Good Ol' Greige

Gray is a classic neutral that always works for me.  I used Bundle Monster BM-314, and Sally Hansen Greige.  

Striping Pinspiration

I ordered some striping for my nails from amazon.com recently.  I had never tried them.  This was my first attempt.  I found a nail design to mimic from Pinterest.  Perhaps I could have started with a less busy look…regardless, this was my striping creation.  The stripes started curling and peeling immediately.  I couldn’t stop myself from peeling them all off as they curled.  It was also somewhat of an obnoxious design so I didn’t wear it long.  I’ll try a different method for the stripes next time.

Oh Odette

I love my Ipsy subscription, especially when I get nail polish!  Zoya is fantastic polish.  I have received a few from Ipsy and a few from friends who don’t use polish.  I’m always grateful.  In my February Glam Bag I received Zoya Odette.  Polishing commenced immediately.

I used a Bundlemonster stamp in silver on one nail only.

Retro Love

I was feeling some inspiration for a pinup style nail and this is what I came up with.  Using Sinful Colors Subdued as a base, I chose four nails to add Bundle Monster BM-323 roses in Konad Red.  Starting from the other end I added a Bundle Monster BM-310 black fishnet over four nails doubling up stamps only on the center three nails.

Houndstooth

This is Bundle Monster plate BM-322.  I put houndstooth in black over Sinful Colors Set The Mood, one of their richest colors and a personal favorite.  I left my ring finger in black for an accent color.

Help from Hubby

My husband picked out this nail design which was simple and easy to do.  Turned out to be an all time favorite. I used Sinful Colors Alfresco as a base then carefully painted on Sinful Colors Midnight Blue and Sally Hansen Celeb City as accent colors.  I just used the brushes that came with each polish.

Blue and Gold

This is a simple accent nail.  I used Sally Hansen Why Not and Chi gold for the accent nail.

Duck Dynasty

I think this speaks for itself.  It was really fun to do.

Dress It Up

My coworker gave me a dress and I loved it so much I painted my nails to match the pattern!  I used 4 polishes for this look.  Sinful Colors Easy Going and Tempest, black for the design, and Sally Hansen Debut-tint.  I used BM-225.

Alfresco

Sweet and simple.  I can never get enough blues.  This is a new one from SinfulShine with Gel Tech, Alfresco.  I used BM-301 plate with a silver dusting that is very subtle.

Ipsy Fun Two in One

I love Ipsy!!  I have gotten three bags so far and I am always excited when I get polish.  I've had a lot more fun with Nailtini Mai Tai than the Zoya Piaf from a previous bag.  Mai Tai is perfect for summer, I especially love it on my toes.  I wore it alone on my nails which I never do, but it was just so pretty. I also paired it as an accent color with Sinful Colors Set The Mood.

Tiny Bubbles

This was actually my Independence Day mani.  I didn't want to go crazy with patriotic nails.  This is Bundlemonster plate BM-322 and OPI Most Honorable Red.

Python Summer

I thought this Sally Hansen Sun Kissed was too bright for my skin tone when I bought it last year but I dug it out to give it another try. I like it with the silver python BM-215 stamp as an accent.

A Oui Bit of Red

I'm not sure why I chose these colors since they really don't represent the Spring/Summer seasons. 

Not Your Everyday Manicure

Today I invited Style Maven, Kherington McFarland into my home for a complimentary "Closet Consultation" from Siegel Jewelers.  Kherington is the Fashion Consultant for Siegel Jewelers in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  She provides any fashion related service that you can think of:  closet consultations, event  advice, shopping assistance, or fashion focus parties to name a few.  Kherington is paid by Siegel Jewelers so there is no cost to any of her customers.  Regardless of that, I swapped services with her.  I did her nails and she reorganized my closet.  So here are the results of both.

Kherington showed up at my house right on time looking fabulous, as expected from a fashion expert.  She was very professional and I was comfortable inviting her to take over my closet.  

She provided me with a Closet Cleanout Checklist to review while she emptied my closet.

She asked me a few questions about how I choose outfits each day to determine the best organizational method.  Because I do my nails with such prominent color stories, we decided that organizing by color would be best for me.  Once I paint my nails bright blue, I need to find outfits by color that will be complimentary until I change my polish again.

As Kherington started sorting my clothes by color she would place them back in my closet one piece at a time giving me a chance to ask her about specific items.  Kherington is so sweet, relate-able and down to earth, I had no problem asking her about pairing crazy things together.  There were pieces that I thought I was being too safe with, pairing nude/lace cropped pants with just a black top, and she assured me that keeping it simple is also part of being fashion forward.  

As we were getting into a good groove of putting things back in the closet I was starting to gain more confidence in my own personal style.  I was learning that I have a good eye for the shapes and colors that suit me.  When I asked her about possible pairings, I was dead on, and I already had all of the necessary ingredients for possible new mixes.  

I kept a few items to the side to try on and review with her for fit and pairing.  I thought I would end up with a bag full of  "to donate" clothing, but I only purged four items!  A good reason to have your closet reviewed is to gain a new respect for your old items.  

My biggest worry about having my closet hijacked was that I would end up with a long shopping list.  After Kherington had most of the items back in my closet we started to tackle the Closet Cleanout Checklist.  It was really great to find that some of the things on the list that I thought I didn't have, were actually already in my closet.  With my type of figure, I can't wear a button-up cardigan or an A-line skirt.  I do have substitutes for those items that would still fit the need as a staple.  The cropped cardigan that I have is much more flattering to my figure and Kherington assured me that it serves the same purpose.

I absolutely loved the whole process and it only took an hour of my time.  I generally hate going shopping because I walk around aimlessly for hours and try on (feels like) a million things that all make me feel fat.  Now, I have direction!  I know where there are holes in my wardrobe.  I really need a black pencil skirt!!  I knew this.  Kherington has been telling me for two years now that I need a black pencil skirt.  

Even though Kherington is a friend, coworker and her services are free, I wanted to give her something for her efforts.  Since I have known her she has given me confidence in my style choices and the courage to buy red pants.   More than that, she has given me her friendship which has been the greatest gift of all.  She is one amazing woman.  Kherington sees the good in all people, she is always graceful and positive.  She is that girl who lights up a room with her smile, laugh or even just her presence.  If you haven't had the pleasure of spending time with Kherington, run to Siegel jewelers, go to her blog or follow her on instagram.  You will kick yourself for not doing it sooner.

Find Kherington at:
Instagram: lovekaymomac
Siegel Jewelers Grand Rapids location
www.kmcfashions.blogspot.com

It Was All Yellow

I signed up for ipsy and I got a full size Zoya Piaf nail polish in my first Glam bag! Yay!  So this is my first ipsy creation.  I used Sally Hansen Anenome of Mine as the accent and Bundle Monster plate BM-312.

Not My Favorite

I love this color Easy Going from Sinful Colors, but this was not my favorite nail design.  However, I got a ton of compliments on this.  It figures.

Mesmerized

I borrowed Essie's Mesmerized from a friend and I thought the nail art should match the name of the color. I used bundlemonster plate BM-301.

Retro

Siegel Jewelers is having a 50's theme Estate Jewelry Sale and Party this weekend so I have to dress up in clothes from that era, like a poodle skirt. This is my retro nail using Sinful Colors Easy Going, bundlemonster plates BM310 and BM317.

LOVE for "Natural Environ-Mint"

Using Sephora by OPI's Natural Environ-Mint and Konad Special Black polish.