Zoya Nail Polish: Natty Review & Swatches
Zoya Nail Polish in Natty ($8.00 for 15ml) is described as a “smoky deep steel blue with an opaque cream finish,” and is part of the Designer Fall Collection.
Natty is a gorgeous colour and is unexpectedly versatile at that, with its smoky semi gloss finish, Natty is a sophisticated blue with attitude. The formula has a medium consistency and needs two coats to reach fully opacity which is typical with most nail polishes. Regarding Longevity, all of Zoya’s Nail Polishes last at least a week with minimal wear and no chipping and just minor tip wear for me.
Definitely great for the fall and those winter months!
Zoya’s Natty, featuring Butter London’s Wallis as an accent nail (LOVE this combination and these colours!)
Zoya Nail Polish: Aurora Review & Swatches
Zoya Nail Polish in Aurora ($8.00 for 15ml) is described as a “medium sugarplum purple flecked with a high concentration of micro fine diamond holographic glitter.” As part of the Ornate Collection, Aurora stands out as a stunner and packs quite a punch!
The deep purple base stands as a wonderful backdrop to the rainbow concentrated flow of holographic glitter that is truly . The formula itself applies easily and the glitter flecks are evenly dispersed, it also reaches full opacity in just two coats and is fast drying. Regarding Longevity, all of Zoya’s Nail Polishes last at least a week with minimal wear and no chipping and just minor tip wear for me.
Overall Aurora is mesmerizing and is easily one of my favourite nail polishes of all time!
CND Solar Oil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner Review
CND Solar Oil ($4.25 for 7.3ml) is considered a manicure in a bottle with its natural blend of oils such as Jojoba, Almond Oil and Vitamin E. The formula has been developed to deeply penetrate your skin and nails in order to promote healthy, strong looking natural nails. The consistency and formula feels light and upon applying, absorbs quickly into your nails without leaving a greasy or oily residue.
With its simple application, you basically apply it as you would any nail polish by dabbing a small amount of oil on each finger nail and rubbing it into the cuticle and nail. One of the main reasons I love this product is because not only does it help maintain healthy nails but it smells absolutely divine! If you love the smell of almond then you’ll love this! It is extremely hydrating and is great to add to your nail routine.
I’ve been using this for years and a small bottle goes a long way! The bottle I reviewed is the 7.3ml version (which is ideal for traveling), but they do come in various sizes (7.3ml, 15ml, 68ml and 118ml ) all at very reasonable prices.
Available @ Amazon CND Solar Oil 7.3ml Bottle
Modernizing Disney’s Leading Ladies Fashion
In September, Sephora announced an exciting collaboration and revealed the Disney Cinderella Collection by Sephora. Finally I was able to see the whole collection up close and personal during one of my many spontaneous (and dangerous!) trips to Sephora and I have to say its beautifully designed with a whimsical nature that truly captures Disney.
Having said that and coupled with the fact that I’ve been watching the tv show Once Upon a Time (yes I’m hooked!) I was inspired to modernize the leading ladies of Disney’s fashion sense. Check out what I came up with and let me know what you think!
Ariel
Dress – Kaliko Satin Shift Dress, Mid Green – £82.50
shoes – Badgley Mischka PeepToe Pumps Humbie II – $200
clutch – Ivory Shell Clutch Evening Bag – $37.49
nail polish – zoya nail polish mimi – $8
Belle
Dress – Opulence England Embellished dress – $169.99
shoes – Fergie Bunny Pump – $69.95
clutch – Franchi Handbags Angela – $122.99
nail polish – Zoya nail polish cyma – $8
Cinderella
Dress – Notte by Marchesa – $274.99
shoes – Joan & David Outfit – $134.42
clutch – Franchi Judith Satin Clutch – $76.99
nail polish – Zoya nail polish LANEY – $8
Jasmine
Dress – BCBGMAXAZRIA Helyn gathered dress – $274.99
shoes – rsvp Gigi – $59.99
clutch – Lulu Townsend Ring Minaudiere – $29.95
nail polish – Zoya nail polish RICHELLE – $8
Pocahontas
Dress – Hervé Léger Fringed bandage dress – $1032.50
shoes – Franco Sarto Omaha – $41.99
clutch – FranchI Azure Tafetta Clutch – $109.99
nail polish – Zoya nail polish CHARLA – $8
Snow White
Dress – TED BAKER DANAH Drapped dress – $295
shoes – rsvp Sheryl – $55.99
clutch – DVF Tonda Weave Contrast Patent Clutch – $246.13
nail polish – Zoya nail polish Creamy – $8
“Hungry Eyes” By Burger King
The latest Burger King ad campaign in the Netherlands is quite a departure from the more traditional burger and bun ads that we are used to seeing. An unknown makeup artist was hired to create the striking hamburger inspired eyeshadow combo.
The campaign is definitely memorable and reminds me of the “Hungry Eyes” song for the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, the question is will these types of ads garner more hamburger enthusiasts? Typically most women who take care of their figures attempt to stay away from this sort of junk food, so this begs to question who exactly is this campaign aimed at?
Nonetheless it will be interesting to see if this kicks of an eyeshadow trend and give the latest nail art craze a run for its money.
Beyoncé Fronts New House of Dereon Campaign
Beyoncé has only stepped in front of the cameras a couple of times since giving birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy, on January 7. But news that the newly made mum is getting geared up to get back to work is on the horizon as a new photo of the superstar is released for her latest campaign for her clothing label, House of Deréon.
Shot by famed celebrity and fashion photographer Tony Duran shortly before Beyoncé gave birth, the only image released so far features Beyonce looking stunning and sultry wearing a structured stud embellished bodice accompanied by a fierce lion mane for her spring/summer 2012 collection.
The collection comprises of edgy to elegant evening wear as well as contemporary casual tops and jackets with bold use of stunning prints and a color palette featuring soft pastels, nudes and pops of coral and blue.
Below are some of my favorite pieces as well as the promotional video for the collection. Currently the House of Dereon US site states that the shopping online feature is “coming soon.” However if you are across the pond, you can purchase pieces from Lipsy, Selfridges and House of Fraser.
Royal Couple Immortalized as Collectible Barbie Dolls
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are getting the royal treatment from Matetel and are becoming immortalized as collectible dolls. The maker of Barbie dolls announced the news that they will be releasing the special two-doll set in early April, in celebration of the royal couple’s first wedding anniversary.
The limited-edition dolls will be wearing replicas of what the couple wore on their big day last year — a miniature version of the infamous Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown for Middleton, and a red-and-blue military jacket for Prince William. Middleton’s doll will even include a tiny sapphire engagement ring and a version of the Cartier tiara she wore.
Of the doll treatment, a Mattel spokesperson said, “William and Catherine are like a modern day Barbie and Ken. The whole world watched as the two were married in what was a real-life fairytale wedding.” The rep added, “As a fashion icon, it is only appropriate that Barbie would pay tribute to this unforgettable fashion moment.”
The doll-set will go on sale for $155 on April 7 on Amazon.com U.K, but has been made available for pre-order online at BarbieCollector.com for $100. Unfortunately it has been reported that this collection will not be offered in the United States. Below, is BarbieCollector.com’s description of the couple’s miniature version of their wedding ensemble:
This Royal Wedding® Gift Set includes exquisite portrait dolls of the bride and groom now bestowed with the titles, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Catherine doll wears an elegant, yet chic, gown inspired by the original and features lovely ivory taffeta trimmed with lace and faux pearl buttons. Also includes wedding bouquet, silvery tiara, earrings and engagement ring. Continuing the elegance is Catherine’s handsome prince. William is dressed in the brilliant scarlet uniform of the Colonel of the Irish Guards, proudly decorated with royal blue sash, metallic cummerbund with bow trimmed in golden fringe, golden buttons and medallions.
Yasmin Le Bon Models 110-Pound Dress By Stephan Rolland
Former supermodel Yasmin Le Bon, 47 — wife of Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon — took to the catwalk, showcasing Stephan Rolland’s outrageously weighted creation: a red jersey dress made of 147.5 feet of fabric that weighed in at a staggering 110 pounds (50kg)! The dress served as the highlight of his collection and required two male escorts — that sounds bad when saying it like this, but keep your mind out of the gutter! the poor woman needed help! — in order to get the gown down the runway.
The show-stopping gown symbolized the designer’s tribute to material, with the fabric measuring as much as 45 metres at its longest point. As if the sheer amount of fabric wasn’t enough, the red silk jersey gown was embellished with metal panels along the bustier and down the front of the skirt. Not only did it turn heads it also proved that the former supermodel (now 47!) still has what it takes and strutted her sleek silhouette in what became the highlight of the entire show.
One Hit Shoulder Wonders
The one shoulder dress style has become increasingly popular as of late, it offers a touch of elegance that allows the designer to play with the dress’ silhouette to create something unique and interesting.
Featured below are my top one shouldered style dresses that I feel embody this notion while maintaining a classy aesthetic that shows a tasteful amount of skin 😉
1. Rare Jewelled One Shoulder Drape Dress – $42.97 *sale*
2. Lipsy Ruffle One Shoulder Dress – $53.72 *sale*
3. One Shoulder Dress – $29 *sale*
4. River Island Slinky One Shoulder Dress – $37.60 *sale*
5. ASOS One Shoulder Dress with Mesh Skater skirt – $71.62
6. ASOS One Shoulder Dress with Cut Out shoulder – $49.24 *sale*
7. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress, Metallic Sheath – $95.20 *sale*
8. Xscape Dress, Sleeveless Draped Cocktail Dress – $112.45 *sale*
9. BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress, Pleated Evening Gown – $348.00
10. As U Wish Dress, Sleeveless Sequin Gathered – $79.00
11. BCX Dress, Sleeveless Pleated Beaded Sheath – $22.99 *sale*
12. Rare Ruched Dress With Floral One Shoulder – $53.72 *sale*
13. ASOS PETITE Exclusive Body-Conscious Dress – $32.23 *sale*
14. Roberta Dress, One Shoulder Rosette Mermaid Gown – $119.00
Size 6 Now Considered “Plus Size” in Fashion Industry
Plus Model Magazine has published a provocative issue sparking controversy which has shed insight into the disparity between real life women and models.
Although apparent for quite some time, it is clear that in order to model in the fashion world models must meet the standard criteria. The typical runway show comprises of models ranging between a size 0-4, (typically the latter of course) strutting what little meat remain on their bones in a bid to sell fashion. Does this vision of a dangerously waif like size echo the reality of women in today’s society?
This is the same question that Plus Model Magazine daringly raises. The heavy topic (so to speak) is featured in an 8 page editoral, featuring Russian plus size model Katya Zharkova along side a “straight size” model in the nude. The thought provoking photography displays the stark contrast paired alongside controversial headlines that voice staggering statistics discussing body sizes and stating how a size 6 is now considered plus size.
The magazine makes an attempt to add food for thought regarding the issue and had this to say:
The answer to the question is this, there is nothing wrong with our bodies. We are bombarded with weight-loss ads every single day, multiple times a day because it’s a multi-billion dollar industry that preys on the fear of being fat. Not everyone is meant to be skinny, our bodies are beautiful and we are not talking about health here because not every skinny person is healthy.
What we desire is equality to shop and have fashion options just like smaller women. Small women cannot be marketed to with pictures of plus-size women, why are we expected to respond to pictures of small size 6 and 8 women? We don’t! When the plus size modeling industry began, the models ranged in size from 14 to 18/20, and as customers we long for those days when we identify with the models and feel happy about shopping.
Statistics Printed With Photography:
- Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less.
- Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modeling industry continues to be questioned.
- The majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14, while the customers continue to express their dissatisfaction.
- Most runway models meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia.
- 50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater to sizes 14 or smaller.
Overall I appreciate what the editors are trying to accomplish, the notion of embracing oneself and accepting your body type as well as ultimately being comfortable in your own skin is a positive message that requires encouragement and reinforcement. I do however find it repulsive to discover that a size 6 is now considered plus size within the fashion industry. There is no secret on my stance on plus size, we all come in different shapes and sizes, fashion is intended for everyone and it makes little sense to solely display one certain type of image that is not accurately representative of everyday women in society. Evidently a size 6 is now deemed plus size, which raises the question of what are women at sizes 14 and above considered? Ultra Plus Size?
What are your thoughts on this controversial issue?
Adrianna
Adornation 