Sula Peel Me Nail Polish

So you're tired of using nail polish remover. Tired of spilling it and tired of the smell, well ladies look no further as we now have a choice. Sula nail polish - water based and peelable has four basic colors that can complement any cute get-up. From Perfect Pink to Crimson Red, there's a shade that I am sure will be aPEELing to you :). Check out www.sulabeauty.com for purchase and check out Sula body washes, lotions and fragrances.

We NAILED it~!

November 4th 2008, will forever be etched in my mind, heart and soul! We NAILED it! Barack Obama 44th President Elect of the U.S.of A~! Can you believe it! I was ecstatic and elated to be a part of history in the making. My President is Black. He is a reflection of our struggle and our progress, our strengths and our weaknesses, our perseverance and determination. My stride is a little swifter, my steps that more meaningful. I walk with my head held higher, a different sense of pride. To feel the pain and joy of what we have endured as a people and the challenges that we will continue to face all in one day was absolutely phenomenal. To be able to share this moment with my parents and my aunts and uncles who have all known first hand how racism can rear its ugly head.


To see the tears of triumph stream down their faces and to hear the voices and cries of freedom is breathe taking. I have always been proud of who I am, and on that day and on this day as I write this I am enlivened, enriched and inspired to do better. To be better. To make my mark in history. To always say YES I CAN, because YES WE DID and YES WE WILL~!


BARACK OBAMA 2008 - BOOYA~!



P.S. And Ms. Eve nailed it too with her ultra fab nail design by Minx Nails of the President elect. Visit www.minxnails.com to learn more about the brand and the creative duo behind Hollywood's latest fad.

Beauty to the Rescue

When it comes to one of the best high-end polish lines on the market, Ji Baek's Rescue Beauty Lounge is a clear winner. My personal favorite - Concrete Jungle - glides onto the nail so lusciously, you only need one coat to acheive mani-perfection! Well, my pets get ready for luxury this fall with the new fall color launch from Rescue.



In an ode to our current political state, No More War, is a must wear on your way to the polls. If you can't make a statement any other way, your nails can do the talking for you with this creamy army green.




Once you've casted your vote (goooo BARACK!!!!) switch up your look and slap on Teal to add instant spice to any outfit - this is a great color for those who aren't so comfortable with making loud fashion statements, but don't mind colorful hands. The Teal would look amazing on olive toned skin complexions and I cannot wait to try it. For all the 'Basic Betty's' out there, Ji didn't forget you and re-launched the neutral pink Plies.



And in true fall fashion Bruised is the 'just right' purple, not too light and not too dark, to keep you on trend. Have fun with color this fall/winter and always remember that Beauty is to the Rescue :).








P.S. Concrete Jungle (much darker than how it appears to the right) is not a part of the collection, but is a definite must have for fall. I encourage you to try it and get into the swing of things with this fantastic shade of grey. And did I mention, grey is one of the hottest colors for the season - so pick this up and don't get left out in the cold!

Babes in Toyland ;)

"On the first day of Christmas my true love gave me a mani and a pediiiiii." Yes my darlings I cannot believe it either, but the holiday seasons are here and our great friends at OPI have launched OPI in Toyland - a fun, cute collection featuring favorite red shades and hot to trot colors to get us all into the holiday spirit. From creams to shimmers there's a red, shimmery silver or gold for everyone. Whether you want to paint your nails for the heck of the holidays or get spiced up for New Years this is the go-to collection. With colors like A Ruby for Rudolph and Play til Midnight, the good times begin here!

For those of you a wee-bit afraid of color, fret not. OPI created a neutral shaded collection with light golds, iridescent whites and basic darks just for you. You can Sheer Your Toys and play with You're Doll all night long.

The Freaks Come Out At Night

And their nails are undoubtedbly fabulous! My favorite brand, OPI, has launched a mini Halloween nail collection dubbed Get In-Spider-ed that features four fun shades for the Halloween season. The mini nail kit not only includes fun decorating tips, but super cute nail decals as well. The four colors are indicative of the typical goony goon palette of Red, White, Orange and Black - except the fun factor here is the white shade, The Ghostess with the Mostess, apparently glows in the dark. The other shades have been done before Spiderella = OPI INK, Heeeeere's Jack = Brights Power and Red-y to Strike = The Thrill of Brazil.

If you definitely have to add to your collection, as I will without a doubt, I'd 100% go for The Ghostess with the Mostess - it's a must try!

Check www.opi.com for information on Halloween nail decorating tips.

Party Like a ROCK STAR~!

So a bit off topic, but well worth sharing are images from Vivienne Westwood's Spring 2009 London fashion show. Not only did models slink down the runway in avant guarde styled fashions, but the beauty palette was more like fall vs. spring. Dark stained lips and barely there make-up made the looks feel more vampire-ish than cherubic - but I loved it! Deconstructed knits, meticulously placed lace and sequence, and sicker than sick shoe options proved that you don't always have to go Alice in Wonderland for spring.

