Extreme Nail Trends

Earlier this week, I watched Good Morning America while I got for work when a story about extreme nails caught my attention.  I realized that I must have slithered under a rock over the past few months because I’ve been missing out on some of the cutting edge techniques offered throughout nail salons across the country. Some of you may have already heard about these trends, but I wanted to share them with all of you just in case you’ve missed them.

Via

Snakeskin Nails. Creator, Terri Silacci, was inspired to try something new when one of her children brought home a piece of snakeskin from science class.  “One snake’s trash is a toenail’s treasure,” Silacci said of the new technique in a TODAY.com interview.  Silacci brushes on Bio Sculpture Gel, which is a long-lasting colored nail gel, and then hand cuts the snakeskin to fit each client’s nails. She places the custom-cut piece of snakeskin on the nail, and then adheres it by layering on another coat of the gel. This slithering service can cost you anywhere from $150.00 to $300.00 depending on the manicurist.  And if you think that you can run in during your lunch break to get this snakeskin manicure, think again.  The whole process can take up to 2 hours to complete.  The look is pretty stunning, but I personally wouldn’t spend my money on this manicure.

Feather Nails. Another fabulous trend in the manicure chair is the feather manicure, which features feathers from birds like guinea fowl and pheasants.  This nail style adds some texture to the nail for a dramatic look.  The exotic patterns and colors in each feather really stand out on any nail color. You can achieve this trend at home by painting your nails like normal and placing a feather on top with a pair of tweezers.  Trim any excess feather that passes the nail and apply a clear topcoat polish to secure the feather.  This is an easy DIY trend that I may try over the holiday break.  I’ll let you all know if I decide to do it.  Also, check out a great picture of the final results and Jennifer's step-by-step DIY over at Fab Fatale.

Via

Missoni Nails.  This last trend was inspired by the high-end Italian clothing line that made zig-zags an art form.  The Missoni design became a household name through the recent collection at Target.  The Missoni nail design allows women to select two or three nail colors and then the manicurist creates a one-of-a-kind look. 

What do you think about these trends? Do you think that you would ever apply snakeskin or feathers to your nails?

xoxo Natasha

Christmas Gift Card Giveaway

Hi everyone!  I hope that everyone on the east coast is staying warm tonight. The weather dropped about 20 degrees so far and it’s going to get down to about 34 degrees tonight.  I can’t wait.  I’m pulling out a pair of my boots just for the day.  Anyways, I wanted to tell you about a very generous giveaway over at Behind The Dressing Room Door. Liz is already in the Christmas spirit and she’s offering a Christmas Gift Card Giveaway! This giveaway starts today and it will end on December 14, 2011. You will have a chance to win (1) $100, (1) $50 or (2) $25 Anthropologie Gift Cards or E-Gift Cards.  If you are interested in entering this contest, please check out Liz’s blog (HERE) for all of the details.  Good luck everyone!

xoxo Natasha

Moody Style: Kirklees Sweater Coat

Hi everyone…I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.  I didn’t really do much yesterday.  I stayed on my couch most of the day and watched movies/surfed the Internet.  I left my home once to get some ingredients to make chili for dinner.  It was the first time I ever made it and it turned out pretty great.  I plan to post the recipe and pictures soon.  Anyways, I wore my Kirklees Sweater Coat when the weather got a little cool here last week.  It felt really good to wear some fall outfits for a change.   Unfortunately, I’m not so lucky this week. Today’s weather was unseasonable warm.  It got up to about 80 degrees and it’s expected to last until Wednesday. I love that this sweater coat stands out all on it’s own.  It’s one of my favorite pieces in my closet. 

Sweater: Anthropologie Kirklees Sweater Coat

Shirt: Banana Republic (really old)

Skirt: JCPenney East 5th Belted Pencil Skirt

Shoes: Ann Taylor Dark Brown Pumps (really old)

Handbag: Coach Kristin Elevated Leather Sage Round Satchel

December Wish List – Top 3

Here are my top 3 items from Anthropologie for the month of December.  There are so many things that I want for Christmas, so I’m going to post a separate list later this week.  What are your must have items this month?  Let me know!

                     Tie-Neck Sweater Dress                 Tiered Stripes Dress                    Beaded Stripe Shell

Don’t forget that Anthropologie is offering a 20 Day A’ Gifting Holiday Giveaway.  Twenty days, Twenty gifts and Twenty lucky winners.  Check out the website here for more information and to enter today’s gift.  Also, Anthropologie is offering complimentary standard shipping to all orders over $100.00 and this offer expires on December 31, 2011. 

  xoxo Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow - Holiday Gifts under $25.00

Happy Friday everyone!  I’m so looking forward to this weekend because I have been really tired this week.  I have been working nonstop since Black Friday and I need a break real bad. I have to work for a few hours tomorrow, and then I’m off on Sunday.  I plan to sleep all day.  Anyways, I can’t believe that it’s already December and Christmas will be here before we know it.  I haven’t started shopping for anyone yet, so I have to start coming up with ideas and making my list.  So here is where my post comes in. Last year, I incorporated my top ten holiday gifts in my weekly Fresh Picks to Follow at different price points each week.  Here is the first entry of my top ten holiday gift ideas under $25.00. Let me know what you think or if you have any additional suggestions for gifts under $25.00.

1. Philosophy - Amazing Grace Shampoo Shower Gel…$22.00

2. Williams Sonoma - Sprinkles Cupcake Mixes…$14.95

3. Anthropologie - Valise Journal…$24.00

4. Anthropologie - Pretty Pansy Vase…$18.00

5. Tasting Room - Wine Sampler – Sauvignon Blanc…$22.00

6. Coach - Poppy Duo Rollerball…$22.00

7. Harry & David - Trailside Gift Box…$19.95

8. Amazon - Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child…$22.36

9. World Market - Thumb Decanter…$19.99

10. Pier One - Snowflake Bath Gift Set…$12.00

xoxo Natasha