GIVE YOUR JEWELRY A MAKEOVER

Lori Epner had an issue with buying jewelry--it was just all too expensive. So, she decided to start making her own.

“I thought, ‘I can make that’ and I did,” she said. “And I got such a positive response.”
That led her to making more, and a friend offering to carry some of her jewelry in a local boutique she ran. Her goal was to make jewelry that was glam with an edge--each piece one of a kind and handmade by Epner hereself.

“Things were great,” Epner said. “I couldn’t make the pieces fast enough.”

Her first collection, called “Cleeo,” debuted in December of 2008. It was inspired by “many aspects of my life: fashion, photography, my family and friends, a love of vintage and classic glamour, an obsession for jewelry and all things sparkling,” Epner said.

That collection was a bit of a throwback to Old Hollywood with vintage stones like rhinestones standing out along sterling silver, oxidized or other metal chains. Those pieces mixed feminine and tough, and quickly sold out, garnering plenty of press for Epner and instant fans.

The name was no coincidence either. “C” was for her great aunt Cece, a big influence in her life who also happened to have a great collection of coats, hats and jewelry. “LEE” are Epner’s initials. “O” is that first response a woman makes when she sees something she loves or must have, Epner said.

Just as Epner was successfully selling her pieces in her friend's boutique, the store shut its doors. Epner resorted to beginning a website where she could sell her jewelry at CleeoColletion.com.

Following “Cleeo,” Epner debuted the “Knaughty” collection this past summer, a set of knotted, woven-looking bracelets with rhinestones, stones and other charms or beads. Many of the bracelets in the collection have been inspired by friends. There’s Knaughty-Michelle and Knaughty-Lindsay, each featuring a different stone or charm mixed with edgy, tough chains. All of the jewelry sells for under $50, something Epner was very conscious of.

“I wanted to offer something that was more price-conscious, something under $50 so that people could get multiple bracelets without breaking the bank,” she said.

While sticking to the vintage glam, Epner's stretched her wings a little by creating pieces for new moms with monogrammed-initial charms of their child’s name. She also makes other custom jewelry for her customers. “Moms love it”, she said. “It’s such a cute thing to give to a new mom.”

A third line is set to debut around the holidays. It will keep with Epner’s style, but has a big retro-glam feel with dark, rich colors like burgundy, gold and black. She's still thinking of what to name the collection.

Epner's passion runs in the family, as her parents made jewelry in the 1970s, though their pieces – which were more bohemian with bone, shells and feathers – were a big contrast from Epner’s. “I like to play with textures and tones, dark and light, smooth and rough,” she said.

“It can take hours or days to make one of her pieces,” said Epner, who also handles public relations and marketing for several Orange County companies, including Analog, Gravis Footwear and Split.

It’s this work and her graphic design past that has helped her find her eye for fashion and accessories. She previously held stints at Quiksilver, Split and SG: Surf/Skate/Snow Girl Magazine. While at SG magazine, she really learned about styling and photo shoots. “It honed my eye for putting things together,” Epner said.

While she makes jewelry, Epner's still always combing through flea markets, vintage stores and elsewhere for old, big stones that give off a super glam feel. “I’ve always been obsessed with accessories, jewelry, belts,” Epner said. “And I’m always partial to vintage, even as a young girl playing dress-up in my great aunt’s hat collection.”

Starting the jewelry line filled a void she was feeling. “I found myself in a bit of a rut, feeling lackluster, like there was no creativity in my life,” she said. “I’ve always admired different types of jewelry, and I’ve always loved vintage pieces. I loved looking through my grandma’s old jewelry box.”

Epner finds inspiration just about everywhere, including living in California (she hails from Florida). She’s also tapped books on vintage jewelry and old movies as muses.

“I like to make stuff that I’d want to buy,” she said. “Or stuff I am looking for – the perfect necklace to wear with a T-shirt or cocktail dress. Or an armload of bracelets you can wear to the beach or out on a date.”

For now, all jewelry is sold via her website, but don't be surprised if you see her taking over the boutiques again with her merchandise.

For more info, visit www.cleeocollection.com.

Eat Your Heart Out with Our "Scary Movie Menu"

My Soul to Take – In theaters October 8


“My Soul to Take” is your typical serial killer movie, but director Wes Craven always finds a way to bring on the twists and surprises with something terrifying and fresh. The film is a story about teenagers running away from a serial killer who died the day they all were born.   We then find out one of the teenagers has been possessed by the serial killer--sorry for ruining the twist. This is the perfect film to watch with your friends and enjoy freaking each other out for the rest of the night.


