All in the Name of a Good Pedi!

I've had my share of manicures and pedicures that run the gamut from the cheap nail place on the corner to high end spas on vacation. It's one of my favorites indulgences to partake. I love a massage even more, but that I'm stingier on treating myself to. Hint hint, facials too! I've had only a handful of nail treatments that stand out in my mind as "excellent" and ladies and germs, I have another one to add to this exclusive list of top notch pampering indulgences. It should come as no surprise that Burke Williams would treat a girl right from her head to her toes and while I had previously been treated to the delight that is their massage experience, I finally discovered what lies in the secret pedicure room and now I'm left daydreaming for more! Clearly I don't have pictures of this as that would impede on my priority of relaxation and melting into the chair, but I can paint a picture for you of what makes the Burke Williams Pedicure so outstanding and special!

1- A three person pedicure room. Ladies, and well healed gentlemen, you know it's not relaxing when you walk into a nail salon with 30 stations. Imagine the privacy of only two other people. It's soothing and lovely. Simply lovely.

2- When you sit down you are given this soft cloth full of warm oats to drape over your neck and just when you thought that felt oh so delicious they drape another larger towel sized one over your body so your lady bits don't poke out of your spa robe.

3- The spa foot tub. This is not an ugly plastic one, oh no, it's iridescent and glass and shiny- again, it's lovely. A little dates as it may be, but it's lovely none the less! The water temperature is perfect.

4- Sophia. That was my girl and she was an angel sent to Burke Williams from heaven to gently care for my soles. She had the softest touch, even with a file and callus remover(not that I need that!) that usually causes me a slight cringe- not in Sophia's hands. Her foot massage melted away my stress which as of late has been piling up.

5- Paraffin. MMMMHHHMMM. I love a little trip into the paraffin dip. Hot, a little too hot, but not painful. Paraffin= softness.

6- Nail polish trays. Sophia kindly asked me my preference in color and then brought over trays of color that might meet my standards and I selected OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark as we are no stranger to one another. Her polish application was also impeccable. Thank you Sophia!

7- Good magazines. Harpers Bazaar and House Beautiful.

This was a gift certificate from friends for my birthday and I have to say- boys, you done good! This was a real treat and I have to say with the pedicure being $50, it's not out of the question to make a repeat visit. Ladies- who's with me??

Lately Loving: More on nails..

I distinctly remember writing a post about my fear of embracing any wacky nail art many months ago and go figure, I couldn't stay away for too long. I'm still shying away from adorning my nails with cartoon characters or rhinestones, but a statement nail- that I am finally on board with. While getting ready for a wedding over the weekend I decided it was time to take the plunge into the foray of statement nails. I was doing an all black and gold ensemble. Black dress, black back with gold logo, and then dripped in gold everywhere else I could- starting with my nails. I did Essie's new Good as Gold (from their new mirrored polish line) and then painted my ring finger with a Butter gold glitter- and go figure- I love it!

all that glitters is gold

For me to feel comfortable I needed something subtle, so I kept the statement nail the same color and just topped it with a glittery gold creating a "classy" (??) statement nail effect. This was my attempt to get my feet wet, maybe in the future I will be ms. statement nail- and going with a full separate color on this nail...or maybe not. Only time will tell!

What do you think about this?? Dying to hear!

{shop the look}

Lately Loving: Sand Tropez

You know I love my nail polish and you know I'm stoked for fall and the two go hand in hand. Literally. I'm not quite ready to abondon my polished bright nail colors, but I'm ready to slowly transition towards fall neutrals and eventually I'll ease into the darkest of colors. I found my perfect middle ground in Essie's Sand Tropez! It's definitely a neutral and with it's sandy tone it's perfect for transitioning from summer to fall. If you're brave, this would be the perfect color to use as a base with a bright french tip.

Sand Tropez

Do you have a favorite color as we tip toe closer to fall?

Lately Loving: Tart Deco

Found it! Another new favorite summer nail polish cover (and surprise, it's Essie) Tart Deco! This borderline neon orangey peach has quickly worked its way into my heart. I was a little apprehensive about trying this color because it looked a little too bright for my comfort zone, but I'm really happy that I did. The more I wear it, the more I'm loving it.

Tart Deco

I'd love to hear what colors you are really into right now. Do you have a favorite go to nail polish for the summer months?

Lately Loving: A Good Mani & Pedi

Ladies- we all know it is hard work hunting for a great spot to get our nails done. It has to be clean, staff should be friendly, have a good color selection, be reasonably priced, and be able to squeeze you in when you're short on time. It's a hard job, but someone's gotta do it- and I'll happily take on the job of finding the perfect nail shop!

I live near Robertson Blvd and just north of Olympic there is a bevvy of nail shops. I've tried a few and have been disappointed (ahem...Contempo, JB Nails) time and time again. I got out of work early a few weeks ago and went to get my nails done with a friend. I found this shop next to my favorite place to get a massage (Touch Massage Boutique...go immediately!) and figured it looked nice enough. Enter Nature's Nails! It's definitely a step up from some of the other shops on Robertson, but it won me over and I'll definitely be back! Let's talk about what I liked- the staff was very friendly which immediately puts me at ease. They had a pretty great selection of nail polish and of course having Essie doesn't hurt in my opinion! The price was great and on par with other shops in the area, but I liked their more "spa" like adds on- like  really good smelling salt scrubs, paraffin wax, etc. What really sealed the deal for me are the traditional looking wooden barrels to soak your feet in with hot water, lemon slices, and rose petals- well hello relaxation! My mani lasted a few days longer than normal which could be due to any variable, but I'll throw it in there!

