctor, a teacher, a secretary, an aspiring model, actor, musician, writer, someone with a disability, a nerdy girl like Mary Katherine Gallagher, a fashionista, I'm looking for people from pretty much all walks of life. 


I'm looking for both conventional and unconventional beauties. You don't have to be drop-dead-gorgeous to be a model or a superstar, but if you are that's okay, it's about what's on the inside. 


Skylar is about your style, your beauty secrets, your stories and your dreams and aspirations whatever they may be. If being famous or wealthy is your dream, great, if not that's okay too. 


I can't promise you will get your big break in Hollywood or that you will become a millionare or the next big thing in music or fashion. You don't have to go to Hollywood in order to be the superstar you were born to be.


It is also an outlet for the creatives, a place for people to show off their projects and their skills and share their stories and their knowledge.


It's also a way for people to step outside of their comfort zones and try something new and fun like the Models in Training program. The program is free and is open to women ages 18 and up, all shapes and sizes are welcome. See details here. 


The program is a chance for you to become a model for Skylar. There is no travel involved, you get to do everything from home, so you don't have to worry about leaving your friend and family behind. So, basically it is model from home opportunity. It really is a lot of fun, but I won't lie, it is a challenge.


If you would like to sponsor the fashion or modeling departments go to this post. Or you can send a donation, you can find the donate button on the left sidebar under the -about me- section.

You can send pictures of all sorts of things  -show off your style, your art work, craft and diy projects, decor etc, you can send recipes, tips and ideas regarding various subjects, tutorials or whatever else you want to send and I will do a special feature or a spotlight.


Though I do write about my favorite celebrities and occasionally my least favorite celebrities, Skylar really isn't about them. It's about real people and inspiration. The real stars of Skylar are models -Tabbie, Sara and Kaylah-, contributors like Rebecca- If Only Life Could Be That Simple, Carly -Thirty Something Fashion, and Tiffany- Breakfast With Tiffany and you the readers.

Participation is very important, without it, Skylar is just a blog and that's not what it was intended to be.


So, if you ever want to submit, you can send whatever it is you want featured to skylarmagazine.sarah@gmail.com.


Also, Skylar is a PR friendly blog. I'd love to review your products and we can always do a giveaway. I don't just want to do reviews for you though, I'm looking for companies and other bloggers to collaborate with on some projects as well and I'm always looking for guest bloggers. 

If you are interested in any of these opportunities you can email me anytime*

Super Cool, Super Easy, Super Inexpensive: Canvas Wall Art Tutorial...

-Canvas Tutorial via Brassy Apple-

I'm finally getting closer to actually starting on a project. Yay! 

My budget is still pretty tight, but my Ebay sales have been great this month and I just earned my 4th Amazon card which I got through Swagbucks -if you decide to join make sure you use the referral link provided and make sure you don't navigate away from the link-. I'll be telling you more about this in a bit. 


First, I want to show you this really awesome project/tutorial that I discovered yesterday. I really think you are going to like this one. It's one of my favorites so far.


I found this super cool, super easy and super inexpensive canvas project at Brassy Apple. The tutorial, done by Meagan, shows you step by step how to turn your favorite quotes into beautiful wall art for your home or business.


Here's what you will need for this project...


1. Fabric


2. Contact Paper


3. Spray Paint


4. Staple Gun


5. A printer and an exacto knife -or you can use one of those neato Cricut machines I told you about recently-


Unfortunately, I do not have a printer or a Cricut machine, but I'm thinking there might be other options that I can experiment with. 


When I worked at the daycare, I learned a lot about contact paper and I think there might be a way to do this without having to print anything. I will have to try it out and see what I can come up with. 

I will let you know how it goes!

Follow Meagan's step by step instructions and when the project is complete you will end up with fabulous wall art like this...

-your friends and family will be so impressed with your art and moved by the inspirational messages displayed on your walls.-

Cute Bleach Pen Tee Tutorial...

So this is the tutorial I was talking about in my previous post. These bleach pen tees that Jenny of Plum Adorable made for her little darlings are so cute. 

I thought you all would enjoy it and if you have a cutting machine you may want to try it yourself*

Have You Seen These?

