{EVENT RECAP} Stellar Weekend for Elite Secrets Bridal

This trunk show and the media attention around it was unlike any other. We kicked things off on Friday with a press preview. Some of Baltimore’s most recognized journalists met at the Studio to preview autumn and winter collections from Justin Alexander’s Sweetheart and Sincerity Bridal. A few even tried on some of the couture wedding dresses. Early on Saturday morning, beauty expert and CEO of Elite Secrets, LaTonya Turnage, headed to WBAL-TV to do makeup for the morning segment on Preakness Fashion with Baltimore Sun's John-John Williams. It was a treat to see the big hats and glam outfits paired with the famous Elite Secrets beat.

After some fun on set, the team headed back to Elite Secrets to welcome brides to the trunk show. Brides and local wedding vendors gathered at the Mount Vernon bridal boutique to shop and mingle over champagne.

When the show ended, the team packed up the dresses and made their way to Port Discovery for the Philanthropik’s Shade event, a benefit for Baltimore’s Mayor Hugh’s summer jobs program. Models revealed the collections as they mixed and mingled with Baltimore elite crowd of professionals and celebrities.

Last but not least, our friends from WBFF-TV interviewed our favorite girl boss and entrepreneur, LaTonya during the trunk show on Sunday. Needless to say, the weekend was a huge success!

In fact, because the show was such a success we’ve extended the Justin Alexander Trunk Show special through this week! Book your bridal appointment today and enjoy 10% off Justin Alexander wedding dresses and 50% off wedding accessories.

From breathtaking ball gowns to romantic A-lines to sleek modern dresses, the new Sweetheart and Sincerity Collections by Justin Alexander is what fairy-tale dreams are made. Equal parts classic and romantic there is something for everyone. Think soft traditional fabrics, intricate details, and graceful hues all coming together to create some of the most elegant and show stopping gowns you will ever see.

Beyond extraordinary gowns and accessories, shopping with Elite Secrets Bridal supports a worthy cause! A portion of the proceeds from retail sales will go to For 3 Sisters, a Maryland-based nonprofit organization with a mission to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for men and women affected by breast cancer.

About Elite Secrets Bridal

Located in Baltimore's esteemed Mount Vernon fashion boutique district, Elite Secrets Bridal opened its doors, bringing to Baltimore’s bridal scene an experience that cannot be found in any other Baltimore bridal boutique. The pedigree of founder LaTonya Turnage, bridal beauty and fashion expert has been fundamental to our philosophy to combine expertise and excellent service with style and grace. Leaving pretense to the side, we focus on bringing the best designer and emerging bridal gowns from all over the world to Baltimore Brides!

Sweet or Sexy? What is your Valentine's Day Makeup Look?

Valentine's Day is almost upon us.

And, whether you think it's a holiday simply made up by the greeting card industry, or the day to proclaim your love for one another, either way, you're going to want to look your best. Makeup will only highlight the beauty you already possess. These are two guaranteed looks to make your partner ogle or strangers take a double look.

Look One: Sweet and Flirty.

Perhaps it's the first date, or maybe you just can't see yourself wearing red lipstick, but you can't go wrong with Sweet and Flirty. To complete this look, you're going to keep your palette bright and your highlight the feature.

Eyes: Keep your eyeshadow to a simple shimmer, nude, or none at all. You're going to want to focus on your eyeliner and lashes.

Face: Stick to a pinky blush and a strobing effect.

Lips: You'll want a pink gloss or lipstick.

The point of this look is to keep it as simple as possible and to keep you looking fresh and girly.

Look Two: Sultry and Sexy.

This look is designed to make him drool. You're bold and confident, and you've been itching to prove it. You have your outfit. That bodycon dress with the low neck. Now you have to have the makeup to match it.

Eyes: Go bold or go home. On you lid, go for a gold glitter. On your crease, use a dark shadow and blend it in. Line your eyes and use that vintage thick false lash you've been dying to use.

Face: Now it's time to break out the foundation and contour kit. Define those cheekbones. Lay up on the highlight, though. You're not the sweetheart tonight; you're the vixen.

Lips: The darker the red, the better. Try to avoid that candy apple wannabe. Look for wine or burgundies. And take it a step forward by using a liner to line just outside your lips. The outline will give the illusion of poutier lips!

The point of this look is to make your date look at your face. Hope you're ready to have them kiss it off!

♥ ♥ ♥

What is your go-to Valentine's Day makeup look? Show us in any of these locations.

Instagram  Facebook  Twitter

Do you need expert advice or application? We can be your Valentine and help you out. Book here now (or call 443-219-7049) and we'll send you home with a sweet surprise!