Menspiration was ever-present in the collection. Models graced the runway in vests draped over dresses, printed and khaki colored boy cut shorts, oversized blazers and what appeared to be stripped boxers shorts peaking out of khaki shorts -Androgyny at it's best.

The shoe game showed more of Westwood's point of view, feminine with a twist. Strapy heeled platforms some laced all the way up the leg, Jesus be Cool-esque sandals, muffin top closed heels with open toes and ruffle inspired heels provided an additional vision of fantasy and pleasure.


One of my favorite looks consisted of a multi-tiered skirt of grey and beige paired with a PVC sweetheart collared jacket, headband and killer lace-tied shoes. Another fantastic look paired a black trench (the main ode to spring in this collection) with lace up the leg platform sandals, khaki shorts and super chic shades. Can someone say incognito? If you want an edgy look, whether its rock n' roll or you just simply want to try something new, it just doesn't get any better than this!

Metallic Attack~!

Normally, you save the glitz and the shimmer for the Holiday season or that fancy black tie event you might be so lucky to receive an invitation to -well that was back then and now ladies wait no more for those special occasions! Metallic nails are the new it shade for fall and can be worn at anytime, for any event and during any season. The best thing about Metallics is that the color pigmentation is usually deep so only one coat is required - which means less time for you to dry and more time for you to show off your haute nails.

Classic Metallic color palettes for fall are Champagnes, Bronzes, Silvers and Pewter or Silver/Gold if you will. All shades work can function as neutrals and will match almost anything - and for those of you afraid to try color, Metallics provide the perfect opportunity for you to dibble and dabble just a bit before you completely take the venture into the 'color' side.

Because I consider myself a nail dare devil and have probably tried shades that most people wouldn't dare, I have below my top three reasons why you should go for the Metal glow:

1. Add pizazz to a monochromatic outfit with a burst of sheen.

2. Because Metallics, are bright they give nails the illusion of length.

3. Simply put - it's Chic.

So girls, get your head out of the 'dark' clouds and walk into the 'light' - this is something I encourage you to try at home~! To get the look try the following paints:

Champagne /Bronze

OPI Designer Series Classic
Orly Glitz

Silver

Sephora OPI Fancy Schmancy

Stardust Deborah Lippman

Pewter

Chanel Kaleidoscope

Essie Steel-ing the Scene

Inverted Manicures. They're backkkk and Chanel Iman is fierce in Black~!

Last fall we were all over the inverted manicures - white cuticles and dark nails was the IT look. Whether it was done professionally or not, it was a hot trend and definitely added spunk to any look. On my 25th birthday I paired a white cuticle with OPI INK colored nails. My outfit consisted of dark navy and black sequence French Connection top, Madison Marcus sleeveless jacket and shiny spandex pants from American Apparel - if I must say so myself I was fresh 2 death!


But I was most excited about my nails. I sat in the salon for almost an hour with the nail technician explaining to her exactly how I wanted my nails to look. How much white I wanted to show and whether it should take the natural shape of my nails or be a little bit more triangular in shape. While it was fun for that week, I thought the look would die hard! If you didn't have the right person creating this masterpiece for you, it just wasn't fun.


As you can see in the piece the look is back in all its glory and Chanel Iman is fiercely wearing it~! This fantabulous spread, yes fantabulous (fantastic and fabulous) featured in the Fall 2008 Time Style & Design supplement is absolutely exquisite! I mean check the stance as Iman poses off in YSL embroidered pants.



What intrigues me most about Chanel is her level of professionalism and maturity - it totally shines through. One of the most coveted models in the game right now this young firefly has had the opportunity to grace a many of catwalks wearing the sickest

outfits of our generation. Not to mention if I had the chance to get my hands on the embroidered Bottega Veneta silk coat I think

I might just kale over and take my last breath~!

Spring 2009 Fashion Week Part 3 - Rodarte for the Heart

The common beauty thread for Spring 2009 is natural with a kick of UMPH~!

The Rodarte sisters' collection for the season was rough and ready. Models glided down the catwalk into the future wearing cut out footless stockings and Grecian inspired dresses. Though the pieces were a bit costumey, the overall effect was posh and sophisticated. The beauty palette created by Deborah Lippman for nails and M.A.C for make-up worked the scene as the ultimate accessories to complete the look.

Ironically named Fashion, Lippman painted the sandy color polish on nails of Rodarte models. A perfect complement to the beige/peach pieces in the collection. Unlike nail trends of past seasons - brights, pastels, loud- earthy tones ruled the runways for 2009. I don't know about you all, but I think this time around I might be ready for the change. Come spring 2009 you just might see me strutting down the block in the new funky neutral shades of the season.

Spring 2009 Fashion Week Part Deux - Zac Posen Golden Goddess

Zac, Zac, Zac, while I am never surprised by his creativity and solid artistic vision, I must admit that I was elated to see an emphasis on the nail palette of Zac's models. Zac is always ahead of the curve in ideation and for spring 2009 he will not let us down. His models sashayed down the runway with an exclusive custom made polish color from Deborah Lippman. The sleek shade was conceptualized by Posen and created by Lippman for a unique look that would complement and accessorize his collection. If I have to say so myself, this was one of the best designer/beauty collaborations for the season. They were dead on with the color palette and truly painted a picture of this goddess of modern day - this new woman on the go and with the 'glow.'

Not only did Lippman create this fantastic golden shade, she also mixed 2 colors from her fall collection, What Ever Lola Wants and Icing on the Cake (to be launched next month). Chic and sassy were the ladies of Posen and the uber cool purple lipstick was to die for! And as a side note, fret not my pets as Lippman is slated to launch the custom shade in her spring 2009 collection - if that happens you will definitely be the first to know!

Spring 2009 Fashion Week Part 1 - 3.1. Phillip Lim Natural Beauty

I haven't even started my fall shopping yet and I'm already focused on Spring 2009, but that's the way it goes in the world of fashion and beauty - 15 steps ahead, never 15 steps behind! And who else would lead the charge for 2009, none other than Phillip Lim of course. For his Spring collection models were 'made up' by lead makeup artist Ayako, International makeup director for NARS - btw NARS is my absolute favorite cosmetic brand. Ayako chose a chic natural beauty palette to coincide with Lim's earthy looks.

Fashion week favorites, Creative Nail Design, created a special shade of bronze polish to cap off the look. The color acts as a neutral complementing every outfit in the show. CND, it's an absolute must that you create this color for the masses! It's a MUST have.

Back in FULL COLOR

What can I say? This was the fastest summer EVER. The days and nights simply flew by; I anticipated spending a significant amount of time writing and getting readers, but my time always felt limited! Well no mas~! I am back after enjoying the last days of the 4 day work week and hanging out with fam and friends. We will get into the swing of things this week, with updates from Mercedes Benz Spring 2009 Fashion week and new fall product launches.

I know I still owe you that promised review on the Zoya fall metallic collection and I will deliver! In any event, yesterday I made my weekly trek to Nails & More on 98th and Broadway and delved right into fall colors - Lincoln Park After Dark for my nails and Wicked for my toes. I was so ecstatic to not be blinded when I glanced down at my nails.

I told you guys before that fall is here and I am soooo ready to take it on - in full color~!

Shop til you can't STOP~!

People it's that time of year again~! And I LOVE it! BARNEY'S is having their amazing Warehouse sale which started today and will end on Monday, September 1st! This is never an event to be missed. My personal strategy is to go closer to the end of sale as the prices are slashed from the first couple weeks AND they usually roll out more items to choose from!

I just wish the beauty counter participated in this fete :(. Then I would REALLY rack up. Well kids, have a great time finding spectacular fashions that will compliment that perfect manicure and pedicure - check for peep-toe Loubs and Chloe shoes to go with the fun purple shades of the season.

P is for On the Pulse!

Today I received ZOYA's new Fall 2008 collection Pulse and cannot wait to try~! Though the image doesn't show (I know I took it with my camera phone-I'll start uploading from my digicam soon), the polishes are vibrant metallic colors with subtle sparkles that should look fantastic on the well nailed this season.

I'll try them out this weekend and post real, clear images of how the colors appear and give my opinion on the BUST and the MUST! The collection consist of six shades from Rasperry Wine, so wisely named Rihana :), to Blackberry Plum Sloane that should carry you through winter without a chip! For non-metallic lovers check out http://www.zoya.com/ for the second Fall 2008 collection Vibe- the cream based enamel line.

You Know You're a Beauty Junkie When...

....As soon as you arrive home you check your mailbox for Sephora's Fall beauty issue~! I arrived home this evening and opened my mailbox to retrieve my Sephora Fall beauty issue-as I knew it would be there waiting for me ;). I am always excited about the new looks and product options they provide and gosh darn-it Sephora is my FAVORITE place on earth - well one of them.

I LOVE the fact that I can consider myself a Beauty Insider because Sephora said I am~! To my hearts desire, as I flipped through the Fall issue just 5 pages in, was this page on Sephora and OPI's new nail enamel line! The collection includes 54, yes I blinked twice as well, 54 shades. 6 new shades for Fall range from bold Beige to winey-Red. I can't wait to get my hands on the collection and try it out for you all. Product review soon to follow~!

...You dash to the beauty wall at drugstores. My second love affair is with the drugstores around the city, namely CVS. Without fail everytime I walk into CVS or any drugstore for that matter I sashay directly to the beauty wall to check out any new or old beauty offerings. Yesterday I had to pry myself away from purchasing, for the second time, 2 OPI polishes from last season, Black Onyx and Russian Navy (maybe i'll purchase them next week). I love the colors and they are still very relevant for the Fall season!

...You believe that your nail polish is an accessory to your look. I believe this WHOLE-HEARTEDLY. I mean there are often times when you may feel like your entire look is not complete if your nails are bare or chipped or just not the right color. Color accessorizes our outfits. It adds that final touch to the overall look we are aiming so high to achieve.

I believe all women should consider nail color to be a part of their entire look - not just the bag and the shoes. I want to hear "I love your nail color" just as much as I love to hear "What a great bag!" Beauty is the ULTIMATE accessory and nail color should be number 1.