NOTD: American Apparel Nail Lacquer in L'Esprit

One coat of American Apparel Nail Lacquer in L'Esprit. Light Lavender Creme.

Hello loverrr...

You guys! After years of searching for the perfect lavender polish, I have finallyfinallyfinally found it! Oddly enough, it was sitting in my personal stash. I know, right?!

L'Esprit is legit the crème de la crème of pastel purple polishes {and spring nail colors, in general}. Aside from the color {which is simply le sigh lovely}, the formula is flawless! Seriously though, this polish requires 0 attention when painting. L'Esprit gets a 10 across the boards - this is an essential!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

of handkerchief hemlines...

Love Sam Zoey Top in White {also available in Black}.

The crochet trim and handkerchief hem is everything.

xx

2015 Dresswe Sexy Homecoming and Wedding Dresses Promotion

'Tis the season for chic soirées babes! There's the sophisticated prom events, can't-miss homecoming dance {which obvy requires a browse and buy of 2015 Sexy homecoming dresses from Dresswe.com}, and the forever beautiful wedding circuit {which involves 2015 Sexy Wedding Dresses in Dresswe.com for the bride, and subsequent gorgeous gowns for the wedding party}. Here are my Top DressWe.com Selections for your next glamorous gala!

Dramatic A-Line Tulle Neckline Beading Appliques Short Homecoming Dress
{I've got a thing for little white dresses + high necklines - this pretty falls into both categories.}

Sexy Spaghetti Straps Backless Lace Wedding Dress
{I'm obsessed with the idea of a beach wedding - this dress fits that vibe to a T, amiright?}

Bateau Neckline Appliques Beading Short Sleeves Short-Length Homecoming Dress
{The appliques make it feel so perfect for homecoming or spring/summer wedding guest attire.}

Glamorous Long Sleeves Lace V-Neck A-Line Wedding Dress
{The lace-meets-sheer sleeves are unexpected yet elegant and modern.}

Charmed A-line Bateau Neckline Beadings Two-[pieces Short Homecoming Dress
{I'm never one to resist crop co-ords for formal affairs - this one has just enough flirt + fun effect.}

A-line Floor-length Halter Neck Appilques/Beading Sweep/Brush Wedding Dress
{The halter style neckline is subtly sexy - precisely what a wedding dress should be.}

Will you be attending any events this summer requiring formal dress?


xx

Thanks to DressWe.com for Sponsoring this post!

{beauty board} the sunkissed series: eyes

The eyes are the windows to the soul... and one of the simplest ways to sun-kiss your face. Sweep a gold, bronze, or copper shadow all over the lid to prettify your peepers and add a sunny sparkle. Can't decide on which shade to go for? Go from dark to light for one supremely summery #eotd {copper all over the lid and in the crease, bronze along the upper lashline, and gold in the inner corner and on the lower lashline}. Here are 5 options for this uber-metallic {and mesmerizing} makeup look!

{1} e.l.f. Essential Custom Eyes Refill Pan in GOLDEN GLOW #2506 {$0.39}

{2} N.Y.C. New York Color City Proof 24 Hr Eye Shadow in 5TH AVE GOLD RUSH {$6.27}

{3} Benefit Cosmetics Creaseless Cream Shadow in MY TWO CENTS! {$20.00}

{4} Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow – Shimmer in N° 81 SUNDAY BRUNCH {$12.00}

{5} Buxom Eyeshadow Bar Single Eyeshadow in GLITZ FACTOR {$12.00}


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xx


Thanks to N.Y.C. New York Color for sponsoring this post!

{fashion folio} black tie affair

Top: Calvin Klein Collection Stretch-Knit Bandeau Top | Bracelet: Sole Society Double Bar Bracelet in Gold | Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Quick Fire | Shoes: Topshop Locket Platform Suede Sandal in Black | Clutch: Jessica McClintock Python Evening Clutch in Bronze | Ring: Gorjana Lido Ring in Gold | Culottes: McQ Alexander McQueen Tuxedo Wool-Twill Culottes | Mascara: Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara in Blacquer 30 | Necklace: BaubleBar Ice Negative Chevron Pendant
Flowy black culottes serve as a chic, of the moment juxtaposition to a sassy black bandeau crop top and strappy suede platform heels. Add simple gold jewelry for subtle sparkle - a slim cuff {worn on the forearm}, a rhinestone-encrusted chevron pendant, and a dainty, twisted ring; completing your accessories with a bronze box clutch. Opt for a blood orange polish for tips and toes; finishing your beauty look with a midnight black mascara that lengthens, curls, and volumizes in a single swipe!

