OPI Downtown LA Fall 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack Swatches + Review

So...I legit dragged my feet in buying OPI's Downtown LA Fall 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack because the colors didn't look too intriguing; but I am so glad I pulled the trigger because this quartet literally became one of my favorite polish purchases of 2021...not to mention that it was phenomenal for all of November!

Espresso Your Inner Self is a Coffee Brown Creme. Ladies, I have said it before and I'll say it again...there are not enough brown polishes in the nail world, and I am so glad that I caught this cutie before Thanksgiving! Espresso Your Inner Self is a scrummy coffee brown creme that gives you the perfect shot of energy on sight. This is a nice middle ground if you're not daring enough for black, but want something more unique than deep blue or red. The formula here was brilliant. Easy application, fast dry, and zero chips despite how many times I use my tips for a variety of tasks. Highly recommend for Turkey Day! This is 2 coats.

Metallic Composition is a Rose Gold Shimmer. 'Tis the season for girly shimmers! Y'all, I live for shimmers during the winter season and this one is so. good. Metallic Composition is a romantic rose gold shimmer that literally screams ice-skating-and-cocoa-in-the-park date, amiright?! The formula here is so brill! It's not streaky, it applies flawlessly, and I didn't see a single chip or signs of wear for all of the 8 days that I wore it. It even survived helping 140 second graders make thumbprint turkeys, and that's saying something. Grab this one fast ladies! This is 2 coats.

Art Walk in Suzi's Shoes is a Crimson Red Creme. Babes, I have found the only red you need for the holiday season!Art Walk in Suzi's Shoes is a charming crimson red creme that was 100% made for the holidays. This beauty is rich and creamy with a TDF formula that applies like a dream, dries in minutes, and lasts forever. True story. I wore this polish for over a week, including five days spent in a classroom with second graders completing multiple art projects, and experienced zero chips or tipwear. Highly recommend for the holidays and beyond! This is 2 coats.

Abstract After Dark is a Blue Purple Shimmer. Le sigh...I do love a vampy blurple shimmer for the holidays. Abstract After Dark is a sultry blue purple shimmer reminiscent of OPI's iconic Lincoln Park After Dark with the bonus of...sophisticated glimmer. This one showed signs of tipwear on a few of my fingers within 24-hours; however, aside from that, it held up well for the week that I wore it. Bonus: one of my students complimented it a week after wear. With a 7-year-old's seal of approval you know it's a w-i-n-n-e-r. Recommended for all of your chic soirees this season! This is 2 coats. 

  AVAILABILITY: Target. 

  PRICE: $16.99 for the 4PC Mini Set; $10.50 for each full-size bottle.


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NOTD: NAILS INC. Girl King Nail Polish in Fearless Female

Two coats of NAILS INC. Girl King Nail Polish in Fearless Female. Khaki Green Creme.

Y'all, I had a feeling I would like this color when I saw it in the bottle, but I legit l-o-v-e it.

Fearless Female is a kick butt khaki green creme that doesn't fall into the dreaded muddy brown-esque trap that many shades fall into it. This bad boy is fierce, strong, and has phenomenal staying power. Legit experienced zero chips in the full week that I wore it. Loves this one for October and November!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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check me out

Free People Check Me Out Pullover in WINTER FOG COMBO.

This cutie is giving me all the cozy up in a cabin until January vibes. Seriously need it in my life!

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NOTD: OPI Downtown LA Nail Lacquer Collection in Espresso Your Inner Self

Two coats of OPI Downtown LA Nail Lacquer Collection in Espresso Your Inner Self. Coffee Brown Creme.

Ladies, I have said it before and I'll say it again...there are not enough brown polishes in the nail world, and I am so glad that I caught this cutie before Thanksgiving!

Espresso Your Inner Self is a scrummy coffee brown creme that gives you the perfect shot of energy on sight. This is a nice middle ground if you're not daring enough for black, but want something more unique than deep blue or red. The formula here was brilliant. Easy application, fast dry, and zero chips despite how many times I use my tips for a variety of tasks. Highly recommend for Turkey Day!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

ashby

Free People Ashby Blazer in NAVY COMBO.

Don't mind me, I'm just over here swooning over this striped beauty.

xx

NOTD: OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Rated Pea-G

One coat of OPI Hollywood Nail Lacquer Collection in Rated Pea-G. Fresh Green Creme.

Y'all, I am a firm believer that there is a shortage of gorgeous green polishes, so thank goodness for this beauty!

