Red Carpet for the Rising Stars

Hello! Sorry it has been SOOOO long since I've blogged. Obviously blogging is not my strong point.

Let us catch up. This past year, I have gone to countless Red Carpet Events. Although I was not attending "A-List" Celebrity Events, I still wanted to look the part without breaking the bank.

The best thing you can possibly do is create a vision. Figure out what type of look you want to go for. From hair, skin tone, make up, shoes, accessories...etc.

This year I saw WAY too many girls, Pretty Girls, just really miss the mark. I don't think I can look at one more bandage dress. You know, the "Amica Clubware" dresses. Ok I get these dresses are great for Vegas- but hunny...keep it off the red carpet and get some class. Also, stay away from "homecoming" dresses. This means no knock-off Sherri Hill! There are so many great brands that you can find onsale. Quality material will always look better than a cheap dress. ALWAYS go for discount designers, over full-price knock offs. You will spend the same amount and look 100x better. Unless you are wearing a great knock off brand like Bebe (who is starting to get it right)...do not go for this look. Cheap body fitting material will show every flaw. Flatter yourselves woman..tighter doesnt always mean sexier. Style is sexy. Find YOUR style and go with it. Figure out your body type. Google flattering styles for YOU. Study everything from hem lengths to colors to shapes. I tried on DOZENs of dresses, and I planned out each dress to a T. I had a vision and mission for every look. Also- the more events I did, the more I nailed "The Kaela Look". I wanted to go for "Couture Country", "Classy" , "Sassy", and a little "Sexy".

Lets Start Last Year. I went to OC music Awards. I wanted something simple and sexy. I spoke with several girlfriends, and borrowed a dress from my friend Dominique. Dominique is one of my "go to" girls with fashion. I am completely over the top and gaudy. She tends to keep me off "what not to wear". Since my dress was "Party Girl", I wanted a BIG curly-messy hair-do that would bring a country feel to my look. Also, it was extremely important that my skin looked great. So I went to my favorite Organic Spray Tan Salon (Bronzed Bunny), and used Prtty Peaushun to complete my look. It was a safe choice, because I was still developing MY style. However I was extremely happy with my look.

Summer 2013- again I was still developing MY style. Again I chose safe looks that were simple and classy. I wore a Gray Satin Bebe Dress with Sparkle Nude Baker Shoes. Second Dress I purchased on sale from Nordstrom. I also paired this with Black/Nude crystal shoes from Bebe. I chose to keep my hair simple and down  so that the LBT wouldn't look to dressed up. However, I think the hair was an awful choice. It looked boring and dull. Most definitely my least favorite look.



November- I performed at the Red Carpet Event. I absolutely loved this outfit..and it was vintage. My top was actually a piece I used to play dress up with. My grandmother bought it at a garage sale for me when I was 10. However it was exactly what I wanted. The skirt was a purchase from Neiman Marcus Last Call for $50. The black booties were from Nordstrom Rack- BCBG generation for $30.
 

LA Music Awards was another fun night. I loved the concept of my dress- however the quality of my dress was less than par. It was $30, and I ordered from a boutique in my hometown. I had to make several alteration to make it "work. However I paired it with an amazing pair of Kenny loves Penny Neon Shoes, Chloe & Isabel Jewelry, and some rockin big hair. (My hair was my fav!)



December's event was the my big debut as the "Kaela Look". I finally met up with a stylist off of Melrose, and rented a Merlin Castell dress from

La Maison De Fashion. I tried on dozens of
dresses. As soon as I put the Merlin dress on I was in love. It was everything I could possibly want. Big, statement, classy...perfection. I wore nude eyes, long false lashes, and bright red lips. I felt amazing all night and I have never received so many compliments.


My final Red Carpet outfit was a complete disaster. Well I should say the journey to finding it! I have been working with Dominque, Stylist Kendra Pinca, and Angelina (La Maison De Fashion) for months. Since every dress leading up to this was black, I wanted LOTS of color. I studied the "in" colors and decided to go for something purple. However when it was fitting day nothing fit quite right.

Here are my "No" dresses. I went to a stylist off of Melrose, La Maison De Fashion.                

 As you can see- NONE of these dresses were flattering to my body. I was SO close to getting the white Vintage Dolce and Gabbana , however there was just too much going on for my little frame.

