To get this look, you’re going to need a sheer, milky white polish; 3-4 complementary nail colors (we chose purple, hot pink, fuchsia, and baby blue); nail decals; polish remover, and a disposable eyeliner brush.

Fleury says it’s going to be easiest to unscrew all of the tops of your bottles before you begin this one — it takes a long time to dry and you’re more apt to smudge if you have to futz around too much. Start off by painting all of your nails with the creamy white polish (Fleury likes Color Club’s Bonjour Girl shade). “It helps to have a lighter base with these bright designs so that the colors pop more,” says Fleury. After this, you’re going to want to do one nail at a time, as you need the polishes to be semi-wet.

Starting at the base of the nail, paint a thick strip of color diagonally across the nail. Do this with all the colors, until you reach the tip of the nail. It’s okay if you overlap, since you are going to blend them anyways. Fleury recommends mixing up the order of the colors for each nail to give this look a more authentic feel.

While the polish is still wet, dip your eyeliner brush in some nail polish remover (it should be wet, not soaking) and, starting at the base of the nail, gently drag it up vertically through the colors. Do this in four separate lines, all the way across the nail. Repeat this on each nail, then wait for it to dry.

Apply a thick top coat to the nail, then grab an orangewood stick and tap it against the brush of the top coat to get a dab of it on the stick. Use that dab to pick up a star decal and place it on the nail, pressing it into the still-wet top coat on your nail. Repeat with a few different sizes of stars, or add some crystals if you’re feeling really fancy. Added bonus: The decals are really great at covering up any mistakes. Wait for it to dry, then apply another layer of top coat to the whole nail to hold it all together.

Hello everyone! Is this a happy mani or what? Perfect for Spring.

In other news, my weight loss update. I soooo went off the wagon this weekend. OMG so frustrating! Back on today with a delicious Lean Cuisine … kinda bleh, but two bike rides later I should be good.  : )  { Down 15lbs in 23 days} yay, yay….

Happy Monday dolls…

Bella XoX

pics and article via Refinery 29

Holiday eyes gives you a moment to really express your inner DIVA. Watch this video as they transform Sydney’s eyes into a Winter Wonderland!

On my nightstand Rachel Zoe

My new obsession GUCCI Indy bag

My new wine glasses which have the most beautiful color tones.

Kissing Giraffe sculpture – Once  I saw that cutest commercial on TV with this mini giraffe sitting on a pillow, the one where he  leans over and gives his owner a little kiss … I’ve been obsessed with giraffes…. lol  (have you seen )?

My crystal curtains – looks like it’s raining everyday!

My new dining room rug … love the contrast to the table. I spent so much time on this table it’s crazy. Can’t tell from this picture but there are a ring of swarovski crystals detailing the outside edge.  Dining room chairs DIY in earlier post, purchased for 6.00 a piece and recovered with a little glitter fabric. Combined with the crystals and the crystal decor surrounding the table it looks quite amazing at night!

This crystal chandelier hangs in the corner of the dining room.  Check out the next picture, the glow it puts out is gorgeous!

Sooo, do you love it or what? I find myself gazing into it all the time.   : )

Crystal floral arrangement I made for my living room.  Flowers purchased at Z Gallery.

My new manicure … another version of the reverse french!

My cozy patio where I blog from. Just beyond the fence you see in the background is a golf course. Always find the activities distracting… from the cute bunnies that romp the course to the oh so chic fashion that graces the greens everyday!

Happy Weekend Dolls!

Bella

XoX

Some days you just don’t wanna. For those days, try this! Seems like I’ve been seeing pictures of this lovely look everywhere. It’s definitely an easy, gorgeous ‘do. Here’s how to get this very uncomplicated knotted ponytail:

Tools

• light holding styling mousse
• comb
• small clear elastic
• large bobbypin

Instructions

1. Apply a light holding styling mousse all over from roots to ends for texture and seperation. Hair can be damp or dry. (If it’s dry, be sure it’s a light holding mousse or you could end up with a strong holding mess.)
2. Separate the hair over your shoulder into two pieces. The piece from the back should come forward and down (see photo).
3. Using your girl scout skills, tie hair into a simple knot. [repeat]
4. Secure the two ends together using a clear elastic. Once it’s in there, slide it up underneath the knot to conceal it.
5. I like to throw a bobby pin in there for extra security.
6. Back comb the ponytail a little for texture and then comb through it with your fingers to settle it.

Tip: Once the steps are complete, tug on it and mess it up a bit. This look is better when it’s a little disheveled!

via LaurenConrad.com

TOOLS

Silver metallic or glitter polish

Navy polish

10 reinforcement stickers

Clear top coat

STEPS

1. Start with clean, bare nails that have been filed.

2. Apply 1 to 2 coats of the silver polish (depending on the coverage of the polish). Be sure to paint your whole nail. If the color ends up showing through the navy polish it will just add a little sparkle, but it is important to have a smooth first layer. Let the polish dry for at least 30 minutes.  It is important your nails are dry before placing the reinforcement stickers on them or else the stickers will peel off the polish and you will have to start all over again. Oh no!

