Nailed It! in Mod About You

I know I'm a little behind on the whole nail-strips trend, but as a design major there was never any point in spending a lot of time on my nails, I was just going to chip them the next time I had to comp a project (better that than losing a finger with an x-acto blade, though). Now that I've graduated, I'm still not the most dainty person in the world--my brother claimed me and my sister walked around like an elephant stampede every morning we got ready for school--but on a daily basis I'm not doing anything with my hands that is going to threaten a manicure.

 

So, to be honest, when I first opened the package I couldn't help thinking: what the hell had I just gotten myself into? Then I turned the directions over from the Spanish to English side, and things started getting easier from there. I struggled a bit with choosing the strips that fit my nails best--I'm indecisive over the most minute details in my life--but with a little experimentation I managed. Although the directions suggested using the tiny vampire stake to smooth over the nails, I found it was most effective to use the pad of my finger to smooth everything down first, and then curve it over the edge of my nail with the stick.

I was a bit reluctant to drag the nail filer over anything I had paid close to 9 bucks for, but as long as you have securely adhered the nail strip to the ends of your nails, you're all set to saw away the excess. I ended up just snipping off most of the extra before filing down the rest.

 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects in "Mod About You"

 

Now, it probably took me a good two hours to do both my hands (by the time it reached 1:30 AM I considered leaving my other hand undone and claiming it was trendy not lazy) but after the first hand I started to get the hang of it and things went more smoothly. I was pretty pleased with the results though. The very edges of my nails are most sensitive to a little bit of chipping, but otherwise it's been a few days and the manicure's still holding up pretty well. And if you consider that there is no drying time or base/top coats involved in the whole process, the time pretty much evens out between a conventional manicure.

What do you think? What have your experiences been with similar products?

Coral Cobalt Crush

 

(Tank Top by Forever 21, Cami by Target, Capris by Target, Sandals by Target, and Purse by Aldo)

Last weekend I had a great visit home (ahem, my loving parents spoiled me.) However, I've always been a big believer in getting several pieces of new clothing at cheaper stores than getting ONE really expensive piece at a huge brand-name store. That's not me passing judgment on high-fashion brands, there are several pieces I'm pining over from the likes of Prabal Gurung, Emilio Pucci, and Missoni. But until I've risen from the ranks of semi-broke college graduate, I've got to keep my finances in check. How do I do that? Honestly, Target is one of my favorite places to find clothes. They've been partnering with amazing designers for quite a bit now, and so they know what's up in the world of fashion. Forever 21 is also great for some gems, and my newest obsession for jewelry and purses? Aldo!

Two of my favorite colors this summer have been coral and cobalt blue, and so I decided to mix and match the two in this outfit. I normally dress down when traveling, but for my five hour train ride back to my apartment I decided to go for something a little more fashionable--and it was totally comfortable at the same time! None of the clothing was over $20, and so it totally matched my wallet's capacity.

My FAVORITE purchase was the purse from Aldo. If any of you follow me on Twitter or Socialbliss, you know I've been wanting a structured orange purse. So what do I see when I walk over to the sale shelf in Aldo? That's right, it had my name all over it. The saleswoman was so so sweet too, and totally patient as I tried to limit myself to just two choices. The best part? The purse was originally $50, but was marked down to a sale price of $40...BUT WAIT, all purses on sale had an extra 50% off, so I got the purse for $20!! That's a total steal. And it's the perfect size to hold all my stuff on the days I go into my internship. Although I haven't been using it, it also comes with an attachable strap so that I can wear it over my shoulder. I find it's a little too big to rest against my hip comfortably, but it's nice to have. The backpack I was using before I bought this beauty is feeling ignored, but I think she understands.

Aldo also had some great deals on their jewelry (the silver ring in the above picture was part of a 2 for 1 deal). Another cheap way to add to your jewelry collection? Check out what your mom's packing! I found the adorable silver/red stone ring on her dresser and the second I tried it on claimed it as my own. She's not sure where she got it from--any ideas? I also cleaned out my jewelry boxes while home (there was too much old Claire's and Icing jewelry to be allowed) and found the beaded Marc Jacobs necklace I'm wearing in this look. Oh how wonderful cleaning can be sometimes.

Last thing, I've got to apologize for the less than attractive backdrops in some of these pictures. The apartment is at bachelor-pad status right now, but until I get a boyfriend or hire myself a photographer ;) you'll be getting these lovely Myspace-esque photos from me!

So tell me, what are your favorite colors to combine this summer?

Double Take: Ashley Greene

Ashley Greene is the face of both Mark makeup and DKNY clothing, and so it's no real surprise that the Twilight break-out star is starting to move up the ranks in the fashion industry. Both Cosmopolitan and Nylon magazine featured her as their August 2012 cover-stars. She looks feminine and flirty in pale pink and florals on the cover of Cosmo's “Hot Issue”, while she sports a more casual look on Nylon's denim issue in a blazer with fringe, an old t-shirt, and ripped denim shorts.

Both are totally suitable looks for the last month of summer, and considering the trendy actress explains her personal style to be very adaptable (but always comfortable!), who can really mind seeing double of her on the newsstand this month?

Which look would you rather rock?

Makeup Monday: Daily Routine

So, I'm not much of a beauty guru (my twin sister got that gene, you can check out her awesome blog right here!) but I've slowly been picking up tips from her along the way, and now I've got myself a daily makeup routine! Well, for the days I leave the house anyway. I'm still pretty low-maintenance, so I stick to tinted moisturizer, an under-eye concealer, mascara, and then a lip-color. Lately I've been obsessed with Revlon's new lip balm stains.