-The Cricut Expression 2/299.99-

Recently I found the coolest tutorial, which I cannot wait to share with you in the next post. You won't want to miss it! The pin grabbed my attention and it got me interested, so I went to the source to check it out.


In the post at Plum Adorable, Jenny talks about these nifty cutting machines, by now I'm sure I'm probably the only person on Earth who has never heard of a Cricut or Silhouette machine. I guess I should probably come out from under the rock more.


Anyway, I "Wilma Flinstone" was intrigued, my curiosity lead me to the Cricut and Silhouette websites and now that I know what they are and what they do, I know that I've just got to have one!


I mean, wow! It would be like being a little kid again, but what's cool about these machines, they would be fun for anyone at any age.


You can buy cartridges and print whatever it is you would like to print and you can use the designs on all sorts of things. I've seen them on T-Shirts- which I will be showing you next-, drinking glasses and the super cool wall art project I'll be showing you in another post later.


I have added this to my future investment list. No matter how long it takes, I'm going to save up and I am going to buy one of these babies. 

-This is the Silhouette machine it is also $299.99.-

The cartridges for the Cricut...

-Events Cartridge, Tablescapes -Spring & Summer/ $29.99.-

-Stencil project cartridge/$29.99.-

Go to the Cricut site to find more cartridges and other products.

Do you have one of these machines? Which one do you have and which one would you recommend? 

I'd love to see some projects and would love to feature them, you can send them to skylarmagazine.sarah@gmail.com*

3 AM Wake Up Call: thank you Bridget!

First of all, I had a wonderful evening Saturday. It was very nice and I slept like a baby. I haven't slept that good in so long and the best part, I actually got to sleep late for once -till about 7-ish. It felt great!


Usually I like being up by 5, no later than 5:30. I like getting a head start in the morning and I really do enjoy getting up before the sun comes up or when it's just starting to, when there's just a touch of light in the sky. It's so pretty. I love when the fan is going and I wake up to a nice breeze coming from it and the window at the same time. 


We live on a busy road and our porch faces the traffic. You would think it would be too noisy with all of the cars going by, but I really don't mind it at all. In fact, I think it's very calming, especially at 5 in the morning when people are on their way to work or where ever they are going at that hour. 


It's not too bad, it's not like living in New York City. Plus, I don't like it when it's too quiet, too quiet gets lonely.


My favorite thing about getting up in the wee hours of the morning is waking up to my girls, my kitties Bridget and Gigi, who are almost 2 years old. It's their most playful time of the day. I love waking up to the sound of the little pitter-patters on the kitchen floor and when they are chasing each other through the house.


These girls really are sweet. I've been to many cat owners homes and I've never known of any that would greet you at the door or run right over to you as you are getting out of bed. 

-This is my little angel. Gigi is the parent pleaser, though every once in a while, I will catch her getting into some kind of mischief. She's pretty sneaky.-

Every morning when I awake, my little girl Gigi always comes to say good morning. She is a talker and she can be quite the chatterbox. 


When I come home from where ever I have been, both of them come to the door to greet me. 


Anyway, I really don't like to sleep in too often. If I sleep too late, I feel like I've wasted the day away and it throws me off and that's uncomfortable for me.


Every once in a while it does feel good to sleep later and I think sometimes your body just needs it, it tells you to just stay in bed. I have been tired lately, more so than usual, it's because of a flare up I have had from my Endometriosis. 


I think my body has been sending me hints, it's been letting me know that I need to rest, but I have a habit of ignoring those hints, I think I need to start listening more. So, I've decided to just take it easy on the weekends, go with the flow. It's the weekend, I don't need to rush out of bed.


Sunday was the perfect day to catch up on my zzz's and when I woke up I realized it was very much needed. I woke up very happy and energized. I felt very well rested. Having someone there beside you, a handsome face to wake up to -even better! 


It felt good waking up to the beautiful bright warm sunshine coming in through the window. I love that feeling when the sun touches your face and warms your entire body.


Now I am back to my normal routine, but there is just one problem... 

Yesterday morning and this morning, Bridget, that adorable little dickens has been waking me up before the crack of dawn, at exactly 3 AM. Both mornings, she has been scratching at my office doors.

