O.P.I 2017 Spring And Summer Releases

Good afternoon loves,

Today I have a quick peak at not one, but two new collections by O.P.I First is the 2017 Fiji Spring collection that will be released this month.  This collection of 12 polishes contains a plethora of great colors. Some springy, and some not so springy, which, imo, makes for a versatile and complete collection.  

Let's take a closer look.

A few perfectly spring, Easter colors,  a few deeper hues, a traditional red,  and a couple neutrals. You guys know how I go crazy over O.P.I. polish names.  Well, as usual, they did not disappoint.

Two-timing the Zones - vibrant pink
Living On the Bula-vard! - punchy red
Gettig Nadi On My Honeymoon - hibiscus pink
Polly Want a Lacquer? - lavender
Do You Sea What I Sea? - shimmering ocean blue
Is That a Spear In Your Pocket? - tropical teal
I Can Never Hut Up - iridescent gray
Super Trop-I-Cal-I-Fiji-istic - reflection of sea and sky
Suzi Without a Paddle - cool blue
Coconuts Over - subtle taupe
No Tan Lines - warm sunrise orange
Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet - radiant yellow

This collection covers the spring, and it tasks is right into summer colors.

But alas, there's more.  The 2017 O.P.I. Summer California Dreaming collection,  has great shades for the summer.  The two collections together could complete your warm season stash for this year. But, of course, you wouldn't let these collections stop you from greedily scooping up other polishes for the season.

This 12 polish collection concentrates on the warmer side of the color wheel. Reds, pinks, oranges, and neutrals.

This is Not Whine Country
GPS I Love You
Malibu Pier Pressure
To the Mouse House We Go!
Me, Myselfie & I
Santa Monica Beach Peach
Time For a Napa
Excuse Me, Big Sur!
Barking Up the Wrong Sequoia
Feeling Frisco
Sweet Carmel Sunday
Don’t Take Yosemite For Granite

If you pick up any of these polishes, let me know what you think about them.
Ciao for now!AC

New Morgan Taylor Winter 2016 Collection: The Great Ice-Scape

Hello, Hello, Hello friends,


Today I'm excited to tell you about the latest Morgan Taylor Collection.  The Great Ice-Scape 2016 Winter Collection. So cute, and perfect for the cold winter season.  These colors are so well chosen for the theme, I think the collection is a definite winner.  The collection was inspired by the art of figure skating.

The colors from left to right are:  Hey, Twirl-friend!, N-ice Girls Rule, Flirt In A Skating Skirt, Figure 8's & Heartbreaks, Ice Queen Anyone?, and Lace 'Em Up.


The collection releases this month.
As always, if you pick up a few, let me know what you think.
Ciao for now!

Sneak Peak: China Glaze Rebel Fall Collection

Yay, fall is coming, fall is coming!  I love warm weather, but I still look forward to the changing seasons. Soon, we can switch out our summer wardrobe for warmer clothes, boots and sweaters. And best of all the polish companies come out with their latest fall collections.




China Glaze came up with a really terrific collection this year. Most of the colors are on the cool side which strikes me as a little different. When I think of fall, I think Thanksgiving, orange, yellow and brown leaves, hot apple cider, Halloween, orange pumpkins, cornucopia... you get it. All of these inspire warm tones.  But this year China Glaze broke out of the box and went cool. The collection has twelve colors. The cooler tones consist of  two blues, a teal, two purples and a green.  There's a warm red, a pink, a few neutrals.  A couple of the colors might be used best as toppers. No black, orange, yellow, deep brown. I'm impressed at the selection of colors.  And, like always, I have to critique the names. I think China Glaze is giving OPI a run for their money.  Will we have to consider passing the polish naming award over to China Glaze? Well, not just yet. Here's a few.  Jagged Little Teal (Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morrissette), Purple Fiction (Pulp Fiction, perhaps?), Pearl Jammin' (Pearl Jam).  Good job China Glaze.  I have to admit that I've seen very similar colors in previous collections, but that's OK.


If you pick up a few, let me know how you like them.
Ciao for now.

New Collection by Little Black Dress Nail Lacquer is...Dazzling

Hi Ladies,
I have a terrific new collection to show you by Little Black Dress Nail Lacquer.  The collection is called Dazzlers, a collection of eight super glitter polishes. Perfect for the pretty princess in you. The polishes in the photo above are (from left to right),

Shimmering Silver White
Exciting Gold
Tantalizing Tangerine
Captivating Crimson
Smashing Grape
Alluring Azure
Tranquil Teal
Enticing Emerald

Try them out.
Ciao Bellas!

A Morgan Taylor Sneak Peak: Fall 2016 Sweetheart Squadron

Hi friends,
Today I have a sneak peak of Morgan Taylors new 2016 fall collection  The Sweetheart Squadron is inspired by "courageous female pioneers of the aviation industry" With the exception of one shimmery red color, the polishes have a cream finish.
The colors are:
Up In The Air-Heart (a dusty coral cream)
Perfect Landing (a dusty rose cream)
Put A Wing On It (shimmering runway red)
Looking For A Wingman (sultry eggplant cream)
Oh, Para-chute! (dusty sage green cream)
Rule The Runway (slate gray cream)

The polishes also come in a mini set and three duo sets.



Mini 4-pack

Altitude With Attitude Duo

Daring Darlings Duo

Fashion On The Fly Duo

Ciao for now!

Essie's New Summery Neons 2016: "...so electric, it's off the wall!"

Hi friends,
I know, I know, these aren't exactly new, but definitely noteworthy. This is the 2016 Essie spring collection, and it's all about bright colorful neons. This set of neons is quite a bit different than her 2015 neon collection.  These are brighter and truer neons. Although there have been many neon collections through the years, this one has a fresh, crisp feel that's more wearable than some of the more glaring one's.  I think this collection is the perfect bright collection for this spring and summer.

On the down-side, I've heard that the formula for these isn't the easiest to work with, but if you're brave and decide to pick up a few, let me know what you think.

Till next time,
Ciao for now.

Birthday Luxe

Hi friends,
I admit I've been neglecting my nails lately. Too busy for proper grooming. I'm wearing plain polish (no glitter, sequins, holo, or adornment), my cuticles could use a deep moisturizing treatment, and the claws need trimming. In spite of my gross neglect, I still had to dig deep through my archives for a photo or two of manicures that didn't make the cut.  Honestly, it's better than revealing my failing phalanges.

My birthday is fast approaching and I find it interesting that I would post this particular manicure today. I'm not a designer brand driven type of girl. Don't get me wrong, Designer accessories and clothing are great, but if I can't afford the ones I really want, then I'd rather do without. And the fake ones are out of the question. Nothing wrong with them, but I'm just not interested enough to be sure I have a good enough knock-off. So, by choosing this manicure today, does that mean I have latent desires for designer wear? A therapist might analyze that a simple Chanel bag or a pair of Louis Vuitton shoes might satisfy a need I didn't know I had. So, If you guys want to put together a few birthday bucks and buy me a designer accessory, I would greatly appreciate it. In retrospect, I knew I shouldn't have been so stingy with the kids allowances.

Ciao Bellas!

Sneak Peak: Kerry Washington and O.P.I. Coming Soon

Hi friends,

You know from previous posts that I love O.P.I. -fact. Well, now I have something new to be excited about.  I'm sure you've heard that O.P.I. is linking up with Kerry Washington to do a line of polishes.  Guess what?  It's coming real soon.  The fall 2016 line will appear in stores soon, and from what I see,  it's pretty extensive.  I thought the line would have 8 or so polishes, but instead there are almost twice that- 15. Looks like O.P.I. won't have a busy fall since the colors cover every seasonal color you can imagine. What's left? The names of the polishes are in true O.P.I. fashion. Yay!  I believe there is an embargo on details about the line, so I won't say more than what's available, but I can show a pic from Tumblr.

Like I said, the line is scheduled to come out in time for the fall season. I can't wait!
Ciao for now.

Sneak Peak: Morgan Taylors Botanical Awakenings - Spring 2016 Collection

Hi fashionably taloned friends,
Morgan Taylors new 2016 Spring Collection is here. The collection contains 6 all new floral inspired colors including six creme polishes.


Rose-Y-Cheeks, a dusty rose creme.
Warm Up The Car-nation, a hot magenta pearlescent creme.
What's Your Poinsettia?, a deep red shimmer creme.
Don't Pansy Around, a medium pink creme.
Prim-rose And Proper,  a pale neutral pink creme.
I Or-chid You Not,  a steely purple creme.


A mini set accompanies the spring collection.


Botanical Awakenings Minis is a collection of 4 minis including Rose-Y-Cheeks, Don't Pansy Around, Warm Up the Car-nation, and What's Your Poinsettia?

There are also 3 duo packs. Rose-Y-Cheeks/Warm Up The Car-nation, What's Your Poinsettia/I Or-chid You Not, and Prim-rose and Proper/Don't Pansy Around. Sorry, I could only find pics of 2 of the duo sets.

Like most new Morgan Taylor polishes, a collection of gellish doubles are also available.

The colors seem appealing. One in particular, I Or-chid You Not, seems a little unique. I'm surprised there were no green colors included in the collection, but nonetheless, the colors are well suited to the botanical theme.


Will you rush out to buy any? Which ones?
Ciao for now!

Sneak Peak: The Latest In China Glaze: Summer 2016 Lite Brites Collection

Hi lacqured lovelies,

Today I have the latest China Glaze collection that's scheduled for this summer.  This collection consists of 12 bright 80's inspired polishes. You guys know I'm a sucker for cutesy names and this collection doesn't disappoint. Most of the polishes were named after 80's songs.

Papa Don't Peach, described as "a Summer Splendor of neon orange coral" was obviously named after Madonna's hit Papa Don't Preach. 

Whip It Good, "a glistering Summer bright yellow Nail tone" was named after a super popular song by Devo of the same name. 

 

Lime After Lime, "a Summer splendor atomic light green" was named after Cyndi Laupers 1983 hit Time After Time.  I'm so loving this. 

My fave, I think, is We Got The Beet, "a Summer splendor strong vibrant shining awe purple" This name came from the Go Go's song We Got The Beat.

Let's Jam, I think, came from a song by the same name, by MC Fostee. I'm not so sure about that, I had to look it up. But it's the only song during that period that popped up with that name. Let's Jam is described as "a Summer splendor Light pop bubble purple". 

I Got A Blue Attitude came from Patty LaBelles 1984 song I Got A New Attitude.

Last for music, there's What I Like About Blue, which is probably from the 1980 song What I Like About You by the Romantics. This one is described as " a Summer splendor Turquoise sky blue". 

Ok, we covered the music, let's move on to movies. I think there was only one. None Of Your Risky Business came from the 1983 hit movie Risky Business starring the oh so famous Tom Cruise.  Remember the dance scene where Cruise lip sings to Old Time Rock And Roll and dances around in his undies? A memorable scene to say the least.  None Of Your Risky Business is described as "a Summer splendor satsuma dry orange tone". 

Names for the other colors didn't seem to recognizably relate to the 80's, but were nice just the same. 

Hot Flash (Maybe from Flash Dance?), is "a Summer Splendor of Luminous classic red".

Bite Me is "a Summer Splendor of tint of Orange and light Pink".

I'll Pink To That is described as "a Summer Splendor of classic barbie summer pink" Did they say Barbie? Gotta love all things Barbie.

Last, Lip Smackin' Good is "a Summer Splendor of faded pop Pink". 

So, the entire collection is rounded out with 3 pinks, 3 purples, a red, a peach, orange, yellow, green and blue. They've covered the entire rainbow. That's so 80's.

Wait, the Lite Brites collection doesn't stop there. In true China Glaze fashion, there are a number of sets and minis in the Lite Brites line up. 

The Love Shack Duo, named after the B-52's song of the same name has Lip Smackin' Good and Hot Flash.

The Silver Stripe Flash Dance Trio (ah, there's Flash Dance, I knew that movie had to be in there somewhere) contains  None of your risky Business, I Got A Blue Attitude, and a silver chrome Nail art.

Another trio, White Stripe Material Girl Trio, contains I’ll Pink To That & What I Like about Blue with a White Stripe Nail art. Completely Madonna. 

There's also a mini collection called Whip It Good 6 Piece Mini set. This set contains Whip It Good, Papa Don't Peach, Ill Pink To That, We Got The Beat, We Got The Beat,  What I Like About Blue, and I Got A Blue Attitude.

Lastly, there is the Lite Brites Kit, which is another 6 piece set containing: Lip Smackin good, Bite Me, Ill pink to that, We got the beat, Let's Jam, and what I Like about Blue.

I might not rush out and buy these because I'm sure I have dupes of most of them, but I am intrigued by the whole 80's theme thing they have going on there. Another winner for China Glaze, I think.

Will you pick up one or more of these? Which ones?

Ciao for now!



Sneak Peek: Do I Hear Wedding Bells? The New Color Club Rules Of Engagement Collection Says Yes

Hi ladies, anybody planning to tie the knot? Has your love soiled his knee to ask for your hand? Marriage is a beautiful thing, and the wedding is just the beginning of the ride. Flowers, cake, venues, rings, food... so many choices. So much to plan. Now, Color Club can help relieve you of one of the many decisions you have to make. The New Rules Of Engagement Collection has a selection of colors perfect for that big day. The collection hasn't been released, but I'm sure they'll be out before June when the churches and Justice of the Peace fill up with love birds ready for their big day.

The colors are:

Toasted
Pinspiration
Eat, Drink & Be Married
Plus One
Love Is Love
Piece Of Cake
Save The Date

Ciao Bellas

Can't Leave Out the Kiddies: Morgan Taylors' Kung Fu Panda 2016

Hey there beauties, young and...not so young, I have another newbie for you, that's coming out next year. It's a collaboration with the new Dreamworks movie Kung Fu Panda 3

Ok, so the movie is coming to theaters...only. So, that means that you Moms and Aunties can't sit home, save a boatload of money, and enjoy the movie in the comfort of home. But, it's ok because you can buy the new Kung Fu Panda Collection by Morgan Taylor. That's more than a fair trade-off, I think. The collection boasts six new colors in reds, pinks, plum and periwinkle hues, and of course, the names coincide with the movie (who would have guessed that?)

Here they are:

It's Gonna Be Me!
Kung Fu-chsia (cute, right?)
Tigress Knows Best
Warriors Don't Wine
Extra Plum Sauce
Po-riwrinkle

If you catch the movie, let me know how it is. I'm going to sit this one out. I don't think the boys will want to see it. But, I could be wrong. My little guy does surprise me sometimes. So, If I see it, I'll let you know how it is.

Ciao for now.

Sneak Peak: House Of Colour Collection by China Glaze

I just found out about the latest collection by China Glaze. The House of Colour Collection was inspired by creativity, self-expression and individual style. This set will include 12 polishes.

It seems they sell the collection in two mini sets of six each. One set is Roommates, the other is House of Colour. There's also a duo titled Glitter Me This, including the glitter polish of the same name, and the creme, Let's Chalk About It.  As more information is revealed I'll bring you whatever news I find.

Here are the names and finishes.
The Shimmers:

Shut The Front Door
Chrome Is Where The Heart Is
Come Rain Or Shine

The Cremes:

Sorry I'm Latte
Girls Just Wanna Have Sun
Let's Chalk About It
About Layin' Out
Pink Or Swim
In The Near Fuchsia
Don't Be Shallow

The Glitters:

Glitter Me This
Moonlight The Night

Looking forward to seeing this collection.
Ciao Bellas

China Glaze's 2015 Desert Escape Collection

Greetings Lacquer lovers,
I hope your weekend was enjoyable. I didn't come any closer to preparing for the holiday, but I enjoyed spending some quality time with friends.

I may have come to the end of my China Glaze Craze, so I'm finishing up with a vibrant summer collection that launched in June of this year.

I didn't commit to the full size bottles, instead, I got the mini set, and I'm glad I did. Collectively, the selection of colors was well thought out, but a couple of the colors were less than impressive on their own.

