Miercoles de Manicuri... Mani Wednesday?

I've never gotten the chance to do a blog piece about nails because I've been prohibited any type of fun or cool nails because of my job. But finally, finally today that changed. I went to Foz do Iguaçú, Brazil today to find the best place that could work with my acrylic nails. Acrylic nails don't exist here in the area and the next best option is gel nails. So, I went to Esmalteria Nacional in downtown Foz which is one of the verrrrrrrry few places that specialize in only nails. If you want your nails professionally done here in Latin America, you would normally go to your favorite hair salon.

The ladies were very friendly and put up with my pickiness and bad Portuguese.  They said that my acrylics were so well done that they didn't need to apply any gel to the nail and just filed them down for me and they look great. They had never seen pointy nails before and none that are as long as mine! But now that I'm liberated from server rules for a few months I will keep you posted on any new manicure ideas I have. If you're ever in the area, check out the store or check them out on Facebook or Instagram @esmalterianacional. 

Nunca podía escribir un blog sobre uñas porque me prohiben el use de cualquier tipo de uña o esmalte divertido o cheto en el trabajo. Pero finalmente, finalmente hoy eso cambió. Me fui a Foz do Iguaçú hoy para encontrar el mejor local para trabajar con mis uñas de acrilico. Uñas de acrilico casi no existen acá en America Latina así que la mejor opción fue uñas de gel. Entonces me fui a Esmalteria Nacional en el centro de Foz, lo cual es uno de muy pocos locales que trabajan solamente con uñas. Si usted querría hacerse las uñas profesionalmente en America Latina, uno normalmente iría a su peluquería o salon de belleza. Yo estaba muy impresionada con el local. Las señoritas fueron muy amables y aguantaron mi exigencia y portugues horrible. Nunca habían visto uñas a puntos como las mías! Muito chic. Ahora que estoy liberada de las reglas de una mesera por algunos meses les informaré de los ideas para manicuris que tengo. Y si esté en el area, pasá por el local o fije su página de  Facebook o en Instagram: @esmalterianacional.

Sephora Falsies and How to Care for Them

This is a review of a pair of false lashes that I received (Thanks Kaity ;)) and a guide on how to take care of them.  These are the "Astonish Lashes" by Sephora and I used them for the second time this weekend and I love them! They were a little bit too much for me when I first got them, so I trimmed a small amount of lashes off from the inside corner of the lashes to get more of a natural yet cat eye look. The glue is great that comes with them. It is already pretty tacky, so you can put a drop on one end and stretch it out to the other end and it will apply the perfect amount.  Wait only a few seconds before applying and then you're ready to go for the whole night (or day...)! I was out until 5 a.m. and had no problems at all. 

Here's the link to buy them online or you can go to any Sephora and see all the options that they have. (Trust me, there's alot.) They are significantly more expensive than drug store brands, so it's important to be able to use them more than once. If you didn't know, you can clean and reuse false lashes many many times. 

First, get your supplies: Rubbing alcohol, an eyebrow brush or spare mascara brush, some paper towels. 

Let the lashes sit in the alcohol for 15 to 20 minutes.

 Use the eyebrow brush to lightly brush off the glue from the inside of the lashes. It should start to peel off easily. 

 After all the glue is off, use the mascara brush to get off any left over mascara on the lashes. I really didn't have to use mascara after I put the lashes on.

Finally, let dry and store in their box. All done! I hope you found this useful. Leave a comment to let me know what else you'd like to read about! Besos!

'Merica Reversible Swimsuit

This was an extremely fun project that I made for one of my friends. I thought it would be easier than it turned out to be. The problem wasn't the sewing. It was making it reversible and seamless at the same time. To this day I don't know how to make a Speedo bottom reversible without having to cut it at the crotch. :/

 Here's  my mess when I was making the design. I elected to make one side red in front, blue in the back, and white on the side with gold accents in the waist band. The other side is all gold (front and back) with white on the sides. Making the patterns took the most time out of everything. I didn't have Josh there to get all his measurements, but I knew he was a size 32 waist.  So... I had to get creative from there.  I used pictures from the internet and some whitey-tighties to somehow make a pattern. And then change the pattern. And change it again. And again. Until I finally had it right. The photos below are of the work in progress. I only have the sides sewn here. 