Rated Pea-G, aside from having one of the greatest names ever, is a gorgeousgorgeousgorgeous shade that may legit be my new all-time favorite green. This beautiful babe is beyond brilliant to work with, applying in one easy coat, and standing out in my huge polish collection! I don't typically gravitate to greens for November, but this one feels so perfect for pumpkin patch outings and giving thanks. Obsessed!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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milo

Free People Milo Tunic Sweater in MOONLIT ORCHID.

Kind of want to hibernate in this cutie for the entire winter season!

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NOTD: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Daisy Dukes

Two coats of Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Daisy Dukes. Sunflower Yellow Creme.

Flawless yellow nail polish check.

Daisy Dukes is a stunning sunflower yellow creme that I'm kind of obsessed with for the season of giving. This one is absolutely perfect for fall fun; with a formula that keeps. on. giving.. Chips? 0. Tipwear? 0. Long-lasting? Most definitely. If you dig yellows, you need to add this one to your rotation!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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NOTD: OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in El Mat-adoring You

Two coats of OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in El Mat-adoring You. Tan Caramel Creme.

Okayokayokay, so I get that this color originated in a summer collection; but I am feeling. it. for. fall.

El Mat-adoring You is a tan caramel creme that is legit the shade of the perfect iced coffee. The moment I swiped this one on my fingers all I could think about was Thanksgiving, and piles of leaves, and riding boots and...you get the picture. Formula here was a breeze to work with. I wish it would have dried slightly quicker {I accidentally indented the polish on my pointer finger}; but dry time aside, it was long lasting and stunning to look at for the week that I wore it. Love and highly recommend!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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NOTD: OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in The Sound of Vibrance

Two coats of OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in The Sound of Vibrance. Purple Shimmer.

Shimmer, shimmer cocoa pop...I had to do it. #sorrynotsorry.

The Sound of Vibrance is a purple shimmer that 100% put a spell on me and made me think of all of the spooky, Halloween, Hocus Pocus things. I mean, I get that it's a shade from a summer collection, but it is just as killer for spooky season. Just saying. Formula was flawless. I do recommend using a heavier hand, or adding a third coat to ensure that no VNL is visible; but, other than that, it's bril. Highly recommend if purples are your poison.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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celestial

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NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish Collection in Against the Grey-In

Two coats of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish Collection in Against the Grey-In. Dove Grey Creme.

Gorgeous greys ftw, yes?

Against the Grey-In is a decadent dove grey creme that I allowed to sit in my polish pile for far too long before finally trying it on my nails. Ladies, this bad boy is gorgeous. Subtle hints of lavender undertone give it such an unexpected touch that will make it a standout in your collection. Obsessing over this one for year-round wear!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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#mood

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NOTD: Defy & Inspire Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish in One Dream

Three coats of Defy & Inspire Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish in One Dream. Egg Yolk Yellow Creme.

OMG how have I gone this long without yellow polish in my rotation? It's legit one of my favorite nail color shades and I have been slacking!

One Dream is a flawless egg yolk yellow creme that is my favorite type of yellow for fall because it leans darker than a spring or summer yellow, making it feel fresh for autumn shenanigans! As expected with yellows, this one did require three coats to level correctly; but it is super fast dry, which makes up for the extra coat work. This one dries matte {which I rarely love}, so keep top coat close by for shine.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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sunkissed

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NOTD: Defy & Inspire Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish in Victory Lap

Two coats of Defy & Inspire Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish in Victory Lap. Muted Teal Creme.

NGL, I am obsessed with these Defy & Inspire polishes because at $2.99 a bottle, they are the perfect get-me-to-free-shipping add-on - plus, they're def diversifying my polish collection!

Victory Lap is a fall fantastic muted teal creme. TBH, I was disappointed when this color first arrived, as I was expecting a bright ocean blue for summer; but I held onto it for a couple of months, and it wound up being the perfect shade for pumpkin spice latte season. This one appears thin on coat one; but it builds to a gummy, plush opacity with just two coats, and is super long lasting. Word of advice: give it at least 30 minutes to dry as I had unexpected movement after 15 minutes which is no bueno.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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vampy

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NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in You're the Zest

Two coats of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x Mentos Nail Polish Collection in You're the Zest. Pastel Yellow Creme.

Le sigh...loving pastel yellows is such a pain because they give me lobster hands; but I digress...