My favorite in the set is Meet Me in the Mirage. It's a bronzy gold with tons of metallic shimmer, and subtle pink undertones. It adds another dimension to the set which is dominated by cremes. Probably the least interesting is Don't Mesa With My Heart, which is a  pink cream. The formula is good, but the color isn't unusual, and it doesn't stand out in a line of pinks. The Heat Is On is a bright tomato red creme, and like the pink, it isn't unusual or different than other tomato reds. One color that does stand out, though, is Don't Desert Me which hovers between fuchsia and plum pink. It's my second favorite after Meet Me in the Mirage. Rain Dance the Night Away is a straight turquoise. Not a whole lot of description necessary, just simply a creme turquois. It's refreshing to see a basic creme done well, and it suits the collection perfectly. I think it completes the collection. It's usually a good idea to include a neutral or nude in a collection, so they included a light, clean sand color called What's She Dune. Initially, it seemed to be tossed in as an afterthought, but without it, the collection would be lacking.

As a whole, the Desert Escape collection is an attractive set. The packaging makes you want to pluck the set right off the shelf, but looking at the polishes independently, a few are easily overlooked and forgettable. The creators made wise choices in colors, but maybe a more diverse selection of finishes might make this "Ok" collection a "super" collection.

Thanksgiving is soon upon us, so I'm preparing a Thanksgiving Day manicure. Check back in a day or two. Until next time,
Ciao Bellas.

China Glaze Hologlam Astro-Hot

Hello fashion fingered friends,
Yesterday I had a red China Glaze creme polish for you. Sticking with the China Glaze theme, today I have one of their holographics in a pretty lilac pink. It's called Astro-Hot from their Hologlam Collection. I've found China Gaze holo polishes to be on the weaker side of the holographic spectrum. In a recent post, I showed you a few holo polishes from Color Club's Halo Hues collection, which is the meter by which I gauge all holographic polishes. For me, the China Glaze Hologlam collection sits near the bottom of that scale. With the few that I've tried, I had to double check the bottle to be sure that they were supposed to be holographic polishes. Needless to say, I was not impressed. The colors were nice, though, so I can't be too disappointed. Hopefully, China Glaze will come up with a better formula and give it another try because I so love China Glaze.

What's your favorite holographic polish? I have to broaden my holographic horizon and find a few more. Any suggestions?
Ciao for now.

Mediterranean Charm by China Glaze

Hello lacquered friends,
Today I have a throwback from the China Glaze 2004 Monte Carlo Collection called Mediterranean Charm. I was in the mood for a red polish, but I'n not so fond of the traditional red red. I reached for Mediterranean Charm because of its vibrant not-quite-red, not-quite pink, not-quite-orange quality. This is a very wearable red.

How do you like your red? Are you a true red, orange red or pink red person?
Ciao for now.

Color Club Halo Hues Holographic Polish Review

Happy Manic Monday  friends,

I hope you had as pleasant a weekend as I did. No activities for the kids, no classes, and minimal errands to run. I'd say I had a pretty restful weekend. Today I'm playing catch up. I've been eager to write this review for some time, but quite a few things pushed it further down my To-Do list. Finally, it's time to talk about Color Clubs Halo Hues polishes. I fell in love with these gems on the first stroke of application. As far as holographic polishes go, Color Club is top of the line. The smooth application and rainbow effect put them far ahead of most. There's holographic, then there's Holographic and my rating scale starts at Color Club. If a holo polish comes close in comparison to Halo Hues, then it's good. I purchased a set of six from Live, Love Polish, and I used four of them in the designs below.

Over the Moon

Over the Moon is a soft blue holographic. I used two coats for all of these, that's all you need.

Eternal Beauty, Harp On It

Eternal Beauty is a lovely lilac. You can see how sunlight captures the holographic effect. Harp On It is a reflective silver.

In direct sunlight

Cherubic, Beyond

Both Cherubic and Beyond are holo nuetrals. Cherubic is a light beige with a holographic finish. Beyond is a dark gray holo. All four of these polishes require only two coats and apply smoothly. I experienced no pooling or streaking. And a clear top coat did not diminish the holographic effect.

These are hands down, my favorite holographic polishes. When and if that changes, I'll let you know. But until then, I'm going to enjoy Halo Hues.
Ciao for now.