Julep It Girl Box: Trina Turk September 2012

Every month, I receive the Julep It Girl Box in the mail. The package includes three surprise nail polishes and a small extra gift. It's always a nice little treat. I absolutely love getting anything in the mail- pen pal letters, magazines, catalogs, beauty items. It's one of my favorite things.

For September, Julep collaborated with designer Trina Turk and put together a great box! Look how adorably it came wrapped...

The colors in this month's box were Delaunay (don't ask me how to properly pronounce this), a beautiful creme red that reminds me of a cherry popsicle, Alma, a fun and beautiful shade that is the exact color of mustard and Otte (not sure on the right way to say this one either), a great neutral, tannish-taupe that reminded me of OPI San Tan-tonio. I'll have to do a swatch comparison soon because this might be a close dupe. When I first saw Otte, my heart sank a bit because the color I currently have on (OPI Don't Pretzel My Buttons, pictured above) looked just like it. But I think Otte is darker. I'll do an update post soon!

But the thing that probably excited me most of all was the extra gift in this month's box!

This magnet made me way too happy! I LOVE IT! The girl in the art piece reminds me of myself after I've had one too many. It made me laugh. As a redhead, I appreciate whenever I see anything with ginger representation but this particular drawing felt like it was made for me! I'm going to keep it forever.

*UPDATE: The artist's name is Blair Breitenstein. The name she goes by (written on the sketch) is Blonde Lasagna. Here is a post I did on her work. You can purchase her work here!
















Now Playing: "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra

Nail Polish of the Moment: Mint/Turquoise Gradient Nails

Mints and turquoises are definitely some of my favorite colors- especially for nail polish! I thought I'd welcome spring with this fun, gradient look. I purposely chose to do my ring finger in the boldest shade to make the gradient appear more obvious.

Colors Used (Thumb to Pinkie and Second Picture Left to Right):

Sephora Hello Kitty Minty
Essie Turquoise & Caicos
China Glaze For Audrey
China Glaze Flyin' High
OPI Thanks A WindMillion











Now Playing: "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison
*One of my favorite songs ever! Makes me think of one of my best friends- it's "her song!"

Nail Polish of the Moment: OPI Spark de Triomphe, OPI Shorts Story, Zoya Izzy, Zoya Jem

OPI Spark de Triomphe (Image via Google)


This is the polish I currently have on. In some lighting it appears to be a champagne gold with an almost hint of green to it but in darker lighting, it looks silver. I will probably keep this on for my birthday tomorrow. On my own nails (not pictured above), I used OPI's Natural Nail Base Coat with 3 coats of Spark de Triomphe and Seche Vite Top Coat.

OPI Shorts Story (Image via Google)


The month of January in Pittsburgh can be quite dreary. I last wore OPI Shorts Story because I was in the mood for something bright and summery. It's the quintessential Barbie pink and very uplifting.

Zoya Izzy (Image via Google)


I recently gave myself a pedicure and opted for this bright pink. I'll probably use it for a manicure around Valentine's Day. It's a very flattering color for fair skin.

Zoya Jem (Image via Google).


Before wearing OPI Shorts Story, I had my nails painted with Zoya Jem. I really love Zoya's formula and will likely be adding more of its polishes to my collection. Jem is a beautiful deep purple with a slight amount of shimmer. Essie's Shine of the Times top coat effects looked nicely over the "bling finger."

Now Playing: "Breaking Hearts" by James Vincent McMorrow
*Love his voice!

Chic & Thrifty: Chanel Spring 2012 Nail Polish for Less!

TOP ROW: Chanel Spring 2012 Collection. April, May, June ($25).

BOTTOM ROW: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Wonder, Sinful Colors Pink Forever, Revlon Peach Nectar (< $5).

It has been so long since I posted a Chic & Thrifty blog that I forgot what I called the series. I was inspired to share some affordable alternatives to Chanel's Spring nail polish collection. I found these options within my own stash. I think it's important to know what you have before investing in something that is practically identical. These colors aren't exactly "dupes" (albeit April looks close enough to me) but they are amazing alternatives. I love Chanel just as much if not more than the next girl but I can attest that its formula is not superior to the products I have mentioned. Chanel polishes are $25 USD whereas my alternatives were all under $5. I picked up both the Sally Hansen and Revlon polishes at Big Lots for a buck or two. At the drug store they would run around $4-5. Sinful Colors can also be found at the drug store for $1.99. It's a great option if you're looking to have a large collection and various options without having to spend a lot of money. I really encourage every girl to know what she has and to research the market before investing in something that could be duped for less. There are plenty of resources online and great websites to familiarize yourself with. Two of my favorite nail polish sites that include a wide variety of information on collection releases, swatches and more:

All Laquered Up

The Polish Aholic



Now Playing: "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5

Nail Polish of the Moment: Revlon Peach Nectar

5-6 Coats of Revlon Peach Nectar.

This polish is completely a spring/summer shade but I was just in the mood for something peachy and nude. I forgot I had this color in my collection. It took about 6 coats to achieve opacity (far more than I usually put up with) but I didn’t mind. With lighter colors, sheerness is understandable. Usually when I have to apply four or more coats, it doesn't dry properly and dents but I didn't have much of an issue this time. Revlon's formula is pretty thin. I think Peach Nectar is very unexpected for this time of year and contrasts nicely with black clothing. I'm happy with it.

Now Playing: "Wonderwall" by Cat Power (Oasis Cover)

*I love this version. Cat's voice is so ethereal.

Nail Polish of the Moment: Butter London Blagger

2 Coats of Butter London Blagger with Seche Vite Top Coat

Blagger n. a smooth talker; a persuasive person.

Since I equate the month of January with the color blue (no, I'm not a savant), I wanted to go with something vibrant. I purchased my first stash of Butter London polishes with a gift card I received for Christmas. Blagger was one of the polishes I selected. It's reminiscent of OPI Dating a Royal. So far, I'm impressed with the Butter London formula. Blagger only required one coat to achieve opacity but I did two coats for safe measure. I really love this particular shade of blue and definitely recommend checking it out.

Side Note: I previously had my nails painted with Sinful Colors Stormy but neglected to post about it. It's a gorgeous darkened teal shade with sapphire blue microshimmer. In certain lighting it appears teal green/blue but in others, nearly black. The formula and application is a bit tricky to work with but I suggest checking it out if you're looking for an affordable polish in this shade ($2 at most drug stores).

Now Playing: "Come a Little Closer" by Dierks Bentley

*One of the few country songs that I really love! "Settle For a Slowdown" is also a favorite!

Nail Polish of the Moment: OPI Step Right Up!

3 Coats of OPI Step Right Up! with Seche Vite Top Coat



This week, I was in the mood for a clean and natural look. In the past, I've had a somewhat difficult time finding this type of polish. Neutrals are always too sheer and/or streaky. It's impossible to find a creme finish that isn't too milky, peachy or pink. OPI Step Right Up! is what I've been looking for all these years. Against my ultra fair skin, it doesn't look like whiteout or make my hands look like a dead mannequin. It's subtle and gorgeous. I really love how it transformed my rather dull looking nails into something sophisticated and demure. I will definitely be purchasing backups because I have a feeling this will be a hard color to find in years to come as I believe it was a limited edition shade (of course it was).

One Coat = "Your Nails But Better"... Perfect for young girls or just to clean your nails up

Two Coats = A hint of color, polished

Three Coats = Perfect natural hue, would work nicely as a french manicure

I highly recommend this shade especially for fair skin gals who have trouble finding a flattering natural polish!











Now Playing: "Beast of Burden" by The Rolling Stones
*Definitely an all time fav!

Nail Polish of the Moment: Revlon Dreamer

2-3 Coats of Revlon Dreamer, Seche Vite Top Coat
"Bling Finger"- Essie Pure Pearlfection, OPI Crown Me Already

I've been on the hunt for this particular shade of blue for some time. All of the other baby blues I have in my collection are either too pale or too deep. Dreamer (I just love the name) is the perfect midtone cornflower blue. It's translating a bit on the aqua side on camera (not the case) but in actuality, it has a hint of periwinkle undertone to it. I definitely recommend it! I think it's gorgeous for winter looks but it will also be beautiful for spring and summer.

