Keep it Classic People!

Tonight I tried Essie nail polish called Fifth Avenue. Their website describes it as a "creamy red-orange blend" but I do not see any orange in it. However, it is a nice red. I am personally not a fan of wearing reds, but I thought I'd try this one on for size. I do think it would look good on other people who are more into rocking the brights. It's very traditional in that it would go well with any skin tone, and I can picture it worn with a black and white outfit with a nude lip and super smokey eye. If there were still ads like the vintage Revlon or L'Oreal advertisements I've seen from back in the day when they only had two or three nail polishes in their line, this would be the red. Not too cool, or too warm, just basic, pretty, and classic.

I plan to wear it until it chips, but I don't know if I'll use it alone again. I may use it as an accent color if I do silver or navy nails for the winter months... And it just hit me, this color would be a GREAT holiday party color if you're not into the ultra dark shades for the colder seasons. Or! Add some glitter over the top and take it all the way to your New Year's Eve celebration.

So, I must confess. I am a recovered nail polish addict. I used to keep a ridiculous amount of nail polishes. When I was younger, I was allowed to polish my nails before I was allowed to wear makeup, so I think I came home from Wal-Mart with a new $1 color of polish that I talked my mom into getting for me at least every couple of weeks. While some girls wanted Caboodles for their hair bows and accessories, I envied them for their polish storage capabilities. I slightly outgrew my childish interest in polish, and then (dun dun dunnn), I went to nail tech school. Which wouldn't have been so bad, but I worked for Sally Beauty Supply at the same time I was in school, and managed to convince myself that my kit was not perfect without EVERY shade I could get my hands on. It was frustrating in the last couple of years when I realized that many of those polishes had never been used or had gone bad and were tossed out. So now, I have a small Rubbermaid container that I use to hold select polishes that I know I will use. Even when I am dying to try a new color, I usually hold out and see if I think about it again once I am not in the store/salon, and if I do, and I think it will never be wasted, I then go back and buy it.



I've also always been an OPI fan because I feel that OPI polishes in combination with their top and base coat stay on my nails longer than any other polishes I've tried. However, I am venturing into Essie and love many of their shades. I didn't have luck with the first Essie polish I purchased (Mint Candy Apple) staying on my nails for more than 24 hours, so I bought the Essie base and top coat to go with it... Still no luck but I'm not giving up! I'll give a few more colors a try before I call it a lost cause.

The main reason why I am reviewing this is because Essie is teaming up with Redken right now and giving away a free bottle of this polish to clients who visit their Redken Salon (Like Regency Salon if you live in my area), and then go to their salon's facebook page, click the "salon" link under the picture on the left, and write a review of their experience. You will have to enter your address and information when the Redken link prompts you, but once you have reviewed your salon you will receive this polish in the mail from Redken! I'm all about a great deal so definitely check it out, and give your stylist a shout out while you're on there!

On The Road Again

I'm on my way home from Atlanta now. My trip was amazing, and the class I took this morning was great. I learned a lot about Pureology products and a new finishing technique that I can't wait to bring back to the salon.

Before I left town I did a little shopping at the Perimeter Mall. This mall was great! I purchased some new things that I will blog about soon, one of which was a leopard print faux fur coat that I intend to wear like crazy this winter (I'm so excited about that)! I know you can't wait to take a look at that baby!

So now, the painful part will be getting home and unloading all of my traveling stuff and purchases. However, I can't wait to get my doggies from "puppy camp."

I hope everyone is having a great start to your week! Have a happy car nap if you're traveling (not driving) like me!

Hello From Atlanta!

I would say HOTlanta but the weather is so beautiful here this weekend. I'm here to attend a Pureologist Certification course tomorrow, which will hopefully be the first step in me becoming a Pureology educator.

If you don't know much about Pureolgy I definitely recommend looking them up or asking me questions. But the reason I'm here is because I can honestly say that I love the way their products work (I have never been disappointed with them in my hair or my clients'), and they are a company that I can say I truly 100% back. Pureology's products are all 100% vegan and are made with organic botanicals. Their goals are to nourish hair in luxurious products, while also giving their customers tools with which they can cleanse and style without harming their color treated hair. On top of all that, the company was started in an effort to create products that have no cancer causing agents, and are gentle enough for cancer patients to use.

