Black & Yellow!

Just wanted to quickly share with you all my latest nail creation!

In honor of the MITCH launch for Paul Mitchell the School in Danbury I wore yellow and black and even decked out my nails to match. I love the way they came out. I used "Smash Hit" by Color Club and "Mellow Yellow" by Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear.

I have several crackle/shatter polishes. I have two by O.P.I and one by Color Club. Usually everyone swears by O.P.I brand but honestly I am really feeling the Color Club crackle collection. Once applied it spreads evenly and nicely. The O.P.I isn't horrible but doesn't spread as nicely.

Just for fun here is my outfit that I wore for the MITCH launch too! I won 'Staff Member of the Month' for the second time in a row. Small victory but it makes me feel good that I am liked by the students. They are a big part of the reason why I go to work everyday. Such vibrant personalities under one roof. So much inspiration and you get to seem them really grow as a stylist. It's bittersweet when they leave!

In closing I have been looking at blogs that feature nail polish addicts like myself for the past hour. I honestly think I have an addiction. I have plenty of polishes (around 50 to be exact) but the other day at Target I found myself putting back 5 nail polishes that I almost bought. I haven't even used all the colors in my stash at home. Why would I need more? Well, at least I stopped myself. Stay tuned on my nail addition. I might end up on hoarders at the rate that i'm going! :) Thanks everyone!

REVIEW: Sally Hansen Salon Effects

#250 Bling It On....

When it comes to painting my nails I leave it to the professionals.
I wasn't even going to bother to try these because I am so hopeless in this area but I decided to give it a try just for kicks!

I was doing a haul in Walmart and browsing in the Beauty section when I came across "Bling It On". Sparkly and pink? HECK YAH! Count me in. ;)

The one I originally wanted was the Zebra Print strips in "Wild Child" but they ran out. The next best one was this one "Bling It On" and to be honest this was probably the best option for my first try with the nail strips.

I really ended up liking this product and was pretty impressed. For a nail dummy like myself these were simple, easy and the end result was very professional looking.

I didn't have to wait to have my nails dry (except for the top coat which I voluntarily applied) and the application was effortless. I thought it was going to be a pain and they weren't going to stick but they went right on.

PROS:

- They have a good variety of designs & colors

- They are cheaper than Minx

- They are easy to apply yourself

- No dry time (Unless you opt for a Top Coat)

- The instructions that came with them are easy to follow

- Good for people who aren't great at doing nails

- They last a long time and are durable

- If you have short nails you can get 2 uses

(by cutting them in half)

CONS:

- They are pricey compared to a bottle of polish

- The sizing of the strips is a little weird

- They take awhile to apply. Set some time aside

- You have to get past the learning curve

- You probably should put on a Top Coat

Overall I was very happy with my $8 purchase from Walmart. I definitely want to try them again. This might be a regular occurrence. It's definitely cheaper than splurging on a Mani or Minx.

SIDE NOTE:

I also was able to get a "Pedicure" out of one box. I technically got a Mani/Pedi.

I was curious so I tried...

Not bad at all but please excuse my sock imprint!

Foot looks all bumpy on the right side doesn't it?

Have you tried any of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects yet?
If so let me know what you think!

My Crystal Renn Painting - A Dedication To Donna

My Aunt Donna was diagnosed with Breast Cancer about 2 years ago. Due to religious beliefs she decided to go the Holistic route for treatment. Sadly after a long battle she is losing her fight with this disease. It's been a long road for her and the family but she is resting comfortably surrounded by family and friends. We don't know how much longer she has but the prognosis is bad and the Doctor doesn't give her a lot of time.

I recently went down to Tennessee to visit my Aunt. She requested to see the family to spend some quality time before passing on. Luckily she has come to terms with her results and she is at peace with the situation. No body is every 100% ready to be taken from this Earth however with the comfort of her family and her strong belief in God, and his word ... somehow, someway she is ok with everything. She is a strong woman and I truly look up to her.

I started this painting late last year for her. This painting is of Plus Size Model Crystal Renn. This particular picture is from 'The Breast Cancer Research Foundation' advertisement that has been recently printed in a lot of popular Women's magazines. This painting really spoke to me. My favorite model is Crystal Renn and my Aunt has Breast Cancer. I dedicated the painting to her and she now has it hanging beside her bed to look up at everyday.

I thought I'd share this with everyone since I am very proud of this piece. Not only am I proud of this painting but it has a lot of meaning behind it as well. The following slideshow is a "timeline" from sketch to the final product.

Hope you all love it as much as I do.

NEW: Just Gimme The Light!

Just wanted to share this with you guys really quick. Did my hair today. I wanted to dye my hair lighter for the  warmer weather coming up. What do you guys think? Like the new color? Like it better the old way? Which do YOU prefer. Would love the feedback! Take it away people. Leave those comments!

OOTD: Stunningly Studs

OOTD: Tan Leather Jacket

That Romper Did Absolutely NOTHING For Me!

I was in Torrid last week and was really excited to find out that they had the Romper that I have been eyeballing online for awhile now. Clearly it looks amazing on the model and I thought it would also look this great on me too.

I grabbed two sizes just in case but the results did not please me very much. It wasn't "horrible" on me but it just wasn't my style. Better luck next time I suppose. Here is a picture of me with this piece on. In my version I tried to pair it with a belt to cinch my waist a little more since I like embracing my hour glass figure. Unfortunately the fabric is so loose and draped that you can barely tell I had one on. A+ for effort?

What are your thoughts? Hate it, or love it. Love to know what you guys think. Maybe i'll have to rethink it if I get a lot of positive feedback. After all, it is VERY comfortable! =)

OOTD: Floral Inspirations

Monif C. - Swimwear 2010

Monif C. has released her new Swimwear line for 2010 online. I took a look at all the pieces and I am not sure if I like it or not. Practical? Nope. Interesting? Yes. Would I wear it? Absolutely not! So maybe I guess I don't like it? Hmmm. Maybe it will grow on me?

I'm sure if I was a celebrity I would definitely rock this collection. I guess I am just not fortunate enough to lounge by the pool all day in Miami or somewhere exotic and tropical with these bathing suits on for the paparazzi to snap photos of me.

This collection has definitely been inspired by Beyonce. Or shall I say, Sasha Fierce? It screams DIVA! Maybe I am just being a hater. After all, the pieces aren't hideous. They just aren't necessarily "my taste". 


On a side note Fluvia looks amazing as always. She's always flawless!!!

Take a look at the collection below:

MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

Newest Obsession: Yours Clothing

I don't know if i've been living under a rock but I just discovered this site a few months back. It's a brand called 'YOURS CLOTHING'. They have tons of options for the Plus Size DIVA in everyone. What I like about them is that they have a lot of options that are basic and a lot of options that are trendy too. They have the best of both worlds.
 

I am in love. I haven't ordered anything from them yet but I can't wait to get my taxes back so I can go crazy and order some of the pieces I am showing above.

I would also like to add to this entry that I have come to the conclusion that American plus size is not NEARLY as great as overseas. The UK and even Australia have great places with Plus Size options.

With that said above I have listed some of my favorite picks from 'YOURS CLOTHING'. What do you think of my picks? Have you ordered from 'YOURS CLOTHING' before? If so i'd like you to share. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please go to their site. It's worth a look!

ASOS: Curve (Top 5 Picks)

The ASOS Curve line is finally up! FREAK YEAH! The line is a little basic but very affordable. I took a look and here are top 5 favorite picks!

1. Indigo Knitted Jeggings

These look like they would be perfect to wear out shopping, or to lunch with the girls! Yet you could totally dress them up by pairing them with heels. I've been wanting a pair of these "jean leggings" but I haven't found any that flattered me. These look like they'd get the job done. These are definitely on my wish list.

2. Jersey Cuff Trouser

A trendy pair of pants that are also comfortable? Heck ya please! You could do so many effortless looks with this one pair of pants. I crave these babies and I want these in my wardrobe RIGHT NOW!!!

3. One Shoulder Top

Usually I don't "DO" one sleeved shirts but honestly I think I really give this a try. I tend to steer away from the one sleeve because I hate my arms! YUCKY! Anywho... I think the detail of the sleeve would divert the attention from my arms. (SCORE!) Plus this top is effortlessly adorable. I would definitely pair this with a tight pencil skirt and a sexy pair of heels. Maybe throw on some really cute earrings and WHA-LA! Instantly flawless!

Faster Braces Removal???

What's the number one question you ask when you got to the Orthodontist? "When do you think my braces will come off?" It's a given! I'm guilty of it. Suuuuurrrrre my Orthodontist told me last time when I was there how much longer but maybe, just maybe, it's changed since then. Usually not though but i'm always hopeful. Which is why I found this extremely interesting when I came across it. It's a device that speeds up the process of braces. It's called Acceledent.

Acceledent is a small device that fits in the persons mouth, and on over the braces. It gives off very gentle micro-vibrations that help speed of the process of the tooth movement. Supposedly you only have to use it about 20 minutes a day and it sort of hangs out of your mouth, and over your bottom lip. Thankfully it's lightweight so you can do things around the house while you are waiting for it to "take it's course." The company claims that Acceledent takes approximately 4 to 6 months off your wait. Wouldn't you do it if you were given the chance? I wish I could!

The concept of micro-vibrations is definitely not new. It's been successful in treating Osteoporosis and helping with the heeling of bone fractures. As of right now they have some clinical trials being done and hope to have this device FDA approved by October of 2010.



SOURCE

Featured in "FAT SHOPAHOLIC"

Take a looksie at "Fat Shopaholic" today!!! I was featured on her 'Shopaholic Trends: New Years Eve' post. Yeeeeaaaahhhh!!!!

Thanks Tiffany! Keep rockin' your curves girl!!!

Blogs that I LOVE!

Everyone needs to look on the right column to check out the 'BLOG ROLL'. Listed are some of the blogs that I love to check out daily. I separated all the blogs into several categories to make it easier to navigate. Go on and take a look and see if YOUR blog made the cut!!

Top 50 Songs of 2009

 

1. Beyonce – Halo

2. Jay-Z – Death of Autotune

3. Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling

4. T.I ft. Justin Timberlake – Dead And Gone

5. Drake – Best I Ever Had

6. Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain – Blame It

7. Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne – Down

8. IYAZ – Replay

9. Jason Derulo – Whatcha Sa

10. Jay-Z ft. Rihanna & Kanye West – Run This Town
READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP!!!...

Bring in 2010 in Style

Bring in 2010 in Style! by Jbanks21 featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
Ruffled Dazzling Sexy Purple Dress, Plus Size Clothing, Club Wear,..., $45
Jessica Simpson Lizza Pump - Black Suede, $90
Crosses Draped Necklace, $8.80
Disco Snap Buttoned Bracelet, $5.80
Rhinestone Trim Feather Earrings, $5.80

Excuse me but how much??

Just for the record, there is absolutely no denying that Tweezerman makes some pretty darn awesome tweezers. Encrusted or not encrusted. Unfortunately these might be a tad over the top if I do say so myself!

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for the added blingy bling with the whole Swarovski thing and these are a gorgeous pair of lovely little tweezers. In a fantasy world where I had unlimited amounts of disposable money i'd like to get my little paws on them!

There is just one LITTLE problem that is getting in the way. It's the hefty price tag that's leaving me scratching my head. They're $100.

Yes. You read it right. 100 smack a roos!

In addition to the clear crystal tweezers, you can also get one encrusted with black, pink, yellow, or aqua crystals. Being that I typically lose at least 3 pairs of tweezers a year, I don't think these will make it on my ultimate wish list this Christmas.

On the flip side my family would think that I've totally and officially lost it. Absolutely no business!

Currently Reading: HUNGRY

I went out to Borders the other day just to pick up Crystal Renn's new book 'Hungry'. I just started to read it but already i'm hooked! I will definitely write a review as soon as I am done. Until then here are some gorgeous pictures and a video of the amazing Crystal Renn!

GO TO CRYSTAL'S PICS/VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP!