OMG Nail Polish Strips review + a bold lip.

a bold lip speaks volumes.

as does a great manicure.

throwing out some valentine's vibes with red on my lips,

love on my shirt, and hearts on my nails.

what kind of valentine's vibes are you giving off this week?

(Lips: LAQA & Co. 'Palate Cleanser')

(OMG Nail Strips - Hearts Pink & Black c/o)

OMG Nail Polish Strips review

if you're like me and don't have a good chunk of time to sit and do your nails...then wait for them to dry, you'll love these nail polish strips from OMGNailStrips.com.

nail polish strips [are different from nail wraps and stickers in that they] are actually made with nail polish but without the drying time. they are thin and stretchy making them easy to mold to your nails. no heat is needed.

the strips feel like nail polish on your nails (slightly tacky like almost-dry polish, but it IS dry...weirdly cool!), and it is recommended that you apply a topcoat.

i loved that i was able to get things done while doing my nails. i applied a couple nails, threw some laundry in the dryer, applied a few more nails, stopped to make lunch, finished off my nails...

pros: only $7.99/set of 14, fast and easy to apply, no heat needed. if you have short nails, you can cut the strips in half and get two nails out of each sticker - doubling its value.

cons: other than wishing they had more designs, i don't have any cons specific to OMG Nail Polish Strips. like any other nail stickers, they needed to be trimmed to fit my tiny nails, and that's what took the most time. if you have short nails and have to trim the stickers, consider the design you choose. you may want to choose smaller and/or repetitive patterns vs a single design that may end up being cut off. 

current special, pick any 5 sets for $25 + free shipping with code: 5pack

have you tried nail polish strips?

(Express top; BCBG skirt; Jessica Simpson shoes via Lulu's; JustFab bag)

get the look:

in the now.

as we come down from the holiday highs, many of us are busy jotting down resolutions, reflecting on the past year, or making goals for the next. i tried to write something thoughtful reflecting on 2013 or what i might expect for 2014, but honestly? i've always kinda lived in the now. yes, i have made "those" resolutions in the past...exercise more, eat healthy, try new things...and i do resolve to do them again. but those have become a given. and, sure, i have dreams. i have milestones that i'd like to reach in the future, but if i focus too much on them, then i lose sight of what's right in front of me. i miss out on what's happening, now.

so for the next year, i plan to just do. whatever. whenever. because my kids want to. because i want to. because it makes us happy, right now. and i can only hope that these experiences will build a better foundation for those [future] dreams and milestones. at least that's what i'm telling myself, right now.

are you a planner? or do you go with the flow...

roll with the punches?

ozoni (mochi soup) eaten on new year's day in celebration and in hope for a good year.

(outfit c/o Patty's Closet; h&m bag (similar on sale!))

animal print mix.

this skirt is an animal print lover's dream. i spotted this skirt before i even walked into Patty's Closet. well, as soon as i walked in...and i went through the motions of trying it on even though i knew i was getting it. i was already sold on an animal print pencil skirt but was jumping for joy inside when i saw the zipper in the back. i'm wearing it with a sheer blouse also from Patty's Closet. the neckline and shoulders have pretty detailing that you can't see in these photos, unfortunately. the only fail was the blouse getting stuck in the zipper every time i used the bathroom. on one occasion, i actually had to leave the bathroom and get someone to help me. fashion always comes with a price, though, right?

lunch with a friend included pizza, salad, and my newest obsession...san pellegrino sparkling beverages.

