I have yet to pull together my spring/summer wardrobe. A lot has been packed away, illusively hiding somewhere in my other closet. Some of it is old, outdated, and needs updating. This summer, I'm hoping to ramp things up with some little extras.
Usually I wear plain flip flops most of the summer (with my toes nicely manicured, of course). No one really notices my super casual look, or at least, they don't comment. This summer I want to get some embellished flip flops/sandals. I think the ones offered by Michael Kors are perfect!
Since beginning to wear contacts again I've also been sunglasses crazy. I bought a few really nice pairs last year, but have since lost them. I don't know how it is possible to lose so many pairs, but I suppose it happens. Cole Haan makes a pair of really cute sunglasses that I'm gaga over.
There will be fancier events this summer. Probably quite a few considering how large my family is. I will wear heels if absolutely necessary. However, I would rather put on a pair of comfy yet pretty flats. Especially for something like a wedding, where I will be dancing the night away! Stuart Weitzman offers very cute pink flats that would work well with most of my fave dresses.
What are some of the items you'll be splurging on for the summer?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
OPI Swatch At Your Quebec & Call
Spring is so close, even though we had that snowstorm on April 1st. Of course, those of us in New England can almost always count on THAT April Fools joke! To boot I'm getting over the worst cold I've ever had. I almost think I had pneumonia. Through all of that I stayed with my mom for a week and helped her pack.
My in laws have been talking about a trip to Canada, so of course, I had to swatch up OPI Nail Lacquer At Your Quebec & Call
. It's a bit of a mess because I split/shredded a lot of my nails while helping mom move.
This color, from the O.P.I. Canadian collection, is a beautiful dark green gold. It could work well with a black cocktail dress for a night out, or even with a nice tan in summer. The golden shimmer is so perfect.
Before even starting the application I used Mavala® Scientifique Nail Hardener
which is by far the best I've ever tried. I hadn't used it in the last month, hence all the breakage. If you're against formaldehyde I would not suggest using this, it contains quite a bit. However, it soaks right into the nail and hardens them so amazingly well without any layers of junk.
Anyways, back to the swatch. Like most O.P.I. Polishes, At Your Quebec and Call applied fairly easily. One thing I have noticed, is their shimmer polishes dry MUCH faster than the non shimmers. I was ready to go in 2 minutes. It took 2 coats for full coverage. I think the photos made it look slightly sheer, but that is not the case in real life.
All in all, it is such a lovely color. I would highly suggest it to anyone. Even with my super pink-pale skin it still looks good.
My in laws have been talking about a trip to Canada, so of course, I had to swatch up OPI Nail Lacquer At Your Quebec & Call
. It's a bit of a mess because I split/shredded a lot of my nails while helping mom move.
This color, from the O.P.I. Canadian collection, is a beautiful dark green gold. It could work well with a black cocktail dress for a night out, or even with a nice tan in summer. The golden shimmer is so perfect.
Before even starting the application I used Mavala® Scientifique Nail Hardener
which is by far the best I've ever tried. I hadn't used it in the last month, hence all the breakage. If you're against formaldehyde I would not suggest using this, it contains quite a bit. However, it soaks right into the nail and hardens them so amazingly well without any layers of junk.
Anyways, back to the swatch. Like most O.P.I. Polishes, At Your Quebec and Call applied fairly easily. One thing I have noticed, is their shimmer polishes dry MUCH faster than the non shimmers. I was ready to go in 2 minutes. It took 2 coats for full coverage. I think the photos made it look slightly sheer, but that is not the case in real life.
All in all, it is such a lovely color. I would highly suggest it to anyone. Even with my super pink-pale skin it still looks good.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Konad Dupes - MASH Set back in stock!
Wait no longer! The MASH Set of 25
is back in stock. When I wrote about these originally they quickly went out of stock for quite awhile. You can read my original review here.
Most of the plates are good quality exact dupes of Konad. I really really love this set. It is $9.99 + shipping on Amazon. Only 5 of the plates I received were not Konad based.
I have no idea how many they have in stock, but last time they sold out fast after I wrote about it.
is back in stock. When I wrote about these originally they quickly went out of stock for quite awhile. You can read my original review here.Most of the plates are good quality exact dupes of Konad. I really really love this set. It is $9.99 + shipping on Amazon. Only 5 of the plates I received were not Konad based.
