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.

Clutter-Free Cosmetics: UNII Palette

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Say goodbye to makeup clutter! The UNII Palette neatly stores all your favorite cosmetics in one purse-friendly palette.

This innovative and re-usable makeup case eliminates clutter and allows users to consolidate their makeup into one multi-brand palette. Each UNII Palette comes with a matching movable thumb grip and a sheet of adhesive writable labels. Depot your favorite pans of eyeshadows, blushes, face powders, and gather brushes, eyeliners, lipliners and simply pop them into your UNII Palette. Many makeup brands sell refill options –  see which ones: HERE.

The palette is magnetized so makeup stays securely in place, but can be moved and organized to your liking. Available in six vibrant shades: Honeysuckle, Turquoise, Pear, Lavender, Crystal and Midnight – users can create the ultimate personalized palette. Arrange makeup for day, evening, color or trend. Keep one at home and one in your bag. With a large full sized mirror and durable casing, the UNII Palette is designed to use on-the-go.

If you are unfamiliar with how to “depot” your cosmetics – don’t worry UNII Cosmetics has you covered. Check out there How-To video HERE.

New Rules: Bright Whites

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Societal standards for seasonal clothing have been relaxed since the 1960s. Only those interested in following old-fashion/prehistoric rules believe that women are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Throw those silly rules out the window, pick-up some bright whites and wear them whenever you like.

“Summer Whites” are crisp, clean and classic. Not only does the lighter color keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays on sweltering days, but nothing goes better with tanned skin.

Basic whites to have on-hand this summer, include:

› A classic white button-down is essential to any wardrobe. Worn over dresses, bikinis or on it’s own, a button-down will give just the right amount of coverage on summer days.

› Go beyond the basic white tank with a more detailed and flowy option. There are a ton of lace, crochet and embellished white tanks to choose from.

› White looks especially good with summer’s brightest tones. Colors like coral, yellow, turquoise even neons are universally flattering and make everyone look fresh and pretty. Try a white skirt and a bold top, or a crisp white blouse with a pair of hot-hued pants.

› Use white as an accent. Enameled white jewelry, bag or scarf will help you get your white fix without going overboard.

› A great-fitting pair of white jeans is a summer staple. Period. They look great with just about everything and every heel height, from towering stilettos to basic flats or sandals.

› To pull off an all-white look, go for a pair of nude or metallic shoes, you want a neutral that doesn’t detract from the white. To keep it from looking too ‘clinical’, show some skin in a low-cut blouse or shorts.

Look fresh in “summer whites” with these clean and crisp pieces.

AG Jeans ~ The Robyn Jacket: $198.00

Club Monaco ~ Kimberly Floral Tunic: 149.50

Rag and Bone ~ Dart Jacket: $535.00

BB Dakota ~ Rasalyn Tank: $ 65.00

Victoria’s Secret ~ The Boyfriend Shirt: $49.50

Kate Spade ~Park Guell Long Necklace in White: $128.00

Trina Turk ~ Enamel Brick Gold & White Bangle Bracelet: $98.00

Love Quotes ~ Linen Scarf in Peace: $98.00

Dolce Vita ~ Archer Flat Sandal: $69.00

J.Crew ~ String Bikini: $78.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Runway Keylene Dress: $398.00

Zara ~ Skirt with Paillettes: $79.90

J.Crew ~ Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim: $125.00

Nightcap Clothing ~ Fringe Shorts: 143.00

Splendid ~ Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress: $83.00

Tropical Inspiration: Aqua Eyes

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Bold, turquoise green eye makeup is a perfect summer look. Tropical inspiration from ocean blues and palm frawn greens will make any eye color pop. This color family come in all sorts of textures and consistencies, choose from metallic, shimmering or pastel shades.

Aqua eyes is great look for both day or night. Start with a vibrant turquoise or shimmering green powder or cream eyeshadow and apply all over the lid. Build for more color or leave for a sheer wash. If you don’t want color on the entire lid, try a simple liner. Draw a thin or thick line on the upper or lower eyelid. For true vibrancy, first line the eye with a white pencil and go over with your favorite kohl, liquid or gel liner. This will bring the color to life.

Brighter colors tend to have more pigment and last longer on the skin – so less is more. It’s easier to build color if more is needed,  but harder to remove color if you put too much on.

Here are a few of my favorite tropical-inspired products.

Dior ~ Croisette Edition: $60.00

NARS ~ Shimmer Eyeshadow in Tropic: $24.00

Make Up For Ever ~ Aqua Eyes in 7L – Turquoise: $18.00

Urban Decay ~ 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Siren: $19.00

YSL ~ Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue: $30.00

MAC ~ Fluidline in Waveline: $15.00

Maybelline ~ Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Tenacious Teal & Edgy Emerald: $6.99 (each)

Smashbox ~ Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow: $19.00

To The Max: Pleated Maxi Skirts

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Add a bit of spring to your wardrobe… and step with a brightly-colored pleated maxi skirt. These pieces are popping up everywhere and are available in the most beautiful colors.

Wear these vibrant spring colors now by coordinating with bulky sweaters and cardigans. When the weather permits – transition effortlessly into spring with a simple tee or tank, sandal or espadrille. Wear a statement piece – necklace/earrings/bag/shoe – that plays with color scheme. Example – turquoise and red, royal blue and yellow, purple and lilac… 

The shape of these skirts can often camoflauge the waistline, to avoid this, wear a belt or find a maxi skirt with a different color waist band (yellow skirt pictured).

Topshop ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $40.00

Piperlime ~ Hive & Honey Pleat Maxi Skirt: $59.00

Bloomingdales ~ Alice + Olivia – Shannon Pleated Maxi Skirt: $396.00

Shopbop ~ Tibi Maxi Pleated Skirt: $330.00

Forever 21 ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $24.80

How To: Bright Eyeliner

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Bright eyeliner is a dramatic accent with minimal effort. A pop of color can “glam up” a makeup look instantly.

With this look, you want to tone down all other parts of the face. However, if daring enough, my favorite party season look is cobalt blue eyeliner paired with a fuchsia lip. Create your favorite combination with these easy steps.

Needed:

✒ Eye primer (Favorite: MAC Paint Pots)

✒ Matte White Eye Pencil (Favorite: NYX Milk)

✒ Bright Eye Liner (Favorite: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencils)

✒ Matching Bright Eye Shadow Shade

✒ Mascara

How To:

✒ Prime the lids and under-eye with eye primer.

✒ With a matte white pencil, draw a baseline where the bright color will go. (this will inhance the vibrancy of the color and help with the shape of the line)

✒ Trace over the white pencil with the bright eye liner.

✒ For a more dramatic look, make the outside line a bit thicker than the inside and extend it just beyond the lash line.

✒ Optional: Apply the bright eye liner to the lower lashes, keeping as close to the lash line as possible.

✒ Dip the bright pencil into the matching eye shadow and trace over these lines to increase brightness and ensure longevity.

✒ Apply two heavy coats of mascara to add definition and emphasize the look.

This look can be altered depending on preference and eye shape. Experiment with color and thickness of the line. If intimidated: Start by lining the lower lash line with a bright color only and leave lid neutral. Bright eyeliner is a great way to change-up your makeup routine and attain instant drama.

Great color combinations:

BLUE: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Flipside & NARS Eyeshadow: Outremer

PURPLE: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Ransom & MAC Eyeshadow: Purple Haze

GREEN: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Mildew & Urban Decay Eyeshadow: Mildew

TURQUOISE: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Electric & MAKEUP FOREVER Eyeshadow: 72

PINK: MAKEUP FOREVER Aqua Pencil: 13L & MAKEUP FOREVER Eyeshadow: 75

Hair Jewelry: Urban Outfitters Oversized Turquoise Barrette

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Urban Outfitters Oversized Turquoise Barrette

Get creative with accessories this month and opt for an oversized hair barrette. Simple and polished, this one item can transform a look.

This Oversized Turquoise Barrette from Urban Outfitters is an excellent embellishment that adds a pop of color. The raw turquoise stone provides a natural yet edgy look.

Simply, add this barrette to a high/low ponytail or create a deep side-part, sweep the hair and clip barrette into place above the ear. Use as an ornament to compliment any classic chignon or french twist style, or decorate a plain headband by attaching barrette to the side.

Don’t want to wear this item in your hair? Fine… Attach to scarves, bags, bracelets or necklaces, the possibilities are endless. I have recently detached the clip and hot glue-gunned the stone to an old black clutch, instantly creating something new. With so many options, barrettes provide a finished appearance with a simple click of a clip.

Sole-Mate: Diane von Furstenberg “Zia”

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Diane von Furstenberg "Zia"

The “Zia” shoe by Diane von Furstenberg is simplicity at it’s best. This platform heel is modern, sexy and comes in an assortment of different colors.

The criss-cross pattern is extremely flattering and elongates the leg. The 4 1/2 inch heel is surprisingly comfortable as is the soft suede texture and elastic heel strap.

This citron yellow hue will brighten everything it is paired with, from an evening dress to casual romper. I favor any combination intermingling royal blue denim and these lemon-soaked sandals.

Diane von Furstenberg’s “Zia” platform sandal is available in black, camel, fawn, fuchsia, ink, taupe and turquoise. With so many colors to choose from, there is a sole-mate out there for everyone.