This is where things got complicated.  Everything is sewn up except for the elastic in the leg holes.  Okay. Easy right? Well, I got the one leg hole done beautifully. Perfectly ruched with the right amount of swimsuit elastic. I turned the right sides together again to do the other leg hole. Again, perfectly executed. I went to turn the swim suit right side out and I had some how created a tesseract in which it was a never-ending time warping connection of fabric.  Don't ask how it happened. I was perplexed for over half an hour wondering how I could fix it. Always sew right sides together, right??? I guess not when it comes to reversible Speedos. Anyways, took that out and had to cut at the crotch. Sew everything up again and violá! 
Anyways, it actually fit Josh and he enjoyed it for his pool party. I enjoyed the challenge. And the party. :)

Business women pack spare heels for those long days in heels

Some advice on business wear. What to do. What not to do. And oh gosh, please take that off right now.
I've had several years of having to dress in business formal attire and I know what works and what doesn't. High-school and college students seem to have a problem with this. For as many times as we've heard buy a blazer and some suit pants, girls seem to think that lycra skirts are still acceptable and guys think that their suit pants should still sag. STOP.

I recently attended a DECA Marketing conference and had to give several presentations during midterms during the past weeks. (my excuses for not posting, sorry.) Let me just recount some of my experiences

•  Pantyhose are still acceptable and preferred. Let me be clear, everyone's legs look better with pantyhose.  That's what they're for. And if you look at pantyhose as another accessory, they are just one more great addition to your outfit. And a note about fishnets... I have no problem with fishnets, as long as they are tastefully black or nude and not extremely noticeable.  Unless, you are role-playing a sexy secretary, big-ole fishnets are not cool. 
• Closed toe shoes are a must. This isn't time for a summer picnic where you wear your platform sandals. Pumps are the most appropriate. And I know the question will arise, what about a peep toe??? Well, okay fine. Wear the peep-toe, but in all honesty, that went out of style like 2 years ago. 
• Guys, patterned shirts are your new best friend. Wear a checkered print or a gingham, mix and match with paisley or other prints.  You really can't go wrong unless it's flannel or wrinkled. 
• Speaking of button-down shirts... Ladies, denim shirts do NOT count as a button down business shirt.  I know they were all the rage the past two years, but they still are not business wear. Pick something that covers and that will suffice.  Nothing with words or phrases on it either.  
• Lycra skirts are not business wear! Wear those to the club all you want but your skirt should hit only a few inches above the knee! Not a few inches below your butt. Again, if you want to role-play the sexy secretary with your sig other go for it, just don't actually think that you can wear that. 
• DO wear nice jewelry.  Pearls are a favorite of mine.  They go with almost everything and will always have a prestigious aire to them. 
• Mix it up. Pants suits serve a purpose, but mix it up from time to time with bright shirts, long skirts, brightly colored pumps (not all at once) will show you're confident, appropriate, and well dressed. 

Below I have a picture of an outfit that I used to judge at the conference.  The skirt is mid calf length with a slit up to the knee in the back.  It with the Tommy Hilfiger shirt are a perfect combo of traditional and out of the ordinary for a business outfit. You can hype this look on Lookbook! Besos!

Your next look under $20!

This whole outfit for less than $20!

As I've mentioned before, I love a good bargain, but that doesn't mean that I sacrifice looking by best.  This outfit is really comfortable but punk. Here's the break down:

Pashmina scarf - Boscov's for $4.99
Coincidence and Chance sweater with elbow patches - Goodwill store for $4.95  (Similar sweater at retail prices)
Army green straight cut pants - hand-me-down. (S/O to Lindsay)
Army issue dress lace up boots- yard sale for $5.
4 wooden bangles - Macy's on sale for $2.50

Grand total! $17.44! 

I love this look, but I would love to hear how you would change it up! Let me know in the comments. Check out my Lookbook, too!
Hype this look!

Get her look, for way less: Cara Delevingne

Look, let me set this straight... I love fashion. I love the evolution of fashion.  I love the innovation in fashion. I hate the overpriced branding of fashion.  I love taking trends and making them accessible for everyone.  So, I love the segments in fashion mags that show what a celebrity is wear and how you can get that look. Unfortunately, depending on the magazine, even the "regularly priced" items are too expensive for me... (#collegekidprobs) So, I have created my own segment. Enjoy!

