NOTD: Ciaté Paint Pot in Loop the Loop

Three coats of Ciaté Paint Pot in Loop the Loop from the Fairground Nail Polish Collection. Pastel Yellow.

Loop the Loop is a first for me in that neverhaveIever...worn a pastel yellow polish before. Crazy, right?

The formula here was good. While each coat applies somewhat streaky and transparent; it builds beautifully and evenly to create a perfect opaque hue reminiscent of ferris wheels, cotton candy, and, as the collection name implies, summer fairgrounds.

Something worth mentioning...no staining! That's a huge problem with a lot of yellow polishes; so it's awesome that this pretty doesn't stain.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

Thanks to Ciaté for sponsoring this post.

sally hansen introduces limited edition insta-dri halloween collection

Sally Hansen introduces the new limited edition Insta-Dri Halloween Collection featuring the perfect shades to celebrate the spookiest night of the year. The ultimate quick-dry nail polish; all it takes is one stroke, one coat and in 60 seconds you’ll have a manicure bursting with rich color!

From L-to-R: Pumpkin Queen {orange creme}; Scaredy Matte {black matte}; OMGhost {white creme}; Night Fright {black creme}.

WHAT THEY COST: $4.99 each.

AVAILABILITY: Launching October 2014 for a limited time only, available at mass and drug retailers across the United States and Canada.


I've got my eye on Pumpkin Queen, which will serve as the perfect shade for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Which color are you coveting?


xx

the cocktail dress...

Out of every dress style a girl should have tucked away in her closet; few are more important than sweet and sexy cocktail dresses - http://www.dressv.com/sexy-cocktail-dresses-c103452/ - sporting barely there hemlines, and whisper-worthy embellishments. Here are 5 of my favorite looks from Dressv.com!

Bespoke Sexy A-Line Mini/Short V-Neck Dasha s Cocktail/Evening Dress 6073
{The quintessential little black dress.}

Tailor-Made Brilliant A-Line One-Shoulder Mini/Short-Length Empire Waistline Natilie s Prom Dress 8316
{The feathered skirt is such a Serena van der Woodsen touch - love it!}

Bespoke Amazing One Shoulder Mini Length Sequins Sandra s Evening/Cocktail Dress 8801
{A bandage dress is always a good idea.}

Custom Made Attractive Mini-length Pleats Sweetheart Natilie s Prom/Cocktail Dress 8329
{The beading on the bodice is such a romantic touch!}

Customized Gorgeous A-Line Sweetheart-Neckline Mini/Short Luba s Homecoming Prom Dress 9614
{Absolutely obsessed with the empire waist, beaded bodice, and corset back!}
Do you have a favorite?


xx

Thanks to DressV for Sponsoring this post!{pictures via}

cape season

LOVE 21 Ribbed Knit Cape in Burgundy / Black or Charcoal / Black.

It feels so fresh for fall. Truth: I want it in both color combos!

xx

Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish Review

Happy Thursday! Today I am sharing one of my favorite new polish finds with you - the Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish! There are a total of 10 shades available; however, I am missing two {Cake Topping and Mint Chocolate Chip}, so you will only see 8 colors in this post.

Sugar Crystals

Sugar Crystals is a Silver Hexagonal Glitter, Blue and Black Micro-glitter, and Black Bar Glitter in a Sheer Blue Base.. Sugar Crystals is the simple way to achieve the forever trendy look known as galaxy nails {without any type of nail art talent}. The mix of glitter sizes paired with the blues, blacks, and silvers of a midnight sky just scream galactic. Sugar Crystals dispenses heartily and evenly so that you get an out-of-this-world look with just one swipe. Here I am wearing it over Rita Ora x Rimmel London 60 Seconds Colour Rush Nail Polish in Midnight Rendezvous. This is 1 coat.

Cookies n' Cream

Cookies n' Cream is a Black and White Hexagonal, Bar-Shaped, and Micro-Glitter in a Clear Base. Cookies n' Cream is entirely necessary to your polish collection if you're a fan of graffiti art because it seriously creates that effect on the nail {which makes me absolutely adore it}. The mixed-shaped glitter is awesome, as it creates a very haphazard, artsy look that is so cool. This one dispenses beautifully. In just one coat you have perfectly placed glitter without having to do the whole dab technique. Here, I'm wearing it over Ciaté's Play Date; but it would look brilliant over just about any shade. This is 1 coat.

I Want S'More

I Want S'More is a Black and Silver Glitter in Taupe Base. I Want S'More could work as a top coat; but the taupe base is rich enough to become opaque with minimal coats, so I wore it alone - and I love. Though the glitter is a mix of black and silver {not white, as you might have expected}, the silver pieces appear white in certain lighting creating a true s'mores effect. So unique!Formula. Is. Fab. I adore the consistency of this polish, as it is so easy to work with {if you're a nail painting novice you need this in your life}. This is 2 coats.

Confetti

Confetti is a Multi-Color Glitter in Clear Base. Confetti is a multi-color glitter rooted in pinks, fuchsias, and blues...no red, green, or gold glitter flecks to speak of; therefore, it was {very} easy to love. Here I am wearing Confetti over Ciaté Fit For A Queen {a Metallic Silver}, which I feel is such a killer combination - very New Year's Eve. Confetti is fab if you like a no-muss-no-fuss glitter, as it dispenses the perfect amount of glitter in each brushstroke {completely even, I might add}; minimizing the need for additional coats. Highly recommended if you want something fun or celebratory for your fingertips! This is 1coat.

Sprinkles On Top

Sprinkles On Top is Silver, Blue, Pink, Purple, and White Glitter in a Lilac-Meets-Pink Base. Tell me that doesn't give you the urge to host an ice cream social. Seriously though...it looks exactly like a frosted animal cracker, yes? Le sigh. Sprinkles On Top is the epitome of girly perfection. It has a fabulous formula identical to that of Sugar's I Want S'More; but is far more feminine in hue. Also pertinent...it has that pastel vibe going on; thus, it brings out the tan in your skin. This one would have been perfect for spring {I mean, hello, the Easter egg resemblance is uncanny}; but easily works year-round! This is 2 coats.

Cherry On Top

Cherry On Top is Multicolored Hexagonal and Micro Glitter in a Pink/Red Transparent Base. Like Sugar's Confetti, Cherry On Top has a very celebratory feel to it. The shade is primarily filled with blue, silver, and red micro glitter {something that wasn't present in Confetti}; but the smattering of blue hexagonal glitter adds a little something something. What's fun about this shade, is that, while the base is transparent; it has a red / pink tinge to it, that enhances similar shades {such as fuchsias, pinks, or reds}. Here, I'm wearing it over Maybelline Color Show's Rose Rapture {a Metallic Pink Orchid}. This is 1 coat.

Sugar Rush

Sugar Rush is Silver, Blue, Pink, Purple, and White Glitter in a Milky Pink Base.. Sugar Rush is like the fraternal twin to sugar's Sprinkles On Top. Both shades have the same shades of glitter; however, the base color of Sugar Rush is a very pale, milky pink {think Essie Mademoiselle or Ballet Slippers}, whereas Sprinkles On Top leans more lavender. This is another shade that feels fit for a tea party - it's just so dainty and girly. What I really love about this color is that the base is sheer {though reaches opacity fairly quickly}, making each coat slightly translucent, so you can see the glitter from each layer peeking through - it creates an awesome jelly sandwich type of vibe. This is 3 coats.

Party Streamer

Party Streamer is Gold, Black, and Lilac Bar-Shaped Glitter and Teal Micro-Glitter in a Clear Base.. Party Streamer is yet another topper with a very party vibe {that would be great for the holiday season}. I, personally, am not a fan of bar-shaped glitter; so this isn't a favorite of mine. I do, however, love the mix of colors - it's very New Year's Eve apropos. Here, I'm wearing it over Ciaté Starlet. This is 1 coat.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I don't generally gravitate toward glitter top coats or glitter polishes; however, these have been a surprise hit with me. I love that they all have an identical, amazing formula that is super easy to use {even for the mani novice}; and the fact that they offer more unique choices and glitter combos than what you normally see in polish collections make them a total winner. My top picks are Sugar Crystals and Cookies n' Cream.