You're the Zest is a pretty pastel yellow that would legit make a splash in any season, but I think I may like it best for winter/spring. Though the color and staying power of this cutie is perfection, the formula is a bit of a pain. Seriously. Wipe the brush off on the lip of the bottle excessively, or you will wind up with a huge, gloppy mess. Trust.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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eyes

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pembrook

Free People Pembrook Oversize Sweater in MOODY PINK COMBO.

Obsessed with the preppy feel of this cutie!

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NOTD: SOPHi by Piggy Paint Nail Polish in Fearless

Two coats of SOPHi by Piggy Paint Non-Toxic Nail Polish in Fearless. Burnt Sienna Creme.

Y'all, out of all of the SOPHi polishes I received, I never thought that I would love this one as much as I do; but I'm obsessed!

Fearless is a burnt sienna creme that is the quintessential shade for fall due to its rusty undertones and resemblance to cinnamon, spice, and everything nice. This one had a beautiful formula, applying smoothly and drying lightning fast. While the other shades I received from SOPHi dried matte, Fearless dried down to a satin finish; however, I added top coat for shine. Highly, highly recommend this beauty for autumn!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. This product was received complimentary; however, all opinions are my own.

check

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moonchild

Free People Moonchild Denim Shirt Jacket in MOON DUST.

Absolutely adoring the edginess of this beauty!

xx

NOTD: OPI Shine Bright Nail Lacquer Collection in Heart and Coal

Two coats of OPI Shine Bright Nail Lacquer Collection in Heart and Coal. Black Glitter.

So...while I am so here for the name of this shade, I can't say that I love the color itself. Womp womp.

Heart and Coal is a glamorous black glitter that is so perf for NYE; but the formula just got to me, and not in a good way. Though it builds beautifully, the first coat was thin, and a little too attracted to my cuticles. That said, it is a pretty color {especially if you're looking for a starry night sky vibe}; just make sure you OD on top coat because this bad boy needs tons to truly bring it to life.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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classic

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meant to be

Free People Meant To Be Floral Cotton Blouse in BLACK COMBO.

Is it just me, or is black floral one of the most perfect prints for the cooler months?

xx

NOTD: NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Blushing Nail Polish in St. Christopher's Place

Two coats of NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Blushing Nail Polish in St. Christopher's Place. Neon Pink Crelly.

Can we just take a moment to admire how juicy this shade is? Please!

St. Christopher's Place is a watermelon-inspired neon pink that was made for playful afternoons spent beachside. Though I'm not typically a neon pink fan; the plump, juicy look of this one {all attributed to the fact that it's a crelly} make it a standout for me. NGL...it was a nightmare to photograph; but the formula was phenom, which more than makes up for it. Next time I may try layering it over underwear {white creme polish} to make it even more electrifying!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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floral

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BOOK REVIEW: Cat About Town {A Cat Cafe Mystery} by Cate Conte

“Cats were my weakness. I’d never met one I didn’t love instantaneously.”
Amazon has been recommending Cate Conte's Cat About Town to me for at least a year now; and finally, since we have officially reached my favorite time of year for mystery reading {fall!}, and I've come to the conclusion that I desperately want to open my own cat cafe, I decided to give it a whirl. Long story short: there was something missing; but I'm down to give the sequel a shot.

Maddie James is back in her quaint Massachusetts hometown of Daybreak Island for her beloved Grandmother's funeral. Though she bailed for the West Coast to open Goin' Green, an organic juice bar, years ago; her reappearance in the New England nook has left her with all of the feels and memories of her past {aided by encounters with her BFF Becky Walsh and ex-high school sweetheart turned local police officer, Craig Tomlin}. Planning to merely stick around briefly to comfort and grieve alongside her Grandpa Leo, former Daybreak Island police chief, Maddie feels her plans start to shift when she encounters a stray tabby she dubs Orange Guy {later named JJ}, who captures her heart, and subsequently leads her to the dead body of one very powerful Frank O'Malley.

Though merely a wealthy resident, Frank O'Malley has the type of pull in Daybreak Island reserved for those holding political office; and as the President of the Chamber of Commerce, O'Malley is convinced that he runs the quaint town. From bullying new business owners to excluding less-profitable businesses from joining the Chamber, to badgering Grandpa Leo to sell his home - a residence that has been in the family for generations...you name it, and Frank O'Malley can state guilty as charged. So when JJ leads Maddie to Frank's dead body during the annual Food Stroll, there is no shortage of suspects. Unfortunately, the police appear to be targeting Grandpa Leo for the crime - an assumption that does not sit well with Maddie. So she does what any good granddaughter would...she decides to uncover the true killer, with JJ's help, to clear Grandpa Leo's good name. But the deeper she digs, the closer she is to losing her life - and she definitely doesn't have eight more to spare.