Now Playing: "Every Waking Moment" by Citizen Cope

Nail Polish of the Moment: Milani Silver Dazzle

2-3 Coats of Milani Silver Dazzle with Seche Vite Top Coat



Yesterday, I painted my nails with Chanel's Black Pearl but it quickly lost my interest. I knew I was going to choose Milani Silver Dazzle next, so today, I anxiously redid them. For a fraction of the cost, I'm much happier with Silver Dazzle. It's a gorgeous gunmetal silver hue with lots of glitter. It dries to a somewhat dull finish, so I applied Seche Vite for a top coat and it transformed the finish into something completely out of this world. I love it! I highly recommend the Milani One Coat Glitter Polishes. You can get away with one coat but I suggest 2-3 for more impact. It's a great buy and one of my favorite colors in my collection.










Now Playing: "Follow You Down to the Red Oak Tree" by James Vincent McMorrow
*Possibly the longest title and artist name combination ever!

Nail Polish Obsession Tag!

1. What's your favorite nail polish company?
OPI! I love its formulas, packaging, collections and of course the names :)

2. Glitter or no glitter?
Glitter. It's so beautiful to look at and adds a touch of excitement to everyday life. However, after a certain age, it takes a specific personality type to pull it off.

3. OPI, China Glaze, or Essie?
OPI! I'm not a big fan of China Glaze. Essie is decent but it doesn't come close to OPI.

4. When do you change your nail polish?
On average, every few days. I usually do one color for the week and one for the weekend.

5. What's your favorite color on your nails?
I have very fair, cool skin. Blues look great but I suppose I enjoy taupes as well... I have so many favorites. I think a traditional cool toned red polish goes well with almost anything and is classic.

6. Darks or Brights?
I prefer neutrals. Darks look good (greens, blues, purples, reds) but I tend to steer away from black because it can look pretty harsh against my milky complexion (Elvira, anyone?). Brights are lots of fun in the spring and summer but aren't necessarily the most flattering against my coloring.

7. What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?
OPI Rainbow Connection over LA Colors Color Craze Live (metallic silver).

8. Matte Nails--In or Out?
In! I'm in love with them right now. I think they're so unique and sophisticated. I use China Glaze's Matte Magic on top of standard polish and it transforms it beautifully.

9. French Manicure?
Nah. I used to do it in high school but it never looks natural on me. I think it can be lovely on short-medium natural nails with very fine tips. But to be perfectly honest, I think it has become a dated look. Nothing is worse than long, fake nails with thick, stark white tips.

NAIL CRIMES FROM AROUND THE INTERWEBS:

10. Favourite Winter Color?
Reds/Greens/Golds for the holidays. Blues and Silvers for January. Reds/Pinks/Glitters for February. Purples/Greens/Oranges for March.  I definitely get festive and associate months, seasons and holidays with colors, then style my nails accordingly. Yes, I have a problem.

11. Favourite Summer Color?
Pinks and Lilacs. OPI Rumple's Wiggin' is a favorite.

Now Playing: "Whirring" by The Joy Formidable

Nail Polish of the Moment: OPI Rainbow Connection

When I purchased this polish a couple months back, I knew that it would be perfect for New Year's Eve! It literally looks like an explosion of confetti on my nails. I first put down a couple coats of metallic silver polish (LA Colors Color Craze in Live) and waited for it to dry. I then put 2-3 coats of Rainbow Connection on top and sealed it with Seche Vite. From a distance, it reminds me a bit of a stained glass window. I absolutely love it! I think this look would also be fun for birthday parties, Vegas, a trip to the circus (random) or anywhere that's a bit on the wild side. If you like to have fun with your nails and want to try something a step beyond a standard glitter, I highly recommend trying this out! Those who are into manicures know the difference between the kind of glitter that's used in polish and the kind that's found inside a craft store. OPI's Rainbow Connection is the exception. It truly looks like confetti glitter in nail polish form. I love it!















Now Playing: "Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed

Nail Polish of the Moment: Milani Blue Flash

2-3 Coats of Milani Blue Flash

Last month, I posted about Milani's One Coat Glitter Polish that I found at K-Mart. I ended up ordering two more colors because I was so impressed with the quality and price point. Blue Flash is an electric blue that's perfect for the icy winter months (the color of my astrological sign, Aquarius). It reminds me of a glittery ornament. It somewhat lives up to its promise in that you can get away with one coat if you had to but I much prefer 2-3 coats to get a vamped up effect. I like the texture, so I didn't apply a top coat but I imagine it would be extremely sparkly and quite gorgeous with Seche Vite on top. This is the perfect color to add some brightness to the greyer months. It's a bit loud but it's fun.

Now Playing: "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol

Nail Polish of the Moment: Euro Green by Borghese



Euro Green by Borghese (Image via Nouveau Cheap)


I recently had my eye on Butter London's Wallis but didn't want to splurge and spend additional money on shipping. At the drug store, Euro Green by Borghese stood out to me because it looked so similar. It's not an exact dupe but it's close. Euro Green appears more on the gold side. Borghese is relatively expensive for a drug store brand (~$8 for .4 fl oz) but it beats the alternative. I snatched it up and couldn't wait to try it out.

The bottle is ugly. Let's just get that out there. It looks like it came out of the vanity of a suburban housewife in the late 70s. The application was also tricky. The brush wasn't amazing as it took 3-4 coats and forever to dry. I'm not sure if my top coat (Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Clear'd for Takeoff) didn't agree with the Borghese formula but it dried to a semi dull finish. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to look? It's still a beautiful deep green color with gold reflects/undertones (reminds me of the dress I wore to my junior homecoming dance in high school) but it makes you work for it. It's probably not the best polish for someone with little patience but it's good enough for me. I think it's nice for the holiday season.



Wallis by Butter London (Image via Google)

Euro Green by Borghese (Image via Google)











Now Playing: "Gold on the Ceiling" by The Black Keys

Nail Polishes of the Moment: Bronzed & Bright

Warm and Fozzie by OPI (Image via Google)

For Thanksgiving weekend, I painted my nails with OPI's Warm and Fozzie from the 2011 Holiday Collection (The Muppets). I absolutely love bronze nail polishes and was excited to try this one out. There is a world of difference between the first and second coats of this polish. I used 3 to achieve full opacity. It wore for about a week without really chipping and I was happy with the results (lots of compliments on this one). I was hoping it would have more dimension (in a lot of the swatch pictures I saw online, it almost appeared to have an ombre effect) but it's still a beautiful shade for fall.

Peridot by Chanel (Image via Google)

Today, I finally used my new Chanel polish in Peridot. I told myself I would never splurge on a Chanel polish unless I found an extremely unique color that didn't have a dupe from a cheaper brand. I only bought this because it wouldn't likely be matched by an alternative polish. Peridot is a unique green/gold shade. I thought it would be a nice transitional color to wear from fall into the holiday season. Let's just say that I love to look at it in the bottle but on my nails and against my very cool, fair skin, it leaves a bit to be desired. The application is tricky. It definitely shows brush strokes and every mistake (pretty standard for Chanel). On the plus side, one coat will work fine which is convenient but I did two in hopes that the color would become a bit darker- it didn't. This is certainly not a buildable polish. In some lighting, it appears like a yellowed gold and in others it switches to a greened/gold with the ever so slightest touch of blue. It's definitely not a pedicure color (I feel it would look like a toe fungus). As much as I want to lovvvve this, the color/effect seems a bit dated to me (80s/90s). But it is original and for that, it earns many points. I will try this again in the spring with whites/creams/neutral clothing (I think it might look nice this way) but I wouldn't repurchase.












Now Playing: "Where Is My Mind" by Pixies

Nail Polish of the Moment: Gold Glitz by Milani

Gold Glitz by Milani. Image via Google.



I was browing the makeup aisle at K-Mart when this polish jumped out at me. Lately, I have really been loving glitter nail polish. I've always been a fan of gold but I didn't have any in my collection with copper particles. I thought this was stunning and very unique. Unlike many glitters, Gold Glitz only needs one coat to achieve opacity but I did two for an extra kick. Gold Glitz can be worn alone or with a top coat. Both looks are lovely but I actually prefer the texture without the top coat. It's reminiscent of OPI suedes. The color reminds me of autumnal foliage with a magical touch of sparkle. It's just perfect for this time of year!

I only have one other Milani polish (a silver glitter) that I've had for eons but it still works like a dream. I am definitely going to pick up Milani's Blue Flash the next time I'm at the drug store. I highly recommend Gold Glitz as it has quickly become one of my favorite polishes in my collection (which is saying a lot since I have about 150 bottles). If you're looking for a glitter that is unusual and on the sophisticated end of the spectrum, I highly suggest trying this one out! :)

Now Playing: "All I Do Is Think About You" by Tammi Terrell

Nail Polish of the Moment: $3 DIY MANICURE!

I tend to dress on the more conservative/sophisticated end of the spectrum, so when it comes to things like my nails, every so often, I like to get a little bit cutesy with my polish. Lately, I have been in a very girlie mood (Peter Pan syndrome, perhaps). I wanted to do another custom glitter look. I chose Femme Fatale 5117 from Sinful Colors ($1.99 at Walgreens or Rite Aide) with BCC 582 (Purple/Colored Glitter) from LA Colors Color Craze ($1 at The Dollar Tree) on top. It turned out really nicely. I usually gravitate towards my OPI polishes but for $3 the quality of this look really can't be beat. I highly recommend the LA Colors brand. It's extremely affordable, quite easy to find (Dollar stores, Big Lots, etc.) and works very well. I have a ton of Sinful Colors in my collection as well. Some work better than others but if you're looking to have a versatile color selection in your own collection, Sinful Colors offer a wide range and it is very easy to find at many drug stores.

Now Playing: "On Call" by Kings of Leon

*This song brings back so many memories! :)

Nail Polish of the Moment: Russian Navy by OPI

Russian Navy by OPI

 

 

 

 

I was really anxious to switch up my nail polish for the start of November. For the first time in about a decade, I didn't dress up for Halloween. Since I was away in a climate that isn't very fall like, it just didn't feel the same this year. On top of that, it snowed! I hate when it snows in October but fortunately, it melted quickly. I was in the mood for something different so I picked Russian Navy out of my collection. I've had it for about a year but haven't worn it yet. It looks more purple than navy to me, so I thought it would be nice for a post-Halloween/fall look. The application was seamless and I'm pretty happy with the results.










Now Playing: "Howl" by Florence + The Machine

Nail Polish of the Moment

 

It's been a few months since I purchased a new OPI nail polish. The new collection, Across America, had a few shades that caught my eye, but A-Taupe The Space Needle was the only one I had to have. In the bottle, it almost looks like a muddy hue. Upon applying the first coat, the color was a sandy brown (darker but reminiscent of San Tan-tonio from the Texas collection) but after a second and third coat, A-Taupe The Space Needle transforms into a camouflaged, khaki, taupe. Against my very fair, cool skin, it definitely has green undertones. It's the perfect shade for fall and goes very nicely with a lot of my earth tone based wardrobe. This is somewhat similar to OPI's Over The Taupe but again, it decidedly has a green aspect to it. I really like A-Taupe The Space Needle and highly recommend it! As always, I also love the name :)

Now Playing: "My Impure Hair" by Blonde Redhead

Nail Polish of the Moment

I was in the mood for something sparkly but still understated. I went with one of my favorite polishes, OPI's Ski Teal We Drop and chose a glittery top coat in LA Colors Color Craze in Aqua Crystals. From a distance, the look is somewhat reserved, but in the light, the flecks of glitter really pick up. This picture doesn't do the colors justice. I was really happy with the outcome and will probably wear it again in the winter!









Now Watching: Sunday Night Football - GO STEELERS!

Nail Polish of the Moment: Sew Psyched by Essie

I picked up Essie's Sew Psyched on sale at the drug store (if you haven't heard, Essie is now available in various stores). Against my fair, cool skin, it has a blue tint to it but make no mistakes, it is an army green/dark khaki hue. I like this polish. I could have gotten away with one coat but I did two for safe measures. One thing I didn't love about Sew Psyched is that it dried darker than it appeared upon first application. This presents problems if you don't apply even coats. Other than this slight annoyance, it's a good polish. I think it's better suited for fall/winter but it compliments my coloring and matches a lot of the things I wear. I would repurchase.

Style: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Application: 4/5
Color: 5/5

FINAL VERDICT: B+
22/25 or 88%



Now Playing: "Life On Mars?" by David Bowie