The 21st century manicure.

Ever since Beyonce's Single Ladies video brought hand armor to the forefront of my mind I have been yearning for what I will call the perfect "bitch slap manicure". Here it is in two parts:



1. Minx Nail Coverings- I spotted these in this months Vogue and have become irrevocably infatuated with them. These heat applied flexible polymers have no dry time, are chip resistant and last twice as long as other salon manicures. Blake Lively, Zoe Kravitz and the indomitable Lauren Santo Domingo are all fans. In gold, silver and bronze as well as an array of chic patterns Minx is the ultimate new accessory. www.minxnails.com



2. Litter, the sensational jewelry line by Mackenzie Burdock and Rachel Mann of San Francisco has taken adornment to a whole new level with these sterling silver cougar claws. I would love to wear these with my most innocent white sundress in Venice during the day...cat scratch fever chic. www.littersf.com

xx til next,
A

Why Don't You?

Why Don't You...


..Convert your old mirrors and frames with just a bit of DIY? I found a dilapidated old full length at the Melrose Flea Market for 20 dollars and with a bit of gold spray paint dusted on the frame I added a touch of Venetian old world glamour to my apartment. This couldn't be easier or more satisfying.

..Retire your filing cabinet and place all your loose business cards and notes in a chic little toast rack? I uncovered this gem yesterday and with a bit of silver polish and elbow grease I now never forget where I left that cute waiter's number. ;)

..Never underestimate the terribly cool power of nude? A nude shoe lengthens the leg. A nude nail is undeniably chic with any outfit. A nude lip leaves ample room for a seriously sexy smoky eye.

..Abbreviate your skirt's length? Keeping it short in front and long and trailing in the back is a wonderful new take on seasonless fashion. Be it Balmain or Nina Ricci, or even garden shears to an old frock this new look is young and most certainly fresh and no, it does not resemble a mullet.

xx til next,
A

photo source: jak and jil

Deja Shoe

Every season we see countless pairs of killer footwear traipse through the Tuileries each one more insanely fetishist and feisty than the next. Despite the wide variety we see every year there is always one undeniable standout style, last season we saw the YSL tributes, before that the Balenciaga vertigo inducing plats. This season the unanimous winner was the Louis Vuitton "Spicy" sandal. The Spicy is one part Safari and two parts Kindergarten arts and crafts project. The Spicy was spotted south of the ankle on almost every French fashion editor and Romanian model and even on Kanye West's new mannequin Amber Rose. Don't wait on these ferocious recession proof wonders.

xx til next,
A

Source: Style.com

Pain is Love.

At times I like to look at shoes as a fetishist. These Balmain knockoffs by Zara positively scream that they wish to inflict pain upon their wearer, yet I can't look away. They will be mine!



xx til next,
A

Photo Credit: jak and jil

Unlikely Influence

Strange Love.

This image of Devendra Banhart has somehow weaseled its way into my consciousness and won't quit or disappear. It's very uncommon for a man let alone a folk artist to so dramatically influence my taste but I cannot help adore his freakishly feminine physique and his penchant for Bollywood. The fact that he dated Natalie Portman and lives in Bolinas is just the icing on the cake. Banhart not only makes me want to swoon, he makes me wish to adorn myself 76405732 bangles and rings.

xx til next,
A

FIVE

I don't believe in beauty secrets. It is simple and plain to see that good skin is nothing more than the byproduct of a healthy lifestyle and good genes. I do see though that there are some products that have drastically cut down the inordinate amount of time I used to spend getting glossy. These five wonderful products have truly alloted me hours upon hours of free time, so I thought I would share with you loveys.

The 5 Absolute Best Beauty Products:

1. L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black
2. Revitalash Eyelash Regrowth Serum
3. Laura Mercier blush in Amberstone
4. Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder
5. Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain

stay gorgeous.
xx til next,
A

Quote of the Day.

"Now every time I go to the dentist they always say, 'you really need to fix that gap of yours' I'm like, 'my gap is paying your dentist bills'" -Lara Stone

xx til next,
A