elliott

LULUS 4SI3NNA Elliott Crop One-Shoulder Sweater in NUDE.

Summer date night sorted, amiright?

xx

NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in Peppermint Dandy

Two coats of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in Peppermint Dandy. Bright Blue Creme.

Le sigh...legit swooning over this bad boy!

Peppermint Dandy is a brilliant bright blue that you will be grabbing for all. summer. long. #Fact. Formula here is fire. Not only is this beauty a OCW, it is fast dry, and literally chip-resistant. As always with SH, wipe excess polish from the brush on the lip of the bottle before applying to the nail. As long as you remember to do that, you. are. golden.

Sally Hansen is seriously stepping up their color game this season and I am here for it!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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rainbow heart

LULUS BP. Rainbow Heart Drop Earrings in RAINBOW MULTI.

LOVE how playful these pretties are for the summertime! The $12 pricetag doesn't hurt either.

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NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Proud Nail Polish Set Swatches + Review

Y'all if this quartet doesn't give you all of those taste the rainbow feels then I don't know what to tell you because i. am. obsessed. Nails Inc. has been slaying the polish game lately, so it took less than 1.2 seconds for this Relationship Status: Proud Nail Polish Set to land in my cart. True story. But it's not just the colors that earn a huge w here. The formula is phenom, as is the staying power. Word of advice: run, don't walk, to snag this bad boy.

Shaftesbury Avenue is a Coral Creme. This color y'all? Dyiiiiing! Shaftesbury Avenue is a delicious bright coral creme that gives me all of the watermelon-inspired summer picnic in the park vibes. This beauty right here is brilliant to work with. Application fell just shy of OCW status. But the ultimate clincher? I wore this bad boy for 12 days with nary a chip, crack, or even visible tip-wear. Highly recommended! This is 2 coats.

Grosvenor Place is a Lilac Creme. Le sigh...shades like this are my absolute Kryptonite because they are far and few between and are simply charming for year-round wear. Grosvenor Place is a Barbie-esque lilac creme that makes me want to break into Aqua's Barbie Girl. True story. The bright yet muted tone makes it stunning for spring straight through summer; but would also look gorgeous for winter {hint hint}. Formula is positively perfect. The opacity builds quickly, and the wide brush itself makes it possible to oftentimes cover the entire nail in just one swipe. Obsessed with this one! This is 2 coats.

New Bond Street is a Cornflower Blue Creme. I love a good baby blue, but this bad boy takes baby blue to another level with subtle undertones of lilac that make this beauty stand out above the crowd {yes, I was just watching A Goofy Movie}. New Bond Street is a cornflower blue creme that will make all of your pastel polish dreams come true. I'm obsessed with this shade for summer because it manages to bridge the gap between bright and pastel, and I am incapable of resisting that. Gorgeous formula here - easy to apply, super fast dry, and longwear. Def a new fave for me! This is 2 coats.

Buckingham Palace Road is an Aqua Teal Creme. I don't know what it is about aqua/teal shades, but I don't love them. There's just something blase about them that I can never put my finger on; but maybe that's just me. Buckingham Palace Road is one such shade. An aqua/teal creme that checks all the boxes for a bright, summer-perfect pedi; with a formula that is to-die-for {two weeks, no chips - natch!}. While, admittedly, this bad boy is not my cup of tea; if you dig a good teal you'll be swooning. This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Sephora.

PRICE: $22.00 for the 4PC Mini Set.
SHOP THE POST

xx

NOTD: Sally Hansen Limited Edition Donut Shop Miracle Gel Nail Color in A-Dough-Able

Three coats of Sally Hansen Limited Edition Donut Shop Miracle Gel Nail Color in A-Dough-Able. Pale Yellow Creme.

It's true, I stumbled upon another pastel yellow nail color, and I am so not mad about it.

A-Dough-Able is the parfait hue for spring; but while the shade lives up to its moniker, the formula is anything but adorable. Yes, it applies very well; but this beauty started displaying cracks and chips within 24 hours, which only got worse as the days went by. While the color is brill; the formula left a lot to be desired. Womp womp.
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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warm

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BOOK REVIEW: Shadow and Bone {The Shadow and Bone Trilogy} by Leigh Bardugo

“I’ve been waiting for you a long time, Alina,” he said. “You and I are going to change the world.”
My plan was to finish Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone prior to viewing the Netflix adaptation; but life got in the way, and I didn't end up turning the last page until a week after binging the show {in one day}. Regardless, my viewing didn't impact my enjoyment of the book or vice versa. NGL, I actually preferred the show over the book {#sorrynotsorry}, but both were quite charming in their own way.

