All that's good in life.
Lands End Canvas
March 24th, 2010
Has anyone checked out the new Lands End Canvas line yet? I am dying to buy some of these pieces. It’s very J.Crew before J.Crew got too big for their pricing britches. Love the prints, classic lines, and clean colors in saturated hues. Everything can stand on it’s own or get majorly pumped up with accessories.
Weekly Français-Robert Polidori
March 9th, 2010
For the first edition of Weekly Français I would like to share some pictures by one of my favorite photographers, Robert Polidori, who has a lovely series of photos taken at the Palace of Versailles. I have included some of my favorites here, but you can see more of the Versailles work and other projects at Artnet.com. Robert is a Canadian photographer well known for his architectural focus and frequent contributions to publications such as Vanity Fair and The New Yorker.
Nail of the Day: China Glaze Designer Satin
March 7th, 2010
Today’s NOTD is from the 2008 China Glaze collection imMaterial Gurl, but one that you can still buy online easily at many of the discount nail supply stores (see below for links and AWESOME prices-China Glaze usually retails for around $6 but many sites sell it for around $3). Designer Satin is a lovely berry fuschia creme that is deep and rich and reminds me of gorgeous raspberries. This particular shade is suitable for year-round wear; bright enough for the Spring and Summer but luscious enough for Fall and Winter. Designer Satin is also suitable for day or night, easily gets dressed up or down, and is conservative enough to wear around most offices. If you are more comfortable with neutral shades on your fingers then this polish is just delicious for toes! Just imagine it peeking out of a great pair of peep-toes or metallic gladiator sandals. TO DIE FOR.
If you can’t tell, I love China Glaze and this polish in particular is in my top 5 favorites.
China Glaze has my favorite formula out of all the higher end polishes. It’s smooth and creamy and has that perfect thickness that gives you coverage without extensive drying time. The picture I have included here is two thin coats over CND Sticky base coat (a clear base coat) and it is perfectly opaque. China Glaze polishes are also incredibly glossy on their own though I always finish my manicures with a top coat (shown here is Sally Hansen Quick Dry Chip Resist formula) for extra shine and durability. I do not usually run into chipping issues when I use a base and top coat with my China Glaze polishes, even on my toes.
If you are interested in buying this polish you will most likely have to do so online, though you may be lucky enough to find it at your local Sally’s Beauty Supply. However, there are quite a few wonderful online sites that give amazing discounts on name-brand nailpolishes and I highly encourage you to check them out. Here are a few of my favorite sites that I have bought from before and have been very pleased with:
Head2Toe Beauty China Glaze: $2.99
TransDesign China Glaze: $2.60
8ty8beauty China Glaze: $2.68
Two of my favorite polish bloggers also have info and swatches about Designer Satin and the imMaterial Gurl 2008 collection:
Frozen pipes and Bowl games
January 5th, 2010
I’m blogging from my parent’s house tonight due to water issues at my apartment. Apparently a pipe burst and while it is supposed to be fixed tonight, I figured a night at my parent’s house would be nice and cozy. Atlanta is actually having a winter right now so I’m not surprised about the pipes freezing. Annoying, but I’m sure people who live further north are much more accustomed to dealing with actual weather.
My Dad and I are getting ready for the Orange Bowl pregame right now. We’ve got our foam fingers out and are ready for a win. GO TECH!!
If anything, I’m very thankful that the game is on FOX tonight and not ESPN. I just cannot deal with Lou Holtz during GT games. They are stressful enough without him. Last week, during the Sugar Bowl, Lou said, “I think that the team whose quarterback comes out strong will win the game”. Really Lou? REALLY? Do they pay you real money to say this stuff?
Bonne Année
January 1st, 2010
Welcome to 2010 mes amies! I don’t know about y’all, but 2009 was gross and I’m primed for 2010 to be full of inspiration and beauty, even if I have to go out looking for it myself. After more than two years at a job that left my spirit depleted, I’m newly unemployed and itching for a life that is more fulfilling. Or at least one that doesn’t make me want to throw things on a daily basis.
Here are a few things that are inspiring me as I type:
David Downton and his fashion illustrations. His pieces are fierce and remind me why it’s so fab to be a woman.
France in general, but Versailles in particular. The style and history of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette is grandoise and fascinating. And really, who couldn’t use a little more grandoise in their life? 
The Sweet Auburn Curb Market in downtown Atlanta. I’m trying to eat more fruits and veggies (5+ servings a day!) and this market makes it so easy. I’ve been cooking a lot more since I lost my job and I’d forgotten how important it is to take the time to get lost in the preparation and enjoyment of food. Somehow takeout at my desk didn’t inspire me. Shocking!
I suppose we can’t get too far into a post on New Year’s Day without talking about resolutions. I don’t usually make resolutions but I do always think and write about things that I’d like to work on. Um, which is basically a resolution but…moving on.
This year I would like to read more. 52 books if possible. 1 per week. I should probably be reading now.
I would also like to explore my surroundings more. I was born in Atlanta and have lived here for most of my life and I feel like I know the city well, but not well enough. Travel in general is welcome, but I’d like to find some new favorite places in my city.
For vanity, I’m really motivated to take better care of my hair this year. A few weeks ago I noticed the insane amount of split ends that didn’t disappear even after a healthy trim. Pretty sure I spent every commercial during the Sugar Bowl snipping away at frazzled ends with my mother’s expensive embroidery scissors. I blame stress, my flat iron, and not getting enough vitamins (which is also why I’m trying to eat more fruits and veggies). Now let me be clear here: I am not giving up my hair dryer or flat iron. It’s not happening. BUT, there are still a lot of things that I can be doing to keep it healthy. Goal #1 is to use a heat protectant every day. I always skip this step to save time and it’s just a dumb hair move. Amirite?
Finally, I want to use my camera more. I always find myself in perfect photo-ops but never make the move to take my camera out of my purse to document those funny and interesting things that make life worthwhile. It’s time for my camera to get the love it deserves.