BeChicMag.com

By Mercedes Sanchez

It’s here!  The time of year every TV junkie, fashion and beauty loving gal (or guy) looks forward to: Award Season! I got a jumpstart last weekend in Santa Monica at the Alma Awards thanks to Artistry by Amway. I’ve been wanting to show you my look from skincare and makeup to the hair and gown! Here’s all you need to know about my look…

Mercedes in dress by Thread Social and jewelry by Erika Pena at the 2011 Alma Awards

After a good night sleep (I was in bed by 9p.m. the night before), I started my morning with Artistry’s Time Defiance Cleansing Toner and its Creme LuXury moisturizer.

I then headed to Saints Studio Hair Salon to get a semi-updo similar to the one Beyonce had at the VMA’s. It turned out that whomever booked the appointment scheduled me with the wrong stylist, and gave me the wrong price over the phone. When Roy told me he only cuts and doesn’t style, I was worried. However, Lucia (pictured below) came to the rescue and hooked me up right before her next client.

Then it was back to the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel for makeup with Mark from Artistry.

Here are some of the products Mark applied right before the big night:

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When searching for a dress to wear a few weeks before the show, I immediately fell in love with this gown by Thread Social.  Many thanks to the designers and the girls at the showroom for making it possible for me! I’m not a celebrity and spending $700 on this silk chiffon dress — for one night–  is not in my budget. The bronze heels are from the back of my closet. They’re a pair of Guess shoes I purchased in Macy’s more than three years ago!

I was a little apprehensive about wearing an over-sized clutch but when Becky from Foley & Corinna in the Lower East Side recommended the one pictured above, I was sold. It was a great contrast in color and it coincidentally went well with the bracelets I purchased at Forever 21. All four rings including the two pictured above are from Erika Pena. Clutch: $375

Hope you all watched the taping of the Alma Awards on Friday, September 16th. Eva Longoria hosted and looked flawless throughout the entire night. One of the highlights was watching Demi Lovato singing her current “Skyscraper” anthem. She’s come a long way.

Here are some more photos with the Artistry team, other bloggers and some personal photos from my stay in Santa Monica.

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I WANT TO KNOW:

Since I didn’t want to go for a traditional gown, I would love to know your thoughts! What did you think of the look?

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