Make-Up . Hair . Style

We've MOVED!

2011-07-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

To our official website:

www.stepheavvy.com

See you soon!

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!! Step HEAVVY's 1-Year Anniversary & Web Launch Party this Sat 2/26!!!

2011-02-21T20:38:00.000-08:00

Join us as we celebrate our 1-Year Anniversary and officially launch our new, sexy website! There will be contest prizes (see below for contest details) courtesy of Adapt Advancers and Retrofit Republic, a snazzy photobooth with a professional photographer, dessert catering by Dolci Bar & Emily Lam, and special guest performances by Hopie Spitshard, 40Love and comedian Edwin Li!

Proceeds through a donation cover (with guest list only) will be donated to a local up and rising non-profit, SEACHAMPA (South East Asian Cultural Heritage & Musical Performing Arts). So come through, dress-to-impress NYFW, and feel good bouts supporting the local arts community.

Please RSVP by Sat 2.26.11 at 5pm or send an e-mail with names to info@stepheavvy.com. $2-10 sliding scale donation for all-night guest list ONLY. Regular admission is $10.

***HEAVVY CONTESTS***

1) PRIZE: Merchandise from Adapt Advancers

TO ENTER:

- COME TO THE PARTY dressed to the nines. Anything goes!
- Take a photo at the photo booth. You may enter as many times as you like!
- The chosen photos/ contestants will be uploaded into a Facebook album on our page. The winners will be decided by none other than our fabulous Step Heavvy fans! The photos with the most “likes” wins! Fans will have a week to vote for their favorite looks and the winners will be announced on our website on March 6, 2011.

2) GRAND PRIZE: The complete package of what Step Heavvy has to offer. Hair, Make-Up by Step Heavvy as well personal shopping with a $50 gift certificate at Retrofit Republic!

TO ENTER:

- Go to Step HEAVVY’s Facebook Page and hit “like”

- In one sentence, comment on Step HEAVVY’s FB Page completing this sentence, “I want Step Heavvy to give me a make-over because...”. Any comments/submissions that are longer than one sentence will be void from the contest.

-You may enter as many submissions as you like.

- Contest ends Saturday February 26, 2011 at 8pm. Winners will be announced on our new website the following day, February 27, 2011.

SPONSORED BY:

Lot 46, SEACHAMPA, Hopie Spitshard, 40Love, Edwin Li, Adapt Advancers, Retrofit Republic, Dolci Bar, Emily Lam, YAY! Lisa Designs, Dan Zhou, Eric Cruz, Kirstina Sangsahachart

Mad Men...Starring Michelle of Dolci Bar

2011-02-16T12:25:00.001-08:00

Sometimes, we'll work for food in exchange, especially if it satisfies our majorly hypersensitive sweet tooth. Recently, VT made up her good friend Michelle in a Mad Men 1940's themed look in exchange for some of her Vietnamese coffee, Thai tea and chai tea cupcakes (yes, CUPCAKES!). Book this pastry cheftress immediately. Her dessert creations are not only delish, but easy on the eye as well! Check out Michelle's Dolci Bar and peep her hair, make-up and styling done by Step HEAVVY's VT.

Pink MEOW Continued!

2011-02-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

These pink tee's are now available at Adapt. Make-up, hair and styling done by yours truly on the beautiful Ashley Vee and photographed by Arturo Torres.

Dulce Vita Release Party

2011-02-15T23:06:00.000-08:00

Hopie Spitshard, our largest supporter, released her spanking new EP, Dulce Vita, for download here. Produced by 6Fingers and presented by Adapt and 24K Milkcrate, this EP deserves full bass and repeat play for ALL music heads. We'll be at the release party this Thursday, so cop the music, grab a drink with us and be prepared for some head knockin'.

Step HEAVVY Official Website Launch

2011-02-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

Step HEAVVY's 1st year anniversary is coming up and we're planning to officially launch our website on that very day. No more of this blog ish. We've been working hard with our beloved web designer, Dan Zhou to create somethin' that showcases our steez and that is easy enough for us to handle on our own. Transferring our blog to the new host brings back memories of connections that were built this year and looking back, we are so grateful for them. Without the support of our biggest patron, Hopie Spitshard, and the multitude of friends' friends and friend's friends' friends, Step HEAVVY would NOT have come as far as it did.