(outfit c/o Patty's Closet (808-625-6441); bag & shoes c/o JustFab)

shop the look:

style me. striped maxi skirt.

reader request:

my sister bought a black and white striped maxi skirt similar to this one and needed ideas on how to wear it to work.
"style me!!" she said. so here are my thoughts:
since she is in a management position, she should continue to look professional even on casual days. my suggestion is to pair her striped maxi skirt with a shrunken blazer that is structured and short in length. the shorter length balances the maxi and keeps the look from being too frumpy. i might also pair it with silky button-ups or crisp white shirts that are tucked
in and belted.

her skirt has thin stripes and almost looks solid black from afar, which works out better for the office. this is the only striped maxi skirt i have, but you get the idea.

maxi + tank + blazer

maxi + crisp white shirt

maxi + long-sleeved dolman tee

maxi + peplum top

maxi + peplum top + blazer

tips for keeping your maxi skirt office appropriate:

- avoid loose oversized tops which can look sloppy and too casual

- skirt should cover shoes without touching the ground

- keep the outfit simple and unfussy

- stick to [dark] basic colors

- avoid large prints

try these:

*need ideas on how to style an item? email me.

red + leopard.

red + leopard is one of my favorite combinations.

not sure if red makes the leopard pop, or if leopard makes the red pop...either way, the two always seem to work nicely together. after realizing that all my pencil skirts are black,

i picked out this red one from Foymall. i particularly liked

the detail at the waist.

a few things to consider when shopping at Foymall:

- read the descriptions carefully, and research the materials. familiarize yourself with some of the blends in your own closet so you will know exactly what you are purchasing.

- always check the measurements provided. i assumed "free size" to mean one size fits all, but this skirt is tight. i'm a size 0, and this skirt fits like a 00-0 or XS/S.

- when in doubt, just ask. drop them an email or

use their live chat feature.

tell me one of your favorite combinations.

thai coffee + blueberry cream cheese bread pudding.

(skirt c/o foymall; ON shirt; JustFab bag c/o; enzo angiolini shoes via nordstrom rack)

you might like these:

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a week of work wardrobe basics. archives.

this week was all about work wardrobe basics. build your wardrobe around these key pieces, and there will be endless re-mixing possibilities. as always, take the time to find pieces that fit you well so that you feel comfortable and confident when wearing them. i highlighted a few items throughout the week; here's the full list and some ways i've put them together in the past.

1) black pants

2) pencil skirt

3) jersey dress

4) dark denim

5) button-down blouses

6) black pumps

7) crisp white shirt

8) blazer

9) tees in neutral colors (white, black, gray)

10) black long-sleeved shirt (turtleneck or cowl neck)

11) cardigan

12) utility jacket

dark denim / button down

jersey dress

pencil skirt / cardigan

button down blouse / black pants

pencil skirt

 

black pumps / button down shirt

blazer / pencil skirt / white tee

crisp white shirt / black pumps

black tee / pencil skirt / black punps

button down / pencil skirt 

button down shirt / utility jacket / dark denim

black tee / pencil skirt 

hope you enjoyed this week of work wardrobe basics.

are there any basics on your list that's not on mine?

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in case you missed it:

monday's black pants

tuesday's pencil skirt

wednesday's jersey dress

thursday's dark denim

a week of work wardrobe basics: dark denim.

another must-have in your work wardrobe is a pair of dark denim jeans. it's acceptable in most offices and looks polished and professional compared to lighter washes. invest in a good pair, and you will always have something to wear. this has been the go-to item in my closet because of its versatility. i'm wearing it here with a crisp, white shirt (also on my list) for a simple and classic outfit. a bold necklace and fun bag keep it from looking too much like a uniform.

two things to consider:

fit and style: a trouser style or boot cut works well. it should be fitted through the leg with a flare that allows the jean to fall nicely over your shoes without bunching. a skinny jean works, too, as long as it isn't too tight at the ankles. opt for one with a mid to high rise waist, and it should be fitted, not tight.

design: none! plain, non-descript, dark denim is best. the more embellishments it has, the less versatile (and office appropriate) it becomes.

i've had this pair for the life of this blog! here's the proof in one of my first posts! it's finally starting to fade...time to start looking for a replacement.

(express denim; gilly hicks shirt; jessica simpson shoes)

you might like these:

in case you missed it:

monday's black pants

tuesday's pencil skirt

wednesday's jersey dress