This book left me feeling unsettled upon turning the last page. Not because I knew who the murderer was the second they appeared in the book {though I did}, or because there wasn't a strong enough cat presence; rather, it was the characters themselves {barring JJ, who I would die for}. I can't figure out whether I liked or disliked the characters because they all felt very one-dimensional - like I knew them, but I didn't know them, if that makes any sense. They were just there; not doing anything to enchant me or leave me worrying about their well-being - including Maddie. I also found the love triangle between Maddie, Craig, and newcomer Lucas Davenport to be incredibly juvenile, trite, and obnoxious - perhaps because I felt no connection to any of them. Please keep in mind that there is no cat cafe in this book, that is planned for the sequel, Purrder She Wrote, which I do expect to purchase, as I'm eager to see if the addition of more cats and perhaps another chance at fleshing out the characters will win me over.


Star Rating: ***


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NOTD: NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Blushing Nail Polish in Victoria Embankment

Two coats of NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Blushing Nail Polish in Victoria Embankment. Pale Pink Creme.

One of the greatest disappointments in swatching is when you have a stunning shade, and it refuses to photograph well. So is the case with this bad boy.

Victoria Embankment is a year-round pale pink creme that is sheer at one coat and opaque at two. The sheer to opaque build-up is beautiful and seamless, so it's def a versatile color if you like to switch between the two looks. This one had such fantastic wear-time. I wore it for over a week - even after filing my nails, there were no chips or cracks, and even tipwear was nonexistent. Obsessed with this one - you will be too!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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off duty

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OPI Malibu Summer 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack Swatches + Review

NGL, I wasn't swooning when I first saw OPI's Malibu Summer 2021 Nail Lacquer Mini 4-Pack on the shelf, as the colors appeared fairly typical for this time of year; however, once I applied them...love! It was soon evident that this collection was full of colors for all seasons - a few of which I'll be wearing as we head into fall. Check out the gorgeous goodies below!

Pear-Adise Cove is a Chartreuse Green Creme. I think this color earns the Top Spot of strangest color in my 2021 nail polish collection. But seriously...Pear-Adise Cove is...different. On one hand the chartreuse green creme feels summer-y; on the other hand, it feels fall due to the muddiness of the undertones. I feel like this is one of those colors that grows on you while you're wearing it; however, I doubt that I'll pick it up again for a repeat-wear. That said, the formula was good. I did experience minor brush shedding; but nothing too bad. If you're looking for something unique, this bad boy def fits the bill! This is 2 coats.

Strawberry Waves Forever is a Bright Pink w/ Iridescent Shimmer. Y'all, this color is killing me. Like I legit cannot get over how unexpectedly perfect it is. Strawberry Waves Forever is a bright, magenta-leaning pink w/ iridescent shimmer that flashes purple, pink, and blue in different light. I cannot tell you how incredible the formula is here. The density is perfection, making it super simple to apply; and removal is a breeze because it is a shimmer not a glitter {don't confuse the two}. Though geared towards summer flings, this is one that I plan on adding to my year-round repertoire as it will easily be a smash come New Year's, Christmas, or Valentine's! This is 2 coats.

El Mat-adoring You is a Tan Caramel Creme. Okayokayokay, so I get that this color originated in a summer collection; but I am feeling. it. for. fall. El Mat-adoring You is a tan caramel creme that is legit the shade of the perfect iced coffee. The moment I swiped this one on my fingers all I could think about was Thanksgiving, and piles of leaves, and riding boots and...you get the picture. Formula here was a breeze to work with. I wish it would have dried slightly quicker {I accidentally indented the polish on my pointer finger}; but dry time aside, it was long lasting and stunning to look at for the week that I wore it. Love and highly recommend! This is 2 coats.

The Sound of Vibrance is a Purple Shimmer. Shimmer, shimmer cocoa pop...I had to do it. #sorrynotsorry. The Sound of Vibrance is a purple shimmer that 100% put a spell on me and made me think of all of the spooky, Halloween, Hocus Pocus things. I mean, I get that it's a shade from a summer collection, but it is just as killer for spooky season. Just saying. Formula was flawless. I do recommend using a heavier hand, or adding a third coat to ensure that no VNL is visible; but, other than that, it's bril. Highly recommend if purples are your poison. This is 2 coats. 

