Essie Maki Me Happy Fall Nail Polish Swatch & Photos

/

I couldn't let Mani Monday end without posting well...today's mani! Recently, I've been wearing Essie Maki Me Happy ($9) - a crimson with berry hues nail polish from their Fall 2016 collection. img_1175-ccc img_1252-ccc img_1191-ccc img_1196-ccc

I saw this color at the Rebecca Minkoff S/S 2017 NYFW show and have been hooked ever since. As usual, I applied the grow faster base coat just to protect my nails from being stained and it gives an extra added layer of strength. Then I applied two coats of Maki Me Happy and topped it off with a shiny top coat. Once everything dried, I moisturized my hands, nails and cuticles with Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream.

What color have you been wearing?

xoxo1

-Affiliate Links-

Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish - Take Me to Thread Swatch and Wear Test

/

It's been a while since I did a #ManiMonday blog post and it was largely due to the fact that I haven't tried a new color or formula for my nails that I really wanted to share until now. A few weeks ago, I stopped by Walgreens to check in on the new arrivals for Fall and I stumbled upon Take Me to Thread from the Essie Gel Couture line.IMG_2528 cccThe Gel Couture line of nail polish is a fairly new two-step formula that promises to give you up to 14 days of luxurious wear - while maintaining the color and shine with an instant gel-like manicure that does not require a UV lamp. Naturally, I scoffed at that. I never get more than 2-3 days of non-chipped polish on my natural nails but then again I haven't used gel polish because I didn't want to use a UV lamp and weaken my natural nails or expose my skin to that type of light source directly.

Needless to say I was intrigued to test out Essie's new line and the colors looked beautiful in the store so why not?

First, you want to start off with a fresh set of nails. Remove any residue of previous nail polish or base - you do not need to use a base coat with this line. Next, you can apply the gel couture color that you like - however, before I apply anything to my nails, I make sure to moisturize my hands, nails and cuticles with Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream.IMG_2490 cccThis cream is instrumental to keeping my hands and nails healthy and strong (yes, before you ask, I am working on filming a guide on how to grow natural and healthy nails lol).

Next, I applied two coats of Take Me to Thread and allowed each coat to dry for about 3 minutes before applying another one. The final step - step 2 - is to seal in the color with the gel couture top coat for flawless gel-like shine.IMG_2520 cccIMG_2538 cccThe brush is a bit wider and more tapered than the normal Essie polishes which allows for more coverage and an easier application. IMG_2627 ccc closerIMG_2560 cccIMG_2569 cccNow on to the point of this review; to see if the polish really stands up to its promise of a 14-day wear. So far, I've had this on for 3.5 days. I have done everything normal in my routine: thoroughly washed my hair, washed dishes, showered, cleaned, applied many many products to my natural hair, fussed around at work, styled some photoshoots - everything that I would normally do and nothing has chipped away.IMG_2918 ccc day 2IMG_2929 ccc day 3With Day 3, you can start to see some of the scratches starting to form from just the daily wear and tear but I am beyond impressed with the coverage from this two step system. I will come back and update you everyday up until day 14 so you can see the results but so far - it is a must have!

IMG_2961 copyIMG_2970 copy

Overall: Don't the photos speak for themselves? There are 42 colors available and each gel couture polish and the top coat retails for $11.50. You can pick it up at Ricky's NYC, Ulta Beauty, Walgreens, CVS, Duane Reade or Essie.com. It might look a bit pricey at first, but think about the amount of wear you will get out of one manicure. #WorthIt

xoxo1

How To Celebrate The Fourth Of July in Style (A Quick Nail Tutorial & OOTD Inspiration)

/

Happy 4th of July! Isn't it amazing how much inspiration you can pull from the world around you for your next outfit of the day? I created this outfit for the 4th of July and what started as a simple pair of jeans and white t-shirt spiraled into a montage to the holiday!

IMG_0029IMG_0294 cccIMG_0128

But the star of my look was my nails today! Here is a super quick video tutorial on how to achieve this look all by yourself.