A more fluid and much more intensive look back will come as our launch inches closer. Just wanted to tell the world that make-up, hair and steez were initially just our hobbies...but have taken off to pay bills, expand our network of friends, and fulfill our creative energy. One year only? To year three, year four, year whatever. We're just doin' what we love.

Watch out for a party shindig thang thang on Saturday, Feb. 26th. We'll show off our snazzy website that midnight, when a year ago, Step HEAVVY was up printing misshaped business cards and passing in and out of consciousness preparing for our very first photoshoot.

Steppin'

2011-02-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

Scored a head shot from the beautiful Tameka Jacobs, who, aside from her modeling career, is an established and extremely talented photographer. We had the privilege of working her four boudoir clients last Sunday and we couldn't have asked for a smoother shoot. With that aside, here we are after a long day working in a swanky Santana Row hotel.

Step HEAVVY's Retrofit Republic Launch Party Fits

2011-02-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

We like it behind the camera, it's our safety comfort zone. Put us on the other side and all awkwardness breaks loose. Luckily for us, a simple remedy is an alcoholic drink and after two or more, we become camera whores. Check out our budget-friendly fits we wore to Retrofit Republic's Launch Party. Photo courtesy of our most talented homeboy Waylan who manned the event's photo booth.

Our outfits are the epitome of our philosophy about shopping: CHEAP. Gen's rocking a ruffled dress from Forever 21, blazer from Target, lavender lace stockings on sale at Metro Park, sling backs from Steve Madden and jewelry from H&M, Forever 21 and Retrofit Republic. VT's got a heart jump suit and belt from Retrofit Republic, Jessica Simpson heels at TJ Maxx, blazer from Urban Outfitters, hat from Multi Kulti, and 80's gaudy jewelry from her mom's closet. Holler at us if you need a shopping consultant. We're good at it.

Hopie Spitshard's Dulce Vita Teaser

2011-02-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

Sneak preview of one of many shots we worked on with Hopie Spitshard. Here's the album cover (shot by the one and only Top Kat of Foot Candles) of her soon-to-be released album, Dulce Vita, dropping on her birthday, this Friday, Feb. 11. Check her out. She's one of the dopest female MC's out there.

Hopie did a great job with her own make up and hair for her LP's back cover. Spot Step HEAVVY?

Behind-the-Scenes with Susie

2011-02-01T23:02:00.000-08:00

We love working boudoir shoots...not because there's always a little booze to keep our clients comfortable, but because it gives us the challenge of stepping down, stepping lightly (only for this once). The shining feature here is our client and we have to do what we can to accentuate her natural beauty. Here are some beautiful shots taken by the one and only Top of Foot Candles Productions in a cozy corner hotel room in SF Union Square.

Vee-Day with Adapt, Ashley Vee and Arturo Torres

2011-02-01T22:37:00.000-08:00

Catch us here this Sat., Feb. 5th for our favorite team's release of their new Meow Collection Collabo in pink! Get kitty gear for you or your loved ones this Vee-Day and have your autograph signed by the lovely Ashley Vee. Recognize the make-up?

And here's some promo shots we worked on for this limited edition line, shot by Arturo Torres.

Retrofit Republic

2011-01-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

It's official. We're in love with Retrofit Republic. And it's not only because they're dope ass APIA chicks, but because they're also fellow fashionistas, who are down for the cause of keeping the world more environmentally conscious. We shopped privately at their high tea decorated boutique in the lower Haight, drank sangria and dove into deep connections that began as just conversations. The crew was both young and talented and their beautiful Launch show sparked six degrees of separation, and then some.

We're honored to have done the hair and make-up of their Spring 2011 Look Book. Also check out the film look book too, which is directed by Ryan Michael Louie & Triptych Productions and even features Step HEAVVY's VT.

Retrofit Republic Spring Look Book 11' - The Cues and Mis-Haps of Social Interaction from Ryan Michael Louie on Vimeo.