AVAILABILITY

Available from Kohl's stores.

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xx

Thanks to Sugar for sponsoring this post!

october crush list!

1. ear cuffs When I was in middle school I begged {and begged, and begged, and begged} my mom to let me get my cartilage pierced; but, alas, it never happened. Nevertheless, I still love the look; so I'm super excited to see that ear and cartilage cuffs have returned. Even better? A lot of them are clips {i.e. no actual piercing required}. My favorite pieces are BaubleBar's Gemini Ear Cuff in Rose Gold {also available in Gold, which I am coveting}, Dipper Ear Cuff Set, and Freeway Ear Cuff Set. The juxtaposition between elegant and edgy is just perf!

2. mab mini I fall in love with a new Rebecca Minkoff style at least every season; this time around it's the MAB Mini Tote, which completely has the makings of an It Bag. The Black is a fave of mine because it works with most of my wardrobe; the True Turq would look amazing with denim; and the Black Cherry is just ridiculously sophisticated. Such a chic aesthetic, yes?

3. utility jackets Moto and bomber jackets have always been the outerwear style that I gravitate towards; but lately I've been swooning over utility jackets. Their versatility is incredible; working with the grungiest of denim, or dainty dresses. It also doesn't hurt that they have that military vibe I've been digging lately. My current top pick is Forever 21's Hooded Utility Jacket in Navy and Olive. The length is perfect; the color choices were made for fall; and the price is just right.

4. smoking slippers Ballet flats will forever hold a place in my shoe collection; but smoking slippers have become my new favorite flats. The masculine aesthetic looks incredible with feminine or edgy ensembles {think breezy button-down blouses or leather skinnies}; while being completely comfortable for 24/7 wear. I'm currently adoring the Sole Society MIIA Printed Smoking Slipper in Brown Black and Camo.

5. manis on the move I alwaysalwaysalways say this, but I will say it again...Ciaté never fails to make the cutest polish collections; and their latest releases, the Big Beauty Bus Collection, and theNail Taxi Collection are no different. I'm seriously coveting both. Like now.

What's on your October Crush List?


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xx

{beauty board} the complete cat eye

The DSQUARED2 runway makeup look you see below {worn gorgeously by Cara Delevingne} has been a favorite of mine for years; but it also perfectly illustrates how to best wear that coveted cat eye. With just a hint of concealer; a nude lip; sheer rosy cheeks; and not one, but two liners {a pencil followed by a gel} to score that fierce feline flick. Here are 5 of my faves for nailing the look:

{1} Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner in Pitch Black {$24.00}

{2} RIMMEL LONDON Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer {$5.99}

{3} NYX Cosmetics Powder Blush in Rose Garden {$5.99}

{4} butter LONDON Wink Eye Pencil in Union Jack Black {$18.00}

{5} Charlotte Tilbury 'K.I.S.S.I.N.G' Lipstick in Nude Kate {$32.00}


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xx

NOTD: nails inc. Leather Effect Nail Polish in Clerkenwell

Two coats of nails inc. Leather Effect Nail Polish in Clerkenwell. Eggshell / Off-White Texture.

I have had this polish since around the time I reviewed the nails inc. Leather Effect in Noho {read: too long}; and yes...am only just getting around to reviewing it.

I lovelovelove this color because it has the neutrality of a nude; yet it's striking the way whites tend to be. The formula, however, I'm not in love with.

Texture polishes such as OPI's Liquid Sand line are usually very long-lasting; but the Leather Effect, while being beautiful to look at, definitely lacks that trait. In fact, it wears the same way that a standard creme would; the difference being that, with a creme shade you would wear top coat - with an effects polish you don't. Additionally, the dry time is a bit longer than your average texture polish, so it has a tendency to get messed up very easily.

Yes, it's pretty for short-term wear; but the formula itself can be frustrating to deal with. Not sure if I would recommend this one for anything other than the color.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

Beachy Bright Nails Hit The Runway

PLAYFUL DIY NAILS

JEREMY SCOTT • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

OPI partnered with Jeremy Scott to create a unique nail look for the designer’s Spring/Summer 2015 runway show at Milk Studios on Wednesday, September 10. Lead nail artist Miss Pop worked with the designer’s beachy hippie inspiration to create colorful patterned nails that accented the collection’s vibrant prints.