Thanks for reading! -Dani Gudino

♥ ♥ ♥

ELITE SECRETS: Event Announcement + Questions Every Bride Should Be Asking During Bridal Trials!

At Elite Secrets, we know that those months following up to your special day can be stressful. You’re basically running around, trying to accomplish everything at once, bridesmaid fabrics and slices of cake are being tossed at you in every direction, and venue shopping can be tricky. So we want to make sure that choosing the makeup artist for your wedding is stress free, straightforward, and fun! We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you get the best experience from your Bridal Trial, know what to look for, what to ask, and what to generally expect out of your bridal trial.

We cover everything from long-lasting foundation tips, to general pricrd and how to avoid hidden fees, and tips on which questions to ask your makeup artist ahead of time! Be sure to click here to watch our new Bridal Trial video on our YouTube Channel so you can get all the amazing tips. Brides, grab your notebooks. Because we are going to be giving you some must-have tips to surviving your trials!

And speaking of Bridal Trials, we are hosting our own Bridal Trial Mania January 14-16th and we’re cutting our rates in half because we are all about saving you money. You can stop by, get your hair and makeup done by the wonderful Latonya Turnage & Level 23, meet other amazing brides, and have some fun! Who said makeup trials have to be stressful?

Not us!

So be sure to email or call and inquire about our Bridal Trial Mania event so you can reserve a spot, seats are filling up quick! We are looking forward to seeing you there!

ELITE SECRETS

Studio Location: 525 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD

Website: https://www.elitesecrets4you.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitesecrets/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/latonya-... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elitescrets Twitter: https://twitter.com/ELITESECRETS4U

Business: 410.782.5293 Email: elitescrets@hotmail.com Reviews: https://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/el...

Level 23 

Tenease Flowers

443-257-5200

Light Up the Night Beauty Soiree' with Elite Secrets & Level 23

It’s that perpetual time of year again where we are all filled to the brim with holiday cheer, social gatherings, and enough eggnog to last us a lifetime and a half. Between the holiday parties, work events, engagement season, bridal showers, you name it, it’s on all of our agendas to attend. But what if I told you that there was a way to make the pre-game for your events less hectic? What if I told you that you could relax, snap your fingers, and suddenly be transformed into a glam goddess ready to take on the world? Well, now you can with Elite Secrets!

On Thursday, as city-goers bustle outside in the crisp December air, Elite Secrets and Level 23  hosted a Beauty Soiree for those with a passion for beauty to mingle in the warmth, nibble on lovely foods, and meet other inspiring and enthusiastic individuals. Open to everyone, this event was a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season: with luxurious products, stocking stuffers, raffles, and glam transformations galore.

If you’ve never attended one of Latonya’s events, you’re in for a magical experience as you walk into the beauty haven to find an array of plush seating, sophisticated decor, and elegant hand-made dresses on display.

From the moment you walk in you are greeted with warm smiles and hellos as you make your way over to have a quick bite to eat. As you indulge, sit back and have lovely conversation with others before making your way over to the gold shimmering table with makeup treats. From blush palettes, to lipsticks and lip glosses, you are able to purchase a wide arrange of products for your loved ones - or, if you’re in for a pamper night, go ahead and pick up some goodies for your own collection. After all, there’s no such thing as too many lipsticks, am I right? And let’s not forget: there is the most decadent hand-made paper mache backdrop to take photos in front of after you get transformed by Latonya and her team.

This beautiful backdrop was made by Creative Forte Events!

It’s a surreal feeling to see people radiate with happiness as she works her magic, enhancing one’s natural beauty, and makes them that much more confident for their events. The excitement one feels after getting their makeup done by the lovely Tonya is remarkable; she truly pampers her clients and guests.

And speaking of pampering, Level 23 spent the evening styling guests hair, which was the best final touch a girl could ask for. Tenease Flowers is a fantastic hair stylist in Baltimore, and offers a variety of services including: bridal and event styling, hair coloring and cutting. You won’t want to miss out on Tenease, so make sure to call and book the duo for your next event! Details will be listed at the bottom of this post.

This event was a definite hit, with lots of lovely individuals coming together to enjoy a wonderful night in celebration of the holiday season. So be sure to follow Elite Secret’s instagram and facebook page to receive updates on any upcoming events, because you won’t want to miss out on all the upcoming fun!

Elite Secrets

Latonya Turnage 

elitesecrets4you.com

410-782-5293

Hair: Level 23 

Tenease Flowers

443-257-5200

Paper Mache Backdrop: Creative Forte Events

Shernita Munson 

creativeforteevents.com

Event Planner: PLANS Management Events, LLC

Anita Riley

410-245-7458

Vintage classic look! Call the studio today to schedule your beauty session, 410.782.5293.