Our Year In Review: Dusk & Rubies' 13 Favorite Moments Of 2013

2013 was a whirlwind for me. I felt 2013 was a learning year filled with trials and tests; it was a year where I  was yanked from my comfort zone, and then my comfort zone was demolished, blown up to be exact, and I was fed to the wolves (not to mix too many metaphors).

Although, at times, 2013 was uncomfortable it allowed me to keep moving, forced me try new things, afforded me new opportunities, pushed me to meet new and amazing people, and most importantly it helped me grow as a person. I am grateful to be moving into 2014 with a fierce courageousness, and burning fire to push myself further! 

Here are 13 of our favorite Dusk & Rubies moments from 2013:

1. We launched our new and improved blog. We added new contributors, new topics, and a new look!

2. We launched our own website, Dusk & Rubies, for your shopping convenience!

3. We met with Wendy Williams and were given insider information about her Broadway debut.

4. We covered the Pencils of Promise white party hosted by Sophia Bush. 

5. Our 2013 Fall Collection "How Country Feels" was made available to purchase in boutiques and shops like Queens City Cupcakes in Patchogue, New York.

6. We were granted insider access to QVC. 

7. We met with CEO and founder Maureen Kelly, and the team behind Tarte Cosmetics who sent us these wonderful goodies!

8. Dusk & Rubies visited Ohheychrisi for their first blogger and jewelry crafting weekend!

9. We were invited to cover the private launch party of fashion ambassador, and international model Farah Zulaikha. 

9. We created an advertising platform for small businesses called The Women Support Women Project, and worked with amazing companies, non-profits, shops, and women like Jenna Mule of Jenna Mule Photography, and Melissa Gaglio of Magic's In The Make-up.

Jenna Mule Photography

Photography: Jenna Mule Make-up: Melissa Gaglio

Photography: Jenna Mule Make-up: Melissa Gaglio

10. Dusk & Rubies was invited to the New York Times for a NY fashion blogger's meeting.

11. Dusk & Rubies was made a fashion contributor to an up and coming website called Bellas Fashionistas, which will be launching soon! 

12. Dusk & Rubies was published on websites like: Your Zen Life and Get Festy.

2013. The Dusk & Rubies blog was invited to a private shopping event with Cynthia Rowley. 

Looking back at 2013 I can really see how amazing it was. Why is it always when looking back that everything seems so great? (**New Resolution: try to enjoy the moments while in the moment.)

Here is to 2014! May there be more moments to excite us, more moments to enjoy, and more moments for us to share with all of you! Happy New Year!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies 

CONTINUE READING

The Magic's In The Make-up: Working with Melissa Gaglio

"I am a creator of alter ego's, weekend aliases,

bad girls, and good girls.

The question is...

If the magic's in the make-up, then who am I?"

-Melissa Gaglio

After having the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Melissa, a full time make-up artist, and the Owner & Founder of The Magic Is In The Make-Up, I think I have the answer to Melissa's question. I would have to say you are the all-mighty and powerful Oz!

 The Wizard of Oz...

  ...and all things MAC!

This past Monday Melissa, Jenna (a super talented photography) and I came together for one amazing shoot! I was lucky enough to have my face transformed by Melissa who made me look like the offspring of Lady Gaga on her Applause album cover and a Jackson Pollock... if they were to have mated...and ya know...produced more iconic art.  During our collaboration I was able to sit down and ask Melissa a few questions about her style, her love of all things make-up, and which products she suggests.



Danielle: So let's talk your own style, because you have an awesome look. What inspires you?

Melissa: Thank you! Old Hollywood glamour. I am in love with Lucille Ball, her look is probably my number one inspiration. More modern takes on her look that also inspire me are like Gwen Stephani, and Christina Hendricks from Madmen.

Danielle: I never thought about the connection between Gwen Stephani's look and Lucille Ball but I can completely see that. Speaking of looks, what is your favorite look that you have either experimented with or created for someone else?

Melissa: Usually when I get the chance to do some out of the box work, like we're doing right now; that's what I really like. I really like doing zipper eyes, Halloween gore make-up; the non-traditional stuff. I can appreciate good gore make-up...my boyfriend and I (smiles) were watching an episode of Dexter, and a girl was killed in a bathtub and I turned to him and was like, "that gore make up is terrible!" (laughing)  He was like, "It looks pretty good to me."

Danielle: (laughing) Not something someone, other than a make-up artist, would pick up. It is awesome though, you have an entirely different perspective then my own when watching a show. You're looking purely at the magic of the make-up.

Danielle: People, women in general, always want to know which products are the best, and obviously everyone will have a different opinion, but today you used a plethora of make-up on me, probably more make-up was put on my face than I have ever had in my entire life, and yet it feels like there is nothing there. My skin feels like it can breathe! Which products do you recommend, and which products can you not live without?

Melissa: Of course Mac, Hourglass is great if you're looking for an all-natural alternative, or you have sensitive skin. Mehron. I cannot live without my Inglot gel liner, and Hourglass icon lip stain!

Danielle: What about favorite make-up artists? You have to have a few you aspire to, are inspired by...

Melissa: Yes, I love Joyce Bonelli who does Kim Kardashian, and Nikki Minaj. And, Max Factor because he is just a pioneer.

Photo taken by: Ashley Victoria Makeup: Melissa Gaglio Magics In The Make-up

I loved having my make-up done by Melissa, not only is she personable, and full of energy but also meditative, capable, and precise all without losing her spur of the moment artistic edge. A true enigma, like most amazing artists. While sitting and having my alias for the photo shoot put on I kept thinking:

This must be what the stars, and celebrities feel like when they are getting ready for there red carpets, and photo ops.

CONTINUE READING