{beauty board} the complete cat eye

The DSQUARED2 runway makeup look you see below {worn gorgeously by Cara Delevingne} has been a favorite of mine for years; but it also perfectly illustrates how to best wear that coveted cat eye. With just a hint of concealer; a nude lip; sheer rosy cheeks; and not one, but two liners {a pencil followed by a gel} to score that fierce feline flick. Here are 5 of my faves for nailing the look:

{1} Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner in Pitch Black {$24.00}

{2} RIMMEL LONDON Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer {$5.99}

{3} NYX Cosmetics Powder Blush in Rose Garden {$5.99}

{4} butter LONDON Wink Eye Pencil in Union Jack Black {$18.00}

{5} Charlotte Tilbury 'K.I.S.S.I.N.G' Lipstick in Nude Kate {$32.00}


SHOP THE POST

xx

NOTD: nails inc. Leather Effect Nail Polish in Clerkenwell

Two coats of nails inc. Leather Effect Nail Polish in Clerkenwell. Eggshell / Off-White Texture.

I have had this polish since around the time I reviewed the nails inc. Leather Effect in Noho {read: too long}; and yes...am only just getting around to reviewing it.

I lovelovelove this color because it has the neutrality of a nude; yet it's striking the way whites tend to be. The formula, however, I'm not in love with.

Texture polishes such as OPI's Liquid Sand line are usually very long-lasting; but the Leather Effect, while being beautiful to look at, definitely lacks that trait. In fact, it wears the same way that a standard creme would; the difference being that, with a creme shade you would wear top coat - with an effects polish you don't. Additionally, the dry time is a bit longer than your average texture polish, so it has a tendency to get messed up very easily.

Yes, it's pretty for short-term wear; but the formula itself can be frustrating to deal with. Not sure if I would recommend this one for anything other than the color.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

Beachy Bright Nails Hit The Runway

PLAYFUL DIY NAILS

JEREMY SCOTT • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

OPI partnered with Jeremy Scott to create a unique nail look for the designer’s Spring/Summer 2015 runway show at Milk Studios on Wednesday, September 10. Lead nail artist Miss Pop worked with the designer’s beachy hippie inspiration to create colorful patterned nails that accented the collection’s vibrant prints.

That’s Hot! Pink, Life Gave Me Lemons, Can’t Find My Czechbook, Juice Bar Hopping, and A Grape Fit! were applied to models’ nails randomly using a dry brush technique. Miss Pop used the technique of individual brush strokes with little lacquer applied one after the other until the nail was filled to achieve a look of playing with paint on the nail.

Every model’s hand featured a different set of designs, mixing multicolor nails and individual bright hues partially or fully painted on with the airbrush-like technique, while some nails were left in the new nude – Matte Top Coat.

New to the runways, the playful nail art was carried through to the male models. Several of the male models also featured one of more of the bright, paint-inspired nails. “The next step for polish is getting it on men, including nail art,” says Miss Pop, lead nail artist for OPI at Fashion Week. “I am happy Jeremy Scott is taking this first step. There are no rules with this look. The colors are the palette and the nails the canvas.”

Nails were prepped with one coat of Base Coat and finished with Matte Top Coat.

SHOP THE POST

xx
{pictures via}

mother of the bride...

Weddings are a momentous occasion for all involved - from the bride and groom {a given}, to the guests, and, perhaps one of the most important individuals...the mother of the bride. While each piece is more gorgeous than the last; these are 5 of my favorite sophisticated and sexy mother of the bride dresses from Dressv.com!

Custom Fantastic Appliques Sheath Knee-Length Round Neckline Mother of the Bride Dress 4791
{It has such a Dolce & Gabbana vibe to it, yes?}

Couture Attractive Beading/Sequins Ruffles Sheath/Column Off-the-shoulder Long Taline s Mother of the Bride Dress 4573
{The beading, sequins, and ruffles are a brilliant combination!}

Made-to-Order Faddish Pleats A-line Sweetheart Long Talines Mother of the Bride Dress
{The color is romantic - so apropos for a wedding.}

Tailored Attractive Flowers Beading A-Line One-Shoulder Floor-Length Taline s Mother of the Bride Dress 5186
{I love the one-shoulder flower embellishment!}

Custom Graceful Appliques Sheath/Column V-Neck Mini Length Mother of the Bride Dress
{The aesthetic is undeniably smart; the sequin accents fun.}
Do you have a favorite?


xx

Thanks to DressV for Sponsoring this post!{pictures via}

classic...

Forever 21 Classic Peacoat in Tan.

