how to: nail designs.

as I've said before, I'm basically obsessed with nails and nail polish. just recently, I discovered "nail tape." you can buy it in rolls, and its this very tiny roll of tape that you can use to make nail designs. I have really been using it a lot too (good thing I bought several rolls!). it's not very expensive and it's also great for doing a french on your own. you can also leave the tape on (there are a bunch of colors you can buy) and make a design from that too. it's awesome! a plus is that it's only a couple bucks for several rolls. you can find them on ebay as well as amazon!
if you do purchase these, here's a tip: make sure the nail polish is completely 100% dry before you put them over as well as when you take them off.
                                                 

  

what I've been loving lately: ombre.

ombre. ombre. ombre.
that's all that's been going through my head these past few weeks. I'm obsessed to say the absolute least.
I just love how it looks; it can make any two (or more) colors look good with each other as they effortlessly fade into one another. it's a gorgeous, classic look.

ombre saw the red carpet at the 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards, when Julia Stiles wore a very elegant black to white ombre dress. (to the right)











we've also seen ombre all over the runway. (to the left)




the designers in this picture:
top row: Alexander McQueen, ADAM, Diane Von Furstenberg
bottom row: Matthew Williamson, Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgeley Mischka




here's what I've purchased lately to satisfy my obsession:

Fading Ombre Maxi Dress

from tobi.com

$68

High Low Dip Dye Top in 'canyon coral'
from Lucky Brand
$50

these are literally my favorite shoes I've ever owned!
LC Lauren Conrad Platform Wedge Sandals
from Kohls
originally $70, but I got mine on sale for $40 (such a steal)






and lets not forget about the hair I had a few months back.... blue ombre tips.
my friend Cara Sinicropi actually did it herself; please make sure to check out her wonderful blog: vagabondias.com

 






As far as ombre hair goes, that has been huuuge lately. My favorite ombre hair is my idol Lauren Conrad (on left). Some other favorites are Isabel Lucas (left below) and Miley Cyrus (right below).














I've been looking online for some more affordable ombre options if any of you share my love for this look; here's some that I have found:

from Forever 21:

Ombre Trapeze Tank $20 and Ombre Layered Maxi Skirt $28







Fade Into Me Ombre Top
$34
from shopdailychic.com
this is for the edgier girl, the top has really cool shredded detailing on the back!







Gimme a Tint Top
$40
from modcloth.com

what I've been loving lately: nude nails.

Many many times I have been referred to as the nail polish girl; probably for several reasons. first, I have at least 40 different nail polish colors in my collection (if you can imagine it, I probably have it). second, I usually have a different color on my nails every week, and it usually isn't a color most people wear on their nails. and third, it takes me at least an hour to do my nails every time, because I am a bit OCD about it, everything must be perfect; my roommate last year even called me "the nail nazi."

ANYWAYS, I'm always looking for a new favorite nail polish and I think I've just found it! It's a nude color, which I originally didn't think I would like. . . .boy was I wrong.

The color I have is from the Sephora by OPI collection (my favorite nail polish brand, it has the perfect consistency), it's called Don't Feed the Hand Models. $9.50

They describe it as an opaque pink beige, if you're wondering, but I'll put a picture below.

I included the picture to the right (not my hand, it's from here) to show you what it looks like on. Oh my goodness, I just absolutely adore this color. and the bow design is cute too!

Also, it's the perfect color if you have a really bright outfit, perhaps you are color blocking and need a neutral nail, try this one -  you won't regret it!

scarves for summer.

Some of you might think that scarves are just for keepin ya warm and therefore reserve them for winter, well I think not! I do tend to stray from the knitted ones for summer, but cotton ones are great since they really aren't too hot & cozy.

Scarves are great for the summer- especially the bright colored ones!

I love them for the days that I'm feeling totally lazy and want to just put on a pair of jean shorts and a white tee and be done with it - then I just add a bright scarf! It's wonderful, because you don't have to mess with jewelry or anything, but you still look like you put effort into your outfit, when in fact you really did not. Who doesn't love a good cheat to the system?

I found this great picture for you guys on various ways to wear or tie a scarf; and if you click here, it'll take you to a link that tells you how to do each one, as well as gives you links to buy these different scarves online. It's awesome! #10 is my new fave.

I saw some really cute bright infinity scarves at American Eagle Outfitters just a couple days ago, if you're out and about and looking to buy one deff check them out. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any of them online :(

They do have some cute scarves on their Aerie website though!

I found this super cute one on forever21.com, it's 100% cotton and has some awesome colors in it that are great for summer, spring, or fall!

Vibrant Feathers Scarf $8.80