DIY Nail Art

     A few weeks ago I went to the Women's International Show and bought the Konad C-3 nail stamping kit for $25. It comes with everyone in the picture below and basically all you do is paint over the image on the plate that you want, scrap the excess paint off, and then stamp it on your nail. All of the polish dries within 30 seconds so you have to move fast, but there's no down time waiting for it to dry once it's on your nail. Even though it's a $25 cost up front, I think it's worth it because nail art typically costs around $3 each time at the nail salon. 

     If you visit the Konad website you can pick between a TON of different products and image plates. You can also buy different color polishes for $6-7 each. Just email the company (info@konadusa.com) and they can place an order for you!

How to be a Recessionista...

     The hardest part about being a fashionista is having the limitless budget. Luckily for us, there are a few websites that can help us stay stylish. Three of my favorites are Gilt Groupe, Ideeli and Avelle. All three require "membership;" you can either request to be members on the site (although it may take a few days) or you can have someone who is already a member send you an invitation. The best part is that all three are free to join!

     Gilt, which offers up to 70% off of designer brands, includes women's, men's, children's, and home. These week's designers include BCBGMAXAZRIA, Oscar de la Renta, and Zac Posen. Gilt members also have access to Jetsetter, works the same as Gilt but is for exclusive luxury hotels and cruises around the world at discount prices.  Ideeli is similar to Gilt, offering up to 80% off of fashion, home and beauty products, but is usually a little less expensive. This week's designers include Michael Kors, faryl robin, and Calvin Klein. Both Gilt's and Ideeli's sales run for at least 36 hours. 

     Avelle (formerly Bag, Borrow, or Steal, Inc.) was featured in the first Sex & the City movie and is a genius concept. Members can rent designer handbags, accessories, jewelry, etc. by the week, month, or season (3 months). This is great for those of us who love high-end designers but don't really want to drop $1500 on a bag that we'll be sick of after a season. Avelle is also handy for weddings and events where you'll only wear something once. Designers include Chanel (number one reason why I love this site!), Kenneth Jay Lane, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Judith Leiber.

     Check these websites out and just leave a comment (you don't need a blogger account) with your email if you'd like an invite to any of these sites! 

Simple Sausage Lasagna

Last weekend I made sausage lasagna for my boyfriend and my family. This recipe is super easy and I just cut all of the ingredients in half to make an 8x8 for the five of us. 

Arm Candy

Giraffe Bracelet

Kenneth Jay Lane, $97

Liberty Ribbon Bracelet

Chanel, $320 

Crystal Flower Cuff

Kenneth Jay Lane, $153

Ice Cube Bracelet

Banana Republic, $35

5 Favorites Under $5

Carrie On

Happy Sex & the City 2 day! It's finally come and so has Carrie's Search Story...

“I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet.” 

- Carrie Bradshaw

The End of an Era

     It was announced yesterday that Jean-Paul Gaultier will be stepping down as director of Hermes after seven years. Christophe Lemaire was named as Gaultier's successor and his last collection will debut in October 2010. The split appears to be amicable and Gaultier will be focusing on personal projects!

     Sarah Burton, former in-house designer, was also named to succeed Alexander McQueen today. She has worked for the brand since 1996 and has run the women's ready-to-wear department for ten years. 

Luxe Living

 

 

Deep Conditioning at Home

VO5 Hot Oil Treatment Two-Pack, approx. $4

     Hot oil is the most effective and cheapest hair conditioner - you can either buy it at the store or use oil from your kitchen. For a quick treatment, I use VO5 that comes in a two-pack for about $4 that you can find in the shampoo aisle. All you have to do is run it under the hot water in the shower for about a minute and then put all over your hair before you shampoo - but SKIP YOUR ROOTS. Otherwise, you'll end up super-greasy on top, so just to be sure I always try to avoid putting oil past the top of my ears. Wait a few minutes while you shower, then rinse and shampoo. 

     If you'd rather just use oil in your kitchen, or for a longer, deeper conditioning you can use extra virgin olive oil or canola oil. Some people like one better than the other, but it differs for everyone. For medium-length hair, try putting a little more than 2 tablespoons in a bowl and microwave for about 10 seconds, but just enough so that it's warm. Then put it in your hair (this part can be pretty messy) and make sure so focus on the ends. I like to leave it in for 1-2 hours so I wrap my hair in a hot towel or saran wrap. Saran wrap isn't too attractive and can be pretty tricky so I'd stick with the hot towel! 

     Personally, I think that extra virgin olive oil/canola oil conditions a lot better and you don't need to condition after shampooing it out. Just make sure to skip your roots!

Good Girls Go to Paris Crepes

Caramel, Apple & Brown Sugar

Strawberry Banana

     This Saturday I went to the Eastern Market in Detroit and had the best crepe of my life. Good Girls Go to Paris Crepes is a crepe shop on E. Kirby Street in Detroit that also has a stand with a limited menu at the Eastern Market on Saturdays. The full menu can be downloaded on the shop's site but the menu at the market includes best sellers including strawberry banana, caramel apple (sooo delicious), and egg/ham/swiss. The crepes are made by the owner with fresh ingredients from other market vendors!

