Tag Archives: nail

May 23, 2012 · 8:31 am

Summer Inspiration Board

Spending the day outside has got me thinking about my favorite summertime items. I was inspired to do a board that showcases my favorite things right now. I love doing inspiration boards because I am very visual and they help get my mojo flowing.

TOP
*Charlotte Ronson “A Perfect Touch” rollerball fragrance $20
This new fragrance was inspired by endless beach days. With notes of fresh citrus, blossoming florals, vanilla, and creamy musk, this harkens back to the summers of my youth. Charlotte created this scent due to the all the feedback she had regarding her “A Perfect Mess” beach hair. Everyone loved the smell and now it’s captured in an easy-to-use rollerball.
Available at Sephora

*Watermelon Lemonade. I first had this beverage when the hubby and I were in Las Vegas. We had spent the day at the pool and decided to try this little Mexican restaurant in Mandalay Bay. It is really the most refreshing summertime drink I’ve ever had. Yummy!!

*Sun-kissed hair. I love the color of her hair (and she is adorable). It truly captures the essence of days spent in the sun, sand, and surf. Gorgeous!

MIDDLE
*Who wouldn’t love to spend the day laying in a hammock with their girlies? Sand between your toes, sun on your skin, listening to the surf. It would be absolute heaven.

*1960’s swimwear. And people think bikinis are scandalous now? This was quite risqué back in the day. It makes me think of a much simpler time. And vintage photos are always inspiring.

*Flip flop flower baskets. What a super cute and fun idea. I live in flips all summer long and this would be perfect in our backyard oasis.

BOTTOM:
*Chanel Orange Fizz nail varnish $27
Such a scrumptious color. It would be a great accent color to your tan fingers and toes.
Available at Nordstrom

*Top knots-the perfect summer accessory. I find myself sporting them more and more as the days get warmer. It’s much easier to relax on my lounge chair with a top knot. A ponytail just gets in the way!

*Free People “Ruffle Me Up” mesh tunic $88
I am dying over this retro-style tunic. The ruffled tiers are fabulous. This would be ideal as a beach cover-up or with a colorful slip under it. It’s one of my favorite pieces for summer.

Available at Free People

So, what inspires you this summer? I’d love to hear about any great products, recipes, or cute decorative pieces you may love.

Inspiring Nail Art

It’s a gloomy day here in Minneapolis so I’ve been perusing Pinterest. I had no idea there was a whole new world of nail art out there! Wow, there are some super creative people doing super amazing things with their nails. I find it quite inspiring and interesting. I don’t think I have a steady enough hand to execute these designs, but they are really cool to look at.

The colors are really fun and kind of psychedelic.

Meow! Animal print is so hot.

How clever is this? These nails would be a real conversation starter.

These rainbows remind me of the tees we wore in the 1970’s.

I love the colors. They are very spring-like.

An interesting take on the french manicure. I really dig this look.

Another version of the french manicure. Very glamorous!

Kiwi-inspired nails.

Love, love, love this!! It has such a summer-time feel and they are very well done.

Very feminine.

Zooey Deschanel wore tuxedo nails and they became all the rage.

Watermelon delight.

This would be a beautiful manicure for a wedding.

Great idea, especially if you write or work with books.

You really have to appreciate the attention to detail.

Another one of my favorites. I may have to make a trip to a nail salon.

For more images and inspiration, please visit Pinterest

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Tagged as art, beauty, feminine, flowers, french, inspiring, kiwi, leopard, manicure, nail, pinterest, rainbows, summer, tuxedo, watermelon

April 11, 2012 · 8:44 am

Nail Treatments That Work (Really)

I’m not an authority on nails. Mine have never been great so I mainly neglect them. They are dry, brittle, weirdly shaped…and I’m a biter. I know, at my age it’s just really sad. I’ve decided recently to keep them painted as a way of deterring the biting. And so far, so good. My mom even asked me if I had gotten acrylics! There are tons of nail products out there that promise many different things, but I have found three that really have been life savers. I use a different one each week and have really seen an improvement in the condition of my nails. They are part of the Sephora by OPI collection and are exclusive to Sephora. And we all know OPI is one of the best nail product brands out there.

Nail Treatment Hydrator $9.50
This is the perfect treatment for women that want healthy, moisturized nails. Used alone or as a base coat, this will eliminate those dry, brittle nails in no time.

Nail Treatment Strengthener $9.50
This is the gem for those looking for stronger nails. It’s an amazing base coat that helps prevent chipping, but can also be used alone. You’ll have stronger nails after one use.

Nail Treatment Brightener $9.50
This wonder brightens nails that have turned yellow due to dark polishes or other reasons. It makes nail super bright and pretty when worn alone, and somehow makes removing dark polishes a breeze.

