DIY: Military Inspired Mani

I'm really fond of the khaki and army green color combo.  This military inspired look is super simple to recreate.  All you need is nude colored polish, a dark green polish, and some gold microbeads. 

 

Process:

1.  Apply 2 coats of nude polish

2.  Apply green polish to tips in a "V" shape

3.  Using an orange stick apply microbead to the base of the "V"

4.  Seal beads with a thick layer of top coat

 

You can check out my microbead mani tutorial here.

 

Nail Art Inspiration

My obsession with nail art does not seem as if it is going to die down any time soon. I'm constantly scouring the internet and Pinterest for new designs and inspiration. Check out my latest finds...

all images via

Scenes From The Weekend

{gave myself an at home mani} 
Happy Monday, y'all! To say getting out of bed this morning was difficult would be a total understatement. Today's gloomy weather is ideal for staying under the covers, but duty calls. Had a great weekend; Spent time with our families and went strawberry picking for the first time ever. I'll share more about that experience tomorrow. In the meantime check out some shots from this past weekend...

 {made Minnie Mouse cakepops for a birthday party}

 {started my Sunday with a delicious Dominican breakfast and an amazing cafe con leche}

 {realized just how amazing the peacock is}

 {scoured the strawberry fields for the perfect picks}

{spent quality time with my Godson, Josiah- he's so stylin}

Scenes From The Weekend

 {used 5 different hues on my mani this weekend then the hubs made it over the top beautiful w/a nail polish pen}

It's the weekends that are not planned ahead of time that are usually the best. This was one of those. Here's a peek into what went down...

 {had an impromptu brunch at my apt with my sisters on Saturday}

 {went to an art show/t-shirt line launch - btw, if I knew how to ride a skateboard this one would be mine}

 {had to pose with an Element Tree sticker we spotted on a Starbucks run}

{enjoyed a delicious lunch with my family on Sunday}

DIY: Fruit Salad Mani

The weather has been amazing lately.  Warmer weather heightens my cravings for fresh fruit.  This being said weekly trips to the farmers market are becoming more frequent.  After a recent farmer's market run I headed to the beauty supply store.  I must have had fruit on the brain because these adorable little guys caught my eye.  Of course I had to get them - we are talking about teeny, tiny fruit, people!  How could I resist!? Here is the play by play...

First, paint nails with a base color.  I chose a no name brand peach and seafoam.  I then dotted the nails I was placing the "fruit" on with Sally Hansen's nail art pen (um, best thing ever!). 

 Once polish is dry apply fruit in pattern/direction of your choice by dipping an orange stick in clear polish and adhering it to the nail. 

 Finish with top coat.  End result is a tasty mani.

DIY: Mint Leopard Mani

Recently I decided to take a stab at a little hand designed nail art.  A classic leopard print with the season's must have color seemed like the way to go.  Here is how to achieve the look...

 {Gumdrop by Orly, Stay Gold by Aldo, Black on Black by Sinful colors and toothpicks}

 {dot gold polish in uneven shapes around nail}

{use the toothpick to create black lines and dots around the gold polish}

{Once done finish with top coat}

Eye Candy of The Week

{instantly lift your mood with some color}

Although, it was a short work week it still feels like Friday took forever to get here.  Tomorrow The Element Tree Store will have its official grand opening.  It's a pretty exciting time.  Hope you have an amazing weekend!

 {my love for a strappy shoe cannot be tamed}

{gorgeous star hair accessories at Rodarte Fall 2012}

 {in love with these wide leg crop pants from Derek Lam}

{turquoise nail art...I feel another DIY coming on}

images via Cupcakes and Cashmere, The Brooklyn Blonde, Honestly WTF, Because I'm Addicted

DIY: Microbead Nails

{silver microbeads & Hello Merlot by FACE Stockholm for JCrew}

This was the result of me toying around with the idea of creating a studded effect on my nails with the use of microbeads. Pretty simple and definitely eye catching. All you need is nail polish in the color of your choice, microbeads (I bought mine at Michael's), an orange stick, and some clear polish.

Step 1: Paint your nails with two coats of polish. Finish off with clear topcoat

Step 2: Dip the pointed end of the orange stick into the clear polish.

Step 3: Dip orange stick into the beads.

Step 4: Place beads in random patterns onto your nails.

Step 5: Add a final layer of topcoat and let dry.

Classic Red Nails With "Gold Leaf" Effect

{supplies: Rimmel's Base Coat/Top Coat Pro, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Right Said Red, Martha Stewart Yellow Gold glitter}

I am a huge fan of the classic red nail.  Now with the holidays around the corner (I can't believe it either), it is the perfect time to start experimenting with more festive looks.  Nail polish/nail art is an extension of your outfit and should not be forgotten.  This quick nail DIY gives the illusion of gold-leaf by the use of glitter, which can add a bit of sparkle to any plain nail polish. 

{paint nails with base coat then red polish}

{when polish dries apply a small amount of top coat to the top portion of the ring fingers}

{sprinkle nails with glitter- shake off excess; then apply top coat to all nails}

{end result: gold leaf effect}

F*ck Yeah Nail Art

As you know I love my Sally Hansen Salon Effects because they are so easy to apply, but I am always highly impressed with hand designed nail art. I have found endless inspiration visiting this blog. The name is a little naughty, but I promise you will be so impressed with all the creative designs out there. I want to try out the marbling effect ASAP.