Totally giving CÉLINE F/W 2013 vibes, amiright?

xx

Ciaté Haute House Collection Review

Ciaté's Dolls House Collection and Beach House Collection have been my two favorite 2014 polish releases; so you can imagine how thrilled I was when Ciaté sent me the latest in their House line - the Haute House Collection - for review. Hello, a House made for fall? Sign me up!

The Haute House Collection is packed with high-fashion shades that are super sophisticated and vampy {total fall necessity} and incredibly sexy {tell me the names of each polish don't remind you of 50 Shades of Grey}. While 5 polishes are included in this collection; 1 of those is a silicone top coat to create the patent leather finish, so you'll only see swatches of 4 colors here. Speaking of...let's look!

Dare to Bare is a Latte Nude Creme. This is hands down {no pun intended} my new favorite nude! Dare to Bare is the type of tan / beige / latte-leaning nude that would be flattering on any and all skin-tones. The formula is fantastic! It's self-leveling, fast-drying, and so high-gloss. This is 2 coats.

Can't It Be Kinky is a Black Creme. Black polishes are not my typical go-to; but I do love them during the fall months because...Halloween! Can't It Be Kinky didn't dry as glossy as the other shades in the collection; however, the silicone top coat made it super shiny - which I love. Great formula on this one - it was smooth and easy to work with {always a plus when dark polishes are involved!}. This is 1 coat.

Good To Be A Goddess is a Navy Creme / Jelly Hybrid. First, forgive the heinousness that is the nail on my index finger. I suffered a bad break last week; so it's going to look a little wonky for a bit. Second, you know how much I love a blue polish, and Good To Be A Goddess is no different. I opted to go less is more with this shade; allowing it to remain slightly sheer so that it wouldn't be confused as black. The formula was, again, flawless - very user-friendly, and virtually no-budge after 30 seconds. This is 1 coat.

Mostly A Minx is a Classic Red Creme. No fall collection is complete without a red-meets-oxblood color, and I am adoring this one {not just for the shade either; I love the word minx!}. In comparison to the darker shades in this collection, Mostly A Minx was sheer on coat one {not surprising}; but leveled perfectly and became completely opaque by coat two. This is 2 coats.

FINAL THOUGHTS

'In an old house in Paris...' But seriously, I look at the House that this collection comes in, and I instantly think of Madeline. It's just so charming; and I truly cannot think of a more fitting design for fall. Packaging aside...

...the Haute House lives up to the quality that I have come to love and expect from Ciaté. Each of the 4 shades has an incredibly fast dry time and lifespan - meaning no chips, no tipwear, and no need to touch-up after a few days of wear. Plus, the colors are fall {and winter}, so you can literally wear them through the next 6 months.

I am now completely coveting the Mini Mani Manor and the Candy Cane House. Such essentials for the holidays, don't you think?

SHOP THE POST

xx

Thanks to Ciaté for Sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Plaid + combat boots laced with feminine details and dainty gems - it's a beautiful combo; and the inspiration behind today's board. Happy Wednesday!

SHOP THE POST

xx

{fashion folio} smoke and fire

Nail Polish: JINsoon x Tess Giberson Collection in Farrago | Eye Shadow: Eyeko Me & My Shadow Waterproof Shadow Liner in Taupe | Shoes: TOPSHOP GEMINI Suede Court Shoes in Black | Jacket: TOPSHOP Faux Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Pants: Zoe Karssen Basic Faded Cotton-Blend Jersey Track Pants | Top: Frame Denim Le Classic Supima Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt | Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury 'K.I.S.S.I.N.G' Lipstick in Love Bite | Ring: Sole Society Double Stone Thin Ring in Grey
A slim-fitting pair of charcoal gray sweatpants gets a chic makeover when styled alongside a slouchy plain white tee topped with a rebellious motorcycle jacket and paired with black suede pumps. Subtle sparkle in the way of a shape-shifting polish and stone-adorned ring add conversation-starting elements; while a classic crimson lip and neutral smoky eye put your best face forward. Let hair air dry for a tousled, rumpled look that is downright smoldering.

SHOP THE POST

xx

NOTD: Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Let's Get Lost

Two coats of Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Let's Get Lost. Teal-Leaning Blue Creme.

This was another one of my random polish purchases in order to get free shipping at Ulta a few weeks back. Like the other, my main motivation was the price {$1.99}, and the color - both of which I couldn't resist!