This film features the Spring 2011 look book for RETROFITREPUBLIC.COM

Written by Triptych Productions

DIRECTOR:

Ryan Michael Louie
casanovafresh.wordpress.com
vimeo.com/ryanmichaellouie

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY:

Paul Encinas
peejayeee.com/

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SET DESIGN, STYLIST:

Jenny Ton
Julia Rhee

retrofitrepublic.com

MODELS:

Katrina Romero

Julian Mocine-Mcqueen

Ruby Veridiano
rubyisill.com

MAKE-UP and HAIR

Viet-Thi Ta and Geneive Jaramilla of Step Heavvy
stepheavvy.blogspot.com/

EXTRAS:

Genevieve Wong, Director of Marketing and Community Engagement of Retrofit Republic

Viet-Thi Ta

Maria Motonaga

Ryan Michael Louie

Ryan Takemiya
gostudorama.com
gostyle.org

Special Acknowledgments:

Jazmine Capulong
Christine Capulong
John Paul Capulong
Vu-Bang Nguyen

Clothes, accessories, and housewares provided by Retrofit Republic

Reunited Sistas

2011-01-12T21:00:00.000-08:00

VT reunited with one of her Sorority Sisters to create this modern, bloody vintage shoot with Rosemarie Azcueta and Creepy Baby Photography.

Here's the look with the sexy lipstick by Nicki Minaj. Sorry ladies, it's Limited Edition and completely sold out...but you can still snag it at our boy's beauty online store.

And here's the final pic:

Model: Rosemarie Azcueta

Photographer: Creepy Baby Photography

SFX, Make-up, Hair: VT of Step HEAVVY

At it Again: Adapt Advancers + Ashley Vee

2011-01-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

We love styling Ashley Vee with Adapt Advancers. From biker girl to cougar hotty, we locked down a good 10+ looks during this shoot and in record time too! Check it. And don't forget to snag some gear!

Model: Ashley Vee
Gear: Adapt Advancers
MU/Hair/Styling: Step HEAVVY

P is for Props

2011-01-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

Just a few shots via gear from P is for Props from a full day of shooting madness with Retrofit Republic. We instantly fell in love with Retrofit Republic's stylist, Jenny, who kept the energy and vintage swagger high and fly. More to come...but keep a look out for R&R's Spring 2011 Look Book -- these ladies are inspirational, experts/hoarders of classic fashion pieces, and makin' major moves this upcoming year.

Gear: P is for Props (www.pisforprops.com)

Photographer: Margo Moritz (www.margomoritz.com)

Styling: Retrofit Republic (www.retrofitrepublic.com)

MU/Hair: Step HEAVVY

MEOW with Adapt Advancers, Ashley Vee, and Top Kat

2010-12-14T01:22:00.000-08:00

Adapt Advancers and model Ashley Vee teamed up to do a Hella Kitty collaboration and we gotta say...hands down the CUTEST tees EVER. VT stepped up with both hair and make-up this time around and like always, Top Kat did a stellar job of capturing the raw, dirty, grungy and gritty feel of this particular look book. Enjoy the shots and don't forget to grab these MEOW gear today at www.adaptclothing.com! Ahem, wouldn't they be great Xmas stuffers for your favorite lady???

#15: Another Session with Adapt & Top Kat

2010-12-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

We love getting last minute calls from Evan of Adapt Clothing, especially if it means working with his enthusiasm for ladies with glasses (and scoring the sweet t-shirts). Working again with Top Kat of Foot Candles is ALWAYS a bonus too! Check out these photos from Adapt's newest line and keep an eye out for our model, Ashley Vee, who's collaborated with Adapt on hands down the CUTEST tees EVER! More to come, of course!

Wardrobe: Adapt Clothing
Photographer: Top of Foot Candles
Model: Ashley Vee
MU & Hair: Step HEAVVY

#10 Boudoir with Vanessa and Lily

2010-09-21T00:58:00.000-07:00

The beautiful Vanessa called us up to style her birthday boudoir shoot. It was her first time modeling, but she was a natural in front of the camera, even with barely any clothes on. This was an empowering shoot as we celebrated the woman as a beautiful being that is poised, confident and intelligent. We're not going to post the pictures up (for obvious reasons), but we wanted to share with the world our wonderful experience working with Vanessa and talented photographer, Lily Yip of BLLew Photography. To view more of Lily's Boudoir photos, or even to book a session with her, check out her webbie here. These can be great Christmas gifts for you or even your significant other!

Dream Team(From L-R): Gen, Vanessa, VT, Lily

#11: Turk & Taylor

2010-09-21T00:42:00.001-07:00

We took a beautiful road trip up to Point Reyes to shoot for a local clothing company, Turk & Taylor (as in the cross streets in the TL). We were well-fed, well-hydrated AND got a fabulous chance to site-see. We gotta say, these might be one of the most beautiful locations for a shoot we've seen yet! And on top of that, everyone we worked with was super talented and not to mention, beautiful and highly professional. Enjoy these breathtaking shots!

Designer: Turk & Taylor
Models: Robin Ayers & Kristopher Hannum
Photographer: Julia Galdo of Jucophoto
Make-Up & Hair: Step HEAVVY

And shout out to our homegirl Kirstina for linking us with Mark of Turk & Taylor. Check out her blog--her photojournalism is on point!

Behind-the-Scenes with Supperclub

2010-09-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

A look behind the fashion show aka training ground for speed work:

Photographer: Patrick Lai

WHAT WE DID:

Hair - Gen did variations of the top bun on some girls, and let it loose with curls on others. We thought the top buns would work great with such a dramatic eye and gave the dresses a more up-do, chic look.

Make-Up - Theme was antelope meets sexy glowy, simple skin. VT thickly lined the eyes for this edgy look, which emphasized the deep shadows around the nose and elongated the eyes. Deep plum was used on the lips to represent the transitioning fall season. Heavy contouring was done on the cheekbones and the rest of the skin was left plain but dewy. Products used: Eve Pearl Concealer, Graftobian HD Creme Foundation, Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Ink Black, MAC's Media Lipstick, LORAC's Illuminating Powder, Benefit's Hula Bronzing Powder.

To see pictures of the final look, visit here.

#12. Avante Garde Supperchic @ SupperClub SF

2010-09-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us!!! It was a great turn-out (on our end of the guest list) and LOADS fun. This was Step HEAVVY's very first fashion show and we worked on nearly 12 models within 2.5 hours. Enjoy!

Designer: Debbie Nghiem of GG Connections
Venue: SupperClub SF
Hair & Make-Up: Step HEAVVY
Photographers: Patrick Lai, Ken Shames

Behind-the-Scenes with Hopie Spitshard

2010-09-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Our transformation for Hopie's room set:

Mod look in process:

And VT working on last-minute touch-ups on Jay Ant of Diligentz at West Portal Station:

Music video and promo shots are yet to come...so keep your panties on!

#9. Teaser: Hopie Spitshard

2010-08-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Model: MC Hopie Spitshard
Make-up, Hair, Styling: Step HEAVVY
Photographer/Videographer: Aris Jerome

Look Mom...We're In Another Video!

2010-08-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Check out behind-the-scenes footage of the Janra.Undefined photoshoot with Arnelle Lozada and Jayne Santayana, photographer Henry Alfonso Navarro, and designer Kate Knuvelder. Props to Francis Basco for the video coverage!

Janra Undefined Photoshoot from motionscopestudies on Vimeo.

Can you glimpse us "roughing it" on the crooked sidewalks of SF?!? *gasp* With no heat styling tools?!?

Look Mom...We Made a Video!

2010-08-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Holler folks!

Check out our first video ever on Youtube!
Thank you to Sandisk, DJ Tiesto, and the lovely Michelle Phan for giving us the opportunity!

#8. Teaser: Outta the Box

2010-07-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

We had the privilege of working with rising photographer Diane Christine Villanueva, and scientist/newly-found model, Maricris Macabeo, this past summer and are super excited to finally see some of the finished products! This was a good 12+ hour work day with three completely different looks and locations! It was challenging but extremely worthwhile. More Outta the Box to come...

Model: Maricris Macabeo-Ong
Styling, Hair & Make-Up: Step HEAVVY
Photographer: Diane Villanueva

#7. Music Artist, Soda Can Coutoure, and San Francisco.

2010-07-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Models: Arnelle Lozada ; Jayne Santayana
Designer: Kaatje Designs
Make Up & Hair: Step Heavvy
Photographer: Henry Alfonso Navarro (Lens Exposure)

#6. Part 2 of Adapt's Newest Shirts + Sweatshirts for the Ladies

2010-07-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of our recent shoot with our favorite clothing company. More to come!

#5: Hard Candy with MC's Miss Haze and Denise Williams

2010-06-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

Step HEAVVY recently worked with the talented MC's Miss Haze and Denise William for their new album's cover shoot. We were SO honored to have collaborated with them, as these two ladies are not only beautiful, but also extremely gifted. We were able to get a sneak peak of some of their dope tracks during the shoot and absolutely cannot wait for their highly-anticipated album, "Hard Candy: The Mixtape", which drops today!!! Pick up their album at Amoeba SF or check them out here.

Models: MC's Hazel Rose and Denise Williams
Make-up, Hair, Styling: Step HEAVVY
Photographer: Amanda Lopes

Wishlist: High Quality Make-up Organizing Palette

2010-05-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

Unii Palettes are one of the best make-up organizational palettes on the market right now.

Each UNII Palette Includes:
  • Magnetized Palette, so makeup pans stay put
  • Adhesive magnetic sheet with writable labels
  • Large, full-sized mirror for the makeup on the go
  • Movable thumb grip
  • Tight, rubberized seal prevents leaks
  • Fold-out instruction box
  • Outer dimensions : 3.7"D x 6"L x0.7"Thick
  • Inner dimensions : 2.8"D x 5.4"L x0.4"Thick

In comparison to MAC palettes, they're a bit thicker and smaller...but are loads more durable. In my opinion, the best parts of these palettes are that they 1) come with a huge mirror, 2) can fit more than just eye shadows, and 3) they're super slick and sexy. I'm a sucker for packaging, and this one makes the cut. The once popular card board Z palettes just does not compare.

They're $29 a piece, and costs a $1 less with each additional palette you buy. Free shipping for US and Canada is a plus.

The downside is the size and possible weight(?). I wish they came in larger sizes so that I can fit more into them for it to be completely versatile--especially for on-site gigs. I haven't found any reviews that complained about its heaviness, but several bloggers noted that the weight eludes to its durability, which I am a fan of.

Verdict:
Completely justifiable and next on my list after MAC's To The Beach. I can throw blush, eye shadow, liner, lashes, travel brush into this baby, toss it into my purse, and travel the heck out of it. Great for on-site gigs--won't create a cloud puff of mess due to the rubberized seal, the thumb grip allows me to carry it like a painting palette, travel-friendly, AND it will look appealing to clients.

Wishlist: 8-LED Lights in a Compact Mirror!

2010-05-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

UK's Les Tai Tai's Model Mirror is a definite must-have for make-up fanatics on-the-go! Especially useful if you're someone like Gen, who applies make-up in the car or if you're re-touching in a club or traveling on a plane with horrendous lighting. It comes with 8 embedded LED lights, 2 compact mirrors (one regular and the other 2x magnification), a drawstring cloth and extra battery.

They're steep-$34 a pop...but well worth it in my book (like most things that are expensive...NOT ALL though--I still have yet to justify paying that much for a YSL lipstick). Unfortunately, for the U.S., only a handful of designs are available, but at least shipping is free! You can get your Model Mirror on their U.S. website here. Personally, I'm really fancying the Summer Candy Cane design:

The only down-side that I can think of besides of the price, is having to replace the battery so very often, especially if you're an avid user.

Verdict:
This is a definite wish-list item for me, but I don't think I'll be purchasing this anytime soon. I usually apply make-up once a day and barely do any touch-ups unless I'm on my feet the whole day and FEEL that my face is a hot-oily mess. Maybe if I was making a little more money...

#4: Comedian Edwin Li

2010-05-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Photographer: Vladimir Khlynin
Hair & Make-Up: step HEAVVY

#3: Naughty or Nice? - Artists Collaboration

2010-05-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

Photographer: Nina Parks (http://ninaparks.blogspot.com/)
Model: DJ Zita (http://djzita.com/)
Make-up, Hair, Styling: Step HEAVVY

#2: Adapt SS10 :: Women’s

2010-05-09T19:44:00.001-07:00

T-Shirt Design: Adapt Clothing (http://www.adaptclothing.com)
Photographer: Top Kat (http://foot-candles.com)
Make-Up, Hair, Styling: Step HEAVVY

#1: The Birth of Step HEAVVY - Hopie Spitshard x Adapt Clothing

2010-05-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

T-Shirt Design: Hopie Spitshard (www.hopiespitshard.com) and Adapt Clothing (www.AdaptClothing.com)
Lookbook: http://www.adaptclothing.com/blog/?p=237
Photographer: Topkat (http://foot-candles.com)
Make-up, Hair, Styling: Step HEAVVY
Description by Hopie: “This line is dedicated to fly chicks- the women who excel in the creative and intellectual worlds, all while never losing their sexy. The Boss archetype dispels the myth that women have to dumb down in the entertainment world, or downplay their beauty in the professional sphere… For this, they deserve a T-shirt series that celebrates both sides of womanhood. Each design in the Hopie Spitshard for Adapt series encapsulates the strong female spirit- mixing playful imagery and colorways with a declaration of dopeness.”