Five Fingers: October

This is the first in a monthly series on nail ideas.  Five different nail ideas will be chosen, including:

1. A bright shade
2. A nude shade
3. A dark shade
4. A pretty design
5. A seasonal shade/ design

This month, I have chosen all of them myself, but, starting with November, I would like to feature ideas shared with me that you have either done yourself or have found online.  To share an idea with me, please email a picture or two, plus if you found them online, a link to the source.  My email can be found by clicking Contact tab.  For November, I will be accepting submissions until November 1.

1. A bright shade:

Add caption

Essie Raspberry Red.  This pretty berry tone is just bright enough.

     2.A nude shade:

Picture from nailgalore.my

OPI Chocolate Mousse

This is such a warm and cozy color! Like milky hot chocolate.

    3. A dark shade:

Picture credit: Peachypolish,com

OPI First Lady of Nails. Olive is such a great color this time of year.

    4. A pretty design:

Picture from nailsalwayspolished.blogspot.com

Gold tip French manicure. Pretty and polished with shine.

   5. Seasonal:

Picture from Nails by Brandi

Green with gold accents.  This adds a bright, but not overpowering touch to any look.

And there you have it. I hope I've inspired you to do your nails and don't forget to submit your favorite nail inspirations by November 1.
Which idea is your favorite out of these five? Comment below.

Ready for Fall: Part 2- The Food

Credit: Sally's Baking Addiction

I love fall food.  Everything from the pumpkin to the apple pie.  It's always something to look forward  to this time of year. 

Pumpkin Spice Anything

Not everyone is a huge fan of pumpkins spice, but I for one am pretty much a fan of anything with the flavor. Some of my favorites are:

• Pumpkin Custard Pie
• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
• Pumpkin Spice Frappucino
• You can DIY this one by putting left over pumpkin pie filling in an ice tray for pumpkin spice cubes and blending with coffee and other ingredients
• Pumpkin Muffins
• Pumpkin Caramel Cookies

Apple Pie

Apple pie is great.  What's more American than apple pie? Hmm... still thinking.  Anyway, apple pie, especially caramel apple pie is great.

Credit: Bakedbyrachel.com

Hot Chocolate

I drink hot chocolate year-round, but it is only really seasonally appropriate when it starts to get cold.  Some of my favorite flavors are:

• Classic Hot Cocoa with milk
• Mint Hot Chocolate
• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• White Hot Chocolate
• Caramel Hot Chocolate

Credit: SheKnows

Ready for Fall 2016: Part 1- The Wardrobe

Fall is probably my favorite season.  If not, then one of the top two. Or three. Or four. Anyways, I love fall, but as you noticed, am also terrible at picking favorites.  I thought I would help you all prepare for the new season with some reasons to be glad that it's finally here in a multi-part series.

Part One: The Wardrobe

Layering:

A stylish answer to weird weather.  Layering can be anything from adding a cardigan and scarf to adding leggings and a sweater... and a vest. I look forward to layering because

1. I can still wear summery items while still dressing appropriately for the weather
2. You don't need to wear a coat because of all the layers
3. Super cozy
4. It's just a great look

Boots:

It's not too hot to wear your favorite boots.  They can dress up or down any outfit and look stylish. Win-win.  Ankle boots work well for early fall and add pizzazz to jeans or a classic black skirt. 

Sweaters:

I don't know about you, but I love sweaters. And sweater season starts with fall.  Solid cable knit pullovers always look nice, whether they are worn by themselves or if they are paired with a printed button-down.                                                                                




Picture Credits: All found on Pinterest: Trendlove, Beauty Riot, popsu.gr

Reboot

If you've been to this site before, you will notice that many changes have been made.  I have been inactive for the last few months and have finally decided to start blogging again.  However, I have decided to make some changes in things such as content (besides the obvious aesthetic differences).  Don't worry- these will not be major content changes and I believe that they will only make this blog better and more personable.

Survey!!!

Hello, again!
I've made a survey to help me make my blogs better. Please take the survey here: http://goo.gl/forms/aEGyG6nNNYnPm2ST2
I will seriously use the info that will be given through the survey to help my blogs and myself grow.  Thank you!

How to Wear Sperry's: 5 Ways

Hi, everyone!
I got my first pair of Sperry's last month, and let's just say I'm obsessed!  They are so cute and comfy and they go with almost everything! That's why I am doing this post.

Way 1: Sperry's with a striped shirt and jeans. I love stripes, Sperry's, dark wash jeans and cute jewelry, therefore I love this outfit.

classycathleen.blogspot.com

Puppies & Pretties on Pinterest

Way 2: Dressing down a dress by wearing  a shirt dress with Sperry's and a casual bag.

Way 3:  With shorts and gingham.


women-outfits.com  on pinterest

Way 4: Plaid shirt and denim skirt with a scarf, beanie and Sperry's. I love that the colors are coordinating.

apostolicfashions.polyvore.com

Way 5: Pastel sweater with a striped pencil skirt. Pencil skirts, sweaters and Sperry's-always a good idea.

apostolicfashions on Polyvore

I hope you liked this post. Comment what you think or how you like to wear Sperry's below. Also, be sure to check out my last post for info on how to receive free makeup!

Spring Break Recap

Hello, again! For starters, I am so sorry that I haven't posted in such a long time! I've been wicked busy with school and family.
I thought that in this post I would tell you all some of the highlights of my spring break.  I went for vacation in Malgrat de Mar, Spain and Barcelona.  Malgrat de Mar is a lovely little village on the Mediterranean.  Our hotel room had a view of the sea and it was delightful having the opportunity to wake up to it every morning.  The town is very pedestrian friendly and I was able to walk through most of it.  I noticed that a lot of the doors and gates to regular homes were ornate and made a necessary piece very aesthetically pleasing.  It was too cold to go swimming in both the ocean and the hotel pool (:( ), so I didn't really get the tan that I was hoping for, but it was still a lot warmer than what it was at home.  I bought this cute and functional shirt dress at a store there and there are both touristy shops and boutiques, so everyone can be happy.

A cautionary tale:  We were in Barcelona for a day at one point (we also flew in and out) and decided to have lunch in a restaurant with outside seating in a busy area.  We were looking over the menus and talking, when my purse was stolen.  Although there weren't any luxury items (besides a smart phone) that were stolen, I don't think that anything will ever be returned and things will eventually be replaced, though you cannot really replace an heirloom and belongings have memories, most of all, my feelings of safety were shaken.  I won't ever go someplace and think that I will not be stolen from or that I am completely safe.  I am telling you all this because things like this happen all the time in major cities.  I learned after the fact that it is common for anyone from tourists to locals to be robbed in Barcelona.  I was glad that were staying in Malgrat de Mar because it's so safe and family-friendly. There, I didn't have to worry about anything happening while I was out.  The moral of the story is always be on your guard, especially when you are traveling.
Some of the lovely architecture in Malgrat de Mar.

What did you do over spring break?

A Few Favorites: Week of February 14

Hello again!
I have gotten to that point in winter where I want it to feel like summer and this is not helped by the fact that there have been the occasional 59 degree day.  The rest of the time it's more like 15 degrees. Here are a few of my favorite things right now:

• UGG Boots: I got my pair when I was in Turkey last November for around $20.00 (!). These are amazing for those frigid days. The bows add a cute touch to practical warmth.

My UGGs right after I got them.

• Pastel Nails: Pastel colored nails are great for when your in a bright and summery state of mind in the middle of a dreary winter.  Last week, I painted my nails turquoise (Turquoise Pop from Avon) and the week before a shimmery light bubblegum pink.

• 24-Hour Moisturizing Lotion: This time of the year, I go through so much lotion! I've found that Bath and Body Works' Body Cream works well in addition to your usual skin care regimen.

• Headbands:  Recently, I have really gotten into headbands. I've made a few myself and you can also buy them.  Forever 21 has a good selection of headbands that are under $5.00.

Comment below what some of your favorite things right now are!

