The Wrap

An update on all things enjoyable from the past week or so.

Last week flew, and yet, seemed so long and so long ago. Wednesday I got back from a little vacay in the Florida Keys (I'll post some photos this week), and spent the remainder of the week being absorbed by the Olympics and getting comfortable with my new "home". While I already miss the Olympics (and the excuse they provide to veg in front of the tv all day), I am excited for what I am determined to make a productive week. Here are a few of the things - mostly nails and food! - that kept me smiling in last weeks' downtime.

{snack time: fruit + nutella}

{freshly-painted toenails, in Essie's "e-nuf is e-nuf"}

{yes, that all belongs to one tree trunk}

{the moon cookies that I ate way too many of... see tomorrow's post for the deets}

{more nails: a multi-tonal pinkish hue I created myself}

Simple Staples II

- Continued from yesterday -

Welcome back. We’re talking about those things you just have to have. While it is obviously important to own pieces you are sure you will love today and tomorrow, you also need to make sure they fit properly and can be combined with other items in your wardrobe for endless possibilities. Don't be afraid to try a size up to get the fit you want and make friends with a local tailor. You should also play dress up in your closet (BEFORE removing the tags) to make sure your "staples" will live up to their purpose. Happy shopping!

1. a casual, neutral blazer in a borrowed-from-your-boyfriend fit: for work or play, use it to keep warm and look cool. the trick: a loose, easy fit

2. an oversized gold watch: arrive fashionably but not late. the trick: again, a borrowed-from-the-boy style

3. sexy, white jeans: wear them year round for a chic and white-hot look. the trick: a tight fit

4. boots: any color, any size, any style, just make sure you have a pair you love to add some rock ‘n roll to any look. the trick: a pair you can walk in like as if you were barefoot. other than that, just make sure they’re awesome

Simple Staples

Staples. Things a girl MUST have in her closet (and if not, here’s your excuse for a shopping trip... you’re welcome!). They come in handy when trying to make the perfect look, or just when you swear you have nothing to wear. The trick is looking for sworn-by styles and fits. Keep in mind that these are meant to be BASICS - pieces that you can [successfully] pair with almost everything else you own.

1. a sheer white blouse: you can seriously wear it with anything, layered under another piece or leave it as the focal point. the trick: long-sleeved (roll ‘em up or leave ‘em down for year-round possibilities)

2. loafers: you can dress them up or down, with pants, shorts, a skirt or a dress. the trick: a neutral color

3. fun shorts in a sophisticated cut: wear them to the office or out on the town, in the winter with tights or in the summer to stay cool. the trick: fitted at the waist and a little bit flowy everywhere else

4. statement skinny belts: keep your pants on, add some flare to your look and accentuate your waist. the trick: colors and patterns

More to come tomorrow!

Gone Fishing

Hello there. Isn't this card the cutest? I received it recently from my Gammy, and decided to share it with all of you. 

I'm on day three of a roadtrip down to Florida, which means that it's almost that time. Vacay time in the Florida Keys! If possible, I will post when I'm not lounging in the sun or gorging on lobster. But if not, I will see you soon. How about Thursday? Let's call it a date.

Until then, have a great week!

Just a Touch of Lavender

I’ve recently had an extreme need for some lavender nailpolish. But instead of giving in and buying a new bottle, I decided it would be way more fun to make my own. Here’s what I used:

But before I began this little DIY project, I gave my nails a good trim. I like to cut first with nail clippers then shape and smooth with a nail file. For a chic look, keep your nails short; aim for the edge of your nail to meet the tip of your finger, like this:

I then mixed the white and purple together, using the back end of a tube of eyeliner to stir the mixture and an old shot glass as a bowl. I then set out to paint, being sure to do two coats and then a top coat, such as Essie’s No Chips Ahead. To keep your polish from chipping at the tip of your nail, run your top coat along the edge. To prevent bubbling, make sure your fingers are cool. You can also dip your hands into a bowl of cool water immediately after painting to make them dry faster, but this can sometimes alter and swirl the color of your polish as parts of the polish dry and cool faster than others. I prefer to quickly stick my hands into the freezer for a few seconds. As a final step, use a Q-tip dipped in nailpolish remover to fix any nailpolish that has made it onto the rest of your fingers. And then, enjoy!

NOTE: If you don’t want to ruin a shot glass, I would recommend using an unused contact case. You can buy them for ultra cheap at any drugstore, and can save any extra color.