Get Your Nails Did

Manicures and pedicures are something I put under "splurge". But sometimes they are just called for. Today my feet were killing me from standing for 8 hours at work, my cuticles were out of control (yes... I might've been picking them), and I just felt like a disgusting beast monster.

Yeah. it was that bad.

So I dropped by Bijou nails (417 W. 58th street) which my girlfriends had been raving about, and here's my review. It's pretty bare bones compared to the real ritzy spas, but compared to the ones that I'd been to at the same price point ($9 manicure, $23 pedicure) it was pretty luxe.

They were quick and clean, which is very important to me, and they even gave me a back massage while my nails were drying. Awesome.
They also add on little things, like I had my feet "grated" and had a paraffin wax treatment. Yes, it was as glamorous as it sounds, but if you'd seen my callouses from wearing heels it was required, and my feet are baby soft now.

However, they have a weird "tax" which I've never heard of that gets added onto the bill.
Example:

Brochure prices

$9 mani

$23 pedi

$5 "grating"

and that somehow added up to $40 for my bill, which when I asked about it they just said "Oh, that's the tax". I was a little confused, but considering the place I usually go it's $35 for a similar pedicure, I decided it definitely wasn't worth the argument.

So overall this place gets a big thumbs up from me (I will be heading back in a month or two when I become a disgusting beast again) just watch out for that hidden "tax".


photo thanks to Library of Congress

Locket Up

I seem to be having a focus on accessories this week. But the latest piece of jewelry that has caught my eye is a necklace (and no, I'm not going back on my stance).
Blame Valentine's Day, but I'm loving the idea of a little heart locket on a delicate chain.

Lockets always have a certain interactive quality that I love to have with my jewelry. Mostly I like it if people are simply curious and want a closer look, but with lockets people actively want to know what could be inside.
What kind of picture or memento are you hiding in there?
I might just have to make one up. Perhaps put a picture of Hugh Grant and call him my lover ; )

Etsy seems to be the best place to find these. Here's some that are on my wishlist:

Tiny Heart Locket Necklace

Vintage Etched Locket

Rose Locket

Vintage 10K Gold Locket

Oh, and btw all of these are under $25. Gotta love Etsy.

Hey Guys

Guess what? I made it over 200 posts. (let's be nit-picky here, this is post # 201)

Anyway, I can't believe that I actually stuck with it this long since I started on a bit of a whim.
Pretty much how I start everything.

But the comments and the community have definitely made me want to stick with it. 
I think that deserves a big shout out to Sal of Already Pretty, Rebecca of The Clotheshorse, Marta of With Love..., and Erika of Cafe Fashionista, and to everyone else who has commented and decided I'm awesome enough to follow (thanks guys!).
And to all you lurkers (I love you too!)

Thanks for the support.

photo thanks to Paaage

It's Not You, It's Me

Statement necklaces, I know we've been tight for a few years now. In fact, you save my ass every day at work when a customer asks "what can I wear with this shirt?" or "what kind of accessory do you recommend?"
Answer is always: "Just throw a necklace on!"
However, you know, I think we've just grown apart. Too much time together and all that.

So while you might still be fabulous for some other gal this spring, cuff bracelets have really stolen my heart.
I mean, just look at them:

 

Trina Turk Pierced Cuff

Blu Bijoux White Techno Bangle

Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Snake Bracelet

CC Skye Double Mac Link Leather Cuff

Give Me a Sec....

I'm almost tempted. Almost. Except that I've sworn off bootcut (makes my legs look awkward for some reason.)
But if you haven't, and you have tastes like mine... check out this deal on Ebay:

Yup. Those are Hugo Boss leather pants, size 2 currently at $0.01.

Thanks Sis

Thank my sister for this little musical bite. She introduced me to the band The White Tie Affair, which reminds me a little of the punkish teen bopper music that I used to listen to a while back.
But you know, in a good way.
Apparently my sister just has better musical tastes than me : )



Scene Change by The White Tie Affair

Fill It In

So after the clean out, a trip to the tailors, and a drop off at Buffalo Exchange, I'm realizing a few gaping holes in my wardrobe.
The most important thing to take note of are the things that are literally falling apart, which either means I need to
a) upgrade
b) get more because I'm obviously loving them to death.

List of Things my Closet Actually Needs (aka remorse free shopping) 

ballet flats
pencil or full aline skirts (high-waisted, of course)
a pair of slim jeans
a pair of slim chinos
T-shirt and shirt dresses
white blouses/button downs
black opaque tights/leggings
interesting/chunky jewelery
cardigans
anything leather

So I'm saying perhaps I took a peek on Ebay after I got my paycheck, and perhaps I picked up a few basics that were lacking in my wardrobe.

Basic black t-shirt dress and button down, nothing special except that my old ones were pilling and falling apart. Time for an upgrade.

 

Banana Republic t-shirt dress: $19.99

Gap black button down: $2.99

These however are a bit more fun. I somehow managed to gather a bunch of very eclectic skirts, which now because of the bright colors and crazy patterns just really don't fit. So off to the Exchange they went. These are some nice basic with a twist ones to set me off on the right path.

This is hands down my favorite. It almost feels like a worn in, thin suede with a nice quilted pattern. Very stretchy and body con, it's pretty sexy if I do say so myself.

Ralph Lauren pencil skirt: $19.99

This one is just cute and flirty, also with a slight corduroy texture and beautiful creamy color.

Gap skirt: $8.00

I also got a chambray shirt, but it was faded on one side. So annoying when you get a dud, but I figure you just one of the risks of Ebay.

Anyway, I think I'm off on the right track again. Don't you just love it when you have a functional closet?