3. Once nails are completely dry, place a reinforcement sticker on each nail with the outside of the sticker mimicking the shape of the moon of your nail.  Cutting a slit in each sticker will allow the stickers lay more evenly on each nail. You can decide what size you would like the moons to be, but it is important that the size stay consistentacross all your nails for it to look right. Once they are all placed where you would like them, apply pressure to each making sure they are secure to your nail.

4.  Now paint the top half or your nail with 2 coats of navy blue polish. Let this coat dry for at least 10 mins.

5.  Once that’s dry, carefully pull the reinforcement stickers off of each nail.

6. Finish with a clear top coat.

Something fun to try this weelend! I love sharing with you the new trends I find. Would love to see your styles you create, send pics!

Have a beautiful weekend dolls!

Bella XoX

via the beauty department

Words cannot express how much I love these boots! I saw them at Barney’s online a few weeks ago. Perfectly paired with rolled up jeans makes for a killer outfit.

And just imagine my excitement when I found this DIY. My weekend project for sure.

Instructions are so simple, pictures tell the whole story!

What a great way to start off the week, right?

Happy Monday Dolls

originally posted by LeFanciulle     pics via citified blogspot

Has your hair lost its sparkle?  Maximize your GLOSS effect with these techniques!

Mask it!

Mix several tablespoons of honey and olive oil. Then, apply this homemade mask to ends, working your way up to coat the entire head. Leave in for 20 minutes and rinse out with shampoo and conditioner. “It’s mother nature’s secret to shiny hair!”

Clarify it!

Over time, the accumulation of styling product can be a drag. It clings on like a needy boyfriend, weighing hair down and stripping its sparkle. To ditch the buildup, I recommends adding one tablespoon of baking soda to two tablespoons of your shampoo. The sodium bicarbonate will remove the stubborn, sticky residue.

Brush up!

You wouldn’t brush your teeth with sandpaper and the same should be said of your locks. “Upgrade to a natural boar bristle brush,” says Jill Guzzo, stylist at NYC’s Butterfly Studio Salon. Natural bristles evenly distribute the natural oils in hair and smooth the cuticle to create a polished finish.

Shine on!

Natural coral lipstick, topped with a light layer of gloss.”

Makeup artist Matin Maulawizada, brand ambassador for Laura Mercier, was inspired by the rock ‘n roll vibe of the 1980s when he created Claire Danes‘s eye-catching look at the 2011 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. But rather than giving the star a thick swipe of opaque lipstick, he opted for a more contemporary finish: Gel lip color in a sheer red orange.

Whether it be your hair or lips, both look better shining! Gloss always – thick heavy lips that look dry are just not kiss worthy!

Happy Monday Dolls

Bella

XoX

photos and ref: InStyle and MakeupdotCom

Blair from Atlantic Pacific blog shows how great Missoni can look! Fabulous!!!

Another look at Missoni’s elegance

Never ever do this!

With so much chitter chatter in the last week about Missoni’s new Target line, I felt I had to put in my two cents.  If you have followed my blog for awhile now you KNOW it’s all about the glamour! Like yesterday’s post, Ralph Lauren’s S/S 2012 collection, it’s all about ME. If I were fortunate enough to be a designer, my line would be quite similar.

OK, so back to Missoni. WTH is what I think. Honestly only a slight resemblance to the originals. And the resemblance is not flattering. I’m over it, soooo over it. And the more I see it, the more I dislike it!

Case in point in the pictures above, Blair from Atlantic-Pacific blog shows how fabulous Missoni can look when you accessorize it properly. Missoni has so much glamour and sophistication in their styles. And by parterning with Target, they LOST it all.

The lesson to take away from this is, “less expensive isn’t always better.”  Save up or create your own based on an inspiration of your favorite designer. Case in point, I am not running out to buy this Ralph Lauren style anytime soon (pictured below,)  trust me! But I will be buying a beautifully crafted white elegant sweater and pairing it with this year’s must have wide pants, entirely white of course and accessorizing with silver.

Be inspired everyday!

Bella

Incredibly stylish, fashion forward and simply styled in such an elegant way.  Alix Cherry never disappoints with her outfit posts!

The ASOS socks or over the knee nylons are my favorite part. Inspiration X ‘s three on this one.

Finally completed so much more of my decorating to do list, I’ve been crossing them off feverishly.  I’ll take more pics this weekend and share. Finishing up is the best part, ya know, when it all starts to come together. Right?

Hope everyone has had a great week so far, if not, well hell it’s Friday tomorrow, so it’s about to get better!

