DIY Manicure - Get Creative #2

Hola,

How goes it my fellow fashionistas? How has this lovely day treated you? It was rather cold in New York City but other than that, for me it was a pretty good day.

I have to tell you that I loved writing my last post "DIY Manicure - Get Creative," I'm thinking I'm going to do more of these as I do more manicures this summer. I'm ecstatic to let you all know that last week's mani with the pretty glitter lasted SEVEN days. Yes, that's a record for me. I only had to touch it up once but other than that, the manicure lasted until yesterday. Woop! :)

So after removing the polish last night, I figured I'd continue the creativity trend. I'm elated to say that the outcome was once again fabulous. So without further ado, check it out...

Note: I know last week I listed some of the products I use as far as strengtheners and top coats so I've included photos of these below as well in case you'd like to purchase them. Here goes:

I call it my "Blue Galaxy" manicure:

^^^

Rings: Purchased at H&M

Note: I simply adore the mid-finger ring look for this summer. It takes a bit of getting used because it feels like their falling off your finger. However, once you do get used to them, they give your hands and mani a very pretty and delicate look. I always go with gold because it goes better with my skin tone, but you can try silver as well. Whenever I get a manicure, I love wearing rings to spice up the look.

^^^

A Closer Look

Below are the products I used to get this look:

^^^

"Millionails" base coat and nail strengthener by: Essie

* I just starting using this product so I will let you all know how good it is as far as strengthening goes in a future post. When I touched up my mani, I added another coat of this before applying the top coat.

^^^

Nail Color: "Blue Bombshell #335" by: Maybelline

* Needless to say apply two coats. This color is a bit on the matte side so you can use it either way, with or without the top coat for added shine. I went with the shine this time because of the next product I used...

^^^

Confetti Polish in "Pixel Perfect" by: Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear line

* I happened to see this polish at Duane Reade one day and scooped it up. It's pretty fantastic. When applied over the right color, it gives your polish a very pretty and out of this world look (literally, hence the reason I call it "blue galaxy"). This polish was very easy to apply and all the little assorted confetti is easily scooped with the brush. With the blue, it reminds me of another galaxy with stars and dust all around. I love it! :)

^^^

Top Coat and Shine "Good To Go" by: Essie

* I adore this top coat. Not only does it add shine and seals the polish, but it also dries in an instant. I don't know about you, but once I'm done polishing my nails, it's really hard for me to stay still until they dry. I end up smudging at least one nail - Grrrr. This product is my savior. It dries instantly. Try it and give me feedback.

~ The End ~

So there you go my sweethearts. This week's manicure was another hit with the girls and I am beyond in love with it. I'm hoping that this one lasts just as or almost as long as last week's. I will let you know in my next "Get Creative" post. Well, what do you all think? Like it or nah? Will you try this look? Is it easy for you to get creative with your manicures or do you prefer to go to the nail salon? Also, are you all feeling the "mid-finger" ring look this season? Have you tried it? ... You all know the deal, comment below and give me your feedback or suggestions on some creative looks that you'd like to see me try. This will be fun but you have to click "comment" and let me know. Let's chat, share, debate... whatever you'd like to do, I'm game. Go! #engage

As always, thank you for stopping by my "Open Closet."

Hasta Luego,

Gracias,

AnnaCris <3

DIY Manicure - Get Creative

Hola,

Happy Friday night my loves! I hope that wherever you are and whatever you're doing, that you're having a fabulous time. I've chosen to stay in tonight as I try and alternate my weekends between going out and staying in. Tonight it's the latter.

Since I'm in, I figured I'd write a quick random post...

So on Tuesday night I decided to do my own manicure. I usually do them myself as I feel I do a much better job than when I have them done at the nail salon. The only difference is that I don't get the pampering I would get when someone else is massaging my hands, etc. Another reason I do them myself is because for whatever reason, when I have them done at the salon, the color starts chipping the very next day and that just gets on ALL my nerves! Grrrr! However, lately I have been taking the easy road and just having my nails done at the salon. This is out of pure laziness and impatience and nothing else.

Now back to Tuesday night... I was supposed to attend an event the following evening and so I threw all laziness out the window and got right down to it. I had recently bought a new nail color by Essie and several weeks ago I purchased the cutest glitter by OPI. I figured it was time to make use of both. BTW, I adore adding glitter to my manicures. I think glitter is fun, cute, girly and eye-catching. Anyway, I wanted to share the outcome as I've gotten many compliments from my "creativeness." ;) ...Check it:

I pretty much go through the whole process myself.

