Saturday, August 15, 2015

Summer Stripes

Summer Stripe Dress with Matching Nails

Moving day is quickly approaching and I can't wait to get back to a more normal blogging schedule (and of course hug my cat). Without my desk and nail cave I've been less motivated to blog as much as I'd like. It's going to be a toss up... set up my nail stuff first or the bed? I'm definitely going to need a nap. I might be MIA for a little longer while we get things settled, but I hope to be back in full force soon.

Summer Stripe Dress with Matching Nails

My love of matching nails and clothes inspired these nails. I stamped stripes over colors matching the ones in this cute summer dress. My stripes came out a little wonky though. The stamping image wasn't wide enough to cover my long nails so I had to double stamp it and didn't have the best luck lining up the stripes. I don't have it in front of me right now, but the plate is from one of the newer Bundle Monster sets. I stamped with white Mundo de Unas. My base colors are as follows: 
Tan- ?? ugh.. moving sucks.. I think it was Finger Paints, Don't Make a Scene
Red- Sation, Sparkling Ruby
Teal- Finger Paints, Art Dealer Teal-er
Yellow- Sally Hansen, Expres-so Yellow
Blue- LA Colors, Reckless

Summer Stripe Dress with Matching Nails

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Looking On the Bright Side

Orly Key Lime Twist Skittlette with Stamping and Mirror Ball

If you've been keeping up with recent posts then you've already read all about my adventures in moving and getting a new job. I was so relieved to find out I could keep painting my nails any crazy way I like so I celebrated with this super bright skittlette. Things are finally starting to look up after going through a lot of stress. I was able to schedule some time off work to go back and help move my husband and cat and incredible amounts of stuff. The U-Haul is reserved and I'm so glad I only have to wait another week and a half. It was starting to feel like I may never see them again, but then I am kind of dramatic.

Orly Key Lime Twist Skittlette with Stamping and Mirror Ball

For my skittlette I used Key Lime Twist and Mirror Ball from Orly. Key Lime Twist has a pretty good formula for such a bright neon. I used three coats to even out a tiny bit of streaky-ness and make it look super bright. I also used three coats of Mirror Ball for extra holo coverage. My stamped nail is two coats of Sinful Colors, Snow Me White with Mundo de Unas black stamping polish and Bundle Monster plate BM-604. I stuck on an iridescent rhinestone from a pack I got on eBay to finish it all off.

Below is a shot in the sun to show off the holo and how bright this Orly polish is. These were really fun to wear and were almost enough to cheer me up from missing my family and old home. Soon, it will all be worth it. :)

Orly Key Lime Twist Skittlette with Stamping and Mirror Ball

Saturday, August 1, 2015

The Polished Bookworms: Along Came A Spider

Along Came A Spider Jezzie Flanagan Inspired Nails Red Flannel with Black Leather and Studs

Book club time again! I can't believe I only did three posts since last month. It's been a crazy month indeed. New state, new job and missing my little family like crazy since my boys (husband and cat) haven't made the move yet. I've been dealing with a lot, and reading has helped to take my mind off things and de-stress a bit. 

The book for July was Along Came A Spider by James Patterson. The short version: serial killer, kidnappings, cops, more kidnapping and psychopaths. I liked that the story was written from several different perspectives. I was a psychology major and something about the serial killer psyche is fascinating to me. I'll admit I don't usually enjoy mystery/thriller stories because I hate the suspense, but this one was well written and I was able to enjoy it for what it was. One thing I like about this club is getting to read things I wouldn't normally pick for myself. I think it helps me to be a more well rounded reader.

Along Came A Spider Jezzie Flanagan Inspired Nails Red Flannel with Black Leather and Studs

If you haven't already guessed my nails were inspired by Jezzie Flanagan. When she first arrives at the scene of the kidnapping she's come from her vacation home and is wearing flannel, a leather motorcycle jacket and boots. Is it a coincidence that her last name is Flanagan and she likes flannel? And what the heck kind of name is Jezzie? You have to ask the important questions like these when reading a mystery.

I used Iron Butterfly from Orly's Matte FX collection for the leather. I love this polish! The formula is great for a matte polish. Not too thick or goopy and it dries really fast. It also chips fast. I know I'll continue wearing it because I love it so much, but I won't expect it to last too long. Possibly a matte topcoat could help it last a little longer, but I hate to take away from the natural texture of the polish. I hand painted the flannel using a red and black from LA Colors (sorry, I forget the names and they're all packed away for moving).

Along Came A Spider Jezzie Flanagan Inspired Nails Red Flannel with Black Leather and Studs

Check here for more manicures inspired by the book: