My nails for the weekend

I'm going on a short trip with the Hot Tamale over the weekend so I decided to do something fun with my nails. After much deliberation, I went with my "Splash of Grenadine" from Essie. I know it isn't exactly cutting-edge but it really stands out against my darker complexion, it looks very summery and I think it's totally gonna rock with my neon green blouse that I got from Charming Charlie's.

Have a fantastic weekend & remember to be unique!!!

Way to go, Anne!

I'm back after a hiatus and I'm gonna restart with a totally hot hair makeover.

Anne Hathaway lopped off all of her hair! I think that it looks totally amazing on her. I know that she just did it for a role, but I think that she should keep her hair this way. It looks so chic! I would suggest pairing it with minimal, clean makeup - light mascara and blush - and fire engine red lipstick.

Then to add just a little bit of flair, pair it with red nails. But go all out with a candy-cane manicure.

Keep the wardrobe very simple and neutral. Lots of black, gray and navy, pencil skirts, plain cardigans, white shirts, ballet flats, dark-wash straight leg jeans, simple colorful pumps (red), bags with simple clean lines, very simple jewelry.

Treats to myself

For Christmas, my in-laws gave me a Sephora gift card. That was so awesome since I'd never received one before nor had I ever shopped at Sephora.

So I decided to use it to treat myself to a new blush. This blush is frequently featured on various television shows and in several magazines. I've heard it's the best.

You guessed it . . . NARS blush in Orgasm.





When I first opened the compact, I thought I'd made a mistake. All the reviews say that it's universally flattering but it looked very bright, too coral and had alot of gold in it. But I decided to be brave and I tried some on. It was perfect!!! It gives my cheeks a healthy glow but isn't too bright and because it's a blend of peach, pink and gold, it DOES flatter everyone.

Then I decided to just treat myself to a new nail color for the New Year. I've been wanting to try something from the Essie brand and I saw that my local Walgreens had a sale on Essie ($8). Essie has soooo many fabulous colors to choose from so it was a tough decision but I finally settled on "Splash of Grenadine".

As you can see, it's not quite pink nor is it quite purple. This is a different color for me as well as a different finish. I usually use pearls and shimmers. Splash of Grenadine is a creme and it is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!

Another treat to myself was Maybelline Baby Lips in Grape Vine.

Baby Lips is an affordable new line of tinted and clear lip balms from Maybelline (and let's face it, it's just fun to say). Grape Vine is a very sheer purple and gives your lips just the right amount of color. It also gives you just the right amount of moisture without being too sticky and is convenient to shove in your pocket. And, Bonus! It smells like grape (but doesn't really taste like it). I got mine at Wal-Mart for about $3.

It's always nice to be treated to something special but don't forget to sometimes treat yourself!

Nail polish substitution

It is my understanding that this Chanel Peridot nail polish is really big this season. For those of us on a budget, I have found a similar shade. It is from Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Pro line and is called "Rags to Riches". It is slightly less gold than the Chanel polish (which is perfect for me) and cost less than $5 at my local Wal-Mart. I'm sure it can probably be purchased just about anywhere.

Her ACTUAL nail polish

I stumbled across an article that listed several of the style items from the royal wedding. Princess Catherine layered 2 different nail polishes to achieve her wedding day look. I can't remember the name of the one from Bourjois but the other was from Essie called "Allure". Amazingly enough, Essie polishes are now available at your local Walgreens for $8.

I am really liking Princess Catherine. She seems to be so down-to-earth. She wears affordable things that are attainable by the average woman. She did her own makeup for her wedding. She wore a very simple wedding dress. She wanted to look like herself for her wedding. She just seems to be a young lady with her head on straight. I love it!

Catherine nail polish

Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, has inspired a new nail polish by Butter London. It is called "No More Waity Katie".

First, I really hate that they ever referred to her as Waity Katie. It makes her sound like an old spinster, which she isn't. I think that it is absolutely wonderful that Prince William made sure that she was groomed and ready to be his wife so that she would be able to deal with life as a royal.

Second, I feel that the polish should have been called something like "Duchess" or "Princess" or "Princess Catherine" instead of something with a slightly negative conotation.

Third, I feel that a nail polish that is inspired by anyone, should be a reflection of them. This polish is a lavender glitter polish. I'm not seeing a correlation to Catherine. She's not glitzy. She's very glamorous and chic but not showy. Perhaps a lavender creme polish with some sort of sheen would have been more of a reflection of her.

That being said, the nail polish should have been released sooner so she could have actually worn it for her wedding. Or so that members of the public could have worn it in her honor on her special day.

I'm not trying to slam the nail polish itself. There are just some changes that I personally would have made. That's all.

I found it!

I previously blogged about how much I loved Demi Moore's taupe nail polish. I was seeing the taupe nail trend in magazines and online. I absolutely fell in love with the color. I'm not exactly sure what my attraction is but it is a great neutral shade because it seems to pick up the undertones of your clothing.

So I went to my local Wal-Mart to scour the shelves for a great taupe polish that would compliment my skin tone and not look chalky. I looked at different brands and compared them side by side before I made my selection. I have a winner ! ! !


"Taupe Drawer" Pure Ice Nail Polish by Bari Cosmetics, purchased at Wal-Mart, $2.00
It is affordable and easy to find. It's got slightly more purple than gray or beige so it looks great on cooler medium skin tones. It's not too dark or too light. It doesn't attract too much attention so it would be great for the office.

Everyone should have one really great neutral polish that will work for anything and I have found mine.

I think I need rehab!

There are indeed 87 bottles of nail polish in this picture. It includes 20 bottles of clear polish - base coats, top coats, strengtheners and a smudge corrector. It also includes 4 of those little Bon Bon polishes that you can get at Wal-Mart. I actually have a large make-up case just for my nail polishes. It does not include any makeup. The case weighs about 12 - 15 pounds and also contains nail implements, cuticle oil & remover as well as french manicure guides.

I may need therapy for my nail polish addiction before my collection becomes worth more than my house ! ! !

Demi's digits

I like Demi Moore's fingernails. They look so classy. I probably couldn't pull this particular color off myself but it looks great on her. I like that she paired such an edgy color with her white lacy dress. It's classic with an edge . . . just like me!

Aren't these nails absolutely hideous?!?!?!

Why would one do this to their fingernails? Why?!?!?! I absolutely hate Fergie's nail shape. I've also seen pictures of Beyonce wearing her nails in this shape. Why would you do this? Why would their husbands go along with it?

This nail shape looks like something out of a very bad "B" horror movie. They look like a weapon. I'm pretty sure that if you worked in a prison or were visiting someone in a prison, they would make you cut your fingernails at the door!!!

I will, however, give Fergie props for her choice in nail color. The beigey-pink is very flattering on her and would look incredible on shorter, squoval shaped nails.