I have no idea how many they have in stock, but last time they sold out fast after I wrote about it.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
More amazon finds for nails!
So while waiting for the MASH kit to be back in stock... Still no word on that. Sorry ladies. I began searching for other new items out there. I love amazon, mostly because I usually have gift cards there from family.
First is the new FASH kits.. Why they have almost the same name as MASH I dont know. They offer both a Starter kit
and both a 21 or 25 plate kit
. Some designs will be redundant to my collection, but thats OK.
Next is a little mini kit, although slightly higher per piece. It's offered by VkShop
and has 7 plates total plus a stamper and scraper.
MoYou
offers exact Konad dupes at a slightly easier to swallow price. They sell plates individually, and range from it seems $2.99-$4.99. However, their most interesting item is their Pro Plate 1
andPro Plate 2
Which are like the Konad Salon case kits, only at $39.99 ea... I Kid you not...
On the higher end of the spectrum, there is at least 1 Konad pro kit A for $100+6.99 shipping being offered by An individual seller. The kit goes for $134 ish on other websites and since Konad doesn't allow coupons much anymore, I think this is a good deal.
For people who like Konad, but can't swing the idea of the total price these are some great options!
First is the new FASH kits.. Why they have almost the same name as MASH I dont know. They offer both a Starter kit
and both a 21 or 25 plate kit. Some designs will be redundant to my collection, but thats OK.
Next is a little mini kit, although slightly higher per piece. It's offered by VkShop
and has 7 plates total plus a stamper and scraper.
MoYou
offers exact Konad dupes at a slightly easier to swallow price. They sell plates individually, and range from it seems $2.99-$4.99. However, their most interesting item is their Pro Plate 1andPro Plate 2Which are like the Konad Salon case kits, only at $39.99 ea... I Kid you not...On the higher end of the spectrum, there is at least 1 Konad pro kit A for $100+6.99 shipping being offered by An individual seller
. The kit goes for $134 ish on other websites and since Konad doesn't allow coupons much anymore, I think this is a good deal.For people who like Konad, but can't swing the idea of the total price these are some great options!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
A call to arms! Future giveaway!
My daughter is entered in a Facebook contest that relies on "Likes"
I'm asking for your help. Details:
If this goes well I hope to host my own personal giveaway. Items may include full sized luxury moisturizers, nail stamping plates, makeup. Etc
How to: login to Facebook
Go to LEDGroupBuys page http://www.facebook.com/pages/LEDGroupBuy/151449654908463
Like the page
Scroll down to the video of the adorable little girl (posted by me: Lauren) and click "Like" next to comment.
That is all! Thank you
I'm asking for your help. Details:
If this goes well I hope to host my own personal giveaway. Items may include full sized luxury moisturizers, nail stamping plates, makeup. Etc
How to: login to Facebook
Go to LEDGroupBuys page http://www.facebook.com/pages/LEDGroupBuy/151449654908463
Like the page
Scroll down to the video of the adorable little girl (posted by me: Lauren) and click "Like" next to comment.
That is all! Thank you
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
French manicure with nail stamp
I had a huge family emergency recently. It tied me up time-wise and emotionally. This is why I haven't posted, I didn't even have the time or energy to even think about doing my nails. Obviously, family comes first. Things have settled.
My daughters birthday party is coming up and I need to sport some nice nails and toes. I finally figured out the french plates and how not to stamp all wonky. I used exact Konad Knock Offs
Konad - M45
with Nakomi m45. Im still waiting to see if these EVER get back in stock. Really ladies, I'm on pins and needles just as much as you all are.
Figuring out the french plates was a bit harder then other designs. I watched a youtube tutorial that says to angle the design upwards instead of straight. This worked relatively well. Then I began practicing on bare nails (like this design) by going slow with the stamp and following my own curvature in the nail bed. This helped me get the "feel" even better.
I later practiced (but did not snap shots) over a fully painted nail. My best advice is to not blindly stamp the french design, watch what you're doing from a side angle. This will allow for perfect curvature every time. If using Konad special polish it is still slightly pliable after application, you can push certain designs up or remove pieces of the design. Over another color polish it is harder but doable.
You can see a few areas I could've cleaned up, but I ran out of time. Although this easy french design has almost become 2nd nature I still am always on a time crunch. I'm hoping to do a french design over my nails for the party. I want to do my toes too, but the french designs are just wide enough for my thumbs and will not fit my big toe. That makes me sad because it's the reason I wanted the french set to begin with! (I love french pedicures!)
My daughters birthday party is coming up and I need to sport some nice nails and toes. I finally figured out the french plates and how not to stamp all wonky. I used exact Konad Knock Offs
Konad - M45
with Nakomi m45. Im still waiting to see if these EVER get back in stock. Really ladies, I'm on pins and needles just as much as you all are.
Figuring out the french plates was a bit harder then other designs. I watched a youtube tutorial that says to angle the design upwards instead of straight. This worked relatively well. Then I began practicing on bare nails (like this design) by going slow with the stamp and following my own curvature in the nail bed. This helped me get the "feel" even better.
I later practiced (but did not snap shots) over a fully painted nail. My best advice is to not blindly stamp the french design, watch what you're doing from a side angle. This will allow for perfect curvature every time. If using Konad special polish it is still slightly pliable after application, you can push certain designs up or remove pieces of the design. Over another color polish it is harder but doable.
You can see a few areas I could've cleaned up, but I ran out of time. Although this easy french design has almost become 2nd nature I still am always on a time crunch. I'm hoping to do a french design over my nails for the party. I want to do my toes too, but the french designs are just wide enough for my thumbs and will not fit my big toe. That makes me sad because it's the reason I wanted the french set to begin with! (I love french pedicures!)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Manic Panic Collection
This post brought to you by Manic Panic Collection. All opinions are 100% mine.
In case you didn't know already, Manic Panic offers an edgy makeup and nail polish collection. Although primarily focused to punk / goth / rock crowds I think Manic Panic could be useful for any makeup or nail polish diva. I used to use manic panic crazy hair colors in my teens. The line has always been bold and out there. I wasn't "goth" by any stretch, just a bit of a free spirit. I think I gave my mom a few heart attacks. Teehee
They only offer 4 nail colors, but a few are quite interesting (and only $4) including a purple glitter called Blood Thirsty! Other polishes include Heavy Metal, a black with glitter and Hellfire, which is red with black glitter. I could have a lot of fun with these polishes, I wonder if they apply well? Has anyone tried them?
They have great kits with directions for very bold looks which could be used for any situation where you'd need an extremely dramatic look. When ordering online from the Creature of The Night collection you can get a free mascara with your order with coupon code : mascara
So if you're feeling a bit daring today, you might want to check out manicpaniccollection.com
Valentines day nail art
So I had a few (literally) minutes to play around some more with my Naokomi/Mash
set. So I did a Valentines day design. It included cute little hearts. Awww.
I used Nakomi m78, which is an exact dupe of Konad m78
. The quality of the plate is superb, although some of my stamping was funky. This was due to using red konad polish and a red stamper. I couldn't tell if the image was perfect when picking it up. Usually, I check the stamper first, and if its not up to par I start over. Red on red was not a good idea.
For the base polish I used OPI Birthday Babe
(anniversary collection 2006), which really, I don't see much of a difference from Kyoto Pearl. If you already own one, I wouldn't go out of the way to purchase the other.
interestingly enough, the whole nail design was almost too big for most of my nails. Unlike some of the other knock off brands. I really enjoy this pattern and hope to sport it for the next week.
What are you doing for Valentines?
set. So I did a Valentines day design. It included cute little hearts. Awww.
I used Nakomi m78, which is an exact dupe of Konad m78
. The quality of the plate is superb, although some of my stamping was funky. This was due to using red konad polish and a red stamper. I couldn't tell if the image was perfect when picking it up. Usually, I check the stamper first, and if its not up to par I start over. Red on red was not a good idea.
For the base polish I used OPI Birthday Babe
(anniversary collection 2006), which really, I don't see much of a difference from Kyoto Pearl. If you already own one, I wouldn't go out of the way to purchase the other.
interestingly enough, the whole nail design was almost too big for most of my nails. Unlike some of the other knock off brands. I really enjoy this pattern and hope to sport it for the next week.
What are you doing for Valentines?
Friday, February 4, 2011
MASH Set update
I've been soo zonked the last few weeks and I'm sorry.
I did get a reply from the MASH set seller "Source Discounts" they assured me they're trying their hardest to get more inventory and should be back in stock in the next few weeks! YAY!
I'm hoping to purchase a set (or three... or four) for gifts.
I did get a reply from the MASH set seller "Source Discounts" they assured me they're trying their hardest to get more inventory and should be back in stock in the next few weeks! YAY!
I'm hoping to purchase a set (or three... or four) for gifts.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Younique Nails offering a special coupon
Younique Nails is offering a special coupon code just for our readers! Enjoy %10 off everything with the code : lauren10
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Review of the MASH Nail Art Set
I never got a chance to thank my followers. We recently reached over 250 GFC followers!! Im so excited, and so thankful. Recently we've been getting a lot more visitors, and I'm hoping the trend continues. I've been lacking any free time to setup a give-away. I hope that changes soon so I can give back to all you who have supported me.
I promised a review of the Amazon MASH Set
. They shipped very very quickly.
Picture of the whole Set
At first glance, the brand is not MASH but Nakomi. I've done some searching and they do not match up with "Nakomi Beauty" set, which has square plates. I cannot find any more information on them. Bummer, considering Amazon is now sold out of this set. The plates are the same shape and size of Konad plates. They have a blue film protective cover and no paper backing. Otherwise they seem to be exactdupes of Konad excluding 5 of the plates m50, m52, m48, m47, m46.
I went through the whole set, looking for defects and I did find a couple. Really, this only affected 3 images out of the entire set. They were as follows : the "I Y" Design on m46. Another that looks like a branch thats missing an image on m50?, and the last one which corresponds to Konad plate m72 - The whole nail LOVEYOU Pattern - The loveyou is placed wrong over the background pattern. It is the only Konad duped plate that has an issue, that I've noticed, and only with that one image.
Quality wise, they are of superior quality to GCOCL plates found on ebay. Side by side with the exact Konad plate makes it almost impossible to see the difference. I believe these Nakomi plates are probably laser cut like Konad as the designs are precise and exact. Tiny - miniscule - maybe even purposeful design changes within the patterns may be the only hint along with the fact the plates do not say "Konad".
The only other major difference is there is no paper backing. This could lead to cuts with careless handling, so either back your plates with protective film or be careful. Definitely do NOT stack metal backed plates on top of each other!
GCOCL Plate VS Nakomi>
When I purchased my GCOCL plates from Ebay I was sorely disappointed with image quality. I told myself I wouldn't waste my money again and stick with Konad. Im glad I decided not to listen to myself and jumped on the MASH set, it's perfect. The little details make a HUGE difference.
Above you can see the stamping results, these are all examples of MASH/Nakomi Set and NOT Konad. You cannot tell me that anyone would be able to discern the fact I spent a little over 50 cents plate(shipped) and not $7-8+ shipped.
The plates I received: m20-22, m25-m28, m44-m48, m50-m52, m58-57, m60-m64, m72-73, m78, m80
This included a smorgasboard of designs, with 5 different french plates. Each plate was different. Just to put in all in perspective:
If I had purchased Konad brand I would've paid about $150 for 25 plates. My total for the MASH set was $14.15 shipped.
Now don't get me wrong. I love Konad. I love the extras - the paper backing especially. The guarantee of quality with every plate. I don't love the fact that Konad has not only cornered the market - but also has asked all retailers to NOT allow coupon use. That sort of bugs me. Will I still purchase Konad? Definitely.
I do see the MASH set as the BEST alternative or addition to my current collection. If the seller ever has more sets in stock I plan on purchasing more for gifts for friends and family.
I promised a review of the Amazon MASH Set
. They shipped very very quickly.
Picture of the whole Set
At first glance, the brand is not MASH but Nakomi. I've done some searching and they do not match up with "Nakomi Beauty" set, which has square plates. I cannot find any more information on them. Bummer, considering Amazon is now sold out of this set. The plates are the same shape and size of Konad plates. They have a blue film protective cover and no paper backing. Otherwise they seem to be exactdupes of Konad excluding 5 of the plates m50, m52, m48, m47, m46.
I went through the whole set, looking for defects and I did find a couple. Really, this only affected 3 images out of the entire set. They were as follows : the "I Y" Design on m46. Another that looks like a branch thats missing an image on m50?, and the last one which corresponds to Konad plate m72 - The whole nail LOVEYOU Pattern - The loveyou is placed wrong over the background pattern. It is the only Konad duped plate that has an issue, that I've noticed, and only with that one image.