(From left to right: Garnier's Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller, Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Tinted Moisturising Day Cream in Natural, Maybelline's The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara in Glam Back, and Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart.)

I like a look that's clean but natural, and so the light-weight formula of both the face products is perfect for me. The moisturizer was actually a gift from my sister who's living in London, and so unfortunately I can't buy this product in America. It's a shame because it's a staple for me now, but the one thing it is missing is SPF, and so the next one I pick up will definitely include that. My sister recommended Laura Mercier's, and there's an oil-free option which is great since my skin tends to run on the greasy side.

Since I don't use eye-makeup, going with a bolder, brighter lip color can be a great way to add a pop of color. Revlon's balm stains last well past my iced coffee, and never dries my lips out. I also own it in Honey and it's the perfect natural pink lip color. I just picked up a Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Buff, and so I'm hoping to start working that into my look soon too.

Oh, and I've got a really exciting position as a fashion marketer for Socialbliss. It's like Pinterest for fashion and style. Get on there and make a profile, it's so much fun! You can check out my collections and follow me here.

Hair Fashion Obsession: Messy Side Braid

I have the type of hair that is super straight no matter what I do to it. I literally shampoo it in the shower, brush it, and let it air-dry. I don't use any product in it and it just behaves itself. It probably sounds like I'm bragging, but I'm really not. The most exciting thing to happen to my hair recently has been side bangs and red dye. I envy girls with hair that just naturally has more texture and volume to it.

So the look I'm really obsessing over right now? The messy side braid. It's a really easy look to wear, and if your hair starts to fall out of it—well, even better! The whole point is for it to look effortless, sexy, and a little messy. It's a less innocent take on the conventional braid, and is a perfect combination of feminine and grungy. The one thing I would recommend for this look is bobby pins. I don't bother with hair spray, but my hair has shorter layers that makes it hard to keep it all together in one elastic. It's also easier if you braid it when your hair is wet, and let strands fall out naturally as it dries over the day.

Aliet Buttelman in July 2012 Cosmopolitan by Diego Uchitel

Cosmopolitan recommends dry shampoo and loose weaving for this look.

Backstage Lela Rose's Spring 2011 Show

The hair stylist at Lela Rose's Spring 2011 show parted the hair to one side, added volume to the crown of the hair, and created a tighter braid at the tips for a slightly more punk edge.

Blake Lively

The Gossip Girl star takes the messy side braid from casual to glamorous with little details. Recently while filming she sported the look with no hair tie, which makes this look that much easier. At the Green Hornet premiere she added a gorgeous piece of dazzling jewelry to dress up the look while still retaining that youthful fun of the side braid.

What's your favorite way to rock a braid? If anyone out there is reading yet, leave me a comment! I'm also looking for some blogs to follow, so let me know what's good!

Celeb Fashion Crush: Alexz Johnson

(Photo Credit: Stephen Scott)

I've been a fan of Alexz Johnson's music for years now (new listeners should check out her un-released Weight album and her newest EP Skipping Stone), and so it was just a happy coincidence that her style was so damn cool too! The beautiful songbird explained in an interview with Fashionism.ca that “I don’t feel like I’m super trendy, I just go with classic styles.” The laid-back artist stresses comfort and fit in her clothing, and whether she's donning an untucked white blouse and black skinny jeans, or a blazer and high-waisted trousers, everything fits like it was made for her.

(Photo Credit: Jessica Earnshaw)

Her style is a blend of feminine grace and masculine structure that radiates effortless chic. She combines basic pieces in neutral colors that lets her huge, soulful voice take center stage when she's performing. I'll have the honor of seeing her perform at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia at the end of July, and am sure she will look as perfectly put-together as always.

(Photo Credit: Melanie Swerdan)

But what am I obsessing about most recently? Her shoes! She's known for staying in touch with her fans through social media like Twitter, and has uploaded several photos featuring her fantastic foot fashion. And who can blame her? Whether it's her “lobster sandals” or bejeweled booties, her kicks are rocking—and as always, look totally and completely comfortable.

(Photo Credit: Alexz Johnson)

Wanna see more? Follow Alexz on Twitter or check out her Official Website to check out her style for yourself and see if she'll be stopping by you on her Skipping Stone 2012 tour!

(Photo Credit: Gabrielle Revere)

No Sudden Revelations

First post! Hopefully not my last considering my track record with past blogs. The blog title is inspired by a shop I stopped in when I was visiting my twin sister in London. I just love how simply they put a message that huge. I know Philadelphia isn't New York City exactly, but that's what I like about it best. I'm a graphic designer with this big dream to end up designing for a fashion magazine someday, but for now I'm happy to start off where everything's a little bit smaller, a little less scary, and a lot less lonely.

I'm currently interning at a jewelry shop in Northern Liberties called Concrete Polish. I'm sure I'll end up doing a post about the place soon because it is seriously awesome. I've been designing there for a few weeks now, and it's made it much clearer for me how badly I want to design for the world of fashion. It's a hard world to break into, especially for a broke, size 14-16 girl, and so this blog is my first hearty knock at the door (because everyone in the fashion world loves a blog, right?)

It's weird writing the first post when you're pretty sure no one's going to be reading it except for close friends and those who finally give in after I spam the link enough, but I'm going to continue to act like I'm writing to a huge audience anyway.

Oh, and you should check me on out Social Bliss. I've been spotting photos on there like crazy.