Can't-Live-Without Colors

I used to have a huge nail polish addiction collection, but sometime last year I cleaned out my make-up drawer and narrowed everything down to the essentials. That doesn't mean that I got rid of all the "fun" colors, but I decided to refrain from buying nail polish unless it's to replace one of my favorites (I only caved once!).

… And turns out that the essentials are more than enough, so here are my six
"can't-live-without" colors:

OPI "Suzi Loves Cowboys": Chocolate brown had a moment last year, but I've been loving it ever since OPI's Texas collection came out in 2011. It's not a shade that works year round but it is perfect for summer and fall.  It's a great compromise between red and black, and looks so incredibly luxe with white or cream outfits. 

Essie "Wicked": You can't go wrong with a dark red, and "Wicked" is the best there is. The formula  is incredible, it looks flawless with just one coat, and really goes with everything.  

Essie "Sand Tropez": This one is my go-to toe-color, the sandy beige has a super clean finish, and looks great with my skin tone (unlike many other nudes), as well as any colored polish (so you don't have to worry about your toes clashing with your fingers).

Essie "Mademoiselle": I must be on my third bottle of this. It has the slightest pink hue, and makes your nails look their best. Hands down the best "clear" polish. 

Essie "Sew Psyched": I feel like this is "my color", as I never see it on anyone else.  Green can be hard to pull off, but this silvery army green is surprisingly versatile.  It also happens to have the smoothest application ever and sort of matches my eyes which is always a plus.

Chanel "Blue Satin": The holy grail of nail polish. I think that  high end nail polish is often overhyped, but I have yet to find a navy that looks as good as Chanel's "Blue Satin". It doesn't even have the best formula (Essie's "After School Boy Blazer" is a lot easier to apply), but the shine and dimension of this are out of this world and worth every cent.

What are your "can't-live-without" colors?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Winter Whites

Happy New Year!  

…and with a new year comes a new nail obsession. I'm talking about white. But stop cringing, because today's white is a lot cleaner – and so much cooler – than the white-out manicures we used to give each other in 6th grade.  

The key is to pick the right shade, you don't want it to be streaky or flat (hello white-out). Shades that have blue or gray undertones are reminiscent of snow and really capture that winter feel, while Ivory shades are the most flattering:

"Cotton Buds"

Butter's "Cotton Buds" has the best formula, seriously this is flawless.  

"Eastern Light"

With its fair blue understones Chanel's "Eastern Light" has an airy lightness to it, that makes it sophisticated and girly at the same time.  

"Don't Touch my Tutu"

OPI's "Don't touch my Tutu" is not the easiest to apply, but once it's dry this translucent white with gray undertones will make your nails look like a winter wonderland. 

"Tuck it in my tux"

And finally Essie's "Tuck it in My Tux",  an easy ivory that goes with everything.  

Peace, Love, and Lobsters 

Laura 

Chocolate

Ever since OPI came out with their Texas collection in 2011, I've been obsessed with "Suzi Loves Cowboys" a dark chocolate brown. I'm especially drawn to it during this time of year, I just think it's the perfect transitional color before breaking out the burgundy reds for fall, especially paired with white or cream outfits…

And it looks like the rest of the world finally caught on because brown polish is everywhere this season. Sadly, my beloved Suzi isn't available anymore, but here are a couple of fantastic alternatives:

Essie Fierce No Fear  / OPI  Ice-Bergers & Fries 

Maybelline Taupe / Essie Hot Coco

Technically brown looks good on every skin tone, but if you are on the paler side like yours truly you should opt for a warmer more chocolaty tone, and avoid anything that's on the grayish side. And always use a good top coat! If brown doesn't look flawless, you'll end up looking like you forgot to wash your hands after a chocolate bender (it's ok, we've all been there.)

Peace, Love and Lobsters

Laura  

Clean Slate

After two months of shiny reds and glittery golds I always find myself missing my favorite neutral nail polishes. And for me that usually means sheer baby pink, and black.

My go to sheer polish has always been Essie's Mademoiselle.

 I know that many swear on the brand's "Ballet Slippers" when it comes to sheer pink, but (and maybe I just had a bad bottle) I always found that one a little hard to apply, while Mademoiselle is an absolute dream. It literally takes me about a minute to do my nails with it, and get that perfect porcelain finish.

On the other end of the spectrum we have OPI's Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees:

Unless you're going for a grungy look, you have to be have rather careful with black nailpolish. And I won't deny that this one is not the easiest to apply, it takes a good three coats to be opaque, it's rather runny, and takes forever to dry... but once it is actually on it's one of the nicest shades of black I ever tried, which definitely makes up for the complicated application.

What are your go to neutrals?

Peace, Love, and Sparkles

Laura

Rudolph the Red Toes Reindeer

Red nails are always in style, but in December they are always a little brighter, shinier, and most importantly sparklier:

find us

The Spy Who Loved Me (OPI), Toggle to the Top (Essie), Ruby Pumps (China Glaze), Scarlett O'Hara (Essie).

What's the name of your favorite festive red?

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights

Laura

Day 4: Show Me Your Hooves

Show your Christmas spirit with this impressive but easy to do manicure. All you need is a glitter base, brown polish (I recommend OPI's Suzi Loves Cowboys), and black, white, red and gold  for the accents (use a toothpick if you don't have any dotting tools).

                                                          Source: google.com via Laura on Pinterest

Et voilà, Santa's reindeer on your nails. Can you name them all?

Peace, Love, and Mistletoe
Laura

Day 2: Gift Guide: For The Magpie

Here's the first of many gift guides, and this one is for those who like to sparkle during the holidays...and the rest of the year.

                               Source: laurafaiss.polyvore.com via Laura on Pinterest

My personal favorite is the Ciaté Caviar Mini Bar, not only is the packaging absolutely adorable, but the unique polish is a must for any nail polish addict.The set comes with 4 classic polishes, and 4 bottles of the famous caviar pearls. Yum. 

And the best? All these goodies are available via ASOS (yay worldwide free shipping!), and under 40 bucks (ok, the Disney Couture bracelet is a tiny bit over the budget, but it's so cute!)

Peace, Love, and Mistletoe

Laura

Goldfinger

O.P.I  always comes out with a couple of movie inspired collections over the year, but in most cases the company tends to draw inspiration from Disney or Marvel. This holiday season, however, we get to choose between 12 shades that are inspired by no other than Bond, James Bond. 

Source

The SKYFALL collection is as expected on a darker, very glamorous, side - but overall I am not too impressed. There are a few interesting glitter polishes (The Living Daylights, The World is not Enough), but I am simply not a fan of all the reds and purples - It's just nothing new, and the pink tint doesn't feel very Bond. 

BUT there is something in the collection that caught my eye, something truly spectacular, something... just see for yourself:

source

It's an 18 karat gold top coat. That's right real gold. The clear polish has flakey bits of gold leaf and will turn any base into a work of art.  The only downside is the price ($38) - Christmas list maybe?

source

There's only one more thing: Why isn't this one named Goldfinger? Wouldn't that have been the much punier option? what were you thinking O.P.I.?

Peace, Love, and Serendipity

Laura

Tag: I ♥ Fall

Believe it or not but this is actually my 100th post!  And no better way to celebrate than with the "I ♥ Fall" tag, because A) tags  are  fun and B) I love fall. So here we go...  

1. Favorite Fall lip product? 

Burberry Lip Velvet in Rose Pink - The color screams fall, and the texture is so lush it feels like your lips are actually made out of velvet. 


2. Favorite Fall Nail Polish?

OPI "Lighten up you're two pence!" - Because it reminds me of caramel apples, colorful leaves, and Jack-o' lanters.


3. Favorite Starbucks Fall Drink?

Chai Latte - technically not a fall drink, but my go to for this time of the year, and the only sweet drink I actually like.  


4. Favorite Fall Candle?


Not really a candle fan, but I do have a few "pumpkiny" ones around the house.

5. Favorite Fall Scarf or accessory?

Miss Selfridges floral skull scarf - I chose this 20 Euro alternative to my beloved McQueen scarves because it is almost impossible to make out the interesting print unless the scarf is folded out... and I love to keep people guessing.


6. Haunted house, haunted hay ride, or haunted corn maze?


 Like I could choose just one....

7. Favorite Halloween movie?

Trick 'r Treat - The greatest Halloween movie ever made. 


8. Favorite candy to eat on Halloween?

Lindt Halloween Mix - This was hard as I'm not a candy person, but the Lindt Halloween collection is just so pretty...


9. What are you dressing up as for Halloween?

There may or may not be a red wig involved, and that's all you're getting out of me at this point...

10. What is your Favorite thing about Fall?

You mean besides Halloween? Definitely the weather, the leaves, the storms - it's the perfect season.

So what do you "heart" about fall? Let me know,  comment below!

Peace, Love and Pumpkins!

Laura 

March Must Haves

I'm in desperate need of a little break from my Neuro-Linguistics paper, and there's no better way of escaping the dry science world than blogging about fabulous stuff. So here are my "March Must Haves" (gotta love a good old alliteration): 

Product List

1) Marni for H&M - the whole collection is fabulous, but I'm especially drawn to this cardigan, so much that I'm gonna stay up on tuesday night to get it  as soon as the collection is released online.  

2) Colored Chinos (Maison Scotch) - I adore them, and yes so far my definition of "colored" is still within the navys and rusty reds, but as soon as it gets warmer I will venture out into the salmon shades.  

3) Quilted Yellow Bag - I found an adorable yellow bag that looks a lot like the lovechild of a classic Chanel Flap and one of those little neon Rebecca Minkoff purses, and yes it is a little tacky but so very cute. 

4) OPI I Don't Give a Rotterdam - I wasn't too excited about the Holland collection, but this color really stood out to me, it is the perfect mix of blue, gray, and lavender with just a hint of sparkle. 

5) Rules of Civilty - This book is like Gossip Girl meets Gatsby in the 1930s, and the outcome is absolutely thrilling (and I'm saying this having read only the first 50 pages).

6) Consolers of the Lonely (The Raconteurs) - It's funny I was utterly obsessed with this album last March and now the obsession is back. Consolers is maybe in my top 5 of all times, and rightfully so - there isn't one song on it that I don't love.  

7) Lindt Fleur De Sel - It's dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt, and the most delicious thing in the world (that is not a certain British actor) ...and I am not even a chocolate person ...at all. 

So what are you loving this March? Let me know, comment below!

Peace, Love and Sunshine

Laura (select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

January Loves

I know I didn't post any december loves, simply because the list would have been pretty much identical to the November post. But it's a new year with new obsessions.  So here we go...

Fashion:

• H&M Fleece hoodie: I got this one on sale for 9.99, and I can't stop wearing it. I usually despise (no that word choice is not too strong) anything purple,  but I love this one enough to make an exception...it's just so cuddly.
• Wolfgang Joop Booties:  They are so comfy, pretty, and wintery. And the color goes with everything.
• Ralph Lauren Flare Jeans: I bought those Ralph Lauren Denim&Supply jeans because the price was awesome (on sale for 50 bucks). But after wearing them a couple of times, I am loving them!  I own a couple of boyfriend jeans by the brand  but never bothered to try other styles - big mistake!  They fit like a glove and are ridiculously comfortable. Go down a size or two though as they tend to run rather big.  
• Burberry Brit Down Coat: I'm living in the  black one I got for Christmas, it's the longer version of the pictured one and it's perfect in every single way. 

Beauty:

• OPI  In the Spot-Light Pink (Femme de Cirque Collection): Usually I don't get excited about polish that's not either black or dark enough to pass at black...so this very light  pink really stands out in my collection. But it has the most amazing finish I've ever seen, it almost makes my hands look porcelain doll-ish - and not in a creepy way.  
• Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Stain:  I just discoved this lip stain a few weeks ago, and it's amazing. It gives a nice touch of color while still looking natural - and the marker design is so cool!  

Entertainment:

• Chuck: This January is the month of Chuck, let's celebrate it before it disappears  from our TV screens (but not out hearts) for good.  
• Hot Tub Time Machine: Mock me all you want, but I adore this movie. It's gold. And totally beats the Hangover.
• Take Me Home Tonight: Another 80s themed movie. Shocker. And as silly as the movie is I like to believe that everyone should try a little doing instead of thinking every once in a while.  

So what are you loving this January? Let me know, comment below!

Peace, Love and Sunshine

Laura (select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Stocking Stuffers

It's Christmas all over again... And if you are anything like me, and still trying to find some little presents for your friends then keep on reading:

Product List

1) Do you have friends who like to read? How about giving them their favorite classic in a pretty new look. Are they into books and technology? Then nothing beats a book cover inspired  iPhone case or a book that helps whenever you can't think of the right 140 characters.  

2) A limited edition nail polish? The best mascara ever made? Soda flavored lip balm? - Things that make  every girly-girl happy.

3) Who doesn't like pillows? They are very huggable...and come in so many designs!  Even with horsies!

4) Everyone has their favorite Disney classic - and H&M has  cute and affordable T-shirts with Bambi and co. on them. 

5) Know someone who needs a little warmth in their life? Then those USB handwarmers are perfect ...and they look like toast.

6) A candy cane shaped tea infuser? Does it get more christmassy than that? And tea is served best with fresh cookies - especially the mustache shaped ones your friends can make with their new cookie cutter set.

I hope this could give you a few ideas!  And the best?  It's all available online, so no shopping stress ;)

Peace, Love and Sunshine

Laura 

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Let's Get Fozzie...

It's that time of the year again...the leaves fall, Christmas decorations slowly start popping up, and OPI releases their Holiday collection!  This year it's inspired by the new  Muppets Movie  (and yes I'm dying to see it!). 

Because I couldn't decide which shade I loved the most I got the mini set (for now):

And every single shade that came with it is a win, but  my personal favorite has to be  "Warm&Fozzie"...it's so pretty that words wouldn't do it justice so see for yourself:

(not my picture)

Now on to the yummy part: this color actually reminded me of a recipe I love: Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips.  It's super easy to make, only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and is so full of delicious flavor that you won't know what hit you...

You find the full recipe with instructions here: Apple Pie Party Dip W/ Cinnamon Sugar Chips 

I however like to use sugar beet syrup instead of apricot preserves and brown sugar (only because I'm not an apricot fan, so this is simply a matter of taste) …but whatever you decide – Fozzie will approve ;)

Peace, Love and Sunshine

Laura 

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