Quality wise, they are of superior quality to GCOCL plates found on ebay. Side by side with the exact Konad plate makes it almost impossible to see the difference. I believe these Nakomi plates are probably laser cut like Konad as the designs are precise and exact. Tiny - miniscule - maybe even purposeful design changes within the patterns may be the only hint along with the fact the plates do not say "Konad".
The only other major difference is there is no paper backing. This could lead to cuts with careless handling, so either back your plates with protective film or be careful. Definitely do NOT stack metal backed plates on top of each other!
GCOCL Plate VS Nakomi>
When I purchased my GCOCL plates from Ebay I was sorely disappointed with image quality. I told myself I wouldn't waste my money again and stick with Konad. Im glad I decided not to listen to myself and jumped on the MASH set, it's perfect. The little details make a HUGE difference.
Above you can see the stamping results, these are all examples of MASH/Nakomi Set and NOT Konad. You cannot tell me that anyone would be able to discern the fact I spent a little over 50 cents plate(shipped) and not $7-8+ shipped.
The plates I received: m20-22, m25-m28, m44-m48, m50-m52, m58-57, m60-m64, m72-73, m78, m80
This included a smorgasboard of designs, with 5 different french plates. Each plate was different. Just to put in all in perspective:
If I had purchased Konad brand I would've paid about $150 for 25 plates. My total for the MASH set was $14.15 shipped.
Now don't get me wrong. I love Konad. I love the extras - the paper backing especially. The guarantee of quality with every plate. I don't love the fact that Konad has not only cornered the market - but also has asked all retailers to NOT allow coupon use. That sort of bugs me. Will I still purchase Konad? Definitely.
I do see the MASH set as the BEST alternative or addition to my current collection. If the seller ever has more sets in stock I plan on purchasing more for gifts for friends and family.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New nail stamping kits available
For those of you in love with Konad-like nail art stamping I wanted to inform you there are new kits available on Amazon!
Plus, today only, Living Social deal of the day is $20 Amazon Gift certificate for $10
First up is the "Shany" kit. It is essentially the same as the Bundle Monster thats been available on Amazon also. However, it is 25 pcs vs 21 and cheaper. $14.95 + free 2 day shipping if order is over $20 (or you have Prime?)
SHANY Nail Art Nailart Polish Stamp Stamping Manicure Image Plates Accessories Set Kit
Second is the MASH Kit. Which is the one I ordered. It is 25 pieces at $9.99. I ordered this one today and it worked out to $14.15 with shipping. What a good deal! The images look more like Konad like plates - so probably GCOCL's or another Chinese knock-off. I haven't much liked some of the detailing on my last purchase of knock off plates. Yet, I couldn't pass up on a good deal. Especially since last time I was only disappointed in a few images. I will update on here if I liked the kit and which plates I actually received.
MASH Set of 25 Nail Art Nailart Polish Stamp Stamping Manicure Image Plates Accessories Set Kit
If you don't already have a stamper/scraper you'll need one. At the very least a stamper (an old gift card works just as well, if not better).
Plus, today only, Living Social deal of the day is $20 Amazon Gift certificate for $10
First up is the "Shany" kit. It is essentially the same as the Bundle Monster thats been available on Amazon also. However, it is 25 pcs vs 21 and cheaper. $14.95 + free 2 day shipping if order is over $20 (or you have Prime?)
SHANY Nail Art Nailart Polish Stamp Stamping Manicure Image Plates Accessories Set Kit
Second is the MASH Kit. Which is the one I ordered. It is 25 pieces at $9.99. I ordered this one today and it worked out to $14.15 with shipping. What a good deal! The images look more like Konad like plates - so probably GCOCL's or another Chinese knock-off. I haven't much liked some of the detailing on my last purchase of knock off plates. Yet, I couldn't pass up on a good deal. Especially since last time I was only disappointed in a few images. I will update on here if I liked the kit and which plates I actually received.
MASH Set of 25 Nail Art Nailart Polish Stamp Stamping Manicure Image Plates Accessories Set Kit
If you don't already have a stamper/scraper you'll need one. At the very least a stamper (an old gift card works just as well, if not better).
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