Presidents' Day Weekend: Patriotic Style in the Winter

Happy Presidents' Day Weekend!
Here are some ideas on how to look just as patriotic in February as you do in July:

• Layering: By layering your outfit, you can wear red, white and blue colored pieces while staying warm.
• All about the accessories: Wear a regular winter outfit, but add a patriotic-colored scarf, wear Stars and Stripes inspired shoes, add a patriotic headband or hair ribbon, or wear patriotic jewelry.
• Presidents' Day Nails: Wear red, white and blue nails.  Try just one color or try them all! How about little stars for an extra touch?
• Makeup:
• For an easy and classic look, try a blue eyeshadow with your usual mascara and, if you want, eyeliner.  You can use a white or silver eyeshadow as a base.  Next, add a red lip.  It can be any shade based on your personal preferences.
• For a bolder look, use blue eyeliner and cherry-red lipstick.
• For a dramatic look, wear eyeshadow in red, white and blue with eyeliner and mascara and red lip.

Outfit Inspiration:

216 by gmazhandu featuring chanel purses

This outfit uses the first tip by pairing a red dress with a white blazer and a blue and white scarf.

Red, White and Blue by gmazhandu featuring a red shirt

This outfit shows the second tip of using accessories and also pairs separates.

How do you dress patriotically in the winter? Comment below.

Formal Outfits for the Holidays

Often times, there are a few formal gatherings that a girl must attend during the holiday season. 

334 by gmazhandu featuring a metallic jacquard dress

Oscar de la Renta metallic jacquard dress
$3,060 - net-a-porter.com

Lola Cruz pointed high heel pumps
outdoorandcountry.co.uk

Rebecca Minkoff party handbag
rebeccaminkoff.com

Belpearl pave diamond earrings
lastcall.com

Ellen Hunter leaf hair accessory
calypsostbarth.com


Color coordination never goes out of style.  This outfit  includes a metallic princess-cut dress, navy heels and a matching clutch.  If you are wearing a solid colored dress and don't know what to wear with it, the simple choice is to find items in the same color.  When doing your makeup, try to stick to a color scheme, for example, the makeup in this set is a berry shade, but don't go to extremes or try over the top styles.

285 by gmazhandu featuring a short lace dress

Short lace dress
$195 - coast-stores.com

Badgley Mischka strappy shoes
lordandtaylor.com

Nina purse
lordandtaylor.com

Prom Night Prom 2015 12 x 12 Paper
scrapyourtrip.com



This dress is comfortable, while still great for a formal event with the lace and metallic details.  The shoes and clutch are in a lighter, more silvery shade of lavender.

337 by gmazhandu featuring a chiffon dress

Chiffon dress
lindybopusa.com

Red top
lindybopusa.com

Stuart weitzman shoes
lanecrawford.com

Gucci wallet
neimanmarcus.com

MAC Cosmetics lips makeup
maccosmetics.com


Give your holiday outfit a sweet vintage look!  To get the look, wear a vintage or vintage-style dress with pumps or ballet flats, a clutch, and if you feel the need, a cardigan or a matching red lip.  If you really want to look like a blast from the past, try pin curls the night before, so you can have overnight curls.

446 by gmazhandu featuring black evening shoes

Alice Olivia lace mini dress
$865 - farfetch.com

Dolce&Gabbana black evening shoes
$735 - profilefashion.com

Chanel genuine leather bag
therealreal.com

New Directions black wrap shawl
belk.com



A dark sleeveless dress can be worn with a pashmina or shawl with embellished shoes for a classy and elegant look.

447 by gmazhandu featuring MICHAEL Michael Kors

Lilly pulitzer dress
thredup.com

Warehouse pea coat
$135 - warehouse.co.uk

Kate Spade gold shoes
$210 - neimanmarcus.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors messenger bag
$225 - harrods.com

Faux pearl jewelry
$2,105 - shopbop.com

Kate spade earrings
6pm.com

Orelia metal headband
asos.com


This is a fun and feminine look that can actually be worn throughout the year.  A pink fit-and-flare dress with sparkly ballet flats has personality, but can also be formal.  A pea coat is added for a warmth.