Ravka has been ravaged by the Shadow Fold {aka the Unsea or the Fold} for as long as 17-year-old Army cartographer, Alina Starkov, can remember. A consequence of dark magic that placed a swath of darkness in the midst of Ravka, splitting it in half {the East and the West}, and making the only viable option for crossing it {sometimes successfully, sometimes un} via Sandskiff; the Shadow Fold is responsible for taking the lives of Alina's parents, leaving her orphaned as a child. It is also responsible for the deaths of her bestie {and not-so-secret crush} Malyen Oretsev's {aka Mal} parents.

While attempting to cross the Shadow Fold with her squadron, the Skiff she is aboard is attacked by Volcra, the monsters residing within. Faced with near-certain death, Alina unconsciously calls upon a long-dormant power, enabling her to hold the darkness back and make it out of the Fold alive. It is only once she has reached safety that she is identified as a Grisha - or, better yet, a Sun Summoner. The only one of her kind. Saddled with the knowledge that she may be the only one who can eliminate the Shadow Fold, and free Ravka; Alina is thrust into the Grisha's world of aristocracy and dangerous politics. Under the watchful eye of Baghra and the handsome yet oft-times frightening Darkling, Alina must master her gift all while surviving the backstabbing behaviors synonymous with life in the court.

If I'm being honest I have to admit...Alina is fairly lackluster when it comes to a protagonist. As is Mal. Unfortunately, having binged the Netflix adaptation prior to finishing the book, I fell for Kaz, Inej, and Jesper. They were the characters who kept me coming back for more; so to see them missing from Shadow and Bone left me gutted. I later learned that they are characters in Bardugo's other book series, Six of Crows, which I am so excited to read; but have been advised to hold off on until I have completed the Shadow and Bone Trilogy. So will I? In time...

Though I'm not ready to visit Ravka again at the moment, I do feel that Alina and Mal have the potential to grow on me with subsequent adventures, like the sequel Siege and Storm, which I've heard surpasses its predecessor. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen; but I'm willing to give it a whirl if it brings me one step closer to meeting the novel versions of Inej, Jesper, and Kaz.


Star Rating: ***1/2


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NOTD: NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Proud Nail Polish in Shaftesbury Avenue

Two coats of NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Proud Nail Polish in Shaftesbury Avenue. Coral Creme.

This color y'all? Dyiiiiing!

Shaftesbury Avenue is a delicious bright coral creme that gives me all of the watermelon-inspired summer picnic in the park vibes. This beauty right here is brilliant to work with. Application fell just shy of OCW status. But the ultimate clincher? I wore this bad boy for 12 days with nary a chip, crack, or even visible tip-wear. Highly recommended!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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eyes

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completely charmed

LULUS Completely Charmed Ruched Mesh Top in CREAM.

I'm not sure what's more appealing: those romantic sleeves, or the fact that this stunner is under $40!

xx

NOTD: Ciaté London Mini Paint Pot in Golden Hour

Two coats of Ciaté London's Mini Paint Pot in Golden Hour. Metallic Rose Gold.

Le sigh...I feel like this beauty was made for the transition from spring to summer, yes?

Golden Hour is a gorgeous metallic rose gold that is slightly reminiscent of an old fave of mine {essie's Penny Talk}. NGL, during application I did feel like brushstrokes were visible; but top coat cleared that right up! Overall formula was brilliant; just be sure to wipe the brush on the lip of the bottle before application to avoid the dreaded cuticle chase.
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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flower child

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BOOK REVIEW: Champion by Marie Lu

“Sometimes, the sun sets earlier. Days don’t last forever, you know. But I’ll fight as hard as I can. I can promise you that.”
Wow. It has been quite some time since I first joined Day and June in their mind-blowing escapades, but in the days leading up to my first COVID vaccine, I felt compelled to follow-up with the stars of the plague-focused Legend series, so naturally, I reached for Marie Lu's Champion. Intriguing? Yes. Did it live up to its predecessors? Negative; but it was still enjoyable.

Day and June have not seen each other in three months. Though each pines for the other, distance seems to be the answer for survival - especially with Day hiding a secret, life-threatening illness from his beloved {he's dying as a result of Republic experiments}, and June making moves in the political world working alongside Anden as a Princeps Elect. The Republic is finally on a path of success for the people, with a peace treaty with the Colonies on the brink - and then things turn sour.

With just days left before the treaty is signed, there is an outbreak of a new plague strain throughout the Colonies - a strain far deadlier than the previous - that pushes the Colonies to declare war with the Republic. Though from the outside the Republic appears strong and powerful; they are lacking in both weaponry and combatants, and require an alliance if they are to survive - which very few territories are willing to even consider. The only option for survival? Hand over a plague cure or fight.

