12.29.2022

ZOYA Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

Never have I ever met a holiday polish collection that didn't put me in my cozy feels; so y'all know I was excited when ZOYA's Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Trio showed up on my porch. NGL, the depth of the shades shocked me a teeny tiny bit, because they don't feel like holiday colors per se. This trio leans more dark and moody than I expected; but I am feeling all three for the winter season because they look like the perfect pairing for all of those chunky knits and boots! Let's get to it, shall we?

Rosalind is a Sugarplum Purple Duochrome. This color though! Rosalind is a sugarplum purple duochrome that looks nothing like I expected! For some reason, I was 100% under the impression that this was like a metallic navy when I saw it in the bottle; but when you apply it to the nail...girrrrrllll! This beauty is straight up magical. The purple shifts from a shimmering sugarplum to a Frozen-esque metallic blue and back when placed in direct sunlight, and is just beautiful to look at. Perfect for winter and beyond! This is 2 coats.

Metora is a Metallic Boysenberry Jam. NGL, this bad boy blew me away! Metora is a metallic boysenberry jam that is deep and decadent and unlike most shades I typically see in holiday collections. I was 100% convinced that this was a Christmas-y red when I viewed it from the bottle but OMG that boysenberry shade just lit up upon application! Formula was a little thinner than expected; but, overall easy peasy to work with. Love this one for the holidays and the winter season! This is 2 coats.

Clarice is a Metallic Emerald Green. I never knew how much I needed a shade like this in my life until it was in my hands. True story. Clarice is a metallic emerald green that is sending me with that enchanting lit from within glow and deep, dark depth. This one is multifaceted because, from afar, it looks like a basic black; but when you get up close and personal...wowza! That metallic emerald green comes out to play. With a heavy hand, this can be a OCW. I found the formula to be slightly runny, so I opted for two coats to avoid gloppy drops or a mess. Absolutely loving it! Unfortunately, it does not photograph well. Womp womp. This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

PRICE: $12.00 for each full-size bottle



xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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12.26.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Metora

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Metora. Metallic Boysenberry Jam.

NGL, this bad boy blew me away!

Metora is a metallic boysenberry jam that is deep and decadent and unlike most shades I typically see in holiday collections. I was 100% convinced that this was a Christmas-y red when I viewed it from the bottle but OMG that boysenberry shade just lit up upon application! Formula was a little thinner than expected; but, overall easy peasy to work with. Love this one for the holidays and the winter season!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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12.22.2022

BOOK REVIEW: 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas {A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery} by Jacqueline Frost


I truly am so grateful for having found Jacqueline Frost's Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series last year, because escaping into the quaint town of Mistletoe, Maine each holiday season is a G-rated pleasure that puts me in my Christmas feels, and kinda sorta makes me want to try my hand at jewelry-making {thanks Holly!}. While Twelve Slays of Christmas was my first foray into this series; 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas welcomed me back with open arms, and easily avoided the second book slump, acting instead to make me more vested in these charming characters - and ensuring that I return for the next installment.

Twenty-seven-year-old Holly White thought that her return to her family's Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games, last year was merely a temporary act to help heal her broken heart, and decide what her next move in life would be; but after a brush with death during her stay, and an introduction to the dreamy Boston-bred, Sheriff Evan Gray, she decided to put down roots in the idyllic locale of Mistletoe, Maine. Flash forward a year, and Holly is on cloud nine. Her jewelry-making ecommerce business is booming {a little too much tbh}; she has an old made new again bestie in Caroline, the owner of Caroline's Cupcakes; the Reindeer Games Inn is finally in the process of construction, with a grand opening date of next year; and, while her love life may be lacking due to Evan's secretiveness over the past few months, she's not complaining. That is, until death comes knocking. Again.

As the daughter of a powerful local politician, Caroline is used to being fixed up with boring, oft-times overly friendly men to please her father. The latest guy on that list of suitors is none other than Derek, the wealthy, womanizing son of a judge who got a little too handsy with Caroline during a dinner, and was subsequently chastised by the cupcake connoisseur. Unfortunately, this lambasting was caught on camera in a clip seen round the community. No big deal, amiright? Negative. When Derek turns up dead in a life-size bowl of peppermint candy in the town square, all signs point to Caroline as the killer. The police refuse to cast their suspicions on anyone else, going so far as to take Caroline into custody, so Holly does what any good BFF would do...launches her own investigation. After all, what's the holiday season without a little detective work and death?

With just ten days left until Christmas, Holly knows that she is Caroline's only hope for spending the holidays at home with her family {as opposed to behind bars}. When she catches the eye of a Santa-suited stalker leaving peppermint candies in his wake, Holly is convinced that she's on the trail of the true killer; but without Evan to ping theories off of, she's not sure if she'll be able to bring Derek's murderer to justice before she faces her own silent night. Permanently.

This book y'all! I absolutely loved every second of it. With Frost's previous installment, Twelve Slays of Christmas, my issue with Holly was that she frequently read like a teenager. This time around, with the role of her parent's diminished, and adult friendships made more prevalent, she has matured so much, and come into her own. Her friendship with both Caroline and Ray is something I love seeing grow; while the development of her relationship with Evan feels very organic and relatable. The fact that their romance takes a backseat to the mystery and friendships developing throughout is something that I am so here for, because romance is something I'm not seeking when I pick up a mystery. Since we're on the subject of characters, I can't forget to give a shoutout to the quirky feline Cindy Lou Who who has captured my heart with her soul-searching gaze and selective friendships. Believe me when I say that, despite all of the murders that Mistletoe seems to experience, I am so ready to pack my bags and move there. Pretty sure I need to make book three, Slashing Through the Snow, mine immediately!


Star Rating: *****


xx
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12.19.2022

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Rhinestone Red-y

Two coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Rhinestone Red-y. Bright Red w/ Pink Pearlescent Shimmer.

Y'all, I legit cannot with this lacquer. In fact, in all honesty, it is my new number one red lacquer of all time.

Rhinestone Red-y is a Rudolph-approved bright red w/ pink pearlescent shimmer that is an absolute essential for the month of December. The formula here was ridiculous - two simple coats that dried within minutes, and truly brought my tips to life. If ever there was a polish with an accurate name, it is this beauty, as it sparkles like rhinestones with every flick of your fingers. There is no question here - buy this one immediately!

xx
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12.15.2022

OPI Holiday '22 Nail Lacquer 4-Piece Mini Cracker Swatches + Review

Babes, I have seen countless holiday collections, but let me tell you...nothing compares to the beauty found within OPI's Holiday '22 Nail Lacquer 4-Piece Mini Cracker. As someone who is, admittedly, not a fan of metallics, this quartet is a game changer. Consider me sold.

Go Big Or Go Chrome is a Metallic Silver. Admittedly, y'all know that I'm typically not a fan of metallics, but this beauty is sending me.
Go Big Or Go Chrome is a wintry metallic silver that makes me want to watch Frozen for the 3,627,946 time - that sparkle and frosty tone gives me all of the Queen Elsa and Olaf vibes! This is an interesting one because, at coat one, the opacity, while stronger than a topper, mimics a sprinkling of fairy dust, so would look amazing over a white creme; whereas coats two and three really strengthen the opacity and bring us to the icy finish you see here. Positively obsessed with this beauty for the entire winter season! This is 3 coats.

Decked to the Pines is a Metallic Sage Green. This color though! Slays like no other. True story.
Decked to the Pines is a stunning metallic sage green with a touch of gold duochrome that is absolutely gorgeous. From the minute I applied this to my nails I was obsessed, and my feelings never wavered during the 7 days I wore it. This shade is e lemming that needs to be in the collection of any nail polish fanatic. And the formula? Let's just say that it withstood a week of about 14 holiday projects {including painting, cutting, gluing, and peeling} with 30 kindergartners with nary a hint of tipwear, chips, or peeling. I know I never say this, but I think I'm buying a back-up bottle. Natch! This is 2 coats.

Rhinestone Red-y is a Bright Red w/ Pink Pearlescent Shimmer. Y'all, I legit cannot with this lacquer. In fact, in all honesty, it is my new number one red lacquer of all time. Rhinestone Red-y is a Rudolph-approved bright red w/ pink pearlescent shimmer that is an absolute essential for the month of December. The formula here was ridiculous - two simple coats that dried within minutes, and truly brought my tips to life. If ever there was a polish with an accurate name, it is this beauty, as it sparkles like rhinestones with every flick of your fingers. There is no question here - buy this one immediately! This is 2 coats.

Sleigh Bells Bling is a Metallic Gold Shimmer. Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too...Yes, I immediately started singing that song after applying this shade to my nails. True story. Sleigh Bells Bling is a glamorous metallic gold with an out of this world formula. It legit applied effortlessly, and dried ridiculously fast {without brushstrokes!}. I'm obsessed. The color is ideal for chic holiday soirees during this time of year; but would also work as a pumped-up neutral year-round. Loving it! This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: Ulta.

PRICE: $19.95 for the 4PC Mini Set; $11.49 for each full-size bottle
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xx
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12.12.2022

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Decked to the Pines

Two coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Decked to the Pines. Metallic Sage Green.

This color though! Slays like no other. True story.

Decked to the Pines is a stunning metallic sage green with a touch of gold duochrome that is absolutely gorgeous. From the minute I applied this to my nails I was obsessed, and my feelings never wavered during the 7 days I wore it. This shade is e lemming that needs to be in the collection of any nail polish fanatic. And the formula? Let's just say that it withstood a week of about 14 holiday projects {including painting, cutting, gluing, and peeling} with 30 kindergartners with nary a hint of tipwear, chips, or peeling. I know I never say this, but I think I'm buying a back-up bottle. Natch!

xx
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12.08.2022

ZOYA Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

When it comes to fall polish collections this is what I'm talking about! Mustards, mossy greens, deep plums, dark teals? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. ZOYA 100% hit it out of the ballpark with their Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Collection and I am here for it! NGL, I live for luscious shine, which these beauties had in droves; but I could see these shades looking amazing matte-ified for that 90s classic leather feel. Time to sneaky-peeky the stellar shade range!

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Dagmar is a Deep Marsala Creme. Le sigh...it has been far, far, far too long since I've reached for a vampy shade like this, so spooky season seemed ideal for its arrival. Dagmar is a daring deep marsala creme with hints of plum, crimson, and brown that will make your inner witch cackle with glee! This one requires a little more attention to application, as the brush picks up quite a lot of product with each dip. Make sure that you are wiping it on the lip of the bottle frequently to avoid cuticle flooding. If you dig dark, you need this bad boy in your collection! This is 2 coats.

Gidget is a Butterscotch Creme. NGL, I 100% thought that this was going to be a mustard shade based on how it looked in the bottle, but surprise! It's so not. Gidget is a beige-based butterscotch creme that feels ideal for this time of year due to its apple picking perfect coloring and nod to apple cider and iced coffee. This one is creamy and decadent for the Thanksgiving season and is essential for those seeking a flawless formula and unique vibe. This is 2 coats.

Althea is a Moss Green Creme. We need more greens like this bad boy in the polish world. I said what I said. Althea is a moss green creme that speaks to me on so many levels because I always gravitate towards shades like this in November {no idea why; but I'm here for it}. This stunner gives amazing coverage; but the formula is a little thinner than I'm used to with ZOYA, so make sure you wipe that brush on the lip of the bottle a few times before application. Wear-time is phenomenal, and that inner shine is gorgeous. Loves it! This is 2 coats.

Ono is a Rich Berry Creme. It's shades like these that are so frequently overlooked in fall nail polish collections in favor of reds, but they are so good. Ono is a rich berry creme that gives off Old Hollywood vibes mixed with winespiration {pretty sure I made that term up myself tbh}. This one displayed tipwear a little sooner than expected; but overall held up pretty well considering how many kindergarten art projects it survived. Bonus: the littles complimented it over and over again. Perfect for Thanksgiving week. Highly recommend! This is 2 coats.

Ryder is a Redwood Brown Creme. This brown though...such. a. stunner. Ryder is a milk chocolate-esque redwood brown creme that gives me all of the M&Ms vibes. Seriously. I legit cannot get over how beautiful this babe is - that natural shine, rich color, dreamy formula. All I can say is...chef's kiss. This is 2 coats.

Sylva is a Dark Teal Creme. A problematic polish fact? There is simply not enough teal in lacquer collections. #isaidwhatisaid. Sylva is a bold dark teal creme that brings Fair Isle knitwear, marshmallow-topped hot cocoa, and skiing in the Swiss Alps to mind. This one could easily have been a OCW, but I added a second layer to bolden up the color, and it built beautifully! Loving this beauty paired with, perhaps, a silver accent nail. If you want to add a unique touch to your vampy varnish collection, do not sleep on this bad boy! This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

PRICE: $12.00 for each full-size bottle



xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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12.05.2022

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Sleigh Bells Bling

Two coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Sleigh Bells Bling. Metallic Gold.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too...Yes, I immediately started singing that song after applying this shade to my nails. True story.

Sleigh Bells Bling is a glamorous metallic gold with an out of this world formula. It legit applied effortlessly, and dried ridiculously fast {without brushstrokes!}. I'm obsessed. The color is ideal for chic holiday soirees during this time of year; but would also work as a pumped-up neutral year-round. Loving it!

xx
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12.01.2022

BOOK REVIEW: Delphine and the Silver Needle by Alyssa Moon


"Fairy tales have a way of getting softened over the years. The most violent parts are sanded away, the story made safer for little ones."

If I'm being completely honest, let me tell you that, in the tale of Cinderella, it was always the mice that entertained me most. Jaq and Gus, Perla and Suzy...They were an enchanting mischief of mice that added so much to the beloved fairytale; so when I stumbled upon Alyssa Moon's Delphine and the Silver Needle, I was quite intrigued - and not just because of that gorgeous cover. Y'all, this is one of those fairytale retellings that you never knew you needed, starring an endearing MC {Delphine I'm looking at you!}; an exhilirating quest; an ages-old history of the Threaded; a treaty 100 years in the making between mice and rats; and a secret society involving a group of tailor mice. I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel, Delphine and the Dark Thread!

Though she lives within the four walls of Cinderella's Chateau Desjardins, Delphine's beginnings are humble at best. Orphaned at birth, Delphine was discovered upon the Desjardins doorstep, nestled beside one mysterious object: a tarnished, human-sized sewing needle. Despite her rocky start, Delphine has flourished under the love and care of Meline and Maman {the mouse who first found her, and the one who raised her, respectively} spending her days at Desjardins caring for mouselings and completing other miscellaneous chores; and dedicating her nights to her true passion: sewing and creating brilliant dress designs in her workshop. When her work catches the eye of Princess Petits-Oiseaux, requesting her dressmaking services at the castle, Delphine is beside herself. But what begins as her chance to share her talents with the world, sets an unexpected adventure and quest of a lifetime in motion - with Delphine at the forefront!

Upon her arrival at court, Delphine's eyes are opened to a lavish world that seems like a dream; along with curious characters who she would have never met had she remained at Desjardins. The most intriguing one being Alexander - a noblemouse with the scoop on everyone. It is through Alexander that Delphine learns of her destiny. While scampering around the castle together, Alexander introduces Delphine to a tapestry depicting a silver needle much like hers, and a group of tailor mice known as the Threaded. It does not take long for Delphine to determine that she is an ancestor of those very mice, and the silver needle? A dangerous object to have in her posession. You see, King Midnight, an evil rat, has been hunting down the Threaded's silver needles for decades, and he has 0 intention of allowing Delphine's to slip through his paws. And so the quest of a lifetime begins.

With Alexander at her side, Delphine does everything in her power to stay one step ahead of King Midnight, protecting the silver needle that he covets so much; while unraveling the truths that will save the kingdom that she loves so dearly. But with enemies popping up in the most bizarre of places, Delphine can't be sure if she and Alexander will be able to stop the rampaging rat before it's too late.

While Delphine and the Silver Needle is a retelling of sorts of Cinderella, do not expect to see much of the popular princess or her evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters. Though I remember a fleeting mention of them, that is where their presence in the tale ends, which I, personally, was more than okay with.

Delphine is a charming character who effortlessly carries this story with the help of Alexander. The two have an endearing companionship from the getgo - despite Alexander's penchant for some pompous behavior. The ease of their friendship is one of the things that makes the story move so quickly. For me, as a cat lover, I found the character of Cornichonne to be one of the best additions of the story - though she arrived near the end, I am holding out hope that she will return for the sequel, as she was positively brilliant! Yes, there are some dark moments within these pages; but overall, it is a fantastic, fairytale-based fantasy that can easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages.


Star Rating: ****


xx
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11.28.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Cafe Creams Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Kahula

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Kahula. Gingerbread Brown Creme.

Another week, another brown beauty to share with all of you lovelies. But seriously...what better way to both welcome December and say au revoir to November than with a yummy gingerbread shade?!

Kahula is a spicy shade that is ever so slightly deeper than her mocha brown baby sis, Biscuit; but identical when it comes to fabulous formula. This one applies beautifully; drying in what feels like mere moments, and staying in place without chips or tipwear for days. This may be one of my new faves for holiday baking events {cookie swap party anyone?}!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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11.24.2022

ZOYA Cafe Creams Fall 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

Did you know that when I first started blogging, I did so under the blog title Cafe Fashionista? With a former moniker like that, it was inevitable that I would feel weak in the knees over ZOYA's Cafe Creams Fall 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Collection. Ladies, this is a collection that all coffee-loving hearts will swoon over, offering everything from dark roast-inspired shades to caramel iced coffee colors. Bonus: they all work brilliantly for the fall into winter months. Let's dive in to the yummy!

Ophelia is a Blackened Brown Creme. Y'all this color is sending me for spooky season. No joke. Ophelia is a moody blackened brown creme that gives me rich espresso and horror movie vibes. This bad boy is such a dream to work with - we're talking flawless application, and one of the best no chips, no tipwear shades in the history of nail polish. Seriously. If you dig dark, this babe needs to be added to your collection immediately! This is 2 coats.

Bonnie is a Sheer Rose Gold Topper. Can we just take a moment to swoon over how majestic this beauty is?! Bonnie is a luminous sheer rose gold topper that will make you sparkle with each flick of your fingertips. This beauty can be worn alone {a la moi}, or as a topper {how stunning would she look over a mauve or nude for fall?!}. Regardless of how you wear her, she is a standout that will gain you compliments galore with her sparkling persona and long-lasting wear time {5 days for me with 0 chips or tipwear}. If you find sparkle simply irresistible, you need this babe in your life! This is 3 coats.

Remington is a Rosewood Brown Creme. When I say that this shade on the nail, compared to this shade in the bottle, was a surprise, we are talking straight facts. Remington is a cozy sweater type of color that brings Thanksgiving vibes to the table. NGL, I def thought this one was going to be more mauve-y than it actually was; instead, I found that the undertones leaned more reddish plum, which darkened the overall look. Still a pretty shade for the season; but not my fave in the collection. This is 2 coats.

Biscuit is a Milky Brown Mocha Creme. Le sigh...I fell for brown cremes last fall, and this shade is bringing all of those feels back again. Biscuit is a fall on your fingertips type of shade that brings all of the apple cider drinking, pumpkin patch visiting, oversized sweater vibes to your tips. Formula is easy, breezy, beautiful - applying effortlessly, and lasting for days upon days. If you're looking for a shade to get your autumn started, this babe is it! This is 2 coats.

Kahula is a Gingerbread Brown Creme. Another week, another brown beauty to share with all of you lovelies. But seriously...what better way to both welcome December and say au revoir to November than with a yummy gingerbread shade?! Kahula is a spicy shade that is ever so slightly deeper than her mocha brown baby sis, Biscuit; but identical when it comes to fabulous formula. This one applies beautifully; drying in what feels like mere moments, and staying in place without chips or tipwear for days. This may be one of my new faves for holiday baking events {cookie swap party anyone?}! This is 2 coats.

Constance is a Plum Creme. Spotted...at the steps of the Met... With a name like Constance, I couldn't resist the opportunity to give a shoutout to Gossip Girl. #iykyk Constance is a posh plum creme that is absolutely giving me life! This one is positively perfect for fall to winter wear {and everything in between TBH}. Formula for this beauty is every bit as decadent as the color. Bonus: this bad boy earned me loads of compliments from my kinders! Obsessed! This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

PRICE: $12.00 for each full-size bottle



xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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11.21.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Ono

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Ono. Rich Berry Creme.

It's shades like these that are so frequently overlooked in fall nail polish collections in favor of reds, but they are so good.


Ono is a rich berry creme that gives off Old Hollywood vibes mixed with winespiration {pretty sure I made that term up myself tbh}. This one displayed tipwear a little sooner than expected; but overall held up pretty well considering how many kindergarten art projects it survived. Bonus: the littles complimented it over and over again. Perfect for Thanksgiving week. Highly recommend!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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11.17.2022

BOOK REVIEW: Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain


"It hits me hard how every single one of us—everyone in the whole wide world—is walking around with missing pieces."

Between the cozy yet eerie setting of the bayou of La Cachette, Louisiana, and the promise of both a slow burn and a town dubbed the Psychic Capital of the World, it was 100% impossible for me not to download Ginny Myers Sain's Dark and Shallow Lies when I spotted it on sale - and I don't regret it. At all. Y'all, this book was unputdownable. Like, I literally spent my entire weekend reading it. NGL, there was something about the overall story that left me feeling unfulfilled by the time I turned the last page; but the lyrical writing itself {reminiscent of Tucholke's Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and Garcia and Stohl's Beautiful Creatures} is simply stunning, and a reason to read from beginning to end.

Despite only residing in La Cachette during the summer, sixteen-year-old Grey {Greycie} has always been considered a full-fledged member of the Summer Children - a group of twin flames born within days or months of one another, many of whom harbor paranormal abilities running the gamut from empathic talents to psychic foresight. Though Grey has never come into abilities of her own, she has always had a twin flame in the form of Elora Pellerin.

Inseparable since birth, Grey and Elora shared the type of bond that made it nearly impossible to be far from one another for too long. Six months ago, however, that changed. Elora went missing without a trace. No suspects, no arrests, no sightings...no body. Somehow, in a sea of psychics, no one in La Cachette has a clue as to where Elora has gone - or why she disappeared to begin with. The one thing Grey is sure of, is that Elora, with no rhyme or reason, started pulling away from her the summer before she vanished. The other? Life hasn't been the same since she disappeared.

With her seventeenth birthday on the horizon, Grey, lost since Elora's disappearance, makes the decision to return to La Cachette for the summer. Surrounded by the rest of the Summer Children, including longtime crush {and Elora's stepbrother}, Hart, as well as her grandmother, Honey, Grey is hoping to find the strength to pick up the pieces of her once intact world; but things are different. While Grey finds the charmed community grieving for Elora, it's evident that something is being hidden. Grey is convinced that there is more to Elora's story, and resolves to uncover the truth - only to learn that it's not that simple. Though her abilities have always remained dormant, upon returning to La Cachette, Grey is convinced that she hears Elora whispering to her through the wind and trees - brief murmurings that connect her disappearance to the decade-old horrific murder of two Summer Children; as well as the untimely death of her own mother. Then there's the mysterious stranger with icy blue eyes who claims to have known Elora, and may possibly be Grey's key to unlocking her abilities once and for all.

When I say that this book surprised me, I am not lying. I absolutely could not tear my eyes away from the pages. The slow burn created by the descriptors was just incredible, and still come to mind at the most impromptu moments. That said, I can't say that I loved the characters - any of them {including Grey}; I was more mesmerized by the setting, and the overwhelming sadness found within the lyrical writing that was both haunting yet masterful. This is a story that is wrapped in such incredible atmosphere, that you feel transported directly into the pages. Truth be told, there was a bit more romance than I prefer; but it didn't make me love the story as a whole any less. Though not a sequel to this standalone, I am eager to experience Ginny Myers Sain's writing again, and am excited to get my hands on her latest, Secrets So Deep.


Star Rating: ***


xx
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11.14.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Althea

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Althea. Moss Green Creme.

We need more greens like this bad boy in the polish world. I said what I said.

Althea is a moss green creme that speaks to me on so many levels because I always gravitate towards shades like this in November {no idea why; but I'm here for it}. This stunner gives amazing coverage; but the formula is a little thinner than I'm used to with ZOYA, so make sure you wipe that brush on the lip of the bottle a few times before application. Wear-time is phenomenal, and that inner shine is gorgeous. Loves it!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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11.10.2022

all night

Free People All Night Faur Fur Jacket in MESA ROSE.

This jacket is a whole mood. Period.

xx
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11.07.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Cafe Creams Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Biscuit

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Biscuit. Milky Brown Mocha Creme.

Le sigh...I fell for brown cremes last fall, and this shade is bringing all of those feels back again.

Biscuit is a fall on your fingertips type of shade that brings all of the apple cider drinking, pumpkin patch visiting, oversized sweater vibes to your tips. Formula is easy, breezy, beautiful - applying effortlessly, and lasting for days upon days. If you're looking for a shade to get your autumn started, this babe is it!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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11.03.2022

BOOK REVIEW: Shady Hollow: A Murder Mystery {A Shady Hollow Mystery} by Juneau Black



I'm not sure if it was the cozy cover, or the promise of an entire mystery starring only a cast of characters consisting of woodland creatures {frogs and foxes and bears, oh my!}; but the lure of Juneau Black's Shady Hollow: A Murder Mystery was simply too strong for me to resist, so of course I downloaded a copy. If Agatha Christie rewrote The Wind in the Willows in her own words, the end result would be Shady Hollow. This is a tale that is sleepy in its pacing, and oftentimes a bit slow to keep one's interest entirely; however, certain characters {ahem, Vera} make up for those faults, weaving a story that is intriguing enough to contemplate reaching for the sequel.

Vera Vixen may be fairly new to quaint Shady Hollow, but she is determined to make a name for herself as an ace reporter for the Shady Hollow Herald. Unfortunately, her beat is mundane as nothing truly juicy really happens within the quiet community...until now. When the body of Otto Sumpf, a taciturn toad, is discovered by one Gladys Honeysuckle, Shady Hollow's resident busybody and gossip columnist, Vera knows that now is her moment - the time to sink her teeth into a mystery of big city proportion. While many believe Otto's death was the result of natural causes, Vera has a hunch that something more sinister is at play. Assigning herself to the case, Vera soon learns that her suspicions are correct: murder has arrived in Shady Hollow.

With the blessing of her editor, BW Stone, a cigar-chomping skunk always on the lookout for a huge headline, Vera begins using the common traits of her species {cunning and slyness} to dig deeper into Otto's mysterious demise, only to ruffle a few feathers of her neighbors, as she uncovers more than one mystery, and comes to the conclusion that Otto's murder was not, in fact, an anomaly - but the start of a possible killing spree wherein many of her neighbors may be marked for death next. Now she's up against time as she puts her head together with Deputy Orville Braun to unearth the killer before he, or she, puts a stop to Vera's investigating for good.

I'm not sure what I expected from this story, nor am I sure of what I left this story having gained; however, I am positive that, barring some slow moments, I truly enjoyed my time spent within the world of Shady Hollow. Though some of the characters lacked dimension, leaving me uninterested in their roles within the tale; others left a large mark on my heart that will not soon be forgotten.

Vera, for one, is lovable from the jump. Her caffeine addiction, and investigative desires are quite relatable for any mystery lover who considers themselves an amateur sleuth. I enjoyed her dialogue alongside Deputy Orville Braun, as I felt that their personalities played off one another quite well. Lefty was another one I loved - despite his penchant for small-time crime; and Sun-Li, the panda with the mysterious past, is someone I hope to learn more about in future installments. Ultimately, it was the presence of Joe's Mug, a nod to Luke's Diner for all you Gilmore Girls fans, that clinched my love for this story. Run by the genial moose, Joe, it became a gathering spot that I myself would love to pop into daily for my caffeine fix!

Though Shady Hollow had its faults; I can honestly say that I am already missing many of the characters, and cannot wait to return to the charming {if slightly murderous} locale of Shady Hollow in book two, Cold Clay {A Shady Hollow Mystery}.


Star Rating: ***1/2


xx
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10.31.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Cafe Creams Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Remington

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Remington. Rosewood Brown Creme.

When I say that this shade on the nail, compared to this shade in the bottle, was a surprise, we are talking straight facts.

Remington is a cozy sweater type of color that brings Thanksgiving vibes to the table. NGL, I def thought this one was going to be more mauve-y than it actually was; instead, I found that the undertones leaned more reddish plum, which darkened the overall look. Still a pretty shade for the season; but not my fave in the collection.

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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10.27.2022

ripple

Free People Ripple Recycled Blend Blanket Scarf in BARELY GREY.

Kinda want to hibernate in this cozy gem for the entire fall season!

xx
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10.24.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Cafe Creams Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Ophelia

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Ophelia. Blackened Brown Creme.

Y'all this color is sending me for spooky season. No joke.

Ophelia is a moody blackened brown creme that gives me rich espresso and horror movie vibes. This bad boy is such a dream to work with - we're talking flawless application, and one of the best no chips, no tipwear shades in the history of nail polish. Seriously. If you dig dark, this babe needs to be added to your collection immediately!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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10.20.2022

BOOK REVIEW: In Every Generation {Buffy: The Next Generation, Book 1} by Kendare Blake



"She was the slayer. Buffy was gone. And it was time to grow up."

If the fact that I legit wanted to change my name to Buffy for the entirety of my formative years doesn't tell you how much of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan I have been for practically my whole life, then I don't know what to tell you; but when I heard about Kendare Blake's In Every Generation {Buffy: The Next Generation, Book 1} you know I needed it in my life pronto!

I'd be lying if I said this was classic Buffy, because it's not. For one, Buffy is only mentioned - she's not an active character {at least not in this installment}. Two, this is a new generation of BTVS characters, who manage to entertain, but lack that...je ne sais quoi that the original Scooby Gang had in droves. Three, though we do get glimpses of some of our old Scooby Gang members {mainly Willow, Oz, and Spike}, they are older/more mature, and without Buffy at the helm, they're not as lovable as their youthful counterparts. That said, for those diehard Buffy fans, this is a worthy read.

Sixteen-year-old Frankie Rosenberg seems typical, if not slightly odd, from the outside. An environmental activist, and sophomore at New Sunnydale High, Frankie blends in with the crowd to the best of her ability; but there's something about her that most don't know: she's the daughter of Willow, the most powerful witch in Sunnydale history. Humbling, yes? Cooler than that little nugget of info, however, is that Willow is actually teaching Frankie magic: under the condition that she use it to better the world {hence her passion for the environment}.

Frankie is content in her little corner of the world, until Hailey blows in. A new girl with a tough exterior, Hailey comes bearing some Big Bad level news: the annual Slayer Convention {yes, it's a thing} was the target of a brutal attack, and all of the slayers {Buffy, Faith, and Hailey's older sister, Vi, included} may. be. dead. This means that it's time for this generation's slayer to be born. And this generation's slayer? Well, it just so happens to be...Frankie. Wiggy, right?

As the first ever Slayer-Witch, everyone is expecting Frankie to bring some next-level strength to the position; but with the Hellmouth on the verge of opening {again}, Frankie has no clue if she'll be able to learn how to control her emerging powers while simultaneously wielding a stake, before the weight of the world falls on her shoulders {literally}. Now she's amassing her own Scoobies in the form of goth-y Hailey; werewolf Jake {yep, you guessed it, a relation of Oz}; and a sage-demon named Sigmund to help her get up to snuff, and be able to take on all of the vamps - or New Sunnydale may just fall to the same fate as Old Sunnydale.

Y'all, the fact that I have to wait until January 31, 2023 for One Girl In All the World {Buffy: The Next Generation, Book 2} to be released is slaying me right now {see what I did there?}. This book is so good. NGL, it took me a bit to get into it; but once I started getting to know the characters a bit more, it just took off. Spike - as a Watcher! Oz - back in Willow's life! Xander and Dawn - alive, but not super strong in this story {fingers crossed for book two!}. Angel - nowhere to be seen {not an Angel fan, so I was happy that he wasn't a part of this tale #sorrynotsorry}.

This book serves as such an incredible form of nostalgia for all of us who spent our childhoods obsessing over Buffy; while building upon that by introducing us to a new cast of characters who bring back that same banter that we couldn't get enough of. Cheers Ms. Blake; book two cannot come soon enough!


Star Rating: ****


xx
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10.17.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Dagmar

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Dagmar. Deep Marsala Creme.

Le sigh...it has been far, far, far too long since I've reached for a vampy shade like this, so spooky season seemed ideal for its arrival.

Dagmar is a daring deep marsala creme with hints of plum, crimson, and brown that will make your inner witch cackle with glee! This one requires a little more attention to application, as the brush picks up quite a lot of product with each dip. Make sure that you are wiping it on the lip of the bottle frequently to avoid cuticle flooding. If you dig dark, you need this bad boy in your collection!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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10.13.2022

better days

Free People Better Days Rib Skirt in GREY COMBO.

All of the swoony feelings over the 90s vibe of this skirt. Craving it in every color!

xx
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10.10.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Metallic Dreams Nail Lacquer Collection in Matilda

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Matilda. Metallic Rose Gold.

Ooh ladies I am loving this beautiful babe!

Matilda is one of those saccharine shades that makes you feel glitzy and glam with every twist of your tips. The gold-infused sweetheart pink creates a rosy look that would be at home in any season; but I particularly love it for fall due to how yum it looks coupled with autumn's cafe colors. Two coats are required for full coverage; but the staying power is out of this world - no chips or visible signs of tipwear for the full week that I wore it. Natch!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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10.06.2022

BOOK REVIEW: Lights Out {Fear Street # 12} by R.L. Stine



Okay, so I originally read R.L. Stine's Lights Out {Fear Street # 12} when I was 7-years-old, and one of the deaths stuck with me so strongly since then that I literally never forgot it. True story. Unfortunately, I misplaced my copy during a move, and I have legit spent years trying to find another that was under $20 {I know, right?!} to relive the horror, and I finally did {thanks eBay!}. NGL here, adult me wasn't as enthralled with the book as a whole as grade school me; but, it is a bomb story to check out during summer or spooky season as it brings all of the Jason Voorhees, Friday the 13th vibes. And really now, who doesn't want that?!