Bella XoX

Shoes : Asos

Tshirt : Asos

  Skirt : Zara

  Socks : Asos

  Bag : Mulberry

I’ve now moved on to my bedroom from my other little side projects and yesterday I decided to tackle my jewelry. I found this wrought iron rack that USED to be brown, in my garage and decided to give it a fresh coat of paint. Voila …  makes a perfect place to store some of my necklaces!

These are the ones I wear most often, if I put all of them out I would need about 20 of these.  lol

Pics below are what I use to store some of my favorite bracelets and rings.

Hope you’re having a happy Labor Day weekend!

Bella

XoX

 This room was so much fun to do! Obviously my style, right? Deep purple walls, crystal columns and white furniture. A dream is made.

A few finishing touches still to be done, but overall we definitely achieved the look we were going for.

I’ve been discussing incessantly my mad decorating projects lately and here is another one! Since my daughter Jaime recently bought her new home and I recently moved as well, we’ve been busy bees getting the homes put together.

Two ten foot columns flank the bed for a stunning look. At the top of the columns are remote control lights, which when turned on give off the most amazing glow. The purple radiates through the crystals, it’s absolutely magical!  I also adorned the window with crystal curtains to keep the effect going. And the topper above the bed is feathers, yep, feathers. Boa’s make such a dreamy look in a bedroom. And when you’re going for GLAM, why not go all the way!

Here is a pic of when we first started the room, stark white to begin with.  Ashleigh and I

And here is the princess, meet Ashleigh – my grandaughter

Let me do the math for you! : ) I’m 52, my daughter Jaime is 32 and Ash is 15.

Most of the products used for this design were purchased from Shop Wild Things . Com.  I’ve long been a fan of theirs. I first purchase their products about five years ago when decorating my closet. Below is a list of the products used in this design.

Two 10′ crystal columns Shop Wild Things 

Two 9′ crystal curtains Shop Wild Things

Two 6″ crystal curtains Shop Wild Things

Bed and dresser Ikea

Florals, bedspread  and crystal frame Z Gallerie

Purple pillows Pier One

Boa’s JoAnn Fabrics

On to my next project!

Bella

Before you ask, where are the feathers, let me just say I am as disappointed as your are. But in all reality, they didn’t look that great in a dining room. So I have moved on, accepted, bowed down too the decorating gods and kept it simple. Non the less I love my new table and chairs.

The table as I discussed before, was purchased at Pier One. BUT, the chairs, oh my what a smokin deal! I found them at a thrift store for $5.99 a piece. Can you believe it?

Hence this DIY portion.  : ) All pretty self explanatory.

 Yucky stain fabric was removed STAT and I think I Cloroxed the chairs at least five times before painting them! lol

Had to show off my cute pink tool kit, I always use!

Fete Compli – Done – Finish and I love it

This weekend I’m purchasing the rug to soften the look of the tile and warm up the room. More decor to be added as well.

Next after the rug comes the mirrored dining hutch. I’m really into mirror furniture and I have the perfect spot right below the window.

Also finished my grand daughters room which I will be posting tomorrow. Can not wait to show it to you. Crystal columns, purple walls, remember, yes that room. It’s finally done as well!

Happy Decorating

Bella

XoX

 Mad shopping skills this weekend. All of the above was purchase at Z Gallerie. The green crystal flowers have now found a lovely spot in my living room. And the insanely bright diamond reflective vase and crystal candle sticks are for my dining room table!

How was your weekend? And decorating around your house?

Happy Monday dolls!

Bella

XoX

While taking a picture of another project, I found this was the best pic I had of the table. If you look closely at the rim of the table you will see the crystals! Just a thin line on the outer corner, just enough bling to make the table pop!

Here is another angle, although I have out my lamp project! Haha

Still haven’t found the chairs I want, as I am looking for just the right ones! Remember these below that I found a picture of? They are from the House of Dior and I am determined to duplicate them!

On to the next project, coming right up!

Bella

XoX

I love how this turned out!

This is how the light looked when I first started

I started by wrapping with crystals.  Seriously all I did was wrap, no glue, nothing!

I left the ends so I could attach crystal drops.

 I just kept wrapping  until I ended up with this!

Hello everyone, I spent a majority of my weekend decorating.  And as you are going to be able to tell by my next few post…lol

I decorated a chandelier, two floral arrangements , a lamp shade, finished my dining room table and hung crystals curtains. Ohhh and shopped till I dropped!!!! So much fun.

The crystals I wrapped around the chandelier were actually cut from an extra curtain I had, the teardrops I took off a candelabra I haven’t used in years.

I purchase a great deal of decor from a company called shop wild things dot com.  Which you can buy a roll of these crystal strands.

Super excited to share with a bedroom I am doing right now!  Pics will be up next weekend. Verbal glimpse — Bedroom is deep purple, two ten foot crystal columns flanking the bed, crystal curtains, gorgeous florals (purple of course) and simple white bedroom furniture. Think glitz and glam.

Hope your weekend was fab, next post I am finally posting my dining room table I have been talking about endlessly.

Bella

XoX