Get the Naeem Khan Reverse French Manicure

I cannot get over these reverse french nails from Naeem Khan, classic with a fun twist. I figured out a very easy way to get this look yourself even if you are a newbie with nail art.

http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/tips/coolest-nails-at-fashion-week-nyc-jeremy-scott#slide-4

First I painted my entire nail with one of my favorite CND nail polishes. It is a very sheer color which works with this manicure. (Can be worn alone for a classic girly look, I also use it as a top coat to make any nail color shimmery).

http://www.cnd.com/

Gold Shimmer Effects Polish $11.00

After letting the gold dry I used small round stickers I bought at the drug store, you could also use Reinforces, anything that is round will work. Cover the moon of you nail with the sticker.

Then I used my BB nail polish in Poppy Passion, which is a red/orange hue. BB nail polish dries super shiny the way shellac nail polish does. I'm not sure what they do, but it always has a smooth finish. (And I love that they don't use formaldehyde, and includes a base and top coat.)

http://www.bbnailpolish.com/

BB Nail Polish in Poppy Passion $10.95

Then you just want to do a coat of your second color over your nail while the sticker is still on.

Ta-da: 

I loved how easy this manicure was to do so I decided to try it with a classic french manicure, but of course with a twist. Using the stickers made it have a nice curve, and I obviously had to do fun colors.

I started with Nailtiques Protein Nail Polish in Moscow, which is a beautiful red. A great color to be worn alone on trimmed nails.

http://www.nailtiques.com/Products.asp?CategoryID=6

Nailtiques in Moscow $10.00

After letting the red dry, I used BB nail polish in Blind Love. This color is great because with only one coat you get the full color; I have found that some metallic nail polishes need numerous coats.

http://www.bbnailpolish.com/

BB Nail Polish in Blind Love $10.95

After the red coat was completely dry, I placed the yellow stickers over my nail and left a lot of room on the edge of my nail to get a super think french mani and used the metallic BB polish.

Have any manicures you want me to try? Let me know!

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton

Shopping Goodness

I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood to shop. Okay, I do know about you, if you weren't always in the mood to shop you wouldn't be here reading this. So, I thought it only fair that I tell you where you should be doing that if you happen to be in the New York area. These are some sales and events I'll be checking out, anyway.

Rent the Runway

(Image and info via Sample Sally)

I'm not Rent The Runway's biggest fan - I think they could be a lot more fashion-focused and I'm still not actually sold on the renting idea when you could hunt some sale racks and own something for not too much more money. Therefore, it's only when they have a sample sale - read: you don't have to give anything back, for once - that I pay attention. Sample Sally didn't exactly give this one rave reviews, and I won't be hunting for Halston Heritage, trust - but hey, I'm willing to dig for some 90% off Tibi, why not?

Anna Dello Russo x H&M

(Image and info via RackedNY)

There might not be tons to lust after in Anna Dello Russo's collection for H&M, but how could you not check it out? She is a true fashion alien - all things crazy and all things amazing - and it wouldn't hurt your look to add a little of her opulence with a snake cuff or baroque-detailed bag. These are the five locations RackedNY reports will have the collection in NY: 

· 640 Fifth Avenue at 51st Street
· 435 Seventh Avenue at 34th Street
· 731 Lexington Avenue at 59th Street
· 515 Broadway at Spring Street
· 1328 Broadway at 34th Street

Free People

There's nothing better than a sample sale on a cool but lower-priced brand because that means the sale prices will be prrretty damn cheap. (Okay, there is something better: a sample sale on an amazing, high end brand where the prices hit rock bottom. But, we work with what we have.) From October 9th to 11th, 10AM to 7PM, Clothingline (261 West 36th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues), will be offering up Free People at slashed prices. (via Manhattan Users Guide)

Happy shopping!

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

Beauty Secrets Revealed Volume I

Full disclosure: I have a few beauty secrets that I have always kept to myself but I was feeling guilty so I am going to share with you. It pains me to think of you stumbling through your routine without these ten golden tips. You're welcome.

1.) Removing Glitter Nail Polish
          If you have ever worn any type of glitter nail polish, then you have probably done what I used to do, which is just leave it on until basically half your nail has grown out so you don't have to go through the horror (yes, that is how I would describe it) of removing the nail polish. Now it's no problem because I have learned a handy trick. I soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and place it on my nail. Then I rip off a piece of tin foil and wrap it around my finger. Wait a few minutes, and then just pull off the tin foil and cotton ball and say goodbye to the glitter.

2.) Dry Nail Polish in a Pinch
          I paint my nails at least once a week (usually two or more times...maybe like four) and I HATE waiting for my polish to dry. I hate even more waking up with the texture of my sheets embedded into my nails even though I waited hours after painting them to go to sleep - ridiculous. If you fill a bowl or cup with very cold water and dip each hand in for a 30 seconds to a minute, boom, your nails are dry.

3.) Stop Hair Breakage
          You know how your hair always looks super long right when you get out of the shower but once it's dry it's shorter? Well, that is because while it is drying it shrinks. So never put your hair in a ponytail when wet, because as your hair dries and shrinks it will snap in the ponytail.

4.) No More Blisters in High Heels
          Heels are NOT comfortable ("ohh but this pair is so comfy" - yeah, keep telling yourself that). If you put some baby powder on your feet or inside your shoes, then your feet won’t sweat and you won’t get blisters. (Fine, you may still get blisters, but they won’t be as bad and they'll be less, and when did I say this would work if you are wearing heels all night dancing like a fool?)

5.) Remove Mascara with No Makeup Remover
          You should NEVER go to bed with eye makeup on, but sometimes you don't have remover, like if you're staying somewhere other than home. You can use Vaseline to get off every last trace of eye make-up, mascara or lip stick. Just apply some to a cotton ball and wipe away. If I have on stubborn makeup then Vaseline is always my go to; one swipe and it's gone.

6.) Getting the Perfectly Smooth Manicure
          Having a bubbly or uneven manicure is never a good look. The reason is because basically everyone paints their nails incorrectly. You want to start painting in the middle of your nails and paint outward towards the sides. This will create a smooth finish and you won't get excess nail polish on the sides of your nails. You also always want to use a base coat, this will keep the polish from turning your nails a yellow color and will help the polish last longer. 

7.) Primer Primer Primer
          Always put on a primer before applying make-up, including face and eyes. No one wants to end the night with a runny face. Primer should be everyone’s secret tool - you might skip it when make-up shopping, but it's essential. It's the secret to ending those crease-clogging cream eye shadow woes.

8.) Never See Wrinkles
          Okay, I do not have a magic trick for you to NEVER develop wrinkles, except for something involving cryogenics, but I can tell you how to hold them at bay for longer. You need to start using anti-aging products before you ever think you need them. Even if you feel like you're insulting yourself - it's all about being proactive. It's never too early. I like to use the Yes to Blueberry products. They have anti-aging, wrinkle reducing products that really work and are very inexpensive. I especially enjoy the night cream.

http://www.yestocarrots.com/index.html#1

9.) Longer Locks
          There is nothing worse than wanting your hair to grow longer... waiting is like, well, watching hair grow. Use coconut milk once a week, rub onto hair and scalp and leave on for an hour. This will not only help your hair grow faster but will also make it thick. (Buying the canned coconut milk is fine.)

10.) Look Wide Awake
          Have tired, sleepy eyes with some nice bags under them? That sounds really attractive. Quick fix: pat on aloe vera, which will temporarily firm the eye area, or place a cold caffeinated tea bag over the eye for a few minutes.

Do you have any tips or secrets? Please share in the comment box or email them to me SobbingOnFifth@gmail.com

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton

Five Questions with What Would Ashley Wear!

One of SOF’s first Twitter loves was Ashley of the blog WhatWouldAshleyWear – and we consider it true destiny because we were introduced to her ever-awesome blog. Now, we’re addicted – we obsess over her vibrant, smart and effortlessly chic style and her witty voice, plus her mix of sunny Floridian and sleek New York sensibilities. That being said, it’s obvious we had to interview her here on SOF, and we’re thrilled that she obliged!

SOF: If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life - but had unlimited access to everything from that label - what would it be?

A: Two words: PROENZA SCHOULER. Enough said.

SOF: What are your favorite three things in your closet?

A: My Reed Krakoff hairtacular shoes,

My Alex Wang t-shirt dress just because of the way it feels and fits,
And a random evil eye bracelet I bought from a market in Marbella, Spain. Whenever I wear it, I feel like I have such awesome luck and well, let's face it- the evil eye pendant will always be in style.

SOF: What is your favorite fall trend and what can't you wait to wear to rock it?

A: I'm seeing a lot of rocker chic leather jackets with studs and other funky embellishments and they are calling my name. One store at a time.

SOF: What is your favorite go-to brick-and-mortar store? And online store?

A: I've given in and have been feverishly popping in and out of Zara consistently for the past few weeks. More than anything, I love supporting small boutiques so I pop in and explore random shops in Soho and Nolita when I can. I also like Crossroads Trading in Williamsburg for thrift deals.

For online shopping I'm always creeping Mikkat Market and The Outnet.

SOF: What is the last thing you bought?

A: I bought a bunch of pants and denim in "fall" colors from Zara and 3 pairs of flats. I'm in the process of making sure my closet is ready for fall.

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor