NOTD: China Glaze Nail Lacquer in I'll Pink To That

Two coats of China Glaze Lite Brites Nail Lacquer with Hardeners Collection in I'll Pink To That. Neon Fuchsia Creme.

Bright pinks rarely catch my eye, but I am so feeling I'll Pink To That!

The formula for this bright beauty is magnificent; and the color? Straight. Up. Summer. Though not a complete neon hue; I'll Pink To That does dry semi-matte, so you'll want to add a swipe or two of top coat for shine.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {june 16, 2016 edition}

Summer in Spain. Summer in France. Trends of Summer at a glance. Summer in movies. Summer in books. Tools of Summer and their looks. OK, so I’m not a poet–my child probably has better poetic sense–but these warm idyllic days of late Spring have me dreaming of reading prose in the shade of a park tree this Summer.

I thought it was truly remarkable that IFB Bloggers captured Summer in all five senses this week–see, hear, touch, smell, taste. Wearing midi length skirts, paisley prints, bohemian-chic looks, bright cheery colours, and tried and true chambray. Watching movies and scanning the Tony Awards for the best looks. Reading about a Summer spent on the French Riviera. Creating a vision of pom-pom delight. Listening to music that you can dance the night away with. And cooking food to be savored with friends.

Cheers to having an ideal Summer.

Links a la Mode, june 16

• Aesthetic Distance: Jawbreaker: An Ode to to High School Girl Squad Movies
• A Handful of Stories: Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe
• Attire Club: The Best Dressed Men of the 2016 Tony Awards
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: Currently Crushing…
• Fashion Panache: Travel Style | Midi Skirt & Unisex Bag
• Fashion Tails: Foodie Tales and Summer Tunes
• Five Foot Nothing Shopping: The Choices for a Petite Bride to Be
• From the Soles Up: Curves, Confidence and CON-TOOOOUR!
• Greige Market: And Everything is to the Back with a Little Slack
• The House Blend: Madrid in May
• I’m a Norbyah: Beating the Heat in Vintage
• Les Assorties’: What’s Your Legacy | Pushing Sustainable Fashion Forward
• Life in the Fash Lane: Summer Print Series | Paisley
• Mis Papelicos: Let’s Sunday | Fashion is Indestructible
• MySelf Expressed: Mood | Beach Dreamer
• Petite Silver Vixen: Styling Fabrics | Denim, Devoré, Chambray, Suede, Silk
• Sassy Ethnic Bohemian: Summer Brights on Fleek
• Sparklin Serendipity: Pom Pom Sandal DIY Tutorial
• The Sugar Ribbon: How to Wear Bohemian-Chic in 2016
• We Are Ready Made: For the Boys Who Like to Dress Up

SPONSOR: Shopbop Lisa Marie Fernandez, SUNDRY Tops, Salvatore Ferragamo Bags, Chloe Oliver, PARTYSKIRTS, Shaffer, Cutoff Shorts, Hats, Flip Flops, Men's Oakley


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avery

Flynn Skye Avery Bodysuit.

Digging the sassy vibe of the scoop back and deep-V.

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mark. Nailed it Maui Bliss Mini Gel Nail Lacquers - Swatches + Review

PRESS SAMPLE

A new season is literally incomplete without a nail duo from mark., so I was thrilled when the Nailed it Maui Bliss Mini Gel Nail Lacquers landed on my porch last week. Though different from a lot of the brights we're spotting from other companies this season, I am so feeling these colors for summer {or anytime of year really}, and love their compact size for effortless summer travels. Take a peek at the pretty below!

Hula is a Hip-Swaying Dusty Lavender Creme. I have a soft spot for purple / lavender / lilac cremes, so spotting Hula in this duo made me want to shimmy-shake. Though slightly dustier on the nail than I anticipated, I am truly loving this shade, as it will get a lot of use in my collection year-round. The formula here is fabulush! This beauty was almost a OCW and applies smoothly and beautifully. There's not a ton of shine packed within, so def have your top coat at the ready to gloss it up! This is 2 coats.

