The Retail Therapy Diaries: August 2013

After months of eyeing nail sticker packets in the cosmetic aisles, I finally gave in and decided to give them a try. I was drawn to Loreal's Colour Riche Nail Lingerie stickers in the design, In With the New. The silver glitter fade starting at the base of the nail looked both classic and fun, and I thought that it would match well with a wide variety of different pinks. For the base color, I went with Deborah Lippmann's hot pink shade, Daytripper, and prepped my nails for the stickers. To my dismay, the stickers were less than spectacular and I ended up having to peel them off. Let's just say that you could definitely tell that they were stickers. Once on the nail, they puckered at the tips creating an undesirable "plastic" look. I attempted to layer on more nail polish to try and smooth over the bumps, but nothing seemed to work. Nail stickers are a great idea, but I think that they need to figure out a way to create products that are rounded-nail plate friendly!

Loreal Paris Colour Riche Nail Lingerie

in 705 In With the New

$8.95 (Loreal)

Not one to be conquered by nail troubles, I decided to create my own glitter fade manicure. With a fine glitter polish, I started at the base of my nail, and applied a line straight across as if I were creating a french manicure. Then I positioned the brush straight up and down and dabbed lightly upward to create the faded look. Finally, I finished off my nails with a quick dry top coat to make my manicure last, and shine!

Deborah Lippmann in Daytripper $17.00 (Nordstrom)

Sparitual in Golden Rule $10.00 (Sephora)

Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat $4.99 (Target)

Liking the way that my nails turned out, I decided to reverse the fade and have the glitter start at the tip of my nails. I personally liked my second attempt better, but I think that might just be because I like this color combination better.

Sally Hansen Gem Crush in Razzle Dazzler $6.24 (Target)

Revlon Nail Enamel in Teak Rose $4.99 (Ulta)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.lorealparisusa.com

Over a year ago, I blogged my favorite post. Inspired by some of my favorite Pixar characters, I took elements from their respective movies, whether it be the location of the character's home or a particular color, and created unique outfits that were both fun and functional. So here we are today and I'm back with a whole new group of Pixar characters to build inspired outfits from! I've always been a fan of secondary characters who don't always get the recognition that they deserve, and this time is no different. From my personal favorite, Ratatouille, to the always classic Toy Story, I hope I covered some of your favorites! Enjoy and let me know if there is an important character that I might have missed! Haven't seen the original set? Click here!

Pixar Inspired Outfits

Finding Nemo

How could I not include this sassy fish terrorizer in this post? From her girly lavender "Rock 'n' Roll Girl" sweater, whose sparkles rival her extensive dental appliances, to her perfectly symmetrical pigtails, Darla is definitely a budding fashionista. Inspired by the contrasting teal and hot pink combo seen in her fish-tank-side photograph, I created an outfit that can easily go from day to night with a quick change of shoes and accessories! So take a lesson from this piranha from the Amazon and have fun mixing bright colors and lots of sparkle together!

Top: Solid Shirt Tank $9.99 (Delia's)
Skirt: Taylor Fuchsia Belted Jersey Skater Skirt $31.00 (She Likes)
Shoes: Cotswolds Crunch Glitter Ballerinas $24.00 (Accessorize)
Necklace: Fish Pendant Necklace $17.99 (Mango)

Toy Story

This loudmouth spud is always quick to provide a witty comeback, and he sure knows how to look good while switching between his "angry eyes."With a compartment full of removable accessories, Mr. Potato Head is always ready to put his best pair of blue shoes forward. Building off of his famously well-groomed mustache, I decided to create a casual, yet polished look that will keep you looking as presentable as the mister himself. Finish off your outfit with a simple clutch and don't forget to throw on your derby hat before you head out the door!

Top: Good Thinks Shirt $53.00 (Conleys)
Shorts: Lost Shine On Denim Shorts $39.99 (Tilly's)
Shoes: 9 and Co. Ultima Wedge Sandals $26.00 (JcPenney)
Bag: Miracle Purse $11.00 (Monki)
Hat: Black Bowler Hat $19.00 (Fashion Union)

A Bug's Life

Just like his colorful personality, Heimlich's exterior is just as bright and inviting. Very few animated characters can pull of such a wide variety of greens without being associated with the word evil, but this chubby caterpillar somehow makes the hue charming. Complimenting his perfectly rosy cheeks, Heimlich's red mittens add an extra pop of color for that perfect finishing touch. As an added bonus, the orange, yellow, and white of those delicious candy corn bits help to bring out his natural glow. To finish off my inspired look, I added a delicate butterfly bracelet for a hint of shine.