Shop Owner

Retail Therapy

Chanel

S/S 2010 Runway Linen Clog

Brian Atwood

Patent Leather d'Orsay Pump, $595

Christian Louboutin

 Relika Patent Mary Jane Pumps, $835

Jimmy Choo 

Penny Leopard-Print Wedge, $449

Matte About You

Photo Credit: http://headdress.tumblr.com/

     I have been DYING to try out the matte polish look, and I fell in love when I saw this manicure. If it wasn't the end of May right now, my nails would look like this 24/7. Not only is it super chic but it also mixes up the black polish look that's been so popular for the last few years. Your nails need to be short in order to keep it classy and definitely make sure that the glossy black tip isn't too thick. I would love to try it in red and in navy. Check out OPI's Matte Lincoln Park After Dark for black or Essie's Matte Finisher to instantly make any of your nail polishes matte! 

Denim Remix

     One of my favorite looks this spring has been denim shirts - and they certainly aren't the country western ones you're used to seeing. Mix up your look by wearing one open over a spring dress or tuck it into a pair of fitted dark skinny jeans like Ashley Olsen. Tons of celebrities have been spotted sporting the trend, including Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Simpson. Pair it with khaki shorts for a more casual look - but just make sure it's tailored enough. Check out these denim shirts by J. Crew and Maje. Express also has one similar to J. Crew but in a darker wash for about $60. I would definitely pair it with a bold necklace and a lot of rhinestones bracelets to make your look a little more interesting. 

Faded Chambray Shirt by J. Crew, $78

Saxo Puff-Sleeve Blouse by Maje, $185

net-a-porter.com

Tea Time

Make a cute gift for friends & family by adding personalized tags to their favorite tea!

www.marthastewart.com

     I first tried Davidson's tea several years ago after buying several tea bags in a fudge shop, and it's been my favorite ever since. The organic dessert tea is the BEST! It's caffeine-free and comes in eight herbal flavors. My favorite by far is Raspberry Creme Caramel, although Vanilla Spice is also really rich. On Davidson's website you can order eight ($2.95), twenty-five ($5.50), or 100 ($25.95) teabags of each flavor, or 100 assorted. If you try the tea and love it (of course you will), buying them online will save you a LOT of money - they are typically about $1 a teabag in the candy shops and high-end markets I've found them in. Try having a few friends over for tea or relax and just enjoy some dessert tea after a long day!

Moda de la Playa

Gucci

Victoria's Secret, $149

     With beach season right around the corner, it's time for the season's latest swimwear trends. One-piece cutout suits have been seen both on the runway and in stores, making it easy to stay in style with any budget. The one obvious downside to the cutout style is the resulting awkward tan lines that are hard to avoid. My suggestion is that sunscreen is a must (be smart about tanning - no one wants to be a leather face!) and to only wear bikinis when laying out to tan. However, these are great for vacations and days when you'll be spending more time in the water. Don't forget a sunhat and cover-up! 

Jessica Simpson Oversized Floppy, $44

Diane von Furstenburg, $285

So Fresh & So Clean

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo, $7.49

Salon Grafix Dry Shampoo $6.99

     Dry shampoo is one of the best beauty products I've bought in my life. I refuse to pay an arm and a leg for powder and after a while, I found Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo at Sally's Beauty Supply and it's cheap!  These two are great because other brands can run upwards of $25 at beauty stores like Sephora. Recently I found Salon Grafix Dry Shampoo at Target for about the same price. Salon Grafix sprays invisible which is great for darker hair because Batiste sprays powder. Personally, I prefer Batiste but that's just because I don't mind the powder and I like to see where I'm spraying. 

Get Glam: Opposites Attract

ASOS Nude Suede Duffel Studded Across Body, $59.18

     This Nude Suede Duffel by ASOS combines two of the biggest trends right now - the hands-free duffel bag and stud embellishment. The nude color is perfect for spring and summer and the studs make it easy to accessorize an outfit without even trying. 
     Nearly opposite on the style spectrum is the Framed Patent Bag by Spiegel. Give me anything patent leather and I love it - but especially this! Regularly priced at $44, enter the code "2L45750" for a discount at checkout and get it for $38!

Spiegel Framed Patent Bag in Deep Violet

Hello, Summer

     Every summer I take at least several trips to the Eastern Market in Detroit to buy fresh cut flowers and homemade pies. This year, I've decided to try to visit as many farmer's markets in the area as possible and started at the Oakland County market this morning. Now that it's spring I've been yearning to start a garden (although I always manage to kill everything within a few weeks) and plant strawberries, daisies and herbs. I was looking for fresh cut daisies this morning but I ended up leaving empty handed, although I made the resolution to look for herbs next weekend to try in a few recipes. 
     Buying fresh fruit and vegetables is one of the smartest things I've been learning to do - not only for my own heath but also for local growers. Wearing long dresses and buying flowers are some of my favorite memories of summer and I've been using Local Harvest to find all of the markets in my area. Make sure to arrive early and bring your camera!

Welcome to Tinsel!

I decided to start this blog to share all of the things that constantly distract me - books, fashion, recipes, and useful bits and pieces of miscellaneous information... Tinsel is my project to organize everyday ideas into a useful handbook for life.


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