While Prodigy, for me, started out very slow and then picked up; Champion presented the opposite problem: it started strong, petered out a bit, picked up again then continued in that ebb and flow motion until the final page was turned. Part of me feels that this was just an extension of problems that had begun for me within the pages of Prodigy - such as my growing lack of interest in Day and June, and the stronger focus on politics. That said, Champion did have its moments.

While June was completely uninteresting for me until the final chapter, there was a hint of Day's old, charming spark sprinkled throughout the pages that kept my hope alive; whereas Anden, whom I had actually enjoyed in Prodigy became incredibly boring. TBH, the two standouts in this installment were Eden and Pascao - Day's younger brother, and the loyal Patriot runner, respectively. These two are the main reason I muddled through the endless passages of political talk, and stuck with the story until the end. Well, them and the Antarctica experience, which is brief, but so awesome to read about due to the virtual reality aspect.

Though not as thrilling as its predecessors, Champion is an intriguing continuation of the series; but, it is not, as many thought, the conclusion. There is now Rebel, the fourth installment, and I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on it - if only to see more of Eden and Pascao!


Star Rating: ***1/2


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NOTD: essie Nail Polish in Bahama Mama

Two coats of essie Nail Polish in Bahama Mama. Raisin Creme.

Ooh babes, if vampy is your thang you need this beauty in your life!

Bahama Mama is a rich, purple plum creme that is ultra-reminiscent of raisin and perfect for year-round wear. This one has a decadent formula that has OCW potential, and dries in minutes so you can be on your way! Though I tend to rock vampy hues during the fall and winter I can def see myself wearing this one throughout spring and summer {perhaps as a pedi color}. Highly recommend my loves!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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runway

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throwback

Free People Sleeveless Plunge Neck Jumpsuit in LIGHT COMBO

LOVE the throwback feel of this cutie!

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NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in Mint To Be

Two coats of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in Mint To Be. True Green Creme.

Not completely sure where the mint in the name came from {perhaps a nod to spearmint as it's a Mentos collab?}, but I don't really care, this color is fiiire!

Mint To Be would have been perfect for St. Patrick's Day; but I only just discovered this gorgeous green, so maybe next year? This beauty was just shy of a OCW and is decadent for sunny spring days! Formula is a dream to work with. Yes, the brush is standard difficult Sally Hansen; but the polish itself doesn't run, or gravitate to cuticles; plusit's quick dry, so you can polish and go. Highly recommend!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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think pink

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OPI Hollywood Spring 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack Swatches + Review

True story: When I first spotted OPI's Hollywood Spring 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack I was not having it. Reds for spring? Absolutely not! But let me tell you...these colors are deceiving because they crush spring with bright undertones, brilliant formulas, and wearability that will see you from sweet spring through the sultry summer months!

Suzi Calls the Paparazzi is a Persimmon Pink Creme. I may not be the biggest fan of pinks; but there is something about this shade that I cannot get enough of.Suzi Calls the Paparazzi is a sweet as candy persimmon-meets-salmon-meets-rose pink that works for everything from feminine flair to workplace neutral to playful spring fling, so the versatility is tremendous. Also pertinent: the brilliance of this beauty's formula is beyond. Quick dry, simple application, and long-lasting. Grab this one ASAP girls! This is 2 coats.

Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar? is a Bright Cherry Red Creme. Ladies, based on the bottle, I totally thought this beauty wasn't going to be apropos for spring summer, but I was so. wrong. Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar? is a bright cherry red creme with a subtle coral orange undertone that makes it an excellent choice for summer manis + pedis! Formula is phenomenal. This one was just shy of a OCW, dried in minutes, and lasted for nine days with zero chips. Do not miss out on this one! This is 2 coats.

I'm Really An Actress is a Deep Metallic Red with Scattered Holo. Le sigh, though it def doesn't scream spring in my book, this color is fire! I'm Really An Actress {not to be confused with the iconic I'm Not Really A Waitress} is a red-carpet worthy holo that will make jaws drop. This one has a bright, almost orange undertone that gives it a berry touch, making it a pretty addition ot your summer polish wardrobe. Formula is brilliant - super easy to apply, long-lasting, and quick dry. Highly recommend - especially if you're seeking a shade that dances in the sunlight. Obsessed! This is 2 coats.

Movie Buff is a Pale Pink Creme. Y'all, this beauty right here is a lemming in my collection - and that is saying something. Movie Buff is a rarity in the polish world. A pale pink creme with hints of a caramel undertone that give it a nude-y look, this pretty pretty princess will be your go to for every sitch - from office to summer vacay {it will look amaze paired with sunkissed skin}. Formula is flawless. Quick dry, easy to build, and perfect for tips or toes. Highly recommend this one as your summer main This is 3 coats. 