Cloud 9 is a Heavenly White Creme. White cremes are legit my jam year-round; but during the summer months, when they contrast against sunkissed skin? Heaven, I'm in heaven. For reals doe. The one shade many of this year's summer polish collections have been missing is white, so you know I went a little wild when I spotted Cloud 9 in this duo. BBs, this color is killer - and the formula even more so! Cloud 9 is literally the most opaque white polish I have ever worked with - just missing the OCW mark, and looking flawless on tips and toes. I may buy back-ups of this baby! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: mark.

PRICE: $7.00 for the duo


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{fashion folio} weekending

Top: BOOHOO Teresa Open Shoulder Crochet Trim Peasant Blouse | Shoes: Free People Dahlia Tall Gladiator Sandal in RUST LEATHER | Sunnies: BP. 48mm Cat Eye Sunglasses in BLACK TORT {only $12.00!} | Shorts: TOPSHOP Rosa Pocket Bag Short | Ring: BP. Stone Ring in TURQUOISE / GOLD | Nails: NAILS INC. Gel Effect in MAYFAIR LANE | Lashes: IT COSMETICS Hello Lashes Clinically Shown 5-in-1 Mascara in BLACKEST BLACK | Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in SUNSET STRIP | Bag: BP. Fringe Bucket Bag in BROWN COGNAC {under $40!}

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Essie Shimmer Brights Mini Set Swatches + Review

I may not be the biggest fan of shimmer polishes, but when I spotted Essie's Shimmer Brights Mini Set I simply couldn't resist. The bright pigmentation coupled with the haute hits of shimmer felt so on fleek for summer; and after trying them all out, I can confidently say that this quartet should definitely be a part of your next vacay. Peep the prettiness below!

Sexy Plunge is an Orange Shimmer. While orange polishes, like yellows, aren't typically my thang, I've really been gravitating towards them this year because they perfectly capture that glowy, sunkissed essence which I've really been feeling as of late. Sexy Plunge, aside from having one of the sassiest monikers ever, is ultra-flirty due to the gold-meets-orange shimmer flecks throughout that seemingly bubble in direct sunlight. Though the formula here is thin, it builds to a rich pigment that will look amaze paired with a killer tan! This is 2 1/2 coats.

Seen On The Scene is a Bright Pink Shimmer. Fact: I was v ho hum when I spotted this shade in the bottle because pink has been done so many times this year, but Seen On The Scene actually turned out to be my favorite color from this quartet. The orange / gold-leaning shimmer throughout makes it highly reminiscent of NARS' Orgasm Lip Gloss {one of my all-time faves}, and gives it an endless summer feel. Formula was fab - it's thin, but builds beautifully. This is 2 1/2 coats.

DJ On Board is a Red-Based Purple Shimmer. Of all of the shades in this quartet, DJ On Board {love the name} feels the most out of place due to the strong red undertones which give it a fall feel; nevertheless, it is a fun, spirited shade that I ain't mad about having in my collection. Formula was good here - despite the fact that it's thinner than a creme, it didn't gravitate towards my cuticles, and built to opacity beautifully. This is 2 coats.

Aim To Misbehave is an Egg Yolk Yellow Shimmer. I will never be a fan of yellow polishes. That said, there aren't a ton of options in this shade range, so if you love a bright yellow for your tips you will l-o-v-e Aim To Misbehave. Like the rest of the collection, the formula here is thin and, especially in this particular color, can appear patchy; but once perfected, it's like sunshine in a bottle. The downside: this baby stains. Womp womp. This is 2 1/2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Ulta for the mini set; Ulta for individual bottles.

PRICE: $17.00 for the quartet; or buy individual bottles separately for $8.50 each.


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currently crushing...

1 | 2 {under $30 dupe here} | 3 {$12!} | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
At the moment I'm re-reading Francoise Sagan's Bonjour Tristesse {one of my all-time favorite summer reads - if you haven't delved into it yet you must}, so, as you can see, I'm currently crushing on all things inspired by the French Riviera. Care to join me ladies? Happy Tuesday!

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NOTD: nails inc. Coconut Brights Gel Effect Collection in Portobello Terrace

Two coats of nails inc. Coconut Brights Gel Effect Collection in Portobello Terrace. Sky Blue Creme.

Blue polishes have succeeded in becoming my number 1 fave shades {even trumping mint green hues}, so, of course, Portobello Terrace has captured my heart.