The office is currently a no-no area while I'm working on getting it more organized. It's not really a kitty friendly room and I'm trying to fix that so they can come in with me. They do get lonely when I have to work and can't be out there with them. I do go out and spend time with them as much as possible, but Bridget will often scratch at the door -bad kitty!


I think we may have spoiled them too much, oops. I can't help it though, they are just too darn cute and sweet, I love them as if they are my biological children, it's hard not to spoil them.


For some reason Bridget has been scratching at the door in the mornings, it's like she thinks I'm in there. I don't know why she can't figure out that I'm in the same room as her. 


I've been sleeping on the couch in our family room for a while because it's much cooler out there and I love sleeping under the fan, I don't have one in my bedroom.


BTW in case you are wondering, I live at home with mom at the moment, I'm not married. I was not at home Saturday evening.

Don't ask me how she does this, but the little stinker has gotten that door open a few times and it is not an easy door for even myself to open. She is just way too clever!


I opted not to have them de-clawed, because I just don't know how I feel about it. I know it's not pleasant for them, that's what the anti de-claw people have told me. I would prefer not to, but if they keep wrecking up the furniture I might not have a choice.

We could try to clip them ourselves, but easier said than done. Those 2 do not like to sit still and Gigi absolutely hates having hers clipped. So, we are going to have to find another way. They do have claws and they aren't afraid to use them!

Luckily, they rarely ever use them on us, every once in a while I get a little scratch when Gigi plays with my hands, she loves to play with fingers and I've gotten a few pricks here and there. The not so lucky part is they do use them on the furniture, doors and carpet.


It would be nice if I could take them and have them done by the pro's, but I'm sure you can all agree that, that is not really an affordable option. I'm always looking for tips and products I can use that might help keep the girls from destroying the place.


Do you have cats? Are they declawed? What are your thoughts on declawing?

If you have any tips or product suggestions that you think might help, I'd love to hear them.


I will have to keep you posted on this, I will let you know if and when I find a solution.


I tried to take some new pics this morning, but I was only able to get a few shots of Gigi, Bridget would not cooperate and when I was about to get a decent shot, the batteries went dead. So, I am recharging some and hopefully I'll be able to get some better shots later.

-Here's Bridget a couple of months ago, laying on the table, which is suppose to be a no-no. No is a word she pretends to not understand, even though we know darn well she knows exactly what it means.-

Paint Chip Project Inspiration

I've never really had the urge to shop at Home Depot, if someone would ask me if I wanted to go, I would be like "why would I want to go there?" I've turned my nose up at it. However, I'm learning more and more about it every day and I am ashamed to say that I have unfairly misjudged that place.

Though I do love home decor, home repair, now that is a different story -not really my thing. Now that I know there is a lot more to it than products for fixing the leaky faucet or whatever repairs are needed in your home or garden, I have a completely different attitude towards it.

They actually have some cool stuff and all kinds of things for arts and crafts projects!

One of these days I will be heading over to explore, but my uncle who works there told me that their online store has a lot more to offer and they now take PayPal payments. How awesome is that?

I've really taken a liking to the paint swatch projects I've been looking at lately. When I saw Jen's wall art at Life, Crafts & Whatever, I smiled and thought, "I can do that".

Well, there is a lot more to it then I thought, as you will see in this step by step guide. Probably not a good project to start with if you are just venturing into arts and crafts.

-It is definitely something to try once I've gained more experience, but for now I'll stick with smaller, simpler projects.-

I have a habit of getting a little ahead of myself, I like to aim high and take risks. This can be a good thing, but I also think sometimes I aim a little too high and I just need to be a little more patient. I need to realize that even though I'm eager to learn and want to do the more advanced stuff, I'm just not ready.

This isn't the first time I've done crafts, I was really into them when I was younger. I never thought I was good at it and I ended up losing interest in it because of that reason. 

I don't really think I ever gave myself a chance and I might have been doing things that were a little too complicated. Had I started on smaller projects and allowed myself to learn and grow from there, I would have probably enjoyed it more and would have probably stuck with it.

I do love a good challenge, but I need to take on smaller challenges and then work my way up to the more advanced stuff, otherwise I'll get discouraged.