All are available exclusively at Sephora

If you have any great nail tips, let me know. I’m kind of digging having longer, painted nails. They add a certain amount of “polish” to any look!

Summer Dreaming

The grass is green, the trees have leaves, and flowers are blooming. I am dreaming of summer and it is just around the corner. I cannot wait for beach time, going to the Farmer’s Market, and spending time on the water. I want sand between my toes and the sun on my face. Here are two outfits I’ve put together that scream summertime. I hope they inspire you to start planning your summer wardorbe.

“TRIP TO THE FARMER’S MARKET”
~7 For Mankind Crop Josefina $225 available at Zappos
~Charles By Charles David Trove wedge sandal $59.95 available at DSW
~Farmer’s Market tote $45 available at J. Crew
~Michael by Michael Kors Oversized sunglasses $99 available at Nordstrom
~Sephora Collection Be You lip balm $12
~Sephora Collection Lacquer polish $7
Both available at Sephora
~Smocked Mexicalli top $24.94 available at Old Navy

“EVENING STROLL ON THE BEACH”
~Destroyed Boyfit Denim Shortie $36.50
~Dolman Sweater $34.99
~Zig-Zag fedora $15.50
~Sam Edelman for AEO Braided Gladiator sandal $39.50
All available at American Eagle
~Panacea Candy Color Long Stone necklace $50
~Acqua di Parma Arancia di Capri perfume $92
both available at Neiman Marcus
~Essie Go Overboard nail polish $8 available at Ulta

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Tagged as 7 for all mankind, acqua di parma, american eagle, arancia, balm, beauty, blue, candy, capri, charles david, collection, color, denim, destroyed, dolman, dreaming, dsw, essie, farmers, fashion, fedora, gladiator, jcrew, lip, market, mexicalli, Michael Kors, nail, necklace, neiman marcus, Nordstrom, Old Navy, overboard, oversized, panacea, perfume, polish, sam edelman, sandal, Sephora, shorts, smocked, summer, sunglasses, sweater, tangerine, top, tote, ulta, wedge, zappos

March 15, 2012 · 9:29 am

Sephora+Pantone Color Of The Year Collection

I have to admit I was very happy with Pantone’s “Color of the Year” selection. “Tangerine Tango” (or Pantone 17-1463) is the perfect shade of reddish orange and is a color that really is flattering on everyone. Pantone is the authority on color and is the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer. In other words, the color trends each season begin with Pantone.

Color of the year- Tangerine Tango

I guess it only makes sense that Sephora and Pantone would collaborate on a collection. Sephora+Pantone’s color trend-forecasting is a collection of the season’s top shades in easy-to-wear variations and finishes. The collection is made up of everything from makeup to accessories and the colors are simply fabulous. Here’s a look at my top picks. Everything is very limited edition, available only at Sephora, and I’m sure will sell out quickly.

Color of the Year Blush Duo $26
Two complimentary shades in a micro-fine pressed powder. This formula is light, yet creamy to the touch.

Color of the Year Chrome Blush in Apricot Brandy $16
This is a luxurious velvety blush that has the best elements of baked, powder, and cream blush formulas. The color goes on like a second skin and the apricot color is wonderful on all skin tones.

Color of the Year Creme Lipstick in Tangerine Tango $18
This is an amazing lipstick that smoothes, hydrates, and protects lips. This is the shade to have this year and it is stunning.

Color of the Year Lip Gloss Set $20 ($60 value)
Four high-intense colors based on the color of the year. This gloss is hydrating and long-wearing, all while imparting crystal refelctions.

Color of the Year Nail Enamel Set $24 ($40 value)
Four tangerine-inspired shades in long-wearing enamel formula. Your tootsies will draw major attention with this varnish!

These tangerine shades scream summer and make me want to break out the flip flops and beach towels. Some items are coming soon and some are available now. Please visit Sephora for more products and information.

Hollywood Fashion Secrets

We’ve all been there. You lose an earring back, spill coffee on your white blouse, buy jeans you have to wear that night but don’t have time to get them hemmed. Fashion emergencies happen to everyone and usually at the most inconvenient time. Enter Hollywood Fashion Secrets. Beloved by stylists and fashionistas worldwide, these little gems can solve any fashion dilemma you may find yourself in.
Headquartered in Minneapolis (not as hick as people think), Hollywood Fashion Secrets was created by Jane Dailey and Marni Bumsted. They knew there had to be a simple solution for wardrobe malfunctions and created the first in a long line of miracles-Hollywood Fashion Tape.

Jane and Marni

Here’s a look at my favorites in their collection. I have used and sold many of their products and they are spectacular.

Hollywood Fashion Tape $8.99
This comes in 36 pre-cut strips of clear, double-stick apparel and body tape. Perfect for that gaping top or collar that won’t stay down. these beauties keep clothing in place. Made from 3M adhesive, they are gentle on skin, hypoallergenic, and leave no residue on fabrics. Plus, they are much more discreet than safety pins.

Temporary Hem Tape $7.99
The one problem I have when buying denim is that it’s always too long and I have to get them hemmed. That’s fine, but I usually want to wear them that day and few tailors can accommodate my time frame. That’s when I turn to this hem tape. It’s specially sized, fabric friendly, and magically holds the hem in place. So much more attractive than rolling or pinning.

Clear Bra Straps $5.99
I really don’t like to wear strapless bras. They are super uncomfortable and I feel like I focus all night on keeping my bra up. No fun. That’s why these clear straps are so great. They work with any bra (as long as it has detachable straps) and you’ll be comfy while wearing all those sexy tops.

Stain Removing Pen $6.99
I prefer this pen to any other stain removal product (shout wipes are so messy). It’s easy to control and eliminates coffee, tea, wine, chocolate and ink stains with ease. Fits easily into your purse so you never had to worry about getting stuck with a smudge on your top.

Oil Blotting Tissues $4.99 (100 sheets)
These tissues are perfect for absorbing oil and shine on your face and they won’t disturb your makeup. There also give a much more natural finish than continually applying powder. A must have!

Fashion Emergency Kit $14.99
This is the mother of all kits. It’s purse size and consists of everything you could ever need for your wardrobe malfunctions. Here’s what you get:
-Hollywood Fashion Tape
-Deodorant Removing Sponge
-Lint Removing Sheets
-Sewing Kit
-Stain Wipes
-Earring Back
-Instant Button
-Hair Band
-Nail File
-Blister Pad
-Shoe Shine Sponge
Every woman needs this in her arsenal. You’ll never have to sweat about fashion mishaps again!

For more products, shop locations, and company information, please visit Hollywood Fashion Secrets

Fashion Week Beauty

While Fashion Week might be all about the clothing and designs, quite a few beauty trends are debuted as well. Today I’m going to share with you some of my favorite new trends in beauty, right off the runway.

At the Rachel Roy show, black nails and dirty looking makeup was where it was at. This look was achieved by layering two nail polishes from Essie.

Licorice, a jet black shade, was applied to the nail first.

Going Incognito, a deep emerald green, was applied over the Licorice.
Both available for $9 at Ulta

Winged eyeliner was huge on the runway. It’s a look that’s easy to achieve and you don’t have to wait until fall to try it.

Amazing eyeliner at Rachel Zoe

At the Corey Lynn Calter show they used a blue green eyeliner for their winged eyes.

Again, at the Rachel Roy show it was about dirty looking makeup and super straight hair.

They used dark eye shadow to line the rims of the eyes instead of liner. I love this eye.

For shiny, super straight hair, use Ted Gibson’s “tame It ” shine lotion prior to flat ironing.

Ted Gibson “Tame It” shine lotion $15.99
available at Target

At the Carolina Herrera show it was all about voluminous hair and headbands.

These looks were created by spraying hair with Moroccanoil Luminous Strong hairspray and blowdrying with a large round brush. Then tease, tease, tease and put on a headband.

Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray $23
to find a salon, visit Moroccanoil

Tracy Reese wanted to feature models that looked like “normal” people at her show. This hair was created by using TRESemme 24 Hour Body Root Boost on the roots and then their 24 Hour Foaming Mousse all over hair. Blow dry with fingers and let your natural texture shine through.

TRESemme 24 Hour Root Boost $5.99

TRESemme 24 Hour Body Mousse $5.99
both available at Ulta

At the Tibi show, it was ponytails galore. Use Aveda Volumizing Tonic root to ends and blow-dry. Pull into a low ponytail and then use a small section of hair to wrap around elastic.

Pull out random pieces around the face and hold into place with Aveda Men Pure-formance Grooming Clay. Spray Aveda Air Control Hairspray all over head.

The finished product.

Aveda Volumizing Tonic $16

Aveda Men Pure-formance Grooming Clay $22

Aveda Air Control Hairspray $24
please visit Aveda for retailers near you

For more behind-the-scenes beauty tricks, please check out Bella Sugar

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Tagged as air, aveda, beauty, blowdry, body, carolina herrera, clay, control, corey lynn calter, essie, eyeliner, fashion.week, flat, grooming, hair, hairspray, headbands, incognito, iron, licorice, lotion, luminous, moroccanoil, mousse, nail, polish, ponytails, rachel roy, Rachel Zoe, root, shadow, shine, straight, tame, target, ted gibson, tibi, tonic, tracy reese, tresemme, ulta, voluminous, winged

Tag Archives: nail

Summer Inspiration Board

Inspiring Nail Art

Nail Treatments That Work (Really)

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Sephora+Pantone Color Of The Year Collection

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