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.

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.

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

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.

all night

Free People All Night Faur Fur Jacket in MESA ROSE.

This jacket is a whole mood. Period.

xx

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

NOTD: ZOYA Nail Polish in Maddy

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Maddy. Flamingo pink creme.

These pastel pink cremes will never fail to slay me. Obsessed!

Maddy is a preppy pastel dubbed as a flamingo pink creme that is a total wear now, wear later shade in that it is perfection for summer as well as the winter months when pastels just make sense. This one had an immaculate formula - gaining opacity in two simple coats and maintaining no chips, no tipwear status for the full week that I wore it. Highly recommended for you pink ladies.

xx

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

BOOK REVIEW: By Book or By Crook {Lighthouse Library Mystery # 1} by Eva Gates

NGL here, I put off reading Eva Gates' By Book or By Crook {Lighthouse Library Mystery, # 1} for quite some time because my track record with cozy mysteries as of late has been...well, for lack of better words, a literal dumpster fire. That said, I enjoyed this one. It did take me a few chapters to warm up to the characters and pacing; but I enjoyed it enough where Book 2 is a definite possibility in my future.

Lucy Richardson has spent a decade working at the prestigious Harvard Library, but when she's proposed to by a guy she's not head over heels for, leading her to decline, her wealthy family flips, and she decides that change is needed in her life - pronto! Packing her bags, Lucy resigns from her position, and retreats to the Outer Banks - a charming small town that she summered at as a child. There she connects with her Aunt Ellen, and cousin Josie, hoping to clear her head, and drown her sorrows in calorie-laden confections from Josie's bakery. Though only expected to be a short stay, when Lucy is offered a position at the Bodie Lighthouse Library by head librarian Bertie, she immediately accepts and elects to turn her vacation destination into her permanent home. But not everyone on Bodie Island is thrilled about Lucy's arrival - or insta job offer.

Enter Louise Jane. With no college education to back her, it would be impossible to hire her on as a librarian; but she is convinced that no one deserves the job more than her. In fact, in her eyes, Lucy stole the position from her; therefore, Louise Jane will stop at nothing to take it back - including manipulating the library board to see things her way. Despite knowing that Louise Jane and the library board are out for blood, Lucy refuses to back away from her newly secured post - especially since Bodie is currently hosting a Jane Austen exhibit featuring a slew of rare and expensive first editions. It is during the big reveal party of this exhibit to friends of the library that disaster strikes in the form of the chair of the library board being discovered dead. And Bertie being the prime suspect for his murder.

Given the fact that the deceased was one of Lucy's greatest naysayers, and felt as if her position should be eliminated, and Bertie was one of Lucy's biggest supporters has placed Lucy in a bit of a bind. Feeling as if she is to blame for Bertie's arrest, she resolves to do a bit of amateur sleuthing to uncover the real killer, and clear Bertie's name. But as Jane Austen first editions begin disappearing from the locked exhibit while under Lucy's watch, she finds herself being viewed by some as a thief, and realizes that if she doesn't find the true culprit quickly, she may be the next one behind bars - or worse...dead.

As with most cozy mysteries, By Book or By Crook does not come without its share of flaws. For one, many of the characters are difficult to warm up to. While I loved the children's librarian, Ronald, along with the free-spirited Josie; I found both Bertie and research librarian, Charlene, hard to like. For me, Charles, the library cat, was the true star of the book; though he didn't get nearly as much page time as the love triangle involving Lucy, Connor, and Butch - of which I am grossly uninterested in. Additionally, the relationship between Louise Jane and Poor Andrew is incredibly...odd, and something that comes off as very juvenile - circa middle school or high school.

All of that said, there were times when I really enjoyed Lucy, and felt that her personality resonated with mine - enough so that I will take book two, Booked for Trouble {Lighthouse Library Mystery, # 2}, for a spin. I only hope that we see more of Charles and Josie in the next installment.


Star Rating: ***1/2


xx

NOTD: OPI Fall Wonders Nail Lacquer Collection in Suzi Takes A Sound Bath

Two coats of OPI Fall Wonders Nail Lacquer Collection in Suzi Takes A Sound Bath. 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!

xx

saturday

Free People Saturday Cotton Crop Shirt Jacket in LAZY BONES.

I love a good shacket sitch. The cropped aesthetic of this cutie makes it ideal for summer to fall transitions. Total crave!

xx

NOTD: ZOYA Nail Polish in Joanie

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Joanie. Tulip pink creme.

This color y'all. Seriously, it may be my new. favorite. pink.

Joanie is a darling tulip pink creme that brings out your tan and looks utterly charming as a mani/pedi combo. This cutie shocked me with her level of opacity. I honestly thought she would require more than two coats, but she applied lush and opaque in just two {and could have been a OCW had I applied with a heavier hand}. This one will be in heavy rotation for spring, summer, and winter. Love!

xx

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

ZOYA Pink Palette Summer 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

It has been a minute since I've indulged in ZOYA nail polish; so when I received their Pink Palette Summer 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer in the mail, I had to bust that bad boy open pronto. Babes, despite the fact that I'm a picky pink polish collector {try saying that 3 times fast!}, this collection just spoke to me and allowed me to play with all of the pinks. Whether pink is your thang or not, you will love these shades; but, even more so, you will adore the fabulous formulas and out of this world incredible brushes. Barbie would totes approve of this collection; and girlies, so do I!

Angel is an 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! This is 3 coats.

Joanie is a Tulip Pink Creme. This color y'all. Seriously, it may be my new. favorite. pink. Joanie is a darling tulip pink creme that brings out your tan and looks utterly charming as a mani/pedi combo. This cutie shocked me with her level of opacity. I honestly thought she would require more than two coats, but she applied lush and opaque in just two {and could have been a OCW had I applied with a heavier hand}. This one will be in heavy rotation for spring, summer, and winter. Love! This is 2 coats.

Maddy is a Flamingo Pink Creme. These pastel pink cremes will never fail to slay me. Obsessed! Maddy is a preppy pastel dubbed as a flamingo pink creme that is a total wear now, wear later shade in that it is perfection for summer as well as the winter months when pastels just make sense. This one had an immaculate formula - gaining opacity in two simple coats and maintaining no chips, no tipwear status for the full week that I wore it. Highly recommended for you pink ladies. This is 2 coats.

Shannon is a Melon Pink Creme. This is my third ZOYA pink in the past month; and, dare I say it, my possible fave thus far! Shannon is a juicy melon pink creme that puts me in the mood for picnics, beach bonfires, and Disney days, oh my! The peachy undertones give it a flirty, playful vibe without making it feel juvenile; while the punchy color will make it perfect for manis or pedis all. summer. long. Formula is fab with a super simple application and 5+ days of wear. A must for all of you pink-loving boss babes! This is 2 coats.

Kay is a Bright Pink Creme. Ugh! Photographs are not doing this cutie any justice rn! Kay is a brilliant bright pink creme that would be right at home on Barbie's nails. This beauty is lighter in shade than her collection counterpart, Gigi, but features the same incredible formula. This one, unfortunately, bubbled on me a tiny bit; but it seriously wasn't dealbreaker territory. Especially since the staying power was so phenom! This is 2 coats.

Gigi is a Red Azalea Creme. OMG y'all this polish is phenomenal! Gigi is a gorgeous red azalea creme that legit plays tricks on your eyes - appearing hot coral pink at times, and red coral at others. Regardless of which version your eyes see, however, this color is TDF. The kind of TDF that makes you want to repeat-wear all summer long. True story. The formula here is straight up decadent, applying beautifully and drying at the speed of light. A very important thing to touch on here is that the brush is incredible - not too wide, not too slim, just perfect for achieving a model-worthy mani. Obsessed! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

NOTD: OPI Fall Wonders Nail Lacquer Collection in Midnight Mantra

Two coats of OPI Fall Wonders Nail Lacquer Collection in Midnight Mantra. 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!

xx