MINKPINK + WILDFOX + NYLON Inspired Nails

Lately I've been catching up on my MINKPINK + WILDFOX + NYLON craze.  I don't know why, but they always go hand in hand when I start my search.  I just love the their style and image.  I guess they're all sort of similar in the color and pattern play, which would be a great universal photoshoot if they had one all together.  I really didn't want to have a billion inspiration boards and I just left it up to those 3 to inspire me on color, design and styling... but... yes...

 

I added several new inspiration boards for "cotton candy", bright colors/neons and even wild-like themes.  Oh boy oh boy...

 

So I figure, why not create some nails that will go with all of these outfits, since this week I'll probably be uplifting my spirit with more color during this drab winter weather???  Who cares if it's not summer.  It's definitely summer in my head!

 

 



I was too tired to wait for them to fully dry and I don't really care if they're not perfect but the idea is definitely there.  The other hand has polka dots on them but... again... maybe the winter weather is making me lazy :(  On a brighter note, hopefully these nails will hold up for whatever color and style of outfit I plan to wear.  Even PJ's  *Crossing my fingers*

Freedom in Black and White

 

 

Source: pullingmetowardsmyself.tumblr.com

Source: naoki-morikawa.tumblr.com

Source: weheartit.com

Source: shockblast.net

 

These are a few of the black and white inspirational images that keep me going, that remind me of freedom and the emotion that is conveyed through greyscale. Style is also conveyed in its basic form of pure shape and movement.  Without vibrant or diluted colors, we are left to really feel and interpret the style and emotion each image portrays.  I am in deep appreciation of all those involved in making these photographs.  I especially love the last one with the bubbles, so simple.

Pastel-ic Summer Inspiration

Reviewing some of my favorite inspirational images for summer in pastels, during this cold winter season.  Warms me up :)

Retro-Inspired Nails

No need for special equipment or paying a fortune for manicures! 

I'm no professional, but I do admit I find nail art very therapeutic even if you're just fooling around with nail design. I don't have any special equipment and I don't use anything other than the brush that already comes with the nail polish itself.  Part of my reasoning is that i'm just plain lazy!  Sometimes I just need the time and patience of nail art to think through what I need to do or de-stress from obstacles that I come across.  Here are a few designs I found myself creating ... 

Sparkled-Retro Style




Mixed-Patterns Style




Simple-Retro Style

They're not perfect by any means, just a means of me tracking what I've done.  I think perhaps my favorite styles stem from retro and vintage inspirations.  Looking closely, I've only used 3 basic main colors and the rest are accents.  One is a creamy baby pink color, the second is coral, and the third is a saturated red.  These three colors can be combined in any way and still go with each other.  Go ahead, see what you can do!

 

Happy nailing :)  

H&M Stud

Stud Muffin...

H&M bag

I passed this up at H&M when I was shopping in the fall.  I don't know why, but I keep thinking about it.  I really wanted it and I absolutely loved the studs, but I passed it up.  Regret perhaps?  Perfect size for my traveling ego, spacious, grungy, hand handles and shoulder straps... I guess I just couldn't spend for it at the time because of all the other things I had to get for other people.  I usually hate buying things for myself unless they are a necessity and I knew I already had other bags.  Ahhhhh! Not one like this though!!  

 

Isn't that always the case?  Isn't there always gonna be something we don't quite have or it's not the same??  I can't remember how much it was selling for, but maybe it wasn't the price I was expecting?  I know there are ways to DIY this so maybe i'll try that out instead :)  

style2bones' Dominique Nghiem

Dominique Nghiem's looks are edgy, grungy, and well... what can I say?  There's no question what her personal style is.  This petite Asian knows how to put her looks together fit for any size.  I've been eyeing some of her outfits for some time now and there are some that I could not pull off but use it for inspiration!  All the details of her items are indicated on her blog: style2bones

 

These are some of my top favorites of hers: 

 

Mee Photoshoot

I came across one of my latest photo shoots that inspired me.  I was fortunate to have been able to do a quick session in between the craziness and stress I was going through at the time.  Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Mee...

 

Fringes and pigtails.  I would never have thought I would come back to a pigtail style but... I like it with a boho, grunge, or even vintage-like concepts.  The emotion was there that day so hopefully it turned out well in pictures. 

Enjoy!

 

Gloomy Day Grunge

 

The forecasters called for a nice weekend, but it ended up being mostly gloomy.  The clouds blocked what little sunshine I thought was coming and the fog only lifted barely during the day.  Luckily it wasn't freezing and I opted for a layered approach instead of a heavy duty coat.  In my eyes, I could feel a vintage grunge inspiration coming on... 