That’s Hot! Pink, Life Gave Me Lemons, Can’t Find My Czechbook, Juice Bar Hopping, and A Grape Fit! were applied to models’ nails randomly using a dry brush technique. Miss Pop used the technique of individual brush strokes with little lacquer applied one after the other until the nail was filled to achieve a look of playing with paint on the nail.

Every model’s hand featured a different set of designs, mixing multicolor nails and individual bright hues partially or fully painted on with the airbrush-like technique, while some nails were left in the new nude – Matte Top Coat.

New to the runways, the playful nail art was carried through to the male models. Several of the male models also featured one of more of the bright, paint-inspired nails. “The next step for polish is getting it on men, including nail art,” says Miss Pop, lead nail artist for OPI at Fashion Week. “I am happy Jeremy Scott is taking this first step. There are no rules with this look. The colors are the palette and the nails the canvas.”

Nails were prepped with one coat of Base Coat and finished with Matte Top Coat.

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xx
{pictures via}

mother of the bride...

Weddings are a momentous occasion for all involved - from the bride and groom {a given}, to the guests, and, perhaps one of the most important individuals...the mother of the bride. While each piece is more gorgeous than the last; these are 5 of my favorite sophisticated and sexy mother of the bride dresses from Dressv.com!

Custom Fantastic Appliques Sheath Knee-Length Round Neckline Mother of the Bride Dress 4791
{It has such a Dolce & Gabbana vibe to it, yes?}

Couture Attractive Beading/Sequins Ruffles Sheath/Column Off-the-shoulder Long Taline s Mother of the Bride Dress 4573
{The beading, sequins, and ruffles are a brilliant combination!}

Made-to-Order Faddish Pleats A-line Sweetheart Long Talines Mother of the Bride Dress
{The color is romantic - so apropos for a wedding.}

Tailored Attractive Flowers Beading A-Line One-Shoulder Floor-Length Taline s Mother of the Bride Dress 5186
{I love the one-shoulder flower embellishment!}

Custom Graceful Appliques Sheath/Column V-Neck Mini Length Mother of the Bride Dress
{The aesthetic is undeniably smart; the sequin accents fun.}
Do you have a favorite?


xx

Thanks to DressV for Sponsoring this post!{pictures via}

classic...

Forever 21 Classic Peacoat in Tan.

Totally giving CÉLINE F/W 2013 vibes, amiright?

xx

Ciaté Haute House Collection Review

Ciaté's Dolls House Collection and Beach House Collection have been my two favorite 2014 polish releases; so you can imagine how thrilled I was when Ciaté sent me the latest in their House line - the Haute House Collection - for review. Hello, a House made for fall? Sign me up!

The Haute House Collection is packed with high-fashion shades that are super sophisticated and vampy {total fall necessity} and incredibly sexy {tell me the names of each polish don't remind you of 50 Shades of Grey}. While 5 polishes are included in this collection; 1 of those is a silicone top coat to create the patent leather finish, so you'll only see swatches of 4 colors here. Speaking of...let's look!

Dare to Bare is a Latte Nude Creme. This is hands down {no pun intended} my new favorite nude! Dare to Bare is the type of tan / beige / latte-leaning nude that would be flattering on any and all skin-tones. The formula is fantastic! It's self-leveling, fast-drying, and so high-gloss. This is 2 coats.

Can't It Be Kinky is a Black Creme. Black polishes are not my typical go-to; but I do love them during the fall months because...Halloween! Can't It Be Kinky didn't dry as glossy as the other shades in the collection; however, the silicone top coat made it super shiny - which I love. Great formula on this one - it was smooth and easy to work with {always a plus when dark polishes are involved!}. This is 1 coat.