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xx

{beauty board} neon lights

Electrify your look with monochromatic lips and tips in a fluorescent orange hue that will brighten even the gloomiest of days - and keep your makeup on trend for the sizzling summer months!

LIPS

{1} E.L.F. Studio Moisturizing Lipstick in ORANGE DREAM #82643 {$3.00}

{2} NARS Satin Lip Pencil in TIMANFAYA {$26.00}

{3} Ciaté LONDON Patent Pout™ Lip Lacquer in HIGH FIVE {$18.00} Intense pigmentation + hyper-shine make this one a must if you love a hue that packs a punch and wet-look finish!

{4} MARK. All Butter Now Lip Treat in CORALTINI {$7.99} Coral undertones make this uber-wearable if you're not ready to take the electric orange plunge just yet.

{5} MAYBELLINE Color Sensational Vivids Lipcolor in ELECTRIC ORANGE {$7.49}


NAILS

{1} MAYBELLINE Color Show™ Nail Lacquer in ORANGE FIX {$3.04}

{2} FORMULA X The Cut - Summer 2015 in RADIANT {$10.50}

{3} SALLY HANSEN Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in ORANGE ZEST {$4.99}

{4} COVERGIRL XL Nail Gel in OVERBLOWN ORANGE 790 {$4.99}

{5} ORLY The Brights Nail Lacquer Collection in MELT YOUR POPSICLE {$8.00}


SHOP LIPS

SHOP NAILS

xx

june crush list!

1. high-neck bikinis Shoulders are my favorite body part to show off, so I am loving high-neck bikinis which have a reverse-racerback type of vibe going on that is super sexy. My two faves at the moment? MIKOH's Barbados Bikini Top in FLAMINGO + MIKOH's Lanai Bikini Bottoms in FLAMINGO {the color is brill for enhancing your tan and standing out in a crowd}, and Beach Riot's Paxos Top in RED + Beach Riot's Burke Bikini Bottoms in RED {absolutely adoring the unexpected open back}.

2. golden eyes I've got a thing for sparkly shadows year-round, but come summertime I go absolutely gaga for hyper-gold pigments on the lids! I'm currently adoring e.l.f.'s Essential Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow in Gotta Glow #21693S, Buxom's Eyeshadow Bar Single Eyeshadow in Kt Stilettos, and NYX Cosmetics' Prismatic Eye Shadow in Liquid Gold! So stunning, yes?

3. freebirds Boyfriend jeans have never been my thing; but oh. my. gosh. I have developed a total can't-live-without love for One Teaspoon's Freebirds style. The aesthetic is phenom for pairing with string bikini tops + beachy hair for that ultimate surf girl look {but would work just as well with crop tops and heels}. I'm coveting the Hendrix Freebirds Jeans in Hendrix, and Hustler Freebirds Jeans in Hustler {my favorite wash quite possibly ever}.

4. metallic manis I have a tendency to shy away from metallic nail colors, as I'm not a huge fan of sparkly nails {so random, I know}; but lately I have been obsessed with metallic manis - gold, bronze, rose gold...give it to me now! They seem like the perfect way to complement sunkissed skin, amiright? My top picks are Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in Golden-I, Topshop's Metallic Nail Polish in Treasure, and JULEP's Nail Color in Soleil.

What's on your June Crush List?


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xx

NOTD: Essie Bahama Mama

One coat of Essie Bahama Mama. Rich Plum Creme.

I don't normally reach for dark nail colors in the spring/summer, but Bahama Mama was recommended to me by an Instagram buddy, so I thought I'd give it a shot {coincidentally, the weather was gloomy when I wore this shade - so perfect for a vampy mani!}.

Fact: Bahama Mama may just be my new favorite dark nail color. The application is amazing, and the formula itself is insanely user-friendly! It doesn't hurt that Bahama Mama also falls into that beloved OCW category. Highly recommended for if you're looking for a new fall go-to!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

the instagram diaries

Instagram: @cateyesandskinnyjeans

Eyeliner: L'Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black | Bronzer: Too Faced Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer {c/o} | Brush: e.l.f. Studio Powder Brush {c/o} | Primer: JULEP Blank Canvas Mattifying Face Primer | Eyeshadow: mark. Spring Fling Eye Shadow Palette {c/o} | Blush: Milani Baked Powder Blush in Luminoso | Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll in Black

TOP ROW {left to right}: Too Faced Snow Bunny Luminous Bronzer {c/o} | Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Dark Chocolate {c/o} | Too Faced Pink Leopard Blushing Bronzer {c/o} | Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Milk Chocolate {c/o}
BOTTOM ROW {left to right}: | Too Faced Sun Bunny Natural Bronzer {c/o} | Too Faced Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer {c/o} | Too Faced Beach Bunny Custom-Blend Bronzer {c/o} | Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate {c/o}

Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll in Black | Lipstick: NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Whipped Caviar | Highlight: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal | Brush: e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush {c/o} | Palette: mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes All Over Face Palette in Coral Glow {c/o}

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xx


Thanks to mark., Too Faced, and e.l.f. for Sponsoring this post!

it's that time of year again...

Truth: Regardless of the fact that I am out of my teens I still devour teen magazines like no other - the budget fashion finds, the beauty tips...I love it all {preferably poolside}. Given my teenage dream choice of reading material, I am forever in the know about high school happenings and trends. Case in point...prom dresses. Cocktail length or mile-long trains? Candy-colored or classic hues? Thigh-high slits or illusion-making mesh insets? Decisions, decisions. All of which can be easily made with Canada's PickeDresses.

Whether you're seeking intricate beading and embroidery, sweeping trains, or two-piece crops, Toronto Prom Dresses offers a little formal frock yum for everyone. I am all about that classic touch at the moment. You know what I'm talking about - that something something that feels Old Hollywood meets modern-day red carpet - we're talking high necks and bare midriffs {v. Sarah Hyland donning Christian Siriano circa the 66th Emmy Awards}, and slits to the heavens {hi Angelina}. Here, 3 of the dresses that make my top contenders list for Prom 2015 {brace yourself: you’re in for a swoon}!

Sheath/Column High Neck Sweep Train Silk-like Satin Beading Prom Dresses {$238.19 CAD}
Bare midriffs are my jam right now! I've basically been living in crop tops for casual looks; but for formal wear? Le sigh! I love how of the moment the aesthetic is when paired with a full or column-like skirt - it manages to come off as elegant and playful. Such a dynamic duo, amiright?

A-line Sweetheart Sweep Train Tulle Lace Prom Dresses {$208.99 CAD}
Sometimes, you just want to go full. out. glam. And this dress? Well, it doesn't get much more glamorous. The combination of tulle and lace is enough to make any Southern Belle's heart skip a beat; but that thigh-high slit? The true sexy pièce de résistance of the look. Go on, flash a little leg.

Trumpet/Mermaid Spaghetti Straps Court Train Tulle Beading Prom Dresses {$242.79 CAD}
It's like something out of a dream, isn't it? The color is beyond divine - a blissful bridge between silver, white, and charcoal. And that detailing! Honestly, I can't imagine anyone not standing out in this pretty.

Which dress has tickled your fancy?


xx

Thanks to PickeDresses for Sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Currently obsessed with all things surf-inspired. Beachy hair, baggy, distressed denim paired with bikinis, sunkissed skin...need I say more? Happy Friday babes!

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xx

{beauty board} babe on a budget: beach edit

Seeking budget beauty that can be tossed into your beach tote for impromptu ocean romps? I've got you covered! Here are 8 essentials you'll love. Did I mention they're all under $10?

{1} SEPHORA COLLECTION Creamy Body Wash in LAGOON and MONOI {$5.00 each} Who says outdoor showers need to be gnarly? These fragrances smell like a beach resort, and are compact enough to tuck in your beach tote!

{2} L'OREAL PARIS Sublime Self-Tanning, Towelettes in MEDIUM {$9.99} Leaves you with a streak-free natural-looking tan {bonus: it dries fast!}.

{3} ESSENCE Get BIG Lashes Volume Boost Waterproof Mascara {$3.99} Va-va-voom volume, and no raccoon eyes after a dunk in the deep blue sea!

{4} OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray {$7.99} Spray, crunch, and hit the beach {who can resist simplicity like that?!}.

{5} KISS MY FACE Face Factor, Face + Neck Sunscreen SPF 30 {$9.99} Beneficial antioxidants soothe skin, don't clog pores, and protect from the sun's harsh rays.

{6} NYX COSMETICS Glam Liner Aqua Luxe in AZURE {$5.49} Perfect for creating a beachy eye look that won't budge!

{7} E.L.F. Studio Pressed Mineral Bronzer in CARAMEL CABANA #6414 {$5.00} A no-fuss way to add warm, sunkissed tones to your face {bonus: use it in your crease for a quick and easy eye look!}.

{8} WET N WILD Shine Nail Color in Nuclear War and Be more Pacific {$0.99 each} High-shine, fast-dry, and uber-pretty. How can you possibly resist?


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xx


Thanks to e.l.f. for sponsoring this post!

{fashion folio} summer scene

Top: Elizabeth and James Addilyn Cropped Stretch-Crepe Top | Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Shell We Dance | Shoes: RUMOR Cross-Strap Sandals in Gold | Blush / Highlight: NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Craving | Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff Leo Clutch in Seashell | Skirt: Elizabeth and James Aisling Stretch-Crepe Pencil Skirt | Lip Gloss: NARS x Christopher Kane Lip Gloss in Nucleus | Necklace: Dogeared Triple Karma Ring Necklace in Silver / Rose Gold
Cantaloupe-hued ruffled crop and pencil skirt coords are supremely summery, and create the perfect palette for strappy gilded heels and a dainty ring pendant. Keep the beachy vibes going with seashell-inspired shades on nails, lips, and face {just look at that highlight!}; completing your look du jour with an envelope clutch in the aptly-titled color: seashell.

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xx

NOTD: Ciaté Paint Pot in Strawberry Milkshake

Two coats of Ciaté Paint Pot in Strawberry Milkshake. Baby Pink Creme.

Truth: I hear Kelis' Milkshake every single time I say this polish name: My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, / And they're like / It's better than yours...

Anyway...Strawberry Milkshake may be the best pastel pink shade I have ever worked with. It builds to opacity very quickly, and doesn't have the wateriness that a lot of paler shades are plagued with. Bonus: it makes you look super tan. I used self-tanner after using this polish, and thought that I had gotten it on my hands, but then I realized that it was just the polish making me look insanely tan. Woot!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday {on a Tuesday}?

xx

happy memorial day!

here's to celebrating the men and women who served our country, and kicking off the summer in style.

Happy Happy!


xx{via}

when the night falls...

Le sigh...I legit wish there were more opportunity to wear sexy evening dresses, but it feels as if all social gatherings nowadays {or maybe just in my circle?} call for either cocktail attire or super cas styles - both of which I am more than happy to adhere to; but once in a while, you just want a reason to comb through racks of sexy evening dresses for a cheap evening pretty that will make you feel like a million bucks, amiright?

Honestly, we need to have a mid-year New Year's Eve-inspired holiday celebration that allows us to wear sassy evening attire and dance {and kiss?} with cute boys because this once a year arrangement def doesn't give us enough time to show off our cheap evening finds {that just so happen to be chic, sultry, and sophisticated on top of being affordable}! How can we make this a thing?

Anyway...for fear of purchasing an evening dress I don't need at the mo {and will ultimately wind up collecting dust in the back of my closet}, I have not allowed myself to enter the formal wear department at any retailers; but that hasn't stopped me from browsing online {because what's the harm in inter-web browsing?}. Check out 3 of my top evening dress contenders below:

Boutique Sweetheart Beading Embroidery Zipper-Up Floor-Length Prom/Evening Dress {$284.39}
I think I've died and gone to evening dress heaven. But seriously...how gorgeous is the gown illusion? It's so v of-the-moment and sassy.

Attractive Mermaid Floor-Length Evening Dress {$144.29}
I will forever say yes to a two-piece dress. I mean, how can you not want to bare your belly in a chic crop and matching ball gown-esque skirt?

