THE ART OF GETTING NAILED

      picture courtesy wah-nails.com London

Get your mind out of the gutter! This is NOT that type of post, however, this year’s increasingly striking nail trends could heighten your chances of getting noticed by a special someone to help you in that department, but I digress.This season’s manicure brings a noticeable departure from single nail shades from years past, evolving into more of a flamboyant form of individualistic, artistic expression.

“No one finger is the same,” said Marchia Stallensworth, a manicurist who specializes in minx manicures from Polish nail lounge in the South Loop and owner of the Mobile Nail Bar. “There is a movement to make more natural nails jazzed up and flashy.”

At the top of the nail style favorites is The Half Moon manicure, also dubbed the “half-naked nail,” where only half the nail is painted, turning your simple shade into a graphic design statement in a blink.“That came from fashion week,” said Stallensworth. “A lot of designers were requesting the half moon style and people have been coming in and requesting that.”
 

    Japanese nail magazine, featuring 3-D design, UV coating, and piercing - Defyingmainstream.com

Cosmetic retailers are dutifully taking heed of the emergent trend, even enlisting the help of celebrities like Katy Perry and The Beib, to bring the looks straight to you via their very own nail polish lines.

Is your head swirling yet with dizzying nail designs, but you think you don’t have the time, cash, or creativity to partake in all the nail mayhem? Sure you do. Try Sally Hansen’s pre-designed nail polish strips, a surprisingly successful attempt to mimic the Minx manicure from last year. I am actually wearing their Hoodstooth design as I type.

And when all else fails, Stallensworth advises shrewdly, “Go to Hobby Lobby, buy some glitter and make your own glitter topcoat and apply it to your tip, (it’s) a cool way to spice it up…at home.”

My own nail creation:

I used:

OPI Fit For A Queensland

Finger Paints Hue Left A Message?

Nail Art gem stones from Sally's

Send me pics of your nail art!

Orginal content on URChicago.com

D.O.L-Death to the Lace Front Wig

Sigh. You know, I reeaaaally didn't want to do this, but it is time to officially put yet another unfortunate beauty trend to bed. With the power invested in me by Blogger, I am declaring 2011 as the year lace front wigs are put down. I just can no longer take it.

From an extremely warm place in my heart with nothing but the utmost concern, I say this with all the love I have in me, ladies:

TAKE THE LACE FRONTS OFF!!! They’re done. Over with. Finished. A don datta. No more. Please, move on already.

I, rather hastily and optimistically, thought we had moved on from the lace wig movement, but lately, to my mounting fright, I am noticing a slight resurgence and I MUST bind thee in the name of all that is holy.

No matter what celeb or who you see on the daily wearing them, they have had their time and quite frankly, at this point they look ridiculous-even Beyonce and Tyra have seemingly moved on to other hair extension means, so that in itself should be your cue.

I too admittedly partook in the lace front mayhem extra hard; the thought of a seamless, natural-looking hair weave changed just about every hair enthusiast's world, myself included. I have witnessed chicks get in frenzied altercations and clear out entire hair inventories during lace wigs sales at the beauty supply, like no joke. Therefore, I realize the severity of the hair weave. But now as a result of my lace wig days, I am left with nothing but recovering, thinned edges and old pictures of myself wearing what I now call the hair helmet.

Lace wigs are no longer the revered novelty they once were, they just look ridiclously fake.

To be clear, I am proud, card-toting member of W.W.W.W. (Women Who Wear Weave) and I make absolutely no qualms about enjoying a good weave every now and again. Like most women of W.W.W.W. my hair journey has included slight detours with tracks, half wigs, sew-ins, anything with horse hair attached. Lately I'm proudly rocking a crown of my natural hair, but know I plan on enjoying more weave in my bright future with no apologies.

Therefore, do not confuse my sentiments as yet another radical diatribe about why women should not indulge in extensions to enhance their look-it's fake, it's unhealthy, blah, blah, blah. That's not what this is about. I am merely saying as far as the blatant lace fronts are concerned, please do not wear them if you can help it because it’s just simply wack, outdated and unnatural, no matter how much baby hair you use to cover the net (which is another post entirely). Trust, I am just trying to look out for you and yours, and you know who you are too-your scalp is probably tingling now suffocating underneath that horrible, itchy net. I’ve felt your pain.

So I say to you, sis… snatch it off and free yourself. Swing it in the air and declare that this year you will no longer be slave to the dreaded lace wigs.

With all that said, I realize this may offended some of my political connects, but I was told to keep it real, keep it 100 and I had to do my due diligence, for the greater good of women looking their best everywhere.


Besos,
Lenora

How To Get Makeup From Fashion Week

With the end of the New York fashion week festivities and as Spring rather slowly creeps upon us, I thought it would be great to spotlight one key supporting member on the runways- makeup.

Take beauty cues from one of my favorite fashion-forward fashion chicas, the adorable Gwen Stefani, and her L.A.M.B. 2011 Spring collections and some of my other favorite designers. This year’s beauty and fashion looks in a word: bold.

So don't be shy about experimenting with a bevy of color palettes on your face and your wardrobe, and you don't need high-end products to achieve a strong look. Take a look and get inspired:

                            L.A.M.B. Spring 2011:

Betsey Johnson:

Zac Posen:

Dior:

What fashion/beauty statements do you want to make come Spring?

Be a Two-Timing Beauty

In the world of dating, two timing is usually viewed as completely and utterly unacceptable. Lucky for us girls, however, the opposite is true in the world of beauty and cosmetics. Nothing beats the sheer delight of discovering that your favorite beauty product possesses other secret powers that you can call upon in a pinch. And let’s face it, in these economic times, we all have to put in a little extra over time and our beauty products should not be exempt. Here is a list of inexpensive beauty products that can serve more than one purpose, saving you time and much-needed money.

Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss ($6.50, Walgreens)

Not sure what took so long, but the marriage between a breath freshener and lip gloss is a natural fit that equals perfection-not to mention convenience. The latest evolution in lip products, Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint, infuses peppermint oil into your favorite lip color leaving your pout alluring and your breath minty fresh. The 2-in-1 product comes in 13 shades and is a definite date night must that should carried with you at all times.

The Original Moroccan Oil ($40, http://www.moroccanoil.com/)

Everyone is raving about the benefits of Moroccan oil and it is completely understandable. The contents in this little bottle do it all: hair restorator, frizz and flyaway tamer, skin moisture, and cuticle softener. A little goes a long way with the lightweight oil, which can also be used pre-color treatment for a more intense color pay off. It is made from the kernels of argan tree fruit, which is almost exclusively in Morocco, hence the name.

Oral B Vitality Precision Clean Electric Toothbrush ($22.99, CVS/Pharmacy)

Alright, maybe not the most exciting or most obvious pick at first glance (though some would argue fresh breath and clean teeth are the ultimate beauty accessory), but this tool in oral health also doubles as a spa treatment for your face. When used with your favorite exfoliating cleanser, the soft-bristled toothbrush gently buffs out your skin and encourages skin cell turnover, which in turn reveals bright, beautiful skin. You can also use this with a hydrating lip balm to exfoliate your lips before your favorite lipstick for a smooth application. Quick caveat: Purchase two separate toothbrush heads, one for your face and one your teeth.

Pur Mineral’s 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup ($24.50, http://www.purminerals.com/)

Dubbed the “The One Minute Mineral Makeup Miracle,” the title alone sells it. Few ladies would argue with a product that is an all natural mineral foundation, concealer, powder and SPF 15 protection all in one that leaves your complexion flawless. Available in 10 varied shades and rated by dermatologists as the number one mineral makeup formula, this delivers on everything it promises. Think of all the time and space you will save having this in your arsenal.

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara ($4.99, Target)

A kin to the beloved industry favorite Maybelline Great Lash in black, this clear version can be used as a conditioning mascara and an excellent eyebrow shaper. What is great about this product is you won’t have to worry about the messy smudging, clumping and smearing that can be quite annoying with traditional mascara. Bonus tip: Spray an old wand with hairspray and use on your eyebrows for an added hold that lasts all day or on your hair to tame flyaways.

Hope this helps you ladies the next time you are out looking for your next great product. What products do you use that have double the use?

I Need Help With My Foot Fetish!

Cannot believe it’s already the end of July; goodness this summer has gone by in a blink. Soon it will be August and before you know it, fall will be in full swing.

Well I am beating autumn to the punch as I have been daydreaming about boots for a minute now and on the hunt for one boot in particular.

I spotted theses Rogeri boot from Forever21.com a little too late, just as the spring began. Of course they were completely sold out, especially given the price point. Ever since I have seen similar boots but not for the same price and I REFUSE to pay more knowing they exist somewhere for the cheap (Ya'll can feel me #recessionprogession). I am totally keeping my eyes peeled for the boots once again but now I am asking for help. Any suggestions on where I can get these boots from?

(Pics courtesy of Polyvore)