Jackass 3D – In theaters October 15


There are two reasons why “Jackass 3D” is a must on our "Scary Movie Menu." First, you just have to love that title and second, there truly is nothing scarier than getting an unexpected shot to the groin, which is "Jackass" 101. What makes “Jackass” a scary movie is that you know that all your friends will be trying to mimic the pranks which will inevitably lead to getting a fistful of flour thrown at your face. You'll also be on pins and needles once you're in the hospital waiting room seeing if you're friend is OK after jumping off the roof in a shopping cart. It's also in 3D (brownie points in our book), which means you have to pull out a few extra bucks to feel like Steve-O is really vomiting on you.


Paranormal Activity 2 – In theaters October 22


There hasn't been a movie to make grown men so scared to sleep in the dark as this film. In Texas, the trailer was deemed so frightening that it was banned in theaters. Usually Texas trailers are banned because a tornado is on its way. “Paranormal Activity” swept the nation in 2009 when the audiences demanded it be shown in theaters, and the buzz surrounding the sequel is growing at a rapid pace. It was so terrifying that it took a while for people to finally believe it was scripted with paid actors--the last time that happened was a decade ago with "The Blair Witch Project."


Saw 3D – In theaters October 29


"Saw" doesn't seem to stop pushing the limits with their sequels as it's become a Halloween tradition for a new “Saw” movie to come out. This year it’s all about the 3D and “Saw” is right there to present its latest installment in all its 3D gore. Most of us have lost track with where the story is and whether Jigsaw is dead or not, so there is really no point in trying to recap the entire story. Just know that every "Saw" sticks to a proven formula—life and death scenarios for victims who happen to be connected in some weird way. Who would have thought that fudging the numbers on someone’s tax account would lead to having your hand stuck into a box full of dirty needles? Seems a bit dramatic, but Jigsaw sees the world differently. This is truly a perfect, pre-Halloween partying date movie.


Scream 1-3 


There's nothing like seeing a bunch of celebrity superstars getting killed from a guy in a cheesy mask you can buy at Wal-Mart around Halloween time. The trilogy of "Scream" movies was the standard in slasher films in the 90s. Besides the fact that you should receive your dose of terror from these films, it does not have to do with the movies themselves. The real reason is that there is a no addition on the way. “Scream 4" is out sometime in Spring 2011, so there is no better time to get re-acquainted with Neve Cambell’s awful acting and David Arquette and Courtney Cox’s no-chemistry marriage. You'll never want to answer the phone again.


It


Possibly the epic movie to make everyone afraid of clowns--and also never be able to walk by a sewer drain, again. This Halloween it’s time to face the music and be reminded of just how strong our fear of clowns really is. Go to your local video store, if it hasn’t already been ravaged in our post-Netflix world, and pick up a copy of “It.” A quick synopsis is that it’s a Stephen King film about a serial killer clown. Enough said.


Tremors 


“Tremors” was like a movie dedicated to the childhood activity “the ground is lava” game that we all played in our living rooms. In Los Angeles, tremors is what we all experience every few months, but in a rural Nevada town, the tremors are alien worms, Graboids, who prey on victims sensing every step they take and every move they make (was Sting a Graboid?). It sounds cheesy, and yes, it is, but this one has made it into the classic scary movie category and stood the test of time. It's the best of the best because it doesn't rely on scaring you in the dark because most of the film occurs in broad daylight. So tread lightly as you watch the scariest subterranean movie that you won't be able to run from when the sun comes out.


Candyman


We’ve all tried it. Saying “Candyman” in the mirror five times and then running into our room and screaming out of fear. We've laughed about it with friends, but when the lights go out our heartbeat becomes the loudest thing we hear. This movie explores our beliefs in urban legends and it tests just how far we'll go to see if the legend is real. “Candyman” is one of those films that was made for Halloween—creepy killer, death by hook, and of course, juicy ending. After watching it, the next time you call for your wife while shaving, you’ll quickly stop after the fourth time.

BEAUTY 101: THE LATEST ON LOOKING YOUNGER

Forget botox, there are better ways to look younger with the latest developments in skin and beauty care! There are huge leaps in the skin care industry to help you look your best without going under the knife (or needle!). Take a peek at the latest out there to make you feel better when you wake up and look even younger than yesterday.


DERMAL FILLERS

No need to have saggy skin like your hound dog. You can take away skin that's headed down south with dermal fillers. They remove the usual laugh lines or parentheses around the nose and mouth area, aka the nasal labial folds.


There are a number of hot products on the market for this including Juvederm XC, Radiesse Wrinkle Filler, Restylane and Sculptra Aesthetic. Each product has been FDA-approved and is indicated for specific areas of the face. However, experienced physicians and nurses use their expertise to determine which products are the best fit for each patient.


According to Dr. James Kojian, member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and physician at Executive Fitness & Med Spa, Inc., the fastest growing trend in skincare is the non-surgical face lift. “With one or two syringes of advanced dermal fillers, we can perform non-surgical mid-face volumization. We can give patients cheek bones, fill nasal labial folds and fill under-eye troughs.”


“Dermal fillers restore lost volume, which results in pulling the skin back while diminishing lines and wrinkles. Your face looks rejuvenated and more youthful,” said Dr. Kojian.


THE GOOD: These products are suitable for people who are not quite in need of a face lift, but want to restore volume. Some fillers even increase your body’s natural collagen production. Most results are instant and last nine months to two years.

THE BAD & THE UGLY: Predictable expectations include bruising and swelling which subsides in 5-14 days--you'll have to use some vacation time at work. Inform physician of any allergies and previous treatments.

COST: $500+


DERMAPLANE

This is a specialized, physical exfoliation technique performed by trained estheticians in medical spas and offices. The esthetician uses a specially-designed medical blade to efficiently remove dead skin cells from the surface of the face. If it sounds a little more natural and safe, it is. 


“Many people have never heard of Dermaplaning, but once they try it, they are hooked,” said Rebecca Herrell, esthetician with more than 10 years experience in medical spas and offices. “Dermaplaning allows for even exfoliation because the technician can see what areas need more attention than others. The procedure feels very relaxing, like a gentle massage.”


THE GOOD: Dermaplaning removes the facial “peach fuzz” hair – a benefit many clients enjoy because it can be repeated as often as every 3 weeks. It is safe for pregnant and lactating clients as it is chemical free. No down time.

THE BAD & THE UGLY: Not recommended for actively acneic skin. Peach fuzz hair will slowly grow back, but not like men’s facial hair re-growth.

COST: $45-150.


CHEMICAL PEELS

With Fall here, it's time for those chemical peels! Peels can be used to address pigment concerns (sun spots), texture, acne and scar revision. It's like giving your skin a makeover.


A peel is a chemical exfoliation that can be a light surface exfoliator that results in gentle flaking for a few days or it can be a deeper corrective treatment that causes heavy shedding for 5-14 days.


THE GOOD: Peels cause an instant reaction and clients like seeing the dead skin slough away. Prolonged skincare benefits are experienced after the peeling is completed. Softens wrinkles and firms skin.

THE BAD & THE UGLY: May cause redness, itching, swelling, and heavy peeling. Requires a trained esthetician to determine the appropriate chemicals to use. Client must be diligent with sunscreen and home skincare routine.

COST: $100-$1000 or add-on to a facial from $35.


EYELASH & EYEBROW TINTING

Throw out your mascara and opt for the newest trend--eyelash and eyebrow tinting. Certain eyelash growth products like Latisse have already shelled out 1.5 million bottles, leaving clients to throw out their goopy, gross mascara. Tinting works wonders by making the lashes darker. Only seek treatment using ophthalmologist tested tint approved specifically for eyes.


THE GOOD: No need for mascara! Takes 30 minutes. Lasts about 4-6 weeks.

THE BAD & THE UGLY: Avoid if you have any sensitivities to hair dyes or hydrogen peroxide. Remove contacts prior to treatment.

COST: $20-$50


INOA HAIR COLOR

In January 2010, L’Oreal introduced INOA haircolor, an ammonia free, oil-based product that is recommended for people with sensitivities because it is non-irritating to the scalp and has no odor.


“INOA maximizes the effectiveness of the permanent haircolor process with even color from scalp to ends, provides 100 percent grey coverage and is highly conditioning to the hair,” said Michelle Shelton, a stylist for more than 16 years and co-owner of Bella Salon and Dean Anthony.


THE GOOD: Ideal for people who are coloring their hair every 4-6 weeks.

THE BAD & THE UGLY: More expensive that traditional haircolor.

COSTS: Prices vary by salon.


The best advice is to ask a lot of questions before any treatment. A complimentary consultation with a well-educated, experienced professional is highly recommended. Or take advantage of discounted specials and ask lots of questions during that treatment. Your technician, nurse or doctor should be able to advise you as to the best treatments for you – and honestly tell you if a specific treatment will meet your expectations.