1. File nails (usually square shaped).
2. Cut any hang nails and excess dry skin.
3. Soak in warm water (I add a few drops of lemon juice to strengthen nails)
4. Push back cuticles (never cut).
5. Thoroughly wash my hands and scrub off any excess dead skin.
6. Apply lotion.
7. Dab a Q-tip with some nail polish remover (without acetone) and swipe each nail to remove excess oils.
8. Ready to polish...

^^^

- Base coat: "Millionails" - by: Essie (Strengthens nails)

- Nail Color: "After School Boy Blazer" - by: Essie (two coats)

- Glitter: "Be Awesome" - by: Nicole by OPI

- Top Coat: "Good To Go" - by: Essie (Shines, Dries Super Quick, Prolongs Polish)

- Rings: Purchased at H&M

^^^

A Closer Look

Above is a closer look. Just so you know, this glitter was a bit hard to scoop out of the bottle which in a way made it better to strategically place them on my nails. I could only get about two or three on the brush at a time so that kind of helped for me to place them around the nail. Allow this coat to dry before applying the top coat to seal the color. My nails are still intact on day three. Usually by now they've started to chip.

So there you have it ladies... What do you think? I'm in love with this look and I think I will try it again next time. How creative do you get with your nails? I tend to do all sorts of designs. Glitter, stripes, two different shades, polka dots and one time I even did cute little flowers. It takes time and practice but it's so much fun and kind of relaxing for me. The other thing is that I LOVE bright colors especially in the spring and summer months. Do you ever do your own nails or do you prefer going to a nail salon? If you go to the salon, do you ask your manicurist to get creative or do you just polish and go? You all know the deal... comment below and let's share our fabulousness with each other. I'd love to hear your routine and/or how creative you get nowadays with all the fun ideas for fun and pretty manis. Go ahead comment below. Go! #engage

As always, thank you for stopping my "Open Closet."

Hasta Luego,

Gracias,

AnnaCris <3

Look Book #2 - My Latest Finds...

Hola,

What's going on my fellow fashionistas? How's life treating you these days? Can you believe it's already April? Sheesh! I need for time to slow down just a little bit because I have so much to do, or maybe I just need to pick up my pace... ;)

So I hope everyone has already read my last post "Spa Time... How to DIY At Home" and that you even tried some of the recipes I shared. They really are super easy and affordable so you should at least try a couple. If you haven't checked out the recipes yet, go on over after reading this post and let me know what you think. I plan on doing more DIY posts in the future so if you liked that one, stay tuned for more. If you have any that you'd like to share, comment them or email me and I will include them in my next series and give you a shout out.

Alrighty then, I know I'm really behind in my "Look Book" series and I figured now would be the perfect time to introduce the second installment. I've actually made some really cute, fabulous and cool purchases in the last few months. However, I'll only post a few as most of what I bought was for winter wear. I did buy some adorable and affordable accessories so get ready for some cuteness. If you don't know the "Look Book" drill, the idea is to post photos, descriptions, prices, brand names (if any), and links to a website if available so you can go and perhaps do some shopping yourself. Now let's get started my loves!

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So a few weeks ago I had a couple doctor appointments scheduled and I took the day off to make traveling to and from easier. My first appointment was in the city and when I was done, I had enough time to check out what was new at TJ Maxx which is where I found this beauty...

The "Jazzy Geos Satchel" by Anne Klein. At TJ Maxx for $49.99 (original price was $89.99). This vibrant blue was what first caught my eye being that it's already spring plus given my love affair with bright colors, how could this bag not be mine. My one and only con is that the bag does not have enough outside pockets. I like these pockets for easy access to my metrocard, office key card, tissues, etc. Other than that, I adore it. It's very comfortable, and it does have a slit pocket on the outer backside where I can fit my metrocard. I've made it work. The lining is black with white polka dots which I find simply adorable. It also includes a strap which I've attached and shorten to the perfect length. I usually just carry it on my elbow because that's the "stylish" way of carry bags these days. So if you like it, check out the link:

http://www.anneklein.com/Jazzy-Geo-Satchel/91333344,default,pd.html?variantSizeClass=&variantColor=JJ169MM&cgid=90923851&prefn1=catalog-id&prefv1=anneklein-catalog

Note: The above link is to the Anne Klein website as I've combed TJ Maxx' and the bag seems to not be available online. However, you can go the Anne Klein site and check out the other colors that are available or visit your local TJ Maxx store. 

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So for the longest time I've wanted a pair of cowboy boots. I think they are so cute and they go great with summer dresses and shorts. I never really got around to shopping for them because I have this issue that all my boots have to be fitted around my calf since I have slim legs. Most of my boots are taken in for this reason but obviously, you cannot take cowboy boots in because of their shape. Anyway, my lovely friend Gretchen put me on to these cuties below... She's quite the expert as she's been riding horses for like forever. She promised that they would fit perfectly around my calves - not completely fitted but not too wide and she was right.

The Ariat Magnolia Sunflower Stitch Cowgirl Boot in brown. Purchased online at Sheplers. Discount price of $149. The original price is $169.99. I have yet to wear them because we've had such awful winter weather in New York City and I didn't want to ruin them. I do plan on wearing them soon with jeans, maybe with a cute summer dress and perhaps throw all caution to the winds, and wear them with some shorts this summer. Will keep you posted. ;)

The link to the boots is below:

http://www.sheplers.com/Ariat-Magnolia-Sunflower-Stitch-Cowgirl-Boots-Medium-Toe/18056.pro?parentCategoryId=448&categoryId=459&subCategoryId=460

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I'm going to guess that by now, you all know that I adore over-sized watches. I have several but I really wanted a rose gold watch. I found the perfect one online at my favorite store Express. Again, I got it on sale with a discount so try to grab one of the many sales at Express if you'd like to buy.

The "Multi-Function Watch" in Rose Gold. Purchased online at Express. Price: $88.00. The original price is: $148. The color is so lovely and it goes with anything you wear whether it's casual or dressy. It's a bit large on the wrist, well at least on mine because I have the wrist size of a toddler LOL. I had to re-size it which by the way, I learned how to do it myself. Hmm, that could be another DIY blog post though ;). Anyway before I continue to digress, the watch is still available online along with other beauties so go ahead and click on the link below to have a look. Simply said, this watch is gorgeous!

Check it out here:

http://www.express.com/clothing/multitofunction+watch+to+rose+gold/pro/4521401/cat410001

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I purchased this flirty skirt below at Express as well. I actually picked it up on the very last day of 2013 during one of their best sales ever. The original price was $59.90 and I think I only paid about $30 for it. It's no longer available but it's so cute that I still wanted to include it. This style is great for the summer months to wear with a sexy pair of heeled or flat sandals. It will go great with a dress shirt for work or a tank top/t-shirt for a more casual setting. Plus my favorite thing about this skirt is that it has side pockets!! Oh the loveliness and what a great surprise for me! I love dresses and skirts with pockets.

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Accessories are in my top five must haves. They undeniably add flair to any outfit whether casual or dressy. There's a store in New York City called "Afaze" which I love. They have walls of costume jewelry at great prices. I mean let's face it, until we can all afford to go all out on diamonds, rubies and such, costume jewelry will have to do. So a few weeks ago I went in to check out what they had and found this cute little set. A little bling, gold and chains cannot steer you wrong. They were a hit with my girls and the price was perfect: $5.95/set. Not available online.

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So let's go back to boots... Every time it would rain, I'd say to myself "AnnaCris, you HAVE to buy a pair of rain boots." The thing was I didn't want just the same old boots I saw everyone wearing. I wanted something stylish, cute and different and I finally found them. Check out these beauties...

The "Everham Rain Boot" by Sperry Top Sider. Purchased online at Zappos. Price: $60. How fabulous and stylish are these boots? They're waterproof, with a micro fleece lining to keep your legs warm. The great part is that the fleece is not too heavy so you can get away with wearing them during a rainy spring/summer day. The checkered shaft is made of a canvas like material that also remains dry and the even better part is that they fit perfect around my calves! I get so many compliments when I wear them and one of the ladies at my cousin's salon went as far as to buy a pair for herself. :) #flattered

Unfortunately, the boots are no longer available at Zappos, but they are at Sperry Top Sider for $64.99. Check them out at the link below:

http://www.sperrytopsider.com/en/everham-rain-boot/10576W.html?dwvar_10576W_color=9599572#cgid=women-shoes-wet-weather&start=6

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Hat's and scarves are also on my top five. These days I've a soft spot for "slouchy hats." They are so cute and comfy. The same goes for "infinity scarves." I love them in bold and bright colors as well as prints as seen below. Spring is the perfect time for both. Be cautious not to choose fleece or wool material as these will be too warm for the weather.

I purchased both items at a store called Joyce Leslie. They're similar to Forever 21 in prices and cuteness. The price for both items: $8. A colorful or neutral slouchy hat and a bright scarf both go great on a casual, kind of windy spring day. You can wear either or both if you're wearing jeans and a light jacket. I included a photo of two different ways I wear my favorite hat to give you a sense... Website was not available.

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This little number is all kinds of cute. I purchased the flirty skirt at H&M several months ago so it's probably no longer available. This skirt is great for the warm weather months. The mix of dark, light and bright colors of the material make it easy to pair with any solid colored top. It will look great with a tank top or even a t-shirt during the summer. The price in store: $29.95.

The black short-sleeved crop sweater has no buttons and is perfect to wear over a maxi dress or a tank top during the summer months. I found this at Joyce Leslie as well. The price: $16.

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In one of my previous posts, I mentioned that I had traveled to Colorado for work back in February. While at this fabulous hotel called the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, I found these adorable pair of wedge booties by TOMS at a cute little shoe boutique and I just had to buy them!

The "Suede Desert Wedge" in Chestnut has a 2 3/4 heel and has a cute lace up front. Available online at TOMS. Price: $89. I wore them that same night to a dinner and then drinks and fun until the wee hours, and I must say that these are one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I've worn in a while. Not to mention that these are my first pair of TOMS shoes, and I have now participated in the "One for One" program where when you buy a pair of shoes, you are also helping to improve the health, education and well-being of a child.

Go ahead and click on the link below to check them out. You'll have a better photo as I could not get the right light to enhance the color of the shoes:

http://www.toms.com/womens/shoes/wedges/chestnut-suede-women-s-desert-wedges/s

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Let's continue with the Colorado theme... I found this beauty in a quaint little shop in Breckenridge, Colorado. As you can see, I lean towards coppery, gold and/or rose colored metals as they complement my skin tone. This store had tons of cute jewelry, hats, socks, scarves, etc. I couldn't decide what to buy, but I definitely wanted this bracelet. It goes with everything since it's a neutral metal with brown leather straps. I've also gotten plenty of compliments about this item. I must visit Colorado again as it's an incredibly beautiful state! The price of the bracelet was: $10.

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Of course I couldn't go without buying at least one pair of jeans. The "Super Skinny Super Low" Jean. Purchased at H&M. Price: $29.95. I actually bought three different pairs, but these turned out to be my favorite. I usually buy most of my jeans at either Express or Guess because since I'm so slim, I need something that will fit to a tee and enhance my tiny curves. You know some of us slim ladies do have cute little butts and some small curves too ;). Both Express and Guess seem to fit all my jeans needs to perfection. This time, however, since I've been on a strict budget I went out on a limb and bought all three pairs at H&M. The prices were very affordable (19.95-29.95). I was not disappointed. Wow! The fit is perfection all around. The color is dark denim blue which I love and also the super low rise slim fit is fabulous.

Click the link below to check them out:

http://www.hm.com/us/product/00978?article=00978-A

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I'm a true fan of stripes. Mostly thin stripes if I have to choose. This knit skirt is the cutest thing. I purchased it at H&M along with the jeans. The stripes are navy blue and white. I wore this to work the other day with a pair of black boots, dark tights and a white top. This skirt will also work during spring and summer paired with a tank top, fitted t-shirt or for the office, a short sleeved blouse. Price in store: $5.95. Not available online.

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In keeping with the H&M theme, I picked these up as well. Yep, I'm on a budget but trust me that I got a good sale and did not, by any means, break my bank. These cute little rings need no caption. Price in store: $2.95 - $5.95. Not available online.

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Last but certainly not least... These wonderful, amazing and super comfy UGGS are to die for! I know winter is over, but I had to include these because they are just so delightful.  The "Ugg Sunburst Tall Boot." Purchased online at Victoria's Secret. Price: $295 (same price as on the UGG website). I have to admit that I did break the bank with these, but I deserve to splurge once in a while. With fur trim on the inside all the way into the foot area, these boots are the coziest, sweetest things ever made. My feet were never cold during all the freezing winter days in New York City. I adore these boots with my heart and soul. They make me feel so warm and fuzzy. My heart is hurting at the thought of not being able to wear them until winter returns. :)

Note: The boots run a bit large so I would buy a size smaller than your usual. Also, I checked both the Victoria's Secret and UGG websites, and could not find them so they may no longer be available. :( or you'll have to wait until fall or winter to see if they re-stock.

... The End ...

Phew! Can we say shopping spree? I came home with plenty of goodies in the past few months and these were just a few of them. The fun part was that I not only shopped in New York City, but I also traveled and did some more shopping. I was quite busy but also impressed that I did not break my budget (well minus the UGG boots, but I couldn't resist). I'm looking forward to posting "Look Book #3" as that will mean that I'll have to hit the stores again pretty soon. ;)

So there you have it my loves. I hope you enjoyed part two of the "Look Book" series. Feel free to click on any of the links and visit the stores. Even if you're not interested in what I've purchased, you can browse around any of the sites and maybe see something that you'd prefer. If you do, you know the deal... come back and share. Otherwise, if you have anything you'd like to share, questions about my purchases, etc., please comment below and let's chat about our fabulousness. Go! #engage

As always, thank you for stopping by my "Open Closet."

Hasta Luego...

Gracias,
AnnaCris <3