  AVAILABILITY: Target. 

  PRICE: $13.99 for the 4PC Mini Set; $10.49 for each full-size bottle.


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NOTD: NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Blushing Nail Polish in The Strand

One coat of NAILS INC. Relationship Status: Blushing Nail Polish in The Strand. Berry Creme.

Y'all, it has been a minute, but I have finally found it...a OCW!

The Strand is more fall than summer given its juicy berry hue. That said, adding it to your polish repertoire as early as August is definitely understandable as it is bold, beautiful, and a brilliant seasonal transition shade. The formula here is positively phenomenal - legit one swipe, and just a few minutes dry time and voila! Absolute perfection. Highly recommend!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

carpenter

TOPSHOP Denim Carpenter Overalls in MID DENIM.

Must have for fall 2021, amiright?

xx

BOOK REVIEW: The Wrong Number by R.L. Stine

True story: Fear Street was my jam when I was in elementary school; but I eventually moved on to fantasy a la Harry Potter, leaving R.L. Stine behind - until Netflix announced the Fear Street trilogy and I got sucked right back in. So what caused me to select The Wrong Number for my re-entry into the spooky world of Stine? The opening scene of Fear Street Part One: 1994 obvi, when Maya Hawke as Heather rings up this very title at B. Dalton minutes prior to falling victim to the ghost face killer. But I digress...while a movie led me to this title, the words on the page are what truly kept me there.

When Deena Martinson's father gets promoted to VP of a local phone company, it doesn't just mean more money in the bank for her family - it also means that she's privy to the latest and greatest gadgets in telecommunications. Namely, her own private phone line in her bedroom. While the implied independence of the phone quickly captivates her gorgeous BFF Jade Smith; Deena has more pressing matters on her mind...like the fact that her brother {ahem...half-brother} Chuck will soon be moving in. Known for his penchant for breaking the rules {and the law}, Deena is anything but thrilled that he'll be walking the halls of Shadyside High in just a few short days, so Jade persuades her to make a little mischief of her own.

With phone book in hand, Deena and Jade start making harmless prank calls to the Shadyside student body - flirting and teasing some of the guys in their grade. But once Chuck arrives...things go a little too far. Chuck, who catches Jade's eye in mere moments, doesn't want to flirt, tease, or taunt the recipients of his phone calls; rather, he prefers threatening his victims. And then he does the unthinkable...he dials a number belonging to a resident on Fear Street, and accidentally overhears a murder being committed. Curious to know whether the tables have been turned, and they're now the ones being pranked, Chuck, Deena, and Jade decide to investigate - a decision that places the three teens in a type of danger they could have never imagined.

One thing I learned about Stine many, many years ago is that his books are notoriously a hit or miss. Sometimes you love them, sometimes they fall flat - and, on some occasions, you think you love one only to find it lose its charm in the final pages. The Wrong Number is one for the love pile. Reminiscent of Lois Duncan's I Know What You Did Last Summer; The Wrong Number leans more mystery/thriller/suspense than scary, which was perfectly fine with me since I love a good investigation. I stayed awake long past my bedtime to finish this one, and it was most definitely worth it. One of Stine's best Fear Street books to date. Highly recommend if you're just entering the world of Stine or simply reacquainting yourself with his works.


Star Rating: ****


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NOTD: SOPHi by Piggy Paint Nail Polish in It's A Girl Thing

Two coats of SOPHi by Piggy Paint Non-Toxic Nail Polish in It's A Girl Thing. Neon Pink/Coral Creme.

Though I have experienced instances of nail colors that are different in the bottle than on the nail, no color has done so as drastically as this bad boy right here!

It's A Girl Thing is a neon pink/coral creme that is the epitome of summer fun; but it starts out different. This color actually applied to the nail as a pink raspberry shade that dried to a matte finish. So imagine my surprise when, after adding top coat, I wound up with this color. Trust me, I am not mad about it; but the diff def made me go on a search to find out whether this was a color changing polish or not {it's not btw}. But I digress...I'm obsessed. I did find that it doesn't deal with steam/heat as well as other polishes {it receded from the nail tip a bit}; but overall the staying power and color intensity was long lasting.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. This product was received complimentary; however, all opinions are my own.

garden party

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love me truly

Free People Love Me Truly Cotton Minidress in OPTIC WHITE.