Are you working on any projects right now or have plans to start one?

I've found some projects that I think would be good to start with. I'll be sharing those with you soon!

Clutch Crush

I spotted this chic and classy faux Ostrich clutch on Pinterest just a few minutes ago and it was love at first sight. The color, it's distinct shape and texture, everything about it - PERFECTION!

The sheer linen tunic is also very pretty.

-tunic -H & M, faux leather pants - Armani Exchange, pumps -Christian Louboutin, faux Osterich clutch handmade by Wendy Nguyen via Wendys Lookbook-

What is your latest fashion or accessory crush?

You can leave a comment and tell me all about it and if you want you can also include links so I can take a look or you could be sport your crush in a spotlight. All you have to do is take or send pics you already have to skylarmagazine.sarah@gmail.com*

La Joconde

There are some historical figures and artists who I think can be overrated. I wonder, if we didn't know who da Vinci was and didn't know anything about Mona Lisa would we still appreciate the painting as much?

da Vinci was obviously highly intelligent. I think he might have been a bit of an odd ball, from what I've learned about him, but some of the best artists and some of the most talented people can be a little out there, some very much out there. I do think he was an extraordinarily gifted man.
The respect and admiration for Mona Lisa aka La Joconde or La Giaconda, in my opinion, is very well deserved. I do not think it is overrated nor do I think da Vinci was overrated.


After reading more about the model who is known to be Lisa Gherardini, there really wasn't a lot of information about her or her life. The only thing I know of her is she was the wife of a wealthy Florentine silk merchant by the name of Francesco del Giocondo. The portrait was originally suppose to be painted for her husband. There was no information regarding what kind of person she was.


The reason she became famous was because she was painted by da Vinci who had already become pretty well-known. The portrait became the property of the French King, Francois in the 16th century. The King was an acquaintance and admirer of da Vinci's.

So, what is it about this woman that is so special? She really wasn't a physically attractive woman, yet there is something very striking about her. 


That was what beautiful was then though. To a lot of men from that time period she would have been a "babe". She would have been called "voluptuous". Today, she would be labeled "fat" by the fashion industry.


Her features and her physique were somewhat masculine, she was what you would call a handsome woman.

The Mona Lisa represents inner and unconventional beauty, I think that's why we are so drawn to her.

More Information about the Mona Lisa

Researchers were to exhume the bones of the possible model, on April 5, 2011, I have not found any further information, but I did read on a website that it is widely accepted to be Lisa Gherardini.


The Mona Lisa hangs at the Louvre in Paris, France and has her own room in the Salle de Etats, which is a $7.5 million dollar room. Wouldn't that be something to see? Just imagine the original Mona Lisa right there in front of you.


Lisa Gherardini was born in 1479 and died on July 15, 1542, she would have been in her 60's.


Monna Lisa was the original title of the painting, but due to a spelling error, it became Mona Lisa in English. Monna is a contraction of Madonna, Mia Donna (Madam or My Lady). In French she is La Joconde, in Italian she is La Giaconda.

Links

Mona Lisa Mania

Wikipedia

oregonlive.com

The Mona Lisa Mini -Worn by Rebecca of 17 Candles

What is it about the "Mona Lisa"? What made this portrait so special and why are people so drawn to this woman known to be Lisa Gherardini (her identity has never officially been confirmed)? 


Yes da Vinci was a genius and an extraordinary artist, but have you ever wondered why or how it became such an iconic piece of art? 


It is the most well known, most visited, most written and sung about, and the most parodied portrait in the world.


It's become so iconic that it's no longer just used as wall art, it's now a symbol in fashion, as seen above in the fabulous Mona Lisa printed mini, Rebecca of 17 Candles is rocking.


More Mona Lisa Wearables...

-Mona Lisa Cameo Ring by Ephemeral Pillages-

-Mona Lisa pendant antique inspired necklace via Beaded Dreams-

Did you know?

Have you ever wondered what was up with Mona Lisa's non-existent eyebrows?


Well, it is unknown whether this is true or false, but supposedly she shaved them off, because it was considered fashionable. I think having any body hair during that period was known to be a faux pas.


There is also some speculation that da Vinci used himself as the muse of this portrait and painted himself as a female the "Mona Lisa".