Elegant High Neck Cap Sleeves Lace Split-Front Long Evening Dress {$126.99}
Love the way the high-neck bodice balances out the thigh-high slit - it's such a sultry pairing - and deserves to be coupled with an equally sultry smoky eye.
Which of these dresses would you love to wear for an evening on the town?


xx

Thanks to WeddingShe for Sponsoring this post!

let's talk elegance...

el·e·gance
/ˈeləɡəns/
noun
noun: elegance; plural noun: elegances
the quality of being graceful and stylish in appearance or manner; style.

V little compares with being described as elegant. It's a term seemingly reserved for royals {the Duchess of Cambridge comes to mind} and starlets {Marilyn Monroe anyone?} whom epitomize the term Old Hollywood Glamour; but sometimes there comes an occasion wherein you can play the elegant card for the evening via a fabu frock that's easy on the eyes, and the wallet {natch!} - like the affordable, adorable, uber-chic ihomecoming cheap elegant evening dresses {http://www.ihomecoming.com/elegant-c104258/}.

I love an evening gown in a dreamy jewel tone {sapphire, emerald, ruby} that features sparkles, sequins, pearls {oh my!}...anything that will make it feel a little more special than your basic black frock - and the pieces that make up the elegant evening of ihomecoming selection offer precisely that.

I appear to be on some sort of mermaid kick myself {I blame it on the fast-approaching summer season}, as all of the pieces I'm currently swooning over feature mermaid-inspired aesthetics; but if you're seeking a stunner that's a little more toned down {perhaps a column design}, you'll easily find something to sate your style appetite from the elegant evening from ihomecoming selection. Here, my 3 personal faves!

Charming Mermaid Floor-Length Sleeveless Beading Ruffles Evening Dress {$163.99}
That ruffled skirt adds a bit of a flirty flamenco vibe that makes me want to take this dress out dancing!

Charming Mermaid Floor-Length Sleeveless V Neck Beading Evening Dress {$393.99}
I always equate gold dresses {be them cocktail or evening cut} with Serena van der Woodsen, and this pretty is no different. I'm positively in love with the v-neck {it's so incredibly dramatic!}.

Chic Mermaid Sweetheart Pearls Floor-Length Sweep Train Evening Dress {$182.99}
The peplum kick is unexpected yet ultra sophisticated-meets-sexy, but what I love even more is the pearl detailing on the bodice {is it just me, or does it make you think of caviar?}.
Which of these dresses screams elegance to you?


xx

Thanks to ihomecoming for Sponsoring this post!

island fever

Tropical prints and palm-frond fashions are all the rage on the runway, and the perfect way to summer-fy your style. Here, 8 surf-inspired pieces that will have you riding the island fever wave!

{1} Topshop Tropical Pom-Pom Bralet {$48.00}

{2} Forever 21 Tropical Earring Set {$4.90}

{3} Topshop Tropical Plunge Bikini Top {$30.00}

{4} Topshop Tropical Tie-Side Bikini Bottoms {$22.00}

{5} Juicy Couture Palm Tree Slip-On Sneakers {$24.00}

{6} Topshop Tropical Print Halterneck Jumpsuit {$90.00}

{7} Sonix Liana Teal iPhone 6 Case {$35.00}

{8} Ted Baker Canvas Shorts in Tropical Toucan Print {$162.00}


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xx

{fashion folio} tropical romp

Lipstick: Wet N Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Dollhouse Pink 967 | Romper: Topshop Lace Scallop Romper in Black | Shoes: Tory Burch Espadrille Wedge Sandal in Black | Bracelets: Sequin Stone Stretch Bracelets {Set of 3} in White | Sunglasses: Wildfox Catfarer Sunglasses in Tokyo Tortoise / G15 Sun | Bag: Mar y Sol Giselle Woven Clutch in Natural | Nail Polish: Wet N Wild Wild Shine Nail Color in French White Creme | Earrings: BaubleBar Luxe Boho Drops in Turquoise / Gold | Bracelets: Sequin Stone Stretch Bracelets {Set of 3} in Turquoise
A lacy black romper gets the tropical treatment when paired with a straw clutch, towering wedge sandals, and a mix of turquoise and white stone bracelets. Add oversize tortoiseshell sunnies and turquoise and gold drop earrings for a high-glam feel; completing your island girl look with white polish on tips and toes, and a swipe of candy pink lippy for the ultimate girly pout!

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xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Thought of the day: take me somewhere tropical.

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xx