Truth: I looked up swatches of this color before purchasing, so I was expecting a super bright blue; however, from my experience, Let's Get Lost has such strong teal undertones, that the shade is darker than I expected. I still love it; but it's definitely more of a end-of-summer-moving-into-fall transition shade as opposed to a pool blue.

The formula was flawless in terms of application. If you're heavy-handed, you could definitely get away with one coat; I used two here to clean up any patchiness. I did experience minor staining around the cuticles; but nothing too bad. Again, this is a great summer-to-fall transition color - love it!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

Latticed Stilettos Hit The Runway

'BUFF STILETTOS' AT AZEDE

AZEDE JEAN-PIERRE • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

On Tuesday, September 9, OPI joined Azede Jean-Pierre for the designer's Spring/Summer 2015 presentation. Lead nail artist Miss Pop created a nail look featuring a unique knit design with a chevron tip on a classic, oval-shaped nail. To get the look, Miss Pop used My Vampire is Buff, a creamy hue that complemented the designer's collection, which was inspired by nature. This latticed French manicure featured negative space {a hot new trend in nails} and was finished with Matte Top Coat.

Miss Pop's design offered an extension of several of the designer's pieces, which featured knitwear with cutout patterns. To echo the nail look, models also wore My Vampire is Buff on toes.

SHOP THE POST

xx
{pictures via}

OPI Walks the Runway with Reem Acra

'BUBBLE BATH' IN PARIS

REEM ACRA • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

OPI worked with Reem Acra to create the nail look for the designer’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 runway show at Lincoln Center on Monday, September 8. Models’ nails and toes featured Bubble Bath, a soft, milky pink to complement the show’s Parisian-inspired romantic, feminine fashions.

Nails were lacquered with one coat of Base Coat, two coats of Bubble Bath, one of OPI’s most popular colors, and sealed with Top Coat. The classic hue was carried onto toes to complete the romantic pale pink look.

SHOP THE POST

xx
{pictures via}

alexa chung 'it' giveaway

I am super excited to announce that cat eyes & skinny jeans has, once again, partnered with Penguin / RandomHouse to bring one {1} lucky reader a copy of one of my personal favorite tomes...IT - the debut from Alexa Chung. This time around you'll be taking home the paperback version, officially available in stores October 28, 2014! Read the completely necessary Q&A with Miss Alexa below; then Enter for your chance to win!

Your style icons are varied, from the Spice Girls to Jeremy Irons to Wednesday Addams. What makes a particular look stand out most to you?

Sometimes it’s just an item such as Charlie Watts’s mohair striped jumper. But in terms of those three people that you have mentioned there…they all have something in common, which is that each are a fully developed character and their clothes are just an extension of a strong personality.

If you could live in any decade—for the fashion, the people, the culture—what would it be, and why?

The 1960s of course! I just thought that was a historically very liberating time and I like that there was focus on youth culture and it was mismatch of everything….music, race, class. It was a very intriguing time and the music that came out was some of the best. You can just like the 60s because the Beatles existed or you can like it because miniskirts came about, or Twiggy, or Birkin, or Serge, or Warhol. That decade provided so much of a blueprint for what happens now.

Your book is full of beautiful and interesting pictures. What appeals to you about photography? What’s your favorite subject to photograph?

I love that thru a lens things change and you can capture what you think you’re seeing, but when it comes out it looks completely different and then others see it differently as well. I just like getting the perfect image and capturing amazing light and mood and emotion. A photo speaks a thousand words.

[What’s your favorite subject to photograph] I really like people…whoever is around. That’s the thing that’s so cool about photos...It’s always a moment in time. There are many factors that go into it, the best magical light and the best, most inspiring person in a weird location. I spend my life on a photo set or in a studio and I don’t know if I enjoy that as much as taking the pictures.

What’s the best piece of advice you could give someone searching to create their own style?

Just go with your instincts. Find things you are inspired by or you like the look of. Work out what suits your body and your face and what you’re comfortable with wearing.

The title IT could be taken a lot of different ways—what does it mean to you?

The word it means a lot of different things, that’s why I chose it. At first it was a nickname that I had for the book and then it just became it. And it was ‘It’…gotta go home and work on ‘It’…It’s gonna be ok… this is IT. I love that word. It’s so small and can mean so much.

What do you want people to take away from IT?

I don’t really have an objective with the book. I hope that you enjoy it but I didn’t necessarily put it together to affect you in any certain way. It was quite selfish really; I just wanted to write a lot down. I hope you enjoy it. That is all I can hope for.

You have a lot going on with Fuse News, the book, among other things. Do you have any down time? What do you do to relax?

