Wendy Brandes Jewelry Blog

Never Is the Next New Thing

Making Up in L.A.

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Stephanie Daniel, the hair/makeup artist who did my Oscar-night look, was wearing kickass boots that evening. I had to take a picture.

I didn’t get a good picture of the rest of her, which is unfortunate because she’s very beautiful.

I’ve worked with Stephanie many times. One thing I enjoy about her, in addition to her beauty and delightful personality, is her willingness to inflict a tiny bit of pain while attaching a faux-ny tail. I’ve had many different stylists do a faux-ny tail for me and you can take my word for it: the very best special-occasion faux-ny tails make you feel like your hair is being pulled out by the roots and that bobby pins have penetrated your brain. But don’t worry. That feeling only lasts for 30 minutes or until your whole head goes numb, whichever comes first. I kid! Sort of. Anyway, after that kind of styling, you won’t be tempted to pat your faux-ny tail all night to make sure it’s still on. You definitely won’t dance it off. Hair security can make the difference between a good night and a great night. Trust. But please note that this styling recommendation is just for special occasion faux-ny tails — something you might do two or three times a year. No pain, no gain does not apply to everyday hairdos, unless you want to wind up with permanent hair loss from traction alopecia, which means your hairline will look like Stevie Wonder’s.

Stevie Wonder
Photo source

Stephanie had left her old agency since I last saw her in 2007, so I wasn’t sure I’d find her again, but the interwebs came through for me. Oddly, at the same time I was searching for her, she was finding my blog by searching for “vintage band jackets.”

Before Stephanie left that night, I made sure I got her contact information so I don’t risk losing her again. If you need hair and makeup done in L.A. — whether it’s for a special occasion, an editorial shoot, a commercial, or anything else — I highly recommend Stephanie (she won’t hurt you unless you want her to, honest). If you’re really nice to her, maybe she’ll tell you the story about the client who gave her trick gum that tasted like fish. I nearly laughed my faux eyelashes off when she told me that one. But I didn’t, because she stuck ’em on good!

UPDATED TO ADD: See Princess Poochie wearing the same boots here. She also described them as kickass! Personally, I prefer a heel so I find this version tempting:

Available at Saks

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Comments

  2. I thought they were Ann D but I didn’t ask that night because I had a few other things on my mind, like my hair!

  8. (she won’t hurt you unless you want her to, honest) – bahahahahaha!

    Those shoes are gorgeous, but how long do they take to get on and off??

  15. Sometimes pain is good. We have to accept it.

    And very kick ass – almost scary – reminds me of Blade Runner boots.

  16. I just saw your dress & makeup for the party in the last post – you look unbelievably amazing!! The color is so gorgeous, the back of the dress breathless!

    bisous,
    La C.

  17. To answer how the boots get on/off – there is a zipper on the inside of your leg, so they are actually really easy. And very comfortable!

    Luv
    Poochie

  18. Now I want to go to a special event just so I can get Stephanie to come over. Whereupon I will have her do may hair and slap, then I will slap her silly and abscond with her boots!

  22. Do indeed like those triple-lace Ann Ds. I have a single-lace pair I got in Iceland, which I rarely wear b/c they’re too hot and I am known to swoon when overheated!

  23. Her boots are awesome. I personally also only like to work with people who physically abuse me as well.

  27. Awesome boots.

    P.S. If I ever trade in real ponytails for faux-ny tails, I’ll know what to look for in a good one thanks to you!