Good To Be A Goddess is a Navy Creme / Jelly Hybrid. First, forgive the heinousness that is the nail on my index finger. I suffered a bad break last week; so it's going to look a little wonky for a bit. Second, you know how much I love a blue polish, and Good To Be A Goddess is no different. I opted to go less is more with this shade; allowing it to remain slightly sheer so that it wouldn't be confused as black. The formula was, again, flawless - very user-friendly, and virtually no-budge after 30 seconds. This is 1 coat.

Mostly A Minx is a Classic Red Creme. No fall collection is complete without a red-meets-oxblood color, and I am adoring this one {not just for the shade either; I love the word minx!}. In comparison to the darker shades in this collection, Mostly A Minx was sheer on coat one {not surprising}; but leveled perfectly and became completely opaque by coat two. This is 2 coats.

FINAL THOUGHTS

'In an old house in Paris...' But seriously, I look at the House that this collection comes in, and I instantly think of Madeline. It's just so charming; and I truly cannot think of a more fitting design for fall. Packaging aside...

...the Haute House lives up to the quality that I have come to love and expect from Ciaté. Each of the 4 shades has an incredibly fast dry time and lifespan - meaning no chips, no tipwear, and no need to touch-up after a few days of wear. Plus, the colors are fall {and winter}, so you can literally wear them through the next 6 months.

I am now completely coveting the Mini Mani Manor and the Candy Cane House. Such essentials for the holidays, don't you think?

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xx

Thanks to Ciaté for Sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Plaid + combat boots laced with feminine details and dainty gems - it's a beautiful combo; and the inspiration behind today's board. Happy Wednesday!

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xx

{fashion folio} smoke and fire

Nail Polish: JINsoon x Tess Giberson Collection in Farrago | Eye Shadow: Eyeko Me & My Shadow Waterproof Shadow Liner in Taupe | Shoes: TOPSHOP GEMINI Suede Court Shoes in Black | Jacket: TOPSHOP Faux Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Pants: Zoe Karssen Basic Faded Cotton-Blend Jersey Track Pants | Top: Frame Denim Le Classic Supima Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt | Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury 'K.I.S.S.I.N.G' Lipstick in Love Bite | Ring: Sole Society Double Stone Thin Ring in Grey
A slim-fitting pair of charcoal gray sweatpants gets a chic makeover when styled alongside a slouchy plain white tee topped with a rebellious motorcycle jacket and paired with black suede pumps. Subtle sparkle in the way of a shape-shifting polish and stone-adorned ring add conversation-starting elements; while a classic crimson lip and neutral smoky eye put your best face forward. Let hair air dry for a tousled, rumpled look that is downright smoldering.

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xx

NOTD: Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Let's Get Lost

Two coats of Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Let's Get Lost. Teal-Leaning Blue Creme.

This was another one of my random polish purchases in order to get free shipping at Ulta a few weeks back. Like the other, my main motivation was the price {$1.99}, and the color - both of which I couldn't resist!

Truth: I looked up swatches of this color before purchasing, so I was expecting a super bright blue; however, from my experience, Let's Get Lost has such strong teal undertones, that the shade is darker than I expected. I still love it; but it's definitely more of a end-of-summer-moving-into-fall transition shade as opposed to a pool blue.

The formula was flawless in terms of application. If you're heavy-handed, you could definitely get away with one coat; I used two here to clean up any patchiness. I did experience minor staining around the cuticles; but nothing too bad. Again, this is a great summer-to-fall transition color - love it!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

Latticed Stilettos Hit The Runway

'BUFF STILETTOS' AT AZEDE

AZEDE JEAN-PIERRE • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

On Tuesday, September 9, OPI joined Azede Jean-Pierre for the designer's Spring/Summer 2015 presentation. Lead nail artist Miss Pop created a nail look featuring a unique knit design with a chevron tip on a classic, oval-shaped nail. To get the look, Miss Pop used My Vampire is Buff, a creamy hue that complemented the designer's collection, which was inspired by nature. This latticed French manicure featured negative space {a hot new trend in nails} and was finished with Matte Top Coat.

Miss Pop's design offered an extension of several of the designer's pieces, which featured knitwear with cutout patterns. To echo the nail look, models also wore My Vampire is Buff on toes.

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xx
{pictures via}