This dress was love at first sight for me babes, and that never happens. Need!

xx

NOTD: OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in Strawberry Waves Forever

Two coats of OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in Strawberry Waves Forever. Bright Pink w/ Iridescent Shimmer.

Y'all, this color is killing me. Like I legit cannot get over how unexpectedly perfect it is.

Strawberry Waves Forever is a bright, magenta-leaning pink w/ iridescent shimmer that flashes purple, pink, and blue in different light. I cannot tell you how incredible the formula is here. The density is perfection, making it super simple to apply; and removal is a breeze because it is a shimmer not a glitter {don't confuse the two}. Though geared towards summer flings, this is one that I plan on adding to my year-round repertoire as it will easily be a smash come New Year's, Christmas, or Valentine's!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

malibu

Free People Malibu Sweater & Shorts Set in WINTER WHEAT.

I am such a sucker for a good sweater and shorts set. Seriously coveting this cutie in both colors!

xx

BOOK REVIEW: Summer of '79 by Darren Sapp

“You never forget the friends you grew up with. —Unknown”
My love for Stranger Things led me to Darren Sapp's Summer of '79, and I can honestly say that I am not mad about it. This was the perfect book to delve into during 4th of July weekend, when the temps were high, and all I wanted to do was laze around, enjoying the simplicity of summer. This book was my bestie during that period, what with the presence of The Oz arcade, to morning stops at the library, and afternoons spent gabbing with the DQ Gang {more on them later}, or constructing a top secret clubhouse down Devil's Backbone. Summer of '79 embraced the charm and curiosity that couples with the innocence of childhood, and will quickly capture the heart of multiple generations of readers.

Thirteen-year-old Kevin Bishop and his buddies {Larry Woodard, Slade Littlejohn, and Rut and Wendy Rutledge} plan on spending their summer playing baseball, swimming, and constructing a fort deep in the woods that will give them reprieve from their parents. After all, in Mead Creek, Texas, a locale known for a Civil War skirmish, and the 1912 unsolved triple murder of the Claymore family, there is little else to do to keep oneself cool and occupied. Little did they know, they were about to awaken their sleepy town to a decades-old secret.

Devil's Backbone is legendary - known as the location where the Claymore murderer has roamed since that fateful day in 1912. No longer used by vehicles, it has become a long-forgotten road, overgrown with brush, with a single entity located along the way: the Claymore estate. Devil's Backbone also happens to be the simplest route to the fort that Kevin and his friends are building, so they begin navigating it daily. It is during these trips that Kevin sees movement at the Claymore estate: first a person at a window, then a light on. He's convinced it's the ghost of Dickie Claymore, the lone suriving Claymore in the massacre; but perhaps it isn't his ghost at all. Upon further investigation {and frequent trips to the local Dairy Queen to gab with a group of old-timers dubbed the DQ Gang who congregate daily to shoot the breeze}, Kevin, Larry, Slade, Rut, and Wendy learn that Dickie is still alive, and living in the old Claymore estate. As they begin spending more time with the reclusive Dickie, the friends resolve to find justice for his family. But in doing so, they will shake their quiet town to its core.

I liked this one. Did it contain groundbreaking detective work or paranormal entities? Not really. But the innocence, simplicity, and familiarity found within the pages hook you nonetheless. The concept of just waking up and hopping on your bike to seek adventure in town is something that Gen Z, or even Millenials haven't experienced for themselves; so seeing it through the eyes of these young characters is endearing. Also endearing is the DQ Gang, who represent MC's every bit as much as our five protagonists {and provide many a chuckle}. Fans of Stranger Things or The Sandlot will quickly find themselves drawn to the pages. The perfect nostalgic read for a summer day.


Star Rating: ****


xx

NOTD: OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in Pear-Adise Cove

Two coats of OPI Malibu Nail Lacquer Collection in Pear-Adise Cove. Chartreuse Green Creme.

I think this color earns the Top Spot of strangest color in my 2021 nail polish collection. But seriously...

Pear-Adise Cove is...different. On one hand the chartreuse green creme feels summer-y; on the other hand, it feels fall due to the muddiness of the undertones. I feel like this is one of those colors that grows on you while you're wearing it; however, I doubt that I'll pick it up again for a repeat-wear. That said, the formula was good. I did experience minor brush shedding; but nothing too bad. If you're looking for something unique, this bad boy def fits the bill!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx