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.

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

BOOK REVIEW: To Fetch a Felon {A Chatty Corgi Mystery Book} by Jennifer Hawkins

I have to give a huge cheers to Amazon for recommending Jennifer Hawkins' To Fetch a Felon {A Chatty Corgi Mystery Book, # 1} to me, because I likely would have never unearthed this gem on my own, which would have been devastating because it. is. fabulous. Y'all, I was practically raised by Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy Mysteries, so to find another series with such a prevalent animal presence {with the added bonus of human owner and Corgi literally being able to communicate with one another} is legit the best thing ever. Chef's kiss.

Fed up with watching her less-experienced male co-workers earn raises and promotions while she does the legwork in her London-based high finance position, forty-something Emma Reed elects to call it quits and finally do something that sets her soul on fire. Packing up her beloved Corgi, Oliver, along with her posh flat, Emma abandons London for Trevena, an idyllic village nestled in Cornwall. Here, Emma has hopes to open a village tea shop wherein she brings her grandmother's baked goods recipes into the spotlight as they so rightly deserve. With its cobblestone walkways and lush greenery, Trevena also provides enough exploratory spaces to sate talking Oliver's curiosity. Did you catch that there? The talking Oliver - because Oliver can, indeed, talk; and Emma is the only one who can communicate with him.

While on an explore the 'hood excursion with Oliver, the protective pup races into the garden of one Victoria Roberts, eager to catch a sly fox cavorting about; but instead irking the village curmudgeon. Victoria dislikes dogs, abhors most of the village residents, and owns just about all of Trevena - including Penhallow's, the old tea shop that Emma is eager to revive. Convinced that she's gotten off on the wrong foot with Victoria, Emma makes winning her over her absolute mission. Thus, armed with an assortment of homemade scones, Emma and Oliver head to Victoria's to make amends by way of tasty treats, only to stumble upon Victoria lying dead in her kitchen.

Oliver, in his own peculiar way, knows immediately that Victoria died not of natural causes, but rather, the victim of murder - an observation that makes Emma eager to solve the crime. After all, newcomer or not, as an individual with a vested interest in the deceased's property, as well being the finder of the body, Emma is every bit a suspect as everyone else. Luckily for her, many of the villagers are far more suspect. Take, for example, the visiting writer, Parker Taite, who is obviously hiding something; the hungry real estate agent, Maggie Trenwith, eager to make deals with developers but stopped at every turn by Victoria; or Jimmy, Victoria's down on his luck nephew. It seems all of Trevena had a bone to pick with Victoria. Now all Emma and Oliver need to do is uncover which of the many suspects is the true culprit - all before they find themselves next on the killer's list.

I truly did not know I would adore this story as much as I did, but Jennifer Hawkins positively captured my heart with this perfectly charming cozy. At first, upon learning the extent of Emma's ability to communicate with Oliver, I {wrongly} assumed that Emma could merely turn to Oliver, ask him who the killer was, and be done with it; however, that was most certainly not the case. Hawkins was incredibly clever in showing the difficulties Oliver had in relaying information regarding individuals to Emma. Unlike humans, Oliver, as a dog, doesn't merely refer to human beings by name or description as we do; rather, he relies upon scent, sounds, tastes...elements that were not so black and white in sharing with Emma, and became a source of frustration for him at times. This communication barrier truly created an added bonus of mystery, and made for an intriguing inclusion of dialogue.

As for the characters...I was quite charmed by all of them. Emma is such an easy to relate to, down to earth character; while Oliver himself gives off true Paddington vibes {like I legitimately could hear Paddington's voice whenever I read his lines}. The relationship between the two is so sweet and heartwarming. The rest of the villagers, from Emma's insta-BFF Genny Knowles to the kindhearted Angelique and her daughter Pearl, are such wonderful additions to the cast - each bringing their own personalities and quirks to the forefront to make you feel at home while nestled between the pages. Needless to say, I have already downloaded Murder Always Barks Twice {A Chatty Corgi Mystery Book, # 2} to my Kindle, and cannot wait to dig in. Brava Ms. Hawkins!


Star Rating: *****


xx

NOTD: ZOYA Metallic Dreams Nail Lacquer Collection in Amara

One coat of ZOYA Nail Polish in Amara. 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!

xx

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

OPI Fall Wonders Mini Nail Lacquer Collection Swatches + Review

After a long summer of rainbow brights, I was craving autumn-inspired colors, so I could not pass up OPI's Fall Wonders Mini Nail Lacquer 4-Pack. Y'all, this quartet is snatched. From the vampy darks to the moody neutrals, this is one collection that perfectly transitions your tips from vibrant summer shades to the muted tones of fall. The obsession is real.

Midnight Mantra is a Dark Navy Blue Creme. Y'all, I didn't realize just how ready for fall I was until I applied this beauty to my nails, but now all I can say is bring on the sweater weather! Midnight Mantra is a delicious dark navy blue creme that appears teal after coat one, but really develops that delectable, deep, almost black navy appeal after coat two. For a shade that is so dark, the formula here was so simple to work with - no gravitating to cuticles or nail beds, just an easy peasy two coat and fast dry and you're good to go. Vampy babes you need this in your collection pronto! This is 2 coats.

Suzi Takes A Sound Bath is a Blue Pearlized Creme.Le sigh...babes, this color is sending me. Suzi Takes A Sound Bath is a brilliant blue pearlized creme that, TBH, I didn't even realize was pearlized until I had applied it to my nails. This beauty has major shine, and is truly the perfect color for transitioning from the brights of summer to the deeps of fall. Formula and application was flawless. Seriously obsessing over this one ladies - you need it in your life! This is 2 coats.

Red-Veal Your Truth is a Red Creme. Red for fall? Groundbreaking. I couldn't resist. #sorrynotsorry.

Red-Veal Your Truth is a ravishing red creme that isn't unique to the polish world, but would make a stunning addition to your collection due to the fact that the formula is amazing! This beauty dries in what feels like seconds, and leaves behind an absolutely gorgeous finish. Insert heart hands here. This is 2 coats.

Peace of Mined is a 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! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Ulta.

NOTD: ZOYA Nail Polish in Angel

Three coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Angel. Iridescent Pink Overlay.

Anything named Angel is an instant win for me because it reminds me of my now deceased furbaby of the same name; but this one is so good y'all!

Angel is a dreamy iridescent pink overlay that mixes pink, periwinkle, and gold glitter into one bottle to create this gorgeous gem of a glitter bomb. NGL, I probably should have used this as a top coat, but I was in the mood for serious sparkle so I decided to rock it on its own. Application was fantastic! It does require three coats to reach full opacity; but the effect is stunning, with a shift that moves from gold to pink and back again. If glitter is your kryptonite you need this beauty in your life!

xx

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

BOOK REVIEW: Chapter and Curse {Cambridge Bookshop # 1} by Elizabeth Penney

I can't say whether it was the promise of a charming English village or the vintage bookshop occupied by a cat that drew me in; but somehow I stumbled upon Elizabeth Penney's Chapter and Curse {Cambridge Bookshop, # 1} and I absolutely had to delve into it. While Chapter and Curse did bring me both of those things {as well as a colorful cast of characters}; it failed to charm me enough to want to continue on with the series. Nevertheless, I do highly recommend to those who want an easy to follow cozy with a cast of characters who feel like old friends.

Since the death of her father, part-time librarian Molly Kimball and her British mother, Nina, have felt a strong sense of emptiness in their lives. So strong, in fact, that they feel that they need some sort of change to move forward. When they unexpectedly receive a letter from Nina's Aunt Violet in Cambridge, England requesting their help in running the family bookshop, Thomas Marlowe - Manuscripts and Folios, they see it as a bit of fate, and promptly leave their Vermont home for the UK. Nina has always been tight-lipped about her family, so Molly is headed directly into the unknown; but she is eager for a new adventure, and more than happy to oblige.

Though ramshackle by outward appearances, Thomas Marlowe, is one of Cambridge's oldest bookshops, brimming with rare odds and ends that collectors flock to. It is Aunt Violet's hope that Nina and Molly can inject a bit of youth into the business - bringing it into the digital age with ecommerce and social media; while helping to repair some of the more...crumbly bits. Oddly enough, Nina and Molly's arrival coincides with the Cambridge Literary Festival, allowing Molly to begin her Thomas Marlowe update immediately. Eager to capitalize on the flashy festival, and draw crowds and new customers to Thomas Marlowe, Molly invites Aunt Violet's old college classmate and famed poet, Persephone Brightwell, to the shop for a poetry reading. The reading itself turns out to be a smash, but ends on a low note when a guest is found dead. The murder weapon? Aunt Violet's pink knitting needle.

With Aunt Violet now a prime suspect in the senseless murder, Molly is determined to not only clear her name, but keep the struggling Thomas Marlowe afloat at the same time. Doing so, however, will take more resolve than she expected, as she must turn to the past to unravel secrets directly correlated to the present involving lies, blackmail, and murder. And in the midst of her amateur sleuthing, she may just have a moment or two to canoodle with cutie Kieran - resident tabloid fodder scion of a titled family turned bike shop owner who has an eye for Molly, and a desire for a simple life sans paparazzi.

Le sigh...I had such high hopes for this book, but they quickly dissipated when I was able to not only pinpoint the murderer but unravel the entire decades old mystery in just a few short chapters, leaving me to watch for ages as the overeager Molly chased after incorrect theories and suspects, before finally figuring it all out correctly in the very end. Admittedly, I am rather good at solving mysteries prior to the MC; but this one was so obviously drawn that it felt too easy. Had the characters been more appealing, I would have at least enjoyed their antics; however, I was unenthused by the cast here.

Molly, though supposedly a young adult {in her twenties, I believe} comes off as very immature at times. Though she is likable; she oftentimes reminds me of a 14-year-old as opposed to an adult. She has very little depth; and though there are some things about her that are appealing, she doesn't have the ability to carry the story. Adding to that, the whole meet cute storyline involving Kieran is a bit much, as his character, and the whole paparazzi deal simply does not fit in with this book. In fact, Kieran and his titled family seem fit for another story altogether. I may be in the minority when I say this, but while I find the Cambridge, England atmosphere quite charming, I will not be returning, as there simply isn't enough here for me to want to continue on. Womp womp.


Star Rating: ***


xx

NOTD: OPI Fall Wonders Nail Lacquer Collection in Red-Veal Your Truth

Two coats of OPI Fall Wonders Nail Lacquer Collection in Red-Veal Your Truth. Red Creme.

Red for fall? Groundbreaking. I couldn't resist. #sorrynotsorry.

Red-Veal Your Truth is a ravishing red creme that isn't unique to the polish world, but would make a stunning addition to your collection due to the fact that the formula is amazing! This beauty dries in what feels like seconds, and leaves behind an absolutely gorgeous finish. Insert heart hands here.

xx

sugar plum

Avec Les Filles Shawl Collar Coat in SUGAR PLUM.

Getting major Upper East Side vibes off this stunner.

xx