And the Oscar Goes To...

While I was a little too jet-lagged to stay up for all of the Oscars last night (I only really care about the red carpet anyways), I was inspired by the event.  I picked up some more Sally Hansen Salon Effects today in "Raise A Glass" - a shiny goldish color.  A manicure that Oscar himself would be impressed by.  Here is the effect:



Similarly, my sister came up with a fashionable look all here own.  She hosted a "Black Swan (chocolate) Martini" Oscar Party last night.  She served the cocktail du-jour with these fashionable finger-tips:

The jury is still out on the exact colors she used for this fab "reverse french" manicure.  She gets points for creativity and execution!

Vacay Recap

So as I previously reported, I spent the week in Ireland last week.  While there, I changed polish a few times, took note of fun Irish girls' nails, and encountered some a-ma-zing Irish/Brit girl fashion.  Here is the basic recap:

I changed polish three times.  A bit excessive, I know.  But to be fair, once I painted them in the car (we road-tripped all week) and the other time I painted them after a few too many pints (which didn't end up very well).  Here are a few shots of my nail looks while there:

look one

look two

look three

and just to spice this post up a little....here is how I spent part of the car ride to Dublin (thanks Jared!)

Now, on to the fashion.  Here is what all the hip Irish girls are wearing these days:

1. Patterned Tights

          This is usually in a lace variety, sometimes with a subtle floral or animal print as well though.

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2.  Jean shorts with tights (don't cringe, give it a chance).

          The tights usually worn under this "look" were typically black.  I have to say, I gave myself a pat on the back for packing my cut-offs and tights.

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My feeble attempt at the look - fyi, there is a fabulous story behind this picture and I had looked a little better a few shots, pints, and hours earlier.

3.  Last but not least, TEASED HAIR.  I don't just mean teased, I mean FULL ON rats nests on these girls heads (and I say that with love and respect).  I seriously don't know how these girls brush there hair out, ever.  I love a good hair tease, but I have to say Irish Lasses take it to a-nother level.  Dying to perfect my rat tail comb method.  

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The Jewels of Ireland

The reason why I have been so slack on postings is because I am right in the middle of an International Adventure!  I am typing this (with sea green sparkling tips) from Killarney, Ireland!  I'm spending the week on the Emerald Isle with two (soon to be three) friends.  So far my trip has been filled with music, dancing, beer, and lots of "other-side-of-the-road" driving.  While I am enjoying all of the local Irish flavor over here, I don't want you to think I have been neglecting my nails.  I traveled with a very deliberate nail look - seen below.  I have to be honest though, it started chipping, and I changed my polish last night after a few too many pints.  Here is my original look:

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It's no accident that I chose a picture that not only showcased my polish as much as it showcased the delicious pint of Bulmers Cider I have been enjoying (a little too much) all week.  On most fingers I'm sporting OPI's Jade is the New Black with a random off-brand gold glitter top coat.  On a select few digits I'm wearing Sally Hansen's Salon Effects in Leopard (it is my signature print after all).

Cheers!

Dope Digits

My media addiction is totally paying off.  Thanks to Twitter I have discovered an amazing gem - WAH NAILS - a super funky London nail salon.  While I am not planning any immediate travel to the UK, I am planning on finding a way to reproduce some of Wah's over-the-top nail art.  While a lot of their looks are pretty intense (comic book designs, 3-D gems), they are playful and eye-catching, and very reminiscent of my nail icon, Katy Perry.  Check out some of their looks below, and visit Wah's website or Twitter page for more fun looks.









I do realize, that this posting is a 180 from the previous - Essie's understated neutrals.  Just call is nail ADD.

Ooh La La!

I am loving Essie's new spring collection - french affair! I totally have spring fever, and these light "whimsical" are getting me even more excited for the season.  I am definitely saying "oui!" to Sand Tropez, a sandy beige that would look super polished (pun intended) with a spring pallet of soft pastels and perfectly worn in denim.