SUNLESS SPRAY TANNING

If you're burnt out (no pun intended) on tanning after this summer, then let sunless spray tan take care of the rest. You can go professional on this one, by getting sprayed by a professional technician who can give you a custom tan with air compressor attached to a unique color blend.


THE GOOD: Safe, healthy, glowing tan without accruing sun damage. Much more realistic than machine spray tans. Non-toxic colors available.

THE BAD & THE UGLY: Must let the color “set” for 8 hours, so no immediate exercise or showering allowed. The instant bronze will rub off onto your clothing, but should wash out completely. It also doesn't look as natural, of course.

COST: $45-$85


This information is not intended to diagnose or prescribe any medical or non-medical treatments. Please discuss your health concerns with a physician

TRASHPRETTY: shop & showcase

This store started as an idea- “that low brow was beautiful”— that the discarded waste of one generation is the lust of now.

Having been in operation for two years, Trashpretty has gone through many changes, but certain things have remained the same. Upon walking through the door, eyes and ears are stimulated, wall-to-wall, with clothes, trinkets and sounds of the past as well as those of the present – a scene that takes fad and spins it anew. Unlike your average thrift, Trashpretty picks its selection with a keen eye indeed. From women’s to men’s, its easy to spend longer than intended in the shop examining every little odd and end.

The shop also features a new local artist on its walls each month. Their debut is the first Thursday of every month for Laguna Beach Art Walk and the event is always accented with fresh music talent from the OC area and beyond. The music itself has even turned into its own unique experience.

Every other weekend there are performances from psych-rock bands, surf-garage bands, punk bands, and others that fit no particular genre. All are a little rough around the edges – like the shop itself. But the experience is genuine. Every show is packed with local kids who find this as “no other place like it”, where they can chill with friends and listen to diverse sounds from the area. Most shows are free and all are for all ages.

Q & A with Justin Martinez, manager, event organizer and in house artist for Trashpretty:

E2TU – What are your main considerations for choosing clothes and wares for the store?

Justin – It takes a creative dresser to understand our merchandise. We consider uniqueness above all. We buy “bad” clothes, thrifty clothes, and vintage clothes, but its up to the buyer to make it what they will. We have several buyers who each have their distinct eye and interpretation of what Trashpretty is. Its a trash melting pot.

E2TU – How does a band go about getting a gig at the store?

Justin – A little practice and a Myspace, that’s how we used to do it as funny as it may seem. Now we’re vintage about it, we like to meet in person or to talk via telephone at (949) 497-6797. 

E2TU – What is the Trashpretty ethos?

Justin – Expression of life. What we like doesn’t really exist, it’s who we are as is. We sell clothes to pay the bills, but really it’s always been about the music and art. Each scene has their own thing going, but ours seems to be a more accepting and broader one for the kids.

E2TU – What does a shop like Trashpretty represent in Laguna Beach?

Justin – A genuine place. Some shows are OK, some are great, some art is OK, some is amazing, but it’s the fact we’re doing it that attracts.

E2TU – What can we expect from the store in the future?

Justin – We’re always growing, as long as we have people to water us. We have plans on new clothing lines, merchandise, bands, shows, events, websites, and then making it all better.

Trashpretty is located at 1103 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach. Their next Art Walk is Thursday, October 7 featuring SIM, Dirt Dress and more to be announced.

More info at myspace.com/trashprettyshop or trashprettyshop.com. 

Q & A WITH YOUR FAVORITE BAND, BLOK

With three siblings in love with sound and hungry to make more of it, it was impossible for BLOK not to form. The trio explode on stage with their electricity and broken melodies while interacting with their audience. You have Damien B. running the beats, with Jesse Saint John and sister Gianna on mic to make music that's refreshing and charismatic. 

E2TU – What is it that Blok represents?

Damien – Freedom of the mind, creativity, progression, conceptualization, thought, consciousness and unconsciousness, the id, abstraction of modern archetypes; all these things infused in the lyrics, instrumentation, and performance of the music in a – not necessarily what is known as dance – but strongly rhythmic style.

Jesse – Forward-thinking and natural self-expression. The music and live show encourage people to express themselves fully and animalistically. Releasing inhibitions, and using art and their natural bodily reactions to express what they feel and interpret.

Gianna – Upper level consciousness, sense of self, unconditional love, awakening the masses.

E2TU – Growing in popularity this past year, what has changed the most since your first show?

Damien – The venues and shows are more consistently of our choosing and we now have some awards we’ve earned and some notoriety in circles we were and are fans of.

Jesse – I think what’s changed the most is Damien, Gianna and my interaction and cohesiveness. We don’t rehearse our live show so the only thing that would give us our synchronization is constant live performing, which we’ve been lucky to be able to do over the past year.

Gianna – Pull and respect.

E2TU – What are you trying to convey to your audience?

Damien – There are options in modern music and life in general that people in the current American society don’t take because they haven’t been raised to perceive them as options to better their experience as a human being. Songs do not only have to convey one or two concepts or tones at once – neither do movies, books or any other creative medium. Strong composition with multiple new style choices layered simultaneously within a single piece of music while remaining cohesive. A heightened and dynamic new pattern or patterns of stimulation. The relevance of primitive man in the technologically and conceptually over-saturated minds of the youth of today and tomorrow.

Jesse – For me it’s not too thought out. What, exactly, we’re trying to express to our audience, but how we hope they feel. Again, hopefully uninhibited, and inspired, free, and surprised. Surprised by, hopefully, experiencing something they’ve never experienced before.

Gianna – All I ever want to do in performance, as well as day-to-day living, is express myself fully through every facet possible and awaken everyone from their physical slumber. What we see with our eyes everyday is physical circumstance. Conditioned by circumstance and constant reacting. Tap into subconscious and be still. contemplation, realization, manifestation – upper level conscious. Be free, stop caring so much, just do whatever. Be brave to feel. Thrive in love.

E2TU – You’ve recently released your first single on iTunes “Lair of the White Worm”, tell us about your upcoming EP.

Damien – Our new EP is an introduction into the concepts I’ve been talking about to whom ever 

is hearing about us for the first time, through the roots of psychedelic, hip-hop, funk and soul, and abstract electronic compositions in pop structures.

Jesse – The new EP is the proudest work I’ve been able to be a part of. It’s the “BLOK sound” that we’ve been creating for a year now, but amplified, and fine-tuned. The songs feel more “complete” and are each so strong and have really special importance to each of us. It goes really hard and never really let’s up, taking strange turns, remains exciting, and imminently listenable.

Gianna – Our new self titled EP consists of six songs, all individually, let alone as a complete package, the best/proudest thing I’ve ever been lucky enough to put my name on. Damien’s beautifully orchestrated, authentic productions define BLOK with their raw, ingenuity and sense of self. I literally cried when first hearing Jesse’s celestial vocals on “Never.” My love and respect has always been eternal for Damien and J. but with this EP, our creation together, it brings such an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and an undying appreciation that I even know these two, get to create music with, and having the honor to call them my brothers. A sense of peace falls over me knowing I can be proud to say this EP fully expresses and represents myself/BLOK.

E2TU – For those who haven’t been, describe what to expect at a Blok show.

Damien – People think because we’re white and we make some form of dance hip-hop that they’re pretty sure they know what to expect. I started hearing a phrase “You blew my mind” so much after shows that in March I started keeping track. Since March up until today I’ve heard that phrase in regards to our live show 43 times from 43 different people. It’s modern dance club with primal or tribal execution and electronic experimentation, lyrically progressive, forward and current fashion conscious, visceral and experimental party grooves that allow you to experience them in almost any of multiple ways available to your mind state at the time. We’re something new throbbing and thriving amongst the corpses of the definitions of the purpose of a song composition.

Jesse – BLOK shows are notorious for getting EXTREMELY sweaty and allowing the performers and audience an amazing sense of community where they can safely leave inhibitions at the door and have a guilt-free good time where they can dance and “mosh” and scream and not feel silly because the whole point of the project is about progression and passion, in a creative and intelligent way. For the lyrical elitists, one can just sit back and listen to the well-written verses featuring insane wordplay and intelligent niche references, or for those hoping to avoid participation, there’s plenty of visual stimulation to enjoy. A BLOK show brings so much joy and stimulation to the band and audience. You might be a little sore and drenched afterward, but your mind has been expanded.

Gianna – The feeling of being so in tune with every sense of yourself yet simultaneously having no control of your physical being. The sense of something happening, whether you can recognize it or not. loss of inhibitions. Physical expression of the subconscious. Sweat. Perspective. Consciousness. Ingenuity and truth.

With a new single, “Lair of the White Worm”, on iTunes and an upcoming EP Blok is busy, busy stirring things up.

More info at myspace.com/theofficialblok.