[embed]https://youtu.be/61hYFQwZro0[/embed]

Products in this look: Nail Polish: Starry Starry Night, Blanc, Life of the Party JustFab - Stretch denim jeans Shoes - Shoedazzle Brandee Foot Petals Blossom Cushions

I hope you all have a safe and fantastic 4th of July!

xoxo1

 

Pretty in Pink (Graffiti): Preparing for a Date Night with Escada Fragrances

/

The notion that fashion is just putting on a pair of pants, a matching T-shirt and some stylish shoes is simply untrue. When I get ready for my day, there's so much more to it than just going into my closet and picking out a pair of jeans, t-shirt and pumps to match. Seriously, there are so many factors to consider when picking out the perfect outfit - whether you're going for a casual look or something that you're preparing for a night out on the town. The biggest thing that people tend to forget until the last minute is their fragrance.

Take Pink Graffiti by Escada for example. This Eau De Toilette is a bright floral fragrance filled with fruity notes like: pink grapefruit, red peony, wild strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, violet and hints of vanilla, musk and cashmere wood. Sounds great right?

IMG_4760 ccc

Well this type of fragrance is one that you want to make sure you pair with the right kind of outfit for the right kind of event. Since it's so fruity and floral, you want to make sure that you wear it out for a light and fun event - maybe to a carnival or trip out with some of your closest friends. Since it's an Eau De Toilette - meaning that it has a lower concentration of perfume - expect it to last for up to 2 to 3 hours without having to worry about the scent fading or having to reapply it.

IMG_4759 ccc

IMG_8340

xoxo1

 

Valentine’s Day Nail Art | Red and Black Hearts Nail Tutorial With Rhinestones

/

Valentine's Day nails already? I know, I know I'm either super early (or really late in my book) but I filmed this tutorial when I received a lipstick from the I Adore collection and I was inspired by the packaging and by Nails by Jema. IMG_2989 ccc IMG_3010 ccc

It's a quick and easy, no-tools-needed, nail art design that will wear great for Valentine's Day, date night or even a cute look at the office. So let your inner artist shine and click play to see how to recreate this look.

[embed]https://youtu.be/1otrLj7TSTA[/embed]

Products used: Knees Up Nail Lacquer by Butter London Union Jack Black by Butter London Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat Nail Crystals

xoxo1

-Affiliate Links-

Pop of Color by Kristen Taekman Nail Polish Review and Swatches

/

Happy #ManiMonday! Today, I have a few summer colors of the Pop of Color by Kristen Taekman Nail Polish line to share with you. "The New York City skyline at night may be just a silhouette, but add those lights and suddenly it tells a story. Pop of Color is that little hint of something that adds everything to your look. Whether you choose to compliment your outfit with something vibrant, or with something subdued, you tell your fashion story entirely with that Pop of Color."

Thrust - A creamy dirty plum/eggplant. Photo below shows two coats.

IMG_6859 cropped

Scandal - A creamy bright orange red. Photo below shows two coats.

IMG_6755 cropped

Second to None - a creamy periwinkle blue. Photo below shows two coats photographed outside to show its true color.

IMG_6840 cropped

City by Night - A creamy bronze with specs of glitter. Photo below shows two coats.

IMG_7019 cropped

Delusional - A bright & creamy neon pink. Photo below shows two coats.

IMG_7002 cropped

Hands off - A creamy teal with shifts of glitter in it. I'm posting two photos so you can see the shifts in the color. The photos below shows two coats.

DSC00009 cropped IMG_6988 cropped

Here is a live video of me swatching all of the polishes. I wanted to do this video so you could see how pigmented and creamy the polishes applied (with one and two coats) as opposed to only showing you the still images.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puCZqXhbptk

I'm always a sucker for a good creamy polish and these are insanely pigmented so they are literally a no-brainer for Spring/Summer.

You can order these online at Ricky's NYC for $8 a pop!

xoxo1

-Press Sample-

BeautyCon NYC is My New Beauty BFF

/

Move over ComicCon - let's stop and talk about the event of a lifetime; a beauty lover's dream; the Mecca of fashion and beauty conferences - BeautyCon NYC! BeautyCon is the world’s premiere fashion, beauty, wellbeing & lifestyle destination for fans, brands, and content creators and last week, and we had the amazing opportunity to cover this event for you! Are you ready to start fangirling?

[wpvideo kaXfbdou]

First up was the More Than Makeup Panel that was led by Jay Manuel himself - the expert from America's Next Top Model, who taught us how to bring our inner fierceness out to the runway. He led beauty gurus and influencers Niomi Smart, Lo Bosworth, Nikki Phillippi and Chloe Lukasiak in a discussion that helped us discover who we are beyond just makeup.