I don’t really have any downtime actually. But if I do relax I go for acupuncture. I play pool, I play buckhunter, sing karaoke….come to think of it, all of my relaxing things are still kind of work in a way, it’s not like I’m swimming around a luxurious pool. I unwind by hanging out with my friends. I don’t know if I ever fully relax really, I just keep going until I fall asleep.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck babes!

xx

Thanks to Penguin / RandomHouse for sponsoring this post / Giveaway!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Happy Thursday everyone! As you can probably tell from today's board I'm completely ready for fall - now if only it would officially reach SoCal.

SHOP THE POST

xx

{beauty board} double-duty beauty

Simplify your fall-to-winter makeup routine with hyper-pigmented lip & cheek stains that give you a gorgeous, monochromatic glow in mere minutes!

Clockwise from Top Right
{1} Tory Burch Lip & Cheek Tint in Cat's Meow {$38.00}

{2} Stila Lip & Cheek Stain in Acai Crush {$24.00}

{3} Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks in 06 Rouge Libertine {$40.00}

{4} Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip And Cheek Creamy Oil in Always Cherry {$18.00}

{5} NARS Matte Multiple in Laos {$39.00}

{6} Benefit Cosmetics Benetint {$30.00}


SHOP THE POST

xx

{fashion folio} rebel glam

Earrings: BaubleBar Hematite Cone Drops | Shoes: Sole Society Chelsa Zipper Detail Bootie in Tan | Eye Shadow Palette: Rimmel London Glam Eye Shadow Quad in Smokey Brun | Top: Splendid Draped Stretch-Jersey Top in White | Ring: Jules Smith Assorted Gem Ring in Silver / Black | Bracelet: DANNIJO Pico Bracelet in Silver | Nail Polish: OPI Classic Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx | Leggings: MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Stretch-Leather Leggings-Style Pants
Add a rebellious touch to your fall style with a slouchy white top and black leather-look leggings coupled with a pair of playfully printed Chelsea booties. Hematite jewelry in the form of drop earrings, a chunky cocktail ring, and cuff bracelet add an edgy yet elegant touch; a point heightened with a noir hue on nails. Finish with a natural smoky eye for a glamorous gaze!

SHOP THE POST

xx

NOTD: Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in Sugar Crystals

One coat of Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in Sugar Crystals. Silver Hexagonal Glitter, Blue and Black Micro-glitter, and Black Bar Glitter in a Sheer Blue Base..

Hello celestial goodness!

Sugar Crystals is the simple way to achieve the forever trendy look known as galaxy nails {without any type of nail art talent}. The mix of glitter sizes paired with the blues, blacks, and silvers of a midnight sky just scream galactic.

Like the rest of the glitters I've tried from Sugar, Sugar Crystals dispenses heartily and evenly so that you get an out-of-this-world look with just one swipe. Here I am wearing it over Rita Ora x Rimmel London 60 Seconds Colour Rush Nail Polish in Midnight Rendezvous. New favorite glitter right here!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

Thanks to Sugar for sponsoring this post!

Nude, Matte, Bedazzled Nails at Houghton

PERFECTLY Bare

HOUGHTON • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

OPI, lead by acclaimed nail artist Miss Pop, created a light, feminine look with an unexpected edge on nails and toes at last week’s Houghton runway show held at Milk Studios for Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. Nails were painted with Base Coat, two coats of Samoan Sand -- a sheer nude color -- then sealed with Matte Top Coat (a big trend for spring!) and finished with a few hand-placed Swarovski crystals.

Miss Pop worked with Houghton’s designer Katharine Polk in selecting the gemstones each model would wear. On hands, models’ nails were adorned with one, two or three Swarovski crystals in clear or black vertically stacked on the middle finger of both hands, starting from the bottom of the nail. The toes had one crystal on the big toe to match. The gemstones created a subtle sparkle and an unexpected contrast from the sheer nude lacquer with its matte finish that complemented the show’s bold accessories and feminine prints.

SHOP THE POST

xx
{pictures via}

BCBG Models Wear Bubble Bath At NYFW

BLUSHING BOHEME

BCBG • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

OPI kicked off Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week last week with BCBGMAXAZRIA at Lincoln Center. Lead nail artist Miss Pop painted models' fingers and toes with one coat of OPI Base Coat followed by two coats of OPI's bestselling soft pink Bubble Bath. She finished the nail with one coat of OPI Top Coat. This sheer, neutral look complemented the collection's bohemian silhouettes, muted pastel floral pieces and earthy tones.

SHOP THE POST

xx
{pictures via}