I'm loving the fact that Portobello Terrace has both that bright summer feel and pastel-y, muted spring vibe, making it ultra-wearable at anytime. The formula here was a bit thicker than other shades I've worked with from nails inc.; but can easily be combated by wiping off excess polish on the lip of the bottle before application.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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721

Levi's 721 High Rise Distressed Skinny Jeans in RUGGED INDIGO.

So feeling the simplicity yet high fashion flair of those raw holes in the knees. I'm quite fond of their under $100 pricetag too!

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inspo

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#makeupmess!

Bronzer: NARS Bronzing Powder in LAGUNA | Eyeliner: L'OREAL Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner in CARBON BLACK | Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in BUTTERSCOTCH | Blush Stick: JULEP Skip the Brush Crème-To-Powder Blush Stick in GOLDEN GUAVA | Mascara: NYX Cosmetics Doll Eye Waterproof Mascara in BLACK | Brush: Real Techniques Shading Brush | Highlight: BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector™ Pressed in OPAL

Feeling ultra-beachy this am. Using NARS Laguna Bronzer + BECCA's Opal on my face + eyes. P.S. if you haven't tried Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics' Butterscotch you need to ASAP - it is the most perfect peachy nude lippy eva!

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currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
No plans on the horizon, but #vacayonmymind. Happy Friday Eve, bbs!

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{beauty board} babe on a budget: vacay edit!

Vacay season is upon us, meaning it's time to stock up on beauty bits that will pair perfectly with your tropical destination of choice! I've rounded up 9 essentials you'll be sure to covet. The clincher? They're all under $10!

{1} HASK Coconut Oil Nourishing Shampoo {$3.99} The coconut fragrance will make you feel like you're somewhere tropical, even if you're indulging in a staycation!

{2} L'OREAL Sublime Bronze Summer Express Wash-Off Face Bronzer Cream in MEDIUM {$9.99}

{3} SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Eyeshadow in HAWAIIAN BEACH {$10.00} Use it wet in the evening to intensify the sparkle!

{4} PHYSICIANS FORMULA Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Lip Oil Duo in LIQUID GOLD / PINK {$7.79 for the duo}

{5} PHYSICIANS FORMULA Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in ULTRA BLACK {$5.99}

{6} Capelli New York Gold Swag Chain Combs with Flowers Gems {$10.00}

{7} John Frieda Beach Blonde™ Sea Waves™ Sea Salt Spray {$8.99}

{8} e.l.f. Pout Protector in GLOW {$3.00} Apply a dab to the center lower lip to give the illusion of a fuller pout!

{9} NYX Cosmetics Ombre Blush in STRICTLY CHIC {$9.99}


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{fashion folio} summer shimmer

Dress: TOPSHOP Crochet Insert Sundress | Nails: ULTA Salon Formula Nail Lacquer in BABY DOLL | Jacket: TOPSHOP Sequin Bomber Jacket | Face + Lips: Too Faced Love At First Kiss Lip + Cheek Duo | Bag: Furla Metropolis Mini Cross Body Bag in BLU LAGUNA | Shoes: Steve Madden Sammson Lace-Up Gladiator Sandal in BLACK | Earrings: Kenneth Jay Lane Round CZ Stud Earrings in CLEAR / SILVER | Mascara: Lancôme HYPNÔSE DRAMA Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in EXCESSIVE BLACK

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NOTD: Probelle Nail Lacquer in In Or Out

Two coats of Probelle Nail Lacquer in In Or Out. Lavender Pink Creme.

This lovely popped up in my April ipsy Glam Bag, which could not have made me happier because nail polish is my favoritefavoritefavorite thing to find in my ipsy bags {big surprise, right?}.

In Or Out {not to be confused with In 'n' Out, which I think of every. single. time. I talk about this polish} is a gorgeous lavender pink creme creme reminiscent of one of my all-time favorite lacquers: Orly Frolic.

Formula here is incredible. It's thin, but not runny, and reaches opacity lightning fast. What's great about In Or Out is that it has the brightness to work for summer, coupled with the depth to keep it relevant in your collection through fall. So much love right now!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {june 2, 2016 edition}

I own a Dries Van Noten Dress {going on 8 years now} that I’ve never worn. I know, I know. Read that decluttering book by Marie Kondo… yadda, yadda, yadda. However, you see, it does spark joy when it’s on the hanger sitting in my closet. And while every try-on session ends the same way–a return to the hanger–the beauty of this dress keeps me hanging on.

Something that I’m not hanging onto is a trend from my youth–acid wash. Could it really be making a comeback? Considering the example look this go round, this new version will be far less… grody to the max. IFB Bloggers also shared their trend plans for Summer with culottes, printed leggings, stripes, and white jeans. Posts on fashion minimalism and wearable tech seem at odds but both relate when it comes to being a true fashionista.

How-to’s were also popular. How to Vegas. How to creative process. How to beautify. Recipes that don’t come from Martha, but some favorite bloggers. And whether you are preparing a handbag for second hand selling or your personal collection needs a little tidying, there is great advice on how to care for them. Read on for more insight in the world of fashion.

Links a la Mode, june 2

• Aesthetic Distance: White Light, White Heat | My Creative Process
• A Glamorous Revelation: 3 Recipes Created and Cooked by Bloggers
• Al Balsam Life: Minimalism in Spring
• Attire Club: AC Mood Board | Peking Opera
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Beauty Board} The Scoop on Strobing
• Distinguished Diva: African Festival Athens 2016
• Elements of Ellis: Acid Wash Dress
• Everyday Starlet: The Best & Worst Foundation Brushes
• Happy.Pretty.Sweet: Awesome Printed Leggings You Need Right Now
• I’m a Norbyah: Style Minute | Culottes
• Les Assorties’: MakeFashion | Wearable Technology Meets High Fashion
• Love.Laugh.Explore: How to Vegas {For the Party Animal}
• Minnie Muse: Peonies Please
• Mis Papelicos: 10 Things You Didn’t About True “Fashionistas”
• Modavracha: Tips to Create Your Own Fashion Brand
• Ms. FABulous: Fabric Printing in Rajasthan
• MySelf Expressed: Wishlist | Dries Van Noten Dress
• Oceanblue Style: Black and White
• We Are Ready Made: Postcard From Heaven
• Wish and Wear: The Nest | Shian’s Bag Spa

SPONSOR: Shopbop Kate Spade New York, Victoria Victoria Beckham Jeans, Ash Shoes, MARCH11, RUKEN, Richmond & Finch, Culottes, Sports Bras, Mirrored Sunglasses, Men's The Tie Bar


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spotted on the steps of the met

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{fashion folio} weekend warrior

Jacket: TOPSHOP Suede Biker Jacket | Face: JULEP Skip the Brush Creme-To-Powder Blush Stick in MOONLIT SAND | Lashes: BUXOM Lash Mascara | Dress: TOPSHOP Crochet Lace Sundress | Shoes: Hinge Drea Peep Toe Leather Sandal in BLUSH | Lips: BURBERRY Burberry Kisses Lipstick in NUDE BEIGE NO. 01 | Nails: FORMULA X The Colors Nail Polish in BRAIN POWER | Necklace: Sole Society Crescent Statement Necklace in SILVER

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Morgan Taylor Street Beat Tiny Tagger 4PC Mini Set Swatches + Review

I don't have a ton of experience with Morgan Taylor polishes, having only tried their products once last fall; but when I spotted their Street Beat Tiny Tagger 4PC Mini Set at ULTA, I absolutely could not pass it up because it reminded me of one of my favorite movies {Step Up 2 The Streets}, and served as the perfect nod to one of my biggest hobbies: hip hop dancing. The fact that all four shades are bright, punchy, and playful {i.e. ideal for summer}? Total icing on the cake. Take a peek at the prettiness below!

Hip Hot Coral is a Hot Coral with Golden Shimmer. Oh. Em. Gee. babes this color - I just...I can't. Hip Hot Coral is straight. up. stunning. The golden shimmer throughout lends such summer-y depth; while the neon color is sizzling. Formula was a breeze to work with - just two quick swipes and voila - perfect mani. This color dries down to a matte finish which renders the golden shimmer invisible, so you need to add top coat {like I did here} to bring the sparkles to life. The Bad: I had a lot of chipping issues with Hip Hot Coral. Day one was fine, but by day two I had chips on multiple fingers. Touched it up, and day three more chips appeared. Definitely an aggravation IMO, so I only recommend this shade for short-term wear. This is 2 coats.

B-Girl Style is a Barbie Pink with Blue-Meets-Purple Shimmer. I'm a Barbie girl in a Barbie world. Life in plastic, it's fantastic. Fact: I literally sing that song in my head every. single. time. I look at my nails because this bright babe right here is the best Barbie pink hue in history! B-Girl Style has the thinnest formula in this quartet, resulting in patchiness and the need for extra coats. That said, it is a breeze to work with. Like Hip Hot Coral, B-Girl Style dries down to a matte finish, hiding away the gorgeous shimmer seen during application. While top coat adds shine to this shade, it does little in revealing said shimmer. Womp womp. This is 3 coats.

Give Me A Break-Dance is a Teal with Green Shimmer. Before we begin can I just say that Give Me A Break-Dance totally gets top prize in polish names? So loving it! Moving on...I was pretty ho hum about this shade when I spotted it in this quartet because I have met a lot of teal polishes as of late, and most of them have been too similar for my liking. Give Me A Break-Dance? Completely different - in a good way. On the nail, this shade is lighter and brighter than your typical teal {v. mermaid-esque}, and the green shimmer which is juuust noticeable really makes it a stand-out. Like the rest of the collection, the formula is flawless; it also dries matte, so get that top coat out! I have longer nails so I needed multiple coats to conceal VNL; but if you have shorter nails you'll definitely be able to get away with two. This is 3 coats.

Cou-Tour The Streets is a Bubblegum Pink Creme with Lilac Undertones. Ladies, I am legit dyiiiing rn. This color is just...O.M.G.. I've said it before, I'm not usually one for pink polishes, but the blue-meets-lilac undertones found in this one right here? Totally give it a flava all its own! Cou-Tour The Streets has one. brilliant. formula. Not only is it smooth and fast-drying, but it's so easy to work with. I found that this one dried down to a satin/semi-matte, so top coat is necessary to give it the glossy glow you see here. This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ULTA for the mini set.

PRICE: $14.95 for the quartet.


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june crush list!

1. benefit face! While Benefit Cosmetics' Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter and Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara are two of my all-time favorite beauty products, my familiarity with the brand ends there; but that totally needs to change now that I've spotted their latest face releases. Bronzer, blush, highlight...the new additions are seriously calling my name {especially for summer}! I just received a trial size of Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer {can't wait to give it a whirl!}, but now I've got my sights set on the Cheekathon Blush & Bronzer Palette, and Dandelion Dew Baby-Pink Liquid Blush in DANDELION.

2. boyfriend jeans I know, I know, skinny jeans are my namesake - essentially my second skin - but I am so feeling the look of distressed boyfriend jeans at the moment. I adore the way they look paired with crop tops and teetering wedge sandals - adding a hint of street to your chic. I ordered STS Blue's Taylor Distressed Jeans in MANHATTAN BEACH last week; if they work out {fingers crossed}, I'm totes going to snag BLANKNYC's Distressed Boyfriend Jeans in NEVER SAY NEVER.

3. copper eyes Okay, so I try to vary my eyeshadow colors, but I forever come back to copper, because it literally makes my eyes glow. Admittedly, I own far too many eyeshadow singles and palettes; but, a girl is always looking for something better, amiright? With that said, I'm dyiiing to add some new coppery goodness to my collection, and I am currently crushing on NARS' Duo Eyeshadow in ISOLDE, The Body Shop's Baked Eye Color in COPPER 01, and ARDENCY INN's MODSTER Manuka Honey Enriched Pigments in COPPER {literally dead over how brilliant this one looks!}. What eyeshadow shade do you always go back to?

4. chokers Truth: I wore black velvet chokers all the time in elementary school, then forgot the trend existed; but when I spotted them on various celebs at Coachella, my intrigue piqued. I finally caved and ordered this Faux Pearl Layered Choker from Forever 21 last week, and now I'm hooked. Seriously - I want all of the chokers. It's amazing the way a black line around your throat can completely change your look - kind of like eyeliner. Next up on my shopping list: BaubleBar's Anne Choker, and Forever 21's Filigree Faux Suede Choker in BLACK/GOLD. Aren't they stunners?

What's on your June Crush List?


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