Represented: Backstage at the Crystal Agency for Makeup Hair and Fashion Styling

Onward and Upwards - Chelsea - My Intern No Longer

Whenever I keep an intern around longer than a couple of weeks, you can bet that they are doing a great job, and I like them a lot. I have been known to send them packing, and/or give them realistic reviews on their performance, which these days seems so foreign to many young people who tend to think that everyone gets a BLUE ribbon just for showing up. NOT!
    But Chelsea gets all top marks from me. From the very first day she arrived, she made a contribution.
    I always look for something important for my intern to do. Grunt work is not what interns do here at Crystal Agency. To me, that's a perfectly good waste of a brain.
    My very first intern was an amazingly bright young woman named Cara. Loved her. Still do. She went on to work in the public relations department at Frederick Fekkai in New York City.
    When Cara arrived in the summer before her senior year at the University of Arizona we were in desperate need of a website for Set The Pace Publishing Group. I gave her a budget and the job of building one. She did it. This internship was quite a bit different from the filing she was saddled with at a major magazine publisher the summer before.
    One of my other interns, Lauren Tanaka is working in New York right now, and Melinda Tarbell, my former intern in 2006 is now a top fashion stylist. I gave her, her first styling job, and many more after that. Another intern, a Washingtonian like me, worried me for a second, but pulled it out in the end, and now works for BCBG.
    D'Ixara came in from Riverside 2 days a week. With very scattered thoughts and direction from me she designed (Download tca_blog_dixarablog_001.pdf), picked out the online software for, and started the blog you are reading right now.
    And then there was Chelsea. She walked into my office, and a blog in transition. But when I suggested that she take it over as her project during her internship, her face lit up, she mentioned something about how it had been a
topic or assignment in school at FIDM in Los Angeles, and she just went for it.
    Not only is the blog now fabulous, but she has totally organized the way it's done, and gotten the artists on board for making their own contributions.
    I sent her out with her camera to take back stage photos, and her imaginary microphone to get quotes from them while they were working on shoots so she could get to know them. It worked beautifully, and before you knew it, they were all inviting her to assist them.
    She's heading to Manhattan this summer for her 2nd internship with a top New York fashion designer . A few thousand miles away, but not to far that I can't keep a watchful eye out for her. I've already enlisted one of my former interns, and a few of my favorite makeup artists and future film-makers to help her find an apartment.
    Good Luck Chelsea. You will be sorely missed. But I'm only a phone call away, and available 24/7 for you. Thanks for making a difference.

    Sincerely,

    Crystal

My time is up...

Well it’s time for me to say my goodbyes as the Crystal Agency Intern. My time is up, and I’m feeling very bittersweet. Four months ago, I could have never imagined what my experience at the Crystal Agency would have in store for me. I have learned so much through this internship. Crystal and all the stylists I got to work with provided me with invaluable information about a career path as a stylist, and life in general.

My Wednesday’s and Thursday’s feel so empty, since I am not at the agency. There was never a dull moment and I had so many great experiences. I learned how to create my own blog, I had the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes at photo shoots, I was fortunate enough to attend one of Crystal’s Building Your Portfolio Workshops, and I even worked my first paid job as a stylist's assistant. However, most importantly I created great relationships with the people around me.

I cannot even express how thankful I am that I had the chance to work with Crystal Wright. She’s an unbelievable entrepreneur, agent, teacher, listener, public speaker, mentor, and friend. Although, it’s sad to say goodbye, I know it’s only the beginning of more great opportunities to come.

Thank you so much Crystal Agency!

Crystal Wright and The Makeup Show on the Same Weekend in New York City - May 18 & 19, 2008

––Coincidentally, Crystal Wright will be in New York on Sunday, May 18, 2008 teaching portfolio building and marketing at the same time as The Makeup Show NYC. A few spots are left, so call and you can join her at Rouge Makeup Studio in Manhattan from 8:30AM to 5:30PM. Don't miss Crystal, or the All Pro "Makeup Show NYC".
    To register for Crystal's portfolio building workshop for Makeup, Hair, Fashion Stylists and Manicurists call (323) 913-0500 or click HERE. To purchase tickets for The Makeup show NYC call (212) 242-1213 or visit The Makeup Show.

Click this link >> Download pyp_workshop_flyer_2008.pdf and download our brochure.

Coming in July 2008, my 1-Day workshop on Video and Audio CD's for your car.

Don't miss Powder Group's The American Beauty Tour this summer featuring Sharon Gault, James Vincent and Orlando Santiago presenting Airbrush Nation.

Expanding the Exposure and Reach of Jenesse Center

On Monday, April 28, 2008 the 3-day Silver Rose Weekend event to benefit Jenesse Center for Domestic Violence ended with the Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic. For the past few months I've been blessed to work with a group of amazing women as a member of the VIP Reception Committee which kicked off the weekend of giving on Saturday, April 26, 2008. On Sunday, those of us who play golf were given an opportunity to do so.

Pictured here are Ed, Kim, Halle Berry, Jelana and Me.

I talked about doing something for awhile, when friends who worked with Jenesse invited me to help out with an event earlier in the year. Jenesse gives me an opportunity to give something back to my community. It was founded in 1980 by five African American women who were survivors of domestic violence. Jenesse's mission is to provide victims of domestic violence with a comprehensive with a comprehensive, centralized base of support to assist them in addressing their immediate crisis and changing the patterns of their lives. For more information on how to give, become part of and/or get involved with Jenesse visit Jenesse.org.

Grecian Glamour

The whole Grecian Goddess trend continues to ambush the runways with gladiator sandals and asymmetrical dresses. So it is only obvious that our fashion stylist  Janellica Ohanian would be asked to interpret the look herself.

Janellica styled Alexie Gilmore, star of the upcoming television series “New Amsterdam”, for Statement Magazine’s March/April 2008 Grecian Glamour editorial. The dress Janellica picked out was jaw dropping. A cap sleeved asymmetrical gown, layered upon sheer, wispy fabrics—“Which was a lot heavier than it looks” she commented. Her final touches were an antique tassel necklace and a 3-stone bobble ring. Absolutely beautiful!

Check out more of Janellica’s work HERE.

Fashion Stylist Melinda Tarbell Styles Teen Heart Throb Cody Linley

Ooohhh J-14, it brings me back to the good old days of 6th grade, begging my mother to buy me the teenybopper magazine for boy crazy and celebrity obsessed young girls like myself. It was my favorite magazine, because of the celebrity posters it provided within the pages. Back then, my dream was to meet my ultimate crush: Jonathon Taylor Thomas aka “JTT”, a regular in J-14 at the time. Oh those were the days!

Funny how things work out sometimes, maybe 10 years too late, but still. Recently, Crystal sent me to shadow celebrity fashion stylist Melinda Tarbell on a J-14 photo shoot with current teen heartthrob Cody Linley. Cody plays Jake Ryan, Miley Cyrus’s love interest on the Disney Channel’s hit television show “Hannah Montana”. It was a great learning experience to see what goes on and what needs to be done when styling a celebrity. Melinda is a phenomenal stylist and I felt so lucky to be apart of her work. Thanks so much Melinda!

Oh and one last thing: J-14, I blame you for beginning my unbreakable habit of spending countless amounts of money on magazines.

My First Job as a Fashion Stylist Assistant

The typical Easter Sunday for a Michigander Catholic girl like myself is usually pretty low key. Attend 12:00 p.m. mass, get together with my family, and eat. However, being my first year away from home and living in California, I had a feeling things would be different.

Crystal gave me the opportunity to work as fashion stylist Tiffani Rae’s assistant for the Faithful Central Bible Church’s Easter Sunday Production at The Forum. It was my first paid job! I could not believe it! I had many mixed feelings of excitement and anticipation. Then the nerves kicked in when I found out Grammy award-winning singer Chaka Khan was apart of the ensemble.

It was a 2-day job, Saturday helping with the dress rehearsal and Sunday was: lights, camera, action. We were also invited to watch the Easter play, and let me tell it was like nothing I have ever seen or experienced before. The dancing, singing, acting, live animals and energy generating in The Forum literally gave me goose bumps.

However, even though I’m making it sound so fabulous and great it was hard work. Working with Tiffani was an invaluable experience. And I made mistakes, but you have to LIVE and LEARN. The best taught lessons come from the mishaps. It’s okay to hit the pavement once in a while as long as you can pick yourself back up again. Thanks Tiffani, you are the best!

SALE! SALE! SALE!

LF Warehouse Sale
     Don't Miss It!
                     

Friday 04/25, 11 am-7pm
Saturday 04/26, 7am-3pm
                
5333 McConnell Ave.
Los Angeles (Playa del Rey), CA 90066                    

CC/Cash Only
Street parking
                                                   

                   

It's here!  If you've heard me talking about this
sale, it's with much enthusiasm!  It only comes around
a few times a year, and it's pretty much the best
thing ever.  Shoes originally prices at $175 are $15,
dresses now $30 were once $150.  You won't get how
amazing it is unless you experience it for yourself.

Basically, you get a price list when you enter:  jeans
$24, shoes $15, sweaters $15, etc. but the original
prices tags are still on the items.  Prices like
$50-$200!  Just for fun I add up the original price
tags of all my purchases.  Last time it added up to
over $1800, but I only paid $280!  It's in a giant
warehouse, so even though there are a lot of people in
there, its not like Target at Christmas or anything.
Tell all your friends, because there truly is enough
for everyone.

Fashion Stylist Janellica Ohanian Transforms Kate del Castillo on the Cover of Estylo Magazine

Latino mega star Kate del Castillo recently graced the cover and pages of the Feb/March 2008 issue of Estylo Magazine. And who better to style the shoot? Well of course, none other than Crystal Agency’s fabulous celebrity fashion stylist Janellica Ohanian.

Kate is extremely famous in the world of Spanish soap operas known as, “Telenovelas”. She is currently transitioning from the Spanish movie industry into LA LA Lands infamous HOLLYWOOD with her new movie “Under the Same Moon”. Janellica summed up her vision with this statement, “Since Kate is beginning to enter the market place under the Hollywood eye, I wanted to create a sexy, but classy image, with a touch of that Hollywood glamour”.

Muy Caliente Janellica!

Former Survivor Star J.P. Calderon Lands Cover of Instinct Magazine March 2008 Fashion Issue

Crystal Agency celebrity stylist Tiffani Rae worked her magic for Instinct Magazine’s March 2008 Fashion Issue. In it, Tiffani styled J.P. Calderon, a former Survivor contestant and currently a model on “The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency” show. The magazine features Calderon on the cover along with a six-page Spring editorial.
    Peter Brown, the photographer, ended up shooting more looks than expected, because he was so pleased with Tiffani’s selections. Tiffani really liked the Idol Radec short-sleeved shirt she put on Calderon. She said, “It is the perfect men’s shirt for spring and summer, because it is sexy, sheer, and light-weight”. Be sure and grab your copy of Instinct Magazine for Tiffani’s picks of what men should be wearing this spring!

Crystal Agency's Celebrity Hair Stylist Darico Jackson Featured in Monarch Magazine Winter 2008

    We have our very own celebrity over here at the Crystal Agency: Hair Stylist Darico Jackson. Darico was recently interviewed and photographed for Monarch Magazine's Winter 2008 Issue! Grab a copy of the magazine to read Darico's interview!

It's called:DRAMATIC

This look is simple drama. Very little makeup is used to achieve maximum effect.

You Will Need:
concealer (if needed)
golden-brown brow pencil
dark brown metallic liquid eyeshadow
kohl black eye pencil
sponge-tip applicator
eyeshadow brush
eyelash curler and black  mascara
neutral-toned lip pencil
caramel brown lip gloss

Step 1:
Apply concealer only in areas where it is needed.

Step 2:
Brows are lightly filled in with golden-brown brow pencil. (This choice depends on your natural brow color)

Step 3:
Using the eyeshadow brush, lightly apply dark brown metallic liquid eyeshadow to the eyelid and under-eye area.

Step 4:
Kohl black eye pencil is applied to the inner upper and lower eyelid rims…making sure to smudge into the lash line.
When lining the inner rim of the eyes, be sure the pencil tip has been blended down a bit. Avoid a very sharp point.

Step 5:
Further smudge black eye pencil with an eyeshadow brush or sponge to diffuse and soften the edge.

Step 6:
Black mascara is applied to curled top and bottom lashes.

Step 7:
After lips are lined and filled in with a neutral lip pencil, apply a caramel-brown colored lip gloss.

Check out more of Uzmee's spectacular work HERE.

The Art of Conceptualizing by Fashion Stylist Tiffani Rae

I don’t know if I have ever tracked the processes of my artistic behaviors in word format. So when Crystal asked me to write for the Agency Blog, I found myself wondering how I may narrow down all of the ideas and inspirations that are jumbled up in my mind onto a screen. Then one night while researching trends for my new home, I realized that just as I train my assistants to follow strategic formulas for Fashion Styling, I as well follow formulas for conceptualizing trends. Whether styling a shoot or for my own home, I always start by laying out my concepts.

As an artist I am always looking for new and inventive means for design. I first begin with foundational concepts.  At present, my primary motivation is the colors of the world. I have always had a deep craving of the world. I feel as though we are extremely fortunate to live in an era that connects us to the worlds beyond our own not only through travel, but also as easily as peering into the Internet or books.

Last fall I traveled for work to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and Morocco. Both were extremely beautiful and inspiring places that I had always dreamt of traveling to. I immediately knew that I would find new concepts for design in these classic locations. San Miguel is a well-preserved Spanish Colonial city full of color. No two buildings were alike and no two structures of the similar color stood near the other. And all of this beauty rested on narrow cobble stone streets. I took a million pictures of the colors knowing that I would want to bring these colors home to me.

Morocco was very different structurally. The cities I traveled to: Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir were much more monochromatic in color than I had expected. Casablanca as may be expected is filled with mostly white buildings. Agadir, a beach city, appears to blend into the sand with its white hotels that line the shores. Marrakech, where we spent a great deal of time is known as the “Red City.”  Morocco’s exterior color pallets did not pop out at me the way that San Miguel’s did. What did catch my eye was the art. There are countless artistic trades from Morocco, but there is a specific colorful artistic movement in Moroccan art that reminds you that you are in Africa. I worked very hard in Morocco; we shot for three different resorts in five days. There wasn’t much time for tourism, but I did manage bring back a small piece of art from the Medina in Marrakech.

If you take a look at the pictures from San Miguel de Allende compared to the Moroccan piece, you will notice that although Mexico and Morocco are two very distant lands in both location and culture, the colors are in common here. This brings me full circle to my primary concept; the colors of the world. Next week I will explain how bringing in secondary and tertiary concepts will help relieve me from feeling like I’m living in a Crayon Box and more like I have come home to a Zen full place of creativity, imagination and also very importantly relaxation. CLICK HERE to view Tiffani Rae's work.

Designer Jeans for a Fraction of the Price by Fashion Stylist Hollie Williamson

    Are you considering selling blood to pay for your designer jeans addiction? FOOL! Go to Crossroads Trading Company. Crossroads sells gently used designer clothes for a fraction of retail prices. I get all my jeans from there, and cannot remember the last time I paid over $45 for a pair of designer jeans. My last little find was a pair of J & Company skinny beauts for $40. $40!! (retail over $150). I picked up a pair of Antik Denim for my boyfriend that still had the tags on them for $50.
    My favorite Los Angeles location is in West Hollywood, CA 8513 Santa Monica Blvd (323)654-0507. This location has ample parking, is off the path just enough so the merch isn't picked apart, and has the best selection I've found. So run along, save your veins, and make room in your closet. To view more of Hollie Williamson's work: CLICK HERE.

THE CALL TIME is 7AM by Crystal Wright

At least 5 days a week, and sometimes more, I get up at 7AM to do the damn thing for 12 people whose work, and art I truly believe in.

And the artists themselves? I’m crazy about them most of the time. I'm Crystal Wright and I manage 12 makeup, hair and fashion stylists. Most are based in Los Angeles. A few are scattered around New York, and in Atlanta, and I maintain non-exclusive agreements with quite a few other artists throughout the US. I’m always looking. I never want to be the last one to know about the next great thing.

We have a very diverse client base, and work on everything from celebrity editorials, to catalogues to TV commercials, film and live television events. My artists range in age from 24 to 44, and come from small towns and big cities. Somehow we all ended up here in La-la land.

I’ve been representing artists for more years than I can count, but this group is special. Not just because they are talented, but also because they have integrity, and they support and help one another over and over again keying, assisting, trusting each other, and always leading. They are each other’s sounding boards, and backups. It’s quite remarkable. 11 girls, 1 guy, and me.

Just about every day, there is a story. No 2 days are alike. Ever.

I’ll tell my side of those stories here.

Come back soon.

Crystal