The winner?! A gorgeous Velvet Goddess Tart dress from Neiman Marcus. It wasnt the statement I was looking to make, however you can't go wrong with quality. This is a body hugging dress that DOES work. I added a crystal piece of trim that I purchased in DT LA wholesale center, and pinned it in my hair. Also, I had the perfect peep toe pumps. Always go with peep toe. The little peep is so much classier than a closed toed pump. A pump has a casual feel. The peep toe give it an elegant touch.


I managed to pull off each of my outfits for under $100! The additional cost factors were Spray Tans (I never use beds), and minimal make up purchases. I do all my hair and make up myself. If you do not know how to do hair/make up, make sure you research DIY tutorials or keep it minimal. A lot of common mistakes with make up are girls thinking "darker" is always better. NOT THE CASE. Use colors that compliment your themed outfit. Black eyeliner is not foundation for your eyes. Unless you have dark accents in your outfit, stay away from dark make up. Always use plenty of coverage, blush, highlighter, bronze, and lashes. If you are under spotlight, these are a MUST. Contour your face, gloss your lips, and curl your lashes.


I could go on for days. I guess that's why I should update my blog more often :)


Well that is my Wrap up for Red Carpet events! Please let me know if you have any questions :)


Much Love xoxo


Kaela

News & Views: Music Monday!!

Ok so after my last blog rant, I thought I would give you a brief up to date on my latest News and Views :) October has been a crazy month! Between Finishing up "Girl's Night Out" single, recording my Christmas Album, and planning my fall shows- Blogging is quite honestly the last thing on my mind.

Dates coming up:

October 30th: Breast Cancer Awareness Show via StageIt! 

http://www.stageit.com/kaela_kinney/breast_cancer_awareness_wearpink/30086

https://www.facebook.com/events/222300867930188/228206704006271/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

November 1st: Name CHANGE!!!! As of November 1st, my Kaela Gardner stage name will no longer be! Becoming a married woman has great perks, including an amazing new Last night.

KAELA KINNEY!!!
www.facebook.com/kaelakinney
www.kaelakinney.com

November 10th: Artist in Music Awards Nomination Showcase. This year I am nominated for 2 awards, Best Country Artist, and Best Southern Rock! Make sure to vote!!
http://booroo.com/app/rendersurvey.asp?sid=07zing3x7mdvcff40270&refer=www.aimusicawards.com

November 22nd: Girl's Night Out Release!!! Live at Witzend! Partnering up with Chloe and Isabel Jewelry and Prtty Peaushun!! Come out for some goodies, music, and a drink!

http://witzend.tunestub.com/show.cfm?id=126031&cart



Looking forward to this crazy holiday season, and being SPOTLIGHT READY!!

Don't Read if you think you are "ALL THAT"

First off: Sorry I have been so absent this summer with blogging. I must admit- I admire "real" bloggers. It takes a huge commitment to be consistent. Second: man do I have a lot to share. I have been extremely busy the past couple of months, had a few bites of humble pie, and had my ass handed to me a few times. When I started this blog, I thought I would keep it light and fun. Focus on beauty, fitness, blah blah blah. However, after realizing that being in the spotlight is WAY more than blah blah blah... I knew I needed to make a "REAL" post. For those of you wanting to have a career in the "Spotlight", whether you want to have a huge following on a youtube channel, be a movie star, singer, model, designer...there are tons of emotional and mental preparations you need to do. If you think you are "ALL THAT" stop reading now.

Everything that I am about to talk about- I've struggled with, made the mistake, and still learning "not to do". I cannot tell you how many times I've had to give myself a pep talk to "buck up" and deal with the industry. The industry full of rejection, failure, negative media, and to be frank BEING BROKE! If you haven't made it and your name is not out there, you are a struggling artist.  Nobody is fooled.  Those who have made it, know exactly what your credentials make. Why? They have been there. My lesson? Don't pretend to be above your pay grade. It will only lead to closed doors.

Money is the number one factor in everything. If you don't understand that is the main force of motivation for every spotlight industry- then you are mistaken. Venues will not book you if you cannot get people through the door. Managers will not work with you if you do not have a career to manage. Labels with not sign you if you do not have fans to follow. Radios will not play your music if you do not have people that give a flying fudge about you.