[wpvideo L1w4EOL4]

Also, let's just say that we weren't surprised to hear that Lo Bosworth's favorite beauty item in her bag is her fragrance! Your signature scent makes you stand out in a crowd without having to put a drop of makeup on, so everyone should find a scent that captures who they are.

After watching a few of the creators and panelists speak, we got to spend some time shopping! Honestly, we love the feeling of picking out some new beauty products and fragrances!

As the day was winding down, we got to hang out in the Media Room and spend one on one time with some of your favorite stars. Oh you know, just some influencers like Sprinkle of Glitter, Jackie Aina, Chloe Lukasiak, Teala Dunn, Niki and Gabi, Naptural85 and even Angel Merino. Did we mention that we got to hang out with singer and celebrities Jojo and Chrisette Michelle? We told you. Fangirling.

Despite being on the edge of OMG every second, we walked away feeling inspired and humbled by the words of every creator in there. No matter who you are or what you want to do, remember to find the beauty within yourself and once you do, your confidence will shine through.

Thanks again #BeautyConNYC for the event of a lifetime. IMG_1274

xoxo1

Here's To a Happy New Year - 2015!

/

Normally, I try to avoid doing this when a new year rolls around but I figured this year would be the one and only exception.

For the past few years, I've been going through this transition with myself physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially (have I used every -ly word that I can to describe this change?). What I'm trying to say is that it took me a long time to find myself and basically what really made me happy as a person. Just me. Not anybody else. Not my boyfriend, not my parents, not my family, not my friends, not my boss. Just me.

While I'm sure I haven't fully figured that out 100% yet and I'm still trying to find a balance for myself in the real world, I am excited about the progress that I've made so far and everything that I have planned for myself, my career and for you all!

So with that said, here's looking at 2015!

FullSizeRender (8)

xoxo1

JustFab Annual Brand Ambassador Event

/

I hope you all had a beautiful start to the new week! You might be able to feel the happiness that is seeping through my keyboard and onto your screen as you read this. Yes, happiness waves!

I had an amazing weekend and I couldn't wait to come back and share with you guys. So prepare yourself for a picture heavy post.

As a brand ambassador, I have the opportunity to work exclusively with brands on their social media and marketing teams in an effort to reinvigorate the brand and make it relevant and exciting to targeted consumers. In order to do that effectively, it is a necessity that you have a thorough knowledge and passion for the brands that you're representing. So it should come as no surprise that I represent some of the best shoe companies and shoe clubs in the world.

This weekend, JustFab held it's annual Brand Ambassador event in New York City. Ambassador's from all over the world traveled to the city that never sleeps and it was nothing short of amazing. The event started Friday night with a Meet & Greet at La Biblioteca. There were cocktails, appetizers, tons of laughs and of course great fashion shoes.

The next day, everyone met up in Soho for a fun afternoon of team building activities. The Ambassadors were given a challenge to go out in the city and style an outfit for a mystery shoe. However, the catch was that each team was only given $40 to spend to create a stylish outfit with as many pieces as possible. That may sound like a challenge to some but being in New York, my team was able to put together two outfits with tons of accessories and still have change left over!

Once the challenge was completed, we all headed over to Dashing Divas for manicures and pedicures with a catered lunch by Cosi and drinks from Skinny Girl Cocktails!

IMG_9724    IMG_9736  IMG_9738IMG_9794IMG_9801IMG_9830IMG_98421

I wish you were all there to join me but I did manage to bring some goodies back for a few special readers...

xoxo1

Connect with me:

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/candyclosets

Shoedazzle + Barbie Giveaway Ends Tonight!

/

Tonight's the night! Don't forget to enter my giveaway for your chance to win a $50 giftcard to Forever21, a $39.95 credit to Shoedazzle and one Riri Hearts MAC Pleasurebomb lipstick!

These prizes were specifically chosen so you can style yourself to be a Barbie girl! So here’s how this giveaway will work…

Rules: 1. Follow me on Instagram @Candycoatedclosets [Mandatory] 2. Repost the above giveaway picture and use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW – [Mandatory] One entry 3. Create an outfit – [Optional] One entry – You can use Polyvore or whatever other program you like. Make sure you use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see it. Of course, I’d love to see an outfit with any Shoedazzle shoes! 4. You can earn two entries once a day until the close of the contest. Meaning you can enter everyday – once by reposting the giveaway photo and again by posting your styled outfit. Again, use #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see your entries. 5. Your profile must be set to public. I can’t stress this enough. If your profile is set to private, then I can’t see your entries and well you can’t win! 6. Open to the United States and Internationally. 7. Participants must be 18 or older. 8. If you’re entering you must have an account at Shoedazzle so that I can order your credit. If you don’t, then you can choose one item for $39.95 and I will have it shipped to you. 9. Contest ends Monday, September 15th at 7:00pm EST. At that time I will verify entries and a winner will be chosen randomly. 10. Have fun, stay stylish and remember to dream big!

IMG_8362

xoxo1

Connect with me:

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/candyclosets

The Week in a Recap

/

Well, this has been a very eventful week. My head is still spinning from trying to navigate my schedule around work, fashion week and all of the events, parties and deadlines that surrounds one of the biggest weeks in New York. Despite the long hours, no sleep and the humongous pile of clothes, accessories and make up scattered throughout my room, one thing remains the same... this week has been awesome and I can't wait to bring you more news on the fashion and beauty trends during Spring 2015 Fashion week!

2014-09-11-15-23-30_deco

xoxo1

Connect with me:

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/candyclosets

Mia Limited Edition Vixen Platform Pumps

/

Every time I look at the Mia Limited Edition Vixen Platform Pumps, I can't help but smile when I think about the frenzy that surrounds "limited edition" collections. Whether you're a collector of baseball cards, comic books, make-up or shoes, I'm sure you have something in your possession that's "BNIB" and stored away never to be open.

Since I started blogging three years ago, I've discovered the hoarder in me that gives the side eye to anyone in my family who dares to go near my special fridge that is solely used for storing my MAC lipsticks. Yes, a refrigerator for lipsticks...not for food...for lipsticks. Get it together. I had to pull all-nighters just to order the entire Rihanna collection for retail, so...yeah.

IMG_66601 IMG_67941 IMG_68321

Outfit details: Top: Dots Pants: Dots Earrings: Body Central Bracelet: Betsey Johnson Clutch: DSW Shoes: Mia Limited Edition Vixen Platform Pump

xoxo1

Connect with me:

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/candyclosets

Lost Your Inspiration?

/

Lately, I've been feeling a bit torn on which direction I should take when it comes to my career in publishing and media. Should I focus more on the writing and editing aspect of the industry or should I channel my efforts into the creative side of styling and photography?

s

"Life's full of tough choices, ain't it?" - Yes, I mock myself in Disney character voices!

Anyway, until I figure my next move out, I'm doing what any working, fashion conscious, soon-to-be 28 year old would do....spend money! :-) At least this time it's money that is being well spent on research.

xoxo1

Connect with me:

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/candyclosets

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

/

I hope you all have a safe and fun holiday weekend!

watered

Outfit Details:

Pants: Elissa - Nevermind by #Paperfox exclusively on ShoeDazzle Shoes: Kavia on Shoedazzle Shirt: Obey Sleeveless t-shirt Bag: Bnora by Shoedazzle Blazer: Forever new lindsay double zip blazer Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics Riri glam I Earrings: Wild Wing by Shoedazzle Nail Polish: Christian Louboutin

xoxo1

Connect with me:

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/candyclosets

Let the posts resume!

/

-Door knocking- Oh hello opportunity! It’s nice to meet you.

Ok I know that was kind of cheesy but that one line pretty much explains the reason for my absence. I told you all that I had to take a little break from my writing duties, reviews and posting pictures because I had to adjust to a few new things happening in my life.

Of course one can never fully adjust and I’m realizing there just isn’t enough time in the day to do everything that I need to do along with the things that I want to do (and sleep right?) but I’m figuring it all out day by day.

With all of that said, I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things, so it’s time to catch you all up on the pretty little things happening in Candy Coated Closets! Yes, my shoe pictures may have dwindled but that didn’t mean I would stop shopping! I mean, honestly!

Make sure you’re following me on Instagram @Candycoatedclosets Since I’m on the go so much now, I’ll be able to engage and interact with a lot more of you on there!

xoxo1

Connect with me!

http://candycoatedclosets.com

Instagram: candycoatedclosets

https://www.facebook.com/candycoatedcloset

https://twitter.com/candy_closets

http://www.youtube.com/user/CandyCoatedClosets

http://www.pinterest.com/candyclosets/