.....Read more about this historical portrait and it's muse in my next post coming soon!

Fashion and Model Sponsors

I am currently looking for companies, brands and up and coming fashion designers who would like to sponsor the fashion and modeling departments. This would be an excellent opportunity for you to get lots of exposure.


Though we cover all kinds of subjects, Skylar magazine is a fashion blog, in order to make it work I need fashion. 


Clothes, jewelry, accessories and makeup are all essential. I want to do more than just write about the pretty clothes I find on Pinterest, I want our models to be featured on the blog in fashion, I want them to wear the latest trends and inspire our readers with ideas on how to wear them, how to coordinate them, how to look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks.


I also want to do some fun and unique fashion projects. I would like to have the chance to collaborate with the companies on a lot of the projects. A lot of times we do themes, for example we've been covering color inspiration these past few months. We're currently on orange and will be going through the whole rainbow. So, if we could work together on whatever the theme is we have going on that would be a lot of fun.


The models don't just model fashion, they also get to be featured in non-fashion related posts, but even then, they need things to wear and they also need makeup and sometimes props for their pictures. 


Hygiene products would be great, because not only would it help in the hygiene department, they can also be featured using those products in their pictures. For instance if it's a skin care post, the model could be washing her face using your product.


As far as props go, the article might be about keeping cool in the summer heat, now they could use their own props, but lets say your company sells really cool looking high tech fans, they could be featured in the photo using one of your cool fans to cool off. 


It could be an article about being a busy mom she could be in the kitchen preparing dinner and they could use your appliances.


When I can, I do shop for the models and the blog. I usually shop at places like Forever 21 and other affordable stores that are budget friendly. It would be great to find sponsors who can provide the things we need though too.


This would be a great way to promote your business and your products, because not only would the models be showing them off, they'll be doing all of the things I mentioned above. They will be giving the readers ideas that might inspire them to want to buy those earrings or that lovely scarf or anything from your store. Even if they don't end up buying from you, they would still leave the blog feeling inspired and inspiration is also an essential part of Skylar.


Credit will be given to all sponsors. In magazines, they usually put credits in the back of the book, those credits are usually for the non-fashion or beauty related articles or the articles where they aren't able to post credits, so they don't distract the readers from the article. I'm going to be creating a credits page like that. 


It will list all of the products that are featured in the non-fashion or beauty related posts and the posts where I am unable to post the credits. At the end of those posts, there will be a link for the readers to click on for those credits. Links to the stores and products will be provided. 


For the fashion related posts and other posts that are about the products specifically credit will be posted in the post, links to your store and products will be provided. If it is a fashion related post and a sponsor provides makeup that is used in that feature, that sponsors credit will be on the credits page. At the end of the post there will be a link which will take them to the page.


I will also do product reviews on a lot of the products that are provided, those will be for the products that are featured in posts, but not the focal point of the post. However, I may want to do a review on a lot of the fashion related items that are contributed as well.


In exchange for your sponsorship, you will also get ad space. Your ad will be on the left sidebar somewhere towards the middle after the followers section. Each week one of the sponsor's ads will be featured at the very top of the left sidebar right above the about me section. 


Your ad will be kept on the blog for as long as you sponsor. So, if you sponsor for one month, your ad will be on the blog for the month you sponsor. 


At the end of the month you will have the option to continue sponsoring, if you choose that option your ad will be kept on the blog for the next month, if you decide not to sponsor for the next month, it will be removed. If you want to come back and sponsor again later on, you can always do that.


FYI: 


The models live out of state. This is all done through the internet. I send whatever needs modeled to their locations. Whatever products you sponsor will need to be sent to me first so I can review them and then I will ship them out to the model. 


I believe in being honest with my readers. So, if the product turns out to be not what I expected and I don't feel comfortable featuring it, I will send it back to you. I don't want to give false advertising and I also don't want to give negative reviews, unless I think it is a product that is unsafe and might harm a potential customer.


If this sounds like something you would like to do, contact me, at skylarmagazine.sarah@gmail.com. Please include your name, company name, Company Website URL, information about and links to the products you want to contribute, as well any questions or anything else I need to know*