11.30.2020

NOTD: OPI Muse of Milan Nail Lacquer Collection in Suzi Talks With Her Hands


Two coats of OPI Muse of Milan Nail Lacquer Collection in Suzi Talks With Her Hands. Steely Gray Creme.

Not too long ago, it wasn’t easy to find great gray polishes {total pain IMO}, but OPI is changing. the. game.

Y’all, Suzi Talks With Her Hands is a gorgeous steely gray that falls into that illustrious wear now, wear later, wear whenever category. The shade easily works through all four seasons due to its neutrality; but don’t let that term leave you thinking it’s boring. This color is perfection - as is its formula.

Two swipes and you’re left with the plush goodness you see above. Bonus: long-lasting, chip-free wear. For reals though…I wore this bad boy for 6 days and it looked brilliant from beginning to end.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?



xx
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11.28.2020

11.26.2020

essie Gel Couture Holiday Longwear Nail Color 3 Piece Mini Kit Swatches + Review


Y'all, I feel like essie hasn't made a mini collection in ages, so when I spotted a couple petite pretties from them this season, I had to snatch them up! First is the Gel Couture Holiday Longwear Nail Color 3 Piece Mini Kit. You're only going to see two colors here, as the third piece of this set is a top coat {amazing btw!}, but they are two shades that will see you through the season in style! Side note: these colors would also be perf for Valentine's Day, so they have that buy now, wear later quality that no one can resist.


Bubbles Only is a Burgundy Creme. It has been. a. minute. since I last used essie, but I am so here for this shade for the holidays! Bubbles Only is a classic burgundy creme that was meant to be worn at posh holiday gatherings overflowing with good food and gorgeous friends. This one is a dream to work with; but, even more...it does. not. stain. I had this bad boy on for 6 days, and it removed without a hint of staining. Huzzah! Grab this beauty for the holidays and all seasons! This is 2 coats.

Chiffon the Move is an Ivory Shimmer. Le sigh...can we all agree that this little beauty is the epitome of elegance? Chiffon the Move, while described as an ivory shimmer, has a v strong pale pink undertone that gives it a ballet slipper feel. This one does apply sheer, so you can control the opacity of it. I used three coats here, but VNL is still visible, so, for my preference, I would likely add a fourth coat to increase the opacity. For those who fear shimmer, the shimmer here is not overwhelming, so it maintains a grown-up feel. A necessary entry into your elegant polish colors. This is 3 coats.



AVAILABILITY: Ulta

  PRICE: $12.99 for the 3PC Mini Set; $11.59 for each full-size bottle.



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11.24.2020

BOOK REVIEW: Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith


I have read all of Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike books over the years, so despite the amount of {unfounded} controversy surrounding the latest installment, Troubled Blood, I absolutely could not resist picking up a copy - if only to catch up with Strike, Robin, and the rest of the gang. Let me state that this is not the type of series I typically gravitate to; but the noir-inflected feel and character-driven storylines have kept me enthralled from the jump. Troubled Blood, though somewhat hard to digest at times, was, overall, very much the same.

Troubled Blood opens with Strike visiting his family in Cornwall. It’s there that he is approached by a woman requesting his help in finding her mother, Margot Bamborough, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The catch? Margot went missing in 1974. Though Strike has worked on many cases, a cold one has never been part of his repertoire, let alone one from forty years ago; but he’s intrigued, and accepts - despite the knowledge that the chances of success seem slim.

Though only one case in their long list of jobs, Margot’s disappearance quickly becomes the front-runner for Strike and Robin, leading them down a messy path rife with tarot cards, a psychopathic serial killer, and a wide array of witnesses – many of whom appear to have something to hide. But is one of them the culprit?

I’m gonna be real here, at 944 pages, Troubled Blood is a tome. And for many of those pages I truly felt as if I was wading through information that, while good fodder for character development, would ultimately contribute very little to the overall storyline. I wasn’t wrong.

Do I care to read about multiple visits with Strike’s family during a grieving period? Not really. Do I want more details about Robin’s disastrous divorce and overall unlikable family? Negative. But I know Galbraith’s {Rowling} talent, so I muddled through it {albeit halfheartedly} in order to get to the true heart of the novel, and what lies there is brilliant.