Top: Topshop Stretch Crop Top $16.00 (Nordstrom)
Skirt: Even and Odd Pleated Skirt $39.00 (Zalando)
Belt: Michael Kors Black Polished Gold Belt $42.00 (Zappos)
Shoes: Red Herring Coral Cross Strap Wedge $38.00 (Debenhams)
Bracelet: Alex and Ani Butterfly Bangle $28.00 (Bloomingdale's)

The Incredibles

Who says wearing all black has to be boring? Sit down and take notes, this feisty fashion designer demonstrates how to feel like a superhero in basic black. With her bug-eye frames, perfectly shaped bob, and armadillo inspired sleeves, you know she means business. Create visual interest to a monochromatic outfit by mixing textures. I paired a simple jersey top, leather skirt, and suede heels together for this inspired look. For an even bolder look, add a bright pop of color with a chunky necklace or a fun bangle! Edna definitely knows that black can be just as exciting as brighter colors. Just remember, no capes!

Top: Classic Polly Plains Capped Tee $58.00 (French Connection)
Skirt: Jules Leather Look Skater Skirt $30.00 (Boohoo)
Shoes: Black Mary Jane Strap Courts $59.00 (Dorothy Perkins)
Necklace: The Stella Summer Statement Necklace $25.00 (Amazon)
Bracelet: Goreski Glasses Bangle $78.00 (Kate Spade)

Ratatouille

For an unusually glum individual, who has a fashion style to match, Anton Ego definitely knows how to pair cool tones together. As a food critic, it appears that he not only pays close attention to the latest dishes at Gusteau's, but pays just as much attention to the fit of his garments. For this inspired look, I decided to create a more casual outfit with reference to his favorite color palette. I even found a neat pair of earrings to pay homage to his passion for food! Last but not least, I selected a pair of pointy toed heels to mimic the sharp angles of his frame and his beak-like nose.

Top: Purple Swing Cami Top $25.00 (Dorothy Perkins)
Blazer: Navy Blue Crepe Open Front Blazer $19.00 (New Look)
Jeans: Essential Skinny Jeans $46.00 (Jane Norman)
Shoes: Pointed Patent Leather Court Shoes $49.90 (Zara)
Bag: Feeling Quilty Purse $34.00 (Go Jane)
Earrings: Spoon and Fork Earrings $18.95 (Etsy)

Monsters Inc.

I've got some good news and some bad news. First, the bad. No matter how hard we try, we will never be able to make pink and lavender look so gosh darn cute in the way that Boo so effortlessly accomplishes. However, the good news is that we can most certainly come close. When constructing this outfit, I had a hard time figuring out a way to prevent the look from seeming too "kiddy." By adding a leather belt and some wedges, I think I managed to save the outfit from becoming overly precious. As a finishing touch, I added a snake bangle to incorporate Celia, the other impeccably dressed female in the movie.

Top: Jane Norman Racer Back Crop Top $12.00 (House of Fraser)
Skirt: Cotton Mini Skirt $9.90 (Uniqlo)
Belt: Bubble Twist Lock Belt $36.00 (Topshop)
Shoes: Call It Spring Marceli T-Strap Wedge Espadrilles $38.00 (JcPenney)
Bracelet: Slink Bracelet $20.00 (Nasty Gal)

More beach bum than wilderness explorer, Russell's inspired outfit is perfect for a hot summer day. Pairing this look with a neutral belt and sandals, allows the brightness of the orange and yellow to take center stage! Kevin, Russell's trusty feathered friend, inspired me to create an outfit that is just as colorful as she is! Wanting to capture the flow of Kevin's feathers, I settled on a chiffon hi-low skirt, and paired it with a minty green top. Finished with bright yellow heels and a tangerine clutch, I figured a simple pair of earrings would be just enough to complete the look!

Top: Lime Double Layered V Neck Crop Top $20.00 (River Island)

Skirt: Orange Maxi Skirt (No longer available)

Belt: Pieces Galaxy Belt $13.50 (Asos)

Shoes: Prairie Grass Sandal $49.99 (Modcloth)

Bag: Patent Leatherette Clutch $29.95 (2B)

Necklace: Fire Balloon Shaped Long Necklace $1.76 (Wholesale-Dress)

Top: Green Lace Embroidered Top $15.00 (A Wear)

Skirt: Glamourous Dip Hem Skirt $40.00 (A Wear)

Shoes: Opened Toe Heels $39.00 (AX Paris)

Bag: Expressions NYC Faux Leather Box Clutch $36.18 (Nordstrom)

Earrings: Metal Bird Studs $48.00 (Marc Jacobs)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

The Retail Therapy Diaries

Friday, August 16, 2013

A Sticky Situation

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Pixar Perfect Part Two