SALL¥ HANSEN X MADELINE POOLE . ECKHAUS LATTA A/W '15

One of my favourite aspects of New York Fashion Week is viewing the makeup, hair and nail styles that are paired with each collection – especially when the nail artist is Madeline Poole, Global Colour Ambassador for Sally Hansen. 

This season Madeline Poole has created a trending layered nail look for Eckhaus Latta's Fall/Winter '15 Runway Collection that is actually quite simple to recreate. Using a wide spectrum of fashionable colours from Sally Hansen's line, Madeline was able to create three distinct looks that require zero tools! Each look pairs well with an upcoming or current season, starting with our absolute favourite, Winter... note the sarcasm. "We've chosen three different colour ways based on the palette," says Madeline of her nail look, "We're using a mint green, metallic burgundy, camel, deep mauve and rose gold. The nail is a layered, distressed texture. By wiping the majority of polish off of the brush we are able to make organic brush strokes that when layered, look similar to cells under a microscope, creating a unique pattern on each fingernail." The shades used include the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure ($8.95) in Camelflage[*], Gilty Party, Commander in Chic, Jaded and Wine Not[*]. 

To re-create the dark burgundy nail, which is perfect for the current season, I've used a base of Wine Not topped with random, dry strokes of Commander in Chic, Jaded and Gilty Party. The next look, better suited for early Spring thanks to it's mix of mint green and deep mauve, uses Jaded as a base and is accented with random, dry strokes of the shades Commander in Chic and Camelflage. Finally, the easiest look of them all, which also features Jaded as the base, is simply accented with Camelflage and a hint of Commander in Chic to create a nail design that has me longing for the summer. 

Will you re-create these nail looks? What nail artist inspires you?

AM¥     XO

[*]Some of the items featured in this post have been sent to THE PRETT¥ VAIN for purpose of review. All views expressed reflect my own opinion on the product. For additional information please see the Disclaimer.

THIRST¥ FOR... GEMS & JEWELS

One of my resolutions for this year was to accessorize more often – easier said than done when you feel like your jewelry is two years behind the times. So over the weekend I searched the internet high and low to find some inspiration to use while I shop around the city. I definitely have a definitive taste when it comes to gems and jewels. Distressed metals, geodes, evil eyes and snakes all top my radar – in true Erin Wasson form. Below are a few of the pieces that stood out on my search, and may soon be added to my collection.

Do any of these gems catch your eye?

AM¥     XO

ST¥LIN • COMFY KNITS, DETAILED PANTS & TURQUOISE

My style is constantly evolving, but lately I've been opting for a more basic approach – classic pieces in black, white or grey with intricate details. This week I purchased 4 new pieces from Zara that are perfect for the season and pair beautifully with one of my favourite colours, turquoise. I've been gravitating towards over sized knits paired with detailed skinny jeans and adding a hint of colour through my nail polish and accessories. These Essie polishes are 5 of my favourite blue/turquoise shades. And although they may not be considered fall/winter colours, grey and turquoise go together like Childish Gambino and Chance The Rapper, adding a pop of colour to an otherwise colour-less outfit.

THE PIECES

White Knit ($59.90) - Zara

Two-tone Jeans ($49.90) - Zara

Grey Knit ($49.90) - Zara

Black Motto Pleather Pants ($59.90) - Zara

Bracelets - Aldo, Stella & Dot

Necklace - Vintage

Polishes - Find Me An Oasis, Parka Perfect, In The Cab-Ana,  Turquoise & Caicos, Naughty Nautical

AMY   XO

FALL FOR THE GUESS LENA FUR VEST

When it comes to Fall fashion there is one trend that is simply not going anywhere – fur. After the frigid winter we experienced last year it seems designers have taken note and incorporated a number of fur pieces into their collections. From coats to vests to stoles, fur took over the runways in new & exciting colours and textures, which has trickled down to the masses thanks to Guess, Zara and others. My favourite commercial take on the trend is the Guess Lena Vest ($168), which combines a unique use of colours, textures and metallic accents to create a piece perfectly suited for the Mary-Kate Olsen wannabe – aka me. Once I locate a sugar daddy to purchase this beauty for me, you'll find me pairing it with high-waisted black skinny jeans, a black crop top, some form of Jeffery Campbell heels and a matte orange lip. Fur-fection.

AM¥     XO

THIRST¥ FOR... 01

1. Sephora Favourites | Skin Wonderland ($70)  

Number one on my current wishlist is this INCREDIBLE 11-piece skin care set curated by Sephora for the holiday season. With so many amazing products contained in one box it's hard to choose what I'm most looking forward to testing; and that's exactly what makes a curated product like this so much better than your typical monthly beauty box.