  AVAILABILITY: Ulta. 

  PRICE: $17.00 for the 4PC Mini Set; $10.50 for each full-size bottle.


SHOP THE POST

xx

NOTD: OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar?

Two coats of OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar?. Bright Cherry Red Creme.

Ladies, based on the bottle, I totally thought this beauty wasn't going to be apropos for spring summer, but I was so. wrong.

Emmy, Have You Seen Oscar? is a bright cherry red creme with a subtle coral orange undertone that makes it an excellent choice for summer manis + pedis! Formula is phenomenal. This one was just shy of a OCW, dried in minutes, and lasted for nine days with zero chips. Do not miss out on this one!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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gold

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endless rose

Endless Rose Stripe Long Sleeve Minidress in MULTI

Feeling those Cher Horowitz vibes!

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NOTD: OPI Mexico City Nail Lacquer Collection in Don't Tell A Sol

Three coats of OPI Mexico City Nail Lacquer Collection in Don't Tell A Sol. Bright Lemon Yellow Creme.

Y'all...pretty sure I have found the best yellow polish in the history of yellow polishes. Trust.

Don't Tell A Sol is a bright lemon yellow creme that will make you start humming Pharrell's Happy whenever you take a gander at it. Seriously though...this color is the epitome of bubbly, effervescent joy, and I am here. for. it. Color aside, formula here is fantastic. I legit wore this beauty for two weeks with only minimal tipwear, which is a first {and likely a last} for me. If you love a good bright, you cannot miss this bad boy!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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drama

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out & about

Free People Out & About Tank in IVORY {also available in Petrichor, Rain Song, and Scarlet Ibis}

Swooning over the easy, breezy fit of this beauty!

xx

NOTD: NAILS INC. Keep It Tonal Nail Polish in French Ordinary Court

Two coats of NAILS INC. Keep It Tonal Nail Polish in French Ordinary Court. 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!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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laced

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daisy

BP. Daisy Beaded Hoop Earrings in PINK MULTI

Craving these cuties for spring!

xx

NOTD: OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Movie Buff

Three coats of OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Movie Buff. Pale Pink Creme.

Y'all, this beauty right here is a lemming in my collection - and that is saying something.

Movie Buff is a rarity in the polish world. A pale pink creme with hints of a caramel undertone that give it a nude-y look, this pretty pretty princess will be your go to for every sitch - from office to summer vacay {it will look amaze paired with sunkissed skin}. Formula is flawless. Quick dry, easy to build, and perfect for tips or toes. Highly recommend this one as your summer main.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

oscar

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adrenalize

Recycled Karma Def Leppard Adrenalize Sweatshirt in BLACK

Loving the oversized fit of this bad boy!

xx

NOTD: NAILS INC. Keep It Tonal Nail Polish in Beech Gardens

Two coats of NAILS INC. Keep It Tonal Nail Polish in Beech Gardens. 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!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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styled

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back country

BB Dakota Back Country Cardigan in IVORY

Swooning over that Western-style print. So cozy!

xx

NOTD: OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in I'm Really An Actress

Two coats of OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in I'm Really An Actress. Deep Metallic Red with Scattered Holo.

Le sigh, though it def doesn't scream spring in my book, this color is fire!

I'm Really An Actress {not to be confused with the iconic I'm Not Really A Waitress} is a red-carpet worthy holo that will make jaws drop. This one has a bright, almost orange undertone that gives it a berry touch, making it a pretty addition ot your summer polish wardrobe. Formula is brilliant - super easy to apply, long-lasting, and quick dry. Highly recommend - especially if you're seeking a shade that dances in the sunlight. Obsessed!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

queen of hearts

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penny

Free People Penny Pull-On Flare Pants in IVORY

Feeling those throwback vibes for spring. Anyone else?

xx

NOTD: OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Suzi Calls the Paparazzi

Two coats of OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Suzi Calls the Paparazzi. Persimmon Pink Creme.

I may not be the biggest fan of pinks; but there is something about this shade that I cannot get enough of.

Suzi Calls the Paparazzi is a sweet as candy persimmon-meets-salmon-meets-rose pink that works for everything from feminine flair to workplace neutral to playful spring fling, so the versatility is tremendous. Also pertinent: the brilliance of this beauty's formula is beyond. Quick dry, simple application, and long-lasting. Grab this one ASAP girls!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

fashion week vibes

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saltwater

O'NEILL Sayulita Saltwater Solid One-Piece Swimsuit in SLATE

Can we just take a moment to talk about how cute this suit is? Obsessing!

xx