Bachelorette

This past weekend was my bestie Paula’s bachelorette party.  We went to Lips and an awesome time was had by all.  I wanted to surprise the bride-to-be and bridesmaids with some goodie bags to get the party started.  Here’s a look at what was inside…

Me and the bride-to-be/paper straws look even cuter with gold glittery flags/made some thong sugar cookies; the ruffled booty shorts were my fave/turned cheap nail polish into the cutest favors ever/packaged cookies and glittery mini bottles of champagne/contents of the brides goodie bag; totally spaced and forgot to take a pic of the actual bag, it was really cute/party time!

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.

 

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: 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}

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}

Shades of Fall

I've said it before and I will say it again I treat nail polish as a needed accessory.  It adds a clean finishing touch to any ensemble.  This fall there are tons of great options to choose from.  From a muted beige to a stormy metallic grey the possibilities are endless.  These are the hottest hues of the bunch...

All images via Refinery29.

Essie Spring 2011 Collection

Finally the moment I have been waiting for!  Entitled "French Affair" and inspired by 1960s glamour, the new spring 2011 collection from Essie is set to launch this month. Can't wait to get my first spring mani/pedi in one of these flirty shades. 

Here are the color details...

■Nice Nice- lavender (pastel shade)

■Coat Azure- periwinkle blue (pastel shade)

■French Affair- bunny light pink (pastel shade)

■Topless & Barefoot- soft peach (neutral tone)

■Sand Tropez- Sun-kissed taupe (neutral tone)

■Kisses and Bises- iridescent neutral (neutral tone)

Essie's Winter 2010 Collection

I can't even believe Essie's winter collection is now available.  Where has the time gone?  Anywho, I am in love with the colors.  I think Hot Coco and Going Incognito are on the top of my mani list.