Ahhh Miss Cara Delevingne. If not currently, she will be the world's top model in a matter of a very short time. This is a stunning look that she wore to an event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Of course, this jumpsuit probably cost her hundreds, but you can get the same look for much less. 

This, is a plunging neck-line, sleeveless jumpsuit similar to Cara's but for the grand total of $27.00 with shipping. I found this on eBay.  Just search in Google "black jumpsuit" and you will find thousands of options that are all very flattering. This is the closest model I could find that was under $50. (http://bit.ly/1f1Tb5r) Now for the accessories...

Maurice's link belt: $15.00 (http://bit.ly/1iCuIat)

Modcloth $24.99 (http://bit.ly/1f1V3Lo)

Finally, for the shoes, almost any black pump will do the trick, but feel free to mix it up with bright colors or even crazy patterns.  I found really reasonable black pumps:

These beauties can be bought for $46.99 at Milanoo.com (http://bit.ly/1f1VXYn)

So if you don't have black pumps at home, and want to buy the whole look, your total will be: $115.98.  The best part about this outfit is that it actually can be used in different ways.  Want to cover up? Add a fluffy and colorful scarf. Want to go more gutsy? Try wearing a button up shirt underneath. Get creative but don't ever think that you can't afford fashion. 

LORAC "Take a Brow"

I've never been one to mess with my eyebrows when it comes to makeup; mostly because I have terribly shaped eyebrows no matter where I go or who does them for me, so I try to not accentuate that fact. I got  brave yesterday and I went and bought LORAC's "Take a Brow" eyebrow kit from Sephora.

 When I was in the store, there were three shades to choose from: Blonde, Brunette, and Dark Brown.  As you can see in the pictures, I do possess dark brown hair, but when I opened the corresponding brow kit, it had a coffee color and an almost black color along with the brow wax.  I was being brave, but not that brave.  When I have ventured into trying brow pencils before, I always felt like my eyebrows were the only thing you could see on my face, so I am still a little cautious.  I opted for the brunette kit which had a light brown and coffee colored option along with the brow wax.

I used the light brown in the following picture.  You can see the before and after.  I used tips from Makeup.com (Link: http://www.makeup.com/fill-brows-how-to/) to help me get it right (I'll still need practice and time to experiment). The kit included a mini angled brush, but I used my own larger one.  The pigment was just that, packed dry pigment.  I don't know why but I was expecting something creamier.  This just means that this brow kit will probably last me forever because I used so very little. (Bonus!) After putting on the light brown in the areas that are lacking, I applied the wax and viola! When I looked in the mirror, I still felt like all I could notice were my eyebrows, but when I look at the before and after pics, I definitely see the need for filling in my eyebrows.  I actually have a semi-shape to my eyebrows after using this. Thanks LORAC! 

4-IN-1 HANDMADE BIKINI

When my boyfriend and I went to Cancún I obviously needed a new swim suit. (What girl doesn't want a new bikini every year??) I couldn't find a Brazilian bikini anywhere in the U.S. and the prices online were outrageous! ($65+) So I decided to make my own for a grand total of $10 plus a few hours at the sewing machine.  I am the queen of multi-use clothing, so of course my swim suit is 100% reversible.

I wasn't just going to make a regular reversible bikini.  I made one that can become a bandeau as well. (As pictured.) When I was playing beach volleyball, I tied the straps around my neck and I had no slipage the entire 3 games. I was very impressed.

I loved the patterned lycra that I found to make this bikini! It was just gorgeous.  

If anyone is interested in having me make them a bikini, I would be happy to do it! I really enjoyed making this one and I plan on buying plenty of fabric to make more and more styles. I plan on making everything reversible if possible so that I (or you...) can mix and match the pieces.  

Cuando mi novio y yo fuimos a Cancún, obviamente yo necesitaba un nuevo bikini. (Cuál chica no siempre necesita uno nuevo?) Encontrar un binkini Brasileño en EEUU fue imposible y del internet salían carísimos! ($65+) Entonces, decidí hacer uno yo mismo al sumo de $10 y unas horas frente de la maquina de coser. Soy la reina de prendas multi-usas así que este bikini es 100% reversible.

No iba a hacer cualquier bikini reversible, no no no... Tenía que poder transformar a un bandeau tambien (como está en las fotos).  Para jugar volei de arena, atajé los cordones atrás del cuello y se quedó quieto por tres partido sin problemitas. Yo estaba bastante impresionada con eso.

Me encanta la entampa que tiene esta tela! Es muy bonito.

Si alguién está intesada en que le haga yo un bikini, yo sería maz que feliz por hacerlo. Realmente disfruté coser este bikini y planeo en comprar mucha tela para hacer más así y también de más estilos. Ojalá que todo sea reversible si posible para que yo pueda (o vos puedas) mexclar la piezas. Besitos!

Pompadour Tutorial

So, this is a look that I have sported a few times and I love it! It's very classic and gives me a classy type of bang whenever I want it. Every time I wear it, people ask, "How do you do that???" "Does it take a long time?" etc. Today, my fine friends, I will share my secrets with you. Step by step. 

Step 1: Start with clean hair. I know that everyone says hair is easier to style into updos with dirty hair, but because this is basically a pony-tail, you don't want to have greasy hair showing. Also, you can wear this style down, which I think looks even better, but I have to have hair pulled back for work. 

Step 2: Divide a fairly large section of hair from the front middle of the hair.  This will be your swirl. I usually go as far back as the ears, but depending on if you have fine hair or thick hair, you might need more or less.  

Step 3: Hold section of hair straight up and spray thoroughly with hair spray.  Comb through once and then spray lightly again. Keep holding hair up until the hair spray has dried.  This could take up to a minute.. 

Step 4: At about three to four inches away from the scalp, start to loosely twirl the hair with your index finger; just you would do if you were playing with your hair normally.  Now pull the hair forward and lay the swirled section to one side.  One side might look better than the other for you. Mine always looks best to the right.  Bring the twirled hair in a chunk back to the top of back in it's proper direction. This is the hardest part, so feel free to try it a few times. 

Step 5: Pin the hair just behind where you separated the hair. I also put one pin in the front up underneath the curl so that it is hidden but gives it a bit more support. 

Step 6: Adjust the curl to give it the most volume possible and then spray again with hair spray.

Step 7: Smooth fly-aways while the spray is still damp. 

Ta-daaaa! It might not come out just the way you want the first time, but keep practicing.  I'd love to hear if these instructions help, or even better post pictures and link my blog to them! I'll be posting lots of helpful tips or just fashion pics. And, If you'd like to see a video tutorial, please comment and let me know!

Ahora en español,

Paso 1: Empezá con el cabello limpio.  Yo sé, yo sé... se dice que es más facil trabajar con el cabello "sucio" pero porque esto es basicament una cola de caballo, no querés que tu cabello se ve acetoso... También se puede dejar el cabello suelto con este pompadour, lo que creo yo es más elegante aun.  

Paso 2: Dividí una sección de cabello bastante grande en el parte de frente y medio de la cabeza.  Yo uso solamente el cabello de encima de la cabeza, pero depende si vos tenés cabello fino o abundante lo cuanto que vas a necesitar.  

Paso 3: Agarrá la sección de cabello y tirala para arriba y aplica spray o un gel.  Pasá un peine por la sección y aplica spary otra vez. (No apliques mas gel) Quedate tirandola hasta que se seca el spary o gel. 

Paso 4: En unos 10 centimetos del cuero cabelludo, empezá a girar los pelos a la derecha o a la izquierda. (Cada persona es diferente y va a quedar mejor más a un lado que el otro. Probá los dos.) Seguí girando la sección y moviendo el pedazo de cabello en un circulo hasta que los pelos están yendo para la dirección normal pero quedó un remolino en el frente.  

Paso 5: Colocá invisibles justo atrás de donde separaste el cabello.  También, yo coloco un invisible abajo del remolino donde nadie se ve pero le da más suporte a la pompadour.  

Paso 6: Adjustá el remolino para darle más volumen y pasá más spray. 

Paso 7: Alisá el cabello y poné en cola de caballo.

Si le ayudó las instrucciones, dejame un comentario, o mejor, unas fotos! Y se le gustaria ver un video, comentá también. Muchas gracias! Besitos!