Lace mani/pedi how-to

When my toe-polish chipped recently I decided I was going to attempt to do a lace pedi for summer. Luckily, my experiment was successful! So I decided to share my experience with you all and write a lace mani/pedi how-to! I hope at least one of you tries it!

What you will need:

• Nail polish- preferably in a colour that constrasts your lace so that the lace pattern is nice and visible (I used OPI's "pearls of wisdom" which is a really pretty irredescent pearly light pink colour. I also always use a base-coat before applying any nail polish because it protects your nail and makes the colour last longer but I suppose it isn't necessary).
• Top coat (I like Seche Vite's dry fast top coat because like the name suggests, it dries fast and provides a really nice protective coat to your nails. For this particular manicure, it is necessary because it seals in the lace).
• Lace trim- you can use any colour you like (I used black). The thinner the lace the better it will work.
• Scissors- preferably smaller than the ones I used to be able to get nice and close to the nail when trimming excess lace.

The process:
Step 1- Cut 10 small pieces of lace, 1 to fit each nail (at this stage it's ok if they're a little long, you can always trim the excess! It's more important to get the width right). Set these aside for later.
Step 2- Paint 1-2 coats (as preferred) of your colour onto your nails (if you are planning to use base coat, do so before applying colour).
Step 3- While your nails are still wet, carefully place each piece of lace onto the nail it was sized for. Press it into the nail polish with your finger to make sure it sticks, trimming any excess with your scissors.
Step 4- Apply top coat (I would suggest 2 coats to really seal in the lace).
Step 5- Let dry, admire your handy-work and wait for all the compliments you will surely receive!

Et voila! :)

Getting Crafty

For some reason I was feeling creative today so I decided to make some stuff and then show it to you all.

Polymer clay cupcake cell-charms and lace earrings with beads

Close-up of one of the more elaborate pairs

And a close-up of the cupcakes! :) Who knows, I may even go crazy and add some bead sprinkles!

Your favourite new DIY blog

If you're a crafty kinda person and in need of a few projects for the summer then you're in luck, as I have just happened to come across the perfect little DIY blog for the fashionista with some time on their hands! While Honestly... WTF is not a DIY only blog and only posts about one new DIY project per week, there are plenty in their archives to choose from (I should know, I've spent the past little while looking through them)! Some that I personally can't wait to try are the origami brooch and the lace earrings. The instructions seem surprisingly easy and the resulting projects look super impressive, so give it a look and if you have any success stories definitely let me know!

origami brooch

lace earrings

Do something different for Mother's Day!

If you're still scrambling to find something for Mother's Day, well you probably should have started shopping earlier... just kidding! Anyway, if you're looking to do something different for your mom and still can't decide between flowers or breakfast in bed, why not combine the two this year and make her a lovely and delicious bouquet of bacon roses courtesy of Obvious Winner. I can almost hear her now, "Awww thanks hunny, they're beautiful... AND delicious!" Obvious winner indeed.

A store that stole my heart

On another unnecessary shopping trip of mine, I stumbled upon a new store (well new location at least) called Durumi & Chocolate Shoes that is one of the cutest little Queen West shops I've seen in a while! They have an adorably eclectic selection of shoes, apparel and accessories that are a perfect combination of fun, artistic and unique. The apparel all incorporates various prints, fabrics and textures and puts a darling twist on ordinary pieces. The accessories are one-of-a-kind (I think, don't quote me on that!) and feature everything from fabric earrings to the cutest pocket-watch-necklaces you've ever seen (including one with an Audrey Hepburn print case and one in the shape of a robot!) and even one of my personal favourite new trends- shoe clips! As far as the chocolate shoes part of the store goes, they perfectly compliment the style and tone of the apparel and accessories and have a plethora of sweet ballerina flats, sassy heels and everything inbetween, all with unique twists on your favourite basics in colours that look good enough to eat. Incase you haven't picked up on it, I completely fell for this store's charm! Definitely a must-see store for anyone who is visiting or lives in Toronto (located at Queen and Spadina)!

What I bought:

Skinny belt with bow- $21

 

Lipstick pen- $2

Sweater dress with ruffle detail- originally $79, on sale for $19

Ruffle detail close-up

May need to go back for one of those watch-necklaces...

From Runway to Kanye

We always knew that Kanye West would do just about anything to get attention, but wearing women's clothing was probably the last thing anyone expected from him. Kanye made a splash at the recent Coachella music fest in the blue silk foulard print shirt from Celine's summer 2011 womenswear collection, but I must say that had I not seen the runway picture I probably would have never given Kanye's outfit a second thought. What can I say, he kinda rocked it. If I was going to do a who wore it better, I think I'd need to give it to Kanye. Who knows, maybe he'll start a trend.

A hidden gem in the heart of Toronto's fashion district

If you're living in Toronto or planning on visiting sometime soon and love unique, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces you might want to stop by Camelot Antiques vintage jewelry store located in the fashion district at Queen and Augusta right beside Arton Beads. I stumbled upon it a couple weeks ago when a necklace in the window caught my eye. The quaint shop is strictly cash only but has an impressive selection of vintage necklaces, broaches, earrings, rings and more for very reasonable prices. And if nothing else, stop in just to enjoy some witty banter with the quirky owners. By the time I had left I was $100 poorer but richer in fabulous one of a kind accessories! Here are a couple of the treasures I found there.