"Make it Last Forever!" The Basic Steps to Making YOUR Nail Polish LAST!

When it comes to doing my own nails, I know it's a love/hate relationship! As a faithful customer at my local nail salon, two years ago I decided to give up the acrylics and work on growing my natural nails. It has been quite the process to say the least, but my nails are finally getting back to their healthy ways.

One thing I have experimented with, now that I am growing my own nails, is polishing them myself. For years I was lazy and wanted to have the salon paint them, but I quickly realized how much money I was saving by painting them myself.

I work a lot, mainly in retail and as a cheerleading coach, so I am constantly using my hands. Often my nail polish would chip after JUST painting them the night before, or even in the same day! How annoying! I know we all have had this problem...

But don't worry!

I have found a very simple (and basic) method to keep the polish from chipping, at least it works for me!

1. Invest in Quality Brand Polish!
Ok, so this is as simple as it reads. I know how tempting it is to buy the $1 polish at your local Wal-Mart because well, it's only a dollar! However, you do get what you pay for! A lot of times, "cheap brands" tend to chip within the first day of even applying it on your nails (and that's no matter how many coats you paint on it!). Also, the colors in cheap polishes sometimes tend to be extremely pale and more difficult to see on your actual nail than how it appears in the bottle.

A particular brand that can be rather pricy, but definitely worth the money, is OPI Polish. I have been an avid buyer of their polishes for quite some time and have not experienced any problems. These polishes are also what (most) nail salons use when painting your nails. On average, they run about $8 per bottle. Sometimes, you can find them in sets (coming in two per pack) for discounted prices.

Another brand I have yet to try is Essie. I recently bought a polish by them today, but haven't used it. I've heard nothing but good reviews. However, one thing I've noticed is their polish bottles are a little smaller in size, but still as expensive. :/ Wah.

Now however, just because you spend a little extra money for the brand name, doesn't mean that a cheaper polish will not work at all. SOME cheap polishes I have used actually lasted me for more than a week's time, this can easily be done by applying a little more coating than suggested in the later steps! :)

2. When Painting Your Nails, Use a Base Coat First!
This goes for ANY kind of polish, cheap or expensive! One mistake I made when first painting my nails myself is not applying a base coat! Base coats help prevent staining from the polish onto your real nails, and it also helps speed up the process when removing your polish with remover. You only need to apply ONE coat of this on your nails. 

Pictured to the right is the base coat I currently use. It is the Magnetico Adhesive Base Coat by Borghese. I found this at TJ Maxx in their cosmetics section for about $4.

You don't need to wait on the base coat to dry, it usually dries within three-five minutes of you applying it.

3. Now It's Time to Paint Your Nails!
Now here comes the fun part, actually painting your nails and applying the color. Usually what I do is apply ONE coat of polish onto each nail to start off. Then go over each nail with about two more coats, three all together. I would usually apply AT LEAST three coats, no more than four. You don't want it to look like paste on your nails! 

4. DRY TIME!
Next it's time to let the color sit in and dry. Dry time may vary depending if you have a nail dryer (which can be found at local beauty supply stores, or super stores), or if you let them air dry (which is what I usually do). If you're air drying, let your nails dry for at least 10 - 15 minutes before touching them to see if they're wet. 

5. Apply the Shine :)
Last, but certainly not least, apply your clear coat. This is where you can go the cheap route and buy a clear finishing coat for a low price. I use Sally Hansen's Finishing Top Coat. I usually apply at least two coats of this just to be safe, but this is up to you. Once your finishing coat is applied, apply step four and let your nails dry. The dry time will probably decrease because this is just for the clear coat. 

Enjoy, and I hope this might solve a little bit of the problems those of you may have with making your polish last. 

These HEELS Are Made For Working!

... and that's just what they'll do!

This day in age, it's all about the perfect shoe. Yes, the shoe. The shoe is ALWAYS the key to the outfit, at least it should be. It's that factor that makes your outfit POP.

But what about your heels in the workplace?

This day and age, us ladies are all about style, and what is trendy. However, when it comes to being a career woman, how high is too high of a heel?

Pulling your shoes off the shelf to go with your attire for your next morning interview, do you reach for the heels you wore last night to the club? Or do you pick something else? Hmmmm....
 

"That's Too High!"

So you reached for the heels you wore to the club last night. That tall, skyscraping, bright colored heel that's about 6", right? WRONG! In an article I read from, the new professional blog, while most offices do not state a particular heel size requirement, usually, anything above 4" is considered "inappropriate" for the office.

Heels send out various messages in the setting you're wearing them. While the bright colored 6" pump signifies you're a trendsetter and you want others attention, it is not necessarily the best fit for the workplace. You'll be attracting attention, but not the kind you're looking for.

While this heel represents a night on the town, it also represents unprofessional, unqualified and not ready for a position in the office. While avoiding heels that are above 4", definitely avoid pumps with embellishments! While you want the employer to notice you for skills and work ethic, you do NOT want your rhinestones, buckles, ruffles, flashing lights, whatever it is, to steal the show!

However, if you just can't let go of the high heel... I would suggest a slightly chunky heel? However, in my opinion, I also agree with anything being over 4" as "too high" for a workplace heel.

Pick Your Poison

Caphillstyle.com

In all honesty, the "style" of your heel really depends on the environment you're working in. For example, if your job is with a fashion magazine, of course you want your heels to reflect your style and personality. However, if you're working in a company's corporate office, you might want your choice of heel to be a little more modest.

Most of women in this generation, especially myself, dread the words "kitten heels". Honestly, I avoid them at all lengths possible. If I were the creator of the dress code, they would be banned, but that's just me.

Don't worry ladies! Kitten heels are NOT mandatory.
If you're not much of a heel wearer, then they might be the perfect fit for you. However, most heel queens, should stay around the 3" - 4" range to maintain professionalism, anything higher gets the thumbs up for "after hours".

When it comes to choosing your heels for work, I have heard the phrase from managers alike:
"If you have to question if it's good enough for the workplace... Don't wear it".

"Perfect!"
So you changed your mind and decided to go for something else? GOOD CHOICE!

For most employers, this particular heel is perfect for the workplace. It's modest color (usually blacks, tans/nudes) doesn't say too much, or it's texture (it's recommended by professionals to stick with a leather/patent leather texture), and it's size (4" or less) says just enough.

I attended a "How to Dress for the Job" seminar a year or so ago, and another point brought up was whether the heel should be open or closed toe for your interview.

I know it's summertime ladies, and it's hot. I love this type of style, and it kills me to say it, but...

WE MUST STAY AWAY FROM OPEN-TOED HEELS!!!!!

This may be something we could possibly get away with once we land the job, but it definitely is not going to fly for the interview. Showing your toes resemble "personal" to some employers, and are mostly considered "unprofessional" for the office.

What do you think? Do you think the "higher the heel, the better"? BLAB it to us!

HIS AND HERS? Who Wore It Better!

We're always trying to dress like our favorite celebrities and fashion icons, but dressing like your significant other? Yeahhhhh... I don't know about that one!

Some of you have probably already seen this photo floating around your Instagram or Twitter timelines...

Actress Gabrielle Union and boyfriend, Dwayne Wade

I'm not sure whether to consider this cute, or actually kind of creepy. Now if I had to give my opinion, Gabby definitely wore it better... D. Wade on the other hand, probably would have to take a loss on this one (like he does on most of his "fashionable" attire, but that's a different story for a different post... Is that a "man purse" in his hand?).

Gabby and Wade aren't the only couples in Hollywood dressing alike, we've found a few others for your viewing pleasure...

Singer, Mariah Carey and husband, Nick Cannon

Now, I love Mariah Carey and she's one of my favorite artists... but I feel like her and Nick get a little too carried away with their outfits. Brown is a terrible color to dress in (that's my opinion though), and those red boots are hurting my eyes, but that's beside the point. Either way, it's more so "corny" than it is cute. Thumbs down.

Basketball star, Kobe Bryant, and wife, Vanessa Bryant

If I were judging on who wore this outfit better, it would have to be Kobe. Though I think Vanessa Bryant is gorgeous, she would have been better off wearing a black dress. There's a time and a place for everything, and the whole "I'm matching my husband with the suit & tie" theme is not fitting for the occasion... Especially at an event sponsored by Saks. Sorry Vanessa.

Prince William and wife, Kate Middleton

Same collar shirts? Same colored sweaters. No thank you.

Kim Kardashian, and boyfriend, Kanye West

And of course, making it onto another Blabbermoth post is the infamous KIMYE! The picture speaks for itself with the matching leather jeggings and white t's. I'm not really a fan of the peplum shirt on Kim, or the leather pants on Kanye', but hey, whatever floats their boat.

Nothing says "I love you" like matching your sig fig, right? In my opinion, dressing like your significant other is cute on two occasions: 1) If you're in high school, and 2) If you're about to take family pictures. 
I'm not knocking any couples who have done this before, because all of us have at one point, but seriously, if it's not for a specific event, why do you even want to dress like your other half? Thoughts? TAKE OUR SURVEY AND VOTE Blab it to us!

HOW THE INJURED STAY STYLISH

What is a celebrity to do when they are injured? They get nursed back to health... in style, of course!

Photo Credit: Ken Borochov/Splash News Online

Mother monster herself, Lady Gaga, is recovering from hip surgery and laying low from the scene for a few weeks. Gaga was seen rolling out of the doors of her hotel in New York City in a 24-karat gold-plated wheelchair! Yes, you're reading this right, a 24-karat-gold-plated wheelchair! 
The star studded wheelchair, fit for royalty, was designed by Gaga's jewelry designer, Ken Borochov from Mordekai. 
Talk about fancy. Is that leather cushioning on the seat? Goodness.
Speaking of features, the chair also includes a REMOVABLE CANOPY! 
Borochov joked with People magazine, "I was thrilled to create what I affectionately dubbed: The Chariot, a chair only fit for a queen!"  
For more celebrities who are "glamorous"ly recovering from injuries, check out the mini gallery in People Magazine. Injured superstars in their decked out casts include Twilight star, Kristen Stewart and singer, Demi Lovato.