VENUES: Last year I was trying to book shows through Reverbnation. On their Gig-Finder page, you can find venues in whatever area you are looking to play. You have to fill out this information and on the bottom it ask what your expected draw is. Most starting out artist can draw maybe 10 people out. If its 1 show in every blue moon, maybe you can get 25. However, lets be honest your family and 5 close friends cannot come out to EVERY showcase you do. I've been playing out for a few years now and I can normally get around 30 regulars to come. This is still a small following. However I was tired of getting "no" or no response at all. So I decided to fib a bit on my expected draw. I was putting in numbers from 50-200. I couldn't believe the responses I was getting.  I was finding it hard to get turned down from venues. Freaking out- I knew I could not get 200 people to come out to a show. I turned down a few shows, and marketed the hell out of the others. Also- I learned that I wasn't ready for these venues. I felt like an idiot when I told them I could bring 75 people, and 20 showed up. Guess what? They didn't invite me back for a long time. In the long run- some of those shows actually hurt me.  I learned one thing. If you are not going to blow people away with the experience of booking you- don't do it. Make every show you do awesome. Its not worth the money you spent on rehearsal, clothes, food, or gas.

MANAGERS: I've had managers on and off through out the past 5 years. Honestly? This was extremely pre-mature. Lets face it, if you are not living a financially independent career, there is nothing to manage. I used to think "if I can just get a manager to help me schedule meetings, find booking agents, and endorsements- I will be set". Honestly it is pointless. I met with 3 large management companies and I've never felt so stupid in my life. Did they love my music? Of Course! Did they think I had "the package" absolutely! Was my "package" going to make them a lot of money off the bat? Nope! I wanted to find my Jerry Maguire. However- he is fiction and does not exist. When you are so overly booked and making enough money to pay someone a percent, THEN YOU NEED A MANAGER. Until then- buy a whiteboard, get organized, and stop trying to convince people you will make them rich someday.

LABELS: I met with a huge label in Nashville last summer. I was really excited and nervous. I was feeling entitled one day and looked up the VP of this particular label on linkedin and decided to reach out. He agreed to meet with me the following month. I thought for sure he was going to love me. I had the right outfit, press kit, great songs...I WAS READY! Right?! The first thing he asked me was- how many twitter followers do you have? Do you have a youtube following? He then continued to listen to my songs, and went on about how great they were. He even complimented me on having the confidence to reach out on my own and ask for a meeting. However his final words were, "I'd be glad to help, but just keep building your fan base and follow up in the future". I went to 4 other meetings that exact day and basically heard the same thing. I don't think I've ever cried myself to sleep so hard. Bottom line- they want to make money off of you. No matter how talented you are- you need people that will buy your brand, if you want labels to make your brand.

Check yourself:

1. You are not as original as you think you are. Sorry to burst your bubbles, but everything has been done before in some way. When someone ask what your music sounds like, be honest. Every successful band I've ever talked to can explain their music in 1 sentence. If you don't know how to describe your music- neither will the rest of the world.

2. Keep it Classy. Using profanity and being vulgar is not cool. I don't care how much you think you are "expressing" yourself. Please watch your mouth and keep your clothes on.  Females: Know the difference between sexy and slutty. Males: Know the difference between slang and stupidity.

Getting naked does not mean you are original- it means you have no cards left...or clothes.

3. Learn to be a fan. I know a few people who claim to "not get phased by celebrities". Why not? They are successful and deserve to be "phased" by. No you don't need to worship them, or smother them, but understand you are not in the same ball park.

Also be a fan of other emerging artist.

   Last week on reverbnation (which is a site that really doesnt matter after your career is through the roof, but I still love it ) I had a guy fan my page and leave a message saying he loved my music. I always try to respond to messages, so I wrote a short note thanking him. The next day I woke up to 2 extremely negative messages from him. 1. Saying that if I didnt fan him back immediately- he was going to unlike me, and unfollow.  2. He was claiming that I was a brat for not liking his page back, and I spread bad vibes. Um seriously? I will relay the message to Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, because I'm pretty sure they do not follow me on twitter, and I follow them. They must be brats! Come on dude! Yes lets support each other, but don't freak out because someone didn't fan you back. Honestly- I didn't even check out your page yet. I barely had a chance to walk my dogs and have a cup of coffee. So lets not harass people to "like" your page. My advise to myself? Don't let ridiculous people offend you.