The character development found within these pages is outstanding. Through interrogations and interviews, snippets from book and newspaper coverage of Margot Bamborough’s disappearance, and a mind-blowing incorporation of astrology, Galbraith’s narrative brings a ripped from the headlines tale to the Strike series that will satisfy the biggest true crime fan – or anyone interested in behavioral psychology.


Star Rating: *****


xx
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11.23.2020

NOTD: OPI Love OPI, XOXO Holiday 2017 Collection in My Wish List Is You

Two coats of OPI's Love OPI, XOXO Holiday 2017 Collection in My Wish List Is You. Poppy Red Crelly.

I've legit had this shade sitting in my stash for 3 years, but December felt like the perfect time to whip it out.

My Wish List Is You is a lush poppy red crelly that is stellar for all of your chic Christmas soirees, but would also feel right at home on a beach in the Bahamas due to its beautiful brightness. This one practically paints itself; but it is quite sheer - I could have done a third coat myself to reduce VNL, but wasn't in the mood. Regardless, it's a brilliant beauty for the season, and comes highly recommended.


What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx
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11.21.2020

kinsley

Free People Kinsley Floral Long Sleeve Wrap Minidress in BLACK COMBO

LOVE the edgy-meets-elegant aesthetic of this beauty.


xx
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11.19.2020

swirls gone wild

BB Dakota Swirls Gone Wild Faux Fur Coat in GREY

The obsession is real with this one!


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11.16.2020

NOTD: SEPHORA COLLECTION Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in L02 Under the Covers

Three coats of SEPHORA COLLECTION Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in L02 Under the Covers. White Creme.

Le sigh, white polish will forever have my heart {but you already knew that}.

Under the Covers is a glorious opaque white crème with a fabulous, fabulous finish and ridiculously easy to work with formula. My one qualm with this shade? Tbh it’s a personal preference. I like my white polishes to be super stark, chalky white, and this one has just the slightest beige-y/yellow undertone that makes it more neutral than I like. Still stunning; but it won’t become one of my white go-tos.


xx
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11.14.2020

11.12.2020

NAILS INC. Keep It Tonal Nail Polish Set Swatches + Review


Maaaybe I'm wrong, but fall nail polish collections have seemed few and far between this year, so when I spotted NAILS INC.'s Keep It Tonal Nail Polish Set I could. not. resist. Babes, this is the collection for pumpkin spice season, and I. am. here. for. it. You will be too after you see these brilliant shades of autumn. Also, bonus: the brushes for this collection are basically the best ever. Just saying.

Chamomile Street is a Mocha Brown Creme. Can we just all agree that brown polishes do not get enough love? Like seriously! Chamomile Street is essentially the nail polish equivalent of chocolate - decadent, creamy, and smoooooth. This particular one may be my new fave as it is so lovely for year-round wear {but I especially love it for harvest, when the leaves are changing colors and the world is awash with the scent of cinnamon, spice, and pumpkin!}. The formula here is legit wow-worthy - fast-dry, easy to use formula, and built.in.shine. If browns are your thang, you need to try this bad boy on for size!
This is 2 coats.


French Ordinary Court is a Caramel Creme. Soooo...I was expecting this shade to be a pumpkin spice-meets-burnt sienna-meets rust; but, on the nail, it was none of the above. Is that a bad thing? Yes and no. Basically, it wasn't what I was looking for; but I love it nonetheless. French Ordinary Court is a creamy, dreamy caramel-meets-maple syrup color that would be perfect for year-round wear, or any and all fall festivities {we're talking pumpkin patch dates to hayrides}. The realclincher? The formula is TDF. OMG ladies it is such a beautiful thing, I can't even. A heavy hand will get you opacity in one coat; a lighter hand {ahem...moi} will require two. Either way, it is perfection. Highly recommend! This is 2 coats.

Beech Gardens is a Khaki Creme. If we're talking unique nail colors this bad boy must be in the top 5! Contrary to popular belief, Beech Gardens is not a brown creme. In fact, while I myself thought it was a milk chocolate shade simply from viewing the bottle; on the nail Beech Gardens has an olive-meets-army-green undertone that is ultra-quirky for autumn - and your personal polish collection! Formula here is a dream - full-coverage, easy to apply, and a beyond gorgeous glossy finish; all of which put it in a class of its own, and make it covetable! This is 2 coats.

Mansion House Street is a Nude Creme. Let's be honest, nudes rarely pique my interest, but this one reminds me of iced coffee, and I am here for it! Mansion House Street is a stunning your-nails-but-better shade that is so necessary for year-round wear. The soft caramel undertones keep it from feeling mannequin-hands, and legit make me want to keep it on rotation all. autumn. long. Formula here is fantastic, being both fast dry and long-lasting. Even if you're not a fan of nudes, I think you'll like this one! This is 2 coats. 


  AVAILABILITY: Sephora

  PRICE: $22.00 for the 4PC Mini Set.



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11.10.2020

BOOK REVIEW: The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate


”Maybe it’s easier to forgive others once you’ve learned to forgive yourself.”

Not gonna lie here, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Bob since the end of 2019; but I didn’t purchase a copy until now because I was terrified that it wouldn’t live up to the utter amazingness that is The One and Only Ivan. After watching the Disney+ film of Ivan’s installment, however {if you haven’t seen it yet, stop what you’re doing and go watch. it. now.}, I knew that I needed more Bob in my life, and here we are.

Broken out into four parts, The One and Only Bob gives us the perspective of Bob, the tiny albeit feisty terrier who once shared a cage with the infamous Ivan. Today, Bob has left behind the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade and taken up residence with Julia and George, who dote on him and take him on frequent trips to visit Ivan and Ruby at their new home at a local zoo. Which is where Bob is when a life-changing hurricane-meets-tornado hits, forcing every animal, friend or foe, to put their differences aside and band together to survive.

In all truth, Parts 1 and 2, while enjoyable, were not the standouts for The One and Only Bob; serving mainly as an update on the characters we grew to love in its predecessor, and giving only the slimmest glimpse into Bob’s past. The past that, even now, he has been unable to put behind him enough to fully trust humans. The true story begins within the pages of Parts 3 and 4, when Bob finally feels confident enough to show his vulnerable side, revealing chunks of his puppyhood and subsequent mistreatment by the hands of humans to reflect on how those incidences shaped him into the dynamite dog he is today; and allowing him the chance to break down the barriers that were making him incapable of full love.

What’s remarkable about Katherine Applegate is her ability to present truly heavy topics in a format that is accessible, understandable, and virtually considered light reading for even the tiniest of readers. She introduces the concept of animal rights and kindness in a way that leaves such an impression on you – whether you are 4 or 94; and that, my friends, is talent.

Yes, this is labeled as a middle grade book, but I cannot recommend it enough. The reading is quick {I finished it in its entirety in less than 2 hours}; but the characters live on in your mind {and heart!} long after the last page is turned. While you will find no spoilers here, I will say that the ending put the biggest smile on my face, and that smile appears time and time again whenever I think of this book. Please don’t miss this one.


Star Rating: *****


xx
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11.07.2020

11.05.2020

layered in lace

Free People Layered in Lace Leggings in BLACK

The sassiest update to your basic leggings. These would be perfect with boots + tunics/long sweaters for the chilly months!


xx
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11.02.2020

NOTD: OPI Muse of Milan Nail Lacquer Collection in Complimentary Wine


Three coats of OPI Muse of Milan Nail Lacquer Collection in Complimentary Wine. Burgundy Creme.

But like…if you’re not wearing burgundy polish, is it even fall?!

Complimentary Wine is, IMO, the best burgundy meets merlot nail color on the market. We’re talking Holy Grail status. The color here is so rich, so gorgeous, and so easy to work with! Yes, this is three coats; but they are coats that last. for. days. And the color cannot be matched.

Buy a bottle, then buy a back-up bottle because you will be wearing this beauty a lot!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?



xx
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