Sixteen-year-old Holly Flynn doesn't have an outdoorsman bone in her body; but when her Uncle Bill asks her to work as a Junior Counselor at Camp Nightwing for the summer, Holly can't turn him down. After all, since the death of a camper last year, Uncle Bill's beloved camp is at risk of being shuttered if he can't pull in enough cash to keep the place afloat this year; so taking one for the team, and leaving her comfort zone feels key to helping him out. The fact that Holly's BFF, Thea, will be by her side for the entire summer doesn't hurt either. But from the moment Holly steps foot on Camp Nightwing property, she knows that the summer will be a disaster.

For one, her arch nemesis, Geri, is a fellow counselor, and is determined to make her summer a living nightmare - first by turning the other counselors against her, and second by tormenting her with unkind pranks. Then there's the fact that Thea is more boy crazy than ever - doing everything in her power to hook the recently-single Holly up with a cute counselor; while at the very same time finding her own love connection. And then there are the red feathers and unexplained disasters that Holly feels are being purposely planned to sabotage Camp Nightwing. Unfortunately, she's the only one who feels that way; and every time she tries to broach the subject with Uncle Bill she is quickly shutdown. When a harsh Senior Counselor turns up dead, Holly thinks that Uncle Bill will finally take her seriously. Instead, the death is ruled as an accident, and life goes on as usual. Holly knows murder is at play; and now the killer has their sights set on her.

As a 7-year-old reader, a lot of the stuff in Lights Out went over my head. Case in point, the complete and total cruelty of pretty much every character towards Holly; the fact that 99% of the characters are completely unlikable {including Holly!}; and the unbelievability that is Uncle Bill's perception of what is taking place at his camp! Reading this book as an adult, all of these things are glaringly obvious, and, NGL, change my former thoughts and feelings. Yes, I still think that the death that takes place is one of the most memorable that I have ever read {which accounts for a lot of my star rating for this book}; but the rest is kind of ho hum. If you're seeking a quick read for spooky season, this one def brings the creep; but be prepared to dislike the cast because they kinda leave a lot to be desired.



Star Rating: ***1/2


xx
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10.03.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Metallic Dreams Nail Lacquer Collection in Moki

One coat of ZOYA Nail Polish in Moki. Metallic Olive Gold.

Idk about you, but these metallics for autumn are sending me!

Moki is a gorgeous gold-infused metallic olive that feels utterly essential for all of the fall things - from apple picking excursions to pumpkin patch trips and trick-or-treating to scary movie marathons. Like her glittering sis, Amara, Moki is a OCW that applies streak-free, and features a long-lasting formula that keeps going and going. Needless to say, I am obsessed.

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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9.29.2022

ZOYA Metallic Dreams Media Sampler Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

Y'all know that I am not a fan of metallic polishes, but let me tell you, ZOYA's Metallic Dreams Media Sampler is a game changer. Babes, this trio is so good, with shades that serve as amped up neutrals that will get you noticed. Even my kinder cuties are obsessed with this collection - if their daily compliments are anything to go by. Highly, highly recommend this stunning trio to all y'all!

Amara is a Metallic Chocolate Brown. Hello gorgeous! OMG babes this beauty is so good for fall. Amara is a rich metallic chocolate brown with copper undertones that is, essentially, fall in a bottle. I legit cannot stop staring at my nails - it is that good! Amara has an out of this world formula. She applies like. a. dream. The best part? She is a one coat wonder. Pretty sure this gorgeous gal is going to rule my autumn polish game! This is 1 coat.

Matilda is a Metallic Rose Gold. Ooh ladies I am loving this beautiful babe! Matilda is one of those saccharine shades that makes you feel glitzy and glam with every twist of your tips. The gold-infused sweetheart pink creates a rosy look that would be at home in any season; but I particularly love it for fall due to how yum it looks coupled with autumn's cafe colors. Two coats are required for full coverage; but the staying power is out of this world - no chips or visible signs of tipwear for the full week that I wore it. Natch! This is 2 coats.

Moki is a Metallic Olive Gold. Idk about you, but these metallics for autumn are sending me! Moki is a gorgeous gold-infused metallic olive that feels utterly essential for all of the fall things - from apple picking excursions to pumpkin patch trips and trick-or-treating to scary movie marathons. Like her glittering sis, Amara, Moki is a OCW that applies streak-free, and features a long-lasting formula that keeps going and going. Needless to say, I am obsessed. This is 1 coat.


AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

PRICE: $12.00 for each full-size bottle



xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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9.26.2022

NOTD: OPI Fall Wonders Nail Lacquer Collection in Peace of Mined

Two coats of OPI Fall Wonders Nail Lacquer Collection in Peace of Mined. Gray Creme.

Is it just me, or has gray become such a rarity in the polish world?

Peace of Mined is a calming gray creme that makes you feel all of the ohm vibes whenever you take a peek at your tips. This one is such a breeze to work with - applying smoothly in seconds. NGL, it is on the sheer side, so you may need a third coat {or a heavier hand} during application; but the finish is phenomenal. Absolutely loving this color for the start of fall!

xx
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