I'd love to hear where you go to get your nails done and if you have a favorite shop!

Lately Loving: Essie's Spring Colors

You guys- I did not have a good day yesterday. It was one of those days that I woke up feeling like I wanted to cry for no reason, and then nothing went right and everything I did I felt like I didn't do it well, straight up did it wrong and had to do over, and well- yesterday was a fail! I came home and was completely exhausted. I should have gone for a pedicure or to get a massage. Instead I fell asleep on the couch for an early evening snooze. I woke up still a bit bummed out from my colossal wash of a day, watched some Pregnant in Heels (did you watch? What a nightmare that little girl was, huh!? And doesn't it seems so many of the husbands on the show seem gay? Have you noticed that? Anyway, I digress...), and looked at my lackluster nails and wish I really had gone for a mani and pedi. My new favorite shades would surely rescue this bad day, right? I think so. I might as well share my favorite colors with you- my favorites!

It's no secret that I love nail polish, Essie in particular.  I have searched high and low for the perfect coral color. Look no further friends- Mango Bango!

Mango Bango

I was also in search of a peach color and I have really been loving A Crewed Interest. Lately I've been into using Essie's Luxe Effects As Gold as it Gets top coat on top of this and I really like the effect.

A Crewed Interest

As Gold as it Gets

I also really love Clam Bake, but I haven't gotten around to buying it yet. I think I might need to treat myself to a new color or a manicure to test it out!

Clam Bake

What are your favorite nail polish shades right now? Also- what do you do for yourself to shake a really tough day? Or do you have those days that you just feel you could cry if anyone even looked at you slightly weird? How do you get rid of those?

Lately Loving: Pantone's Sephora Match

Sephora + Pantone= A match made in beauty perfection.

I'm still really loving this year's color of the year, Tangerine Tango and I love the new Sephora collection honoring this lively shade. You can check out the whole lot of fabulousness over here it's chockfull of lipstick, nail polish, beauty tools, blushes, and more. I haven't ordered any yet, but this nail polish is calling my name!

Nail Art Thou?

I stumbled across this article on Japanese nail art, which apparently is nail art gone wild. This makes a traditional flower or gem look tame and it's really a whole new level of nail bedazzlement. I have a lot of questions about this: How do you type? How do you prevent a snagged sweater or tights? How long does this tricked out nail stay intact? Do you scratch your face while sleeping? Can you travel on an airplane with these nails, they look pretty sharp?

Cute for someone else, but not for these nailsies!
Photo from Cupcakes and Cashmere

I don't even dare to put a butterfly on my nails, I like them classic and monotone. Boring? Yes. I'm totally ok with my boring single color nail preference. I'm warming up to the notion of a "status nail"- which is one nail (often the ring finger) painted a different color or with just a touch of glitter that sets it apart from the other nails. It even took me awhile to embrace a sparkle without feeling like a 6 or 60 year old. I'm currently really into Essie's Mochacino which is a slight sparkle that looks good on it's own and great over Essie's Chinchilly.

I'm dying to hear what you think about nail art. Is it something you would try? What about the status nail or patterns?Would love to hear your thoughts!

Fall Love

Fall is in full swing in LA right now. It's a little chillier and that means we can wear coats, sweaters, scarves, autumnal colors and drink pumpkin lattes. It's a good time of year! I've been incorporating some new colors into my wardrobe quite aggressively. Camel. I am loving camel! Navy and olive green. It's all about a clean, classic look for me right now with fun touches, and by fun touches- I mean accessories. Meet one of my favorite new fall accessories:  Dolce Vita Koko Flats:

DV Koko Flats

I have also been embracing fall with autumnal Essie shades. Some of my favorites are Chinchilly, Velvet Voyage, Glamour Purse (which I fell in love with at my Bliss-perience), and Ladylike. Eternal Optimist has been a long time staple, but I am enjoying changing it up a bit for the new season. Do you have any favorite nail shades? Favorite new fall looks?

Chinchilly

Velvet Voyage

Ladylike

Glamour Purse

And my go to for sunnier days, Eternal Optimist

My Night of Bliss

Last night was absolute Bliss! I bought a voucher on Gilt City or Daily Candy Deals, or any one of the 20 local deal emails that floods my inbox every morning.  The deal was for a manicure and a pedicure delivered straight from heaven. Actually, my nail technician was pretty close to heaven, not only did she rub and scrub my feetsies and handsies, but her name is Vera Wang. I kid you not. Every girl's dream! She didn't give me anything from her lavender label on my way out, but did do a lovely job on my nails: Essie's Velvet Voyage for the toes and Glamour Purse for fingers.

I enjoyed every second of my Bliss experience. From the fabulous gay man-greeter to the brownies. 

The locker room was a little stark, but still pretty and I love a tufted ottoman and shelves full of rolled towels.

Check out that tufting

It looses the effect when I try this in my own bathroom

 Then onto the lounge, in it's lilac and snack filled glory! Bliss stocks brownies, blondies, crackers, cheese, and cucumbers (wtf- who wants that?!) for munching. It doesn't stop there, a girl needs her bevie- help yourself to apple cider, herbal tea, or what was basically water-sangria.

Would be better without that stargazer disrupting my relaxation time

snack station (apologies for dark photo)

Thanks Bliss for a lovely evening and I will be back the next time I see this deal pop up.