Obsession Alert: Essie Luxeffects

 


I received the Essie Luxeffects topcoat in my most recent Birchbox and I have to say that I am legitimately obsessed. I have been using it over and over again for 2 weeks to the point where my man has actually noticed. (Note to self: it takes two weeks for the man to catch on to beauty trends in my daily wear) This isn't just the same ol' glitter top coat. There are multiple different sized pink sparkle flecks in this aptly named A Cut Above, a shattered pink diamond blitz.


I think I will be keeping this in my Spring rotation pretty heavily. Not only does it last awhile but even with wear, it is not noticeably ratty looking... therefore giving me a little leeway between polish changes. I usually don't like to drop $9.00 on nail polish but this is prob an exception to my rule.

Emily Post Etiquette, Relevant to Today?

The man and I were out to dinner with another couple this past weekend. While at this yummalicious dinner, Emily Post etiquette was brought up by the other man (weird I know) because we were discussing what is right and wrong whilst wedding planning. No one wants hurt feelings which is why it's important that you at least glance at some etiquette sites.. Any way, I thought about the way that people behave in the workplace, at social events, well... I guess basically anywhere. Do we abide by classic rules of etiquette anymore or are we a different breed of human beings?  Etiquette In Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home, by Emily Post, was the original reference book for good behavior. Do Emily's rule's still apply today? How do they apply to us fashionistas? I took a look at her rules and learned that while times change, they often don't change.

 

China International Young Fashion Designers Contest

I will be honest when I say that I have given little to no attention to anything going on in China, fashion wise. While browsing some of my picture alerts from Zimbio, I found some images from the 20th China International Young Fashion Designers contest. Being that yours truly is currently enrolled in a fashion class (and subsequently rushing to finish her application package for the Graduate Program), I thought I would share a few of the really impressive designs that I saw from the show.

Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPa

Charlize Theron or Kristen Stewart, Who is Fairer?

With the new movie Snow White and the Hunstman coming out in the very near future, I have been seeing more ads. In seeing more ads, I, inevitably, start paying more attention to the movie. Once I started paying more attention to the Snow White and the Huntsman trailers, I was like "This is some bullsh!t." There is no way, on this Earth, that Kristen Stewart, on her best day, is fairer than Charlize Theron. I will compare and contrast for you in the "fair"est way possible and see if you agree with me...

Go! Go! Sports Girls!

When I wrote the post about Barbies (We are All Barbies), I got some feedback, both positive and also some constructive in regard to the representation of women through dolls. Let me just say that I am fully aware of the lack of diversity in Barbie dolls representation of women's body sizes. I do know that Barbie's don't even represent realistic proportions but the post was meant as fun and somewhat empowering based on women's great characteristics. Moving on, I recently was contacted in regard to Go! Go! Sports Girls! dolls and their encouraging message, so I thought I would share because these are the kind of dolls that everyone can get on board with.

Project Runway All Stars Finale

Last night was the fateful night, who would win Project Runway All Stars? Would it be Mondo, the prints magician from the season where Gretchen won over him and the world was pissed about it? Would it be Austin, the whimsical designer with that feminine touch that most women would love to be, well, touched by? Or would it be Michael, who seemingly had less talent than the first two but could maybe pull our something amazing while we weren't looking?

Oscar de la Renta's Jeweled Headband, a DIY

One of my fave things to see on the runway are interesting head pieces. This season was full of amazing hats (see my girl Kathryn's roundup of those here) and pretty freakin' lovely hair accessories (see previous hairy DIY with Rodarte here). I thought in keeping up with trends, I would try my hand at another fantastic accessory from the Fall 2012 runway, Oscar de la Renta's jeweled headband. Easy peasy, right?

Photo by ImaxTree

Pat Benetar Kick

We are young! Heartache to heartache, we stand! No promises, no demands! Both of us knowing...Love is a battlefield (guitar, guitar, guitar). I was watching NBC's The Voice last night, because it's an amazing show by the way, and Blake Shelton had two of his teammates sing Pat Benetar's We Belong. I sang along, I subjected the man to it, I was reminded of my feelings about Pat Benetar. What I didn't realize is that I would have an 80's fashion crush on her pretty quickly.

BENETAR!

Von Follies By Dita Von Teese

Von Follies by Dita Von Teese hit the runway during L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival on March 10, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. This served as the "grand entrance" of sorts for her lingerie line that is exclusive (for now) to Australian Target Stores, those lucky ducks. Dita has mentioned that mayhaps her line may make it to the states, and this is something I am crossing my fingers for. Dita designs for all body types, no lie, I could get her sexay lingerie in a size to fit these melons. Check it out.

Photo by Jennifer Polixenni Brankin/Getty Images AsiaPac

Zara Taylor UK

I was introduced to Zara Taylor UK via another blog that I write for (The Fashionable Housewife) and was immediately smitten with the jewelry from across the pond. Zara Taylor touts unique, vintage inspired jewelry with some sass added in for good measure. I can't take my eyes off of two pieces especially, that now belong to me and only me, Muhahahahahaha (that was a maniacal laugh if you hadn't caught on).

Corpse Bride Brass Necklace