    I once met a guy who is trying to really launch his music career (lets call him Max) . He is super talented. However we were at a gig once, and their was a REALLY successful local guy closing the show (lets call him Joe) . Joe was kind enough to let Max play a few songs before his set began. Max left immediately after his set, and did not even mutter a thank you to Joe. Needless to say- Joe never gave Max a helping hand again. Honestly, neither did Joe's fans. The only people who really know what you are going through, are other artist.  Be their fans, and grow that network. If you think you are the only unsigned talent that needs to be heard- then you can have a sell out show at Douche-ville.

4. My last point. BE GRATEFUL!! Be grateful to everyone and anyone that comes along in your career. It seems like it is such a simple thing- however it is probably the most forgotten. If someone is willing to help you- take the help, take the advice. If someone is wanting to support your career, show gratitude. Without people behind you- there is no Brand of "You". Without fans to support you- there is no Career to "Support". You need people. They do not need you. Never turn away someone who believes in you. Even if it is just some lady/guy who wants to take the time to tell you they enjoyed your coffee shop performance. Be approachable, and be grateful.


You can take everything I said and toss it if you want- or you can "buck up". But who am I to tell you what to do? I will try to blog more consistently, but its just not a strength of mine. So hopefully you will check back in on the next time I do post.

Until then- wash your face and take a bite of humble pie. We are all in this together :)


Much Love,


Kaela


www.facebook.com/kaelagardner

The moods of shoes!

I am a firm believer that shoes set the tone of your outfit. Quite honestly...it goes further than that for me. My shoes set the overall attitude that I have for the day. Shoes are like mood rings.... You can wear jeans and a fitted tee- add a pair of flip flops and go to the grocery store. Add a pair of boots- its a casual dinner. Add a pair of stilettos and you are rocking the town effortlessly. Your shoes are the light of your attitude: where do you shine?

Tennis shoes= I strive to be active and productive, being productive is more important than getting ready.

Meh...Flip flops= I really don't care today- I'm laid back and this is the best it gets today.

Designer Flip Flops= I am casually stylish. Wanting to look good but not trying too hard.

Wedges= I'm feeling casually flirty today :) Today is a "cute" day.

Uggs= Don't mess with me today. Comfort is key and I have enough problems, my feet won't be one of them.

Sperrys (or cute flats/tennis)= I am casually rocking the latest footwear. Productive, fashionable, and responsible.

Pumps= I'm a classy bitch (Check out the pink pumps from Hey Gorgeous Boutique!)

http://heygorgeousboutique.com/

Stilettos = I'm workin it and feeling sexy

Flat Boots= I'm trendy, comfortable, and warm

Cowgirl Boots= I'm sassy, ready to work, & ready to have fun!






Now there are hundreds or different shoes out there, however these are the styles that I incorporate into my everyday life. Today for instance- I've had my tennis shoes on since I got up this morning- they will probably stay on my feet until I shower and go to my first appointment. They set my productive tone for the day. I always workout in the morning, so these are my calorie burning shoes. I feel fierce!

Usually I am in boots or flipflops... I have a hard time spending money on designer sandals. Unless I find them at one of my favorite TJ MAXX or Nordstrom Rack (they have the best shoe sales!) .

My advice... Don't let shoes ruin your outfit, let them direct it. I would much rather see a girl rockin a hot dress with cute sandals (that match) then a hot dress with clunky heels that clash. Don't ever assume dressy goes with dressy. Or casual goes with casual. Mix it up and go for your mood. Your confidence outshines anything you will ever put on. So start with your feet and work your way up!

What is your mood for the day? What are your spotlight shoes?

Paint your face on ....

Hello!! So the past two weeks have been super fun and exciting for me. I've manage to land 2 soundtrack cuts. One for a movie that is still shooting, and another for a Trailer on a HBO series show. Since I've pretty much been behind the scenes- I haven't really made too much time for beauty maintenance.. Honestly if you could see how bad my nails are, you would probably feel sorry for me.  Or my split ends, yea they could use some TLC.

Anyways.... I am excited to talk about Make-up today! I absolutely LOVE make-up. I always have. I used to play dress up ALL THE TIME growing up and sneak into my moms Mary Kay. Speaking of Mary Kay, I have used it all my life. Since my mom sold it- I guess I was biased  at thinking it was the only "good" make-up out there. However, after living on my own and buying my own make-up, I've discovered my personal favorites.

Lets start with the face- I love Smashbox Primer. It always keeps my foundation flawless.

For concealer- I havent found one that I am absolutely in love with yet. I used Mary-Kays for a while- however it always gets super cake like on me. I DO like Cover Girl


Foundation- this is a process to find the perfect one. My Aunt Bobbie (Bobbie Bresee) gave me a foundation once that she purchased in the wrong shade. It was Chanel Vitalumiere. That was about six months ago and I've been in love ever since. I've never had such flawless skin since using Chanel. However- spending $50+ on foundation is not ideal for every budget. However it feels like your face is at a spa when you wear this.



On any given day- these are my 3 must haves. I usually have eye-lash extensions, so I don't normally wear mascara. This is my writing, mall trip, grocery store, everyday application process. I will get into eyes and cheeks later. However I just wanted to share the basics today. I wish I was more crafty when it comes to describing make-up. However I guess thats why I'm just a singer/songwriter (not a cool DIY youtube make up girl).

- On Right: thats me with Aunt Bobbie at my Bachelorette Party. I just have Mascara and foundation on here :)



Much Love!

Kaela

Smile!

Ok- so I am still getting used to this whole blogging thing. I have been in Nashville the past couple weeks, then had a slow start last week playing catch up with work. But here it is ;) A post about smiles!

I am completely obsessed with this Jessica Biel pic of her teeth! Oh I wish!!

I am extremely excited to post about teeth. Although I am horrible at keeping up with my regular cleanings- I am obsessed with brushing my teeth. If you ask anyone who regularly rides in a car with me- they can vouch that I brush my teeth, every time I'm in my car. I had a girlfriend that told me- she went on a date once and his teeth were so yellow that she didn't go on a second date. In fact, she told him he needs to whiten his teeth. Hey, I bet he went out and whitened them the next day ;)

I did however go on a date with a guy that had terrible breath. He was such a sweet guy and I was really looking forward to the date. But the whole car ride I was dying to roll a window down! I remember being excited that we were going to dinner because something would mask the smell! However we went to a movie after and the terrible staunch came back. No I didn't offer him a tick tack, but we never made it to our second date.

My bad indulges- I have coffee or wine everyday- sometimes both :) Yes- its not the best for your teeth, but I have mastered a routine for after stained beverage intake. I brush my teeth with baking soda. Just baking soda. This is probably one of my favorite ways to brush my teeth. I can eat/drink food after and not have a weird taste, and I LOVE the feeling it leaves after I brush. I know you are supposed to floss as well- but I am horrible at remembering to floss.

As a singer- I normally gargle Hydrogen Peroxide at night- to kill any bacteria build up. I also use this as a bleacher. Hydrogen Peroxide is one of the leading ingredients in all teeth whitening kits. I usually dilute 50/50 peroxide and water. My smile is no where near where I would like it to be. I have NEVER had my teeth professionally bleached. But my at-home methods have done the trick so far.

Now for a rant. I had braces over 10 yrs ago. However, I have proudly worn my retainers ever since. No- they were not the head set retainers that Katy Perry likes to Rock out ;)

My teeth have stayed near perfect. Until...... Last October, I was in Nashville for a work trip. I left my retainers in a cup on my night stand (like I always do whenever I travel). When the maid tossed the room- she tossed my retainers as well. I realized immediately when I returned to the room that evening. I informed the front desk and they escorted me into a small office in the back. (it was so official). Embarrassed but aggravated, I explained the situation to the hotel manager and he transferred the information to hotel security. They assured me that they would replace them full-cost. However I never heard back from them. I sent several claims and still have yet to hear from them. Because my molds were so old- I was informed that I would have to get invisalign. Not really wanting to shell out the $5k- my teeth have officially reverted to their bucked front position. Its not terrible yet- however I know getting invisalign is a guarantee in the next year or so.

Or I could just skip the entire process and go the Emily Maynard route with porcelain veneers! She is gorgeous- work and all!

The Skin You're In..

You're skin....it can make or break your entire look. Whether you are sunburnt, too pasty pale, too tan, to broke out, or flawless- it reflects your personal care of your body. What you eat, how you work out, and personal hygiene all play key factors in the condition of your skin.


LETS BE HONEST- I am addicted to picking my face. If I see a blemish, I HAVE to get it. I've been like this since I was a little girl. Even if it is the tiniest little blackhead in the smallest pore- I obsess over getting it out. For what? So I can make my face red and swollen, only to irritate it and turn a microscope blemish into a raging zit? Yea- pretty much thats how it happens. Bottom line- leave your face alone and leave it to the professionals. I've learned the hard way. I have these semi-pitted scares on my face from years of picking. Fortunately, I have had some pretty deep facials that helped to reduce the discoloring. Eventually I would like to do a laser peel to help resurface my overall complexion, however I will cross that bridge when I get there.

How can we fix these problems???!!!

#1 Hydration (in my opinion) is the most important factor. If I am drinking a lot of water- my skin is overall in better condition, and breakouts are few and far between. If I am using a moisturizer, my skin usually has a softer feel. I know you are probably thinking, "seriously, this is the best she's got? water?"
Honestly, Yes!! I really feel that drinking water is the most obvious choice, yet people would rather spend hundreds of dollars on acne medicine before they force themselves to drink 6 bottles of water a day.

When I first moved to California in 2007, I had this close friend, (lets call her....Tasha). Tasha had a horrible problem with acne. Huge, red inflamed monstrous blemishes covering her chin and cheeks. She tried proactive, dermatologist visits, sun, even accutane. Tasha did workout a lot, and fitness was important to her (which helps). However her diet was horrible! She would drink pop everyday, several times. Tasha usually had a bag of chips on the side of her meal (instead of veggies), and she was an avid weekend drinker. Her lifestyle is quite normal to the average 19yr old (eat what you want, as long as you work out). However, the amount of processed foods, and sugar going into her body (with little water intake) was definitely showing up on her skin. My parents never really spent money on sugary juices, pop, or other beverages. We had either water or milk, and OJ in the morning growing up. So I guess I was just programmed to "drink water drink water drink water". Anyways (sorry I get off topic), While venting about her skin, I told Tasha to stop drinking so much pop and she's needs more water (it was actually a joke, because i said it so often). She would not make it a priority. So she kept the ongoing battle of dermatologist visits and harsh medicines to try and fix her skin. Now I know, not all acne can be fixed with water- it is a real problem. But, how many times do you take your diet into perspective when trying to fix your skin?

#2  Exfoliate!!!! Probably one of my favorite things to do in the shower. (Hey, I'm married- I didn't say it was my MOST favorite thing to do in the shower :) . I love using a great salt scrub on my skin. There are some great Epsom soaks that not only exfoliate, but also detox! I recommend Dr. Teals Epsom Soak.
The soft, silky sheen it leaves just screams clean! As for my face? I use MaryKay Microdermabrasion set once a week. For me, this has helped scaring and breakouts a ton!!! I love most MaryKay skincare line. I grew up using MaryKay (my mom sold it) so maybe I am biased towards their products. However, after High School- I did try over the counter products from drug stores and nothing seemed to work quite as well. So I started selling MaryKay on the side as well (it was really the only way I could afford it! ) .

I LOVE Bath and Body works Mango Scrub. No its not the most amazing product- but it works really great and super affordable. You have to exfoliate routinely. Like weekly, or every two days. Also wash your face every night and morning. I know it is so common for girls to pull a late night and fall asleep half sober with thick makeup caked on from a night out. Again- lets be honest, that makeup goes into your creases and doesn't sit to well in post 25yr wrinkles. 

Anyways- this is just my take on glowing skin and keeping the pimples away ;) Please let comments for your favorite products!!!

Ok, enough rambling for a week!

H20 H20 H20 H20 H20 H20 H20 H20 H20 H20 H20 H20 Spotlight Ready!!!



Much Love!!


Kaela :)