As you can see, there are many reasons for me to be excited to learn from Pureology, everything from it's scent to it's causes are wonderful and inspiring.

However, since my class is not until tomorrow morning, I am going to be spending the rest of my day here in Atlanta shopping and enjoying the wonderful sights there are to see here in town!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe weekend!

It's All About the Feet!

At the end of the day, while I sit here and write this I can't help but think back on the days when I cared more about appearance than comfort or health.  The end of the day was always a painful time when  I would  sit and look at my sore swollen feet.  I spent many years on my feet at jobs or in school where I would wear the "cutest" shoes I could find, and I suffered for it.  Thank goodness I finally broke down and invested in a great fitting, comfortable pair of shoes for this summer that have never hurt my feet, and may have even improved my standing posture.

I have been wearing Birkenstock's since July of this year (2011) and have not looked back.  I literally ONLY wear these shoes no matter where I am going or coming from.  I know that they may not be the most fashionable shoe in the world, but I try to make up for the appearance in my clothing and accessories.  It's way worth it.  The specific pair I wear are the Birkenstock Gizeh.  I chose those since they are the closest to the classic flip-flop style that is always a staple during the summer.  I wear them in the silver color, but they also come in a really nice bronze that I would rock too!

Now, I'm not saying that a Birkenstock is the shoe for everyone.  What works for me doesn't have to work for you.  However, I do highly recommend going to a specialist (I just went to The Walking Company in my local mall) who can look at your gait and your foot and assess what kind of shoe you might need.  I cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of your feet, which leads to your legs, back, and so on.  You never get another pair of feet, and chronic pain can have a negative effect on your life, especially your career if you are in a standing profession.

So, at this point you may be asking yourself, "How does she stand wearing the same shoes every day?"  It's really not that bad since I picked a color and style that go with pretty much everything I wear, but I do dress up my shoes a bit to keep it exciting.  I have sewn bows onto clips, and bought fabric flowers on pins meant to be pinned to clothing, but easily pinned to shoes to add some flair to my sandals.  I also try to keep my toenails polished for a put together look.

Now, I don't know what shoes I will move on to when the weather is too cold for sandals.  I hope to find something just as well fitting and comfortable as my current pair, but the Birkenstock shoes are a little to rough looking for my taste.  I may do some research on the clogs and try out a pair.  If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment below!

Thanks again for reading, and always be sure to take care of yourself and put your health and safety first!

And I'm back in the Game!

Sorry for that slight break.  The intermission was due to a family visit from Texas for the holiday weekend.  I hope everyone's long weekend was wonderful!

So, On with the good stuff!

I dared to venture out for Labor Day shopping this week and went up to the outlets in my area.  While I was there I discovered my two new loves for this fall.  First! Boyfriend jeans.  I know I'm probably late on this, but I am seriously impressed!  I've been a lover of the skinny jeans and/or jeggings for the past year or so, and I do believe they will be a wardrobe staple, especially in the winter with boots, but I have found true comfort and style with the looser fitting boyfriend jeans.  I think they're so cute rolled up with a fitted shirt and sandals, or dressed up a bit with ballet flats and a flowy top.  I do believe I'll keep my extra long shirts aside to pair up with the more fitted skinny jeans since I think the length with the looseness of the boyfriend cut is not so flattering to my hips.

My second love of the day was MAC's Liquid Lurex lipstick in the color Dazzle.  It's a beautiful sheer glitter that would look wonderful with any skin tone or over any lip liner.  At first glance I was surprised because the actually hue looked a bit greenish.  However, when I swatched the lipstick on the back of my hand, the green tone was instantly gone and all I saw was wonderful golden pink shine.  Needless to say, I purchased it right away and applied it in the car as quickly as I could.  It has been worn daily since the purchase, and I don't see it leaving my reach any time soon.  As far as availability, it may not be easy to find.  I bought my tube at The Cosmetics Company Store in the outlets, and they tend to only carry discontinued lines.  Also, upon doing some research, I learned that this color is from a collection MAC came out with last summer (2010).  I know, I know, I'm so late, but I definitely recommend getting your hands on this lipstick if you find it anywhere.  I only bought one tube because I'm sure I'll find a new love by the time I run out.

Anyway, enough of my talking and on to the photo evidence!

MAC Liquid Lurex Dazzle

Me rocking in over bare lips (in the backseat seat-belted for safety)