Colors from L to R: french affair, nice is nice, coat azure, kisses & bises, sand tropez, and topless & barefoot

"Minx" on a budget

Who doesn't love Minx (see Katy Perry post)?! Living in NYC on a teacher's salary hardly allows for regular mani-pedi's, let alone custom Minx nail wraps.  A professional Minx manicure will set you back about $40, but Sally Hansen Nail Effects only cost about $13.  My friend Caroline has become my nail fairy godmother, and gifted me with said Nail Effects for Valentine's Day!  I applied these babies while nursing a hangover on the sofa today.  The process took about 30 minutes, but I'm sure it would have been a little faster if I wasn't paying for last night's partying.

Here are the results:

They were surprisingly easy to apply.  Everything you need is included in the kit!

E! showed a few red-carpet looks during their Grammy pre-show and included these nails!  I have to say, I had them beat by about 2 hours.

Time to "Loub" Up

Not sure if you are aware of an alarming trend in nail fashion: The Louboutin Manicure.  Apparently this look (commonly sported by JWoww on Jersey Shore - thanks for the tip, Caroline!) is meant to mimic the classic black Christian Louboutin Pump and brand trademark red sole.


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While I love both black nail polish and Jersey Shore as much as the next girl, I'm not sure I can give my full backing and support to this look.  I would just feel WEIRD with red on the undersides of my nails.  That being said, I am loving Mr. Louboutin's Spring 2011 collection (I'll pretend I wouldn't look like a 6'7" drag queen in any of the below styles) :


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I will pretty much support and/or wear anything animal print or hot pink.  Bonus points for combining both in shoe #1!



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I am getting a late 80's color-block flashback (in a good way)!


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Can you tell I have been OD-ing on the E! Sex and the City re-runs?  These are to-die-for.  These are totally reminiscent (fringe instead of chiffon ruffles) of the shoes Carrie wore when Miranda went into labor!

The San Fransisco Treat

I received this little nail treat from my friend Genevieve, who lives in San Fran.  She's way into nail art, much like myself, and sent me some photos after she discovered my blog.  Genevieve turned me on to Jacqueline, a fellow nail and art enthusiast, as well as jewelry designer.  I am super impressed.  I have tried to draw designs on my nails with those special nail pen things and it looks like a 3 year old did it (I would know, I teach Pre-K).  Check out her blog and etsy page too!  I am LOVING some of the vintage looking rings she has - great way to set off a fresh manicure!

Secret Weapon

So, I have a secret.  I am a reformed nail biter and in times of extreme stress, I relapse.  I have found Nutra Nail Growth Formula and my nails have never been the same (length) since.  I swear to you that after a few swipes of this treatment (with Green Tea and Acai Berry) you will see noticeably longer nails in less than a week!



I don't know how this works but it does.  I recommend applying to naked nails in between polish changes for lengthening and strengthening.

Happy Hour!

I decided on a festive teal nail for the weekend.  While not totally practical or the most flattering color, it was definitely a fun look.  My girlfriend Honey was gracious enough to shoot this pic of my digits while we were at happy hour on Friday.

Nail Envy

If there is one celeb I look to for nail inspiration, I have to say, it's Katy Perry.  Thanks to Twitter I can admit to knowing that she changes her nail polish about as much as I do.  While her polish choices are usually far from traditional, I like that she has a lot of fun with her fingertips.  Here are a few of my favorite looks she's sported:


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This California Girl's nails are beyond festive and I am all about them.  They may not be job-interview appropriate but she showcases some super fun weekend nail looks.

Looking forward to trying the Leopard look out myself with Sally Hansen Nail Effects!

Run, don't walk...

...to buy this polish!  I have already seen this color in TWO magazines (Lucky and Cosmo-both February issues) so I feel pretty certain it's going to be a must have spring purchase.

       
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This lovely lavender-with-a-twist shade is Le 54 by Lancome.  I went ballistic for lavender polish last spring when I spotted a picture of Khloe K at a Lakers game rocking "Rumples Wiggin" by OPI.  I actually stock ordered it on Amazon.  I am looking forward to a more "polished" purple update this year (pun intended).