Nail Jelly: American Apparel Sheer Nail Lacquer

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American Apparel’s “Sheer” Nail Lacquer collection offers six beautifully bold glosses named after beloved California beaches. While the shades are uber vivid, they are sheer enough to layer, mix and match.

Moonlight Beach: royal blue

Redondo Beach: sky blue

Pacific Beach: turquoise

Zuma Beach: green/chartreuse

Manhattan Beach: fiery coral

Summerland Beach: light peach

The formula is thin but very pigmented. In about three coats – you can get full coverage. However, I love the one-two coats for a sheer jelly-like effect and sheer wash of color. Drying time is quick with a glossy finish. The formula has an average lifespan… a couple days – but chips are easily corrected with a brush-over as this polish is great for layering.

The new sheer lacquers are cruelty-free and available in retail American Apparel stores or online here.

Seasonal Staple: Sweater Dress

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Nothing marries warmth and style better than a sweater dress. This Fall classic is a no-fail, wardrobe staple that works as office-wear, casual-wear and party-wear.

Perfect for layering, the sweater dress can double as an oversized top. Pair with skinny jeans or leather leggings for additional warmth and style. The sweater dress is easy to accessorize and begs for a great piece of jewelry, rugged leather jacket, faux fur or luxe leather boot.

A great option for this holiday season, the sweater dress will work for any occasion.

Here are a few of my favorites:

C&C California ~ 3/4 Sleeve Sweater Dress: $117.60 (sale)

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Knit Lambswool Dress with Tubular Detailing: $218.00

JCrew ~ Cashmere Tee Dress: $278.00

Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti ~ Long Sleeve Sweater Dress: $695.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Pailey Sweater Dress: $194.60 (sale)

Weekend Ensemble: Ella Moss

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In the winter, layering is key. Be on the lookout for a great vest. Currently, there are so many different styles and textures to choose from; faux fur, leather, suede, long, cropped, draped, asymmetrical. Think of your body type when choosing a vest, cropped and belted vests can overwhelm the frame. Lengthen your silhouette with a longer style or darker color.

This weekend, experiment with layers and add a vest. Weather it be menswear-inspired or 70’s-inspired furs, it will be a great in-vest-ment.

Have a great weekend!

Ashling

Sequined Basics: J. Crew Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee

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J. Crew Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee

As the holiday season approaches, sparkle is everywhere. Taken in small doses, sequined pieces can spruce up a wardrobe instantly.

The Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee by J. Crew is the perfect example of pairing glitzy items with simple toned-down ones. Available in black, stormy sea and dark khaki (pictured here), these simple boat-neck cotton tees are drenched in tiny sequins.

Pair with denim or simple black pants for an everyday look. Under a great blazer or jacket with the sleeves rolled to peek at the glittery layers. Or at night, coordinate with clean shorts, tights and textured heels.

Sparkle this season with everyday basics that shine.

Weekend Ensemble: Splendid

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This weekend get cozy in a long shawl-like sweater.

The Pointelle Cowl Wrap by Splendid is comfortable and effortless. The asymmetrical hem provides a cascading style that pairs well with a dark pant.

Throw one side of this sweater over the shoulder and button for a shawl-like effect. Or for an added touch, belt this sweater to accentuate the waist.

Layering this sweater with a silky blouse adds texture and dimension. Keep items simple and unadorned to create this chic look

 

Have a great weekend!

Ashling

Tried & Tested: Susan Posnick COLORFLO

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Susan Posnick COLORFLO

One of the first mineral foundations ever created is Susan Posnick’s COLORFLO. After she was diagnosed with skin cancer, Susan Posnick (celebrity makeup artist) developed a mineral foundation with natural sun protection. She wanted a foundation that had coverage but felt invisible on the skin.

COLORFLO Mineral Foundation is made with all natural ingredients. It lets skin breath and won’t clog pores or irritate skin. It feels weightless on the skin and creates flawless radiant skin.

This sheer coverage foundation is buildable. By layering the product, one can create a medium coverage foundation or use directly as a concealer. COLORFLO provides powerful and natural sun protection and is extremely gentle on the skin.

Packaging is easy and simplified with a built-in application brush. The self-dispensing brush is perfect for on-the-go touchups and fits nicely in any bag.

How To: Perfect Red Lips

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How To: Apply red lipstick (or any color) that is long-lasting and won’t feather.

Needed:

✒Concealer

✒Powder

✒Lip Liner (MAC Red)

✒Favorite Red Lipstick (Tom Ford Cherry Lush)

✒Lip Brush

Application:

✒Apply a light coat of concealer to the perimeter of the lips and on-top of lips. This step will help the lipstick stay and obtain truest color.

✒Set concealer with powder to prevent lipstick from bleeding. Keep powder on the outer edges of the lips to prevent lips from looking dry.

✒Starting in the middle, use lip liner to fill in the lips. Layering is key when applying bright colors. The more layers applied, the longer to come-off.

✒Blend the liner using a flat lip brush.

✒Load the lip brush with color from the bullet of the lipstick. By getting more product on the brush initially, application is easier.

✒Use the lip brush to apply the first layer of lipstick.

✒Between layers, blot lips with a tissue to take away excess moisture.

✒Use the lip brush to apply the second layer of lipstick.

Optional: If you want some shine – add a clear gloss to only the center of both lips. This will make lips appear larger. I like using a clear gloss for high-shine, this way it will not alter the color.

Wrapped Watch: La Mer Collections Bali Watch

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La Mer Collections Bali Watch

La Mer Collections make interesting time-pieces that are unique and intricate. They have a number of different designs to choose from but also have an option to customize your own.

This Bali Watch features a double-wrapped Italian leather strap, studs, chain accent and turquoise crystal. The classic face paired with detailed baubles is modern and expensive-looking. Makes the look of layering bracelets easy and finished.

These time pieces are fun and affordable. Mix and match the different styles for added layers.

Fragrance Tips: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

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Coco Mademoiselle

When it comes to purchasing fragrances and/or perfumes, ever wonder how to make the aroma last longer?

Purchase perfumes in gift sets, where you receive lotions, bath gels even antiperspirants along with a bottle of perfume. To make your favorite fragrance last longer, layering is key.

Identify your pulse points, these are areas blood vessels are closest to the skin, giving off more heat; wrists, behind the ear, crook of the arm/knee and base of the throat. First, apply the body lotion to these areas, then spritz fragrance on top of the lotion. By using the body lotion as a base, when perfume evaporates off the skin, the lotion will still work to provide the scent.

Purchase your favorite fragrance in antiperspirant form. These products are created to work overtime with your body chemistry in which when you sweat, the fragrance is activated. When a perfume works with your body chemistry, the scent becomes stronger. Direct sunlight can unbalance the ingredients in a perfume, store in cool, dark areas. This will also keep fragrance from evaporating.

Fragrances are typically classified according to the strength of their scent. this is normally based on the concentration of scent, oils and levels of alcohol. “Parfum” or “Perfume” contains the highest concentration of these oils. Then come Eau de parfum, Eau de toilette, Eau de cologne and lastly body sprays and lotions.

I grew up with a mother who constantly wore Chanel No5. When I smell this perfume,  it instantly reminds me of her. Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle is my signature scent. It has the same notes of Chanel No5 but a much younger version. When I wear it, I instantly feel warm and comforted.