Set contains: Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask Sheets, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, Nude Skincare ProGenius™ Treatment Oil,  Amorepacific Treatment Enzyme Peel, L'Occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil With Almond Oil, Caudalie Hand And Nail Cream, Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil, Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil, Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla, Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel.

2. Gorjana | Fancy Horn Earrings ($55) 

I have been on a search for a simple post that makes a statement but can still be worn on a near daily basis, and thanks to my Gorjana & ShopBop addiciton the search is over. These 18k gold plated earrings would look awesome worn as a set, but I envision wearing them broken up and paired with a classic diamond stud on the opposite ear. Style tip: Pair with #7 and a little black slip dress for a date/night out. 

3. bareMinerals | bareSkin Pure Brightening Foundation ($36) & Perfecting Face Brush ($35)

Regardless of the number of foundations currently found in my vanity I can always find room for one more, and this months must try is the new bareSkin Foundation from bareMinerals. A simple Google search provides enough before & after images to have anyone and everyone lusting for the flawless skin that is achieved with this foundation. And while the complimentary brush is probably not necessary for flawless application, I have completely bought into the 'unique fluid reservoir', said to make for a mess-free application.

4. Danielle Nicole | Sloane Back Pack ($100) 

Backpacks are everything to me at the moment, and this black and white version by Danielle Nicole is made super chic thanks to the croc print.

5. Opening Ceremony | Brenda Transparent Heeled Ankle Boot ($450)

The heels are transparent, just like stripper shoes.... Need I say more?

6. Anastasia Beverly Hills | DIPBROW Pomade ($23) 

After nearly an hour spent perusing the perfectly groomed brows seen on Anastasia Beverly Hills Instagram account it is clear that my current brow regime is not on point. My solution: must purchase her DIPBROW Pomade. The creamy formula is said to allow product to 'glide onto skin and hair smoothly to create clean, defined brows' that set in seconds and won't budge all day. If I can achieve brows that look even half as good as Amrezy's with this product I will feel like a Queen.

7. House Of Harlow 1960 | Tribal Tooth Pendant ($80)

A tribal print on a gold plated tooth that sits in the center of the rib cage? Did I enter some sort of internet shopping heaven. Considering I was perusing House Of Harlow that statement isn't even mildly incorrect. Nicole Richie knows exactly how to please me (said in deep voice, which has been re-instated in my vocal mannerisms thanks to my current obsession with The Simple Life).

8. Lancôme | CILS Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base ($29)

I received a sample of this mascara base in a beauty box a few months back and have since used every last drop and fallen in love. When applied before your favourite mascara you get an XL boost of thickness, volume and even a bit of length. There is a noticeable difference in my lashes on days when I use this base, and now that I've run out I've become quite saddened with my lack of luscious lashes. 

What products are you thirsty for?

AM¥   XO

LAST FRIDA¥ I LET THE PART¥ GET THE BEST OF ME

Crop Top: American Apparel, Leather Shorts: Zara (no longer available), Belt: Vintage, Thigh High Socks: American Apparel, Open Track Sole Boot: Zara, Watch Marc By Marc Jacobs, Scent: Nirvana Black 

Last Friday, my roomate and I decided it was time to go out, get drunk and explore. A bottle of Prosecco and a few various drinks later we were ready, but not before taking a few photos, of course. Lately, when it comes to the dressing for the bar there is only one outfit option in mind: all blvck everything. To keep things slightly interesting I added a leopard print belt, thigh highs and a deep berry lip. 

AM¥   XO

E¥ES ON ¥OU

Dress: Zara (no longer available), Open Track Sole Boot: Zara, Necklace: Zara (no longer available), Watch: Nixon, Ring: Dara Ettinger, Sunglasses: Vintage, Clutch: NARS x Guy Bourdin Promiscuous Set Lips: MAC VIVA GLAM x Rihanna, Scent: Nirvana Black 

September feels a lot like January this year; there is an imminent need for renewal and a naive hope for a better year. Today marks my first day as a true Torontonian, shown here in a ZARA Dress & Boots, gold jewels and my hands locked on this NARS x Guy Bourdin Promiscuous Lip Clutch  (LE). Topped with a red lip for a cause, thanks to Rihanna x MAC VIVA GLAM lipstick & lipgloss. 

The lyrics 'she belongs to the city' have never resonated so deeply within my being. 

 AM¥     XO