My Take on Emmy Awards Nail Art

The Emmy Awards aired Sunday night and the celebrities not only dressed fabulously, but made sure to adorn their nails also. One star in particular caught my attention for her uniquely patterned finger tips.

Zooey Deschanel, a young quirky actress and star of the television show New Girl, accessorized her nails with a somewhat avant-garde design.

Deschanel boasted a black and white manicure with a checkerboard pattern. Within the two black squares, she dotted a speck of white polish to create a contrast.

I was inspired by this non-conventional use of black and white nail polish, so I did my own rendition.

Photo: My Own

Using a white creme-finish nail polish, I combined it with a creme-finish black nail polish and created a diagonal free-hand design.

Steps to achieve this look:

1. Paint the nail with a base coat for the nail to stay protected and strong.

2. Once dry, paint two complete coats of white nail polish to allow complete opacity.

3. After three minutes of dry time, grab the black polish and by using the corner of the nail polish brush, drag it along the nail to create an outline of where the black polish will meet the white.

* For this step, I applied the diagonal design free-handed without any tape for guidance in making a straight line. If you prefer to use tape as a guideline, you can use blue painter's tape while gently pressing it on to the side of the nail you want to stay white, as the side that is not covered by the tape will be the black painted area.

4. If using the tape, gently remove, avoiding any pulling of the white layers of polish. It is essential that you apply the tape only when the white is 100 percent dry. After removing, fill in the rest of the diagonal with the black polish.

5. You should be left with a beautifully straight-drawn diagonal nail design! I added extra sparkle because a nail design isn't complete without it!


Nail Polishes Used and Where to Buy:

Base Coat- Seche "Seche Clear." GBS Beauty Supply. $6.50.
White polish- Sinful Colors "Snow Me White." CVS Pharmacy. About $3
Black polish- Confetti "Blackout." CVS Pharmacy. About $3
Silver Holographic Top Coat- China Glaze "Fairy Dust." Sally Beauty Supply. About $8

HAPPY DESIGNING!

Savvy Shopping: TJ Maxx and Marshalls Go Online

Good news my fellow fashionistas,

We have a new outlet for our addiction. Early last week, TJ Maxx and Marshalls launched a feature on their website that many have been begging for.

One can now go online to TJ Maxx or Marshalls, and fuel their love for fabulous finds.

From clothing to shoes to handbags and more, the TJ Maxx website offers reasonably priced basics alongside a feature I love to explore at my local store called 'The Runway.'

Here, one can snag high-end designer labels for discounted prices. The styles may not be the ones currently strutting down the New York Fashion Week runway, but past styles don't necessarily mean passed styles.

Screenshot from TJ Maxx's Website

Take this Nicole Miller blazer, which retailed for over $300 and now is selling for half price. Who wouldn't want to wear some winter white and black lace to spice up their style?


Fashionista Tip: Free shipping with orders $75 or more with code SHIP4FREE on TJ Maxx's website.

It has crossed my mind many times why large companies like TJ Maxx or Marshalls haven't tried to sell online before, but in fact, they have.

A blog post on Market Watch explained that the company suffered from a failed attempt to launch online shopping back in 2004. Now in 2013 when almost everyone has Internet access either in the palm of their hand or on their iPads, maybe now the website can benefit from a larger audience.

I know I'll be clicking the 'New Arrivals' tab once a week, will you?

HAPPY BROWSING!

Swatching the New Essie Nail Polish Fall 2013 Collection

It's that time of year when we dig out our light-weight sweaters, boots and pants. The breeze kicks in and the leaves begin to transition into shades of maroon and amber.

But, since I live in South Florida, the closest I'm going to get to wearing those clothing items is... on my nails!

Essie, one of my favorite nail polish companies, just released their Fall 2013 collection. The collection is called "For the Twill of It," as it relates to the fall weather accessories.

I picked up the mini set of four polishes, so I have those to share with you all! Of course, there is a full collection, a total of six polishes, that you can check out at one of my favorite blogs- The Polish Aholic!

Photo: My Own

Vested Interest is a glossy blend of mossy yet hunter green has a creme finish. I used 2 coats for complete opacity.

I am such a sucker for puns. When I was a little girl, I imagined that one day I would have the job of naming nail polishes.

Want to know a secret? I still wish that...

Next, The Lace is On. 

I love anything with a metallic finish. This is no exception. 

This gold-flecked berry shade is beautiful. Reminds me of fresh raspberries!

Mmmmmm.

I used two coats here with no application problems.

Photo: My Own

Sparkle Anyone? 

Photo: My Own

This next color is called Cashmere Bathrobe. It sounds enticing already.

A charcoal grey is always nostalgic. When I lived in New Jersey, we burned our fireplace throughout the winter months as the snow outside fell down and covered like a blanket. This charcoal shade would hide under the flares of orange and red. 

The slight silver shimmer in this polish is what keeps it fresh, and not something you can grab from any other brand.

I saved the best for last. Cliche, but very true. 

Photo: My Own

For the Twill of It, the inspiration for the name of the collection, is a thriller. Two coats applied perfectly.

A nail trend for the season is called Duo-Chrome. Here, a base color, usually a darker shade, reflects and varies to another shade when in sunlight; hence "duo."

This polish in particular is my favorite duo-chrome yet. Similar to an oil slick, this polish reflects grey and dark brown in one angle, and purple and green in another.

Because this polish has so many facets, it's great for girls like me, who are indecisive when it comes to choosing a nail color. This combines almost everything!

These four minis were the exact ones I would have purchased full size. This collection offers great uniqueness. The brushes on all were sturdy, and applied smoothly.

Price: $8.50 for each full size or $12.50 for set of four mini polishes (try Amazon for cheaper price points)

Where to buy: Most local beauty supply stores; check Essie's website to locate exact buying locations

HAPPY POLISHING!

Are you seeing SPOTS? Animal Prints are Back in Fashion

"A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous"    - Coco Chanel

Being classy and fabulous, however, doesn't always mean that a girl has to drain her bank account. Rocking "the look" with confidence is a girl's fiercest accessory.

And talking about fierce, animal prints are back in fashion- ferociously growling back into style in this fall season. From cheetah, to tiger print, this trend is just beginning.

I tend to think my love for animal print was instilled in me from birth. After all, I'm from New Jersey. After the train wreck of a TV show, "Jersey Shore," aired, every viewer assumed Jersey Girls and cheetah print went hand in hand. I wasn't one to disagree.

If you're itching to get your paws on a great quality piece that you can continue to break out of your closet for years to come, visit a Juicy Couture store near you. And soon! 

Why run? Juicy Couture, known for their trademark yet pricy velour tracksuits, is offering 30% off of everything- including sale/markdowns! As part of their "V.I.P" sale, I scooped up this 100% silk blouse for a final price of $34.99! 

Silk Boho Print Blouse; Photo: My Own

What else is in my closet? 

Bargain staples that continue with the theme of fashion on a budget. But I also believe in splurging a bit on handbags... 

Tiger Striped Shirt- Forever21, $19.80 

Cheetah Print Bodycon Dress- Forever21, $19.80

Zebra/Suede Sandals- Sam Edelman, $70 (originally $129)

Cheetah Print Haircalf "Petty" Booties- Sam Edelman, $80 (originally $160)

Cheetah Print Haircalf Small "A-List Tote"- Henri Bendel, $598

* Every fashionista has to have that one bag that makes her gasp. This is mine. As an employee, I spotted this bag before it even was released to the public. But for you, there is a promotion: Spend $150 and get 25% off the entire purchase at Henri Bendel. 

Photo: My Own

Keep your eyes peeled for the next fashion trend. What do you think it'll be?

HAPPY SHOPPING!