 



Leather jacket
Ralph Lauren denim button up
Green boat neck top from Wet Seal
Sheer black tights
Pleated leather Skirt from Wet Seal
Belle suede boots in black
Guess bag

I needed to keep my feet and legs warm because I chose to wear thinner leggings, thus the boots.  It's hard to tell here, but my inner shirt below the denim is actually a shade of green.  Comfortable and easy to wear wherever I ended up, all I really needed to do was take a chance and clean out my bag!  *Sigh*  I still haven't cleaned it but I feel like it's my "pick-up-and-go" bag.  Everyone needs one in case of emergencies.. or maybe that's just my excuse! hah. 

 

I heard somewhere on the news one time that your bag should really not be anything more than 5 lbs.  Yup.  I know some of you have more than 5... way more! I'm kinda tempted to weigh mine now :)   

Price of the outfit??  $0.00!!!  Well..., at least for me it was.  Yup, all items were gifts to me collected over the years.  Scrounge your closet and see what you got before you donate or throw them away.  Who knows, you may be able to pull off a priceless outfit :)

So simple, so lovely - fresh sugar perfection

I'm in love with one of the gifts I received for Christmas!!

Thanks to my lovely sister, I have been using this product and it's addictive.. beware..

 

There large red and white floral patterned one is a container that held 2 parts:
(1) polish: sugar lip polish
(2)lip treatment/sunscreen: sugar passion lip treatment that provides sunscreen and a lip tint in a deep rouge color, but it's very sheer.

I absolutely loved the smell when I first opened it, so much so that I actually didn't notice I was being video taped haha!  There's a sweet but not overpowering smell that makes them seem almost edible.  My lips feel so much softer and is it possible that it even feels more plump?!?  The lip treatment lasts on your lips too, which is great because when you need a little color without the fuss of lipstick, this works as a great alternative.  On top of everything, there's sunscreen protection and they're extremely portable!  I'm so pleased at how so much power exists in this small yet large gift :)  Beauty and health all in one package, while meeting all my checkmark requirements. 

Kissable lips... that's all I gotta say :)

 

Ellen Von Unwerth - Classic Vintage Grunge





Model: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley



Out Magazine - Lady Gaga

Model: Ashley Smith for Vogue Turkey

Marilyn Monroe inspired shoot for Madam Figaro.  Model: Milla Jovovich

Guess Spring 2011 w/ Model: Elsa Hosk



 

Ellen von Unwerth: "Do Not Disturb" exhibit @ Michael Hoppen Gallery 



 

 

One of my favorite and inspirational photographers is Ellen von Unwerth.  The above images are what I find to be the varied styles in her photography pieces, depicting a type of classic, vintage grunge in my eyes.  What's most appealing is her keen ability to take any person and transform them into an image of this particular style.  I absolutely love this type of photography and use this inspiration for my own personal style.  These images are for further inspiration into not only the aesthetic appeal, but the edgy yet sensual and strong lifestyle that I personally look for.  I love how these images promote a soft edged outlook with a vintage spin created through the hues and lense.  Love, love, absolutely in LOVE!!!

 



Mee Toukie Favs!!!

 

 

These are my favorites thus far of Toukie's posts capturing my ideals for style so very well captured with an Asian imprint.  I love how these are a mix of retro, modern, and vintage all at the same time.  I absolutely love the "nylon" quality and bits of color mixed in.  What works well is the ability to casually wear these styles or amp it up for a night out in the town.  There's minimal accessory requirement, which works well for your runaround day and for those who constantly lose their items!  Mee thinks Mee loves!!!  Platform shoes, boots, eyewear and hats are all simple yet basic needs for everyday wear.  How can you go wrong?!  You can't, even if you tried. These are definite must-haves in my closet and should be yours too!  So get going :)

The Different Styles of Grunge

Source: grunge-style.tumblr.com

Here's to a new year!!!

I'm completely ready and determined for the new year but in order to move forward, let's look back at some of my grunge favorites worn in several different ways....





alice dellal





 

Source: dirtyflaws.com

Source: chanelmonster.tumblr.com



Laces (by Fanny Lyckman)

 

Source: lookbook.nu

Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com

Source: Uploaded by user via EternallyMee on Pinterest

Source: lookbook.nu

 Linda R.



what-do-i-wear: (image: lusttforlife)

Source: vintagevirgin.tumblr.com

Source: via lookbook.nu ("Time spend with family and friends" by: Masha Sedgwick)

Source: Ladrao-de-ceus Via:crystalxfighter tumblr

I've come across so many sayings indicating that "grunge" should only be considered the 90's style with the ripped jeans and torn t-shirts, etc... Really though, isn't it all about making your own stylistic approach to grunge?  Can't grunge be all of the above shown here in this post??  Grunge has it's basic necessities: being comfortable yet edgy, worn & torn yet chic, and hard-core yet classy.  Don't let the term "grunge" fool you and make it your own!!